Non-verbal communication is an essential part in a society, as well as understanding the values the community believe in. This reflects a good overview of how communication and tradition have evolved through time. These expressions are never constant, such that meaning changes from time to time, and is greatly affected by the events or the kind of environment one belongs in. Filipinos, being a society with mixed Asian and Western influences have unique facial and body expressions. These are the focus of this blogpost. 1. Silent stare Stares could mean evil look for Filipinos. It may indicate sarcasm or manipulation. It is considered rude to this, especially when in a conversation because it may also indicate disinterest or disrespect. 2. Lip/Eye pointing This is quiet funny gesture common not just in the rural areas, but also in urban communities. It is quiet hard to explain the direction in verbal language, so it is better to point them vaguely, interestingly with the use of lips,...
There are words that stay with us long after the people who spoke them are gone. For me, one of those words is the Cebuano phrase: “Padayon lang.” These simple words describe my life motto. It is short, almost ordinary. It does not shine with poetry. Yet it has a quiet strength, the kind that you don’t just think about but actually feel deep inside. Literally, it means “just continue” or “keep going.” But in Cebuano life, padayon lang is less of a command and more of gentle encouragement, just a soft pat on the shoulder, a light that shows you the way in the dark. I first heard it as a child, when I struggled with school and say, “Padayon lang sa imong pagtuon.” Keep studying. It is not a word of triumph. It does not promise success. Unlike congratulations or I’m proud of you, padayon lang accepts that life is hard, that the road is tiring, and yet it reminds us that moving forward, even slowly, even step by step is still worth it. It is the Cebuano spirit of resilience, no...
In a world where life seems to be a never-ending race, a moment of respite is a precious gem. Enter "Pahiluna," a beautiful Cebuano word that embodies the essence of unwinding, letting go, and savoring the art of relaxation. It's like discovering a hidden treasure chest of tranquility in the midst of life's chaotic seas. This is the focus of this blogpost. First things first, let's demystify this word. Pahiluna isn't just a word; it's an experience, a state of mind, and a lifestyle all rolled into one. It's that moment when you throw your cares to the wind, kick back, and embrace the now. Pahiluna is the ultimate antidote to the relentless pace of modern life. Let's paint some vivid examples of Pahiluna in action. Imagine yourself on a pristine Cebu beach, your toes luxuriating in the soft sand, and a freshly cracked coconut in hand. As the sun gracefully dips below the horizon, you immerse yourself in Pahiluna, serenaded by the soothin...
I am entering my fifth year of residing in Norway. Many things have happened during this short period of time, both good and bad. However, one of that is worthy to highlight is how I realized the big contrast between prevailing values between Norwegian and Filipino cultures. I can only talk about these two in particular, although there are somehow similiraties between the Norwegian culture with those of coming from Europe, as well that with Filipino and other Asian societies. This blogpost will present three comparative points to exhibit the diversity of culture. COMPARISON 1 Norwegian: Able decide independently for oneself Filipino: To fight for what is most important Freedom and passion may not be on the same side always. Freedom is the ultimate virtue in the Norwegian culture. One may or may not be passionate of what Norwegians are doing, but most important is that they decided on them by themselves, such that no one has dictated on them what they are supposed to do....
Imagine a caterpillar undergoing metamorphosis, emerging from its cocoon as a majestic butterfly. This metamorphosis represents metanoia, a process of shedding old limitations and embracing new possibilities. Similarly, in human experience, metanoia manifests as a journey of self-discovery and growth. This is the focus of this blogpost. Metanoia, a term originating from Greek, encapsulates the profound concept of transformative change. It signifies a shift in one's mindset, a deep inner transformation leading to a fundamental change in perspective, beliefs, and behaviors. Examples of metanoia include personal growth. A person stuck in negative thought patterns and self-limiting beliefs can experience metanoia through therapy or self-reflection. They let go of fear and embrace self-compassion, leading to greater confidence and fulfillment. In addition, society often undergoes metanoia, catalyzed by collective movements or paradigm shifts. For instance, the civil rights m...
Bullying became a hot topic in Norway today after a young teenager died of emaciation due to eating disorder that was primarily linked to anxiety from bullying at school. This was quite taboo in this Scandinavian country, given the nation is very keen on respecting socio-cultural differences and on protection against any form of discrimination. Discussions have been made on how to handle and prevent bullying and who takes the responsibility in these cases, whether the family, school or the State. Personally, I was not reacting in anyway as my mind says the concept is remote and almost impossible to happen in the Philippines. Perhaps, I was referring it to death, but not to bullying. However, after several days I was quite uneasy on the topic and further asked myself if I was ever bullied before and what it has caused me in the long-term basis. To my surprise, bullying was a crucial point in my childhood. My coping skills allowed me to hide in my consciousness what had happened...
As an introvert, I've often been labeled as timid in various situations, which tends to carry a negative connotation, especially in our fast-paced world where introversion is not typically favored. However, there's an aspect that is frequently overlooked – being timid can come with some unexpected benefits. While there are advantages to being timid, it's also important to acknowledge the potential downsides. First of all, being timid can hold you back in social situations. If you're always hesitant to speak up or put yourself out there, you might miss out on opportunities to connect with others or pursue your goals. You might find yourself feeling left out or overlooked, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Another potential problem with being timid is that it can lead to low self-esteem and a lack of confidence. When you're always second-guessing yourself and holding back, you might start to believe that you don't have any...
Soon, I would mark my sixth year of living in Norway. It is difficult to sum up the past six years in few words. A lot of things I have experienced, and many people I have encountered. At least, I could say I have learned a lot during this period. However, what makes it more challenging for me as an immigrant in Norway is the contrast in cultures and social norms between my home country, the Philippines and Norway. Both countries were ranked high in different survey of happiness, depending on how happiness is defined on these surveys. And this concept of happiness is reflected in the norms in both countries. In this blogpost, I would enumerate ten of these cultural differences. 1. Love for nature I could say that both Philippines and Norway have been blessed with beautiful landscapes. Philippines is known for its beaches, while Norway has fjords giving way to beautiful unique sceneries not found in other countries. However...
There has been a lot of analogies to describe what life is. Most common includes roller coaster, road, a dance, mountain or an adventure. These comparisons are indeed good way to understand what life really is. However, sometimes we forget that life is actually not just about "our" journey but how we interact with the people around us. We are spaces with specific forms in which people around us would conform. Some would fit, sometimes partially and most they simply don't. Here, I would utilize a puzzle to give light another perspective of life, more specifically an "unfit" puzzle. People do not necessarily "fit" with each other. All of us have imperfections. We are not fabricated according to well-thought plan. This is not to deviate from an idea that there exists an Omnipotent God. But I would rather discuss it away from that light. We are not the same. We can not say parts of us suit perfectly with anyone. The fact is the "most suita...
At sunset, a tourist was walking down a deserted beach. As he walked along, he began to see another man in the distance. As he grew nearer, he noticed the man he saw was a local native. The native was leaning down, picking up something and throwing it out into the water. Time and again, he kept hurling things out into the ocean. Curious, the tourist approached even closer, he noticed that the native was picking up starfish that had been washed up on the beach and, one at a time, he was throwing back them into the water. Puzzled, the tourist said, “Good evening friend. I was wondering what you were doing.” “I’m throwing these starfishes back into the ocean. You see its low tide right now and all these starfishes have been washed up onto the shore. If I don’t throw them back into the sea, they’ll die up here from lack of oxygen,” the native replied. “I understand” the tourist said, “but there must be thousands of starfishes on this beach. You can not possibly get to all of t...
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