Everything Happens for a Reason

On the 25^th of February 1986, thousands, millions of Filipinos united in EDSA to achieve a common purpose. To call for change, freedom, and end President Ferdinand Marcos’ 20-year rule. Now here we are, 25 years after one of the Philippines’ most important events, have we acquired change, and freedom?

Filipinos gathered in EDSA to protest, and demand freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and freedom from poverty. And to achieve all these, they aimed to put the President out of his position. Later on they succeeded in putting President Ferdinand Marcos out of his throne in Malacanang. The People Power I was considered the most peaceful, “bloodless” revolution made for the fact that no citizen was hurt, and their dispute for the restoration of democracy was heard.

Though I was not able to witness the said event personally, I am knowledgeable that what they fought for last February 25, 1986 is the very same reason that led to many dilemmas faced by our country at the present time. To further prove my point, see the list below:

- 25 years after EDSA, the Philippines is ranked as the most dangerous place for journalists. In the nine-year administration of Gloria Arroyo, scores of media men have been killed for doing their jobs.

- 25 years after EDSA, the Philippines ranked in the top 10 most corrupt nations on earth.

- 25 years, after EDSA, many works of art are still getting censored out if they are contrary to the government or the church.

- 25 years after EDSA, the government, Muslim, as well as, communist rebels are still engaged in peace talks and in between, thousands die.

- 25 years after EDSA, the Philippines is still under heavy debt and has yet to find itself out of the bracket of third world nations.

- 25 years after EDSA, election fraud continues to decide who will govern.

- 25 years after EDSA, the politicians in power today bear the following family names: Marcos, Romualdez, Aquino, Cojuangco, Estrada, and Enrile. (Ted Reyes, 2011)

Thus, EDSA I is followed by EDSA II, for Filipinos again, aimed for change in the government. But when will the Filipinos stop demanding for change, when each of them is a millionaire? Which I may add is totally impossible. We should not solely blame the President for the unwanted happenings in our country. Change should start within us, and when that happens, everything will follow. Given that we are a third world country, we should not rely on the government to get us out from poverty. We should make effort and slowly help our country to overcome poverty. Solving our country’s problems should not be done one way, but this should be a mutual action. Both the citizens and the government should join force to achieve success.

Some say that People Power I is to blame for everything happening today. Maybe they are right, or not but after everything that has happened, I do strongly believe that “Everything happens for a reason.”

Arroyo versus Aquino Administration

Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino both came from a political family. Their parent seated at the same position once upon a time. Therefore, the people of the Philippines has high expectations from the two mentioned for compared to other Presidents of the Republic of the Philippines. For the reason that they are more knowledgeable, and was given a head start on how the country should be handled. But who did a better job in running the country? That we can find out based on their first one hundred (100) days as the President of the Republic of the Philippines.

Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo established “Tindahan ni Gloria Labandera Rolling Stores” A project that gave the needy an opportunity to purchase food and medicines at much lower cost. During her time, she also improved the roads, and transportation system. Former President Arroyo helped many Filipino families and street children by generating projects to improve their lifestyles and provided them houses and other basic necessities. She also strived to achieve peace in Mindanao. In addition, she gave many Filipinos the opportunity to be employed. During her one hundred stay in the government, the Arroyo administration has achieved these, and much much more.

While President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino said that after his one hundred day stay in the office, the country “is ready for takeoff.” During his stay, the Philippine Stock Exchange is now considered one of the best executing stock markets in Asia. He also added that more jobs will be offered, and more Filipinos were given jobs during his term. President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino also stated that the road now is more peaceful, and organized. Though not much change has been observed during his first one hundred days, he did offer numerous promises and proposals for the betterment of the country.

Looking back, both have aimed to increase the employment rates of the country, and the accessibility of basic necessities for the citizens of the country. The first one hundred days can be considered similar to a guy’s courting. It is a strategy to put one’s best foot forward to gain the other person’s trust. The first one hundred days in the office of the President, he/she shows off his/her best qualities to gain his/her countrymen’s trust, but later on he/she changes, can be for the better or the worse. Now, who do you think spent his/her first one hundred days wisely?

Do you favor extending the years of basic education in the Philippines?

What should be changed is the curriculum not the number of years in basic education. This is my stand towards extending the years in basic education or K-12. On October 5, 2010 the Department of Education declared President Benigno "NoyNoy" Aquino III's agenda to add one year to grade school, and one year to high school, carrying the knowledge that this would benefit the less fortunate Filipinos more.

“The current thinking and the current culture in the Philippines is that if you don't finish with a college degree, there is something missing in your life. What should basic education be? To me, what is basic is that [high school graduates] should be able to live a meaningful life, they should be able to be prepared to start a family, and thirdly they should be able to be productively employed." (Secretary Armin Luistro 2010) The reason why there is need for Filipinos to take college before being able to get a decent job is because the curriculum in high school is not good enough. It lacks subjects that can enable students to see their full capabilities.

While I was still an Engineering student my younger sister, who is five years younger than I, and I were studying math together, to my surprise she had the exact same lesson I had a few days ago. Then after a couple of days she was studying a different lesson which my professor had not yet discussed. Her school only has four years in high school yet all the students can withstand the level of thinking of a college student due to their compact curriculum. The school also encourages it’s students to seek for their unenhanced talents so as to after high school they can still have a bright future. Activities such as such making handicrafts, sewing garments, computing analytically, learning other languages, and so on are included to their school’s curriculum so students can still have an alternative way in making profits after graduating high school. Therefore the need to extend grade school, and high school is not necessary, revision of every school’s curriculum would be more favorable in my belief.

“Perhaps our current curriculum is too academic in orientation… What are the needs of industry? You need to match that with the gifts, resources, and interests of young people." (Secretary Armin Luistro 2010) Not all students desire to live or work in a corporate setting. Others should be knowledgeable that there are other ways to make profit not just by working in an office wearing a tie or a blazer. Today’s curriculum solely teaches the students to master English, Math, and Science. How about Arts and Home Economics? The curriculum should be revised to fit the young’s capabilities and interests for them to be more inspired in studying or going to school.

Possibly the employers and company owners should also revise their qualifications. An examination before employment can be a different way to filter the employees that can live up to their standards. We should change our perspective and stop making “Did you finish college?” as a basis on one’s intelligence. Not all college graduates are wise, and not all high school graduates are ignorant. The K-12 basic education program do has it’s perks. Such as: 1) The K-12 will solve the annual growing number of out-of-school youth. 2) The K-12 will address low achievement scores and poor academic performance of elementary and high school students. 3) The Department of Education has enough resources to implement the K-12. 4) The K-12 will open doors for more jobs for the youth, even without a college diploma. 5) Filipino graduates will be automatically recognized as “professionals” abroad. (SarahKatrina Maramag of The Philippine Online Chronicles 2010)

Implementing K-12, education would be more attainable for the needy because of the fact that college can sometimes get pretty expensive due to the requirement for school allowances, supplies, and fees for other school projects and activities. The need for another four or five years tuition fee would not be necessary for everybody would be given an opportunity similar to those who were able to finish college or at least a good paying job. Everybody can and should be given a chance to have a job, a decent one.

Yet if K-12 would be implemented, can we be assured that the employers lower their qualifications? Would they be given equal opportunities with those who have a college degree? Maybe the problem is not the number of years needed.

I live only a block from a public high school and upon riding the public utility transportation I can hear them converse about what to do after high school. Though many of them want to pursue college they say their parents cannot afford to enroll them. Could the government be the solution to their problems? There are numerous public high schools in the Philippines yet only a quarter of that number is the number of public college schools in the country. The reason some students tend to lose interest in college because they know that they would not have anything to look forward to after high school because limited students can only enter to public college schools. Another issue they keep on mentioning is that having 60-80 students per room is not efficient in learning. Too much students mean too much noise, distraction, and less information absorbing.

This controversial issue is quite broad, a decision that requires much time and thought before implementing. “Our immediate focus should be just improving basic education. The dropout rate is very, very high and the quality of education is very, very low." (Milwida Guevara, chief executive officer of Synergeia) She also stressed that the quality education in the pre-school and grade school should be improved rather than adding two more years. It would increase the number of dropouts in high school.

Being a citizen of a country whose ruler can make impulse decisions such as the implementation of K-12 saddens me for the said issue is not that mild, this concern millions of children, and the country’s future. “Ang kabataan ang pag asa ng bayan.” (Jose Rizal) Therefore the country must provide the children of this generation the proper education needed.

The General Shape/Structure of an Expository Essay

Every gourmet needs to follow a set of instruction, and right amount of ingredients to create a perfectly good dish that can satisfy the gourmand. Thus, in expository writing, a writer must follow a general structure to create an effective essay. When a writer fails to follow the general structure, there is a tendency that the reader might get misled to a wrong conclusion. He also might have a hard time comprehending the main purpose of the essay. The said dilemma can effect to the reader’s confusion, and the writer’s destruction.

The general structure of an expository essay comprises of three parts: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion. In the first part of the essay depend whether the reader would want to continue reading, or stop instantly. The Introduction should catch the reader’s attention. This may be done by quoting a famous person, asking a question, or stating your personal experience. This part should also have a Thesis Statement, meaning this part should contain a narration of the whole essay. A line that can give the reader an idea of what he can expect upon reading the essay.

The second part is the body. This part contains the most important, and elaborate details in an essay. It is the longest part for this is where the writer argues for his perspective, shares his thoughts and emotions, and justifies his belief. A good body should show the reader his point, lead the reader to his argument, and not tell the reader what you want to defend or prove. Let the reader be guided by your supporting evidences which will enable him to relate or at least understand your point of view. Due to the fact that the body is the longest part of an essay, some readers tend to lose interest in reading on. In order to avoid causing the readers boredom, one can make his body more interesting by sharing his experience/s, stating more concrete evidences, and providing transitions. With the help of these, the reader would not have a hard time taking interest on your essay.

The last part is the Conclusion. It is said to be the moral of the story. This part closes, and ends the essay. It also includes the analysis or reflection the writer has reached upon writing his essay. The writer can also ask hanging questions to further prove his point, and it will make the readers think more on the issue discussed on the essay. The conclusion also summarizes the main idea or purpose of the essay. This third part holds the final assumptions of the writer and upon reaching this part the reader can conclude whatever he pleases.

In writing an expository essay, it is imperative to follow the general structures mentioned above. This enables the reader and writer to have a harmonious relationship with one another. Following the general structure in expository essay writing may lead to an effective persuasion, inspiring action, and a proper direction.

Love is for everyone. No Exceptions.

Ever since I was little, my dad equipped me with the knowledge that I was only allowed to enter a relationship, or have a boyfriend after I finish college. He keeps on pointing out that we were too young for such a feeling. Looking back to what my Dad taught me, is there a thing such as too young or too old for love? Love is not an amusement park ride wherein you need to be a certain age to experience. It is a feeling everybody should be given a chance to feel whether young or old. A philosophy I kept upon experiencing my first love.

When I was in my fourth year high school I was a member of the group NBSB an acronym for No Boyfriend Since Birth, we were eight in our group. All of us were taught by our parents the same “Too Young for Love” philosophy, which we all questioned. It was September 2007 when my friend celebrated her sixteenth birthday together with her older sister’s debut. My only agenda for that evening was to celebrate and hang out with my friends. To my surprise, my friend’s older sister grabbed me towards a tall, Korean looking, well groomed gentleman. My friend’s sister introduced me to him. He reached out his hand and said “Hi. I’m Kenneth.” And that was the beginning of my first love story.

Kenneth and I both played the role of Romeo and Juliet for two years and two months. We would meet secretly for my father was against our relationship. Yet we continued to be lovers despite what my parents keep on insisting. He would wait outside my window just to see a glimpse of me, I would throw romantic letters to him, and he would catch them. Being a romantic guy that he is, he would send me, my sisters, my mother, and our nanny flowers every Valentine’s Day. For me he was perfect, he was the one. He was caring, funny, understanding, patient, sweet, and he made me feel loved. I loved him dearly as well, and on that time I convinced myself that he was my first and last love.

Our memories together were truly one of the best memories I have had in my nineteen years of existence. Yet like most love stories, it is meant to end at some point. Though our love story did not end similarly to Romeo and Juliet’s, and did not turn out the way I hoped it would have ended, I continue to keep my philosophy about love. And despite of what happened to me and my first love, I still love the thought of being in love. My first love made me see that “Love should not be kept from anyone. Love is for everyone.”

Flames of Faith

Before going to bed it never occurred to me that major events can happen while I sleep. It was 3am in the morning when our housemaid rushed to my room yelling “Sunog! Sunog!” It was on that moment that I have realized that the building we were living in was on fire.

Our unit is located at the third floor while the fire started on the second floor. My sisters and I immediately changed our clothes, and packed the things we value the most. My older sister quickly placed her accessories, make up, and wallet in her bag, while my younger sister packed her jewelry collection, and carried her school bag. After seeing everybody tensed, the only thing I was able to bring was a bottle of lotion, a 10g ointment, and my wallet. We left our house with great worry of what might happen to us after the incident. My father was the last person to exit our house and locked the door knob. We stayed at our car and watched the firemen put out the fire. That sight was painful for all of us knowing that after the water from the firemen’s hose stops flowing, we would not have our things, and house back.

We were informed that the fire reached the rooftop damaging all units, a news that crushed our hearts. Then the unit owners were given an instruction to check their units. All units were damaged, burnt, except for one. My dad opened our door, and to his surprise the candles placed on our altar were lit, and none of our things were damaged. This significant event changed my perspective about religion. It was on that time I have truly accepted and understood what my Christian Living Education class has taught me. God really does exist.

Should Prostitution Be Legalized?

Legalizing prostitution can reduce poverty in our country. I was in my expository writing class when my classmate blamed the spread of HIV-AIDS to prostitutes which was totally one sided for my opinion because having sexual intercourse with prostitutes is not the only source of HIV-AIDS, it can also be in a form of a dirty needle, unsafe intercourse, or your partner (not a prostitute) already has the said illness. So without hesitation I gave him my opinion and said “Instead of seeing prostitution as a problem, why not see it as a solution to our problems. Let us legalize prostitution.”

Prostitution started in the country long before I was born, it would be too late to put an end to it now. Therefore legalizing prostitution is the only solution I can think of that can benefit both the prostitute, and their clients. Initially Filipinos would disagree to this idea probably because we are a Catholic country and it is against our moral values. But if we give much thought to this idea, this could lead to a better Philippines. Countries such as Thailand, and Canada legalized prostitution and it is evident that it helped their country economically, and culturally.

Legalizing prostitution would mean that every club is required to have a permit to ensure the cleanliness of the venue, and safety of the workers and clients. Every employee/prostitute would be asked to undergo certain health examinations eliminating the prostitutes that are capable of transferring diseases. Every employee would be required to pay tax. Every employee would be put through an interview removing minor aged prostitutes, and so on. Prostitutes should not be solely seen as a disease carrier or a social dilemma. They are entertainers just doing their job, and make a living. Who knows? He/She might be doing it for the sake of his/her diseased parents, undergraduate sibling, and so on. We should not judge them base on what we hear. We should not generalize their profession.

As you can see legalizing prostitution has its perks. So the next time we hear the word prostitution, let us not be narrow minded to only think that prostitutes are a menace to the country but we should try to see that they can be the solution to our never ending poverty.

How Do I Court Thee?

I conducted a research through google.com on “Ways on how to court a girl.” To my surprise, before I was even done typing, the said issue was second in the most searched, next to “Ways on how to conserve energy.” “Will you be my girlfriend/boyfriend?” A question I have been asked before and it made me anxious, excited, and confused. But how do guys/girls make sure that the response they get is a sweet, big “Yes!”?

I am utterly curious, and clueless about courtship. Born in a traditional country, girls rarely experience courting guys. Thus, to stop my curiousness, I have conducted a research, and asked my male classmates and friends, ways on how to court a girl. Initially, they were hesitant to answer but later on they answered my question honestly, and it was somewhat similar to the results I have obtained upon researching. As complex as I thought courtship was, they were able to sum it to four steps.

Step One: During the time of courtship, it is best to try to find out more information about the girl. Try to get to know her better. Not by stalking her but by listening to her, and asking. Pay attention to what she has to share. When asking, you should always know your limits, and whenever she asks you questions, answer honestly and do not answer her boastfully.

Step Two: Let the girl see, and feel that you like her and you are very interested. It would not hurt to flirt a little. Serenade her, compliment her, and make her feel special. But later on try to tease her, and make her feel unwanted. In this way, the girl would feel confused. The shift of emotions you will inflict will cause her to think whether she likes you or not. She will start to think of you every now and then.

Step Three: Make her think that she has power over you but not to the extent that you might appear desperate. If she wants you to accompany her, accompany her. But if she lets you wait for more than three hours, show uneasiness or try to refuse politely. This is also the part where in you show humor and wit. This will charm her, and make her like you more.

Step Four: Lastly, when you feel that her attraction for you is heightened. Show her your best qualities yet not in a cocky way. In this manner, she will give off her sweet “Yes!” easily. You can also try to pull an extravagant stunt, and propose if the girl has high expectations or standards.

Though the steps above do not guarantee you a girlfriend/boyfriend right away, most of the people I asked practiced the four steps and succeeded.

Courtship, for me, is complex and complicated. Yet its essence is understood by many, the reason they keep on practicing it until the present time. Love, is not something you can get and give easily. It is not something you can get by just following certain procedures. Love, for me, is mysterious and magical. It should be felt without the need for words, and showing off. And it should remain that way.