To my dear Didi and Otōto

We started with goals in mind... we dream of dreams we wanted to achieve when we we're happily thinking of those things together... and then a small typhoon came. you thought your dreams went down the drain...

Let me remind you... life is a journey, there will be ups and downs... sometimes a surprise twist and turns along the way... but then again in the end, life is about over coming those challenges...

Just like the roller coaster, after the ride turns into a full stop, you look back on the enjoyable memories... not those depressing ones right?

FIGHT ON GO!!!

Population decline: What went wrong?

Marketing and advertising has been one of the best tool in order to pull in customers in businesses, and with regards to school marketing, every college and university would often provide a bigger chunk of the institutional budget for it. When it comes to marketing collaterals, colleges and universities would buy a mountain load of streamers, posters, pamphlets and others such as fans and pens and would be given out to prospect customers like fish baits waiting to be devoured by tunas. Another way of being noticed is joining school expositions wherein students will be “shopping” around for a school while each school brag out their edge among the others.

With the implementation of the K to 12 system, this educational transition post a threat to all. For the next 3 years, colleges and universities would not be greeting freshmen students (of course aside from cross-enrollees and transferees) and would focus on strengthening their marketing tactics for their senior high school department to keep the operations afloat. Thus again, instead of bragging their offered degrees and courses modeled by their college students, they replaced those with smiling high school students and labeled their collaterals with a catchy phrases like “Senior High School Ready!” in bright red or in the biggest and boldest font they could find.

Here in San Sebastian College- Recoletos Canlubang, it seems that the transition is not a threat at all if we will base this on a few observations: first, only 3 streamers could be visibly seen. These 3 streamers, whom we could compare to “the three musketeers” that boldy stand with all their might, are located at the most remote and not-so-attention-getting places: at the Silangan exit, the arc of Canlubang and the one that was almost covered by the tall grasses at the edge of the Kapayapaan Village Public Market. Just think about what would these 3 streamers feel about how unnoticeable they were? Next were the fliers and cardboard fans. Last summer, the high school faculty gave away those collaterals under the scorching heat of the sun and who knows how far those will go, and last but not the least, the school marketing caravan. Was there even a marketing caravan aside from the annually Stagisan activity (Interschool quiz bee)? If you try to ask the lay administrators regarding their marketing strategy, they would always blame the institutional budget. The main campus in Manila would always give a wee budget simply because, as the college dean would often emphasize during faculty meetings, SSC-R Canlubang is still dependent with Manila to keep the school alive and since the main campus also needed to keep their side up-and-running.

With regards to funds, we do believe no institution could move without it. But in order to stretch the said budget, we need to adjust Baste’s belt when it comes to spending. Next move should be a new marketing strategy but, the school seemed a bit nervous to take risk. This also post a good question to the lay administrators who, most of them were, MARKETING MAJORS. Why not use your so-called “advertising techniques” to boost the population? If you truly have a concern for this school, why not squeeze out those juicy ideas and come up with a good advertising strategy?

If we could still recall one lesson in economics, risk taking is one way of creating a new solution to problems. It may cost a lot of money but rewarding if it was carefully planned out. Aside from risk taking, asking for expert advices, once converged with traditional ideas in marketing, would create a unique concept to help Baste stand up. Apart from converging concepts and ideas, one cheap way of marketing the school for free is by word of mouth. One school here in Laguna utilizes their student’s public speaking skills by allowing the child to share his/her personal experiences about the school, in that way, since they were speaking as equals, they would be encouraged to choose San Sebastian.

My friends, there will always be many ways to kill a cow as they say but, it’s up to the lay people to think which weapon would make a full death blow to this population problem.

Personal Note:

This editorial will be used as an instructional tool for my journalism students.

Not Enough My Dear...

Almost a decade of being established as a school of thought, San Sebastian College- Recoletos, Canlubang have witnessed the past Supreme Student Council Officers whom, one could say, have showed the students their type of leadership skills and prowess. Most of them pushed themselves excessively in service of the students because of the burning love for the school while others chose to walk on the path of hypocrisy since they lack sincerity to perform their task. This kind of attitude is not only disappointing but it seems that being part of the SSC became a privilege, not a responsibility. Winning the elections was such a fuzz for others while some thought “it’s just a school activity after all.”

My dear Sebastinians, almost everyone agree with the aspiring SSC officers that, being part of the SSC is no joke but rather, a big responsibility similar with the tale of Atlas, one should hold the position carefully so as not to create chaos and disorder.

During the meeting de avance, the remark “Bahala na kayo kung sinong iboboto ninyo sa amin” (It’s up to you who will you choose to vote), left not just a big scar to one’s ears but also, to the disappointed students who earnestly listened to their so-called platforms and future projects. Such projects like the water fountain, water basin and pail, recording consul and others sounded as if created from a grade schooler’s imaginative mind. It only goes to show that almost all of the candidates of the 2 party lists lacked one skill, research. What a shame to be name after the patron saint of the Recollect Augustians and Sebastinians? As far Sebastinian, we were taught that St. Augustine and St. Sebastian are known to be martyrs when it comes to their strong faith in God, and thanks to research and hunger for knowledge, both of them not only became defenders of the Catholic faith but also, help spread the word of God’s love to mankind.

Enough has been said. Telling and flaunting your academic credentials as Dean Listers and Scholars would not even persuade the students rather, show us your love for the school. Instead of generating funds, why not propose a plan to boost the school population or help revive the per semester recognition rites for deserving students? It will not only increase the number of Sebastians but also, encourage students to study harder and strive to get the coveted red and gold medal. In that way, you only not etched a part of SSC-R’s history but also, make the Sebastinians remember your fruits of hard work forever.

ASEAN Integration: Meeting in between cultural diversity amidst its possible hurdles and challenges

Every organization, may it be small or large, has its own hurdles and challenges in order to maintain unity and equality among its members. Since every member has its own socio-cultural background, we have to understand one’s own upbringing or how one’s enculturation was.

Let’s talk about ASEAN. To give you a brief backgrounder, below are the facts about ASEAN according to their website.

Association of the South East Asian Nations The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, with the signing of the ASEAN Declaration (Bangkok Declaration) by the Founding Fathers of ASEAN, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Brunei Darussalam then joined on 7 January 1984, Viet Nam on 28 July 1995, Lao PDR and Myanmar on 23 July 1997, and Cambodia on 30 April 1999, making up what is today the ten Member States of ASEAN.

The Aims and Purpose of ASEAN are as follows:

• To accelerate the economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the region through joint endeavors in the spirit of equality and partnership in order to strengthen the foundation for a prosperous and peaceful community of Southeast Asian Nations;
• To promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law in the relationship among countries of the region and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter;
• To promote active collaboration and mutual assistance on matters of common interest in the economic, social, cultural, technical, scientific and administrative fields;
• To provide assistance to each other in the form of training and research facilities in the educational, professional, technical and administrative spheres;
• To collaborate more effectively for the greater utilization of their agriculture and industries, the expansion of their trade, including the study of the problems of international commodity trade, the improvement of their transportation and communications facilities and the raising of the living standards of their peoples
• To promote Southeast Asian studies; and
• To maintain close and beneficial cooperation with existing international and regional organizations with similar aims and purposes, and explore all avenues for even closer cooperation among themselves.

FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES

In their relations with one another, the ASEAN Member States have adopted the following fundamental principles, as contained in the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC) of 1976:

    1. Mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and                 national identity of all nations;

    2. The right of every State to lead its national existence free from external interference,                subversion or coercion;

    3. Non-interference in the internal affairs of one another;

    4. Settlement of differences or disputes by peaceful manner; 

    5. Renunciation of the threat or use of force; and

    6. Effective cooperation among themselves.

Those are the basic facts about ASEAN.

Since ASEAN is a group, we have to understand and analyze one’s cultural practices and background before we could conclude and declare to the whole world that we are of one mind and heart. Now let’s take a closer look on each of the member countries according to the following aspects.  Below is the summary of the member countries’ culture:

1. Values – their set of beliefs; what they think is good or wrong (Sarbaugh, 1987)

Social Structure – The interdependent network of roles and the hierarchy of statuses which define the reciprocal expectations and the power arrangement of the members of the social 

system guided by norms

World View - Deals with a culture’s most fundamental beliefs about its place in the cosmos, beliefs about God, and beliefs about the purpose of life, nature of humanity and nature (Sarbaugh, 1987) 

Ideology - determinants of communication patterns and behavior

The Possible Hurdles, Challenges and Similarities

After analyzing the said datas from the articles that I have found over internet. Here are some of the things that I think is common to all ASEAN countries:

1. Family is the main group of the society. It is the most important sector of the society.

    Family ties not only talks about the regular nuclear family but also the extended members 

    of family or the relatives are precious to them as well.

2. The concept of 'face' or personal dignity is given a higher importance in society. This 

     means that every ASEAN leader or member will show respect and preserve dignity of the        other leader or member at all times. This is a good trait among ASEAN member has 

     because at lease misunderstandings will be avoided and hopefully peace and harmony 

     will reign among them whenever they held meetings. 

3. Punctuality is not that important.  For ASEAN countries, time is always flexible. But I 

     think if the meetings are important and at the same time they are all politicians, I guess 

     all of them will come in time. :) Also, the concept of time flexibility, I think, only applies 

     to the general public and not to the leaders.

4. Religion is the main factor that influences ASEAN's culture. Their values, social 

     structure and world views are all based on their beliefs. ASEAN countries also uses their 

     religion as their guide in their everyday lives.

5. All ASEAN countries, however you call it, have this kind of caste system where in the 

    following aspects should be present in order for one to be considered elite in the society:

                              (1) social status or rank in the society or government

                              (2) wealth

                              (3) educational attainment. 

                              (4) authority

     If a person or a family does not have the following, one is not considered part of the elite 

     class.

6. The ASEAN ideology in terms of the freedom of the press are partly free. As of 

     2014, the website freedomhouse.org shows that not all ASEAN countries have a free press      because of the type of government they have.

Out of the things I have listed above, the ideas that will help promote ASEAN identity and culture, may it be positive or negative, are the following:

1. The family values

2. The concept of protecting ones personal dignity (the concept of face)

3. The religion

I find these three the greatest or the main influence that has shaped each countries cultural orientation. As you can see, their world views are not that different. Although most of the member countries are under Islam and Buddhism, I guess the important factor here is that it is expected that peace, harmony and respect will be present among its leaders and members . I hope that misunderstandings will be avoided and unity will be implemented for their country's as well as for the ASEAN's sake since the group is not formed not just for the economic and political concerns but also to create an identity that is truly ASEAN.

As for the hindrances, below are the ideas that I think might create a problem within the group:

1) Political Views - each country has its own political system. There might be some things that is not allowed in their country that might create misunderstandings between them, especially if the country is under communist rule. After reading the economic status of each country, most of the communist ruled countries are poor and the reason for that is a little bit unclear. Some articles that I have read have speculations that corruption is present. Also, every political leader would like to gain control or create laws (maybe) that will be of their country's advantage, I hope that the leaders will have to try to compromise on this part. 

2) Values - everyone should know the do's and don'ts one practices. One small mistake may create a big misunderstanding. Being open minded should be practiced to avoid situations because of the high regard to the concept of personal dignity. One might feel criticized or embarrassed depending on his / her cultural orientation or personal perception so they should be very careful about this part.

3) Language - there should be only one language that will help each ASEAN country communicate with each other. Since English is considered as their 2nd language, one should know how to speak fluently or else it may create misinterpretations. since the ASEAN integration 2015 is just a few months away (although it will be completely implemented on December 31, 2015 as stated on the article published by Manila Bulletin) they should practice and make English as their 2nd language just like in the U.N. (Arabic, French, Chinese, English, Russian, Spanish) and E.U. (Dutch, French, German, and Italian).

4) Press Freedom - ASEAN integration is considered as another government entity and of course journalists will try to pry on the informations that will affect the public interest. I hope the ASEAN leaderswill create laws that will protect journalists or create a boundary line between the leaders and the press so that there will be a win-win relationship between them.

So, those are my views about ASEAN. I think the main thing that will help create peace and harmony with in the group is that they should only think what is best for everyone, not just for their country but the sake of all the ASEAN countries.  Also, they should be ready for any hurdles and challenges that they will face in the future, because as a saying goes, challenges makes one strong. 

Referrences

Post # 3: To adapt or not to adapt.... a nomad's story

The nomad's story:
"I wish I had wings"... those were my American classmate's wish when we were ask what wish will we ask to a genie if we met one. All of us laughed out loud except her. She even defended her answer by saying she missed her life back in America especially her friends. Back then I was wondering what she was talking about until I got a taste of that.

I still remember the day mama told me that we are going to live in Laguna for good. It was the most tearful and saddest day in my life and that was even announced the day of my HS graduation. No one not even my best friends have an idea that I shall be moving away from them and all of our plans of being together will not be put into reality. My family really originated from Manila though my parents are from Batangas. Their source of living in Manila but since mama had bought a house here in Laguna, our set up was rent a small apartment in Mendiola, Manila and go back to Laguna during weekends. Even though we were not allowed to go out of the house, me and my brothers are still happy. Back then I thought life will always be like that but since the cost of living in Manila went up, mama and papa had no choice but to transfer their work here. Mama even assured to me that life in Laguna is no different from Manila aside from the fresh air.

And so was what I thought...

The first time I had a taste of the Laguna culture was on my first year in college. My classmates looked mature than I do. They have make up, they talked like mature people and they seem to talk with intonation... Most of them have the expression 'eh' after their sentences which made me think Laguna is like Batangas. Also I am too shy to talk to them because I wanted to blend in and make them think I am from Laguna also (heheh!). But I guess my strategy did not work because when the teacher asked where we graduated, I have no choice but tell her and my classmates I came from Manila which surprised them. "Ah galing kang main campus" (by the way I studied in San Sebastian Manila and there is a branch here in Calamba) was their remarks which made me look puzzled and asked myself, "What's good in Manila?"

Back then I had a lot of culture shock experiences back then during my first month here: first was the terminologies. They have so many terminologies that were jargon to my ears like katukayo, lilom, awasan and pasusot were some of the things I have just heared from them... plus the funny intonation they have... The first word I heard was "awasan". One of my classmates asked me what time is my "awasan" and I had no idea back then that it means dismissal because in Manila I only know "uwian" or dismissal. When I first heard it I thought she was talking about water because "awas" also means "overflow". So I looked at her puzzled why was she talking about water and she also looked confused. Good thing one of our classmates became my interpreter and told me that she was asking about my dismissal time. Next was the word "katukayo". One of my classmates have the same nickname as I am and she always calls me "katukayo" which made me look upset. But then again my personal interpreter told me that it means "same name"... weird me... -.-"

Next was about the virginity issues. Some of my classmates back then had a very interesting hobby during break time and that is watching phornographic videos. Back then I have no idea what are "scandal videos"... Maybe because I grew up in a family that was too secluded and because my mother is a teacher we are expected to be... good (hehe), intelligent and knows how to discern the bad and the good. I had no idea how they look like until out of curiosity I peeped and disliked it, and of course asked them... "What's so good about it?" They said it was exciting, and that I do not understand. Another thing is that they love to drink beers, wines and go to bars at an early age of 16. Padis Point is like the most common place to hang out and I do not understand what was inside it until one of our classmates suggested we create our documentary of what is inside Padis, and that my top one most disliked place ever.

On the course of my stay in Laguna they learned that some Manileño (people from Manila) are not the same. The day they found out I came from Manila, they thought I was rich since they think people who live there have big incomes. But as I try to tell them that I came from a very modest family, they have a changed of heart about it. Also, since our school is non sectarian meaning they also accept non catholics. Our non catholics and catholics students get to understand each others' tradition and belifes by sharing what they know.

After graduation I thought culture won't shock me again until I was employed as an office staff at a multi national company. I thought that life as part of the working force will not be a big adjustment for me because I have assessed myself that I am good in adapting to "people who have different multi-cultural background" which was written in my resume, but again, I guess I am not.

My first company was run by Koreans. Back then Koreans are like Dei Jang Geum from the Koreanovela "Jewel in the Palace" and Jessy from the "Full House". I thought that all Koreans are cute (hehe) and they are not bad tempered people but no! I think they are cute physically (some of them really looked like the KPOP idols in S. Korea) but work wise, they are too serious! They even throw cellphones at their subordinates and smell like walking kimchees. They are even bad tempered especially when you gave them a very wrong answer. I had a taste of that but I think I am still the lucky ones back then who was not humiliated in front of many.

My second and last was run by Danish people. I thought people from Europe are nice, considerate and kind unlike my former bosses but again, I was wrong. Since Danish people are know to be one of the happiest people in the world, they do not get angry that easily but they are too sarcastic. Physically they look okay but inside, they're scary. If they demand of course we know that we have to deliver our best but sometimes they want the impossible be possible! Plus the fact that some Filipinos who were sent abroad to be trained change and act like them. Very weird indeed.

Signs everywhere!
I love signs especially the advertisements and editorial cartoons! This might sound a bit weird but when I was a child, I never sleep during trips because I looking at the colors and the symbols used in tarpaulins and in newspapers, I only looked at the editorial cartoons because of the caricature. For me they all look cute (hehe). Whenever my mom would ask me to go somewhere, she would give me some landmarks to remember for me to know that I am on the right patch. I thought all signs are the same but ever since I studied here in the university, my personal view towards signs were changed. I thought if you try to get a jeepney driver's attention by just raising you hand means something! The day when I was going to have my medical clearance was the most funniest experience ever. I have no idea how to go to the university hospital and so I asked the police help desk (located in front of the gate) how to get there and told me to ride a jeep going to forestry. I thank them and waited and until I felt like standing at the side of the road forever. Out of desperation, I ask jeepney driver who just stopped in front of Landmark Bank how to know if the jeep is going to forestry. The kind driver told me to point my finger up. I looked confused but still followed his advice. I raised my finger up and magically a jeepney stopped in front of me! I was so happy, I went inside, paid my fare and forgot to tell the driver to drop me at the hospital. SWEET! Since I did not tell the driver, I was wondering why I have I passed the "Museum of Natural History" and thought that maybe the hospital is still far, but I noticed the trees are getting denser and denser and decided to alight at a nearby building. I asked the security where the hospital is and told me it was near the GS building. -.-"

Post #2: Culture as Communication - How JPOP has changed me

Defining communication as culture is easier but saying that culture communicates, I think it is a little bit harder than I thought.

But come to think of it, experience tells you how culture communicates, may they be of different cultures or of the same culture but of different beliefs. I think the best example of how culture communicates is how Filipino’s get fond of watching Korean Dramas or in my case, Japanese dramas.

When I was still on my first year in college, my dream job was to be a Japanese translator. I asked one of my professors in school how to study Japanese even if I have limited study materials and can’t afford to study at a language school. She said that in order to learn one’s language, one should watch and listen to their dramas and songs, and so I did. I immersed myself on studying Nihonggo and maybe, just like KPOP fans, I got ‘hooked’ with the JPOP (Japanese Pop) and ever since then it already became part of my life. Some of the shows I watch are similar or contradicts our real life experiences.

Actually, the main reason why I love watching Japanese dramas or Jdorama, as some JPOP enthusiast calls it, is that the story line was so interesting. Some drama genres are not that quite popular here in the Philippines like detective dramas. Most of the Filipino media consumers love to watch love stories but I for one am not a fan of those stuff, especially if you are a Mass Communications graduate who has already mastered the skill of ‘guessing’ what would be the ending of the story. In short, I want a story that has so many twist and you will never know or cannot guess the what-would-be the ending of the story. I kind of understood why some of their love stories are very erotic, why their horror movies are really horrifying and why their detective movies are very gruesome, and it was because of their culture. Some Japanese people do not believe in ghost, some are still single and some love extremes. But I think, on my opinion, the best drama genre are the human interest stories, and the best storyline that ever catch my attention even though I am not a fan of love stories (hehe) is the drama ‘Smile’.

(c) http://3.bp.blogspot.com

Vito Hayakawa has a Filipino father, and a Japanese mother. Since he is not a full blooded Japanese citizen, he is referred to as a low class citizen. His father left him in Japan while his mother ran away with her boyfriend. Vito was employed by a good old man who owns a factory that produces rice cakes. His life was almost perfect when suddenly all was turned upside down when he was accused of being a drug dealer at his part time. He was found not guilty with the help of a Korean-Japanese lawyer but was again accused of killing someone just because he wanted to protect his girlfriend. He was nearly sentenced to death when his lawyer saw a good evidence to prove that he is not guilty.

The story was very interesting and at the same time it puzzles me why he was regarded as a ‘low class’ citizen wherein fact he was born in Japan. All along I know that being a lady makes one a second class citizen but the low class... very weird... According to my Japanese students, Filipinas are known in Japan as entertainers and most of them works as hostesses. Japanese think that being a hostess is the most ‘dirtiest’ job ever, and they (Japanese) view Filipinos that they are all dirty. I did ask some of them about how they were treated in Japan, and they all have the same response:  “Our classmates do not like us and they think we are stupid…” That reality just saddens me.

Also, Anime or Japanese Cartoons are also popular among children and young adults alike and who have never watch the Detective Conan anime series:

 (c) http://www.anime-planet.com/

Conan Kitagawa or Shinichi Kudo is a little detective wherein he was forced to drink a drug which makes an adult shrink into a small child. The cartoon depicts the young detective, with the help of an adult detective and his friends solve mysteries and the use of some highly technological gadgets that help him even solve the hard cases.

The cartoon has made everyone fascinated on how skilled and critical thinker Conan is, which makes its viewers think critically by trying to solve cases while the show is going or some recreational activities derived from detective shows. Some of my friends who watch this show sometimes compare PNP on how they solve crimes. They think that, if some countries can solve a crime within a day, why can't the Philippines do that? 

Aside from watching Jdoramas, I also love to listen to JPOP. I find it inspiring because according to my own point of view I guess most of the Filipino popular music now a days are inclined to love songs (it’s not that I don’t like love songs… but I just find it too cheesy…) and what I like about JPOP songs are that all of their songs are not about relationships. Some are very inspiring about how to reach your dreams and such. Some of the songs that I have listen to lightens up my mood. Also, most of the bands that I listen to are very close to each other that makes me want to value the people around me even more, just like my favorite Japanese band ‘Arashi’.

(c) http://nipponheavenjp.files.wordpress.com

This band was formed by Johnny’s Entertainment just to cheer their national team that is competing for a volleyball match overseas. Just like every other band, it is very hard to keep up their popularity status especially if KPOP is on the verged of making its way to the Japanese Music Industry, but still they kept producing songs that will still attract their fans all over the world. Recently, the band has held their 15^th anniversary in Hawaii and has boost the local economy in the state. (aramatheydidnt.com)

Another thing that fascinates me about this boy band is how they  produce their concerts. They have so many colorful lights and even a rotating stage! I thought that if such big productions will be made here in the Philippines it will be totally awesome!

Some people find me unique because of my interest while some find me weird, even my parents who have a little experience of how hard the Japanese occupation saga was, but still what entice me to like JPOP was their culture J How Japanese people treat each other with respect even though the antagonist and the protagonist in some dramas are very much irritated with each other. Also, how conservative they are in terms of being in a relationships, may they be in high school or part of the working force. But sometimes I find their culture a bit creepy because some of the detective dramas that I have watched are more into domestic violence (DV). Some of the people who can “understand” my interest are of course, are of the same boat as I do.