Two Roads Intertwined

Even though both Philippines and Siam appear to be poles apart, still they have some similarities. These similarities and differences between Philippines and Siam link their beliefs and customs.

First, what are the variations between these two countries?

Siam is an independent realm though bounded by the protectorates of France and England. This Eastern country is firm and stable from the Western invaders who want to rule Siam. They did not want their tradition to be influenced by other races. Also, this nation is into modernization to maintain it protected from the menace of colonialism. Siam is indeed a civilized nation with an ancient and very proud history. They are preserving their custom’s wealth and traditions.

On the other hand, the Philippines can’t deny that we are under colonialism although we are not aware of it. We are also into innovation but we are leaving our freedom behind and letting the intruders to control us. We are losing our antique traditions because of what we called “colonial mentality.”

The Philippines is a republic country and the Filipinos are under democracy. This is a ground with freedom; we can express what we want. The Filipinos are following their own will. We are the one deciding who will govern us. We have our president. We choose our president by election. Every single vote is important because the mass’ voice is the wheel of Philippines achievement.

In contrast, Siam is a monarchial country. Siamese are under a paternal monarch or a king. The king is the most superior and powerful in Siam. He’s the one controlling his people and land; and his decision will prevail all over Siam. Though they have a prime minister, election has no place in Siam’s ground, dynasties reign on them. People’s voice is weaker than the king’s verdict.

Since, the Philippines is a democratic country, the Filipinos have equal rights. No one is controlling his fellow against his own will. No one can perform slavery. Slavery is conquering Siam than a Siamese’s right to live simply. People who are treated as the property of another person are called slaves. We saw in the film that Anna Leonowens help a pathetic servant caned by her master; it is an indication that the cruel treatment of bonded servants and slaves are deprived of personal freedom and forced to work. Slaves are detained against their will.

It is viewed that women in Siam has a struggle for independence and recognition in a male dominated world, a need that becomes even more challenged in Siam’s royal palace where women have virtually no status outside of the family role. Nobody eventually claims her place as the King’s equal. The king is leading the country that’s why women have no position in their race. Women have no right to complain because they have a low level.

The Philippines is ruled by a female president. It only proves that in our country, women and men have equal privileges. Women have the right to choose what they want to do. Men and women have the same civil liberties and men can’t have power over women.

The Philippines is moving away from slavery, tyrannical monarchy, and class society to democracy, capitalism, freedom of speech, freedom to choose, and freedom of belief.

Majority of the Filipinos believe in Christianity. It is the religion of most of us. We believe that the Supreme of all the Supremes is Jesus Christ. The Holy Bible is where God put his prophecies. But in Siam, their superior is Buddha. He is the “Lord of Life.” And the king and the Siamese people believe that they will find peace or nirvana by worshiping Buddha. Their religion is called Buddhism.

Marriage is a ceremony where two individuals are united as one. Since most Filipinos are Christians, having multiple marriages or polygamy is forbidden. It is violating the law of God. Monogamy is being faithful to your wife and to the Lord. But in Siam, the king can have many wives and concubines as he wants. He doesn’t follow the convention of monogamy but polygamy.

Committing crimes can result to punishments. In Siam, it is a violation to go against the policies of the king. The consequence of your disobedience is death. In the film, Lady Tuptim and Balat are sentenced to death. They are beheaded in front of the public.

Reclusión perpetua of the Philippines is equivalent to death of Siam. Years ago, death penalty is the consequence for heinous crimes or violating the law in the Philippines. But now, death penalty is abolished and replaced by lifetime imprisonment or reclusion perpetua.

In Siam, it is a common courtesy to ask personal questions though you did not know the person you’re talking to. In the film, it happened when Anna Leonowens and his son Louis arrived at the port of Siam; and they were met by the prime minister of Siam. The prime minister asked her about private questions which made her surprised.

Now, what are the similarities?

Filipinos are busy when New Year comes. Festivities and different ceremonies like wedding, debut etc. are significant to us. We are preparing for that day to come. In Siam, they are also busy preparing New Year, other festivities and ceremonies. The king is also in hectic schedule when celebrations come.

The battle between Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Philippine Army in Mindanao is similar to the battle of Burmese and Siamese in Siam. MILF in Lanao Del Norte attacked a town and murdered many innocent people because of the Bangsamoro Entity, for short, they killed people for upholding their territory. There’s a scene in the movie when the Siamese soldiers arrive across a village that has been devastated by the Burmese soldiers who have hung many of their victims from treetops. They slaughtered people for power and to get the land of Siam.

There is also a semblance between the two countries; they are monotheistic or believing in one God. Monotheism is practiced in both Philippines and Siam.

And these are the similarities and differences of the customs and beliefs of Siam and Philippines. We are constructing a strong bridge between two nations by telling what their resemblance and divergence is. Two roads intertwined, and that is the Siam and the Philippines, holding their own customs and traditions.