On a Different Perspective

I've been a part of the work force for a month and six days now and I could say that I've been enjoying it, since it doesn't feel like I'm really working, the call center has a very casual and relaxed environment. Being here dispelled a lot of notions that I have before. Personally, I have qualms in entering the industry for reasons such as cultural and social but the thing is call center has revolutionized the way people think. A lot of young people is in this industry meaning the future of this country, is in the hands of these people taking in calls, faking a American twang to provide customer service. At first look, it seems bad and un-Nationalistic, its as if we are little army providing service to the American Gods. But the thing about is that, it actually breeds hate for the American culture, we might be looking at the new kind of activism and new way of fostering nationalism.

Talking to ordinary Americans gives Filipinos a rare chance to know what American culture is really about. It gives them the chance to see what its like to be American and some of them hate it. They see the flaws and bad things about being American and with that they learn to love the Filipino culture, therefore it breeds nationalism. We all know that Filipinos love the American culture, for them it seem so exotic and interesting but after talking to Americans and learning the language they feel so lucky to have been born a Filipino.

A lot of the trainers here are expats. People returning to the Philippines to jump into the band wagon that is the call center. Ironically, they are the one who's expressing so much love for the country. Maybe because they've been there and they've seen how it works. They're in a good position to see the differences.

We've been looking for nationalism in young people today maybe we can see it in the most unlikely place, that is inside call centers. It's really revolutionary. It's a good topic for research.

Maria Francia Posted At 11:21:00 AM

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Tennis, UST and other things

A big congratulations to Rafael Nadal for winning the 2006 French Open. It was a very good match against Roger Federer but the Spanish sensation proved that he is indeed, the King of Clay. After being down 6 to 1 on the first set, Raf won 3 consecutive sets with 6-1, 6-4 and 7-6. His last shot was his signature, baseline shot.




Raf Nadal, the 20 year old Spanish Sensation (He turned 20 during the tournament.)


I'm really proud of my Alma Mater. The Philippine Daily Inquirer has published two articles about people from UST, whom I personally know, for their efforts and contribution to the educational process. One is about the English language and the way it is taught in schools, sometimes erroneously. She has been into correcting the mistakes specially in pronunciation by writing books and producing CDs to help teacher say the words properly. Another article is about the efforts of the University in teaching Aeta adults the basics of survival through Distance Learning.

When I read the articles, I can't help but be proud of my school and feel a bit sad because I will no longer be able to help at these efforts. I'm proud to say that we did a lot of community development efforts and somehow we benefitted from the wisdom of Ms. Bangaoil in terms of correcting the glitches in the way English is taught.

I envy those people who will be going back to school this June 13. School days are over for me.

Maria Francia Posted At 5:33:00 PM

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Superstar

There are only a few people qualified to be called superstar and Dwayne Wade, in my mind, has earned that distinction. In his last game against the Detroit Pistons he had 16 points with 10 assists. To some this is not a superstar performance but I beg to differ his ability to make others, his teammates to be exact, look good makes him a superstar. Sometimes it doesn't matter if you scored 50 points if the rest of the team weren't able to touch the ball, it doesn't matter if you scored 70 points if the end the team losses. That's what differentiates a star from a superstar.


Dwayne Wade, certified superstar
I cenrtainly hope, Miami Heat wins this year's championship.

Sports world is definetely on a high gear with the World Cup, NBA Finals, French Open and the PBA also in its playoff season.

Maria Francia Posted At 7:05:00 PM

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