A lesson they will never forget
It is an understatement to say that many Filipinos have negative reactions toward the history quiz bee shown in local reality show “Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10.” In the said episode, the teen housemates failed to answer basic history questions, prompting netizens to ask if the current education system is working, among other concerns.
After the infamous #MaJoHa went viral online, the show’s teen housemates goes on a field trip with Filipino historian Ambeth Ocampo. In the images shared on the “Pinoy Big Brother ABS-CBN” Facebook page, the teen housemates are seen touring the “Intertwined: Transpacific, Transcultural Philippines” exhibit at the Ayala Museum. Curated by Florina Capistrano-Baker, Ph.D., the exhibit showcases over “240 carefully curated objects that explore and illuminate the Filipino’s transcultural heritage resulting from pre- and post-colonial maritime exchanges with diverse cultures in Asia, America, and Europe.”
In a previous story by the Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, professionals in the field of history gave their views on the show’s tragic history quiz bee.
“It is the sign of great national malady. Result of bad administration, especially now, and big failure of education,” Rio Alma, National Artist for Literature, said.
“For me, there are two reasons behind the youth’s lack of knowledge and interest in our country’s history,” Cristina B. Cristobal, Philippine history teacher, Philippine Science High School Main Campus, said. ”These are the quantity and quality of Philippine History education in our country. In terms of quantity, while two years have been devoted to the teaching of Philippine History in the elementary levels (grades five and six), the subject has been removed in the high school level and only offered again in the tertiary level.”
Read more on why we should be alarmed by #MaJoHa here.
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