On The Indolence of the Filipinos

The Indolence of The Filipinos is an essay written by Rizal which was published in La Solidaridad. The article was written basically as an answer to the colonizers' assumption of Filipinos indolence, uselessness and unresponsiveness. Rizal, point-by-point, presented counter-arguments as to the colonizers' claim. As I understood it, the article basically blames the colonizers for their mismanagement and wrong administration, resulting to the indolence and uselessness of the Filipinos. Rizal gave emphasis on the tropical situatedness of the Philippines, saying that the colonizers were not actually aware of the habits of the natives in managing their time. Colonizers actually referred afternoon naps as to laziness because they are not aware of the situation and the climate of the land. As to the vices of the Filipinos, the natives started to engage in gambling when it was introduced by the colonizers. Most importantly, Rizal in his articles said that the colonizers actually prohibited the natives of education, and took all what-is-worthy-for-them from them, taking away they ambitions, thus making the Filipinos not work anymore. Point it, Filipinos no longer want to work because they are working not for themselves already but rather for the advantage of the colonizers.

One proof that the Filipinos were not indolent is their mere existence. How will they be able to continue living if not working for themselves? For example, the rice terraces in Banaue is a clear manifestation of the natives' hardwork. The Spanish colonizers viewed the habits of the natives in their slanted lenses, creating a wrong remark for the natives. Rizal defended the natives from the claims of indolence and laziness.

The worse scenario, however, is that indolence and hopelessness still reigns over the Filipino masses despite the long-due ousting of the colonizers in the country. Filipinos remain to be hopeless because they blame most of their misfortunes to the past administrations, not to mention the fault of the colonizers by injecting this mentality to the masses in general. Filipinos remain enslaved of this mentality, further creating slow progress (or no progress at all) in the society, further taking the problem to a higher level.

I would like to emphasize Rizal's acknowledgment of education as a solution to the problems in the society. To quote from Marco Hernandez, an author of a reaction paper to Rizal's work, “Education and complete analysis of this facts is very important, not only this days, but also to the next generation.” Like Rizal, we need to educate our masses regarding the problem of indolence and incompetence. We are no longer under the grips of the colonizers, (or are we still?) so we have to work no longer for other people but for our development already.

That thing called "Missing"

The last time I saw you, except last night, was on September 12. Last night was nostalgic. I was in the room where I used to sleep. I was with the people whom I used to talk with. But most of all, 'twas nostalgic talking to you again.

Simple. I MISS YOU.

err. understated. I MISS YOU SO MUCH.

I don't hate you. I can't, because I understand you. My previous blog was all driven with pride. That blog is supposed to uplift my spirit, to encourage me to not miss you. But again, I can't hate nor not miss you.

I'm missing our talk-'til-4am sessions.

I'm missing the lechon manok meals.

I'm missing the dota sessions.

I'm missing the movie marathons.

I'm missing the you-cook-the-rice-i-take-charge-of-the-sud-an habits.

I'm missing you.

I'm missing US.

Why is there such thing as missing? Ruins my praxis presentation.

err. I'm off to praxis presentation. Oops, I am still to make my powerpoint presentation.

ps I miss you.