Mishap and Blunder

Like many Filipinos, I was both enraged and grieved by how the recent hostage-taking incident at the Quirino Grandstand was handled. I was personally affected by the mishap not only because the whole world watched how untrained and ill-prepared were our Police force to handle the situation but also because I feel for the victims as well as for the thousands of Filipinos who are now working in China, Singapore, Taiwan and Hongkong and in many places in the world where there are Chinese. Many of them must have watched the sensationalised drama on TV while in their offices and surrounded by their colleagues or sitting beside their bosses. I could just imagine how unnerving the situation must be. I feel the same way because I teach Chinese online.

Here is a letter of apology written by one Filipino. This letter captures many of our sentiments.
A letter of apology from a Filipino teenager.

After reading the blog, I couldn't help but wonder what my students also feel about the tragedy. Do they also feel the same sense of accountability for the incident? Do they still take pride in their heritage despite our shortcomings as a people? Will they strive to better themselves so that when their generation will take their turn to lead this country they would know better what to do?

I wonder what your thoughts are. 

I pause for a reply.