11.

Attention grabbing (being an ‘epal’)

• It is natural for Filipinos to attract attention by standing out as we are
a fun and people loving race. Nevertheless, it is a different thing to be
an “epal” or “kapalmuks”—simply, being an attention grabber.
Sometimes, in our desperate need to be the center of attention, we
do things that are already embarrassing like butting in conversations
as a know-it-all or by being scandalous.
• This habit is also common to our politicians. Instead of prioritizing
their duty to give the best service to the people, they rather prioritize
their thick faces to grab attention that will bring them more chance of
winning in the next election. But thanks to our vigilant netizens, this
kind of politicians earn more shame than fame.
• Implications to school organization
12. Being onion-skinned or too sensitive
• Another habit or attitude that we need to change is our
being too prideful which usually results to being
oversensitive. If we think highly of ourselves, then we
have the tendency to put a wall around us and that
signboard on our forehead saying, “I must be
respected.” Therefore, when someone makes a joke or
a not so positive comment about us, we feel like we are
not respected and we get offended. If all people in the
country do not know how to accept constructive
criticism, then we can never expect unity.