"Mabuti" is a short story known for its simple yet profound narrative that tackles themes of

inner strength, humility, and the unspoken struggles of people.

The character "Mabuti", a schoolteacher who is known for her positive attitude and constant use
of the word "mabuti" (meaning "good" or "okay" in Filipino) regardless of the circumstances.
"Mabuti" serves as a reflection of the resilience many people exhibit, choosing to focus on the
positive despite the difficulties they face in life. It highlights how often people hide their emotions,
showing only what they want others to see.

1. Malirip – hindi maunawaan

2. Agam-agam - pangamba,alinlangan, pag-aalangan
3. Napatda - napahinto o napatigil
4. Naulinig – narinig
5. Kandungan - Karamay o Masasandalan
6. Magmasid- magmatyag o magbantay
7. Kariktan - kagandahan, karilagan o kahali-halina sa paningin ng isang tao

Tinawag ng estudyante na "Mabuti" ang kanyang guro dahil palaging ginagamit ng guro ang salitang
"mabuti" sa kanilang mga pag-uusap at sa bawat sitwasyon, kahit na ang sitwasyon ay hindi talaga
mabuti. Sa tuwing nagbibigay ng payo o nagkukwento ang guro, sinasabi niya ang "mabuti," kaya ito ang
naging bansag sa kanya ng kanyang mga estudyante.

1. how the story of mabuti told? what technique is used?

The story of "Mabuti" by Genoveva Edroza-Matute is told through a first-person point of view, where one
of Mabuti's students narrates the events. This narrative style allows the reader to see the story through
the eyes of the student, who gradually uncovers the complexities of Mabuti’s character. The use of this
perspective creates a sense of intimacy and discovery, as the narrator slowly learns more about the
teacher's personal struggles.

2. What point of view is used in the story?

The story "Mabuti" is told from a first-person point of view, specifically through the perspective
of one of Mabuti’s students. The narrator is part of the story and recounts their observations,
thoughts, and feelings about their teacher, Mabuti. This perspective allows readers to experience
the gradual discovery of Mabuti's personal struggles and the emotional depth behind her
cheerful façade through the eyes of the student.
This point of view creates a sense of intimacy and reflection, as the narrator shares not just the
events but also their personal realizations about the teacher's character.
3. Who is telling the story?
The story "Mabuti" is told by one of Mabuti's students, who serves as the first-person narrator.
This student observes and reflects on Mabuti's actions, behaviors, and the emotions she hides
behind her cheerful demeanor. Through the narrator's eyes, we gradually learn more about
Mabuti’s character and personal struggles, making the story a journey of discovery for both the
narrator and the readers.
4. Why is she telling the story?
The student in "Mabuti" is telling the story because she undergoes a personal realization and
transformation through her interactions with her teacher, Mabuti. Initially, the student sees
Mabuti as a positive, cheerful person who frequently uses the word "mabuti" (meaning "good").
However, as the story progresses, the student discovers that her teacher, despite her outward
positivity, carries her own personal grief and struggles.
By telling the story, the student reflects on how she came to understand the complexity of
human emotions—how someone can appear strong and happy on the outside while silently
dealing with pain. This revelation resonates with the student, as she sees Mabuti not only as a
teacher but also as a person with vulnerabilities. The student is likely sharing the story to
illustrate the deeper lessons she learned about strength, empathy, and the importance of
looking beyond outward appearances.

5. What do you think is the story is told in another perspective?

Kung ang kwentong "Mabuti" ay ikukuwento mula sa ibang perspektibo, tulad ng pananaw ni
Mabuti mismo o ng ikatlong-tao na omniscient na tagapagsalaysay, magiging iba ang epekto at
damdamin ng kwento.

Mula sa Pananaw ni Mabuti:

Ang mga mambabasa ay magkakaroon ng direktang access sa mga iniisip at nararamdaman ni

Mabuti. Ito ay magbibigay ng mas malinaw na pagtingin sa kanyang mga personal na pagdurusa
at mga dahilan sa likod ng kanyang positibong anyo. Maaaring mas mapadali ang pag-unawa sa
kanyang kalagayan mula sa simula.
Gayunpaman, maaaring mawalan ng bahagi ng misteryo at unti-unting pagdiskubre na
nagbibigay ng emosyonal na lalim sa kwento. Ang mga mambabasa ay makikilala si Mabuti nang
mas maaga, na maaaring bawasan ang impact ng pagkakaalam sa tunay niyang kalagayan.
Mula sa Pananaw ng Ikatlong-Tao na Omniscient:

Ang tagapagsalaysay na omniscient ay magbibigay ng mas obhetibong pagtingin sa parehong

karakter na si Mabuti at ang estudyante. Maaaring malaman ng mambabasa ang mga iniisip at
nararamdaman ng parehong tauhan, na nagbibigay ng mas kumpletong larawan ng kanilang mga
buhay.
Ang pananaw na ito ay maaaring magbigay ng higit pang konteksto tungkol sa background o
motibasyon ng estudyante, hindi lamang ni Mabuti. Pero, maaaring mabawasan ang personal na
koneksyon na binubuo ng first-person na pananaw, dahil mas malayo ang mambabasa sa
karanasan ng unti-unting pag-unawa sa kalagayan ni Mabuti.
Sa pangkalahatan, ang kwento ay mawawalan ng misteryo at emosyonal na pag-unlad na dulot
ng pananaw ng estudyante. Ang kasalukuyang first-person na pananaw ay nagpapahintulot sa
mambabasa na maranasan ang pag-usbong ng pag-unawa ng estudyante sa guro, na nagdadala
ng mas malalim na emosyonal na koneksyon sa kwento.
1. What reality of life is shown in the story?
The story "Mabuti" by Genoveva Edroza-Matute portrays several aspects of the reality of life:
The Mask of Positivity: The story illustrates how people often present a positive exterior
to the world while concealing their inner struggles and pain. Mabuti's constant use of the
word "mabuti" symbolizes her attempt to maintain an optimistic facade despite her personal
difficulties. This reflects the reality that individuals sometimes hide their true feelings to
appear strong or to protect themselves from judgment.
Hidden Suffering: The narrative reveals that behind a cheerful and resilient demeanor
can be significant emotional and personal suffering. Mabuti’s internal struggles are not
visible to those around her, highlighting how people often face challenges alone and keep
their pain private.
The Complexity of Human Nature: The story shows that people are multifaceted, and
their behavior might not always reflect their true feelings. Mabuti’s outward positivity
contrasts with her hidden sorrow, underscoring the complexity of human emotions and the
difficulty of fully understanding another person’s experiences.
Empathy and Understanding: Through the student’s realization, the story emphasizes
the importance of empathy and understanding in relationships. It suggests that taking the
time to understand others and recognizing their hidden struggles can lead to deeper
connections and support.
Overall, "Mabuti" reflects the complexity of human emotions and the often-hidden
nature of personal struggles, urging readers to look beyond appearances and to approach
others with compassion and empathy.

2. Which parts of the story reveal this?

Several key parts of "Mabuti" reveal the realities of life depicted in the story:
Mabuti’s Use of "Mabuti":

The repeated use of the word "mabuti" by Mabuti in various situations highlights her
effort to project a positive image. Her habitual use of the word, even in challenging
circumstances, signifies her attempt to mask her true feelings and maintain an optimistic
exterior.
The Student’s Observations:
The student's initial perception of Mabuti as a cheerful and resilient teacher provides
insight into how Mabuti is seen by others. The student’s observations of Mabuti's behavior
and her seemingly unwavering positivity contribute to the theme of hidden suffering.
The Revelation of Mabuti’s Personal Struggles:
As the story progresses, the student begins to uncover hints about Mabuti’s personal
difficulties. For example, subtle references to Mabuti's personal life and her moments of
quiet sadness reveal that her outward demeanor does not reflect her internal reality.
The Teacher’s Private Moments:
Moments in the story where Mabuti is alone or away from her students reveal her
vulnerability and hidden sorrow. These private moments contrast with her public persona
 and emphasize the emotional distance between her outward appearance and her inner
reality.
The Student’s Realization:
The climax of the story comes when the student fully realizes the depth of Mabuti’s
struggles. This moment of understanding signifies a shift from seeing Mabuti through the
lens of her public persona to acknowledging the complexity of her true emotional state.
These parts collectively illustrate the themes of hidden suffering, the mask of positivity, and
the complexity of human nature, emphasizing the importance of empathy and
understanding in recognizing and supporting others’ struggles.

3. If you were Mabuti, how will you react to peoples negative comment to you?
If you are Mabuti, facing negative comments from people, here are some ways you might
consider reacting:

Maintain Composure: Stay calm and composed. Reacting emotionally to negativity can
escalate the situation. Instead, take a moment to reflect before responding.

Reflect on the Criticism: Evaluate whether the negative comments have any merit.
Constructive criticism can be valuable for personal growth, while unfounded negativity might
be dismissed or ignored.

Set Boundaries: Politely but firmly set boundaries if the comments are disrespectful or
hurtful. It’s important to assert yourself and protect your well-being.

Seek Support: Talk to friends, family, or mentors about the situation. They can offer
perspective, support, and advice on how to handle the comments constructively.

Focus on Positivity: Remind yourself of your strengths and positive qualities. Engaging in
activities that uplift you and reinforce your self-worth can help counteract the impact of
negative comments.

Respond Thoughtfully: If you choose to respond, do so with thoughtfulness and respect.

Addressing concerns calmly and professionally can sometimes defuse negativity and foster
constructive dialogue.

Practice Self-Care: Engage in activities that help you relax and recharge. Taking care of your
mental and emotional health is crucial when dealing with negativity.

Learn and Grow: Use the experience as an opportunity for self-improvement if the feedback
is valid. Embracing a growth mindset can help you handle criticism more effectively.

Remember, it's important to balance resilience with self-care and seek support when
needed. Your reactions to negativity should align with maintaining your dignity and well-
being.
 4. If you knew your teacher’s secret, will you react the same as the student who said “ Gaya ng
kanyang ama?”
Respect Privacy: If the teacher’s secret is personal and not directly affecting you, it might be
best to respect their privacy and not disclose it to others. Maintaining confidentiality is often
important in building trust.

5. If you were Mabuti, how will you respond to this reaction?

If the reaction is compassionate, you could express gratitude for their empathy. This can
strengthen your relationship and encourage a supportive environment.
Example: “Thank you for understanding. It means a lot to me that you can see beyond the
surface.”

1. How did you feel while reading?

While reading the story "Mabuti", readers might experience a range of emotions:

Sympathy: As readers learn about Mabuti’s hidden struggles and personal pain, they may feel
sympathy for her. The contrast between her outward positivity and her internal difficulties can
evoke a sense of compassion.

Empathy: Readers may empathize with both Mabuti and the student narrator. Understanding
Mabuti’s situation and the student’s gradual realization can lead to a deeper emotional
connection with the characters.

Sadness: The revelation of Mabuti’s personal hardships and her struggle to maintain a positive
facade despite her pain can be quite poignant, leading to feelings of sadness.

Inspiration: Mabuti’s resilience and ability to maintain a positive outlook despite her challenges
might inspire readers. Her strength in facing adversity could be seen as a powerful testament to
human resilience.

Reflection: The story might prompt readers to reflect on their own experiences and the
experiences of those around them. It encourages readers to consider the hidden struggles of
others and the importance of empathy.

Curiosity: Readers may feel curious about the nature of Mabuti’s struggles and the dynamics
between her and the student. The unfolding narrative and the gradual revelation of Mabuti’s
true emotions can keep readers engaged and intrigued.

Surprise: The contrast between Mabuti’s cheerful demeanor and her hidden pain can come as a
surprise, especially as the story unfolds and the depth of her character is revealed.
 Overall, "Mabuti" evokes a mix of emotions that encourage readers to think deeply about human
nature, resilience, and the importance of looking beyond appearances to understand the true
essence of a person.

2. Read the story parts that makes you feel that way
3. What are in these line that make you feel that way?