Asignment 2

Sweden and Philippines differs in focus a common

Christian celebration
In Sweden I have heard for a couple of times people greeting each other: ““Glad Påsk!”
(“Happy Easter!”) I was a bit surprised with the exchange of greetings when for me it was yet
too early because before the Resurrection day, Christ’s death will still be commemorated on
Good Friday.

In comparison to my home country (Philippines), people don’t say “Happy Easter” when
it is not yet Easter but instead, I would hear them exchange the greeting:

“Have a blessed Holy Week!” Through the exchange of greetings, I have made some
reflections on why the two nations differ in focus on this same Christian celebration.

It is a given fact that Filipinos rejoice in Christ’s resurrection but most of the populace
gives more emphasis on Christ’s passion because they can relate about His suffering
and death.

what way did I prove that Filipinos are more focused on Christ’s passion.

I have seen the unusual bulk of the crowd attending the Good Friday procession and
services in my home parish and that is also true in most Catholic tradition churches all
over the Philippines.

On the other hand, it is not surprising why Swedes focus on Easter because, compared
to Filipinos; they live a quite comfortable, free and happy life.

.
Culture of Philippines

So, the Filipinos’ focus on Christ’s suffering and death might contradict to what the
church teaches that Easter is the central feast during the Holy Week. But I could not
blame my fellow countrymen who focus on the Christ scourged, beaten, crowned with
thorns, carrying a heavy cross, forced to drink a bitter drink, mocked and put to death
like a criminal, because most of them feel like what Christ had been through everyday

Yes, Filipinos celebrate Easter in an unintentional and unnoticed way, every time they
rise from a calamity with a beaming hope coming from the Risen Christ. Every time they
succumb to earthquakes and typhoons, they celebrate new life given by Christ. Through
the priceless smiles and the remarkable courage, they continue to walk and strive for a
better life despite the tragic incidents that come their way.

Although there are differences in focus, I still see Christ as the common ground of the
celebrations here in Sweden and in the Philippines. During this Holy Week, I am glad to
see how Christianity’s central feast is held on this side of the world

Government similarity Sweden in Philippines;

The relations between Sweden and the Philippines are long-standing and broad. Next
year we will celebrate 70 years of excellent diplomatic relations. Throughout these
years our countries have worked closely together, based on shared values and ideas in
areas such as democracy, human rights, good governance and free trade.

I am particularly hopeful that Sweden and the Philippines will deepen their engagement
in trade and investments. In its new trade strategy, the Swedish government has
identified the Philippines as one of the prioritized countries.

With the rapid economic growth and urbanization that the Philippines is experiencing,
Swedish companies are a perfect match for Philippine business counterparts

A strong mutual interest between Swedish and Philippine companies was apparent
when the biggest ever Swedish business delegation visited this country last month.
Several major Swedish companies have recently decided to establish or expand their
presence in the Philippines.
The increased interest in partnerships with the Philippines goes beyond trade and
investments. In the field of natural disaster management,

the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency is actively connecting with Philippine partners
to strengthen disaster preparedness, recovery and rehabilitation.

Sweden as a modern and innovative country that places great importance to

environmental sustainability, democracy, good governance, human rights, gender
equality and free trade.

As new ambassador of Sweden to the Philippines, and with my close family bonds in
this country since many years, I look forward to doing my very best to further
strengthening the relations between our country

The Sweden Education system

The Swedish education system provides a very high standard of education and is free for
everyone. University courses are subsidised by the government and are free for Swedes and
foreigners alike.

The Swedish education system starts with an optional pre-school class at the age of 6. This is
followed by primary education from 7 to 16. At 16 students can either continue a secondary
education programme in preparation for higher education or join a vocational college.

Child care centres and nurseries in Sweden

All children in Sweden under the age of 6 are able to enrol in a child care centre. In general these
centres are based in local institutions, though you can also find programmes run by your local
authority in private homes. Child care at this stage is subsidised and parents only pay a small fee.
Pre-school for disabled children is free.
Philippines system Education

Filipinos have a deep regard for education, which they view as a primary avenue for upward
social and economic mobility. From the onset of United States colonial rule, with its heavy
emphasis on mass public education, Filipinos internalized the American ideal of a democratic
society in which individuals could get ahead through attainment of a good education. Middle-
class parents make tremendous sacrifices in order to provide secondary and higher education for
their children.

Philippine education institutions in the late 1980s varied in quality. Some universities were
excellent, others were considered "diploma mills" with low standards. Public elementary schools
often promoted students regardless of achievement, and students, especially those in poor rural
areas, had relatively low test scores.

Sweden belief religious

Enshrined in Sweden’s constitution is the right to religious freedom. This is a right which is
observed at all levels of national operations in Swedish society in order to provide Swedish
citizens with comfortable and fair environments in which to practice their respective religious
beliefs. Over the years, the freedom of worship has evolved considerably to catch up with the
ever-changing religious landscape in the country. The worship of pagan gods was practiced in
the early 11th Century before the introduction of the Christian faith through the Roman Catholic
Church. Gusta Vasa, the King in the year 1530, proclaimed that the Lutheran Church would be
the recognized state religion, which heightened the level of religious intolerance in Sweden. The
diverse religious groups in Sweden have brought about the incorporation of other practices in the
Christian faith, as evidenced in the Christian holidays where other religious traditions are
welcome in the society.

Filipinos beliefs

Filipinos are very superstitious. Added to that, the beliefs have great influence in their day to day
life. Many people still believe that these superstitious beliefs can help them cope with life;
although many new generations aren't affected by the beliefs and consider them only part of the
old ways.