Metro Manila Film Festival

As far as I can remember, the Metro Manila Film Festival have been with us, to celebrate the yuletide season. In my wonder years, I could still recall the excitement generated by the Panday films bannered by the late Fernando Poe, Jr.

The rationale of the film fest is to showcase Filipino talent and creativity. Sadly, the experiment is a total failure. With the top acting awards going to Ai-ai De las Alas (for Tanging ina mo) and Dolphy (for Father Jejemon), quality is substituted for mediocre productions.

Except for some notable films, the general output of the film fest is a dismal failure. The expended effort is not worth the credited output. Instead of enjoying the yuletide season by watching quality films, we are forced to watch films with the pathetic quality of Tanging ina mo and Father Jejemon.

Maybe, it is now high time to stop this failed experiment and scrap the festival altogether. With Tanging ina mo and Father Jejemon as winners for this year, I fear for the winners of next year.

Films are supposed to be driven by stories, unfortunately, in the Philippines - it is driven by the stars. Nevermind the story, as long as it is star-studded. Nevermind the quality, as long as money from the box-office is profitably obtained.

In computer programming, there is such a thing as GIGO. Literally, this is garbage in - garbage out. Psychologically, if the best of MMFF has to offer is Tanging ina mo, Father Jejemon or even Super Inday and the Golden Bibe, we might as well scrap this wholesame garbage programming of trash and low quality films.

For sanity's sake, return us our yuletide season, return us our quality films.

Fiesta

Last Sunday, January 9, 2011, the feast of the black nazarene was celebrated. Based in Quiapo church it was estimated that at least 4 to 7 million Filipinos trekked to the said church to celebrate the feast. After the grand procession of 17 hours, around 700 individuals were injured - fortunately, no one died for celebrating the feast.

Historically, the spanish colonial masters instigated the celebration of such feast to distract the natives from organizing themselves into a resistance movement. Along with cockfighting, which was also encouraged by the colonial masters, they were able to subjugate the indios.

Today, the practice of celebrating fiestas is still with us. Somewhere in the Philippines, a fiesta is being celebrated. It there are 365 days a year, there are twice as many fiestas. Today, one of the most popular gambling is cockfighting. The main contention of this essay is that we are still no better than the colonial indios of the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th indios. We still subscribe to the folly and practice of colonial mentality where we are physically and psychologically treated as slaves.

And what does the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines does? They encourage the irrationality. They encourage fanaticism. They encourage stupidity.

Considering the practice of fiesta in the Philippines, somewhere in this island, someone borrowed heavily to finance the feeding of people that he wouldnt normally associate with. Just for this day of irrationality, strangers are fed with matching "pabalot" or take home.

It is also observed that during this day, all people of different mental disorders show themselves in public claiming that they are the messiah as promised by the bible. From one schizophrenic to another, of different shape and size, they all claim and promise salvation for anyone jaded enough to listen to their rant.

Comparatively, in the the Middle East, they also have their own pilgrimage (Hajj), they also have their own list of injuries and deaths. And similarly, these phenomenons results in one tangible result - fanaticism. Now more than ever, educated individuals should be above these schemes. The problem however is that with all the noise and distractions, rationality is outshouted, thinking is substituted by emotions and the ugly face of mass hysteria occasionally shows itself during these feast days.

On Manny Pacquiao

On Manny Pacquiao

As a background information, as of this writing, no boxer had accomplished what Manny Pacquiao accomplished. The fellow had won 8 world championships in 8 different weight division. Currently, this record is unmatched and for the time being, such would remain untouched.

Being a celebrated boxing champion, Filipinos of every shape and size look to Mr. Pacquiao as a role model. For the poor, Manny Pacquiao is one of the few dirt poor rug rats who made it big through sports. Manny Pacquiao is the equivalent of Michael Jordan for basketball and Tiger Woods of golf. The fellow is so big right now that he has transcended boxing.

In his last fight, crime rate in the country drops south, people die and have a heart attack, there is no traffic – since almost everyone is indoors watching his fight. When he fights, there is even an undeclared truce between the military and the communist rebels just so both camps could view his fight.

Some even suggested that for the country to be at peace, Manny Pacquiao should fight every day.

The fellow is so big right now, that everyone wants to be associated with him.

Now what is the effect of Manny Pacquiao in the Filipino psyche?

Filipinos identify with Manny Pacquiao, his numerous success are also symbolically the success of the entire Philippines.

In biology, there is a theory of evolution postulated by Charles Darwin. Manny Pacquiao right now is evolving right before our very eyes, he is now a politician. He is an elected member of Congress. And there is talk that he wants to be the President of this country. And this is a very big if, if he plays his cards right, he might end up as such.

The biggest impediment though is his age. Right now, he is 31 years of age. The minimum age for a Senator is 35 years old while for the Vice-President and President, the minimum age is 40 years old. The soonest possible election that he could contest the presidency is around the vicinity of 2022 elections. Now 2022 is a long time, we don’t know whether he would still be relevant.

Abnormal Clinical Psychology

OUR LADY OF FATIMA UNIVERSITY

Hilltop Mansion, Lagro, QC

SYLLABUS

I. COURSE TITLE : ABNORMAL/CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

II. COURSE CODE : SEM 2

III. PRE-REQUISITE : PSY 1, PSY 11, SMNR 1

IV. COURSE UNITS : 3 units

V. COURSE DESCRIPTION : This course aims to provide students with basic understanding of the concepts, theories, research findings and methodologies that form the basis for clinical assessment and psychological intervention. In this course, the students will be introduced to the nature, causes, and possible interventions of psychological disorders, and are expected to be familiar with the nomenclature and classifications of mental disorders. Indigenous concepts of abnormality and abnormal behavior will also be discussed. Ethical considerations in abnormal/clinical psychology will also be discussed.

VI. GENERAL OBJECTIVES :

At the end of the term, the students are expected to:

1. Familiarize with the nature, course and treatment of abnormal behavior;

2. Possess better understanding of people with abnormality;

3. Reach a heightened awareness on abnormal behavior;

4. Understand human behavior and the effects of therapeutic strategies to them; and

5. Practice the acquired knowledge.

VII. COURSE OUTLINE

OBJECTIVES	CONTENTS		VITAL ELEMENTS			CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES	T.A. (WK)		EVALUATION
By the end of the semester, the students are expected to: 1. Understand abnormal/clinical psychology as an integral aspect in the study of mental illness. 2. Be clarified of the evolution of Abnormal Psychology across the life span. 3. Identify the various mental illnesses and create a therapeutic response.	Nature and scope of Abnormal and Clinical Psychology Historical Background of Abnormal/Clinical Psychology. Typical signs and symptoms of mental illness. Multi-axial classification and Psychiatric Rating Scales The Nature of Causation		Nurture future psychologists through the use of strong academic foundations. Impart to students a solid academic foundation. Promote limitations of confidentiality as a counselor, regardless of geographic location. Respond effectively to the changing policies with Abnormal and Clinical or across the life span.			Lecture Small Group dynamics Case Analysis	Week1 Week2 Week 3 Week4 Week5		Quizzes (Written & Oral) Case Analysis Major Examination
PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION Week 6
By the end of the semester, the students are expected to: 1. Understand assessment methodologies, both standardized and non-standardized testing 2. Analyze and Develop a counseling program 3. Incorporate theoretical foundations in counseling as a future professional		The Bizarre World of a Schizophrenic: Schizoaffective Disorder Delusional Disorder Brief Psychotic Disorder Mood Disorders: Major Depressive Disorder. Bipolar Disorder Anxiety Disorders Panic Disorder Specific Phobias Somatoform Disorders Eating Disorders		Develop a sense of professional understanding of mental illness through correct operational assessments. Promote accountability for the welfare and treatment of clients diagnosed with mental illness. Commit oneself in upholding ethical principles in the treatment of mental illness.	Lecture Small Group dynamics Case presentations of an assigned mental illness			Week 7 Week 8 Week 9 Week 10 Week 11		Quizzes (Written & Oral) Case Presentation Major Examination
MIDTERM EXAMINATION Week 12
At the end of the semester, the students should be able to: 1. Establish basic knowledge regarding mental illness among children 2. Identify and analyze classification of mental illness among children 3. Become aware of societal treatment towards mental illness in children 4. Adhere to ethical guidelines in the treatment of a child’s mental illness 5. Formulate case writing techniques		The unique world of mental illness among children Mental Retardation Learning Disorders Disruptive Disorders		Empower individual capabilities to maximize client potentials. Uphold virtues of truth, non-maleficence, and integrity as a future psychologist.	Lecture Small Group dynamics Counseling Techniques			Week13 Week 14-15 Week16 Week17		Lecture Small Group dynamics Quizzes Major Examination
FINAL EXAMINATION Week 18

VIII. TEXTBOOK : Kaplan, Harold, MD. Synopsis of Clinical Psychiatry,8^th ed.

IX. REFERENCES : Jones, Richard. Basic Counseling Skills- A Helpers Manual, 2^nd. Ed.

http://www.psywww.com/

X. REQUIREMENTS FOR PASSING : Major Examinations, Quizzes, Case Presentation, Attendance, Class Participation

XI. GRADING SYSTEM : PRELIM EXAMINATION --------------------------------20%

MIDTERM EXAMINATION----------------------------- 25%

FINAL EXAMINATION----------------------------------- 25%

INDIVIDUAL QUIZZES----------------------------------- 10%

CASE PRESENTATIONS------------------------------ 15%

REGULAR ATTENDANCE--------------------------------5%

TOTAL: 100%

XII. DATE REVISED : May 2009

Dr. Ronan S. Estoque (Textbook Publications)

1. A Textbook for an Introductory Course in Sociology (2010), Lulu Press, Inc. Co-authored with Dr. Jose A. Fadul.

2. A Workbook of an Introductory Course in Sociology (2010), Lulu Press, Inc. Co-authored with Dr. Jose A. Fadul.

3. Introduction to Logic, A Modular Approach (2008), C & E Publications. Co-authored with Claudio V. Tabotabo, MA., Dr. Roger G. Dela Cruz, and Dr. Ronald M. Corpuz.

4. Ethics: Standards of Human Conduct (2007), Mindshapers Co., Inc. Co-authored with Claudio V. Tabotabo, MA., Dr. Roger G. Dela Cruz, and Dr. Ronald M. Corpuz.

5. 1987 Philippine Constitution (2007), Mindshapers Co., Inc. Co-authored with Dr. Ronald M. Corpuz and Lorna V. Wy, MA.

6. College Sociology (2006), Mindshapers Co., Inc. Co-authored with Roman D. Leaño, Jr., MA.

7. College Psychology (2006), Mindshapers Co., Inc. Co-authored with Dr. Rogelio G. Dela Cruz and Marienelle Ivy P. Tan-Pichay, MA.

Primum Non-Nocere

Primum Non Nocere
Ronan S. Estoque, MA, DPA

“First of all, do no harm”. This is one of the major dictums that physicians adhere to. The same, I believe should also apply to teachers. While physicians are principally concerned with the physical well being of their patients, teachers on the other hand is ultimately concerned with the intellectual and psychological well being of their students.

Teachers are not doing their principal function when they are not teaching, when they are teaching things that they really shouldn’t be teaching, when there is dishonesty, when there is a dereliction of duty, when there is an abuse of authority inherent to one’s position, and when there is an offense against decorum and morality. Possible offenses are far too many to enumerate but the tenet of primum non nocere will always be an accurate barometer in determining whether there is a violation or just a perceived violation inaccurately produced by idle minds.

Teaching is one of the noblest profession one could possibly aspire for. In China, to be addressed as “teacher” is a great honor. Historically, Jesus Christ didn’t even aspired to become a lawyer but rather aspired to be worthy of the honorific title of “teacher”, long before he was considered a “prophet”; he was first and foremost a “teacher”. It is sad to note that teachers in this republic are not earning what is due to them (to commensurate to their actual contribution to the sacred task of nation building), what is even sadder is that even the honor and respect which is theirs by birthright is even being withheld wittingly and unwittingly.

Sociologically speaking, a culture is accurately measured by the way they treat their teachers. If we are to go about by this perspective, we failed the challenge miserably. Tons of promises were already made with regards to the betterment of status of teachers – to this date however, such have remained promises. Plans and programs were never really translated to actions. Teachers are still miserable. The betterment of their status is still a promise and indirectly, there is a reaction. Teachers are migrating where the grass is greener.

When there are approximately around 3000/day of overseas foreign workers who leave this republic to serve some other countries and when a significant percentage of these figures are teachers, it is easy to predict that there would be crisis in the near future. Unfortunately, this observation was valid ten (10) years ago, the crisis and the future is now imploding right before our very eyes.

The crisis is aptly tagged as low quality education. Now discussing low quality education will not trap me, such is entirely another article altogether – suffice it to say that we are now reaping our low (and none) investments in education.

Teachers are not saints. They do have their own list of shortcomings and horror inspired stories. The fabric of teaching in this republic however is of good material. While some elect to leave for greener pasture, majority of teachers decides everyday to stay and help in weaving a better nation.

Alfred Adler

Alfred Adler (1870-1937)
Ronan S. Estoque, M.A, DPA

Just like Dr. Sigmund Freud, Dr. Alfred Adler is an Austrian. He was previously a close associate/disciple of the former and just had a falling out with Dr. Freud because of too much emphasis on sex (mental illnesses caused by sexual conflicts in infancy).

More significantly, the contribution of Dr. Adler is centered on the concept of “inferiority complex”. In 1907 he introduced the concept of “inferiority complex” where it is asserted that the key to understanding personal and mass problem is the sense of inferiority that a person feels and his efforts (i.e. actions, behaviors) in compensating for such.

In a nutshell, everything (behavior, motivation, attitude) can be explained by the degree of inferiority complex. Man’s behavior can be measured and explained by his feelings of inadequacy and insecurity.

Unlike the bedrock of psychoanalytic theory, Dr. Adler disagree with the concept that early infant – parent relationships exclusively caused the unhealthy or healthy development of personality. He even denied the doctrine of the unconscious mind. He espoused that individuals (1) shape their own destinies, (2) overcome primitive drives and uncontrollable environment in striving for more fulfilling lives, and (3) improve themselves and the world around them through self understanding.

Regardless of the circumstances that give rise to inferiority feelings, however, a person may react by overcompensating and thus develop what Adler called a superiority complex. This involves a tendency to exaggerate one’s physical, intellectual, or social skills. A person for instance, may believe she is smarter than others but not feel she must show her intelligence by reciting what she knows about movie stars. Another person may feel that he must demonstrate all he knows about movie stars on every occasion to everyone who will listen to him. This person may neglect everything else just to prove he knows more than anyone else about movie stars. In any event, the technique of overcompensation is an exaggeration of a healthy striving to overcome persistent feelings of inferiority. Accordingly, the person possessing a superiority complex tends to be boastful, arrogant, egocentric, and sarcastic. One gets the impression that this individual has so little self-acceptance (i.e. such a low opinion of himself or herself) that only by “putting down” others can he or she feel important (Hjelle and Ziegler, 1992).

Dr. Adler also further argued that society and culture were equally responsible, if not more responsible for the development of mental illness.