“BAHALA NA”

Bahala na is one of the most widely used phrases in the Philippines. This phrase is so

abused that it sometimes serves as a default answer. What does it exactly mean and how is it

used?

Filipinos usually say “Bahala na” when they are unable to decide their next course of

action or when they have no idea what will happen next. They say this phrase as if all they want

is to go with the flow, not minding what the outcome might be.

You won’t find any direct translation of this phrase in English. Probably, the expression

that can be considered as closest in meaning based on its common use stated above is the

Spanish phrase que sera sera, which means “whatever will be, will be.”

The word bahala is actually a derivative of the word Bathala, which refers to the ancient

Supreme Being worshiped by Filipinos during the pre-Spanish Period. It can be said that the

proper use of this phrase should be in the context of leaving things in the hands of the Divine

Being. Simply put, “Bahala na” can be the equivalent of the Islamic term Inshallah, which means

“God willing” or “if Allah wills.”

The use of the phrase “Bahala na” in the second context somewhat manifests the

tendency of Filipinos to humbly submit everything to the Higher Being during tough times.

People who frequently use this phrase don’t see anything wrong with it. They even see it as a

positive thing because it acknowledges that the Supreme Being has a greater power than man,

which is why they are entrusting their lives to Him.

or a form of avoidance of responsibility. Some scholars see it as just an excuse of lazy people for

getting away from their personal responsibility.

Scholars also theorize that saying “Bahala na” is like admitting that people lack a sense

of internal locus of control, which means that they don’t believe they have the power to effect

change in their lives.

There are other scholars, though, who interpret “Bahala na” in a more positive manner.

Instead of seeing it as an act of laziness or a fatalistic approach to problems, they say that it is

actually a demonstration of determination and willingness to take risks.

Some scholars interpret “Bahala na” not as a form of passivity, but rather, as a kind of

mantra, a positive affirmation that helps them become stronger. When people say “Bahala na”

they are encouraging and telling themselves that they are ready to deal with tough situations or

life-changing moments that may come into their lives. Saying this phrase is the same as declaring

their confidence that they can come up with solutions when those events finally arrive.

One thing is for sure; there is no right or wrong interpretation with regards to the meaning

of “Bahala na.” In the end, it all boils down to the fact that meanings can be subjective. It all

depends on the context in which the phrase is used.

Bahala Na! is a Tagalog expression that perfectly encapsulates the typical Filipino

attitude towards life.

happens will happen.

Scholars tend to label it as a form of fatalism.

For Filipinos, this prevailing sentiment also gives rise to a work ethic that is along the

lines of: “As long as something is good enough and will likely pass muster, there’s no extra effort

required.”

“Whatever… We’re happy… Everything’s ok… The house is not on fire… God will help

us… Nothing to worry about… No problem… Good enough is good enough… Why waste

energy and expend extra effort to make it 100% perfect if there’s already an 50% chance that it

will do? Law of diminishing returns, buddy.”

“Bahala na” is a philosophical expression Filipinos used when they are confronted with

problems. They will say “Bahala Na”, meaning “come what may,” “whatever will be, will be,”

‘leave it to God’, like the Spanish word “que sera, sera”.

“Bahala na”,comes from the phrase Bathala na, where Bathala means God. Bahala also

means trust or custody. Na is used as an adverb of time just like already. So it can literally be

translated as God already or God will take care already. It is used in the context of “Trust in

God”, “God will take control”,“Leave it to God” because God will provide. In a sense, it can be

construed as a negative attitude in life, a defeatist or fatalistic attitude where you are only willing

to do so much and leave the rest to God. Some people believe it makes you irresponsible,

careless and lazy. On the other hand, it stops you from worrying about your problem during
uncertain times. It relieves stress knowing you did everything you could and God will take

control of the rest.

When faced with challenging situations, Filipinos can do a daring act and they leave

everything to God hoping God will take care of them. They accept what comes their way,

appreciate what they have, and God will take care of the rest. In time of tragedy, they are not

easily discouraged. They know they have done their best and with a strong faith, they leave

everything to God, knowing God is on their side. True, the term signifies an attitude intended to

surrender to fate which can be construed as a negative attitude but it enables them to take a

chance and accept what fate has to offer. It can also be viewed as a positive thinking, in the sense

that it gives them strength and confidence to tackle any job head on in the hope that everything

will turn out for the best if God wills it.

“Bahala na” is used in different ways such as:

 Bahala na – come what may

 Akong bahala sa ‘yo. – I’ll take care of you

 Bahala – whatever

 Bahala ka na – it’s up to you

 Bahala ka na nga – it’s up to you

 Bahala na ang Dios – it’s up to God

 Bahala na kayo – it’s up to you or the decision is yours

 Bahala ka na sa akin – you’ll take care of me

 Bahala na sina nanay at nanay – it’s up to mom and dad

 Bahala na kayong lahat – it’s up to all of you

 Bahala na kong anong mangyari. – he/she will accept whatever will happen

 Ikaw ang bahala d’yan – you’re in charge of that.

 Ipabahala – to leave the responsibility to someone else

 mabahala – to be concerned, to feel worried.

 Palagi ka nalang bahala na – you are always saying come what may

 magwalang-bahala – to disregard

 walang-bahal – ignorant,negligent

 Nabahala ako sa narinig ko – I was distressed by what I heard

Que Sera Sera ...

Psychology behind Bahala Na

 Scholars also theorize that saying “Bahala na” is like admitting that people lack a sense

of internal locus of control, which means that they don’t believe they have the power to

effect change in their lives.

Instead of seeing it as an act of laziness or a fatalistic approach to problems, they say that

it is actually a demonstration of determination and willingness to take risks.

 When people say “Bahala na” they are encouraging and telling themselves that they are

ready to deal with tough situations or life-changing moments that may come into their

lives.

 Saying this phrase is the same as declaring their confidence that they can come up with

solutions when those events finally arrive.

 The "Bahala Na" philosophy shows how Filipinos puts his or her full trust in this Bathala.

 Thus, Filipino accepts beforehand whatever the outcome of the problem might be.

(Mercado, 2000)

"Bahala Na" as a Philosophy

Overseas Filipino Workers

"Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao ang gawa."

 The pre-Spanish Filipino believed in a Supreme Being.

 “Bahala na”,comes from the phrase Bathala na, where Bathala means God.

 “Bahala na” is a philosophical expression Filipinos used when they are confronted with

problems.
 In Cebuano, a dialect of Cebu province, “Bahala Na” is translated as mahitabo kung

mahitabo; dili na mahinungdanon kung unsa pa may mahitabo o dangatan. I think I’ll stay

with Bahala Na. It’s easier to remember.

The literature on bahala na has largely focused on its negative qualities such as its

seeming equivalence with dependence and fatalism. However, bahala na actually finds its roots

in the spiritual core of the value system of the Filipinos, hence should be an expression of

something desirable and worthy. This research aimed to refocus our attention and explore the

positive side of bahala na in the context of five strengths: hope, self-efficacy, optimism, courage,

and search for the sacred. Two focus group discussions were conducted in Metro Manila

involving 11 and 13 participants respectively coming from a middle class village and an urban

poor community. Thematic analysis was used to examine the data. Results show that whilebahala

na retains some of its more popular negative aspects, the predominant view suggests a rational

assessment of one’s resources and the situation which leads to a series of goal-attainment

activities. It was also discovered that socio-economic status is a factor in the way bahala na was

used in the context of hope, self-efficacy, and search for the sacred.

References:

1. The Psychology Behind the Phrase “Bahala Na” - Anything Psych

www.anythingpsych.com/2013/12/the-psychology-behind-bahala-na

2. Bahala Na! in Filipino Culture - Tagalog Lang

https://www.tagaloglang.com › FILIPINO CULTURE

3. What is the meaning of BAHALA NA? – Rosalinda R Morgan