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12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country
The POWER of "little things"
Can we change our community by improving on the "little things"?
Malcolm Gladwell says yes.
In his book "The Tipping Point," Gladwell cited the high rate of criminality in new York City from 1960s to 1990s. At that time, new York was already the finance capital of the world. But during that period, around 650,000 serious crimes and murders were committed yearly in that city. No one could solve the problem.
Then 2 police consultants experimented on making improvement in new York City's subway train system, used by almost 7% of New Yorkers, but where conditions then were horrible. The waiting platforms were poorly lit and damp, while the walls were covered with all kinds of graffiti. The trains themselves were filthy, the floors littered with trash, and were often late.
First, they removed all the graffiti, and painted clean the platforms and the trains/ Then they posted plain-clothes policeman in all stations to arrest those who did not pay train tokens. In a few years, criminality in New York City declined sharply by 65%. Two little things-removal of graffiti and presence of policemen. By they changed the culture and the face of New York.
Gladwell says "do not underestimate the power of little things." they can spur a revolution.
If "little things"can change a city, they can change a country.
"Life is made up of little things. Greatness follows if we learn to be great in little things," says Charles Simmons.
Because of his book, Gladwell has been cited as one of the World's 100 Influential people by TIME Magazine this year. And his book is changing the mindsets of people around the world.
Can we change our community by improving on the "little things"?
Malcolm Gladwell says yes.
In his book "The Tipping Point," Gladwell cited the high rate of criminality in new York City from 1960s to 1990s. At that time, new York was already the finance capital of the world. But during that period, around 650,000 serious crimes and murders were committed yearly in that city. No one could solve the problem.
Then 2 police consultants experimented on making improvement in new York City's subway train system, used by almost 7% of New Yorkers, but where conditions then were horrible. The waiting platforms were poorly lit and damp, while the walls were covered with all kinds of graffiti. The trains themselves were filthy, the floors littered with trash, and were often late.
First, they removed all the graffiti, and painted clean the platforms and the trains/ Then they posted plain-clothes policeman in all stations to arrest those who did not pay train tokens. In a few years, criminality in New York City declined sharply by 65%. Two little things-removal of graffiti and presence of policemen. By they changed the culture and the face of New York.
Gladwell says "do not underestimate the power of little things." they can spur a revolution.
If "little things"can change a city, they can change a country.
"Life is made up of little things. Greatness follows if we learn to be great in little things," says Charles Simmons.
Because of his book, Gladwell has been cited as one of the World's 100 Influential people by TIME Magazine this year. And his book is changing the mindsets of people around the world.
- GenresInspirational
103 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
96 people are currently reading
1218 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 7, 2011
There are many ways to change, from simple to more complicated. Since then, Filipinos are aware of the bad changes and results that are happening to the society and many attempts to change it. From local radio station, television, newspapers, programs, you can hear or read the volunteers speaking of changes. And now, a Filipino lawyer, author, lecturer, philanthropist and politician is trying to change again Filipinos by discarding bad habits and trying to instill new ways to change the country into a better and peaceful place.
The streets in Manila become the medium of pathogenic bacteria that causes viral diseases not only that, streets become the public toilet, canvass and houses of wild animals including human. Hundreds of programs and organizations are trying to change the bad habits by implementing rules and regulations that can manifest changes. Unfortunately, people never change from the beginning, they just continue destroying things and they did not realize that they also waste a lot of money that can also help improve the country.
Filipinos only lacks respect, as it mentioned in the book:
How can you manage to respect others if they do not respect you at first place? One of the best examples is the argument between a jeepney driver and a traffic officer. From the start, as most of the Filipinos know that jeepney drivers or most of the drivers are violating traffic regulations and that increases traffic and as well as accidents causing death of innocent people. And if the traffic officer is trying to approach them, they will only tell lies and argue with the officer trying to deceive them because of the penalties. Traffic officers or enforcers also have some issues regarding the penalties and being corrupt.
The book manage to discuss minor issues in the Philippines and some tasks that we usually done every day and change it into something positive and trying to change negative habits to more approachable and helpful ones. This little yellow book, published by a Filipino trying to change the country and being fan of Malcolm Gladwell, approach readers into reality and how powerful a little things can change the country.
The change must start to us. These small things can change not only yourself but also the country that is waiting for 300 years to change and never succeed. As a Filipino, I think God given us thousands or maybe millions of chances to change but until now, we still hoping for something big to happen. Not to mention, big things starts in little million pieces. We always expect that the government will help us to change, will help us improve, but we must consider that we, as the citizen of the country, must also change.
One thing that manages my attention was the language used in the book mentioned from a local reviewer and I think she was right. If the book only written in Tagalog or Filipino, this will make more appealing and stunning to local readers but because of this English or being a bilingual country we usually underestimate the power of our language. So far, it was a good read and too preachy.
Review posted on Old-Fashioned Reader .
Rating: 12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country by Alexander L. Lacson , 2 Sweets
Challenges:
Book #214 for 2011
Book #1 for Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa Contest
The streets in Manila become the medium of pathogenic bacteria that causes viral diseases not only that, streets become the public toilet, canvass and houses of wild animals including human. Hundreds of programs and organizations are trying to change the bad habits by implementing rules and regulations that can manifest changes. Unfortunately, people never change from the beginning, they just continue destroying things and they did not realize that they also waste a lot of money that can also help improve the country.
Filipinos only lacks respect, as it mentioned in the book:
In Psychology, experts agree that respect is one of the most basic needs of man. Every man wants and desires to be respected. Every man wants to be recognized. Every man desires to be values and honored.
How can you manage to respect others if they do not respect you at first place? One of the best examples is the argument between a jeepney driver and a traffic officer. From the start, as most of the Filipinos know that jeepney drivers or most of the drivers are violating traffic regulations and that increases traffic and as well as accidents causing death of innocent people. And if the traffic officer is trying to approach them, they will only tell lies and argue with the officer trying to deceive them because of the penalties. Traffic officers or enforcers also have some issues regarding the penalties and being corrupt.
The book manage to discuss minor issues in the Philippines and some tasks that we usually done every day and change it into something positive and trying to change negative habits to more approachable and helpful ones. This little yellow book, published by a Filipino trying to change the country and being fan of Malcolm Gladwell, approach readers into reality and how powerful a little things can change the country.
The change must start to us. These small things can change not only yourself but also the country that is waiting for 300 years to change and never succeed. As a Filipino, I think God given us thousands or maybe millions of chances to change but until now, we still hoping for something big to happen. Not to mention, big things starts in little million pieces. We always expect that the government will help us to change, will help us improve, but we must consider that we, as the citizen of the country, must also change.
One thing that manages my attention was the language used in the book mentioned from a local reviewer and I think she was right. If the book only written in Tagalog or Filipino, this will make more appealing and stunning to local readers but because of this English or being a bilingual country we usually underestimate the power of our language. So far, it was a good read and too preachy.
One of the longest zip lines in the Philippines found in South Cotabato, where I lived for 16 executive years preserving nature and being nature friendly province in the south. I can't wait to ride the zip line again this coming December.
Review posted on Old-Fashioned Reader .
Rating: 12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country by Alexander L. Lacson , 2 Sweets
Challenges:
Book #214 for 2011
Book #1 for Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa Contest
November 12, 2012
A masterpiece.
This [book] is one of the true definitions of a masterpiece. It doesn't need to be as intriguing and beautiful as the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci or as breathtaking as The Pieta by Michelangelo to be considered as a masterpiece. It doesn't need to be as successful as the Harry Potter series that'll plunge you into another world of wizards and witches to be considered as a masterpiece.
It is a masterpiece in its own way.
A masterpiece, in my humble opinion, is a work of art that helps you in some ways, like for your own future or for your own attitude like How to Win Friends and Influence People.
My friend, this is a masterpiece for it tells something to us Filipinos. It teaches us the things we shall do to help our country in simple ways. Just like a saying goes "Ako ang simula!" (Everything starts with ourselves!)
I love this book for it helps to awaken Filipinos' spirits. The 12 little things this book contains will really help our beloved country! Just by the easy and simple acts stated in this like following traffic rules and asking for a receipt, we can make a change!
Every Filipino in the Philippines should read this. It'll wake Filipinos' patriotism and nationalism and prove to the world that we are not just simple, disrespectful, corrupt and many other criticisms from other people.
I kept pondering over myself, what if we can bring back the economy of the Philippines around 1940s or 50s? What if Ferdinand Marcos wasn't a dictator and was a good hearted leader and didn't introduce corruption to the Philippines? But no matter how much I ponder, we can't take back the past Philippines. Since we can't change the past, we should focus on the present and future by starting to mend the problems the past caused.
This is a great help and I suggest every Filipino should read this. If every Filipino will do what this book taught, I am very positive our country will progress.
I thank Mr. Alexander L. Lacson with all my heart for writing this book. With this book, he showed his patriotism and nationalism to the Philippines and he has a very admirable goal- to teach many other Filipinos about the things they can do to our country. And we should also be like Mr. Alexander.
Stand up Pinoy! We are better than where we are standing right now. Let us all show to the world the greatness of the Filipinos!
MABUHAY ANG PILIPINAS! (LONG LIVE THE PHILIPPINES!)
This [book] is one of the true definitions of a masterpiece. It doesn't need to be as intriguing and beautiful as the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci or as breathtaking as The Pieta by Michelangelo to be considered as a masterpiece. It doesn't need to be as successful as the Harry Potter series that'll plunge you into another world of wizards and witches to be considered as a masterpiece.
It is a masterpiece in its own way.
A masterpiece, in my humble opinion, is a work of art that helps you in some ways, like for your own future or for your own attitude like How to Win Friends and Influence People.
My friend, this is a masterpiece for it tells something to us Filipinos. It teaches us the things we shall do to help our country in simple ways. Just like a saying goes "Ako ang simula!" (Everything starts with ourselves!)
I love this book for it helps to awaken Filipinos' spirits. The 12 little things this book contains will really help our beloved country! Just by the easy and simple acts stated in this like following traffic rules and asking for a receipt, we can make a change!
Every Filipino in the Philippines should read this. It'll wake Filipinos' patriotism and nationalism and prove to the world that we are not just simple, disrespectful, corrupt and many other criticisms from other people.
I kept pondering over myself, what if we can bring back the economy of the Philippines around 1940s or 50s? What if Ferdinand Marcos wasn't a dictator and was a good hearted leader and didn't introduce corruption to the Philippines? But no matter how much I ponder, we can't take back the past Philippines. Since we can't change the past, we should focus on the present and future by starting to mend the problems the past caused.
This is a great help and I suggest every Filipino should read this. If every Filipino will do what this book taught, I am very positive our country will progress.
I thank Mr. Alexander L. Lacson with all my heart for writing this book. With this book, he showed his patriotism and nationalism to the Philippines and he has a very admirable goal- to teach many other Filipinos about the things they can do to our country. And we should also be like Mr. Alexander.
Stand up Pinoy! We are better than where we are standing right now. Let us all show to the world the greatness of the Filipinos!
MABUHAY ANG PILIPINAS! (LONG LIVE THE PHILIPPINES!)
April 26, 2014
Oftentimes we say that we are just one citizen and we cannot do anything about the problems of the country. Wrong. This book tells us Filipinos that there are twelve little things that we can do for our country.
This little book was written by a lawyer in 2005 with the aim of having as many Filipinos read this so the language is simple and feels like written by a bright elementary or high school student. I agree with some of my friends who thought that this could have been more effective if written in Tagalog so it could reach more Filipinos especially those who shun away from English particularly if it is in a book form, however little (un-daunting) it may be.
The author became popular after this book's released in 2005 so he was invited by President Benigno Aquino to run in the 2010 senatorial election under the his political party. Lacson lost. The little voice in a little book failed to make even a dent in the corrupt machinery of the political dynasties in my country.
Many reviews have been written about this book. Check the ones here on Goodreads and you will not find anything that argues any of the twelve little things. Why? Because they are true. Each makes sense. Sometimes, you will even feel that Lacson was just stating the obvious. But hey, at least there was somebody who tried to articulate the obvious because my obvious may not be your obvious too.
Rather, the question that probably comes in the reader's mind when he/she reads this is: Do I follow these 12 little things? Let me see:
Remember these are little. What more if the big ones? Wait, Alex Lacson, do you have the big ones?
This little book was written by a lawyer in 2005 with the aim of having as many Filipinos read this so the language is simple and feels like written by a bright elementary or high school student. I agree with some of my friends who thought that this could have been more effective if written in Tagalog so it could reach more Filipinos especially those who shun away from English particularly if it is in a book form, however little (un-daunting) it may be.
The author became popular after this book's released in 2005 so he was invited by President Benigno Aquino to run in the 2010 senatorial election under the his political party. Lacson lost. The little voice in a little book failed to make even a dent in the corrupt machinery of the political dynasties in my country.
Many reviews have been written about this book. Check the ones here on Goodreads and you will not find anything that argues any of the twelve little things. Why? Because they are true. Each makes sense. Sometimes, you will even feel that Lacson was just stating the obvious. But hey, at least there was somebody who tried to articulate the obvious because my obvious may not be your obvious too.
Rather, the question that probably comes in the reader's mind when he/she reads this is: Do I follow these 12 little things? Let me see:
1. Follow traffic rules. - I do but not when it does not make sense like it is midnight and it is just a small intersection like the one in West and Baler and I can't see the reason why it has a stop light and so when no one is there except me I just beat the hell of the red light. Why should I waste my precious time for it to turn green. It's crazy!See? I don't regularly practice half of them. So, those who reviewed this book especially those who said they don't like this (preachy, in English, simple language, etc), are you following these 12 little things?
2. Ask for an official receipt. - If it is your officemate who is selling cakes or pastries, you don't do this because he does not even have his business registered in the first place. BTW, does the cash register receipt acceptable here?
3. Don't buy smuggled goods. - I buy pirated BluRay DVD's because they are a lot cheaper and the quality is good and they have subtitles and they come out right away once the movie has started its commercial run. Unlike the original DVD's. Tsk. Tsk.
4. Talk positively about our country. - I do this! CHECKED.
5. Respect your traffic officer. - I am not a perennial traffic violator so on those times that I got apprehended by a traffic officer? I thought I was in the right like I did not notice the inconspicuous no left turn in some kind of large intersection. So my reasons normally are acceptable so God have mercy on me, I just cannot accept the fact that I am being apprehended. So I argue and I normally win haha.
6. Do not litter. - I do this! CHECKED.
7. Support your church. - Which church? The one nearest to our house? It is located in the middle of shanties and there is a very small carpark and when you attend mass, you have to go out once in a while to check if you still have your side mirrors or all the four wheels are still there.
8. Vote. - Not during barangay elections when I don't even know who are those candidates! Or I sometimes skip some positions blanks because all the candidates are either not qualified or worse, are even crooks.
9. Pay your employees well. - Our katulong is happy with us.
10. Pay your taxes. - Automatic deduction - CHECKED!
11. Adopt a scholar or a poor child. - Worldvision and Unicef automatic deductions - CHECKED!
12. Be a good parent. - I always try to be - CHECKED! (Modesty aside)
Remember these are little. What more if the big ones? Wait, Alex Lacson, do you have the big ones?
August 6, 2011
Quoting Late President JFK, ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.
That statement may have been uttered by an American President but nonetheless applicable to any citizen who really loves his motherland. During the recent Presidential campaign for President Noynoy, this book reminded me how I a lone Filipino can still make a difference however small.
The important thing to remember is that you can, if you want.
Pay it forward, Filipino.
That statement may have been uttered by an American President but nonetheless applicable to any citizen who really loves his motherland. During the recent Presidential campaign for President Noynoy, this book reminded me how I a lone Filipino can still make a difference however small.
The important thing to remember is that you can, if you want.
Pay it forward, Filipino.
June 24, 2011
This is a very good book. It should be read by every Filipino...That's what I suggest.
The exposition tells 12 things that should be done to help our country rise up from obscurity. The 12 things are actually simple things that we usually overtook, and by doing so, we miss some step on the ladder that hinders us to reach a monumental change.
That’s why; I think Alexander L. Lacson had written the book. He wanted to instill in us the simple social acts: following traffic rules, asking for OR, avoiding to buy smuggled goods…and what values lies beneath it. He wanted to awake the sense of patriotism inside us, and work with it in every possible way, to make a better person and a better nation.
I wish the book would ship shape my life. It sure change some of my perspective(and I don't expect it)but I'm not sure if I can live with it as my guiding principle. The 12 things Mr. Lacson wanted to implement is not as easy as it looks like, but I will try. Do my best too.
Maybe I am lacking of the "leadership material"-that's the reason why I have no faith that I am capable of national discipline, and as of now I will try to revolutionize that sinistral attitude. And you can't know, someday you'll see me in the street shouting like Salenga (Not the WORLD-IS-FLAT-LOOK-AT-THE-TANGENTS LIKE.)
FOR ALL THE FILIPINOS OuT THERE: HEY, WE CAN MAKE A CHANGE!
The exposition tells 12 things that should be done to help our country rise up from obscurity. The 12 things are actually simple things that we usually overtook, and by doing so, we miss some step on the ladder that hinders us to reach a monumental change.
That’s why; I think Alexander L. Lacson had written the book. He wanted to instill in us the simple social acts: following traffic rules, asking for OR, avoiding to buy smuggled goods…and what values lies beneath it. He wanted to awake the sense of patriotism inside us, and work with it in every possible way, to make a better person and a better nation.
I wish the book would ship shape my life. It sure change some of my perspective(and I don't expect it)but I'm not sure if I can live with it as my guiding principle. The 12 things Mr. Lacson wanted to implement is not as easy as it looks like, but I will try. Do my best too.
Maybe I am lacking of the "leadership material"-that's the reason why I have no faith that I am capable of national discipline, and as of now I will try to revolutionize that sinistral attitude. And you can't know, someday you'll see me in the street shouting like Salenga (Not the WORLD-IS-FLAT-LOOK-AT-THE-TANGENTS LIKE.)
FOR ALL THE FILIPINOS OuT THERE: HEY, WE CAN MAKE A CHANGE!
May 27, 2012
It served as a real eye opener for me. It urged me to make a step towards the right path that we Filipinos should take if we want to live in a great country. I'm not saying that the Philippines is a bad place to live in. I'm merely implying that we could live a better life if these small habits were corrected.
The things listed in this book seems so insignificant but once you read the reasons why they are important, you would take a double look at yourself and ask yourself and others if they have been good citizens.
It not only applies to our country alone. It could be used by the others abroad who are looking for improvements for their society. It could serve as a guide to finally correct our wrong doings and to stand up for what is right and what should have been a very prosperous and successful country. We Filipinos have been neglecting our duties and responsibilities for our country because instead of doing something to correct the problems, we merely stood by and watch as our country deteriorates.
This is our time to redeem ourselves. Let us make sure that this second chance is something that our ancestors could be proud of...
MABUHAY!
The things listed in this book seems so insignificant but once you read the reasons why they are important, you would take a double look at yourself and ask yourself and others if they have been good citizens.
It not only applies to our country alone. It could be used by the others abroad who are looking for improvements for their society. It could serve as a guide to finally correct our wrong doings and to stand up for what is right and what should have been a very prosperous and successful country. We Filipinos have been neglecting our duties and responsibilities for our country because instead of doing something to correct the problems, we merely stood by and watch as our country deteriorates.
This is our time to redeem ourselves. Let us make sure that this second chance is something that our ancestors could be proud of...
MABUHAY!
December 25, 2011
This book.
I liked this book very much. It's so inspiring! those 12 little things are really life changing once you've learn how to do them. One thing that I remembered so well about the books are the habits and respect. These things are really a key to change as what he said. And it inspired me to do some of these little things starting next year =)
I liked this book very much. It's so inspiring! those 12 little things are really life changing once you've learn how to do them. One thing that I remembered so well about the books are the habits and respect. These things are really a key to change as what he said. And it inspired me to do some of these little things starting next year =)
April 21, 2013
A very inspiring book..
every Filipino should read and learn from this book
Thanks to Mrs. Pepito , one of our terror teachers in 4th year high school :D just jowking :D i was able to learn of this book.
every Filipino should read and learn from this book
Thanks to Mrs. Pepito , one of our terror teachers in 4th year high school :D just jowking :D i was able to learn of this book.
May 25, 2011
I really think all Filipinos should read this book, because the things that are stated in this book can really make a huge impact on the country.
October 6, 2011
Every Filipino should read this book. In our own simple ways we can do a lot to help the country.
March 6, 2013
My review will be based on our guidelines for our requirement and is to follow
December 1, 2013
This book is very nice to read :)
January 6, 2014
Proud to be Pinoy!...Proud to be a Filipino!...
Salamat kay Alexander L. Lacson dahil muli niyang binuhay ang aking pagka-Pilipino ngayong taon 2014 sa kabila ng mga balitang nagsasaad ng kawalan ng pagkaka-isa, kawalan ng hustisya, korapsyon, kahirapan, krimen, patayan, atbp. Dahil sa aklat na ito bibigyang solusyon ang bawat problema ng ating bansa at ang solusyon ay nauuwi sa ating pagkaka-isa bilang Pilipino.
Maganda ang kanyang mga ideya, adhikain, mga kasabihan, mga pagpapayo mula sa biblical passages, at pag-aaral para lalo tayong magka-isa. Sa kabila ng mga pagkaka-iba ng mga pag-uugali natin dahil sinakop tayo ng mga Kastila, Amerikano, at Hapon ay mayroon pang pagkaka-isa-- ito ang puso nating Pinoy!. Ito’y magsisilbing inspirasyon at gawing maalab ang ating pagka-Pilipino upang makapaghanap ng solusyon at malutas ang problema at kahirapan sa bansa.
Ang pabalat ng aklat na sumisimbolo sa isang kandila na nagbibigay liwanag at pag-asa sa bawat isa sa atin na bawat problema ay may solusyon.
May mga inspiring stories katulad kay Mike Reagan, kay Alexander L. Lacson mismo-istorya ng kanyang buhay at pag-aaral. Mga biblical passages at mga kasabihan mula sa mga kilalang tao tulad nila Corazon C. Aquino, Manuel V. Pangilinan, Benjamin Franklin, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Abraham Lincoln, Park Chung Hee, Rick Warren, Ramon Magsaysay, atbp.
Labindalawang (12) maliliit na bagay para makatulong ang bawat Pilipino maging maunlad ang ating bansa. Ito ang sikreto ng ating pag-unlad at magagawa natin ito kapag tayo’y nagka-isa.
1.Sumunod sa batas trapiko.
2.Huminge ng resibo kapag kayo ay may biniling produkto.
3.Tangkilikin ang sariling atin. (Buy Filipino product.)
4.Maging positibo ang pananaw at bawat sasabihin lalo’t kausap ang mga banyaga.
5.Respeto sa mga nanunungkulan sa ating bayan, pulisya, sundalo, at kapwa Pilipino.
6.Huwag magkalat ng basura.(Segregate, recycle, conserve.)
7.Suportahan ang inyong relihiyon.(Kristiyano-Simbahan, Sekta, Iglesia, o Muslim.)
8.Bumoto tuwing eleksyon.
9.Tamang pagpapa-sweldo.
10.Magbayad ng tamang buwis.
11.Tumulong sa mga mahihirap.
12.Maging mabuting magulang o ehemplo. Turuan ang mga bata sumunod sa batas at pagmamahal sa ating bayan.
Salamat kay Alexander L. Lacson dahil muli niyang binuhay ang aking pagka-Pilipino ngayong taon 2014 sa kabila ng mga balitang nagsasaad ng kawalan ng pagkaka-isa, kawalan ng hustisya, korapsyon, kahirapan, krimen, patayan, atbp. Dahil sa aklat na ito bibigyang solusyon ang bawat problema ng ating bansa at ang solusyon ay nauuwi sa ating pagkaka-isa bilang Pilipino.
Maganda ang kanyang mga ideya, adhikain, mga kasabihan, mga pagpapayo mula sa biblical passages, at pag-aaral para lalo tayong magka-isa. Sa kabila ng mga pagkaka-iba ng mga pag-uugali natin dahil sinakop tayo ng mga Kastila, Amerikano, at Hapon ay mayroon pang pagkaka-isa-- ito ang puso nating Pinoy!. Ito’y magsisilbing inspirasyon at gawing maalab ang ating pagka-Pilipino upang makapaghanap ng solusyon at malutas ang problema at kahirapan sa bansa.
Ang pabalat ng aklat na sumisimbolo sa isang kandila na nagbibigay liwanag at pag-asa sa bawat isa sa atin na bawat problema ay may solusyon.
May mga inspiring stories katulad kay Mike Reagan, kay Alexander L. Lacson mismo-istorya ng kanyang buhay at pag-aaral. Mga biblical passages at mga kasabihan mula sa mga kilalang tao tulad nila Corazon C. Aquino, Manuel V. Pangilinan, Benjamin Franklin, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Abraham Lincoln, Park Chung Hee, Rick Warren, Ramon Magsaysay, atbp.
Labindalawang (12) maliliit na bagay para makatulong ang bawat Pilipino maging maunlad ang ating bansa. Ito ang sikreto ng ating pag-unlad at magagawa natin ito kapag tayo’y nagka-isa.
1.Sumunod sa batas trapiko.
2.Huminge ng resibo kapag kayo ay may biniling produkto.
3.Tangkilikin ang sariling atin. (Buy Filipino product.)
4.Maging positibo ang pananaw at bawat sasabihin lalo’t kausap ang mga banyaga.
5.Respeto sa mga nanunungkulan sa ating bayan, pulisya, sundalo, at kapwa Pilipino.
6.Huwag magkalat ng basura.(Segregate, recycle, conserve.)
7.Suportahan ang inyong relihiyon.(Kristiyano-Simbahan, Sekta, Iglesia, o Muslim.)
8.Bumoto tuwing eleksyon.
9.Tamang pagpapa-sweldo.
10.Magbayad ng tamang buwis.
11.Tumulong sa mga mahihirap.
12.Maging mabuting magulang o ehemplo. Turuan ang mga bata sumunod sa batas at pagmamahal sa ating bayan.
October 19, 2013
I felt like I was reading an essay written by a high school student. Anyway, the 12 things were doable. (Afterall, they were "little things.") But there was too much "elaboration" on each to-do that the author tended to veer away from the topic.
More people would probably read it if it was an article on the newspaper. Or a blog entry. That was easier cascaded. Plus, you'll get the message through to a lot of people.
At one point, I can't help comparing my reaction to my friends' comments when that article tackling the RH Bill on UST's The Varsitarian came out. They were like, "Ano ba, nasa panahon pa ba tayo ng mga Kastila?!" and "Prayle ang nagsulat nito!" Hahaha! Oh well.
More people would probably read it if it was an article on the newspaper. Or a blog entry. That was easier cascaded. Plus, you'll get the message through to a lot of people.
At one point, I can't help comparing my reaction to my friends' comments when that article tackling the RH Bill on UST's The Varsitarian came out. They were like, "Ano ba, nasa panahon pa ba tayo ng mga Kastila?!" and "Prayle ang nagsulat nito!" Hahaha! Oh well.
June 23, 2013
A good book, although not my cup of tea. Maybe it's because of my cynicism, but I find this piece too optimistic. Yes, following the Fallacy of Composition, the things written in this book is probable if and only if all of us do the things listed here. But no, that's not the case. Not even everyone can get a hold of this book. Maybe someone should distribute copies of this book for free?
June 23, 2014
My mom got her copy of this book during a seminar (this sounds familiar...). A sequel to the 12 Little Things Our Youth Can Do to Help Our Country (12 Little Things) to which I read next, this book—yet again—inspires its readers to go about another set of 12 things that we can actually do to value our Filipino roots and identity.
September 29, 2012
This is a must-have for every Filipino... A discipline manual!
March 9, 2013
Good read! Got this copy from SSEAYP 2007. Thanks Sir Alex!
Read
February 18, 2013my copy was signed and given by the author himself ;-)
August 20, 2022
A disclaimer before I begin this review: (1) I received my signed copy for free from the author, and (2) I am distantly related to the author.
I often find myself thinking: What can little ole me do? What can a single citizen do to make an impact or change in this country? Does what I do mean anything in the grand scheme of things? These are thoughts I, as a citizen of this country, and I'm sure many others have come across when we lead our daily lives as law-abiding citizens. Most especially when confronted with the challenges of doing what is right, versus doing what needs to be done, or when faced with the glaring obviousness of corruption and law-breaking, we will no doubt be faced with the glaring desire to question if following the laws make sense.
When I first came across this book by Tito Alex, without having read it, my first thought was that this was a little idealistic. Of course, it takes some form of idealism to imagine a changed Philippines. We imagine an idealistic Philippines free of poverty, free of classism, with educated citizens who all have jobs, etc etc. But then I saw the breakdown of the "12 Little Things" and I realised that there is nothing idealistic about the 12 things he pointed out--they are actually obvious points that any citizen in any country should be doing. In short, they are common sense. But as we have often seen in our daily lives--common sense is not that common, and that is where this book makes an impact.
When you look at the "12 Little Things", you will find that most of them (if not all) are actually doable. A quick enumeration of the points (summarised/paraphrased from book, and not actually how it's written) is:
1. Follow traffic rules, follow the law
2. When buying/paying, always ask for an OR
3. Don't buy smuggled goods, buy Filipino
4. Speak good things about us and our country
5. Respect officers of the law
6. Do not litter. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
7. Support your church.
8. Vote during elections.
9. Pay your employees well.
10. Pay taxes.
11. Adopt a scholar or poor child.
12. Be a good parent and teach your children well.
As I read the book, I realised that the book comes across to me more like a personal journal. Like naming your top 10 books, or your goals for the next 5 years, the "12 Little Things" enumerated by the author is his personal take on what he feels are the relevant things we should be doing to be good citizens for this country. Oftentimes, we look at this country's problems from a distanced point of view, and that can make the problems feel so huge and impossible to solve. As a singular person/citizen however, these problems seem less daunting and less impossible, because what's smaller than a barangay or a family, is the self. As myself: what am I doing to change things for the better?
So what I enjoyed about the "12 Little Things" mentioned in this book, is that the author breaks it down and gives examples, mostly from his own personal experience. He enumerates ways to expound on each 'little thing' so that it's more understandable or applicable on different levels. He also includes quotes, and situations of where or how it can be applied to. Basically, he doesn't just say "do this and do that" without any explanation, he gives a few examples and recommendations on the topic.
One example is when he indicates "Buy Local, Buy Filipino". Obviously those words do speak for themselves, but he continues in the chapter to explain about how sales/profits work when we pay for goods that are imported from abroad. He breaks it down further by giving actual amounts as examples, such as explaining that if you pay X amount for an imported good, A percentage goes to the Philippine seller, B percentage goes to the distributor/importer, and C percentage goes back to the original seller from abroad. Doing this makes it easier for people to actually visualise it, rather than saying that "you shouldn't buy imported, just because..." He even ends that chapter by saying that while buying completely local may be difficult, we should at least challenge ourselves to buy 50% Filipino goods, and 50% imported, or at least work our way to patronize more Filipino-made products and brands.
This kind of visual examples seen throughout the book make it easier to comprehend how even our singular actions have an impact when multiplied by the number of people doing the exact same thing. Imagine thinking, "what harm can it do because I'm only one person", and then multiply it by the 110 million population of the country. The explanations and examples in this book make each point in the "12 Little Things" hit closer to home, and challenge each person to become better citizens or really just better and more disciplined people.
There are also a few things about the book which I felt were lacking. One is that a lot of the examples given for each points, mostly tackles it from a middle class or educated person's perspective.
Like I said earlier, it feels like a personal journal so of course it would reflect the author's own experiences, upbringing, and perspective. However, for this book to truly make a greater impact, it feels like there should be more far-reaching examples that take into account the needs of the more common folk or "masa". Like the "Buy Filipino" point, it is easy to say that we should be buying more local to support our own people and businesses, yet many people of the lower classes will not be agreeable to that because there are a lot of local things that are more expensive than their imported counterpart. China has given us a lot of very cheap things: cheaper clothes, cheaper houseware, cheaper garlic (and other vegetables). When confronted with a tight budget, applying the "buy Filipino" concept will be difficult. Why should they have to pay more, when there is a cheaper but probably not as good quality product out there that fulfills their immediate need. The money they saved from not buying all-Filipino can go to more food on the table, or for better clothes for their children.
While improving the habits and discipline of people in the middle class and above, most of whom will probably have access to this book and comprehend the message it's trying to get across, it is always good to remember that the biggest percentage of Pinoys live under the poverty line. Which brings me to my next point, which is something I saw on someone else's review: This book would make a better impact if it was translated into Tagalog, and/or Cebuano, and other Filipino languages.
I can't remember if it was written somewhere in the book that the aim was to eventually have it translated into other Filipino languages, but as it is, in English, the impact that this book has is minimized because most of those who would actually read it either already practice parts of the "12 Little Things", or know about it but choose not to do it. To instill these points well, one also needs to write it in a way where all kinds of Filipinos develop a better sense of patriotism and a better sense of discipline and responsibility. Like it may be difficult for the rich to easily go on N number of trips abroad every year for the sake of culture-learning and then expect middle class people to practice the same lifestyle because you become more cultured and what you spend cannot compare to what you learn, it is a challenge to provide examples of middle class thinking and expect those who barely make ends meet to understand the logic and reasoning behind it.
Overall, I still enjoyed the book (call it biased if you think so, haha). I feel like there's so much potential for this book to become something more, especially if this version or versions like this were to be made more available in public and private schools. This book was published when I was in my last year of high school, but somehow I never encountered it in the years after it was published. If this was made available to those in elementary school, and teachers and parents alike worked hard to put into practice what was written here, imagine the change that would bring. It may seem like nothing, but changing the perspective of younger children can lead them to becoming better teenagers, and later on better adults, and later on better members of society.
I think this is why in countries like Japan where kids are taught discipline and manners at a very young age, you can see these habits continuing on when they are much older, and more so into adulthood. It is never too late to teach or change older people, but it's always a good lookout to instill these kinds of habits and thinking into younger-aged children, especially if you are a parent or adult and have younger and impressionable minds near you who look up to you as an example.
I often find myself thinking: What can little ole me do? What can a single citizen do to make an impact or change in this country? Does what I do mean anything in the grand scheme of things? These are thoughts I, as a citizen of this country, and I'm sure many others have come across when we lead our daily lives as law-abiding citizens. Most especially when confronted with the challenges of doing what is right, versus doing what needs to be done, or when faced with the glaring obviousness of corruption and law-breaking, we will no doubt be faced with the glaring desire to question if following the laws make sense.
When I first came across this book by Tito Alex, without having read it, my first thought was that this was a little idealistic. Of course, it takes some form of idealism to imagine a changed Philippines. We imagine an idealistic Philippines free of poverty, free of classism, with educated citizens who all have jobs, etc etc. But then I saw the breakdown of the "12 Little Things" and I realised that there is nothing idealistic about the 12 things he pointed out--they are actually obvious points that any citizen in any country should be doing. In short, they are common sense. But as we have often seen in our daily lives--common sense is not that common, and that is where this book makes an impact.
When you look at the "12 Little Things", you will find that most of them (if not all) are actually doable. A quick enumeration of the points (summarised/paraphrased from book, and not actually how it's written) is:
1. Follow traffic rules, follow the law
2. When buying/paying, always ask for an OR
3. Don't buy smuggled goods, buy Filipino
4. Speak good things about us and our country
5. Respect officers of the law
6. Do not litter. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
7. Support your church.
8. Vote during elections.
9. Pay your employees well.
10. Pay taxes.
11. Adopt a scholar or poor child.
12. Be a good parent and teach your children well.
As I read the book, I realised that the book comes across to me more like a personal journal. Like naming your top 10 books, or your goals for the next 5 years, the "12 Little Things" enumerated by the author is his personal take on what he feels are the relevant things we should be doing to be good citizens for this country. Oftentimes, we look at this country's problems from a distanced point of view, and that can make the problems feel so huge and impossible to solve. As a singular person/citizen however, these problems seem less daunting and less impossible, because what's smaller than a barangay or a family, is the self. As myself: what am I doing to change things for the better?
So what I enjoyed about the "12 Little Things" mentioned in this book, is that the author breaks it down and gives examples, mostly from his own personal experience. He enumerates ways to expound on each 'little thing' so that it's more understandable or applicable on different levels. He also includes quotes, and situations of where or how it can be applied to. Basically, he doesn't just say "do this and do that" without any explanation, he gives a few examples and recommendations on the topic.
One example is when he indicates "Buy Local, Buy Filipino". Obviously those words do speak for themselves, but he continues in the chapter to explain about how sales/profits work when we pay for goods that are imported from abroad. He breaks it down further by giving actual amounts as examples, such as explaining that if you pay X amount for an imported good, A percentage goes to the Philippine seller, B percentage goes to the distributor/importer, and C percentage goes back to the original seller from abroad. Doing this makes it easier for people to actually visualise it, rather than saying that "you shouldn't buy imported, just because..." He even ends that chapter by saying that while buying completely local may be difficult, we should at least challenge ourselves to buy 50% Filipino goods, and 50% imported, or at least work our way to patronize more Filipino-made products and brands.
This kind of visual examples seen throughout the book make it easier to comprehend how even our singular actions have an impact when multiplied by the number of people doing the exact same thing. Imagine thinking, "what harm can it do because I'm only one person", and then multiply it by the 110 million population of the country. The explanations and examples in this book make each point in the "12 Little Things" hit closer to home, and challenge each person to become better citizens or really just better and more disciplined people.
There are also a few things about the book which I felt were lacking. One is that a lot of the examples given for each points, mostly tackles it from a middle class or educated person's perspective.
Like I said earlier, it feels like a personal journal so of course it would reflect the author's own experiences, upbringing, and perspective. However, for this book to truly make a greater impact, it feels like there should be more far-reaching examples that take into account the needs of the more common folk or "masa". Like the "Buy Filipino" point, it is easy to say that we should be buying more local to support our own people and businesses, yet many people of the lower classes will not be agreeable to that because there are a lot of local things that are more expensive than their imported counterpart. China has given us a lot of very cheap things: cheaper clothes, cheaper houseware, cheaper garlic (and other vegetables). When confronted with a tight budget, applying the "buy Filipino" concept will be difficult. Why should they have to pay more, when there is a cheaper but probably not as good quality product out there that fulfills their immediate need. The money they saved from not buying all-Filipino can go to more food on the table, or for better clothes for their children.
While improving the habits and discipline of people in the middle class and above, most of whom will probably have access to this book and comprehend the message it's trying to get across, it is always good to remember that the biggest percentage of Pinoys live under the poverty line. Which brings me to my next point, which is something I saw on someone else's review: This book would make a better impact if it was translated into Tagalog, and/or Cebuano, and other Filipino languages.
I can't remember if it was written somewhere in the book that the aim was to eventually have it translated into other Filipino languages, but as it is, in English, the impact that this book has is minimized because most of those who would actually read it either already practice parts of the "12 Little Things", or know about it but choose not to do it. To instill these points well, one also needs to write it in a way where all kinds of Filipinos develop a better sense of patriotism and a better sense of discipline and responsibility. Like it may be difficult for the rich to easily go on N number of trips abroad every year for the sake of culture-learning and then expect middle class people to practice the same lifestyle because you become more cultured and what you spend cannot compare to what you learn, it is a challenge to provide examples of middle class thinking and expect those who barely make ends meet to understand the logic and reasoning behind it.
Overall, I still enjoyed the book (call it biased if you think so, haha). I feel like there's so much potential for this book to become something more, especially if this version or versions like this were to be made more available in public and private schools. This book was published when I was in my last year of high school, but somehow I never encountered it in the years after it was published. If this was made available to those in elementary school, and teachers and parents alike worked hard to put into practice what was written here, imagine the change that would bring. It may seem like nothing, but changing the perspective of younger children can lead them to becoming better teenagers, and later on better adults, and later on better members of society.
I think this is why in countries like Japan where kids are taught discipline and manners at a very young age, you can see these habits continuing on when they are much older, and more so into adulthood. It is never too late to teach or change older people, but it's always a good lookout to instill these kinds of habits and thinking into younger-aged children, especially if you are a parent or adult and have younger and impressionable minds near you who look up to you as an example.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2024
Lacson provides easy short general context for current and existing issues in the Philippines. It’s a good starting point, but there were some parts that I feel generalize or over-endorse the government and Christianity. Lacson provides historical context but does not connect this to solutions. I would suggest for Lacson to remember indigenous roots and peoples of the Philippines just as he remembers his hometown.
February 16, 2025
Truly a meaningful read. This book resonates deeply because it speaks to the everyday realities of life in the Philippines. What makes this book special is its emphasis on collective responsibility, while some ideas may seem obvious, they serve as a wake-up call to practice patriotism on a day-to-day basis.
Read
March 4, 2020good
June 7, 2022
"We can build a world class Philippines if we can discipline ourselves to become world class citizens."
– Kuya Alex
– Kuya Alex
Want to read
October 17, 2022Dear Sir ,
Greetings!
I would like to read your book please, I find it very interesting Thanks God bless
Greetings!
I would like to read your book please, I find it very interesting Thanks God bless
October 21, 2014
You'll get a fair share of tips from this little book about little things. The items listed here are cliches: follow the traffic rules, throw your garbage properly, pay your taxes, etc. It could've been better if this was written in Filipino so that more matitigas ang ulong Filipinos would get it. Or at least read it until the 30th page.
I don't have anything against cliches. You know what, the 12 things listed here will indeed help to change this poor country. If cliches are needed for change, then let all things be cliches forever.
This book is too hopeful to be realistic. I'm acting pessimistic here but the fact is that there's no perfect book that can fix an imperfect country. Is there a solution in erasing a culture? Education. I'm crossing my fingers that the Generation X and Y can do something for this rusty country.
I don't have anything against cliches. You know what, the 12 things listed here will indeed help to change this poor country. If cliches are needed for change, then let all things be cliches forever.
This book is too hopeful to be realistic. I'm acting pessimistic here but the fact is that there's no perfect book that can fix an imperfect country. Is there a solution in erasing a culture? Education. I'm crossing my fingers that the Generation X and Y can do something for this rusty country.
Read
July 26, 2015I'm not ready to read this book.
In theory it's a book every Filipino should read. I agree with the concepts this book has:
1. Do the little things
2. In order to effect large scale changes, start with changing your habits
I just cant't take the advices to heart. It asks me to trust the government but at the state our government is right now (left and right corruption), it's kind of hard to do that. The book made me annoyed rather inspired.
In theory it's a book every Filipino should read. I agree with the concepts this book has:
1. Do the little things
2. In order to effect large scale changes, start with changing your habits
I just cant't take the advices to heart. It asks me to trust the government but at the state our government is right now (left and right corruption), it's kind of hard to do that. The book made me annoyed rather inspired.
March 13, 2017
An extraordinary powerful read. If there is a book that every Filipino must read this is it. Thank you, Alex, for a beautifully written masterpiece that in the most elegant of ways empowers that reader to unleash the extraordinary power within them to play their part in building a First world Philippines in our lifetime.
Read
March 9, 2013gbcgnbfgnfgghbfgnvbnbnghnbv nvbnnnnnnnnnnvvvvvvvvvvvvvnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
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January 6, 2011patriotism at its best
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