Potassium nga eh, ang kulit. Violently reactive with water. *insert class list here*

SocSci Essay
Saturday, October 29 // top


If you guys want to see the essay, as advised by Sir Erin, here it is! 15/15 ;) HAHA.


I did not put the map. =))



1. The Hellenistic culture is a fusion of Greek, Egyptian, Persian and Indian influences. In this regard, do you think our culture is similar to that of the Hellenistic as a fusion of several influences? If so, give examples of those influences that fused and eventually made up our culture. (6 – 10 sent.)

Several cultures have been a melting pot of other cultures – the Hellenistic culture, countries likes Singapore and our very own Philippines. Through the years, colonial rule has been ever so present in the Philippine history with the Spaniards, Americans and Japanese. It is very evident in our present-day traditions and attributes that their influences have stuck with us. Certain words come from the Spanish language such as sapatos (zapatos), bentilador (ventilador) and mesa (mesa). Also, majority of us are Christian, the religion that came from these people. Many of us experience the colonial mentality of the products of the Americans or the English language because we saw them as the ‘hero’ when they ‘saved’ us from Spanish colonial rule. The Filipinos also inherited that educational system brought to us by these people because of the way they were able to show it in such a persuading manner. We eat the food and utilize other products such as fans and the like that come from the Japanese. It is inherent in our culture and society that we have been intrinsically influenced by the rulers that had colonized us in the past.



2. What defines a good leader? List 10 possible characteristics. Was Julius Caesar one based on your definition? (6 – 10 sent.)

To me, the characteristics that a good leader should possess are the following: passion, being a good follower, compassion, possession of a good stand, bravery, wisdom, initative, possession of a clear vision, honesty, and imperfection. [The following are just explanations of why I think they must possess these characteristics.]



PASSION. If there is something that will give that x-factor in a great leader, this would be it. This is more powerful than the skill or ability that anyone might possess. This driving force will surpass the standards of those that carry other characteristics because this will show the love for what a leader is striving to achieve.

A GOOD FOLLOWER. As cliché as it may sound, a good leader must also be a good follower. He must know how to listen to the thoughts of his constituents and learn how to compromise. Just because he is the leader doesn’t mean he should be a dictator.

COMPASSION. How will you lead your people if you don’t know how to show your sympathy towards them? Whatever you do must not detriment your followers because of that empathy that you must feel for them.

A GOOD STAND. A fickle leader creates problems that cause controversies within the people. If a leader doesn’t decide on matters with appropriate back-up, it’s hard for his followers to take a stand as well.

BRAVERY. He must be bold and stand strong despite whatever may come his way. There will be people who will disagree with what he may decide on, but that’s just part of what he should go through. He must be intrepid enough and courageous enough to overcome these trials.

WISDOM. He must be wise about whatever decisions – wise not in the sense that he knows facts or information, but wise in the common and practical knowledge needed to make the right choices.

INITIATIVE. A leader should be ready to initiate plans and proposals to his team or should conceptualize a concept scheme so that things can be done in time.

VISIONARY. Leaders should be able to envision the future for his constituents and have a clear sight of what they want to achieve for his people.

HONESTY. As always, honesty is the best policy. People want leaders they know will tell them the truth so that they can have someone they can trust and depend on.

IMPERFECT. A leader should be able to acknowledge his shortcomings and mistakes. After all, he is just human.



Julius Caesar was known as the Dictator of the Roman Republic. As mentioned, dictators may impose their rule too much, thus leaving the citizens barred from rendering ideas. But, his positive leadership traits overpower his negative ones because he was bold enough to make great decisions and stick to a side all for the sake of his people. Moreover, he was triumphant in his endeavors because he never lost a war, he had the initiative to fix the calendar and instigated an enduring law against extortion. His traits summed up to a greater advancement to the people of that era because it overpowered whatever tyrant virtues he may have possessed.




- Mikaaaa. :)