Sanaysay| Apat na Buwan Ko sa Espanya| Filipino 10

Summary

Rebeca, a 16-year-old Filipino, recounts her four-month stay in Spain with her parents, who have worked there for eight years. During her visit, she explored various cities, learned about Spanish history, and experienced the country's culture, food, and customs. From the warm summer weather to the traditional siesta, Rebeca delves into the rich cultural aspects of Spain, such as the influence of Catholicism, Spanish cuisine like tapas and paella, and the passion for soccer. Despite cultural differences, she also reflects on the shared history and similarities between Spain and the Philippines, concluding with a deep appreciation for the diversity she encountered.

Takeaways

• 😀 Rebeca, a 16-year-old Filipino girl, spent four months in Spain with her parents, who work in a hotel in Barcelona, to take advantage of the long vacation from her university.
• 😀 The weather in Spain was moderate from April to June, but the summer months of July and August were extremely hot, similar to the weather in the Philippines during March and April.
• 😀 Spain is known for its rich culture and traditions, with landmarks such as the Sagrada Familia and historical museums like the Reina Sofia in Madrid.
• 😀 Spanish food culture includes small, snack-sized Tapas, a large midday lunch called 'comida,' a light 'merienda' in the late afternoon, and a late dinner called 'cena,' often at 9 PM or later.
• 😀 The concept of 'siesta' (a midday break for rest) is common in Spain, but larger cities like Barcelona and Madrid, with many tourists, have businesses that remain open during this time.
• 😀 Spain has a rich history of Catholicism, which is visible in the many large churches, though many Spaniards do not attend church regularly and only participate in key rituals like baptism and marriage.
• 😀 The Spanish language (Castilian) is widely spoken, but regional dialects such as Catalan, Galician, and Basque are also present. English is understood by some but is not as widespread.
• 😀 Rebeca noticed the similarity between Filipino and Spanish languages, as many words in Spanish are similar to their Filipino counterparts due to historical influences.
• 😀 The Spanish dress more formally than Filipinos, with older generations wearing blouses, skirts, and slacks, while young people in urban areas wear jeans and t-shirts.
• 😀 Soccer (football) is the most popular sport in Spain, with teams like Real Madrid drawing massive followings, and many young people actively participating in or watching the game.
• 😀 Rebeca’s experience in Spain taught her to appreciate cultural diversity, helped her adapt to new habits, and made her more open-minded and respectful of different people and cultures.

Q & A

Why did Rebeca's parents send her to Spain despite being able to return to the Philippines?

Rebeca's parents sent her to Spain because her university's academic calendar changed, with classes starting in August instead of June. They took advantage of the long vacation from April to July to allow Rebeca to experience Spain while they continued their work there.

How did Rebeca's parents manage their work schedules to spend time with her in Spain?

Rebeca's parents worked different shifts, but they arranged their schedules so that at least one of them could always be with her. Additionally, they made sure to be free on weekends to spend time with her.

What cultural and historical sites did Rebeca visit during her stay in Spain?

During her stay, Rebeca visited cities like Madrid, Seville, Toledo, and Valencia. Some notable sites included the Real Madrid Palace, the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, and buildings designed by architect Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona.

How did Rebeca describe the climate in Spain during her stay?

In the first months, April to June, the weather was moderate, but in July and August, the heat was intense, similar to the Philippines' March and April temperatures.

What languages are spoken in Spain, and how does this impact foreigners like Rebeca?

The official language is Spanish (Castilian), but there are regional dialects like Galician, Catalan, and Basque. English is spoken by some, especially in tourist areas, but learning Spanish is essential for daily life in Spain.

What was Rebeca's observation about religious practices in Spain?

Rebeca noticed that Spain has many Catholic churches, but attendance is lower compared to the Philippines. Many Catholics in Spain only attend church for significant rituals like baptisms and weddings.

What did Rebeca learn about Spanish food and meal customs?

Rebeca learned that Spanish meals are structured differently, with a light breakfast, a large lunch (the main meal of the day), and a late dinner. Spain also has unique food traditions like tapas, paella, and churros with hot chocolate.

How does the Spanish practice of siesta affect daily life in Spain?

The siesta, a midday break after lunch, is a significant part of Spanish culture. During this time, businesses, schools, and factories often close from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, though larger cities like Barcelona and Madrid may remain open.

What is the Spanish tradition of Paseo, and how does it differ from Rebeca's customs?

Paseo is the tradition of walking after dinner, often lasting until midnight or later. Spaniards typically stroll through their neighborhoods and stop at restaurants or bars. Rebeca noted that this was different from the Filipino habit of early bedtimes.

What did Rebeca observe about fashion and dress codes in Spain?

Rebeca observed that Spaniards, especially older people, dress more formally compared to Filipinos. In churches, there is a dress code, and even casual outings after dinner involve neat, formal clothing.