Writing Prompt/Weekend Challenge/ Attitude
Bahala Na Attitude: A Filipino Way Of Coping With Uncertainties
Filipinos have many attitudes that can make or break one’s life and the country as well, Bahala na can be both
Bahala Na is a Filipino way of expressing a fatalistic attitude towards life. A way of taking risks under uncertainties.
It can be translated as whatever happens, happens
Come what may
Things will turn out fine
Tomorrow will take care of us
Let me cross the bridge when I get there
I’m trusting my fate with my faith
Like in everything in this world, this attitude has both positive and negative consequences for the Filipinos.
Bahala Na becomes a negative attitude if it makes one self-negating, has a fatalistic attitude, and surrenders to fate.
Bahala Na becomes a positive attitude if it raises one’s courage and determination, became persistent despite the uncertainties and allows one to cope with unpredictable and stressful situations.
Story № 1:
A father was asked about his plan for his family. Is he going to work in another country or his wife will take a job to help with the family’s economic situation?
The father said — we are doing good with what we have. As long as we are together and not missing a meal, that’s what matter to us.
What about the future of your children?
He replied — — I’m leaving our fate to God. Let me cross the bridge when I get there. Bahala na.
Story № 2:
A woman is going to work overseas.
Though she has doubts and reservations about her employer and workplace, she will pursue her job.
Her attitude is — Bahala na, it’s better to gamble than do nothing. If something bad will happen, that’s the way it is, it’s my fate. God will never abandon me. Let Batman takes care of it.
Are you surprised that Batman came into the scene?
Well…this is about hoping that some kind of a superhero will come along and save her. Or some kind of a miracle will save her day.
In both cases, if their lives turn out well, bahala na is on the right track. If they fail and be intertwined in the labyrinth of bad luck, unemployment, and hunger, they will be the burden of their bloodline, the community, and the country. Everybody is put in a hot seat. They now have a burden, a responsibility, and even a guilt.
Bahala na became our scapegoat, our coping mechanism, our shock absorber in every uncertainty and our push button to just go on without reservations
My Story
After 2 and 1/2 months of quarantine, lockdown, and “house arrest’ in 2020, I decided that it was time to go back to work. Everyone around told me that it was still too risky. I, myself was half-ready to take a dive into the threat of Covid-19. But bahala na gave me the courage and the push.
Two years after, I’m thanking the bahala na attitude. If not, I allowed fear to overcome me. For sure, I am regretting the days that were lost with just staying at home.
I’m not saying this attitude always rules life and should always be. It’s just, when you are between the tug-of-war of “should I or shouldn’t I”, bahala na becomes an ally.
A Taste of Life Weekend Challenge #15
