kapalaran

Kapalaran is a Tagalog noun meaning fate, fortune, or destiny. It refers to the sequence of events believed to govern a person's life and to the outcomes—good or bad—that arise from these events. In everyday language, kapalaran can encompass both predetermination and the luck of circumstance.

Etymology and nuance: The term is commonly contrasted with tadhana (destiny) and swerte (luck). Kapalaran carries a sense of inevitability or consequence tied to a person’s life path, whereas swerte emphasizes favorable chance, and tadhana emphasizes a larger, preordained plan.

Cultural context: In Filipino culture, beliefs about kapalaran are blended with religious and folk practices. People may attribute successes or misfortunes to kapalaran while also acting to influence outcomes through effort, prayer, or rituals. The expression bahala na embodies surrender to fate and is often used together with the idea of kapalaran.

Literature and media: Kapalaran is a common theme in Filipino literature, film, and music, where characters confront change, fate, and choice.

In summary, kapalaran refers to the concept of fate and fortune in Filipino thought, widely used across language and culture.