First of all, let me congratulate you, graduates, for making it. Second, congratulations to the parents who worked hard, one way or another, to send these teens to school.
Ladies and gentlemen, especially the graduates, let me share some few things. Most of us know that crimes nowadays are committed by minors. The numbers are going up. However, because of their age, they can't go to jail, they're send to DSWD. Still though, even if they have no marks of the prison bars, the fact remains the same: they have committed immoral acts at a very young age. Recently, a high school honor student was killed, all because of one simple thing, PSP. The suspects are now in prison. The ages of the suspects? Both in the mid 20s. They have wasted their life at the age where careers are being started, and they have done senseless killing to a teenager, whose ambition was to become a seaman and helped his family.
We have heard news of how early teenagers have committed rape, murder, homicide, robbery, not to mention theft, drug addiction, premarital sex, unwanted pregnancies. Because of this, the Congress is putting in legislation to put down the age of those who can be put into the prison. On the other side of the world, a man named Joseph Kony abducted children. The girls were used as prostitutes, while the boys are used as his soldiers. His advocacy? No known advocacy, but just to create his own army in that African state. NationMaster.com estimated that the Philippines has 101,000,000 people, while CIA World Factbook estimated that the Philippine population is 101,833,938. This survey was made around June 2011. We were 12th most populous country in the world, with China, India, USA, Indonesia, Brazil, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Russia, Japan, Mexico all before us. 34.6% percent of our Population are 14 years old and below. Another source that dated 2010 says that there are 4 million teenagers, age 15-19 years old, in 2010 alone.
No, I'm not giving a lecture, for today's occasion is one of the most memorable part of a teenage life, and so does their parents and guardians. No, I'm not giving a tragic news for a supposedly happy occasion, for this occasion is also one of the happiest moments of a teenage life. Today is a day of celebration for all of us here. However, this is also a day of challenge. "What challenge?" one might ask. This day is a challenge of learning. Few minutes ago, rough statistics were given to you, and so does some current events. We can learn from this statistics and events that you, young graduates, has a significant bulk in population. A significant bulk that has so many things to learn like a sponge absorbing water. A significant bulk that can turn this community, or even this nation upside down. In all of this, learning is a significant variable.
Youngsters who committed crimes and youngsters who became honor students or simply graduates have two things in common: they're both young and learning. Youngsters who have committed crime at their young age have learned to do the crime because they have absorbed what is needed to be learned of a criminal. They have learned it from older "role models". It may be their own family members. It may be their peers. It may be of bad company. They have learned the bad deeds quickly...plainly because they are learners.
Youngsters who tried and did their best to finish school have learned the courses required by their teachers. Inside the school, they have learned the art of friendship, camaraderie, and the sense of community. On a humorous note, they have learned the art of cheating, computer games, how to pull jokes and pranks on both their teachers and classmates also inside the school. On a serious note, they have learned learning at school one way or another.
After this graduation, I bet that you're allergic of the word learning because often times, you associate it with school. However, let us be reminded that learning is both inside and outside of the school.
Like I said, both a young offender and an honor student are learners. Learners absorbing learning experiences like sponge. Learners giving what they have learned, one for the bad, and the other for the good. Learning is for us to maximize the positive gifts that we have. Let us use it right, let us rightfully use it.
Speaking of learning, let us not use learning just for personal purposes. Please let us use it to help our nation. Our nation have suffered decades of corruption. They have learned the strategies, the craft, Andover things. Yes they did, only to gain. They also learn to find their way out accountabilities. Our nation have also suffered on dissatisfaction on leadership. They have learned how to topple down one leader and another. Graduates, please let us all not do that (strong emphasis, then pause briefly)! Instead, let's focus on how our nation can bounce back through our learning experience. We must not messianic, learners, let us be an active everyday doer of positive things.
Let us build, not destroy. Let us love, not hate. Let us help, not shun. All of those are possible through learning. Because we have learned that if we build, we don't destroy. If we love, it comes back to us. If we help, we shall be helped one way or another. These positive learning experiences will eventually spread exponentially. Yes, we may not be on the paper or television, but our learning have helped this nation, one simple step at a time.
Ladies and gentlemen, our graduates deserve good role modes. Good role models in which they can learn positive learning experiences. Positive learning experiences that deserves to be shared. Parents, teachers, guardians, older guests, yours truly, they need to get something good from us.
Congratulations, to the graduates, for the learning that you have received, and welcome to the new world of learning experiences. May your learning serve as a big help for today's nation. Thank you very much!
Monday, April 2, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Pseudonyms, pen names, and real names
Writing in pen names or pseudonyms had been going for centuries. For the sake of time, I'll not dig into the history and the people who are into pseudonyms both past and present. Let's cut into the chase. I'm not a fan of pseudonyms, although I admire some works created by writers who happens to use pseudonyms. In fact, one of my influences in comic strip drawing is a man who uses the pseudonym Lyndon Gregorio.
When I started writing, I use my real name. One magazine call this attitude a rock star/metal attitude in a sense that opinions were made and they know EXACTLY who mentioned those opinions. It's not arrogance; it's being responsible and accountable. It is also a good control measure because people know your real name. If they know your real name, you'll be careful enough by being responsible in your opinion. You'll practice the "think before you click" attitude, and not the "blurt out before you block" attitude.
Please don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that people who write with pen names and pseudonyms are automatically irresponsible writers. Please consider the words as a brotherly reminder.
This day and age made way to the new breed of writers. Indeed, the Internet created new writers, regardless of profile. I don't know if how long they've been writing, but definitely Internet have been their springboard.
There are Christian writers who made use of the Internet in order to express themselves. In fact, some have used pen names and pseudonyms. Despite my dislike for pseudonyms, as brother in Christ, let us be reminded to use it to good use. Use it to give good reminders. However, let us also remember that if ever we hit on matters like sin, let's do the "hate the sin, not the sinner" attitude. Let us remember that there is a thin line between righteous indignation and self-righteous hate. Despite being writers, we are not audience to the ills of society, both inside and outside real Christianity. We are in it. We may not be of this world, but we are living IN this world. Some Christian writers are condescending. Some are humorous. Some are point blank logical. Some are tactful and brotherly. Some don't want to be categorized in all of he aforementioned approaches. Despite of the different approaches, let's not point out that we are not perfect, yet we hit and act like one, especially if we are hitting on our spiritual brethren. Let's not act like Big Brother, lurking like an authoritative audience. After all, as long as we're human, we are involved.
As Christian writers, with or without pen names, let us be examples of God's grace by loving our own and not by hitting the, like lightning to the metal rod. Let us learn from Pastors. They hit behind the pulpit, yet they demonstrate love and care after the sermon was preached. Real brotherly love is expressed by having a broken heart every time owe hit the sin of the fellow sinners only saved by grace. Doing otherwise is pure hate, and worse than that, sadism. A true intellectual will not use his or her own gender or the hormones underlying it when writing. He or she writes because it is point blank honest, yet sincere. He or she doesn't under the guise of honesty just to display pure hate and practical fault finding.
Despite our differences, fellow Christian writers, be it pseudonyms or real names, my respect is on you....and so does my concern.
Keep on writing!
When I started writing, I use my real name. One magazine call this attitude a rock star/metal attitude in a sense that opinions were made and they know EXACTLY who mentioned those opinions. It's not arrogance; it's being responsible and accountable. It is also a good control measure because people know your real name. If they know your real name, you'll be careful enough by being responsible in your opinion. You'll practice the "think before you click" attitude, and not the "blurt out before you block" attitude.
Please don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that people who write with pen names and pseudonyms are automatically irresponsible writers. Please consider the words as a brotherly reminder.
This day and age made way to the new breed of writers. Indeed, the Internet created new writers, regardless of profile. I don't know if how long they've been writing, but definitely Internet have been their springboard.
There are Christian writers who made use of the Internet in order to express themselves. In fact, some have used pen names and pseudonyms. Despite my dislike for pseudonyms, as brother in Christ, let us be reminded to use it to good use. Use it to give good reminders. However, let us also remember that if ever we hit on matters like sin, let's do the "hate the sin, not the sinner" attitude. Let us remember that there is a thin line between righteous indignation and self-righteous hate. Despite being writers, we are not audience to the ills of society, both inside and outside real Christianity. We are in it. We may not be of this world, but we are living IN this world. Some Christian writers are condescending. Some are humorous. Some are point blank logical. Some are tactful and brotherly. Some don't want to be categorized in all of he aforementioned approaches. Despite of the different approaches, let's not point out that we are not perfect, yet we hit and act like one, especially if we are hitting on our spiritual brethren. Let's not act like Big Brother, lurking like an authoritative audience. After all, as long as we're human, we are involved.
As Christian writers, with or without pen names, let us be examples of God's grace by loving our own and not by hitting the, like lightning to the metal rod. Let us learn from Pastors. They hit behind the pulpit, yet they demonstrate love and care after the sermon was preached. Real brotherly love is expressed by having a broken heart every time owe hit the sin of the fellow sinners only saved by grace. Doing otherwise is pure hate, and worse than that, sadism. A true intellectual will not use his or her own gender or the hormones underlying it when writing. He or she writes because it is point blank honest, yet sincere. He or she doesn't under the guise of honesty just to display pure hate and practical fault finding.
Despite our differences, fellow Christian writers, be it pseudonyms or real names, my respect is on you....and so does my concern.
Keep on writing!
Monday, March 5, 2012
A Long Article on Adult High School Stuff
School Year 2011-2012 is coming to an end in a few weeks. Recently, my students under Public Speaking are finished with their culminating activity that was held in the auditorium. It served as their final examination. They’re all so good. I acted more of a facilitator for them during that activity rather than a teacher. Most of these high school students will graduate this year. Some will stay partially because they needed to finish a specific number of “manuals” (it’s a Christian school thing).
Speaking of high school, years have passed since my high school days. It’s been 15 years. Still, some memories are fresh as if it just occurred a few weeks back. I can still remember how I find it hard listening to lectures, yet I can work so well when things were given to me in writing. Hence, in a Christian school setting, I work so well in manuals (but not as good as my Top 3 classmates). As a high school student, I’m not that charismatic. I’m not the popular one (I’m not pitying. It’s true). I’m not athletic. Although I am basically a fit student, I’m not athletic enough. Back then, how I wish I could play hoops or sprint like the players back then. However, it’s not destined in me, despite the zeal within me. It was just now that geeks or the likes are popular (thanks to Big Bang Theory, CSI, Criminal Minds, and movie incarnations of Marvel Characters like Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Captain America, Ghost Rider etc.), but back then, if you like cartoons, you are “childish” and “kengkoy”. It is just now that trivia-giving is cool (thanks to the late Ernie Baron and thanks to Kuya Kim Atienza), but back then, you’ll be branded as weird, boring, and uncool. The difficult part of my high school life? Interacting “normally” (or to put it appropriately, acting the way most people act). Not to mention some bullies.
Speaking of high school experiences, I know I’m not alone on this, but one way or another, we are hurt by the experiences we had back in high school. The sources vary. It can be from a teacher who had treated you wrong. It can be from senior, junior students, or even your own classmates. Because of the popularity of the word “bitter”, we can’t admit that to avoid being called “bitter”, coupled with the sarcastic “move on”.
It shakes my head when an alumnus of a church-school system, one way or another, call their teachers, senior members, and in totality, the members negative names, when, looking back in their high school days, they were given chances after another. To add to the injury, they have pleasure in making of fun of the now well dressed, well educated person by making fun of his high school blunders. Yes, it’s funny, but doing that thing on a long term basis is an indication of baggage.
As a volunteer teacher of my Alma Mater, I have seen how teachers have grown old and wiser. After all, they will not be the teachers that they are admired and respected if they have not experienced blunders. The leaders committed mistakes one way or another, especially how they approached us back then. This is the very reason why they became better leaders. Leaders become better leaders because they commit blunders and just moved on. You wanted a better leader and a better teacher? Show me one, and I bet those people will tell you their mistakes and blunders that eventually led them to be better individuals.
Let us remember these things: members come and go. Any high school baggage that you throw to the members of today will hit the wrong target. Nowadays, looking around, in my personal observation, this is a brand new generation. Chances are the people that hurt you during your high school days are no longer there. The people that offended you? They have learned their lesson one way or another. If they’re not yet learning, God and life will make them learn until they learn. The teachers and leaders back then didn’t mean harm when we were approached negatively during our student years. After all, teachers who are really being mean didn’t last that long in a church-school setting. Their approach is different, but their intentions and willingness are golden.
High school life is a very wonderful life, despite the experiences. When the idea of bitterness sinks in, just count the positive things that occurred to you. The day you were selected in the high school basketball or volleyball team. The day that you were chosen to be a delegate. The day that you become champions. The day that God gave you the charisma to the point that you are approached first before you approach them. Refresh those positive memories. I believe all of us have them – positive members. There are students who never got the chance to be one, yet they went on with their lives and eventually became good on what they really have.
To the current graduating high school students, forgive your teachers if you feel they have wronged you. If you are in church-school setting, forgive the members that offended you. It’s part of the spiritual growth and journey towards maturity. We ourselves have our own journey. We ourselves have offended people one way or another. High school life is a life worth remembering, especially if it is remembered positively and treated with a teachable heart.
Congratulations in advance, batch 2012.
Speaking of high school, years have passed since my high school days. It’s been 15 years. Still, some memories are fresh as if it just occurred a few weeks back. I can still remember how I find it hard listening to lectures, yet I can work so well when things were given to me in writing. Hence, in a Christian school setting, I work so well in manuals (but not as good as my Top 3 classmates). As a high school student, I’m not that charismatic. I’m not the popular one (I’m not pitying. It’s true). I’m not athletic. Although I am basically a fit student, I’m not athletic enough. Back then, how I wish I could play hoops or sprint like the players back then. However, it’s not destined in me, despite the zeal within me. It was just now that geeks or the likes are popular (thanks to Big Bang Theory, CSI, Criminal Minds, and movie incarnations of Marvel Characters like Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, Captain America, Ghost Rider etc.), but back then, if you like cartoons, you are “childish” and “kengkoy”. It is just now that trivia-giving is cool (thanks to the late Ernie Baron and thanks to Kuya Kim Atienza), but back then, you’ll be branded as weird, boring, and uncool. The difficult part of my high school life? Interacting “normally” (or to put it appropriately, acting the way most people act). Not to mention some bullies.
Speaking of high school experiences, I know I’m not alone on this, but one way or another, we are hurt by the experiences we had back in high school. The sources vary. It can be from a teacher who had treated you wrong. It can be from senior, junior students, or even your own classmates. Because of the popularity of the word “bitter”, we can’t admit that to avoid being called “bitter”, coupled with the sarcastic “move on”.
It shakes my head when an alumnus of a church-school system, one way or another, call their teachers, senior members, and in totality, the members negative names, when, looking back in their high school days, they were given chances after another. To add to the injury, they have pleasure in making of fun of the now well dressed, well educated person by making fun of his high school blunders. Yes, it’s funny, but doing that thing on a long term basis is an indication of baggage.
As a volunteer teacher of my Alma Mater, I have seen how teachers have grown old and wiser. After all, they will not be the teachers that they are admired and respected if they have not experienced blunders. The leaders committed mistakes one way or another, especially how they approached us back then. This is the very reason why they became better leaders. Leaders become better leaders because they commit blunders and just moved on. You wanted a better leader and a better teacher? Show me one, and I bet those people will tell you their mistakes and blunders that eventually led them to be better individuals.
Let us remember these things: members come and go. Any high school baggage that you throw to the members of today will hit the wrong target. Nowadays, looking around, in my personal observation, this is a brand new generation. Chances are the people that hurt you during your high school days are no longer there. The people that offended you? They have learned their lesson one way or another. If they’re not yet learning, God and life will make them learn until they learn. The teachers and leaders back then didn’t mean harm when we were approached negatively during our student years. After all, teachers who are really being mean didn’t last that long in a church-school setting. Their approach is different, but their intentions and willingness are golden.
High school life is a very wonderful life, despite the experiences. When the idea of bitterness sinks in, just count the positive things that occurred to you. The day you were selected in the high school basketball or volleyball team. The day that you were chosen to be a delegate. The day that you become champions. The day that God gave you the charisma to the point that you are approached first before you approach them. Refresh those positive memories. I believe all of us have them – positive members. There are students who never got the chance to be one, yet they went on with their lives and eventually became good on what they really have.
To the current graduating high school students, forgive your teachers if you feel they have wronged you. If you are in church-school setting, forgive the members that offended you. It’s part of the spiritual growth and journey towards maturity. We ourselves have our own journey. We ourselves have offended people one way or another. High school life is a life worth remembering, especially if it is remembered positively and treated with a teachable heart.
Congratulations in advance, batch 2012.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Fairness, Silver Spoon, and Working Hands
More often than not, we encounter people that are blessed financially. Sometimes, they’re not limited to places like Forbes Park, Corinthian Garden, and the likes. We call them names or terms like born with a silver spoon, señorito/señorita/doña/don, and anak mayaman. In fact, maybe one of them is your colleague, friend, or classmate. That person’s a bit out of place mainly because he is, well, blessed. We don’t refer to the people with famous surnames. We refer to people who parents worked hard to the point that they finished their college education (even graduate/law/medical/business school) because their parents worked hard and as a result, were financially blessed. They’re seemingly blessed even on workplace. Their good work ethic is accompanied with being a person with likeable factor (not necessarily popular). Their names may not ring a bell on high society circle, but their needs are met just fine. They earn their respect like a breeze, although it’s not merely because of nepotism or other negative reasons. They just seemed…lucky.
On the other side, we know a handful of “wounded warriors”. They have a colorful life that they can utilize if they wanted to run for public office. Their childhood can be seen as tragic. Their student years are, well, tough, because they need to work in order to pay for their tuition, not to mention their other expenses. In the workplace, they work their way to the top. With these experiences, he earned the respect. Indeed, a champion despite adversities of this life.
Now, amidst the audience (or the people who don’t want to belong in these two categories for whatever reason) these two types of people meet in a workplace or some place. More often than not, we sided with “Mr. Working Hands” in a soap opera fashion. Whether we admit it or not, if “Mr. Silver Spoon” accomplishes something, we just dismissed it. I like to put it in Tagalog: hindi natin na-aapreciate gaano dahil kasi diumano ay mayaman siya. We often say similar terms, not the exact words, like, “He submitted the papers early because he has maids at home” or “He is the son of this and that. He has connections.” After all, a typical Filipino loves “underdogs”.
This is somewhat tragic on the part of Mr. Silverspoon. Is it his fault if ever God blessed his family? Is it his fault if ever his education and further education were financed by his parents? Is it his fault if he has “soft hands” – an epitome of so-called laziness? Admit it or not, instead of acknowledging God’s grace on Mr. Working Hands, we give credit solely on that person, like it’s Mr. Silver Spoon’s fault. We’re not including all Mr. Working Hands, but when they see Mr. Silverspoon accomplishing something, we can’t comprehend why, even to the point of asking God if He’s fair or not. Worse than that, we may even question God’s existence because of that!
Allow yours truly to give some things to ponder, if you like to ponder. Let us remember that not all people that are blessed financially accomplish something good. It’s all about good stewardship. He was blessed with finances and other gifts, he just knows how to use it properly. Because of our negative attitude towards “These Lucky Individuals”, we eventually become what we despised the most – boastful, arrogant individuals. Arrogant of our own suffering, like a soldier proud of his battle wounds, rather than acknowledging God or Life’s fairness for giving you the wisdom to work it out at the end of the day.
Amidst all this, God is still fair. There is a purpose why a person is born with a silver spoon, and why another person is born to work hard. Let us give one, somewhat close-to-the-writer’s-heart-reason: there are Mr. Underappreciated Ones and Unappreciated Ones who are also Mr. Silverspoons. Just because we think they’re blessed, they don’t need the comfort. As an effect, that person never receives a simple “hi”. In my opinion, what we see as silver spoon is just life’s way of saying, “you didn’t appreciate the person for who he is, here’s for an equalizer”. Life has an equation indeed. Even if it’s hard to comprehend, God or life (if you loathed God) has been fair to Mr. Working Hands. Because of his hard work, chances are, he gained the respect of the people around him. He may not be that materially blessed, but he commands hard earned respect. God has been fair also to Mr. Working Hands. Because of his adversities, God has given him the wisdom, intelligence, even physical will and strength to accomplish things.
Again, there is a purpose why a person is born with a silver spoon, and why another person is born to work hard. The bottom line is for God to be glorified at the end of the day. The bottom line is for us to see how God’s grace abounds, especially to His people.
Thank you very much.
On the other side, we know a handful of “wounded warriors”. They have a colorful life that they can utilize if they wanted to run for public office. Their childhood can be seen as tragic. Their student years are, well, tough, because they need to work in order to pay for their tuition, not to mention their other expenses. In the workplace, they work their way to the top. With these experiences, he earned the respect. Indeed, a champion despite adversities of this life.
Now, amidst the audience (or the people who don’t want to belong in these two categories for whatever reason) these two types of people meet in a workplace or some place. More often than not, we sided with “Mr. Working Hands” in a soap opera fashion. Whether we admit it or not, if “Mr. Silver Spoon” accomplishes something, we just dismissed it. I like to put it in Tagalog: hindi natin na-aapreciate gaano dahil kasi diumano ay mayaman siya. We often say similar terms, not the exact words, like, “He submitted the papers early because he has maids at home” or “He is the son of this and that. He has connections.” After all, a typical Filipino loves “underdogs”.
This is somewhat tragic on the part of Mr. Silverspoon. Is it his fault if ever God blessed his family? Is it his fault if ever his education and further education were financed by his parents? Is it his fault if he has “soft hands” – an epitome of so-called laziness? Admit it or not, instead of acknowledging God’s grace on Mr. Working Hands, we give credit solely on that person, like it’s Mr. Silver Spoon’s fault. We’re not including all Mr. Working Hands, but when they see Mr. Silverspoon accomplishing something, we can’t comprehend why, even to the point of asking God if He’s fair or not. Worse than that, we may even question God’s existence because of that!
Allow yours truly to give some things to ponder, if you like to ponder. Let us remember that not all people that are blessed financially accomplish something good. It’s all about good stewardship. He was blessed with finances and other gifts, he just knows how to use it properly. Because of our negative attitude towards “These Lucky Individuals”, we eventually become what we despised the most – boastful, arrogant individuals. Arrogant of our own suffering, like a soldier proud of his battle wounds, rather than acknowledging God or Life’s fairness for giving you the wisdom to work it out at the end of the day.
Amidst all this, God is still fair. There is a purpose why a person is born with a silver spoon, and why another person is born to work hard. Let us give one, somewhat close-to-the-writer’s-heart-reason: there are Mr. Underappreciated Ones and Unappreciated Ones who are also Mr. Silverspoons. Just because we think they’re blessed, they don’t need the comfort. As an effect, that person never receives a simple “hi”. In my opinion, what we see as silver spoon is just life’s way of saying, “you didn’t appreciate the person for who he is, here’s for an equalizer”. Life has an equation indeed. Even if it’s hard to comprehend, God or life (if you loathed God) has been fair to Mr. Working Hands. Because of his hard work, chances are, he gained the respect of the people around him. He may not be that materially blessed, but he commands hard earned respect. God has been fair also to Mr. Working Hands. Because of his adversities, God has given him the wisdom, intelligence, even physical will and strength to accomplish things.
Again, there is a purpose why a person is born with a silver spoon, and why another person is born to work hard. The bottom line is for God to be glorified at the end of the day. The bottom line is for us to see how God’s grace abounds, especially to His people.
Thank you very much.
Monday, February 13, 2012
The "patamaan" complex
When Facebook became popular in the Philippines, it changes the lives not most of Filipino youngsters, but also of the adults. Why not? It's a social networking site. Since man is a social being, even the shiest person can't get enough. In fact, there are some shy people I know who speaks out loud via this site. Friends, relatives, siblings that never saw each other for years were reunited. Thanks to Facebook.
Now, since this is a social networking site, it creates a community. Since it creates a community, it normally follows that societies are formed. However, with growing community comes conflict. Since you can't punch, slap here, the best thing a person can do is to write conflict escalating words. However, in order to avoid charges, a person will just write conflict escalating words that will hit a person. In Tagalog, it's "nagpaparinig" or in the Cavite, "nanghahamit". This phenomena also happens in Christians. Normally, this "patamaan" is common among teenagers, working single professionals, and newly married people.
Now, let me just give the rationale why is this phenomena happen. Facebook is a virtual community. Normally, with community, it follows that society is being made here, or societies. Having said that, it is normal in a society to have conflict (most, if not all, sociology books for beginners have "conflict" as one of the topics). The problem with this kind of community is that you can't grab the person doing the wrong deed due to variables like multiple accounts, account using false names, account is abroad. In other words, Facebook also created people who are cowards and don't have a sense of accountability (I encountered a few like that here). "Patamaan", "parinigan" are two conflict escalating tools.
This was not written to justify these conflict escalating tools, especially if Christians are doing that. In fact, I am totally against it. I find it irresponsible to certain extent to escalate conflict in this site, which you'll deny later on. After all, why avoid the blame when you escalated the conflict in the first place? Instead, the concern is because of this "patama" complex, serious writing and self expression are also suspected as "patama". Every decent blogger/writer wanted to be politically correct. Because of this, the bar for political correctness, in my opinion, is raised significantly to the point that you will not write anymore plainly because you might be accused of making "patama", especially if you're a Christian. Because of this, you are deemed as the argumentative type, or in Tagalog, "palaaway". Now, because of this, the "happy thoughts" and "no negative energy" mantra is injected. It is like we're warped back during the hippie days, only this time the LSD is the "happy thoughts" and "no negative energy". I'm not against happy thoughts and no negative energy by the way. However, to throw away serious writing and opinion writing by putting "happy thoughts" is plain bullish, sarcastic, or just plain bullying. After all, it is never wrong to be a serious, satirical writer, just like it is not wrong to put those "happy thoughts" and "no negative energy" write ups.
Here are just some basic guidelines for every Christians to live when writing:
1. When writing someone's name, make sure you're praising him (Proverbs 3:27)
2. If you have anything against a fellow Christian, don't put it on Facebook. (Matthew 18:15-18)
3. Respect the style of a Christian writer. It may be condescending and tactless at some point, but as long as he or she is not violating any netiquette, and as long as it is the deed not the doer, IT IS NOT CONSIDERED "NANGAAWAY". It is merely his or her writing style. No more, no less.
4. If the statement doesn't mention names (your name in particular) and yet the approach is somewhat "patama", don't feel guilty. If the person is really doing it (the "patama"), let that person rot in hatred or anger. After all, the person doing the deed didn't tell it straight to the point. So, the problem that was supposed to be imputed on his "target person" will become his.
5. If the statement is making "patama", don't be affected if you're not like that.
6. If the statement is conflict escalating, the best tool in this aspect is avoidance. You 'll end up a villain if you become confrontational. Exception to this though is when he already crossed the line between self expression and libel.
7. Avoid being a part of the troop doing or receiving the patama (if it is proven). If a person says that this person is this and that, sympathize, but never join the pack. Troop gathering and being part of the troop will make conflict escalate higher.
8. Written words will mostly hit. The Bible is a perfect example. In Tagalog, "may tatamaan talaga, sadya man o hindi". Hence, when it hit someone, just be responsible and accountable enough to explain or apologize (if needed).
Thank you very much for reading. :)
Now, since this is a social networking site, it creates a community. Since it creates a community, it normally follows that societies are formed. However, with growing community comes conflict. Since you can't punch, slap here, the best thing a person can do is to write conflict escalating words. However, in order to avoid charges, a person will just write conflict escalating words that will hit a person. In Tagalog, it's "nagpaparinig" or in the Cavite, "nanghahamit". This phenomena also happens in Christians. Normally, this "patamaan" is common among teenagers, working single professionals, and newly married people.
Now, let me just give the rationale why is this phenomena happen. Facebook is a virtual community. Normally, with community, it follows that society is being made here, or societies. Having said that, it is normal in a society to have conflict (most, if not all, sociology books for beginners have "conflict" as one of the topics). The problem with this kind of community is that you can't grab the person doing the wrong deed due to variables like multiple accounts, account using false names, account is abroad. In other words, Facebook also created people who are cowards and don't have a sense of accountability (I encountered a few like that here). "Patamaan", "parinigan" are two conflict escalating tools.
This was not written to justify these conflict escalating tools, especially if Christians are doing that. In fact, I am totally against it. I find it irresponsible to certain extent to escalate conflict in this site, which you'll deny later on. After all, why avoid the blame when you escalated the conflict in the first place? Instead, the concern is because of this "patama" complex, serious writing and self expression are also suspected as "patama". Every decent blogger/writer wanted to be politically correct. Because of this, the bar for political correctness, in my opinion, is raised significantly to the point that you will not write anymore plainly because you might be accused of making "patama", especially if you're a Christian. Because of this, you are deemed as the argumentative type, or in Tagalog, "palaaway". Now, because of this, the "happy thoughts" and "no negative energy" mantra is injected. It is like we're warped back during the hippie days, only this time the LSD is the "happy thoughts" and "no negative energy". I'm not against happy thoughts and no negative energy by the way. However, to throw away serious writing and opinion writing by putting "happy thoughts" is plain bullish, sarcastic, or just plain bullying. After all, it is never wrong to be a serious, satirical writer, just like it is not wrong to put those "happy thoughts" and "no negative energy" write ups.
Here are just some basic guidelines for every Christians to live when writing:
1. When writing someone's name, make sure you're praising him (Proverbs 3:27)
2. If you have anything against a fellow Christian, don't put it on Facebook. (Matthew 18:15-18)
3. Respect the style of a Christian writer. It may be condescending and tactless at some point, but as long as he or she is not violating any netiquette, and as long as it is the deed not the doer, IT IS NOT CONSIDERED "NANGAAWAY". It is merely his or her writing style. No more, no less.
4. If the statement doesn't mention names (your name in particular) and yet the approach is somewhat "patama", don't feel guilty. If the person is really doing it (the "patama"), let that person rot in hatred or anger. After all, the person doing the deed didn't tell it straight to the point. So, the problem that was supposed to be imputed on his "target person" will become his.
5. If the statement is making "patama", don't be affected if you're not like that.
6. If the statement is conflict escalating, the best tool in this aspect is avoidance. You 'll end up a villain if you become confrontational. Exception to this though is when he already crossed the line between self expression and libel.
7. Avoid being a part of the troop doing or receiving the patama (if it is proven). If a person says that this person is this and that, sympathize, but never join the pack. Troop gathering and being part of the troop will make conflict escalate higher.
8. Written words will mostly hit. The Bible is a perfect example. In Tagalog, "may tatamaan talaga, sadya man o hindi". Hence, when it hit someone, just be responsible and accountable enough to explain or apologize (if needed).
Thank you very much for reading. :)
Monday, January 16, 2012
Dweezel
The aforementioned word is actually the name of my dog. Her breed (Yes. She’s a female dog)? I don’t know…I DON’T CARE. I admit mistaking her for certain breeds. Finally, when I asked the nearby veterinarian, she’s not also certain. This have led me being slightly made fun and ridiculed of by some. Oh well, I am not familiar with dog breeds. Hence, I no longer care, but at least I asked.
Dweezel came to our house in Quezon City because my wife asked me to adopt her. So tiny and her eyes bluish and her paws pinkish (not to mention her white coat), she’s cute. However, I told my then-girlfriend (now wife) that it’s additional work. We already have a dog that I can’t even feed with ease, Kulit. Eventually, I said yes.
I can’t forget how we travel her from my wife’s hometown in Silang to Quezon City and back. For the first time, I go to the veterinary clinic, paid for her shots, including the anti-rabies shot. I admit, my Mom doesn’t want another dog in our house because it’s additional work. However, I insisted. Personally, I learned from Kulit. He (Kulit) is not familiar with me, hence I can’t feed him with ease. This time, if ever I will own a dog, I should see to it that the dog “knows” me and my wife. This is the reason why I personally feed her when housekeeper’s not around, and on occasion, talk to her (my wife also do that sometimes).
I’m not an enthusiastic dog owner. However, it makes me and my wife smile every time neighborhood kids will approach and touch our dog. They find her adorable and friendly.
Whether we admit it or not, our attitude toward owning pet/s and the way we treat them reflect who we are. Some of us will really try owning an expensive breed for one reason or another, and this reflects who we are. There are pet owners who are collectors. They are familiar with breeds, hence they’ll be excited if they heard that a nearby dog is a Siberian Huskies or a Labrador. These types of pet owners are characterized with the collectors. Since pets can be quite messier than collectable objects like cars, motorcycles, etc, this type of pet owners are contented with talking about breeds enthusiastically. They’ll get excited if their breed will be cross bred with another imported breed.
There are pet owners who are quite posh. They’ll own lightweight and small breeds that they can put on a hand bag. They’ll bring them with them on establishments like malls or parks. They buy their pets with cribs, clothes, and the likes. Normally, these types of pet owners are the outgoing, friendly type.
This type of pet owner is the one that I don’t personally like. There are pet owners who own “high end” breed because it’s a reflection of their competitive spirit. However, when left unchecked, this competitive spirit gives them pride, which leads to arrogance. After all, if I can own an expensive or a bit unique (euphemism intended) breed of pet higher than the rest of the people I know, why not? This arrogance also leads them to ridicule another pet owner who doesn’t know a thing. It’s funny to certain extent, but thinking introspectively, how will you feel if you are ridiculed on something that you are not familiar, especially if you are not acting like Mister or Miss Know-it-All?
As for me, despite of her annoyances sometimes, I like my dog Dweezel. I adopted her because I chose to adopt her, regardless of the breed. I am familiar with the shots that she needs to have every year. I know that she likes milk. I know that she’s a meat eater and dog food eater, unlike Kulit who can settle for bread and veggies. Like I said, I and my wife smile when we see neighborhood kids touch her. When she poops in unnecessary places, I have a hesitant feeling to “punish” her (although I eventually do it because it’s part of the training).
I was told (and a bit laughed) by someone that it’s a wrong thinking that the way we treat our pet indicates how shall we treat our future kids. That person said it well. However, I can say with confidence that our attitude why we own a certain pet, and how we treat them and other pet owners, reflect who we are.
Cheers. Happy Monday.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012!
Happy New Year! As of this writing, 4 days ago, 2012 started. Normally, the articles or the write-ups usually belong to these categories: reflection from the year that passed (which is 2011), New Year’s resolutions, and articles deviating from the aforementioned two categories (to make the article a bit unique). Instead of acting like an audience, please allow me to write one. I don’t know what categories this one will eventually become, but let me assure this: it’s a piece of my mind and, figuratively, heart.
The year 2011 for me is generally a good year for me. Definitely, the best event of my life that year is that I got married. Indeed, it’s really a happy experience to get married to someone that you truly love, and at the date that you and your wife had chosen. Not only that, I saw that both sides (my wife’s side and my side) are happy with us getting married. This is indeed God’s grace because there are married couples whose in laws on each other’s side are not in good terms. My Mom and her mother gave us their full blessing. My immediate relatives went to Silang, Cavite for the pamamanhikan, as a support on my decision. On the other side, my wife’s relatives (20 of them more or less) went to her house to give their support. I was literally speechless. I have seen this marriage as a way of God telling me that He’s been gracious to me even at the times that I felt He’s not.
2011 is also the year that I have seen how God makes things fair on people. I’ll not give the details, but I am witness how He makes things fair from one person and another. This is the reason, why, recently, I began to put articles regarding God’s grace. I admit, in the past, I get easily frustrated because I did something wrong or other people did me wrong. God used His blessings and His justice (or to certain extent, vindication) as a reminder that I should not do things my way. Yes, a Christian must live a good example just like I Timothy 4:12 is saying. However, it should not be my way and effort, but it should be by His grace.
I really thanked God for the memorable 2011. This 2012, may our lives as true believer exemplify God’s grace. Let’s be reminded that everything good in us as believers, it is. Yes, we have chosen it, but God used the Holy Spirit’s leading, the circumstances, and events for us to lead into us being good. Let God’s grace truly flow in our life this year.
Happy New Year. Welcome 2012!
The year 2011 for me is generally a good year for me. Definitely, the best event of my life that year is that I got married. Indeed, it’s really a happy experience to get married to someone that you truly love, and at the date that you and your wife had chosen. Not only that, I saw that both sides (my wife’s side and my side) are happy with us getting married. This is indeed God’s grace because there are married couples whose in laws on each other’s side are not in good terms. My Mom and her mother gave us their full blessing. My immediate relatives went to Silang, Cavite for the pamamanhikan, as a support on my decision. On the other side, my wife’s relatives (20 of them more or less) went to her house to give their support. I was literally speechless. I have seen this marriage as a way of God telling me that He’s been gracious to me even at the times that I felt He’s not.
2011 is also the year that I have seen how God makes things fair on people. I’ll not give the details, but I am witness how He makes things fair from one person and another. This is the reason, why, recently, I began to put articles regarding God’s grace. I admit, in the past, I get easily frustrated because I did something wrong or other people did me wrong. God used His blessings and His justice (or to certain extent, vindication) as a reminder that I should not do things my way. Yes, a Christian must live a good example just like I Timothy 4:12 is saying. However, it should not be my way and effort, but it should be by His grace.
I really thanked God for the memorable 2011. This 2012, may our lives as true believer exemplify God’s grace. Let’s be reminded that everything good in us as believers, it is. Yes, we have chosen it, but God used the Holy Spirit’s leading, the circumstances, and events for us to lead into us being good. Let God’s grace truly flow in our life this year.
Happy New Year. Welcome 2012!
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