Southern Mindanao

Mindanao, ”Bahala Na”, The Filipino Way

A number of these typical Filipino characteristics are often wrongly interpreted, one of these traits that is unique with the Filipino people is way of life that embraces "Bahala Na", a phrase that can be translated as "what will be will be", or "Leave it to God", The word is believed to be taken from the phrase Bathala, the Tagalog word for God. It really is a kind of attitude that is deeply rooted in the Filipino lifestyle, and one that will truly surprise and bewilder many visitor from abroad. Westerners will probably experience this laid back way of life as fatalistic and passive, it sometimes seems that the Filipino people will leave almost everything to chance, putting their trust solemnly in the providence of the Good Lord. The attitude of Bahala Na is more prevalent with underprivileged people in the rural areas of Mindanao, they have a strong dependence on spiritual guidance, they are convinced that the Almighty will take care of their daily needs and that the life they are living is simply meant to be. A kind of life that will find its own solutions in hopeless situations and poverty stricken circumstances.But somehow, at first glance it appears complicated for foreign visitors to understand and cope with some of the Filipino habits. Being late for an appointment, goods that are not being delivered on time, payments that are overdue, queuing in supermarkets and public offices or the lack of maintenance on roads and buildings are not things that Westerners are used to in their own modern, hasty society.

Some foreigners often consider Bahala na as a great cultural divide and an obstacle in doing business, some even say it is an annoying interference in their social interaction, it is regarded as a frequent subject of irritation and disagreement. But if one is willing to let go of the Western, direct way of thinking, will be open minded and able to take an alternative and constructive approach, one will see that there is a lot more that meets the eyes. This widespread manana habit really means that the Filipino people will not leave matters to fate but take their time in making decisions, being careful in doing things in daily life. This Filipino attitude displays a strong will and eagerness to have a good life, under any given conditions, coping with uncertainties and insoluble problems by embracing them. Filipinos are capable to go far beyond their personal capabilities and limitations, just doing the best they can, so God take will care of them.

This come what may, easy going philosophy is a virtue that finds it's origin in the harsh live and bleak poverty that most Mindanaoans have to endure, it gives the people the ability to accept bad fortune, death and other tragedies. Bahala na is an inextricable part of the Filipino culture, a genuine trust in a superior power, it is the faith in God that shows the modesty and humility of the Filipino people. Bahala na is not an expression of laziness and hesitation, it is not a disposition of hopelessness and unresponsiveness, it is much more, it is a positive and down-to-earth attitude that signifies determination and strength, even in the most trying of times. it enables the Filipino people to take their chances, no matter what kind of problems the future will bring about.

For many Bahala Na stands for a false sense of security, being passive when facing hardship, a lack of initiative and a fatalistic view of the future, but for Mindanaoans Bahala na actually means "come what may", leaving matters as they are and allow time to take its own path. Mindanaoans are always ready and confident to struggle through adversity when it comes, although only they themselves will decide when and how they will confront these challenges.

Ukay-Ukay

Ukay-Ukay, it is the Filipino adaptation of a "flea market" and one of those typical features from the Philippines. It began more than thirty years ago and in a short period of time became the best bargain sensation in the country, from rags to riches, a shoe-string enterprise, born out of necessity and grown into a lucrative fashion industry.

Ukay-ukay (in short UK) is actually gouging in a pile of run down clothes, the word is derived from the Filipino phrase 'halukay' which literally means "digging" or "make a mess." Nowadays it is a term used for places that sell old clothes, bags, shoes and other pre-owned goods at very low prices. In a poverty stricken country that is often hit by calamities, in times of need, ship-loads of second-hand and discount garments and other relief goods from various parts in the world came in, as forms of support to the people of the Philippines. But for many reasons the goods piled up and were exchanged to tradesmen who, in turn sold the clothing to the general public. The first resale stores were known as "wagwagan" because the dust had to be shaken off ("wagwag") from the worn apparel. Originally the relief-for-sale stores only carried used wardrobe, later on shopkeepers began to take in other items like toys and household goods.

Clothing is one of the elementary necessities in life, in various parts of Mindanao even the most basic needs are out of reach for the underprivileged, looking for good value is a daily cause. Getting some decent attire to wear is very difficult for a low income family, for them ukay-ukay is the answer to their problems, at least they can buy a fair outfit for any amount of money in hand. But recession has gained its foothold in today's economy, ukay-ukay is not exclusive to the less fortunate anymore, even the most stylish fashionistas are scrounging into the piles of clothing, looking for that perfect vintage piece for next to nothing. However, as well for the poor and the prosperous, poking into that pile of hand-me-down fashion trying to find that something to-die-for comes with a certain price. Vendors are pouring some kind of disinfectant on their already musty-smelling merchandise that gives it a striking stink, the place often has a foul odor that whiffs like an over sized mothball. Shoppers must be capable to withstand this migraine-causing scent, they need a lot of patience and also should be absolutely persevering and relentless in their rummage from stall to stall for timeworn threads, one will be never alone in it's search for that unique item.

Some bargain hunters, consider it like fun when hauling through heaps and racks of passed down textile that is not always in the best condition and clean. For a few it is the equivalent of treasure hunting, for many it is an ongoing quest for affordable clothing and an inevitable part of common life. Browsing through your local thrift shop has not only financial advantages, you can get authentic pieces that are hard to find anywhere else. Because there will be less production, it is environmentally friendly and it is humanitarian since it reduces child and slave labor in the manufacturing countries. Ukay-ukay is big business, many outlets and makeshift-stalls can be found all over the nation, there is no city, municipality, barangay or barrio without it and any local public market or village fair will not be complete if it does not have an "ukay-ukay" section. The barter has also provided a viable livelihood to a large number of families, with a minimal amount to invest they started off retailing pre-loved regalia in their own yard or house trying to turn trash into treasure. Over the years this Segunda Mano phenomenon became socially accepted and very popular to scores of cash-strapped Filipinos from all walks of life and has risen from a local market operation into a thriving trade. It offers fashion minded individuals the opportunity to shop for signature clothes with a rock-bottom bill.

Still, the ukay-ukay will benefit the poor and lower middle class most, it will allow them to bargain for cheap wear and gives them the chance to get hold of mannerly clothing that otherwise would end up as cleaning material, meeting its final destination at a garbage site. These days more and more people want or need to dress for less and are joining the ukay-ukay craze. So, dig in and dear to wear, ukay-ukay is okay, it is a number-one shopping experience for second-hand happiness.

.