𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙇𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮

In every story we read, we encounter moral lessons, these lessons help us face life problems with more courage and bravery. These values empower us humans to create a better environment for everyone.

This short story ‘Sinigang‘ depicts what most of the Filipino household goes through. Unfortunately, a lot of people can relate to this story, broken family because of an affair and stuff. And as this is mirrored in real life, moral lessons in this piece are also lessons that are truly needed and necessary in our lives. Now, let me walk you through each of the lessons and values I obtained upon reading this story.

• Being Honest

-Honesty is one of the greatest foundation of a family. It not only about saying the truth but it’s also being true to yourself and others about who you are, what you feel and what you want to express. A family with an honest bond is as strong as a rock, with this value, you can see through the person you love transparently, and it will help lessen misunderstandings between the people around you. Be truthful and sincere.

• Selflessness

-This value was seen on Liza’s mother, despite of what his father did, she still loved him unconditionally. Yes, it sounds a bit absurd but that’s the reality of life. In our family, parents are mostly the ones with this value, they put their children above everything, even from their own selves.

• Forgiving

-Forgiveness is often defined as process of letting go of feelings and thoughts of resentment, bitterness, anger, and the need for vengeance and retribution toward someone who wronged us. This moral was seen on the story when Liza’s father asked for forgiveness. Forgiving someone is easier said than done. What people did to us will always be in our hearts but when we forgive, we also do it for ourselves, we are freeing ourselves from the moment that hurted and bruised us emotionally.

• Contentment

– Why do we need to be contented? Being contended is a way of being grateful for what we have in our lives. In this story, I learned even more about the essence of being contented. Seeking and wanting for more than what you have is not completely wrong, what’s wrong is the way or process you do to achieve those. If you hurt someone’s feelings just to attain that ‘want’ you adhere, then you are cruel. We need to be grateful enough for what we have, let us stop wanting for more and more. One is enough, especially in marriage.

𝙄𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 21𝙨𝙩 𝘾𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙧

Sinigang left a massive impact on how I see the true face of life. Life is not always fun and vibrant, it is not as perfect as what we see in movies and series. Life is full of obstacles, especially when about our families. We all have different family statuses but these does not define who we are. Even if you are from a broken family or whatnot, you are valid and worthy. Everyone should honestly keep that in mind.

As a 21st Century learner, this topic about extramarital affair is not new to me, I personally experienced this kind of situation so I somehow relate to how Liza was feeling all throughout the story. I realized that it does not only happen to one or two families, thus it happens in almost half of the population. Cheating is a choice. Cheating is not something you do just because you are a man and you can’t control yourself. No, it is a choice. It’s just sad and unfair to the left partner, she/he will be doubtful of his/her worth, it will bother their minds and hearts for a very long time. As per the children, it will leave a bruise that will forever in their hearts, so I really hope these cruel thing comes to an end.