What's up?! This is going to be my very first writing challenge here on Steemit, so, please bear with me. I'm still trying to find my writing voice, if that is a thing. This guy definitely made some interesting points about making it here in Steemit and I am determined to improve myself, especially my writing skills.

This task asks for an article #aboutmyculture and I've decided to talk about a common cultural phenomenon called communal work or as we call it in the Philippines, 'Bayanihan.'

I chose this topic because, why the hell not? Steemit is supposed to be all about helping others in improving and bettering themselves, which I still think is a huge philosophy among its members, and I would like to talk about this parallel between Steemit and one of our defining characteristic as a people.

This is a special topic to me because I need to be reminded that people still do care about other people and that we all live in a community, whether be it online or in the real world. We are all one in this world and until we are able to colonize Mars and make it habitable, we are all stuck in this floating green rock together.

So, what is 'Bayanihan?'

Well, it is the Philippine's take on a worldwide cultural phenomenon called communal work.

It is a very common concept used throughout the Philippine archipelago that it became a defining characteristic of the Filipino people. It is so ingrained in the culture that you can see it applied in various aspects of Philippine life. It can be seen depicted in art, like the paintings shown here, which were done by national artists, Fernando Amorsolo and Carlos "Botong" Francisco. These images gives a glimpse of a life when Nipa huts or 'Bahay Kubo' were still a common thing in the islands. These stilt houses were built to be light and mobile that a handful of people can carry it to a new location with little effort. They will insert some bamboo poles just beneath the floor to give people a way to carry it over their shoulders. The townspeople who help, friends, families, and neighbors in the surrounding 'bayan' or town, thus the name 'bayanihan,' were treated to some modest feast after having the house set in its new settlement. They never expect to be paid for their efforts, nor do the owner of the hut expect to pay them, but it is a common understanding that they will have some form of festivities at the end, like having a 'salu-salo' or a party.

Today, 'bayanihan' is called upon to gather the community, or the nation, for social initiatives, like disaster relief. Natural calamity is very common in the Philippines, which bolsters the community together and strengthen their ties even more.

Bayanihan is alive and well!
Image source: Bar Fabella from Stowawaymag.com