MISSION 5:LEARN

How globalized are you?

I cannot deny that I am immensely globalized. I myself see it in what I wear, the products I use, the way I speak, the food I eat and even in my use of this laptop to create this post and I am not ashamed of it. Being globalized and embracing globalization is not a bad thing. I believe we should embrace globalization and that it goes with the territory that there will be winners and there will be losers. It is just how the world works. We cannot all be winners. I know that may be harsh, but it is simple reality.

First of all I am globalized in the clothes I wear because of the brands I chose to patronize. I am not very brand conscious, but I find myself going back to the same stores for my every day clothes, stores such as H&M a Swedish brand, TOPSHOP an English brand, Forever 21 an American brand. The brands I mentioned are only a few of the many brands. I like them because they are affordable-sometimes. Next, I feel I am globalized in the products I use because of the fact that they are from other countries and are made in another country and so on and so forth. A few examples are my Carmex lip balm, Olay moisturizer, Herbal Essences shampoo, my Moleskin planner and my football gear from Nike, Adidas and Under Armour. I also feel I am globalized in the food I eat because I prefer snacks that are imported and international cuisines; not that I do not like Filipino food. Finally, I am globalized in my use of this laptop not only because it is an international product, but because I feel it is technology that allows for globalization to flourish.

With that said, I am globalized and I am not ashamed of it. Globalization is a revolution that is here to stay for possibly forever. Globalization bridges the gaps between the winners and the losers, but it will never allow for them to become equal.

MISSION 4: IMAGINE

What's next for Egypt?

As we all know, Mubarak has stepped down. I believe that this is the first sign of hope for Egypt; however, it is in the hands of the citizens whether they should accept the situation presented to them once again or fight until they attain what is rightfully theirs. It is possible that Egypt may see democracy in the future, although I think that this will take time; a lot of time. Like in any grave and serious case, it must not be rushed in order to attain the best result possible. If the citizens of Egypt continue to fight for their rights, eventually they will get what they want; however, it is not a one way street. Citizens elect officials for a reason and once Egypt turns into a democracy, its citizens must respect their leader and his or her decisions and not always turn to revolution as a solution.

With that said, I still think that Egypt's future is still unknown, but there is hope for the country and its citizens. Egypt is a country with so much potential. It just boils down to how they utilize this potential. The state as well as its citizens must work together to attain a brighter future.

MISSION 4:LEARN

If states are supposed to protect their citizens then why has recent history seen spate of revolutions against the state?

States are to serve to protect their citizens and citizens are supposed to trust the state. This was once the case and the state and its citizens’ relationship was amicable; however, as time went by, I believe that the states started to take advantage of the citizens’ trust, specifically people or officials in power. As the officials started slowly taking away the rights of the citizens because by doing so it somehow allowed for them to gain power, the citizens started to notice the change; however, I believe that the reason why the situation grew out of proportion is that by the time the citizens noticed the said change it was a little bit too late and that the only possible solution was to revolt against the state. I find this rather distressing because the situation should not have grown to that extent- for any of the states. At the same time though, it is also a good thing that the citizens finally stood up for what is right.

I hope for the sake of the future that everyone has learned from all of these revolutions; however, I believe that this is a far cry. There have been revolutions in the past such as the infamous French revolution and clearly, we have not learned from that. It will take time, but I believe that just as long as people keep themselves educated and do try to not be ignorant to worldly issues as well as national issues, there will be imminent change.

MISSION THREE: IMAGINE

The world as it seemed was turning to be even more frenzied than it ever has been, particularly international relations had risen to the top to become a main problem. International relations started to deteriorate, for there was just not enough care or thought given to it by its savior for years, the League of States. The League of States have been present for countless years and due to fact that they have been striving to work together to make international relations bearable for all and for all to achieve unity and agreement, it was simply just not working. Each state had its own cause in mind and its own wants and needs. An agreement was just not in the works and impossible, not even two states could get along. This was how bad the situation had gotten. However one day, a small operation started to rise and gain notice amidst the chaos that was unfolding. It was an organization made up of numerous smaller organizations that each had their own cause, but had decided to come together to form a greater unit fighting for all their causes, they were called the Fellowship of Advocacies or simply the FOA. The FOA’s had gained attention because when they got together, their powers were tantamount, if not greater than one state, and as it was known, the states were in a situation wherein they were not getting along. With the creation of this said unit, international relations had come to see change, for the leaders of each small unit were getting along and were from different states. Each decided to put their differences aside and come together by understanding cause each fought for. With that, eventually international relations grew to be easier as communication barriers did not exist and each had become more understanding of the other. Inevitably, states saw that if they were not to follow the example of the FOA, their powers will eventually diminish. Thus, the states began to follow suit and finally, the League of States and the Fellowship of Advocacies came together to build international relations and keep it growing.

MISSION THREE: LEARN

In light of recent events here in the Philippines, I chose to follow Red Cross Philippines. The recent typhoons that hit our country has caused yet again a horrendous devastation to those less fortunate. I have always believed in simple acts that imminently lead to great help to those in need and Red Cross allows for me to do such. As a student with no means of income, I am able to help in my own way to somehow alleviate these people who were affected by the typhoons. Through my simple donations of old clothes, materials, canned goods and the like that my allowance will let me, I am able to give light to a rather dark situation. My donations may not be much, but I truly believe that a little goes a long way. One must start from something small in order to attain something much bigger. A small step can go a long way and in some situations earn you a smile from a stranger.

Red Cross had been a tremendous help throughout the years and has remained a great source of shelter for those in need. Red Cross is an international organization and this is because its causes are internationally recognized, this is also a reason why I chose this organization.

For more information on how YOU can help and bring a smile to someone in need, visit Red Cross Philippines here: http://www.redcross.org.ph/

Remember: A little goes a long way.

MISSION TWO: IMAGINE

Explore alternative ways to manage international relations.

Who says that managing international relations cannot be fun? This proposal is far fetched, but I wonder why countries or their representatives rather do not come together for a sort of retreat, a bonding experience. Yes, this may or actually will cause controversy in terms of budget and all that, but it has not been tried. Just like us students are for lack of a better term, forced to go on retreats, why not do so in the international arena? Representatives of countries may or may not grow ties, but at least it was given a shot.

JUST A THOUGHT.

MISSION TWO: ACT

http://www.facebook.com/HikeForHeroes.org?sk=app_11007063052

Here is a link to the Facebook page of Hike for our Heroes. Kindly like the page and support:)

Thank you. By simply liking the page, they earn $1. A little goes a long way!

The age belongs to an Iraq-war veteran who hiked 7000miles across america to raise money for struggling veterans and their families through wish upon a hero foundation.

I chose to like this page and show my support for the cause because i found it heart-warming how close these veterans are to each other even though it is possible that they may have never met. They see themselves as all belonging to one family and that is something to be admired apart from the fact that they have once, twice or countless times risked their lives for the sake of their country.

http://www.facebook.com/HikeForHeroes.org?sk=videos

---This is the link to his videos. You guys have to watch them even just a few to see how dedicated this man is to his cause.

Finally, I intended to try and contact him because all I know is that his name is Troy from hike for heroes, but it seems that he is adamant about keeping anonymous (only my observation so far).

THANK YOU AND PLEASE PLEASE LIKE THE PAGE!!

MISSION TWO: LEARN

What are the similarities and/or differences between the wars of the past and the wars that are being waged today?

One cannot deny that wars of the present differ in a number of ways than that of the past. Past wars were epitomized by great wars much like World War I and World War II. These wars were wars fought among numerous countries and were volatile ones; however, wars of today are more organized in the sense that it is usually between two countries and the amount of armed aggression is definitely lesser than that of before. This is so because it has become a trend in the international society that war not be an option until necessary. Wars of today are as I see it, are more waged against states that are believed to go against international law and are disturbing the peace that is aimed to be attained. On the other hand, in the past it was more for gain of power and one state usually aims to rise as the best of the best; not that that is not the case of today. Today, the states are more cautious in the way that they try to attain power. There is greater focus on economic means of gaining international power. For their similarities, I believe it all boils down to the basics such as: wars are fought with weapons still(bigger better and more destructive ones for the present), it is of course between states and finally, one state always comes out the winner even in a situation where a truce has been made(this all boils down to good negotiating skills).

OBJECTIVE:IMAGINE- 2021

I decided to illustrate how the world would be if we do not become more environmentally conscious. The blazing sun represents global warming at its peak. All trees will be dead and have no more leaves because of the misuse of paper products. There is garbage present all around and other planets are much closer.

***The photo was initially a drawing that I scanned and enhanced using photoshop

OBJECTIVE: LEARN

What is the Global North and the Global South?

Basically, the Global North consists of the developed countries of the world and the Global South are the lesser developed ones. It is not a surprise that a greater majority of the world is under the Global South Bracket. One must take into account however, that the divide of north and south is not geographically based. Development is always associated with being part of the north and lack thereof means part of the south. It all boils down to having and not having.

Personally, I find it a shame that we must provide these labels; however, at the same time it is what is reality. The world is divided and steps must be taken in order to bridge the so called division. There are numerous countless programs out there that allow for aid to those in need. A number of these programs are quite successful, but reality is that it will take time and I believe that it is even possible that equality will never be attained. With that said however, there is no harm in trying to bring the gap closer. I believe that the best solution to this divide is education. Education has always been and will always be the key. People must grow to be aware of the world and the environment they live in. It is essential that we all work together in order to bring betterment to the whole world. There definitely is strength in numbers and when more heads join in to brainstorm ideas to help out those in need, there is a better chance of coming up with an ideal solution. The world excites me. It may be a frenzied one today, but it is the only world I will be living in, why not make the most out of it and sustain it by working together with others?

OBJECTIVE: ACT

In order to act and bridge the gap, I decided to finally get a move on with my old clothes that have been pilling up into these three bins for the past year or so.

First, i segregated them into categories such as bottoms, tops and accessories e.g. bags, scarves and belts.

Next, I had my helpers go through them and see if there were anything they were interested in and that they could give to their children.

When all that was done, the remaining clothes I gave to my mum to give to the guards and janitors in her office who all have children of their own.

The experience was not entirely new to me, but it has been a while since i have found the time to do such because of my busy school and football schedule. It feels amazing to have gotten rid of all of that and now I have more space to fill up again with new things that are my old treasures, but are potential new ones for others :)

---I know this was an example given, but it is something that I am fond of doing and I found that it best suit the mission.