Philippine Tourism: Do we succeed from the challenges or still trailing behind?

Rommel Caguiat
Guest Writer

Infront of Dept. of Tourism Office

One of the major contributors to our GDP of the Philippines is Tourism which contributing 5.9% in 2011 and as of August 2013 visitor arrivals from January to July reported an increase of 11.05% which maintained the growth momentum and could hit the expected target of this year.  However in spite of its improvement of the tourism industry here in the Philippines, the country still lags behind its neighboring countries in terms of international arrivals as against Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam.

(Photo by Ericka Jumps)

During the 1970’s up to the early 1980’s, Philippine tourism flourished in spite of Marcos Dictatorship and the Martial Law era.  However during the middle of 1980’s saw the decline of Philippine Tourism until 1992 in which showed a record high in number of tourist visits.  However the tourism industry is much slower in the Philippines as compare to other Southeast Asian countries in which most of its neighbors enjoy the fruits and progress of the tourism industry while the Philippines still struggling behind to catch up.  In the beginning of 2000, Philippines tourist arrival totaled to 2.2 million which is a great improvement for the country and has the biggest visitors in 2011 with a record of 3.9 million tourists visiting the country.  With the launching of well publicized tourism in 2012 campaign known “It’s More Fun in the Philippines,” in which a record breaking of almost 5 million tourist arrivals in the Philippines and also with the country had the winning entry in the New7Wonders of Nature in which the Puerto Princesa Underground River was provisionally chosen in 2011and Boracay was awarded as the best island in the world from the international travel magazine Travel +Leisure.

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The Philippines have finally arrive in the spotlight of Global Recognition once dubbed as the Sick Man of Asia now the Rising Star of Asia in which positive outlook and good image pave the way for the tourist to finally tour the potentials of our country with a new hope shines to our countryman with the promising of better lives and a new job opportunities due to the tourism boost in the Philippines.

MRT Station Shaw Blvd.

With the increase in influx of tourist in the Philippines, also show increase in challenges of tourism industry, no one expected the increase number of visitors in the Philippines.  Just like the air traffic and the congestions in NAIA I, II and III, due to the facility can only accommodate small number of tourist and we have only one runway for take-off and landing unlike the airports of neighbors like Singapore Changi Airport and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport have two parallel runways and can accommodate 70 million passengers and had Airport Rail Link which is also had good accessibility and transportation.  The Clark International Airport, the former United Stated Air Force Base in the Philippines was a potential of becoming the country’s main gateway however, Clark is much far and the travel time will be approximately two to three hours towards Manila.  Many were proposing a High-Speed Rail Connecting Clark Airport and NAIA and the connecting highway between NLEX and SLEX also viable since NAIA cannot handle increase influx of tourist arrivals.  Another proposal that Sangley Point Naval Base in Cavite, also a former US Naval Base can be used as an International Airport Hub and also International Seaport which is a good location and the government have long plans to establish again reclamation area besides the former American Naval Base therefore I will expect again another demonstration, picketing and rally from the residence of Cavite City.

Transportation in Municipality of San Isidro ,Bohol

When I watched the CNN special coverage about Philippine Tourism last 2012, titled “Eyes of the Philippines,” I was amazed at our country’s possessions like beautiful beaches, great scuba diving, nice hospitality by our fellow Filipinos even here in Metro Manila, we have the best shopping malls and gimmicks everything, however according to the reporter that the Philippines needs to attract more tourists will have to improve its poor infrastructure.  Roads, airports and seaports all over the country were all a decade older and needs a major upgrade.  The culture of Filipino Taxi drivers in spite of some being honest, there were still a few vipers left on the taxi system in the Philippines and took advantage on naïve and innocent tourist.  Others like the toilets in the NAIA airport was really gross that someone say that even Jabba the Hut cannot withstand the stench could definitely lightspeed his fat blob out of here.  

Yes the tourists have finally arrived, what about sustainability and improving the growth of tourism?  Does the Philippine Government think of this rather than just promoting and said, “The Philippines is under a new management now.”?

Tansyong Riding "Kalesa" at Luneta Park

We need to invest on good and better infrastructure that could rival or just at par with our neighbors.  Most of the airports and seaports in Southeast Asia have already modernized and upgrade their gateways, in the Philippines I’ am not certain if the government is open for this possibilities, especially now when the Pork Barrel scam was all over the news.  The government should have invested with the infrastructure especially for tourism since they want to add more growth and revenues and attracts more tourists rather than implement more tax like the E-vat.  Well for this administration, President Aquino III, had projects of building and improving international airports in places were tourism flourished.  Like the Caticlan International Airport, the Puerto Princesa International Airport, the Bicol International Airport and so forth.  Not only airports and seaports but also access roads going to the famous Banaue Rice Terraces that most tourist were dying to see but only few have seen the wonder.

In the same page, I watched a documentary regarding the famous rice terraces and there were four teenagers from France wanted to see the famous wonder however due to inaccessibility the four teenagers would have to walk 4 kilometers to the site.  Another challenge is that the Philippines is an archipelagic country compromising of 7,101 islands and if you want to travel to nearby islands like Palawan, Boracay and Bohol, you have to purchase plane tickets and the departure still in Manila, which is more expensive or via Ferry Boat which is very slow and tiresome and speaking of accessibilities through the sea, we use to have fast boats like the Superkat, however it only serves in selected cities especially in Cebu.  Unlike in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia and Vietnam most of their tourist locations were all accessible through roads and rail system and they invest more in their infrastructure.

Indonesia on the other hand is also archipelagic country like ours however when it comes to infrastructure and accessibilities, Indonesia has the advantage over the Philippines and they restore, enrich and empower their tourism by means of dividing cultural and natural tourism.  We all know that the best tourist destination in Indonesia is Bali.  Most of the well-known Class A Hollywood stars comes to Bali every year to spend a well and define relaxation and vacation.  Even the Miss World beauty pageant was held this year 2013 and eventually won by our very own Miss Philippines’ Megan Young.  The most important in Indonesian Tourism is the cultural and historical heritage.  Indonesians have well maintained their cultural heritage by preservation and enriching and promoting Indonesian Culture even their national dishes were also included.  However in the Philippines we do not value our cultural heritage even historical sites like the famous Metropolitan Theater instead of presenting the theater to the tourist it was abandoned and never planned the rehabilitation by the past administration.

 Another potential is the walls inside the Intramuros.  As the only country colonize by Spain in Asia, the Philippines had a rich culture of mixture of Western and Eastern cultures.  As you notice besides the Fort Santiago, Intramuros could be the largest museum in Southeast Asia if they could commission every building as museum instead of government run institution like the Palacio de Gobernador which is now occupied by the Commission on Elections or rebuild the Ayutamyento building which is besides the Manila Cathedral, we could have an authenticated colonial plaza with authenticated colonial calesas as the shuttle for tourist, we could be still be called the Pearl of the Orient Seas, but the government did not mind the restoration and beautification of Manila.  The only advantage we have so far is natural tourism in Palawan, Cebu, Bohol, Boracay, etc...

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Moreover in Mindanao, we do have a lot of potential tourist spots like Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, Gumasa Beach in Sarangani, Samal Island in Davao, Siargao Islands in Surigao and the River Rapids in Cagayan de Oro.  We do have a lot of potentials in Mindanao but the problem for this region still safety and security and Mindanao always placed as travel advisory.

We indeed improve the tourist arrivals here in the Philippines but still we need to improve our Infrastructures, accessibility, safety and security to help our country to be on one of the top tourist destinations in Asia not to be lag behind or still remains in last place again.

Thanksgiving Day in the Philippines

Thanksgiving by merely offer a small prayer of thanks to the Lord and celebrate with a feast and without official date and month thats how Fililipino practice "Thanks Giving" or simply Pasasalamat (Photo from Wikipedia)

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We observed the holidays during November like the All Saint’s Day (Nov.1) and All Soul’s Day (Nov. 2), and Bonifacio Day (Nov.30), but if you are working in an American company particularly in the BPO sector, for every fourth Thursday in November they observed and celebrated Happy Thanksgiving Day which some companies will declare a non-working Holiday since most of the people living in the United States celebrate annually the most important holiday ever since the first colonist from Europe landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts during the 17th Century.

 In the Philippines, American expatriates will make preparation in celebrating the most important holiday of the year and will flock to the groceries where Turkey the main feast is available in every cold storage and even recipes for Apple Pie, Pumpkin soup and other American dishes is also available.  Filipinos living in the United States also celebrate Thanksgiving Day and relatives from all over State will visit their family and friends and feast to the most important day of November.

Sculptures at Fort Bonifacio  Taguig b y Ferdinand R. Cacnio as form of “Pasasalamat” (Photo byAmado L. Castro, Jr.)

But there is one question in mind,  Do we Celebrate Thanksgiving Day in the Philippines and how?  Yes we do celebrate Happy Thanksgiving, but in a different setting.  Unlike in the United States, that has a certain date and month and declared a National holiday, in Filipino tradition we celebrate Thanksgiving by merely offer a small prayer of thanks to the Lord and celebrate with a feast and without official date and month.  If you are one of the elites in the society will celebrate with the Lechon Baka or Lechon de Leche as the main feast, but for simple celebration any feast that is acceptable as long we offer our thanks to our significant accomplishments.

We celebrate thanksgiving by means of having surpassed an ordeal and other important events such as: 

 1) Graduation not only in colleges, but also in High School elementary and even preparatory, since it is the most important occasion not only for the child who graduated and finish his or her studies, but for the parent’s hardship of sacrificing their lives no matter what manner of job they have to inflict to as long as their children finish their studies and move to a better future.

2)  Passing the Board or Bar Exams is another achievement to only few who succeeded in obtaining a license and will take a Hippocratic Oath (not Hypocrisy Oath to some professions) and will have the most grandiose celebration and will invite all the members of the barangay for this egoistical event, while others will just offer prayers and donate wheelchairs to the one who needed the most. 

Photo by Dave Donovan

3) Company Promotions sometimes is just more of a shallow approach of ‘I’m here you’re down there,” we do not know what manner or the cause of his or her promotion but sometime they feel like celebrating not through feast but through gimmicks and blowouts.  

4)  Success in business is particularly that the Boss or the Manager will treat his or her subordinates a small feast like ordering a pizza and if glamorous will call catering services and of course prayers were also included in the program.

OFW Homecoming (photo by Aileen Adalid)

5)  Homecoming is most important especially to the love ones who is working abroad. Or Manny Paquiao Homecoming and Meagan Young Homecoming

6)  Having a new car was really something for the middle or working class Filipinos, because owing a brand new car is not a common trait to the Filipinos because of the socio-economic issues in the Philippines. Whether is a company issued and purchased by the hard-working individual, we tend to celebrate by presenting the new car to the priest to be blessed and go out and celebrating.

A native Filipino harvesting
 (photo by http://filipinolifeinpictures.wordpress.com)

7)  Harvest time, farmers in the rural Philippines whenever they made a bountiful harvest, most of the communities will share what they can offer in the table and the whole community will start celebrating with a prayer and bountiful feast.



If you notice that Filipinos no matter what type of event, they often start the celebration with a prayer of thanks, which is a genuine trait of every hard working Filipinos no matter what level of society he or she belongs to.  Even before the Spanish came, ancient Filipinos were not stranger for thanksgiving whenever they had a good harvest, winning a war, and of course the special day for the Datu of the tribe.

Thanksgiving will always be a part of our culture even before the Americans came and introduce a type of Thanksgiving in which Turkey and Apple Pie was introduced in islands during the American Colonial period.

Rommel Caguiat
Guest Writer

(Disclaimer: Images being used courtesy of Google. ) 

Bayanihan and Resiliency: An Appeal to a Strong Humane Filipino Spirit

 Body scattered anywhere  Photo by EPA/Francis Malasig

Volunteers showcase the meaning of Bayanihan
(photo by Danny Pata)

When I watched the live coverage of the Typhoon Haiyan in CNN, my heart was completely disheartened when I saw the devastation made by the ravaging storm which is the strongest ever recorded in the history of our planet.  Thousands of homes were gone, a lot of people were in despair searching for their lost love ones, and children were all frightened and crying when they recall the story of their home was being swept by the rampaging floods.  I have seen all the past destruction made by past typhoons, the recent earthquake or even volcanic eruptions, but the devastation of the cities in the Visayas made by Typhoon Haiyan this past weekend, was different experience for me because I was shaken by the sight of the wide spread destruction, the people who still searching for hope of finding their lost loved ones no matter what state of being they are in, looters were all rampant on all groceries and convenient stores just to feed themselves and their loved ones.

Rescuers in Coron, Palawan Caries the Victim's body of super typhoon Yolanda (photo by Lowell Stafa)

US Marines stack gear onto a pallet during preparations for disaster relief for the Philippines at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Futenma in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, southern Japan ( (photo by http://www.dailymail.co.uk)

However in spite of all the devastation and desolation, there still hope in the faces of the people and still believe that they could move on as what they did the last typhoon even they witness and experiences the most destructive typhoon of this year.  Even Bayanihan still lingers not only for the Filipinos but also for foreigner also exist in their humane aspects.  A CNN foreign correspondents and his crew help a nearby desperate family who are desperately trying to get out because the flood waters were rapidly increasing and will reach the top level in no time.  Also according to the foreign journalist, the looting is not like the other with violence and gunshots but people share their loots to nearby folks especially for the elderly.  In spite of all the destruction the people still show their humane spirit and their civility towards fellow men.

The Philippines were already experienced a tantamount of disasters man made or by nature.  Since our country experienced the terrible devastation and inhumane violence during World War II, the people at that time learned to move on and rebuild the city out of ruins.  We have witness volcanic eruptions including the 1991 Pinatubo Eruptions, in which the entire island of Luzon covered in darkness for many hours and rained ashes throughout the day, but we still manage to clean our roofs and our surroundings.  Earthquakes also gave us a shaken experience during the past centuries and past decade until recently in Central Visayas, the old Spanish built churches in Bohol and Cebu were completely in ruins which the rich old Heritage and Culture all vanish by the October Earthquake, but we still hoping to rebuild and restore the old facade and the rich heritage and culture of the past.

Typhoon Ondoy (Photo Courtesy of Michael D. Sellers)

Who could forget the past floods made by the typhoons Ondoy, Haikui and Maring, which the entire metropolis were flooded from a knee deep to a neck deep flood level , people are suffering from this disaster but other able people sacrificing their lives just to save a complete stranger.  Every year typhoons and storms always ravaged the Philippine especially through rainy seasons caused a lot of landslides in the mountainous areas and deadly flashfloods that cost the lives of every innocent people every year, then came the Typhoon Haiyan, it was formed a Super Typhoon with a wind velocity up to 315 km/h which is the strongest tropical cyclone to make a landfall on record and the Philippine Government made preparations to minimize the disaster however, the velocity of the storm is so intense that cause devastation in Eastern Visayas with an estimated 10,000 people may have died.  Yes we have indeed used to tropical storms rampage but we have never face this so much ferocity in our lifetime.  Most of the people especially in Tacloban who survived the rampage in spite of their lost loved ones still continue to move and find better ways to find food, shelter and clean water.  Most of them appeal for help and rebuild their homes and never gave up in searching for their lost love ones.

Every year we shown to the world that how resilient our people were in the face of disaster, however with the recent disaster made by the typhoon Haiyan, the whole world have now credited and acknowledge the Filipino people that we are the most resilient being in the face of the planet.  Even the spirit of Bayanihan is not only shown by the Filipino people during the disaster, but also by foreigners who are visiting the Philippines at that time.  Like Jonathan Fitzpatrick a 23 year old from Britain who kicked down the hotel doors to help children and adults escape to safety.  Even United States President Barrack Obama acknowledge the spirit and resiliency of the Filipino people and even mention the word Bayanihan, in his message of condolences and sympathies to entire Filipino people.

The Super Storm Typhoon Haiyan did not only brought devastation and desolation, but it was also not only gave the Philippines and the entire people to unite in one cause to help our countrymen to recover from this disaster, but also the entire world, like Pope Francis and other world leaders, celebrities and activists, have laid down their differences and stand united just to help our countrymen to recover and to give cheers in the faces of the Filipino people especially the children.  The impact of the disaster have proven in fact that the world can be as one and united in one heart.

Rommel Caguiat
Guest Writer

(Disclaimer: Images being used courtesy of Google. ) 

What is Bayanihan Spirit? See Pictures Below

(Michael D. Sellers Photos)

This Video is originally made by various singers for Haiti. Recreated by Kevin Ayson , who says: "This video is edited as a simple way to give thanks to all the nations who are helping the Philippines"

Modern Philippine Teleserye: Intelligence vs. Lameness of the Filipino Mind

(Image by google)

With the introduction of television in the Philippines in 1963, Philippine Television has already been in the mainstream in Filipino Culture and it is part of our daily lives by providing us news and information, learning, and trivia and the most important aspect of Philippine TV is entertainment.  Whenever we go, in the office, shopping malls, in the jeepneys and bus and even on our cellphone we can watch our favorite program anytime and anywhere.  In Philippine TV, there are three largest networks that dominated the airwaves during television hours like ABS -CBN 2, GMA 7, and ABC 5.  The three network stations provided news, education, and even entertainment.  The Government-owned networks like PTV 4 and IBC-13 provide sports, news, and information while the newcomer Solar TV provided all the aspects of Philippine Television entertainment.  Part of the aspects of entertainment is the Teleserye or Philippine Drama in which most of the volume of airwaves and TV programs came from this aspect that contributes almost all viewing hours from 3:00 in the afternoon up to 10:00 in the evening, minus the news and other entertainment such as sports, cartoons, and reality talk shows.

History

Mutya (Image from google) 

The first Philippine drama or soap opera was Hiwaga sa Bahay na Bato and it was followed by Liwanag ng Pag-Ibig, Prinsipe Amante, and others.  Then in the 70’s it was followed by the ever-popular Gulong ng Palad (revived in 2006 by ABS-CBN) it was shown on BBC2 at that time, were popularized by TV veteran actress Caridad Sanchez and Marianne Dela Riva, and it was a household name.  In the early 80’s with the rise of the Super Robot Anime genre at that time (Voltes V and Mazinger Z), RPN 9 produced Flordeluna and GMA 7’s Anna Liza both are timeless classics.  In the 90’s prime time TVs boosted many careers with the likes of Judy Ann Santos in Mara Clara.  After the noontime show Eat Bulaga, there was Heredero and Valiente which ran for 7 years.  Another on the mid-afternoon time slot Mula sa Puso was already in the primetime big shot which by led by Claudine Baretto (not a bad girl at that time).  By 2000, another Primetime Soap Opera series produced by ABS-CBN which ran from 2000 to 2002 and it serves as one of the most influential primetime dramas ever made and appealed to many audiences in foreign language and it caused a phenomenon that when most of television viewers went home from offices and caused a brief power outage during the last episode of the show.  Pangako sa iyo made Philippine History in Television and took the glory in broadcasting in many networks across Asia.

From Drama to Fantasy to Controversy

Dennis Trillo (left) and Tom Rodriguez (right) A controversial Scene
(Image by  Rappler)

With the Teleserye phenomenon especially on the major networks has all the telenovelas cards they can offer on the table every night.  According to the survey, GMA 7 holds the most number of viewers compared to the Teleserye Champion ABS-CBN due to its innovation and major star player.  Since we all know that teleseye is mainly drama, GMA 7 made an action fantasy series with the likes of Encantadia and Mulawin.  It was very successful and it was even followed by the successful Darna.  The Kapamilya network did not throw in the towel, the success of the serye of Pepeng Agimat, Tiagong Akyat, Super Inngo, and the current Juan Del Cruz gave the Kapuso some run for the money.  But with the controversial series known as My Husband’s Lover which is credited as the first gay-themed series in Philippine TV gave the Kapuso network an edge for primetime TV creativity and originality.  The show was a success but it is under the observation of CBCP and Malacañan and Representative Edcel Lagman filed the House Bill 2352 known My Husband’s Lover bill which seeks to expand the scope of Article 333 of the Revised Penal Code which only imposes punishment for a spouse having a sexual intercourse to another opposite sex, rather than their partner.

Teleserye to Telebabad

Isabela Inhabitants Watching TV (image by google)

With the number of teleseryes released and produced by the Kapamilya and Kapuso network, not to mention the Kapatid network.  Many Filipinos are now glued to their favorite but mind draining program.  Every night they will line up to the television set whether they are having dinner or cleaning the plates, people are still glued to the program no matter what happened they must know the next plot or the next episode.  Some children now also glued to the TV instead of studying and focus on reading their book.  Parents often neglect their duties instead of helping and guiding their children with their studies, parents mostly glued to the teleserye.  Since the TV networks did a primetime block it means that all of the programs from 7:00 pm up to 10:00 pm were all teleserye marathons.  So every channel from any major networks whenever you switch channels, all of them are in teleserye mode and that is three straight hours of drama enhancing Filipino dialogue with the same plot with the protagonist will definitely be in a pa-awa mode while the antagonist will be planning an evil scheme with evil smile or sometimes an evil laugh.  Then you will see the same old punch line and script, the same old quality acting, the same old ugly goons, the same old plot, the same old story, love triangle, same twisted fate, same ingredients, same old police comes at the end of the event, same old stuff, the exaggerated shouting, the spanking, the low quality action, the low quality scenery.  I think this is more tiresome at the end of the day.  Telebabad in their favorite teleserye programs for three straight hours could cause your mind to be stagnant, unlike before television was invented, the radio was a powerful tool to provide information, especially when you are listening to drama, you can visualize anything in your mind, and thus your creativity can be expanded that caused your intelligent quotient to increase.

Same Old Theme, Same Old Results

In a movie or TV series, there is always a protagonist (hero) or antagonist (villain), the plot, and the climax.  Whenever we go to the movies, watch TV programs or buy a book we always look for the synopsis or the preview.  On the teleserye we always have the same plot that the lead character is a mahirap while the love interest can be a rich or noble person, eventually will begin to have interest with each other, then the villain (Kontrabida) will do something to stop the bida and the love interest which will set up as a love triangle in the story then the mahadera or the don Quijote will definitely serve as the main villain will set up to kidnap, kill or stop the Bida by using the ugly and ever-annoying goons, then multiply again by another goons, then the police will become the paid villains lackey, then you will be annoyed but will be interested that the villains are succeeding while the Bida suffering until you will get angry with the contrabida,  once the plot thickens,  the goons will multiply again and until we will see 50 or more goons on the payroll of the main villain.  The main villain is as more powerful than the bida, while the bida is only a significant dot without any equalizer to get even setting up as the underdog, then at the end of the season the villain and the main villain will be arrested in spite of all the killings and the transgressions, while only a total of 5 goons were killed while the rest of the goons just disappeared in the story, then the police will come after most of the bad guys were all capacitated, then the bida and the love interest will definitely live happily ever after.  If you try to check other teleseryes, it has the same formula, sometimes they just made some changes but the formula is still there.  

One example is Mars Ravelo’s Dyesabel, Dyesabel is a beautiful mermaid and fell in love with the human, upon her adventures in the human world a lot of obstacles she encounters and the more villains multiply until the real main villain emerged at the end.  But the Bida did not do anything; she did something but not satisfying.  Unlike in action movies or in the hero will get even with the villain and possibly give her/ him a doze of his/her own medicine or worst a brutal but justifiable finish.   Another of the twisted character just for the good of the story to be extended is the Mga Basang Sisiw in which Olivia’s lover Efren who was a poor farmer then after several episodes he becomes rich and then eventually became a sub-villain and have goons suddenly appeared in the story tormenting Olivia and her children.   The problem with the telenovela is the balance of the elements in the story.  If this is a love story they have to stick with the main goal, if they wanted to add conflict do not put too much character on the story, place a situation or a subplot but not sub-villains, maybe antagonistic in character.  Place an equalizer or a neutralizer to finish the goons in the story, the audience needs resolve and justice for their actions.  If it is a love story then stick with the love story, if action then places elements of action scenes or the hero and his/her ally will definitely capacitate the goons and kick their ass with the bad habit.

Where are the Old Series go?

When the TV series from the US and UK were shown during prime time most of the viewers had high literacy rates due to the program is in English, they have different twist in the story and sometimes the ending is satisfying, the action sequence is very rated and stars have acting quality.  If you remember the series like A-Team, the Professionals, the Knight Rider, Hawaii Five O, Charlie’s Angels, the Dukes of Hazards, Magnum PI and Miami Vice, viewers were glued to the TV every night just to watch their favorite show and to know what will be the next episode like.  With the introduction of cable TV, most of the new series like NCIS, CSI were never shown on the major networks but were mostly shown on cable TV.  As a replacement for the old series, since some of the series finish their season, TV sitcoms were syndicated during the late 80 and mid 90’s as replacements.  With the likes of Ober da Bakod, Palibhasa Lalake, and the ever-popular John en Marsha, most of the people were entertained through comedic notes and memorable punch lines.  Some of the programs provide documentaries and reality shows such as Ripley’s Believe it or not and That’s Incredible.  Who could forget the detective and mind bungling stories such as the Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew Mysteries, then the ever-popular 21 Jump Street in which propel Johnny Depp to stardom.  Programs for kids were all important in that era because the popularity of Sesame Street and Electric Company gave rise to the children who can now spell and read at an early age as comparing today in which the education program is only shown in cable TV.  When I think of the old series from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, most of the viewers have high literacy rates and a good comprehensive mindset and when the introduction of Cable TV, most of the series that about to be shown in free TV, mostly were now syndicated in Cable TV stations such as Jack TV, AXN, Star World.  Major networks choose to syndicate reality TV and the Teleserye which is according to them is marketable.

Good for the economy vs. People’s Disposition in Life

(Image by google)

With the teleserye phenomenon being shown every hour in every major station, teleonovela became one of the country’s top exports in the entertainment industry and it is popular throughout Southeast Asia, East Asia, Africa, and North America.  The Telenovelas often dubbed in some languages especially to non-English speaking countries.  Exporting Philippine Dramas to countries in which most numbers of Philippine Diasporas or OFW was the right market for every major network in the Philippines.  With the exportation of Telenovelas, it also gave the foreign audience the idea of Filipino culture and Filipino lives.

However there was a disadvantage with the syndication of telenovelas in the Philippines especially in primetime programming.  It is about the quality of thinking and the dispositional views of every average Filipinos.  Not all Filipino families can afford cable TV especially the underprivileged, besides watching PBA as one of their past times, the majority of the Filipinos watched telenovelas as the modern-day zarazuelas in the airwaves.  Majority of the Filipinos becoming more focus on the drama rather than to their obligations.  Sometimes people will stay late at night just to watch and finish the drama and will see the next episodes.  With the same old theme and low-quality stories, it also indicated that viewers who are patronizing will have a low quality of thinking and could adopt in their activities of daily living.  Sometimes they even adopt it in reality like for example the last May 2013 Elections, since most of the viewers will root for the underdog because they can relate with that character.  Just like Nancy Binay who would have thought that she will make it in the Top 5.  Do the voters think that she has a making of a good senator in spite without any experience in public office?  During the ZTE-NBN Scandal Senate hearing there developed a scene in which Jun Lozada and Clarissa Ocampo were branded as heroes while the Arroyo administration branded them as the villains.  Another is the wheelchair pity-effect by former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and followed by former CJ Renato Corona, then recently followed by the rich fugitive Janet Napoles, which was also used by some characters especially the main villain in the teleseye, when his/her plans were foiled by the hero.

Most Filipinos who watched teleserye just serve as entertainment and past time but other used it as indirect means of education and adoption of their daily lives.  In the Kapuso network, they made some of innovation and creativity; sometime they use historical settings like Amaya which for me it is a stand out among teleseryes and the next program which is the Katipunan which will be shown on weekends to help the younger generation to familiarize with the history of the Philippines’ struggle against the Spanish Colonial Government.  While the Kapamilya still focus on the same old, tiresome, rich boy meets poor girl or vice versa, the hacienderos, the elite, and the slums, the love triangle, the leaving of wife or husband to each respective lover theme.  With Kapamilya’s theme of the story, most Filipinos adopt this kind of culture that promotes broken lives, broken marriage, and broken families, and even average Filipinos wanted to become rich and famous because of the influence of teleserye.

Quality of Acting

Dingdong Dantes
 (Image by Lawrence Bellefontaine)

There were only a few Filipino actors who can act on the silver screen and on television sometimes they were given recognition due to their acting prowess just recently awardees like Eddie Garcia and Nora Aunor was given international recognition in the 2012 Asia Pacific Film Festival for the film Bwakaw and Thy Womb respectively.  Veteran multi-awarded actors like Christopher De Leon, Maricel Soriano, and acting powerhouse Jacklyn Jose, were all recognized for their quality skills in acting; however, they were just only as supportive characters.  Younger actors such as John Loyd Cruz, Jericho Rosales, Ding Dong Dantes, Marian Rivera, and Dennis Trillo are often cast as lead characters and one of the few who made a stand out in quality acting, while others were just only good for face value and popularity which is good for the business.  Major networks set up some acting workshops or crash course acting but it is not enough to build quality acting.  Some producers hire stage play actors to compensate more for the quality of acting and guide younger stars to act appropriately on their script.

Regulate and Balance

Teleseryes or Telenovelas should be regulated by the KBP or LTRCB by controlling the syndication in television programming.  Major networks should not primarily focus on a money-making adventure but should prioritize high-quality acting and storylines that could give the audience not only just to entertain but without draining the intelligence of our dear viewers.  Abolishing the teleserye will not entirely help society and it will cause more problems than solutions and Philippine drama was already part of our culture, we just only have to harness our interests in teleserye.  Major networks should accept one telenovela program for one hour, one in the afternoon and one in the evening, and should discourage syndication at late nights.  Besides the news and information, major networks should revive the American or European latest TV shows or series to counterbalance the lameness of the television viewers.  Government should implement Art Colleges besides UP to promote good quality acting and prohibit discrimination against non-mestizo actors because sometimes those actors who do not have any westernized blood are better than the cute/pa-cute and popular actors.  Give emphasis on the veterans for they are more experienced than the younger actors and possibly could provide the show more ratings.  Finally, the major networks should be more focused on the benefits of what will bring to society rather than on the profits of becoming the best network.

Rommel Caguiat
Guest Writer

(Disclaimer: Images being used courtesy of Google. ) 

Jeepney, King of the Road: From Cultural Icon to Cultural Nuisance

(Photo by The JAVA JIVE)

It is the most popular and the most affordable mode of public transportation in the Philippines and it is a symbol of Filipino’s innovation and ingenuity.   This popular public transport has already been around since post World War II (1945) up to the present and served the masses from all walks of life from the under privileged to the fortunate ones.  Even visiting Public Figures from different countries, legendary sports figures and Hollywood movie stars will try to pose for the cameras and sometimes ride it with amazement.  Technically the Jeepneys were already part of our daily lives and have a bigger percentage of contribution for mass transport system in the Philippines.

History

Old Jeep (Photo by Tourism in the Phil )

At the end of World War II, American Military Personnel began to leave the Philippines and hundreds of equipment and arsenals were left and sold to the Filipinos including surplus jeeps.  During the rehabilitation and rebuilding phase, Filipinos stripped down the jeeps and altered by the locals; metal roofs were added for shade and added decorations with vibrant colors, with chrome –plated ornaments on the sides of the hood.  They reconfigured the back seat into two long parallel benches with passenger facing each other to accommodate more passengers.  Its size, length and passenger capacity had increased as it evolved through the years.  The original jeepneys that were refurbished were the Jeep’s Willys and Ford eventually modern jeeps are now produced with surplus engines and pats coming from Japan.

The jeepney was used just as a temporary means of mass transport replacing probably the tramvia since most of the public transport in the Philippines especially in Manila had been virtually destroyed during World War II.  Recognizing the widespread use of these vehicles and re-establish as the transport of the masa, the Philippine Government began to regulate their use and drivers must passed (in reality pre-passed) to acquire a professional license, regular routes and reasonably fixed fare.

Cultural Icon

Jeepney Maniature (Photo from "The Salitype Society)

If London has the red double-decker bus, New York- the Yellow Taxi, the Philippines has the Jeepneys.  The jeepneys rapid emergence as a popular and creative way in mass transport, have become a ubiquitous symbol of Philippine culture and arts.  Manufacturing of jeeps were pioneered by two motor companies in Las Piñas:  Sarao Motors and Fransisco Motors.  Sarao Jeepneys is more popular than its rival and was synonymous to the vehicle itself and promoted as the symbol of Filipino culture.  A Sarao Jeepney was used as an exhibit at the Philippine Pavillon during the 1964 New York World’s Fair as a national image for the Filipinos.  In 1971, a Sarao Jeepney traveled from Manila to London and all over Europe as the Philippine icon of the London-Manila Express, a roadshow sponsored by the Philippine Tourism and Travel Associations to boost the country’s tourism industry.  Even back home at manufacturing plant in Pulang Lupa, Las Piñas, it was also being visited by tourists and declared as one of the tourist spots in Las Piñas, the other one is the Bamboo Organ.  However, Fransisco Motors had different path in manufacturing passenger jeeneys and also produced the Popemobile during Pope John Paul II’s visit here in the Philippines last 1981 and the mass production of Anfra.  Eventually they were followed by small jeepney workshops and factories around the country and already produced passenger jeepneys as well as owner type jeeps.

Issues and Decline as Cultural Icon

Vin Diesel in Manilla ( Photo by Pia Ranada)

With the introduction of the Light Rail Transit or LRT, aircon buses, and share taxi system (e.g. FX and Passenger Vans) and even the introduction of the multi-cab; manufacturing of Jeepneys are now more on a decline.  People these days want more riding comfort than the old system.  In spite that some manufacturers produced longer passenger seats and more stylized modernized jeepneys, commuters still wanted to go for comfort in spite of paying a higher fare.

 According to the BBC article, “End of the Road for Jeepneys,” stated that the Jeepneys are more expensive to operate and repair rather that other vehicles on the market because they do not have standardized parts that are available.  Another is that Jeepneys emit the amount of carbon di oxide from their diesel engines that caused massive pollution in the metropolis.  Another issue is that Jeepney routes were only limited to some roads especially to tourist potential spots like in Roxas Boulevard.  Next is the never ending vicious cycle of fuel price hike which cause a lot of steer and fiasco in the motor business affecting the operation of the Jeepney.  With high prices in fuel and spare parts, the jeepney tends to operate even the vehicle has less than 100% efficiency to operate which cause a lot of stop overs and breakdowns during operation sometimes would cause traffic and inconvenience of the passengers.  The real main reason for the decline of Jeepney being a cultural icon is because of the Jeepney drivers themselves.

Vin Diesel rides jeepney in Global City in Taguig

 Moreover, Majority of the Jeepney drivers in general in which their behavior were gradually decrease ever since post-EDSA, this was due to increase deprivation and uneducated drivers in the metropolis that cause major traffic jams, accidents, corruption and even theft or robbery however not all Jeepney drivers exhibit rude and discourteous behavior, some still exhibit civility and courteous manner especially to commuters and elderly passengers.

Jeepney Driver’s Image

Jeepney Driver (Image by Jojo)

During the 1950’s when the jeepney started to gain grounds, jeepney drivers were properly hygienic and respected due to their mild and courteous manner.  However due to the rapid increase in population growth and also an increase of drop outs in secondary and collegiate level due to stricken poverty from time to time especially in Metro Manila, jeepney drivers were becoming a nuisance to society especially to commuters and fellow motorist due to their rudely and Pilosopong Tasyo behavior.

In the same manner, Jeepney drivers becoming more increasingly inconsiderate with their hygiene and image which cause the public’s perception to them as a goon behind the wheel and can never be trusted.  During the administration of MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando, he passed an ordinance to all Jeepney drivers should be well groomed and proper attire should be properly observed without the use of sando and shorts.  The campaign and the implementation was successful and most of the drivers actually comply to the rules implemented by MMDA however, professionalism and road courtesy has a long way to the jeepney drivers’ criteria and cannot be learned overnight, at least a start of something good for the image of the drivers and gave the commuters a different perspective towards them.  As expected the policy did not last long due to a change of administration and of course the culture of “ningas cugon.”

Parades of Jepney (Photo by Iligan Today)

Associated with a bad public image, jeepney drivers were became a subject of exploitation by the traffic enforcers and kotong police whenever they do have violations by asking for a bribe.  The illegal barters along the unofficial jeepney stops when the driver gave them only a 5 peso coin, the adik and parasitic barter will definitely threaten to punch the face of driver and sometimes they will break the glass of the front view mirror or steal one of the accessories.  Another is being exploited by the leftist and other politicians to destabilize the mass transit system and even the economy.  Even lawless elements like the robbers and criminal gangs often use the drivers as an accomplice for their criminal activities.  Due also to the poverty stricken status Jeepney drivers did not mind the condition of the vehicle and its maintenance status since which cause a lot of inconvenience transfers for the passengers.

However in the rural zone, the Jeepney drivers have a different perception towards their passengers, besides for their source of income, they gave consideration to the passenger’s needs and of course time.

Image by ORCHESTROSCOPY

1.In Metro Manila, most of the Jeepney drivers were only after the passenger’s fare even if the change is only P1.00 they will not give the change to the passenger.  Sometimes they just tell the passenger’s, “mam/sir, wala pong barya mamaya na lang,” then the jeepney driver will intentionally forget the passenger’s change when the passenger reminds the driver of their obligation.

2.Another is the time that some Jeepney drivers are inconsiderate about the passenger’s time which some wind up late at their work or never arrive in time due to accident; it is up to them to drive the jeepney slow as a tortoise and as fast as a bullet.  Their only reason for this attitude is that, “kami ang nasa manubela, kaya kami ang masusunod, kung ayaw mo ma-late o sumakay sa jeep ko, e di mag-taxi ka!”

3.Another is waiting time for the jeepeny drivers even in jeepney terminal and the unofficial terminals.  In the jeepney terminal, it is a good thing that passengers will line up for the ride however, the only seating capacity for the jeepney depending on the size, let’s say the average is 20.  The jeepney drivers and the barkers will insistently direct the naïve commuter to sit on the jeepney when the total capacity reached its maximum limit of 20 and they will insert more passengers with a total of 22 to 24 depending on the space.  Jeepney drivers will not tolerate even a little space in the passenger seats and will fill the space even the passenger is larger than space that needs to be seated.

Image from Trek Earth

 In the provinces, commuters will tend to ride in a jeep epscially if the passenger seat is full they can do a sabit and sometimes sits on the roof or simply “top loader”.  Jeepneys in the provinces have specialized seat or passenger railings in the roof.  There was a bill made by Congressman Winston Castelo that jeepney must have a standard seating capacity including that manufacturers should also adopt a standard measure for the seating space to assure passenger safety and comfort and avoid overloading.  This was known as House Bill 5850 known as the Seat Space Requirement of Jeepney Act of 2012.  The proposed anthropometric dimension of 357 mm hip breadth or 14 inches for every passenger has been based on scientific studies however, a lot of complaints and uncivilized reaction by the jeepney drivers and the reason is, “malulugi kami sa boundry.”  As usual the bill still on hold in Philippine Congress as well as other bill which is beneficial for the Filipino people since the Congressmen are busy on their swine harvest.

4. Another is the Jeepney drivers were stalling for not only two minutes to wait for the passenger but also stall for five or more minutes in an unofficial jeepney stops.  It was also adopted by bus drivers that caused all major traffic in the metro as well as pollution and road accidents.  With that, not only jeepney drivers but all public utility vehicle drivers adopted this kind of a third world attitude, instead of the passenger’s safety they only care about passenger’s fare.

Jeepney Should be Abolished?

There were a lot of proposals to abolish the once called Cultural Icon of Philippine Culture.  During the launching of the LRT last 1984, President Marcos made a study for the abolition of Jeepneys in Metro Manila.  With the success of Mass Transport system in the Philippines during Martial Law, if you can remember the California Bus Line in EDSA, the Metro Manila Transit Bus and the Double Deck Bus in Roxas Boulevard, mass transport is quite successful, and the jeepney’s route will be limited only to secondary roads.

 However mass traffic jams and accidetns were recored at that time and since road courtesy is adopted generally by the Jeepney drivers, Presdient Marcos decided to abolish the Jeepney in Metro Manila and could use any other means of new mass transport system.  The proposal did not materialize due to cause of unemployment and criminal rate will increase because most of the drivers’ only cost of living is driving a Jeepney.  President Marcos decided to re-design the jeepney known as the “Bagong Lipunan Jeepney.”  The Bagong Lipunan Jeepny looks promising in which it is like a mini bus with an air condition and the passenger’s entrance is at the side of the driver.  The design was scrapped and never produced due to the unit is much expensive compared to the ordinary jeepney.  During Post-EDSA, massive bus franchise was implemented cause the high rise in mass transport system but also cause congestion and pollution.  Jeepney drivers increase as increase of migration of people from the provinces.  However, with the increase influx of people in the metropolis cause a lot of chaos and anarchy in the roads just like what happened today.

 Massive traffic jams and pollution contributes to the damaging of the Ozone Layer and climate change that also cause to the recent floods in the metropolis.  Another is the soon to arrive Bus Rapid Transit or BRT which will be implemented in Cebu City.  In Metro Manila, there are proposals that will be implemented in Commonwealth Ave, Buendia to Bonifacio Global City.  Many jeepney drivers were concerned about their route, but the advised of the DOTC that jeepneys will serves as auxiliary transport for secondary roads which the BRT’s only route is the major thoroughfares.  However with the increase of F/X, Vans (Shared Taxi), increase Taxi use, existing projects of LRT and MRT extensions and increase use of automobile in the metropolis, the jeepney status will be much like of a dinosaur because, the passenger load increase only during rush hours but during midday, few passenger were only observed that also increase wait time for the passengers.  Most of the motorist who use their vehicles everyday advised that they would rather use their vehicles in spite of the traffic and high price of fuel rather than to depend on the skills of the PUV drivers.  “Freedom behind the wheel is what we want,” one of the motorist advised due to the privacy in nature and comfort.

 Another reason for the abolishment is the cause of hazardous pollutants in the city.  Jeepneys added carbon monoxide and other hazardous air in metropolis that cause asthma and other problems in respiration.  Due to the traffic jams around the city and the jeepneys emits those dangerous pollutants it cause a higher volume of pollution in the air not to mention the bus and trucks that cause the smog around the metropolis.  A solution was made by the DOTC and the production of E-Jeepneys.  The E-Jeepneys did not use the classical fuel but use electric and have the same efficiency with the diesel jeepney.  The e-jeepney does not emit pollutants and it is an eco-friendly vehicle and it is now one of the major transports in Makati City and even in Palawan.  E-jeepney is very successful and the government order additional units in Canada for mass transit from SM North to SM Megamall.

Suggestions:

E-Jeepney in Makati City (from green peace)

Even with the arrival of the e-Jeepneys and the BRTs, the jeepney still serve as the most affordable from of mass transportation in the Philippines.  However with the increase in population, increase in unemployment, increase in poverty, Jeepney drivers will definitely line up to get a professional driver’s license in spite and will seek to find operators around the city or in suburbs.  I remember when I was an OJT in LTO in FTI, there was an individual who does not know how to read and write and was accompanied by a casually dressed man.  They approach my desk and ask for an application form.  The gentleman wrote the applicant’s info due to his illiteracy and as I know that the pre-requisite for being the driver is literally capable to read and write and applying for a professional driver’s license rather than the student permit which is a pre-requisite.  I pointed them to the LTO Officer because I did not accept the P500 bribe which is insulting to my intelligence and principles.  So no wonder why the image of the Jeepney drivers was becoming a nuisance.

My suggestion is since we are in a K-12 system of education, add basic driving as part of the curriculum in Junior high school as an elective subject and advance driving for students would want to drive 6 to 10 wheeler trucks or construction trucks like bulldozers or  army trucks.  Another is for the LTO to regulate the application of Jeepney drivers.  Not all drivers can become jeepney drivers.  This is to prevent over influx of jeepney in the metropolis that caused traffic jams.  Make some re-routes for the Jeepneys in which some roads were in need of a public transportation.  In the Jeepney terminals, MMDA should supervise the dispatch of jeepneys, prevent the overloading of passengers and ban the annoying adik-adik barter.  LTO or LTRCB should commissioned quality assurance agents for Jeepney drivers who will evaluate the jeepney drivers indiscriminately during the driver’s operation and will have a feedback of how he performed as the driver.  LTO should strictly use dress code for jeepney drivers not only in Metro Manila but in the whole Philippines as well.  LTO should ban Jeepneys that are junked and close for being disclosed.  LTO should encourage Jeepney operators to check the vehicle for possible maintenance to avoid accidents and breakdown of the vehicle.

Another in the provinces, local government officials should implement a law or an ordinance to prohibit passengers of using the roof as an extension as passenger seats and sabits.  The government must give emphasis to jeepney driver’s salary and benefits and should be absorbed into the mass transport system as drivers instead of the boundary system or surcharge system that caused traffic congestion in a mad scramble for passengers in which the driver can park anywhere, even in the middle of the road.  Those were only my suggestions just to improve the mass transport system in the Philippines and help to improve the traffic situation in Metro Manila.  Another suggestion is for every Jeepney drivers should try to drive in SBMA and will know the possible violation occurred in one day which results as crash course in driving.

The status of the Jeepney can still retain the glory as the Cultural Icon of the Philippines if the government will implement strict rules especially in the major thoroughfares and leaders must have the political will to change the landscape of the bustling and polluted metropolis to a clean, green, eco-friendly city with the Jeepneys and the Jeepney drivers as the symbol of our country’s ingenuity and a hard working Filipino respectively.


Rommel Caguiat
Guest Writer