Lirio, Riza D.

BSN 1-1 12 LITTLE THINGS EVERY FILIPINO CAN DO TO HELP OUR COUNTRY By: Alexander Lacson BOOK REVIEW 1. Who is Alexander Lacson? A name doesnt define a person, his deeds does. Apart from the information stated in his book, I also took time to browse the internet for further background and story on his life and works. After doing so, I met Alexander Lacson, a great and noble mind with an optimistic outlook in life as well as for the life of others. A man filled with hopes and dreams and aspires to be nothing but the best he could possibly be, a person driven to change for the better and aims to live his life to the fullest extent. Despite the many obstacles and downfalls our country experienced, there are still people who see light amidst the darkest moments. With his desire to help the country, he chose to live and continue his career in the Philippines with his message Bayani ang bawat Pilipino. We are the heroes we need. He empowers each of us to be of help to our country thus helping ourselves to grow and be productive, a man who believes that every person is vital in the attainment of a common goal which is prosperity, success and peace. Peace of mind, heart and soul.

2. What could have been his purpose for writing this book?

One candle lights one candle. Two candles light four and when they shine there is no darkness anymore. A stanza from the Christmas song Everlasting Light I sang during a lighting ceremony in the plaza gave me an idea on what Alexander Lacsons purpose for writing his book is. With the obvious chaos and problems afflicting the country, an inspirational book like his is really what we need. His aim was to awaken every Filipino that there is still hope and that there are numerous ways on how we can make a rotten and dying plant into a fully restored tree. His plain and thin book used clear and easily understood words which are meant for the general public to read and reflect upon.

He enumerated a number of ways every Filipino can do without even spending a single peso (of course, main concern is the expenses). Not only does he want to make people aware but also to make them act on the things they observe as burdens and hindrances around them. His 108-page book (which is very affordable) gives us a peak or a head start of the many things we can do and change in our country and lifestyle. His book drives us to be good, if not better, citizens of our country. It teaches us to love and take care of our country for it is our own and develop all that we can develop that we can benefit of. He wants us to neglect the ideas of being pessimistic but rather be optimistic. I believe that what we need is just a little motivation and leader to start and implement the change and his book is a very good tool for us to achieve such. Although many are deprived from reading his book, the message in it has no limit and can be given to everyone. Now that almost everyone is inclined with media and the internet with the social networking sites, giving out a message is not a hard thing to do. A number of clicks are what it takes to make a change and spread the word. His purpose was merely to give us an overview and not to continue and finish the journey and process of changing. Thousands of books may be published over and over again but without the heart to read, implement and put into action such readings is just a waste of time, effort and money. Its the message that matters and its empowerment. One things for sure, he didnt fail in making me make a move and he definitely touched me with his words. In turn, I will now spread his message, relay the book among my friends and colleagues and embark the change within me. As a matter of fact, we can change, all of us, one step at a time. Hes not forcing us to change right away, its a life-long process each of us must engage into to make the next generations better than what we have right now.

3. Are the twelve things actually possible to be carried out by EVERY Filipino?

Which one is the hardest? Take it Slow. I remember a simple line from John Legends song Ordinary People were just ordinary people, maybe we should take it slow. Take it slow. Yes, we should take it slow. The twelve things Lacson enumerated were actually very simple and possible to be carried by EVERY FILIPINO. Among the twelve ways, I think the hardest is the twelfth one.

Be a good parent. Teach your kids to follow the law and love our country, an easy statement to say but really hard to do. Picking up trash or getting a receipt is actually easy compares to raising a child and being a good example to them. Being a parent is a very noble job but the hardest one yet. It is not taught in school but rather learned by heart and experience. How can you teach if we ourselves dont know what to teach? You cannot give what you do not have and you certainly must have the knowledge and guts to stand up and make a difference. Being a model and teaching a child to follow the law and love the country is really hard and a challenge every parent must endure. With the current lifestyle we have today, it is really difficult to raise children as good and responsible citizens but perseverance and patience can do the trick. Taking things slowly is the key and the way on how we can do the twelfth way. As the saying goes, Haste makes waste. You dont have to rush things. Better do it slowly but surely rather than a fast paced process with no end results to look forward.

4. What do you think is the most important little thing every Filipino SHOULD

DO? I ran out of songs to describe this question. Fortunately, I watched an episode in SpongeBob Square pants where SpongeBob and Patrick picked up garbage below overpasses and segregated waste from highways. Its a good thing cartoons nowadays show certain scenes that educate the children watching with good acts and helpful ways on helping the environment. Among the twelve little things he wrote, I think the most important one is the sixth way Do not litter. Dispose your garbage properly. Segregate. Recycle. Conserve. With the global warming, ozone layer depletion and harmful UV rays harming our skin, this is one thing we must give our utmost priority and importance for it concerns our present time. God granted us with all the bountiful blessings we could possible ask for and preserving his environment is the least we can do to repay what he has given. Technology gave us a lot of ease with the things we do and even made us stubborn. It created a lot of products (we consume, of course) which in turn creates a large amount of garbage, specifically, toxics and non biodegradable ones. A common example are the plastic bags we use every day and seen scattered in the market place. Plastic bags are non biodegradable thus eating up much of the space for other garbage. It cant be burned because it emits harmful atoms to our

atmosphere. The only way to reduce them is to stop its production and recycle what was left. Even a year old child can do recycling and segregation of waste s long as proper teaching is given and bins are provided for them to do. It doesnt take a lot of effort to do such and takes a little amount of time and energy (if youre kind enough, you can segregate others waste as well. Think of it as free exercise rather than killing yourself in the gym). For humans, taking a bath is vital as observance of proper hygiene; same thing goes with our environment. It must be kept clean for us to breathe fresh air, rich soils and a beautiful home.

5. Among the twelve suggested deeds, which three are easiest for a student like

you to do? 3. Dont buy smuggled goods. Buy Local. Buy Filipino. Im a Barbie girl, in a Barbie world. Nowadays, children prefer to buy Barbie dolls and other imported toys. Likewise, teenagers tend to buy branded products like bags and shoes because of the common mentality of Filipinos wherein people look richer or higher in social status than others if they have such. Products such as Chanel bags, Skechers shoes and apparel, Mossimo, Guess, Coach and the like are a common favourite by many especially the girls. For some who cant afford the actual product, they settle for imitations sold at a much lower price. Market places are now filled with smuggled goods which the government cannot control. Sadly, many people continue to patronize them. We forget Filipino products and see them as cheap and unpopular if used. Also, we often think that imported goods have a better quality than our own. Actually, the qualities of produced goods among countries are of the same level. The only difference is the place where it was manufactured. As a matter of fact, many of the raw materials use to make imported products are from the Philippines because of our rich and bountiful resources. Buying Filipino products is not cheap. It is actually something we should be proud of using especially the students for we are models. We are the products of our country. We are the future parents of the generations to come. If our mentality remains the same, the same attitude will just be carried on until such time that we wont have products of our own but rather imports of other foreign countries who have dominated our markets.

5. Respect your traffic officer, policeman and soldier. As a girl who grew in the city surrounded by many establishments with all sorts of people, lots of policemen and traffic enforcers, and tons of stores and shopping marts, I know and Ive seen millions of attitudes toward people around, especially public servants. Recently, a hostage taking occurred in the Philippines and it gave policemen a very bad image. Because of such, many people look down to policemen and see them as worthless servants who just waste time in their offices, fill their pockets with money and get credits without doing anything good for them. Truth is, the blame is not to be given to the policemen alone. Although they played a large part in the story, the citizens around could have done something to be of help and should have not panicked to prevent injuries or death. Just because of a single mistake erased all other achievements theyve done and all the lives sacrificed for the betterment and safety of all. Giving them the respect they needed I believe is due to them and they deserve such. People often see the negative side of others and neglect the good things theyve done in the past. A simple greeting when you meet them is really a big something compared to being a snobbish kid and spreading false word about them. Being a policeman is really very noble and takes a lot of courage and bravery and I believe only a few people posses such. Therefore, they must be respected and given much honor. Same thing goes with our traffic enforcers. Every day, they are worn out from all the traffic and smoke fumes they inhale. They endure the weather whether its hot or raining. They are our unsung heroes whom we must pay tribute. A simple gesture like a smile will surely make there day lighter. You made them happy as well as you facial muscles, wow. If I were you, Id rather smile at every public servant rather than frown at them. I wont stress my muscles and have lots of wrinkles.
6. Do not litter. Dispose your garbage properly. Segregate. Recycle. Conserve.

Aside from being the most important, it is also the easiest way a student like me can do. Every day, we produce garbage of all kinds candy wrappers, plastics, leftovers and a lot more. With millions of people around creating waste, it creates tons of garbage in a single hour. Garbage bins are scattered around but we find it so hard and we are so stubborn in throwing out our garbage. When I was in high school, our school was located beside the church and lots of vendors are outside waiting for all the hungry students to come out during dismissal.

Every week, our principal gets a notice from the church complaining about the garbage scattered around the pathways and sides of the church. Because of such, the school provided garbage cans around the church and on every store. After a number of weeks, the garbage was reduced until such time that there was no one throwing any kind of trash around. We students are meant to learn and we are meant to learn the right things the right way. Throwing and segregating waste is really not a hard thing to do. Its a form of exercise too just like smiling. It also stimulates our brain to think when segregating and unleashes our creativity when we recycle. It also feels good to help the environment and helping yourself too in cleansing the air you breathe and water you drink every day. Flooding is very common every time a typhoon comes. It is caused by the clogged drainage systems and lack of trees that absorb water. A lot of consequences are to be faced with every mistake we make no matter how small it is. Think before you act and act before its too late. Next time you see a piece of trash, bother picking it up. A simple act of kindness will soon save a life when the right time comes. Who knows, it might have been your life that you saved.

6. If you were to make your own list of LITTLE things that can be done by EVERY FILIPINO to help the country, what would be your top five? Make your own. 5 Little Things Every Filipino Student Should Do to Help Our Country GO BACK to the BASICS

1. Pray.
Prayer is always the best thing a person can do. Many people nowadays get carried away with their jobs and forget to even visit the church or pray at least once a day, Theyre schedules are filled with meetings, assignments, surfing, shopping, sleeping, eating, and other leisure activities especially those that bring bread to the table. Well, its not bad to strive hard and earn a living but to give a minimum amount of time for our creator is not much for what he has given us. A simple thank you prayer every now and then is enough for him as long as we remain in touch. No matter your religion is and whatever rituals you have, never forget to pray for without him, you are nothing. We are NOTHING. All our riches are useless for they are not the basis of a persons worth but rather the deeds he has done while he is still alive. Stand up. Get dressed and visit him. If its really hard for you to leave work or school, just find a quiet time and talk to him. Tell him everything that has happened.

Treat him as a friend. Confide all your problems and feel at ease. He will surely lessen the burden that you feel and make you feel rested. Our country has gone through so much. EDSA 1, EDSA 2, hostage taking and so much more. Remember what happened during the Marcos Regime? When all the military officials and policemen were protecting the president and they were ready to kill anyone who stands their way, what did the nuns and civilians do? What did Corazon Aquino do? They prayed. They all prayed. They fought guns with rosaries and tanks with their songs of praise to the Lord. They made the military forces be on their side and force the president to end his regime and they succeeded. Yes, they succeeded and it made HISTORY. History every Filipino and the whole world will never forget, the time when prayer conquered all the violence and made the country a better place to live in. Another example is our champ, Manny Pacquiao. Every time he has a fight, millions of Filipinos stop and pray for his victory especially his mother. Pacquiao himself submits himself in prayer before and after every match and offers his victory to the Lord. He remains humble and seeks his guidance and strength to conquer the battle and bring pride to the country. He never fails to give back to the creator what he has received and gives back to his fellowmen. A prayer, no matter how simple it is, will always be heard by our Creator and it is the strongest ingredient for a country to attain success and peace. Pray for yourself and pray for others. Pray for your country and pray for the whole world.

2. Be simple.
Simplicity is beauty - a much known and overly used motto/slogan but still holds true. Filipinos are known to be simple people. The Aetas, for example, is a very simple tribe. They survive their everyday lives with just their strips of fabric, plain meat and vegetables and huts. Compared to the people living in the cities, their lives are not as complicated as what we have here. We find it hard to mingle with others without wearing glamorous and branded clothes. Girls tend to accessories and put on stuff that would make them look attractive. When people in the cities visit the Aetas, they will see a big difference. Because of such, envy and curiosity will arise and they will accessorize and dress extravagantly too. Yes, it is natural for people to envy each other and I have nothing against the Aetas with the way they dress. I am also not saying that they are not privileged or allowed to change and modify themselves and improve. All Im saying is, if the Aetas

survived and continue to live living simple, why wont we do the same. Why wont we spend our money on things that matter most like studies and food? Its not bad to treat ourselves sometimes with what we want but limitations must be set. With the Filipinos living the simple life, we preserve our native culture and learn to prioritize.

3. Finish up everything on your plate.

Whenever you eat, see to it that you eat all the contents of your plate. Why? Millions of people die of starvation everyday and a lot of Filipinos only eat once a day or even the ones found in garbage cans just to ease the hunger. Dont waste whatever you have and use it to the fullest extent. Eat only what you need and give whatever you can give to those who suffer and who are scarce in resources. Leftovers attract flies and the thriving place of infectious and harmful diseases. If there are no leftovers, diseases can be prevented and contamination of other products is lessened. Remember, every grain of rice you eat has been labored by millions of farmers everywhere. Why waste their energy and time. Mind you, planting grains and crops, tending animals and selling goods is not an easy job. Help them by consuming the products properly and help the country as well.

4. Dont buy products made from natural resources.

Our natural resources will not be forever present. Some cannot be replaced over a small period of time just like coral reefs. Do not patronize such products for it destroys the ecosystem and habitat of other creatures. If such products are not bought by the general public, people making them will soon stop and find other ways of making a living. In doing so, you help the environment, the animals and the country too. It will maintain the virginity and beauty of our seas and plains and attract tourist to our country. It will strengthen and promote the countrys tourism. It will also make more living creatures exist longer and preserve their lives too.

5. Limit the use of air conditioners.

Yes, we live in a tropical country and it is indeed hot nowadays because of global warming but come to think of it, when we use air conditioners, we feel cool for a span

of time but then feel hotter when we go out. We make the atmosphere hotter because of the harmful chlorofluorocarbons emitted by the air cons. With regards to our health, it is also not good and advisable although hospitals are air conditioned to provide comfort to the patients. Sudden changes in temperature make it hard for the body to adjust and sometimes cause fever and other sickness. Air conditioners also make the spread of viruses and communicable diseases faster for it is transmitted through the air we inhale and exhale. Carbon monoxide, which is a deadly substance, can kill you in an estimated time of two to three hours and they spread through air conditioners. When it comes to the budget and expenses, air conditioners contribute a lot with the monthly bill we pay. Companies and schools pay a lot. Air conditioners eat up a lot of the salary workers should receive and teachers should earn. Lets relive the past and use fans instead. Feel fresh with natural air and use your hands. Sway your wrist and bend your fingers. Feel the wind brushing through your face and cool down the safe and cheap way. Save money. Youll be using them for more important things in the future. Besides, its not always hot. Give fan makers their jobs back and make them do their magic in making us feel good and cool just like we always wanted.

7. What is your general reaction on the book?

Mind boggling. The book gave me an idea on the small ways I usually neglect to do like throwing my garbage properly and asking receipt from the store I buy from. It made me realize how stubborn I am and how I can change to help my country. It also made me think of other ways I can help and alternatives for the things I used to do. Honestly. I never thought there would ever be a remedy or even a counter positivity of all the negative things happening in our country. After I read his book, I was relieved and it convinced me that there is always hope as long as we believe and act as soon as possible. Helping hands are needed. Thinking brains too and of course, strong body and spirits.

Brave.

Despite the critiques and current economic status of the Philippines, Lacson managed to publish his book and sell it to the general public. He neglected the idea of rejection, criticism and even the reactions of people who will be able to read his work. He took the challenge and risk of exposing the truth and awaken the minds of Filipinos of the current country they are living in and the possible ways to remedy such problems as early as now. Heroic. Desperate times call for desperate measures. He started what any other Filipino refused and failed to do. He started to make the CHANGE. The change we all needed. The book is a real saver for today because of the dark times we have all been through. Outspoken. The book stated facts and observable happenings around. The message was straight-forward and used simple words for everyone to understand easily. The author expressed his thoughts thoroughly and opinions boldly. Inspiring. From the cover with the candle lit, through the pages and unto the back page all made sense. The book is truly an inspiration not only to the Filipinos but to the other races as well. It inspired me to act and do little things I usually dont do. It made me a better citizen and a better person too.

8. Did you encounter any difficulties understanding some terms? If so, what are they and based on your further research, what did you find out do they mean? While reading the 108-page book of Lacson, I didnt encounter any difficulties in understanding terms. A.L. used plain words which are easy to understand and the message conveyed is delivered clearly and smoothly. His terms are words used by laymen and used almost every day. The words were chosen and used wisely and really brought out the ideas he wanted to give and share with everybody.