M A S A L I K O T

THE GREAT DEBATERS

2012-01-09T02:40:00.000-08:00

THE GREAT DEBATERS - Movie Synopsis

Believe in the power of words.

From two-time Academy Award winner Denzel Washington and an ensemble cast lead by Washington that includes Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker, comes THE GREAT DEBATERS. Inspired by a true story, THE GREAT DEBATERS chronicles the journey of Professor Melvin Tolson (Denzel Washington), a brilliant, but volatile, debate team coach who uses the power of words to shape a group of underdog students from a small African American college (Wiley College) in the deep south into a historically elite debate team. A controversial figure, Professor Tolson challenged the social mores of the time and was under constant fire for his unconventional and ferocious teaching methods as well as his radical political views.

In the pursuit for excellence, Tolson's debate team receives a groundbreaking invitation to debate Harvard University's championship team. The film is directed by Denzel Washington and stars Washington, Forest Whitaker, Jurnee Smollett, Nate Parker, Denzel Whitaker, and Kimberly Elise. "The Great Debaters" was written by Robert Eisele and produced by Todd Black, Kate Forte, Oprah Winfrey and Joe Roth.

SOURCE: http://www.wileyc.edu/tgd.asp

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WHAT TO DO:

Listen intently to the dialogs of the characters in the movie. Select a compelling statement delivered by any of the characters and use that statement as the theme of your ARGUMENTATIVE speech.

Baguio Social Science Summit

2011-08-23T01:54:00.000-07:00

1st Baguio Social Science Summit Theme
“The Philippine Social Landscape: Peering Through the Northern Lens”

November 25-26, 2011
UB Square Hall, University of Baguio
Baguio City, Philippines

Organized by the Department of Social Sciences & Humanities and the Department of Philosophy of the University of Baguio
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The First Baguio Social Science Summit is a Conference that aims to bring together scholars, teachers & students, government officials, the religious sector, and the civil society in a scholarly exchange on the issues that dominate the country’s social environs.

Revolving around the theme, “The Current Philippine Social Landscape: A Look from the Northern Lens,” this Summit will showcase discussions on Modern Filipino Religiosity vis-à-vis the Filipino Public Sphere, Health and Population Issues and Trends (including the RH Bill), and National Development from a Regional Perspective.

The Conference Registration Fee is Php700.00 inclusive of certificate of participation/attendance, conference kit, 2 morning snacks, 2 afternoon snacks, and 2 lunches. A special rate for students is set at Php550.00 provided they present a valid identification card upon registration. For international participants (those flying in from other countries), registration fee is pegged at USD20.00 which will be paid on-site.

Keynote Speakers: Plenary Sessions

Plenary Session 1 / Day 1
Dr. Isikias T. Picpican
Curator/Archivist, SLU Museum of Arts and Cultures
Topic: Filipino Religiosity as a Social Phenomenon

Plenary Session 2 / Day 2
Dr. Mark Joseph T. Calano
Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Ateneo de Manila University
Topic: Religion and the Filipino Public Sphere

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LECTURERS:

Dr. Raymundo Rovillos
PhD History – University of the Philippines Diliman
Dean, College of Social Sciences, UP Baguio

Topic: A History of Religious Activism: The Church & National Development

Dr. Gladys Marie Tamania
PhD major in Educational Management, minor in Rural Development – Benguet State University
Project Director, Leadership for Dynamic Change Research & Development Center for Professionals, Inc.
Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Philippine Military Academy, Baguio City

Topic: The Muslim-Christian Conflict and Its Social Impact on the Northern Regions of the Philippines

Dr. Armando Castañeda
PhD Development Education - University of Santo Tomas
Professor of Development Education & Philosophy in Education, UB Graduate School

Topic: National Development: Health and Population Issues Dissected

Henry L. Galuba, PhD
Director, Research and Faculty Development, Lorma Colleges, San Fernando City, La Union

Topic: Cordillera Peoples’ Participation in National Development: Issues and Prospects

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November 25, 2011 (DAY 1)

8:15-8:45 Registration
8:45-9:00 Opening Ceremonies
9:00-11:00 Plenary Session 1: Filipino Religiosity as a Social Phenomenon
11:00-11:15 Quick Break
11:15-12:00 Open Forum / Dialog
12:00-1:00 Lunch Break

1:00-2:30 Lecture 1: A History of Religious Activism: The Church & National Development
2:30-2:45 Break
2:45-4:15 Lecture 2: National Development: A Look at Health and Population Issues
4:15-4:30 Wrap-Up and Reminders

November 26, 2011 (DAY 2)

8:30-9:00 Morning Coffee Time
9:00-11:00 Plenary Session 2: Religion and the Filipino Public Sphere
11:00-12:00 Sectoral Feedback Presentation and Open Forum
12:00-1:00 Lunch Break
1:00-2:30 Lecture 3: Building New Communities: The Muslim-Christian Conflict and Its Social Impact on the Northern Regions of the Philippines
2:30-2:45 Break
2:45-4:15 Lecture 4: Cordillera Peoples’ Participation in National Development: Issues and Prospects
4:15-5:00 Closing Ceremonies
Photo-Ops

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For confirmation of attendance, or further inquiries, please contact the Conference Chair, Mr. Farland Valera thru the following:
Email: masalikot@yahoo.com.ph
Office: (074) 442-4915 (local 275)

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Participants from outside Baguio City are enjoined to arrange for their lodging prior to attending the Summit. You may contact these HOTELS near the Summit Venue (University of Baguio):

HOTEL 45
Bagong Bayan St., Bargy. Salud Mitra, Baguio City (near SM City Baguio)
Tel: (074) 446-6306 / 304-2963
Cell No.: (+63) 917-700-8805
~On PROMO: All room rates are at P1,000/night (standard, deluxe) Contact the hotel for reservation.

BBCCC
Assumption Road, Baguio City (beside the University of Baguio, before SLU Hospital)
Tel: (074) 442-5872 / 444-4993 / 304-2946

CITYLIGHT HOTEL
245 Upper General Luna Road, Baguio City
Tel: (074) 442-8080

MICROTEL INN & SUITES BAGUIO
Engineer's Hill, Upper Session Road, Baguio City
(This Hotel is situated right beside the Victory Liner Station)
Tel: (074) 619-3333
Cell No.: 0922-816-8436 / 0927-516-4129
Email: baguio@microtel.ph
Website: www.microtel-baguio.com

BELFRANLT HOTEL
General Luna Road corner Magsaysay Avenue, Baguio City (beside Hotel Villa Rosal)
Tel: (074) 442-5012

HOTEL VILLA ROSAL
General Luna Road corner Magsaysay Avenue, Baguio City (beside Belfranlt Hotel)
Tel: (074) 444-8523 / 443-8132
Email: hotel_villa_rosal@yahoo.com
Website: www.hotelvillarosal.com

LA BREA INN
4th, 5th, 6th Floors, AYK Building, Lower Session Road, Baguio City
Tel: (074) 446-6061
Cell No.: 0917-508-7800 / 0923-280-0395

CALALILY PENSION HOUSE
24 Sandico St., Baguio City (at the back of Baguio Post Office)
Manager: Rosalina Ines
Tel: (074) 444-2841 / 423-1805

EL CIELITO HOTEL
50 North Drive, Baguio City (5-minute walk from SM City Baguio)
Tel: (074) 443-4846
Web: www.elcielitohotels.com

TAE GUK GI (Brotherhood of War)

2011-05-11T21:46:00.000-07:00

For my Cultural Anthropology Class, Summer 2011.

Guys, just click on the title (just above) if you wish to read the review i wrote for the film...

GUIDE QUESTIONS:
1. PART I. Characters.
Identify the three main characters. What roles did they play in the film? (15 points)

2. PART II. Culture & Meaning.
Name three objects (material culture) which you think are significant/important to the family relationships of the characters. What meanings do these objects carry (or what do they symbolize)? (15 points)
How did the objects contribute to the overall artistic merit of the film? (10 points)

3. PART III. Insights/Realizations.
Express how you felt about the movie (or what you think about it after watching it). Do not forget to also discuss the realizations or insights that came to your mind while watching or after you have watched the movie. (20 points)

INSTRUCTIONS & PAPER SPECIFICATIONS:
1. Present your output in computer-printed text. ^_^
2. The text must be in PARAGRAPH form; SINGLE-spacing please!
3. Use SHORT bond paper (8.5 x 11 inches). MARGIN: 1 inch on all sides.
4. Maximum of TWO (2) pages ONLY. Any excess page will be disregarded. No need for a title page.
5. DEADLINE: Saturday - May 14, 2011 (until 12 noon only).
6. NO PAPER WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE DEADLINE.

COLD SUMMER, year 2011

2011-04-10T22:20:00.000-07:00

Summer dates have come... But the days are cold and the nights are colder.
Is it that I just miss the warmth of summer? Or I am just longing for the warmth I never had during colder evenings?

MISSING KOREAN IN BAGUIO

2010-05-29T17:56:00.000-07:00

Early this morning, I accompanied one of my boardmates to the Partas Bus terminal in Gov. Pack Road. She was to take the 8AM trip bound for Bangued, Abra, as she was going home to our hometown Manabo. Had breakfast with her while waiting for the bus to go, and read newspaper.

I left her when the bus was about to embark, then I headed to Session Road. Just when I was in front of PLDT, I saw two of my Korean students walking down the sidewalk. They just came from, perhaps, Naver internet shop - a Korean net shop. I walked faster to catch them up.

I caught up with them in front of BDO, then I discreetly poked one of them! ^^
"Ah! Sir!" ~ one of them exclaimed, while the other one just smiled. I asked where they came from. The one I poked replied, "Home, sir." Thinking about where they just came from, I verified, "Home?" The reply was, "We are looking for someone."

As the covnersation progressed, I learned that they were looking for one of their housemates, a 19-year-old lady, who went out during the night but never returned till that time. Because they were bothered, the two of them went out to seek her in places that are frequented by their fellow Koreans. Then we parted ways in front of Prime Hotel as they said they'll head to Burnham Park.

As I was going down Session, i was thinking about what could have happened to that Korean girl... Then suddenly, things i heard from radio newscasts and articles i've read flashed back into mind.. I hope nothing bad happened to her.

THE ITNEG PEOPLE OF NORTHERN LUZON, PHILIPPINES

2010-04-18T08:57:00.000-07:00

The Itnegs are an ethno-linguistic group occupying the land of Abra on the northwestern portion of the Cordillera Mountains of Northern Luzon and their territory extends to the slopes of the Malaya mountain range that traverses the Ilukano country (i.e. Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte).

“According to various writers, these people are descended from Chinese, Japanese, or Arabs; are typical Malay; are identical with the Igorot...” (Cole, 1922). In terms of language, their tongue has a big similarity with the prevailing lingua franca of the other tribes who dwell in Muntanyusa, in Apayao, and in Kalinga. In fact, the Maeng dialect may be considered as a variant of the tongues spoken by the Aplays and/or the I-Fontoks of Muntanyusa, and the Banaw and Masadiit dialects closely resemble those spoken in Lubuagan and Balbalan in Kalinga. Muntanyusa is how the Itnegs call the land of the Igorots towards the south of Tingguianlandia.

Province of ABRA: the heart of Itneglandia.
SOURCE: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/ff/Ph_locator_map_abra.png

In his book “Tingguian Ethnohistory: 1930-2005,” Reverend Mariano B. Laory (2006) forwards these assertions:
There are two terms given to the Tingguian tribe, Tingguian and Itneg, which refer interchangeably to the tribe. The word “Tingguian” was... used by the Spaniards to refer to all mountain dwellers. Later, the word was used exclusively for the tribe of Abra.

Etymology of the term “Tingguian.”
The indigenous peoples of Abra are collectively known as Tingguians but they prefer to call themselves “Itneg.” The term “Tingguian” might have been derived from the ancient Malay word “tunggi” meaning “mountain,” according to de los Reyes & de los Reyes (1987). Alternatively, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), as published in its official website, claims that “Tingguian” is derived from the term “tingue” meaning “mountaineers” (http://www.ncip.gov.ph/resources/ethno_detail.php?ethnoid=105). Hence, as an online article forwards, “Tingguian” refers to “The People of the Mountains” (http://library.thinkquest.org/C003235/tingguian.html).
De los Reyes & de los Reyes continue: The term “Tingguians” was originally used to refer to all mountain dwellers in the Philippines.... The term... was earlier used by the Spaniards to refer to all mountain or hill dwellers, such as those in Zambales, Bohol, Basilan and Mindanao. Later, however, the name was exclusively applied to the inhabitants of Abra and the mountains of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte. The people, though, refer to themselves as “Itneg” (198).

Etymology of the term “Itneg.”
The word “Itneg” is derived, according to an online article (http://www.geocities.com/lppsec/pp/abra.htm?200721), from “i-tineg,” which literally means people living near the Tineg River. “I-tineg” is a combined form of the prefix “i-” that indicates a place of origin, and the name of one Itneg municipality and major river system in Abra – “Tineg”. Additionally, according to an interpretation by Velasco (no date), the word is derived from ”iti uneg,” (http://litera1no4.tripod.com/tinguian_frame.html) which literally means “the interior”. Also, the NCIP forwards that Itneg is what the Tingguians are known in the Samtoy (http://www.ncip.gov.ph/resources/ethno_detail.php?ethnoid=105) (Ilocano) dialect.

The Itneg Tribes
The Tingguians are composed of sub-groups known as the Itneg Tribes. These tribal groupings are the Adasen, Balatok, Banaw, Belwang, Binungan, Gubang, Inlaud, Mabaka, Maeng, Masadiit, and Muyadan/Ammutan.

ITNEG TRIBES & THEIR PLACES OF SETTLEMENT:
1. Adasen [Lagayan, San Juan, Tineg]
2. Banaw [Daguioman & Malibcong, and Balbalan (in Kalinga)]
3. Binungan [Baay-Licuan, Lacub]
4. Balatok [Villages of Amti, Kilong-olaw, & Danak (all in Boliney)]
5. Belwang [Dao-angan village (in Boliney)]
6. Gubang [Malibcong]
7. Inlaud [Lagangilang & Peñarrubia, Lumaba village (in Villaviciosa), Villages of Abang & Patoc(in Bucay), Langiden, San Isidro, San Quintin, Danglas, parts of Nueva Era (in Ilocos Norte)]
8. Mabaka [Lacub, Malibcong]
9. Maeng [Luba, Tubo, & Villaviciosa, and San Emilio, Banayoyo, & other Ilocos Sur towns]
10. Masadiit [Sallapadan & Bucloc, Sitio Sapdaan (in Manabo), Western Boliney (barangays poblasyon, bawiyan, and dumagas)]
11. Ammutan, a.k.a. Muyadan Tribe [Manabo]

De los Reyes and de los Reyes (1987) declare that the Tingguian sub-groups have their respective dialects and cultural practices... The territory they occupy comprises nearly 80% of Abra’s total land area. Fay-Cooper Cole, (http://bullfinch.englishatheist.org/Tingguian.html#d0e144) in his stay with the Tingguians in the period 1907-1908, noted the difference, for purposes of classification, between the lowland Tingguians and the upland Tingguians.
The lowland Tingguians, primarily the Inlauds and Ammutans, mainly inhabit the valley areas of Abra while the rest of the tribes compose the highlanders. More often than not, the lowlanders thrive on wet rice agriculture while those in the uplands are engaged in slash-and-burn agriculture and swidden farming.

REFERENCES:
Laory, M. B. (2006). Tingguian ethnohistory: 1930-2005. Laoag City, Philippines: Crown Printers.

Cole, F. C. (1922). The tinguian: social, religious, and economic life of a philippine tribe [Online]. Available at http://www.gutenberg.org/files/12849/12849-8.txt [2007, June 7].

Cole, F. C. (1915). Traditions of the tinguian: a study in philippine folk-lore [Online]. Available at http://bullfinch.englishatheist.org/Tinguian.html#d0e144 [2007, April 27].

De los Reyes, A. J., & de los Reyes, A. M. (Ed.). (1987). Igorot: a people who daily touch the earth and the sky. Baguio City: Cordillera Schools Group

National Commission on Indigenous Peoples. (No date). The tingguian [Online]. Available at http://www.ncip.gov.ph/resources/ethno_detail.php?ethnoid=105 [2007, April 21].

Velasco, F. (No date). Tinguian [Online]. Available at http://litera1no4.tripod.com/tinguian_frame.html [2007, April 26].

_______. (No date). Tingguian [Online]. Available at http://library.thinkquest.org/C003235/tingguian.html [2007, April 21].

_______. (No date). Abra: provincial profile [Online]. Available at http://www.geocities.com/lppsec/pp/abra.htm [2007, April 21].

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This article is an excerpt from my thesis entitled The Indigenous Peace Process of the Masadiit Itnegs of Abra. This treatise was defended in September 2008 at the University of Baguio.

ARE WE EVEN EDUCATED?

2010-04-16T11:14:00.000-07:00

While having coffee with friends in a shop in SM, an interesting incident took place! ^^ Forgive my intrusion into other people's privacy of communication, but i think this lady just waved her protection from eavesdropping when she blurted into action that afternoon! ^^

Here's the story...

Deo, Kristian, Liv, Mae, and me were busy discussing about things while sipping freshly brewed coffee when a petite and "scantily" dressed morena lady (kasi naman, nakasuot siya ng napakaikling shorts) furiously approached the cashier and started confronting one of the lady-servers. Because i can directly see her from where I was seated, I began to take notice of her "annoyed" looks. Then she started to raise her voice like she was already shouting at one of the waitresses (as I can hear the waitress also answering her back, causing her to get the more irate).

Suddenly, she blurted, "Baka gusto mong patulan kita!" My mind immediately reacted, "It's as if you are not engaging her with your scandalous actions yet!"

Getting perhaps also pissed off, the waitress replied in a fighting-back decibel, "Baka gusto mo patulan din kita!" Hala, and they make patol each other na! Ano ba? Things are becoming exciting na!

The lady-customer went on to release bullets from her fiery mouth while the other waitresses were trying to assuade their colleague not to retaliate anymore as the customer was already obviously riding on the waters of wrath.

Finally, the lady-customer condescendingly remarked to the waitress (whose head was already hanging on her neck because whe was trying to stay calm), "I GUESS YOU'RE NOT EVEN EDUCATED!" And she left. She walked speedily away throwing her feet into the air as if she was gonna be a sky walker. I noticed the heavy landing of her sole on the floor as she walked like a model parading an angry banner with her steps reaching almost one meter in length already.

While the scene was ongoing, the customers (including us) were startled and we just looked on her anticipating her every move. As soon as she sat on her chair, we started telling each other, "are you even educated?" immitating how the lady said the phrase! ^^

We were so surprised at the words she said last.

If she claimed she was educated, she should not have been that harsh to the waitress whom she described as rude during the peak of her anger. We thought that her anger has taken away the better part of her.

If one claims that the other is uneducated but he acts more uneducated than the one he despises, he just shows that his education has not really succeeded in educating him. Perhaps, this saying applies: "Educated but unlearned."

Such an event must be an eye-opener for all of us who witnessed it. Shocking yet awakening. Ridiculously scandalous but though-provoking. One thing we must all deter from happening. Lest we also be called "uneducated."

Wondering what the bruhaha was all about? ~~ Just a condiment (sugar)!

PREMODERN TO POSTMODERN PHILOSOPHY: an amateur's attempt to trace philosophical development

2010-04-03T03:14:00.000-07:00

Pre-Modern Philosophy.
Theistic mindset rules premodern thinking. The unmoved mover is at work. History and human existence are said to have objective realities and directions. The definitions of human concepts are based on divine truths, and that these truths are necessary to establish equilibrium in society. Therefore, pre-modern philosophy is God-centered.

Modernism.
God starts to fade from the limelight as modernism enters the scene. Modern thinking gives emphasis on man as an individual, and on man as the ultimate expression of what is true. Hence, the extolling of man's feats and achievements become essential in social circles, and scientism gains stronghold. The science practiced by man becomes the panacea to be relied on when human troubles arise.

Modernism versus Postmodernism.
Postmodern thinking debunks the universality of truth as claimed by modernism. If trusting were the issue, postmodernism claims that there is no certainty of one's intention -- so, doubt is unavoidable. Doubting, questioning, skepticism -- these are characteristics of postmodernism, which are contrary to the tenets of modernism. While the scientific method is tested way of arriving tat conclusive truths, postmodernism says that these truths are relative (and may not even be applicable to a large portion of humanity). Therefore, postmodernism looks at man as an individual (similar with modernism), but one as a member of a group -- society. As a member of a group, everything becomes shared -- experiences, belief systems, truths.

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This is written by a starting student of philosophy. Please understand if there are blunders and flaws in this text. Also, please feel free to leave constructive comments. ^^ Thanks!

ACTION RESEARCH PROCESS

2010-04-03T02:23:00.001-07:00

Issues and problems actually arise inevitably in the classroom. Oftentimes, because they recur, the teacher already becomes used to them that they (i.e issues/problems) end up being neglected and unaddressed.

These circumstances provide rich, fallow soil on which action research could flourish. Having identified the phenomenon which is to be studied, the teacher-researcher is now ready to embark onto the next step which is formulating the research problems.

The research problems are the specific queries that the teacher-researcher wants to be enlightened about. These are used as stepping-stones to gathering the data needed.

Data collection follows. This part enables the researcher to accumulate the necessary information for him to satisfy the problems earlier posed. Various data collection techniques may be utilized, such as (but not limited to) using a questionnaire/survey tool, interviewing, observing, documentary analysis, et cetera.

Data analysis, followed by data interpretation, enters the picture. This is where the researcher will group/categorize/arrange the data gathered in order to address the concerns of the research. Then, he will expound on the meanings and implications of these date. While he mixes his background knowledge to the research report, he also consults (for verification/validation) other written materials or researches to back him up.

Finally, he writes (and publishes, where possible) the research report as it already contains the conclusions he has come up with, and the recommendations he has formulated.

The second phase of the action research involves implementing the proposed action plan, and simultaneously evaluating its workability and impact. Where it fails, rescue is needed; where it fairly works, support must come in; where it does excellently, maintain it.

Then from the problems that arise, action research again starts. ^^

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This is a raw essay on the topic action research, written by a neophyte researcher.. Constructive comments are most welcome. :)
*This was a paper submitted to Dr. Lloyd Orduña (Action Research class in PhD-Development Education, 2nd Sem., 2009-2010 - University of Baguio)*

TRUTH WON'T MAKE US RICH; IT WILL SET US FREE

2010-03-06T21:24:00.000-08:00

Humans are gifted with potentials. We are capacitated to utilize reason in order to comprehend situations and occurrences, and to unearth unrecognized existing things.

Parallel to this, man is always inquisitive; hence he tends to question and investigate. This itch that tickles his mind drives him to always want to know... to know what is there - whether they be real or unreal. Eventually, it leads him to the point where he would crave to know what is truly real, and yearn to possess knowledge of what is the truth.

When man comes to know the truth, then he is freed from his prison. He is now released from the bondage of ignorance, and let loose from the shackles of wanting to know the truth. Then, I'd say that the truth sets us free.

But inasmuch as the truth is also "information," truth is also a commodity... It may be hoarded; it may be made available for purchase. As it is said, "information is power."

Therefore, the truth can both make us rich and set us free. But in the end, freedom is the essence of being rich!

SAXOPHONE CHRISTMAS

2009-12-11T05:19:00.000-08:00

At around 7:25PM, I was heading to the bundy clock area to punch out already when the yuletide music flew into the air with soothing gentleness. The cold breeze that sweeps the place gave rise to a feeling of coziness that made me enjoy the calming sound the more.

I could not help but utter the lyrics as the soprano saxophone produced the melodious tunes of Christmas...

"Do you hear what I hear? A star, a star..."
"Silent night.. Holy night... All is calm, all is bright..."
"Go to sleep, do not cry..."
"I'll be home for Christmas..."

Hmmm, it brings back memories of childhood. Longing... Longing...

The Korean Diaspora: a 21st Century Demographic Phenomenon

2009-12-04T04:33:00.000-08:00

From the Kingdom of Jumong....
To the rest of the world...
The Koreans are conspicuously present in the world's capitals...

Efren Peñaflorida: CNN Hero of the Year

2009-11-29T00:41:00.000-08:00

CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute
Hosted by Anderson Cooper. Kodak Theater, Hollywood, California.

2009 TOP 10 HEROES:
(Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/11/16/cnnheroes.tribute.show/index.html)

1. Brad Blauser
Brad Blauser is providing hope and mobility to disabled children and their families in Iraq. Since 2005, his Wheelchairs for Iraqi Kids program has distributed nearly 650 free pediatric wheelchairs to children in need.

2. Roy Foster
Army veteran Roy Foster started Stand Down House to help veterans struggling with addiction and homelessness in Florida. Since 2000, his program has provided life-changing services to nearly 900 veterans.

3. Doc Hendley
Bartender Doc Hendley is providing clean water to communities worldwide. Through creative fundraising, his nonprofit Wine to Water has brought sustainable water systems to 25,000 people in five countries.

4. Andrea Ivory
Breast cancer survivor Andrea Ivory is bringing early detection to the doorsteps of uninsured women. With mobile mammography vans, her group has provided more than 500 free screenings in Miami, Florida.

5. Betty Makoni
Zimbabwe native Betty Makoni founded the Girl Child Network to provide a haven for young victims of sexual abuse. The organization has rescued more than 35,000 girls since 2001.

6. Jorge Munoz
School bus driver Jorge Munoz is helping hungry New Yorkers make it through tough times. Since 2004, he has handed out more than 70,000 meals from his mobile soup kitchen in Queens -- for free.

7. Efren Peñaflorida
Efren Peñaflorida gives Filipino youth an alternative to gang membership through education. His Dynamic Teen Company's 10,000 members have taught basic reading and writing to 1,500 kids living in the slums.

8. Budi Soehardi
Budi Soehardi founded a children's home in one of the poorest areas of Indonesia. Today, Roslin Orphanage in West Timor provides food, shelter and education to more than 45 children.

9. Derrick Tabb
Derrick Tabb started The Roots of Music to give young people an alternative to New Orleans' streets. His music education program provides free tutoring, instruments and music instruction to more than 100 students.

10. Jordan Thomas
Jordan Thomas, 20, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, lost both of his legs in a boating accident in 2005. Since then, his Jordan Thomas Foundation has raised more than $400,000 to provide prosthetics for children in need.

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When Efren Peñaflorida came home to the Philippines, the whole nation was in jubilation. Two success stories in a row have captured Filipinos but also international onlookers. Should not the Filipino be proud? There's Manny Pacman Pacquiao the here comes Efren Peñaflorida! Both heroes in their own right!

Riding on the tide of a chanting population, President Gloria Arroyo awarded Efren the Order of Sikatuna. With wide smiles, many appreciated the gesture of the President to reward Efren's heroism. Thereafter, Efren also received a hero's welcome in his home province, Cavite.

Noteworthy. Inspiring. Heroic. These are but some of the adjectives we can draw to characterize Efren's feat as a "push-cart" teacher. I, for one, am hands down towards Kuya Ef's benevolence and kindheartedness. May the good Lord bless him a thousand fold; may Jesus enlarge his coast; may the merciful Heaven have mercy on his dear soul. Sana may mga umusbong pang katulad ni Kuya Efren.

However, this Filipino achievement brings out many issues that this blogger thinks need immediate action. Think of me as postmodernist if you want, perhaps a skeptic even, but I am convinced that beneath the surface of all these, lie a plethora of dilemmas that drag the Filipino consciousness down to unthinkable levels...

SHOULD GLORIA ARROYO BE HAPPY OR SHOULD SHE BE APOLOGETIC?

IS THE "CNN HERO" AWARD A RECOGNITION OF UNPARALLELLED FEAT OR IT IS A CONDEMNATION FOR THE POOR STATE OF PHILIPPINE EDUCATION?

IS EFREN PEÑAFLORIDA THE HERO OF THE COUNTRY OR IS HE THE HERO ONLY FOR THE KIDS HE AND HIS CO-VOLUNTEERS TEACH?

OBSERVATIONS:
1. Foreigners recognize Filipino achievements first; the Philippine government just echoes by also awarding merits thereafter. (Magaling talagang gumaya ang mga Pinoy, ganun ba yun?)

2. Palaging huli sa action ang gobyerno at nangunguna ang private sector. Tigilan na ang mga salita. Lumakad at gumawa para ang mga tao'y maniwala!

Korean Concert at SM City Baguio: A Showcase of Musicality and Youthfulness

2009-11-28T06:55:00.000-08:00

Right after I dismissed my class at 5:30PM last friday (November 27, 2009), one of my Korean students approached me. He showed me a text message from their Korean classmate who was absent (for the 1st time) that day. The text was asking him to tell me that the texter is absent because he had a concert at 7PM that night at SM City Baguio. He was asking me to have him be excused and that he will present his excuse letter the following meeting. The last part of the message was an invitation for me to go and watch him perform in the concert.

After my last class (5:30-6:30PM), i went to the faculty room to ready my things and go. With a co-teacher, I headed to the bundy area to punch out.

We walked to SM through Assumption Road and then up along Session Road. We arrived early at the venue; to let time pass, we watched the fashion show for a while and then we went to the activity area and sat down...

After a short while, i saw approaching my classmate in the graduate school... He is the owner of Remnant International School, Campt 7, Baguio City. He sat on the chair beside me and we had a lively chat about the concert that is about to begin.

Then four Korean guys came out and took the stage quietly... I can barely recognize their faces... But when the spotlight was lit, it came clear... One of them was my student in the College of Dentistry, and another one is my student this semester. They are going to play the piano and the saxophone respectively.

I thought... "Wow, these guys must be musically gifted!" The first piece was like a birthday gift for me! It was my birthday on the 22nd of november, hehehehe... "Seng il chuk ha hamnida.... Seng il chuk ha hamnida..." (played on piano by Kim Kwang Rok).

Then "Kenny G" played his sax in a way that made the audience feel that they are in a fine dining environment.. Even my co-teacher said... "Sana may mga pagkain na dito." We could not but exclaim, "Ang galing naman ng mga ito."

The music was really great... It was soothing for a tired body; rejuvenating for a weary heart; inspiring for fallen soldier; comforting to a distressed soul. Especially the saxophone sound... Produced by the able and dexterous young musician, Kim Jiwon.

As I was listening to the smooth decibel from the instruments, i could not help but think... "Once in a while, man needs to immerse himself into the world of art... into music.. into the appreciation of aesthetics..." This would enable him to appreciate life more... This would allow him to find an additional dimension of existence... This would lead him to utter words of praise to the Great I AM... This would put him into an environment of calm and peace...peace both with himself, and with his God.

HOLOCAUST IN MINDANAO: IS ANDAL TO BLAME?

2009-11-25T07:40:00.000-08:00

As per report by the late night newscast BANDILA of ABS-CBN (November 25, 2009), the number of bodies retrieved in Maguindanao has already reached 57. As the bodies were taken out of the hole one after another, this blogger cannot but be outraged by this barbaric act against humanity!

When the news reports have identified a buckhoe in the crime scene being owned by the provincial government, it becomes very difficult not to connect this loathsome scenario to the ruling clan in Maguindanao. In this view, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (including former Senator Rene Saguisag) suggested that there is sufficient basis for the immediate arrest of Datu Andal Ampatuan, Jr.

However, the DOJ Secretary gave a dissenting view when she said that there is not yet enough basis to consider the Andals as suspects.

Hmmm, whatever the truth may be, tingnan natin ang susunod na kabanata.

This terrifying event in the political history of the Philippines effectively cancels out in the pages of time the record of the province of Abra as the most dangerous place for politicians. In addition, it also merits Maguindanao to be branded as the new "most dangerous place for journalists" in the Philippines.

GLOWING LOLLIPOP IN SESSION ROAD

2009-11-09T21:08:00.000-08:00

Trendy? or Just fad....
"IN"? or baka "jologs" naman! :)

While walking down session road in Baguio City last weekend after watching the UC-BCF marching band concert at SM, one item of merchandise caught my attention instantly. Though my ears were absorbing what companion was telling me (it was about what she has watched just minutes ago), my eyes were magneted to the sort of a glow-in-the-dark thing being paraded by young (mga bata talaga sila) vendors. Echoing in the noisy sidewalk were their calls for passersby to stop shortly and have a look at their items on sale. "Lolipap! Sampu langggg!!! Bili na po kayo!"

I inspected closely (with my eyeglasses on) lollipop met gayam, hehehehe! My companion wanted to buy but she felt awkward to get one. I had the same feeling too, hehehehe..

PANAGPAKADA... PANAGPALUBUS...

2009-10-23T05:54:00.000-07:00

Ti kuna dagiti mamanakem, "adda panagpatingga ti amin." Kuna met daydi amak, "Awan ti tao a bimmato!"

Dagitoy a sasao ket isu da ti mangipasimudaag nga ti amin nga adda ket dumteng dan to iti pangpatengga... Nairamanen dita ti biag ti tao.

Idi napan a Sabado (16 ti mabilang iti daytoy a bulan ti Uktubre 2009), napanak dimmanggay a nanglinglingay ken nakipagladingit iti pamilya ti maysa a gayyem ko gapwen ta ti ingunguten da nga ina ket isu ti pimmusay. Ti karabiiyan daytoy nga aldaw ket isu met laengen ti kunada nga maudin a rabii ti pannakaimassayag ti bangkay nga banbantayan da gapu ta maitanemen daytoy iti sumarunu nga agsapa.

Nagbiyahe ak ngarud nga napan idiay Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya iti agarup alas once y media iti bigat; nagluganak iti maysa nga van idiay Dangwa terminal iti likod ti Center Mall. Nagluwas kami iti tingnga ti aldaw ket adda nga inkam tinurng ti Magsaysay Road sa kami nagpakannigid nga nagpa-Bokawkan Road idi makadanun kamin idiay Magsaysay flyover.

Iti apagdarikmat addan nga sursursuren mi ti Marcos Highway. Napintas ti mulagat ti init iti agkukuterter pay laeng nga siyudad maigapu iti kapalpalabas nga didigra nga isangpet ni Pepeng. Numanpay kasta, ti pudot nga itintinnag ti law-ang ket umanayen nga mangited iti namnama ken tured ti pakinakem para kadagiti nadangranan ken naawanan..

Ngem ti kinaranyag ti silnag ti init ket saan nga umanay tapno puraren na dagiti mata nga siririing iti kinapudno nga ti daga ket sugat sugat ket adda nga umar-arungaing iti sangkata'wan.

Riggaay ti daga iti ngatuen ti sementado nga kalsada to kumablaaw kenka apaman a sumrek ka iti sungadan ti Marcos Highway nga bumaba iti prubinsiya ti La Union. Bassit laeng ti napisang nga bakras iti umuna... ngen bayat nga pumarpartak ti taray ti lugan nga mangitunda kenka iti mapanam, ad-adda met nga mangngeg mo ti ikkis ti aglawlaw babaen kadagiti pitak ken bato nga naipenpen iti igid ti kalsada. Nakaal-alinggaget nga panunuten nu anya ken kasanu ti namsaakan ti napigsa nga sangit ti langit kadagiti napalabas nga al-aldaw.

Saan met nga mailisi iti panunot ti kasasaad ti maysa nga gayyem nga adda nga naulilan iti ipapanaw ti dungdungwen na nga ina. Kabayatan na nga innak matmatmatan dagiti bakras ti bantay a nasugatan, diak maikkat iti panunot ko nu kasanu na nga sarsarangeten iti agdama ti nasaem unay a pasamak iti biag na.

Ti dalan ket nawatiwat... Adda nga agikkis ti ubet iti napudut nga tugawan.. Ahehehehe! Ngem uray nu kasta, masapul nga anduran. Di tay dumteng iti pagturungan nu di tay sangwen ti karit ti ipapan.

Dimteng ti malem, dimteng ti rabii... Di napupuutan, dimteng kamin idiay Solano. Bimmabaak ngarud iti sangu ti McDonald's ta kunak nga mapanak agbiruk iti mabalin nga pangalaan iti pamedped iti nabisinan a tiyan.

Padaanan tayo ti tuloy na...

TUTORING

2009-08-22T02:20:00.000-07:00

July 2009... Rainy season... A text message startled the hibernating screen of my mobile phone which was lying coldly on the desk...

"Sir, do you have tym for tutor?"
Typical Korean way of asking for help in English studies in the Philippines... What the....

With the busy schedule that I have, tutoring a Korean would be next to impossible. I paused for a while.... Thought of the proposal... Made a decision...

"Sorry, I got no time. Find another one." I made it really straightforward because this person was my student during the previous semester.

But the phone kept receiving follow-up messages. Eventually, because of the persistence of the sender, I replied. I asked for info. "Who is the tutee?"

"Not me, one korean professor wants to study with you, she live in our house, even me study sometym with you hehe"

I really took my time to think over this one! Hmmm, "professor"...? "Wants to study with me?" Could this be an opportunity for new learning experiences to take place?

Then another text message came in... "Sir, if you dont want its ok for me, i dont want you and my relationship is not good"

I realized that I've forgotten to reply.. It's already around 20 minutes past the last text I received.. Hmmm, what shall I say?

I eventually agreed to teach the Korean professor. I learned that she is a professor in Busan City, South Korea. She just came to the Philippines to hone her English communication skills.

When the UB suspended classes due to the threats of AH1N1, I took the chance to visit her and talk to her about the details of our tutorial sessions.

Her name is Mrs. Kim Mi Ra. She is a professor of recreational therapy. She is from Daegu City.

Note: The italicized texts are lifted verbatim from the SMS messages received by this blogger.

3:18 AM, August 1, 2009. CORY LEFT.

2009-08-01T02:49:00.000-07:00

Early dawn. Snoring time for some, going-home time for others, mourning begins for the Aquino family...

In Baguio City, the sky is gloomy. As the day broke, the sun was never allowed by the persistently gloomy clouds to have even just short sight of the land below..

Cory magic coming to an end? Or it is the start of a sequel that would perpetuate the legacy of Asia's icon of democracy?

Pondering...

Noynoy Aquino... Gunning for the Presidency of the Republic of the Philippines.

Back to Debating

2009-08-01T02:14:00.000-07:00

Long have i been absent in the university debating scene after my graduation in the Political Science program of the University of Baguio...

After my graduation though, I saw myself get involved in two National Debate Championships (NDCs): one in San Beda College (as breaking adjudicator) and another in the University of Baguio (as the Programme Director). These exciting milestones have truly enriched my debating record and have greatly increased my interest in and fondness for debating...

Debating is a social-educational exercise that plunges all participants into the world of rhetoric-warfare and academic exchanges. It is a dynamic game of minds that employs witty utterances and humorous statements. It is a combative engagement that necessitates moderation and respect on the part of the debaters, and suppresses biases and pre-conceived notions among adjudicators...

This semester, I am challenged to utilize my knowledge and skills in debating and adjudicating because my College Dean gave me the two argumentation and debate classes in the PolSci, MasCom, and English programs of the College of Liberal Arts, UB.. To my delight, I readily accepted the task and began immersing myself in debating again...

It is almost mid-semester... Also, I am already in the middle of teaching debating and adjudication in my classes...

It's rewarding to see usually naive and indifferent students argue and counter-argue on top of their voices! It's heartwarming to read adjudication essays that are emotion-laden and values-filled.

Hmmm, it's always nice to exchange ideas with students...

JAPANESE CULTURE

2009-04-21T04:25:00.000-07:00

MOUNTAIN PAINTING - Sansui Tradition. (Source:http://www.theartofcalligraphy.com/mountain-paintings.html)

Mountain paintings are the soul of Chinese and Japanese landscape painting. It is called sansui in Japanese, which means: Paintings of mountain and water.

Sansui are much more than simple landscape paintings, they represent the principle of universal transformation. During a longer stay at the foot of the mountain Galatzó on the island of Mallorca, the artist followed the Chinese and Japanese sansui tradition and painted the different moods of the mountain —nostalgic, joyful and cooling.

The painting is done on Japanese rice paper, with luminous indigo blue pigment and Japanese ink. The artist has achieved an almost transparent expression, as if water and mountain had fused.

(http://www.theartofcalligraphy.com/mountain-paintings.html)

Map sourced from http://hhh.gavilan.edu/mturetzky/Pols3/images/Map_of_Japan-Japan.gif

Currently, i am engrossed with this book entitled "Japanese Culture" by H. Paul Varley.
Read and be informed!

SUSAN BOYLE (Britain's Got Talent 2009)

2009-04-19T05:08:00.000-07:00

Photo from http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20090416/capt.e87b1aeb61ad4796b55dff3bd10f3f4d.eu_britain_singing_sensation_lon805.jpg

So far the biggest surprise on British television talent search! With a Broadway/West End quality rendition of a Les Miserables track, Susan Boyle heats the seats of the initially discriminatory audience whose disapproval of her appearance on the show was far too obvious that it could pierce one's heart to pieces. Their feet sprang to an overwhelming ovation as Susan's heartwarming voice filled the auditorium.

What's more enthralling? The panel went wild in extreme astonishment as they had a swift change of mind from being cynical to appreciative. The foregoing lyrics & Susan's awesome performance may be seen in this URL:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

Photo from http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20090416/capt.1be572098ffd4621ab232344bf68f261.eu_britain_singing_sensation_lon111.jpg

FACTS:
Native of Scotland.
47 years old. Unemployed.
Cared for her mother for the most part of her rural life.
Garners the gargantuan and unexpected 3 yeses from a cynical panel.
Sang a track from the stage production Les Miserables.

I DREAMED A DREAM LYRICS:
I dreamed a dream in time gone by
When hope was high,
And life worth living
I dreamed that love would never die
I dreamed that God would be forgiving.

Then I was young and unafraid
When dreams were made and used,
And wasted
There was no ransom to be paid
No song unsung,
No wine untasted.

But the tigers come at night
With their voices soft as thunder
As they tear your hopes apart
As they turn your dreams to shame.

And still I dream he'll come to me
And we will live our lives together
But there are dreams that cannot be
And there are storms
We cannot weather...

I had a dream my life would be
So different from this hell I'm living
So different now from what it seems
Now life has killed
The dream I dreamed.
_____________________________

THE KINGDOM OF THE WINDS (Korean Drama Series)

2009-04-17T03:43:00.000-07:00

Photo taken from
http://www.korean-drama-guide.com/kingdom-of-the-winds-korean-drama.html

SYNOPSIS:
The drama about the life of Jumong's grandson, Moo Hyul. The object of his love is Princess Yeon.

MAIN CAST:
Song Il Gook as Prince Moo Hyul / Daemusin , Choi Jung Won as Princess Yeon , Park Gun Hyung as Prince Do Jin , Jung Jin Young as King Yuri, Kim Hye Ri as Lady Mi Yoo (Yeo Jin's mother) , Lee Jong Won as Prince Hae Myeong (Moo Hyul's brother) , Kim Hye Sung as Prince Yeo Jin , Oh Yoon Ah as Hye Ap , Kim Jae Wook as Chu Bal So , Jang Tae Sung as Ma Ro (Moo Hyul's friend) , Kim Sang Ho as Ma Hwang , Park Sang Wook as Gwi Yoo , Han Jin Hee as King Daeso , Park Jung Hak as Sa Goo , Im Jung Eun as Princess Se Ryu.

The Kingdom of the Winds Theme Song

2009-04-13T07:25:00.000-07:00

This is the Korean singer WHEESUNG. (Photo from http://wheesung.files.wordpress.com/2008/01/wheesung-flawless.jpg)

IN LIFE OR DEATH (By: Wheesung)
Taken from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k6uPydlmtg

saranghaeseon an doel saramirago, ije geuman eoseo doraseorago
miryeonjocha naui deungeul tteomineun gabwa
jiwonaedo jiwojijiga anha, miwohaedo miwojijiga anha..
geuriumman deohaeganeun geol

my last feeling push me to go away
because you are not a person who can fall in love with me
I try to forget you, I try to hate you... but I can't
the more I try, the more I miss you

neoreul saranghagiga nan neomuna apa
sumdo mot swil mankeum hime gyeopjiman

loving you is a heartache
I can't even breathe, but

cheonbeon manbeon taeeonado... todasi neol saranghae
geujeo neo eobsineun andwae... nan andwae... wo~ nae sarang
neul meolli itda haedo... neo oerowo ma~
sarado jugeodo... nae mameun
hangsang ni gyeote nama isseul tenikka

even if I was born thousand and ten thousand time, I'll love you
I can't live without you, just you... I can't... my love
even if we are far away, our love will grow... so don't be lonely
in life or death, my heart will stay with you

hoksi nunmurirado tto sae naolkkabwa
chama saranghandan mal motaetjiman

I couldn't say I love you
because I'm afraid a new tear will come again, but,

cheonbeon manbeon taeeonado...ttodasi neol saranghae
geujeo neo eobsineun andwae... nan andwae... wo~ nae sarang
neul meolli itda haedo... neo oerowo ma~
sarado jugeodo... nae mameun
hangsang ni gyeote nama isseul tenikka

even if I was born thousand and ten thousand time, I'll love you
I can't live without you, just you... I can't... my love
even if we are far away, our love will grow... so don't be lonely
in life or death, my heart will stay with you

nan eonjedeun jigeum gateun
maeumilgeoya, illyeonhuna
simnyeonhuna... baengnyeonhuna~
byeonhaji anheul i sarang idaero,
yeongwonboda deo orae jikyeogalge~

after one, ten, hundred years, my love will still be same
I'll love you longer than forever

cheonnyeon mannyeon heulleogado... nae sarangeun neoppunya
naega eotteoke neol ijeo... mot ijeo wo~ nae sarang
neul eogeutnanda haedo... neo uljineun ma~,
ibyeoldo sewoldo jugeumdo
gareul su eomneun uri saranginikka

you are my only love even after thousand and ten thousand years
how can I forget you? I can't .... my love
don't cry even if we can't meet anytime we want
separation, time, death.... nothing can separate us, my love.

Photo from http://www.koreandrama.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/the-kingdom-of-the-winds.jpg

Rising up... On Easter Sunday..

2009-04-12T05:30:00.000-07:00

12th of April, 2009! A little past 7 o'clock in the morning. The majestic rays of the approaching sun cast much-needed light on a world that slowly creeps away from a seemingly evil power possessed night. Spring arrives as winter ends... Hope comes in as gloom retreats... Life comes back anew as hibernation is halted. Faith conquers again as unbelief and doubts fade. God is here; he is risen! He is alive!