Feliza Advises Urbana: Think Before You Click

In keeping up with the trend and the sundry issues faced by today's generation, my Philippine Literature class came up with this project of transcreating Modesto Castro's "Ang Pagsusulatan ng Dalawang Binibini na sina Urbana at Feliza."  Drawing inspiration from this epistolary novel written during the Spanish period, I assigned my students to take on the role of Feliza, the other sister who lives in the rural and advises Urbana on the good manners and right conduct which should be observed in a particular situation.  This time we place the two sisters in a more contemporary context, bombarded by technology and instantism, as they correspond not through paper, but through the social media.  Aware of the dangers posed by the information superhighway, Feliza prompts Urbana to be cautious of her posts on either Facbook or Twitter.  The following are the admonitions asserted by the several Felizas who promote  responsible use of the social media.


DEAR URBANA,

"When somebody starts to bully you, don't post anything else that'll even fire up the situation.  Just keep your cool.  Don't get affected especially when it is not even true."

"Do not openly discuss a person you despise on a blog.  This causes other people to look at you differently and will start a long story of "who wins" and "who loses."  You will therefore be a victim of other people's harsh judgments."

"Bago mo i-accept and friend requests ng isang tao, kilalanin mo at hindi ang mga taong naghahanap ng kaibigan na basta-basta lang."

"The first thing you should remember is to never put on display private information on your profile; even birthdays are not meant to be displayed publicly.  Do not accept requests from people you don't know.  Before you post anything, remember to think about what you are going to say first."

"Yes, you have freedom of speech, but remember to use it accordingly.  Make sure you're not stepping on someone else's shoes.  Don't post something that can hurt them."

"Also remember that not all things you read or see online are true.  Make sure to find a more reliable source before you believe any news.."

"You could always start and join a group that stops or support anti-cyberbullying."

"A lot of people is using it and you have no idea how many of them are using their own identities..."

"Learn to tinker around with your privacy settings and manipulate them to your advantage...and remember to delete browser history after accessing your account."

"If you are currently being cyberbullied, I tell you to take a step back and open your mind to reality that no one can make you feel inferior without your permission."

"Be strong and be true to yourself, what is important is not what others think.  What you need to do is to have a firm foundation of yourself and believing that you are beyond what they think you are."


Love,
FELIZA