In "Things Fall Apart," manliness is always associated with physical strength and bravery. How about you? What is your idea or concept of true "manliness”?
My number one criterion for "manliness" is a man's sense of RESPONSIBILITY. Men right now are classified as the macho men, the metro-sexual, the "just-effeminate" men and lastly, the self-proclaimed gays. But for me, these classifications are not important. What I deem worth considering is how a man faithfully loves and supports his family's needs despite the heavy yoke placed on their shoulders (because I think they are also discriminated in some ways)and the testing temptations of the modern world. So long as he knows his limitations (and not forget his loyalty to his girlfriend or wife), so long as he does not let other suffer because of his pride...I think he is already MAN enough for me.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
PERPETUATION OF IGBO TRADITIONS
Which of the Igbo traditions you think they should still retain and preserve even amid modernization?
I think the system of SHARE-CROPPING should still be observed in the Igbo tribe most especially nowadays that capitalism and competition are very much affecting the moral and social responsibility of workers and businessmen because of modernization. Share-cropping teaches farmers to be cooperative and, at the same time, empathetic with the difficult situation of fellow farmers. This is something that not only the Filipinos but the whole world, should learn--the value of helping our fellowmen (especially in times of crisis) instead of bring them down just to gain superiority.
I think the system of SHARE-CROPPING should still be observed in the Igbo tribe most especially nowadays that capitalism and competition are very much affecting the moral and social responsibility of workers and businessmen because of modernization. Share-cropping teaches farmers to be cooperative and, at the same time, empathetic with the difficult situation of fellow farmers. This is something that not only the Filipinos but the whole world, should learn--the value of helping our fellowmen (especially in times of crisis) instead of bring them down just to gain superiority.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
MOV: TRAGEDY OR COMEDY?
Looking at the denouement of the play, do you think that MOV is really a comedy? Or rather, is it more of tragedy? Justify your answer.
I think "MOV" is comedy in label or nomenclature in the sense that it ended happily with the reconciliation of the two romantic couples and the good news about Antonio's ships. But if I will look deeper into it, I can consider it as tragic simply because not any of the major characters really exemplified the true spirit of mercy as advocated by Portia herself. Rather alienating Shylock (not in the sense that he will not be judged according to the law), they could have given him more guidance and chance for enlightenment. Maybe Shakespeare intended this really to happen such that the readers would see how Westerners, during those "golden years," rejoice in the downfall of other people--maybe the "cancer" in his society that Rizal also portrayed in Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
I think "MOV" is comedy in label or nomenclature in the sense that it ended happily with the reconciliation of the two romantic couples and the good news about Antonio's ships. But if I will look deeper into it, I can consider it as tragic simply because not any of the major characters really exemplified the true spirit of mercy as advocated by Portia herself. Rather alienating Shylock (not in the sense that he will not be judged according to the law), they could have given him more guidance and chance for enlightenment. Maybe Shakespeare intended this really to happen such that the readers would see how Westerners, during those "golden years," rejoice in the downfall of other people--maybe the "cancer" in his society that Rizal also portrayed in Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.
WHAT WOULD GOD DO IN "MOV"?
If God will be one of the judges present during Antonio's trial, how would he judge the situation?
Personally, I think God will not allow Antonio to let Shylock be converted to Christianity because his religion gives him a higher purpose in life, more than his possessions. Maybe God will just ask him to have regular counsel with a rabbi so that he would truly live up to the teachings of his religion. I think he will also confiscate maybe only half of his possessions to teach him to reflect about what is really important in life.
What do you think?
Personally, I think God will not allow Antonio to let Shylock be converted to Christianity because his religion gives him a higher purpose in life, more than his possessions. Maybe God will just ask him to have regular counsel with a rabbi so that he would truly live up to the teachings of his religion. I think he will also confiscate maybe only half of his possessions to teach him to reflect about what is really important in life.
What do you think?
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT IN MERCHANT OF VENICE
Examining the relationship between Portia and Bassanio and Nerissa and Gratiano, do you think that a successful relationship can possibly start with "love at first sight"?
I personally find the development of their relationship as very weak in foundation because they fell in love at first sight. Yes, they can get attracted to each other but what happens after that is more important. I think they should have taken efforts first to get to know each other better before finally getting married. For an instance, Portia, though Bassanio was the one who won the challenge, should have at least waited more than a month to really assure herself that she has the right man to live with for eternity. Also Gratiano should have been wiser not to just be "inspired" by Bassanio's true love, but rather to discern whether what attracted him through his eyes would also attract his soul. Well, good for them, the guys caught the right fish! But in real life, this does not always happen, sadly.
What do you think?
I personally find the development of their relationship as very weak in foundation because they fell in love at first sight. Yes, they can get attracted to each other but what happens after that is more important. I think they should have taken efforts first to get to know each other better before finally getting married. For an instance, Portia, though Bassanio was the one who won the challenge, should have at least waited more than a month to really assure herself that she has the right man to live with for eternity. Also Gratiano should have been wiser not to just be "inspired" by Bassanio's true love, but rather to discern whether what attracted him through his eyes would also attract his soul. Well, good for them, the guys caught the right fish! But in real life, this does not always happen, sadly.
What do you think?
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
ACT 1 MERCHANT OF VENICE
If you would be given a chance to visit Venice during the Renaissance period using a "time machine," who would you want to befriend among the characters of Act 1 and why?
If I would have the chance to go to Venice, I would definitely look for Shylock first and befriend him (if he would let me because I'm a Christian). I would like to personally find out myself whether he is really evil as portrayed in the story or whether he is just bad because the society made him one. I'm also interested to know how they got discriminated by Venetians and whether it is really true that they got so much "profit" from the Christians despite their situation. More than that, I am actually hoping that there's something more about his personality-- something GOOD that was just overshadowed by the "romantic" characters in the story.
How about you?
If I would have the chance to go to Venice, I would definitely look for Shylock first and befriend him (if he would let me because I'm a Christian). I would like to personally find out myself whether he is really evil as portrayed in the story or whether he is just bad because the society made him one. I'm also interested to know how they got discriminated by Venetians and whether it is really true that they got so much "profit" from the Christians despite their situation. More than that, I am actually hoping that there's something more about his personality-- something GOOD that was just overshadowed by the "romantic" characters in the story.
How about you?
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
LOOK WHO'S READING!
In line with our Book Week celebration, our blog question will be:
WHO IS YOUR MODEL READER?
I have always admired Dr. Venancio Mendiola, my literature professor for being such a voracious reader. Even if he is already 69 years old, he still remembers the intricate details of the books that he have read and taught his students, even as far as 1970's! He would know the exact images that the autor used, how many times a certain phrase appeared in the book, how many dreams a character has in a book, and many more! I mean, how can such a person be fully focused on READING to its fullest sense. I myself digress many times while reading even the most interesting books. Maybe just like Sir Mendiola, I need to learn how to READ enthusiastically, savoring each word, phrase and image so that I could completely grasp the beauty and message of the book.
How about you? Who is your model reader?
WHO IS YOUR MODEL READER?
I have always admired Dr. Venancio Mendiola, my literature professor for being such a voracious reader. Even if he is already 69 years old, he still remembers the intricate details of the books that he have read and taught his students, even as far as 1970's! He would know the exact images that the autor used, how many times a certain phrase appeared in the book, how many dreams a character has in a book, and many more! I mean, how can such a person be fully focused on READING to its fullest sense. I myself digress many times while reading even the most interesting books. Maybe just like Sir Mendiola, I need to learn how to READ enthusiastically, savoring each word, phrase and image so that I could completely grasp the beauty and message of the book.
How about you? Who is your model reader?
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
CHRISTIANITY IN ATSUMORI
I apologize for temporarily stopping posting blogs because of my need to focus on your academic performance after the MQT and the QT. I just felt the need to concentrate on the basics first. Besides, I noticed that week by week fewer bloggers had time to participate and share their insights, I completely understand why. Nevertheless, I am still hopeful that our "desire to respond to literature" will be rekindled this quarter.
For my first blog for the second quarter, I'd like to begin by asking WHAT IS CHRISTIAN IN THE BUDDHIST NOH PLAY, "ATSUMORI"?
Let me give one: Atsumori shows the value of loving one's enemies just like in one Biblical event wherein Jesus said that if someone slaps your cheek, give him/her also the other side or when someone throws stones at you, throw a bread back instead. So basically, Christians and Buddhists are one in believing that truly, it is in forgiveness and love that one attains peace and fulfillment, not through revenge or hatred.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE OTHER BIBLICAL/CHRUCH TEACHINGS THAT WE CAN RELATE TO "ATSUMORI"?
For my first blog for the second quarter, I'd like to begin by asking WHAT IS CHRISTIAN IN THE BUDDHIST NOH PLAY, "ATSUMORI"?
Let me give one: Atsumori shows the value of loving one's enemies just like in one Biblical event wherein Jesus said that if someone slaps your cheek, give him/her also the other side or when someone throws stones at you, throw a bread back instead. So basically, Christians and Buddhists are one in believing that truly, it is in forgiveness and love that one attains peace and fulfillment, not through revenge or hatred.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE OTHER BIBLICAL/CHRUCH TEACHINGS THAT WE CAN RELATE TO "ATSUMORI"?
Thursday, July 17, 2008
THREE GREAT CHINESE POETS
Which among Wang Wei, Tu Fu and Li Po you like best in terms of theme and style? Why?
If I would be a poet, I would love to be a student of Tu Fu because, for one, I would really like to learn how to create vivid imagery because I know it is one of the most important elements of poetry. Poetry will never be sophisticated and unique without the color and magic that it brings. Among the three, he is the one who can really portray life by using powerful images that really connect with the mood/atmosphere of his poem. Moreso, he knows how to bring out and focus on the positive sides/angles of nature to uplift the spirit of his people despite the 'war' theme that is always prevalent in his poems.
Who is your pick?
If I would be a poet, I would love to be a student of Tu Fu because, for one, I would really like to learn how to create vivid imagery because I know it is one of the most important elements of poetry. Poetry will never be sophisticated and unique without the color and magic that it brings. Among the three, he is the one who can really portray life by using powerful images that really connect with the mood/atmosphere of his poem. Moreso, he knows how to bring out and focus on the positive sides/angles of nature to uplift the spirit of his people despite the 'war' theme that is always prevalent in his poems.
Who is your pick?
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Analects for the Filipinos
If you would be asked to give 5 Analects for the Filipinos, what would they be?
Here are my own Analects for the Filipinos:
1. Government officials should learn how to SERVE, not to be served.
2. For those in media, do not wash your dirty linen in public.
3. More than holding strikes and protests against the government, concentrate on how we can concretely contribute to the betterment of our people like participating in Pondo ng Pinoy.
4. Live simply to live free from anxiety. Eliminate the material things that you can really live without.
5. Ideally, rules are made to be followed.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Here are my own Analects for the Filipinos:
1. Government officials should learn how to SERVE, not to be served.
2. For those in media, do not wash your dirty linen in public.
3. More than holding strikes and protests against the government, concentrate on how we can concretely contribute to the betterment of our people like participating in Pondo ng Pinoy.
4. Live simply to live free from anxiety. Eliminate the material things that you can really live without.
5. Ideally, rules are made to be followed.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Conversation with God
IF YOU WOULD BE GIVEN A CHANCE TO HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH GOD FOR JUST ONE HOUR, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL HIM OR ASK HIM?
If I would be able to talk to God for just one hour, I would be very excited to ask him, first and foremost, what mission He would like me to fulfill. Is it to be a religious, to be a missionary, to be a mother and wife or to continue being a teacher or, perhaps, professor in the future. Many people would ask almost everyday of their life about their purpose in this world. However, after a long time of reflecting about it, some people would still end up directionless.
So, if I would be able to meet God, I would ask him this question that has been within me for many years now, so that I can right away start with the mission that He would like to entrust to me--on which I would be His instrument and on which I would have a sense of fulfillment.
How about you?
If I would be able to talk to God for just one hour, I would be very excited to ask him, first and foremost, what mission He would like me to fulfill. Is it to be a religious, to be a missionary, to be a mother and wife or to continue being a teacher or, perhaps, professor in the future. Many people would ask almost everyday of their life about their purpose in this world. However, after a long time of reflecting about it, some people would still end up directionless.
So, if I would be able to meet God, I would ask him this question that has been within me for many years now, so that I can right away start with the mission that He would like to entrust to me--on which I would be His instrument and on which I would have a sense of fulfillment.
How about you?
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Satori:Moments of Enlightenment
WHEN ARE THOSE TIMES THAT YOU FEEL "SATORI"--MOMENTS WHEN YOU FEEL ENLIGHTENED DESPITE OUR EVERYDAY STRUGGLES AND SUFFERINGS?
Personally, I feel "satori" whenever I get to share my talents and skills with others, most especially to the youth. Like last year, when we had our Grade 7 legacy, I must admit I was really dead-tired with teaching them how to sing, act and dance. But after seeing them perform in the concert, I felt so fulfilled about my life, not only as a teacher but also as an individual. Knowing that I was able to give these girls the chance to be themselves (in a productive way) and enjoy their God-given talents made me feel that I'm already done with the 1st step of the ladder of my mission which God has entrusted to me.
How about you?
Personally, I feel "satori" whenever I get to share my talents and skills with others, most especially to the youth. Like last year, when we had our Grade 7 legacy, I must admit I was really dead-tired with teaching them how to sing, act and dance. But after seeing them perform in the concert, I felt so fulfilled about my life, not only as a teacher but also as an individual. Knowing that I was able to give these girls the chance to be themselves (in a productive way) and enjoy their God-given talents made me feel that I'm already done with the 1st step of the ladder of my mission which God has entrusted to me.
How about you?
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Kinds of Afro-Asian Poetry
WHICH OF THE FORMS OF AFRO-ASIAN POETRY DISCUSSED IN CLASS YOU FOUND MOST INTERESTING?
I found sijo the most interesting one because it has very long lines that I guess it entails hard work for a Korean poet to compose even just a line! Takes a very long time to finish! Much more if you're going to write an Indian epic! A Mahabarata which is considered the longest epic in the world. Good thing, there's haiku!
How about you?
I found sijo the most interesting one because it has very long lines that I guess it entails hard work for a Korean poet to compose even just a line! Takes a very long time to finish! Much more if you're going to write an Indian epic! A Mahabarata which is considered the longest epic in the world. Good thing, there's haiku!
How about you?
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
opening of Sy2008-2009
haha...it's my first time to write a blog after so many years of being blind to the existence of advanced technology. one of my "school year resolutions"is to get into the interests of the students like blogging to enter their psyche somehow and get to know them better. i hope i would have time for this. for my next blogs I hope to share my insights on the literature that my class will be discussing for the next months. i hope that my students too would respond and never hesitate to share what they think about our lessons.this would really be enriching. im excited for the next school year.english teacher can't wait!
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