The power of ‘bahala na’
“Bahala na” is an everyday concept we use when we are faced with something difficult. When we say it, it does not mean we are just giving up or surrendering. In fact, we use this phrase more often when we are palaban, when we have something important to do, and some obstacle is in the way.
“Bahala na! I will do what I need to do—damn the consequences!”
This is what prompted psychologists like Alfredo Lagmay to claim that it is not just a resignation to fate, but a way forward. Virgilio Enriquez says that it is a “confrontative value” because it allows us to find the strength to face uncertainty. Meanwhile, Jaime Bulatao calls it an expression of our trust in the divine.
Divine meaning
Some people (including some serious Filipino philosophers) believe that “bahala” comes from “Bathala.” A long time ago, Pedro Paterno himself suggested that BA, HA, and LA meant “babae, hangin, and lalaki.” Maybe it is because the baybayin for BA and LA resembled female and male anatomy, respectively. HA, a wavy line, was “hangin,” which is the wind or breath of life. And so Bathala, or God, encompasses all of humanity, while also transcending our human categories.
Paterno’s contemporaries, including Jose Rizal, thought Paterno was kind of odd with these ideas. But this notion is taken forward by some modern psychospiritual researchers who share a similar idea.
The real meaning of “bahala na”
Actually, bahala na does not really mean “Bathala na” or “Let God handle it.” Otherwise, it would be weird for us to keep saying “Bahala na si Lord” or “Bahala na si (insert superhero name).” Do we worship superheroes?
In fact, “bahala” comes from a Sanskrit root that means “burden” or “responsibility.” This is why we say “Bahala ka” or “Bahala na si…” or “Ako na ang bahala.” We are shifting or assigning responsibility. Who will take care of it? Sino ang magdadala? Sino ang bahala?
This is also why we call our government “pamahalaan.” That is right—the word may be rooted in “bahala.” A good leader is the one carrying the responsibility to care for us—“namamahala.”
When you are bothered by something, and you feel that you must take care of it, we call that “nababahala.” In other words, you are taking on the burden for it.
Going back to the mystical
If a person prefers the spiritual interpretation, so be it. It is indeed meaningful and spiritually profound. We can also connect this phrase to another popular saying: “Nasa Diyos ang awa, pero nasa tao ang gawa.”
We are God’s hands on Earth. If we put our trust in God’s plan, then we have to participate in it. We cannot be like Juan Tamad, waiting under the guava tree for the fruit to fall down. Otherwise, a bird passes by and drops something else in his mouth!
“Bahala na” can give us the strength to push forward even though we do not have all the answers. The tired student who has studied enough finally drops their worries as they face an important exam. The unemployed person sends another email to the 100th hiring company, hoping that this time, they could get past the interview. A couple puts their faith in each other’s lifelong commitments as they stand before the altar, ready to get married.
We are all carrying burdens: sometimes out of expectation, sometimes out of love. When we take responsibility, we show how much we value these things.
The question for us then becomes: What do we care about? Saan tayo nababahala?
