Filipino Discipline
According to Tomas Andres, Ateneo de Manila University professor and creator of the training system Management by Filipino Values, “The Filipino as a nation has a defeatist attitude. He is happy and feels lucky to be second best.”
This assetion can be furthered by our ubiquitous disobedience of the most menial rules in our country whether it’s lining up for the MRT, segregating trash, or crossing the road. Often, we chalk up these behaviors to living in a third-world country, as if we’re supposed to settle for civil mediocrity just because of our perception towards our country.
This scenario mocks our identity as a nation. The issue that prevails regarding our discipline is the grassroot of our nation's discordance. To answer the question, it is a yes. Everything is chained to each other. Our lack of discipine entails lack of sense of national cooperation and unity.
Before anything else, let us be reminded that a nation with undisciplined citizens will never propel itself to success. This is true in our case. There has been major manifestations of these things such as in the traffic, political arena, institutions such as school, and family as a social institution is not excused.
Accept it or not but many of us are deviant to the set laws, hence the crimes committed everyday. We tend to always judge other people without being rational, often end up badmouthing them. There are those who live their lives disregarding the principles of equality and equity discriminating people easily. Like what our athletes failed to possess during the controversial FIBA Basketball match's brawl that our country engaged into, we really lacked discipline.
The question pops. What do these things reflect? What do these things say about Filipinos? Moreover, what do these imply in respect to our quest for a globally competitive nation? This is not making hasty generalization. Rather, this is asking what has to be asked?
Our lack of discipline paralyzes our sense of national cooperation and unity because basically, we are on the wrong road. We are impaired within ourselves and so, how can we stand as one if our feet are paralyzed? We can not stand because we have our own agenda which are selfish and self- executory in nature. We can not stand as one becaues we are not willing to be helped by the authorities. We can not because we actually don't want.
In this age of global competition where our country has to level up its game, unity and cooperation are necessities. Yet, we can only be united if we instill discipline in us, have in ourselves the willingness to follow and obey rules, with open heart and open mind. Remove your blindfold, lead or be led.
Instant
Unjust justice.
Nowadays, no one wants to endure the delayed path to justice in the country anymore. As the Filipinos are now seeking for instant justice, these aggrieved masses take the media as their quickest bastion of hope. Who does not want an instant justice, anyway?
Tulfo Justice is the brand of instant justice today. Raffy Tulfo in Action is now a household name for the poor, the troubled, and the oppressed. This media show surfaced the news after its controversial November 18 episode where a teacher was put into public trial and worse, was made to choose between facing criminal charges and having her licence revoked in an instant. All of these because of allegedly humiliating her Grade 2 pupil when she made him sit outside the classroom for the whole period because of not returning his report card.
For the end does not justify the means, the instant justice that this show brings can never sugarcoat the unjustness of the process.
It unveils the sorry state of our justice system. Its process which is trial by publicity, where proper forum is disregarded, is a lucid violation of due process. Subjecting the accused to hectoring, criticizing, and public shaming is unjust in itself.
It is hypocrisy to provide justice in an unjust way. Providing justice right away, even to the expense of bypassing the protocol, mocks not only the judiciary branch but also all the concerned government agencies who are already robbed of their authority.
The Tulfo justice is partial, irrational and subject to quick compromise. In the case of the teacher who was given disproportionate punishment, Tulfo overlooked the fact that under the Family Code, teachers are actually given the responsibility to act in loco parentis, hence the need to instill discipline in the children, punishment for that matter if necessary. In fact, Tulfo was not even right in saying that the act of the teacher is a form of child abuse because as per RA 7610, there was no clear intention to debase, degrade or demean the intrinsic worth of the child.
Situations of people turning to media for instant justice also reflects our questionable culture. Apparently, we always want things to be done, in our own way, in just a snap. Anent, Tulfo in Action is always bombarded with issues, many of which are very personal, which could be settled privately, and some are just really petty.
Tulfo justice is instant. While it may seem instant, the hasty verdict it offers is putting the concerned individuals in limbo. If Tulfo is indeed for public service, he should be someone neutral and should serve as the mediator in resolving the issues. The right of the people to be heard adequately in the proper forum, and to be protected against self- incrimination should be inviolable. Really, no one is above the law, not even Tulfo.
Certainly, Filipinos are fond of shortcuts. May it be in cooking foods, getting information, or communicating with someone. Nevermind these, but justice is not instant.
The "World Today" is the transition between the "World Yesterday" and the "World Tomorrow". The latter is beyond enigmatic.
Yesterday, I had a brisk walk along a bypass road constructed to decongest the heavy traffic in the city. It's heartbreaking to see the lifeless streets. I saw a family of four people scavenging leftover foods in the trash. I saw a man walking looking exhausted, down, and broken evident on the tears he was shedding. Eventually, I learned that this employee was one of those who were laid off and fired due to this pandemic. I once again looked at the lifeless street. Being able to see and hear stories of the street I was walking by shows a glimpse of the unwanted status quo several months from now. This is very unusual. A reality everyone needs to face and accept...
The New Normal is indeed abnormal!
Understanding the Self Series (Part 3)
Question: What are your most treasured materials?
Invaluable. Irreplaceable. Treasures.
1. Body: Among my body parts, I treasure my eyes the most. It is for a reason that my eyes let me see this beautifu world I am living in. My eyes are the gifts I am very grateful for. Having such gifts gives me the ability to appreciate what life has to offer. By simply looking at the landscapes of this world, the nature, and most importantly the people, I couldn't imagine how my life would be without sense of sight.
2. Clothes: Since my birth, I spent majority of my time being a student. Many of my clothes were short- lived. But, my school uniforms remain to be alive. It is a fact that I still have with me my elementary school uniforms. I really treasure them because I believe that they are a proof of my dedication. They are a reminder that I have been through a lot. Whenever I change my uniforms, I always make it sure that I keep them.
3. People: I have met a lot of people. Many are good, some are bad. I have made friends. Many stayed, some left. But, among the people I have met and known, among the relationships I have made, I always go back to them- my parents.
My parents are not infallible, certainly, but, I love them. They are not perfect, for sure, but I want them. They are not gold, I know, but I treasure them.
They give me life. They continuously do. In fact, they are my life. I am nothing without them. I may not be someone who is expressive, yet, everything that I do is genuinely for them. I study really well so that I could give them a more comfortable life someday. They have sacrificed much for me. And, I would want to give them their return of investment by becoming successful.
I treasure them not just because they are my immediate family. It is because they are treasures who are invaluable and worth my life.
Truly, there are things that we should be very grateful for. There are things which testify how lucky we are. These things are treasures that we will forever own.
Great, Not Perfect
You opened my eyes
For that I saw the world
You are the prize
That forever I will have.
You accepted the rainbow in me
That other families wouldn't do
My worth is what you always see
For that I'm grateful to you.
Others seek for a perfect version
But, why would I if the word's not perfection
Happy family is what we are
Not perfect but at least happy is what we are.
Since we are imperfect
We sometimes conflict, not just once
Biases, prejudices, and interest
Quarrel at times, but remains as one.
No money, it is fine
Others turn back and go away
Well, the pleasure is all mine
As long as you will stay.
To live once more, if it's my fate
I would choose to be with you without regret
For perfect is not always great
And you are great even if you're not perfect.
What Should Students Consider When Buying A Tablet?
Learning has been made easy with the use of educational technologies. Tablet, which is one its forms, really provides an up-to-date learning experience for us, students. Having said that, if I would be set to buy a tablet device to use at school, the following are the things that I would consider.
In terms of specifications, the first thing that I would look at is the tablet's operating system. Since it's the life of the device, it is definitely a must to choose an OS that it . Second is the tablet's memory. Considering the future files that I would have to save, choosing a tablet with extensive memory to be able to store lots of media files. Third, tablet's size and weight. I would look for a tablet which would not be hassle to bring. Fourth, its wireless connectivity. Taking into account the videos that we would have to watch online and videos and files to be downloaded, I would pick a tablet that has ensured Wi- Fi connectivity. And lastly, I think it is also necessary to look on the battery life of the tablet. As student, the battery life of my tablet would have an impact on the quality of my outputs in class.
Choosing a tablet should be carefully carried out. After looking in to the specifications and features of the tablet that I would buy, the question on how would I buy it is the next in line. The process of purchasing the tablet online seems to be interesting.
Online purchasing is making use of the internet to buy products and services. Convenience is the biggest benefit that I could get from this. Purchasing a tablet online would entail advantages and disadvantages. On its benefits, I could shop anytime and anywhere. Through online shopping, learning and comparing the features and specifications of the tablets of different brands. From their operating systems up to their battery life, online shopping could be the most efficient way to observe these things before choosing which tablet would I buy. However, the disadvantage of this would be the lack of physical purchasing experience where I could hold the products. I think that based on my above listed considerations in purchasing a tablet, things that are most likely a compromise would be the tablet's size and weight since I could not really tell the best size and weight for me by simply looking at mere numbers.
Meanwhile, in as much as it provides the buyers more convenience, websites could be unfriendly, scammy, or complicated. It also fails to give sales assistance. Shipping could be delayed. And, you might not really get what you want.
Certainly, purchasing a tablet online has perks and disadvantages. But, I think it's all about looking at the specifications and features of the tablet that definitely fit in my needs as a student.
How Could Social Media Marketing Be More Effective?
With the advent of social media, advertisements of different companies have been made easy. This is all about introducing their products through a bigger platform. I believe that social media marketing could be made successful by keeping the content of their advertisements short, catchy, and powerful.
First, companies should be reminded that nowadays, people are busier. They could hardly scroll in their phones, or if they could, they just swipe up without giving attention to the ads. This is the very reason why ads should be made short because the audience are becoming more and more irritated as they watch or read contents especially if these are really long. The length of the video or in the case of pictures, the elements on the picture should be short yet meaty.
Second, it should be catchy. Social media marketing should be all about stirring the interest of the audience. Netizens always look for something new or even if something is old as long as it is presented from a fresher lense, it will make a difference. New ideas should be incorporated in creating strategies.
And third, it should be powerful. Contents which doesn't leave an impact is powerless, thus forgotten in just a snap. That's why the message should be conveyed in a way that it's appealing and and it will leave a mark on the mind and heart of the audience.
Indeed, social media marketing is a breakthrough in its field. However, if we don't know how to use it accordingly, if we don't know how to play the game, following it's rules, we will never win.
To Be, Or Not To Be: The Agony of Passing College Admission Test
To be or not to be, the Hamlet Soliloquy says. And so is the Admission Test of this institution that strictly determined our fate as aspirants wanting to be part of the levelling up standard of CSU.
In liue of the implementation of the provisions of RA 10931, rumors already had it that the questions would be more difficult as the UP type of test was adopted.
As the schedule drew nearer, I became more and more anxious. Anxious for I was afraid of failure. I wanted to be part of CSU that is why I really wanted to pass. Knowing that passing the CAT was a prerequisite, I did not take this for granted.
Rigid preparations. If you really want something, you should work for it. That urged me to gather books and download reviewers to brace myself. It had seemed like I was about to take the Board of Bar Exam because of my preparations, not to mention my sleepless nights spent for reviewing.
Pressure. The day of the examination came and the pressure built higher. On May 20 this year, I entered the room with a mind boggled with many what- ifs. What if I fail? What if I lose the chance of entry?
Enigmatic. In spite of my intensive review, I was overwhelmed by unpredictable questions that I concluded with uncertain answers. Tantamount to taking other examinations, being able to review was still an advantage. However, I would say that the majority of the questions in the exam was out of my common sense and reviewers, as well.
On top of these, nothing is more pressuring than to wait for the results. Eve of June 25, it was a night of ambivalent feelings. All of my classmates were already getting crazy of the official list of passers.
Bitterness. No one congratulated me and every one was mum about my fate in the exam. I just came to know that my name was not included in the list and I was at the alp of disappointment.
Accepting the bitterness of reality was easy for me but to let other peoplw accept it, that I did not know. I did not know how to tell it to my parents who had high hopes for me. I did not know how to say that I failed to the persons who expected me to pass.
But everything changed when I received a call from a friend who confirmed that I actually passed. Confusing as it may seem but my surname was just misspelled. I immediately looked at the list and there I saw the name Jake Angelo Baraquit. Yes. Baraquit instead of Biraquit. Of course, this was the onset of joy and celebration as I reaped what I sowed with the bonus of snotching the highest percentile rank in all takers in CSUP at 99.84.
While I feel blessed to be able to pass, I could feel the downfall that non-passers felt. If I could put my feet on their shoes, I know for a fact that it killed them inside especially those who could not afford to enrol in private schools but unfortunately did not pass.
Indeed, CSU-CAT was a test of cognitive abilities of a student. But be reminded also that failing in the exam does not literally mean that someone is not good. To be able to pass or not to be able to pass have two definite ways to prereginate. Taking into account those dreams of studying in CSU that are denied, prepare yourself for this exam and never get caught flat- footed.
To be or not to be? This question awaits your response.
Generessions (Generation's Expressions)
"Pst. Pogi, wampipti"
"Sana all"
"Charot"
"Flex ko lang..."
Above are the most used expressions on social media, namely Facebook, Twitter and the likes. Even outside social media world, they are being used, most especially by the millenials.
Today's generation, seemingly, youth's world evolves on social media that upon waking up in the morning, they browse their accounts first even before eating or before doing anything else and till before they go to bed, they never failed to at least open their social media accounts and if not most of the time, they sometimes post status with their own hashtags. With these scenarios on social media, youth now became more witty then hastag expressions has boomed. Even outside the internet world, these expressions are being heared.
"Pst pogi, wampipti"
This expression has been used either of the genders and sexes. Whenever we see 'oppa', we can't help ourselves to say, 'pst pogi wampipti' then laugh after realizing what we have just said.
Moreover, behind this expression is a story of a gay ( not meant to offend somebody), who is trying to call for the attention of a boy to do the 'thing' and in exchange, the gay will pay 150 pesos. However, this is just a meme but portrays reality. Mind you, this is somewhat offensive on the part of those people especially men, who find no humor into it. So be careful who you throw this as a joke.
"Sana all"
"Walang araw na hindi ko narinig yang 'sana all' na yan," this was the statement of a friend who act frustrated to what's happening now but there is humor into it. It is just funny to think that whenever youth see couples walking down the street, do not be surprised if somebody shouts 'sana all'.
This expression has different versions because of the millennials' wittiness. There is this sana ol, china oil, and sana oil. However, exploitation of the creation of different expressions sometimes go beyond limits.
"Charot"
This is the other term for the word "joke". Actually, this expression is a gay language term.
Scrolling down our social media accounts, we often see this expression. I remember from a Facebook status I've read, "i love you CHAROT," this explains that, in every 'charot', there is a hidden 'harot'. See how playful the minds of millennials now? On the other way around, they must know who, when and where to use the expressions they created on their own.
"Flex ko lang..."
On the vocabulary of millenals, flex means to display something to be proud of or something funny. Like what we usually see on Facebook status', example, "flex ko lang yung klase naming pamilya raw pero may magjowa", "flex ko lang yung teacher naming mabait" and many more. Many are flexible, but not all are being flexed.
One time, a meme caught my attention saying "walang nag fe flex sa akin, baka kasi matukkul ako", is a different thing when we speak literally.
However, these expressions prove that this is a modern world. Where there will always be the birth of something new and different. It is also the sign of modernization where millennials meddle with everything that might caught their interest and get into it with.
In our everyday lives, it is not healthy if we take things too much in a serious way. Might as well, make fun of things sometimes. We cannot avoid to make these funny things to apply in our daily lives without even realizing. That at the end, we find ourselves laughing about our 'kajejehan' as they say but most importantly, all these things and experiences are priceless. That even in our own little ways, we experienced having fun with our generation's expressions.
Understanding the Self Series (Part 2)
Question: What do you hold sacred in your life?
Life is the best gift we have received. It is something that we are given to take care of. Anent, I always look at it as something sacred. It is a special gift from above.
Our life is sacred.
We are sacred.
Our journey is sacred.
That is why it is heartbreaking to know that many people kill themselves and take their lives away. I just don't think that we have the right to do such thing. I consider it sacred because it is a gift God gave us and at the same time, we only have one life. Hence, it is just to maximize our time on earth while also taking care of ourselves.
Today, suicide has become an option for many especially those helpless. I am saddened. Though I don't really know and understand their plight, I think we should all consider our lives as sacred. I, personally, take life as the best gift I ever received. I wouldn't risk it for nothing. I take care of it because it is temporary. Yet, I know that whatever I do with it would soon become my legacy.
Understanding the Self Series (Part 1)
Question: Are you beautiful? Why or why not?
I am beautiful because I feel like I am beautiful. I act confident and I'm proud of my appearance and it is enough for me to feel beautiful. I'm beautiful in my own way.
Everybody is born uniquely and I think that's what made us particularly varying from each other. Beauty is not solely on the physical attributes of a person. Notwithstanding the fact, beauty is the overall being of someone. Remember, heart is the window to our soul.
God has made everything beautiful! I am a human created by my God, has maintained the natural order of man and that is to be naturally good. I have my heart and I use my mind well and good! Yes! I am beautiful! Yes, I am beautiful and will always be beautiful. My eyes, my nose, my lips, my body are all beautiful and that also includes my heart. Why? Simply because, I accept and admire what God had given me and knowing my worth as a woman made me let go of my insecurities and taught me how to love myself including my imperfections that made everything about me, prettier.
Indeed, definitions of beauty is diverse. That is undeniable. It varies from one person to another. Something that is common about our defintions is that all of us say that we are beautiful and handsome based on our own and distinct standards.
I believe that how someone perceives his or her physical self has a huge impact on their way of life. I believe that it's always the way how you look at yourself that matters.
We see ourselves as beautiful, and that is what matters.
I believe that we should all be confident with what we look like. We should not be intimidated and insecure about what other people may tell us.
I uphold the belief of Confucius that "Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it." I believe that beauty is defined by the one who is defining it. In fact, it has no specific and common definition. Well, something is beautiful for me when its impact reaches my heart. As time goes on, I have learned to appreciate everything. I think that everything is really beautiful. What's more interesting about this is the process of looking for beauty in everything.
If you feel that you are not beautiful, well, you are not feeling well. We are all beautiful. That is a fact.
Understanding the Self Series (Intro)
Hello there! I am a newbie in this platform and I can say that I am already enjoying it here. For my succeeding articles, I would like to publish reflections about various topics anchored on understanding one's self. I hope you support me, guys! For the first part, I'm going to share you my response to the question: "Are you beautiful, why or why not?" I'll write about this on the first part of my "Understanding the Self Series". Meanwhile, share your insights in the comment section below. Thank you!
Pandemic Pondering
The world is busy as always. People are everywhere- going to work, attending school, travelling to different places, partying until dawn, shopping the stores, and the list goes on.
Everything was normal until December 31 last year when China alerted the WHO to several cases of unusual pneumonia in Wuhan, a city of 11 million people. There was a virus born that I never thought could change the status quo.
At first, our government in the Philippines was still complacent and saw no necessity to safeguard our country from the disease. It was saddening to note that in the wake of the Novel Corona Virus (NCOV), the government still waited for the number of COVID- 19 cases to rise before banning tourists that have travel history from China. We were forewarned but were not forearmed. We thought that we would be fine, until January 30 this year when our Department of Health reported the first case of COVID-19 in the country with a 38-year-old female Chinese national.
It has never been this way. Since lockdown is put into effect, people are now inside of their houses. Streets are empty. Public places are lifeless. Everything that has been happening seems to be a part of a movie. From community quarantine to enhanced community quarantine, to general community quarantine, and in fact, there are actually places where total lockdown is enforced.
What is going on? We have become strangers in our own world. Our world has become strange to us. In this unprecedented moment, I can only reflect.
Up-to-date, we travel into the unknown. The bodies of dead individuals who succumbed to COVID- 19, wrapped and cremated are flashing in grey dullness of my imagination. It hurts to witness their families lament on their deaths without even having the chance to be with them and at least hold their hands as they stepped on the verge of death. I couldn not imagine how difficult it is for of a COVID- 19 patient and the concerned family to be left agonizing, holding on to an iota of hope.
This dark time has brought out both the good and the bad side of humanity. I think that many of us, Filipinos, lack discipline. There are people who remain to be hard- headed and even compromising our lives. I would say "our lives" because if one becomes infected with the virus, anyone can catch it as well. I would like to accentuate the fact that youths are still going out of their houses and live like nothing is really happening. I know that we are not used to living like this, but this is the only way to live now and survive.
The government vows to take the responsibility to cater to the needs of its constituents. Several programs have been created, one of which is the Social Amelioration Program (SAP). I am relieved to feel that we have the government with us in this fight. However, I am just worried with the situation where the money received from this is not spent wisely. There are, in fact, cases where recepients use their SAP money in gambling. There are also those who practice crab mentality poking judgement to the ones who receive such assistance.
Surely, I wouldn't forget to mention the opportunists who take advantage of the current situation. There are sellers of essential products such as alcohol and face masks who turned out to be greedy. I am utterly disappointed that even in the face of misfortune like this, we still have our fellow Filipinos who hoard and eventually put really high prices to their products, doubling or tripling the original prices, knowing that people will buy them anyway.
I think that this is the time where compassion is very much needed.
On the other hand, goodness has not gone astray. I feel proud with all the people who use various platforms and ways to help their fellows. I write this with utmost appreciation to our frontliners who are risking their lives while saving others' lives. It is all about caring for each other. This is the perfect time for sharing. It is heartwarming to see people conduct relief operations, giving goods and hope to all of us. I would like to mention Angel Locsin who tirelessly works to have something for our frontliners and everyone else as well. I can tell how satisfying and fulfilling doing this charity works is because I, myself, has helped in repacking and distributing relief goods in our community. Indeed, sharing is caring, and caring is loving.
No one knows when will we get through this. We don't even know what life is after this. Will the world be as busy as before? Will people still be able to go everywhere? What is going to be the status quo in the workplace and school? When can we party again until dawn? When can we shop the stores again? These foregoing questions continue to traverse my mind.
As these questions continue to lurk, the challenge that the virus has posed for us as students should be faced with high spirit. I believe that first, we have to be law- abiding citizens. Discipline is the key. Obeying the law is the least thing we can actually do. Another thing is that, we can also take this opportunity to help our parents in household chores. This is a bonding moment while we stay within the comfort of our homes. And the most important thing that we can do as students is to continue learning every day. Learning should not stop in spite of the virus. Much time is given for us to study lessons that were not covered. The point here is that, we should maximize our potentials and time. We may be away from school, but we can create our homes as our learning environment.
Certainly, COVID- 19 is unprecedented. As we are facing its threat today, we really do not know when are we going to finally free ourselves from it. One thing is sure, this pandemic taught us to be grateful for our life and that we ought to treasure it. Thousands have already passed away and not unless we cooperate with our government and protect ourselves, flattening the curve will remain to be a dream.
For the meantime, while we currently distance ourselves physically from each other, why don't we ponder the pandemic?
Pampering Tomorrow's Hope
"A society's soul is best revealed in how it treats its children." - Nelson Mandela
Is the world still safe for the youth? Yes or no, the answer is not actually the panacea. The genesis of this century saw the rise of menaces. If this continues and if the world fails to provide safe spaces for the youth, every one's hope ought to be dashed for nothing would be expected from the youth.
The world is becoming more and more hazardous for young people, hampering their growth and development. While it is a fact that adolescents and young adults who comprise 'Generation Hope' have strong aspirations and enormous capabilities, too often they meet barriers in realising their potential as productive citizens.
Now, this becomes the problem. Humanity peregrinates a long road marching for a better world where every one can survive and thrive. They prepare the world for the future and in this quest, pampering the youth is a prerequisite.
As per CIA World Factbook, youth demographics profile account to 1.2 billion or 16% of the world population. Such number has the potential of transforming the world, that is, if youth are given safe spaces to grow and prosper.
Youth of today exist as themselves in a four- dimensional character in a four- dimensional world referred to as 'spaces'. They are citizens, peers, netizens, humans. Alike as they may sound, this essay seeks to elucidate the youth's characters and in the end answer why safe spaces is a necessity.
Youth as Citizens
Good governance has participatory as its first characteristic and its key cornerstone. In a socity where youth already embarked intense political engagement illuminated with the student protests way back 1960s in the US and Europe, and citizens and youth protests in the Philippines and South Korea, youth participation in the political process has been observed.
However, alienation and non- consultation in the political arena prevails until today. The youth's voice is still regarded as lower in volume, if not silenced. While it is true that in the Philippines, Sangguniang Kabataan is already breathed to life, it is actually coupled with the fear to expose political views. Youth are still manipulated by their own biases and at times the official of this organization itself harms another youth.
Youth's voice has to be heard, loud and clear without the fear of judgement. Safe civic space is encouraged so that more and more voices are heard for now is the time to make youth's voice heard at the decision- making table regardless of their political affliations, political ideologies, and political aspirations.
Reviving SK in the Philippines does not create anything unless, their voices are heard, and their voices would only be heard if safe space is ensured.
Youth as Peers
The very heart of placemaking is bringing the community together. From passive green space to active gathering place, from bypassed backroads to lively crossroads, from big box wastelands to market cities, it's all about thinking of creative ways to provide a place where the youth could go during leisure times or even have quality time.
There is this Project for Public Safety (PPS) in New York City which is a nonprofit planning, design, and educational organization dedicated to helping people create and sustain public spaces that build stronger community.
The world needs more PPS. Places with parks, gardens, sports facilities would definitely divert the attention of young people from vices such as drug abuse, smoking and alcohol drinking.
Youth as Netizens
With the advent of modern technology wherein the world seems to be at the fingertips of the youth, they become susceptible to cyberbullying and cybercrimes. Studies have shown that youth are the most active users of social media thus increases their vulnerability rate.
In a study conducted in 2015 entitled "Cybercrime Victimization: A Multi- nation Study" conducted in Finland, USA, Germany, and UK, results revealed that threat of violence were among the most common forms of victimization and youth of younger age are mostly prone to be the victims.
In social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, the idea of providing safe space for the youth lies on the youth themselves. Since, as netizens, they use such, they should also partake with the responsibility of creating a digital space free from bashing, victim blaming, identity theft, proliferating fake news and so on. This is through thinking before clicking.
Youth as Humans
The sad reality is that, risks escalate on the part of underpriveleged and marginalized youth where misery has always been with them.
According to Jayathma Wickramayake of UN Youth Envoy, more than 400 million young people live in areas affected by armed conflict, ot organized violence. Millions more face from deprivation, harassment, bullying, and other infringement of their rights. This expatiates the cataclysm that the youth endure.
The physical space where youth dwell most of the time has the greatest task of keeping itself safe for it has actually the strongest impact to a child's mental, emotional, physical, moral, and spiritual aspect as a human being.
What awaits the bully and his target in the Ateneo De Manila Junior High School Bullying Incident? How do LGBTQI youth community live their lives amid discrimination on gender identity and expression? Certainly, without safe spaces, youth who are underpriveleged and marginalized would futher suffer and would be alienated.
Indeed, the call for safe spaces require youth voice, youth empowerment, youth engagement. These three are anchored on the purpose of letting the youth live, survive and thrive in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
In this way, youth become seeds that are planted in good soil, with good exposure to sunlight, supplied with good amount of water, eventually grow healthy, and would soon bear good fruits. Only through caring for the youth, addressing their concerns, welcoming and including them that an investment for a brighter tomorrow is assured.
"In making the world safe for young people, we make the world better for all." - Antonio Gutterres (UN Secretary- General)
Dear Philippines
How are you?
I hope everything's fine
Seems like you're feeling blue
And your sun just can't shine
My dear, what happened?
What's the tears all about?
From whom was all this blood?
Why is your mouth shut?
Time has elapsed and you have worsen
Your children kill each other
Many are high with forbidden medicine
And only time can tell when you'll get better
Oh, I weep with you, motherland!
Your rich soil was tilled
Yet underrated by their plan
Worse, your soil's grain was killed
The youth is the hope of the land
The land is hopeful of its youth
But, oh, your children did not find
The better sunrise with the truth.
I lament for you can't speak
Your voice is muted
For if you talk, the throne would seek
For your displeasure, that is undisputed.
Alas! You are fooled!
Your abundance was abused
Alas! You are betrayed!
You did not know your friends.
Amidst all odds, stand your ground
Resist the lurking of apathy, betrayal, and abuse
Let your voice echo with euphonic sound
Let your lips smile with what you choose.
How are you?
I know chaos has just begun
With the illness you go through
Get well soon, love, your son.
Once Upon a Jikjik's Time
"Here's to the ones that we got, cheers to the wish you were here, but you're not, 'cause the drinks bring back all the memories of everything we've been through."
I really miss Jik- Jik.
My life has really become complicated. Now I have already been heavily demanded by life. My everyday is already programmed to accomplish bulk of tasks. I wonder when will I get stress- free.
I really miss him.
Jik- Jik was a friend of mine. We were together during our childhood days. Those days gave me remarkable memories to hold on to until today, days when I was still with Jik- Jik. We used to play at our rice field, carelessly running from here to there exhausting our energy but giving ourselves so much fun. We were inseperable. We were indispensable. I can still recount those moments when were in cloud 9 whenever we received candies from our parents.
But, everything changed so much. Time has outgrew us. We already parted ways. And, we have lost sight of each other's whereabouts.
I miss him a lot.
My definition of happiness seemed to have changed. I am no longer happy whenever I receive candies. I no longer have time to play and be entertained. I no longer feel the autonomy I autonomy I used to feel when I was still with Jik-Jik.
I don't know how he would feel seeing me in my situation today. Maybe, he would be glad knowing that I have become a responsible young man. Yet, would he also be glad to know that my inner peace is a is missing, that I am longing for him, and that I want to bring him back in me.
I really miss Jik- Jik for he was a part of me. I really miss Jik- Jik for we had a lot of memories.
ML: Boon or Bane?
"Your enemy has been slain", a famous line from a social phenomenon in terms online gaming, Mobile Legends. The objective of the game is to destroy the opponents' base by killing enemy heroes. If there is one thing I have learned seeing the situation of people playing Mobile Legends, it is the fact that one should know how to prioritize in life. Life has a lot of demands, and being addicted to this game should not be the status quo.
People's addiction to such online game was found to have an influence to their life. That is, their attention is redirected to something that doesn't really help. I believe that with this possible action from the government, they would be able to show that they care about the mental health of Filipinos. As players get more and more addicted to this, such gaming disorder gets worse.
I would also like to explicate that it is saddening to witness the youth of today, Mobile Legends players, proliferate cursing and using of obscene language while playing. Whenever I go to computer shops, it has been normal to hear "t*ng*n* m*!", "b*b*", "p*t*", and etc. Hearing such words is disappointing for how could cursing and the use of obscene language be a norm for young people? An another lesson that is imbibed on me is to use online games to socialize and build friendship considering ethical standards.
The addiction of the youth in playing Mobile Legends reflects on poor parental guidance. Yes. Parents should do interventions with such addiction. But, ironic as it may seem, instead of guiding their children on how to manage time properly, what happens is that they guide them on how to play ML. And, they play together. What a way to bond with family members! With this, I learned that parents somehow have shortcomings.
Really, Mobile Legends perpetuates the idea of addiction and cursing. These two things ought to stop. By learning that this is the case of Mobile Legends in our country, I now reflect and I hope, you also do reflect: are we slaying the real enemy? Not until we ban Mobile Legends in the country that we could achieve victory.
(Un) Moved
Wrecked. Damaged. Rummaged.
In the wake of natural disasters, Filipinos are continued to be challenged.
The most recent catastrophe is the Taal Volcano eruption which shook Batangas, Cavite, and parts of Laguna and Metro Manila on January 12, 2020. This destructive activity has marked another milieu of misfortune for the country.
Undeniably, Philippines always falls short in terms of precautionary measures. Permanent danger zones are not fully and properly enforced. Necessary warnings are not widely disseminated. Evacuation centers are not ubiquitous, and if there are, facilities are mediocre. Taking into consideration that the country is prone to natural disasters, we should have done better to prepare everything.
Amidst natural calamities, Filipino virtues are also tried in ordeal. It is frustrating to note that there are still people who take this fatal scenario we are into for granted, the overpricing of masks for instance. In addition, the expertise of PHILVOCS was also questioned by some. And hard- headed people persistently to go beyond the prohibited lines, walking into the valley of death.
Yet, during this difficult time, our spirit of Bayanihan and Volunteerism are demonstrated. Just as how the Taal Volcano erupted, help in the form of financial assistance and relief goods from other parts of the country and even the world also spouted. The Tulong Tulong sa Taal campaign of ABS- CBN accentuates that we face such menace together. Social media partakes a big role in the information dissemination and in the accumulation of help for the victims.
Given the country's unflattering description as prone to natural calamities, the creation of an agency to handle disaster management, mitigation and planning is of high importance. In lieu of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council which was found not to be as effective as it should be, there is a need for a government office or a department that is focused on long- term planning for disaster and rehabilitation.
Indeed, disasters are ineluctable, but the aftermath is controllable. That is if the government efficiently issues the necessary warning ahead of time, set up necessary evacuation centers across the country, offer transport for those willing to evacuate (people and livestock), and stop people from entering the prohibited zones regardless of reasons. All that we have to do as constituents is to be ready and to put our trust in the government.
Remember, we are Filipinos and we contain the Filipino spirit within us. We may be wrecked, damaged, and rummaged, but we are not dead. These past few weeks, we we really proved that we are not. We may be bowed, yes, but unmoved.
@Jake20
