The moment I saw the short clips on my news feed on Facebook, I felt dismayed on their answers. I'm not the only one who felt disappointed, everyone around including you who watched these clips felt the same thing as I am, but as I go in a deep dive of searching for more answers, here's the full video below separated into 2 parts.
This happened on a reality TV series called Pinoy Big Brother. Based on a Dutch reality competition in 1999, and over 62 countries (including the Philippines) and it is still on the air while ABS-CBN is no longer active since 2020 when their franchise was not passed by the Philippine Senate, and the House of Representatives making one of the biggest TV networks in the Philippines to shut down in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Over the last 2 decades, Pinoy Big Brother aired over 10 seasons, and with their current season called Kumunity Season 10 where the current housemates are teenagers from students to influencers have to prove their worth on staying at the big house. Throughout the video clips above is a challenge for the housemates to test out their history knowledge if they still remember our Filipino roots.
The challenge was 2 representatives from both teams have to stand above a pre-inflated balloon on top of their heads, and the questions are based in our Filipino History. From historical events to individuals who are involved in making this country sovereign, including historical landmarks.
Whoever gets the correct answer gains a point, while the other one who didn't get the correct answer, the balloon above on their heads will inflate through a tube. If they didn't get the correct answer again, the punishment? The balloon will pop above on their head and will be spilled with milk.
I was quite impressed on Luke that he remembers his history, while for the other housemates? I'm ashamed of their answers. The one that triggered me the most? Her answer was Majoha. I think she based it on the priest's first names instead of their last names (Mariano Gomez - Ma; Jose Burgos - Jo, and Jacinto Zamora - Ha), but the correct answer to that is GomBurZa. Because of this, memes are now scattered around social media, even a historical page gave the definition of the word Majoha (picture below).
Yes, they've given incorrect answers but they managed to redeemed themselves. This is the result when you remove a curriculum or a subject to our educational system. It's been 8 years when the Department of Education decided to remove Filipino History since a overhaul needs to be done in our educational system.
From 4 years in High School to 6 years (4 years from 1st to 4th Year, then Grade 7 to 10, and Senior High from Grade 11 to 12). It is one of my favorite subjects back then as I've learned of what we truly are as Filipinos. Most of it were discussed in a classroom setting, others I've learned it from other sources I can find outside from school.
I'm not picking a side here. These are my thoughts and reactions after watching these clips. Yes, the education system needs to be blamed why they removed it in the first place without a concrete explanation. Aside the system, everyone around is using social media these days, and it is hard for me to say this but, Social Media killed today's generation. Why? From spending their time of creating content to showcase their talent, to use their influence of participating challenges that are either risky or can be dangerous that could endanger their lives.
Luckily, I was able to finish my studies, even you and everyone around us finished studying before they made reforms in the educational system. In the end, we can still make a difference. To the parents, I know you're working hard for your children's future to give them good quality education. Make sure to check them time to time if they really learned something at school.
To the new generation, apply discipline to your lives. Move outside of your box once your mind tells something and you're curious, then search for sources how this and that happened. More importantly, let's use our voices to be heard that Filipino History should be back in their curriculum so that the new generation of Filipinos will learn more about our roots.
For the full story of the Cavite Munity of 1872, and the execution of the GomBurZa, click/tap on the links provided below.
Lead Image from ©The Summit Express
First batch ako sa K to 12 New curriculum wala akong natatandaan na may history or Araling Panlipunan subject nuon. Di na rin masyadong tinutuonan nang pansin ng mga kabataan ngayong ang history. Love ko pa Naman ang History pangarap ko maging History teacher Kung paparaling makacollege.