Good Morning President

So what is more important? Ethics or personal gain? It really is a rightful question for each and every politicians from the past, present and in the future. And in this movie, main characters, which are politicians, faced tough decisions in their lives. They are tempted of power and money, I believe, are the two primary goal of politicians to achieve. They see these two things as what they will give them good and sustainable lives. But what they have chosen?

In the film, we can see that it has been very difficult for them to fight the temptations lingering just under their noses. Also, there are several factors that increases that wantness of these things. but in the end, they realized the importance of ethics.

A man with an honorable heart and with dignity is a man who would have the greatness life can offer. Maybe not through acquiring money or power but to live a truthful and contented life.

The Special Relationship

Bill Clinton and Tony Blair were just like many of us. In our life, we have met that person that you'll willingly do anything with, whether how good or foolish it may be. It seems like he/she is your long lost brother/sister. This is what Bill and Tony felt as they let their friendship grew. Even to the extent that their countries are also "best of friends" of each other. However, in any friendship, there will always be times wherein one's interest is not the other's.

Like what had happened with Bill and Tony, at times, they argue on certain things they do not agree with each other about. Then, there will be withdrawal of support for each other. Eventually, after sometime, they will be friends again. But whether they like it or not, the damage has been done and it will be forever be known to them.

In the end of the film, Tony was asked, what do he think are Bill and his common grounds. And sadly, with a realization that came to him after all, he said none.

Distinguished Gentleman

It is brilliant how this movie presented the idea that a government, whether we refer to it as the most respected institution of the land or the bastion of truth and justice, is also full of con artists. Why? Some politicians does not portray what a real politician should be. Knowledgable of the law of the land and is open to the idea of real public service. However, in the Philippine context, we have politicians that are showbiz artists, athlete, tv hosts, and even former sexy stars. It seems like our own government is no different to media.

It is commendable what these kinds of politicians have done, some of their political achievement are exemplary. However, what I am worried about is this new trend that is happening. What we are having are people who learn about the laws of the land, just when they enter office; as supposed to an ideal politician, equipped with the knowledge on laws before engaging into politics.

How are we going to attain development if the mechanism for it is run by these "mere" politicians? Willingness to provide public service, if this really is their true calling, is not even enough. Proper training together with deep rooted nationalism is a must to become an ideal politician.

Reaction Blog: Iginuhit ng Tadhana

"It is a propaganda", I told to myself while watching the movie Iginuhit ng Tadhana. Then, after the movie, sir Teehankee confirmed it. The movie is about the life of Ferdinand Marcos, the dictator known to every Filipino. He was known as the dictator that issued the Martial Law that resulted to the iconic EDSA Revolution I.

It was said that the movie was released prior to the Martial Law era as a propaganda to appease the masses and to "mapabango ang pangalan ni Marcos na sa panahon naiyon ay nababahiran na ng kung ano anong di magandang kuro kuro".

The movie was shutdown.

However, due to the influence and power of Marcos, he then changed the decision and the movie went back to the mainstream.

I say the movie was portrayed so well that the ordinary people would think of it as "just another good movie in the mainstream with actors and actresses they love and adore". But for critical thinkers, they will see the biased story line of the movie. Yes, it really is a propaganda because the movie denounced the accusations to Marcos. However, the people who think this way could be the opposition to Mr. Marcos. Thus, pitting their own bias to it.

Therefore, one may not say this movie is biased, even me, because our thinking has a pre-set already or has been influenced by another idea, a person or an event that made us think this way.

Reaction Blog: Pirates of Silicon Valley

The movie Pirates of Silicon valley shows how these two marvels, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, changed the way we deal with technology nowadays. They are the two most important people that created Microsoft and Apple Computers, respectively. However, the story of these two geniuses may not be known for many of us, including me, not until I have watched this film. The movie shows how everything have started. From scratch, to discoveries, triumph and success, downfall and getting back up. It is full of twists that would make you think, "hey, I never thought it all started like that".

If you don't know, Bill and Steve are both college drop outs. They have not finished their school but it doesn't hindered them to achieve their dreams. Bill worked somewhere will Steve had his parents garage for his first office.

Then, after all the hardship of Steve, he came our with his first model of a Macintosh computer. From that point on is the rise of Apple. The glory days have come. Everybody wanted to purchase Mr. Jobs' product. 

But as he arose, he have developed attitude problem. He has been neglecting his work and got stuck with the perks of being famous. He then started mistreating his friends and his employees. 

His greatest mistake is trusting the wrong person.

He also got fooled by his friend, Bill, that has been the start of his downfall.

It is given that in every man's success is another man who would want to bring him down. In this case, Steve has reached the top but because of Bill's greed, he pulled him back down and replaced him to the top. In life, even though it is given to us in a different context, the same idea lingers. What we could do it play life hard and play it smart. And if by chance, you'll fall down, have the courage to stand up and get back to your own two feet like Steve has done. 

  

Reaction Blog: Hitler: The Rise of Evil

This documentary depicted the biography of Adolf Hitler, the known dictator of Germany, who has been notorious all over the world because of his brutal acts towards the Jews. No one, from the time he had ordered the killing of the Jews up until the new generations would have never known what he just did. He will be marked through time as the man who have committed the most gruesome sin a man could ever do.

In this chronicle, we have seen the young Hitler and how he did developed his hatred to the Jews. He never liked them from the very start because he though of them as parasites to the land of the Germans. Of course, it is a given fact that he had a very gloomy childhood. That, I think, contributed why he had developed such despicable attitude.

By the time he arose from the rank in the military, he further developed his hatred to the Jews. At that time, he realized that they should not stay in their homeland. That Germany should only be for the Germans. So when he have gained eyes on him, he took advantage of it and then his advanced his intentions and influenced many people. He then lead the Nazis. 

Then, revotions arise from time to time with his leadership and his allies.

After he has been elected, he had declared the killings of the Jews. Not feeling any mercy on them and having no conscience, for Hitler, it is the fulfillment of his dreams.

Adold Hitler has been the most notorious man in the world. He had committed something that no man could have ever done. His hatred to the Jews must have been a victory in his eyes and for the Germans that he have influenced but for the rest of the world, it is very immoral. 

Reaction Blog: All the King's Men

All the King’s Men (1949) is a fascinating story of the rise of a nobody to power. Willie Stark is a hick from countryside of Kanama whom have rised to become a governor. However, the road to seat for Mr. Stark isn’t really that easy. It is tough. In the story, he faced challenges along the way. But in the end, he reached his goal and unconsciously transformed himself.

In movie, Willie Stark is a person that claims to be an “honest man”. Of course, not all people bought the idea. They thought that it is just an identity that Mr. Stark would want to use and to be known for when he ran for country treasurer an then will trash later on. This prevails every election where politicians make use of “make-up-identity” to get the votes of the people. 

When the voting for the position is over, he lost. He failed to win because he is plainly a nobody without enough education. So he decided to take up law, passed it and become a certified lawyer. When he felt that this is the right time, he ran again for governor. But now, he had his political mechanism. He is backed up with his trusted person. Jack Burden, his number one supporter, and a reporter who have covered the rise of his career and his “right hand woman” Saddie Burke.

  

  

hmm...     aha!!!

During his rise, he needed support. So he made several deals with so many people to pump up his campaign. He was bringing in a lot of money and is creating a powerful influence. It didn’t come to him that he is slowly transforming himself to a person he wanted to replace in the seat of government in the first place; corrupt and injustice. Mr. Honest has never been as honest as he was.

In reaction to the film, I’d say that political aspirants are geared up to bring change for his society. But along the way, there will be choices he have to make and gamble he needs to play for survival. Mr. Stark has been a man with values, but when the desire for money and power eat him up, he became the complete opposite if what he wanted to be. 

In conclusion, it is a movie that showed the rise of a nobody to power. It also presents the susceptibility of a person and his vulnerability to temptation of money and power. This is yet another movie that is recommended for students of politics and public governance along side the movie Citizen Kane.

Reaction Blog: Citizen Kane

Citizen Kane (1941) is a fictional film of the story of the rise and fall of Charles Foster Kane, a politician in the State of New York created by renowned person Orson Welles. The movie is sequenced in a way that a News reporter named Jerry Thompson investigates on the death and the private life of Mr. Kane. Flashbacks of Mr. Kane’s life built the story of the whole film that lead Mr. Thompson to the mystery of his last words, “rosebud”. Every evidence leads to another. The movie is like an investigative documentary of what had happened to the life of Charles Foster Kane.

The story exemplified a classic story of a politician who is at first very eager and motivated to contribute and bring change to his society.I say this is classic because every politician, whether in the Philippines or in the other countries of the world, politicians start with a dream for his nation. 

Most of them, if not all, developed a dream only for themselves. By the time he had gained the authority, the power and the seat to the government, Mr. Kane had several influences made him change his views in life. He ad everything he wanted. In the movie, it was showed that he cheated on his wife. This caused him to end his relationship with Emily Monroe Norton. And when his political opponent sent out the scandal, it disrupts his image, which lead to the fall of his career as a public servant. 

In reaction to the film, I’d say that Mr. Kane, just like every one of us is still a human being who is susceptible to temptations. People may always have this sense of great intention for others. It is natural. However, it is also natural for a human to find something better for himself. Others may find it doing the good deeds; others attained it simply doing the complete opposite. I guess this is just life and be cannot do anything about what is natural in us. Perhaps, it’s conscience that needs to double-time its role in us; that, if one has it.

In conclusion, the film is a very good in the sense that it delivered the right messages to the viewers, the cinematography is wonderful based on the time it was made, the characters gave justice and played the roles well, and everything just fell onto their right places. A recommended film for students of politics and public administration.

Post-Colonial Philippines

Post-colonialism

We can say that Post-colonial Philippines started when the Japanese occupation in the country has ended. The Philippines has been under colonial control of three countries since fifteen hundreds. First, Spaniards colonized us. Then there came the Americans and was followed by the Japanese. Three hundred to four hundred years of being a colony of other country is never been that easy. Yes of course they brought advantages along them but they also caused serious problems in the country. The Spaniard’s abusive power and pseudo Catholicism, the over shadowing of American’s to us Filipinos and the brutal acts committed by the Japanese to our people. Truly, we are subjected into deep colonialism.

Since there were a number of nations that colonized us, Philippine culture has been affected very much by these. Many have been influenced. The way we live our lives, from the clothes we wear, food we eat, language we speak, the government that we have and even the very name of our country. Our colonizers influence all of these. Then you will ask, “What is originally ours?” It is time you will then seek for what is true Filipino.

It is hard to find who are the original Filipinos in this country. It is because everything around us seems to be from foreign cultures. We refer to the igorots from the mountain to as the original Filipinos. And yet they are not recognized as one by the NHI (National Historical Institution). So who are Filipinos? A speculation has been made that a true Filipino is someone who have a mixed cultural origin. Meaning, true Filipinos are product of cultures that is embedded in our society.

In this context, it is then hard to claim that I am a true Filipino. If being a Filipino is inculcating each cultural product we have in our society, many will not qualify as one. So, do we regard them as half or quarter Filipinos? No. This is wrong. We should not confine our being Filipino with this qualification.

For me, being a Filipino is living and being like one. Be nationalistic and love thy country and its people. Be patriotic and sacrifice our lives for our countries pride. Then, we can be regarded as Filipinos. A person who loves and is willing to die for his/her own country.

Filipino Theory

Filipino Theory 

(Pilipinohiya at Sikolohiyang Pilipino)

What is Filipino Theory? There were no studies in the present that define exactly what this particular theory means. But why does it exist? Perhaps this theory subjects the collective thinking, attitude and behaviors of every Filipinos. Accommodating, generous, respectful, loving, caring, jolly etc., these were regarded as the characteristics we Filipinos are known for. The list goes on and on when we talk about features and qualities of Filipinos. But one of these cannot stand-alone and define what Filipino theory is. It has to be a collective idea or summation of our basic characteristics.

I would like to discuss the positive characteristics of Filipinos and the irony it faces in reality. First, Filipinos as being accommodating and generous. Philippine culture is highly based on that of Spain. We got the culture, which is very fond of having festivals in commemorating religious icons. We celebrate and prepare foods for everyone who will be visiting our place, our town. Our houses. Truly, we are a very festive people. But on the other hand, and the downside of this festive culture we have, people, sometimes do things just to please others. Most Filipinos, especially those who belong to the lower and middle classes, commit debts in order to bring something on the table during feasts. It is to signify and show to their visitors how prepared they are for them and to show they are capable of being accommodating and generous. This can be viewed positively but there is a negative perspective as well. We are generous people that sometimes put ourselves in situations wherein we are the one who will suffer.

Next, we value respect in our society. In a Filipino family, being respectful is one essential characteristic that one should learn and have. We, then, use it when we are in school, work and elsewhere. But the essence of being respectful is being tampered by wrong doings, especially in our Philippine Government. Client-patron relationship has been eminent in any government, even ours. It is when government officials have certain patrons, constituents and “padrinos” that they develop conditional relationships with because they are benefitting from each other. They have respect for each other in the sense that they would cover up something that they are both benefitting for, even if it is not legal. In here, being respectful does not mean having a high appreciation of someone’s status or rights.

In regards to loving someone and being caring for others, we Filipinos are the best of it. We are in a society that deeply appreciates the meaning of love. But sometimes, people take for granted their partners. Filipinos are then regarded as martyrs of love. In a relationship, one should always put both feet forward so that an ideal relationship can be obtained.

Last but not the least is Filipinos as happy people. It is very noticeable that even when the country is hit by calamities and disaster, we have the capability of surpassing any challenges in our lives through laughter. But then, in reality, laughter cannot cure everything.

The Culture of Filipinos is a very colorful and also is a complicated one. One may say that we display our good characteristics for other in exchange for self-burden. In the end, obtaining what really is the meaning of Filipino theory is still unexplainable. It is then we can conclude that we are complicated individual, that makes it hard for scholars to define who and what we are. That’s what makes a Filipino special. We are unique in our own special ways.

When do we feel power?

People vary on thing they are good at. It could be anything under the sun. Most of the time, people consider these as their assets or their strengths. This is the time they feel they have the power over something.

For me, I consider the things I usually do and I am most comfortable at as strengths as a person. Whenever I do these things, I feel like I can do something that others cannot. Although these things I am telling are not as rare as it is, it is very common, yet it still gives me the feeling of superiority.

There are two things I do that I consider I am good at. First is being a man of music. As a child, I got my interest into musical instruments. I started playing guitar when I was in grade 4. Unlike other people who needed to enroll themselves to guitar lesson classes, I learned how to play it through the guidance of my dad and the rest were self-taught. My mom always told me that I developed a skill really well n a short period of time, which is quite unusual. I remember my friends at that time that started learning how to play the guitar. They are really having trouble learning how to play the instruments. Due to its difficulty, some gave up. Others learned quite longer than I did. At that time, they envy me. I feel so good because they look up to me. Years went by and I developed my skill further. Access to the Internet gave me the privilege to learn new things in my craft. Then I noticed that most of the people who can play the guitar could also play piano. Again, I had this urge inside of me to learn how to play this new musical instrument. My mom got me a piano. Same as with the guitar, I learned how to play it by my self and it did not took long for me to do it. Since then, I started joining performances in my school and I received many accolades. From then, I realized that I am really a musically inclined person. For a time I wished I could learn how to play saxophone and drums. But due to time restriction brought by entering college, I was not able to find time to make it. Recently, my brothers, whom also have a very high interest with musical instrument and are also guitar and piano players, got themselves a ukulele.  And since it is quite similar to guitar playing, I was able to learn to play it as well.  Now, being able to play three musical instruments make me proud of myself. Knowing that others mat only have just learned one to two musical instruments, I am capable of playing three of a kind. This musical interest in me will never fade and I will continue to learn more instruments as much as I could.

This is my actual guitar. Ibanez aw40ece RDV.

Dream piano. White Yamaha Grand Piano

Ukelele

The second thing I wanted to point out is relative to my physicality. My height has a big disparity that of the usual average Filipinos. I stand at five foot and 10 inches tall, which made me taller than many people around me. Back when I was in high school, I started playing for the school. And since I am one of the biggest players in my team, they appointed me as the captain. I would say that my height has been an asset for me, especially in playing my sport, basketball. Since I am already given this gift, I decided to do my best to excel. But when I entered college, I decided to focus on my studies than play for the school. Still, I still play during free time and whenever I am in my province with my friends. 

The greatest basketball player in the world. MJ23

These two things I do are considered as part of my life wherein I can say I engage power and superiority over others. I have also realized that one consider himself powerful to the things he has excelled through years of dedication and commitment. Being confident of who you are and being proud of your talents and strengths is when he is at his best.

May Bukas nga ba? Analysis of the song May Bukas Pa by Rico Jay Puno

May Bukas Pa

By Rico Jay Puno

The song was sung and popularized by Rico Jay Puno in 1980. It became a hit single back then and was regarded as Rico’s most unforgettable song contribution in the Philippine music industry. Rico, whom is still a television personality and a singer, occasionally sings the song in some of his performances. There were also artists from the 80s and 90s who did their rendition of the song. Some of them are Bimbo Cerrudo, Wency Cornejo and Aegis. Current singers like Martin Nievera, Gary Valenciano and Erik Santos also revived the song.

The message of the song is conveyed vividly in each line. It implies how life can be so hard and difficult that hurdles and challenges will always be part of it. But despite these set backs, one can always depend on God for help and guidance. Having faith is very important for a person. Through faith, he can overcome the obstacles in his life.

Since the song was sung in the 1980s, it is also the time when former and late President Ferdinand E. Marcos took Martial Law into effect in the Philippines. This paper’s analysis suggests that the song has political and social relevance during the time it was made.

Contextualizing the message of the song, it denotes the situation of Filipinos during the Martial Law period in the country. According to literatures related to the matter, these years were the darkest period in Philippine history. There is a clear defiance of people to its government, resulting to demonstrations and rallies that resulted into brutal acts between the people and soldiers. Many were abused, jailed and many lost their lives fighting for democracy and freedom from the dictatorship. Media was blocked out; political education is being deprived to students and right to one’s privacy was severely violated. Hence, the song served as an inspirational reminder that there is God who will put an end to their misery.

Assuming that Rico and the composers are seeing the cruelness being experienced by Filipinos during the Martial Law period, they talk to the Filipino people through their song.  The lyrics are very light and understandable. It speaks of hope and faith to God. The composers of the song, Ernie de la Pena and Charo Unite, have chosen profound but subtle words that carry vibrant feelings that all the people’s hardships will fade away and there is a good life ahead of them.

 It is noticeable that some parts of the song are repetitive. There were two stanzas that are repeated twice. It is a way to give emphasis and stress to its meaning and for the listeners to absorb fully the message of the emphasized part. Secondly, it is observable that the composers of the song are a believer of Christ, for he used several names such as “Diyos” and “MayKapal” to refer to him. They would also want to establish an idea that there will be light in their darkest hours. It is exemplified in the lines: “Sisikat din ang iyong araw” and “Ang landas mo ay mag-iilaw”. In the bible, Jesus was referred to as the light that will guide our path to a better life. But the thing that seems bothering is that there is an assumable indication that the bringer of message is not of the same level as the one being subjected in the song.  The use of words such as “iyong”, ”mo” and “ka”, instead of “ating”, “natin” and “tayo” respectively. These words depicts a distancing idea of the bringer of the message to his recipients. A speculation can be made that the bringer of the message may not be experiencing the same situation as to his recipients. Another assumption that we can infer is that the bringer may be of the side of the Marcoses during that time that sees the unfaithful scenario but is scared to act out to help them. Instead, he made a song that will tell the oppressed people to never lose hope for God will be there to help.

Whether the song is made out of sheer sympathy or empathy, it served its purpose as an inspirational message to those people who experienced hardship during the Martial Law Era. Up until today, the message of the song lingers upon us and in our nation. 

Lyrics of the song:

May Bukas Pa

By Rico Jay Puno

Huwag damdamin ang kasawian

May bukas pa sa iyong buhay

Sisikat din ang iyong araw

Ang landas mo ay mag-iilaw

Sa daigdig ang buhay ay ganyan

Mayroong ligaya at lumbay

Maghintay at may nakalaang bukas

[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/r/rico_j_puno/may_bukas_pa.html ]

May bukas pa sa iyong buhay

Tutulungan ka ng Diyos na may lalang

Ang iyong pagdaramdam

Idalangin mo sa Maykapal

Na sa puso mo ay mawala nang lubusan

Sa daigdig ang buhay ay ganyan

Mayroong ligaya at lumbay

Maghintay at may nakalaang bukas

May bukas pa sa iyong buhay

Tutulungan ka ng Diyos na may lalang

Ang iyong pagdaramdam

Idalangin mo sa Maykapal

Na sa puso mo ay mawala nang lubusan

Ang iyong pagdaramdam

Idalangin mo sa Maykapal

Na sa puso mo ay mawala nang lubusan

Composed by: Ernie de la Pena and Charo Unite

Lyrics by: Ernie de la Pena and Charo Unite

http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/r/rico_j_puno/#share

First Critical Essay: A compilation of three critiques

Marx’s view on culture

It was Marx’s idea that a political superstructure of any state can be determined by economic factors; factors in which social classes can dictate its development or regression. For him, those states that have a very good and well run economy will most likely develop. But there have been criticisms on his view. Although some people would simply skim over the meaning of what Marx said, others were heated up by the message’s implied meaning. He did not acknowledge people other than those who emerge as the elites. For Marx, the state is dependent to the elites. If the elites, whom are also known as capitalists will use their resources and run the government, development will be achieved. Hence, without this role they play, government will be financially off-handed and will eventually fail. In this scenario, people’s equality is not recognized. The bourgeoisie and lower class men will always be inferior with the elites and there is no chance for them to climb up the social class ladder. Once poor, one will forever be drifting in the shadows of sad reality and once wealthy, one will always enjoy good life and supremacy.
In my perspective, I will side on those people who got rattled by what Marx has said. It is really judgmental how he disregarded almost the majority people of one’s state and favored only those who are affluent. For me, development can be achieved through people working all together and defy the rigidity of social hierarchy. By this, everyone is entitled to have a good life that they have deserved and worked hard for. But in the harsh reality and the kind of culture that we inhibit in the 21st century, power and influence over the other is becoming the trend. We can now see Marx’s point of view, where the rich people have control on everything and those who have unfortunate lives suffer most of the time. Realistically speaking, I think that this trend will last for many more years because of people treating money and influence as power. It is often sad to realize that it is still better to keep Marx’s elite people in the government who do contribute to the state’s progress than today’s elite who merely enrich themselves and forsake the country’s development.

Culture Industry

As of the present, the most influential culture that has been recognized all over the world is that of the United States. At any country, you will see products of America. From the food we eat, the clothes we wear, cars and technology we use, America’s culture is everywhere. The country’s culture is then regarded as the highest commodified one. But in the Philippine context, one culture from Asia has made its way to the mainstream. It is the pop culture of Korea. It was during last year when Korean influence spread like a virus to the people of the Philippines. From the music we listen to, the afternoon and night shows we watch, the food we eat and the “queer” fashion sense they have, majority of Filipinos embraced it wholeheartedly. Some even sing Korean songs without knowing the meaning of it. Some Filipino teens imitate Korean sing and dance group. Some Filipino celebrities even played a role of a Korean in a Korean based show. This is what the K-pop culture has brought to the Philippines.
Not that I am racist but I despise how this so-called K-pop culture has been carried out in the Philippines. Having said this, I do not compromise the relationship I have with some of my Korean friends. They are fun to be with, especially when they relate themselves to the customs and ways of living in our nation. I am just not comfortable with their queerness. I find the way they entertain people as very attention-seeker by over-decorating themselves, to the point that what they are not appealing to me anymore (my opinion does not generalize the perception of all Filipinos). What I also do not like about what is happening in the present is that Filipino actors and actresses play and role themselves as Koreans, making a Korean adopted television show catch more attention than Filipino made ones. Why not stick to the Filipino roles, make more Filipino story based shows and make it more famous than those we adopted from other cultures? That way, we can be proud how our culture based shows are better and more interesting; especially that media is a powerful tool to influence people. Other than that, I am fine with Koreans.
If I will be asked if I want our culture to be commodified, I will wholeheartedly say No. Philippines have been regarded as a country with diversified culture because of colonizers that have influenced us from the past and the rise of new commodified cultures that penetrated our lives in the present. For some reason I realized how ample our original Filipino cultures are if we are going to sort what has been a diversified Filipino culture. This made me think of “parang ayaw ko ata makitang suot ng mga banyaga ang ating mga barong, baro’t saya. Atin yun eh”. For me, I would like to preserve our original Filipino cultures for Filipinos only. Only for that time I can say that we have our very own culture.

Feminism

Feminism has been recognized as an ideology in the 19th century and has been around up until the present. All over the world, feminism has grown to become an institution that raises gender concerns, especially women’s rights and equality. Many feminist movements happened in the past for it to succeed in its goals. Many have given their lives to promote equality among men and women. But has feminism really succeeded in its battle?
In global scale, I can say that the goals of feminism that are equality and proper representation of women with men and in society, respectively, have not been that properly rooted. Many women are still abuse, molested and undermined by some societies. A few regard them as sexual objects and are born inferior to men. These things still happen and have become alarming. So, has feminism really succeeded?
In the Philippine context, in the present, I can say that the concept of feminism is recognized in the society for the reasons that women are now educated, competent with the jobs that are usually are for men, they vote and have the capacity to indulge themselves in the realms of politics and are also a good provided for their family. What we can see here are good things brought forth by feminism in our society. It changed the old cultural notion that women are inferior to men. But looking at this ideal feminist point of view lays its imperfection. It seems inevitable that abuse to women can be avoided. In the Philippines, rape has been a very gruesome experience that a woman would not want to get herself into. But then, it happens. Molestation has been rampant. Undermining in work places still exist. Women are not comfortable leaving the house late at night for the fear of being harassed. Now tell me, does feminism really succeeded?
Either way you view the scenario, whether global or local selection context, women are being oppressed and suppressed by men in the society. it is a sad reality that it would stay for as long as there are abusive men and a judgmental society. Feminism, along side its promise to elevate the role of women in the society must push further for it to achieved its goals. Nothing is perfect, and so as feminism and men. Even how optimistic I am on equality between men and women, I frankly say I do not see such “equality” in the near future. Perhaps maybe, someday.

Philippine work culture: Government employees.

Just this morning, my thesis partner and I went to the Department of Finance to verify and confirm our application of our practicum program.  We applied in this government department because our classmates who are also doing their on-the-job training there recruited us.

Before going to the department, my thesis partner and I were hyped and are ready for the interview we will be undergoing. When we arrived at the personnel division, everything went fine not until we were directed to head to the division we are designated to. After a 10-minute walk, we arrived in the office. First thing we noticed upon entering the door were loud voices. Employees on that division were talking to each other on the places they have been to. Laughing so hard that one man almost choke with his food. They just acknowledge our presence when their conversation ended and a girl noticed us. That was about 30 to 45 seconds we are already standing in the door, trying to get their attention. They welcomed us as usual and I handed the forms they need to process for us to be admitted. We’ve stayed there for a couple of minutes then we experienced first hand what bad hearsays are there for the government employees.

 During working hours at around 9:30am, we expect employees to do there work. But as we have observed in the office, employees are standing and walking around the room and chatting with other employees. They talk and talk with non-sense topics. Most of the time, we heard dirty jokes. They are talking about what is the best motel to stay in. purely non-sense conversation. It is only around 10am when they started talking about where are they going to eat for lunch and what time are they going to go home later in the afternoon. The conversation continued up until quarter to 11am when we are about to leave.

A realization came into my mind that are our parents work hard and pay taxes to give salaries to these government employees. Dang. They are not even worth every penny we pay for them. They are not doing the right things and the job we expect them to do. I called my mom, who is a special investigator in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. She told me that what I observed happens in every government departments and offices. There were really employees who just come to work to chat, display their newly bought things and boast their non-senses. My mother and I share the same perspective to government employees, we hate how they work. That is the reason why any time soon, she will retire from her work and focus on the businesses that we have. She doesn’t want to be labeled with the stereotype that people think of government employees.  She said that she have served the department with all she can offer and do, but she cannot stand being with such kind of irresponsible people.

In conclusion, my perceptions of government employees just got worsen. But then, I have to deal with those facts since I will have my practicum in a government agency.  For me, I will work there as good as I can be and never waste a time like the others. Having this experience clearly showed me how bad the work culture in Philippine agencies.