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<p>http://i.imgur.com/qVbC4ft.jpg</p>
<p>Once upon a time, there was a family that lives on an island. This family is recognized and respected by many.</p>
<p>The way they make the people comply is in line with the laws they practice at that time. In return to the people's obedience, they also valued their community. All their desires are followed by the locals but they are also willing to provide assistance to those who are in need.</p>
<p>This power of influence was passed down to the children and grandchildren of their clan. All the rulers from this family were just and were close to the people.</p>
<p>For a generation, came a man from this family with a mischievous habit.</p>
<p>He was very selfish that almost all of the lands in this island were seized by this man. He was also oppressive so the people were not pleased with him.</p>
<p>His name was Kawayan "Bamboo in English". One night when Kawayan was deeply asleep, an old panhandler knock and begging for any small alms or donation.</p>
<p>"What ... I think you might have mistaken approaching me old man. I do not give charity to persons I am not related to. The food I have in my house was earned by hard labor, so begone! go away! boasted by Kawayan.</p>
<p>"Son, do not be so arrogant. You might be punished by Bathala(creator of all things, in Filipino theology) because of your greed," the old man warned.</p>
<p>"I...I will be punished?.. I am already the most powerful being in this place. Who will punish me?"</p>
<p>"Bathala is the one true powerful being. Because of what you said, he will surely punish you. From now on you will be respectful and you must bow down to anything more powerful than you"</p>
<p>The old man disappeared all of a sudden after the enchantment. </p>
<p>On the other hand, Kawayan gradually became so weak. He fell to the ground and died afterward.</p>
<p>He was buried by the village people in the same spot where his breath faded away. Sometime has passed, there's somekind of a plant that emerged from Kawayan's grave.</p>
<p>http://i.imgur.com/JDnwHf8.jpg</p>
<p>The plant grew fast and tall but its noticeable that it bends down to the flow of the wind. It is a sign of humility and respect.</p>
<p>They called the plant Bamboo because the people assumed that it was the late Kawayan. He suffered the punishment of Bathala because of his bad character.</p>
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<p><strong>This story was translated to English from our local Filipino language.</strong> </p>
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<p>Image Reference: <a href="http://lghttp.32478.nexcesscdn.net/80E972/organiclifestylemagazine/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Bamboo.jpg">[1]</a><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/ce/a7/a3/cea7a3b8a9829df23fa609d7c21d0958.jpg"> </a><a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/528ab59ce4b025d2cc40ec46/t/52c445c7e4b0cf91c44ac46f/1388594632787/bamboo+path.jpg">[2] </a></p>
<p>Tagalog Folklore Reference: <a href="http://www.gintongaral.com/mga-alamat/bakit-nakayuko-ang-kawayan/">[1] </a></p>
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