COMM and hear us

Samantha Joseth Saragena, a VetMed Bisaya Student from Iligan City (Northern Mindanao), talks about her experience moving from her hometown to UPLB and the communication struggles she faced when she had just transferred. The discussion touches upon how communication affects boundaries and relationships, the alienatingf eeling of having a different language from the majority, the culture shocks that come with transferring, misconceptions from non-verbal communication, how language barriers impede the learning process, and the efforts needed to adjust to a new environment.

Imagine speaking a certain language your entire life and then finding yourself compelled to live in a community whose language is far apart from your native tongue and whose culture is significantly different from yours. Will you be thrilled? Anxious? Join Jyn and Precious as they listen to Noel's conversation with Jesse, a Bisaya speaker who moved to Los Baños, a Tagalog-speaking community, as a UPLB student for years. Reflect on the what, why, and how of overcoming the language barrier brought on by cultural disparities. Lord Jessie Huyo-a is a Bisaya speaker from the beautiful city of Cebu. He's an incredible artist and has been pursuing his passion for the past ten years. Despite the challenges that come with being from a different place, Jessie managed to overcome these challenges and has been an active member of various student organizations at UPLB.

In this episode, we discuss how cultural differences can affect how people with different cultural backgrounds and beliefs communicate with one another, as well as how these differences can result in disrespect, misinterpretation, and violations of various cultural groups. We talked about the significant difficulties faced by a particular religious group, the Filipino Muslims, in relation to hate speech, incitement to violence, and discrimination in our country. A Muslim friend of ours, Ms. Jalmaani, joined us as a special guest on this episode to discuss her opinions, experiences, and beliefs for us to gain a better understanding of the Muslim culture.Ayesha Jalmaani is a 20-year-old Muslim from Cavite and Batch 2021 taking up BSEconomics from the University of the Philippines Los Baños. She comes from a familyof Muslims. She grew up with Islam as her religion her whole life. Ayesha’s family allowsher and her siblings to have the freedom on what to believe in terms of their religion.They are encouraged to have their own views and opinions which helped her grow asan individual.

This episode focuses on ethnocentrism and stereotyping, aiming to debunk myths surrounding the unheard minority. The discussion sheds light on the diverse cultures present in the Philippines, emphasizing the importance of not establishing a cultural hierarchy. El shares his workplace challenges, particularly regarding language and communication barriers, as well as the hindrance caused by stereotypes based on physical characteristics, which often impede meaningful conversations. He highlights the frequency of such occurrences in new job environments, and emphasizes the significance of media representation and its impact.Drawing from his firsthand experience, he offers key insights on how to avoid these circumstances, learning from the experiences of others and remaining open to understanding. Enrico “El” Feria is a skilled multimedia professional from Pampanga. With a Bachelorof Arts in multimedia studies, he possesses a solid academic foundation in the field. Herecently completed an Associate in Arts program at the University of the Philippines, furtherexpanding his knowledge and skills. Elʼs expertise lies in voice-over work, where he hascontributed to numerous educational materials, and currently, he works as a video editor for areal estate company in Manila—a workplace of diverse culture and English as a firstlanguage—, applying his multimedia proficiency to create captivating visuals.

In today’s episode, we will delve into the challenges that a multilingual student encounters during her college journey. We explore its impact on her academic performance and personal life, while also recognizing the significance of other languages, such as Bisaya and Tagalog to promote intercultural communication, bridge communication gaps between different cultures and ethnicities, and positioning analysis to help identify and challenge the silencing of certain languages and perspectives. As we shed light on these challenges, we also emphasize the use of media representation in creating and serving as a medium for an inclusive environment in higher education. Yhonnie Angelle Camarote, a 20-year-old woman who was born and raised in Davao, gave her own narratives and views on how the language barrier affects her ability to communicate. Despite the fact that the phrase "language barrier" is a less well-known problem with local languages, it does exist. Her native tongue is Bisaya, and despite her proficiency in English, she acknowledged feeling intimidated when speaking to Filipinos whose first language is Tagalog.

This episode tackles the communication difficulties amidst cultural diversity in the Philippines, emphasizing the significance of understanding and respecting cultural differences to avoid unintentionally offending others. Kyle Nathaniel Vinuya expresses his views and experiences while dealing with intercultural communication barriers since returning to the Philippines, like being unfamiliar with various cultural norms and expectations, including nonverbal communication. The episode highlights the role of media representation and some advice for effective intercultural communication — to have openness, mindfulness, patience, and flexibility in learning about other cultures and preventing biases.Kyle Nathaniel Vinuya, from San Fernando, Pampanga, 19 years old, moved to Qatar when he was 7 years of age and went to Philippine International School-Qatar based in Doha, Qatar to continue his studies. He returned to his own country to pursue his interest in studying Bachelor of Computer Science at the University of the Philippines Los Banos. Kyle, who grew up in the Middle East culture, inevitably engaged in Intercultural Communication in order for him to adapt to his new environment, brought by college life.

You thought you already knew what langgam means? Think again. In this episode, the language barrier experienced by Bisaya speakers when conversing with non-Bisaya speakers in a (very) Tagalog setting was put to a light, as Kobe, a sophomore from up and above (Forestry) shares his experiences in living here at Laguna. Are Bisaya speakers in Luzon oppressed? Bullied? Made fun of? Does the difference in language actually matter in building genuine relationships inside and outside of the walls of lecture halls? Is there a need to fit in?Ano nga bang favorite Tagalog word ni Kobe? Get to know more about Inday, what the famous word padayon means, his hometown, and his language! Discover the diversity of the Filipino language (and how other languages have a place in discourse) as you listen to this episode.

Moving to a new environment with unfamiliar people, culture, and language drives a person to undergo adjustments to fit in, especially in the presence of language barriers and cultural differences. The fear of being misunderstood and judged generates massive anxiety and lowers self-esteem. How do you overcome miscommunication in the midst of language barriers and stereotypes? In today’s episode, join Cendy and Eli in their talk about the challenges they have encountered as a non-native Tagalog speaker, their thoughts on media’s portrayal of ‘heavy-accented probinsyanos’, and what is hoped to realize in the Us vs.ThemFilipino mentality. Eliezer or “Eli” Valencia of Negros Oriental is a transfer student from UP Visayas and now a sophomore in UP Los Baños taking up BS Food Science and Technology. Tagalog being their third language, their continuous adjustment to the new community with the unversed language reveals the difficulties encountered in their stay.

In this thought-provoking podcast, we delve into the intriguing world of dating within the campus of UPLB. Join us as we explore the fast-paced dating scene and the prevalence of ghosting, with a focus on the experiences of Anne, a UPLB student who bravely shares her past "situationship" and encounters being ghosted. We'll examine a web of communication and representation within the dating context, highlighting the context of culture and intercultural dynamics that shape dating norms--where one could say, "Sa bawat Kanan ko ay Kumakaliwa ka."

The episode features the communication issues encountered by a UP working student specifically in the field of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). It was able to feature struggles in verbal communication, intercultural praxis, communication theory of identity, and third space. Verbal communication issues involve the negative manifestations of low-context verbal communication style. Intercultural praxis highlighted the prejudgment towards UP students and on how clients of different cultures see their cultures as the standard. Communication Theory of Identity featured the acquisition of self-worth through employment, and lastly, third space involves the needed adjustment of the employee to adapt and be accepted in a certain workplace.

Embark on a captivating journey as Julianne takes us through her transformative experience living in Malawi, Africa. In this episode, we delve into her remarkable ability to navigate cultural differences and overcome intercultural communication barriers. Julianne's success lies in her adaptability, open-mindedness, and unwavering respect for others. By embracing these qualities, she effortlessly bridged the gap between cultures, fostering understanding and connection. We explore the concept of intercultural praxis, where Julianne emphasizes the power of diversity and self-improvement in building meaningful relationships. Prepare to challenge your preconceptions as Julianne shatters stereotypes surrounding Africa.Contrary to media portrayals, she reveals striking similarities between our cultures, dispelling common misconceptions and inviting us to embrace the richness of diversity. However, Julianne's journey was not without its challenges. She bravely confronted discrimination and bullying but her resilience and determination serve as a testament to the importance of empathy and compassion in creating a socially just world.Meet Julianne Pua, a remarkable individual who seamlessly blends the vibrant cultures of Africa and the Philippines into her very being. With an unparalleled depth of experience and a unique perspective on life, Julianne's journey has been shaped by her six-year sojourn in Malawi, Africa during her formative years.

During the transition to online classes, several organizational cultures at UPLB have been halted, including the utilization of organization Tambayans located around the campus. Due to the gap between the last face-to-face batch and the current online batches, many students who are not affiliated with any organization are unaware of the existence of these org Tambayans. Ms. Trixia Go intends to express her opinions and share her personal experiences regarding whether non-org members should be allowed to utilize the org Tambayans. Kaye Trixia Go, a third-year BS Statistics student, holds active positionsas the Vice President of the UPLB Statistical Society and as a member ofUPLB Delta Lambda Sigma.

James Yumol, an Agribusiness Management Entrepreneurship (ABME) student fromUniversity of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), attended a summer program at the Mahidol University, Thailand, in which he shares his perspective on how he handled the various intercultural communication barriers he has encountered around the people he interacted with, such as his fellow students, professors, and locals in the country he is staying in. The podcast discusses how people understand and connect with one another despite their differences, as well as the difficulties of communicating with others from diverse backgrounds, origins, and cultures. The podcast also tackles the expectations of foreign students toward local people and foreign students toward their fellow students and how they manage to build a good relationship despite the expectations.

In this episode, Miss Katherine shares how her ex-partner with a different upbringing influenced their communication pattern which resulted in a failed relationship. Her ex-partner was dependent on her, which hampered their capacity for self-determination and open communication. Her ex-partner consistently relies on indirect communication such as pagpapahiwatig while she tends to avoid conflicts. This passive behavior hindered effective communication between them, as important issues were left unresolved. Without open and honest communication, misunderstandings can arise, feelings may be left unaddressed, and conflicts can escalate. It's important for both partners to feel comfortable and to not be afraid of judgment. Ms. Katherine Valencia is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Batch 2007,in UPLB, with an MS in Soil Science. A single mom of two daughters whose pastrelationship failed because of different communicative behaviors.

The episode discusses the evolution of gossip culture from use in churches to being an act where individuals communicate privately with each other. The first point of discussion was the symbolism of ‘Marites’ in Filipino culture which starts at the ‘baranggay’ level where people tend to share stories to neighbours due to the closeness of households. The second point tackles chismis in the context of pandemic where gossip was evident due to the emergence of social media. Lastly, the consequences of chismis culture were discussed including some actions to prevent these consequences. Listen to insights shared by Nathan Felix, a graduate of BA Communication Arts in UPLB and was a Gabay member of the Office of Counseling and Guidance where he devoted his time in communication and peer facilitation. He mentored students in public speaking during the height of the pandemic to serve as speakers in CVM and CFNR college convocations.

This podcast explores the communication barriers experienced by a Bangladeshi graduate student in the Philippines. This sheds light on the unique challenges of cultural differences in communication styles and norms. From the reluctance to say "no" directly to using non-verbal cues like lip-pointing, each observation paints a vivid picture of the student's journey to adapt and understand. The podcast provides key takeaways, emphasizing cultural sensitivity, adaptability, active listening, and patience as essential tools for effective cross-cultural communication. Through engaging discussions and practical strategies, this podcast fosters understanding and paves the way for meaningful connections in our diverse world. Ms. Jannat Mou is a foreign student from Rangpur City, Bangladesh who is taking her Masters Degree in Plant Breeding at the University of the Philippines - Los Baños. She is an MS Scholar of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Mou has an impressive educational background, having obtained a Bachelor Degree in Agriculture at Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University at Dinajpur, Bangladesh. She then went to embark on a remarkable career journey after being the research associate at Nashik Plant and Pot.Beyond her educational background, she is known to be one of the most friendly foreign students in UPLB. For her bright smiles and love for cats, she provides a comfortable and inviting environment to everyone she encounters. Despite the cultural differences she has been facing, she still manages to make good friends with the Filipinos and different nationalities.Our group is honored to listen to Mou share her experiences about cultural differences in her seven months stay in thePhilippines.

In this episode of Cultural Connections, we delve into the struggles faced by Bisaya University students in adapting to Tagalog communication styles. We explore the notable differences in verbal and non-verbal cues between Bisaya and Tagalog and how these impact their interactions and relationships. Our special guests share their personal experiences and discuss the challenges they have faced in classes and socializing. We also examine the emotional and mental impact of constantly adapting to a different communication style and the strategies they have developed to navigate these challenges. Tune in for insightful discussions on fostering inclusivity and understanding linguistic diversity on campus.

In this special episode, we are honored to have Chedy as our guest speaker. Chedy, an undergraduate student at the University of the Philippines - Los Baños, brings a unique perspective and personal experiences to the conversation. Join us as Chedy shares his insights on the challenges faced in intercultural communication, his strategies for overcoming barriers, and his inspiring journey of growth and understanding. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking tonavigate cultural differences with grace and empathy. Chedy Chavez, a 22-year-old student studying Chemical Engineering at UPLB, hails from GeneralSantos City and is a native Bisaya speaker. Hence, his primary language is not Tagalog or Filipino.

The podcast revolves around the relationships with friends, significant others, and family. It discussed how different we are depending on who we are with, whether in our actions, words, or how we present ourselves to them. With our special guest, a freshman currently under the College of Veterinary Medicine from UPLB, shared his personal relationships with his peers, parents, friends, significant others, and roommates. With his and our personal experiences combined, we were able to shed light on how verbal and nonverbal communication styles, Filipino Communication Habits by Maggay (2002), and Filipino Communicative Behaviors by Lacson (2005) affect our daily lives. Arielle Dominique Diaz, a 19 year old Doctor of Veterinary Medicine freshman from Antipolo City, served as our informant. He is the youngest of two siblings and is nonbinary. He is a dedicated and enthusiastic student who is ready to learn and take on fresh opportunities. He is also a cosplayer and a digital artist. In his spare time, he likes playing video games and creating artwork, and he is also involved in raising awareness of the LGBTQIA+ community.