MAGUINDANAO PEARLS (REFLECTIVE ESSAY) | GABRIELLA ARANETA

 

MAGUINDANAO PEARLS

 

  I love watching or reading dramas, maybe that’s why I enjoyed the folktale Maguindanao Pearls. Maguindanao Pearls is a Philippine folktale written by Isidro L. Reztizos. The folktale talks about Sinag-Tala, daughter of Pirang Kawayan who was accused by Lakambini, daughter of The Rajah. Sinag-Tala was falsely accused for stealing Lakambini’s pearls. The story is very fascinating, in spite of Lakambini’s behavior.

Today, I will discuss about how this story is connected to the Philippine tradition and history. I will also give my impression or thoughts about this Story.

The story is about a basket weaver, who is named Sinag-Tala. Sinag-Tala and Walang Gulat, also known as Magiting, fell in love with each other. Lakambini called for Sinag-Tala to make for baskets for Walang Gulat’s Mother. While collecting stuff for the basket, Sinag-Tala and Walang Gulat met each other. The house slave saw the both of them, the “alipin” or house slave told Lakambini and Lakambini wasn’t happy about this. Lakambini told Sinag-Tala that she didn’t need the baskets, Lakambini was jealous so she schemed a horrible plan, she hid her pearls, and pretended they were missing, Lakambini blamed Sinag-tala for theft even if Sinag-Tala was innocent.

“BASKET WEAVING”, you must be wondering about what that means. In the story, Basket weaving was mentioned, so I will be explaining what it means, Basket Weaving is trained at The mountainous northern part of the Philippine island of Luzon is referred to as the Cordillera Central. Basket Weaving started in 1898, after the Spanish American War. The basket also comes in sizes and different shapes, Baskets are made from bamboo and rattan, sometimes a combination of the two. Filipinos use baskets for food service, storage, fishing, or to carry personal items.

·        -  I think Basket Weaving is a great way to relieve stress. You become relaxed and you forget about your problems, cause all of your concentration goes to the basket. It can enhance your creativity and your problem-solving skills, like a puzzle. It would be an interesting hobby. You should try it!

“PEARLS”, I will tell you the history of pearls in the Philippines. The Philippines are a source of natural shells or pearls. The Badjao people are well known for their diving skills and how they find natural or rare pearls. You can find pearls at the Island of Palawan. Pearls represent elegance and good taste, Sinag-Tala also admired Lakambini’s Pearls because they looked so Elegant.

·        -  I also find pearls very elegant. They look very gorgeous sitting there in your neck. It makes me look proper and traditional. It also looks very classy. I would wear pearls.

“LAKAMBINI”, To be honest at first I don’t really know what the word Lakambini means. After doing research and gathering information, It surprised me. Lakambini translates to ‘’muse” or “noblewoman”, Lakan is “paramount ruler” It’s like Rajah or Datu. Lakambini is the Daughter of the Rajah which means she belongs to a high class family. So Lakambini’s family is prestigious or respected.

·        -  During Buwan ng Wika, There are awards which include the word “Lakambini” or “Lakan”. In english, it translates to Muse and Escort. It’s like when you win a contest, they call you Lakambini and Lakan. I remember my brother getting an award for having a nice Barong Tagalog and he had an award that had a “Lakan” in it. I would also love to try to be a Lakambini.

In conclusion, I think what Lakambini’s behavior was very upsetting. Accusing someone without evidence. Lakambini is now regretting and guilty about what happened. Even if you are a high class persom or powerful, It is very wrong to make fun or accuse other people. I’m glad that Lakambini’s actions came back to bite her, Sinag-Tala didn’t deserve what happened to her.