Reflection Paper
"Saysay han Gintikangan: Pagtapad han Kultura ngan Kaagi han Sinirangan Bisayas"
Attending a historical symposium can be a profoundly enriching experience. that
gives us students the opportunity to engage in intellectual discussions, enhance our
knowledgebase, and interact with fellow students, faculty members and offers a
unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in the world of history beyond textbooks and
classrooms. One of the significant benefits of a symposium is the opportunity to learn
from experts who have vast knowledge and experience in their respective fields. By
listening to the speaker’s presentation, you can gain new insights and perspectives on
a topic or subject. I get to hear diverse perspectives from different people, professional,
and enthusiasts who share their insights and findings on various topics. As I continue
to learn and engage with this symposium and vibrant culture, I am reminded of the
importance of preserving local traditions and culture while embracing contemporary
influences. The Visayas epitomizes the beauty of belief, history and cultural heritage.
I cannot and never will forget the great experience and knowledge gained being part
of this activity that definitely a life changing perspectives.
Finally, in the open discussion that followed there was an exchange of opinions
that is really an informative and interesting way to learn like the term “Bisaya” derived
from the root word, "saya" meaning happy man, a pleasant and happy person. also
the word “Yawa” is believed to be a beautiful Diwata offered by the wildboar-hunters
of their first hunted boar. Moreover a Historia de la Islas e Indios de Bisayas parte
mayor I mas principal de las islas Filipinas, or popularly known as Historia de las isals
e indios de Bisayas among scholars. which was written by a Jesuit priest, Ir. Ignacio
Francisco Alcina in 1600s. Bisaya known for it’s Happy(Malipayon),
Loving(Mahigugmaon),creative(Matinuhaon)and valiant(Maisog) people. The lessons
are many like the Beauty as Heritage, there were individuals whose occupations were
only to thin out the eyelashes and arrange the hair of women. Also Art and Beauty as
Way of Life There were the "Paragpatib" tattoo artists who were paid considerable
sums for their works. It gives me an in-depth understanding of terms like the the waray
waray of Orange is Durug/Durog, Blue is Bulhog, Violet is Sampaga/Tagimpusuan,
Yellow is Darag/Bulaw. The Asog/Bayot, effeminate males called Asog or Bayot are
revered and respected in the Bisayan society. They can be assistants to the babaylan,
they can cross-dress and live the modo de vida of their choice. I also learned that
LEYTE GUERILLAS developed a method we like to call modern island and inter-Island
guerilla warfare. and in OCTOBER 21, 1943 - Kangleon officially becomes Leyte Area
Commander, also in May 25, 1942 - Japanese landed on Pinamopo-an, Capoocan,
but the most important and amazing lesson that I learned was knowing that Samar/
Leyte is The original Philippines. After the symposium about local history, I realized
that Local Histories Matter.
The experience during a symposium is not always a bed of roses. Some students
may feel overwhelmed by the amount of information presented during the seminar or
find it hard to keep up with the presentation. Others may feel apprehensive about
asking questions in front of the group or even feel shy about participating in
discussions. However, the discussions emphasized the significance of local histories
that may not be widely recognized. These stories can offer valuable insights into
broader historical trends and help us understand the roots of contemporary issues.
The impact of technology on historical research and dissemination was another
fascinating topic. Digital archives and social media have changed how we access and
engage with history, making it more accessible but also challenging traditional
narratives. Many speakers pointed out that history is not just a collection of past events
but a living narrative that continues to evolve. This perspective encourages us to reflect
on how history informs current societal challenges and our own identities. Also I
realized that historians play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the past,
and their perspectives can greatly influence how events are interpreted. It's interesting
to consider how personal bias, cultural background, and even the time period in which
a historian writes can impact their [Link], many historians, especially from
marginalized groups, have historically been overlooked. Their stories and viewpoints
can provide invaluable insights that challenge dominant narratives and help us
appreciate the complexity of human experiences. These realizations not only deepen
my appreciation for history but also inspire curiosity to explore underrepresented
topics and engage with the past in a more nuanced way.