Rotary gave me the passion for living its motto, “Service above Self,” and the opportunity to be a blessing to many. If we want peace in the future, we have to invest in the present, and we should start with the children of tomorrow.
–
Nikki Tang
Club Past President, RY 2019-20
Culture and racism how are they related
Racism sets a group of people apart for reasons beyond their control. May it be their skin color, way of life or set of beliefs, there are determinants that make them different from another culture. This becomes racism when a people cannot tolerate this difference and diversity in the place they live in, thus causing a form of oppression on the minority. Oppression can go as far as colonialism to basic human rights. Although we are considered as one of the most hospitable countries in the world, do we unknowingly have racial tendencies and cultural discrimination rooted within us?
Racism can be categorized into 3 main parts : religious, biological, and cultural. In the Philippines, despite most citizens being Catholic, there is mutual respect with other religious like the Iglesia Ni Kristo. In terms of biological differences, the era of the Spaniards are long gone and the children born out of the colonization era are at their old ages. Nowadays, we have many Korean- Filipino babies, as well as other races. However, the differences are not prominent enough for it to become a nationwide issue worth criticizing. Lastly, cultural. As mentioned earlier, as a tourist destination, we have grown to accept the cuisines of neighboring countries and western ones as well. Aside from that, the younger generations have embraced diverse music, specificially K-Pop and K-Drama, to the extent that even their clothing and appearances are mimicked and praised. Language wise, we respect the different dialogues across the regions of the country, and most Filipinos are familiar with the English language.
In a nutshell, racism is an ongoing battle for equality and recognition. It is up to us to not only recognize our differences not only as individuals but also as a race. And with this, accept the diversity in our communities and help build each other up instead of the other way around.
Cultural relativism the ups and downs
The world is a diverse place, filled with billions of people with different perspectives and beliefs. The Philippines, just like any country, has its own set of traditions and customs that are deeply rooted into our culture and have endured the test of time and history. Despite being colonized for hundreds of years, we have gotten back on our feet and restructured what it really means to be a Filipino.
Many things contribute to the culture of a nation – religion, language, attitudes, food, landmarks, and so on. Despite having disputes on issues within the country, and the ever changing world we live in filled with technology and absurd trends, we still hold steadfast on our norms like filial piety, our warm hospitality, our love for food, and many more. However, some people fail to remember to respect other cultures as well. This is what cultural relativism means, based on Lumen Learning : “Cultural relativism is the ability to understand a culture on its own terms and not to make judgments using the standards of one’s own culture”; Although some cultures behave differently or deal with things a certain way, it does not mean that they are wrong or inferior, or vice versa. Other countries, even other parts of our country, have their own unique way to live and we should not force them to conform to our own beliefs and manner of going about with things.
As we go along with life, it is important to absorb as much as we can – culture, beliefs, ways of living. Travel as much as possible, and always be inquisitive and explorative. Learning about other cultures can open our eyes to new perspectives that we did not know before, and travelling can help us take a break from our busy lives, too.
Ms. Nikki Tang joined Best Dressed Award to Philippine Cancer Society for Cancer Patients
The Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) is the premier anti-cancer institution in the country which has endeavored to serve Filipinos in the fight against cancer. Volunteer doctors offer first line consultations and referrals for patient needing further medical attention. These referrals are PCS partners for diagnostic services, treatment, pain and symptom management, and hospital service.
One of the prominent people who has joined this year’s prestigious event was Ms. Nikki Tang, one of the “Ambassadors for Life”. Beauty with a purpose, as they may say, she decided to join the Philippine Cancer Society to help cancer patients especially those who can’t afford Chemotherapy.
She has been elected as one of the “Ambassadors for Life” for the last five years and had been elected as “The Best Dressed Women of the Philippines” last 2013. During her catwalk last 2013, she wore a beautiful blue gown made by Jun Escario; and this year, she wore a beautiful white gown during her catwalk for “Ambassadors for Life 2018”.
A pictorial was held before the awarding ceremony, where Ms. Nikki Tang embodied the saying “Simplicity is beauty” with her simple yet outstanding and elegant look. On the catwalk, she walked like a queen and smiled like a young, pretty girl. Her gown’s tassel moved back and forth simultaneously with her movement.
Ms. Nikki Tang also presented the “Best Dressed Women of the Philippines 2018 “, plaque of award for Ms. Emmeline Aglipay Villar, one of this year’s awardees.
Outreach Program for the Mothers of Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center with Ms. Nikki Tang
The world is a diverse place, filled with billions of people with different perspectives and beliefs. The Philippines, just like any country, has its own set of traditions and customs that are deeply rooted into our culture and have endured the test of time and history. Despite being colonized for hundreds of years, we have gotten back on our feet and restructured what it really means to be a Filipino.
Many things contribute to the culture of a nation – religion, language, attitudes, food, landmarks, and so on. Despite having disputes on issues within the country, and the ever changing world we live in filled with technology and absurd trends, we still hold steadfast on our norms like filial piety, our warm hospitality, our love for food, and many more. However, some people fail to remember to respect other cultures as well. This is what cultural relativism means, based on Lumen Learning : “Cultural relativism is the ability to understand a culture on its own terms and not to make judgments using the standards of one’s own culture”; Although some cultures behave differently or deal with things a certain way, it does not mean that they are wrong or inferior, or vice versa. Other countries, even other parts of our country, have their own unique way to live and we should not force them to conform to our own beliefs and manner of going about with things.
As we go along with life, it is important to absorb as much as we can – culture, beliefs, ways of living. Travel as much as possible, and always be inquisitive and explorative. Learning about other cultures can open our eyes to new perspectives that we did not know before, and travelling can help us take a break from our busy lives, too.
Ms. Nikki Tang joined The 9th Annual Red Charity Gala
It is with great honor for me to be sharing you my experience in the 9th annual Red Charity Gala. My good friends Tessa Prieto-Valdes and Kaye Tinga, who have shown admirable passion for helping those in need, collaborated with Bench to generate funds and donations for the Philippine Red Cross and Assumption HS 81 Foundation. Last October 14, 2017 in the Grand Ballroom of Shangri-La Hotel at The Fort, runway designer Joey Samson was in the spotlight as he showcased his pieces up for auction.
CELEBRATING AN OCTOBER OF PEACE IN ROTARY’S Artwork for Peace Contest
Last October 15, 2019, the Rotary Club of Makati Premier District (RCMPD), in cooperation with the F. Benitez 3 Elementary School (FBES3), successfully hosted the “Artwork for Peace: Rotary Connects the World” contest. It was truly a remarkable event as the Rotary has set up a platform where children ages 10 to 13 years old with their impressionable minds can express their thoughts and effectively utilize all forms of media on what the values of peace and good citizenship is about through their artwork.
The Artwork for Peace contest kicked off with an opening prayer by a volunteer student and followed by welcome remarks from RCMPD’s TCP Nikki Tang where she talked about the contest as something that she has been wanting to do for a very long time. Ms. Tang said that all of the students’ art submissions were impressive and that to the club, they are all winners. Afterwards, fellow Rotarian Leah Quesada started a short presentation discussing what the Rotary Club is all about and what it does to promote peace through various avenues of service.
FBES3 Principal Dr Julia Tio-Ann then led the inspirational talk where she talked about the Rotary’s long -standing, valuable partnership and initiatives for the school.
Fashion with a Passion: PCS Best Dressed 2017
As a Beautypreneur, fashion has become a tool for me to reveal my most inner self. Fashion isn’t merely about following trends, but more on allowing one’s personality to exude through what we wear and how we present ourselves. This passion of mine has brought me to learn more about myself, as cliche as it sounds, but I also now realize that it can positively affect others too. I attended this year’s Philippine Cancer Society’s annual “Best Dressed Women of the Philippines” Gala, which is a fundraising event to aid underprivileged cancer patients at the Philippine General Hospital.
Philippine Cancer Society’s fourteenth Best Dressed Women of the Philippines Gala Night was held last September 27, 2017 at the grand ballroom of Shangri la at the Fort. Together with other awardees, we were chosen to symbolize elegance for a noble cause as proceeds of the Awards Ball go to the Philippine Cancer Society’s (PCS) programs for cancer patients. I’d like to thank the Philippine Cancer Society for recognizing this passion of mine and including me in their quest to help others.
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