My Japan Experience (Part 2 of 5)

We arrived at Tokyu Inn at Okaido, Matsuyama City about past dinner after many hours of passing by farms, forests, and coastal towns. The city is different from Kobe where we came from. Kobe City is a very new city which was actually rebuilt from the rubbles of disaster, while Matsuyama is an older one which had survived the rage of typhoons for many years because it was sheltered by mountains. Still, it has the cleanliness and order of Singapore, and the feel of a Baguio city night because of the autumn season.

We met a towering Japanese man in his 30s who introduced himself as Masuda (san). We later found out that he was the coordinator from JOCA (Japanese Overseas Coordinating  Agency) who will coordinate all our activities for the program. He guided us until we checked-in in our comfortable rooms. There was the bath tub, the bed, the TV….and of course, the wifi. Great! Not bad for a two week stay at the hotel.  

Surely, the day went fast to another dinner, and because we were in a foreign country, we decided to have it somewhere with a foreign touch – no convenient store, no mcdonalds…it must be a Japanese restaurant. We finally settled in a place with “300” on it because we assumed that the meals must be about 300 yen. After spending an average of about 800 yen for every meal, we figured that we can save our allowance with this 300 restaurant. Without any picture on their menu, and servers who can’t speak much English, we were doomed to just order ramen (haha).  Well, some were brave enough to just order anything to their delight/ surprise/ disappointment depending on who you ask. What surprised us most actually is when one of us attempted to offer a ‘tip’ to the server. The young server’s color drained as he immediately said: “no stealing!” We were quickly reminded that we are not in the Philippines anymore, and that the Japanese find giving ‘tips’ offensive or insulting.

The famous/'infamous' 300 resto/bar haha

It finally hit us that we were really in a ‘sake bar’ (surprise, surprise). My thoughts drifted to what I am doing with my life, while my batch mates are taking the Bar exams, I’m here in a bar..drinking my beer. It makes a funny story, but what’s funnier is the realization that there is so much in our Filipino culture/attitude that we have to change:

First is our culture of “entitlement”.  A friend said you would distinguish a filipino from a foreigner, not by how he looks but for how he acts. A Filipino will leave his plates on the table after he dines, he doesn’t have the initiative to help the servers by returning his tray to the wash area. In his mind, such is the waiters’ job and that he is entitled to that full service. In Japan, and in many developed countries, what they get they put it back. This applies to a lot of issues – we do not segregate our garbage because we think that it the basurero’s job, we do not clean our surroundings because we think that we are paying taxes, and that it is the government’s job: trabaho nila yan eh, ba’t pa natin gagawin? We felt entitled to a lot of things. This tendency can even explain the view that the Philippines has a ‘beggar culture’ (I’ll explain this in another blog article), or even our 'pa-sosyal culture'. Or even the reason why we don't promote bicycles as a common mode for transportation when many of our neighboring countries have already done so.

Second, is our money-centered attitude. The server’s reaction towards the ‘tip’ sprouted from their very old culture that those who hold the most money are the dirtiest. In fact in ancient Japan, the merchants (business people) are said to be the lowest in the social ranks (lower than the farmers). This is also evident in their economic practice of “stakeholder capitalism”. Such system doesn’t put the biggest regard on money-gaining, but on ‘efficiency’ in their work. Mostly, their dream is becoming the best of what they do, and not about getting the most money. In the Philippines, many people are worshiping money in a sad state of corrupt “garapalan” system. A friend told me that a japanese who visits the Philippines every year notices that the road is always re-blocked every time he visits our country. He whispered, “If this happens in my country, the engineer or contractor would have committed suicide…” In the Philippines? Nahhh…

Third, is our culture of mediocrity. “Tama na yan…Okay na yan..” Such is our mantra towards a sad state of backwardness. We do not have the initiative to do the best and become the best because we tend to easily box ourselves in a helpless case of excuse. I’m just being honest:  I also find this in my character.

Fourth, is ‘blaming’. We have the tendency to blame everyone and everything for something that we could’ve changed and we can change our selves. As of writing this, a so-called intellectual accused me of praising a colonial power which had abused our country in the war, (while he is working for a Spanish company). We must understand that we are living in different times in which we all have learned the scourge of war. But to blame them for our economic status, or for our personal problems? Besides, one cannot blame a whole race because of some political policies of a few people. But then, we are one of the most racist people in the world.

Perhaps we were raised that way. When we were kids we were conditioned to believe that Filipinos are the best people in the world, even though in many times, we are not. How does the story go again? There was the Filipino, American, Japanese, and 'Negro' (yup we were raised not to be politically correct from the start) having a contest in which the Filipino always wins somehow. So its no wonder that we regard ourselves so special to entitle us with many things, or to just 'blame others'. (Another blog article about Filipino monkey pride is coming).

Sorry for going on heavy again. But, I don't want to be that guy who was given the rare opportunity to travel and learn, but haven't learned anything, or haven't shared anything. So sorry again but, the truth will hurt most of the time. There is still hope though. There is still hope for change...:)

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The next day, we attended the briefing for the activities in Ehime. We met with the JOCA heads and JICA representatives. Well, lectures can be boring sometimes, so I’ll just post our picture with our coordinators (below). (Maro-san (yup, just like the km.4 restaurant hehe), the one with the fan on the right, would guide us in our Omishima Islands adventure in the coming days).

Briefing at Matsuyama Community Center

Click link for Part 1 ---------> Japan experience (Part 1)

Click  link for Part 3--------->Japan Experience (part 3 of 5)

"Amu da...Igorot Ka"

“…amoy Igorot!”

“…Ang pangit ng mga Igorot!”

“Mamumugot ng tao ang mga Igorot!”

“Para kang Igorot…so barbaric!”

“Asan yung buntot mo? Buti alam mong gumamit ng computer?”

This will sound familiar to us mountain people, and also to those who have been here in the social media for quite some time.  Such irresponsible and ignorant comments have surfaced, and resurfaced almost every quarter in Facebook and in blogs. Unsurprisingly coupled with such expressed thoughts are the comments and replies containing more or less the following:

“..Pugutan ka ti ulo nu Makita ka!”

“ Pangit ka, Magaganda at Gwapo ang mga Igorot”

“Matay ka koma!”

“Awan ti amamum ignorante nga bitch/pangit/gago (insert any demeaning noun)”

“Haan mi nga padpada dakau…educated ken mestizo/mestiza ti igorots…haan nga kasla kanyau!”

We can also acknowledge that we have the tendency to give any of these reactions. It is perhaps a natural backlash from offending a person, or in this case a whole group. It is grounded on a very ancient philosophy of “reaping what you sow”, or “pain begetting pain, and goodness begetting good things”.

However, this cycle has been going on and on in a sickening phase. A chapter stuck in the pages because actions and reactions remain to be the same to a degree where emotions are vent only to satisfy the urge of defending pride and belongingness. Perhaps, we must move on. 

In my Sociology 1 class, one of my essay questions for my students’ is; “ Do you believe that Igorots are better than other ethnic groups?” As I am confident that I have taught them the dangers of Ethnocentrism and highlighted how it built Hitler and the Nazis, the Ku Klux Klan or the White Supremacists, and even the Chinese leader’s world view that they are the center of the world, I asked it anyway as a give-away question. To my surprise, only 2 out of the class of 32 were able to answer in the negative – a student from Manila, and one from La Trinidad.  Almost everyone answered, “Yes, Igorots are BETTER than other ethnic groups”.

Their reasoning is further revealing to the tendency leaning to discrimination. Say, the following:

“ Igorots are better because it is where I belong to…”

“Igorots are not just better but the best in the world because we are unique…”

See what I mean?

I am not saying that such simple answers to an essay question to a smallest population of a group is conclusive to criticizing the whole Igorot population’s tendency towards discrimination. However, it can neither be underestimated as a mere natural reaction. It is actually a testimony to one disturbing inquiry: “….Do we deserve every bit of prejudice and hate when we practice the same bigotry and discrimination that we 'hypocritically' want to prevent?”

To further understand my point, let me be the devil’s advocate (again). Let me ask the following:

1.    If we say that Igorots are good looking, fair skinned (mestizas/mestizas) etc., then does it mean that those who are not good looking, or not fair skinned, are not Igorots? (adi pay haanak nga igorot ta haanak nga mestizo?)

2.    If we say that Igorots are “stronger and better’ (as, ‘awan makin kaya ti igorot’ , lampa ti taga-baba etc.) are we not also discriminating other groups? What if, for instance, one lowlander or “taga-baba” is stronger than an Igorot in a physical sport, will the Igorot lose its identity because all Igorots are supposed to be strong?

3.    If we say “pugutak tupay ulom!!”, are we not suggesting that we are, indeed ‘barbarbaric’. Or, when you say discriminatory slurs against other groups, will you also accept curses as retaliation on your person?

Yes, to decipher our backlash includes the simplest study of our reaction’s logic. In this case, first, in our frequent use of illogical connections, or worse, absent logic itself. How can we say ‘Igorots are better because it is where I belong’ and believe it to be true in itself. Second, why are we replacing argument with personal attacks and expect people to be enlightened. True, it is easier to say ‘patayen ka koma nga ignorante ka!”, but will it support your clarification that ‘igorots are civilized’?

There were many times when an ethnic-discriminatory remark slipped,  and soon, 'over-reacting' kakailyans swarmed that person, or institution - declaring war against the world, even in the internet - challenging people from different ethnicity, race, and tribes. When was the last time? KC Concepcion's photo with Aetas in an Igorot costume? As we imply, or even boast that we are better looking than our dark-skinned friends? Because Igorots are supposedly light-complexioned and more handsome? Was that our basis of beauty? Or was it that poor girl who was bullied in the internet; some even threatened to cut her head off? Hundred messages and write-ups verbally mauled her, because we think that we are better “people”? Or that highschool who must have missed history class? Have we not said some comments about other tribes or groups as well? 

Let me repeat: “This cycle has been going on and on in a sickening phase. A chapter stuck in the pages because actions and reactions remain to be the same to a degree where emotions are vent only to satisfy the urge of defending pride and belongingness. Perhaps, we must move on.”

What do I mean by moving on?

In social sciences, a tendency to discriminate by a once discriminated group is a natural consequence in an effort to heal a tragic past. However, dwelling to it can also resurrect a bygone era. It is likened to opening up a wound in an effort to heal it. The danger of internalizing it as people, will make it permanent. For instance, a white person who, even innocently, mentions “black guy” may be regarded by an African American as a racist. That is the effect of internalizing the tragic past for too long. Such group will always feel wronged and prejudiced to an extent that they become  exceedingly reactive. We must move on.

The first step is acceptance. We accept that history may not have been good to us. I will not dwell on the past Philippine law that banned Igorots from getting drunk (hehe). Similarly, I will accept that our warrior tribes, who practiced mutilation both us punishment and as an act of war, may have been viewed as ‘barbaric’, by other cultures. And that we were once exhibited in a foreign country to press such image.

The second step is changing our mindset or our world view. There is only one race, and that is the human race. There is a danger in priding ourselves with a name that may seek to alienate, insult, or degrade other groups. I’m not saying that it is wrong to be proud that we are Igorot People, Kankana-ey People, Ibaloy, or what have you, but false pride promotes discrimination, especially when we do not understand our culture, and the essence of it in our lives. Let the term remain and be defined by how we show the world who we are.

Related to this is relinquishing our tendency of entitlement if we really want to promote equality and harmonious co-existence. Igorot hero Jose Dulnuan had stated it perfectly: "I am an Igorot. Let me be treated as I deserve—with respect if I am good, with contempt if I am no good, irrespective of the name I carry. Let the term, Igorot, remain, and the world will use it with the correct meaning attached to it."

Last is, living and practicing our ideal impression of an Igorot –Educated, Humble, Peaceful and Honest Citizen. That is the only way which can show and educate the world of what we are as people and, in a manner which we can really be proud of. I bet that we will not be proud of a ‘kailyan’ who is a criminal; a swindler, drug pusher, kidnapper, robber, murderer etc. Inherent to it is the preservation of the positive values and culture as people. In doing so, we must be reminded that “Preservation of one's own culture does not require contempt or disrespect for other cultures” (Chavez).

The following are just proposed steps from an observer. Amuk Igorot ka. Igorotak met. That is why I wish for us to move on.

Note: Should you find my conclusions offensive, please understand that I really am an Igorot: Part Ibaloi, Bontok, Kankana-ey, ( and even drops of Ifugao), among others.