Saturday, October 3, 2009

NOLI ME TANGERE - TOUCH ME NOT

Noli Me Tangere is a novel originally published in Spanish but later on in English and Tagalog. Written by the Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal, this book has been drilled into every student’s mind in the Philippines for generations. I, for one, had the privilege to read this novel. Although some copies had footnotes and interpretations, I found this novel similar to hieroglyphics. I could never understand what it was about then. After all, I had so many distractions. Now, when I think about it, it actually makes much more sense. I looked it up and it is actually about Filipinos trying to emancipate themselves from Spanish cruelty.

Today, while I was having a good chat with my friend from my hometown (Butuan City) a plant’s name came out of my mouth; the Makahiya. How our conversation got to that plant’s name is for us to know and for you to find out, Ha!

So I looked up everything about the plant and I found so many things related to it; from myths and legends to other alternate names. One alternate name struck me…Touch Me Not. I was a kid in grade school then, and along the pathway to and from school, I always see these fern-like plants (although some people consider it weeds). Weeds? How does a weed end up with a pretty pink flower? I beg to differ. Anyway, I would stop dead in my tracks and try to examine the plant. It always amazes me how it shyly closes as soon as my fingertips touch the leaves. So, I would ask my Lola why. She would tell me that it has a strange defense mechanism. I always wonder to this day what makes it do so.
“Goes to show that plants have feelings too” my friend told me. I agree. Indeed they do.
I suppose people are similar to some plants and in this case, much like a Makahiya. People are like plants. They wither if you give them too much of everything. You don’t give too much water to a plant just because you want it to grow faster. Instead, you give it just enough water and good soil to grow….and definitely a lot of patience. Don’t you remember the saying, “Good things come to those who wait”?

1 comment:

  1. thanks for the informative blog. this will help me in our Noli Me Tangere readings.

    =>pinoymemoir

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