SUPERSIZE ME
I have never written a movie review before, technically speaking, because I believe that the other “movie reflections” I did was just school requirements and not all of them were composed solely of my ideas. So, yes, this will be my first and definitely not the last.
à What’s the best way to spend your vacation? Others may say that it is when you go out with your friends, or go to the beach, eat out, go out of town or even out of the country…
Well, not needing to get out of bed – except for lunch and dinner breaks and cr breaks – and having movie marathons while eating whatever is my basic and simplest idea to spend my vacation, being a couch potato that I am. Today is the 3rd of November 2008 and all I did was watch these four “two-thumbs up” movies. I don’t know why I chose this movie as my finale for the day, but it made me write this. Very interesting, I might say!
The title of this movie is “Supersize Me”. I wonder if you’ve heard of it. It’s been on our movie rack for years and years and I don’t know what came over me to finally decide to give it a try. But this isn’t actually a movie, I believe; it’s more of a documentary.
Oh, whatever. It’s a movie, all right.
A guy named Morgan Spurlock, an American filmmaker with a very healthy body wanted to do an experiment to prove that fast foods are EVIL… and in this case, McDonalds was placed in the hot seat. He will eat three times a day nothing but McDonalds. He laid down three rules: One, he has no options but to eat only what was available over the counter (water included!). Two, no supersizing (it’s Go Large here in the Philippines) unless offered, and three, he had to eat every item on the menu at least once. He went to different McDonalds branches (I think one for each state) with a friend and one cameraman. I would like to quote a part of the synopsis written at the back of the CD just to summarize what took place. It says,
“It all adds up to a fat food bill, harrowing visits to the doctor, and compelling viewing for anyone who’s ever wondered if man could live on fast food alone. The film explores the horror of school lunch programs, declining health and physical education classes, food addictions and the extreme measures people take to lose weight and regain their health.”
After watching the movie, no…even while watching it, I had repeatedly told myself that I would never eat at McDonalds or any fast food as often as I do now. I eat out often primarily because I don’t have the leisure of time to cook and I live away from the parents, which means that I don’t get the “sermons” on what to and not to eat. I basically wanted to try every single restaurant and fast food chain in Baguio (I think I’m down to just one more at Session Road) before I graduate. But don’t get me wrong. I love to cook and I’m not a big spender, either (well, sometimes, when desperate times call for it). I happen to eat at least twice to thrice a month at McDonalds, and it’s not even on a regular basis. But still, I eat a lot of fries and burgers, and drink a lot of Mcfloats, and I love it, and I crave for it. And I easily give in to these cravings. No wonder I get the same “You look fatter” “Did you gain some weight?” greetings when I come down here in Manila. Before, I didn’t believe that McDonalds could get you fat… that one hamburger is equal to tons of calories or carbs or fat, whatever the difference between them is. I don’t know! Wow!
Surprisingly, it was mentioned in the movie that these kinds food could actually make you stupid. Morgan asked people on the spot and they don’t even know what a calorie is! Well, now I know what it is. Do you? ;)
In just a matter of weeks, a very healthy young man named Morgan started to have chest pains, very severe headaches, waking up in the wee hours of the morning because he has difficulty in breathing, dizziness and feeling of nausea in the morning, throwing up in the streets, and guess what…
He got addicted to it! He feels depressed when he’s not eating McDonalds, and becomes very happy when he is.
PLUS: IT HAS AFFECTED HIS SEX LIFE! His girlfriend would have to be on “top” because Morgan is too tired… He climaxes, yes, but his girlfriend testifies that it’s way too different than before.
Enormous weight gain, fat bellies, and mood swings in just one month… wow! Can you handle that? Mind you, it took him TWO months to detox and ONE year and TWO months to go back being 185lbs…
This movie hit me hard that I’ve really decided that this semester I would definitely go for the “healthy living”. I would plan my diet and exercise routines. I might even join taekwondo or whatever extra-curricular activity is out there. Plus, I’d do a lot of walking and no more “couch potato”. I’m 18 now, so I’ve decided that it’s my time to take things seriously. And that would definitely include my well-being. Inside and out. No more playing and fooling around. I could do that once in a while, but yeah, I’d had enough of those. ;) We need to…uh… you know… grow up! ;)
I need to take care of my body, balance everything. Eat healthy, sweat more, grow with much better physique, live healthily inside and out. Unless I do this now, I would definitely come to the point where I’d regret having this kind of lifestyle that I live now.
Now I sound like my elders.
But seriously, I’m just 18 and I can already feel that something’s wrong with my body. Before anything goes worse, I need to take action.
So, for those of you out there who thinks that you’ve got a lot of time, you’re so young that you can still burn all of those fat that had piled up…tsk…tsk! Better think twice…
I bet you don’t want to go through any kind of operation, eh? I dare you to watch this movie and learn from it. Philippines is whole lotta different from the U.S. but hey! Burgers are still burgers, nuggets are still nuggets, fries will remain fries, McDonalds is a business and it will remain that way as long as money comes in, and unhealthy food will always be UNHEALTHY FOOD! It’s just up to us to choose wisely, eat wisely, and live wisely!
Have a nice day and come again ;)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
14 children and still pregnant!
As I was trying to unwind (gee, it’s finals week), a particular show on TV caught my attention. It was on Discovery Channel Home & Health (one of my faves nowadays) and it was entitled “14 Children and still pregnant!” or something like that. Then I said, “What in the world!?” …and decided that I have to know what in the world of this family was really happening. I put down the remote and finished the show, so there it is, a happy family with fourteen kids plus no.15 on the way… SPELL INCREDIBLE. And here’s the greatest thing about it: They’re not in chaos!!! They are so organized, soo… phew – good people! Well, they’re Christians, just like me, so they’ve given me an idea on how to manage my family in the near future (I’m so excited haha) regardless of how many kids my future husband and I could make. I’ve always wanted a quiet home, so I told myself that I would have 3 kids at most. But upon seeing this show, oh wow, I’m thinking of having as many as God wanted me to have.
Jim Bob and his wife, (forgot the name, sorry, they’re just too many!) were asked questions like how do they do it, manage and provide, like, financially support each child’s needs? And who would have guessed their answer… They don’t loan, or borrow money unless it’s very, very important at the time. If they don’t have the money, they don’t buy. They save. They don’t have debts!!! Wow! Talk about stress-free life. Financially, they’re very much okay. They have a pantry filled (and when I say it’s filled, IT IS FILLED) with food and all the other stuffs that they need. They eat more than three times a day, but they’re healthy and not overweight. Mommy looked so pretty with that long curly brown hair, and she doesn’t look like one who has 14 children and 1 on-board! She’s like some Victorian/Helenistic type of woman. Daddy’s soooo… neat. =D And good-looking too. They all are! Especially the little ones, so adorable! I’m sorry, but I’m just so amazed by them. ;)
They have a huge chart and some checklists pasted on the wall. Mommy said that it was their “master schedule”. It consists of their daily activities or chores and the ‘buddies’ who are assigned to accomplish them. She also admitted that it’s just impossible to finish everything that they’ve written there for the day. But at least they have a goal for each day, something to remind or tell them where they’re going. So they’re days are always ended with thanksgiving and contentment and satisfaction. Isn’t that genius?
Okay, so let’s talk about the kids. They have two sets of twins, and the girls are outnumbered. Their eldest is a boy, same as the youngest (that’s no.15 – yep, during the show, Mommy gave birth to no. 15, so the viewers all around the world witnessed his first cry! It was even mentioned that this baby boy would be the ‘most hugged’ baby of all. Yea, we get it!) Mommy and Daddy thought of the “buddy system” so they wouldn’t have to worry for each one. Plus, everyone gets Mommy and Daddy’s attention (it may not be their whole attention -- of course, that wouldn’t be possible, but at least everyone gets to be Mommy or Daddy’s ‘buddy’ once in a while!). They’ve got different personalities; extroverts and introverts and those that are kind of in between. From the eldest to the youngest at the time of the interview (that means it was still no. 14), Mommy was asked to describe each child. There are some who are born leaders, some who are just quiet, the sweetest, the comedian, the giver, the little angel, etc. They are home-schooled (and everyone’s loving it, even Mommy, they’re teacher) and each child is REQUIRED to learn two instruments, the piano and the violin. They have their music time, and everyone gets to practice (and for the older ones, to teach) how the instruments are played. Even the youngest gets to play too! But he isn’t allowed to have his own instrument yet, so he has to practice holding the violin properly and how to glide the bow for the meantime.
Everything seem so perfect (for me they’re the ideal family), but as the saying goes, “Nobody/Nothing is perfect”. They have a little problem. Bathroom. They’re living in a house with only two bathrooms, so you get the picture. Still, this little problem led to another amazing thing. They will be moving to a very big, nice house very,very soon! And the amazing part? Except for some visits and advices from friends, Mommy, Daddy and all the rest are the ones building it! SPELL COOL. This is indeed the coolest story I’ve ever known this week, and maybe for the rest of my life. Who knows, I might be able to outdo the record! Ahaha. Just wanted to be featured. Anyway, I’m always on the look for interesting things and stories, so keep reading and posting, too. Ciao!
Jim Bob and his wife, (forgot the name, sorry, they’re just too many!) were asked questions like how do they do it, manage and provide, like, financially support each child’s needs? And who would have guessed their answer… They don’t loan, or borrow money unless it’s very, very important at the time. If they don’t have the money, they don’t buy. They save. They don’t have debts!!! Wow! Talk about stress-free life. Financially, they’re very much okay. They have a pantry filled (and when I say it’s filled, IT IS FILLED) with food and all the other stuffs that they need. They eat more than three times a day, but they’re healthy and not overweight. Mommy looked so pretty with that long curly brown hair, and she doesn’t look like one who has 14 children and 1 on-board! She’s like some Victorian/Helenistic type of woman. Daddy’s soooo… neat. =D And good-looking too. They all are! Especially the little ones, so adorable! I’m sorry, but I’m just so amazed by them. ;)
They have a huge chart and some checklists pasted on the wall. Mommy said that it was their “master schedule”. It consists of their daily activities or chores and the ‘buddies’ who are assigned to accomplish them. She also admitted that it’s just impossible to finish everything that they’ve written there for the day. But at least they have a goal for each day, something to remind or tell them where they’re going. So they’re days are always ended with thanksgiving and contentment and satisfaction. Isn’t that genius?
Okay, so let’s talk about the kids. They have two sets of twins, and the girls are outnumbered. Their eldest is a boy, same as the youngest (that’s no.15 – yep, during the show, Mommy gave birth to no. 15, so the viewers all around the world witnessed his first cry! It was even mentioned that this baby boy would be the ‘most hugged’ baby of all. Yea, we get it!) Mommy and Daddy thought of the “buddy system” so they wouldn’t have to worry for each one. Plus, everyone gets Mommy and Daddy’s attention (it may not be their whole attention -- of course, that wouldn’t be possible, but at least everyone gets to be Mommy or Daddy’s ‘buddy’ once in a while!). They’ve got different personalities; extroverts and introverts and those that are kind of in between. From the eldest to the youngest at the time of the interview (that means it was still no. 14), Mommy was asked to describe each child. There are some who are born leaders, some who are just quiet, the sweetest, the comedian, the giver, the little angel, etc. They are home-schooled (and everyone’s loving it, even Mommy, they’re teacher) and each child is REQUIRED to learn two instruments, the piano and the violin. They have their music time, and everyone gets to practice (and for the older ones, to teach) how the instruments are played. Even the youngest gets to play too! But he isn’t allowed to have his own instrument yet, so he has to practice holding the violin properly and how to glide the bow for the meantime.
Everything seem so perfect (for me they’re the ideal family), but as the saying goes, “Nobody/Nothing is perfect”. They have a little problem. Bathroom. They’re living in a house with only two bathrooms, so you get the picture. Still, this little problem led to another amazing thing. They will be moving to a very big, nice house very,very soon! And the amazing part? Except for some visits and advices from friends, Mommy, Daddy and all the rest are the ones building it! SPELL COOL. This is indeed the coolest story I’ve ever known this week, and maybe for the rest of my life. Who knows, I might be able to outdo the record! Ahaha. Just wanted to be featured. Anyway, I’m always on the look for interesting things and stories, so keep reading and posting, too. Ciao!
"KANYA-KANYANG RIZAL"
Kapag tinatanong ako noon kung sino si Rizal para sa akin, ang sagot ko – pambansang bayani – wala ng iba. Iyon naman talaga ang itinuturo sa atin sa paaralan, hindi ba? Pagdating ko ng kolehiyo, narinig ko ang asignaturang PI 100. Tinanong ko sa iilan kung tungkol saan ang PI 100 na ito. Ang sabi nila, “Maganda ‘yun! ‘Yung mga itinuro sa atin noong elementary at hayskul tungkol kay Rizal, naku, walang-wala kapag nag-PI 100 ka na! Makikilala mo ang tunay na Jose Rizal!” Eh … sino nga ba ang tunay na Jose Rizal?
May kanya-kanya tayong Jose Rizal, ‘yan ang sagot ko. Nakuha ko ang linyang ito sa pelikula na pinamagatang “Bayaning 3rd World”. Ang pelikulang ito ay patungkol sa isang direktor at isang scriptwriter na gumagawa ng isang pelikula sa buhay ni Rizal. Binalikan nila ang mga kontrobersiya at isa-isa nilang “kinausap” ang mga taong may kaugnayan sa mga usaping ito, kabilang na ang mga kapatid ni Rizal, at siyempre, si Rizal mismo. Binusisi ang mga kontrobersiyang ito, gaya ng Retraction Letter, ang pagpapakasal (o hindi) nina Joe at Josephine, at ang pagkakadawit ng pangalan ni Rizal sa pagbuo ng samahang-pangrebolusyon. Isa-isa ring lumabas ang mga pangalang Josephine Bracken, Padre Balaguer, ang ina niyang si Donya Lolay (o si Donya Teodora Alonzo, dahil hindi naman daw niya ako kaano-ano) at ang mga kapatid niyang sina Trinidad, Narcisa, at Paciano. Sa mga pag-uusap na iyon sa pelikula, napansin kong wala pa ring nabuong iisang sagot, kung hindi ay nagbigay ito ng kapangyarihan sa mga manunuod para maghusga ayon sa kanilang pagkakaintindi. Nag-iwan ito ng maraming katanungan na ikaw lamang din sa sarili mo ang makakasagot.
Kanya-kanyang Jose Rizal…
Si Rizal…naninigarilyo?
“Ang Rizal na kilala namin ay hindi naninigarilyo!”- ika ni Ricky Davao sa pelikulang “Bayaning 3rd World”. Sigurado nga ba tayong si Rizal ay hindi naninigarilyo? At ano naman kung naninigarilyo siya? O kaya naman ay nagtatabako? Sino ang nagsabi na ang isang bayani ay hindi dapat naninigarilyo? Hanga ako sa sagot ni Rizal sa tanong na ito ni Ricky Davao. “Ilang taon niyo na akong pinag-aaralan ngunit hanggang ngayon ay hindi ninyo pa rin ako kilala!” Kahit sino pa siguro na matalinong tao diyan ay hindi kailanman maipapaliwanag o maipapakilala ang tunay na Jose Rizal dahil kung may isang tao man na tanging makapagsasabi nito ay walang iba kung hindi si Jose Rizal. Sa panahon ngayon, marami nang nailathala na mga akda patungkol sa pagkatao (o pagkabayani) ni Rizal, at nahahati ang mga iyon sa dalawa: depende kung ang manunulat ba nito ay panig kay Rizal o hindi. Sa aming mga babasahin sa PI 100, marami sa mga ito ang halata kung sino nga ba sa mga manunulat ang mga Rizalista (o panig kay Jose Rizal) at kung sino naman ang mga hindi. Para sa mga Rizalista, pilit na pinapabango ang kanyang pangalan sa kanilang mga salita, at pawang ipinapakita na si Rizal ay masyadong magaling para makagawa ng pagkakamali. Kung kaya’t hindi na ako magtataka kung ang ibang tao ay maging Rizalista na rin sa kadahilanang hindi sila marunong pumili at magtanong kung ang kanilang nababasa ay patas na pagtingin. Laking pasalamat ko na lamang na itinuturo sa unibersidad ang pagkilatis sa mga bagay-bagay, na huwag kaagad maniniwala sa mga nababasa kahit gaano pa man kagagaling ang mga pagkakalapat ng mga salita, na maging kritikal. Ngunit kung minsan nga ay nasusobrahan. Malamang ay magkaroon din ng mga taong ayaw kay Rizal, at maaring sa parehong kadahilanan din. Mahirap makilala ang taong patay na. Puro kuro-kuro at mga hula na lamang. Puro pag-aaral na may mga katanungan at butas pa rin.
Kanya-kanyang Rizal…
Si Rizal, ang taong naka-ukit sa piso.
Si Rizal, ang lalaking istatwa sa Luneta.
Si Rizal, ang pangalang ibinigay sa iilang lugar, kalye, at pati na rin sa mga punerarya.
Naaalala ko nung mga unang linggo ng aming semestre, inatasan kami na kumuha ng mga panayam sa mga iba’t-ibang uri ng tao upang tanungin kung sino si Rizal para sa kanila. Ang iba’y nagsabi na siya ay bayani, at ang iba naman ay mas malala pa ang sagot sa aking nabanggit sa itaas.
Isang bayani.
Ano nga ba ang “bayani”? Dahil nga lang ba namatay si Rizal kaya siya tinawag na bayani? Kaya siya pinag-aaralan ngayon? E paano nga ba kung hindi namatay si Rizal? Siya pa kaya ang tinanghal na pambansang bayani? Sa pelikula, “nakapanayam” ng scripwriter si Paciano, at isa ito sa mga nagustuhan ko na pahayag niya: “Ang isang bansang nangangailangan ng bayani ay hindi kailangang pagbuwisan ng buhay.” Hindi dahil sa binaril siya kaya siya naging bayani. OO, hinanap nga ni Rizal ang kamatayan, pero hindi para maging isang bayani. Malinaw niya pang ipinagbilin na ayaw niya na magkaroon ng anibersaryo o kahit ano pang pag-gunita. Pero anong nangyari? Paumanhin, Ginoong Pepe, ngunit para sa akin, patay ka man o buhay, may anibersaryo o wala, ikaw pa rin ang pambansang bayani.
Kanya-kanyang Jose Rizal…
Ngayon, ibabahagi ko sa papel na ito kung sino si Rizal para sa akin. Kagaya ng aking nabanggit, si Rizal ang pambansang bayani. Nabuo ang sagot na ito sa dalawang paraan. Una, dahil ito nga ang nabuong pagkakakilala ko sa kanya dahil na rin sa mga sinabi ng aking mga guro at magulang noong elementarya at hayskul. At pangalawa, dahil sa malalim at masaya naming pagdidiskusyon sa asignaturang PI 100 – JR sa klase ni Sir Isko. Para sa akin, ang isang bayani ay siyang may tunay na pagmamahal sa bayan. Naniniwala akong sapat na ang pagmamahal na iyan para tawagin kang isang bayani, dahil ang pagmamahal na iyan ang magbibigay sa iyo ng lakas para lumaban kung naaapi, tumayo kung madapa man sa mga pagkakamali, gumabay sa iyo kung paano maipapakita sa iba lalo na sa mga dayuhan ang pagmamahal na iyan, at magtutulak sa iyo na lalong pag-ingatan at mapanatili ang kabutihan at pagmamahal na mayroon ka sa susunod na henerasyon. Ngunit, ang pagiging bayani ay hindi katumbas ng pagiging isang diyos. Si Pepe ay tao. Hindi perpekto at walang mahika. Nagkakamali at may damdamin. Ang isang salitang binitawan, kapag inalis mo sa konteksto, ay magkakaroon ng ibang kahulugan. Kung kaya’t ang mga salitang binitawan ni Rizal, kabilang na ang mga nobela at iba pang mga akda niya, ay magkakaroon ng iba’t ibang mga kahulugan base sa mga interpretasyon ng mga taong bumabasa sa kanya, lalo na kung hindi mo pag-aaralan o babalikan ang konteksto na pinanggalingan ni Rizal. At ang mga interpretasyon na ito ay maaring tanggapin at paniwalaan ng publiko, ng mga mambabasa, ng mga makakarinig, ng bawat Pilipino, lalo na kung mahusay at kilalang tao ang magbibigay ng interpretasyon na ito. Bakit? Dahil wala na naman si Rizal para bigyang linaw at paliwanag ang kanyang sarili. Mas malala pa nito, si Rizal ay patay na at nangangahulugan lamang na wala ng pag-asa na maipaglaban pa ang sarili sa mga tumutuligsa at mga naninira sa kanya; mga taong inilalagay si Rizal sa maling konteksto.
Ang depinisyon ko ng bayani ang siya na ring susuporta sa aking paniniwala na ang mga bayani ay hindi lamang sila na ating nakikita sa mga libro ng kasaysayan o iyong mga larawan na nakikita natin na nakasabit sa munisipyo o sa pera. Siya na may pagmamahal sa bayan ay isang bayani, at mas lalong hindi mo kailangang mamatay para tanghaling bayani. Mag-aaral ka man o propesyunal, may trabaho o wala, kung ikaw sa sarili mo ay alam mong kaya mong ipaglaban ang sarili mong bansa at naglalayon kang maging ehemplo sa kapwa mo Pilipino, saludo ako sa iyo, bayani! At salamat kay Rizal, na siyang naging pangunahing ehemplo sa atin. Tama nga ang sinabi nila… Talagang mag-iiba ang pagkakakilala mo kay Jose Rizal kapag napag-aralan mo ang buhay niya sa asignaturang PI 100. Mas nabigyang linaw sa akin ang kahulugan ng salitang “bayani”, naturuan ako na magmahal sa bayan kahit sa mga simpleng pamamaraan, nakilala ko si Jose Rizal sa ibang perspektibo at angulo, at napagtanto ko na siya
ay tao… nangarap, nagtagumpay, naghirap, at malamang ay may mga pagkakamali. Ito ay aking opinyon lamang. Sa huli ay kanya-kanya pa rin naman tayong Jose Rizal.
(REFLECTION PAPER KO SA PI 100.. HEHE THANKS SIR ISKO!)
May kanya-kanya tayong Jose Rizal, ‘yan ang sagot ko. Nakuha ko ang linyang ito sa pelikula na pinamagatang “Bayaning 3rd World”. Ang pelikulang ito ay patungkol sa isang direktor at isang scriptwriter na gumagawa ng isang pelikula sa buhay ni Rizal. Binalikan nila ang mga kontrobersiya at isa-isa nilang “kinausap” ang mga taong may kaugnayan sa mga usaping ito, kabilang na ang mga kapatid ni Rizal, at siyempre, si Rizal mismo. Binusisi ang mga kontrobersiyang ito, gaya ng Retraction Letter, ang pagpapakasal (o hindi) nina Joe at Josephine, at ang pagkakadawit ng pangalan ni Rizal sa pagbuo ng samahang-pangrebolusyon. Isa-isa ring lumabas ang mga pangalang Josephine Bracken, Padre Balaguer, ang ina niyang si Donya Lolay (o si Donya Teodora Alonzo, dahil hindi naman daw niya ako kaano-ano) at ang mga kapatid niyang sina Trinidad, Narcisa, at Paciano. Sa mga pag-uusap na iyon sa pelikula, napansin kong wala pa ring nabuong iisang sagot, kung hindi ay nagbigay ito ng kapangyarihan sa mga manunuod para maghusga ayon sa kanilang pagkakaintindi. Nag-iwan ito ng maraming katanungan na ikaw lamang din sa sarili mo ang makakasagot.
Kanya-kanyang Jose Rizal…
Si Rizal…naninigarilyo?
“Ang Rizal na kilala namin ay hindi naninigarilyo!”- ika ni Ricky Davao sa pelikulang “Bayaning 3rd World”. Sigurado nga ba tayong si Rizal ay hindi naninigarilyo? At ano naman kung naninigarilyo siya? O kaya naman ay nagtatabako? Sino ang nagsabi na ang isang bayani ay hindi dapat naninigarilyo? Hanga ako sa sagot ni Rizal sa tanong na ito ni Ricky Davao. “Ilang taon niyo na akong pinag-aaralan ngunit hanggang ngayon ay hindi ninyo pa rin ako kilala!” Kahit sino pa siguro na matalinong tao diyan ay hindi kailanman maipapaliwanag o maipapakilala ang tunay na Jose Rizal dahil kung may isang tao man na tanging makapagsasabi nito ay walang iba kung hindi si Jose Rizal. Sa panahon ngayon, marami nang nailathala na mga akda patungkol sa pagkatao (o pagkabayani) ni Rizal, at nahahati ang mga iyon sa dalawa: depende kung ang manunulat ba nito ay panig kay Rizal o hindi. Sa aming mga babasahin sa PI 100, marami sa mga ito ang halata kung sino nga ba sa mga manunulat ang mga Rizalista (o panig kay Jose Rizal) at kung sino naman ang mga hindi. Para sa mga Rizalista, pilit na pinapabango ang kanyang pangalan sa kanilang mga salita, at pawang ipinapakita na si Rizal ay masyadong magaling para makagawa ng pagkakamali. Kung kaya’t hindi na ako magtataka kung ang ibang tao ay maging Rizalista na rin sa kadahilanang hindi sila marunong pumili at magtanong kung ang kanilang nababasa ay patas na pagtingin. Laking pasalamat ko na lamang na itinuturo sa unibersidad ang pagkilatis sa mga bagay-bagay, na huwag kaagad maniniwala sa mga nababasa kahit gaano pa man kagagaling ang mga pagkakalapat ng mga salita, na maging kritikal. Ngunit kung minsan nga ay nasusobrahan. Malamang ay magkaroon din ng mga taong ayaw kay Rizal, at maaring sa parehong kadahilanan din. Mahirap makilala ang taong patay na. Puro kuro-kuro at mga hula na lamang. Puro pag-aaral na may mga katanungan at butas pa rin.
Kanya-kanyang Rizal…
Si Rizal, ang taong naka-ukit sa piso.
Si Rizal, ang lalaking istatwa sa Luneta.
Si Rizal, ang pangalang ibinigay sa iilang lugar, kalye, at pati na rin sa mga punerarya.
Naaalala ko nung mga unang linggo ng aming semestre, inatasan kami na kumuha ng mga panayam sa mga iba’t-ibang uri ng tao upang tanungin kung sino si Rizal para sa kanila. Ang iba’y nagsabi na siya ay bayani, at ang iba naman ay mas malala pa ang sagot sa aking nabanggit sa itaas.
Isang bayani.
Ano nga ba ang “bayani”? Dahil nga lang ba namatay si Rizal kaya siya tinawag na bayani? Kaya siya pinag-aaralan ngayon? E paano nga ba kung hindi namatay si Rizal? Siya pa kaya ang tinanghal na pambansang bayani? Sa pelikula, “nakapanayam” ng scripwriter si Paciano, at isa ito sa mga nagustuhan ko na pahayag niya: “Ang isang bansang nangangailangan ng bayani ay hindi kailangang pagbuwisan ng buhay.” Hindi dahil sa binaril siya kaya siya naging bayani. OO, hinanap nga ni Rizal ang kamatayan, pero hindi para maging isang bayani. Malinaw niya pang ipinagbilin na ayaw niya na magkaroon ng anibersaryo o kahit ano pang pag-gunita. Pero anong nangyari? Paumanhin, Ginoong Pepe, ngunit para sa akin, patay ka man o buhay, may anibersaryo o wala, ikaw pa rin ang pambansang bayani.
Kanya-kanyang Jose Rizal…
Ngayon, ibabahagi ko sa papel na ito kung sino si Rizal para sa akin. Kagaya ng aking nabanggit, si Rizal ang pambansang bayani. Nabuo ang sagot na ito sa dalawang paraan. Una, dahil ito nga ang nabuong pagkakakilala ko sa kanya dahil na rin sa mga sinabi ng aking mga guro at magulang noong elementarya at hayskul. At pangalawa, dahil sa malalim at masaya naming pagdidiskusyon sa asignaturang PI 100 – JR sa klase ni Sir Isko. Para sa akin, ang isang bayani ay siyang may tunay na pagmamahal sa bayan. Naniniwala akong sapat na ang pagmamahal na iyan para tawagin kang isang bayani, dahil ang pagmamahal na iyan ang magbibigay sa iyo ng lakas para lumaban kung naaapi, tumayo kung madapa man sa mga pagkakamali, gumabay sa iyo kung paano maipapakita sa iba lalo na sa mga dayuhan ang pagmamahal na iyan, at magtutulak sa iyo na lalong pag-ingatan at mapanatili ang kabutihan at pagmamahal na mayroon ka sa susunod na henerasyon. Ngunit, ang pagiging bayani ay hindi katumbas ng pagiging isang diyos. Si Pepe ay tao. Hindi perpekto at walang mahika. Nagkakamali at may damdamin. Ang isang salitang binitawan, kapag inalis mo sa konteksto, ay magkakaroon ng ibang kahulugan. Kung kaya’t ang mga salitang binitawan ni Rizal, kabilang na ang mga nobela at iba pang mga akda niya, ay magkakaroon ng iba’t ibang mga kahulugan base sa mga interpretasyon ng mga taong bumabasa sa kanya, lalo na kung hindi mo pag-aaralan o babalikan ang konteksto na pinanggalingan ni Rizal. At ang mga interpretasyon na ito ay maaring tanggapin at paniwalaan ng publiko, ng mga mambabasa, ng mga makakarinig, ng bawat Pilipino, lalo na kung mahusay at kilalang tao ang magbibigay ng interpretasyon na ito. Bakit? Dahil wala na naman si Rizal para bigyang linaw at paliwanag ang kanyang sarili. Mas malala pa nito, si Rizal ay patay na at nangangahulugan lamang na wala ng pag-asa na maipaglaban pa ang sarili sa mga tumutuligsa at mga naninira sa kanya; mga taong inilalagay si Rizal sa maling konteksto.
Ang depinisyon ko ng bayani ang siya na ring susuporta sa aking paniniwala na ang mga bayani ay hindi lamang sila na ating nakikita sa mga libro ng kasaysayan o iyong mga larawan na nakikita natin na nakasabit sa munisipyo o sa pera. Siya na may pagmamahal sa bayan ay isang bayani, at mas lalong hindi mo kailangang mamatay para tanghaling bayani. Mag-aaral ka man o propesyunal, may trabaho o wala, kung ikaw sa sarili mo ay alam mong kaya mong ipaglaban ang sarili mong bansa at naglalayon kang maging ehemplo sa kapwa mo Pilipino, saludo ako sa iyo, bayani! At salamat kay Rizal, na siyang naging pangunahing ehemplo sa atin. Tama nga ang sinabi nila… Talagang mag-iiba ang pagkakakilala mo kay Jose Rizal kapag napag-aralan mo ang buhay niya sa asignaturang PI 100. Mas nabigyang linaw sa akin ang kahulugan ng salitang “bayani”, naturuan ako na magmahal sa bayan kahit sa mga simpleng pamamaraan, nakilala ko si Jose Rizal sa ibang perspektibo at angulo, at napagtanto ko na siya
ay tao… nangarap, nagtagumpay, naghirap, at malamang ay may mga pagkakamali. Ito ay aking opinyon lamang. Sa huli ay kanya-kanya pa rin naman tayong Jose Rizal.
(REFLECTION PAPER KO SA PI 100.. HEHE THANKS SIR ISKO!)
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
A korean loves the Philippines, how about you kababayan?
Ok. So this may sound strange, but yes, a korean writes an essay about our country with phrases like "we envy Filipinos", "lack of love", "heart burning with patriotism",etc. When I first read this, I said "ok, just another patriotic blog. Love for my country, yada yada yada." But this afternoon, I took this blog as an example in our discussion in PI 100: The Life and Works of Rizal (for those of you who doesn't know him, well, he's our national hero =)) in which I thought of it as a major (and possible!) solution to our problem. Well, read on and tell me what do you think of it. It's not everyday that you see and read blogs like this, so you might as well keep your mind open and give your opinion.
"MY SHORT ESSAY ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES"by Jaeyoun Kim
Filipinos always complain about the corruption in the Philippines. Do you really think the corruption is the problem of the Philippines? I do not think so. I strongly believe that the problem is the lack of love for the Philippines.Let me first talk about my country, Korea. It might help you understand my point. After the Korean War, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world. Koreans had to start from scratch because entire country was destroyed after the Korean War, and we had no natural resources. Koreans used to talk about the Philippines, for Filipinos were very rich in Asia. We envy Filipinos. Koreans really wanted to be well off like Filipinos. Many Koreans died of famine. My father & brother also died because of famine. Korean government was very corrupt and is still very corrupt beyond your imagination, but Korea was able to develop dramatically because Koreans really did their best for the common good with their heart burning with patriotism.Koreans did not work just for themselves but also for their neighborhood and country. Education inspired young men with the spirit of patriotism.40 years ago, President Park took over the government to reform Korea. He tried to borrow money from other countries, but it was not possible to get a loan and attract a foreign investment because the economic situation of South Korea was so bad. Korea had only three factories. So, President Park sent many mine workers and nurses to Germany so that they could send money to Korea to build a factory. They had to go through horrible experience.In 1964, President Park visited Germany to borrow money. Hundred of Koreans in Germany came to the airport to welcome him and cried there as they saw the President Park. They asked to him, "President, when can we be well off?" That was the only question everyone asked to him. President Park cried with them and promised them that Korea would be well off if everyone works hard for Korea, and the President of Germany got the strong impression on them and lent money to Korea. So, President Park was able to build many factories in Korea. He always asked Koreans to love their country from their heart. Many Korean scientists and engineers in the USA came back to Korea to help developing country because they wanted their country to be well off. Though they received very small salary, they did their best for Korea. They always hoped that their children would live in well off country. My parents always brought me to the places where poor and physically handicapped people live. They wanted me to understand their life and help them. I also worked for Catholic Church when I was in the army. The only thing I learned from Catholic Church was that we have to love our neighborhood. And, I have loved my neighborhood. Have you cried for the Philippines? I have cried for my country several times. I also cried for the Philippines because of so many poor people. I have been to the New Bilibid prison. What made me sad in the prison were the prisoners who do not have any love for their country. They go to mass and work for Church. They pray everyday. However, they do not love the Philippines. I talked to two prisoners at the maximum-securitycompound, and both of them said that they would leave the Philippines right after they are released from the prison. They said that they would start a new life in other countries and never come back to the Philippines. Many Koreans have a great love for Korea so that we were able to share our wealth with our neighborhood. The owners of factory and company were distributed their profit to their employees fairly so that employees could buy what they needed and saved money for the future and their children.When I was in Korea, I had a very strong faith and wanted to be a priest. However, when I came to the Philippines, I completely lost my faith. I was very confused when I saw many unbelievable situations in the Philippines. Street kids always make me sad, and I see them everyday. The Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia, but there are too many poor people here. People go to church every Sunday to pray, but nothing has been changed. My parents came to the Philippines last week and saw this situation. They told me that Korea was much poorer than the present Philippines when they were young. They are so sorry that there are so many beggars and street kids. When we went to Pasangjan, I forced my parents to take a boat because it would fun. However, they were not happy after taking a boat. They said that they would not take the boat again because they were sympathized the boatmen, for the boatmen were very poor and had a small frame. Most of people just took a boat and enjoyed it. But, my parents did not enjoy it because of love for them. My mother who has been working for Catholic Church since I was very young told me that if we just go to mass without changing ourselves, we are not Catholic indeed. Faith should come with action. She added that I have to love Filipinos and do good things for them because all of us are same and have received a great love from God. I want Filipinos to love their neighborhood and country as much as they love God so that the Philippines will be well off. I am sure that love is the keyword, which Filipinos should remember. We cannot change the sinful structure at once. It should start from person. Love must start in everybody, in a small scale and have to grow. A lot of things happen if we open up to love. Let's put away our prejudices and look at our worries with our new eyes. I discover that every person is worthy to be loved. Trust in love, because it makes changes possible. Love changes you and me. It changes people, contexts and relationships. It changes the world. Please love your neighborhood and country. Jesus Christ said that whatever we do to others we do to Him. In the Philippines, there is God for people who are abused and abandoned. There is God who is crying for love. If you have a child, teach them how to love the Philippines. Teach them why they have to love their neighborhood and country. You already know that God also will be very happy if you love others.That's all I really want to ask you Filipinos.
----
Do you know what Rizal meant when he used the term "national sentiment"? Resisting evil by promoting, protecting and prioritizing the common good. Love. I strongly agree and believe in what has been said above, but then, it is not enough to be emotionally stirred or challenged. There has to be some change! And it will start with you! With each Filipino! Imagine our country if every single Filipino would do just that. Love. Love for our country, love for one another. Ask yourself: What can I do to show love for my country and help it rise again? Ipagsasawalang bahala mo pa rin ba ang iyong mga nalaman ngayon? Ikaw na nagtatanong, nahihirapan, nagREREKLAMO, ano bang nagawa at ginagawa mo? Nakatulong ka ba o nakadagdag problema? Think about it.
"MY SHORT ESSAY ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES"by Jaeyoun Kim
Filipinos always complain about the corruption in the Philippines. Do you really think the corruption is the problem of the Philippines? I do not think so. I strongly believe that the problem is the lack of love for the Philippines.Let me first talk about my country, Korea. It might help you understand my point. After the Korean War, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world. Koreans had to start from scratch because entire country was destroyed after the Korean War, and we had no natural resources. Koreans used to talk about the Philippines, for Filipinos were very rich in Asia. We envy Filipinos. Koreans really wanted to be well off like Filipinos. Many Koreans died of famine. My father & brother also died because of famine. Korean government was very corrupt and is still very corrupt beyond your imagination, but Korea was able to develop dramatically because Koreans really did their best for the common good with their heart burning with patriotism.Koreans did not work just for themselves but also for their neighborhood and country. Education inspired young men with the spirit of patriotism.40 years ago, President Park took over the government to reform Korea. He tried to borrow money from other countries, but it was not possible to get a loan and attract a foreign investment because the economic situation of South Korea was so bad. Korea had only three factories. So, President Park sent many mine workers and nurses to Germany so that they could send money to Korea to build a factory. They had to go through horrible experience.In 1964, President Park visited Germany to borrow money. Hundred of Koreans in Germany came to the airport to welcome him and cried there as they saw the President Park. They asked to him, "President, when can we be well off?" That was the only question everyone asked to him. President Park cried with them and promised them that Korea would be well off if everyone works hard for Korea, and the President of Germany got the strong impression on them and lent money to Korea. So, President Park was able to build many factories in Korea. He always asked Koreans to love their country from their heart. Many Korean scientists and engineers in the USA came back to Korea to help developing country because they wanted their country to be well off. Though they received very small salary, they did their best for Korea. They always hoped that their children would live in well off country. My parents always brought me to the places where poor and physically handicapped people live. They wanted me to understand their life and help them. I also worked for Catholic Church when I was in the army. The only thing I learned from Catholic Church was that we have to love our neighborhood. And, I have loved my neighborhood. Have you cried for the Philippines? I have cried for my country several times. I also cried for the Philippines because of so many poor people. I have been to the New Bilibid prison. What made me sad in the prison were the prisoners who do not have any love for their country. They go to mass and work for Church. They pray everyday. However, they do not love the Philippines. I talked to two prisoners at the maximum-securitycompound, and both of them said that they would leave the Philippines right after they are released from the prison. They said that they would start a new life in other countries and never come back to the Philippines. Many Koreans have a great love for Korea so that we were able to share our wealth with our neighborhood. The owners of factory and company were distributed their profit to their employees fairly so that employees could buy what they needed and saved money for the future and their children.When I was in Korea, I had a very strong faith and wanted to be a priest. However, when I came to the Philippines, I completely lost my faith. I was very confused when I saw many unbelievable situations in the Philippines. Street kids always make me sad, and I see them everyday. The Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia, but there are too many poor people here. People go to church every Sunday to pray, but nothing has been changed. My parents came to the Philippines last week and saw this situation. They told me that Korea was much poorer than the present Philippines when they were young. They are so sorry that there are so many beggars and street kids. When we went to Pasangjan, I forced my parents to take a boat because it would fun. However, they were not happy after taking a boat. They said that they would not take the boat again because they were sympathized the boatmen, for the boatmen were very poor and had a small frame. Most of people just took a boat and enjoyed it. But, my parents did not enjoy it because of love for them. My mother who has been working for Catholic Church since I was very young told me that if we just go to mass without changing ourselves, we are not Catholic indeed. Faith should come with action. She added that I have to love Filipinos and do good things for them because all of us are same and have received a great love from God. I want Filipinos to love their neighborhood and country as much as they love God so that the Philippines will be well off. I am sure that love is the keyword, which Filipinos should remember. We cannot change the sinful structure at once. It should start from person. Love must start in everybody, in a small scale and have to grow. A lot of things happen if we open up to love. Let's put away our prejudices and look at our worries with our new eyes. I discover that every person is worthy to be loved. Trust in love, because it makes changes possible. Love changes you and me. It changes people, contexts and relationships. It changes the world. Please love your neighborhood and country. Jesus Christ said that whatever we do to others we do to Him. In the Philippines, there is God for people who are abused and abandoned. There is God who is crying for love. If you have a child, teach them how to love the Philippines. Teach them why they have to love their neighborhood and country. You already know that God also will be very happy if you love others.That's all I really want to ask you Filipinos.
----
Do you know what Rizal meant when he used the term "national sentiment"? Resisting evil by promoting, protecting and prioritizing the common good. Love. I strongly agree and believe in what has been said above, but then, it is not enough to be emotionally stirred or challenged. There has to be some change! And it will start with you! With each Filipino! Imagine our country if every single Filipino would do just that. Love. Love for our country, love for one another. Ask yourself: What can I do to show love for my country and help it rise again? Ipagsasawalang bahala mo pa rin ba ang iyong mga nalaman ngayon? Ikaw na nagtatanong, nahihirapan, nagREREKLAMO, ano bang nagawa at ginagawa mo? Nakatulong ka ba o nakadagdag problema? Think about it.
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