How do you feel about the many spirits that inhabit Philippine folk tales?
- I find them fascinating! I love learning about different cultures’ beliefs about the supernatural.
- I’m a little wary of them, to be honest. I prefer to stick to the human world.
- I’m indifferent. They’re just stories, after all.
What’s your favorite Philippine mythical creature?
- The Tikgi birds, they’re helpful and magical
- The Alan, they’re so mysterious and spooky!
- Magsawi, the Talking Jar, who doesn’t love a chatty jar?
What makes you nervous about encountering a spirit like the Komow?
- It’s a murderous spirit, what’s not to be nervous about?
- Not knowing how to appease it or escape its wrath.
- The unknown intentions and powers of such beings.
What makes you most frustrated about the conflict between good and evil in these stories?
- The innocent people who get caught in the crossfire.
- The fact that evil sometimes seems to prevail.
- It’s a classic storytelling trope, I’m more interested in the characters’ journeys.
What are you most excited about when delving into the world of Philippine folk tales?
- Discovering the unique cultural beliefs and traditions they reveal.
- Immersing myself in the magical and fantastical elements of the stories.
- Learning about the heroes and their epic adventures.
What do you dream about when it comes to possessing magical powers like Aponitolau?
- Using them to help others and protect the innocent.
- Exploring the world and experiencing new things.
- Having the power to shape my own destiny.
What happened in the past when you first encountered a story about the spirit world?
- It sparked my curiosity and desire to learn more about different cultures.
- I was a little scared, but also intrigued.
- I didn’t think much of it, it was just a story.
What comes to mind when you hear the name “Lumawig”?
- A powerful and wise being who guides and protects his people.
- An intriguing figure from Philippine mythology.
- A reminder of the diverse beliefs systems found around the world.
What’s your favorite Philippine folk tale?
- Aponibolinayen’s Journey, it’s such a beautiful and inspiring story.
- Gawigawen’s Oranges, I love a good adventure story.
- Dumalawi’s Creation, it’s a fascinating take on the creation myth.
When you were a kid, how did you feel about stories of heroes fighting monsters?
- I loved them! They made me feel brave and empowered.
- I was a little scared, but also excited by the thrill of the adventure.
- I wasn’t that interested, I preferred stories about real people.
You have a choice of drinking Tuba with the spirits or embarking on a quest with Aponitolau, which do you choose?
- I’m joining Aponitolau on his quest! Adventure awaits!
- I’d love to share a drink with the spirits and learn their secrets.
- I think I’ll stay home, thanks. I’m not cut out for that kind of adventure.
A magical Tikgi bird lands on your windowsill, offering you a gift, how do you react?
- I accept the gift with gratitude and respect.
- I’m a little hesitant, but curious to see what the bird has to offer.
- I shoo the bird away. I don’t trust talking animals.
What keeps you up at night about the presence of Alan in the forests?
- Nothing, they’re just stories.
- I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little creeped out by the thought of them.
- I’m more concerned about real-world dangers.
Which of these activities would you enjoy the most: attending a ritual honoring Lumawig, learning about traditional Filipino healing practices, or listening to an elder tell folk tales?
- Attending a ritual honoring Lumawig would be an unforgettable experience.
- Learning about traditional healing practices would be fascinating.
- Listening to an elder tell folk tales would be enchanting.
When you think about the role of spirits in Filipino culture, what are you most concerned about?
- That people will lose sight of their own traditions in the face of modernization.
- That the spirits will be disrespected and their power will be used for evil.
- I’m not really concerned about it. It’s not my culture to judge.
What aspect of Filipino folk tales makes you the most happy?
- The sense of wonder and magic that they evoke.
- The lessons about life, love, and the importance of family and community.
- The window they provide into a different culture.
What is most likely to make you feel down about the influence of colonialism on Filipino culture?
- The loss of traditional knowledge and practices.
- The imposition of foreign beliefs and values.
- The ongoing struggle for cultural identity.
In a perfect world, what would the relationship between humans and spirits be like in the Philippines?
- One of mutual respect and understanding.
- One where humans live in harmony with nature and the spirit world.
- One where everyone is free to believe what they choose.
If you could waive a magic wand, what would the perfect outcome be for the preservation of Filipino folk tales?
- That they would continue to be passed down through generations.
- That they would be shared with the world and appreciated for their beauty and wisdom.
- That they would inspire people to connect with their own cultural heritage.
How often do you think about the lessons taught in Philippine folk tales?
- Quite often, they offer valuable insights into human nature.
- Every now and then, when I need a reminder about the importance of courage or kindness.
- Rarely, if ever.
You are at a party and someone starts talking about their belief in spirits, what do you do?
- I’m eager to listen and learn more about their perspective.
- I’m politely interested, even if I don’t necessarily share their belief.
- I try to change the subject. I’m not comfortable talking about that kind of thing.
How comfortable are you with the idea of a world where spirits and magic are real?
- Very comfortable, I think it would be amazing!
- I’m open to the possibility, but I’d need some convincing.
- Not comfortable at all, I prefer to stick to reality.
You have one day to spend in the world of a Philippine folk tale, what do you do?
- I embark on a quest with a legendary hero.
- I seek out a wise elder and learn about their culture and traditions.
- I find a safe spot and observe the magic of this world unfold.
Which of these issues is most likely to be a struggle for you: navigating the spirit world, overcoming jealousy and deception, or defending your family from a monstrous creature?
- Navigating the spirit world seems like it would be the most challenging.
- Overcoming jealousy and deception is a struggle for everyone, myself included.
- I’d like to think I would rise to the occasion and defend my family.
Which character from Philippine folk tales are you most similar to?
- Aponibolinayen, I’m a survivor and I always find a way to overcome challenges.
- Aponitolau, I’m always up for an adventure and I’m fiercely loyal to my loved ones.
- Lumawig, I try to live my life with wisdom and compassion.
News surfaces of a magical Tikgi bird sighting near your town, what is your first response?
- I’m grabbing my camera and heading straight there!
- I’m curious, but I’m also a little skeptical.
- That’s nice, but I doubt it’s true.
Someone asks, “How’s your spirit today?” What’s the actual answer, not just “I’m good”?
- “My spirit is soaring with the Tikgi birds today! I feel so alive and connected to the world.”
- “My spirit is feeling a bit weary today, like it could use a dose of magic.”
- “My spirit is doing fine, thanks for asking.”
What’s your go-to comfort story about the triumph of good over evil?
- The story of Aponitolau defeating the Komow.
- The tale of Bantugan rescuing his loved ones.
- Any story where the hero uses their courage and wit to overcome adversity.
What place in the Philippines do you most want to explore to learn about folk tales?
- The Cordillera region, where the spirits of the ancestors are said to reside.
- The island of Mindanao, home to many unique and fascinating tribes.
- Any place where I can hear the stories firsthand from the people who have been telling them for generations.
What’s your favorite memory of learning about a new culture?
- The moment I realized how much we all have in common, despite our differences.
- The feeling of expanding my understanding of the world.
- The excitement of discovering something new and unexpected.
What cultural tradition are you most passionate about preserving?
- The art of storytelling, I believe it’s essential to keeping cultures alive.
- Respect for the elderly and the wisdom they carry.
- The importance of family and community.
What is your absolute favorite celebratory meal that reminds you of community and togetherness?
- A Kamayan feast, where everyone gathers around a table laden with food and shares in the bounty.
- A simple meal shared with loved ones, where the conversation and laughter are more important than the food itself.
- Any meal that is prepared with love and enjoyed in good company.
How would your friends and family describe your approach to unfamiliar cultures and beliefs?
- They would say I’m open-minded and always eager to learn new things.
- They might call me a bit of a skeptic, but always respectful.
- They would say I’m more interested in focusing on the things we have in common.
Tell us a little about your perspective on respecting the beliefs of others, even if you don’t share them?
- I believe it’s essential for creating a harmonious and understanding world.
- It’s important to be tolerant, even if we don’t agree.
- I respect everyone’s right to believe what they choose, as long as they don’t harm others.
If you could choose any character trait from Philippine folk tales, which one would you choose and why?
- Aponibolinayen’s resilience, to overcome any challenge life throws my way.
- Aponitolau’s bravery, to face my fears and fight for what’s right.
- Lumawig’s wisdom, to make sound decisions and live a meaningful life.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the phrase “lost city of Biringan”?
- Excitement for the unknown and the possibility of uncovering ancient secrets.
- A healthy dose of skepticism, but also a sense of wonder.
- It’s just a legend, nothing to get worked up about.
What affects you the most: stories about human resilience in the face of adversity, tales of magical transformations, or accounts of cultural clashes and reconciliation?
- I’m most moved by stories of human resilience.
- Tales of magical transformations capture my imagination.
- I find accounts of cultural clashes and reconciliation to be the most thought-provoking.
What’s your idea of the perfect balance between preserving tradition and embracing modernity?
- Honoring the wisdom of the past while adapting to the challenges of the present.
- Taking the best of both worlds and creating something new and vibrant.
- Focusing on progress and innovation, while respecting the traditions that have shaped us.
What is your strongest personality trait that aligns with the heroes of Philippine folk tales?
- My empathy for others, like Aponibolinayen’s compassion for her people.
- My determination, like Aponitolau’s unwavering pursuit of his goals.
- My loyalty to those I love, like Bantugan’s fierce protection of his family.
What happens if you encounter a mischievous spirit who wants to test your worth?
- I rely on my wit and charm to appease the spirit.
- I stand my ground and refuse to be intimidated.
- I get out of there as quickly as possible!
How often do you seek out opportunities to learn about different cultures and belief systems?
- As often as possible, I find it endlessly fascinating.
- Every now and then, when something piques my interest.
- Rarely, I’m more focused on my own life and interests.
How confident are you in your ability to navigate unfamiliar cultural settings with respect and sensitivity?
- I’m fairly confident, I always try to be mindful and respectful.
- I’d be a little nervous, but I would do my best to be respectful.
- I’m not very confident, I’d be worried about making a mistake.
Do you have a favorite folk tale or myth from your own culture or upbringing?
- Yes, it’s a story that has been passed down through my family for generations.
- I know of a few, but I’m not overly familiar with them.
- No, I’m not really aware of any.
How do you handle encountering beliefs or practices that contradict your own?
- I approach them with curiosity and an open mind, seeking to understand the perspective behind them.
- I try to be respectful, even if I don’t agree.
- I tend to avoid them, as they make me uncomfortable.
How well do you stick to your convictions when challenged by differing viewpoints?
- I’m open to considering other perspectives, but I stay true to my core values.
- I can be swayed if presented with compelling arguments.
- I tend to stick to my guns, even if it means getting into debates.
Which of the following is most accurate when it comes to your comfort level with ambiguity: Do you embrace it, tolerate it, or avoid it?
- I embrace ambiguity, I find it intriguing.
- I can tolerate it to a certain degree.
- I prefer things to be clear-cut and defined.
To what degree do you experience anxiety when faced with the unknown: rarely, occasionally, or frequently?
- I rarely feel anxious, I see the unknown as an adventure.
- I occasionally feel anxious, depending on the situation.
- I frequently feel anxious when I don’t know what to expect.
Which of these best describes your current level of knowledge about Philippine folk tales: novice, enthusiast, or expert?
- I’m a novice, I’m just starting to learn about them.
- I’m an enthusiast, I find them fascinating and enjoy learning more.
- I’m an expert, I’ve been studying them for years.
What is your current biggest challenge when it comes to understanding different cultural perspectives?
- Overcoming my own biases and assumptions.
- Finding reliable and unbiased sources of information.
- I don’t face any significant challenges in this area.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you encounter a cultural tradition that seems strange or illogical to you?
- I wonder what the historical or cultural context is behind this?
- That’s interesting, I’d like to learn more about it.
- That’s just weird.
How do you handle disagreements that stem from cultural differences?
- I try to approach the situation with empathy and understanding, seeking common ground.
- I listen respectfully to the other person’s perspective, even if I don’t agree with them.
- I tend to avoid conflict and walk away from the situation.
How would you describe your relationship to the supernatural: believer, skeptic, or somewhere in between?
- I’m a believer, I’ve had experiences that have convinced me of the existence of the supernatural.
- I’m a skeptic, I need to see evidence before I believe in anything.
- I’m somewhere in between, I’m open to the possibility but I don’t have any firm beliefs.
Are you stuck in your own cultural bubble or are you actively trying to expand your horizons?
- I’m actively trying to expand my horizons, I believe it’s important to learn about other cultures.
- I’m making an effort to be more open-minded, but I still have a lot to learn.
- I’m comfortable in my own cultural bubble, I don’t see the need to change.
What would you say are your top struggles right now when it comes to understanding Philippine folk tales?
- Keeping track of all the different characters and their stories.
- Understanding the cultural nuances and symbolism behind the tales.
- I’m not really struggling, I’m finding them quite easy to understand.
What is your ultimate goal when it comes to learning about Philippine folk tales?
- To gain a deeper understanding of Filipino culture and history.
- To appreciate the beauty and wisdom of these stories.
- To be able to share them with others and keep the tradition alive.
What do you think is missing in your quest to fully appreciate the richness of Philippine folk tales?
- More firsthand experiences with Filipino culture.
- A deeper understanding of the history and context behind the stories.
- Nothing, I’m fully immersed and enjoying the journey.
What is your current level of comfort with exploring literature from cultures vastly different from your own?
- I’m very comfortable, I love experiencing new perspectives.
- I’m somewhat comfortable, but it can be challenging at times.
- I’m not very comfortable, I prefer stories that are more relatable to my own life.
You are gifted a beautiful handwoven textile from a remote village in the Philippines, said to be imbued with protective spirits, how do you respond?
- I accept the gift with gratitude and respect, displaying it in a place of honor in my home.
- I accept the gift politely, but I’m a bit unsure about the significance of the spirits.
- I politely decline the gift, explaining that I wouldn’t want to disrespect their culture by not fully understanding its significance.
What descriptive word best encapsulates your reaction to encountering cultural differences: fascinated, overwhelmed, or indifferent?
- Fascinated
- Overwhelmed
- Indifferent
Which of the following do you notice yourself worrying about on a day-to-day basis: missing out on new experiences, offending someone from a different culture, or neither of these?
- Missing out on new experiences.
- Offending someone from a different culture.
- Neither of these.
How open-minded and judgmental do you feel in your interactions with people from different backgrounds?
- I’d say I’m more open-minded than judgmental.
- I try to be non-judgmental, but I know I have my biases.
- I can be quite judgmental, especially when people’s beliefs clash with my own.
How well do you think you balance honoring your own cultural heritage with appreciating the traditions of others?
- I think I strike a good balance.
- I’m still working on finding the right balance.
- I’m more focused on my own cultural heritage.
How connected do you feel to the global community and the shared human experience?
- Very connected, I see us all as part of one human family.
- Somewhat connected, I recognize our shared humanity but also our differences.
- Not very connected, I’m more focused on my own immediate community.
Which of the following is most likely to frustrate you: encountering close-mindedness, witnessing cultural appropriation, or facing language barriers?
- Encountering close-mindedness
- Witnessing cultural appropriation
- Facing language barriers
What is the trickiest part about understanding a culture through its folklore and mythology?
- Separating myth from reality
- Interpreting the symbolism and hidden meanings
- Finding reliable sources and accurate translations
Do you gravitate towards stories that confirm your existing worldview or challenge you to see things from a new perspective?
- I prefer stories that challenge me to see things from a new perspective.
- I enjoy both types of stories.
- I prefer stories that confirm my existing worldview.
Do you have a trusted resource, such as a book, website, or person, to learn about diverse cultures?
- Yes, I have several resources that I rely on.
- I’m still building my collection of resources.
- No, I haven’t found anything that really resonates with me yet.
How do you determine your personal learning objectives each year when it comes to exploring new cultures?
- I set specific goals, such as learning a new language or traveling to a specific country.
- I follow my interests, diving deeper into topics that pique my curiosity.
- I don’t have specific objectives, I just learn as I go.
Are your efforts to learn about other cultures consistently leading to a deeper appreciation for diversity?
- Yes, I’m constantly amazed by the beauty and richness of human experience.
- Sometimes, it can be challenging to reconcile differing values and beliefs.
- Not really, I’m starting to realize that we’re more different than I thought.
How do you manage the complexities of navigating a world with such vast cultural differences?
- I embrace the challenge, seeing it as an opportunity for growth and learning.
- I take it one step at a time, focusing on building bridges of understanding.
- I find it overwhelming and often retreat to my comfort zone.