Bianca Therese L. Dypiangco

SCRIPTS CREATED FROM- (REVERSE CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER) [January 2025] Sample Scripts Done for Long and Short Form Video Content (Sample #1) 21 Amazon FBA Mistakes That Can Burden New Sellers [START OF VIDEO] INTRODUCTION Amazon's FBA service generally helps in easing the burdens of packing and shipping. As a seller, having Amazon handle most of the logistics sounds ideal. However, mistakes can be made, and the ones I will be talking about today can cause more problems than anticipated. Here are 21 mistakes that can screw you over as a new seller. Keep them in mind so that you can avoid losing or even missing out on profit. 21 MISTAKES 1. Not Minding the Cost Though the fees for this service are manageable for bigger businesses, they can seem huge when you are starting out. This becomes especially noticeable when you try selling items on the cheaper side, especially those below $15. Think of it as divided into three parts: the fees Amazon charges, production and shipping, then your profit. If your product costs too little, you may find yourself struggling to gain a substantial profit off of it. 2. Overthinking and Paranoia As a seller, it is understandable to be concerned about your profits. Connected to the last point, there are fees worth noting before stepping into FBA—even when it is arguably more convenient than handling the logistics alone. Though for some sellers, overthinking these variables can waste a significant amount of time that could have been spent on scoring a profit. This is not to say that you should not be cautious. This is more about being able to efficiently make decisions so that you do not lose out on an opportunity. If you spend too much time stressing on how to get started or what product to sell, you are losing weeks or even months' worth of profit. 3. Doing Little Market Research When you are getting started on selling a product, one of the first questions is: "What do I sell?" Of course, we also take into account here what you want to sell. Aside from this, it is also worth diving deep into what consumers are actively looking for now. Consumers have their needs and wants, and you can begin by addressing either or even both of those at once. But tread carefully, as some markets are already oversaturated. At the same time, there are also markets that are highly niche to the point that it is hard to tell if your items in that niche would sell consistently. You need to find a balance between something that sells well, but also within a market that has not yet been filled with established competitors. This is what you need to do your research for. 4. Not Taking Into Account the Manufacturing Process Some products are quick to produce. Other products, not so much. For new sellers, your ideal product would be something that is easily manufactured. Realistically, there are numerous external factors that can disrupt the manufacturing process. Machines can malfunction, environmental conditions can fluctuate. For a new seller, taking the risk of selling a product that is difficult and tedious to produce can be a costly one. Products that require intensive labor take time, and when demands for them are high, plenty of money is spent on speeding up the process. For new sellers, conditions like this can make you lose more than you gain. 5. Picking the Wrong Niche As mentioned previously, other markets are oversaturated while some are still unheard of. In oversaturated markets, competition and standards are difficult to meet when you are starting out. For uncommon niches, kickstarting profit can be difficult if the product in question is neither essential nor something many people find themselves wanting. If you want to keep a stable income, selling products dedicated to a single season or occasion would not be ideal. Halloween products often sell only around September to October, while early Christmas shopping is mostly done around November. If you sell products that cater to only one of these seasons, the spike in sales would only occur around the time of that specific season. General use products are typically safer to begin with when you are still new to FBA. 6. Paying Little Mind to Product Quality Easily manufactured with minimal cost does not always equate to bad quality. However, if you are not careful enough, you may end up selling low quality items at the cost of your business' identity. Always check in first with the manufacturer to ensure that your products are in pristine quality before they get shipped off to consumers. From the beginning, before even getting production started, investigate the product reviews of your competitors. See what customers expect and what else they want so you have an idea of what must be delivered. Analyze the price and see if you can provide a more competitive cost to capture consumers' interest. Always look for what you can improve. 7. Low Effort on Product Photos While Amazon's services greatly aid in taking care of the logistics, it is still ultimately up to you as to how your product is shown on the online listing itself. Put yourself in the shoes of the consumer. If you were to see a poorly taken photo of a product, would it entice you to buy it? Would it give you a good impression of the product's quality? Chances are, it won't. The photos posted on your listing are the customers' first impression of your product. Done poorly, and it can drive buyers away. However, when neatly presented with the entirety of the item shown for reference, customers can develop good expectations for it. This is what entices them to make the purchase. 8. Using Vague Keywords Aside from the photos, the keywords you use in your listing matter. Your product could very well have a unique purpose compared to others of its kind. Problem is, if you do not specify well on what it does, your target market would have difficulty finding it when they search for related keywords. For example, if a customer were to search for wireless Bluetooth headphones with a built-in microphone, they may not see your product off the bat if you simply listed them as "headphones." Using the right keywords boosts your product up in the search engines even outside of Amazon. This widens the reach your product has. 9. Low Effort on Physical Presentation Similar to how important it is for your product to look professional and appealing in the photos, it is also important for the packaging itself to be good too. Although Amazon handles the outer packaging for shipping the product, you are still in control of the product's presentation after it has been taken off of the classic Amazon box. It is through this that you can show your business identity using visuals. Low-effort packaging and presentation can leave a bad impression even if the product itself does what it intends to do. Ensure that your product's appearance and packaging is consistent with how you have shown it in the listing. 10. Being Unclear on the Product's Materials Whenever you sell anything, it is important to be descriptive about what the product is made of. If you are to sell clothing items, be clear about what kind of fabric it is made of. Customers prefer it when sellers are clear about what their product is—that way they know what to expect. For clothes, it can determine what washing procedure to follow or the kind of occasion the garment is best used for. For appliances, it can give customers an idea of how long it can last with the frequency of their usage. It all boils down to transparency. This lets customers build more trust with you and your products. 11. Paying Little Attention to Detail With all the products being handled by Amazon, mistakes happen from time to time. If you do not pay enough attention to the handling of your products, you can lose out on profit, especially for more costly products. In the case that Amazon makes errors, you need to first take notice of the problems and note them for your reimbursement claim. Being attentive and taking note of everything you have sent out for Amazon to handle is necessary for your business' sake. It ensures that you do not end up paying more than you are supposed to and it guarantees that your products will reach the buyers in time. 12. Not Developing Your Trend Spotting Skills We have tackled doing market research earlier. For many, it means paying attention to quantitative data—looking at the numbers. But with the fast-paced world, this alone will not be enough. When you fixate too much on the numbers, you miss out on the trends that are rising in large communities. Trend spotting is a crucial skill for any seller, new or experienced. As a new seller, this is a skill necessary if you want to do business long-term. Aside from research, you would need to tune in to the news and stay updated on social media to pick up on what is rising to popularity among the general public. This becomes increasingly important when you already have a few products in tow and want to expand your market further. 13. Selling Products You Know Little About As a seller, consumers entrust that you are beyond familiar with your products. They can see this from how you present and market them. If you as the seller make mistakes on surface level information about your own products, it takes away much of your credibility. This extends to how consumers see your product too. If you know too little about the product you intend to sell, it will be difficult for you to pick apart what is good from bad quality. Your listings would likely be vague and your descriptions much less helpful. And when you market your product, it is always good to deliver new knowledge to consumers. So when nothing new is brought to the table, customers will find themselves seeking for products sold by sellers more well-versed about them. 14. Misunderstanding Who Your Target Market Is Part of doing your research is figuring out who you want to sell your products to. If you are unsure as to who they are, marketing your product will be a bigger hassle. In the case that you misunderstand who would purchase your products more, you could be wasting time and resources. For example, if you are selling colored pencils for professional artists, you should market it to this particular market. If you were to promote these as colored pencils for school children, you would not gather much traction. After all, art supplies for kids are vastly different in terms of price and quality compared to those designed for seasoned artists. By making this mistake, you fail to give your product the relevance it is supposed to have. 15. Neglecting to Market Your Products Marketing is how the general public will get a word of your products and your business. With how ingrained social media is nowadays in everyday life, using it for product promotion can help in reaching your target market. When you market your products, you build your brand's identity and other people are given the chance to take notice. Once your target market has been reached, they may develop loyalty in using your products. Not making use of social media and its resources can greatly hinder your products' visibility, especially against active competitors. 16. Failure to Comply With Amazon's FBA Policies Amazon requires its sellers to track their inventory levels to keep it from exceeding the maximum amount. Hazardous materials alongside products that infringe trademarks or copyrights are strictly prohibited. Products also must be labeled properly as per their guidelines. If your products are continuously reviewed for being defective, Amazon takes note of this. Failure to comply with Amazon's policies can lead to penalties such as account suspension. Before even signing up to be a seller, always ensure that you have read the fine print to keep your eligibility as a seller. 17. Ignoring Tax Liabilities As a seller, you need to strictly adhere to Amazon's tax policies. This is to avoid discrepancies, especially since we are dealing with the law. Alongside other policies, make sure you read and fully comprehend the tax policies to keep your business lawful. Neglecting to pay will only cause more trouble on your end later on, so it is best to deal with the taxes on time, every time. 18. Paying No Mind To Reviews Once your product is out and reviews from consumers come in, it is a must to understand the comments they have about your product. Did it perform as they wanted it to? Are they satisfied? From then on, you can build upon what other factors about the product you can work on further. Before, you looked at reviews from competitors to get an idea of what you need to work with. Now, you have direct feedback to your own product. Do not ignore the suggestions, praise, and criticism consumers give. Take note of them to keep track of your products' strengths and weaknesses. 19. Failure to Verify Product Authenticity Connected to Amazon's policies, account suspension and listing deletion is not the only trouble that can come your way if you are unable to verify your supplier. If Amazon cannot confirm that your products are authentic and do not infringe intellectual property, it is possible for Amazon to withhold them. If you are unable to provide proof of authenticity, this would lead to a significant loss of profit, especially if we are dealing with a large volume of unverified products. Always be the first to verify your supplier or manufacturer to ensure the products’ authenticity and quality. 20. Not Taking Guidance From More Experienced Sellers When you are new to business, many aspects of it naturally feel unfamiliar. There is plenty of research and decision-making to do—all of which need to be done efficiently to not lose out on viable opportunities. In this case, it is always a good idea to reach out and take advice from seasoned sellers who also make use of Amazon's FBA services. Not only do you learn about the technicalities of starting up your business, but you also learn from their past experiences. Having someone to mentor you especially in your challenge areas can significantly help you understand what you need to elevate your brand. 21. Giving Up Too Soon Difficult as it is to be new to the market, quitting it immediately upon encountering issues will not always be the prime solution. Some products fail, but others thrive. Business is mostly a process of trial and error, even more so during its beginning. With good observation and research, you can learn what consumers need and want. Give yourself the time to learn and improve before putting your foot down to call it all off. CONCLUSION There are a number of hurdles to be tackled as a new seller. Even so, most mistakes are preventable with plenty of research and good trend spotting. Keep these 21 mistakes in mind so you know the next best move for your brand moving forward. [END OF VIDEO] — (Sample #2) Why Gucci’s $800 Sneakers Sell Out Hook Option 1: One might ask, “how do luxury items sell so much?” Some people will say it is due to the materials or the comfort. However, a closer look adds more elements to this puzzling equation: exclusivity and brand power. Hook Option 2: Luxury is a price most cannot afford—but why does it still sell and make headlines? As it turns out, there is more than what meets the eye with these sky-high prices and shocking designs. Hook Option 3: “Gucci is not a fashion or design house, it was always a trademark.” ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ - Maurizio Gucci The iconic Gucci logo would not be called “iconic” if it did not hold its prestige. One look at it, and your first thought is very likely to be the word luxury. [START OF VIDEO] Main Point ​ “Distressed-looking” sneakers for the price of over $800. Anyone would be baffled at how these sneakers look for their price point. Though strangely enough, they still sell and there is a demand for it. You may be questioning, “why would anyone want this?” In reality, these sneakers’ selling point is not its appearance or its comfort: it is the status coming with it. ​ For the longest time, luxury brands have capitalized on creating exclusivity around their names. Take Hermès for example, another luxury brand wherein you need to buy your way into getting its most exclusive products like the famed Birkin bag. Luxury brands have this goal of making you desire for its prestige. After all, this sense of exclusivity is what makes it so in-demand despite the items being practically unaffordable for the average person. Having a luxury item—whether it is an $800 pair of sneakers or a customized bag—proves to other people that you can afford buying beyond comfort. It signifies that you are in a position secure enough to afford what would be a rare or even unheard of indulgence for many other people. This in itself shows that you hold a high status in society, at least on the outside. For some people, this gives them a rush of dopamine and even a boost in self-esteem. Luxury items sell because they allow you to prove your status, just as these brands have intended. Conclusion ​ Luxury brands are less about the product itself being the most aesthetically pleasing or the most comfortable. They focus more on selling an identity, showing that you are in a position that is good enough to let you afford their products. The more exclusive, the more it stands out. And for some people, the hefty price of standing out from the crowd is one they are more than willing to pay. [END OF VIDEO] — (Sample #3) Simplified Biographical Video: Why It's Tough To Be Born as Jesus Christ [START OF VIDEO] Picture this: you are a tiny infant born in a humble manger. Your mother, a young woman exhausted from the strains of labor and long travel, looks upon you with joy. Your father watches over you, silent but protective. In hindsight, this seems to be a very simple beginning to your life. However, you will soon learn that there is more to this life than what you see. Just after your birth, you see shepherds heading towards you. A bit of fear but a greater hint of amazement can be seen in their eyes. Apparently, an angel has sent them over—telling them that you are born. Then right after that, three wise men visit you too, bearing luxurious gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They say they have followed a bright star and it led them to you. Now you would probably wonder: "Just what on Earth is going on?" Who exactly are you to elicit such reactions of awe from people who just saw you? Simple. Well, not really simple in context, but the fact here is that you are the Savior whom God promised. And for this very reason, you are born in a manger far away for the sake of your safety. It had to be done as King Herod wants you dead, so much so that the many children in Bethlehem have been slain. You are after all, the newborn King Himself, the Son of God. It is also worth noting here that your mother, Mary, conceived you through the Holy Spirit. This technically means that your father Joseph is your foster father. Either way, he and your mother nurtured you all throughout your childhood. You proved to be a very bright kid from the start. There even came a time that your parents were frantically looking for you as they lost you in the Temple. They were worried sick... until they saw you preaching the Word of God, speaking amongst elders who are noticably surprised by your knowledge. This is the life you will grow accustomed to later on. After all, as the Son of God, your duty is to spread the Good News to other people. You are mortal in flesh, but with the wisdom and the capability to perform even the most shocking of miracles. Just picture the sheer surprise and amusement people must have gotten seeing you turn water into wine! Of course, you are also capable of curing ailments, allowing people to have another chance at a better life. You had doubters, there were people chastising you. But it never stopped you, since you knew in yourself this is all aligned to God's will. Feeding the hungry, letting the blind see again, even bringing the dead back to life—all of this goes to show just how much power you have. Yet again, you are mortal for now. You are not immune to pain or starvation. So when time comes for the ultimate sacrifice, everything appears bleak. A cross weighing the burden of humanity's sins... it is as terrifying as it sounds. You get sentenced to death, condemned by the same people who excitedly greeted you just days ago during Passover. They chose to save a criminal over you. It feels unfair, but you know it is a sacrifice you have to make for the sake of salvation. They have your hands and feet nailed onto the cross. You are bloodied from your countless injuries and your crown of thorns. You say at some point, "my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" As the afternoon comes to pass, your life ends gruesomely. However, this is not yet the end. If anything, it is far from over. [END OF VIDEO] [April 2024] Video Output Script for “An Analysis of Students’ Responses on Open-Ended Questions Relating to Critical Thinking As Perceived by the Senior High School Teachers of St. Joseph Academy of Sariaya, Quezon” Legend: Italics - Action | Normal Font - Commentary/Narration [BEGIN] Critical thinking skills are among the most crucial capabilities that a 21st century learner must nurture. In an article by Claudburg in 2023, it was stated that critical thinking skills are the key to making informed and wise choices, as through these skills can a person assess the reliability of what they learn. A study by Ericson in 2021 further emphasized that a priority in education is cultivating analytical and logical thought processes amongst students. A member is reading a book carefully. To be specific, critical thinking encompasses many forms of skills. A few of the most notable of which are reading comprehension and problem-solving skills which are fostered ideally from an early age. However, as discovered by the University of the Philippines Diliman Psychosocial Services back in September of 2020, the Philippines had undergone a learning crisis at the height of the pandemic during the same year. Although four years have passed since, the dire need for enhanced critical thinking skills never dissipated. One member is writing on paper, two are conversing with one another. Edward Glaser’s discussions on critical thinking explicated three particular concepts. First is the capability of a person to give thought into their experiences. This essentially signifies that a critical thinker should be able to give reasonable consideration towards the events and issues encountered. Second is knowing the ways of logical inquiry and reasoning, which signifies a thinker’s ability to assess systematically and formulate appropriate inferences. Last is having the skill to apply the methods in logical inquiry and reasoning. Glaser emphasizes here that to be a critical thinker, a person must be able to not only acknowledge the procedures in inquiry and reasoning—it is also necessary to utilize these in daily life. One member is walking; another is thinking carefully while taking down notes as there is a person speaking in front. Now that this has been established, what does this mean for students in their academic assessments? A member is using a laptop. Academic assessments include quizzes, examinations, and all other materials that evaluate a student’s learning prowess. Moreover, it contains a variety of test types that fall under subjective and objective questions. Specifically, we will tackle open-ended questions. A member is sorting through papers while another is typing on a keyboard. In his book titled “A Dictionary of Psychology (3rd Ed.),” Colman in 2008 explained open-ended questions as a form of question formulated in a way to encourage the expression of personal input. This falls under the subjective test types as this kind of test item prompts a student to answer based on what they think or believe in. It is more often than not, opinionated and empirical in nature, much unlike objective questions that usually have only one definite and correct answer. The standard for what is right and wrong for subjective questions is far less linear as not every person shares the same opinion, much less the same experiences and interpretations. A laptop is shown, demonstrating a member typing out an essay. Hence, to procure a cohesive and relevant answer to an open-ended question, a student will require developed skills in terms of critical thinking. The pressing question lies in how this development can be achieved. One member is shown to appear frustrated, one is crumpling paper and shaking his head. As synthesized from the findings of our study titled “An Analysis of Students’ Responses on Open-Ended Questions Relating to Critical Thinking As Perceived by the Senior High School Teachers of St. Joseph Academy of Sariaya, Quezon,” it has been noted that to encourage growth in critical thinking, the students need to face thought provoking questions more frequently, which is why teachers have been recommended to further optimize open-ended questions for this sake. Challenging oneself by openly facing seemingly difficult queries one at a time can hone a learner’s analytical thinking skills. Nedjay-Haiem and Cooke in a 2021 study emphasized that having more of these open-ended questions actively challenge a learner to divert their attention less on memorization—instead focusing on the meticulous formation of a proper answer. The more frequent a learner encounters challenges, the better they will adapt to the multitude of situations they will encounter later on. A member is looking at a computer screen, nodding. Aside from regularly challenging oneself, it is also worth considering that careful reading is a practice proven to be useful not only in school, but also in the workspace and the wider world. As the researchers, we have taken note of two notable observations: students are capable of focusing first on one question before proceeding further but there are some who, borne from neglecting to carefully read through their assessments’ instructions, fail to comply with directions causing incorrect answers. In their 2022 thesis, Caraig and Quimbo noted that the relevance and accuracy of test answers highly depend on a student’s reading comprehension. However on a simpler scale, students will have to read first before reaching a state of understanding. Learners are therefore encouraged to continue reading to build not only vocabulary—but to also broaden comprehension and emphasize the value of paying attention to details. A member is flipping through a book. Although many students are well-aware of the intrinsic purpose that academic assessments hold in their education, there are still some who do end up struggling in them due to problems in coming up with a chain of relevant, cohesive, and profound thought for their answers. This may be caused by lack of confidence or that some are more accustomed to objective questions as Gharehbagh, Mansourzadeh, Khadem, and Saeidi found in their 2022 publication. Additionally, Turhan in a 2020 thesis explained that students generally prefer objective questions with how straightforward they are—unlike subjective items such as open-ended questions that often make students uncertain due to the multitude of answers they can input. To aid in this, learners can perform a strategy writers utilize in their creative process. One member is drawing out something on a paper. Brainstorming does not need to be an overly organized nor tedious process. It can be as simple as jotting down small phrases interconnected with one another to form a more holistic idea. It has been found that some students are not adept at breaking down bigger concepts for easier analysis, and this is a case wherein brainstorming helps. By gathering several ideas and slowly piecing them one by one through correlation and having additional ideas, a learner can develop more skill in analysis which aids greatly in dealing with open-ended questions. A member is glancing at the screen with a whiteboard marker, seeming to be connecting words on a whiteboard. Given open-ended questions’ nature as being highly subjective, this indicates a need for students to tap into their opinions and perspectives. However, in the real case that students are yet to develop a firm opinion on a topic pressed on by a question, another concept to keep in mind is one’s related experiences. As mentioned previously, open-ended questions are not only based on opinion; it is also empirical in nature, meaning that an answer and its deductions can be based on personal experience which is considered as a legitimate form of learning. Experiences bring knowledge, and this knowledge can be used to express relevant thoughts Feature two members walking together, conversing. Overall, critical thinking skills are useful not only for academic assessments but also for everyday life. Given the modernized era, learners need to be more scrupulous and analytical to adapt with the skills required for modern life. To be an active reader and careful-decision maker are only among the few ways students can enhance their critical thinking skills. Experience and practice along with these will be helpful in boosting a learner’s ability, so that any issue encountered can be resolved through wiser means. [END OF VIDEO] [March 2024] Video Output Script on “The Education of a British-Protected Child” by Chinua Achebe (Performance Task for 21st Century Literature from the Philippines and the World) [BEGIN] Intro "In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute." (- Thurgood Marshall, first African American in the U.S. Supreme Court) In the face of humanity, no one deserves to be depicted as lowly or lesser than everyone else. People of color are unfortunately no stranger to demeaning images and stereotypes. Our analysis today will center upon a thought-provoking piece that will center on the pressing issue that has plagued the world once, and still does today. Overview of the Essay The Education of a British-Protected Child by the late Chinua Achebe is an essay within a book of the same title. Chinua Achebe elaborates here on the topic of African identity and him actively withstanding against the demeaning and stereotypical portrayals of Africa as a whole in Western literature. This essay along with the rest of the collection was published in 2009, narrating over 17 pieces centering on African culture, heritage, colonization, and his own experiences. Chinua Achebe is considered today as the Father of African Literature and is also the author of Things Fall Apart, a best-selling novel published in 1958. He was awarded with the Man Booker International Prize in 2007, and subsequently, the Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize in 2010. This essay started off with an anecdote. In the piece, the author elaborated that the African people tend to be viewed with a negative lens. Sometimes, they get asked how many children they have, to which the people simply choose to ignore such questions. This kind of question is realistically deemed as negative by Africans due to the sensitivity surrounding the matter of fertility. The author, a father of four children, began paying close attention after certain observations with their eldest daughter, Chinelo. The school Chinelo attended as a nursery student was run by white expatriate women. Their concerns were not met with concrete follow-up action aside from simple reassurances. It was concerning to him, especially after Chinelo explained that she was “brown” and not “black” one time. Through a thorough investigation, Chinua Achebe eventually found imported children's books with flashy covers in the better supermarkets of their area. However, when he read through the supposedly attractive-looking books, he noticed that the books were demeaning. The Problem Illustrated Particularly, these children’s books depicted Africans incorrectly and stereotypically. The most dramatic of these stories was a story about a kite wherein a white boy plays with his kite in an ideal neighborhood, and this kite flies away. It gets sent to a jungle in Africa by a plane which allows a black boy to find it, leading to a mass panic. It is then seen, even revered by the people as a supernatural object. This was notably disparaging as it depicted African people as less civilized or even uneducated—demonstrated by how they revered an otherwise simple and common object. The books aimed for children were, although physically beautiful, were rather dehumanizing in the way they portrayed an entire race of people. The author was then asked by his friend, a poet named Christopher Okigbo, to write a children's book and he clarified that this was not a simple task. Chinelo made him realize that choosing books for children needed great caution on the part of the parents. His youngest child, Nwando, was continuously displeased about going to school, apparently very unfond of the idea. To help his child in her new adjustments, he used storytelling as a medium to help her calm down all the way to school. It worked, as apparent by how Nwando eventually grew more as a child, becoming more amicable amongst her peers. Essay Formatting and the Author’s Voice Achebe organized his essay to impart empirical information as told from his point of view. Specifically, The Education of a British-Protected Child is an autobiographical essay that centers on his experience as a father and an author. Generally, every essay serves as a teaching tool, offering knowledge and understanding about various aspects of life. Elaborating on his experiences eventually builds to a more complicated discussion, starting with formative events that establish important themes and concepts within the scope of his essay. This structural hierarchy follows the educational path of the “British-Protected Child”, progressing through basic concepts to more difficult questions. Achebe's language is careful and accurate, combining ideas of Western literary tradition and his Nigerian background. To illustrate the relationship between colonial and indigenous civilizations, he uses a story he had encountered in his essay to further elaborate his point about the demeaning nature of the books his daughter had read. Achebe invites the reader’s senses and emotions using rich imagery and thought-provoking language, allowing them to identify with these experiences and points of view or to at least be able to empathize with the personas mentioned in the piece. Even though the pieces are true to life, Achebe uses a variety of storytelling devices to make his points clear. He frequently writes in a narrative style, allowing the reader to think about the importance of his observations and experiences while still keeping track of the sequential order of events present in his experiences. Sociological Analysis Analyzing the text’s colonial and post-colonial themes is one sociological strategy that may be used. The complicated relationship between colonizers and the colonized is reflected in Achebe’s writing, highlighting the effects of British colonial control on Nigerian society and culture. Achebe's essay strongly emphasizes how education and discrimination affect personal identity. A sociological analysis could look at curriculum contents, popular book contents at the time, and the educational systems. The idea of identity formation and cultural ethnicity are also in the text, with a focus on Nigerian society and British colonialism. Examining cultural symbols, language, and rituals in a post-colonial setting can shed light on how identities are constructed and modified. Furthermore, it is worth noting that there is a notable difference between the culture in the West versus the culture in Africa. One of the most notable differences between the two cultures is that in Western societies, independence is more pushed and encouraged, meanwhile African societies are more bound together with community ties. A large amount of African cultures have long ingrained the concept of working together as a community in their daily lives. In the social science context, African communities are mostly Gemeinschaft societies while Western communities tend to lean more towards Gesellschaft practices. In light of colonial rule in Africa, this period spanned from the late 19th and the early 20th century. It began later than many other countries in other continents, with this period mostly ending during the 1960s. However, the myriad of human rights violations and exploitations that occurred against African people left indelible marks on the history and the treatment of the people. Economically speaking, colonialism caused both benefits and damages to African development. Most African countries gained stable, increasing incomes during the colonial period, but this does not signify that every person’s quality of life had improved. Although colonialism made Africa more integrated with the rest of the world in terms of trade and business, it ultimately impeded growth in terms of politics. Indirect rule led to local leaders being less responsible and accountable, prompting a decline in the coherence and security of many states. This only further fueled the misconceptions and derogatory stereotypes certain people already had over African people, as demonstrated by the stories marketed to children that Chinua Achebe encountered. Outro and Conclusion Overall, The Education of a British-Protected Child is a notable essay that sheds light on the pressing issues many Africans encounter today—racial discrimination and self-identity. Oppression and inequality were prominent at the people’s expense, thereby leading to the creation of works such as this essay which undoubtedly revealed the impact that ignorance and discrimination bring. With the ignorance that has been portrayed in the media about people’s identities and culture, this essay imparts more awareness to readers about the stereotypes that have affected the identity of the people—including the youth. [END OF VIDEO] [March 2024] Script for the Short Speech “The Definition to a Costly Decision” (Performance Task for Trends, Networks, and Critical Thinking) [START SPEECH] Introduction The past has led us to the present, and the present leads us to the future. In a world wherein minuscule events lead to the most groundbreaking changes, there is much to gain yet much to lose in decision-making. We cannot afford to always make poor choices—even the most privileged cannot always be freed from the chains brought on by consequences. We take pride in our democracy. Who would not, when we are free and have our own autonomy as people? However, autonomy brings us no liberty if we deliberately choose what harms us. After all, the fall of one leads to the fall of many in this interconnected society. They say that life is an elaborate gamble, but even gambling requires the victor to put their best foot forward. At the end of the day, if we as a collective society wish for substantial change, we need to spearhead it amongst ourselves. The Issue of Corruption In 2023, the Philippines obtained a 34/100 in the Corruption Perceptions Index, with 0 being the most corrupt and 100 being the cleanest. Realistically, we still have a long way to go before our nation can be called clean—devoid of corruption, devoid of empty promises hidden under the facade of riches. Changing a whole country and its system will take time, but it will inevitably start in choosing the right leaders for it. This means being skeptical and curious as to what a candidate's background is or what their credentials are. Picture the country as a loved one. If they were to fall weak from illness or disaster, would you entrust them to a qualified physician or would you put their life in the hands of a shady stranger clad in all smiles bearing loud promises? In reality, the country has already endured much beyond belief—it would be concerning to believe that the Philippines can endure more hardship than necessary. Everyone, look into the government today. Are they doing their jobs right? Are they defending the country’s sovereignty, the people's rights—the nation as a whole? Or are they shying away from the responsibility they themselves swore to uphold? Leadership is a heavy task, one that is not for the weak. As such, we must choose right and pick for those who are competent, reliable, and trustworthy. We can see this from their backgrounds, from the foundations they have built for themselves. Did they reach their positions because they are good at what they do, or are they simply there because of the last name they bear? Conclusion G. Michael Hopf once wrote, “hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times.” If we allow the weaker links at the top, just how much longer will us Filipinos endure? Our nation has once been called the Sickman of Asia. Still, the malady of our country can be cured with wisdom and open eyes. The more we see, the more we realize. Upon realizing, we reflect and change. [END OF SPEECH] [February 2023] Video Output/Speech Script for Self-Created Philosophical Quote (Performance Task for Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person) [BEGIN, INTRODUCE QUOTE] “The past is a weapon for all to use when the future fails to be foreseeable.” Self-Introduction and Contemplation I am Bianca Dypiangco, the one who philosophized and authored this quote. For eight years, I studied at St. Joseph Academy of Sariaya, Quezon. Before moving to Quezon, I used to reside in Pasay City wherein I spent my formative years studying there and building the foundation for my writing passion. I have been writing fictional works for over a decade now, specifically focusing on short stories, poetry, and as of more recently: novels. Occasionally, I write down my own philosophies and principles—all of which are noticeably integrated in most of my written works. Personally, I came up with this philosophy upon having the realization about the sheer strength that a person’s past holds. Upon further contemplation, I concluded that the past is a powerful weapon that can be used both for good and evil purposes. This depends on who wields the weapon and how they use it; whether to fight for a good cause or be the reason for destruction. In the past, I experienced having people use former mistakes and old habits of mine to slander my character. Likewise, I have used my past experiences as a basis for my decision-making process today, as well as utilizing previous knowledge I have acquired in order to face life’s problems more efficiently. The past holds a great amount of our character, it shapes who we are in the present, just as how the present will soon shape the future. The Past as a Powerful Element Our past encompasses everything that builds who we are as people in the current moment. Everything we have gained and lost from yesterday has impacted us today, whether we realize it or not. One’s old learnings, decisions, and mistakes affect how they think and act today. Those experiences stick with us and are very much capable of following us even to the distant future. In general, given its vastness from our experiences, the past is powerful on its own. All that we are now is the direct result of how we acted, decided, and learned from the pasts both near and distant from today. For example, what we have eaten earlier as breakfast affects how we act in the later part of the day; we could be sluggish because we ate food with little nutritional value, or we could also be energized due to the consumption of healthy and filling food. On a deeper and more elaborate level, our distant past affects us up to now as well, especially those experiences that we consider to be a part of our long-term memory. For instance, around several years ago, you decided to disobey the words of your parents by playing by the sidewalk wherein plenty of vehicles pass by the road next to it. You play around the pavement carelessly, not minding any consequence as you believe that there is more space to play at compared to the cramped bedroom you have. Due to the blatant disregard of your own safety, at some point, you trip by the edge of the pavement and nearly get run over by a passing car. Undoubtedly, such an experience would shock you and potentially even scar you for a while as that event could have led to a horrible accident had you not been any luckier that day. So from then on, you decide to be more careful, putting more value into your safety and heeding the word of trusted elderly since you faced what could have been a fatal consequence to your action. What people go through in the past causes them to act the way they do today. If someone has lived a fairly peaceful life in a safe area, it is more unlikely for them to be excessively paranoid as they generally feel safe enough to not worry about their wellbeing. On the other hand, if you were to raise a person in a perilous situation in an obscure area, they are more likely to be vigilant and untrusting of others due to the dangers they had experienced in their past. The past cultivates what we reap later on in life. A Weapon for the Future The past is complex, and that is what makes it a weapon. Past experiences and situations affect people’s actions later on. A person can easily utilize their forged knowledge to excel in their chosen field. Anyone can develop charisma with a good amount of social skills, and this can be used to create bridges for more connections that are necessary in navigating through life with more support. One can utilize the fortitude they had gained from huge dilemmas of the past to face the new issue with more efficiency. In the right hands, most preferably your own, your past can be used for your growth and making better decisions in order to perform wiser actions. However, the past is a double edged sword as when placed in the wrong hands, it can be used for all the wrong reasons. Even you yourself can cause damage by using your own past to do immoral acts. A Weapon Used by Others or by Oneself When you make a mistake and the wrong sort of person gains access to your fault, they can use that against you. Typically people do such things when they feel threatened, when they feel as if you are an impediment for a scheme they have for the future. This is where the unforeseeable future comes in—when someone feels as though you are an issue for them later on, they can decide to take advantage of past mistakes you have made. An example would be a rival choosing to sabotage your work as they feel more worthy of the prize. Threatened by your skill, they decide to spread old news of a certain fault you have committed long ago in order to divert the support away from you. It is also possible to use your own past against yourself, such as in a situation wherein you bring yourself down and put so much blame and hatred on yourself due to past regrets. On a more positive note, your past can also be used for good purposes in light of the unforeseeable future, as demonstrated by one making a better choice in a scenario full of uncertainty based on previous decision-making experiences. As humans, there is a tendency for us to look back into the past to predict or at the very least, have a form of guidance for the future. Whether or not the past gets used for the common good boils down to who uses it and their motives. Overview and Main Takeaway In conclusion, when tomorrow is full of doubt and a lack of clarity, the past serves as a foundation for our course of action. We use knowledge and experience from yesterday to survive today and face tomorrow with more strength and wisdom. The moment the future appears grim, the past is there for us to wield accordingly. Fortitude we had gained from old hardships ensures that we do not crumble in the face of the great issues of today and tomorrow. While the past can be used to hurt us, we can always use it to fight back our hardships. If we were able to survive events from the past that seemed unthinkable back then, it is enough proof that the future is no different; all hardships end with us making the correct choices. This quote is significant to me as I have realized this in the light of my current issues. I struggle from time to time and whenever I feel as though I am hopeless—I look back to yesterday and realize that I am capable of surviving through everything else that is thrown at me. Throughout the creation and the epiphany I had for this philosophy, I have learned that while the past may be full of untold burdens and distant memories of good old days, it is still of great use for us. While it has passed—that does not mean it is gone for we still use it to reflect, to grow, to decide, and to see how far we have come. The past is a powerful weapon we all have, so we must see to it that we are the wielders of it and the ones using it for our own self-growth. [END OF SPEECH/VIDEO] [January 2023] Script for the Short Video Discussion About the Proposed Communication Model “The Advocate’s Model” (Performance Task for Oral Communication) [BEGIN] Introduction ​ Communication is a key point in human life. Each one of us benefits from it as we navigate through life, especially in school and at work. There are various models that demonstrate the flow of communication from speaker to receiver—all of which show how information is disseminated from person to person. Today, we shall discuss our newly proposed model called The Advocate’s Model. Objectives Now, let us proceed to the discussion proper. Our objectives for this session are as follows: 1.)​ To comprehend the importance of sharing one’s knowledge with other people; 2.)​ To understand messages beyond the surface level in order to apply the values learned in real life and; 3.)​ To fully grasp the value of thinking critically and encourage an elaborate interpretation process. The Advocate’s Model To begin, The Advocate’s Model is non-linear. It does not follow a straight or 1D pattern the way models like Aristotle’s Model and Lasswell’s Model do. It is a cycle because we believe that communication is a never ending process leaving numerous effects on the minds of humans every single day. After all, a day without communication is not complete. Communication is a cycle, everyone eventually becomes a speaker just as everyone can become a listener. There are five elements in The Advocate’s Model, namely the four basic elements such as the speaker, message, medium, and the listener or receiver. The final element is the effect from interpretation, which is the highlighted element of this model. The Five Elements In order to elaborate, the speaker is the communicator. They initiate the conversation, essentially kickstarting the process. A speaker can be anyone from a teacher, a public speaker, a preacher, or anyone with a message or possibly even a cause they promote. While not everyone realizes this, we’ve all become the speaker at some point in our lives, delivering an idea to other people. With the speaker, there will inevitably be a message. The message is the content or learnings to be imparted to an audience. This is very crucial in communication, for even the most minimal gestures have a message. A small nod can mean a meek yes or a demonstration of understanding, a frown can signify disappointment, and even quickly diverting your gaze to one direction after looking at someone you know can signify pointing something out for that person. In this model, a message is deemed as the foundation for a listener’s potential advocacy later on. However, do note that a medium is always necessary. Mediums vary from situation to situation, but to put it into a more relatable perspective, one can picture a communication medium to be the bridge for the speaker to easily deliver their message to the target listener. Examples include email, videos, texts, infographics, posters, and many others. Anything that helps in delivering the message from speaker to listener is a medium. Now, we have the listener. The listener, also called a receiver, receives the idea or concept sent by the speaker. To effectively listen is to pay close attention and pick up necessary details derived from the message. Listeners react and interpret messages based on their perspectives. Views vary between each person, not everyone will hold the same beliefs nor will everyone react and think of a message in the same way. A listener can be anyone, but a common example would be a student listening to their teacher during a lesson or to a public speaker at a school event. The final core element of The Advocate’s Model is the effect from interpretation. This refers to the result of the receiver’s understanding or perception about the message. It is how the message affects them based on how they understand it. Learning, reflecting, and interpreting a message previously received can easily urge a listener to be a speaker to someone else about the message. For example, a listener has heard a moving speech from a motivational speaker about working diligently. Due to the powerful message brought by the speaker, the listener is then left to learn the importance of hard work and patience. The listener reflects on the new learnings, and they interpret the message as diligence being the key point of succeeding. They then apply the new knowledge by revising old habits of procrastination, and they soon share their learnings and experiences to others, promoting or effectively advocating the importance of consistently putting effort. Likewise, they inspire other people to follow a similar path, so the cycle just continues. Conclusion This model is considered as The Advocate’s Model because to be an advocate means to defend and promote a cause. To be enlightened is the effect of an interpretation. In a broader view, the listener gains a learning from a speaker, and in turn, they may speak about their own perception of the message and promote that specific idea they have taken. With that, it is a never-ending cycle of learning and sharing. After all, to be an advocate is to stand up for what is right. May your next communication experience be fruitful, and may you learn more so that you may share more positivity to the world. [END OF VIDEO] [September 2022] Video Output Script and Outline for a Participant Observation (Performance Task for Disciplines in the Social Sciences) [BEGIN, DISCUSS DETAILS] I.​ AREA This covert observation took place at Valderas Street, Barangay 2 of Sariaya, Quezon. II.​ TIME OF OBSERVATION The observation was conducted on September 24, 2022 (Saturday) within the time frame of 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. III.​ OBSERVATION PROPER 1.​ What was observed from the participants? A.​ What are their common mannerisms? As observed from the participants, they tend to be casual towards one another, there is barely any formality practiced between peers. The people walk at a slower pace as they converse with each other. Based on their movements, the participants move lightly as they walk along, an air of familiarity clearly established. As the passersby go from one location to another, a number of topics get brought up as they speak, typically ranging from small talk to lighthearted stories with friends. With some of the younger participants, they have the tendency to remain in sight of their elders, either at a very near distance from them or holding onto them. Likewise, the adult participants accompanied the children carefully and it was seen how when there were vehicles passing by, the adults would interchange positions with the children to ensure that they were out of the way. Looking at some of the workers from the nearby establishments, they demonstrate having close ties with one another as they speak casually with each other. Proper formalities are still used for older participants and the usage of “po” and “opo” can be heard, but aside from the expected respect to be offered, the people were friendly with one another. For the workers, there was no issue in being able to move around freely during vacant periods, such as when there were no customers in their respective establishments. Strictness did not seem to be heavily enforced during the daytime as workers were able to exit and chat freely as they watched over their workplace. Among the youth conversing, they act relaxed while they are together, joints free from tension and their walking pace brisk except for occasions when they would slow down to hear what one peer was sharing. Overall, people appeared comfortable and any sign of unease or anxiousness was undetectable. B.​ How do they communicate? Generally, the participants communicate with each other informally. There are no complicated words utilized in the communication process and among individuals who likely do not know one another well, responses are polite and brief. With individuals who do know each other, the communication process is more fluid and free of heavy formalities unless between a younger person and an older individual. Friends tend to talk to each other with humorous undertones. Slang was used and popular terminologies from the mass media were observable in the conversations between younger friend groups passing by. The similar case could be heard from adults; they use less slang words but they utilize colloquialisms from time to time. Similar to the youth, they approach each other without issue or hesitation. Formal language and lengthy sentence structures were not observed even in conversations between colleagues and strangers. Whenever someone would ask a certain person (“Saan po kaya ito?” or “Where can I find this?”), the participants were generally helpful and provided short responses (“Daan lang po kayo sa may kaliwa, tapos diretso na kayo, makikita niyo rin po.” or “Just cross to the left and go straight ahead, you will eventually see it.”) to the queries. Between parents and their children, parents would speak to their children with straightforward messages and the children would typically respond after a short period of assessing their response. There is a sense of authority from the parents as required, but the nature of their communication with their children are not distant nor forced as they ask relevant questions to their children (“Anong ginawa niyo sa school kahapon?” or “What did you do in school yesterday?”) and share information about where they ought to go next (“Dadaan lang tayo ng grocery, uuwi na rin tayo-” or “We will only go to the grocery, then we’ll go home-”). In the setting of the observation, people communicated with each other without estrangement or tension. The participants were not overly friendly, but they were civil and respectful in their communication with other individuals. C.​ Are there observable or noteworthy actions that you have observed? Noteworthy actions from the participants were composed of the helpful actions performed to assist other people. There had been an instance in the observation wherein a child (presumably unaccompanied by any adult given how he was alone for most of the time he was walking) was closely watched by two women. They warned the boy to stay on the side of the path as vehicles were continuously crossing. Eventually, they tailed behind the boy and ensured that he would be able to cross another street safely. Another observable action had been the aforementioned assistance of a man to another man who was previously confused about the direction to a specific landmark. He gave concise directions to the man without confusing him, which the latter thanked him for soon after. Lastly, people would generally let children and women stay on the sidewalk furthest from moving vehicles. They would carefully usher them away from the passing cars or tricycles, making sure that they were at a safer distance from any potential accident. 2. What is the role being played by society that affects the participants’ behavior? This society can be classified as Gemeinschaft based on the observable behavior from the community. There is a common understanding among the participants based on their respectful and unaggressive treatment of one another. Gemeinschaft is defined as a social relationship involving kinship and reciprocation of sentiments with one another—a kind of society that is reflected in the actions of the participants in the society. To elaborate, among the noteworthy actions was the man providing directions to the confused stranger. The act in itself is helpful, which is a defining trait in a Gemeinschaft type of society. Additionally, the stranger did not approach the man with disrespect or aggression and he did not become overly reliant towards the man who helped him. He could have acted frantic and desperate for help, potentially disregarding the other man’s personal time and matters. However, he did not do so, since he did not display excessive reliance on the other man and he respected the latter’s personal space. Another example demonstrating the Gemeinschaft type of society was the two women helping the young boy. They did not overstep their boundaries in assisting the young boy as he walked to his target location, as seen by the way they simply warned the boy and watched over him from a reasonable distance until he crossed the roads safely. Generally, the close ties and the supportiveness of the community was shown with the communication of the participants among each other. In a Gesellschaft type of society, people tend to be less welcoming as relations are impersonal and there is a lack of a common understanding among its members. Due to the participants displaying reciprocal respect and concern for others in the society without causing excessive dependence, the community can be classified as Gemeinschaft. 3. From the two types of cultures, what are the examples seen from the observation? The two types of culture are the occidental or western culture and the oriental or eastern culture. I find that the culture the society in the observation shows is the oriental culture since in that classification, the social structure tends to have closer ties and an observable hierarchy. This is opposed to the occidental culture wherein there is a greater emphasis on individualism. Tradition is practiced more closely in eastern cultures compared to western cultures in which people often demonstrate liberalism. An example of the hierarchy in the observation that closely follows oriental culture is the diligent usage of honorifics. While it is common in the occidental culture to refer to people by their names alone, people in societies following oriental culture typically add an honorific before a person’s name to show respect. In the observation wherein colleagues were conversing, there was one employee who referred to her co-worker with the honorific “kuya”, which is used for older brothers or any older man that a person has close ties to. In the occidental culture, co-workers (especially ones who are already friends with each other) would typically refer to each other by their first names alone. Additionally, the usage of nicknames is more common in the oriental culture, which is seen in the observation when the aforementioned employee referred to a colleague with the honorific and the shortened version of the man’s name. Nicknames are not as common among co-workers in western cultures, with the sole exception being with colleagues who are already good friends. The second example displaying the society’s oriental culture is the open respect and obedience towards the elders and members of the family. In the observation, there was a child who had wanted to visit a friend’s house before they would return home from the grocery store. The mother disagreed on doing so because the child’s grandparents were at home, waiting for them to return early. Evidently, the child wanted to insist, but she eventually complied out of respect for her mother and her grandparents. Family ties are put at the top in the oriental culture. This drifts away from the open preference for individualistic choices in the occidental culture. Lastly, people are observably more blunt with their ideas and their communication with other people in western cultures. Certain sensitive topics may be deemed as taboo in eastern culture, thus, people refrain from making such discussions out in the open. For instance, in the observation, there had been two men crossing the street and talking to each other as they went along. One of them brought up serious matters he was facing in the college he attended, primarily of the disorganized schedule and the lack of concern from certain professors. He spoke in a more hushed tone, perceptible, but hard to understand unless one would listen in more closely. He eventually brushed it off and told his friend, “Pag-usapan na lang natin mamaya, baka may makarinig.” (“Let’s just talk about this later, someone might hear me.”) People in the occidental culture are more likely to express their emotions and thoughts. When they are upset regarding a specific situation, they are more open to expressing their distaste to whom it may concern. In the oriental culture however, people tend to hold back their thoughts to display self-discipline and respect since for many individuals, it is believed that voicing out opinions can lead to repercussions. Again, due to the hierarchical nature of the oriental culture, people are unlikely to go against those whom they acknowledge as superior in terms of age, social status, and other related factors. To conclude, the society in the observation is seen to possess the traits of oriental culture wherein close ties, values towards seniors (in terms of both age and status), and decision-making taking into consideration the views of other people are apparent. [END OF VIDEO]