DEBLOIS, KYLE JUSTIN UI-FC2-BSN2-7 GEN 017- FINAL OUTPUT
My Reflection on "Candé" Film
"Candé," even without a complete understanding of its plot, created a series of personal
reflections on religion, healing, and the significant importance of cultural context. The
focus on Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, Jaro's patroness, reminded me of my
experiences at Dumangas' Roman Catholic Church. I recall attending the yearly
procession in honor of the patron saints and witnessing the community's enthusiasm and
devotion. That sense of communal admiration, the shared experience of religion, is a
powerful force. It serves as a reminder that faith is more than just an individual belief
system; it is a communal experience that brings a community together.
The film's examination of forgiveness resonated strongly with a recent personal
experience. I recall a time when a friend felt excluded because a simple misunderstanding
resulted in three of us going out to dinner without her. One of our group members had
previously stated our plans, but they were not intended to be exclusive. When she found
out, she immediately quit our group chat, resulting in an awkward quiet. The next several
days were packed with tension, a continual reminder of the damaged sentiments. We
ultimately sat down to discuss. We all apologized for the mistake and for not being more
sensitive to her sentiments, and she expressed her sense of exclusion and hurt. We
acknowledged the sadness on all sides and decided to be more aware of one other's
emotions in the future. The relaxation that followed was huge, a palpable release of
tension. This incident underlined the significance of open communication and the power
of forgiveness in sustaining lasting friendships, particularly within our close-knit friends.
The other one scenario is we own a sari-sari store in Dumangas, and construction workers
across the street would frequently buy products throughout the week and pay their bill on
Saturday. My parents, who typically manage the payments, were gone on Saturday.
When the workers arrived to pay their accrued expenses, I advised them to return when
my parents were home, as I was ignorant of the exact amount and assumed they'd be
returning on Sunday. This created a huge problem because they do not work on Sundays.
They were naturally outraged, and I endured their rage for a day. I felt horrible, spent
Sunday in tears, feeling alone and guilty. However, on the next day, they eventually paid
their bill and I truly apologized for the mistake and explained my lack of knowledge. To
my relief, they accepted my apologies and even expressed regret for their initial outrage.
This incident taught me the value of open communication and forgiveness in maintaining
positive connections with our parents, family, and community.
Going back to the film, the coming-of-age themes, while abstract to me without the film's
story specifics, inspired me to reflect on my own changing understanding of faith. I recall
a period when my ideas were mostly inherited and accepted without critical investigation.
As I grew older, I began to examine my views, seeking a more individualized and true
relationship to spirituality. This process of questioning was not a rejection of religion, but
rather an extension of my understanding. "Candé," by mixing coming-of-age themes into
its plot, most likely addresses the dynamic interaction between tradition and growth in
oneself.
Reflecting about 'Candé' and connecting analogies to my own experiences has helped me
grasp the interdependence of religion, forgiveness, and personal growth. Whether it's
managing friendship misunderstandings, resolving family problems, or dealing with
community concerns, the key takeaway is the importance of open communication and
empathy. Just as the film's protagonists are undoubtedly battling with these concerns
within their cultural context, my own experience has proven that real reconciliation and
understanding emerge from a desire to listen, apologize, and forgive. Finally, the journey
of religion and personal growth is one of constant learning, which requires us to embrace
vulnerability and seek deeper ties with our community.
