Filipino Tapestry: Tagalog Language through Culture

4. Barkada (Friends)

52 4 OBJECTIVES • Use ang pronouns (subjective) and interrogatives in simple sentences. • Describe and discuss the importance of friendship in Filipino culture. • Describe and discuss the concept of pakikisama. OPENING PHOTO Mga Magkakaibigan On your own: Ilarawan ang mga magkakaibigan sa larawan. Sa palagay mo, matalik ba silang magkakaibigan o hindi? Bakit? Ano ang pinag-kaiba ng matalik na kaibigan sa simpleng kaibigan . Ilarawan. Gamitin ang “grid” na ito. Mga Matalik na Kaibigan Mga Kaibigan Barkada Friends 53 Barkada Small group/in-class: Share with your group your perspectives on friendship. Sagutin ang mga tanong. 1. Marami ka bang mga kaibigan? 2. Bakit mahalaga ang barkadahan? 3. May pagkakaiba ba ang barkadahan sa iba’t-ibang kultura? 4. Kung babae ka, may kaibigan ka bang mga lalake? 5. Kung lalake, may kaibigan ka bang babae? Glossary ♪ barkada – close friend kaibigan – friend pagkakaibigan – friendship kainan – a place to eat sama-sama – togetherness sa hirap – in difficult times sa ginhawa – in good times tulong-tulong – helping together dalaga – single woman binata – single man marami – many masipag – industrious masaya – happy mahusay – efficient matapang – brave mabait – good magalang – polite mayaman – wealthy mahirap – difficult or poor ano – what sino – who saan – where ba – yes/no question marker kailan – when bumisita – to visit maglakbay – to travel maglaro – to play mag-usap – to speak magtawagan – to call each other magtulungan – to help each other magkasama – to be together magsabihan – to share with or tell each other magbigayan – to give each other magmahalan – to love each other CULTURAL NOTE As discussed previously, the cultural concept of pakikisama is very important among Filipinos . Friendships and interpersonal relationships provide social context and security for members of Philippine society. Hence, most Filipinos have a group of close friends referred to as barkada. In an American context, barkada are those friends with whom one “hangs out.” They are considered close companions and are usually trusted with the most intimate thoughts and details that friends can share. Barkadahan usually spend their free time together going to movies, singing, eating, studying , or just hanging out together talking. As in many cultures worldwide, barkada groups will often organize around certain interests or identities. Interests in various sports, musical styles, religious beliefs, and hobbies can often form the basis for barkadahan. Also, given the Philippines’ traditionally stratified social hierarchy, social class and income often exercise a significant influence on one’s chosen group of friends. 54 Filipino Tapestry Barkada are considered both a good and a bad thing by many Filipinos. Since Filipino culture typically eschews excessive individuality and usually avoids confrontations, peer pressure can exercise great influence. Filipinos often find it difficult to break from their peer groups or deny requests from close friends. Vice and mischief among young people are often associated with the bad influence of delinquent barkada. On the other hand barkada are also reliable sources of assistance in difficult times. The encouragement and loyalty of good friends is considered a social treasure by most Filipinos. The positive influence of caring barkada can buoy individuals and guide them in successful endeavors. GUIDED CONVERSATION On your own: Read and listen to the following simple dialogs. Sa Telepono Tony: Puwede bang maka-usap si Ben. Si Tony ito. Ben: Tony, si Ben ito. Kumusta na? Tony: Mabuti naman. Ikaw, ano ang bago sa buhay natin? Ben: Bibinyagan ang bunso ko sa susunod na buwan. Isa ka sana sa mga ninong. Sana makakarating kayo ng misis mo. Isama ninyo ang mga anak ninyo. Sa Saint Peter’s Church ang binyag at sa bahay ang handaan. Tony: Darating kami, siyempre, pare. Kung may maitutulong ako para sa handaan, tawagan mo na lang ako. Sa Salu-Salo Sharon: Gladys, mabuti naman at nakarating ka. Kumusta na ang pamilya mo? Gladys: Heto, sa awa ng Diyos mabuti at malusog naman kaming lahat. Ikaw, kumusta na kayo ng Mister mo? Sharon: Nakakaraos naman kami. Minsan walang trabaho si Mister pero okay naman kaming lahat. Gladys: May bagong bisnis ang asawa ko ngayon. Nagtitinda na kami ng mga palay at abono. Kung maluwag ang oras ng mister mo tuwing Biyernes at Sabado, puwede siyang tumulong sa aming bisnis. Sharon: Maraming salamat, Gladys. Kahit kaunting oras, makakatulong din iyan sa aming pamilya. Gladys: Huwag kang mag-alala, Sharon. Giginhawa din kayo. Small group/in-class: Reread and practice reciting the dialog lines in your group. Write your own...