Problem
Read the case Soul and Space and compose a brief sentences about the following:
a) How or why does creating a space for the soul or inner being make us emotional?
b) How is our Filipino soul reflected in the "bahay-kubo?"
Case: Soul and Space
Creating a space for the soul or inner being is something that can be emotional, for we attach meaning to objects that surround us maybe for inspiration or spiritual support. Although material things, including the structure of our house and the design of our space, do not exactly define who we are, they can be reflective of our being - our cultural, religious, or philosophical identities. The Webster Dictionary defines soul as the "immaterial essence or animating principle of an individual life; a person's total self;" or even "the cultural consciousness and pride of a person." Space, on the other hand, may refer to "an area; a distance from other people or things that a person needs in order to remain comfortable; an opportunity for privacy or time to oneself."
One of the traditional structures that defines and identifies the Filipino soul is the bahay kubo. The bahay kubo or nipa hut is a type of stilt house recognized as an indigenous icon of Philippine culture. This type of village dwelling is a showcase of the simplicity of Filipinos which has been sustained through the years. The Bahay kubo is mainly constructed with the ever-dependable bamboo or kawayan. The most dominant feature of the house is its thick roof of nipa or anahaw leaves that insulate the interior from the tropical sun; its steep roof keeps the rain to slide off; and the wide overhangs protect the walls from water. The walls are made of nipa leaves or bamboo slats, and the floor is made of finely split bamboo. The floor of bamboo slats conducts air into the house even if all openings are closed. There are now many versions of the nipa hut, but the typical structure is raised with thick bamboo poles, one to two meters above the ground to provide the occupants a safe shelter from wild animals, snakes and against rains and floods. The awning type windows on all sides keep the interior well- ventilated. When the windows are closed, they are sealed off by the use of sliding panels. Also, it has a kind of stairs or hagdan which can easily be disconnected at night and placed on the porch.
Some nipa huts have other features like an open back porch or batalan, used for storage of water jars; a cellar or silong used for most household chores, and a silid or alcove used for keeping the mats and pillows after using them. The space beneath the house is used for ventilation and as a storage area for food, or sometimes as a shelter for small animals like goats and poultry. The Filipino soul is reflected in the bahay kubo. The bahay kubo follows the centuries-old Asian rural archetype of the single-room dwelling where all family activities happen in one space; thus, there are no partitions for rooms. It is designed for family living and all household activities like dining, recreation and sleeping.
Thus, this dwelling is typical for the Filipino concept of shared space and limited privacy. Filipinos prefer living space that is communal. This preference shows their being friendly and accommodating. Filipino families like to be surrounded by relatives all the time despite the problems that may be created by their off springs or other members of the clan. Because Filipinos adhere to close family ties, they do not want to be separated from one another. Even if the children are already married, their families are allowed to stay in the house or they will build their own bahay kubo next to the home of their relatives. Three or more generations of the same family live their separate but interconnected lives under one roof. In the one-room bahay kubo, privacy is sometimes achieved by turning one's back, by facing the wall for few moments of solitude, or by hanging a thin cloth curtain to achieve a private section.
Life in a bahay kubo is not bound by the walls of the house but goes out to include the lives of neighbors and friends who are often considered as relatives. In the Filipino lifestyle, it is all for one and one for all. Their communal ties allow them to give aid to a family in need like if a new house has to be built or if a nipa hut needs to be transferred to another area. This collective activity is known as bayanihan, meaning unity and harmony. Bayanihan is an old Filipino tradition in which members of the community work hand in hand for the common good by giving each other unsolicited assistance out of a sense of closeness and solidarity without expecting recognition or personal gain or something in return.
The bahay kubo is not only an indigenous architectural masterpiece but also a national symbol reflective of the Filipino soul --- their flexibility, resiliency, simplicity as well as solidarity.
As a dwelling space, nowadays, the bahay kubo serves many purposes - as a guesthouse, as recreational area, as a place to rest, as an embellishment in gardens, or even as a lovers' nest.