Korean Trip: A Reflection

Warning: This is an opinion, subject to debate and my personal learning. Your comments will be appreciated so long as they contribute to knowledge and understanding.

Okay, a week after our return from Korea, I think I have now a bit of time to reflect (a little only, though) about our trip.

Our sponsor asked me to share my experience with that trip upon my return -- to inspire their teachers to work harder. Unfortunately, I am not really an anthropologist, so I cannot see a lot of distinction. My talk was not very effective, it turned out.

Well, now, however, I would like to express some observation, as I was told that the National Heroes' Day (I think it was celebrated before as Bonifacio Day), originally set on November 30, was moved to November 29, to extend the weekend.

That news reminded me of our trip to the King Sejong museum in Seoul. I think it was a museum in memorial of King Sejong and a certain naval warfare expert who is regarded as a legendary hero there. (If you know who that general is, please feel free to comment!)

Their heroes are regarded for their prowess, skill and immediate achievement (which, in the interest of fairness, had long-term effect) of their goals. In the samples I was shown, I have to conclude their Korean concept of heroism is on achievement, outstanding accomplishment and the effect of their action to their people. Truly commendable. I would also be proud of a general who defeated an opposing force about 10 times bigger than his own force.

On the other hand, Filipino heroes, like Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio (of course, there are more, but I will name only the two above for saving time), are renown not for their victory in their lifetime, but for their contribution to the overall effort. Tell me, is there one hero in Philippine history who is renown for winning a battle for the whole of his country? (Okay, I hope my history teachers will not scold me for not knowing such..... :D)

My point is that we do not remember any victory of a national hero, rather what we have is a set of heroes whom we regard greatly while they have contributed a small fraction to the overall goal of national independence.

I hope I will not be misunderstood saying that individual heroes of Korea achieved more than individual heroes of the Philippines. It's not the point. My point is that our regard for heroism is based on intent and to how much they are willing to give up to contribute to the overall goal.

Bonifacio died without seeing the independence of the Philippines from Spain, but he started with the Katipunan.

Rizal was executed for his progressive writings which fueled independence movements, including that of Bonifacio.

Miguel Malvar was the last general to surrender to American forces -- a defeat but a noble one, if I may say.

Gregorio Del Pilar died defending Tirad Pass so that General Aguinaldo can escape from the Americans.

These are just a few of our more renown heroes. None of them were remembered more for their victory than for their "small contribution" to Philippine Independence.

Probably, to conclude, it is saying that Philippine independence cannot be attributed to any one person, but to all Filipinos fighting for it. And it is true to this day-- nothing has changed.

If the Philippines were to transcend to a new and true development - it cannot be done by any one person alone. Not even the President.

Don't ask me why.

To Seoul in the Month of Souls

Okay, weak title. Just cannot think of anything else.

Yes, tomorrow, I'll go to Korea with the Dean and the Graduate Program Coordinator. We're going there to discuss collaboration with some universities. As I understand, we're meeting some top-level university administrators to discuss with them our program.

I studied quite a bit of Korean through TalkToMeinKorean.com, so I hope I would be able to use it. Unfortunately, there was no opportunity for me to practice it (meaning speak and get feedback), because I am not fond of seeing myself in front of the camera. Yes, I like taking pictures, and making videos, but not of myself.

It's going to be an adventure -- not just the environment but the culture.

I also hope I get to meet some of the people from TTMIK, but I doubt it. I don't even know where we will be in Korea (except that we will be in Seoul, which I think is a very big place)!

I hope this uncertainty will be a surprise and not a shock.

But I guess, I want to end this with thanking TTMIK for the lessons. I finished Level 2 and I am reviewing the lessons.