MERRY CHRISTMAS
(A Shakespearean sonnet in Acrostic)
Melodious carols playing in the air.
Exciting lights that make the world so bright
Rekindling hope for those in need of care
Rejoice! It’s Christmas! Show your heart’s delight.
Yes, yuletide’s here, let’s raise our voices high.
Christ’s birth proclaimed, ye, people of goodwill.
Hear ye, oh people, sadness you’d get by.
Rejoice! It’s Christmas! New hope to unveil!
In times like this some need a little aid.
Show them some love, portray the love of God.
The joy you’d feel so dear you won’t dare trade.
Must do this deed in truth, not just façade!
Ah, Christmas is the time to share and cheer
So share it now and all throughout the year.
NOSTALGIA: Dreaming of a WILD and SMOKEY Christmas
Edmund Melig Industan
Well, the concert of the Fil-Am Symphony Orchestra (FASO), under the baton of Maestro Robert Shroder is over. My mouth was opened almost through out the program as I listened while they stringed and drummed the heavenly Handel's Messiah, and joyously accompanied a Filipino chorus and children's choir as they sang Pinoy and other universally known Christmas carols in a concert at Pasadena Convention Center on December 6th. It was called HANDOG NG FASO SA PASKO, so it brought tears as we immersed into the lyrics of Filipino well-loved Christmas carols. Coming home from the concert, many might have experienced mixed emotions: appreciative that a concert have brought Philippines yuletide just a few miles away from our doorsteps, but oh boy, we became, all the more, nostalgic.
Searching how to fill emptiness and to make themselves busy so as to forget nostalgia, many probably have also considered attending the three O'clock (Dec. 13th-that's tomorrow)Christmas concert of Lake Avenue Sanctuary Choir (also in Pasadena), of which I and four other Filipinos have been members. Then, some may even have thought of joining Lake Avenue Church Sanctuary Choir and the symphony orchestra on Dec. 20th (5p.m.) for a Sing-Along performance on Handel's Messiah, where copies of musical score would be waiting at the door for all those who wanted to join in the singing. Many might have thought to come with the hope that it would make their Christmas season complete. But everyone knows that it won't! Spending Christmas back home is definitely different.
FASOs concert was absolutely superb, professionally sang and performed. Certainly, everyone was entertained, but it did not completely fill in the gap of what we feel missing. Ah, everyone is probably missing the spontaneity of celebrating Christmas in the Philippines.
Oh, if we could just have a couple of weeks off work; if there could just have an available seat in any Philippine Airlines flight, we surely would have been packing lightly to savor the real Philippine yuletide. Longings of coming home during Christmas always sets in. The deafening, booming and swooshing sound of firecrackers and bamboo luthang (cannon), the wee-hour Simbang Gabi , and the constant caroling by off-keyed children, who sometimes come to our door a couple of times in one evening to sing carols for a quick buck. Yes, despite peak season for travel; despite being ogled and treated like a white bearded and red-suited chubby Santa, even though we are slim and skinny, smooth, and almost half-naked (due to heat and high humidity), we still want to be home for Christmas. Almost everyone would not mind if Christmas trip to the Philippines would be so expensive. If our work would just allow us and flight seats would be available, all of us would surely fly home. Unfortunately, not all of us could go.
We let our tears roll down like the Pagsanjan or Sawaga Falls while listening to Christmas music. We intentionally honk our cars, while driving either to the mall or work place, to simulate busy traffic in Quiapo or Colon district in Cebu. Our bosses and colleagues often see us staring at the horizon and doubling their effort to call our attention, because we find ourselves dreaming of colorful parols, the acidic smell of bibingka, and the infusing smoke of puto bumbong. We daydream ignoring the effluvium from uncollected garbage, muddy streets and alleys in Baclaran and Divisoria, huge holes in pockets and purses, and the hustle-bustle from honking jeepneys, buses, taxis and mendicants. We just feel that nothing can compare spending Christmas in the Philippines.
Growing up in a small barrio before Malaybalay (Bukidnon) became a city, then, gotten older while living in a real estate subdivision close to Camarin, Caloocan City before coming to the U.S., I always miss the young carolers in the Philippines. I miss those rattling homemade tambourines made from flattened tops of bottled soda, soy sauce or Tanduay. I miss the banging of plastic pails and spoons to accompany the singing of "Ang Pasko ay Sumpait" by enterprising kids and teenagers. I miss listening to a cantata by a small church in Constitutional Hills, QC, who comes to our house every Christmas for cheers and fund raising. I miss hearing those off-keyed tunes of "Thank you...thank you...ang babait ninyo"; even those from ungrateful kids who sing "Thank you...thank you...ang babarat ninyo!" Oh, if we could just have such carolers here in US, we probably would feel complete at Christmas time.
Hey, we could probably bring over here some good cultural practices on Christmas. I am aware that some Catholic groups are already having Simbang Gabi. What about bringing in some smoked banana leaves and dough and request a few church goers to let the fire going just outside the church to bring the smokey-side of Simbang Gabi. Fil-Am churches or non-profit organizations could probably organize Christmas carolers to sing in Filipino homes and raise funds for a cause. I am pretty sure, many Filipino household would welcome it. Who knows some non-Filipino households would also welcome Filipino carolers to their homes. Organizers would just have to send letters to the households to be sure that carolers would not be infringing their privacy. Who knows, caroling, the Filipino way, and Simbang Gabi would etch their way as accepted cultural practices here in US. How about giving them a try next year?
Maligayang Pasko ho sa lahat.
Showing posts with label Edmund Melig Industan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Edmund Melig Industan. Show all posts
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
JUST A LITERARY POTPOURRI
Don't get me wrong! I'm not an egoist! Nevertheless, I regularly do online surfing for my name.
Why? I tell you why. I wanted to check where my books are available. Every now and then, I see new online book outlets in other countries that are selling them. Recently, I realized that more book outlets in Australia and New Zealand are carrying KOILAWAN and PRAISING ALL SEASONS LONG: Haiku Verses. I thank you for getting your copies. Oh, yeah, please consider getting 1 or more copies of PRAISING... It is an excellent and inexpensive (but lasting) gift book for all season. Price is just $9.99 (US);17 and a change in Australian dollars.
Couple of days ago, I saw my name on a Share Rank site. Curious, I opened it and found that one of its subscribers has ranked my poem, PEACE, WHY ARE YOU SO ELUSIVE, as one of the best quatern verses posted online. Currently, Peace... has been ranked #2. Actually, the first four got equal votes (yes, readers could vote and comment), but I am happy to be #2 out of 10.
Recently, I joined Christianpoetry.com to post some of my verses with Christian themes. I have posted some verses from my gift book, PRAISING ALL SEASONS..., a Shakespearean sonnet, and a blank verse. I would love you to check them out. You also could leave your comments after reading them.
And my novel writing? Yes, some of you asked me how come I discontinued my chapter blogging. I apologize; however, it is just temporary. I will resume it next week.
Reason is; my fourth grandchild, who will turn 3 next month, has started Head Start. To celebrate it, I temporarily shelved my novel project to write a 24-page phonic story. Angel is my grandchild's nick name, short for Angelina. Hence, I decided to write "L" for LULU LAND AND ANGEL. Besides Applied Anthropology, I taught Literacy: Materials Preparation to graduate students at Philippine Normal University before; hence, it was fun for me to recall some principles in writing phonic materials for Pre-K to 3.
Here's a sample of the proposed phonic book.
Page 1
Lights off!
Angel is leaving for Lulu Land.
A place close to Dream Land!
A place next to none!
Page 2
Lulu Land
A land for fun!
A land full of fun!
It is a land for Angel to have fun.
Page 3
Lulu Land
A place to laugh!
A place to smile!
It is a place for Angel to laugh and smile.
......
Page 13
Let us leave early.
Let us leave when clouds are lumpy.
Let us load our sack lunch.
Let us eat lunch in Lulu Land.
Page 14
Look! The sign says Lulu Land.
Look! Lots of children are now in line.
Look! All children have sack lunch.
Like us, they will eat lunch in Lulu Land.
......
I already finished writing 24 pages. Publisher, I believe, requires 24-page story for Pre-K to 3 materials. My plan is to make arrangement with some schools here in Pasadena and test the book amongst Pre-k to K-1 classes. First stop will be the public school where my other two grandchildren are attending. Meantime, I am checking out some pictures or art work for each page. The preparation would probably take a month before I am ready to do some school rounds. If everything would turn out well, I would be pitching this phonic story to a children's book publisher.
Happy weekend everyone!
Why? I tell you why. I wanted to check where my books are available. Every now and then, I see new online book outlets in other countries that are selling them. Recently, I realized that more book outlets in Australia and New Zealand are carrying KOILAWAN and PRAISING ALL SEASONS LONG: Haiku Verses. I thank you for getting your copies. Oh, yeah, please consider getting 1 or more copies of PRAISING... It is an excellent and inexpensive (but lasting) gift book for all season. Price is just $9.99 (US);17 and a change in Australian dollars.
Couple of days ago, I saw my name on a Share Rank site. Curious, I opened it and found that one of its subscribers has ranked my poem, PEACE, WHY ARE YOU SO ELUSIVE, as one of the best quatern verses posted online. Currently, Peace... has been ranked #2. Actually, the first four got equal votes (yes, readers could vote and comment), but I am happy to be #2 out of 10.
Recently, I joined Christianpoetry.com to post some of my verses with Christian themes. I have posted some verses from my gift book, PRAISING ALL SEASONS..., a Shakespearean sonnet, and a blank verse. I would love you to check them out. You also could leave your comments after reading them.
And my novel writing? Yes, some of you asked me how come I discontinued my chapter blogging. I apologize; however, it is just temporary. I will resume it next week.
Reason is; my fourth grandchild, who will turn 3 next month, has started Head Start. To celebrate it, I temporarily shelved my novel project to write a 24-page phonic story. Angel is my grandchild's nick name, short for Angelina. Hence, I decided to write "L" for LULU LAND AND ANGEL. Besides Applied Anthropology, I taught Literacy: Materials Preparation to graduate students at Philippine Normal University before; hence, it was fun for me to recall some principles in writing phonic materials for Pre-K to 3.
Here's a sample of the proposed phonic book.
Page 1
Lights off!
Angel is leaving for Lulu Land.
A place close to Dream Land!
A place next to none!
Page 2
Lulu Land
A land for fun!
A land full of fun!
It is a land for Angel to have fun.
Page 3
Lulu Land
A place to laugh!
A place to smile!
It is a place for Angel to laugh and smile.
......
Page 13
Let us leave early.
Let us leave when clouds are lumpy.
Let us load our sack lunch.
Let us eat lunch in Lulu Land.
Page 14
Look! The sign says Lulu Land.
Look! Lots of children are now in line.
Look! All children have sack lunch.
Like us, they will eat lunch in Lulu Land.
......
I already finished writing 24 pages. Publisher, I believe, requires 24-page story for Pre-K to 3 materials. My plan is to make arrangement with some schools here in Pasadena and test the book amongst Pre-k to K-1 classes. First stop will be the public school where my other two grandchildren are attending. Meantime, I am checking out some pictures or art work for each page. The preparation would probably take a month before I am ready to do some school rounds. If everything would turn out well, I would be pitching this phonic story to a children's book publisher.
Happy weekend everyone!
Monday, September 14, 2009
A LOVE TO SURRENDER
1) So tired traversing the complex life web,
I tried every nook; tasted every food.
Comfort, it gave me; fullness, it served me.
Lo and behold! All were temporary.
2) I shifted! I moved! Diff'rent crevices
I've visited to find my comfort zone.
Enjoyed the laughs; I ogled in the dark!
So sad when alone; needs unsatisfied.
3) I searched for answers~shelves of well-read tomes.
Roosevelt's Freedom from Wants~ to Maslow's Needs~
I also checked on Durkheim's suicide book,
Before I turned to the old Book of books!
4) "You come; you weary trav'ler. Come to me.
I got the stillness you need. Come and rest!
I got the water you need. Quench your thirst!
I got the life eternal. Come have peace!"
5) I wrestled! All excuses I have giv'n.
My spirit wants, but, oh, my flesh doesn't.
The world I love so difficult to yield.
I can't! Not now! Convict my soul next time.
6) "I have selected you amongst many.
I wanted you to come into my fold.
I died for you; I shed my blood for you.
Conform to my will. I have chosen you."
7) The world so beautiful; 'though it's a mess.
A maze so vast; seems there's no way out.
The dead-end's plenty; the hedges so thick~
Is there no way for world to give me peace?
8) "I made the world and all that is therein;
It's beauty marred by self-enriching men.
The talents I give them~used without me.
Joys they offer lead people go astray."
9) So tough to go against the stream of life;
So difficult to turn one's back away!
Can I not do your will and do the world's?
Is there no easy path to be with you?"
10) "My cross is the shortest! No other way.
My door is still open. Please don't delay.
I have been waiting for you to come in.
Join my family and dine with me."
11) You weigh me now, I surely will fall short.
My ways are different from those in your fold.
"Son, my blood is red, as crimson as yours
My saving grace is giv'n. It's free. It's yours."
12) You know I'm stubborn, spoiled good old brat.
More blunders I will make; more shame I'll give
You. ~Can't be good testimony for you.
Imperfect; if I would give in today.
13) "Not done with you yet," God reminded me.
"Go on! You study~and learn more of me.
Let me mold you, a potter to miry clay,
And perfect you'll be for eternity.
14) Be reconciled and grow in me," said he.
"Forget the world; focus your thoughts in me.
Join my family. I'll adopt you wholly.
My ways aren't easy; your guide, I'll be.
15) The fam'ly's my idea to gain strength,
But free will, still I give, to all my kids.
Unlikely people, they're in my fam'ly
Like you; they are still weak~needing support.
16) So don't be discouraged; please do not fret.
I'm sovereign, controlling everything.
If you'd need guidance; I'd be in your heart.
Share me your fears as a child to a dad."
17) But, Lord, I fall short, got my own limits~
Measuring up to your will is hard to attain.
"Don't worry, son, I do understand.
I made you that way so just trust in me."
18) Walls tumbling down; my tears rolling down.
Man's love melted; Agape love transcended.
I felt the power, Holy Spirit filled me.
I'm now~ a member of God's family.
19) Unsearchable riches awaiting me.
Looked everywhere e'en in nooks dimly lit.
Failed to heed God's call; blinded by the world.
Yes, I'm in this world, but not with the world.
20) Mysterious fellowship, the fam'ly of God
I'm part of it! Praise God for saving grace.
In Him there is strength and it will never end.
Now, I have the joy that is full and complete.
(c)edmund melig industan, Sept. 2008
Note: I wrote this Blank Form poetry to recapitulate the month-long sermon series of our pastor at Lake Avenue Church, Pasadena, California. May this poetry gives you a light in the tunnel.
I tried every nook; tasted every food.
Comfort, it gave me; fullness, it served me.
Lo and behold! All were temporary.
2) I shifted! I moved! Diff'rent crevices
I've visited to find my comfort zone.
Enjoyed the laughs; I ogled in the dark!
So sad when alone; needs unsatisfied.
3) I searched for answers~shelves of well-read tomes.
Roosevelt's Freedom from Wants~ to Maslow's Needs~
I also checked on Durkheim's suicide book,
Before I turned to the old Book of books!
4) "You come; you weary trav'ler. Come to me.
I got the stillness you need. Come and rest!
I got the water you need. Quench your thirst!
I got the life eternal. Come have peace!"
5) I wrestled! All excuses I have giv'n.
My spirit wants, but, oh, my flesh doesn't.
The world I love so difficult to yield.
I can't! Not now! Convict my soul next time.
6) "I have selected you amongst many.
I wanted you to come into my fold.
I died for you; I shed my blood for you.
Conform to my will. I have chosen you."
7) The world so beautiful; 'though it's a mess.
A maze so vast; seems there's no way out.
The dead-end's plenty; the hedges so thick~
Is there no way for world to give me peace?
8) "I made the world and all that is therein;
It's beauty marred by self-enriching men.
The talents I give them~used without me.
Joys they offer lead people go astray."
9) So tough to go against the stream of life;
So difficult to turn one's back away!
Can I not do your will and do the world's?
Is there no easy path to be with you?"
10) "My cross is the shortest! No other way.
My door is still open. Please don't delay.
I have been waiting for you to come in.
Join my family and dine with me."
11) You weigh me now, I surely will fall short.
My ways are different from those in your fold.
"Son, my blood is red, as crimson as yours
My saving grace is giv'n. It's free. It's yours."
12) You know I'm stubborn, spoiled good old brat.
More blunders I will make; more shame I'll give
You. ~Can't be good testimony for you.
Imperfect; if I would give in today.
13) "Not done with you yet," God reminded me.
"Go on! You study~and learn more of me.
Let me mold you, a potter to miry clay,
And perfect you'll be for eternity.
14) Be reconciled and grow in me," said he.
"Forget the world; focus your thoughts in me.
Join my family. I'll adopt you wholly.
My ways aren't easy; your guide, I'll be.
15) The fam'ly's my idea to gain strength,
But free will, still I give, to all my kids.
Unlikely people, they're in my fam'ly
Like you; they are still weak~needing support.
16) So don't be discouraged; please do not fret.
I'm sovereign, controlling everything.
If you'd need guidance; I'd be in your heart.
Share me your fears as a child to a dad."
17) But, Lord, I fall short, got my own limits~
Measuring up to your will is hard to attain.
"Don't worry, son, I do understand.
I made you that way so just trust in me."
18) Walls tumbling down; my tears rolling down.
Man's love melted; Agape love transcended.
I felt the power, Holy Spirit filled me.
I'm now~ a member of God's family.
19) Unsearchable riches awaiting me.
Looked everywhere e'en in nooks dimly lit.
Failed to heed God's call; blinded by the world.
Yes, I'm in this world, but not with the world.
20) Mysterious fellowship, the fam'ly of God
I'm part of it! Praise God for saving grace.
In Him there is strength and it will never end.
Now, I have the joy that is full and complete.
(c)edmund melig industan, Sept. 2008
Note: I wrote this Blank Form poetry to recapitulate the month-long sermon series of our pastor at Lake Avenue Church, Pasadena, California. May this poetry gives you a light in the tunnel.
Friday, August 21, 2009
The Peace Corps Volunteer's Wife: Chapter 3 Blog
Certainly, culture isn't a closed system. As long as people have senses and unsatiable needs, culture will always be dynamic.
Laga grew up in a small Bukidnon village, so far away from the city. A chieftain, who also was the shaman, tried to keep new ideas away from infusing to the village culture. He even invoke the power of the deities just to control the lives and minds of every villager.
However, it is better to control a herd of cattle than a person, the saying goes. People have been given the mind to think and the free will on how to live.
For Laga, she wasn't contented, even when she still was young, to live and die in the village. Nonetheless, she loved the village. She intent to come back. Her love for language and learning was just so strong to ignore. She wanted to explore the world of other cultural group. So, after she finished 6th grade, she convinced her parents to allow her to continue her schooling in Malaybalay. The village chieftain/shaman wasn't happy with the decision. He even told Laga's parent's that the forefathers revealed in a dream Laga's disfigurement if she'd kept on pushing her desire to go to the city. Laga didn't listen.
Poverty did not discouraged Laga to keep on learning. When there was rat infestation in her village, she decided to find a family, who could take her as a domestic helper and allow her to attend a night high. The governor's wife heard about it, so she took her as a house help.
And Laga stayed with the governor's family. She cleaned the house, cooked, did the dishes and laundry, literally an all-around domestic helper. She felt that she's reaping positive result from all her sacrifices. She wanted to show it to the villagers that she asked to have a summer break before her senior year. The shaman strengthened a rein on her... And the story of The Peace Corps Volunteer's Wife continued.
Laga grew up in a small Bukidnon village, so far away from the city. A chieftain, who also was the shaman, tried to keep new ideas away from infusing to the village culture. He even invoke the power of the deities just to control the lives and minds of every villager.
However, it is better to control a herd of cattle than a person, the saying goes. People have been given the mind to think and the free will on how to live.
For Laga, she wasn't contented, even when she still was young, to live and die in the village. Nonetheless, she loved the village. She intent to come back. Her love for language and learning was just so strong to ignore. She wanted to explore the world of other cultural group. So, after she finished 6th grade, she convinced her parents to allow her to continue her schooling in Malaybalay. The village chieftain/shaman wasn't happy with the decision. He even told Laga's parent's that the forefathers revealed in a dream Laga's disfigurement if she'd kept on pushing her desire to go to the city. Laga didn't listen.
Poverty did not discouraged Laga to keep on learning. When there was rat infestation in her village, she decided to find a family, who could take her as a domestic helper and allow her to attend a night high. The governor's wife heard about it, so she took her as a house help.
And Laga stayed with the governor's family. She cleaned the house, cooked, did the dishes and laundry, literally an all-around domestic helper. She felt that she's reaping positive result from all her sacrifices. She wanted to show it to the villagers that she asked to have a summer break before her senior year. The shaman strengthened a rein on her... And the story of The Peace Corps Volunteer's Wife continued.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
IT'S THE SUIT!
"It's the suit!" the phrase we constantly heard at the 2009 World Swimming Championship in Rome. Thirty-eight world records were crushed! Less known Olympic swimmers, who were wearing the new polyurethane suits, were taking the glory away from Beijing Olympic medalists. Certainly, those polyurethane-suited world champions were ecstatic; however, the phrase, "It's the suit!", is surely giving them a bitter taste.
As I listened to the American commentators, I learned that this new swim suit gives the swimmer more buoyancy. It helps them move faster in the water just like a sea glider.
The suit was an issue again just before the most awaited 100-meter butterfly took place this Saturday. The California-trained Milorad Cavic of Serbia, who earned the silver medal in Beijing and very vocal that he should have been the gold medalist for he out-touched Michael Phelps at the finish, wore the new suit. Michael Phelps decided to wear similar suit, the LZR Racer suit, he wore in Beijing. Did this self-proclaimed 100-meter Serbian swimmer finally convinced the world that he really was the winner in Beijing? He had an advantage. Unfortunately, he did not. He still ended up behind Michael. Finally, Cavic accepted his fate by saying, "He(Michael) is the man!"
Certainly, advance technology helps people get ahead of others; however, the way how one nurtures a God-given talent to the fullest must never be looked down.
As I listened to the American commentators, I learned that this new swim suit gives the swimmer more buoyancy. It helps them move faster in the water just like a sea glider.
The suit was an issue again just before the most awaited 100-meter butterfly took place this Saturday. The California-trained Milorad Cavic of Serbia, who earned the silver medal in Beijing and very vocal that he should have been the gold medalist for he out-touched Michael Phelps at the finish, wore the new suit. Michael Phelps decided to wear similar suit, the LZR Racer suit, he wore in Beijing. Did this self-proclaimed 100-meter Serbian swimmer finally convinced the world that he really was the winner in Beijing? He had an advantage. Unfortunately, he did not. He still ended up behind Michael. Finally, Cavic accepted his fate by saying, "He(Michael) is the man!"
Certainly, advance technology helps people get ahead of others; however, the way how one nurtures a God-given talent to the fullest must never be looked down.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
FILIPINO: A Language on Paper
LA Pinoy Magazine, the first glossy Filipino-owned magazine in the US, told me yesterday that it would include my language blog in its July issue. June issue used my blog on Skid Row as its feature article. I told the editor if she could wait in 24 hours so that I could think on how to make the article short and simple. Here now is the article that will be published in next month's LA Pinoy Magazine.
**************************
It was in 1937 when Pres. Manuel Quezon mandated the Institute of National Language (INL) to develop the Philippine official language. The purpose was to instill nationalism, national identity, and unity. The president wanted Tagalog as that language. However, non-Tagalog speakers particularly those from the central and southern Philippines strongly opposed it. After Quezon's term, the name was renamed to Pilipino in 1959. Amendment of the constitution in 1973 and 1987 renamed the national language to Filipino.
Did it serve the purpose to unite Filipinos? No! Instead, Filipino, as a language, became an illusion. Non-Tagalog speakers still considered it unacceptable, since Pilipino or Filipino, is still Tagalog-based.
Then came the move by the language purists, who wanted to discontinue the use of foreign words. They thought of coining new Pilipino words. So, in the late 60s, they started coining words such as salungpuwit (ass-catcher), salungsusu (breast-catcher), hattinig (voice-sender), and salipapaw to denote a chair, brassiere, telephone, and airplane, respectively.
Filipinos from Batanes to Jolo were united...in consternation. Tagalog speakers were shocked how their language was debased. Others have a blast mocking the Pilipino, as a language. I was in 6th grade that time. I tell you, my Pilipino teacher blushed everytime she said "salungpuwit".
Problem is Filipino never existed as one of the 175 major and minor Philippine languages. It only is on paper. Whether we like it or not, Philippine national language is still Tagalog elevated to a higher standard known as Filipino.
And unity amongst Filipinos? We could attain it if we could look beyond our own language group. Play down regionalism; exert more effort on respect. Don't ridicule those who'd say "tindig!" instead of "tayo!". If Filipinos could do these, maybe Filipino, as a language, would evolve over time.
**************************
It was in 1937 when Pres. Manuel Quezon mandated the Institute of National Language (INL) to develop the Philippine official language. The purpose was to instill nationalism, national identity, and unity. The president wanted Tagalog as that language. However, non-Tagalog speakers particularly those from the central and southern Philippines strongly opposed it. After Quezon's term, the name was renamed to Pilipino in 1959. Amendment of the constitution in 1973 and 1987 renamed the national language to Filipino.
Did it serve the purpose to unite Filipinos? No! Instead, Filipino, as a language, became an illusion. Non-Tagalog speakers still considered it unacceptable, since Pilipino or Filipino, is still Tagalog-based.
Then came the move by the language purists, who wanted to discontinue the use of foreign words. They thought of coining new Pilipino words. So, in the late 60s, they started coining words such as salungpuwit (ass-catcher), salungsusu (breast-catcher), hattinig (voice-sender), and salipapaw to denote a chair, brassiere, telephone, and airplane, respectively.
Filipinos from Batanes to Jolo were united...in consternation. Tagalog speakers were shocked how their language was debased. Others have a blast mocking the Pilipino, as a language. I was in 6th grade that time. I tell you, my Pilipino teacher blushed everytime she said "salungpuwit".
Problem is Filipino never existed as one of the 175 major and minor Philippine languages. It only is on paper. Whether we like it or not, Philippine national language is still Tagalog elevated to a higher standard known as Filipino.
And unity amongst Filipinos? We could attain it if we could look beyond our own language group. Play down regionalism; exert more effort on respect. Don't ridicule those who'd say "tindig!" instead of "tayo!". If Filipinos could do these, maybe Filipino, as a language, would evolve over time.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Is Filipino, as a language, Artificial?
I am posing this question to recapitulate what Dr. Patricia Schneider-Zioga, a linguistic professor at California State University-Fullerton, mentioned when we were guests of Jannelle So, host of Ch. 18's Kababayan LA. Like Jannelle, I know many TV viewers would have wanted more explanation from Patricia and me. Here now is a reinforcement to make the issue clearer.
Remember the words salungpuwit (catch-ass or ass-catcher), salungsusu(catch-breast or breast catcher), hattinig (send-voice or voice sender), and salipapaw to denote chair, bra, telephone, and airplane, respectively? These were used in our Pilipino language classes sometime in the 60s.
Believe me, most Filipinos expressed a raucous ridicule of these coined words. I was in 6th grade when these new words came about. My Pilipino teacher refrained from using them. Students like me, who even were not native speakers of Pilipino-Tagalog, just can't avoid laughing over them. The construction of new words by Pilipino language purists was initially thought to help overcome colonization and regionalism umbrage. They also thought of coining new words based from existing Tagalog words could help instill nationalism, national identity, and unity amongst Filipinos.
Those new coinage almost made Pilipino, as a language, artificial in flesh and bones. Thank goodness; they were short-lived.
So, why should I support Patricia's statement when those new Pilipino terms did not live on? As a term for a language, Pilipino/Filipino is, superficially, an artificial language. As a language system, it is not.
Pilipino/Filipino is a created term for Philippine national language. (Pilipino used to be the term for the language curriculum, while Filipino was to a people who are from the Philippines.) It is a language, because the Philippine Constitution states it so. Call it politically constructed language. Beyond books and government documents, there never was a Pilipino Philippine language.
So, Pilipino (1959 to 1973), which was renamed to Filipino (1973 to present), as a Philippine national language was never an existing language of Filipinos. Prior to 1959, the national language that Pres. Manuel Luis Quezon, the Father of Philippine National Language, simply wanted it called "Tagalog". This was strongly opposed by non-native Tagalog speakers, particularly those in central(Visayas) and southern Philippines (Mindanao). Hence, the national language was renamed as Pilipino, which, likewise, wasn't well-accepted.
Pilipino/Filipino, as a language system, cannot be aligned with Esperanto, Damin, Glaugnea, Lingua Ignota, Spocamian, etc.. These are all invented languages, with their own set of rules, either developed for art sake, communication secrecy, or neutral auxiliary language for those who engage in international communication, tourism, and research.
As a language system, Pilipino/Filipino is based on Tagalog. Coined words, like salungpuwit, were completely abandoned. The grammar and syntax are not new construction.
Remember the words salungpuwit (catch-ass or ass-catcher), salungsusu(catch-breast or breast catcher), hattinig (send-voice or voice sender), and salipapaw to denote chair, bra, telephone, and airplane, respectively? These were used in our Pilipino language classes sometime in the 60s.
Believe me, most Filipinos expressed a raucous ridicule of these coined words. I was in 6th grade when these new words came about. My Pilipino teacher refrained from using them. Students like me, who even were not native speakers of Pilipino-Tagalog, just can't avoid laughing over them. The construction of new words by Pilipino language purists was initially thought to help overcome colonization and regionalism umbrage. They also thought of coining new words based from existing Tagalog words could help instill nationalism, national identity, and unity amongst Filipinos.
Those new coinage almost made Pilipino, as a language, artificial in flesh and bones. Thank goodness; they were short-lived.
So, why should I support Patricia's statement when those new Pilipino terms did not live on? As a term for a language, Pilipino/Filipino is, superficially, an artificial language. As a language system, it is not.
Pilipino/Filipino is a created term for Philippine national language. (Pilipino used to be the term for the language curriculum, while Filipino was to a people who are from the Philippines.) It is a language, because the Philippine Constitution states it so. Call it politically constructed language. Beyond books and government documents, there never was a Pilipino Philippine language.
So, Pilipino (1959 to 1973), which was renamed to Filipino (1973 to present), as a Philippine national language was never an existing language of Filipinos. Prior to 1959, the national language that Pres. Manuel Luis Quezon, the Father of Philippine National Language, simply wanted it called "Tagalog". This was strongly opposed by non-native Tagalog speakers, particularly those in central(Visayas) and southern Philippines (Mindanao). Hence, the national language was renamed as Pilipino, which, likewise, wasn't well-accepted.
Pilipino/Filipino, as a language system, cannot be aligned with Esperanto, Damin, Glaugnea, Lingua Ignota, Spocamian, etc.. These are all invented languages, with their own set of rules, either developed for art sake, communication secrecy, or neutral auxiliary language for those who engage in international communication, tourism, and research.
As a language system, Pilipino/Filipino is based on Tagalog. Coined words, like salungpuwit, were completely abandoned. The grammar and syntax are not new construction.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
ANOTHER RECAP: Dialect is not a Language
Many lay people would confuse a minor language to a dialect. Probably, the reason behind this is that they confuse a language to a lingua franca (trade language).
In my home country, the Philippines, most people would think that other than the eight major languages; namely, Tagalog, Bisaya/Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon/Ilonggo, Bikolnon/Bisakol, Waray-waray, Kapampangan, and Pangasinan/Pangasinense, the remaining 167 minority languages are mere dialects of these major ones.
This might help a lay person determine a medium of communication a language. If we speak the language or the lingua franca of the region, where we live in, and we have problem understanding another person, whom we have come in contact with, and we are not prejudicial in any way on the manner that person speaks, consider his language different from yours; hence, a language. If we understand the speaker, despite the differences in pronunciation, accent, intonation, and with some slight intelligibility problem, then, consider his language a dialect.
Dialect is a variation of a particular language. Bisaya in Mindanao, and even the Binol-anon in Bohol island, are dialects of Cebuano/Binisaya in Cebu. Differences in pronunciation, accent, intonation, and a unique verbal production of some letter-sounds or a few extra and unique affixes exist; however, intelligibility between Bisaya (of Mindanao) and Boholano speakers is very high.
Cebuano or Binisaya in Mindanao may pronounced the /l/ in between vowels or may add /ha/ as a suffix to an action word to express exaggeration, example: (katawa = laugh in Cebu) vs. katawaha = laugh in Mindanao), but those Bisaya/Cebuano in Cebu can understand the Bisaya in Mindanao perfectly.
Similarly, the Boholanos/Bol-anons pronounces /y/ as /dz/ (e.g., ayaw (Cebuano of Cebu and Mindanao for 'do not...') vs. adzaw; however, the sentence structure and the words are the same. Henceforth, Bisaya in Bohol is a dialect of Cebuano/Bisaya.
Dialect can be caused by ones social class. This is what we call sociolect. As we, Filipinos, are aware that Tagalog spoken by students in exclusive schools has developed some vocabulary and unique sentence pattern. The differences may be intentional, out of the desire of distinguishing themselves from other Tagalog speakers, or it may have been caused by the school restriction for students to speak in vernacular.
An intentional code-switching in Tagalog, like "kilig to the bones", which originated from co-ed students in prestigious colleges, is an example of a sociolect. Others have caught up to this manner of speaking Tagalog, that we commonly now hear "Taglish", which is a Tagalog with a sprinkles of English words or phrase. Nevertheless, this Tagalog-English mix is also considered linguistically as a Patoi, because it is a non-standard dialect and it is not institutionally supported.
Regiolect or topolect can also cause the existence of dialect. The frequency of interaction and other neighboring languages can result to a development of new words and expressions, and borrowings from other nearby languages. Despite the regional "ala eh" expression of the Batanguenos (of Batangas)and few other lexical (word) differences does not mean that they are not speaking in Tagalog. They are! We distinguish them as Tagalog speaker from Batangas based on some expressions and accents that they have uniquely included in their speech patterns.
I hope this blog helps us not to get confuse on the use of the terms, dialect and language.
In my home country, the Philippines, most people would think that other than the eight major languages; namely, Tagalog, Bisaya/Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon/Ilonggo, Bikolnon/Bisakol, Waray-waray, Kapampangan, and Pangasinan/Pangasinense, the remaining 167 minority languages are mere dialects of these major ones.
This might help a lay person determine a medium of communication a language. If we speak the language or the lingua franca of the region, where we live in, and we have problem understanding another person, whom we have come in contact with, and we are not prejudicial in any way on the manner that person speaks, consider his language different from yours; hence, a language. If we understand the speaker, despite the differences in pronunciation, accent, intonation, and with some slight intelligibility problem, then, consider his language a dialect.
Dialect is a variation of a particular language. Bisaya in Mindanao, and even the Binol-anon in Bohol island, are dialects of Cebuano/Binisaya in Cebu. Differences in pronunciation, accent, intonation, and a unique verbal production of some letter-sounds or a few extra and unique affixes exist; however, intelligibility between Bisaya (of Mindanao) and Boholano speakers is very high.
Cebuano or Binisaya in Mindanao may pronounced the /l/ in between vowels or may add /ha/ as a suffix to an action word to express exaggeration, example: (katawa = laugh in Cebu) vs. katawaha = laugh in Mindanao), but those Bisaya/Cebuano in Cebu can understand the Bisaya in Mindanao perfectly.
Similarly, the Boholanos/Bol-anons pronounces /y/ as /dz/ (e.g., ayaw (Cebuano of Cebu and Mindanao for 'do not...') vs. adzaw; however, the sentence structure and the words are the same. Henceforth, Bisaya in Bohol is a dialect of Cebuano/Bisaya.
Dialect can be caused by ones social class. This is what we call sociolect. As we, Filipinos, are aware that Tagalog spoken by students in exclusive schools has developed some vocabulary and unique sentence pattern. The differences may be intentional, out of the desire of distinguishing themselves from other Tagalog speakers, or it may have been caused by the school restriction for students to speak in vernacular.
An intentional code-switching in Tagalog, like "kilig to the bones", which originated from co-ed students in prestigious colleges, is an example of a sociolect. Others have caught up to this manner of speaking Tagalog, that we commonly now hear "Taglish", which is a Tagalog with a sprinkles of English words or phrase. Nevertheless, this Tagalog-English mix is also considered linguistically as a Patoi, because it is a non-standard dialect and it is not institutionally supported.
Regiolect or topolect can also cause the existence of dialect. The frequency of interaction and other neighboring languages can result to a development of new words and expressions, and borrowings from other nearby languages. Despite the regional "ala eh" expression of the Batanguenos (of Batangas)and few other lexical (word) differences does not mean that they are not speaking in Tagalog. They are! We distinguish them as Tagalog speaker from Batangas based on some expressions and accents that they have uniquely included in their speech patterns.
I hope this blog helps us not to get confuse on the use of the terms, dialect and language.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Filipino Language & Other Philippine Languages on Channel 18
A PHOTO W/ MY WIFE, ANGIE, & JANNELLE SO (May 27,2009)
What is a Filipino language? This was one of the questions that Jannelle So, the beautiful host of Channel 18's Kababayan L.A., asked in her email couple of days ago, and she wanted it discuss in one of her Pre-Independence Day programs.
Apparently, some of our kababayans here in the U.S. has been suggesting that they would like her to speak in Filipino, since her program is specifically catering to the Filipino community. But is there really a Filipino language? If she would speak plain Tagalog (Filipino (?)) in the program, would she not alienate some Filipinos or Filipino-Americans who are non-native Tagalog speakers?
I was Jannelle's guest on May 27th to promote my two published books, KOILAWAN and PRAISING ALL SEASONS LONG, and my experimental performance poetry, Hey-Dasang. I probably have done pretty well that day, despite my thick Tagalog accent, that she expressed, after the show, her plan to invite me again. And I wasn't surprised when I received her email inviting me to guest on June 8th.
So, I would like to invite you all to watch Channel 18's Kababayan L.A. from 4:30 to 5:00 p.m. on June 8th. Besides me, Jannelle also has invited a linguist. Well, I am not a linguist. I am a sociologist with a modest research experiences in ethnology and linguistics.
I believe this discussion on Filipino, as a language, is a "first" without the presence of Filipino language planners, academicians, and politicians. Hence, I can assure you all that we will be taking up the language issue head-on and free of bias.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
People In Skid Row
Yesterday, May 22nd, I again was in Skid Row for my volunteer work with the Union Rescue Mission. Fortunately, I was requested to man the bread station, and not the lettuce or the chopped tomatoes, the stewed diced white meat or the corn. All of these require the servers to move fast for the trays to get into the hands of those on line. We have white bread, raisin bread, and rye bread, so I often asked which one would they prefer to have. This allowed me to look at everyone and observe those who already were eating. I also have the opportunity to tell them to enjoy their meal and that 'Jesus loves them'.
Young and old Asians, African-Americans, Hispanics, and Caucasians were represented. Sane, insane, shabbily dressed, and formally dressed were there to be served lunch. There was even a guy, who was wearing a clean coat and tie, so opposite to a guy, who wore a dirty pair of shoes and a black plastic trash bag to cover his upper body.
Certainly, homelessness doesn't excuse any nationality. Sometimes, it hits someone, because of extravagance and addiction; many times it victimizes someone, because of job loss and unemployment. Nevertheless, the one that touches me most, besides those hapless children, are those with mental instability.
I can't help myself, but to sympathize for those I saw staring blankly at their food, talking and laughing as they talked either to their food trays or to imaginary someones beside them. Most of the time, they were the last ones to turn their trays in. Others don't even have the time to finish their food before the security officer would announce that their eating time is up.
But you know what; you cannot underestimate homeless people. Even though most don't observe cleanliness, many still do.
In between service, servers have to clean tables. We were supposed to dispose our old gloves, washed our hands properly before wearing another clean pair of gloves. In one occasion, one of the lady volunteer inadvertently forgot to dispose her latex gloves. She immediately went to her station, because the next serve was about to begin. Immediately, a homeless lady called the attention of the supervisor to report it.
So, when you're on Skid Row doing some volunteer work, forget the idea, for once, that they sleep on a card boards, tattered tents, or plastic tarps at nighttime. Many of those who don shabby or showy dresses cannot just be taken for granted.
And if you have time or a dime to spare, open up your heart or pocket to help URM and other agencies on Skid Row. Yesterday, URM run out of disposable plastic gloves. All the agencies are non-profits; thus operating by faith. Come on. Let's help them a little.
The dining hall and the food counter in this clip are that of the Union Rescue Mission.
Young and old Asians, African-Americans, Hispanics, and Caucasians were represented. Sane, insane, shabbily dressed, and formally dressed were there to be served lunch. There was even a guy, who was wearing a clean coat and tie, so opposite to a guy, who wore a dirty pair of shoes and a black plastic trash bag to cover his upper body.
Certainly, homelessness doesn't excuse any nationality. Sometimes, it hits someone, because of extravagance and addiction; many times it victimizes someone, because of job loss and unemployment. Nevertheless, the one that touches me most, besides those hapless children, are those with mental instability.
I can't help myself, but to sympathize for those I saw staring blankly at their food, talking and laughing as they talked either to their food trays or to imaginary someones beside them. Most of the time, they were the last ones to turn their trays in. Others don't even have the time to finish their food before the security officer would announce that their eating time is up.
But you know what; you cannot underestimate homeless people. Even though most don't observe cleanliness, many still do.
In between service, servers have to clean tables. We were supposed to dispose our old gloves, washed our hands properly before wearing another clean pair of gloves. In one occasion, one of the lady volunteer inadvertently forgot to dispose her latex gloves. She immediately went to her station, because the next serve was about to begin. Immediately, a homeless lady called the attention of the supervisor to report it.
So, when you're on Skid Row doing some volunteer work, forget the idea, for once, that they sleep on a card boards, tattered tents, or plastic tarps at nighttime. Many of those who don shabby or showy dresses cannot just be taken for granted.
And if you have time or a dime to spare, open up your heart or pocket to help URM and other agencies on Skid Row. Yesterday, URM run out of disposable plastic gloves. All the agencies are non-profits; thus operating by faith. Come on. Let's help them a little.
The dining hall and the food counter in this clip are that of the Union Rescue Mission.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
ON L.A SKID ROW: Homeless People is Worth My Time
I have been hearing on the radio and seeing on TV the Skid Row of Los Angeles. However, I never have seen it first-hand. Living in Pasadena, a very progressive suburbian city of Los Angeles county, yet haven't gone to Skid Row? That's ludicrous!
Call me hypocrite! Label me so insincere to the academic discipline that I spent so much time on. What happened?
The news about Skid Row gave creeps and chills; too risky for me to dare. I thought that those count of 84,000 homeless people in Los Angeles county, many of them are in Skid Row, were scarier than living and interacting with the Ata Manobo tribe of so. Philippines, who were considered by the early Philippine historian as the fiercest warriors of Mindanao. I was so intimidated.
Watch this clip from You Tube and see what I mean.
Nevertheless, while I started brainstorming on my first novel, Skewed Triad; No More: The Novel, I thought that Skid Row would be an excellent setting for a badly disfigured Filipino-American woman to regain completely her self-confidence and self-worth. Consequently, I mustered courage to visit and observe the "Third World" of Los Angeles,The Skid Row.
The traffic at the freeway was heavy that Thursday morning, so I decided to take the Metro train, Gold line. Pasadena to Union Station, the main hub, was only half an hour ride. At the Union Station, I walked two stairs down to take a subway Metro that took me to Pershing Square right at the Los Angeles financial center.
Believe me, just three blocks from Pershing Square, I already smelled the stink of a slum area, saw the roguishness of many untidy street people, and felt that I was rooted off the great city, despite those tall buildings. I slowed down starting to observe. Many were standing and talking in the street, especially near the buildings of non-profit organizations serving three-square meals a day and offering home and shelter to fortunate homeless families and individuals. Some people were yelling at each other; a few were walking erratically. Others were involved in some transaction of some sort.
I continued my walk for a few more blocks and I felt I was one of them. The smell became normal; the sight became ordinary, yet strange. I started to empathize with these less fortunate. I began to think of doing some volunteering in one of the soup kitchens. I went inside the building of Union Rescue Mission. After a talk with a Volunteer Supervisor, I decided to be a server at lunch time on Mondays and Fridays. Join me in this adventure at Skid Row in my next blogs.
Call me hypocrite! Label me so insincere to the academic discipline that I spent so much time on. What happened?
The news about Skid Row gave creeps and chills; too risky for me to dare. I thought that those count of 84,000 homeless people in Los Angeles county, many of them are in Skid Row, were scarier than living and interacting with the Ata Manobo tribe of so. Philippines, who were considered by the early Philippine historian as the fiercest warriors of Mindanao. I was so intimidated.
Watch this clip from You Tube and see what I mean.
Nevertheless, while I started brainstorming on my first novel, Skewed Triad; No More: The Novel, I thought that Skid Row would be an excellent setting for a badly disfigured Filipino-American woman to regain completely her self-confidence and self-worth. Consequently, I mustered courage to visit and observe the "Third World" of Los Angeles,The Skid Row.
The traffic at the freeway was heavy that Thursday morning, so I decided to take the Metro train, Gold line. Pasadena to Union Station, the main hub, was only half an hour ride. At the Union Station, I walked two stairs down to take a subway Metro that took me to Pershing Square right at the Los Angeles financial center.
Believe me, just three blocks from Pershing Square, I already smelled the stink of a slum area, saw the roguishness of many untidy street people, and felt that I was rooted off the great city, despite those tall buildings. I slowed down starting to observe. Many were standing and talking in the street, especially near the buildings of non-profit organizations serving three-square meals a day and offering home and shelter to fortunate homeless families and individuals. Some people were yelling at each other; a few were walking erratically. Others were involved in some transaction of some sort.
I continued my walk for a few more blocks and I felt I was one of them. The smell became normal; the sight became ordinary, yet strange. I started to empathize with these less fortunate. I began to think of doing some volunteering in one of the soup kitchens. I went inside the building of Union Rescue Mission. After a talk with a Volunteer Supervisor, I decided to be a server at lunch time on Mondays and Fridays. Join me in this adventure at Skid Row in my next blogs.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Attitude Affects Effective Cross-cultural Communication
Here's a clip from You Tube that summarizes the point I mentioned in my previous blogs. Hope you'll enjoy it.
I apologize for the cuss words. It is not my cup of tea, because I don't cuss at all. However, I decided to show the clip to bring home the message of my previous blogs. So now, we understand each other.
This clip from You Tube does not only tells us why we need to have clear diction and cultural knowledge, we also have to take very special consideration on the psychological aspect of communication across culture.
Psycholinguists and cognitive anthropologists point out that the way a person organizes his thoughts reflects on what he thinks about the world. A narrow-minded or conceited person would view the world through a small mirror, that how he/she would perceive the world and how he/she would put meaning into what he/she would see and hear would often times unwelcoming to others.
Definitely, such cognitive process would affect his/her attitude towards somebody and, ultimately, would translate to the tone of his/her voice. We don't need to read a book to be aware of this. We all have been victimized with this.
Probably those non-native English speakers, who now are employees of call centers, could attest that they have interacted with clients who cuss and use ethnophaulism. Ethnophaulism could either be name-calling or slur of ones nationality, explicit group devaluation, or disparaging nicknames. Others would slammed the phone at them. Actions like these are not only products of frustration and disgust. They also are a product of anger. Globalization have taken away some opportunities for their children, relatives, and friends to find jobs. Globalization has been giving them difficulty to immediately get their thoughts across, because those persons at the other end of the phones are having problem communicating with them. Instead of the "world getting smaller everyday", in terms of understanding and goodwill, the world has created a chasm of indifference.
Cases of anger and indifference always happen. The way to offset these could be the following: Swallow your pride and ignore those negative responses. Remember that your client has a different cultural and psychological make-up. Also, remember the maxim that a client is "always" right. So, don't hurl fire with fire. You'd get fired if you'd do that. Be patient. Don't take the negativity to heart. You'd get over it. If the client pauses, butt in by expressing an apology using your sweetest tone and clearer diction. Say the sentence normally; don't slow it down. Slowing the sentence down would aggravate your client all the more, because slowing down would mean that you are treating him like a stupid person. And I cannot reiterate this enough: Practice and more practice. Learn the culture and the language very well.
For those who are still preparing for a job, begin to double your effort to learn. Be serious with your studies. Realize that it is not only those who are preparing for a teaching job that need to communicate effectively. Everyone who would like to get a job needs to have a good command of the English language. It is your key to a successful job hunting and a joyous life.
I apologize for the cuss words. It is not my cup of tea, because I don't cuss at all. However, I decided to show the clip to bring home the message of my previous blogs. So now, we understand each other.
This clip from You Tube does not only tells us why we need to have clear diction and cultural knowledge, we also have to take very special consideration on the psychological aspect of communication across culture.
Psycholinguists and cognitive anthropologists point out that the way a person organizes his thoughts reflects on what he thinks about the world. A narrow-minded or conceited person would view the world through a small mirror, that how he/she would perceive the world and how he/she would put meaning into what he/she would see and hear would often times unwelcoming to others.
Definitely, such cognitive process would affect his/her attitude towards somebody and, ultimately, would translate to the tone of his/her voice. We don't need to read a book to be aware of this. We all have been victimized with this.
Probably those non-native English speakers, who now are employees of call centers, could attest that they have interacted with clients who cuss and use ethnophaulism. Ethnophaulism could either be name-calling or slur of ones nationality, explicit group devaluation, or disparaging nicknames. Others would slammed the phone at them. Actions like these are not only products of frustration and disgust. They also are a product of anger. Globalization have taken away some opportunities for their children, relatives, and friends to find jobs. Globalization has been giving them difficulty to immediately get their thoughts across, because those persons at the other end of the phones are having problem communicating with them. Instead of the "world getting smaller everyday", in terms of understanding and goodwill, the world has created a chasm of indifference.
Cases of anger and indifference always happen. The way to offset these could be the following: Swallow your pride and ignore those negative responses. Remember that your client has a different cultural and psychological make-up. Also, remember the maxim that a client is "always" right. So, don't hurl fire with fire. You'd get fired if you'd do that. Be patient. Don't take the negativity to heart. You'd get over it. If the client pauses, butt in by expressing an apology using your sweetest tone and clearer diction. Say the sentence normally; don't slow it down. Slowing the sentence down would aggravate your client all the more, because slowing down would mean that you are treating him like a stupid person. And I cannot reiterate this enough: Practice and more practice. Learn the culture and the language very well.
For those who are still preparing for a job, begin to double your effort to learn. Be serious with your studies. Realize that it is not only those who are preparing for a teaching job that need to communicate effectively. Everyone who would like to get a job needs to have a good command of the English language. It is your key to a successful job hunting and a joyous life.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
On Call Centers and Effective English Communication:
Yesterday, I was surfing again hoping to find more websites and blogs with the song,"Bukidnon, My Home". While doing so, I happened to see a blog on the need for more call center employees. With economic crunch and company downsizing, posting of job is what our society needs.
I scrolled down to read some of the feedback and comments. Instead of comments, I saw resume, request for the agency's address, and messages with an intention to apply. I sympathized with those who left messages, because I read desperation. I also felt sad, because I saw proofs why those who were needing the job would never be hired.
Communication is getting one's idea across verbally or non-verbally. We communicate not only through a spoken language, but also through body stance, gesture, and tone of voice. All these have to be taken into serious consideration if we wanted to communicate effectively, especially to strangers.
One component of communication effectiveness is cognition. Cognition involves the manner in which we process and disseminate information and the knowledge we have about the stranger's culture. Therefore, cognitive process involves description, interpretation, and evaluation. And to effectively describe, interpret, and evaluate is to learn the language and the culture of the person that we are communicating with.
In a call center, body stance and gesture are not necessary; however, the spoken language ( in most cases, the English language) and the tone of voice, plus the knowledge of the client's culture, are a must. So, if somebody would like to work as a call center agent, he or she should try his/her very best to impress the would-be employer that he/she could execute the job very well.
Definitely, a call center is looking for workers who have good command of the English language. Applicants need not have a perfect English, because there is no such thing as perfect English. In the U.S.of A., many are using double negatives. For example, " I am not doing that, no more." Also, subject-verb disagreement is very common. For example, "They was here a minute ago." Accented English is very common, too. Accent of Texans is different from the Californians; accent of Tennesseans is different from Texans. However, once an American moves to another state, he/she tries to adapt the accent of his/her host. How? They try his/her best to reduce the nuances of his/her accent. This certainly is for the purpose of effective communication. Let me emphasize, though, that there is what we call informal and formal English; street or schooled English, and native-born and foreign-accented English. So, which one would you think is best for a call center agent? The answer, most definitely, is a good command of formal and educated English, with reduced traces of foreign accents.
I was disappointed that almost all those messages posted on that call center blog did not meet the requirements.
Here are some pieces of advice:
1) I encourage non-native English speakers to read, read, and read English books and magazines. Put away vernacular books and magazines for some time (Bisaya, Liwayway, etc.) and read more English books. Reading books is a big help to minimize subject-verb disagreements, dangling sentences, etc.
2) I also encourage them to tune in to TV channels with native English speakers or radio programs (Voice of America or BBC, for example)and, while they listen to that native English speaker, they should try to mimic and emulate the accent or the tone of that speaker's voice. Be keen when listening to and producing those diphthongs (long e's, short e's, oi, the schwa sound, etc.). For consonants, please pay attention particularly the beginning and final. Like vowels, consonants can be produced properly by the placement of your lips and tongue. For example, /b/ which is bilabial plosive can be produced properly by having your lower and upper lips touch each other before you let out that booming sound. Phonic /v/ can be produced by having your upper teeth touch your lower lip before you let out the sound. Produce the sound /t/ by placing the tip of your tongue at the back of your teeth before you say the letter.
3) English teachers must emphasize the importance of teeth, lips, tongue, palate, and glottis when teaching phonics to their students.
4) And students or parents, you should demand a good English teacher from the school administrator. This does not mean a charismatic or likable teacher. I mean a teacher, who knows the craft. English teachers with good command of the language, both in grammar, phonics, and accent reduction, are not only a must in college, they are a must in elementary grades, because that's where the language learning has to start.
Remember, it is not only a good command of grammar that a call center needs; a good pronunciation is also very much needed. Once you have the confidence in your grammar and phonics, reduction of foreign diction and accent will be as easy as eating an apple pie.
5) PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. EXAGGERATE, EXAGGERATE, EXAGGERATE. Twist, stretch, and curl that tongue to the max.
6) AND PLEASE LEARN TO ELIMINATE CODE-SWITCHING, when speaking. Using English as your initial phrase and completing the sentence in vernacular, or vice versa (code-switching), will not do you any good. It would become your habit; it would prevent you from speaking English fluently; it surely would be a dead-end in getting that job in any call center.
I scrolled down to read some of the feedback and comments. Instead of comments, I saw resume, request for the agency's address, and messages with an intention to apply. I sympathized with those who left messages, because I read desperation. I also felt sad, because I saw proofs why those who were needing the job would never be hired.
Communication is getting one's idea across verbally or non-verbally. We communicate not only through a spoken language, but also through body stance, gesture, and tone of voice. All these have to be taken into serious consideration if we wanted to communicate effectively, especially to strangers.
One component of communication effectiveness is cognition. Cognition involves the manner in which we process and disseminate information and the knowledge we have about the stranger's culture. Therefore, cognitive process involves description, interpretation, and evaluation. And to effectively describe, interpret, and evaluate is to learn the language and the culture of the person that we are communicating with.
In a call center, body stance and gesture are not necessary; however, the spoken language ( in most cases, the English language) and the tone of voice, plus the knowledge of the client's culture, are a must. So, if somebody would like to work as a call center agent, he or she should try his/her very best to impress the would-be employer that he/she could execute the job very well.
Definitely, a call center is looking for workers who have good command of the English language. Applicants need not have a perfect English, because there is no such thing as perfect English. In the U.S.of A., many are using double negatives. For example, " I am not doing that, no more." Also, subject-verb disagreement is very common. For example, "They was here a minute ago." Accented English is very common, too. Accent of Texans is different from the Californians; accent of Tennesseans is different from Texans. However, once an American moves to another state, he/she tries to adapt the accent of his/her host. How? They try his/her best to reduce the nuances of his/her accent. This certainly is for the purpose of effective communication. Let me emphasize, though, that there is what we call informal and formal English; street or schooled English, and native-born and foreign-accented English. So, which one would you think is best for a call center agent? The answer, most definitely, is a good command of formal and educated English, with reduced traces of foreign accents.
I was disappointed that almost all those messages posted on that call center blog did not meet the requirements.
Here are some pieces of advice:
1) I encourage non-native English speakers to read, read, and read English books and magazines. Put away vernacular books and magazines for some time (Bisaya, Liwayway, etc.) and read more English books. Reading books is a big help to minimize subject-verb disagreements, dangling sentences, etc.
2) I also encourage them to tune in to TV channels with native English speakers or radio programs (Voice of America or BBC, for example)and, while they listen to that native English speaker, they should try to mimic and emulate the accent or the tone of that speaker's voice. Be keen when listening to and producing those diphthongs (long e's, short e's, oi, the schwa sound, etc.). For consonants, please pay attention particularly the beginning and final. Like vowels, consonants can be produced properly by the placement of your lips and tongue. For example, /b/ which is bilabial plosive can be produced properly by having your lower and upper lips touch each other before you let out that booming sound. Phonic /v/ can be produced by having your upper teeth touch your lower lip before you let out the sound. Produce the sound /t/ by placing the tip of your tongue at the back of your teeth before you say the letter.
3) English teachers must emphasize the importance of teeth, lips, tongue, palate, and glottis when teaching phonics to their students.
4) And students or parents, you should demand a good English teacher from the school administrator. This does not mean a charismatic or likable teacher. I mean a teacher, who knows the craft. English teachers with good command of the language, both in grammar, phonics, and accent reduction, are not only a must in college, they are a must in elementary grades, because that's where the language learning has to start.
Remember, it is not only a good command of grammar that a call center needs; a good pronunciation is also very much needed. Once you have the confidence in your grammar and phonics, reduction of foreign diction and accent will be as easy as eating an apple pie.
5) PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. EXAGGERATE, EXAGGERATE, EXAGGERATE. Twist, stretch, and curl that tongue to the max.
6) AND PLEASE LEARN TO ELIMINATE CODE-SWITCHING, when speaking. Using English as your initial phrase and completing the sentence in vernacular, or vice versa (code-switching), will not do you any good. It would become your habit; it would prevent you from speaking English fluently; it surely would be a dead-end in getting that job in any call center.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
"BUKIDNON, MY HOME" REVISITED
Sorry guys, this special blog is going provincial, specifically intended for my fellow "tagaBukidnon". Promise, my weekend blog would be intended for global reading.
The topic, the song "Bukidnon, My Home", is very close to my heart. It's the official song of my province in so. Philippines. It has been written and sung in both English and Binukid, my mother tongue; however, the Binukid lyric has been problematic. With my serious intention to include the song in my book project, BEDTIME-PASTIME (Kalanganan dun hu Ikam): Collections of Short Stories and Folktales, I decided to rewrite its Binukid chorus. So, mga sulled ku, mga migo ug miga, please give me your feedback.
Reasons behind this rewrite:
1) The Binukid lyric is too specific and it doesn't jibe (sorry for colloquialism)with the English lyric. Good translation needs to be idiomatic and must not be out of context. What we have now is purely a free, free, free translation.
2) One word in some online postings is so foreign to me. I have not heard such word since birth. Yes, my mother tongue is Binukid. It is my first language. Nevertheless, I am not too narrow-minded. I know pretty well that language is dynamic; thus, it changes over time. Maybe the word is archaic. It has not been used right after the song was put into music. I bald already...breathing more than half a century. Hence, Bukidnon, My Home, could have been written 20 years before I was born. Following Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, some linguist-anthropologists believe that 19 % of basic vocabulary changes every one thousand years. Maybe, such Binukid term was one of them, but it is too far-fetched.
3) Measures in the Binukid chorus is more than what we have in English. If we sing the Binukid counterpart without repeating it, the lyric is short of two measures.
4) In some postings, the orthography is problematic also.
So, here's my rewrite of the Binukid chorus. I tried my best to stay close to the English lyric. Also, I tried to relate it to the content of its first stanza.
"BUKIDNON, BANUWA KU"
Bisan pa hindu a
Lalag ku'g uli` a
Dini ta Bukidnon
Kanak ha banuwa
Buntod ha matangkaw,
Kalasan...makapal,
Patag ha malu-ag,
Na tungkay madagway.
Cho:
Bukidnon ha banuwa ku,
Imu man sa pusong ku.
Ga-id man ta madagway
Sa langit nu ko daloman.
Bukidnon ha banuwa ku,
Angati a; ag-uli` a."
Sa kalipay ha in-ila nu
Hadi ku agkalipatan.(Or "hadi iyan agkamatay.)
(English translation of chorus)
Bukidnon, my town,
My heart is yours.
Maybe because your sky
Is beautiful(even) at night.
Bukidnon, my town,
Wait for me; I am coming home.
The happiness you have given me
I (just) can't forget.(or It, indeed, will not die.)
(The current Binukid Chorus)
Bunturun, balalayan, basakan,
kapatagan, pastuhan, kapinyahan,
ba alan-alan ka-uyagan.
Langit din pig-aldawan,
piglambongan, pig-uranan,
ba alan-alan ka-uyagan.
(The English Chorus)
There my heart, yearns to be
In far away, Bukidnon land.
Under its blue starry sky,
Where love and joy never die.
(Repeat)
Please note that I have no problem keeping the original Binukid chorus, even if it's way off it's English counterpart. However, I wanted to sing it without humming a couple of measures before singing the last phrase. Any feedback is highly appreciated, so shoot it out. And please inform your family and friends in Bukidnon to check out this rewrite.
Thank you, guys.
NOTE:
Most of my readers have been sending me comments through facebook and email. You can do the same. Here's my email: edMindustan@gmail.com
Salamat tungkay.
The topic, the song "Bukidnon, My Home", is very close to my heart. It's the official song of my province in so. Philippines. It has been written and sung in both English and Binukid, my mother tongue; however, the Binukid lyric has been problematic. With my serious intention to include the song in my book project, BEDTIME-PASTIME (Kalanganan dun hu Ikam): Collections of Short Stories and Folktales, I decided to rewrite its Binukid chorus. So, mga sulled ku, mga migo ug miga, please give me your feedback.
Reasons behind this rewrite:
1) The Binukid lyric is too specific and it doesn't jibe (sorry for colloquialism)with the English lyric. Good translation needs to be idiomatic and must not be out of context. What we have now is purely a free, free, free translation.
2) One word in some online postings is so foreign to me. I have not heard such word since birth. Yes, my mother tongue is Binukid. It is my first language. Nevertheless, I am not too narrow-minded. I know pretty well that language is dynamic; thus, it changes over time. Maybe the word is archaic. It has not been used right after the song was put into music. I bald already...breathing more than half a century. Hence, Bukidnon, My Home, could have been written 20 years before I was born. Following Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, some linguist-anthropologists believe that 19 % of basic vocabulary changes every one thousand years. Maybe, such Binukid term was one of them, but it is too far-fetched.
3) Measures in the Binukid chorus is more than what we have in English. If we sing the Binukid counterpart without repeating it, the lyric is short of two measures.
4) In some postings, the orthography is problematic also.
So, here's my rewrite of the Binukid chorus. I tried my best to stay close to the English lyric. Also, I tried to relate it to the content of its first stanza.
"BUKIDNON, BANUWA KU"
Bisan pa hindu a
Lalag ku'g uli` a
Dini ta Bukidnon
Kanak ha banuwa
Buntod ha matangkaw,
Kalasan...makapal,
Patag ha malu-ag,
Na tungkay madagway.
Cho:
Bukidnon ha banuwa ku,
Imu man sa pusong ku.
Ga-id man ta madagway
Sa langit nu ko daloman.
Bukidnon ha banuwa ku,
Angati a; ag-uli` a."
Sa kalipay ha in-ila nu
Hadi ku agkalipatan.(Or "hadi iyan agkamatay.)
(English translation of chorus)
Bukidnon, my town,
My heart is yours.
Maybe because your sky
Is beautiful(even) at night.
Bukidnon, my town,
Wait for me; I am coming home.
The happiness you have given me
I (just) can't forget.(or It, indeed, will not die.)
(The current Binukid Chorus)
Bunturun, balalayan, basakan,
kapatagan, pastuhan, kapinyahan,
ba alan-alan ka-uyagan.
Langit din pig-aldawan,
piglambongan, pig-uranan,
ba alan-alan ka-uyagan.
(The English Chorus)
There my heart, yearns to be
In far away, Bukidnon land.
Under its blue starry sky,
Where love and joy never die.
(Repeat)
Please note that I have no problem keeping the original Binukid chorus, even if it's way off it's English counterpart. However, I wanted to sing it without humming a couple of measures before singing the last phrase. Any feedback is highly appreciated, so shoot it out. And please inform your family and friends in Bukidnon to check out this rewrite.
Thank you, guys.
NOTE:
Most of my readers have been sending me comments through facebook and email. You can do the same. Here's my email: edMindustan@gmail.com
Salamat tungkay.
Friday, February 13, 2009
BE HOPEFUL AND JOYOUS THIS VALENTINE'S DAY
HAPPY VALENTINE
(Italian sonnet in Acrostic)
Here I am. My beloved! My valentine!
As everyone else, with red rose in hand,
Pushing myself in…hope you’ll understand
Praying that tonight I can say, ‘You’re mine’.
Year in, year out, my heart tried to define.
Vague, at first; but then… emotion so grand.
Anxious to give you this red rose as planned
Looming inside! It’s bursting as we dine.
Expecting ‘yes’ is what my heart desire.
No! Don’t be pressured! Please, just take your time.
The ‘yes’, I need, but surely I can wait.
In case, you’d say the ‘no’, I won’t retire.
Noble? My heart is! Patience I would climb.
Enter I await…your paradise gate.
(c) 2009 edmund melig industan
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!!!!
note: Want to read more of Edmund's poetry? PRAISING ALL SEASONS LONG can be purchased now on Comfort Publishing online store. It also can be pre-ordered now on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Target.
(Italian sonnet in Acrostic)
Here I am. My beloved! My valentine!
As everyone else, with red rose in hand,
Pushing myself in…hope you’ll understand
Praying that tonight I can say, ‘You’re mine’.
Year in, year out, my heart tried to define.
Vague, at first; but then… emotion so grand.
Anxious to give you this red rose as planned
Looming inside! It’s bursting as we dine.
Expecting ‘yes’ is what my heart desire.
No! Don’t be pressured! Please, just take your time.
The ‘yes’, I need, but surely I can wait.
In case, you’d say the ‘no’, I won’t retire.
Noble? My heart is! Patience I would climb.
Enter I await…your paradise gate.
(c) 2009 edmund melig industan
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!!!!
note: Want to read more of Edmund's poetry? PRAISING ALL SEASONS LONG can be purchased now on Comfort Publishing online store. It also can be pre-ordered now on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Target.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
A DASANG TO MICHAEL PHELPS!
HEY, MICHAEL PHELPS!
e.melig industan (02/06/2009)
There you were, pumping fist and yells.
At the tank, you’re a dolphin kicking
…Smoothly with your heels. The fastest!
And the world had watched you in awe.
You’re a hero, a role model to many.
They buy goods when your face is on it.
They worship you like a demigod of old.
And money pours in like rain. Splendid!
But hey!
Bear in mind, fame makes one’s head swells.
And the money makes one’s judgment fails.
Hey!
Think twice when you try something new.
Think twice before you flip with what’s new.
When it’s winter to many, it’s summer to you.
Many bundle up at home; you unwind out.
Money pampers you to wriggle at wee hours.
Think! Home is wholesome; outdoor’s full of snares.
Time immemorial, money isn’t real friend.
He lets you own everything, but screws you later.
He makes you famous; later infamous…
For wrong judgment on what to do follows.
Hey!
Look at O.J., Montgomery and Jones.
They were famous. The world caught in awe.
Hey!
Fame and money they have, but see how they end up.
They have both. Both left them scathed.
Oh, fortune! Fortune makes half of a man.
And man’s action will bond to make a whole man.
Oh, Machiavelli, when can these athletes see?
Please tell them, “Prince”, they must understand.
NOTE: 1) Just a Dasang, an experimental performance poetry, patterned after the Higa-onon tribe hortatory discourse to remind Michael and the other famous athletes to think twice before they do something stupid.
2) Also, my new book, PRAISING ALL SEASONS LONG: Haiku Verses, which is available for purchase on Comfort Publishing online store, can be pre-ordered now on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Target. A super gift book year-round.
e.melig industan (02/06/2009)
There you were, pumping fist and yells.
At the tank, you’re a dolphin kicking
…Smoothly with your heels. The fastest!
And the world had watched you in awe.
You’re a hero, a role model to many.
They buy goods when your face is on it.
They worship you like a demigod of old.
And money pours in like rain. Splendid!
But hey!
Bear in mind, fame makes one’s head swells.
And the money makes one’s judgment fails.
Hey!
Think twice when you try something new.
Think twice before you flip with what’s new.
When it’s winter to many, it’s summer to you.
Many bundle up at home; you unwind out.
Money pampers you to wriggle at wee hours.
Think! Home is wholesome; outdoor’s full of snares.
Time immemorial, money isn’t real friend.
He lets you own everything, but screws you later.
He makes you famous; later infamous…
For wrong judgment on what to do follows.
Hey!
Look at O.J., Montgomery and Jones.
They were famous. The world caught in awe.
Hey!
Fame and money they have, but see how they end up.
They have both. Both left them scathed.
Oh, fortune! Fortune makes half of a man.
And man’s action will bond to make a whole man.
Oh, Machiavelli, when can these athletes see?
Please tell them, “Prince”, they must understand.
NOTE: 1) Just a Dasang, an experimental performance poetry, patterned after the Higa-onon tribe hortatory discourse to remind Michael and the other famous athletes to think twice before they do something stupid.
2) Also, my new book, PRAISING ALL SEASONS LONG: Haiku Verses, which is available for purchase on Comfort Publishing online store, can be pre-ordered now on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Target. A super gift book year-round.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
PRES. OBAMA'S INAUGURATION IN VERSE (2nd & Last Installment)
Which party are you?
“I am a Republican.
Obama’s my man.”
Strangers were rubbing elbows at the north mall. They exchanged pleasantries with no sign of boundaries. Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, and even the Nacionalistas from far away countries; their faces seemed to say, “Pres. Obama, you are our man, the man of celebrities and of the masses.”
And V.I.Ps’ paraded down the red-carpeted steps; Justices and the new cabinets with their spouses. The past presidents and spouses were escorted to their seats: the 39th, the 41st, the 42nd, and the 43rd. Then, I saw the 44th standing stately, waiting patiently for his name to be announced.
The new President!
People exhilarated!
Tears and cheers around.
The 44th US President walked confidently. His eyes were beaming brightly. And I whispered, “Lord, thank you for President Barack Obama. Please don’t let his speech say, ‘I will…’ Guide him to say, ‘We will…’! Please don’t let his mind swell.”
Sen. Feinstein called on Rick Warren. The prayer was so purposely driven. ‘In God we trust’ engraved in the ‘old presidents’. Sadly, more and more Americans are spiritually out of sync. Thank goodness, I saw many with clasp hands and closed eyes, but ‘Hey Caucasian lady with black and white lined scarf sitting behind the president. What’s that jeering eyes (seemingly directed) at the president for?’ Oh, well, maybe she still mad at him for choosing Warren, a stout California Prop. 8 advocate, for the opening.
Small flags waving high.
“My Country, it is of Thee.”
Color Guards unite.
Aretha Franklin sang. Lincoln sat as he listened and watched: the Grand Canyon, the Golden Bridge, the Liberty statue. Many were teary eyed hoisting their red, white, and blue. The song united their hearts as one American gang.
Justice Stevens sworn-in Vice President Biden without a flaw. Yo-Yo Ma and company serenaded with their instruments.
Oh my, what happened?
It was the moment of flub.
Swearing-in faltered.
President Obama stood to be sworn-in. The beautiful Michelle was beside him holding a 5-by-8 (?) unopened red box that contained the Bible that the 16th US President had sworn-in to one hundred forty-eight years ago. But alas! The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court faltered. The new President and other V.I.P.s’ smiled. The swearing in became (as I saw it) so informal and seemingly an ordinary event. Nonetheless, the crowd was full of excitement: crying, laughing, hollering, and hoisting posters with the president’s picture.
Finally, the 44th US President looked proudly as far as his eye can see; the sea of humanity standing as quiet as can be as he stood behind that bullet-proof glass-covered podium for an anxiously awaited speech.
Fellow citizens…
Let us not be faint-hearted…
Let us take the risk.
We dust ourselves off…
We’ll rebuild America…
All these we can do.
Even though there was a multitude listening in D.C., a drop of pin, I seemingly heard. Like me, the crowd didn’t care if the speech would be longer than the 2-hour speech of the 9th or be shorter than the 1-minute, 35 words of the 1st US President. Everyone’s ready to imbibe what the new President would say. Lo and behold! The speech was delivered in less than 20 minutes. Only three “Is” were heard, one of this was when he talked about his Kenyan father. Most were the inclusive “we”, “us”, and “our”.
The speech was short, but sweet. It was full of affirmation and challenges. With a charismatic, energetic, action-driven, change advocate at the helm; surely, the United States of America can successfully row itself across turbulence and huge whirlpools. We will overcome barriers and, once again, live with peaceful souls.
Do not be alarmed.
The President is human.
Give him enough time.
As people went back to their cities, those in Kogelo, Besuki, and Obama went to their respective homes, and I turned my TV off to begin work, we have to remind ourselves that our 44th US President is not a God, who has answers to all the challenges our world is facing nowadays. So, let us give him space, a little more than the normal100 days. Let us bring him to the throne of grace. He needs supreme guidance far beyond all human senses.
Now…
“Race”, we go for change.
Onward we move together.
We’ve new President.
And President Barack Hussein Obama, American, the 44th US and the first “Colored” US President, and God-fearing family man, began his first day at the Oval Office with another historical re-swearing, re-administered by Chief Justice John Roberts, Jr.
Wait! Was it in one of the offices at the basement of the White House? Anyways, this time, it was flawless.
And the new era in the U.S. of A has begun.
By: Edmund Melig Industan
(c) 2009
“I am a Republican.
Obama’s my man.”
Strangers were rubbing elbows at the north mall. They exchanged pleasantries with no sign of boundaries. Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, and even the Nacionalistas from far away countries; their faces seemed to say, “Pres. Obama, you are our man, the man of celebrities and of the masses.”
And V.I.Ps’ paraded down the red-carpeted steps; Justices and the new cabinets with their spouses. The past presidents and spouses were escorted to their seats: the 39th, the 41st, the 42nd, and the 43rd. Then, I saw the 44th standing stately, waiting patiently for his name to be announced.
The new President!
People exhilarated!
Tears and cheers around.
The 44th US President walked confidently. His eyes were beaming brightly. And I whispered, “Lord, thank you for President Barack Obama. Please don’t let his speech say, ‘I will…’ Guide him to say, ‘We will…’! Please don’t let his mind swell.”
Sen. Feinstein called on Rick Warren. The prayer was so purposely driven. ‘In God we trust’ engraved in the ‘old presidents’. Sadly, more and more Americans are spiritually out of sync. Thank goodness, I saw many with clasp hands and closed eyes, but ‘Hey Caucasian lady with black and white lined scarf sitting behind the president. What’s that jeering eyes (seemingly directed) at the president for?’ Oh, well, maybe she still mad at him for choosing Warren, a stout California Prop. 8 advocate, for the opening.
Small flags waving high.
“My Country, it is of Thee.”
Color Guards unite.
Aretha Franklin sang. Lincoln sat as he listened and watched: the Grand Canyon, the Golden Bridge, the Liberty statue. Many were teary eyed hoisting their red, white, and blue. The song united their hearts as one American gang.
Justice Stevens sworn-in Vice President Biden without a flaw. Yo-Yo Ma and company serenaded with their instruments.
Oh my, what happened?
It was the moment of flub.
Swearing-in faltered.
President Obama stood to be sworn-in. The beautiful Michelle was beside him holding a 5-by-8 (?) unopened red box that contained the Bible that the 16th US President had sworn-in to one hundred forty-eight years ago. But alas! The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court faltered. The new President and other V.I.P.s’ smiled. The swearing in became (as I saw it) so informal and seemingly an ordinary event. Nonetheless, the crowd was full of excitement: crying, laughing, hollering, and hoisting posters with the president’s picture.
Finally, the 44th US President looked proudly as far as his eye can see; the sea of humanity standing as quiet as can be as he stood behind that bullet-proof glass-covered podium for an anxiously awaited speech.
Fellow citizens…
Let us not be faint-hearted…
Let us take the risk.
We dust ourselves off…
We’ll rebuild America…
All these we can do.
Even though there was a multitude listening in D.C., a drop of pin, I seemingly heard. Like me, the crowd didn’t care if the speech would be longer than the 2-hour speech of the 9th or be shorter than the 1-minute, 35 words of the 1st US President. Everyone’s ready to imbibe what the new President would say. Lo and behold! The speech was delivered in less than 20 minutes. Only three “Is” were heard, one of this was when he talked about his Kenyan father. Most were the inclusive “we”, “us”, and “our”.
The speech was short, but sweet. It was full of affirmation and challenges. With a charismatic, energetic, action-driven, change advocate at the helm; surely, the United States of America can successfully row itself across turbulence and huge whirlpools. We will overcome barriers and, once again, live with peaceful souls.
Do not be alarmed.
The President is human.
Give him enough time.
As people went back to their cities, those in Kogelo, Besuki, and Obama went to their respective homes, and I turned my TV off to begin work, we have to remind ourselves that our 44th US President is not a God, who has answers to all the challenges our world is facing nowadays. So, let us give him space, a little more than the normal100 days. Let us bring him to the throne of grace. He needs supreme guidance far beyond all human senses.
Now…
“Race”, we go for change.
Onward we move together.
We’ve new President.
And President Barack Hussein Obama, American, the 44th US and the first “Colored” US President, and God-fearing family man, began his first day at the Oval Office with another historical re-swearing, re-administered by Chief Justice John Roberts, Jr.
Wait! Was it in one of the offices at the basement of the White House? Anyways, this time, it was flawless.
And the new era in the U.S. of A has begun.
By: Edmund Melig Industan
(c) 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
PRES. OBAMA'S INAUGURATION IN VERSE
One-twenty-“O”-nine
Six-layer dresses were worn.
Souls braved the long hours.
There were throng of people in Washington D.C. They came everywhere…from coast to coast. They braved the freezing cold before a rooster crows. Many covered even their brows. They were there to witness the President's Inauguration.
I woke up at 5 am here in California. Eyes focused on the wide-screen. I waited while sipping a piping hot black coffee in my den. I was anxious to witness the reality of the clerihew I wrote during the campaign.
Presenting to you, Barack Obama
Blah…blah…endorsed by our beloved, Oprah
African, Caucasian, Indonesian… (?)… Oh, well, American
If he’d win, the face at the oval office would historically change, man!
Mabuhay! ( Long-live!), the first colored US president. Like anybody else, I am proud to address you as Mr. President. His early exposure to different culture definitely makes him a caring, keen, well-rounded man. I am not sure if others would consider me as smart or judicious man, because I could not control myself but to drop any word qualifier and just call the 44th US President an American.
What is U.S.A?
Surely, it’s a melting pot.
Not all men are white.
It showed in the crowd. Different colors were in D.C; they’re behavior were very good. What I didn’t see was the color of cherry blossoms, but I know, for sure, it will pop up on the banks of the Potomac River sometime in spring.
It was announced that the President attended a church service at St. John’s. No worries! I enjoyed watching people, anyways. They patiently waited in line for the much-needed security posts. Their excitement to be part of this inaugural history overpowered the freezing cold and sneezes.
Then…
Brrmm…went the sound.
The motorcade has begun.
Lincoln sat to wait.
Blue and red beaming police bikes with sirens led the convoy. I didn’t hear the sirens on TV, but I was pretty sure they were loud to warn spectators never to try. A new black limousine was among them. Inside were the outgoing and the incoming US Presidents.
Cheering crowd? Millions!
Buntings waved! They’re like the waves.
Sea of humans…’twas!
I saw smiling faces. I saw frowning kids. They perched on their dads’ shoulder. They were there to say in the future, “I witnessed a president’s history in the making.”
I saw raise-the-roof being made. I heard hollers and yelps. I heard highly-charged comments. Everyone was hoping for a positive result. Everyone needs a breather amidst the world's tumult.
(c) Edmund Melig Industan, 2009
NOTE#1: 2nd installment to be posted tomorrow.
NOTE#2: A gift book, PRAISING ALL SEASONS LONG: Haiku Verses, can be purchased now on Comfort Publishing's online store. Price is just $9.99, cheaper than a dozen roses and a very good gift to those needing comfort, encouragement, and affirmation that, despite uncertainties and challenges in life, God is still in control of everything.
Six-layer dresses were worn.
Souls braved the long hours.
There were throng of people in Washington D.C. They came everywhere…from coast to coast. They braved the freezing cold before a rooster crows. Many covered even their brows. They were there to witness the President's Inauguration.
I woke up at 5 am here in California. Eyes focused on the wide-screen. I waited while sipping a piping hot black coffee in my den. I was anxious to witness the reality of the clerihew I wrote during the campaign.
Presenting to you, Barack Obama
Blah…blah…endorsed by our beloved, Oprah
African, Caucasian, Indonesian… (?)… Oh, well, American
If he’d win, the face at the oval office would historically change, man!
Mabuhay! ( Long-live!), the first colored US president. Like anybody else, I am proud to address you as Mr. President. His early exposure to different culture definitely makes him a caring, keen, well-rounded man. I am not sure if others would consider me as smart or judicious man, because I could not control myself but to drop any word qualifier and just call the 44th US President an American.
What is U.S.A?
Surely, it’s a melting pot.
Not all men are white.
It showed in the crowd. Different colors were in D.C; they’re behavior were very good. What I didn’t see was the color of cherry blossoms, but I know, for sure, it will pop up on the banks of the Potomac River sometime in spring.
It was announced that the President attended a church service at St. John’s. No worries! I enjoyed watching people, anyways. They patiently waited in line for the much-needed security posts. Their excitement to be part of this inaugural history overpowered the freezing cold and sneezes.
Then…
Brrmm…went the sound.
The motorcade has begun.
Lincoln sat to wait.
Blue and red beaming police bikes with sirens led the convoy. I didn’t hear the sirens on TV, but I was pretty sure they were loud to warn spectators never to try. A new black limousine was among them. Inside were the outgoing and the incoming US Presidents.
Cheering crowd? Millions!
Buntings waved! They’re like the waves.
Sea of humans…’twas!
I saw smiling faces. I saw frowning kids. They perched on their dads’ shoulder. They were there to say in the future, “I witnessed a president’s history in the making.”
I saw raise-the-roof being made. I heard hollers and yelps. I heard highly-charged comments. Everyone was hoping for a positive result. Everyone needs a breather amidst the world's tumult.
(c) Edmund Melig Industan, 2009
NOTE#1: 2nd installment to be posted tomorrow.
NOTE#2: A gift book, PRAISING ALL SEASONS LONG: Haiku Verses, can be purchased now on Comfort Publishing's online store. Price is just $9.99, cheaper than a dozen roses and a very good gift to those needing comfort, encouragement, and affirmation that, despite uncertainties and challenges in life, God is still in control of everything.
Friday, January 16, 2009
A Miracle on Hudson River
Flocks of geese flying
Frigid Hudson was waiting
Praise God, the plane lives.
e. industan
Yesterday, Jan. 15th, it was in the upper 70s in southern California but in the low 20s in New York. I sat comfortably on our couch hoping to watch my favorite after lunch tv program, The People’s Court. And I never regretted when “People’s” didn’t show up. My eyes were glued to Hudson River, the river that separates Jersey City and New York City. An airbus of US Airways, with 150 passengers and 5 airline crew landed safely in the river few minutes after it left La Guardia Airport, and the blue and red beaming vessels of the NYPD and Coast Guards, and a flotilla of water commuter ferries and water taxis were busy rescuing the passengers, many of them standing on the plane's wings. Everyone was reported safe; most were taken to hospitals for hypothermia and bruises. Thank God for the pilot, who stayed his cool as he made the emergency water landing; thank God, everyone was reported alive.
It was reported that the mishap might be caused by a large flock of Canadian geese sucked in by both engine. The big birds were too much for the engines to withstand.
The hybrid haiku was written to remember one of the coldest days in New York, the risk of flying when big birds are competing for air space, the smartness of the pilot and the crew, the immediate response of the water vessels, and, most importantly,God's miracle on Hudson.
Note: Want to read more praise haiku? PRAISING ALL SEASONS LONG: Haiku Verses has just been released by Comfort Publishing and can be purchased online. It’s is a collection of 145- praise haiku and is very good gift for those in need of affirmation that God is still in control of everything, despite uncertainties and challenges in life. Its $9.99 price is cheaper than a doz. roses and a better investment for eternity.
Frigid Hudson was waiting
Praise God, the plane lives.
e. industan
Yesterday, Jan. 15th, it was in the upper 70s in southern California but in the low 20s in New York. I sat comfortably on our couch hoping to watch my favorite after lunch tv program, The People’s Court. And I never regretted when “People’s” didn’t show up. My eyes were glued to Hudson River, the river that separates Jersey City and New York City. An airbus of US Airways, with 150 passengers and 5 airline crew landed safely in the river few minutes after it left La Guardia Airport, and the blue and red beaming vessels of the NYPD and Coast Guards, and a flotilla of water commuter ferries and water taxis were busy rescuing the passengers, many of them standing on the plane's wings. Everyone was reported safe; most were taken to hospitals for hypothermia and bruises. Thank God for the pilot, who stayed his cool as he made the emergency water landing; thank God, everyone was reported alive.
It was reported that the mishap might be caused by a large flock of Canadian geese sucked in by both engine. The big birds were too much for the engines to withstand.
The hybrid haiku was written to remember one of the coldest days in New York, the risk of flying when big birds are competing for air space, the smartness of the pilot and the crew, the immediate response of the water vessels, and, most importantly,God's miracle on Hudson.
Note: Want to read more praise haiku? PRAISING ALL SEASONS LONG: Haiku Verses has just been released by Comfort Publishing and can be purchased online. It’s is a collection of 145- praise haiku and is very good gift for those in need of affirmation that God is still in control of everything, despite uncertainties and challenges in life. Its $9.99 price is cheaper than a doz. roses and a better investment for eternity.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
A NEW YEAR'S WISH
Hi guys,
Hope everyone is ready to go back to work. Here is a Ghazal verse for you. I have my name included in the last couplet, not only because traditional ghazal verse requires it, but also to remind me that I have to look forward for a better tomorrow and let bygones be bygones.
So, here it is. May you have a prosperous New Year.
A NEW YEAR FOR A NEW YOU
Winter’s here welcoming a new you.
Hoping that past year has not glued you.
Look forward for the new day rising…
Leaving behind… actions that screwed you.
Past, like a ghost, will keep on haunting.
Be careful! Do not let him chew you!
Strong will to nurse, a new babe to rise.
Act swiftly, don’t let Past subdue you.
Don’t get discourage; keep looking up.
Reaching the zenith is up to you.
Remember, Edmund, show the true you.
Shine forth! Let the New Year glow through you.
(c) edmund melig industan, 2008
NOTE: This ghazal is included in my upcoming book, THE EXPERIMENTAL DASANG (Hey Poems) and 45 OTHER POETRY FORMS.
Also, I really would appreciate it if you could get a copy of my newly published gift book, PRAISING ALL SEASONS LONG: Haiku Verses at http://www.comfortpublishing.com
Hope everyone is ready to go back to work. Here is a Ghazal verse for you. I have my name included in the last couplet, not only because traditional ghazal verse requires it, but also to remind me that I have to look forward for a better tomorrow and let bygones be bygones.
So, here it is. May you have a prosperous New Year.
A NEW YEAR FOR A NEW YOU
Winter’s here welcoming a new you.
Hoping that past year has not glued you.
Look forward for the new day rising…
Leaving behind… actions that screwed you.
Past, like a ghost, will keep on haunting.
Be careful! Do not let him chew you!
Strong will to nurse, a new babe to rise.
Act swiftly, don’t let Past subdue you.
Don’t get discourage; keep looking up.
Reaching the zenith is up to you.
Remember, Edmund, show the true you.
Shine forth! Let the New Year glow through you.
(c) edmund melig industan, 2008
NOTE: This ghazal is included in my upcoming book, THE EXPERIMENTAL DASANG (Hey Poems) and 45 OTHER POETRY FORMS.
Also, I really would appreciate it if you could get a copy of my newly published gift book, PRAISING ALL SEASONS LONG: Haiku Verses at http://www.comfortpublishing.com
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