FILIPINO WARRIOR CULTURE - Bahala Na
One of the most unique aspects of the Filipino's approach to fighting is our concept of simplicity. To be simple for us means to be direct. It is very much in our culture to not overthink things or turn what is supposed to be simple into a complicated mess. I used to remember when GM Tony would mimic Tatang's manner of talking and relay a scene wherein one of the students asked:
Student: Tatang, what is the best technique?
Tatang: If it hits the opponent.
Student: What then would you say is a poor technique?
Tatang: If it doesn't hit the opponent.
Then GM Tony would follow the story by saying: KAPAG TUMAMA, TAMA! Meaning that If it hits (pertaining to the attack) then the technique is deemed effective. Another example is the old expression we have here which says "BAHALA NA" synonymous to the Spanish term Que sera, sera or whatever will be, will be. Where it leaves the future up in the air and therefore whatever is going to happen is going to happen. But for us Filipinos the term Bahala na has deeper meaning for it has its roots from the word BATHALA (God/Diyos) so "bathala na" which is an attitude towards life or a perspective wherein we leave everything under God's care. Or for a warrior it is an attitude that reinforces his/her resolve to fight the enemy head on for he or she believes that the outcome has already been determined by God and all that is left to be done is to fight with everything he's/she's got. Thus the expression we always utter in almost every situation BAHALA NA.
Note:
I always write or refer to both he/she. The reason is due to the fact that even before the Spaniards came our women were already treated equals with men. The very reason why we have babaylans who were priest, priestesses or religous healers, shamans , prophets that are either male, female or even male transgenders. But usually a position predominantly held by females. It just shows that our ancestors hundred of years ago already valued gender equality and had no issues about it. It was actually quashed down when the invaders set foot on our land and introduce their own religious beliefs and backward ideas about our notion of gender equality rights during their time. So we went backwards many times over and were treated as slaves and referred to as indios after that.
Bong Abenir
Abenir Kalis Filipino Blade Art
AK Kalistas Ilustrados
