WE FILIPINOS ARE MILD DRINKERS | Alejandro R. Roces | Animation | English 7 - Q2|W4

Summary

In 'We Filipinos Are Mild Drinkers' by Alejandro R. Roces, the author humorously contrasts the drinking habits of Filipinos and Americans. The story unfolds when a Filipino farmer meets an American soldier and offers him lambanog, a local drink, in exchange for whiskey. As they bond over their drinks, the soldier's exaggerated reactions to the potent lambanog highlight the differences in drinking culture. The narrative emphasizes the Filipino value of moderation, encapsulated in the saying, 'We Filipinos are mild drinkers,' while also showcasing cultural exchanges through humor and shared experiences.

Takeaways

• 😀 We Filipinos are considered mild drinkers, drinking mainly for three reasons: happiness, sadness, and any other occasion.
• 😀 The story begins with the American soldiers returning to the Philippines, where the narrator meets a GI who offers him whiskey.
• 😀 The narrator compares the appearance of Americans to Filipinos, noting that all Americans seem to look alike to him, as they are all white.
• 😀 The narrator describes a scene of working on the farm with his carabao and then meeting an American soldier on the road.
• 😀 The American GI offers the narrator whiskey, but the narrator refuses, explaining that Filipinos typically drink lambanog, a local alcoholic beverage made from coconut sap.
• 😀 The American soldier boasts about drinking various types of alcohol worldwide, including whiskey, rum, and even Chanel No. 5 perfume in France.
• 😀 Despite the narrator's hesitation, the American insists on trying lambanog, leading to a series of humorous and exaggerated reactions to the strong local liquor.
• 😀 The narrator offers a glimpse of Filipino culture, including the symbolism of the coconut tree and its connection to the land and the Filipino people.
• 😀 After drinking the lambanog, the American GI reacts badly, feeling the effects of the strong alcohol, while the narrator calmly explains that the second drink will be smoother.
• 😀 In the end, the American soldier passes out after several rounds of drinks, and the narrator, along with some neighbors, helps carry him back to the barracks.
• 😀 The story concludes with the narrator returning to the airbase, turning down a beer, and reinforcing the idea that Filipinos are mild drinkers.

Q & A

Why does the narrator say Filipinos are 'mild drinkers'?

The narrator emphasizes that Filipinos drink for specific emotional reasons—when they are very happy, very sad, or for any other occasion. The term 'mild drinkers' contrasts with the more frequent and varied drinking habits of others, particularly the American soldiers.

What does the American soldier’s behavior reveal about cultural differences?

The American soldier’s behavior highlights cultural differences between Filipinos and Americans, especially in their attitudes toward drinking. While the American soldier is accustomed to drinking a variety of strong alcoholic beverages, the Filipino narrator introduces him to lambanog, a local drink, symbolizing different cultural approaches to alcohol consumption.

How does the narrator react to the American soldier's offer of whiskey?

The narrator politely declines the whiskey, stating that Filipinos are 'mild drinkers' and explaining that he prefers lambanog, a local Filipino alcoholic beverage, instead of whiskey.

What is the significance of the carabao in the story?

The carabao, a water buffalo, plays a central role in the narrator’s life, aiding in his agricultural work. The animal symbolizes the connection between the Filipino people and their land, representing hard work and livelihood.

What does the American soldier’s surprise reaction to lambanog tell us?

The American soldier’s surprised reaction to lambanog, especially after his difficult experience drinking it, reveals the stark contrast between the more familiar and commercial alcohols like whiskey and the stronger, local drinks such as lambanog that may be harder to stomach for foreigners.

Why does the narrator pour some of his drink onto the bamboo floor?

The narrator pours some of his drink onto the bamboo floor as a customary practice to give back to the earth. This act represents respect for nature and the land that provides for them, a cultural tradition in the Philippines.

What does the conversation about the coconut tree and the pine tree symbolize?

The conversation about the coconut tree and the pine tree symbolizes the differences between the Philippines and America. The coconut tree, with its flexible, grounded nature, contrasts with the tall, rigid pine tree of America, symbolizing the respective cultures' values and identities.

What is the significance of the interaction between Joe and the narrator in the nipa hut?

The interaction in the nipa hut represents a moment of cultural exchange, where the narrator introduces Joe to Filipino customs and beverages. It also highlights the warmth and hospitality of Filipinos, as the narrator goes to great lengths to make Joe feel at home, despite their cultural differences.

How does Joe react after drinking the lambanog, and what does this reaction suggest?

Joe reacts strongly after drinking the lambanog, showing physical discomfort and a humorous exaggeration of his reaction, which suggests that the drink is much stronger than what he is used to. This highlights the difference in tolerance and alcohol preferences between cultures.

What is the significance of the final scene where Joe passes out and the narrator helps him back to the barracks?

The final scene serves as a humorous yet poignant reflection of the cultural clash between the two men. While Joe's reaction to the drink is extreme, the narrator's willingness to help him and carry him back to the barracks reinforces the Filipino values of hospitality, kindness, and selflessness.