Bayanihan is a unique Filipino word whose closes English equivalent is “Team work”. But the word speaks of more than that. It is derived from the word bayan which means “nation, town or community.” The word bayanihan means a “spirit of communal unity or effort to achieve a particular goal.” Originally the word bayanihan originated from the traditions observed in Philippine towns where members of the community help a family move to a new place of residence. In the olden days, the whole community literally carry the whole house to its new location. This is achieved by utilizing bamboo poles to lift the house from the ground. Bayanihan is often depicted in a lot of paintings by National Filipino Artists. It speaks of the Filipino unity and portrays that a particular goal can be achieved if we work together as a united people. Now that houses are made of concrete, rarely can we see an actual Bayanihan displayed in action. They say that we might not move houses anymore but the … [Read more...]