Camp Cramming

NOTE: The first draft of this blog was written in July 1. Thanks to "Gener". After almost 30 days of work and preoccupations, I have finally finished writing it.

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It was in 2009 when I first heard of the MTB-MLE (Mother Tongue Based Multilingual Education) in a conference that I attended in Ateneo de Manila, organized by LSP (Linguistic Society of the Philippines). Prior to that, in our socio-psycholinguistics class with Dr. Jose Genaro Yap-Aizon, I have learned the positive effects of multilungualism. It was therefore not a surprise to me when the Department of Education (DepEd) announced last year that they will implement MTB-MLE from Kinder up to Grade 3.

Everything in concept was OK. All theories and empirical researches to prove its benefits and positive effects on the development of cognitive and meta-cognitive skills of learners have been laid down. I was one of those who were really convinced by the reports presented by the Dekkers, Hon. Magtangol Gunigundo, and Dr. Nolasco of UP. 

Everything seems ready, aside from one very important aspect of any curriculum: PREPARATION.

Prior to P-Noy's administration, previous administrations have also showed its lack of preparations in various "changes" in different projects: from military upgrades to infrastructures to education reforms. In short, its not really surprising to see DepEd's failure to undergo proper planning.

But I must say that having a La Salle Brother to steer the ship, and still fail in systematizing, is disappointing, if not alarming. I have been always amazed on the De La Salle schools are managed. Kay has been teaching for almost 6 years now in LSGH and her stories always fascinate me: the way things are organized and the way faculty members are treated (Although her latest stories are also alarming and disappointing. But I won't write about it since I don't experience it personally.) 

With all due respect, I think Bro. Armin overlooked a number of issues that should have been done or studied or scrutinized prior to implementation. Perhaps, somehow, he forgot that he's steering the whole country's basic education system now, and not simply DLSU in Manila.

The problem dawned on me even more when I had the privilege to be invited by the Valley Cathedral Christian School in Naic, Cavite to share what I know about this seemingly alien program. I am not an expert on this field, but since Mrs. Joya specifically asked me in a very curious tone, as if she's a classmate asking for a reviewer, I happily accepted the invitation and told her that I will try my best to share whatever I know.

There were about 15-20 teachers during that time and I think it was more of a big study group. I enjoyed their company because aside from being educators, we are also all Christians. 

During the discussions, I realized how un-, ill-, and mis-informed teachers are about MTB MLE. Naic is just 2 hours away from Manila, and most of them have wrong conceptions about it. Some have negative feelings about it simply because they thought it's a mere implementation of using "Tagalog" to teach Math and Science 

I cannot help but think about the situation in Batanes or in Tawi-Tawi... Or that new school in Pag-Asa island (where the Chinese are ever patrolling and bullying.)

I have a encountered a number of issues and I'll try to recall all of them as much as I can.

1. Learner Language vs. Teacher Language- One issue that I have learned (and I really didn't know this before!) is that most kids from Ternate still use Chavacano as their L1. Labac is the last Barangay of Naic next to Ternate, so Valley has a lot of students coming from Ternate. I also learned that this has somehow created a sort of exclusivity: the Ternate kids would use their language to bully some classmates or to gossip about some. The question, according to Mrs. Joya is, "Should we teach using Tagalog? Or Chavacano?" I didn't know the answer.
2. Grading System- Another issue raised by the teachers is the new grading system that will be implemented with MTB-MLE. The report cards that will be issued by DepEd include a Mother Tongue subject, which means it will be included in the computation of the learner's GWA. However, for a Tagalog speaking province like Cavite, what grade will they give to Mother Tongue if Mother Tongue and Filipino is the same? (Note that Filipino is a SEPARATE subject to Mother Tongue. This means that if my L1 is Ilokano, I will still learn Filipino and English later on). I hope the Template that DepEd has published in their website will still be changed to address issues like these. (For more information, click here: DepEd order 31 s. 2012) 
3. Teaching Materials and Methodology- One of the most obvious issues that has not been addressed prior to implementation is the lack of materials and teacher training. We cannot expect successful implementation of any program if we did not undergo proper preparations. What irks me the most is the template answer of DepEd that materials and trainings are on their way. I ask, when?! Moreover, I ask, aren't the people behind DepEd (paid for by the taxes of the Filipino people) with PhD degrees? (Does "PhD" mean "Doctor of Philosophy"? Or "Parang Hindi Doctor"?)This means that they should have at least understood the basics of Curriculum Planning, Implementation, and Revision. They should at least learned how important preparation is. They should have at least realized how much damage their incompetence and indifference have wreaked. Isn't PREPARATION something we do BEFORE IMPLEMENTATION? It seems that the logic of DepEd has turned upside down for them to Implement before Preparing.

Let me explicitly express my support to MTB-MLE. I believe it. I support it. But I believe we shouldn't make haste in implementing it. Haste could turn to waste.

I would always fondly recall Dr. Sunga's warning (or threat?) to us when we were in college: "Do not do further damage to mankind". She would repetitively say this every class to remind us how vast our influence as teachers are. 

As an educator, I have realized most recently how I could create and destroy. Since we already know how, and if we want to progress and be truly "globally competitive", we must choose the former than the latter.

Respite

So many things to write, so many things to do, but so little time. As cliché as it may sound, I have been rummaging through the “to do things” from the paper post-its to desktop reminders and even to cellphone notes; it seems endless; it seems that I can’t put a “done” mark in every “to do”. Everything seems to be trapped in the future and I cannot bury them in the past.

About a year ago, I had the longest rest in my life: an unexpected rest, something that knocked me down. It was a very depressing period of my life. But I must say that it was the most fruitful time I had with God. That was the time I learned to start the day by reading the Bible and doing daily devotions to talk to God before anything else.

That was the time of emotional unrest but I must say that it was also the time of spiritual growth: a genuine respite.

Today, as I write this, it was a different kind of unrest. Just last night, it came to me again, the most fiendish of all sorts: migraine. It never fails to knock me down. I can’t remember when it first visited me, perhaps when I was in college. It was too strong to the extent that it would really drag me to bed. It’s the type of headache that seems to control my brain, which controls the entire bodily movements. Kay would always tell me that it’s perhaps a signal or a reminder that I must rest.

So rest I did.

When I woke up this morning, the pain has subsided, but I still felt dizzy. Most of all, I felt hungry. I wasn’t able to eat last night because every time I would try, I would vomit minutes later. The whole day, I slept, woke up, ate, and slept again. It was 4:00 in the afternoon when I finally decided to shake it off. I know I have had enough rest and I must decide to make significant movements. I cleaned the CR and my room (especially that stains from my vomit are still there.) And here I am, scribbling experiences, trying to come up with realizations. I had a lot, but the most important was about my faith.

My faith is strong and I believe that the Lord allowed this to happen for me to have time to rest: something that everyone needs. I had the time to think and rethink, to reflect and to refresh my mind. I thank God for this day. I thank God for giving me the time to rest. He truly is faithful and merciful and He knows what’s best for us.

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” 

Matthew 11:28

Sinners in the hands of angry gods

“Ang bumangga, giba!” is what the Tulfo brothers religiously chant after every episode of their “public-service” program in TV5. It’s a statement with a clear message of conviction, boastfulness and idealism that they are indispensible; that with the powers that have been bestowed upon them by media, they are untouchables. Unfortunately, this has been twisted by the recent brawl, “Pag binangga, maga” may now be a more appropriate tagline for the Tulfos since the incident proved that they too, can be pinned down.

In the same light, showbiz couples Raymart and Claudine most probably had the same line of thinking when Claudine (allegedly) nagged the ground crew of Cebu Pacific upon learning that their baggage was offloaded. Similar with the Tulfos, we have proven that these “gods, goddesses, and heroes” in the television are nothing but humans. Moreover, the recent brawl in NAIA terminal 3 reflects how savage human beings are; a proof that if evolution is true, then our animalistic tendencies when provoked remain the same despite millions of years of “evolving”. In this blog, I will try my best to objectively form analyses and draw conclusions as to the reasons and possible solutions amidst violent and rash actions done by the “highest species” in the planet.

The trick of the tick

I’ve heard for a number of times that whenever we are confronted in a tight and difficult situation, we must always remember that God placed the brain (head; thinking) over the heart (emotion) because we ought to THINK first before we FEEL. Science somehow agrees with this by explaining how the Limbic system in our brain controls the emotions that we feel. But “to err is human” so at certain instances, without a clear mind and a healthy spirit, we would really fall into the trick of the tick.

I say “trick of the tick” because we experience irregular “ticking” of our hearts when too much emotion sinks in. Try remembering instances when you really had extreme emotions: anger, happiness, anxiety, fear, etc. Notice that the heart would beat faster than the usual. It ticks too fast that our brain functions are probably diverted. (Of course, these are just my assumptions, and I don’t have any scientific proofs to support this).

The Bible shows how weak human emotion is. In Luke 22:49-50, the most passionate and “holy” disciple of Jesus suddenly became very aggressive and defensive when they saw that they were surrounded by Roman soldiers, “…they said, ‘Lord, shall we strike with the sword?’ And one of them struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his right ear.” But Jesus, constantly teaches us that rash actions lead to more violent results. So instead of snapping a finger to kill all the soldiers, he said  "Stop! No more of this." And He touched his ear and healed him.”  (Luke 22:51)

If it is true that Cebu Pacific offloaded several baggage WITHOUT even informing the passengers, which irritated Ms. Barretto, then they are the “sinner” in the hands of an irate customer.

On the other hand, if it is true that Claudine went beyond the line when she nagged and blamed the ground stewardess, which “awakened” the hero in Mr. Tulfo, then Ms. Baretto was the “sinner” in the hand of an angry (heroic) god.

Still, in another light, if it is true that Mr. Tulfo advanced by punching Mr. Santiago, kicking the legs of Ms. Baretto and pushing her towards the counter, then he becomes the “sinner” in the hands of another angry god: Raymart.

The result? Clash of the “Titans”

Ms. Barretto’s rantings, Mr. Tulfo’s heroic deeds, and Mr. Santiago’s protectionism over his family are proofs that when irked or provoked, we forget to calm down to think ant talk. Instead, we immediately strike down the ear of our enemy and pick up a fight.

Come to think of it, if we strike the ear down, how would they listen to us?

Media + Frenzy = Crazy

Whenever I teach communication, I always try my best to include “netiquette” in the syllabus because I have noticed how unmindful internet users we have become. Because of the ease of uploading and posting pictures, videos, and ideas on the net, we have failed to think before we click (to borrow the campaign of GMA news and public affairs).

While it is the right of the public to air their sentiments and share their opinions, I don’t think anyone has the right to lambast any single individual on earth. Sharing of opinions ends after sharing it. The moment we add curses and “hate” speech, we go beyond the lines. (I strongly hope that this blog remains as neutral and as calm as I opt it to be because the truth is, I am annoyed with the actions done by some individuals involved. I will not mention who they are, of course.)

One rule in netiquette is to “keep flame wars”. When there’s fire, our instinct would push us to do all possible options to extinguish it. Ironically, when it comes to “showbiz” scoops and word wars, instead controlling the fire from spreading, we contribute to it by either adding up harsh words or worse, sharing the links and posts to other people.

If we analyse the kinds of statements that people create, we see our subjectivity over issues that hound us. Here are some of the sample statements that I got from comments posted on Youtube. (Please take note that I am re-posting them just as examples and not to further instigate word wars.):

Stupid mon tulfo, he admitted on video, that he kicked Claudine. Bakla Lang ang sisipa sa babae. Karma na sa ilang Panahon nalang panghihingi ng tong sa mga illegalista, kanino ka magsusumbong ngayon tulfo... Tuwang Tuwang nagcecelebrate ang mga pinahihirapan mo.

garenaboy763 4 hours ago

hoy tanga aksidente yung pagkasipa ke claudine! magisip ka nga! tanga panuorin mo mabuti yung video! si Mon yung na agrabiyado

jiahm22 4 hours ago

Because we now have the capacity to say out loud what we want and “share it to the whole world” we forget that there are people on the other side of the cyber world who are hurt when we curse them. Think about it, if I tell you that “YOU ARE STUPID BECAUSE YOU ARE READING THIS.” Would you be happy? Of course not, so we should also be careful with the curses that we post on the net. As what was written on James 3:5 “…the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!”

So am I telling the readers to keep their mouth shut? No. I support the idea of democracy and free speech. But you see, there’s no such thing as absolute freedom. If you’re really itching to talk and share opinions, you have to look for a proper forum to air it out. You could probably open it to your family or circle of friends. At least, if in case you hurt them, you have just infected a few souls, which means you have few souls to mend as well. Aside from that, you will have more chances of explaining and clarifying yourself as opposed to posting something on the net which is subject for a lot of scrutiny and you may not always have the chance to clarify your points.

Let’s take Miriam Quiambao’s tweet as an example. I strongly believe that she does not have any intentions of hurting or discriminating any homosexual, but the way she wrote it hurt them. The fuss was aggravated when unmindful individuals re-tweeted her message. (By the way, I agree with the essence (only) of her message, but doesn’t agree with the way she phrased it and with the fact that she tweeted it. She should’ve filtered her audience if she wanted to share her opinions about the issue of homosexuality.)

“Social media” is labelled as such because media is not limited to people working in TV, Radio, and Newspapers anymore. We shouldn’t take the word “social” as it is wrongly conceived in the Filipino context (i.e. “sosyal” being grand or elite). Instead, we should take “social” as “society” and realize that the society has the same responsibilities as that of professional media practitioners.

Airline not fine

I would also want to point out that Cebu Pacific must be held accountable in this unfortunate incident. I haven’t heard much of their side in this issue, but I would really want to find out if they have issued any sort of communications via their cabin crew or cabin officers or even prior to flight that some baggage would be offloaded.

Cebu Pacific, being one of the most popular airlines in the Philippines, must not forget that the reason for their success is simply because of their cheap fares. This must not be equated to cheap services as well.

Humility amid savagery

Evil things happen because we allow them to happen.

While it is very difficult for both the Tulfos and the Santiagos to amicably settle the issue, I strongly believe that it is possible… if they would allow it to happen. On the other hand, more violent actions may also perpetrate, if they allow them to happen.

Wars happen because we allow the savage inside us take over our rational abilities.

I would be a hypocrite if I would say that I can control myself. But in the past few months of praying and reading the Bible, the Lord has slowly (but effectively) taught me how to be calm in irritating situations.

While you may think that this is too spiritual or too moralistic, I’d like to end by saying that all those involved in this brawl must learn how to admit mistakes and ask for forgiveness to each other: Cebu pacific to its passengers, Claudine Barretto to the ground crew, Mr. Tulfo to Ms. Barretto, Mr. Santiago to Mr. Tulfo, the Tulfo brothers to the public, and the cyber kibitzers to everyone else.

Man might never learn how to forgive, but God does. ALWAYS.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Museum Musings: Mind our "belongings"

For centuries, we have seen a constant battle between Science and Religion. The Church has constantly branded scientists as subversives or blasphemers for claiming that the world started from something, that man came from apes, and that God did not really create the world just as it was written in the Bible.

Whatever beliefs or faith one has, I would say that a visit to the Mind Museum will sweep away the differences (hopefully).

Last Saturday (April 28, 2012), Kay and I had the chance to visit the newly-opened mind museum. Thankfully, they have a special rate for teachers (P150 for a 3-hour tour) which is P450 cheaper than the original rate of P600. (It pays being a teacher! YEAH!). I must say that more than the photo opps, a visit to the Mind Museum is worthwhile. As an "adult" I have enjoyed "playing" with the science stuffs that are exhibited and marveled at how vast the world is compared to how small we are compared to it. (I somehow had a glimpse of the Chinese Taoists view by looking at how small we are compared to nature.)

In this blog, I wish to present some tips and critiques that might be helpful to some travelers, teachers, or any individual who are (like us) fond of reading travel and food blogs as a sort of a "guide". I hope that after reading this, you'll have some sort of idea on how and why to go there.

A. Buying tickets


The Mind Museum is very systematic. (Whenever we experience services coming from private companies, we cannot help but wonder why and how the private sector manages to systematize everything, and the government cannot. The irony of it all.) You can buy your ticket online and pay through credit card or PayPal systems to avoid long lines and secure a slot during the 3-hour tour.

Click: BUY TICKET to know more about how to buy your tickets. Upon payment, you will be E-mailed by the system; an electronic ticket is attached in that email. All you need is to print the electronic ticket, and you're good to go!

If you're not so techie, you can simply go there any buy your tickets on the ticket booth.

B. Going There


For those who are not so aware about it, the Mind Museum is located at JY Campos Park, 3rd Avenue
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig  But if you haven't been there. Here's the "easiest" and "safest" route:

1. Take the MRT and go to Ayala Station.
2. Exit the Ayala station going NORTHBOUND. (Do not go to the Ayala-SM side. Upon going down the stairs of MRT AYALA station, there's a small street to your right, go straight ahead and you will see a bus terminal going to Bonifacio Global City. The bus terminal has a ticket booth where you pay the fare. P12 is the cost of the ticket which is relatively cheap given the comfortable ride in the Mercedez-Benz-Air-conditioned Bus (which looks like an MRT coach, by the way).
3. Take the WEST ROUTE bus and tell the friendly driver that you're going to the Mind Museum. Travel time from Ayala station (because it's vacation and there's not much traffic when we visited) is about 10-15 minutes only.

C. Minding about nothing


Upon entering the Museum, you will be greeted by AEDI, a robot who would give some tips and a little bit of orientation about the museum. You will then be guided by a tour guide, but in reality, you don't need them because once you get into the "portals of science" You can do whatever you want (almost).

There are a number of sections like Earth, Universe, and Atoms where you can unravel Science concepts (and in my case, realize that you have forgotten them!). There are a lot of interactive activities that would make you understand things and think "why in the world didn't my teacher tell us about this before?"

Think about it, have we been thinking?

Kay's trying to review her chemistry by combining atoms and creating compounds...

Love the EARTH!

Could man-robot society be far behind?

Long before Movies were made, people had been entertained by these moving pictures...

Kay loves skeletal beings.

I can't help but think if this is the same spaceship that Son Gokou boarded...

Kay knows what my heartbeat says... ^__^

If you think about it, some exhibits have also been featured in the "90's science museums" like the Science Centrum, the Planetarium, and the Museong Pambata. However, there are new exhibits and activities that can be done in the Mind Museum.

It's not as big as anyone would expect, but I would say that it's an experience Filipino students MUST have. I would also want to take this opportunity to call the attention of my fellow educators: PLEASE STOP the culture of nonsensical "educational trips".

Please stop bringing our students to Showtime because aside from the fact that they could go there anytime they want, we are not teaching them anything but creating a delusion that show business is a good "career" (if we could call it a career).

Please stop bringing them to Mall of Asia because aside from the fact that it is a waste of time, money, and effort, we are not teaching them anything. We are merely making them dependent and addicted to malls, making them think that there are nowhere else to go but malls, where in fact there are a lot of museums that have been collecting dusts and cobwebs instead of funds that would augment their facilities and improve their sevices.

The burden of education must be carried by everyone: teachers, parents, students, and the whole society. This in turn would hopefully make our planet more livable.

Atlas shrugged.

PLEASE MAKE THE EDUCATIONAL TRIPS EDUCATIONAL. Or else...

....we might end up going back to where we (allegedly) came from...

   

Face-Buking

It would be highly hypocritical of me if I would say that I do not miss using Facebook and if I would say it is useless or totally a trash. One year after I deleted my Facebook account, I admit that I miss posting "what's on my mind"; I miss sharing readings, pictures, or videos; I miss being informed about the travails of my friends, relatives, and former classmates.

However, admit it or not too, Facebook's role in today's generation has reached beyond limitations.

The latest issue on the two students of St. Theresa's College in Cebu is worth discussing. As an overview, STC barred two girl students from attending the graduation rites because they posted pictures (wearing bikinis and holding a bottle of liquor and a cigarette) on Facebook . School officials argue that this is against the moral values being forwarded by the institution. But on the other hand, parents of the FACEBUKING students argue that the Facebook of their daughters are private, and therefore the school is not supposed to have access to it. This means that the school's access was "illegal" and an invasion of their daughter's privacy, so to speak.

Allow me to present some of my opinions regarding the matter. I will try to be as objective as possible as I look into the issue from the perspective of a Christian, a Teacher (academician), and a human (dehumanized by social networks).

Facebook and the Academe


There has been a growing concern about cyber bullying among schools and universities because students are constantly becoming bullies and bullied, across ages, races, and social status. Progressive schools have acted quickly on this by amending school rules and regulations, including rules on how to avoid and reprimand cyberbullying and bullies.

Unfortunately, some students are still unmindful of what they post and the effects of these to classmates or friends. A classic example is uploading a "stolen shot" of someone sleeping or in his/her unguarded moments that are funny to other people but embarrassing to the bullied.

I am guilty of this and I admit that when I still have a Facebook account, I have bullied colleagues and friends. I am apologizing to those whom I "victimized".

As a means to correct this wrong attitude that I have developed due to Facebook addiction, I have modified some of the syllabi of the subjects that I teach and included discussions on Netiquette. I strongly encourage basic education teachers as well as tertiary educators to do the same. Most students are not aware of the damage they could do. They think it's their right to post anything they want.

If you ask me how to start, and argue about this "freedom" they are talking about. I'd suggest a classic and simple argument: THERE IS NO ABSOLUTE FREEDOM. While it is true that they have the right for freedom of expression, this freedom must not negatively affect other people. It must not be used as a tool for degrading another person.

I agree that STC has the right to uphold the moral values that it is founded on. However, if it is true that they have indeed invaded the privacy of the students, and if it is true that they did not provide due process in dealing with the case, then they are in a very big problem.

Facebook and Catholic education


Sadly, people are very quick to upload, comment, or "like" using Facebook without pausing for a while to think what the effects of their "clicking" activities are. One example of this is a teacher from a private school, who "liked" a photo uploaded by a student pointing a "dirty finger" on the school's logo. Either the teacher is an "impulsive clicker" or he/she is simply not a critical thinker.

Because we can easily connect to the social networking sites, we often forget to stop for a while and think about the effects of what we post.

What's alarming is that we are quick to post and repost non-sense things, but avoid "liking" and reposting uploads about Jesus.

STC is a Catholic school and it upholds Catholic virtues. If it will not make a stand, then there will be no difference between public education and Catholic education. If they give up the fight, they cease to exist.

Facebook and the the process of Dehumanization


Admit it or not, the internet has been slowly "dehumanizing" us. Because we face the computer most of the time, we fail to realize that what we post is seen and observed by human beings on the other side of the internet world.

The actions of the STC students are alarming because of their boldness to post "sexy" pictures (wearing bikinis) and to sashay their vices (liquors and cigars). I cannot help but wonder if at any point in their life, they have posted anything about the retreats or lessons that they have realized from recollections and other activities that Catholic schools offer. (I am not a catholic, by the way, so this isn't a defense for the church.)

But what's more alarming is the fact that the parents seem to just brush off the issue and tolerate the acts of their daughters. Don't get me wrong, I do not want to sound like "conservative" but I think the parents should have at least disciplined their daughters.

I could probably accept the wearing of bikini, anyway, I think it's a private swimming affair and that's the proper attire when you swim. But parents allowing minors to drink and smoke? I'm sorry to sound like "holy" here, but where's the value of the parents? Or let's try to move away from "morals", where's the concern of these parents to the HEALTH of their children? We know for a fact that liquors and cigarettes do NOTHING good to our body. Why do these parents allow their daughters to develop the habit of drinking and smoking?

I will probably not be able to understand them because I grew up in a family and a community where drinking and smoking is not acceptable and even damnable.

As a final note, I'd like to give a word of advice:

Parents, DO NOT ENROL YOUR CHILDREN TO CATHOLIC OR CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS IF YOU CANNOT ACCEPT THEIR RULES, REGULATIONS, AND MORALS.

Students, READ YOUR STUDENT HANDBOOKS AND UNDERSTAND THE RULES STIPULATED IN IT

Fellow internet users,LET'S BE CAREFUL ON WHAT WE POST. (Huwag magpa-FACE-Buking...na hindi ka sanay mag-isip.)

The Coming of Age of Eat Bulaga

No one would ever doubt the influence that Eat Bulaga has imprinted in the Filipinos' psyche, and it would probably take another lifetime for that to be replaced if not removed. Almost everyone in this generation and the next have been entertained and subtly injected with the entertainment that is "Eeeeaaaatttttt.....BULAGA!"

I am obviously writing from the perspective of someone greatly influenced not just by Eat Bulaga but by Tito, Vic, and Joey as well. But I'll try to be as objective as possible in this post. 

First, the not-so-good

Eat Bulaga is not a perfect noon-time show and its influences are not altogether good. If I am not mistaken, it is them who started involving sexy dancing girls with skimpy clothes and "daring" dance moves that are most commonly (and supposed to be limited there) seen in cabarets or beer houses. 

Much as I do not want to sound too orthodox or too pure, I don't think the role that these dancers play in the show is essential. Aside from seemingly "commodifying"  women, they downgrade women to merely "backgrounds" and never equally important as that of the hosts. 

Eat Bulaga also popularized TV pageants that seem to be just a level higher than that of Barangay Beauty pageants. Again, this segment seems to have become a venue for the "boys" to stare at women in underwear for free (and in the middle of the day!) In the past years, Eat Bulaga has successfully injected their brand of machismo in every man and woman. Sexy dancers and pageant contestants have created a culture of "liberalism" that tells that young that "Hey! It's OK to show some skin off..." and "Being teased by men is just 'normal' "

I grew up with these, and though I could have had my own choices, of course, I think the "womanizing" antics of Vic and Joey have gotten into my system. (Fortunately, I was able to remove it through God's grace.)

Good thing they have removed these pageants.

Moving on to the good

Despite the bad taste of Eat Bulaga's production team in the past years, I think EB has finally come of age. Could it be caused by the "maturity" (literally and figuratively)  of TVJ? Whatever the reason is, I strongly commend the team. 

First, the introduction of PINOY HENYO repackaged the concept of entertainment in noon time shows. This, for me, is highly commendable since we have been soaked with too much "stupid games" that are, aside from no-brainers, usually disdainful or a form of mockery. While it is true that the hosts would still often chide and tease contestants who failed to guess the word, the audience now realize (hopefully) that it is entertaining and exciting to think. 

Secondly, EB's Juan for All, All for Juan has become more of a social movement rather than a simple portion of the noon time show. This has created a benchmark too high for other networks, that despite all efforts, they have subtly given up the fight. I commend EB for re-defining the concept of Bayanihan, a Filipino culture that has slowly disintegrated with the continuous Westernization (and lately Koreanization!) of Philippines.

Back in elementary, our textbooks had pictures of men carrying a nipa hut and transferring it to another place. I hope textbooks have been changed because this might have created a subconscious notion that "it;s ok to transfer and build a house anywhere we want" (giving birth to illegal settlers). I strongly suggest that writers integrate Eat Bulaga's concept of Bayanihan in the textbooks. Aside from being timely, it is relevant, and realistic. 

EB also constantly modifies their mechanics and the most recent is the disqualification of rowdy and chaotic players and the whole barangay itself. On the other hand, EB provides extra gifts and rewards to those who peacefully participated in the game: both the individual and the whole barangay. As I write this, EB has just awarded a barangay in Gapan Nueva Ecija. They gave a fire truck to the barangay which is very helpful and practical, instead of giving out money which could just go elsewhere. What particularly called my attention is the criteria for judging the best barangay. One criterion is sustainability, i.e. if the barangay continued with the bayanihan even in the absence of Bulaga staff. (Although I wonder how they were able to monitor this.)

I couldn't help but think, shouldn't the government follow EB's example? I mean, instead of giving Pork Barrel to greedy congressmen, why not just have a centralized treasury where politicians request for purchase and they do the purchasing. The province then receives whatever they need in kind and not in monetary form. This way, I think, corruption will be lessened. 

While these moves may be criticized for being too behaviorist (because people do things wanting of a reward in return), I think for starters, this would be acceptable.

BULAGA! not merely an 'initial shock'

Eat Bulaga is merely a noon time show and it can't and will not be able to change culture. They have just started a spark and still, change should start from an individual. That's a fact. 

I hope and pray for two things:

1. That those Bulaga has visited will be able to come up with sustainable development and realizable goals which would lead to massive societal change; and 

2. That the government will emanate from Eat Bulaga's example (While they can reach "mula Aparri hanggang Jolo" through airwaves, they cannot bear everything upon their shoulders.)

In the end, the change that BULAGA has initiated will only create a lasting impression if the government and the whole country will start to become more creative and driven as Tito, Vic, Joey, and the rest of the Dabarkads. 

Crowns and Thorns

I could not imagine how Chief Justice Renato Corona must have been feeling at this point. As the impeachment trial opens today, various thoughts have probably been rushing towards him.

Why me?
Why now?
What's next?

Who knows? Being interrogated is something traumatic, what more being impeached in the rule of law and in the perception of the public. I have a very limited knowledge about the rules of impeachment, but I'd like to share my thoughts about it.

1. Milestone- I think this impeachment proceeding is a milestone in the country's judicial process. For one, this is the first time that a Supreme Court Justice would be prosecuted under the rule of law. This may have pros and cons of course, but I think the pros outweigh the cons since this would create a big impact to the public that in our country, power, position, and authority are not tantamount to judicial immunity. For average the average Filipino like me, this sends a healthy "fear" i.e. fear not to do (or repeat) any wrong doings because there is indeed a justice system working.

This is also positive in a way that it will send a message to the world. This will debunk falsely written historical accounts that this country, prior to the arrival of Spaniards, does not have a system of government. This will prove that this country has had logic and justice deeply rooted within our consciousness and subconsciousness.

2. Circus- On the negative side, I think this impeachment has also become a circus for some. Not everyone showed professionalism within the process since some prosecutors have (I think) gone beyond the line. Showing evidences in public, in my opinion, is an outright trial by publicity and this is not good since not all Filipinos are skeptic and critical. I condemn this act because I believe these issues should have been settled DURING the impeachment proceedings and not BEFORE it. This has most probably led to prejudices among Filipinos. We have to always remember that at this point in time, whether they have shown or proven evidences or not, the Chief Justice is innocent simply because he has not been proven guilty, yet.

I also denounce any acts from ANY religious groups or sects that jump into this lowly mudslinging. The constitution clearly presents a demarcation line between the Church and the State, which means that the while churches may have the moral obligation to remind or make people reflect, they should not be making sides. Moreover, to those reading the Bible and believing in Jesus, we should remember that He himself teaches AGAINST politics in churches. How many times have he questioned the Pharisees and Scribes? Instead, I believe that they should be standing firm on the basis of peacefully resolving social and political issues like this.

3. Reflection of Bravery and Courage- Finally, I think this impeachment is a reflection of the growing vigilance and patriotism. It is also a reflection of Bravery and Courage both on the side of the Chief Justice and his prosecutors. To impeach a chief justice requires bravery and courage aside from intelligence. Similarly, to face such a trial needs more than bravery and courage and CJ Corona has proven he's up for the battle.

In the end, wherever this case goes and whatever verdicts it would bring, I pray that it would lead to a better Philippines.

Let's not just be contented to pursue justice. Above all, let's learn our lessons.