Author Archives: M.A.D. LIGAYA
Reunion (2)
(2nd of 6 parts)
Laging ganoon, laging kapag may usapang magkikita-kita kaming magkakaybigan eh si Jay ang mauuna sa aming tagpuan. Ako ang papangalawa at sina Cris at Mario ay nagpapalitan sa pangatlo at panghuli. At lagi silang leyt.
Bumaba ako ng jeep at nilapitan ko ang kotse ni Jay. Binuksan nito ang pintuan at pinapasok ako.
Tumingin ako sa aking relo – limang minuto bago mag-alas dos. Hindi ako leyt. Mabango sa loob ng kotse ni Jay. Ang halimuyak ay hindi galing sa isang airfreshener. Iba ang amoy na iyon. Mukhang mamahaling perfume ang gamit ng kaybigan ko samantalang ako eh amoy rubbing alcohol. Naka-long sleeve at kurbata si Jay. Parang galing sa isang meeting o talagang nakasanayan lang niyang magsuot ng ganoon kapag nakikipagkita sa ibang tao.
“Dito muna tayo sa loob ‘tol. Mainit sa labas.” Wika ni Jay. “Ngayon tayo magkakakuwentuhan ng matagal. Kumusta ka naman? Ano ang ginawa mo pagkatapos natin ng high school.”
“Naku ‘tol. Wala akong maiku-kuwento sa iyo dahil dito lang ako namalagi sa bayan natin. Namamasada lang ako ng jeep at nagsasaka. Hindi na ako nakapag-aral.” Nahinto ako saglit sa pagsasalita. Inisip ko kung bakit nga ba hindi ako nakatuntong ng kolehiyo, “I…ikaw na lang kaya muna ang mag-kuwento Jay. Mamaya na ako.”
At nagsimula nang magkuwento si Jay. Education pala ang kinuha nitong kurso at dahil nga masipag mag-aral eh nakapag-MA at PhD pa siya. Matalino naman talaga siya at hindi nakapagtataka na ganoon kataas ang antas ng kanyang pinagaralan. Akalain mong siya pala ang dean ng malaking college sa kabilang bayan na madalas kong pinaghahatidan ng mga estudyante.
May koneksyon pala siya kina Chris at Mario dahil friends daw sila sa Facebook. Matagal na daw nila akong hinahanap sa mga social media platforms pero hindi nila ako makita. Hindi talaga nila ako mahahanap doon dahil wala akong account sa Facebook o saan mang social media. Hindi ko nakahiligan. Feeling ko kasi eh hindi ko naman kaylangan. Pero mahilig akong magbasa ng diyaryo. Bumibili ako ng Philippine Star at Tempo araw-araw. Binabasa ko ang mga ito habang naghihintay akong masalang sa pilahan ng jeep namin. Habang namamasada naman ako eh nakikinig ako ng radio. Sa bahay naman eh nanood ako ng TV. Kaya masasabi kong updated ako. Alam ko ang tungkol sa mga Facebook at YouTube. Nakikita ko ang mga ito kapag ginagamit ng aking mga anak ang computer sa bahay. May mga viral videos din akong napapanood sa TV.
Halos 20 minutos na kaming nagkukuwentuhan eh hindi pa dumarating sina Chris at Mario.
“Ang tagal naman ng dalawang kumag na iyon.”
“Naku sir Jay! Mula naman noon na ang dalawang iyon eh laging late kapag may lakad tayo.”
“Sir ka diyan. Bigla ka namang naging pormal. Jay na lang ‘tol. Ano ka ba… para kang others.”
“Siyempre naman, isa kang doctor at dean pa ng isang kolehiyo. Dapat lang na…”
“O sige, ganito na lang, kapag pumunta ka sa school, tawagin mo akong sir, pero dito eh Jay na lang.”
“Okay dok.”
“Dok naman ngayon, ano ba iyan. Hay naku. Halika nga. Baba muna tayo. Gusto kong mag-yosi.”
Bumaba nga kami ng sasakyan ni Jay at naupo sa malalaking tipak ng bato na nakapaligid sa puno ng acacia. Isa lamang iyon sa ilang puno ng acacia na nakapalibot sa basketball court na madalas na paglaruan naming magkakaybigan noong nag-aaral pa kami sa high school. Ang sari-sari store at ang katabi nitong lugawan malapit sa baskebolan ay nandoon pa rin.
Inalok ako ni Jay ng sigarilyo. Tinangihan ko. Hindi ako natutong manigarilyo.
“Hindi ka pala naninigarilyo.” Wika ni Jay. “Good for you. How I wish na hindi ko natutuhan ito.”
“Ha? Bakit naman?”
Tumingin sa akin si Jay.
“Ah… wala lang… basta.”
Tingin ko eh may gustong sabihin si Jay. Biglang parang nawala ang kanyang sigla. Nagsindi siya ng sigarilyo.
“Jay, mukhang lumang-luma na iyong board oh. Parang malalaglag na. Tapos nakalaylay pa ng kaunti iyong ring.”
“Oo nga, Mukhang hindi na napalitan. Iyan pa rin yata iyong board at ring na ginagamit natin noon kapag dumadayo tayo rito.
“Wari ko nga.”
“Paano, may bagong sports center kasi sa tabi ng munisipyo kaya doon na lang naglalaro ang mga mahilig magbasketbol.”
“At least Mon iyong tindahan ni nanay Mameng at iyong lugawan ni mang Isko ay mukhang umasenso. Tignan mo o… yari na sa konkreto iyong puwesto nila.
“Oo nga ano, hindi ko napansin iyon kanino.” Wika ko. “Dati nga pala eh yari ang mga iyan sa kawayan at pawid.”
Halos araw-araw kong nadadaan ang lugar na iyon kapag pumapasada ako ng jeep pero hindi ko kaylan man napansin na binago ang yari ng tindahan at lugawan na iyon.
“Buhay pa kaya sina nanay Mameng at mang Isko.”
“Mamaya Jay, malalaman natin.”
“Oo nga, kapag naubos itong sigarilyo ko eh kumustahin natin sila. Siyanga pala, naglalaro ka pa ba?”
“Paminsan-minsan, kapag hindi ako namamasada. May basketbolan doon sa barangay namin malapit sa aming bahay. Sumasali ako kapag may liga doon.”
Nang maubos ni Jay ang unang stick ng kanyang sigarilyo ay may nakita kaming paparating na kotse. Huminto ito sa mismong harapan namin at dahang-dahang bumaba ang salamin ng pintuan nito.
“Hello ladies…” si Chris iyon. “Teka mga ‘tol, ipa-park ko lang ng maayos itong wheels ko.”
Ipinarada ni Jay ang mukhang bagong-bagong kotse nito sa tabi ng aking jeep. Nakagitna sa mga kotse nina Jay at Chris ang aking jeep. Parehong Honda Civic ang mga kotse nila, itim ang kay Jay, pula naman ang kay Chris.
Bumaba si Chris. Pareho kami ng suot – polo short, jeans at rubber shoes. Bago nga lang ang sa kanya samantalang ang akin ay medyo may kalumaan na.
“Kaninong karag-karag ba ito? Baka matetano ang kotse ko ah.” Ani Chris.
“Gago, kay Mon ‘yan.” Ang sabi ni Jay.
“Ha, naku ‘tol sorry. Sa iyo pala ito.”
“Ayos lang ‘tol.”
“Same old Chris… tactless.” Dagdag pa ni Jay.
“O kumusta naman kayo mga ‘tol?”
Halos sabay kaming nag-thumbs up ni Jay.
“Eh ang playboy, kumusta naman,” ani Jay.
“Playboy… baka ikaw ang playboy… balita ko nga may siyota kang estudyante mo.”
“Naku Chris, huwag mo nga akong igaya sa iyo. Pati lady guard namin sa school eh gusto mong patusin.”
“Hindi ah.”
“Sinabi niya sa akin. Bistado ka na. Hiningi mo daw number niya nang pasyalan mo ako sa school.”
“Okay…okay. Hot mama kasi iyong lady guard ninyo. Ang laki ng… bumper.”
“At ilan na nga sa mga kaklase natin noong high school at naging syota mo noong nagkatrabaho ka na?”
“Hoy Jay… 3 lang ha… si Aida, si Lorna, at is Fe.”
“Grabe… grabe…”
“What was I suppose to do? Sila naman ang kumontak at naghabol sa akin.”
Pagkasabi niyon ay naupo sa gitna namin si Chris.
“Wow, ang bango mo ‘tol ah. Mukhang perfume ang ipinang-ligo mo kanina.”
“Mumurahing cologne lang ang gamit ko.” Sagot ni Jay kay Chris.
“Mon… anong amoy iyan… namputsa…alcohol… alcohol ang gamit mong pabango.”
“Oo ‘tol. Greencross rubbing alcohol.” Sinakyan ko na lamang ang kantiyaw ni Chris. Ganoon talaga siya. Mahilig mangbuska.
“Miss na miss ko kayo mga ‘tol.” Wika ni Chris sabay akbay sa aming dalawa ni Jay.
“Si Mario na lang ang kulang.” Sabi ni Jay.
“Teka, groufie nga muna tayo.” Ani Chris sabay set-up ang hawak niyang cell phone.
“Mamaya na lang pagdating ni Mario, para kumpleto tayo.”Ang mungkahi ni Jay.
THE COVID-19 SCARE
Yesterday (February 26th), on my way to Haemi-myeon, I bumped into a colleague – a foreign English professor like me. We were about to do a “fist bump” but realizing that our hands were exposed, I jokingly suggested that we do an “elbow bump” instead. He agreed and we both laughed at what we did. A “fist bump” is safer than a handshake (according to research studies) but with the dreaded COVID-19 possibly clinging in somebody else’s skin and ready to jump into ours upon contact, then the “elbow bump” is a safer alternative.
A few days earlier, I had a friend who was obviously a little bit iffy meeting me in person him knowing that I just traveled all the way from the Philippines and landed at Incheon international airport. I just could not tell him that the feeling was mutual because I was not sure where he traveled around Korea the past weeks. Even if he did not travel, I don’t know who were the people he came in contact with and were they not infected by the virus. That day I embraced the present reality – that because of the COVID-19, people around us, colleagues or not, friends or not, loved ones or not related to us, need to take all the necessary precautions – and we should not take offense.
But we don’t need to be scared, to the point of becoming indifferent and paranoid. Neither should this COVID-19 scare drive us to racism. We just have to be cautious and cooperate with (and follow instructions given by) authorities who have been doing their best to control the contagion.
While taking my vacation in the Philippines, I closely monitored COVID-19 cases, not only there but also here in what I consider my second home – South Korea. I flew out of South Korea through Incheon Airport on the 26th of January for my winter break and if I remember correctly, there were only around 3 confirmed cases in the country at that time. When I checked for updates on January 28th, there were already 4. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, as of the same date, there was only one confirmed case – not a Filipino citizen though but a 38-year-old Chinese woman from the reported origin of the virus – Wuhan, China.
There are thousands of Chinese in the Philippines and nobody knows how many of them came from (or might have travelled to) Wuhan when the virus was still silently wreaking havoc. There could also be Filipinos, or foreigners, who might have traveled to China who could possibly be carrying the virus without them knowing and were roaming around my country. Scared by these possibilities, I decided to cancel a road trip I was planning to have with family and friends. Also, I intentionally did not contact friends I promised to see during my vacation. Reason – I wasn’t aware of their travel history. Better safe than sorry. Conversely, that was also beneficial to them, I passed through two airports, Incheon and Manila, and have mingled with hundreds of foreigners in the process. I was not sure then if I did not get infected. Thankfully, I was not.
By the 30th of January, more cases of COVID-19 infections were reported here in South Korea. The following day (31st of January), when there was a dramatic increase of confirmed cases of infections, the university (where I am currently employed) cancelled the graduation ceremonies that was supposedly scheduled for February 21st. That was a very good decision. It was for the best interest of everybody that our university did so. I have several PhD students, one of them was my dissertation advisee, who were supposed to formally receive their diplomas that day. They have long waited for that to happen and they were saddened that because of the COVID -19 scare, it was cancelled. They said that there is nothing they could do about it and besides, they themselves were also hesitant to participate in the graduation ceremonies had it pushed through as scheduled because a lot of people coming from different parts of South Korea (including those with confirmed cases of infections) would be coming and there would be a lot of foreign students (and possibly their families too) attending too, some of them coming from China.
On February 1st, there in the Philippines, the first COVID-19 death outside of China, happened. On February 5th, the third case was reported bringing the total number of confirmed infections to 3. All those reported infected were Chinese. There was no community transmission in the Philippines though. It was a different case here in South Korea where more and more cases were reported during the first week of February even among people who have no travel history to China. This prompted our university officials to move the opening of the Spring Semester to March 16th. Another wise move.
When I received the email stating that the opening of School Year- 2020 would be delayed for 2 weeks, I contemplated about extending my vacation in the Philippines so I could stay longer with my family. But I decided not to because should the COVID-19 problem in South Korea gets worse, there was a possibility then that the Philippine government would not allow flights to and from this country, the way it did to flights to Macau, Hongkong, China, and Taiwan.
So, as scheduled, I flew back to South Korea (from the Philippines) on February 19th. The previous day, the 31st COVID-19 case was reported. When I got settled in my apartment the following day (February 20th) and checked the internet for updates on the virus, I was shocked to find out that cases of infections have breached the century mark. More infections and deaths related to the virus were reported in the next couple of days prompting me to take all the necessary precautions.
As of today (February 27th) there are already 1,766 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infections and 13 deaths here in South Korea. Reports identified Daegu City and the neighboring province of Gyeongsangbuk as the regions in South Korea that were hardest hit by the virus. The vast majority of infections took place in the said places.
I have been back here (in South Korea) for a week now but I have yet to enter our university campus. I need to complete the 14-day mandatory self-quarantine period before I do so. I am hoping that all foreigners – students and workers – who traveled overseas would do the same.
I have not ventured out of my “cave” much the past 7 days except when I had to buy food and other supplies (thrice that I have done so) and eat in a restaurant. Only twice so far that I visited my favorite restaurant. That’s how I restricted my movement so far, not because I am scared but to ensure that I don’t get infected, or I don’t infect other people in case I am already carrying the virus and I just don’t know.
The COVID-19 scare clearly disrupted my routine. I could not go to the gym in our campus to do my regular workout. I have also avoided walking around and hiking in my favorite spots around here. For the meantime, I am making do with the stationary bike and some weights in my apartment.
Thankfully, technology can provide the entertainment I need. Even if I could not go to a nearby city (Seosan-si) to watch movies, there are plenty of them available in my favorite websites.
With me hesitant to venture beyond the door of my pad, I have more time to create contents for my website, read, write, and meditate.
As always, the Facebook messenger and Skype, allow me to be in touch with my loved ones through “video call” almost 24/7.
I am confident that humans can overcome the onslaught of the COVID-19. It’s just a matter of time. The homo sapiens is a resilient species.
God’s love and mercy towards humanity never end. Sooner or later, the COVID-19 scare will be a thing of the past.
Reunion (1)
(1st of 6 parts)
“Sa tabi lang amang.”
Marahan kong tinapakan ang preno. Dali-dali akong bumaba upang salubungin ang matandang babae na dahan-dahan at hirap na bumababa. Inalalayan ko rin siya nang sumampa siya sa jeep kong minamaneho. Tingin ko nama’y hindi minasama ng ibang mga pasahero ko ang kaunting abalang idinulot niyon sa kanila. Nakakaawa kasi si nanay. Sana man lang eh sinamahan siyang bumiyahe ng sinoman sa mga kamag-anak niya.
“Maraming salamat amang. Napakasuwerte ko at jeep mo ang aking natiyempuhang sakyan.”
“Wala pong ano man nanay. Salamat din po dahil kahit luma na itong jeep ko eh ito ang pinara ninyo.”
“Maayos pa naman ang jeep mo amang ah. Okay ka ring magmaneho.”
“Salamat po. Ingat po kayo nanay.”
Siya ang huling pasahero ko sa araw na iyon. Tinanggal ko na ang mga signboard na nakadikit sa salamin sa unahan ng jeep ko para wala nang pumara.
Pasado alas-dose pa lamang ng tanghali pero huminto na ako sa aking pasada. Magkikita kasi kami ng mga kaklase ko – sina Jay, Chris, at Mario. Sila ang mga sanggang dikit ko noon sa high school. Excited ako dahil iyon ang una naming pagkikita matapos ang higit-kumulang 20 taon. Parang reunion. Apat nga lang kami.
Si Jay ang nag-plano ng pagkikita-kita naming iyon. Noon isang linggo kasi eh may pumara sa akin na isang mama na tila nangka-aberya ang minamanehong kotse. Para kakong pamilyar sa akin ang mukha ng mamang iyon. Sa dahilang wala naman akong pasahero noon ay huminto ako upang tignan kung anong tulong ang maibibigay ko sa kanya.
Pagbabang-pagbaba ko ng sasakyan ay nagkatinginan kami at laking gulat ko nang tawagin akong ‘tol at sabihin ang aking pangalan ko. Siya pala si Jay. Katulad ng madalas naming gawin noon – nagkamayan kami ng mahigpit at pagkatapos ay nagkalawitan kami ng braso na animo kami’y magbubunong braso.
Buong sabik kaming nagkumustahan habang iniaayos ko ang na-discharge na baterya ng kanyang sasakyan. Nagmamadali si Jay noon dahil may meeting daw siyang dapat puntahan kaya’t hindi kami nakapagkuwentuhan ng matagal. Nang maayos ko ang problema ng kanyang sasakyan ay dumukot si Jay ng pera sa kanyang wallet at pilit iniaabot sa akin. Ito’y aking tinanggihan. Matapos siyang humingi ng paumanhin sa sinabi niyang abalang dulot sa akin eh kinuha niya ang kanyang cell phone at tinanong kung ano ang number ko. Matagal na daw talaga niya akong hinahanap. Ibinigay ko sa kanya ang aking number. Nag-miskol siya upang makuha ko naman ang sa kanya.. Isi-nave ko ito at matapos mangakong ako’y tatawagan eh kaagad siyang sumakay sa kanyang kotse at pinaharurot palayo. Mukha ngang siya’y nagmamadali.
Si Jay ay isa sa mga matatalino kong kaklase noong high school. Siya kung tutuusin ang lider ng aming grupo. Masayang-masaya ako at nagkita kami. Matagal ko na rin silang hinahanap.
Mukhang natupad ang mga pangarap ni Jay. Madalas niyang sabihin noon na gusto niyang makatapos ng pag-aaral, magkaroon ng magandang trabaho, kotse, at malaking bahay. May kotse na siya at naka coat and tie. Tila maganda ang kanyang trabaho. Hindi ko lang alam kung may bahay na siya at kung nagka-pamilya. Mas malamang na nagkaroon din siya ng sariling bahay. Pamilya? Iyon ang hindi ko matantiya. Sayang at hindi kami nakapag-usap ng matagal. Ni hindi ko natanong kung ano at saan siya nagtatrabaho.
Hanggang sa makauwi ako eh iniisip ko pa rin ang biglaang pagkikita namin ni Jay sa araw na iyon. Bigla kong naalaala ang dalawa pa naming kaybigan – sina Chris at Mario. Apat na taon din kaming nagkasama, mula first year hanggang grumadyewt kami ng high school. Halos pare-pareho sila ng mga sinasabi noon kapag napag-uusapan namin kung ano ang mga pangarap at gustong marating sa buhay. Gusto nilang makatapos ng pag-aaral, makapagtrabaho, makaipon ng maraming pera, magka-kotse, at magkaroon ng malaking bahay. Hindi ako sigurado pero parang si Mario yata ang nangarap sa amin na mag-abroad at doo’y magtrabaho. Natupad kaya niya iyon? Sana naman.
Nang tanungin nila ako noon kung ano ang pangarap ko sa buhay eh natawa sila sa sinabi ko – gusto ko lang na maging masaya at malusog ako at mamuhay ng maayos. Hindi ko alam kung bakit iyon ang sinabi ko. Mga bata pa kasi kami noon at hindi ko pa talaga alam kung ano ang gagawin ko pagkatapos namin ng high school. At ang isa pa ay hindi ako nakakatiyak noon kung makakatuntong ako sa kolehiyo. Hirap sa pera ang mga magulang ko noon.
Sa puntong iyong ay nag-ring ang aking cell phone. Katulad ng ipinangako niya’y tumawag si Jay.
Sandali din lang kaming nag-usap ni Jay. May bisita daw kasi siya. Tumawag lang siya para sabihing kinontak niya sina Chris at Mario at pumayag ang dalawang magkikita-kita kami sa susunod na linggo, araw ng Sabado. Sa dating tagpuan daw kami maghihintayan.
**********
At sa araw ngang iyon ay makakasama ko ulit ang mga kaybigan ko. Huminto muna ako sa isang karinderya. Alas-dos pa naman ang aming usapan kaya puwede pa akong kumain at magpahinga ng kaunti.
“Aling Tinay, menudo nga po at pinakbet. Huwag po ninyong lalagyan ng taba iyong menudo ko ha.”
“Naku Mon, bakit ba ayaw na ayaw mo ng taba? Tanging ikaw lang sa lahat ng customer ko ang ang ayaw kainin ito.”
“Umiiwas lang po ako sa cholesterol.”
“Sus, paminsan-minsan lang naman eh. Ilan ba kanin mo?”
“Ay isa lang po.”
“Dalawa ulam tapos isa lang ang kanin. Talaga naman. Masyadong health-conscious ang mamang driver. Hoy Manny, ipagsandok mo nga ng kanin ang kuya Mon mo. Huwag mong damihan at hindi din naman niya uubusin ‘yan.”
“Opo inay.” Ang sagot ng binatilyong anak ni aling Tinay.
Nangiti na lamang ko sa mga nadinig kong sinabi ni aling Tinay. Medyo kasi lumaki ang tiyan ko ng mag-edad 30 ako kaya kaunti na lang ang kinakain kong kanin. Nadinig ko kasi sa isang programa sa radyo na matinding magpalaki daw ng tiyan ang pagkain ng maraming kanin at delikado sa puso ang pagkain ng taba ng baboy. Pati nga daw ang madalas na pag-inom ng beer eh nakakalaki rin ng tiyan. Mabuti na lang at hindi talaga ako mahilig uminom. Pero tiyak sa pagkikita-kita naming magkakaybigan eh siguradong masusubo ako nito sa inuman. Lalo na nga’t darating din sina Chris at Mario. Hindi papayag ang mga iyon na walang inuman. Kami lang ni Jay ang hindi talaga pala-inom sa grupo.
“O heto ang tubig mo, walang yelo iyan. Alam kong hindi ka uminom ng malamig na tubig.”
“Salamat po aling Tinay.”
Iyon ang isang bagay kung bakit kahit maraming kainan akong nadadaanan eh sa karinderya ni aling Tinay ako pumupunta para mananghalian tuwing ako’y namamasada. Mabait at maasikaso siya sa mga kustomer niya.
“Sabi ni Manny eh mukhang nagdyi-gym ka rin tulad niya. Aba eh palaki ng palaki daw ang dibdib mo at namumutok ang braso mo sa suot mong t-shirt.”
“Hindi po. Magastos po mag-gym. May mga barbell at dumbbell lang ako sa bahay na gawa sa semento. Ginagamit ko tuwing umaga bago ako mamasada o lumusong sa bukid.”
Pasado ala-una na nang lumabas ako ng karinderya. Ipinagtimpla pa kasi ako ni aling Tinay ng kape. Libre iyon. Hindi ko daw kasi tinatanggap ang pamasahe niya tuwing natitiyempuhan na naisasakay ko siya galing sa palengke kaya tuwing kumakain ako doon eh may libre akong kape.
Bago ko pinaandar ang aking jeep eh nagpunas ako ng katawan gamit ang face towel na binasa ko ng alcohol. Nagpalit ako ng damit at nagsuot ng sapatos. May baon akong polo shirt at rubber shoes. Nakakahiya naman sa mga kaybigan ko kung amoy-pawis at grasa ang t-shirt ko at madungis na tsinelas ang suot ko kapag nagkita-kita kami. Nag-baon din ako ng shorts at sando upang may magamit ako halimbawang gusto nilang maglaro kami ng basketball.
Ilang minuto pa ay mararating ko na ang aming dating tagpuan – ang lumang basketball court sa sentro ng aming bayan. Magkakalapit lang naman ang mga barangay na tinitirhan naming magkakaybigan kaya mabilis namin itong napupuntahan kung gusto naming maglaro noon. Ang bahay namin ang pinakamalapit sa basketbolang iyon, halos isang kilometro lang.
Pero bakit nga ba ganoon katagal bago kami magkikita-kita gayong magkakalapit lang naman ang mga baryong tinitirhan namin. Ang unang dahilan siguro eh nagsipag-aral sila sa Maynila samantalang ako naman eh huminto na ng pag-aaral pagkatapos ng high school. Nang makatapos siguro sila ng pag-aaral eh nakahanap na ng trabaho doon na rin sila namalagi.
Nandoon na si Jay nang makarating ako sa aming hintayan. Nakita kong naka-park sa ilalim ng isang punong acacia ang kotse niyang nagkaaberya noong nakaraang linggo. Itinabi ko sa magarang kotse ni Jay ang aking lumang jeep.
Halik Sa Pisngi
Nagpaliwanag.
Humingi ng tawad.
Why English Proficiency Matters
Key findings of the Education First – English Proficiency Index (EF EPI) have strengthened further the position of the English language as the world’s lingua franca. The world becoming increasingly globalized made it necessary that people from different parts of the world speak a common language. English emerged as that common language. There may be more native speakers of Mandarin and Spanish than English but people living in most countries from the world’s different continents have English as their second language. What contributed to this were the facts that the United Kingdom, where the original Anglo-Saxon language evolved into the modern English language that it is now, used to be a colonial power that ruled many parts of Asia, Africa, and South America and the rise of English speaking countries, particularly the United States, to political and economic prominence when the colonial period ended. But as Borzykowski1 asserted, “English is for everyone. The shift [to English] is not a throwback to colonialism or a play for cultural superiority.”
The EF EPI ranks countries (annually since 2011) by the average level of English language skills among those adults who volunteered to take the EF tests. Critics have dismissed the results of the EF EPI saying that they are not credible and reliable. They (the critics) cited methodical flaws and sampling bias as the primary reasons why they are questioning the results. But this initiative of the Education First, an international education company that specializes in language training, educational travel, academic degree programs, and cultural exchange, is more than just ranking the English proficiency of participating countries. What could be considered as a more important objective of the endeavor is finding out the correlation between English proficiency and several economic, political, and social factors.
The annual ranking can be ignored (by those who disagree with it) but the key findings Education First would present after conducting the surveys are difficult to disregard. The said findings explain why becoming proficient in the English language is a must.
As reported in EF EPI’s 2011 edition, recruiters and HR managers around the world disclosed in a survey that preference is accorded to candidates with English skills above the local average and receive salaries 30-50% higher than similarly-qualified candidates without English skills2. This means that employees prefer to hire applicants who are more proficient in English and that they receive better salaries. These findings are supported by several studies that have established the correlation between English proficiency and employability and income3,4,5 & 6.
Highlights of the findings of the 2012 edition of EF EPI include the following: “English is a key component of economic wellbeing, both nationally and individually. Better English proficiency goes hand in hand with higher incomes, more exports, an easier environment for doing business, and more innovation7.” The following year (2103), results pointed out that while those with proficient English earn more, people who are poor at English may be passed over for promotion8. This is how important and necessary English proficiency has become.
Key findings of the succeeding editions of the EF EPI (from 2013 to 2017) have consistently shown the same – “that there exist strong correlations between English proficiency and income, quality of life, ease of doing business, Internet usage, and years of schooling. The 2017 edition specifically cited that “countries with higher levels of English proficiency tend to have more service exports, better Internet access, and more investment in research and development than countries with lower English proficiency9.” The report added that such strong correlations have been consistent across the 2011 to 2017 editions of the EF EPI.
The last two editions of EF EPI (2018 and 2019) have presented more reasons why English proficiency should be taken seriously.
The 2018 edition of EF EPI revealed that more scientific journals are published in English and cited a report that close to sixty percent of all multinational organizations already operate in English10. This serves as a confirmation that English is indeed the leading language not only in business but also in education. Proficiency in the language then is required not only to catch up to the competition but also to gain access to information, particularly important research findings. Therefore, in order to become (and remain competitive) in the business world and in the academe, it is important to gain proficiency in what has become the academic and corporate language – English.
In addition, the latest (2019) EF EPI stated that “English is the principal language of international collaboration11.” It is by speaking a lingua franca that would allow a manager or an employee from a particular country to work with other managers and employees from other countries. This edition of the EF EPI asserted that “English-speaking teams are able to attract more diverse talent and access ideas from around the world12.” It also cited recent studies showing that “companies with managers from many countries earn more of their revenues from innovation than their less diverse competitors13.” The more diverse are the nationalities of managers and employees of a company the more innovations are possible. But collaboration among those who speak different native languages would only be possible if they speak a common second language. This is the reason that, as reported by Borzykowski, “a growing number of global firms are using English as their main language – even if they are based in Japan or France14.”
What has been consistently mentioned across all the editions of the EF EPI is not only how English proficiency correlates to certain economic factors and education but also to various measures of investment in research and development (R&D). The significance of R&D to any areas of human existence is something that does not require further elaboration.
All of the foregoing discussions about why English proficiency is important and how necessary it is are things that professionals in any field of endeavors and university students preparing for any career in the future should take into serious consideration. But it should be noted that there is no shortcut to gaining proficiency in English. The 2019 edition of EF EPI debunked the “quick and easy way of becoming proficient in English” which blog and vlog posts in the Internet are trying to impress upon people. “The reality is that an adult who does not speak English will need at least 600 hours of high-quality instruction and 600 hours of speaking practice to master English well enough for the average workplace15.” The required number of hours could be more, the report added, for people whose native language is very different from English.
A study on the relationship between time spent on learning English and proficiency in the language verified that the number of years studying English significantly predict English ability16. On the other hand, the lack of time to study the language is considered a barrier in attaining proficiency in the language17.
REFERENCES
- https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20170317-the-international-companies-using-only-english
- EF EPI 2011 – ef.com
- L. Blake, S. Mcleod, S. Verdon, F. Fuller, “The relationship between English proficiency and participation in higher education, employment and income” Int J Speech Lang Pathol., 20(3), 202-215, 2018.https://doi:10.1080/1754907.2016.1229031
- H. Ting, E. Marzuki, K.M. Chuah, J. Misieng, C.Jerome, “Employers’ views on the importance of English proficiency and communication skill for employability in Malaysia Indonesian Journal of Applied Linguis- tic, 7(2), 315-327, 2017. https://doi:dx.doi.org/10.17509/ijal.v7i2.8132.
- Zhen, “The effects of English proficiency on earnings of U.S. foreign-born Migrants: Does Gender matter?” Journal of Finance and Economics, 1(1), 2013. https://doi:10.12735/jfe.vlilp27
- Tam, K.W., Page, , “Effects of language proficiency on labor, social and health outcomes of immigrants in Australia” Economic, Analysis & Policy 2015, https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.eap.2016. 08.003
- EF EPI 2012 – ef.com
- EF EPI 2013 – ef.com
- EF EPI 2017 – ef.com
- EF EPI 2018 – ef.com
- EF EPI 2019 – ef.com
- EF EPI 2019 – ef.com
- EF EPI 2019 – ef.com
- https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20170317-the-international-companies-using-only-english
- EF EPI 2019 – ef.com
- Magno, “Korean Students’ Language Learning Strategies and Years of Studying English as Predictors of Proficiency in English” Teaching English to Speakers of Languages Journal, 2 (1): 39-61, 2008.https://doi. org/10.1111/j.1944-9720.1997.tb02343.x
- S. Ibrahim, M.A. Hassali, F. Saleem, H. Aljadhey, “Perceptions and barriers towards English language proficiency among pharmacy under- graduates at Universiti Sains, Malaysia” Pharmacy Education 13 (1), 151-156, 2013.https://doi:10.1016/j.sapharm.2014.07.098
SUPLING
Dulang may isang yugto (One-act play)
Mga Tauhan
Marco – ang tatay
Maxene – ang nanay
Marc Andrei – ang anak
Aling Baby, Aling Nida, Aling Susie – mga kapitbahay
Dolly – isang midwife
____________________
Ang Tanghalan
Sa bahay ng mag-asawang Marco at Maxene.
Hati ang entablado sa tatlong bahagi. Ang terrace, sala at kuwarto. Sa terrace ay may mahabang upuang yari sa nilagaring katawan ng pine tree na kasandal sa pader at may ilang halamang nasa paso na nakapatong sa pasimano. Sa salas naman ay makikita ang sala set at isang rack. Nasa ibabaw ng rack ang isang flat TV at sa ilalim nama’y may stereo at mga speakers. Sa bandang likuran ng sala ay makikita ang kusina ng bahay. Bahagya namang nakaangat ng 2 baytang ang kwarto na ang hagdanang papasok ay nasa likuran ng isang divan. Sa kwarto ’y makikita ang isang king size bed, aparador at isang tokador na may salamin sa ibabaw.
____________________
Panahon
Kasalukuyang panahon.
____________________
Click on the link below to continue reading…
What Do Filipinos Need to Realize (4)
(Last in a Series)
The first three parts of this series of articles identified our serious faults as Filipinos – we sell our votes, we use questionable standards when choosing leaders, we treat elections as if they are popularity contests allowing immensely popular but inexperienced and incompetent celebrities to win, and we either keep restoring from the “recycle bin” the same traditional politicians or replace them with a family member.
Our inability to choose the right leaders is clearly one of the factors preventing us from reaching our full socio-political and economic potential as a nation.
We know that the government plays the most essential role in leading all efforts to make this country progressive. We need the best leaders if we really want to become a “developed nation.” It is our responsibility as citizens to select the best ones to hold the reins of government. Unfortunately, we keep failing to do so.
The funny thing is that after we put them into power – the politicians who won because they have the money to buy votes, celebrities-turned-politicians who are inexperienced and incompetent, and “recycled politicians” and the members of their political dynasties – we expect them to perform well. After every election, we expect a better-performing government.
And why would we expect a different government – a more effective one – when we know that we keep electing the same politicians or use the same old rotten standards when choosing new leaders?
Let us revisit Albert Einstein’s definition of insanity – “Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.”
But assuming that one day we restore our sanity and finally we refuse to sell our votes – finally we learn to elect into office the most deserving and most qualified among candidates – would the wheels of national development start rolling?
Not quite yet!
There’s one more problem, a problem more serious than our failure to vote wisely and conscientiously. The more serious problem of Filipinos, as mentioned in the first part of this series, is the mindset that that the leaders we elect are solely responsible in solving all of our society’s ills and nation’s problems.
We view our relationship with the state at the vantage point of “self-entitlement.” We think that it is the duty of our leaders to give us “this and that.” We say that the government should do “this and that” for us. See, we expect too much from leaders whom we don’t even choose using the best and most appropriate standards.
Is it the duty of the government to provide each citizen with food, cloths, and shelter?
Of course not!
What the government does, generally speaking, is to formulate, implement, and enforce the laws of the land, to build infrastructure, to ensure peace and order, and to create economic and other opportunities that would help its citizens enjoy the conveniences of life and have the best chance to get good education and find or create means of livelihood.
It is also not the duty of the government to provide everybody a job?
One of the functions of the government is to create an environment that would promote economic growth. They have to make sure that businessmen would be encouraged to invest and initiate businesses activities thus creating job opportunities. But jobs are not given in a silver platter. We have to search for job openings and apply and make sure that we have the required qualifications for the jobs we want. Getting ourselves ready for employment is a personal responsibility. The government will not deliver to our doorsteps the jobs that we want.
The government itself is also an employer but it cannot possibly provide each citizen with a job. It is also impossible for the private sector to employ everybody. That’s just the reality. Harsh it may be. Those who won’t get employed, or do not want to work for others because they have better plans for themselves, could perhaps succeed as entrepreneurs.
Not everybody would get a college degree. Not everybody are trained and destined to be in a workplace – either in the corporate world or in the academe. Some of us will be factory workers, sales clerks, farmers, fishermen, plumbers, drivers, gardeners, or what-have-you. It doesn’t matter whatever jobs we have for as long as they are decent and they allow us to earn a living honestly.
Don’t reason out that you came from a poor family and your parents could not send you to school to get a good education and have a better chance for a better life.
This is just how many of us Filipinos are. When we don’t succeed in life, when things don’t turn the way we expect them to, when we are not doing well in the different areas of our personal lives, we are always ready to check our “blame list” to find somebody or something to put the blame on. And our favorite whipping boy – the government. When we are done accusing our leaders for not doing their job well causing us to become losers, we next vent our ire on our parents saying that they did not work hard enough to ensure that we live a good life when we become adults.
We need to throw away that “blame list” for whether we like it or not we are personally responsible and accountable for our success and failure. There comes a time in our lives when we should become be self-sufficient, a time when we, not the government nor our parents, decide for ourselves and take full control of our destiny.
We Filipinos need to realize that unless we recognize our faults and change there’s no way our country becomes progressive and “developed.” We will never gain the respect of the community of nations if we remain the way that we are now.
Something was said by John F. Kennedy that we should reflect upon – “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”
We Filipinos need to realize that there are two requirements for a country to become progressive and developed – good government and cooperative citizenry. Remove one and a country is doomed. The citizens and their leaders need to work harmoniously towards achieving national goals. There’s no other way. Both of them need to work hard. They have to work hand in hand.
