BLUE BLOOD OF THE BIG ASTANA

Ibrahim Jubaira
The Muslims have rich culture and customs, and how their world then, was
disconnected from the rest of the Philippines. Inevitably, there is a pressing need of old
world to co-exist with the new world in order to preserve its heritage. This was shown
through Jubairas character Jafaar growing from boyhood to adulthood during the
Commonwealth era in the Philippines.
Jafaar was an impoverished orphan who was taken in by the local datu a
servant. Jafaar had to quickly assimilate himself into his new home through learning the
language and etiquette in addressing his new master. Through the years, Jafaar grows
alongside Dayang-Dayang, the datus daughter and he becomes fond of her. However,
Jafaar knows the difference of their social standing and they can never be together. At
the same time, Jafaar was aware that Dayang-Dayang was only fond of him because of
his hare-lip.
As Jafaar grew into adulthood, he knew change was coming. A government was
established, and the old order of Mindanao must adapt or suffer the consequences.
When Dayang-Dayangs immediate family rebelled, her family suffered a great loss. Her
father was slain, and her mother died of grief, while her husband was serving his
sentence in a penal institution. The lands of her family which were handed down from
their ancestors were confiscated by the government and she was only left enough to
sustain her family. Now, Dayang-Dayang no longer lives a life of luxury. On the other
hand, Jafaar, was able to thrive in the new order. He amassed himself a small amount
of fortune enough for two to three wives.
The wheels of fortune reversed for the two of them.
Despite this, Jafaar was still hesitant to come into Dayang-Dayangs aide
because his social status will never be equal to Dayang-Dayangs. He still considered
himself as a slave and Dayang-Dayang as a blue blood. This goes to show that even if
the political climate changes, customs and traditions will continue to thrive.