30 June 2013

The Filipino Youth as Exemplary Leaders

   
 Filipinos can be great leaders. Each one of us has a leaders deep inside ourselves. Both men and women do have the strength to stand for their people. Young or Old, all of us have the same freedom to be a leader.

     "Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan" A famous quote from Dr. Jose Rizal. What does that mean? We, the Filipino youth are the next heroes. We are the ones who will build a strong bond of an honest and cultivating country. To be an exemplary leader, we must start within ourselves. We must be the sign of hope to our fellow youth. We must keep in mind that we are the foundation of our nation's future. We will look beyond the unknown to innovate new ideas that will improve our society. We'll always keep in mind and our hearts that failures will make us better, that we should never give up no matter what. We must motivate each other to do extraordinary things for our country. Dr. Jose Rizal is indeed a great model for being an exemplary leader, who stood among all the youth of his time, who deep in his heart know his potentials, who desired to believe in what is right. Just like him, the youth of today should stride on the same path he has crossed and be the leaders of change. These young leaders across the nation shall be molded into great exemplary leaders to bravely face all the trials our nation will be facing. We must look into our hearts and live out the flaming desire to serve our country with dignity as exemplary leaders.

     Yes, to be an exemplary leader is one of the hardest things to do,. But the determination and passion to uphold freedom at all costs, that's the reason why we remain steadfast. It is us who will continue our history. It is in our hands the greater responsibility of contriving changes in our nation. We, the Filipino youth shall have the love for our country and fellowmen. We should live out the goals of our great heroes and make new ones as we persist to value life. The voice of the youth must be heard across the nation. To be a great leader, we must also be a good follower. We need to work hard to make a difference. Words mean nothing without action. Even the little things we do can make the biggest difference we could ever imagine.

13 June 2013

Opinion| Pol Medina Jr.'s Pugad Baboy Controversy

Pol Medina Jr.’s Pugad Baboy controversy was the headline news on June 4, 2013. His comic strip pointed out that we, Christians, are ‘hypocrites’. And that we are against gays and lesbians. And the most talked about, the mention of an exclusive all girls school.

Pol Medina’s, Pugad Baboy volumes tackles about the realities in our society. His choice of words are very strong and competitive. I like how Pol Medina voice out what he feels through his comic strips. In that way, we can learn more and at the same time have fun.

But, on June 4, 2013, Pol Medina’s contribution on PDI made a great impact in my perspective. Pointing out that we, Christians, are ‘hypocrites’ is not a good idea. The term he used to describe us, Christians, makes our image as religious people unfavourable. Yes, other Christians are ‘hypocrites’ but accusing all Christians gives out the worst in it.

In the issue that we, Christians are against gays and lesbians. Not all agrees with gays and lesbians but some Christians do. We are not totally against bisexuals but in terms of how they act, it depends. We are all made by God equally and unique. We are who we are.

Mentioning an exclusive all girls school is not appropriate. Especially, he is tackling about a sensitive issue. I think, anyone will be insulted if someone mentioned them involved in a particular issue. This time, Pol Medina Jr. crossed the line. He took a big risk to express his thoughts and it turned out to be a failure.

Anyone can express their feelings and thoughts but with the right words to consider how others will think. Pol Medina Jr.’s way of expressing signifies our freedom as a free nation. Even though he’s involved in this issue, I still idolize him and I still want to see more of his works in the future.