Traditional Games: Restore, Revive, Preserve

Traditional Games: 

Restore, Revive, Preserve

Time flies so fast. Take a look at your surroundings; everything’s connected through technology and most of the people in the world have become obsessed with modernization. Change is truly the only permanent thing in this world.

Have you ever experienced playing the games piko, tumbang preso, luksong tinik, luksong baka, patintero, tsato, jolen, bahay-bahayan, agawan base, langit-lupa, sipa, and tumbang preso? These games are the games played by Filipino children; which are commonly known as traditional games. Way back when I was a kid, my mom always told me that when I go and play outside my skin will get dark (because usually Filipino children enjoy playing in the afternoon with heat of the sun) and she always presumed that I’d get hurt or get into an accident because there’s too many vehicles on the road . But I am a naughty kid, so I always escape from my mom just to play outside. I enjoyed my childhood days with my childhood friends because we’re Generation Y, the last batch before technologies and gadgets (2000) boom in the world as well as my friends and I used to think and invent games that don’t need anything, just us, to be more challenging and more interesting… Oh, it was filled with nostalgia.

One of the most important phases of growing up is playing games. Nowadays, the youth, losing their interests in playing traditional games tend to be more laid back, diffident, lacking of social skills, lazy and also lacking of sportsmanship by having a hard time accepting defeat. Instead of traditional games they indulge more in playing computer games such as DOTA (Defense of the Ancients), Counter Strike, etc. and of course, those children in the middle class with their PS2, PSP, Xbox and Nintendo DS (The Importance of Preserving Traditional Filipino, 2012).

Modern games helps you in learning new technologies and the advantage is, you don’t need to go outside and play with other children because in modern games you can play alone, you just have modern gadgets. Thus, modern computer games are more likely to measure up to various expectations of adolescents which students can learn computer application abilities (Traditional Games VS Modern Games, 2013). Whereas, playing computer games will lessen the physical activities and also can cause to laziness and can’t have enough socialization.

“Traditional and contemporary games are a Hybrid of influences coming from Eastern and Western cultures, thus causing some degree of ambiguity” (As cited in Delos Reyes, 2010). Nowadays, children spending their playtime with their PS2, PSP, Xbox and Nintendo DS as well as we see them in different computer shops to play DOTA, counter strike, plants vs. zombies, etc. On the other hand, few numbers of Filipino children playing cultural and traditional games that we developed for so many years. It’s sad to say that this is one proof that we’re already influenced by modernization; yet I don’t mean that we should literally go back to the culture. Let’s face the fact that we are now in the modern world. But what I am trying to point out is, even though the world is continuously changing, we should preserve what our culture and tradition is. It’s our trademark and the reason why we are unique comparing to other country. According to Dr. Raul Pertierra, Sociology and Anthropoloy Profesor at the Ateneo de Manila, “The preservation of our culture starts with us and what we teach our children. We are in the position to shape the minds of the young and develop nationalistic, healthy and socially sound next generation of Filipinos”.

Traditional games (patintero, tagu-taguan, agawan base, tumbang preso, etc.) develop physical strength - in terms of running, jumping, hiking - personal interaction and communication skills with the help of friends. Today, as we can see, many children are prefer to play modern games (computer games, video games, etc.) much more than traditional games because they think that it is more helpful in developing their mind and skill in modern technologies. According to Hercules Callanta, Dean of the University of the Philippines College of Human Kinetics, “The kids of today need to spend time in playing such (traditional) games as this not only preserves our cultural heritage but also helps children develop their physical and psychological skill”. Traditional games play an important role in children when it comes to their health development and interaction with other children because it nurtures young adults to have a sense of teamwork. These traditional games give leisure to children from their studies as well as it helps in increasing cooperation, forming camaraderie and fascinating attitude. Also it is the avenue to bond with the people in their neighborhood.

In conclusion, traditional games are better than modern games because it is more relevant for child development. However, to make it more enjoyable there should be some modern changes so children could enjoy them and makes their mind fresh and their bodies get healthy. Thru traditional games every Filipino individual will develop their patriotism. We can accept change and modernization but we shouldn’t be forget our culture and tradition instead restore it, revive it and preserve it.


References:


Delos Reye, C.A., (2006, June). From Physical Recreation to Digitaion: A Social History of Children’s Games in the Philippines. Retrived from: http://www.inter-disciplinary.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Delos-Reyes-paper1.pdf

Filipino Courting: Tradition VS Modern (2011, December 13). Retrieved from: http://chadixalexir.blogspot.com/

Larong Pinoy. Traditional Games in the Philippines. Retrived from: http://larong-pinoy.weebly.com/members.html

Owlie (2007, September 12). The Modern Filipino: A Blend of Cultures, yet Distinctly Filipino. Retrieved from: http://voices.yahoo.com/the-modern-filipino-blend-cultures-yet-distinctly-536266.html?cat=37

The Importance of Preserving Traditional Filipino, (2012, June 11). Retrieved from http://team13boom.blogspot.com/2012/07/importance-of-preserving-traditional.html

Student Activism: Blind Perspective of Studentry and Society

Student Activism: Blind Perspective of Studentry and Society

Education is a human right. While I am looking in the absence, I saw these words on the wall of the university. Way back when I was in high school, I cared about the issues and problems of the country, but it’s only for the sake of my position as photojournalist in my journalism subject. Then, when I entered in the state university, I met different people with their own perspectives and views in different kind of issues. What innervates me is when I met some activists. To be honest, I don’t even know why I admire them so much unlike other people who judge them as narrow-minded. I’m not a student activist nor a member of any student activism group. I’d just met a person where he told me brief information, both negative and positive, about activism because actually it was confusing for me to know if what activism is, especially when my dad told me that I should not join in any activism organization when I go to college. Therefore, I came to the realization and asking myself what’s wrong with them?

Activism is from the root word ‘act’, which means the process of doing a thing or a formal record of something done or transacted. It also comes from the word 'active’ which means involved in the activities of a group or organization and participating in an action or activity. So it means ‘Activism’ is the taking of direct action of a group or organization to achieve a well- determined goal (as cited in Catedral, 2006). And also, to be specific, according to Merriam Webster Dictionary, “Activism is a doctrine or practice that emphasizes direct vigorous action especially in support of or opposition to one side of a controversial issue”. Insertion of the word youth in activism is the involvement of young in establishing the community for social change. There are three types of youth activism. First is where the youth keep themselves in social activism which is organized and led by the older generation. Second is where older people who organized while youth are take charge of all the activities. This is mostly in activists groups which were formed by adults when they were young. Lastly, the type of activism is an organization which is only made by the young people. This type of organization, there is no other influence. It is purely youth driven (Activism Essay, 2010). However, in the Philippines setting, still, there are a lot of people who has misconceptions of youth activism and they don’t know what the genuine roles of student activists in a university and in a society.

In the Philippines, the epitome of youth activism is the student activists of the University of the Philippines. It is a state university where known as many activism organizations. Here, we first heard this chant:

Iskolar ng Bayan,
Ngayon ay Lumalaban!
Iskolar ng Bayan:
Tunay, Palaban, Makabayan!
- Chant of UP Student Activists

This kind of chant is not fresh to our ear. U.P. is for masses- people. According to Rex Varona, he said, "When we (the U.P. students) signed our Form 5 (Registration form), we executed a blood compact with our people" (as cited Catedral, 2006). That’s why when I entered in U.P., I completely understand that it is an institution with big roles and has different functions of the past preserving the power of youth in the society. Otherwise, U.P. also the major rallying point for all kinds of dissent, protest actions, and social criticism. According to Salgado, Social Philosopher, Student Activism will have become concerned more than just petty problems and also have developed eager awareness of society, environment, government, and human rights (as cited Catedral, 2006).

U.P. is about offering oneself for the nation. The responsibility of university is not only around campus as well as for the nation. However, Louie Montemar, chairman of SAMASA (Sandigan Para sa Mag-aaral at Sambayanan) and Norman Camay of the People's Service Corps - UP [a social service oriented organization] agreed that there's a gap between UP students and masses. The reason why majority of student disengaged from the masses are lack of enthusiasm and participation. Many individuals live with their quiet life, thinking they're not affected of what was happening to the general public. Then, if they only realize that they could learn and reach out with "others", majority of student could be active in many issues despite their elite origins (as cited in Catedral, 2006). The reason why some students don’t want to be involved and participated in this kind of organization is because of their belief that when you are one of the activists group, some people will look at you as narrow minded and rebel.

Many people in our country have misconceptions when they heard about ‘Youth Activism’. They will describe student activists as noisy and petty as well as the stereotyping when it comes to their physical appearance, activists describe like this. They are long hair, rugged I-don't-care-what-you-think outfits, public outcry, politics, scandals, strikes and what-have-you (Catedral, 2006). Whereas, on the other hand, many people couldn’t see what’s behind youth activists, they didn’t ever appreciate activists with raising their placards, walking in the middle of the highway, under the heat of sun with hazy and sweat throughout of their body just to become the voices of our university and society contrary to the political, social and economic issues, also in the environment and human rights. According to April A., a blogger, “But student activism is more than just the rallies and demonstrations being held. It is more than just the placards being raised, more than just the voices being exhausted, and even more than just the sweat being vigorously spent. It is something much more abstract, something only an open-minded person can fully grasp. Student activism is that beacon of hope for the people calling for societal change.”

In settling the minds of people’s misinterpretations about Activism, I know it’s hard for them to fully understand if what was the significance to the university and to our nation of youth activism is, just like what we have said, we cannot please everybody’s standpoint. However, in the context of this paper, what I want to clarify for the people, especially for those who came from the university that has youth activism, to know the important role of the youth activists in the university and society, that they don’t deserve the judgment of others based on their physical manifestations and being rebellious group of youth, but what they only deserve is appreciation, respect and admiration.



References:


Activism Essay 2. (2010, 10). StudyMode.com. Retrieved 10, 2010, from http://www.studymode.com/essays/Activism-Essay-2-457586.html

April, A. (2013, July 9). Misconceptions of Genuine Student Activism. Retrieved from: http://a-curiousthing.blogspot.com/2013/07/misconceptions-of-genuine-student.html

Catedral, A. (2006, September 28). Youth Activism & the Urban Filipino Psyche. Retrieved from: http://voices.yahoo.com/youth-activism-urban-filipino-psyche-86027.html?cat=9


Jose, D. (1991, September 4). “The UP Student Movement Revisited”. National Midweek. pp. 9-11.

Lumbera, B. Et al., (2008). Serve the people: Ang kasaysayan ng radikal na kilusan sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas.
Salgado, P.V. (1972). Social Philosophy in the Philippine Context. Quezon City: Santo Domingo Convent. pp.125-131.


Valte, M.R., (1988 ). “UP Student Movement: In search of the right mix”. Diliman Review. (vol. 36, no. 5) pp. 55.

Sleepless Night is a Nightmare

Sleepless night is a Nightmare

Have you ever experienced difficulty falling asleep? Or do you wake up in the middle of the night and getting trouble to go back to sleep?

Last night, I found myself crying over these problems, asking myself why I can’t sleep though I go to bed on time. It felt so hard when I couldn’t complete my sleep because the next day, I’m the one who suffered from headache. For college students, like me, sleep is one of our cravings because every weekday were necessary to stay up late for the papers, review for the exams and cramming for deadlines. But how could I take a rest if I’m having hard times of falling asleep?

Exhausting sleep, waking up frequently during the night, trouble getting back to sleep when awaken, irritability, difficulty returning to sleep and difficulty concentrating are the symptoms of what we called Insomnia.

Insomnia is a Latin word for "no sleep”, it is the inability to fall asleep or remain asleep. According to National Institutes of Health (NHI) “Insomnia can be acute (short-term) or chronic (on -going). Acute insomnia is common and often is brought on by situations such as stress at work, family pressures, or a traumatic event. Acute insomnia lasts for days or weeks. Chronic insomnia lasts for a month or longer. Most cases of chronic insomnia are secondary, which means they are the symptom or side effect of some other problem. Certain medical conditions, medicines, sleep disorders, and substances can cause secondary insomnia.”

There are common mental and physical causes of insomnia. Psychological problems that can cause insomnia are depression, anxiety, chronic stress, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic and stress disorder. Medications that can cause insomnia are antidepressants; cold and flu medications that contain alcohol; pain relievers that contain caffeine (Midol, Excedrin); diuretics, corticosteroids, thyroid hormone and high blood pressure medications. Medical problems that can cause insomnia are asthma, allergies, Parkinson’s disease, hyperthyroidism, acid reflux, kidney disease, cancer and chronic pain. And sleep disorders that can cause insomnia are sleep apnea, narcolepsy and restless legs syndrome. (Saisan et.al. Can’t sleep, 2013)

Base on my research there’s a lot of negative effects if you don’t get enough sleep and there are horrible things that can happen to you. These are the examples effect when you experienced sleepless.

Headaches. Migraines can be triggered by sleepless nights. Doctors noticed that sleep deprivation leads to headaches for more than a century but scientists don’t yet know the reasons why. Some research said 36 to 58 % of people with sleep apnea wake up with “nondescript morning headaches.” (Headache, 2003; Headache, 2005)

Memory Problems. In 1924, researchers discover that people with a lot of slept are the people who forgot less while a person who doesn’t have enough sleep can be linked to higher levels of β-Amyloid, a biomarker for Alzheimer's. (Cell Signal, 2012; Nature Neuroscience, 2013; JAMA Neurology, 2013)

Slowness. Researchers gave West Point cadets a test where they’ll do a quick decision-making; some were allowed to sleep while others are not. Those who’d sleep did better while those who don’t have sleep did badly and their reactions slowed down. (Sleep, 2009; Asian Journal of Sports Medicine, 2012)

Irritability. "Complaints of irritability and [emotional] volatility following sleepless nights" are common, a team of Israeli researchers observed. They found out that negative emotional effects of disruptive events were amplified by sleep loss. (Sleep, 2005)

Weight gain. People who are under slept seem to have hormone imbalances that are tied to increased appetite, more cravings for high-calorie foods, a greater response to indulgent treats, and a dampened ability to control their impulses — a very dangerous combination. It's true that you burn more calories when awake, but not nearly enough to cancel out the many excess calories you consume when exhausted. (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2012; PLOS Medicine, 2004; Nature Communications, 2013; PNAS, 2013)

Death. According to business insider, “Many health problems are associated with sleep deprivation and poor sleep, but here's the big one: People who consistently do not get 7-8 hours of sleep are more likely to die during a given time period. Put more simply: We all die eventually, but sleeping too little — or even too much — is associated with a higher risk of dying sooner than you otherwise might.” (Sleep, 2010; Sleep Medicine Reviews, 2010)

Experiencing sleepless night is a nightmare because based on the last effects of sleepless night it can cause death. Now that I found out that it’s not a good idea to be a nocturnal person, I conclude that too much sleepless can kill you. As a student, it is not good for us to not complete the 8-10 hours of sleep because it can affect our study and memory. We must bear in our mind that it’s very important to have a healthy lifestyle and to achieve it; we must have a complete sleep.




Sources:

· http://www.businessinsider.com/what-happens-if-you-dont-get-enough-sleep-2014-2#ixzz2tBc60lii
· http://www.helpguide.org/life/insomnia_treatment.htm
· http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/inso/causes.html