If by chance we know how to demand for what is right….

I’ve been teaching Koreans for almost four years now. From children to grownups, I teach whatever they want to know, basically because I need a part time job. I teach English, Mathematics, Science, History, and many more. Well I admit it’s my chance to buy what I need and what I want without spending my allowance. It also helped me to carry on some financial shortages at times. I was not the only one who do part time tutorial though. Most of my friends do it as well. Of course we share our experiences and we’ve got a chance to learn what we just exactly are muttering about.
I’m not sure in other parts of the country but certainly I know that Korean population here in Cebu is already swarming and almost totally packed out. Yeah, maybe they have carried along with them some positive impacts to our economy and more jobs to our people. And we are of course very much grateful for that and we respect them in any way we could. But I guess, it doesn’t mean we owe them that much, up to the point that we tolerate some of their meanness.
Koreans if not all take chances to those they think they can easily intimidate. I say this maybe because of cultural differences or simply because they are just opportunists. Well, I’m trying not to be biased here although I know you would say so. I’m just merely saying what I can obviously see. Which I think you are also aware of.
You know, I always remember what my friend kept on saying. “I really hate Koreans. They’re supposed to adjust to our culture not us, because this is not Korea, this is Philippines.” Well, this may sound so temperamental but it hit me so much to reflect on how unfortunately cordial I am to them (Koreans).
I guess it’s natural for us Filipinos to be very friendly to our guests especially to those from other countries. This is very evident even during the time of our ancestors. Just as hospitable are we when our forefathers openly welcome the Spaniards, the Americans and other foreign invaders who just simply stolen our identity as Filipinos.
Well, I’m just trying to remember my history classes you know. Anyway, let me go back to the Koreans. The newly said invaders of today’s Philippine generation.
Actually before, I paid less regard to their arrival although I can observe some mistakes to it. I just thought it’s really okay since they came here legally and with permission from the government. But, not until I was alarmed with the increasing complaints against them. Harassment, fraud, exploitation, violence etc… I just continue to observe things until I witness and experience injustice myself.
I accepted a tutorial job from a Korean although the salary is not that worth it. Especially since I know that my friend who is teaching Japanese receives a rate 3 times higher than what is offered to me. Just the mere fact that I need a part time job and that I badly need money.
Anyway, after 3 months after since I started the job, I demanded for a little increase for I can no longer bear the additional burden of looking for resources and topic information to be discussed in which I was the one who pay for the expenses. Well, basically because she doesn’t want to make a refund. I gave her an option in which I won’t insist for a salary increase given that she will provide the handouts for the lessons. Well, okay, I guess the case has been resolved. But unfortunately, worst thing happened without prior notice. When I came back to teach her nephew, I was just so shock to discover that I was already fired and that the boy has already other tutor. As simple as that. Wow! I wasn’t even able to talk to the woman since she’s out of the house. Well, not really house since it’s a church. Whatever. I really cannot contain my anger that time. I just control it a little bit to avoid praying some guiltless curses along the way. However, I spent few minutes talking to some of their helpers and guards outside the house to know the real score. Anyway though, I just simply learn some of the undesirable nature of those aliens. Never mind citing them for they just make me more upset and irritated.
But just the real point is that, why can’t they just respect us? In my case, is it wrong to demand for what is just necessarily fair at least for my own sake? How can that Korean fire me as simply as making me go back there as if I’m a forgotten ghost? Do we have a labor code for that? Anyway, enough for my temper for it has already been charged to experience.
What I am trying to say here is that, why should we just tag along with what they want? Why should we allow them to just easily degrade our being Filipinos? This is our country and we must maintain our right. Our right to unbend the crooked incidents that has been intimidating our pride as people of our own land.. Especially, when these incidents are done by foreign invaders.
We have already lost our identity as Filipinos once. Can we afford to lose our dignity also? Well, everything is just really a matter courage and collective interest. And of course, willingness to break what has been set are ordinary.