Sky is the Beginning

Sometimes, everyday living gets a bit too boring, too dull, too repetitive. It’s the same old story, the same old pancit canton breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and there comes a time when even coffee can’t bring any extra flavor to your life. Late at night you stare at the starry sky and wonder if it could just take you away and transport you to a place that’s exciting and magical.

And then it happened. We weren’t sure when it officially started, but we heard that some people were able to immerse themselves into entirely new worlds. How, you may ask? It wasn’t because of airplanes, time machines, or rockets. No. It was through writing and reading. These two opened up new possibilities for expression and imagination. And we experienced both of them, in different stages of our life. It was amazing, yet it is difficult to place a proper explanation of how it felt. But if we were to choose a word that could best describe the experience, we believe that it was an abduction. How the world of writing and reading can whisk you away into a fantastical new universe, where the only limit to your galaxies was your imagination.

The name of our online magazine is Sky is the Beginning. We didn’t choose this title just because the theme of our blog is the sky and the galaxy. Our title wishes to tell people that sky is not the limit, it’s actually the beginning. We shouldn’t shackle our thoughts to something that’s merely sky-high, when there’s a massive universe just beyond the blue sky. Writing and reading brings you to the bigger and higher viewpoint. When it comes to expressing your thoughts, think farther than the sky, far enough to touch the infinities of the galaxies, and you’ll find that life isn’t boring and repetitive at all.

If you’d like to read the pages of this online magazine, then by all means, go. It’s best to warn you though, that the world of writing and reading can abduct you at any moment when you least expect it. Our advice? Let it bring you past the hazy clouds of your mind to the farthest nebulas of your thoughts. So dear readers, write, express, discover, and get ready to kiss the planet goodbye.

              A simple notice about a job hiring posted outside stalls or printed on the pages of the classified ads in a newspaper may not concern those in the working society—even students like us, who will in four to five years time graduate from college. But a class does care who are evaluated by job qualifications and later fail because of one requirement—a college degree. It is undeniable that one of the many factors the Philippines remains stagnant in its economic status is the continuous unemployment of, as if unable but actually very able citizens of the country who are simply not given the chance to get hired because they have not finished a college degree.

                The capitalists present in our country today are, unfortunately, overrating college diplomas. Papers, for them, are much of an evidence of capacity rather than actual experience. We can’t blame them because ever since, it has been instilled in society that when you have achieved a bachelor’s degree, you are better than those who don’t have one. There’s nothing wrong with degrees and diplomas, it’s just that these diplomas aren’t needed when you’re in blue-collar jobs, such as food servers, cashiers and more. College degrees are only true for professions that require expertise and critical thinking such as doctors, lawyers and engineers, but in baby-sitting, serving food in restaurants and cashiering, it wouldn’t be a big deal. Knowledge isn’t obligatory, skills are.

                Requiring a college degree of job hunters is necessary and very important to jobs that require specialization and academic knowledge. But there are some jobs that don’t require such degrees like call center agents, tutors, security guards, and welders, according to a research conducted. These occupations only require skills, experience and ability. As long as the applicant is capable enough to accomplish his/her duty well then a college degree is not necessary for those jobs.

                Having a college degree should not be a necessity in finding a job. High school graduates are not that bad. The only advantage that college students have is the learning that they got from school. Not all college students can apply the things that they had learned. An example is people who work as call center agents. Not all of them are graduates of a certain degree but there are also only high school graduates. Actually, according to the Labor Force Survey (LFS) conducted by the National Statistics Office last January 2012, across educational groups that were employed, one-third (33.7%) of the unemployed were high school graduates, 13.5 per cent were college undergraduates, while 17.8 per cent were college graduates. It just shows that high school graduates are also a big help in the economy for they are vastly employed.

                Some countries in the world hire job applicants who do not have a college degree. According to Leigh Egan, “many employers are willing to hire entry-level workers while allowing them time to further their education, while others will hire potential employees as long as they meet the minimum job requirements.” Some companies hire employees who have the skills and talents in doing some of the work. However, they still have to acquire some of the basic job requirements. Furthermore, there are high-paying occupations which do not require a college degree, based on 2009 median wages that require only work experience or on-the-job training. According to the study of Dawn Rosenberg McKay: “Earnings vary by employer and will depend on factors including level of experience and training, and location.” Examples are the Industrial Production Managers who earned a median hourly wage of $40.90 in 2009 and the Transportation Storage and Distribution Managers who were paid a median hourly wage of $38.22 in 2009. In the Philippines, fast food or short-order cooks and food preparation workers do not need much education as their skills are learned on the job. Those who want to work as a cook or chef can take vocational school programs. Moreover, most employers require Human Resources assistants (HR assistants) to have only a high school diploma. But they must have a related occupational experience to work in the above fields. Training usually takes place on the job.

                Think about it, would it be reasonable that the employment of food servers, cashiers, waiters and many other skill-based workers is his or her college diploma, while the highest position—presidency, could be attained by a high-school graduate as long as he or she is elected by the people? Would it be fair that an inexperienced university graduate fights for the same job with a deprived-of-education-but-blessed-with-skills-citizen. Who do you think would win? Open your eyes to the irrationality of the job market around us. Taking into consideration the most important question: Can you do the job? School might have taught us a lot, but not everything is learned within four walls of the classroom; sometimes, those who’ve seen the reality of life have so much more to offer.

REFERENCES:

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5002339_jobs-high-school-diploma-ged.html

http://careerplanning.about.com/od/exploringoccupations/tp/hi_pay_nodeg.htm

           Teenagers, they say, are the most expressive people in our society. From making their own fashion sense to creating their stand even on politics, they have made our world fun and exciting in every aspect. Just like what normal adolescents are trying to do all over the world, Dabawenyo teens also want to set their mark in our society today. And actually they have, not just those who are studying in their classrooms but also those who lack education – out-of-school-youth. Although they lack education like the children their age, they have managed to achieve things such as bold fashion statements, quirky ways of communication, and even developing their own official soundtrack that has tons and tons of variations! Let us not wait any longer, it’s time to introduce the TEEN-sations of Davao.

JEJEMONS

            People who are known for typing strange texts in Internet chats, social networking sites, and text messaging are first on the list, the Jejemons. They have this style in which they combine capital letters with lower case ones and sometimes, even numbers in words that are barely recognizable such as “3OwwSsz p0whsz”, “emOwprinc3sxz” and “mUsXtaAh?”. They are not only stylish when it comes to texting but also in what they wear. Jejemons have this trademark rainbow-coloured cap, also known as the Jeje caps, which they wear just to show off. Their choice of clothing and footwear are bright and colorful tops, skinny jeans, and fake Supra shoes. Usually, they are also seen wearing a belt which has a bigger buckle than the ordinary, together with their choice of accessories – metal chains and colorful wristbands. When taking a picture, a Jejemon will always strike a pose to get the perfect shot. From the famous upside-down peace signs, to the rock sign, to the side view and even over-the-top angles, you name it and Jejemons have it! When it comes to their social traits, Jejemons are talkative especially when they are with their groups. They are very sociable because they like to get the attention of everyone around them. Even though they have a weird fashion sense and unusual style of writing, Jejemons are very proud of who they are.

RUGBY BOYS

            Ready your gas masks because you’re going to need them to meet the next bunch of peeps. They are Rugby Boys! Though they are not numerous, this kind of people can be found in some particular places in the city like Claveria and Quimpo Boulevard. From afar you can sense what they are going to do; these are the people who always have small plastic bags in their hands with rugby in it that they inhale. They do that to distract themselves from hunger, not knowing it can damage their brains and may result in mental disorders. Rugby Boys look really unhealthy and malnourished because of their skinny bodies that seem to have no substance at all. Rugby Boys seldom mingle with other people. They would rather spend their time with their own kind. Rugby Boys think pessimistically. They seem depressed all the time because of their poverty. They have no hopes for the future.

GANGSTERS

            When you come across teens that disturb the peace and serenity of the night and are seen throwing rocks at their enemies and innocent bystanders, be sure to cover your heads! They group together like a pack of were wolves particularly late at night. They are called Gangsters. Gangsters are easily be identified by their clothes. They usually wear large, hanging and loose shirts with matching shorts and sneakers or slippers. Moreover, they sometimes wear caps and knee-high socks. Gangsters can be spotted in certain place they call their own dubbed as their territory. They are dangerous because they are not part of a gang. And if they don’t like you, don’t ever try to piss them off because you surely have to beg them for your dear life! Some gangsters own guns while most of them carry a knife or a snitch blade, known locally as balisong. Some even take a illegal drugs or drinks too much but it does not mean that all gangsters are bad. As a matter of fact, some would join a gang to feel a sense of belonging. Some are even talented, they can rap and paint graffiti but sadly, they only use it in a wrong way.

POKPOKS

            Sexy, sultry ladies in red ready to keep you accompany at night for a price. Are you in for an interesting night? In Davao City, young women, are often seen wearing heavy make-up, revealing types of clothing, and sky-high heels along the vicinity of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas at the dead of night. They are said to be waiting for their customers to earn money through having sex. These teenagers are part of the growing number of out-of-school youth nowadays. They are working in order to help their families and themselves. Dabawenyos would call them likev “pokpoks” and “prosti”, the shortcut form of the word for who they really are, prostituted women. Pokpoks are always associated with similar physical attributes. They are gals that have colored edgy-looking hair and long slender legs. Pokpoks aim to satisfy the sexual needs and desires of their customers that is why they must look good and feel good. In terms of their social traits, they are often described as sensual because this is their way to attract their customers. Though they know where they stand in the community today, they seem to ignore it already because they know they are all doing it for the sake of their families. What differentiates them from other out-of-school youth? Prostituted women are determined. They are strong and stand by what they believe in.

BUDOTS

  Teens with huge boom boxes ready to smash your eardrums with ear-splitting feel-good music are here to stay! Budots, as we would normally call them, is a  distinct group of teens here in Davao City. You may normally see them in places such as parks, malls and even on the streets. Budots are not your usual tambays in subdivisions; these budots are extremely unique in terms of dressing themselves up. When you first see them, your first impression would be: they are so baduy! You would totally be grossed by the way they dress up. Shorts that are too big for them, Rapper t-shirts, fake Supra shoes, ball caps, and a bandana. Sounds like a normal outfit for a Jejemon right? But believe me; these Budots have this distinct thing which separates them from the Jejemons: their speakers and their small bicycles! You’ll see that they always have speakers on their backs, even in their bikes, which play Budots music—that certain music which is an annoying mix of techno music that also has one-liner sentences that’s constantly repeated! On the other hand, they are actually very friendly. You’ll be surprised because these budots would suddenly talk to you and invite you to join their so called budots party in the streets. Psychologically, these budots are just your typical teenagers who love to express themselves, in an open-minded and carefree way, without thinking of what others may think about them.

RASTAS

            They look cool, swag, and scary sometimes. They are stereotyped as addicted to illegal weeds and when they get high, be sure not to mess up with them. Aside from their cool looks, they also are regarded by many as having as such an untidy appearance that it looks like they don’t take a bath regularly. Those bulky dreadlocks, the red-yellow-green pattern in their loose shirts and pants always bring their identity as Rastas. Usually they roam around in groups. You can find them anywhere: in the city, in beach resorts, or on mountain tops since they are very inclined to exploring nature. They usually have a mountaineering club. These rastas also indulge in the arts, which they sell as necklaces, bracelets, etc. on the street. On the other hand, they have a deep sense in life. They play good music with deep messages in them. It’s as if they put into music what they can’t express in words. They enjoy having quiet time in the beach, just spending time with their guitars, and they always bring with them their own hammocks. Even though most of them are out-of-school youths, they spend their time in a productive way. They spread good music and the trend they’re establishing is worth more than you can imagine.

            From their coolest moves and fashionable attires, these teen-sations have proved to us that they are more than those superficial airhead teens we see on reality television. From Jejemons to Rugby Boys, Gangsters, Pokpoks, Budots to Rastas, no wonder they have made the trends of this generation. 

I was junior high at Saint Peter’s College of Toril when one unique and memorable event happened in my life. It was when I represented my beloved batch for the Mr. & Ms. Intramurals 2010 conducted in our school. It was my first time to join such an event. It was an ordinary day in school. I was standing outside our classroom when our class adviser immediately and straightforwardly told me that the curriculum teachers had decided that I was the one who was going to represent my batch, in the Mr. & Ms. Intramurals pageant. What a joke, what a silly joke! It really got to my nerves. I didn’t know how to react, whether to thank them or just laugh at their foolishness. At first, I refused to do it because I was thinking of what others might say or think of me. It was kind of unfair because the process of choosing the batch representative should be done by screening, but in my case I was directly chosen. It was flattering, with the teachers giving me the challenge and their trust that I could do it. It may sound absurd but the second time I told my teacher about my decision; I wholeheartedly approved their decision and said yes to them.

During the event, I told myself that the decision I had made will never cause me regrets for I saw everybody’s great support. My family and relatives, with their simple presence, inspired me to beat the odds. My friends were there being the best supporters ever, raising a tarpaulin with my face printed on it. My teachers too, were obviously my great fans at that moment. Lastly, my mother’s support. She was at the backstage helping me fix myself for every segment the pageant had, helping me change my outfits several times, taking photographs of me, giving food, offering a lot of encouragement and doing everything to make me feel that I was the best. With all the support, I stood in front of the crowd with much confidence, I had a goal to make them proud, and of course, I wanted to win. Who does not want to win?

As the event was about to end, four minor awards were distributed one by one. Fortunately, two of those were awarded to me, namely, the Best in Sports Attire and the Best in Filipiniana Costume. My mother was the one who pinned the sashes on my barong.  She was proud of me as I was of myself, too. In the overall results, I only garnered second runner-up. Yet , I was contented because I gave what I got , and my batch mates even congratulated me, and my family appreciated me more than the winner, of course.

As a realization, I wasn’t really there for the name and the fame – I was there for the game. And through that game, I gained friends that I will never forget and experiences that I will never regret. It was a realization that I was highly honored to be given the chance to compete and represent my batch, a realization that I was showered with blessings far greater than what I need. The whole experience made me feel like I was more than a prince.