Superstitious Beliefs
*Have you seen a black cat? Does it mean bad luck?*
**Affiliation of Superstitious Beliefs to Ilocanos**
**Pacris stated that Ilocanos have an elaborate network of beliefs and practices which he applies when he deals when the people around him.**
Superstitious beliefs are unlikely to be erased in the lives of Ilocanos. An excerpt from Encyclopedia Brittanica explains that superstition is a belief, half-belief, or practice for which there appears to be no rational substance. Those who use the term imply that they have certain knowledge or superior evidence for their own scientific, philosophical, or religious convictions. An ambiguous word, it probably cannot be used except subjectively. With this qualification in mind, superstitions may be classified roughly as religious, cultural, and personal.
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**In a wider scope, the Philippines**, like no other country has their own set of superstitious beliefs that they have inherited from their ancestors. In an article, Flores (2006) also cited his three hypotheses on why Filipinos are superstitious. The following are: (1) many Filipinos superstitions beliefs hark back to the pagan beliefs Roman Catholicism was introduced by the Spanish conquistadors half a millennium ago, (2) the influence of the ethnic Chinese starting with our immigrant ancestors who traditionally practiced so many colorful superstitious beliefs, and (3) a conspiracy theory: perhaps the ruling political and social elite of the Philippines concocted and spread all sorts of superstitions as well as numerous *aswang/kapre/dwende/tiyanak/mananaggal/ tikbalang/multo* horror tales as part of social control, to manipulate and mesmerize the oppressed masses into acquiescence.
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Rev. Fr. Robert Somera discussed that there are superstitious beliefs that can help, and there are also those that do not. Sometimes, people can perform those beliefs as long as it won’t affect and contradict Christianity, because there are some superstitious beliefs that do not help in keeping faith. When people can give a finer view and perception in understanding the things that they do, it would be better. For example, the log that is ignited when there’s a burial, or the *tem-tem*, its history is not about driving away the evil spirits or a sign that there’s a burial, but the need of our ancestors of fire in using tobaccos. As time passes by, people added religious aspect out of it; it became a superstitious belief and a part of the practice of Ilocanos whenever there is burial. In businesses, it is also observed that some business owners use the picture of Jesus Christ as a décor in their business and as a part of their belief when in fact some of them do not even attend masses and perform unnecessary behaviors to their customer. Some of the beliefs are good but others are not actually helpful especially in terms of faith.
Furthermore, Rev. Fr. Navarro stated that superstitious beliefs are adverse, and therefore in contrary to the faith of people in God.
**Relevancy of Superstitious Beliefs to Business Owners**
According to Dagnall , ***superstitious derive from the assumption that a connection exists between co-occurring, non-related events. This leads to the notion that charms promote good luck, or protect you from bad luck.***
Moreover, Brake (2018) said that superstitious beliefs around the world have a tangible effect on business and on the motivation of workers. Scientists at the University of Cologne in Germany conducted a set of experiments and found out that superstitious beliefs can help boost performance. According to Kaul (2011) businessmen are extremely superstitious.
On the other hand, an article from the University of Chicago: Booth School of Business mentioned that even smart, educated, emotionally stable adults believe in superstitious beliefs that they recognize are unreasonable. Rigby (2013) stated that even if you do not believe in luck, it may be that people you work with or do business with do – in which case, the beliefs of others may affect both your own behavior and general outcomes anyway.
Though, some are against to superstitious beliefs, others execute these beliefs in to their businesses due to their fear of the things that might happen and because of their hope of getting something.
**Utilization of Superstitious Beliefs**
Several superstitious beliefs related to business were cited by Arrieta: (1) not to sell salt at dusk, (2) not to sell rice at night, (3) avoid agreeing to debts of your customers every first of the month and on the first day of the week because it will lead to bad luck, and; (4) not to sell water at night because it will become rustic. She employs the said superstitious beliefs to her business.
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Another set of superstitious beliefs that are being utilized in business were specified by Udani: (1) before building the business, there should be an *atang*; (2) in selling for the first time, it must not be in debt; (3) in building the business, the windows must be built in the right places; (4) at dusk, there must be no debt in buying rice. According to her, she got those superstitious beliefs from their ancestors. She believes in them because it is a part of the tradition of the Ilocanos and nothing will be taken away from her if she performs the aforementioned beliefs.
***Nonetheless, everything will depend on what we really believe in. As long as we do not harm others, there's nothing wrong in believing in superstitious beliefs.***
Pilipino, laban!
Ang katangiang Pilipino na nagpapakita ng higit na matingkad na kulay ngayong ang ating mundo ay isang mapusyaw na pook ay ang ating pagiging matulungin sa kapwa.
Napakaraming mga Pilipino ngayon ang nagpapaabot ng tulong, malaki man o kaunti, napakaraming gumagawa ng paraan upang makalikom ng pera na maipamimigay sa mga nangangailangan, at napakaraming mga mayroong mabubuting puso na naghahandog ng kanilang regalo sa iba’t-ibang kaparaanan tulad ng pagluluto ng pagkain para sa mga frontliners, paggawa ng mga PPE upang may magamit ang mga health workers, at pagpapaabot ng mga inspirasyonal na mensahe sa mga maysakit upang patuloy na labanan ang covid-19. Hindi lamang ang mga maykaya ang gumagawa nito kundi ay pati iyong ibang mga mahihirap ay ginagawa rin nila ang kanilang makakaya upang makapagpagaan ng loob at pamumuhay. Marami sa mga Pilipino ngayon ang nagsasakripisyo at mas inuuna pa ang ibang tao kaysa sa sariling kapakanan upang makatulong sa kapwa at kahit napakahirap talunin ang pandemyang ito, ang mga Pilipino ay nagbabayanihan kaya’t hindi pa man alam kung kalian matatapos ang lahat ng ito, ang panigurado ay magtatagumpay tayo sa huli.
**Ang ating bansang Pilipinas ay kilala sa pagkakaroon ng korapsyon** na kahit nasa bingit na tayo ng panganib ay naisasagawa pa rin ito ng ilan sa mga namumuno o nasa gobyerno natin. Ito ang isang katangiang pilipino na sa tingin ko ay humahadlang sa agarang pagpapatupad ng mga aksyon at programa para sa ikagagaling ng mga Pilipino dahil imbes na ang pera ng bayan ay mailalagay sa alokasyon para sa mga hakbang upang masugpo ang covid-19 at maprotektahan ang mga mamamayan, napupunta pa ito sa kanilang mga bulsa at pansariling kagustuhan. Masaya ako sa ilan sa mga inilulunsad ng gobyerno para sa ikabubuti ng lahat ngayong mayroong pandemya subalit madami akong nababasang mga balita at artikulo tungkol sa pagsasamantala ng ilang mga pulitiko sa pagkakataong ito at hinahaluan nila ng pamumulitika ang pagtulong sa kapwa. Mayroon din akong napag-aalaman na ginagamit ng mga nasa gobyerno ang kanilang pwesto upang manipulahin ang mga programang dapat sana’y pantay-pantay ang pagkakabigay sa bawat Pilipino. Kung mayroon mang mga mabubuti at tapat na pulitiko, gayon din ang pagkakaroon ng mga namumunong hindi tapat sa bayan at sa tungkulin at walang pagkakahabag sa kanilang paglilingkod. Ito ang mas nagpapahirap sa ating sitwasyon at ang humahadlang sa pagpapatupad ng ikagagaling ng mga Pilipino ngayong may covid-19.
3. Sa tagal ng pagkakaroon ng community quarantine, nagkaroon ako ng sapat na oras upang magmuni-muni at mapag-isipan ang ilan sa mga bagay na aking naoobserba sa panahong ating kinakaharap. Punong-puno ng malulungkot na bahagi ang pagkakataong ito subalit ganon din ang aral na kaakibat nito. Para sa akin, ang pinakamahalagang bagay na natutunan ko ay dapat na hindi ipagsawalang bahala ang oras, kalayaan, at kalusugan. Una ay ang oras dahil simula nang nagkaroon ng ECQ, nawalan na ako ng oras at pagkakataon na makita ang aking mga kaibigan subalit nabigyang kahulugan ang salitang ito nang mas nagkaroon ako ng oras para sa aking pamilya. Naaalagaan ko ang aking kapatid, natutulungan ko ang aking mga magulang, at nagkakaroon kami ng oras na magkasama-sama. Pangalawa ay ang kalayaan dahil naipaintindi sakin ng mga pangyayari na hindi porket tayo ay malaya, wala nang magiging restriksyon ang ating mga ginagawa. Kahit anong mangyari, kailangan nating gamitin ang ating kalayaan sa nararapat at pinakamabuting paraan tayo man ay isang ordinaryong mamamayan, mag-aaral, guro, pulis o kahit na sino pa man. Panghuli ay ang kalusugan, napagtanto ko kung gaano kinakailangang alagaan ang aking kalusugan. Napalawak ang aking isip tungkol sa mga ito at nagsimula akong magbasa-basa sa kung gaano nakakasama ang mga pagkain na laging kong kinakain at sinimulan ko nang sanayin ang aking sarili sa mas magandang diyeta.
Ito ang mga pinakamahalagang aral na aking nakuha sa tinatawag nating “bagong normal” na pamumuhay dahil sa tingin ko’y ito ang mga bagay na makakatulong sa akin sa aking pagtanda – ang hindi pagsasawalang-bahala sa tama at pinakamabuting paggamit ng oras, ang nararapat na paggamit sa ating kalayaan, at ang pangangalaga sa ating kalusugan.
Ang pinakamahalagang programa na dapat suportahan at ibigay sa mga tao ngayong panahon ng covid-19 pandemic ay ang *mass testing* na nangangahulugang dapat ay magsasagawa ng covid-19 test sa bawat tao sa bawat lugar ng ating bansa lalong lalo na kung saan mataas ang kaso ng sakit. Ito ay dapat unahin ng gobyerno dahil kung hindi natin malalaman kung sino ang nagdadala ng sakit, malaki pa rin ang tiyansa na dadami at dadami ang mga bagong kaso dahil sa posibilidad na makahawa ito sa iba kahit hindi pa nila alam na positibo na pala sila sa sakit. Ang nakakabahala pa rito ay maaaring asymptomatic ang isang pasyente, ibig sabihin, nasa kanya ang virus subalit walang lumalabas o nagpapakitang kahit anong simtomas nito. Kung maisasagawa ito, mas madaling makokontrol ng gobyerno ang sakit dahil liliit ang posibilidad ng. Sunod sa gawaing ito ay ang pagtutok ng pamahalaan kung paano gagaling o bibigyang alaga at lunas ang mga nagpositibo at kasabay nito, kung paano bubuhayin at susuportahan ang mga pamilyang apektado ng ECQ. Ang sakit na covid19 ay nakakatakot dahil hindi mo alam kung sino ang dapat na iwasan pero kung makukumpirma lahat ng positibo ng sakit sa ilang lugar, mas maaagapan ang kanilang karamdaman, mas mabibigyang proteksyon ang ibang tao, at maiiwasan ang pagkalat ng virus sa iba. Magkakaroon ito ng minsanang paghihirap at pagsasakripisyo ngunit ito rin ay upang mapadali ang pagbabalik sa normal ng sitwasyon ng ating buhay at nang hindi tuluyang bumagsak ang ating ekonomiya.
College Life Tips & Tricks
**WE ALL HAVE A LOT OF EXPECTATIONS AND PLANS FOR COLLEGE**, *but believe me, no matter how you say that you're prepared enough, the best and worst days of your life is just about to come!*
College life is different from high school or middle school life in many certain ways. In here, we choose different pathways that will lead us closer to our dreams which means we also have to part ways with some of our friends and colleagues. College gives us a new responsibility which adds up to the pressure of dealing with studies, at the same time, dealing with the reality of life.
Some have to go to their dream universities and colleges which is also away from home. It is both exciting and challenging and no matter how we weigh it, it will always come out hard and heavy.
***Nonetheless, we like it or not, this is how our lives will go and we have to take it or we won't make it at all.***
With my experience and view point in life, I will tell you some tips and tricks on how to survive college life better.
1. Write down everything.
**Taking notes is necessary** because of all the things that you will handle, your memory may not hold it all. This is also a way to make your everyday life more convenient and organized.
***WHAT TO TAKE NOTE?***
Schedule.
Schedule will be hectic, this is a fact. Therefore, it is a MUST to write down all your schedules to avoid frantic moments and forgotten deadlines. This is also a way of managing your own time which is important. ***Time management is gold***. You schedule should be with you all the time.
Lastly, don't forget to put in your schedule a time for you to rest and relax. You can't go through another hustle without enough energy and peace.
Budget.
By the time you will get into college, you'll reach the age wherein you'll be more concerned with finances. This is good actually because earnings is important for emergent situations and future expenses. Making a budget plan is simple, just try to estimate your different expenses and try to think of a way on how you could put aside some amount in your piggy bank without having yourself suffer under some circumstances. Again, don't forget to treat yourself with some of your cravings or other things when your body needs it.
Class Discussions.
Whatever happens, take notes during class discussions. Some professors don't provide study materials for your lessons and most likely, the important facts are mentioned while they are discussing. Writing your own notes is important for the information to retain longer.
To-Do List.
In every day, make a to-do list. This is important to avoid missing something to be done. Another advantage is for you to make your own routine. It does not happen over night, thus, it is also a trial process until your body and mind will be set in a particular notion and adjust to a new time frame and environment. Do not over pressure yourself and give it a little time and patience. Best results will come, you don't have to worry.
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2. Communicate
**Making friends and looking for the circle for you will do a lot for your surviving and growth**. You need to be around with people who have the same character, dreams, and views in life. In that way, you'll be more motivated and driven. You won't be alone in fighting and reaching for the greatest dreams that you have.
Knowing that college is adventurous, it's fun to be with your friends to cherish those moments and remember them years from now. Since not everyday is a bright shiny day, you need a friend to pat your back and lend his or her shoulder for you to cry on.
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College does not also mean you are putting away your people. If you are away from them, make use of the technologies and always reach out. People can grow even if they are apart as long as you are true to each other.
You can't be an island in college, be with people you'll grow and learn together with.
3. Explore
***College time is the right time for you to explore. By this time, you are crossing the bridge to adulthood.***
You have to find the purpose of your life, in order to do this, you have to see the reality - you need to figure out how the world actually works. It may seem cruel but you will need to fall down in order to learn how to stand up from your ground.
You may need to ask yourself some of this questions:
Am I happy about what I took in college?
Am I ready to take all the challenges?
Am I willing to take risk to achieve my dreams?
By exploring, you need to take some points too.
a. ***Know your limits.*** You have a freedom, but you may lose it if you put your freedom beyond the way it should be used.
b. ***Never harm others***. You can find yourself and achieve what you want without stepping into someone's rights and life. You should be a good person, that's what the world needs.
c. ***Be inspired.*** Hard work isn't enough for all it costs. There should be a fire in your heart that wouldn't cease in flaming. Find inspirations and take a time to reflect if it really do you good.
d. ***Make every moment count.*** Make no room for dull moments and negative vibes. Even the worst times can be beautiful too. Know when to look at the positivity and before falling apart, find first a solution. Make ways on how to make simple times worthwhile.
`College is not only about surviving the academic part and receiving the diploma - it also surpassing your fears, fighting for your dreams, and being a human.`
Thank you so much for reading this article! I hope it helps you in some way :)
Tell me what do you think of it at the comment section. Are you in college too? What course did you take?
The Ilocano People and their Beliefs
**Ilocanos** are agricultural people of Northern Luzon in the Philippines.
Ilocano are exemplary people who cross the ocean of prosperity by virtue of love for their land and countrymen. They grasped an abundance of exceptional acknowledgements for their valor, resilience in both mind and soul, and fruitful success in different sorts may it be in nobility, literature, leadership, and for their long-existing cultural activities that bind them as a whole.
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***Being the third largest Filipino ethno-linguistic group in the Philippines***, Ilocano settle on the Ilocos Region or the Region of the Northwest Coast of Luzon which is situated between the Cordillera mountain ranges and the West Philippine Sea. Their land is most often referred to as **Ilocandia**, globally popular for its magnificent **tourist spots, heritage sites, and well-preserved tradition and culture** that are implanted to its people’s lifestyle up to the present period of time.
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Moreover, **Ilocos Region has an expansive agricultural land** which means Ilocano are engaged in farming, producing food crops such as rice, corn, vegetable, root crops, and fruits. Considering the fact they are located on the northwestern part of our country, another main source of income of the people is fishing.
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These two are strenuous activities which prove that Ilocano are hard working and it is in their culture to be productive in their everyday lives by working at their best for their family. Therefore, **frugality and determination is ingrained to their minds and being executed through their behaviors** which is centered on alleging a better life. In summary, Ilocano value money as a reward for their hardships; they spend it in the wisest way possible. ***This makes being thrifty a prevalent characteristic of the whole region.***
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**Ilocano people do have a tangled and complex set of beliefs** that are far and more different than other ethnic groups in the Philippines and even in the whole world. Their beliefs are unquestionably part of their lives due to the fact that they apply them to any affairs and operations they come across may they be in their homeland or situated in other corners of the world.
Beliefs are the foundation of everyone’s personal outcomes.
It can often be identified by finding a problem situation the person has unsuccessfully tried to change using his/her own variety of methods (Dilts, Hallbom, and Smith, 2012). With regards to the Ilocano, their beliefs play a huge counterpart to their culture whereas Taylor (2014) defined culture as **the complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, arts, morals, law, customs, and many other capabilities and habits acquired by the members of the society.**
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This is where Ilocano people are also known; **their culture was developed and nurtured by their ancestors** and already functions to be their guide for multiple generations in different stages of life such as pregnancy and childbirth, infancy, adolescence, courtship, marriage, and death and burial. These are different types of beliefs in different areas but it is the superstitions that the said ethno linguistic group has. They perform countless superstitious beliefs that are believed to help people with day-to-day events and it is also considered as a crucial element in making decisions.
Superstitious beliefs are the things that one accepts and believes as true or real. These beliefs depend on trust in magic and faith. They are left behind by the ancient civilizations to us but by means of the beginning of modernization in Europe, it quickly spread out around the world through the centuries which caused the slowly vanishing of the said beliefs in other societies.
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On the other hand, **Ilocanos’ cherished beliefs, including superstitions and practices of the previous generations are still observed in the era of high and modern technology**. Some may be manipulating advanced devices and machineries but many of them still have the superstitious beliefs at the backs of their minds – things that they adopted from their ancestors and observed from their surroundings. Growing up the Ilocano way means to be attached to their beliefs in all forms of occurrences and circumstances even without acknowledging whether they are real or not.
In terms of livelihood, Ilocanos are primarily engaged with farming and fishing. When the Chinese became dominant traders in 12th and 13th century, they arrived in the Philippines in 12th century and displaced the Arab traders. Chinese merchants regularly sailed from Asia to barter goods with Filipino natives. In 16th century, the Ilocanos who lived in port towns of Ilocos started to trade with the Chinese until they have shared their knowledge in business to the Ilocanos. In the previous centuries, Chinese community has been an essential backbone of the Philippines. Along with the Spanish and American cultures, Chinese culture has greatly influenced Filipinos in various ways most especially in business, be it in food, textile, fashion, furniture, banking, etc. Filipino and Chinese culture is integrating gradually. It is not assimilation but integration (Miranda, 2018).
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Nowadays, **Ilocos Region fills in a long list of tourist destinations and attractions.** It covers a wide range of places, foods, accommodations, adventures, and the people who are recognized to be hospitable. It is the reason why people all over the world visit the region. Due to that fact, numbers of businesses gradually grows.
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Good morning! I am an Ilocano and I'm from Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines! It is nice writing about our people and our culture. I hope you like this article! Thank you so much!
Comment down your suggestions on what article of yours should I read too! :)
Everything, Everything: The Movie
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Everything, Everything is a 2017 American romantic drama film directed by Stella Meghie and written by J. Mills Goodloe, based on the 2015 young-adult novel of the same name by Nicola Yoon. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romantic_drama https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stella_Meghie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Mills_Goodloe https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everything,_Everything_(novel) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicola_Yoon
***It is about the love of smart and inquisitive girl*** Maddy, unable by virtue of illness to go outside the rooms of her house, and her neighbor Olly, who wants to help her. The film stars are Amandla Stenberg and Nick Robinson, and was released on May 19, 2017, by Warner Bros. Pictures. It received mixed reviews from critics and grossed $60 million worldwide.
**PLOT**: Eighteen-year-old Maddy suffers from SCID, an *immuno-deficiency disease that prevents her from leaving her home and interacting with others*. Her mother, Pauline Whittier, takes care of her with the help of her nurse Carla, who has taken care of Madeline for 15 years. Only Pauline, Carla and Carla's daughter, Rosa, are allowed in the home. **Maddy yearns to see the world, particularly the ocean.**
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**One day, a new family moves next door,** and their son, who is Maddy's age, catches her eye. They share a look as Maddy watches through the window. Later that night, while Pauline and Maddy are watching a movie, the boy and his sister ring the doorbell, offering a burnt cake. Pauline politely rejects it, and as she's about to close the door, the boy asks where her daughter is. Pauline lies to him, telling him Maddy wasn't available. Maddy watches through her window again as the two walk back to their house which then shows that the boy has a dad who is very aggressive.
Later, the boy writes his number on his window for Maddy to see, and they begin texting. The boy introduces himself as Olly, and they text for a while, getting to know each other and eventually growing very fond of each other.
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Knowing her mother won't approve, Maddy convinces Carla to secretly let Olly visit her inside the house, though Carla makes them promise to stay on different sides of the room from each other. She later invites Olly over for the Fourth of July, since her mother is working that day. Maddy and Olly share a passionate kiss as fireworks go off outside.
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Knowing her mother won't approve, Maddy convinces Carla to secretly let Olly visit her inside the house, though Carla makes them promise to stay on different sides of the room from each other. She later invites Olly over for the Fourth of July, since her mother is working that day. Maddy and Olly share a passionate kiss as fireworks go off outside.
**The next day**, Maddy notices Olly fighting with his father outside. When his father shoves him to the ground, Maddy, to the shock of her mother, rushes outside to make sure Olly is okay. Her mother rushes her back inside. Maddy briefly falls ill from the minute she spent outside. Pauline deduces that Maddy and Olly have been seeing each other, and though she understands, she forbids them from seeing each other again. Pauline then fires Carla for allowing Olly into the house.
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Maddy decides that it's time to take matters into her own hands. With a credit card she'd previously opened online, Maddy buys two plane tickets to Hawaii, and convinces Olly to travel there with her. In Hawaii, they share a romantic and life-changing experience together.
During the trip, Maddy passes out and Olly rushes her to the hospital. She wakes up back in her bed at home. She breaks off contact with Olly due to the fact that she doesn't want to make another mistake over love again, and is therefore unable to say goodbye when his mother finally decides to leave his father, and Olly, his mother and sister leave back to New York, where they are from.
A doctor from the hospital in Hawaii calls Maddy to give a following update and tells Maddy that she does not have something as severe as SCID. Maddy scours her mother's records, and cannot find anything that indicates that she's ever been diagnosed with the disorder. She realizes that her mother has been lying to her for her whole life, and runs away from home.
Maddy stays with Carla and Rosa. A doctor confirms that she's never had SCID, just an underdeveloped immune system from under-exposure due to living in filtered air her whole life. Her mother later tells her that, after Maddy's father and brother died in a car crash, Maddy was all she had left and she wanted to protect her and keep her safe.
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Maddy takes a plane to meet Olly. **She apologizes for not saying goodbye, and they start their relationship anew.**
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I've read the novel before the movie came out. When they announced that they will put it into a motion picture, I was excited about who will hold their roles. I wasn't disappointed though. The movie was outstanding!
Thank you for reading this article! God bless!
ECQ: Good or Bad?
**In Public Health**
The Enhanced Community Quarantine is the best solution that we have at hand since COVID-19 has a rough mode of transmission which is through droplets and contact routes.
ECQ limits the movement of people which in any way protects the public health by avoiding the spread of the virus to the public and the possible increase of COVID-19 positive cases. It also makes a way for those who possibly got infected with the virus to prevent infecting others and to do social distancing.
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**While the ECQ was to prevent the spread of the virus**, other matters concerning public health go at risk. There are a lot of people who have illnesses and they are not able to buy the medicines that they need to take either due to financial incapacity or the difficulty of going out. People who are sick especially those who are having continuous medications to hospitals which are out of the town or province are also having a hard time due to the strict guidelines and checkpoints of the authority.
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**In Social Life**
***The one that most of the people had a hard time agreeing with is the whole time that they won’t be able to socialize and meet up with other people***. The COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of ECQ have ruined/delayed the important events of many individuals especially the students who were supposed to receive their diplomas.
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But through the ECQ, people in our community are giving their best to be responsible and are still able to show the spirit of camaraderie which inspires and gives strength and hope to us all. Despite the threat of the virus, people from various sectors offers any help that they have either in big or small way. In these hard times and even under quarantine, people are still connected in many possible ways without endangering anyone.
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In Politics
***The positive effects that the ECQ has brought into the local community with respect to political field includes the manifestation of the true system of governance*** that we have may it be in the local or national sector. The health issue that urged the implementation of ECQ has showed the competency and accuracy that the elected officials have in responding the needs of the citizens and this gradually opened the minds of the youth in involving themselves to political matters.
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The negative effects correlate with the mentioned positive one and this happens when the political opinion and perspectives of the people does not meet at one point which turns our community even more divided. Another is the unfairness that occurs within the decisions of the officials and not considering the needs of the less fortunate people.
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In Economy
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***The only positive effect of ECQ to the economy*** that I know is that we are at least helping it not falling too low by acquiring our necessities to our local stores and products that are manufactured in our country. In its negative effects, it slows down the economy of our country because of the closed businesses and halted jobs and we will again have a hard time catching up for it. Aside from that, there have been a lot of suspended events and cancelled travels of the tourists who were supposed to be visiting our country/province during the quarantine period.
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In Culture
***In cultural aspect, the ECQ still got positive effects in this matter because it creates a chance for the family members*** to perform the simple cultural practices that occur at home. Most of the youth are utilizing their time well by engaging themselves in cooking Ilocano cuisines and other stuff. Moreover, due to the restricted/cancelled social gatherings and celebrations, ECQ allows people to adapt to a new culture involving the utilization of high technology.
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Its negative effects will lay on the traditions that we do and celebrate that are cancelled or postponed like the graduation/moving up ceremonies of the graduates wherein after the main event comes the buffet and night long party. Even our religious practices were affected in the celebration of holy week. In addition, our simplest practices that make our culture light – how we show off our politeness to our friends or neighbors in the form of “beso-beso” or pat in the shoulder are some of the things that are being changed in a simple smile and wave of a hand.
Public Safety or Economy?
***We know that the Philippines is still a developing country; therefore, our economy is important.*** In this time of pandemic, I think the government shall still prioritize public safety over economy. Yes, we need the economy but prioritizing it would put all the citizens at a greater danger that in time would make the government more incapable of handling.
When economy is prioritized, workers would go back to their works and they will receive a salary/wage to sustain their lives. Trading will continue and money will move in our country. But choosing this over public safety is endangering our whole country as well. By prioritizing public safety, the government shall first focus on providing the people their needs while it also immerses its resources and people in containing the virus in our country because as long as the positive cases continuously arises, we are unsure of many more could be involved when we disregard public safety.
**To address the negative effects**, some programs or policies must be created/amended in order to make our country prepared in this kind of times that we are all uncertain when to come. Programs supporting health or medications should be implemented. The pandemic shows how we lack health care facilities and equipments. There shall also be a law preparing and guiding the country in times of pandemic. This health issue reveals how we ignore the services of medical practitioners especially the nurses. May be the government should work on increasing their salaries even with the janitors, drivers, and other workers. In relation with this, the government should already work on the bill ending the contractualization for the workers to receive benefits and have a stable job.
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Lastly, the government should work on opening job vacancies for individuals who do not have high educational attainment to be able to lower down our unemployment rate which might also help their families to have savings for emergency purposes just like facing pandemic.
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Thank you so much for reading my article!
May God bless you a thousand folds :)
COVID-19 sa aking buhay
Ang biglaang pagdating ng pandemic sa ating buhay ay nagdala sa bawat tao ng iba’t-ibang klase ng pagbabago.
Image Source
***Ang COVID-19 ay isang pagsubok at pagkakataon.***
Ito ay pagsubok sa ating sarili, sa ating mental at emosyonal na kapasidad, sa ating pamilya, kung gaano tayo katatag at pinagbuklod ng pagmamahal, sa ating komunidad, kung paano tayo nakikipagtulungan sa bawat isa, sa ating bansa, kung paano natin gawin ang ating karapatan at responsibilidad bilang mamamayang Pilipino at sa buong mundo, kung paano natin kayang ipaabot ang ating tulong para sa ikabubuti ng sanlibutan.
Naniniwala akong lahat ng bagay ay may dahilan kaya habang hindi pa natin nasasagot kung ano ang dahilan ng pandemic na ito, tayo ay magreplek sa lahat ng bagay dahil ang COVID-19 ay isang pagkakataon upang ipakita natin ang pagmamalasakit sa ibang tao, pagkakataon upang ibukas ang ating tainga sa mga dapat nating malaman, pakinggan ang mga hinaing ng mga naghihirap at gamitin ang ating tinig sa nararapat na paraan, pagkakataon upang maging parte ng solusyon at higit sa lahat, ito ay pagkakataon upang tumibay ang pananampalataya natin sa Panginoon.
***Ang Covid-19 ay isang aral.***
Ang COVID-19 isang malaking aral sa akin dahil naimulat ang aking mga mata sa kung ano ang pinakamahalagang bagay sa mundo – ang pagmamahal sa kapwa. Nakita ko ang kahalagahan ng pagkakaroon ng mabuting puso na tumulong sa kahit gaano kasimpleng paraan at pagkakaroon ng malasakit sa ibang tao. Mas lalo kong naintindihan na walang taong nabubuhay para sa sarili lamang dahil sa sitwasyong kinatatayuan natin ngayon, mas magkakaroon tayo ng pag-asang malagpasan ang lahat ng ito kapag mayroon tayong pagkakaisa.
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***Ang Covid-19 ay hindi isang biro.***
Ang pagkakaroon ng nakamamatay na virus sa ating buhay ay sobrang nakakaabala dahil sa katotohanan na unti-unti nating nakikita. Lahat ay naaapektuhan sa suliraning ito dahil walang pinipiling tao ang kaya nitong apektuhan. Sa kalusugan nag-uugat ang kinakatakutan ng mga tao – ang pagkahawa, pagiging positibo sa virus, at posibleng pagkamatay. Dahil sa napakadaling proseso ng pagkakapasa ng virus sa ibang tao, ang mga idineklarang lockdown at enhanced community quarantine ng gobyerno na may layuning pigilan ang pagdami ng mga kaso ang mas lalo pang nagpapahirap sa sitwasyon dahil sa mga pamilyang walang mapagkukunan ng pang-araw-araw na pantustos sa mga pangangailangan lalo na sa pagkain. Madaming mga tao ngayon ang walang sapat na pagkain, walang maiinom na gamot, naghihirap dahil sa sakit, nagdadalamhati dahil sa mga namatay, at mga frontliners na nagtitiis dahil sa kakulangan ng gamit ngunit patuloy na lumalaban para mawala ang virus na ito.
***Ang Covid-19 ay suliranin.***
Ang pinakadapat tandaan sa pagkakaroon ng ganitong mga suliranin na gaya ng pandemic ay ang pananalig sa Panginoon. Kung ibinibigay natin ang ating tiwala sa Kanya, nagkakaroon tayo ng lakas na gawin kung ano ang tama at mas makabubuti para sa lahat. Nagkakaroon tayo ng isip na kayang unawain ang sitwasyon upang tayo ay makatulong at hindi na daragdag pa sa problema. Kapag tayo ay naniniwala sa Kanya, mas nagiging matapang tayo sa buhay, mas nagkakaroon tayo ng pag-asa, at sapat na dahilan upang lumaban sa buhay na siyang maaari rin nating iparating sa iba upang tumibay ang kanilang loob.
***Ang Covid-19 ay isang pandemya, bagkus, dapat tayo ay handa.***
Pagkatapos ng aking karanasan na mailagay sa sitwasyon na mayroong pandemic, masasabi kong mahirap subalit kailangang mapaghandaan ang ganitong pangyayari. Pinakauna ay ang pagkakaroon ng ipon na talaga namang napakahalaga para sa mga bagay na hindi natin inaasahang darating. Pangalawa ay ang lubusang pagiging maingat at pagsunod sa ipinapatupad ng mga kinauukulan upang mas madaling makontrol ang sakit. Pangatlo ay ang pagpili ng may kakayahang mamuno sa atin na mayroong pagmamalasakit at pagmamahal sa kapwa. Ang pinagdadaanan nating pagsubok ngayon ay ang nagpapatunay na kailangan natin ng mga tapat.
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***Ang Covid-19 ay nagsisilbing palataandaan ng pagkakaisa.***
Ang mga salitang palagi kong sinasambit sa aking sarili kapag ako kay nahihirapan o ‘di kaya’y may problema ay “***maniwala’t magtiwala***,” at sa tingin ko ay tamang-tama ito ngayong tayo ay nasa gitna ng krisis. Tinutulungan ako ng mga katagang ito upang palawakin ang aking pananaw para makita ang tunay na kalagayan ng isang bagay at hindi maging bulag sa katotohanan habang pinapalakas ko ang aking loob na lahat ng pagsubok at problema ay matatapos sa pamamagitan ng pagmamalasakit at pagtulong sa bawat isa. Nagsisilbi itong inspirasyon sa akin upang maging matatag ang aking loob na mayroong tayong Panginoon na gagabay sa atin, na mayroon akong sarili na kayang gumawa ng mga mabubuting bagay, at mayroon akong kapwa na kahit sa kabila ng mga masasamang nangyayari ay mayroon pa ring kabutihang loob.
***Ang Covid-19 ay nagpapaalala sa mga mahahalagang bagay.***
Ang nauna kong inisip nang mapagtanto kong malala na ang pandemic sa ating bansa ay ang aking pamilya na patuloy pa ring nagtatrabaho sa gitna ng panganib na dala ng corona virus. Ang aking ama ay isang driver at ang aking mga tiyo at tiya ay nars. Kasunod nito ay ang perang aming gagastusin at mga bayarin dahil ang pantulong ng aking nanay mula sa kanyang kaunting negosyo ay apektado dahil sa ECQ. Panghuli ay ang mga kamag-anak namin at mga ibang pamilyang lubhang naaapektuhan ngayong mayroong krisis.
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***Ang Covid-19 ay hamon sa edukasyon.***
Para sa akin, ang pinakamabuting solusyon na dapat gawin ng education system sa ganitong sitwasyon ay ang maagang pagtatapos sa ikalawang semester at pagbibigay ng automatic pass sa mga estyudante. Naniniwala ako na ang *quality education* ay kailangan ngunit hindi ito ang pinakaprayoridad ngayong mayroon tayong krisis na kinakaharap. Madaming pamilya ngayon ang naghihirap at apektado rin ang mga estyudante. Sana ay magkaroon ng sapat na pag-iintindi ang administrasyon ngayong panahon na tayong lahat ay nasa panganib. Hindi lahat ng pamilya ay babalik sa normal pagkatapos ng pandemic na ito, karamihan ay kailangan pang harapin ang mga susunod na pagsubok mula sa pagkakalubog at karamay na rito ang mga mag-aaral. Bunsod sa problemang dinadanas ng buong mundo ngayon, bilang estyudante, naaapektuhan kami at ang aming konsentrasyon sa pag-aaral dahil sa panganib ng COVID-19. Hindi ito nangangahulugang tamad ang mga mag-aaral subalit ay kailangan din nating bigyang pansin ang kanilang mental health.
Knowledge in Partnerships and Corporations: How is it Important?
**There is business wherever we go**. It moves the people, it lets them buy their needs and wants, invest their money, maintain their earnings, and make a living.
****In my daily life****
Image Source https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/what-to-experience/manila-tourist-spots
Having learned about Partnerships and Corporations, it served as an eye-opener to what I also have to prepare for since I am aspiring to build my own stable business in the near future. I can get to talk with my family regarding my goal and I could also influence my colleagues in knowing and deciding what type of business organization is best and appropriate to put up.
I have always been curious of the big corporations too. Now, I get to decide sooner or later if I will invest in the stock market. Having understood how important they are in our society and what they went through to have it operating, it gives me inspiration to strive more. Moreover, it is also observable that co-ownership is being easily mistaken as partnership by some individuals. After my learnings in this subject, I can now fully differentiate them and explain how the two occurs in distinct situations.
Most importantly, since I am determined to finish my course and to work as an accountant someday, I could apply and make use of all the lessons that I’ve learned about Partnerships and Corporations as I constantly learn how to account them in different manners.
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We have been discussing shares and making financial reports and things might get different now because it is the first time I get to know the inside and the real scenario on how these companies are built, how it goes on, and how it ends.
***It is helpful that I understand its concept in real world and in the eyes of law. Those learnings will stay in my mind and will serve as my guide in whatever I do every day.***
**In my future profession**
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**The day I decided my future profession**, I entirely acknowledged all the pathways that I will have to pass through. From that day forward, I committed myself to its entirety – from how it works and moves up to its purpose, to whom will I work, and how meaningful this career will be.
Just like how accounting is done, I make stepping stones. First, I studied the different types of business organizations; I knew its differences and similarities. Second, I learned how to account it in basic terms; primarily, it provided me the skill. Lastly, I learned its technicalities and legality. Thus, I gained the comprehension that I must actually have with the future job that I am working hard for.
If I will be hired soon as an accountant of a private firm which may be a partnership or a corporation, I could wholly utilize my learnings in our subject. I will know how my job works in connection to the organization and I will be literate not only on maintaining and processing the accounts but also with the nature and the obligations of the people in the workplace not only to themselves and to the business, but also as to the third persons. This is a substantial knowledge in a way that they could ask me for consultations, I could give advices and direct them, and I know what I will expect to focus and work on in major periods of the business.
I will not be baffled in times that profits in partnership are ready for distribution or if there are industrial partners, I will apply what I’ve learned that they should receive their shares first which must be just and equitable along the circumstances. On the other hand, I will also understand to whom the shares of stocks are for and the powers that run within those investors.
It will be a requirement to know the whole aspect of the organization because it is what I will represent and what will represent me. Having my profession done correctly and in accordance with the law is important because my future job, being an accountant, means that I will have to deal with actual people and money, and there will be no room for mistakes. If I will get a thing stirred up, it will cause something to me and to the others – worst part is, ***I will have to take accountability by virtue of my negligence if it happened.***
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*Hi! Thank you for going through my article. If you have comments and suggestions, please write them down on the comment box! - yanyan xx*
Related article:
My Stand About Law https://read.cash/@yanyan13/my-stand-about-law-51e169fd
Other articles:
My Sister, My Life https://read.cash/@yanyan13/my-sister-my-life-87f1ca2a
My Dream Clothing Line https://read.cash/@yanyan13/my-dream-clothing-line-abec5377
My Sister, My Life
An untold story, a big part of my existence, this is who I am.
I grew up alone. While others are saying that I am lucky because I have all my parents' attention, I didn't find it that way. It wasn't easy; I didn't live like a princess with all my wishes coming after me and was kept unmoved because of a crown in my head.
As far as I can remember, my family suffered a lot. When I was four years old, my sister was diagnosed with bone cancer. It runs in the family and no one has ever imagined that my sister would have it in her young age. She was beautiful, kind, and charming. Then suddenly, she was stuck in bed, and going from hospital to another hospital. Because we love in the province, my parents have to travel to go in Manila for her hospitalization and chemotherapy. I didn't know what was happening back then. I can hear all the words but I understand none.
It took months, then on August of 2006, she went home and gave up on all the medications. She spent her time with us until the day she died. I didn't cry because I still couldn't understand a thing at that time. But my memory is clear - my mother and father are grieving. I wondered where she is, and as years pass by, the pain started to appear and I began to cry every time I remember her. I only have few memories with her and I treasure them forever. I'm longing to see her and sometimes I want to hate how the world was so unfair.
When I was fifteen, I had a younger sister. I didn't have any grudges just like what others thought. They said I would be jealous and all, but I didn't. I was very happy because at that time, my family is almost broken. I just knew that my sister would be the light of our world again, she would center our happiness, and she sure did. She is so special to me. She looks like my sister in heaven - they have the same features, her smile, her face, her charming character.
I almost lost myself trying to be the daughter that my parents wanted me to be. I tried and tried to fill in the space that my sister left in their hearts. I did my best to be sweet and showy but I ain't like that. My younger sister colored all the blank spaces I couldn't paint. She made me brand new, she has given me a reason to be better and to be successful and to carry my family's dreams.
If not for her, I would've totally given up by now. **She's my peace and warzone, my prosperity and hardship, my life and death.** We fight like cats and love like dogs. She's still so little yet she inspires me so much to do my best in turning the world a better place for her. She's all that I am and all that I am not. I have suffered a lot and I never want her to feel the road I've taken. I promise to support her in any journey she choses. I will hold her hands in light and dark ways.
She's feisty but I would still be willing to fight for her wherever may that be. She likes to watch cartoons and to discover new things. She inherited our love for pets. We have a dog, she's a Shih tsu and we named her Lexy. We take her a bath and feed her. She also helps me in watering our plants. She's afraid of lizards and cockroaches. She's undeniably noisy but she's very loving. She says "I love you" all the time and shows her feelings always.
I promised myself that I will provide her all the things that she wants and **will offer her the best of both worlds**. My sister is the answer that I asked to God. I could never ask for more. I will teach her all the things that I know and I will be patient in every step of the way. If she falls, I will catch her.
**I thought the world turned its back on me before, but now, I'm in a whole new world.**
Everything's in its place, all flowers are blooming, and I did redeem myself.
She's the greatest thing that ever happened to me, up to now, *I am still wondering what in the world did I do so right and good that God has blessed me with a sister as lovely as her*. I grew up alone, now, I have a companion who comes to me every time, protects me, and annoys me - the things that I longed for so long, the things that I envied whenever I see siblings who fight as hell and love each other so dearly.
Whenever I look at the stars, my tears come down. I still have lots of questions. If only I could give half of my life to my sister in heaven, I wouldn't hesitate, not even a little. I wish she can see us and I wish more that she's here with us. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be this strong and determined to fight everything that comes our way. If it wasn't for her, I would've dumped my life away from everyone. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be here right now.
She may not be here physically, but she's always in our hearts. She's all of me and everyday I do my best to be happy, grateful, and content with all the things that I have because I know it's what she wants. *She is loved and I will love her forevermore.*
**We all have stories that we keep inside our hearts and memories.** The ones that hit us so hard when we're just sitting uptight or staring at the stars. *Maybe, just maybe, telling it would lighten my heart.*
Capitalism, Income Inequalities, and Unemployment
**Capitalism and Income Inequalities**
Capitalism is one of the main problems in the Philippine economy. Not everyone can see this because it has been a part of our lives for so long that we thought it is normal or an ordinary thing. This is an economic system wherein private individuals or businesses own capital goods and accumulate profits. Doing business is okay, but engaging with capitalism puts other people at risk.
With this system, profit is the main priority, therefore, people and resources linked to them are being manipulated and used. A lot of high-rise corporations and other business firms have turned capitalist and it is the consumers and the laborers of the business who endure the most. The laborers receive insufficient income even with their completed hours of work. They are not being compensated fairly – the business firm cannot return the time, hard work, and effort that a single labor has given off which benefitted the firm and made profits out of it. In our country, working hard is not always the problem because of inequitable situations and positions that we have in lives.
The income of a person or a household measures the quality of life that they have. This means that it also highly affects their health, education, and their whole well-being. In our country, there are more poor people as compared to the rich and it is because of the income inequality that occurs. Income is being distributed unevenly towards the people which makes the rich people richer and the poor people poorer.
This economic problem does not bring justice to the households who barely have nothing. To answer this problem, I think we should start reviewing and assessing the wage rates. The minimum wage rate in 2010 was Php426 and after a decade, it only hiked up to Php537. The difference is inequitably enough especially that a lot has happened and inflation rate is continuously increasing. The government should implement laws on increasing the salaries and wages of the workers. Aside from that, they should prioritize benefits for them in support for their work. We should end contractualization, too, in order for the workers to have stable jobs.
Another thing to point out is how we degrade our janitors, housekeepers, drivers, and the like. They are workers, their work is important and needed in our society, whether they are finished in school or not, they have the right to be treated professionally and compensated justly.
Furthermore, capitalism also damages our environment and other resources. An example would be on how a real estate business firm turns agricultural lands into subdivisions. This is jeopardizing our agricultural sector, our farmers, our food supply, in the bigger picture, our economy itself. Therefore, the government should act on how to protect our environment from capitalists. They should find a way on how to monitor them closely before they earn and keep all of our money and left a permanent damage on our resources.
**Unemployment.**
**Philippines’ population is constantly growing and so is the unemployment rate.** It has been always a problem for those who are already college graduate but still can’t find a job, and the question is, what more for those did not even had the chance and opportunity to have education? In our country, the number of jobless people is alarming and it pulls the society down because people must have their basic needs in order to survive, and without employment, there’s also no income, therefore, not enough resources to get through a household in a daily basis.
Thus, this economic problem must be given attention and solution for it to decrease even in a little percentage is year. I believe that the four sectors of the economy must take their parts in this issue most especially the government. The government must make a way to create new jobs or they could create policies regarding this concern which will be followed effectively by public and private agencies. The employers should redesign their qualifications and eliminate discrimination in age, sexual orientation, color, status as parent, disability, and others. They should also remove the toxic trait of giving the job vacancies to their relatives or people they know outside the workplace. Giving the job to someone who is appropriate for the position and is passionate and prepared for it will make a good turn for the firm. Sooner or later, the change that he was able to contribute will reflect to the workplace and in bigger picture, to our society and economy. To promote fair and just employment to the applicants who are really suitable for a job can do a lot.
Another thing that I have to point out is that the other countries are benefitting from our labor. An example would be our engineers who works in Dubai, our nurse who works in different parts of the globe, and mostly are those who risk their life as domestic helpers. What is their main reason is working across the seas than working in their own land? It is the salaries and benefits, but in return, it is actually our loss. If only there are no corruption and other hidden agendas that the people in the government have and they would just do their jobs accordingly and effectively with their best, then maybe there will be reasonable salary offers and equitable benefits being provided in our country, then our professionals will work and help in our own nation, the high school graduates can grab a job, and the unfortunate ones who weren’t able to study can also have a job. ***There is no economic growth if unemployment is way too high.***
Economic Issues in the Philippines: Poverty and Scarcity
**Economics is a confounding subject matter to most people in our country. They don’t care about how it runs and they are uninformed on how important it is in our lives, but no matter what happens, economics occurs to us every day as we do our daily tasks and make a living. When we simply use the water or cook our food, or when we purchase from different stores online, or even when we go to the grocery store – these acts along with the decisions we make already stimulates our economy.**
It was around 1960s when the Philippines was one of the most developed countries in terms of economics in East Asian countries. This is undeniably true because of our country’s resources. But as years go by, our economic standing slowly falls down. Philippines has an open economy which means we have four different sectors: households, business firms, the foreign countries, and the government. Being open into trading with larger scope is an advantage for our economy, but our country still faces economic crisis and these are some of the problems that occur.
**Scarcity**
Scarcity is a heavy economic problem in the Philippines that roots from different causes. Conceptually, scarcity is a naturally occurring limitation. The trend of the demand and supply induces scarcity. Knowing that this country has a very high population, demand increases and it mismatches with the available supply.
On the other hand, the major trigger point of this problem is the rural to urban migration. Because of this, there is too much demand from consumers in a certain area. An example would be the scarcity of water in some parts of Metro Manila. Therefore, the government and the people should come hand in hand for a solution. Since most of the people in the urban area went there for income, rural government should come up for development plans that will provide income for the citizens which is as good as what is offered at urban areas. This is also a good call to open more opportunities in the provinces. Philippines is rich in resources, but right now, our resources especially environmental resources are being compromised. Lessening rural to urban migration may balance the resources and meet the demands.
Given that people have unlimited needs and wants and the resources to supply these are limited - scarcity takes place. People often get satisfied with what they have, therefore, their decisions and choices in wanting more than what they need is affecting our economy. To address this problem, I think people must attend seminars on how to efficiently use their money and other resources. It should be taught at school on how to set the right properties in life and on how do we invest the resources that we have. Most often, we over-want a thing that we don’t actually need, hence, controlling our desires could help in alleviating scarcity.
All people who are concerned shall be able to maintain a balanced supply chain. We should monitor how supplies move from time to time and make sure that our market system is up to date and can be reliably used in answering the issues brought by scarcity.
Also, in emergency situations wherein people go panic buying, the government should state a quota on how much a household can buy. If this happens, scarcity will intensify and could bring the whole economy down. Knowing that our country is rich in several resources, the greatest problem occurs when these resources are not allocated in the right way. To help solve scarcity, our country should also start relying on fact and science based researches on how to make use of our resources more efficiently and effectively in the long run, just as how Japan does it. I believe that Filipinos are imaginative and prolific in this matter, thereupon, we could come up with innovative plans in handling and lessening scarcity.
****Poverty****
The poverty rate in the Philippines has been declining in the recent years, but in a country with such great population, the rate is still alarmingly high. It affects economy – pulls it down and creates a negative to the lives of the rest. Poverty is caused by many different things that may seem ‘normal’ in our country already because none of these had been taken care of, or for so long, there hasn’t been an effective and firm solution for this.
Everyone in our economy should partake and meet in order to solve this. The government and the business firms should open more employments to the people. The government shall focus on giving the best quality education there could be. They should support adequate healthcare and provide more opportunities to the people who need the most. There are times that we don’t just need equality, but justice.
We cannot live our lives like there is not one homeless person who is lying on the street, starving, and sick. Simple acts and responsibilities mean a lot too in order to solve this economic problem. One of these would be taking care of our environment, ignoring physical and religious differences, or going into a poor community and educate them that there many ways on how they could elevate their lives like starting a small business. Some people become satisfied with their lives because they are hopeless and maybe if we give them hope, give them something to start with, and guide them through the process, we could help them into success. It is the truth that opportunities are not spread evenly in our country, therefore, we have to force ourselves in making one to the others who have less.
On the other hand, the most basic solution to poverty in the Philippines is the proper allocation of public funds. Corruption and graft by the elected politicians has been evident in the past years. Moreover, if the poverty is uncontrolled, it could mean higher number of crimes that may possibly occur because some people will be forced to do something illegal just for them to survive.
Even if nine out of ten people are successful with the sustained developments in their lives, if there’s one of them who suffers and experiences poverty, it will become meaningless. There might be advancement but there will be no progress. If there’s only a thin wall that separates a wealthy person living in a mansion from a man with nothing but serious hunger and there’s no change that occurs to them, then we are not doing our best in taking our part. Economic problem like this does not only require a long-term solution; short-term actions, when done with many, and done continuously, it could create a greater change. And when we get to put them out of the poverty line, we did not only help the or our society and economy, we’ll also be able to help ourselves.
Lastly, let the children be our hope. We have to give them the best and quality education that we have. They all have their own potential; we need to let them be aware of our surroundings because sooner or later, they will be the ones who will rule this place too. Education is still a vital solution in ending poverty. We weren’t born alone in this world, whatever we have, we should also feel obliged to share our resources. **This might be a small thing for some of us, but this could mean a lot to others.**
My Dream Clothing Line
***No one can make dreams do come true without pouring compassion.***
*Likha Partnership did not just come out of a bubble in a split second* – it is a business built in the heart and mind of each of the people who compose it and turned it into reality. Clothing industry is still one of the high-mark competitive markets in the Philippines. Fashion trend continuously changes and with the advancement of technology, marketing and advertising will be more convenient.
Manufacturers in the Philippines are mainly located in the capital and in its nearby provinces. Hence, it became one of the inspirations of the six partners who bound themselves to create a partnership to put up a clothing factory in the north. **Likha Partnership** is the established name of the firm which is intended to manifest the *creations* of the local tailors and dressmakers while earning profit and increasing the dissemination of outputs from the province to other parts of the country. This is a general partnership with a term of fifteen years.
As clothing industry regulates high sales in the market, the income of the business comes from a large scope which will be generated by first, putting up an online store which will exhibit all of the products sold at retail price, and second, by looking for official distributors and resellers nationwide to whom the products will be sold at wholesale price. New collections and designs will come out twice a month, which gives the whole team two weeks to restock the existing designs, and release new ones.
Production process will all be done at the house contributed by one of the partners. This is a two-bedroom bungalow but it will be modified until it will be appropriate for business use. The living room up to dining hall will be utilized for the main operations of the business. There will be a long table used for the cutting procedure and the different types of sewing machines will be lined up next to it. One of the bedrooms will serve as the stockroom where textiles and finished products will be stored and the other will serve as an office for the managers – this will be where all the partnership books and important files will be kept.
The house is situated in the same compound where three of the partners are residing. They have been in the same neighborhood since they were little and they always aspired to start this kind of business together with the two of their friends who will also become their co-partners. The sixth partner is one of the partner’s aunt who once owned a tailoring shop in the city. With such experience, surely, she will be able to handle the production efficiently.
Having the business in the province will boost local manufacturing entities and can provide occupation for the tailors and dressmakers in the locality. With the skills of Lyka Queral, an industrial partner, who has a degree in Clothing Technology, the business will climb on top and stay competitive in the market. The main focus of the business is to manufacture garments for normal and casual days. Men, women, and children will be able to wear the clothes in different sizes.
The business pledges to provide the customers with the most promising, best basics, classics, and stylish clothing that will uplift their confidence and change the way they see fashion. It will also elevate regenerative clothing and redesign our country’s fashion back in the old times. Furthermore, Likha Partnership will embark the authentic creativity of the Ilocano people by presenting Abel Iloco accents in some of the designs. The price of the products will be aggressive but economical. As the business goes up, new production lines for sportswear and others might be pushed to entirely suffice the desires and necessities of the customers. Bigger steps may also follow such as building physical stores to expand the range of buyers who can come across.
The partnership will have three managers and one of them will be inclined in the planning of designs and productions. Specifically, even in the selection of textiles and supplies, formulation of patterns, approval of final outputs, and facilitating the whole creation process. She will thoroughly inspect and review the materials to be used and make sure that they are of best quality and will be reasonable for the customers to purchase.
Moreover, the other manager will be in-charge of the marketing and advertising division of the business. The occurrence of online platforms will be taken advantage, therefore, she will administer the formation of the business’ own website and also the establishment of the online store in the country’s top electronic-marketplaces. Online marketing requires eye-catching photos of the products to captivate the potential buyers, thus, the manager will conduct photo-op with the local models and photography team to exhibit the products and maintain a catalog. Additional obligation of this manager is to search for city distributors nationwide. She has the only power to transact with the customers and close the deals with them.
The third manager will be dealing with the financial necessities of the business. She will be responsible in bookkeeping the income and disbursements, filing for taxes, and recording all transactions. Each of the partners will give their bests to sustain the business even in times that there will be decline in the market.
The business will operate from Monday to Saturday unless there are rush orders whereby they will be needed to work the whole week. Employees to be hired will be made sure that they have compassion too in their job and they will be compensated justly and given benefits as they deserve.
**Starting-up a business is risky**, but it might be less of a trouble if you form it with the people whom you hundred percent trust, thus, a partnership is the answer. Likha Partnership will not stop striving and will persist to serve the best against any odds.
Economic Problem: Corruption in the Philippines
***Even in the light of drastic events***, the people whom the Filipinos trusted with their votes have the guts to manifest their self-interest. Most of our government officials have been manipulative and are not true to the positions for so long – the worst part is, they can’t even hold themselves accountable.
No matter how all of the economic sectors are doing well in raising our economy, it all goes for nothing if the problem is in the system. Corruption in the Philippines is worse than ever. The utilization of our funds is being undermined. Instead of using it for infrastructure, for the betterment of country, sufficing the needs of the Filipinos, it is being taken away from us by the people who sit in their positions. Corruption is appalling that it also shows how biased is our justice system that people in coat don’t go to jail no matter how much billions they have stolen.
There is democracy and I think there is no other way to put this all in a halt but to know better when election comes. We should not overlook how fame they are, instead, we should test how well they are and how passionate they are in serving our nation. We need people in the government who enforces the right laws and implements programs which actually benefits us, not only them.
We, as citizens, *we have the right to demand duty from them* because it is the people’s votes that got them where they are. We have the right demand transparency because we have to know where did all our paid taxes go. It should be us who has the power. We need people in the government who will not only lead us, but will serve as our voice in raising our concerns and will satisfy the inadequacies that we have.
As citizens, we need to supervise what does the government do with the public funds. We should support and empower one another in fighting for what is just for many. We should not settle on what the system gives us, because we deserve a better governance who prioritizes us rather than people who only wants to increase their wealth and increase their gains. Our country needs leaders who are good in financial management, preparedness, and people who knows how to handle critical situations. We have the power to take down those who aren’t worth of their positions.
There will be economic growth instantly when corruption stops, because then we’ll see and we will feel where our public funds are being utilized. We only have to act as one. Government provisions are ultimately essential towards economic growth – we just need people who have clear intentions and can be fully trusted in doing their jobs.
My Stand About Law
I presumed law to be complicated; it connotes endless articles, long paragraphs, tons of cases, and that it goes round and round. However, after the discussions, my perception changed and I was able to seize its depth and sense. Law is rigorous for a reason. Its contents are essential because it deals with reality – with actual people and situation. Another thing is that I realized that law is important to all of us because it covers us and gives us the rules to abide in order to make our lives well-ordered.
From the discussions, it was demonstrated that the law protects us equally regardless of our job, our age, our stand in life. It is meant to give us fair justice, we don’t most likely consider it except when we are injured. The law has its punishments and conditions that will settle both of the parties, and appropriate judgment shall be given to the person who crossed somebody’s right – a person who over-practiced his democracy. However, this is not resolved in a quick easy manner because the law works in a notably thorough legal process which studies both sides of the parties, making appeals, seeking for valid and concrete evidence to stand a point.
In simpler outlook, law has set boundaries for our actions in order for us to not step the right of other people and vice versa. In connection to this, I think that all of us must have the knowledge regarding the law because in any situation, it is valuable, and we could make use of it to defend ourselves from oppressors, to know that we are standing at the right ground, and to know what is proper and just for us.
Studying the Laws on Partnerships and Corporations has changed my perspective regarding these business organizations. Previously, I thought that it was only a thing that makes profits, continuously grows, something that gathers investors, and compete with one another, but it isn’t. Partnerships and corporations have separate juridical personalities; they are artificial persons in relation to the law. They can incur obligations just like the natural ones and they also have certain rights.
Because of the discussions, my mind was able to step up. Studying the law was one of my fears because I was afraid I might not get along and understand a single thing but with the discussions and the examples – it really facilitated my learning process and I was able to adapt to a routine for me to comprehend the topics easier.
Before, I almost gave up believing in law because of the injustices that occurs, but I realized that it shouldn’t be the reason for me to shove it away, instead, it should serve as my fighting ball to learn it, take my part, and try to make a change. The discussions were very helpful beyond its purpose.
She Who's Still Alive
Problems come and go in our lives and I wish this thought was permanent in my head the whole time. I drove into different roads not knowing where I was headed to. I loved the travels and the searching and the stitches and burns that I got from different places I can't remember anymore. I couldn't admit that I was lost and I can't name a home to where I belong to. I struggled to find myself a shelter until I didn't know if I, myself, was still there after all.
I understand that life doesn't go easy on us but I think it was too hard on me. I hated to be alive and endure the unfairness that exists - how helpless I am to carry myself in every step of the way and others can just enjoy the ride with no worries of bumpy roads and cliffs. I accepted every fall, and I loved it. The wind rushing towards me, saving me, became my best friend. Every word I try to say became a bullet thrown inside of me, because I barely spoken. The fear that people won't understand everything that I am about to say is more terrifying.
I can't imagine how I got through the nights where I'm drowned with my own tears and blood. It was stupid but I had to hurt myself as a reminder that I am still alive. I cover myself with doubts and thoughts on how can I leave the world without hurting someone, because during those times, I feel the need to do it - to save myself. I was stuck and nobody knew. Nobody tries to find a person who's not needed. I was in a deep, dark world - screaming for help but nobody had read it through my eyes. We love to walk past people, and they all walked away without returning as single gaze.
The clouds are gone and the stars are bright above me at night. I was broken. Piece by piece, I try to shape myself into someone better and stronger. The healing process is a long journey, so, I shower myself with patience. I pick daisies and stare at them when everything falls on my way. I wait for the rainbow after every rain. I don't hide from everyone anymore. I am alive, I breathe greatness, and I am proud of myself.
I didn't take any notes but the lessons are all intact in my life. Whatever may come to me, I will face without fear, but hope. She who's still alive is me, because I finally love myself.
Is Window Dressing legal?
Legislatively, “window dressing” in accounting is legal because it doesn’t violate any of the existing laws, however, in my own perspective, it is immoral. It is common knowledge that business and capitalism come hand in hand but this shall not create a wall that will impede our will to do and choose what’s right just to provide what’s best for the business alone.
Each of the businesses has a target to be on the top and so do we, humans, we have a goal to be higher than any injustices and wrongs because in certainties wherein the written law couldn’t provide us a guidance and direction to whichever is appropriate, deep within us, we know what is right and we know that choosing right is the best thing we can do for whatever it’s worth for.
Having the position to alter and enhance the amounts of a financial statement in order to make it attractive to the third persons doesn’t give us the right to rob the truth from them and manipulate their decisions. Actually, window dressing cannot conceal the false presentation because this is only for short-term. Business is fluid – everything changes from time to time and I believe that staying competitive in the field can be done without harming others and neglecting our own principles.
That being said proves that not everything legal is also moral because the law doesn’t cover the entirety of our actions and that’s why we have our own moral beliefs. Not a business entity shall pave a way in putting a dirt to our conscience just because it doesn’t constitute to a crime.
As accountant who realizes the deficiencies of the law, I use my moral beliefs as my guiding principle in setting my limitations in how far I can deliver my job without destroying my integrity. Making deceptive statements is a form of dishonesty and I didn’t spend years in school just to push myself to become falsifier. This is why entities shall have firm values and ensure that these are intact to everyone with regards to their job.
Accountancy has provisioned a wide set of principles, concepts, and procedures for every situation that an accountant may encounter in the field of work – all of these are exact and accurate. Whatever an accountant may perform which is beyond the standards of accounting is occurring by virtue of his will.
Every amount presented, no matter how big or small, is crucial for it serves as the basis in making decisions. It is purely unethical to mislead any amount; may it be in favor for the business or for myself. Overriding what is supposed to happen isn’t part of my responsibility and I cannot perform such act. I can establish my commitment to my job but I don’t allow unfairness in the system. This isn’t some kind of opportunity that I could grab and take advantage with for the reason that there’s a freeway – my name may not get stained but my hands will surely will.
I consider myself a professional, thus, I cannot permit what I know is wrong to dominate what I believe in is right. Nothing is worse than being highly educated but cannot stand a ground and assert for truthfulness.
@yanyan13
