Speech No.3: Organize your Speech

The objectives of this speech are:
- To begin speaking before an audience.
- To help you understand what areas require particular emphasis in your speaking development.
- To introduce yourself to your fellow club members.
Time 5 to 6 minutes.

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Why men are takusa?
Rico Abibas
Date presented: July 20, 2001

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. This is recorded in Genesis 3:6.

This is how it all began at the Garden of Eden. And then the man became a living Takusa! Takusa is an abbreviation for "Takot sa asawa". Fortunately, I'm one of them and very proud to be one. Why was Adam suddenly become so afraid of Eve that when she offered the fruit to him, he just ate it without even complaining? Adam could shout Eve, no… no, no, we can't eat that fruit. Did God prohibit eating this fruit? They knew that even touching these fruits could kill them! By following his wife capricious desire, Adam is a battered husband here? Later in the succeeding chapters of the Genesis, when God learned about this, He ask Adam why he did it. Adam replied by saying, "The woman you created for me, she gave me the fruit and I ate it". A typical takusa alibi expressed by a man when in a confrontational situation. "Sabi ni misis eh, I just follow".

Actually, Adam is just but a loving husband. He was like a faithful chief of staff that is very loyal to her Kumander-in-chief. Though he has no mother-in-law at that time, he looked at Eve to be a living image of a future mother. He surely treated Eve like a fragile vessel. He loved Eve so much that he despises God's commandments. Although that act of sinning separated them from gaining access to the Garden of Eden even further, nevertheless it established a binding yet eternal human relationship. A family was born.

We all know that a wife is the biggest contributor to her husband's success in life, in his chosen career, of his well being. Throughout history, woman caused some great man to fall. The lists are getting longer. According to the study last year, the common cause of the breakdown of marriages is personality differences, which means they react and handle situations differently. These couples never had any respect for each other opinions and suggestions. Either he or she wants to do his or her own thing. The husband says "I'll do it my own way" but the wife insists "my way is the best". They have no feeling of takusa to each other. Takusa is a very clear deep respect for each other. Without takusa, see what the results are misery, confusion, annulment, pain, and depression. The family is broken!

Takusa approach is a permanent solution for every marital conflict. It gives couple better communication opportunities that will address their issues and problems. Eagerness to solve for better resolution of conflicts is always there. Both kills off their respective distressed pride and easily give way for forgiveness and to forget.

Being a takusa has a positive effect on family relationship. It strengthens the family. The father adds lights to brighten the Four Corners and walls of the house causing more harmony and respect to each member at home. I am not saying here that the father should be like an "andres de saya" that actually connotes a negative image of male chauvinism. But takusa accepts equality with both sexes. It applies not only to the husband but also to wife as if she respects and held high esteem for her husband's headmanship.

Of course, takusa attitude is not easy to learn. The machonism image of Filipino male is at stake. It takes self-discipline and will power especially on the part of the man. The wife just follows if she would experience his husband takusa's respect. The children will grow in a lovable, respectful and happy marriage, family environment that promotes unity, understanding and harmonious teamwork. The good reputation of the family will pass on to generation to generation. Saving a family is what most takusa men is concern of. So, to all the brave men here, please raise your hands if you are a takusa, come on, and don't be shy?