Lecciones, Jessica Loraine V.
12 – Saint Vincent de Paul
21st Century Literature from the Philippines and around the world
Ms. Ma. Margarita Amorante
Linguistic Context
ACTIVITY: RIDDLES OF THREE LINGUISTIC GROUPS DESCRIBING THE SAME
OBJECT
1. The Visayan and Ibanag riddles both give similar clues. They differ in the description
of the lady. The Visayan riddles states that the lady is tall and white, while the Ibanag
riddles described the woman as a lovely lady.
2. The remaining riddle, Ilokano, does not give any description regarding appearance. It
just states that it’s an object where tears flow from its eyes.
3. a.) Object. Because both human and animals are alive, and it does not fit either
description.
b.) The object this riddle is about must be a candle. Because candles are long and tall,
white, and melts itself or “eats” itself and its height shrinks.
c.) Tears or melted wax. Because of its “eye” or the fire, the high temperature melts the
wax down, decreasing its height and drips down wax as if crying.
Lecciones, Jessica Loraine V.
12 – Saint Vincent de Paul
21st Century Literature from the Philippines and around the world
Ms. Ma. Margarita Amorante
Socio-cultural Context
ACTIVITY A:
1. What does the title imply?
- the title implies that the listener is still young. They have many things to discover
and learn.
2. What does each stanza mean?
- In the first, eighth, and ninth stanza, it says that while we are young, we should
take this as a a chance to grow and learn. It also states that we should not dwell
on our mistakes, for the world is big; our problems are just as big as a dot
compared to our world.
- In the second and the sixth stanza, it emphasizes that we are still young, we
should not think that we know everything at our age, and it is alright not to as we
have plenty of chances to learn about life.
- In the third stanza gives advice. We should learn right from wrong as early as
now. As the older generations will correct us and we will learn from them.
- In the fourth stanza it expresses self-awareness. We accept that we are still
young. However, it is important to know that despite our age, our rights should be
respected.
- In the fifth stanza, it advertises that we should be free as we are young. We
should see the world in an optimistic point of view, with colors and positive
attitude, but still be aware of the right and wrong.
3. What are the messages relayed by the song?
- The message relayed by the song is that we all make mistakes as a through
mistakes, we learn. A child who’s experienced many wrongs mean that they have
learned a lot.
4. Try to create an image which may be created by the title of the song. Who would
tell this one to someone else? What Point of view will it be told? Whose culture
does it create?
- It would be told by a future version of a child to their child version. It would be told
through the point of view of both the future and present person. The culture it
creates is the culture of the young people, learning from the people they want to
become.
5. What values of the APO Hiking Society are reflected in the song? How do their
lives influence their music?
- The values of the APO Hiking Society reflected in this song are Self-awareness,
acceptance, and respect for human rights.
6. Is the song still applicable in our time?
- Yes. This song is timeless. As long as children exist, this song will always be
applicable to many generations.
7. Is the song still timely? Why or why not?
- Yes, it is timely. Because when we are young, we go through an universal
experience, meaning your hardships are not yours alone. Everyone goes through
it and accomplishes it.
ACTIVITY B.
My insights gained from my personal experience is that this song is a comfort song. It is
nostalgic and will remind you of the days when we were still innocent, enjoying lives
through simple things. A personal experience of mine that I still happen to me
sometimes is regarding the mistakes I’ve made. I dwell on my mistakes a lot and think
of me unworthy whenever it happens. This song serves as my breakthrough. It serves
as a reminder that mistakes are meant to be made to learn life. We do not learn life
through the easy way. Making mistakes is a part of progress. If you’re not making
mistakes, you are not advancing. So we should always keep in mind that, our mistakes
are not big enough to overthrow us.
