connected-reality

[connected-reality]

CW-WS8 -EL GAMMA PENUMBRA’S TRIBUTE TO MOTHER NATURE- ENVIRONMENT CRISIS THROUGH SHADOW PLAY

El Gamma Penumbra’s shadow play left an emotional imprint that words alone struggle to capture. Without speaking, they told the story of a planet once full of life and balance lush forests, clean waters, and thriving creatures all gradually erased by human greed and neglect. Through graceful movement and powerful silhouettes, the group revealed the heartbreaking impact of pollution, deforestation, and climate change. Each shift in the shadows served as a silent cry for help a plea to see what we often ignore.

As someone who cares deeply about environmental and societal issues, the performance resonated with my own reflections on what’s happening around us. In the Philippines, we witness worsening floods, plastic-filled coastlines, and shrinking green spaces. These are not distant threats, but realities in our own communities. Watching the performance felt like watching the Earth beg for mercy and realizing we are both the cause and the cure.

What moved me most was how art became a voice for the voiceless. El Gamma Penumbra showed that you don’t need to speak to be heard. They turned shadows into truth, beauty into warning, and dance into protest. And in that silence, I heard everything: pain, regret, but also hope.

It reminded me that we all have a role to play not just in changing our habits, but in using our talents to awaken others. Whether through writing, drawing, or storytelling, we can help shape is no longer an afterthought. This shadow play was more than entertainment it was a mirror, a wake-up call, and an invitation to act before it’s too late.

Reference

https://youtu.be/1ReuOnKSi0s?si=6lgX1Og6ZSt2o8e7

[connected-reality]

CW-WS7 -"WALANG NATIRA" BY GLOC-9 MIGRATION AND IT'S EFFECTS

“Walang Natira” by Gloc-9 ft. Sheng Belmonte is a powerful song that reflects the harsh reality of millions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). It highlights the pain of being forced to leave one’s homeland not out of choice, but out of necessity. The song opened my eyes to the deep sacrifices our fellow Filipinos make every day leaving behind their families, their homes, and everything they know, just to earn enough to survive.

The main message of the song is that migration is a result of poverty and lack of opportunities in the Philippines. Many Filipinos work hard abroad not because they want to, but because they have no other choice. They endure loneliness and hardship, all for the sake of giving their families a better life. But even though they send money back home, the emotional cost is painful. Children grow up without parents, couples are separated, and relationships suffer.

The song also reflects how the country relies too much on OFWs and their remittances, instead of fixing the problems that push people to leave. It points to bigger issues like low wages, unemployment, and poor governance. “Walang Natira” doesn't just tell a personal story it reflects a national problem and a global issue, where people from poor countries are forced to migrate.

Listening to this made me realize how migration deeply affects not only families, but also the identity and future of our nation. If so many of our skilled and hardworking citizens leave, who is left to build the country? This song is a reminder that we must strive to create a Philippines where families can stay together, where opportunities exist at home, and where no one is left with no choice but to leave.

Reference

https://youtu.be/DFJZUCg3_DQ?si=HoOb0S7W-wmPttQS

[connected-reality]

CW-WS6 - Family Planning, Overpopulation & Environmental Disasters

El Gamma Penumbra’s shadow play left an emotional imprint that words alone struggle to capture. Without speaking, they told the story of a planet once full of life and balance lush forests, clean waters, and thriving creatures all gradually erased by human greed and neglect. Through graceful movement and powerful silhouettes, the group revealed the heartbreaking impact of pollution, deforestation, and climate change. Each shift in the shadows served as a silent cry for help a plea to see what we often ignore.

As someone who cares deeply about environmental and societal issues, the performance resonated with my own reflections on what’s happening around us. In the Philippines, we witness worsening floods, plastic-filled coastlines, and shrinking green spaces. These are not distant threats, but realities in our own communities. Watching the performance felt like watching the Earth beg for mercy and realizing we are both the cause and the cure.

What moved me most was how art became a voice for the voiceless. El Gamma Penumbra showed that you don’t need to speak to be heard. They turned shadows into truth, beauty into warning, and dance into protest. And in that silence, I heard everything: pain, regret, but also hope.

It reminded me that we all have a role to play not just in changing our habits, but in using our talents to awaken others. Whether through writing, drawing, or storytelling, we can help shape is no longer an afterthought. This shadow play was more than entertainment it was a mirror, a wake-up call, and an invitation to act before it’s too late.

REFERENCE

https://youtu.be/2pNWpojebjc?si=-jFSQzynlIvWHBBM

[connected-reality]

CW-WS5 -Understand The Global City

EDITORIAL- Slip In Economic Freedom

The Philippine Star

February 5,2018 | 12:00

The cartoon shows a towering skyscraper labeled “Global Business Hub” gleaming in the background, with logos of multinational corporations. In the foreground, a crumbling sidewalk is crowded with informal vendors, tricycle drivers, and street children. A billboard above reads: “Ranked 61st – Moderately Free!” while a politician in a suit cuts a ribbon at a new mall, ignoring the people below.

Despite the promise of global progress and economic development, cities like Manila continue to wrestle with deeply rooted inequality. The 2018 Index of Economic Freedom reveals the contradictions of a country celebrated for its moderate economic freedom while simultaneously burdened by weak institutions, corruption, and a neglected informal sector. These contradictions are vividly illustrated in the imagined cartoon titled “Moderately Free, Massively Unequal,” where gleaming skyscrapers and ribbon-cutting ceremonies overshadow the struggles of vendors, street workers, and informal settlers.

This stark imagery underscores a painful truth: economic freedom, when defined narrowly through foreign investment and deregulation, does not automatically lead to inclusive growth. While the government celebrates its global ranking, many Filipinos remain locked out of formal opportunities. Informal workers like tricycle drivers or street vendors embody resilience and resourcefulness, yet they’re too often treated as obstacles to modernization rather than as contributors to the city’s lifeblood.

Global cities aim for status, modern infrastructure, and competitiveness. But in doing so, they sometimes forget that real progress is measured not just in buildings and foreign capital, but in justice, dignity, and shared opportunity. The weak rule of law and pervasive cronyism noted in the report further erode trust, especially when the benefits of growth appear concentrated in the hands of the few.

REFERENCE

Philippine Star ( February 5,2018). "EDITORIAL-Slip In Economic Freedom " The Philippine Star. https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2018/02/05/1784620/editorial-slip-economic-freedom

[connected-reality]

CW-WS4 -The United Nations And contemporary Global Governance

https://apnews.com/article/un-80-anniversary-funding-divided-war-reform-985385cba3547a2e4286091ff36a1207

[connected-reality]

CW-WS3 -International, Globalization, and Philippine Sovereignty

Between Nations and Negotiations: The Philippine Sovereignty Dilemma

Philippine Sovereignty's Position in the Context of Globalization and Internationalization The ability of a state to rule itself free from outside intervention is known as sovereignty. Sovereignty serves as the cornerstone of the Philippines' national identity, decision-making, and capacity to defend its citizens and assets. However, the definition and potency of sovereignty are always being put to the test in the internationalized and globalized world of today.

The term "globalization" describes how trade, communication, technology, and culture have made nations more interdependent. Conversely, internationalization entails a nation's involvement in international organizations and accords, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), ASEAN, and the United Nations (UN). Both procedures provide significant threats to Philippine sovereignty even though they have many advantages, including access to foreign aid, economic opportunity, and cultural interchange.

For instance, the Philippines is threatened by more powerful nations claiming territory in the West Philippine Sea. The UN and Permanent Court of Arbitration have provided us with international assistance, but the execution of rulings is still lax, underscoring the limits of national sovereignty in international conflicts. Similarly, although international commerce and foreign investments support our economy, they also come with circumstances that might affect national policies and occasionally jeopardize our own domestic labor force and businesses.

The secret is striking a balance between independence and collaboration. The Philippines must actively participate in international affairs, but only on terms that preserve our fundamental rights, values, and territorial integrity. In international accords, our leaders must put the interests of the country first and defend the rights of Filipinos living overseas, particularly our overseas workers (OFWs), who are frequently at risk in their host nations.

To sum up, Philippine sovereignty is still essential in the modern world. We must approach internationalization and globalization with strong national policies, a shared commitment to preserving our independence, and a clear understanding of the risks and opportunities they present. Being sovereign should not imply being alone; rather, it should include being able to participate meaningfully in the world while maintaining our national identity.

Reference ( APA 7th Edition)

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. (1982). UNCLOS. United Nations. https://www.un.org/depts/los/

Human Rights Watch. (2020, March 19). Respect rights in COVID‑19 response. https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/03/19/respect-rights-covid-19-response

Human Rights Watch. (2020, July 15). Philippines uses 'drug war' tactics to fight COVID‑19. https://www.hrw.org/news/2020/07/15/philippines-uses-drug-war-tactics-fight-covid-19

Philippines - Secretary for Foreign Affairs Addresses UN General Debate,79th Session. https://youtu.be/OanWu-JAK2Q?si=flhwpNQ3wJmmUGET

[connected-reality]

CW-WS2 -Mapping the Global Journey of McDonald's and Jollibee

My map illustrates economic globalization by showing how two major fast-food companies McDonald’s from the United States and Jollibee from the Philippines expanded globally using different strategies. McDonald’s relied on franchising, a business model that allowed rapid international growth through partnerships with local entrepreneurs. This approach helped McDonald’s enter new markets quickly, adapt to local tastes when needed, and maintain brand consistency. Its golden arches became a global symbol of American fast food, found in over 100 countries.

In contrast, Jollibee’s global expansion was deeply rooted in diaspora trade. Rather than focusing on broad market penetration at first, Jollibee strategically opened stores in areas with large Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) communities. This targeted approach allowed the brand to build a strong and loyal customer base abroad, especially among Filipinos seeking a taste of home. Signature dishes like Chickenjoy and sweet-style spaghetti not only catered to Filipino preferences but also introduced these flavors to international audiences.

Jollibee’s growth also reflects a deep connection to cultural identity. While global brands often standardize offerings, Jollibee maintained its Filipino flavor and values, making it a unique player in the global market. It didn’t just serve food it served nostalgia, belonging, and national pride. Smart business moves, such as acquiring global brands and learning from international markets, further strengthened its position.Together, McDonald’s and Jollibee highlight how globalization allows businesses to cross borders, but also how different strategies franchising vs. diaspora-focused expansion can lead to international success. Their stories reflect the interconnectedness of the global economy and the importance of cultural understanding in global business. These companies show that economic globalization is not one-size-fits-all, but a dynamic process shaped by both business models and human connection.

SOURCES

Jollibee Franchise: A Flavorful Journey Through History. Retrieved January 25, 2024from https://www.fmsfranchise.com/jollibee-franchise-history-journey/

Britannica Money: McDonald' | History, Ray Kroc,& Famous Menu Item. Retrieved June 27,2025 from https://www.britannica.com/money/McDonalds

Encyclopedia Entry (Wikipedia) Jollibee. (2025, June 14). In Wikipedia. Retrieved June 28, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jollibee

Manila Bulletin-The unlikely story of McDonald's Philippines founder George Yang,Retrieved June 14, 2025 From https://mb.com.ph/2025/06/14/the-unlikely-story-of-mcdonalds-philippines-founder-george-yang#:~:text=Yang%20also%20shared%20a%20unique,Yang%20family's%20legacy%20until%202045.

[connected-reality]

CW-WS1 -How a Create a Quality on Global Filipino Citizen

Source

●National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)

●United Nations: UN.org

●Britannica.com

●Cambridge Dictionary: Internationaliam

●OECD Globalization Explanation: https://www.oecd.org/globalisation

●Business Differences: Parochialism vs. vs. Globalism: https://study.com/academy/lesson/parochialism-in-business-definition.html