Do our age-old legends, myths and tales dissipate with the digital age? Or is digitalization an opportunity for its resurgence to reach global audience.
Philippine folklore is more than just stories whispered under the night sky, shared over the glow of a candle or the crackling of a radio. It is a pulsating vein of our shared identity, a testament to our vibrant past. It threads us together, connecting us to our ancestors and the stories that shaped our nation.
In the mind of many Filipinos, a treasure trove of myths or legends lies hidden - stories of mythical creatures, supernatural beings, heroic feats, and age-old wisdom. These tales handed down from generation to generation, shape our understanding of our roots and culture and affect values.
Modern technology
In a world consumed by modern technologies and global narratives, the local folklore that once captured our imagination now runs the risk of being eclipsed. The question that arises is this: are we heading towards a revival or extinction of Philippine folklore in the modern age? The answer lies in our hands.
And perhaps, in this age of digital globalization, we find not the demise of our folklore, but an opportunity for its resurgence. The internet, social media platforms, and digital art can serve as modern "anting-anting", empowering our age-old tales to transcend geographical and generational barriers.
With these tools, our folklore can evolve from tales told by the firelight to stories shared in the digital realm, reaching the hearts of a global audience.
A collective responsibility
The revival of Philippine folklore should not solely be dependent on technology. It is our collective responsibility, as bearers of our culture, to preserve these stories, to continue telling them, and to bring them to life for the younger generations. It begins with our families, our schools, and our communities. We should create spaces that celebrate these narratives, allow them to flourish, to continue shaping our cultural identity.
As Filipinos, we are the custodians of our folklore. We have the power to ensure its survival, to pass on our legacy to future generations. The path to revival is before us. It is time to breathe new life into our ancient stories, to carry the vibrant tapestry of Philippine folklore into the modern world.
The choice is ours.
Let us choose to cherish, nurture, and celebrate the wealth of our cultural heritage. Let our folklore continue to live on, thriving and evolving, in these modern times.