Interview With Certified Tiktoker – Frank Salmo
Suicide is preventable. Yes, if it is detected in time. If the people around knew that something is wrong with someone. And willing to do something about it, without ignoring or ignoring the problem.
World Suicide Prevention Day is on September 10, and according to the World Health Organization, one person commits suicide every 40 seconds.
However, before such a tragedy, something must have happened: bullying. Like this one from a book introduction: The stalker, the stalked and the bystander by Barbara Coloroso.
I will remember it forever and I will never forget it.
Monday: my money was taken.
Tuesday: names called.
Wednesday: my torn uniform.
Thursday: my body dripping with blood.
Friday: it’s over.
Saturday: freedom.
–Neil Marr and Tim Field,
Bullycide, Death and Playtime: An Exposure of Childhood Suicide Caused by Bullying.
The good thing is that while I was looking for a possible human resource for this topic, there is something that caught my attention.
“I survived bullying, so I will fight for my defense as long as I live.” Says a Facebook profile statement. Offered an interview, instantly accepted and here is said Q@A:
- Define bullying.
For me, bullying is a serious issue that can kill a person through depression.
- Who, to you, is a bully? And what makes bullying such an alarming phenomenon?
For me, bullies are those people who always make fun of a person, laughing every time they see mistakes in them, even going so far as to physically assault their victim. It is very alarming nowadays because many people, especially millennials, commit suicide because they experienced too many depressions with different types of bullying. Last year, more than 10 people committed suicide in our hometown.
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Have you been harassed? If so, by whom?
I have been bullied by my classmates from elementary school to high school, they always called me BOBO because I am not good at academics and I am a shy person. They would even make me their punching bag almost every day, I have no chance to tell my parents about this matter because of their occupation, even some of my relatives would bully me. They always compared me to my cousins who are good at school, with honors while I have low grades.
- Traumatic, right?
Those are the memories that I will not forget for the rest of my life, but instead of being distracted by those experiences, I use them as my inspiration to try harder and achieve my dreams, but makakapagsabi na ang isang batang tahimik, dati na tinatawag na bobo, but maraming achievements ngayon. For me, my achievement list is my sweet revenge on those who bullied me before.
5. Can bullying be considered a mental illness? Explain your answer.
For me, YES, because some of the bullies have been experiencing insecurities. That’s why they bully a certain person, as a cover-up, sometimes they even hit or hit a person for no reason. Not only the victim needs to talk to a psychiatrist but also the bully so that they learn that such actions towards others are not normal.
6. Bullying has a physical, mental or spiritual impact on the victims, right? So how do we control, if we stop bullying altogether?
In schools, teachers have an important role in stopping bullying. They should allow time, at least 20 minutes a day, to address bullying and how to deal with depression caused by bullying, and what to do when you are being bullied.
7. Bullies also need guidance or attention. They lack “human touch” etc. Do you agree with that? Why?
Yes, I agree that bullies need attention, why? Because one of the reasons they are bullying someone is that they lack attention, maybe at school or even at home. We must also listen to their stories and not judge them hastily.
8. What achievements, so far, do you have as a bully survivor?
As a dancer/choreographer, I formed a group EONIAN DREAM TALENTS in the year 2010, and we participated in many TV competitions like It’s Showtime, PGT, Talendong Pinoy, to name a few. We won the first prize of each dance competition in the nearby provinces. Currently I do choreographic work in different schools, both primary and secondary, in our town, and other places.
9. Other than your defense, what other things have you been busy with?
As of now, in addition to doing parades, photo shoots and recordings, I am busy as a dance choreographer and use my work to spread my defense. For example, we would start practice with a few nuggets of wisdom about my defense, which shouldn’t intimidate your classmates because no one is perfect, even if you’re the cutest, smartest in class, you still have flaws.
10 Words of wisdom.
Success is the sweetest revenge.
Well said, frank. With your passion and compassion, you and your advocacy will surely rise high. Stay humble. Health!
Frank Castillo Salmo is a pure Ilocano, from Camiling, Tarlac, Philippines. Dancer, Choreographer, Freelance Model, Independent Actor, Vlogger and Certified TIKTOKER! He graduated from Camiling Colleges with a Bachelor of Secondary Education, majoring in English.
Holder/Special Awardee:
#Mr. Pogi Quest 2009 (Paniqui, Tarlac) Best in Talent and Best in Ramp Modelling;
#Ginoong Urdaneta 2012 (Pangasinan) Ginoong Kalikasan;
#Mr. MART ONE 2013 (Laoag, Ilocos Norte) First Finalist/Mr. Cindys/Best in Talent/Mr. PHOTOGENI/Best in Formal Wear;
#Bikini Open 2013 (City of Alaminos) First Finalist @Modeling Contest
#EAC MEDIA MODEL Cycle 2 First Prince;
#Fashion House by James Paul/Brand Ambassador;
#BATTLE TO THE TOP Season 3 Grand Champion: Got a chance to be the cover of an online magazine: GIRLFRIEND PHILIPPINES February issue;
#Lenox Next Top Model Cycle 9 Photoshoot Challenge WINNER; @ACTOR
#Jose Bartolome, Ang Guro as Mr. PANYA.