Tulungan

Tulungan. 

Depending on how one pronounces it, the word tulungan (pronounced too-loong,an) connotes two similar meanings. If pronounced with accent on the -loong-, the word means "to help".  If pronounced slightly faster with a hint of emphasis on the -an, it connotes the communal spirit of helping each other which is the essence of bayanihan. 

Bayanihan (pronounced [ˌbajɐˈni:han]) is a Filipino term taken from the word "bayan", meaning town, nation or community. 

The adaptive term bayanihan refers to a spirit of communal unity in an effort to achieve a particular goal or objective.

The origin of the term "bayanihan" can be traced from an old Filipino tradition where townsfolk volunteer to help a family move to a new plot by physically lifting the nipa hut (traditional houses made of wood, bamboo and reed roof). 

Mensfolk install a supporting frame of bamboo poles underneath the house then built on stilts. On cue, the men lift the frame on their shoulders and in unison physically carry the house to its new location. Strength and synchronized unison are essential to achieve this feat.

To thank the mensfolk for their help, the women prepare a fiesta (a feast) to celebrate the completion of the task.

The photo of a painting of famous Filipino artist Botong Francisco (commissioned for UNILAB Manila) illustrates this amazing communal spirit. It is the aim of the Bayanihan SA Cape Town to revive this unique and resilient character. 

It is quite something to watch a bayanihan in action. I was very fortunate to have personally witnessed one in the late 1980s in Tagaytay. How I wish the digital cam and Facebook were already a thing then.

Not a lot of us here may have witnessed one, or have you? If you have, tell us briefly about your thoughts.


Credits

(Definition adapted via Wikipedia)
(Photo from Google search http://groups.csail.mit.edu/cag/bayanihan/bayanword.html)