A Creative View Misjudged by a Few

‎In Pulilan, what should have been a celebration of culture and creativity has instead sparked criticism—revealing the true colors of those who judge only what they see and not the meaning beneath.

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‎The Mandala-Painted Carabao Statue at Pulilan Market is meant to show the artistry of Pulileños and give new life to a long-standing tradition, but it has become the center of debate among many residents. While many (mostly teenagers) see them as a creative expression of Pulilan's evolving culture, others are quick to judge, calling it "inappropriate" to paint them that way because it's not traditional. This kind of reaction shifts the focus away from the art's purpose and reveals how quickly people tend to judge things they do not fully understand.

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‎Creativity has always been a part of many advancing cultures, constantly evolving as communities grow. The  Mandala-Painted Carabao is not meant to disrespect tradition but to add meaning and artistic expression to it. However, many close-minded individuals are quick to judge it. Whenever they see creativity in art, they immediately associate it with negativity. It limits how we can expand our culture.

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‎Art and tradition are not opposites; in fact, they can coexist and even enrich one another. When communities allow such creativity to be part of cultural expression, they do not lose meaning—instead, they gain new ways to be accepted by different generations.

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‎In the end, the issue is not about how the carabao was painted, but how people choose to see it. Whether viewed as art or as a controversy, they reflect something deeper about society's openness to change. Instead of judging it, it is better to appreciate its creativity and the message it gives to culture and the community.