Classroom Tools Series: Filipino
Filipino Salawikain: Our Cultural Heritage
We Filipinos have our own collection of proverbs passed on to us from generations to generations, with versions and translations varying from one region to another. Our proverbs, which Tagalogs call salawikain, give us a glimpse of old Filipino traditions, beliefs, and customs. Moreover, they do not only serve as guides to Filipino culture, they were and still are used as guides in living, in facing life’s challenges, and in dealing with the community or society.
In the old days, elders use salawikain to teach and to give advice to the young ones on how to act, how to speak, how to treat people righteously, and how to live a happy life. The salawikain was also used in a balagtasan (debates) as parties engage in a poetic joust. Proverbs have specific number of lines, and most often have rhymes. This is the reason why a salawikain is easy to memorize and be remembered by everyone --- old or young.
Below are some well-known salawikain which illuminate Filipinos’ character, philosophy, and values:1
Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa.
Mercy resides in God; deeds are in men.
Ang hindi marunong magmahal sa sariling wika, daig pa ang malangsang isda.
He who does not love the national language is worse than a smelly fish.
Ang bayaning nasusugatan, nagiibayo ang tapang.
A patriot who is wounded becomes more courageous.
Matibay ang walis, palibhasa'y magkabigkis.
A broom is sturdy because its strands are tightly bound.
Sa taong walang takot, walang mataas na bakod.
To a fearless person, no fence is high enough.
Kung ano ang puno, siya ang bunga.
Whatever the tree, so is the fruit.
Kung walang tiyaga, walang nilaga.
If you don't persevere, you can expect no reward.
Kung may tinanim, may aanihin.
If you plant, you harvest.
Huli man daw at magaling, naihahabol din.
It is never too late to offer anything that is good.
Ang taong walang kibo, nasa loob ang kulo.
A person who is outwardly calm has anger raging inside.
Kapag apaw na ang takalan, kailangan kalusan.
When the pot runs over, you need to spill some.
Kung di ukol, di bubukol.
If it is not relevant, it makes no difference.
Habang maikli ang kumot, matutong mamaluktot.
When the sheets are short, one needs to make do.
Ang magalang na sagot, nakakapawi ng pagod.
A respectful retort wipes away weariness.
Ubos-ubos biyaya, pagkatapos nakatunganga.
Spend lavishly and you end up with nothing.
Ang gawa sa pagkabata, dala hanggang pagtanda.
What one learns in childhood he carries into adulthood.
Kung sino ang masalita ay siyang kulang sa gawa.
Whoever talks much never does much.
Daig ng maagap ang taong masipag.
The early bird beats the industrious person.
Walang naninira sa bakal kundi sariling kalawang.
Nothing destroys iron but its own corrosion.
Walang lumura sa langit na di sa kanyang mukha nagbalik.
Nobody who spits upward does not spit on his face.
Ang maniwala sa sabi-sabi, walang bait sa sarili.
One who believes in gossip has no self-discipline.
Walang ligaya sa lupa na hindi dinilig ng luha.
There is no earthly bliss not watered by tears.
Ang pagsasabi ng tapat ay pagsasamang maluat.
Forthrightness ensures lasting relationship.
Ang araw bago sumikat nakikita muna’y banaag.
Early dawn precedes sunrise.
Do you have your own salawikain? Sixth graders in Xavier School – Greenhills created their own for their project in Filipino. Check out some of their works below and get inspired to create your salawikain collection too!
“Ang mga salawikain ay pamana at kalinangan ng lahi na hindi dapat ipagsawalang-bahala at ibaon sa limot.”2
Sources:
1Zambales Forum. “Salawikain: Filipino Proverbs”. Retrieved on July 24, 2007 from
http://www.angelfire.com/on4/zambalesforum/filipino_proverbs.htm
2Tagalog. “Tagalog Proverbs”. Retrieved on July 24, 2007 from
http://www.seasite.niu.edu/TAGALog/Tagalog_Homepage99/tagalog_proverbs.htm
Xaverian’s Corner. “Mga Salawikain”. Retrieved on July 24, 2007 from
http://web.xs.edu.ph/issues2/2006%20%20January%2026/Xaverians%20Corner/MgaSalawikain.php
Government.ph.”Mga Salawikain, Kawikaan, at Kasabihan”. Retrieved on July 24, 2007 from
http://www.government.ph/kasabihan_at_salawikain.html
