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Belle Mariano, proud Filipina Asian Star winner at Seoul Drama Awards

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Belle Mariano, proud Filipina Asian Star winner at Seoul Drama Awards

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Why Mahsa Amini’s story matters: Mahsa Amini’s death could be the spark that ignites Iran around women’s rights

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Why Mahsa Amini’s story matters: Mahsa Amini’s death could be the spark that ignites Iran around women’s rights

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1. After Mariano’s achievement, did this remarkable event emerge a feeling of nationalism in you? Why or why not?

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After Mariano’s achievement, this remarkable event emerged a feeling of nationalism in me.

Reading about this news made me realize that our country and its people are making history again. Given that the Seoul International Drama Awards is the most significant international drama award show based in South Korea that recognizes TV drama productions and actresses globally, a Filipina actress being the lone and first-ever Filipina recipient of the Outstanding Asian Star Award is a matter that we should be proud of.

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Please do remember that it is a requirement of PolGov to answer ONE of the three questions given by the Balitaan group. Thank you!

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Though we are not Iranian and do not experience the same compulsory hijab laws these women do, the police brutality and abuse of power they are victims of is a language we know all too well. Do you think people in higher positions of power, government-related or not, can exercise such authority on those lower than them? Why or why not?

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Lawmaker raises concern on eased mask mandate outdoors as Christmas celebrations near

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Lawmaker raises concern on eased mask mandate outdoors as Christmas celebrations near

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As a concerned citizen of the Philippines, Do you support the liberalization of the mask mandate in the Philippines, especially during Christmas Season? Why or why not?

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Personally, I do not support the liberalization of the mask mandate as the health of the citizen in our country will be at risk. Even if the impact of COVID isn’t as strong as it was before, it is still important to wear masks to keep those susceptible to diseases safe. Additionally, even if we don’t come across it as much as we used to, it still does exist. As per Filipino tradition, big gatherings are what usually take place during the Christmas season, and since we are slowly going to the new normal, these gatherings are most likely to happen. With that in mind, masks will be very important because a lot of close contact and conversations will happen.

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I think that as Filipinos, we are all aware of how much damage the abuse of authority can do to a person and country. With the recent 50th anniversary for the Declaration of Martial Law, we are reminded once again of just how unfair and unjust people in positions of power can be when they let their position get to their heads to the point of abusing those below them. I do not believe in such practices, especially as someone who is in a position of power as Class President, and as someone who is related to people in positions of power in local government. I think that to abuse one’s power and authority is not a testament to how rebellious your “followers” are but of how you, as a leader, have not earned the respect that comes with the position. It is heinous the amount of people, especially in government, who believe that leading through fear and intimidation is the key to proper leadership when all this does is create a hostile and passive aggressive relationship between the community that will eventually coalesce the masses into protest against you.

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I still do not support the liberalization of the mask mandate just yet. As the country's COVID-19 cases are still rising, we must properly wear masks and take precautionary measures to keep ourselves and those around us safe.

Especially with the Christmas season approaching, the classic Filipino salu-salos will be held by numerous families across the country. As the country enters the new normal, some of us may forget the gravity of the situation that calls us to take necessary safety procedures. If we do participate in these celebrations, we must still be cautious by wearing masks as a way to stop the further spread of the virus.

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This event gave me a feeling of nationalism since I was proud to see a Filipino recognized for their talent and hard work. It made me feel hopeful that even more Filipinos can be represented in film internationally and given more opportunities aside from only stereotypical or minor roles. I felt nationalism because it shows that our culture and people are important and valued in the world.

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I do not support the liberalization of the mask mandate in the Philippines because despite the decreasing impact of COVID-19 in our country, it is still important that we take the proper health protocols, such as wearing masks, to ensure the safety of us citizens. It is especially important to do so as the Christmas season begins as there are bound to be large gatherings between family and friends. Along with this, the recent arrival of Monkeypox in our country is only more reason to keep wearing masks.

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Personally, I believe it is too soon to ask the Filipino people to liberate the mask mandate, especially during a time of big gatherings and the chance of no proper social distancing. COVID-19 is still a big threat to the country, as well as the recent Monkeypox. I believe that with Filipino’s tendency to eat together during the Christmas season, making masks a requirement can help lessen any germs spreading between close contact areas. Let us continue to be careful and safe, and encourage others to get vaccinated.

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I strongly think that people with authority should still exercise equality to others. Their purpose for being leaders is to serve and help others, not to be arrogant and order people around unjustly. People with power is encouraged to help work with their fellow peers, the very individuals they are serving. It is not a bragging right to be a leader, but is a responsibility to act for the good of all. Having the ability to lead and help others should not be taken for granted, and should also not be abused and be brought to bad light when used improperly.

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After witnessing Belle Mariano's achievement, I felt a spark of nationalism emerge within me. As someone who has been watching multiple shows and movies, one thing that I realized is that the best known actors and actresses are mostly people from America Korea. I can recall the joy that I would feel while watching these films. After hearing the news on Mariano's award and recognition in a different country, this made me realize that there are people, out of the Philippines, who appreciate our masterpieces and talents. I felt an intense amount of joy, because I am proud to say that our content and culture is being appreciated and recognized, outside of our little circle. This event has given me hope that this will not be the last time of our country being represented and recognized, for more of these are yet to arrive.

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I personally do not support the liberalization of the mask mandate in the Philippines, as our country is still struggling with the ongoing pandemic. The number of COVID-19 cases in our country are still rising, and will continue to do so during the next few months due to the large public gatherings that come with the Christmas season. Liberalizing the mask mandate in the Philippines will put more people at risk of COVID-19 infection, or infection from other diseases that are rising within the community. I think that the Philippines should focus on lowering the number of COVID cases before liberalizing the mask mandate in order to ensure the safety of the Filipino people.

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In my opinion, the mask mandate should not be eased just yet - especially with the approaching holiday season wherein it is expected that more Filipinos will be socializing and interaction will be at its peak. In addition to this, I believe that the government has not established proper regulations in response to the increase of risk that people will experience with this law.

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I do not agree with lifting and/or easing the mask mandate since the Philippines continues to struggle in its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. We can expect to see mass gatherings this holiday season, and by lifting the mask mandate, more people will be exposed to the risk of COVID-19. Seeing what happened last year, cases skyrocketed even with the mask mandate; we should take the precautions and maintain whatever protocols we already have.

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With the state of our country right now, I believe that masks must still be mandatory and worn outdoors. Considering that our country is still concerned and uncertain as to what will happen in the following months and years, I do not think that it is wise to officially announce the liberalization of masks. Especially now that it is Christmas season, families once again gather after a long period of time, which may cause another spread of a virus or even a new variant when we’re not careful. Once our country is safe and stable enough, I then can confidently agree to not wear masks anymore. Even so, everyone must be patient and see what will happen. There is no need to rush.

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I do not support the liberalization of the mask mandate. As COVID-19 continues to exist in our country, I do not think it is practical to say that we are a country that can finally remove its masks. It is too soon to say that because COVID-19 is still a big threat to our country. As the Christmas season arrives, there will be a lot of people that will be gathering everywhere. The health and safety of Filipinos are important as they must continue implementing the health guidelines and use face masks as protection. All in all, If the country is stable enough to keep the country free from the virus, then I will confidently support the mask mandate. I believe it is a dangerous decision to mandate the use of masks in the country, especially during the Christmas season because as a country, we have not progressed from our cases and we must find solutions to our problems instead of creating new problems for ourselves.

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Mariano winning an event that was nationally-acknowledged in a country other than the Philippines sheds a spotlight on the up-and-coming talent of the next-generation Filipino. Though the Philippines has been represented internationally several times, one cannot help but feel the Pinoy pride whenever a Filipino is rightfully recognized for their groundbreaking talent. I find that it is because as Filipinos, we cannot help but be at awe of our kababayan however, this is further validated when it is an award provided by someone outside of our sphere. With that, it has inspired me as well to root for our fellow Filipinos in all aspects, awaiting for their chance to be in the spotlight.

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After hearing of Mariano's win, I felt overjoyed at the recognition a fellow countryman received on an international scale. I felt relieved as well to hear good news about our country amidst the bad news about our government and natural disasters.