Ericka Jenn Literatures of the Philippines
AB Communication October 10, 2014
Aegis Malaysia in a Filipino’s Point-of-View
To have posted such a preposterous video, requires a whole lot of nerve. Moreover, it was an actual ad for a company. We do know that all types of businesses should possess a thing called “professionalism” which is also actually required as a basic necessity for the entity of a corporation. But, what did exactly happen in Aegis Malaysia’s public relations advertisement? Talking about ethics, morality and God forbid even humanity, how did Aegis Malaysia have the guts to stoop that low just to gain even more recognition? Or maybe, achieve their hidden agenda? Given this situation, a liberal Filipino would want to know the reason(s) behind the advertisement, which states the main point of this selection.
I believe that it was a careless act, imprudent of ethics, and very unprofessional when seen through a person infused with the Philippines’ culture. We are often, if not all, known for the fact that we offer our pakikisama to each other. In local workplace, this is essential for a comfortable and more efficient job; internationally, our pakikisama may also result to what we are commonly known for, our being hospitable to foreigners. Through this, we were identified as one of the happiest countries. In relation to this, when we connect to a vast variety of people through many places, it leads to a positive form of identity. In other words, whether we are in a professional environment or not, our identity is on the bright side.
Although these might seemingly sound like benefits, they are actually our weaknesses; we are so focused on giving out pakikisama to the others, that we are obviously taken advantage because of it. To some, the Philippines might pose like an actual threat, and this gives them the reason in having the idea of taking us down in the closest possible way. Take nepotism, the unfair practice by a powerful person of giving jobs and other favors to relatives (Merriam-Webster), and the subject of this essay as great examples.
I wouldn’t want to consider this selection as something close to a rant, but I sure do have the right to express my opinions, no matter how harsh they would sound like. Regarding the said video, it did seem like an act of misbehavior to me and I don’t want this selection to be compared with it. As much as possible, I want my writing to be civilized; unlike the said advertisement, which was definitely degrading. Aegis Malaysia definitely took Nazism to a higher level; talk about having the guts to say pointless propositions after demoting an actual progressive country. Every single thing about the video just makes my blood boil. From the sheer fact that it degraded the Philippines, not only the country’s government, geographical and natural conditions, but it also bruised our patriotism. Although we are seemingly challenged in an inappropriate way, petty things like this just make us even more competitive and proud.
This is where we turn our weaknesses into strengths; through our pakikisama in the first phase, which later on made relating to people a positive vibe to help us in the global community, we can now develop a stronger point. And that is when we strategically use pakikisama. Being strategic means relating to a general plan that is created to achieve certain goals (Merriam-Webster, 2014). Us being mocked in such a degree will only result into recreating a modern revolt within ourselves.
Although recently, a statement from the Aegis Corporate has been released and it states an apology. It says there that the company deeply regrets the uploading of the video and all the miscommunication that have taken place ever since it went viral. Also mentioned by the company, the public relations ad was uploaded by error and that its contents were not entirely approved by the corporate. But, they did also say that the video was developed locally, which means that it indeed came from Malaysia. Let’s get real, shots were fired and we all know communication is irrevocable. We cannot change what has been said and done. As communication is a two-way process, words that have been said cannot be erased in any form, as it will be remembered through listening, understanding and interpreting.
This is what happens when we do not take into consideration every single aspect there is about communication. They were supposed to be a corporate, which means that they are high-end; which also leads to the idea that they are professional, and should not feel threatened in any way by their rivals. By and large, I only assumed that they were indeed “professionals”. One of the conflicts in the bigger picture of this matter could not be taken lightly; because honestly, would you have taken it lightly? It depends; maybe as a citizen of another country which might not have much of a care towards Philippines, you would. But I happen to be Filipino, and I adore being one; in addition to that, I am a communications student and that adds to the list of reasons why I actually care. I am a curious entity, maybe even a free spirit, but this just does not make sense to me. I mean, who could stand being acted upon with racism? Most especially if you work hard for your country and you do my very best to avoid being racist towards any other race out there. Our tolerance, being one of our strongest points inside our culture, is very evident in this area. No matter how much negativity thrown into us, we were almost never shaken, most probably because of our positive disposition. And, our positive disposition comes from our positive fate, which is the inevitable outcome or condition of our actions.
Moving on to the geographical conditions, natural calamities and bad governance; they surely pointed out those really well. Even as a Filipino and as a person with dignity, I wholeheartedly agree that these affect partnerships and investments. But! That does not mean we are not good. In fact, we are beyond good, even if not all of us are obviously like that. Although, this selection is not about measuring every Filipino’s skill ability; but the dignity he/she carries within in the name of his/her country.
Firstly, the geographical condition of the Philippines is what I consider as a blessing. Showered upon rich mineral resources, vast lands and breathtaking bodies of water, what more can you ask for? Really. Keep in mind that countries fought over the Philippines before, primarily because of the country’s attractive physicality. Next, the natural calamities; if I could ask Malaysia one question, this would be it: “What would you guys have done to resist nature?” If there are reasons, how would they do it? Seriously, do people actually think that they are mighty gods that could have repelled deadly cyclones? Crooked mentality at its finest, indeed. If this isn’t ridiculous enough, then I don’t know what is. Lastly, bad governance that resulted to the lack of infrastructures. Okay fine, that is one good point, honestly; but if you look closely, the Philippines is very progressive country in reality.
We needed time to adjust more on to some things, because our government does not go on about concrete placements and other tangible stuff. For the first time, I can proudly say that our president takes care of his countrymen well. Do you see the point? People first. We have no room for doubts towards our leader, if he had the courage to lead us straight ahead, then we must have the bravery to trust him.
There are just a lot more of things that I could say, but that is not to be tolerated anymore, most especially that racism and other conflicts residing in this issue is very sensitive in this generation. Surely, this made my thinking about Malaysia shift all too incredibly, but that does not mean that I don’t see them as an ally anymore.
Although most likely, the country is more of a challenge to me now, and its people are the ones I would want to surpass badly and greatly. This situation might have been even a boost of nationalism and patriotism. Right now, I could bet my everything, just to prove that Philippines is more than a country of bad luck.
