Immersing with Pinoys

Baguio City is the finest place to relax. Its cool climate and beautifully stunning sceneries attract tourists all over the Philippines and even abroad. This is the most appropriate place to relieve stress from strenuous work. But, these descriptions do not complete what is Baguio today. These characterizations are not enough to present the clear cut of the city.

The city is now being “intruded” by the Koreans. They are not here for simple relaxation and stress get away. Language, this is the main consideration of the Koreans who are blasting in the city. Every time I pass on one of the most popular streets in Baguio City, Session Road, I would not reach my destination without seeing a group of Koreans or even bumping on one of them. When we had a party in a bar in the city with some friends, we were terrified when we entered the bar. We thought groups of teenagers were fighting for something. They were all yelling at each other. Then we realized that they were not fighting. They were just talking among themselves with very loud voices filling the whole place. They are everywhere. And this is beginning to normalize among us.

Mostly, they are here to study English. They seek tutorials and formal lessons from the Filipinos. Many of the college students in Baguio engage in giving these services to them. They have specific modules and lesson plan in teaching these Koreans the proper use of English grammar.

Michelle Bayaua of Philippine Daily Inquirer conducted an interview with Mo Ran Hong, a Korean student for the June 30, 2006 issue of the said publication. Hong said, “English is very important.” Usually, Koreans bring with them their electronic English-Korean Dictionary so that every time that they would encounter unfamiliar English terms, they can refer to it. But, they just cannot rely on this techy equipment. They really have to learn the language.

Due to this overwhelming demand of the Koreans, the economy of the city boosts. Koreans are fast becoming the number one investors in the city. This means that the people will benefit from this. This provides employment to English-proficient individuals.

Only, there should not be any tone of superiority among the Koreans and Filipinos. This will help in the smooth relationship that the two nations will acquire. This will promote camaraderie while giving Filipino job seekers a temporary occupation. They should not just stay as tutors. They have to progress and not let themselves be stagnant on that job alone.

The Three Towers of Baguio City

Baguio City is well known for its cool climate, pine trees, strawberries, and richness in culture and tradition. Before, there were only two powerful structures that bind its citizens - the Baguio City Hall and Baguio Cathedral. These two structures clearly show and depict the city's respect for public order and religion.
But now, one big name intruded the city. A giant faced and immersed with the locals – SM. SM has become an icon in the city. Now, not only Burnham Park and Mines View are used to describe the beauty of Baguio. SM came and in a snap, people came rushing inside and enjoy every amenity and “attraction” it offers. SM had been always connected to Baguio City.
I have nothing against SM. I go to SM because it is accessible. I can say that I am a fan of it. What I want to point here is that Baguio’s culture has become commercialized, and even the whole Cordillera’s customs. It is very much a must for a city to progress, to put up establishments and satisfy people’s needs. But, let us not forget what has transpired before these things occurred.
Now, we find the bu-luls everywhere. These are used to make profit but before and even now, these are sacred to the Cordillera people. These have become ornaments in many homes and offices anywhere in the country.
There is nothing wrong with these establishments, only, respect for culture and tradition should be preserved. Progress is on its way but this should not bury what our forefathers have put up, have lived up to, and have dearly treasured.