You Tube videos

I have uploaded two video presenatations we have made for independence day. One is connected with World War II while the other is with Martial law. We decided to cennect 1898 wtih 1940's and 1970's to make the issues that faced the Philippines then to be more contemporary... Please check them out at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUj5PGBinXQ and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFN1tmDmarM (for the one on Martial law)

I'll upload the one on World War II soon...

Graciano Lopez Jaena and Marcelo H. del Pilar

I asked my students to write down two persons who they consider as models of their lives. Two people who are making a significant contribution to our country's economic and political situation. Amazingly and with utter disappointment, some of them answered Atong Ang or even Thaksin Shinawatra!! (PILIPINAS nga ang pinag-uusapan eh!)

This brings me to reflect on the sad truth that the Philippines currently has a dearth of hero figures. Heroes that can be looked up to.

I gave my students excerpts from Ambeth Ocampo's articles talking about Graciano Lopez Jaena and Marcelo H. del Pilar. I then had them draw them ala editorial cartoon/caricature type hoping that they realize that the heroes we have from the Spanish era were just like you and me... specially Lopez-Jaena who must have been a character. What differentiates them is what they were willing to sacrifice for the country.

Most young people today equate being a model with literally being fashion models. It seems like they don't care what values one hold as long as you're popular, then you're made.