Architectural Analogy

             When I was in high school I don’t appreciate buildings and places because I think it is all the same. My uncle and aunt, who happen to be an architect and an interior designer respectively, influence me to take up architecture. When I saw some of their works in Wellington New Zealand, it inspires me to create one of a kind design of a house that’s why I continue to take up BS Architecture. During these days I don’t really know what architecture is all about.  Now, what is architecture for me?

There are lots of definition for certain word, just like what my professor in English 1 said in one of our class, “It is hard to define a word because for every year it changes for people has their own meaning for it.” I know that some architects have their own meaning for architecture, for example the students, who are struggling with this course, will probably define architecture as something that makes their life miserable. The professionals will probably define architecture as something to be fun because you can earn lots of money, but my uncle and aunt said, “Architecture is creativity combined with art and science intelligently made visible by time, lines and spaces.” In my own experience and as what I’ve been observing for the past few months, architecture for me is like a fashion.

            Architecture is like a fashion because I notice that for every year the design trends change. I also define it as a fashion because buildings and dresses are being use by people. As what Park says in an article, "Fashion fulfils its fundamental function when worn by humans. Whether that function is to protect the body or to create a symbolic meaning, it displays its worth when met by a body."^[1] In architecture, architects build buildings for specific use, its usage fulfils when it is use by people in a way it should be used. It is also through humans when buildings become symbolic. As what our professor in arch 16 said, "Humans affect environment at the same time environment affects human so whatever we build it also affects the environment because we create and build the environment."

            Architects and designers have similarities too. The most obvious similarity is that both architects and designers design something, in the case of architects they design spaces while designers design clothes. Another  is that they both deals with measurements. As what is written in an article in Metro Him magazine, “A significant advantage one gets when having clothes made by designers who also happen to make homes it that one is almost sure that construction and measurements are things they take seriously. “ ^[2] The similarities between the architect and designer prove that Architecture is connected to Fashion.

            All in all, my understanding with the term architecture is that it’s about designing buildings. The designs of the building differ to different places because of architectural influences.  According what was discussed in arch 16, architecture influences by needs, climate, society, technology and culture. Because of these influences, that’s why architect’s designs of the buildings differ from one country to another. During the discussion of the topic, I realize that architects design buildings not just the way they want it to be; but they consider the five things that influence architecture. It is also through this influence why some of the buildings become symbolic and have meanings for example, according to the discussion in arch 16, if you are rich then your house must be big or humongous and this symbolizes power.

Sources:

[1]Where Fashion and Architecture Collide. Retrieved from http://www.uts.edu.au/new/releases/2007/May/09.html.

[2]Unknown Author. “The Architect as Designer.” Metro Him Vol. 5 Feb- March 2008:  p18. Print

Architecture and Culture by Ms. Colleen Ong

    I live in a very small subdivision situated in the Greenhills area.  One of the many things that Greenhills is known for, aside from what we Filipinos call the “tiangge,” is its large population of Filipino-Chinese people.  Let it suffice to say that a vast majority of the residents in our subdivision are also of Filipino-Chinese descent; hence, we also continue to practice the cultures and traditions that have been passed down from generation after generation.  Furthermore, it is also important to note that majority of the residents belong to an older age bracket.  One example of a common practice in our neighborhood is the welcoming of a new resident that has just recently moved to the subdivision.  Cakes, pastries or other kinds of delights are usually given to the new residents as a way of welcoming them into the community.  I believe that this kind of practice is very Filipino for it is a sign of how hospitable Filipinos are.  Another tradition that we practice is the observance of the Moon Cake Festival.  Every time the said festival comes, the neighbors more often than not give moon cakes to each other.  The president of the homeowners’ association also organizes a dice game where any member of the subdivision, whether young or old, can join.  This practice on the other hand is very traditionally Chinese.  Basically, I believe that the neighborhood to which I belong practices a combination of traditions that have been rooted from both Filipino and Chinese cultures.

            My own home in the neighborhood is actually very different compared to the rest in terms of design.  Our house is more modern compared to the others due to the fact that it has only been existing for four years.  It is not the traditional kind of Filipino home where the roofing is made out of clay tiles and is pitched at an angle.  On the other hand, the roofing of our house is slightly curved and made out of pre-painted galvanized.  Our house is also taller compared to the others, while being slightly less wide.  In a way, I think that instead of the “homey” and “comfortable” home, our house actually looks more like a pseudo-building.  Furthermore, the green tea color of the walls also reflects a certain boldness and modernity in the general design.  There are also a lot of windows that are very wide and tall, a characteristic that I often see in modern homes.  In front of the house is a bridge-like structure connected to the entrance gate.  Outside the gate are plant boxes that are filled with bamboo plants.  It was not originally intended to be as such but other people who have visited our house have said that the feel that the structure gives off is that of a minimalist Japanese-inspired home.  

            One very important aspect when it comes to the relationship of our family is the need for communication and bonding among the members.  There are practically a lot of spaces within our house where we can get together as one family and entertain visitors as well like the dining rooms, foyer and the living room.  It is also important to note that we also have a lanai.  We usually use this area for late night family talks or sometimes, even barbecue meals.  My parents are also very keen on security and the need for privacy which explains the fences equipped with electricity.  As for the distinctions between the clean and dirty kitchens and the formal and everyday dining rooms, I believe that these distinctions reflect my family’s high regard for order and discipline. Each member of my family also has his or her own room, with the exception of the master’s bedroom which my parents share.  I believe that having an individual space for each of us grants us the luxury of having our own private space for retreat.  The close attention to detail and the many types of equipment found in our clean and dirty kitchens also reflect my family’s love for eating and my mother’s very important position in the family as a homemaker.  Furthermore, the minimalistic design of the house also reflects the fact that my parents prioritize simplicity and convenience over extravagance.

            As was stated previously, our house is more modern compared to the other houses when it comes to the design itself and the colors of the walls.  I believe that this can be attributed to the fact that among the residents in our small community, our family is actually already one of the youngest.  The older residents usually live in more traditionally designed homes which I think also reflect their conservative nature.  On the other hand, I think that the relation between my family’s culture with that of the neighborhood lies on the constant need for privacy and security that is represented by the high walls and gates.  This similarity also shows the financial stability of the homeowners.  Furthermore, the presence of the club house where social events usually happen within the subdivision provide opportunities for social contact, just like how my family has specific spaces that provide chances for us to interact and bond.

            Throughout my time observing my neighborhood, I have concluded that the way buildings or homes are designed are very much reflective of the people who occupy the space.  Architecture is basically an expression of who are and our unique practices both as individuals and as a group.  The designs of our homes tell us what we prioritize and the fact that we have chosen to reside within a certain space shows our personal status as well.  According to Caudill, “Buildings in one way or another, reveal the culture of a people.  This is true of primitive people, true of advanced societies (Caudill 119).”  I definitely agree with Caudill’s idea because we see different kinds of architecture all over the world that are reflective of each society’s culture and needs.  The nipa huts of the Philippines are definitely very different from the white washed homes that the Greeks reside in.  The colorful palaces of the Chinese are very different from the castles that are situated in the continent of Europe.  Truly, “Through architecture, it's possible to gauge many things about a culture, such as lifestyle, artistic sensibilities and social structure (Shealy and VandeWalle).”

Works Cited

Deasy, C. M., and Thomas E. Lasswell. "Living Together."Designing Places for People: A

            Handbook on Human Behavior for Architects, Designers, and Facility Managers. New

            York: Whitney Library of Design, 1985. 41-45. Print.

Caudill, William Wayne. "Societal Needs." Architecture and You . 1978. Reprint.

            New York: Whitney Library of Design, 1981. 119. Print.

Shealy, Robert, and Lisa VandeWalle. "Relations between Architecture and Culture." HubPages.

            N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Jan. 2011. <http://hubpages.com/hub/Architecture-and-Culture>

Kultura ng Pinoy tuwing Pasko

Krismas buong galak na inaabangan ng mga Pilipino. Ito ang araw na nagpapainit ng puso ng tao. Sa araw na ito lahat ng magkakaaway nagbabati, naghiwalay nagkakabalikan – araw na kung saan ang kapangyarihan ni Hesus ay naghahari. Sa tuwing sasapit ang buwan ng ‘ber’ lahat ng mga Pilipino’y nag-aayos na ng kani-kanilang tahanan. Malayo pa nga ang disyembre ngunit nararamdaman na and diwa nito.

Ang Krismas nga’y maituturing na isa sa mga kulturang popular dahil marami gawi ang Pilipino na naging popular sa tuwing sasapit ang krismas. Maraming magtataka kung anu-ano ang mga gawi ng tao na naging popular tuwing pasko dahil hindi naman kapansin-pansin na ang mga ito. Ayon nga sa depinisyon ng aming propesor sa Pan Pil 17 ng Kulturang Popular na si Doctor Teresita Maceda, ang kultura o gawain ay magiging popular kung ito’y ginagaya, tinatangkili, nagbabago, naluluma at higit sa lahat gawa ng tao ngunit maaari rin itong popular ngunit hindi ginagaya dahil hindi angkop para sa kanila. Halimbaw nito ay paano ka bibili ng masigabong pagkain para sa Noche Buena kung ang pera mo ay sampu, bente o isang daang piso lamang.

“Ano nga bang gawain ng mga Pilipino na nagiging popular tuwing pasok?”

            Maraming gawain ang mga Pinoy, hindi sa Luzon kundi pati Visayas at Mindanao maliban lang sa mga taong kapos sa pera, ang laging nilang ginagawa tuwing sasapit ang buwan ng ‘ber’, isa na dito ang pag-aayos nila ng kanilang tahanan. Kanilang pinapalamutian ang kanilang tahanan ng iba’t ibang Krismas décor na mamahalin.Kung tutuusin maganda naman ang pagiging popular ng gawaing ito ngunit ang masamang epekto nito ay nakakalimutan na natin mga Pilipino ang kaugalian natin na pagiging simple.

            Isa pang gawain ng mga Pinoy ay ang pagbibigayan ng regalo sa mga kaibigan, inaanak, lolo, lola, mga magulang, mga guro o propesor at iba pang malapit sa puso ng tao. Gamit ang depinisyon ng aming propesor sa Pan Pil 17 tunkol sa kulturng popular, ang pagbibigayan ng mga regalo ay isa rin sa gawain ng mga tao na maituturing na popular tuwing pasok. Alam naman nating lahat na ang pagbibigayan ng regalo Pasok ay sinimulan ng mga Katoliko. Totoo ngang ang gawain na ito’y naging popular hindi lang sa mga Katoliko pati na din sa mga hindi Katoliko tulad ng Protestante, Muslim, Iglesia ni Kristo at marami pang iba.

            Natatandaan ko noong ako’y nasa Ikatlong Taon sa Hayskul nagkaroon kami ng isang gawain na kailangan magtanong sa ibang mga hindi Katoliko kung sila ba’y nagdidiwang ng pasok. Tamang tama dahil mayroon akong mga pinsan na hindi Katoliko kaya’t naging madali ang gawaing ito. Aking tinanong, “Paano niyo ba pinagdidiwang ang pasok?” Ang kanyang tugon sa tanong na ito ay hindi daw sila nagdidiwang ng pasok dahil hindi naman kasama sa kanilang relihiyon ang pagdiwang nito ngunit dahil sa marami ang nagbibigayan ng regalo ay kanila na lang ito sinama sa kanilang gawain tuwing pasok.

            Ayon sa mga tao, “Ang pasok’y panahon ng pagbibigayan  ng regalo.” Totoo ngang tuwing pasok halos ng masa’y nagbibigayan ng regalo. Karamihan ng mga mahihirap at medyo maykaya sa buhay ay nakakabili pa din ng regalo dahil maraming lugar sa Pilipinas ang maaaring pagbilihan ng regalo tulad ng divisoria at greenhills. Ang mga mayayaman naman ay hindi makikita sa mga lugar tulad ng  divisoria. “Saan naman sila makikita?” Karamihan ng mga mayayaman ay makikita sa mga mall tulad ng shangri-la, robinson’s galleria at mga mall na maraming mamahalin na gamit. Sa panahon ng kapaskuhan ang pagigigng masa ng mga Pilipino’y nawawala. Ayon nga sa aming propesor sa pan pil 12 na si Doctor Raniella Barbaza, “Ang mga tao ay magsasabing kami ang ganito ngunit mayroon at mayroong lalabas na may mga taong magsasabing hindi kami tulad o kagaya nila na kung tutuusin ay parte ng na sabi grupo o pamayanan.” Pinapakita lamang nito na mayroong pagkakais ngunit hindi nagtatagal at may lulumalabas na mas mataasa at ito ang naglilikha ng realidad na may taong magaling at mahina, mayaman at mahirap. Ang ganitong pangyayari ay makikita tuwing sasapit ang kapaskuhan, may mga taong lilitaw at lilitaw at magsasabing, “HINDI KAMI KABILANG SA MASA DAHIL KAMI AY MAYAMAN AT MAY KAPANGYARIHAN SA LIPUNAN.”

            Papahuli pa ba ang pinakagawain ng mga Pilipino tuwing sasapit ang alas dose ng umaga ng disymebre 25? Ito ang tinatawag nating Noche Buena. Kahit kalian ang Noche Buena ay hindi mawawala tuwing sasapit ang Pasok dahil ito ang paraan natin upang ipagdiwang ang pagsilang ni Kristo. Bahagi na ng Noche Buena ang pagbili ng hamon. Sabi nga ng iba,”Ang hamon ang star ng Noche Buena kaya hindi dapat ito mawawala sa hapag-kainan.”

            “Ano nga ba ang tunay na diwa ng Pasok?”

            Hindi natin matatago na sa tuwing sasapit ang pasok, nakakalimutan natin ang diwa nito dahil mas nakapokus tayo sa kung ano ang ating makukuhang regalo o kung anong masasarap na pagkain ang ihahain sa Noche Buena. Ang ilan naman ay may motto na “Shop Until you Drop.” Karamihan sa mga Pilipino’y gumagastos hanggang maubusan sila ng pera. Para bang mauubusan sila ng gamit kung hindi nila ito kaagad bibilin. Totoo ngang naging parte na din ng gawain ng mga Pinoy ang pag-aaksaya ng pera tuwing darating ang buwan ng ‘ber’ karamihan bumibili ng mahal na pangregalo, ang iba naman bumibili ng sangkatutak na pagkain para sa Noche Buena. Dahil sa pagiging popular ng mga gawaing ito nakakalimutan na ng mga Pinoy ang tunay na diwa ng pasok tulad ng pagtulong sa kapwa o pagbabahagi ng kung ano ang sobra sa ating hapag-kainan.

            Nawawala ang diwa ng Pasko dahil sa mga kagustuhan ng mga tao na maging magarbo. Maituturing ito na masamang epekto ito ng pagiging kulturang popular ng mga gawain tuwing pasko dahil kung tutuisin maski simple lang ang Noche Buena at ang pagbibigayan ng regalo ay magiging masaya naman ang pagdiriwang ng Pasok. Hindi naman masamang magdiwang ng magarbo ngunit dahil dito nakakalimutan natin na ang pasko ay araw ni Kristo, araw ng pagmamahalan at pagbibigayan. Dahil sa pagiging magarbo natin nakakalimutan na natin ang ibang tao tulad ng mga mahihirap o ung mga taong gustong magdiwang ng pasko ngunit hindi ito maipagdiwang dahil sa kakulangan ng pera.

            Ayon kay Michael Angelo Lobrin, “Kaya nga tayo nagbibigayan ng mga regalo tuwing darating ang Kapaskuhan; dahil tayo ay nagsusumikap tularan ang ginawa  ng Diyos noong unang Pasok.”^[1] Si Kristo ang niregalo ng Diyos sa atin. Pinapakita lang niya ang pagmamahal sa ating lahat sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng kanyang Anak upang tayo’y iligtas. Ito ang kaugaliang ating nakakalimutan. Marami sa atin ang naging masyadong naging makasarili dahil lang sa kagustuhan na makapagbigay ng pinakamaganda regalo o kaya’y makapaghanda ng sobrang daming masasarap na pagkain. Nakakalimutan ng mga Pilipino ang realidad na marami ding mga Pilipino ang hindi kayang makapagbigay o makapaghanda ng salu-salo tuwing pasok.

            “Sino bang tunay na masa tuwing kapaskuhan?”

            Ayon kay Doctor Teresita Maceda, “Ang masa ay ang mga taong nagkokonsumo sa kulturang popular.” Tuwing normal na araw ang mga taong kabilang sa masa ay lahat ng mga Pilipino, mahirap man o mayaman. Kung ganoon, maituturing na lahat ng Pilipino ay parte ng masa. Tuwing kapaskuhan ang depinisyon ni Doctor Teresita Maceda ay nag-iibas dahil mas maituturing na parte ng masa ang mga mahihirap o ung mga may-kaya sa buhay ngunit walang sapat na pera para makapagkonsumo ng kulturang popular. Tuwing kapaskuhan ang mga ito ay makikita o mahahalata dahil lumalabas na ang mga mayayaman at mas nakikita ang realidad at posisyon ng mga mahihirap sa lipunan. Maituturing na hiwalay sa masa ang mga mayayaman dahil pinapakita nila na ang pagiging masa ay ung tipo ng mga taong bahagi ng sinasabi nating class C or D minsan pa nga’y class E. Masasabi natin na ang maituturing masa tuwing kapaskuhan ay ung mga taong hindi nakakapagkonsumo ng kulturang popular at ung maituturing na hindi masa ay ung mga mayayaman na patuloy sa pagkonsumo sa kulturang popular. Kaya nga makikita dito na lahat ng mayayaman ay mas nagiging kapansin-pansin at mas lumilitaw sila sa lahat, kaya kapag mayroong nakikitang magagandang palamuti ang bahay sinasabi ng mga nakakakita, “Wow! Ang ganda! Siguro mayaman ang may-ari ng bahay na yan.” Ito ang mga katagang lumalabas sa labi ng tao, mahirap man o may-kaya ng kaunti sa buhay.

            Hindi ba’t ang pasok ay araw ng pagmamahalan? Bakit sa ganitong panahon nawawala ang pagiging isa ng mga Pilipino bilang masa. Kung tutuusin lumalabas lang ang pagiging isa ng mga Pinoy sa tuwing may kalamidad na nangyayari. Hindi ba’t mas magiging masaya ang pasko kung ang bawat isa’y nagkakasundo at mayroon pagkakaisa? Ito ang mga tanong na dapat pumasok sa bawat isip at diwa ng mga Pilipino dahil kung mayroong pagkakaisa at pagmamahalan ang bawat tao hindi magiging importante o magiging popular ang isang kulturang nagtuturo ng pagiging mayabang at makasarili.

            Sa kabuuan, maituturing na ang gawaing pagiging makasarili ang nagiging popular sa tuwing sasapit ang kapaskuhan. Isang malaking hamon ito, na ibalik sa dati, ang pagiging simple ng pagdiriwang ng pasko para magkaroon ng puwang para sa masa. Higit na mas masaya ang pagdiriwang kung gagawin lang itong simple dahil sa araw na ito ang pinakamahalaga ay ang pagmamahalan at pagbibigayan. Ang hamon na baguhin ang nakaugalian ay hamon para sa kabataan . Lahat ng pagbabago ay dapat pasimulan ng mga kabataan dahil mas nakikita nila ang realidad na nangyayari tuwing sasapit ang pasko.

            Ayon nga sa kantang Ngayong Pasok Magniningning ang Pilipino na isinulat ni Jordan Crisostomo,

“Ngayong pasko magniningning ang Pilipino

saan man sa mundo tanaw nila ang liwanag mo

bituin ka ng pagmamahal, pinagpala ng Maykapal

sa hirap at ginhawa

umiyak man o tumawa

malayo o malapit

tayo ay sama sama”^[2]

                                                                                           

Tayong mga Pilipino’y dapat sabay-sabay na lumiwanag tuwing pasok. Walang mahirap o mayaman, lahat dapat ay nagkakaisa at nagmamahalan. Lahat ay bahagi ng Masa. MASANG PILIPINO!

Sources:

[1] Lobrin, Michael Angelo. Laugh with God Today!: Kagalakang Nagbibigay-buhay. Quezon City: Sheperd’s Voice Publications, Inc., 2010. p 98. Print

[2] Ngayong Pasko Magniningning ang Pilipino. Retrieved from http://kapamilyaonesite.blogspot.com/2010/11/lyrics-ngayong-pasko-magniningning-ang.html

“Batas: Isang Pagbilanggo"

Batas dito… Batas doon… Batas kahit saan… Kahit saan mang lupalop ng mundo pumunta ang tao, may batas na kailangan sundin.
Ang batas ang nagdidikta ng kung ano ang tama at mali. Sa pamamagitan ng pagdikta nito ng tama at mali, hindi natin napapansin na tayo’y nagiging isa. Iisa ang galaw dahil takot tayong maparusahan. Takot tayong makagawa ng mali dahil ang kapalit ay pagkakakulong. Ang mga ganitong uri ng batas ay maituturing na batas na gawa ng tao. Ang batas ng tao ay “mga batas na binuo ng mga tao, ipinasa sa kongreso o sa senado, sumasailalim sa mga pagdinig at pagsusuri bago itinakdang maging batas.”[1]
Mayroong din namang batas na hindi binuo ng tao ngunit naging likas na kaya’t patuloy na sinusunod ng tao tulad ng bawal magsusuot ng palda ang mga lalaki, bawal magdamit ng panglalaki ang mga babae, bawal magkaroon ng relasyon ang guro at estudyante. Ang mga batas na ito’y

hindi na kailangang isulat dahil ito na ang nakagawian at nakasanay ng mga tao.
“The rule of law requires that people should be governed by accepted rules, rather than by the arbitrary decisions of rulers. These rules should be general and abstract, known and certain, and apply equally to all individuals.”[2] Isa itong patunay na ang batas ay dapat tinatanggap ng tao at hindi ito ginawa ng mga nakakataas para sa pansariling pangangailangan.
Kung ang batas ang nagpapagalaw sa tao, ibig sabihin nito’y ang mga tao ay nagiging isa na lamang. Kung nagiging isa ang mga tao dahil sa batas, bakit mayroon at mayroon pa ding mga tao tulad ni Professor Hassan na lumilitaw?
Umiikot ang papel na ito sa pagsagot sa katanungan na bakit hindi magawang magpag-isa ng Batas ang mga tao kung ito naman ang nagtatakda ng dapat at hindi dapat gawin ng tao.
Para magkaroon tayo ng ideya kung bakit si Professor Hassan ay naging rebelde kailangan natin siyang kilalanin ng mabuti. Ayon sa nobela si Professor Hassan ay isang Muslim na professor na nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas sa kursong Bachelor of Arts in Political Sciences. Pagkatapos ng kanyang pag-araal sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas siya’y kaagad kinuha ng Normal College para doon magturo. Sa kolehiyong ito kanyang nakilala si Rosy France.

Pagkatapos makilala si Professor Hassan Kailangan namang malaman kung anong panahon ang nangyari ang mga kaganapan sa nobela. “Thursday evening at the end of May 1972, a good four months before Martial Law was declared throughout the country…”[3] Ayon sa nobela ang panahon nito ay panahon ng martial law. Malinaw na malaki ang kinalaman ng panahon na ito sa nobela kaya’t nagkaroon ng Professor Hassan.
Bakit ba nagkaroon ng Martial Law?
“Under the guise of insurrection and by staging of several bogus "ambushes" on members of the cabinet, Marcos manipulated, ever tailored events to justify the imposition of Martial Law. He cited rebel factions, seditious Communist elements and Muslim extremists as reasons for his decision. In truth, many of the said elements were disgruntled citizens who were fed up with the corruption of the Marcos government, decided to take matters into their own hands.” [4] Sinasabi nito na ipinataw ni Pangulong Marcos ang Martial Law dahil sa mga rebelde, komunista at mga muslim na kumakalaban sa kanya. Kinakalaban siya dahil nakita nila ang pagiging gahaman nito sa pera.
Kung tutuusin, sa umpisa ng nobela, si Professor Hassan ay hindi rebelde. Sinabi nga sa nobela na hindi siya magpahahalatang muslim dahil magaling itong makitungo sa mga Kristiyano. Sinasabi rin sa nobela sa siya’y may maganda katayuan sa buhay dahil ang kanyang suot na damit ay may tatak. “To be wearing Jackmans’ Tailoring was to be a man of class.”[3]

Hindi aakalain na magiging rebelde si professor Hassan ngunit, dahil sa siya’y Muslim at nakapagtapos sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas ng kursong Bachelor of Arts in Political Sciences, maaaring ito ang dahilan kung bakit siya’y naging rebelde. Maaaring masabi na naging mulat na siya sa mga pang-aabuso ng gobyerno.
Malaki ang kinalaman ng kanyang kurso upang siya’y maging mulat sa pag-aabuso na ginagawa ng gobyerno sa kanya kapangyarihan. Maaaring nakita niya na dahil sa batas na ito naging bilanggo na naman ang mga tao.
Ang batas ang dapat na nangangalaga ng kaayusan ng lipunan. Ngunit dahil sa pagkakaroon ng gahamang presidente, ang layuning ito ng batas ay naging iba. Sa panahon nga ng Martial Law lahat ng tao ay nakabilanggo sa kanilang mga tahanan at napaparuhasan na hindi na dumadaan sa tamang proseso. “Those were dark times indeed. As the write of habeas corpus was suspended, the military picked up and incarcerated many innocent civilians on trumped up charges of sedition. More often than not, these people were convicted without trial, and denied the due process of law. Curfew was imposed leaving many stranded in their offices, unable to return to the refuge of their homes.” [4]
Ang batas ay isang kasangkapang ginagamit ng ating pamahalaan ung pasunurin ang mga tao. Maaari itong gamitin para sa ikakaayos ng

kanyang pamamalakad sa bansa ngunit maaari din itong gamitin sa pansariling pangangailangan.
Sa panahon ng Martial Law, malinaw na ginamit ng pamahalaan ang batas para mapasunod ang mga tao sa kanya. Dahil sa pagiging makasarili nito kaya’t may mga taong tulad ni Professor Hassan na tumatayo sa sariling paa at kinakalaban ang pamahalaan.
Ang paglitaw ng mga taong tulad ni Professor Hassan ay nagpapakita na sa konsepto ng “tayo” ay mayroon at mayroon mangingibabaw at laging mayroong tinatawag na “sila”. Ang pangingibabaw ni Professor Hassan ay nagpapakita lamang na dahil sa batas na hindi makatarungan ay hindi nagiging isa ang mga tao.
Hindi man nasagot ng buo ang katanungan kung bakit hindi magawang mapag-isa ng batas ang mga tao, nagkaroon naman tayo ng ideya na ang batas ay patuloy na nagdidikta sa atin ng ating dapat gawin. Ang batas ang patuloy na naglilimita sa ating mga tao na gawin ang mga gusto natin gawin.
Ang Martial Law ang isa sa batas na nilikha ng isang makapangyarihang tao sa lipunan na nagpapatunay kung paano tayo, sa pamamagitan ng batas ay mabilanggo sa sariling bayan ay maraming ipinagbabawal.
Bawal dito… Bawal doon… Bawal iyan…

Pinapakita lamang nito na patuloy tayong ikinukulong ng batas. At dahil sa pagkakulong natin sa pamamagitan ng mga batas na ito kaya’t may mga taong lumalabag na dito, tulad nga ng pagiging rebelde ni Professor Hassan. Dahil din sa pagbilanggo sa atin ng batas kaya’t hindi natin maipakita kung sino tayo, nawawala tayo sa ating sarili dahil pinipigilan tayo ng batas na gumalaw sa paraang gusto natin.

Work Cited:
[1] Natural Law at Divine Moral Law: Pamantayang Gabay sa Maayos na Pamumuhay. 11 March 2011. < http://annex.ph-islands.net/ValuesIVLesson6.pdf>
[2] Younkins, Edward. The Purpose of Law and Constitutions. 11 March 2011. <http://www.quebecoislibre.org/000902-11.htm>
[3]Yabes, Criselda. Below the Crying Mountains. Quezon City: UP Press, 2010.
Print
[4] The Beginning of the Revolution: The Philippines Under Martial Law. 11 March 2011. <https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0B9EuRH7LJwefZGI3ODVkN2UtZTIxNS00NDI2LWIyY2ItNDg4MWY3MDk4OWM0&hl=en&pli=1>
7 | P a g e

To "US" by Derrick Calicdan

How many of you know Ricky Reyes? Yes, he is the most sought after stylist / beautician / hairdresser / etc. in the Philippines. But are these the only things that define Ricky as a person? Of course not. I saw this very interesting segment of i-Witness featuring the "Mader ng Ganda" and I was surprised by how similar our lives are in different aspects. It was really touching and it's something that "we" can all relate to. Through all the personal difficulties concerning his sexuality and society's harsh judgment and criticism towards him and his lifestyle, he is, undeniably, a very successful person. Well, we can measure success in different ways. But his life's achievement doesn't stop there. In some way, I saw that, not only was he successful, but also happy. Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that he's happy because he's successful, no. We must never confuse success with happiness for they are two very different concepts. But wouldn't it be great if you had both like Mama Ricky? I would definitely say so.

I actually wished they allotted more time for the segment. I would've learned so much more on top of the many things I've learned while I "watched" his life. As I mentioned earlier, our life is not that different (as with "you" and "everyone" else's). He went through the liberating, but often condemned, experience of telling everybody about his sexuality as we all did (Or will do). He went through the time when he felt that he fell short of his parent's expectations. But mama Ricky, though he had great love for both of his parents, held steadfastly and decided to be who he is for if he didn't, who knows? We might not have the Mader ng Ganda giving "us" pure and sincere advice and guidance.

Of course, his words of wisdom were not without the consequences and cautionary reminders of "our" lifestyle. And it is, quite in fact, true that there are certain consequences we must face for being someone that society frowns upon. People like us are publicly ridiculed, laughed at, and, an even more drastic reaction, condemned. But, c'mon on "guys", we have to admit that we do, sometimes, bring these down upon ourselves. We sometimes say and act in such a way that permits society to ridicule and judge us. So, what advice does mama Ricky give us? Well, here it is:

"Wag niyong hayaan na kayo'y maging public amusement because you are humiliating yourself. Hinihiya mo ang sarili mo. Hayaan mong i-respeto ka ng tao sa gagawin mo. Hindi yung 'Ay! Tignan mo yung bading, oh!', ganyan, ganyan. Ayoko nun. Hindi ko type iyon. Ayoko yung para kang matsing na tinitgnan sa hawla at pinagtatawanan. Dapat alam natin kung saan natin i-lulugar ang sarili natin. Ako, bading ako. Gusto ko din nagdadamit damit pambabae. Enjoy din ako doon. But I will not do that in public. Dapat ilagay mo sa tamang lugar."

Don't you agree? Well, I do. We must always remind ourselves that tolerance is something that we should be grateful for, although what we are aiming for is respect and acceptance. The latter are just "bonuses". This statement was even more emphasized and elaborated to me by my uncle, Christopher. He told me that although we have finally found ourselves, we must also find ourselves in society with respect and dignity. To be respected, one must earn it. So, Kuya Ambe, if ever you're reading my blog, thank you.

To those of you have parents, especially fathers, who are having a difficult time accepting you, try to know what happened to mama Ricky and his father. His father died. And mama Ricky said that "sayang ang lahat ng panahon. Sana nakita mo how good of a son I am.". I hope his experience leaves a lesson to you and your parents that time is something we cannot reclaim. Love your parents and your children as much as possible without condition.

So, I hope you, my dear readers, are not tearing up over there. My message is plain and simple, but kind of long to fully express. Learn from others. Be brave enough to face the consequences of your choices, and, above all, be happy and enjoy God's gift of life to the fullest.

-Derrick Calicdan

Shameful Filipino Behavior by Derrick Calicadan

Have you ever wondered why we are all, at one point in our educational life, going to study our national hero's life? Well, call me unpatriotic, but in my opinion, I don't actually see any reason for studying Jose Rizal's life. Let's be honest, more often than not, a student will say that it [Rizal subject] is a bore or a drag. Moreover, not only does our saliva drip while our professor, no matter how good he / she is, talks about Rizal's fabulous trips to Paris or Germany, you cannot deny the fact that studying Rizal would not affect our chosen career should we choose not to study it. Unfortunately, we are not given that choice. According to Article 1425 or the "Rizal Law", we are all required to study Jose Rizal's life. You could just imagine my despair when I heard of this. But surprisingly, I actually did fairly well in my Rizal subject (No, I did not cheat, and, no, I did not seduce my professor for extra credit). At the end of the day, I am thankful that I was able to know Jose Rizal in a deeper way. The one thing that struck me the most is how much he loved and stayed loyal to his country, our country, Pinas. I doubt anybody could argue that he didn't. Of course, there are many others who showed the same kind of love to our country. They all died. And that just shows how much they loved this nation.

                              Past is past, my dear reader. The once "to-die-for" nation, I believe, no longer exists. Channeling the inner lawyer in me, I would be glad to present to you many, many evidence as to why I am able to say so. Talking about the adamant corruption in the government alone would require me a day or two (which I am considering to write about very much). But in this little blog or essay, or whatever you want to call it, I would like to address a certain something that has bothered me ever since I learned the phrase "common courtesy". This certain something has left a baaaaaad reputation among Filipinos to fellow Filipinos. This certain something is also the cause of why some Filipino citizens hate the Philippines so much. This certain something is shameful, Filipino behavior. Yes, people, another thing that makes the Philippines an undesirable place is because of some people's undesirable behavior. One by one, I will be tackling some of the things I am most bothered with. And should you find yourself guilty of one of these behaviors, well, I've got three words for you; shame on you!

1. "S.F.B. #1: Spitting on the street."
                            - If there's one thing that I could relate to with the spitting public, it's that uncomfortable feeling in your throat when there's phlegm. But to relieve that discomfort by spitting it out where everyone can see causes discomfort to everyone who can see! You know what I'm talking about. It's that white, bubbly, and gooey liquid material of different consistency you see on the street. God forbid that you get that in your Cole Haan shoes! It wouldn't hurt for you to carry a bottle of water to relieve that throat. Or if you really must get it out, then bring out your handkerchief or perhaps a tissue and spit it there! Being insensitive is the root cause of this disgusting behavior. And, if you're guilty of this behavior, then shame on you!

2. "S.F.B. #2: Peeing anytime, anywhere." 
                           - It is the eternal call of nature. Yes, I've had my fair share of incidents where I had to go but had nowhere to go so I do know what it feels like. But unlike some, I do not just whip "it" out and drizzle. There are so many "Bawal Umihi Dito" signs written on walls here in the Philippines. And the fact that we even have to remind people that public urination is just plain wrong is shameful in itself. Any kind of fluid, with the exception of sweat, that comes out of your body is meant to be in two places only; the bathroom and the bedroom (and here come the naughty thoughts). So, should your urine or semen (which is way more worse) find itself on the sidewalk, then shame on you!

3. "S.F.B. #3: Cursing out loud."
                            - Now, this I am guilty of and so are a lot of other people that I know. Our excuse? It just comes out automatically. Utterances like "'Tang ina mo!" or "Gago ka!" aren't just inappropriate, they also sound bad. Now, as a person guilty of this behavior, I can provide no antidote to the automatic verbalization of profanity. But perhaps what we can do is to keep the volume under 20%. In my circle of friends, cursing or swearing is just another form of jokes. But let others hear, it may come off as rude and even offensive. Virgin ears may not be the same as a virgin something else, but they're nevertheless pure and innocent. Let's not tarnish them, shall we? So, if you're guilty of making a child's first words a profanity, then shame on you!

4. "S.F.B. #4: Going out... without clothes."
                                - Every single day that I go out, whether it be day or night, rain or shine, there will always be that adult male who parades around the streets without his shirt on. Yes, I acknowledge the fact that we live in a tropical environment where summer heat brings out the worst in us. But let's not get to the point where the worst in us entails showing your hairy nipples and beer belly to unfortunate passersby. Even if you have rock-hard abs and arms that allure women and gay people alike, no matter how hard it is for me to say this, please put a shirt on. It is a beautiful nightmare to see a man with a great body but with no respect to himself and to others. After all, we [women and gay people] love a little bit of mystery. Don't just bare it all out there! Keep us wanting to see more. And before you know it, we will do the undressing for you (grins). So, if you're guilty of prancing around the metro with your skin as your fashion trend, then shame on you!

5. "S.F.B. #5: Littering"
                                - Yes, this is a disgusting behavior that should be condemned. Not only is this bad to the eyes of other people, it's bad to dear Mother Nature as well. The problem with people who are littering is that they think small. They think that a candy wrapper or a plastic cup doesn't make a difference in the fight for the environment. Well, here's a quick knock, knock for your brain: IT DOES! As a person who is very sensitive when it comes to the environment, I am very conscious as to where I put my trash. And being conscious is as simple as putting your trash in a garbage can or container. If none can be found in the area, simply hold it and go on your way! Should you find a trash can in your way, then that's the time you throw your trash away. It is never okay to toss your litter anywhere you find convenient. I hope the unfortunate incident in Japan is enough to tell us to never mess with the one  mommy that takes care of each and every one of us. So, if you're guilty of this behavior, then shame on you!

                                      You know that there are a lot of other shameful behavior that Filipinos exercise and unfortunately, are unaware of. And, cynical and negative as I may sound, I do not believe that I will ever see the Filipinos change (at least in my lifetime). How I long for a Filipino culture that does not include crab mentality, being insensitive, and selfishness. Don't get me wrong. I am not asking for perfection. Everyone knows that that's not achievable. What I am asking for is change. And I have cited these few things so that we may become aware of shameful acts which we may be guilty of. From awareness, we are going to start to be more careful with our actions and our words. And that, my dear reader, will trigger a chain of events which would constitute change within us. Old habits die hard, but they can die with time and effort. And that's just what the Filipinos are lacking; effort. Do no wait for others to act before you join in on the wagon of change. Why not push the wagon of change yourself? It is much more fulfilling, anyway! And, so, this I ask of you, my reader. Spread awareness to your friends and family who are guilty. And, hey, that change that I am asking for might come sooner than I have thought. So, should the Filipinos prove me wrong on the statement that the Philippines is a hopeless case by embodying change, should the Filipinos prove that Rizal did not waste his life, should the Filipinos see that their country is a beautiful place by seeing the beauty within its people,  then shame on ME.

-Derrick Calicdan
(04 / 01 / '11)

The Art of Architecture

Building, houses, landscapes and more. These are the things that we usually hear when we talk about architecture. More often than not, these are the common topics that we sometimes hear when architects talk to their client.

Love and passion are some of the art hidden behind each architectural works. In this Blog, essay or what ever you want to call it. I will tell you the secrets that make architecture a one of a kind art.

TAA # 1: LOVE

Some architects choose this kind of profession because it’s they love doing. Love for architecture make most architect achieve a one of a kind design that makes it unique. If you are architect that loves what your doing then good for you because you one of a kind.

TAA #2: PASSION

Plates are the most undesirable thing that most architects doesn’t want to have, but these are things that could make sure that architects are passionate of what they are doing. Sleeping for only 2 hours proves that architects show their passion in their profession. There are some, students of architecture, still sleeps for about 8 hours and this only shows that they don’t show passion in architecture, and guess what these type of student are just forced by their parents to take it. If then you’re a passionate architect, then good for you cos you are a good architect.

These are only few in the art of architecture, I know that there are still many of it out there and it takes time for everybody to notice it. It’s for you to find out and experience how the art of architecture moves and flow like a wave. An acoustics that bounces of the wall and makes it enclosed in a space that someone, someday, will recognize its beauty.