…buling- buling – still enjoyable or a nuisance?
By jeanneyvonne
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
Philippines
February 15, 2013 10:35am CST
I attended the first birthday of my godchild and my aunt keeps telling not to go out on that day. Knowing that my friend will probably give the death glare the next time I see her, I decided to go anyway despite many people telling me to pass. It turns out that some people in my area are prating ‘buling-buling’ or throwing water over people in a festive mood. Of course, any person who meticulously prepared their appearance and I belong to this on this occasion will be beyond pissed if our clothes got a pail of water thrown in. of course,
there is no point in getting angry and picking a fight over it but I think people should know better than throw water carelessly even though it is tradition. It’s like purposely baiting someone and calling it banter just to reduce tension. These people might be well-meaning but I’m the one soaking wet, aren’t I?
Although some of these traditions are inconvenient in modern times, do you think we should stop them altogether? I think some people just do ti for fun but not really the meaning behind it.
Your thoughts?
6 responses
@joannbilon (111)
• Philippines
20 Feb 13
Thailand has the songkran festival when they throw water to people on the streets. This is fun and playful at first but when the water comes from their coolers, the water is very very cold and not nice at all. They also include this sticky stuff that really hurts when it get into your eyes.
My personal opinion on this is if the person told you to please don't include them in the activity, they should respect that especially if those persons are carrying heavy grocery bags while also holding their toddlers. Yes those persons are me and my husband.
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
21 Feb 13
I think I mentioned this very vaguely in one of my responses. Anyway, it's just the thing -respect. However some people's sense of fun overrides other people's desire not to have fun. It's like imposing fun without thinking of the consequences.
@SIMPLYD (90722)
• Philippines
19 Feb 13
In my opinion, if it already brings annoyance to people , then this tradition should altogether be stopped already. Perhaps you can bring this out to the barangay captain who will in turn suggest it to the sanggunian council.
Once, the realize the uselessness of this tradition, i know this will be stopped.
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
19 Feb 13
They were some restraints like it's not acceptable to soak the driver who's driving his tryke to make a living. But it is certainly a hassle for anyone who has a good intentions and chores to do during that day.
@pahak627 (4558)
• Philippines
16 Feb 13
I just hope this will stop in your place. We don't have this activity in my place. We haven't experienced it. One time when I was somewhere in San Juan riding on a bus we were instructed by the conductor to close the windows for us not to be soaked. I don't like this activity even if it's a tradition.
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
19 Feb 13
It has its annoying bits. if I was in a fun and cheery mood, I might as well join. But my situation is completely different from them.
@cttolledo (5454)
• Legaspi, Philippines
16 Feb 13
Hi..
I think it should not be eliminated but should be regulated..If we apply our laws in this situation what they did is wrong. Celebrating tradition is okey , that is their right to express their faith and belief to that tradition but all rights has limitations.. For me i will respect their tradition but they should also respect mine.
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
19 Feb 13
Agree with all rights have limitations. we a re all equal and shoudl enjoy the same things under everything. If you want have fun,it's okay as long as you're not hurting or pissing off someone else.
@Raine38 (12250)
• United States
15 Feb 13
I have never heard of buling-buling, but it seems to be similar to the feast of San Juan when people would soak everybody to imitate the baptism of Christ. It is fun if you are one of those who are actively participating with it, is dressed (or not dressed) for the occasion as the case may be. But I hope they also take into consideration those who are just passersby and have no intention to join the fun. I once remembered getting soaked during the San Juan feast and we were about to get our pictures taken for the pre-nup of a friend. We tried to explain the situation but nobody heeded. It wasn't the least fun.
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
19 Feb 13
Actually, it is the same thing but perhaps called by another name. I think the same practice exists in Thailand without the religious binds. But there is a lot of soaking each other. I agree it's never fun when you're being reasonable and others don't even pay attention.
@zenkey0023 (21)
• Philippines
15 Feb 13
I am also against those people who do things recklessly even though its part of their tradition. But i guess we cant do anything about it because those reckless behaviours have been passed down throughout generations and we should accept it despite us being pissed off.
@jeanneyvonne (5501)
• Philippines
19 Feb 13
I agree. there some things we really wish to have control over people. But free will, it is.
