Gemperoso, Joshua P.

SPCM 1 F-4R
March 30, 2016
Kilatisin si Juan: A Reaction Paper
Identity crisis is a growing issue in our country. Not only because foreign
culture is prominent, but also, the stigmas our country is facing, the vicious cycle of
corruption, the rampant poverty take away our pride as Filipinos. However there are
people who believe that our identity should be upheld, and that it is worth fighting
for. Last March 21, 2016, an event Kilatisin si Juan invited some of known
personalities whose career or work aims in upholding the Filipino identity. These
were Buzzfeed writer Isabel Laureta, Gawad Kalinga founder Toni Meloto, TV
hose/journalist Michael Fajatin, and singer/composer Ebe Dancel.
I could describe the event in three adjectives. First, it was informative. The
speakers came from different working fields-media, music industry, nationwide
organization. It was indeed a good learning experience to hear from different
perspectives. Isabel Laureta talked about how beautiful our countrys tourist spots
are, and how vibrant are the attitudes of our countrymen. She stressed that these
are something we can never deny as Filipinos. She emphasized how social media
highlights all these treasures of the Philippines, especially those which are still
unknown to many. Ebe Dancel talked about individuality, about finding ourselves
and our true passion. We are specifically designed to be ourselves, he said.
Bottomline is, a proud Filipino appreciates his self as part of a country with its own
traditions, amidst emerging cultures, trends, etc. As someone born during the
Martial Law period, Michael Fajatin spoke about how nationalism anchors on history,
and as Filipinos, we should be knowledgeable on what had happened in the past to
make an improvement.
What struck the most to me was Tony Melotos part, which deserves my
second adjective, effective. It was very obvious that he really is a proud Filipino and
his stand was strong. He wanted to reverse migration by creating an environment
conducive for work, in order to maximize the many talents of the people. He said,
furthermore, that for us to achieve progress we must live an honest life, we must be
compassionate to the unprivileged by treating them as our family. By lifting each
other from poverty, we are, at the same time, helping our country.
I have witnessed effective speakers during the event. Although they
communicate in different means, they are united by their goal of strengthening the
true Filipino identity. As a journalist, you communicate through written or spoken
words, which must be well-crafted. As a composer you should possess the talent of
good song-writing, and as a musician you must be able to have the appeal to your
audience. As an orginzation leader, you are required to communicate with other
parties that might help you with your cause. Tony Meloto even brought foreign
people to relay to the audience their role as foreigner in a Filipino organization. The
third adjective, therefore, would be motivating. As a speech communication

student, I learned that communication must be goal-oriented. We communicate to

achieve a goal.