Rizal Course

RIZAL COURSE Manalili, Niko T. BSN004

September 10, 2009 Prof. Wilson S. Chua Understanding Japanese and ASEAN Values

The Philippines as an archipelago was invaded with different races, from Spaniards, Americans, Japanese, Nigerians, and Chinese and among others. Currently, we have Korean invasion. From Koreanovelas, Korean Restaurant, Korean Fashion, Koreans and now their music like “Nobody” by Wondergirls who’s hitting the top chart at WRR 101.9. From the western culture, now we are influenced by these people. We are amused with achievement of the new star of Korea, Sandara Park who is now famous in her country because of her group 2NE1. True enough; Filipinos are easily influenced by other culture. A thought that had me question its impact to our fellows. Is it negative? Or is it just a mere sharing of values and traditions to other country. The Philippines is a one stop shop for different races. In FEU, we can see many international students roaming around and most of them are Chinese and Koreans. In comparison, I thought they offer better education. I asked my friend Alpert (A Filipino-American Citizen) why did he studied here in the Philippines? And he said, “Well the Philippines have universities that offer quality education at a lesser price.” He believed that his co-Filipinos are nice and good. He added that he planned to go to Gen. Santos City, at her mother’s homeland to practice nursing. During those times I have wondered why he answered that way because if I will be him, I’ll go back to USA to work and earned dollars for my future. Now, I realized that my values and concern for my nation is not that strong. The greed for money ruined my mentality and heart for our nation. Many are in loved with our country and why should I? Even me, myself has no national prestige and concern. It is a thought that should be changed; a behavior that should be corrected. My home is an open space, but it remains a commitment and responsibility. I need to serve first my priority, and that is our people. Therefore, I myself must learn to appreciate our culture, our music, our art and our soul. We must not let our culture be perished by the colonizers, and let our values remains within ourselves, our family and our nation. Going back to Korean invasion, I believed that we our selves must not be invaded. Yes, we can appreciate their culture, but we must never lose our own identity. We must remember that our culture has been an instrument for us, not to engage with them or to look like them, but they remind us of how they value their soul. Now, I must keep in mind, riches can be abolished but never my dignity because I have values as long as I keep it.