What others are saying? - "Alien nation"

This is an interesting look into an often unexplored facet of Philippine society (and culture?) . So many Filipinos want to leave and yet there are so many others who find the Philippines so attractive a destination. Some even forget about leaving. This "Alien Nation" i-report series by PCIJ promises to be interesting and provocative. More importantly, related to some class learning goals formulated by the N4C India group (just scroll to the bottom of the post to find out).

"Tisoy Kasi!" is a broad and informed look by Dr. Michael Tan at the hybrid Filipino culture and our syncretic religious practices.

This PCIJ series is a good starting point for asian studies. In part because it is a view from inside looking in, but mostly because it promises to bring us within ourselves as Asians and not as what westerners would want us to see ourselves. As we begin our discussions of the major civilizations, hopefully, you will realize one common thread in Asian culture - more often Asians have chosen to adopt from other cultures and practices what works instead of trying to subdue other cultures and impose our own on them.

Of note is the syncretic nature of religious practice in a lot of Asian civilizations notably hinduism in India. (ooops! India Group this is your area ... research?) or even the curious mixed practice of Taoism and Confucianism in China. Even Japan has its own syncretic fusion of religious practice.
Read more!