What can you say about the bayanihan spirit of the Filipino?

Benjamin Nillo, Las Piñas City: We are usually a divisive people but when tragedy strikes, we set aside our cultural, political differences and show unity and compassion.  

Pedro Alagano Sr., Vigan City: The bayanihan spirit is very much alive in our country in times of calamity, but not when it comes to nation-building because of political interests.  

Collective effort for the common good

David Lazo Velasco, Marinduque: The bayanihan spirit of Filipinos is already ingrained in our hearts and minds; we display it especially during times of calamity without much fanfare.  

Lucas Banzon Madamba II, USA: The bayanihan spirit is a spirit of communal unity or effort to achieve a particular objective or purpose. Filipinos have displayed the bayanihan spirit since time immemorial.  

Delfin Todcor, Quezon City: Our bayanihan spirit is the Filipino way of demonstrating concern for our neighbors.  

Our brand of heroism

C.B. Manalastas, Manila: No doubt Typhoon Ondoy and the famous Filipino bayanihan spirit made a lot of unsung heroes, especially among those who perished.  

Manny Cordeta, Marikina City: The spirit dubbed as bayanihan must have been ingrained in the culture of every Filipino that enables each national disaster to bring out the best in him. This was best exemplified during the latest mind-wrecking havoc brought by tropical storm Ondoy, which put rich and poor alike on equal playing fields, everyone lending a helping hand, all with a sense of urgency. If I may add, the spirit could also be attributed to the Filipinos’ sturdiness or resiliency that it almost comes naturally during trying times. The Filipino is not about ready to fold up.  

April Jane Gavinio, Metro Manila: It’s really a good natural trait of Filipinos and it only shows that no matter what happens, we are really bonded even amidst devastation. The presidential election is looming; we can still be bonded in choosing a good leader.  

John Francis Aberion, RCJ, Cavite: Bayanihan is a unique Filipino virtue that is worth more than treasures. The message of community is deep within us. We are heroes because of this bayanihan spirit. Bayanihan means that Filipinos who are true and genuine of heart are ready to reach out to others. In it, we see our dignity; in it, we rise against all odds.  

Ishmael Q. Calata, Parañaque City: First, let me just take up how the word bayanihan evolved. According to many authors, it is derived from the word bayan. The last syllable complements the whole word to connote helping together in a communal unity to achieve something for the common good. But because of the letter “i” in the first three syllables, which forms bayani, the word for hero or patriot, the meaning of bayanihan is elevated to a higher level of helping each other for the unselfish love of country and the nation, or simply love of one’s neighbors, even to the point of making the supreme sacrifice. And so, this most vaunted bayanihan spirit in the Filipino has been illustrated in many happenstances, like in calamities such as the one brought about by tropical storm Ondoy. Some even gave their lives so that others may live, like that 18-year-old boy Magallanes, who saved 30 people from the raging murky waters at the height of the calamity and died after he became too weak to swim to safety. Yes, the Filipino bayanihan spirit still lives!  

Short-lived

Lolong Rejano, Marinduque: Most Filipinos still show the bayanihan spirit, but, sad to say, even that succumbs to ningas cogon. It only manifests itself at the outset of events like what happened to the victims of Ondoy.  

Rey Ibalan, Antipolo City: Bayanihan is innate among us Filipinos during calamities only but not everyday.  

Jesus Mendoza, Pangasinan: The Filipino bayanihan spirit is shallow and short-lived. It appears to be mere practice without a deep sense of civic duty.  

We can be counted on in times of calamity

Col. Ben Paguirigan Jr., Ret., Zamboanga City: The bayanihan spirit is a rare trait we Filipinos are known for in times of disaster and calamity.  

Rom Valdez, Baguio City: In times of recognizable emergency, the bayanihan spirit is just extraordinary and commendable.  

Edwin Castillo, Batangas: It is the only virtue we can hope for and depend on in times of calamity and emergency.  

Jim Veneracion, Naga City: Luckily, in times of calamity, crises, and disasters, the famed bayanihan spirit of Filipinos is always alive. We’re never guilty of indifference.  

Erwin Espinoza, Pangasinan: Our bayanihan spirit in times of disaster is highly commendable. Need I say more?  

Dave Velasco, Marinduque: In times of minor or major calamity, one thing that you can appreciate in Filipinos is the bayanihan spirit, with compassion and hospitality.  

Mandy Rillon, Cabanatuan City: The bayanihan spirit shines in the character of every Filipino every time calamities, disasters, and tragedy strike the nation. This is the best virtue we can show to the whole world, that under such circumstances, we act in unison in helping our brothers and sisters in need. This is what we can be proud of; from our ancestors up to the present generation, we remain helpful to one another.  

Benjamin Nillo, Las Piñas City: We’re a divisive race but when tragedy strikes, we set aside our cultural, political differences and show unity and compassion.  

Renato Taylan, Ilocos: The Filipino bayanihan spirit is alive and well, especially during disasters and calamities. It’s a natural trait embedded in our genes.  Norte

Johann Lucas, Quezon City: I think the bayanihan spirit is embedded in our DNA. But somehow, due to indifference of some, it’s not that visible anymore. But amidst urgency, it flows and activates naturally, binding us into one. Even Pinoys anywhere in the world still have the spirit.  

We are helpful by nature

Armando Tavera, Las Piñas City: The bayanihan spirit in us is always alive. Pinoys are helpful by nature. It is an innate trait that we can always be proud of.  

Ed Alawi, Davao City: If there were a world survey on the bayanihan spirit, we’d be No.1! Bayanihan and hospitality are Pinoy traits that we can be proud of.  

Sahlee Reyes, Las Piñas City: It’s innate in Filipinos to help one another in times of crisis. We saw how our kababayans responded to those in need during the rage of Ondoy, to the extent of giving up their lives in helping others to safety. Also, volunteers gave up precious time and and magnanimous donors donated cash in the millions or in kind by the truckloads. I commend the efforts of Kris Aquino, et al. for their unbelievable gestures of being good Samaritans. There were no social barriers, only a united effort to help one another. Even if Filipinos are everywhere in the world, when our countrymen back home are hurting and desperately in want of help, sympathy and love of country bring out the bayanihanspirit of Filipinos in foreign lands and the interconnecting unity of support pours in. This is just so beautiful; a rare and distinctive trait amongst Filipinos that our country can be very proud of. I am proud to be a Filipino. Mabuhay!  

Many do it for recognition

Desuel Pardo, Mandaluyong City: Bayanihan is a collective effort of every member of the community for the common good; all for one, one for all. This is not for personal aggrandizement, but for the welfare of all. It is sad to note that many Filipinos today practice bayanihan only when there is a calamity or a disaster and in want of an award or recognition.  

Fortunato Aguirre, Bulacan: It’s heartening to see people joined together to help those in need, but it’s sickening to see trapos waiting for TV cameras before letting go of the bag.  

Germi Sison, Cabanatuan City: Bayanihan refers to the natural reaction or trait of every Filipino to help one another or someone in need of help at any time. There does not need to be a calamity or disaster to stir one into action. It can be seen even in small ways, like cleaning canals to let floodwater flow smoothly or helping an old man cross the street safely without expecting any favor or recognition in return. Sad to say, the present concept of bayanihan is demonstrated only during extreme trouble and the deeds must be recognized or televised for publicity.  

Elpidio Que, Vigan: This spirit displayed by our countrymen, who extended a helping hand to the poor victims of Ondoy’s fury, was heartening, indeed, though a lot of them still copied the politicians’ “To each, his own” motto. And with this kind of thinking, we witnessed them scrambling to be seen on TV.  

Makes us proud to be Filipino

Rowena Remiendo, Makati City: Bayanihan is one of the few best things about being Filipino.  

Robert Young Jr., San Juan: The bayanihan spirit is uniquely Filipino. It was everywhere during tropical storm Ondoy, even on Facebook. Three gallant Pinoys lost their lives saving dozens. Relief goods for the victims spontaneously poured in. Neighbors helped each other. At the height of the storm, my Facebook friend Jen was posting locations of stranded people on their rooftops. Others were reporting on flood conditions in different parts of Manila. Noni and Ian were posting telephone numbers to call for all types of emergencies in different localities. Many posted photos and videos of the flood. One week after the flood, it still continues. Facebook friend Belle Enriquez was asking for any blood donor for somebody at St. Luke’s Hospital. Facebook was a great help, but it was the bayanihan spirit in Filipinos’ hearts working. Bayanihan makes me proud to be Filipino.  

Kelvin Casamayor, Ilocos Sur: This is one thing that we can be proud of; it’s our trademark. It has really helped us in these times of calamity.  

Romeo Caubat, Masbate: The bayanihan spirit of the Filipino is still very much alive and kicking. This makes me very proud to be a citizen of this great country.  

Leandro Tolentino, Batangas: The bayanihan spirit of the Filipino is unique in the world. It is actually people power in a different magnitude and perspective.  

It’s in our blood

Dandy Lacuesta, Las Piñas City: The bayanihan spirit is our inherent trait to help each other, an affirmation of our sense of community and communal self-reliance.  

Cris Rivera, Rizal: It is in our blood, a peculiar characteristic distinctly Filipino. This Filipino bayanihan spirit defies self-welfare for the sake of a neighbor in need.  

Joan Cejes, Pembo, Makati City: It’s in our blood. We just don’t practice it until a lot of people die in front of our very eyes.  

A truly remarkable trait

Leonard Villa, Batac, Ilocos Norte: It’s a revered and undying value of Filipinos never equaled by any other race in the world. Bayanihan is synonymous to greatness; that hope springs eternal.  

Ella Arenas, Pangasinan: It’s truly remarkable. People go out of their way to render services for the needy. I get misty-eyed every time I see on TV the miserable state we are now experiencing. Thank you to the unsung heroes who bravely sacrificed their lives to save people and properties. May their tribe increase.  

Avelino Falcon, Saudi Arabia: We only saw it on wire dispatches, the Pinoy TV and TFC. My Arab colleague said, “(It is) amazing how these people help one another.” The sight of volunteers and the line of trucks delivering relief goods to the victims to him is “truly overwhelming”. I can only agree.  

Rodolfo Talledo, Angeles City: It’s simply magnificent and overwhelming. Who said it’s no longer there? I just hope that some beneficiaries are humbled instead of whining forever.  

Leilora Salvador, Ilocos Sur: It’s really nice to have Filipinos show their bayanihan spirit. Some of them probably inspire others as well. I really hope it comes from their heart and that they don’t expect anything in return.  

The spirit rose and growing stronger

Abby Manalo, Metro Manila: All of Metro Manila and Region 4 was helpless. I don’t think that rich people with luxury cars will still mind their expensive coupés being tossed about like beach balls in the floodwaters. Tropical storm Ondoy taught us a lot of lessons. The bayanihan spirit rose and is growing stronger with each passing day. NGOs, tourists, and youth volunteers are distributing supplies such canned goods, rice, bread, milk, and bottled water, especially for kids and newborn babies. Volunteer doctors and nurses are also going on medical missions for the victims. Soldiers and police were the tireless rescuers of our kababayan who were affected by Ondoy; although we are not equipped like other nations, we should thank them for saving our fellows and for giving all their efforts and conquering the flash floods and risking their lives just to rescue us. Here’s a salute to AFP and PNP. Our deepest gratitude!  

We shine in times of adversity

Dencio Acop, Baguio City: In its truest sense, the bayanihan spirit of the Filipino has no comparison in the world. We can attest to this. We just saw this with Ondoy and Pepeng. Despite a lack of resources, Filipinos go out of their way to help out other Filipinos in need even with just their bare hands, raw courage, and resignation to God who makes everything alright. I have observed this bayanihan spirit among my countrymen with almost every disaster I have encountered ever since I was a child. I remember such spirit from recurrent typhoons that hit my hometown in Benguet, causing landslides and flooding again and again. I recall such spirit during the strong earthquake that leveled the Hyatt Hotel in Baguio. Such spirit was again very much alive during and in the aftermath of Ondoy. I personally saw how my company went out of its way to visit employees whose houses were flooded, bring them relief goods, help clean their submerged homes, provide them temporary shelter, and excuse them from work while they dealt with their latest challenge. Images of what is best in the Filipino haunt our memories when we try to recall the times we have been called upon to be selfless in times of crises. I say the Filipino shines best in times of adversity when he is confronted with seemingly insurmountable odds. I also remember the miracle of EDSA when the bayanihan spirit of the Filipino manifested in what became known and emulated throughout the world as people power. I want to best remember the Filipino this way. I hope the world does, too.  

The bayanihan spirit is alive and well

L.C. Fiel, Quezon City: Bayanihan is alive and well. Technological advancements have enhanced, if not highlighted, this spirit of compassionate oneness with our kababayans.

C.B. Manalastas, Manila: From ANC news report Balitang America, we see how the Filipino bayanihan spirit works among our kababayans through their donations.  

Bayanihan should make a difference

Joe Nacilla, Las Piñas City: “Amazing” is too simple a word to describe the bayanihan spirit shown by Filipinos during and after the disaster that recently happened. What is heartbreaking, however, are the idiots surrounding the President, who were not only without a ready action plan, but, worse, gave the stupid advice of declaring the country to be in a state of emergency, including those areas not affected by the typhoon and flood! The lesson here is, in 2010, let us not choose a presidential candidate based only on his educational background or his own or his parents’ past performance, honesty and integrity. The most important thing of all is to consider and know who the people surrounding him are. Are they not the old jokers and pretenders, the flatterers, ass-lickers, bottom kissers, and name- droppers who will surround the future president, dividing his attention?  

Jimmy Donton, Puerto Princesa City: It is a good Filipino value which should be treasured forever because it is made in the Philippines only. I just wish that the bayanihan spirit could make a difference and bring about a total change in political exercises. Sometimes, the bayanihan spirit causes problems like flooding, because we help informal settlers  along with housing projects, subdivisions, and golf courses  to build structures in danger zones.  

Views expressed in this section do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The STAR. The STAR does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of readers exercising their right to free expression. The publication also reserves the right to edit contributions to this section as it sees fit.

NEXT INBOX QUESTION: What is your reward after a hard day’s work?

You may also email your views to: [email protected].

(Editor’s Note: We have just added another channel to reach Inbox World via the growing Facebook community. If you have a Facebook account, add up PhilStar Inbox and give us a glimpse of your views on raging issues of the day. Selected comments will be published in The Philippine STAR Inbox World. Readers may also post intriguing questions for other Inbox friends to comment on. See you there.)