Filipino Tapestry: Tagalog Language through Culture

5. Bahay (Home)

64 5 OBJECTIVES • Link words using na and ng in sentences. • Name the different parts of a Filipino home and describe them. • Differentiate and describe the differences between a house in the Philippines and houses in other countries. OPENING PHOTOS Bahay kubo Modernong bahay Bahay Home 65 Bahay On your own: Study the pictures. Make a list of the similarities and differences between traditional bahay kubo in the Philippines and Western-style homes. Similarities Differences Bahay kubo Western style Small group/in-class: Draw a simple picture of the inside of your house. Label the rooms in Filipino. Share and compare this with others. Glossary ♪ bahay – house tahanan – home bahay kubo – house made of nipa wood and bamboo kusina – kitchen sala – living room kuwarto – bedroom banyo – bathroom bakuran – yard bakod – fence halaman – plants bulaklak – flowers sopa – couch upuan – chair mesa – table hapag kainan – dining table kama – bed aparador – dresser/cabinet plato – plate kutsara – spoon tinidor – fork kaldero – cooking pan palayok – wok sahig – floor kisame – ceiling paligid – surroundings magkapitbahay – neighbors magkaibigan – friends buhay – life simple – simple maganda – beautiful malinis – clean malaki – big mahal – expensive mahangin – windy mainit – warm/hot maayos – organized makintab – shiny magluto – to cook maglinis – to clean maglaba – to do laundry magligpit – to put things away magwalis – to sweep maghugas – to wash magprito – to fry mag-ayos – to prepare 66 Filipino Tapestry CULTURAL NOTE: BAHAY If families are the most fundamental social unit in Philippine society, then Filipino homes are the most fundamental material structures. This chapter looks at a variety of Filipino homes and the cultural norms that influence their style, decor, and living habits within. One may encounter a variety of homes in the Philippines, but most tend to conform to the dictates of the islands’ tropical climate in both arrangement and building materials. The classic icon of Filipino dwellings is the bahay kubo constructed of nipa—a type of palm tree indigenous to Southeast Asia. Typically a square structure with elegantly woven walls and a thatched palm leaf roof, the bahay kubo sits on stilts to avoid becoming soiled with water and mud. Most of these homes consist of only one room partitioned by sheets hung over lines strung across the interior. Its lightweight building materials and elevated location make it ideal for tropical climates. Cool breezes are able to pass through the woven nipa and underneath the floor, keeping the contents inside relatively dry and fresh. Cooking is usually done in a “dirty kitchen” outside or underneath the house. Cinderblock or hollow-block homes are also very common in the islands. They are typically constructed by cementing together walls of cinderblock with metal rebar running through the holes for extra support. The roofs are usually made of corrugated tin, which produces an unbelievable noise during the rainy season. Since cinderblock homes are often larger that the bahay kubo, they generally contain one or more bedrooms and an indoor bathroom and kitchen. These dwellings may also have concrete floors, although this feature is sometimes added later as money becomes available. For those with access to greater financial means, cement homes are common. These dwellings offer greater stability and security. The interior is often accented with tiled floors, ceiling fans, and sometimes air-conditioning, while the exterior is protected with stylish metal window coverings. All of these homes are typically surrounded by small gardens consisting of vegetable plants, beautiful native orchids, and other flowers. Of course, those living in highrise apartments in urban areas have no gardens. No matter the style or location of Filipino homes, the interiors all have several distinguishing features. Family photographs (typically of weddings, graduations, and baptisms), diplomas and awards, and religious icons are hung prominently on the walls. The living areas contain a collection of bamboo furniture, including a small table perfect for mirienda (snacks). Every inch of the dwelling is generally kept fastidiously clean and neatly organized. Filipinos maintain this state of cleanliness by wearing special “indoor” sandals (tsinelas) and covering anything that could be damaged by humidity and dust with plastic. Children are expected to help with the various daily cleaning chores. Filipino homes of all sizes and fashions can generally be counted on as places of comfort and welcome to all who pass by, and as a sanctuary for the most fundamental aspect of Filipino society—the family. 67 Bahay GUIDED CONVERSATION On your own: Basahin, pakinggan at unawain ang dialog sa ibaba. Isalin (translate) ito...