Jacob Allaine O. Hernandez is an 18-year-old Filipino student currently studying at Southern Luzon State University. I and fellow Xavazine reporter Tasnim Yusuf had the pleasure to interview Jacob and gain an insight into his interesting life.
If someone visited The Philippines for first time, what would surprise them?
For me the thing that will surprise them is the diversity of the country. The Philippines is home of so much colours, we are rich in culture and tradition. On the other hand, the real factor that will surprise them is the innate attribute of Filipinos which is having hospitality.
What Filippino celebrity or famous person do you admire and why?
The public figure that I admire here in the Philippines is Catriona Gray, Miss Universe 2018. She paved the way for public figures to use their platform to raise causes that is needed for amplification especially in the contemporary society that is suffering from different kind of adversities.
What is the biggest challenge people in The Philippines face?
For me that’s apathy. Apathy may be the cause of tribulations in the Philippines and in the world. If you do not care about the happenings around you, the poverty, the corruption, the environmental deterioration, then it will worsen. But, if people in the country are aware, no challenge can ever take away the progress in our country.
What do teenagers in The Philippines like to wear? What are the latest fashion trends?
The Filipino teenagers love to wear street fashion. Aside from the fact that it is trending, street fashion also serves as wardrobe of comfort for them in any setting that they may be situated in.
What’s your favourite thing to do in spare time and why?
I think the favourite thing that I love to do during my spare time is going to adventures, trying to hike and swim from rivers of nature and most especially being with the people I love.
What is your favourite film or TV programme and why?
If there is one film that really set my standard so high, it is the movie “Four Sisters in a Wedding”. In life it is very evident to find your self-situation in movies, but that very movie really fits to my life, most especially the character “Bobbie”. I feel a sense of pride because whenever I watch it all over again, I can say how high calibre and world-class the Filipino film industry is.
What would your last ever meal be?
A bunch of fries, chicken fingers dipped in teriyaki sauce and Biscoff frappe for dessert.
If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would you live?
I am such a big fan of the country Switzerland, or in any country in Europe.
If you had the power to make one change to the world, what would it be?
I think that would be international understanding. In life, we face so many struggles and obstacles but if we can or know how to transcend our borders, recognize differences, and apply it towards success then we could have a change that is impactful to the world; it will not just change individuals but also the atmosphere where they live. At the end, we are all the catalysts for change.
What’s your opinion of social media? Do you think it has a positive or negative effect on young people?
It is very evident that social media is very subjective and has both positive and negative effects, most especially in young people, but we must always understand that a power of freedom equates to responsibility. Social media is made not to spread and scatter negativities around but to help the society in their very means.
What is your dream job for the future?
I have always known myself as a committed advocate of education. I want to be an educator in the field of Social Sciences.
… and finally, what makes you happy?
Lastly, the thing that makes me happy will always be only one thing: satisfaction. In life that only person that I please every day is myself and with that I have only one mission to make myself happy, to give myself satisfaction whenever I do something.
