Mga Salawikan (Philippine Proverbs) set # 2
Just like the proverbs of King Solomon, the Philippine version of proverbs (salawikain) have been used since time immemorial to teach wisdom to the young and those who go astray.
Here are some more Philippine proverbs and the Tagalog translation. I alos added some explanations where needed.
1. Gaano man ang tibay ng piling abaka, ay wala ring lakas kapag nag-iisa. (However durable the choice hemp may be, one strand of it will not be strong enough.)
Explanation: There is strength in numbers.
2. Mapa-doon, mapa-dito, dala-dala’y araro. (Whether here or there, you carry the plow).
Explanation: The plow is a burden to the beast, so this means that the person is either burdensome, or has a problem that is weighing on his mind.
3. Naroon na sa banig, lumipat pa sa sahig. (He’s already lying on the woven mat, when he decides to move to the floor).
Explanation: It’s a moving from one acceptable position, choice or decision to one that’s even more pitiful.
4. Ang tulin ng bangka’s di sa kahoy galing, kundi sa piloto at hihip ng hangin. (The speed of a boat is not dictated by the strength of the wood it came from, but the boat captain and the direction of the wind)
5. Ang magarang kasuota’s hindi pagiging tanong tunay. (A sharp suit does not mean a gentleman is wearing it.)
Explanation: A person’s character is not necessarily reflected in his outward appearance.
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