Dr Abe V Rotor
A cozy farm house, Floridablanca, Pampanga
Garden nipa kiosk; Coeds pose before a typical Filipino home (IRRI Museum, UPLB Laguna)
Bahay
Kubo (My Nipa Hut) is one of the most loved traditional songs. All kids in
my generation learned it by heart in the elementary. Not so many kids today are familiar with
it. It is good to rediscover the beauty
and lesson of the song.
Bahay kubo, hahit munti, ang
halaman doon ay sari-sari. Singkamas at talong, sigidillas at mani, sitao, batao, patani. Kondol, patola, upo,
kalabasa, at sa ka mayroon pa, labanos, mustasa. Sibuyas, kamatis, bawang at luya, at ang
paligidligid ay linga.
These are main features of the
song.
·
There are eighteen (18) plants, which are
indigenous, mostly native varieties. (biodiversity)
·
Many of the plants have medicinal values and are
effective home remedies for common ailments (luya, sibuyas, bawang).
·
The four kinds of vegetables are represented:
leafy (mustasa), fruit (kamatis, talong, kalabasa), root (labanos,
singkamas), seed (linga, patani, mani).
·
Spices and condiments are included in the list (linga, luya, bawang)
The plants have different planting and harvesting schedules, thus enhancing whole year round supply of vegetables, and the use of resources and family labor.
The plants have different growing types or habits which means they occupy specific places and have space allocations. (viny, herb, bush).
·
Nutrition-wise they provide the basic
requirements for growing up and good health.
·
The ambiance projected by the scene is green,
tranquil, clean, shady and cool (environment-friendly).
·
The garden exudes a feeling of self-sufficiency
and offers a potential for livelihood.
·
Simplicity is the key to a contented life (with
least energy consumption, and amenities).
·
Such a scene expands the imagination to include
a backyard fishpond, chicken coop, orchard trees and ornamental plants, among
others – all of these contribute to the enrichment of the Bahay Kubo, without modifying its basic concept and structure.
Folk wisdom tells us how good it is to
live simply and naturally, eat properly, stay young, healthy and active, save
and earn money, depend less on energy and imported goods, and enjoy being at
home with the family. Bahay Kubo
takes us closer to nature, to appreciate our culture, and leads us to the inner
calling for peace, quiet and joy.
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