More than one reader has e-mailed me with a happy note that I seem to be returning to political writing. Not really. It’s sort of a breather. For weeks, talk in the house has been centered on history and mythology and, sometimes, I yearn to talk and write about something different. So, no, I’m not gearing up for a return to political writing in time for the 2010 elections.
History and mythology? Yes, both of which I enjoy and both of which my daughters are deep into. Partly because those are part of their school lessons but also partly out of curiosity and personal interest. They’ve really gone beyond school lessons. Way, way beyond. We’re buying mythology and history books quite heavily and I’m enjoying the discussions as much as they are.
Like yesterday, we were on our way out to watch “Eagle Eye”. Speedy was already waiting for us in the car and the three of us were in the living room putting on our shoes AND discussing Greek and Roman mythology. They lost me when they started debating about how Cupid died. I didn’t even know Cupid died. And there was this question about whether Homer’s Iliad is part of Greek mythology. I was of the opinion that it borrows heavily from Greek mythology but is not, strictly speaking, mythology. But, anyway…
A few months ago, I wrote about how Alex’s love for manga has introduced her to Oriental mythology. She’s talking about Chinese mythological characters that I only heard once or twice in college. It’s gotten really serious. Serious enough for her to rethink about what course to take up in college. She still wants to become a multi-media artist but now she also wants to learn languages — not for employment value but because she wants to be able to read ancient writings. She’s been asking if there are courses in ancient languages. She’s also been asking about archeology and anthropology. What do ancient languages, archeology and anthropology have to do with mythology? Oh, come on. Archeological evidence is an important source of details of mythology. Figures in artifacts, references in ancient writings…
I’m proud of her. Happy, really. Even before she said so herself, I already understood that her interest in becoming a multi-media artist has nothing to do with what’s in demand in the job market. She’s not interested in working in the advertising industry, for instance. She wants to satisfy her creative side, is all. And I think that’s good because I know that she will always give more importance to what she is passionate about rather than what is profitable. Now, with all this talk about archeology and anthropology, I am even more sure that, with her, passion will always be ahead of profitability.
Am I being remiss in not insisting that she be more practical and take up a course that will make her uber employable and more likely to get paid better? Gee, I might as well insist that she take up nursing or some IT course. But that’s not her. I want her to always believe in herself and to have that chance to do what makes her happy. If a combination of arts, ancient languages, archeology and anthropology will fulfill her as a person, I’m the leader of the cheering squad.
So, you see, if I don’t write about politics here and there, and just go on doing “The Mommy Journals”, the moment I start writing about my girls, I’d probably end up getting wrapped up in history and mythology. Would you really like to read about Izanagi and Izanami instead? 
I have always believed that, if a person really, really enjoys doing something, nothing will stop them from doing it AND doing a good enough job to make a decent living off of it.
I’m speaking for myself because back when I was in school and spent “too much time in computers”, my dad would say that “ikamamatay mo yan” whenever he’d catch me on the PC in the wee hours of the morning. So I kinda rebelled, and promised myself na ikabubuhay ko yung computers. Now I’m in software development — making way, way more money than he ever did in the same age (even accounting for inflation and the like).
Profitability is incidental to ability. It’s great that you’d allow Alex to nurture her interests. I guess the only condition you should impose is that whatever path she should choose, she should excel in it. Gawin mo kung ano ang gusto mo, basta pagbutihin mo. I’ll apply the same philosophy to my children someday.
I think Alex may find social anthropology interesting and engaging. That field encompasses quite a bit, and may lead her to new, exploratory paths that can reflect her personality.
I really enjoy History. It’s very instructive and I think it’s a shame that people don’t even know their own history much less other nations and cultures.
Jon, I could be saying the same thing about me, noh? Everyone said writers starved. I say, “How idiotic!” LOL
Ben, when she’s got it straight what the real difference is between archeology and anthropology, that’ll be the time to introduce her to the sub disciplines. The “social” aspect will indeed make anthropology more “real” and relevant.
Miguk, how true. You know that’s what attracts me to blogs. A lot of blogs are current history without censorship and editorial rewrites.
Hi! It’s my first time to drop comments for you but I really love your journals. I am a Grade 6 Reading teacher and I have this passion to turn my learners into loving reading. But i have this problem of motivating most of them. You’re so lucky to have kids like yours. I guess, you did a good job! I hope my two kiddos ( 9 and 3 yrs old) will grow up like your kids.It would be very exciting to discuss books abt any topic. My eldest starts to love Reading books and i hope he’ll eventually like mythology and other genre too. That’s why I dont stop from bringing them to bookstores and bookfairs cuz of my dream… to turn them into voracious readers.
Agreed – but you need more than a grain of salt with some of them — more like a bag! They have editors for a good reason sometimes.
Actually, yes, I really enjoy reading stuff about mythology and I love ancient history, sometimes I think maybe I should’ve taken anthropology or anything to do with history instead hehe
Long-time lurker here. I really admire how you are raising your daughters, and I would like to do the same as well to my future children. I wish all Filipino parents could cultivate their children’s interests. Mine didn’t, but I sure am glad my grandparents did.
hi ms. connie, like you, I want my daughter to do what she wants to do in life that’s why when she announced that at 4 years old her ambition would be a cheerleader, haha! I was already looking for gymnastics programs so that she can excel in it.
Miguk @ #6. Well, I think it’s true for blogs as with anything mass-produced. A few good ones and lots of bad ones LOL
Mae, hehehe that’s Alex’s arena. The thing about mythology is the nuances. Can’t write something without branching into relationships with other gods and goddesses. Ad infinitum.
Cathy, it’s also a reaction on my part. I was not allowed to take up the course of my choice in college (European Languages or Theater Arts, believe it or not) so I know how it feels. Just don’t want to make the same mistake with my daughters.
Cheann, wow gymnastics? I’m thinking Olympics ha.
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When my daughter asked me what course to take because she couldn’t decide, I told her it’s not my call. My son is now in multi-media and may be graduating next year. He’s enjoying himself tremendously and that is because I never had a hand in this choice. It’s all his. Mahirap na baka masisi pa eh.
ms. connie di naman masyado ganun kataas ang ambisyon ng anak ko pero, who knows? why not di ba? basta, kung saan siya masaya, suportahan ko sya. haha.
Sidney Poiter’s father, Reginald, said “The measure of a man (may i add or a woman) is how well he (she) provides his (her) children”. This is true indeed, especially among Filipinos …lots of sacrificio. As a parent of 3 grown-ups, I’m glad my wife and I did what we thought was best for their future – we supported them all the way, all the time.
Hi! I’m an Anthropology major at University of the Philippines, and I’m glad to know that your daughter is interested in taking up Archaeology or Anthropology in the future. Our country is very much in need of archaeologists and anthropologists. More importantly, it’s a good thing that she’s passionate about it. As the tag line of our org says, “Anthropology. It’s not just a career. It’s a passion.”
If she’s interested in mythology and culture, she might really find anthropology of interest to her. Also, archaeology is one of the four-fields (some would say, five) of anthropology — depends of course, from which country you are standing.
This is the courses taken by anthropology majors, just in case you want to know. http://web.kssp.upd.edu.ph/anthropology/courses.html . The course numbers have changed, though. And this is the link to the Archaeological Studies Program in UP. http://www.upd.edu.ph/~asp/ . You could drop by and say “hi” to the people, and just ask around. There are a lot of awesome people there.
Thank you. Alex is an incoming senior high school student, is now dabbling in film but still in love with the “National Treasure” stuff. She’s also asking if it’s possible to take up 2 courses at the same time. Told her what’s wrong with one after the other.