Danilo Begonia

I took him from Fall of 2005 for a segment 3 course, very easy, only 1 project that is 45 minute long due at the end of the semester. Most of the time just listening to other people experience as a asian american. Learn about other asians culture. Never boring always interested. Highly recommended!!

He is a hard teacher at first and his teaching style is definetly unique, but his class is one of the best I have ever attended. It becomes more than a class, but a community. Everything in the class is designed so that the everyone learns about one another. I have met people that I will forever be bonded to and that in it's own right makes all the work worthwhile. I would recommend this class for anyone interested in Filipino culture. At first it is a little overwelming to jump in the middle of a culture you don't understand, but it is an extremely open environment. I never felt out of place and there is always someone willing to explain what is going on. I highly recommend this class.

I can't really say that this class is hard because it's not at all intellectually challenging. But then I can't say that this class is easy. It's unbelievagle how many hours I've wasted on doing stupid porjects outside of class in order to "bond" with my group.

Take this class if you want to make friends and don't care about your grade. Unless you have lots of free time and are willing to devote your weekends to this class, you're not going to get an A.

for all you hardworking, honest students out there, fair warning from a fellow student: this class is HARD in every sense of the word. individually the assignments given aren't difficult, but it's the number he gives out that'll burden and burn you out. all of the quizzes he gives are pop quizzes and he never really lectures on what you'll be quizzed on, so you just try to read everything assigned and hope you remember something relevant.

he enjoys group work A LOT, so unless you're one of those lazy people who know how to A) pretend your busy w/ other shit so that the rest of your teammates have to do everything/almost everything while you still get credit (which is NOT fair to the team) B) suck major ass (Begonia likes that) C) have connections w/ other Filipino organizations--he's just there to use his students to fulfill his own goals. or D) are really lively and don't realize that he's using you

then you're all set!

the one thing i cannot stress enough is that what he grades on in that class should be and can only be EFFORT. but the thing about effort is that it's personal and not even an old bitter man who has the memory of a donkey and brown elephant combined can ever really grade effort. he can't grade the amount of time serious students put into their papers, their work, their time for all of this little games and outside activities. he can't grade how much work each team member REALLY does, and how little or nothing some others pull off.

the thing is that effort is what the real, good, really-does-their-homework students do, while the lazy people just suck in all the credits like it's cotton candy or something: they're all fluff, no substance.

if anything, we could all probably get just as much out of any other Filipino class. it just depends on how you want to learn it.

if you're smart, you will not take this class unless you really need to connect w/ people and want someone to force you to do that w/ a bunch of strangers. then again forcing something is unnatural and the connection will probably only be short-lived after the semester's over.

Professor Begonia is an outstanding teacher and person. If every teacher had the passion he possesses, there would be a lot more inspired students out there. He loves what he does and what he teaches. He doesn't just teach this subject to earn a living. He cares about his students.

I just hope every Filipino American and any other person of a different ethinicity takes this class...you will not regret it.

** By the way, prospective students, THIS CLASS IS AN EASY A!!! ***

I took the class in the Spring of 2000, and I've been a TA for Professor Begonia for a little more than a year now. What keeps me coming back time after time, helping make sure that each class is a success, is the magic and transformation that happens throughout the semester. The class is a bit tough, but what class isn't??? His extreme way of teaching is the complete opposite of what many students are used to. He has a unique way of making the students open up their minds. What better way of learning about the Psyche and Behavior of Filipinos than through the many opportunities to interact with the other members of the class. It is more than any text book, hand out or video could ever teach you. He puts all he can into everything he does for his students. The entire course of the class is undoubtedly a learning experience. Through the many assignments and papers, you discover the heart of what being a Filipino is all about, and hopefully you leave the class discovering a little more about yourself, Filipino or not. Besides time in class, he also opens doors to what the Filipino community is about off campus and on campus, PACE, Ating Tao, Arkipelago Books, Bindlestiff Studios is just a glimpse of what's in store for the class. Whether you leave his class loving it or hating it, you leave with a better understanding of what COMMUNITY really means. Take this class with an open mind and an open heart.There's a lesson to be learned each day. The class, like him, is truly unforgettable. Unlike many Professors on campus, Professor Begonia really cares about the success of his students and is truly an inspiration to many.

Professor Begonia has been a teacher who has made it his life's mission to inspire young students to live a life worth living. He teaches his class in a way that is not only exciting and unpredictable, but rather, quite extraordinary. He wants for his students to do good things for the community while at the same time, having fun doing it. He has no intentions of putting his students in harm's way or making you do work you do not want to do. In the beginning of the class, he explains specifically what he wants from you. If you decide that you can handle the workload, that is your sole decision. He never forces anyone to remain in his class and those who complain about the work should have known about it from the very beginning. And if you want to complain about assignments being "mandatory," I'm sorry but what teacher DOESN'T give mandatory assignments? It's part of what he wants you to learn. If you can't handle it, maybe the class just isn't for you. But for those who have taken it and have enjoyed it, it was certainly worth the journey.

Look Danny, the reason this site exists is for your students to privately voice their opinions regarding your class. Remember: your the person who hands out grades, so your students need to be careful when bringing complaints to you. But most importantly, trust potential future students to separate the reviews that are devoid of factual details to ones that are perhaps critical but constructive to you as a teacher and helpful to students at S.F. State who are deciding whether they would like to sign up for your class. I guess I have more faith in the intelligence and wisdom of our students to discriminate information from this site and to carefully decide whether they would like to choose or refuse a particular class.

Peace Dan.

In response to the person(s) who wrote these unfavorable remarks. I just want to say stop crying and bitching like a little baby. If you can remember way back in the beginning of the semester you took Professor Begonia he asked if the workload was too much for you to leave. I guess the work wasn't that hard at all to you and you decided to stay and received an A in the process. My question to you is... why be a freaking coward and voice your opinions and responses here. Why didn't you say anything in the end of the semester when you had the floor to rant and rave all you want? The reason why you didn't do this is because your a little BITCH, plain and simple. And I like your user name, anonymous. Just shows how much of a man or woman you truly are. And my user name? Just call me Nat. If you haven't seen or heard of me you have now. So if you want to challenge or rebutt my response to your cowardly response, let me know. I'm not too hard to find. Have a nice day!!!

"The poor teacher tells. The mediocre teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. But the truly outstanding teacher inspires." Danilo Begonia is truly an inspiration!

As a recent graduate of San Francisco State, I would have to say that a lot of my learning and growing up had a lot to do with the classes I took with Mr. Begonia (a.k.a. Tito Dan). His teaching style draws out such an ardent passion for the subject that it can, at times, even move students into action. He practices what he preaches, so he is not all talk. Tito Dan's command of the subject he teaches, his sincere concern for his students, and his teaching style makes him a truly outstanding teacher.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM. IF YOU'RE THINKING ABOUT TAKING TITO DAN'S CLASS, TAKE IT! WHEN YOU FINALLY MAKE IT TO YOUR FIRST DAY IN HIS CLASS, STICK TO IT NO MATTER WHAT! You'll regret it if you don't--and this is a proven fact!

P.S. The word "Filipinos" is spelled wrong on this website.

On the first day of class I was told by another student that Begonia doesn't give a lot of homework or anything, but grades hard overall in the end. I took him for AAS 695, and we didn't have any outside homework, nor did we have a midterm or final exam, which I was so happy about, since I hate tests. The entire course is based on a final project/presentation that we work on the for whole semester. Each week, we take turns basically giving progress reports on our projects, which have something to do with the Asian American Community. We all discuss the issues, projects, etc and present a final version the last few weeks of class. Begonia is obviously an experienced individual, he made me think about certain subjects in a different way, which was refreshing and nice. I had no idea that he'd lived and seen so much in his life, especially during the 60s. He's a cool, relaxed teacher, and I like his methods; he doesn't care about how much info you absorb and spit out in tests/exams like some teachers, but how you express yourself and see things, I highly recommend him. I love teachers that don't give exams and finals:) I think I do better in presentations or papers.

There's nothing wrong with a little teasing! It is, after all, an innate Filipino trait, is it not?

I will admit, however, that our dear hater's blatantly negative reviews of Prof. Begonia and his courses did irk me, causing me to write what I wrote. And although I can and do respect the views, opinions, beliefs, and values of others, be they similar or on the other side of the spectrum, I honestly feel that said hater acted/wrote with spiteful intent, rather than a genuine, subjective/objective, academic review. He/she basically mocked the intended goals of this site. In other words, the hater did not come correct!

Hence, the teasing.

And besides, if through my teasing of his/her pathetic writing in some way inspires him/her to become a better writer, if my teasing of his/her immature behavior inspires him/her to become a better person, then I've done my job by holding up the mirror to our beloved hater. Because in the end, it's all about the inspiration!

Backflip [456] Kabataan [355]

Hello to all...and once again we have another debate about Pro-Begonia and Anti-Begonia. Well, just to assure my validity to those teacherreview.com readers, I am a legit Ex-Begonia student with a fair and honest review about Prof. Begonia. I took his 456 class way back in 1998 and all I can say is the class and Prof. Begonia has grown immensely in many ways! I am proud of what he has accomplished and I am a bit upset of the negative feedback. But then again my fellow Ating Tao friends, this is what Begonia doesn't want you to criticize or act upon. When I took his class, he always mentioned never to retaliate hateful words or gang up on one person (if this is actually one person) who is outnumbered. Instead inspire them in a different way in order to change their mind. Yes I agree with the "hater" that Prof. Begonia is big headed and cocky. But these are the traits that fuel him to inspire more and more of his students. Nevertheless, these are just 2 traits that can be overlooked as confident and very self assured...you be the judge. Another important lesson that I learned with Professor Begonia is to respect another's opinion even though it is negative and insulting in the most hurtful way. Because it is negative opinions that can change or bring new ideas. Everyone also has a right to an opinion. So, whoever wrote those reviews, I respect you but understand that no matter how bad the reviews are, there will be someone who'll write a better one. This goes for you fellow Ating Tao members, lets not hate on the hater, let he/she express themselves. Besides, the last thing we want is for this person to say more things like ("They're just jumping on the bandwagon", "See I told you Ating Tao is a cult, "No matter what you say about Begonia his blinded followers will back his ass up" or the famous "See I told you Ating Tao would react this way!" Believe it or not, throughout my college career at SF State, I've overheard these phrases and the more we criticize the haters, the more fuel they'll have for the hateful flame. We must realize the bottom line; to many people, Begonia just doesn't work for them. Even Begonia himself said that his "new" style of teaching would be risky and not for everybody. Obviously the people who fall under this category will always feel the way they feel. And because they share their honest opinion, I respect them. That's their opinion. What we should focus on is the future. Who cares about the haters that took his class in the passed. Let them express what they feel. Believe it or not, there are a lot of Anti-Begonia people. Its all about "getting in where you fit in". As Ating Tao, we all fit in. For those that don't like Ating Tao, i'm sure there are other alternatives to fit in somewhere else and we should respect them and not worry about them. For those who are considering to take his classes. Be prepared for that "Stand and Deliver" experience. Mabuhay and Salamat to all for your time.

This was the class that started it all. BACKFLIP! I enrolled in this course my first semester at SFSU and it was perhaps the single-most brilliant move I've ever made in my whole educational career. Simply put: It was a real eye-opener... in more ways than one!

And the catalyst to my cultural awakening was, and continues to be, Professor Dan Begonia (aka Uncle Dan). Abstractly put: He is inspiration personified.

Like 355, this is another "must take." Again, if you're F/Pilipino/a, consider this course mandatory. Although it requires a lot of time and energy, it is fantastically fun, enormously rewarding, and the subject matter is extremely important for any and every Pinoy and Pinay. Pride and respect (for your people/ancestors/parents) are two words that will take on new meaning.

No history, no self. Know history, know self.

Backflip [456] Kabataan [355]

Dear hater,

Your futile attempts to discredit one of the most enjoyable and rewarding educational experiences--AAS 355 with Professor Danilo Begonia--leads me to believe that you, my feeble-minded friend, are one of "those." You know what I'm talking about! Anyone who has taken said course knows what I mean.

Those: vibe killers; haters; pessimists; future terrorists, gangbangers, substance abusers, suicide victims, et al; person(s) showing symptoms such as atrocious prose, as well as a total lack of tact, insight, etc.; etc.

By now, anyone who has read through these reviews should have come to the same conclusion as I: All the bad reviews originated from the same underdeveloped brain. The elementary grammatical errors, the undisciplined writing structure, the repeated use of certain words (i.e. cocky, hype, manipulate, brainwashed, fanbase, etc.) which, by the way, indicate a limited vocabulary, are all telltale signs. And then there are the recurring themes--or, perhaps, obsessions (i.e. too many TA's, the top five list, class based on implausible, personal theories as opposed to scholarly findings, Begonia's big-headedness, a sub-par college course, "don't take his class unless... blah blah blah..."). Writing styles are like fingerprints. I never thought I'd say this to anyone, but you have a very ugly fingerprint, my foolish friend!

Although I found your writings to be uninspiring and ineffective, one thing did pique my interest. You seem to be genuinely afraid of things; a bonafide scaredy cat. You admitted your lack of enthusiasm pertaining to class activities that required you to go to "dangerous" places. Why are you so afraid of the world? Don't fall victim to the "Mean World Syndrome." Cut down on your television viewing time. Get out there. Don't be afraid to let go and try new things. Don't be afraid to show emotion for fear of rejection. Live life to the fullest, my friend. Live life!

[Perfect segue into the review portion of this posting.]

To anyone thinking about taking this course with Prof. Begonia, TAKE IT, especially if you're F/Pilipino/a! Begonia is one of the most inspiring teachers I've ever had. He is creative, innovative, cutting edge. As unusual as his teaching methodology is, something within you will click. And you will love this class! And, God forbid, you will look forward to going to school and learning about yourself! And, lastly, despite the massive amounts of time and energy required to pass, despite the seemingly pointless and stupid things you will have to do, despite the unusually large number of TA's "taking up space," and despite the "big-headed" asshole standing up at the front of the room handing down knowledge to you, you will walk away that last day of class enlightened to the ways of this precious life, your unique life (as a Pilipino/Pilipino-American and as an individual), and begin to live life.

Caution: Some students have been known to cry as a result of Begonia and his... what's the word?... "tomfoolery." But do not be afraid. Fear is the great impeder.

Backflip [456] Kabataan [355]

Okay so whoever keeps busting with the shady reviews needs to stop. It is pretty suspicious that all the negative reviews were posted on the same day, right after the other, and had the same type of flow to it, as well as using the same kinda terms. So whoever you are, just chill y0.

I personally took this class not knowing anything about it, or anything about Professor Begonia. It is kinda funny that the term "cult-like" was used, cuz i mean hey..that is one way of looking at it. You will probably go through some really intense things which does force you to bond with people and some of us come out of it with strong friendships that wouldn't have happened if it weren't for the class.

I liked his teaching method simply because you learn by doing. The lectures he gave were dope, cuz it reminded me of an elder in a village telling all the youth stories of the old days. It was as if he was practicing a modern day oral tradition and I throughly enjoyed every minute of it. I enjoyed going to the "mandatory" events because I found myself going to new places, meeting new people, and having fun. I'd think that the "dangerous places" in San Francisco that was being referred to in other posts is Bindlestiff Studio which is on 6th and Howard. Yeah that place is pretty much in the ghetto (that's an understatement), but the history behind that venue and SOMA itself is key to understanding some of the struggles that Pilipino Americans face today. You don't have to agree with everything he says..hell I still don't. He'll say things that make you think, get you angry, have you laughing, and thinking *oh shit..that explains a lot*. But he does get a bit shady when it comes to the papers though. Everything has to be PERFECT.

And the whole bit about the TAs, the top 5 list, and the parties with the Mary Jane smokers....HAH comedy. The Top 5 list has nothing to do with the way the class is taught or TA's picking favorites. It's just something that came about because of changing hormones. The parties that are thrown were put together by folks who found each other through his class and I must admit, they're fun as well as needed. all work no play makes judith a dull girl. simple as that.

His class is an experience unlike any other. You can only get out what you put in, so just think about that before you take his class.

I agree with the person who wrote before me. This class is waaay too much hyped up. Almost everyone who has taken this class is brainwashed into thinking this class is the best AAS class therefore eliminating other AAS professors or classes. This class belongs in high school- it's an elitist class. THE CLASS ISN'T AS HARD AS HE MAKES IT SEEM TO BE. I suggest that if you really were interested in learning about Filipino culture, there are other alternative to taking this class. There's a reason why there are no textbooks. Some of his claims can't be found in any book. He uses his students to make himself look good in the community. Then again, at least some community service is being done. I took this class knowing that it was more of a social scene than a real class. His TA's (and there's too damn many of them!) seem to favor some students over others. (Ask someone about the Top 5 list!) Overall, this class is more of a high school popularity poll than a college level course. If you're a freshmen in college and you have no friends... this is the best way to meet new people (who judge you because you took a Begonia class; not for who you really are...). Good luck.

Begonia isn't all the hype he is. Personally I think he just hypes himself up along with his entourage of TA's and then forces people to get closer by bonding. I thought this was very innaffective because for any self-thinking individual, bonding is something that shouldn't be rushed. His TA's are a bit annoying sometimes because there are too many of them! Sometimes taking up a lot of classroom space or they just sit their talking amongst themsleves during lecture. Who needs 6-8 TA's? Shouldn't he be doing all the behind-the-scenes work for his own class? True, he has a passion for teaching. But I'm not sure whether his passion for his students is real or just part of his job. I espcially disliked all the outside classroom activities he claimed was "mandatory." He should understand that some students have so many things to do like work, family, and attending to other classes. And the places he made us go were some pretty dangerous areas in SF. Definitley a place most of us didn't want to be but it was "madatory." I felt that I learned some things from Begonia but he seems to be concentrating too much on the "Stand and Deliver" aspect of his teaching agenda. I took a class from the "other" Dan (Professor Gonzalez) and I feel that he's as passionate but has a better focus in learning. He really gets down to business without too many distractions. Begonia on the other hand, focuses too much on forcing the student to know the people in the class and making us do too many things outside the class. We had to be in with our new "famiy." I also didn't like how I felt like a guinea pig in his classroom. Everytime he huddled up his TA's we were all pretty much for his taking. Which I find a bit manipulative. After all, he does brag about a Psychology degree and going to Stanford. So he must know his stuff when it comes to manipulating students into what he wants to do. His so called class event was also more stressful than it should have been. His threats about cancelling the event made everyone work harder. But really, I don't think he would have cancelled the event. He was just manipulating us to work harder. His other "Passion" the Ating Tao drum circle is a bit of an annoyance at times because he plugs them very often during class. If you take one of Begonia's classes, its pretty much a drum circle recruiting opportunity for him. Overall, Begonia is an okay class depending on your preferences. If you want to meet new people and join a cult-like group of good filipinos, this class is the class for you! If you don't get into the hype much and think strong as an individual and all you want are the credits, I would recommend Professor Gonzalez. Same quality of learning without the unnecessary "Stand and Deliver" crap.

Professor Begonia, or Uncle/Tito Dan as many students call him, is a very unique person. Sure, he may seem a little stiff and strict but we all need someone steady who can actually sympathize with you when you need it. Begonia's class got more fun as the days went by, the kids in the class were all nice, and the lectures/projects/events were rewarding experiences. Sometimes class was emotional, but most of the time, it was about bonding, laughing and drumming. I didn't think I'd survive the class and I hated it for the first few weeks, but in the end, it was all worth it. You think you're forced to make friends with people in the class, and you are, but unlike most you find yourself, the friendships last and the bonding secures it. His class was definitely like "going home base" because you end up knowing everyone and you learn about your culture in a different perspective. He makes you realize things you already know, and takes it further. A GREAT LESSON in life is what this class is all about. AT-Kabataan (spring2000) 4Life.

This class woke my ass up. I took Gonzales's class AAS456 and received an A, but that was inspiring in a different way. This class I personally recommend to every Filipino/a student that wants to know what the hell being Filipino is all about. It has explained so many things, and I've had a better relationship with my parents ever since. It also forces you to realize that sometimes harmony should be valued over personal happiness...something that was hard for such an outspoken person like me. Begonia is a father figure, he remembers your name and makes you remember others (push-ups), is extremely awe-inspiring as a public speaker. I can't believe how naive I was about my own culture until this class. Now I'm minoring in AAS and more involved in the community. Even if you're not FIlipino, it is a good experience since the whole class is one big group project. The only thing that sucks is if you're stuck with punk-ass group members that drag you down. I WASN't andI had the tightest group AND the tightest semester (KASAMA). Don't expect too much or too little, take it for what it is.. After all, no semesters can touch KASAMA. This has truly been an extremely important factor in a my lifetime evolution.

AAS 355 ought to be required for incoming Filipino freshmen, and probably would help all Filipnos at SF State. Basically the class is a big bonding exercise, and you're graded on how well you work with your group members, how your group works with the class, and how you as an individual work with the class. There are numerous small homework assignments, all pretty easy, but be sure to follow directions TO THE LETTER and DO NOT BE LATE TO CLASS. This class can be a lot of fun and if you're Filipino, is a great way to learn about your heritage and connect with others on campus.

However, if you're not Filipino, the benefits may not be as great. I'm not, and while it was interesting, for me it wasn't the incredible emotional experience Begonia (or Uncle Dan, as some of you may call him by the end of the semester) kept hyping it up to be. Near the end of the semester, there is a class event which everyone must take part in. Sometimes it's a camping trip, in our case it was a bonfire on the beach. At the beginning of the semester Begonia said about Filipinos: If you're an outsider, it's hard to gain their trust. But once you're in, you're in for life. True.

It is obvious to all his students that Begonia does have a true passion for teaching, and supporting the community. The class truely bonds by the end of the semester, so if you're not into group work and putting in extra time, then you won't enjoy any of his classes. He is a bit demanding in doing class work with group outside of class, so if you don't have much spare time, then it maight be difficult to keep up.

Dan Begonia is the BEST professor I've had. This class was thoroughly enjoyable. Dan encourages participation from everyone and allows us to freely express our thoughts and opinions. This allowed us teach and learn from eachother and opened our eyes to the different Asian cultures. A term project presentation is due at the end of the semester, with "progress report" presentations during the semester. Dan was available during office hours, replied to emails and seemed genuinely interested in anything you had to say about anything. He was always open to questions and comments. Don't let him scare you off in the first class meeting. Stay in the class, you won't regret it. I HIGHLY recommend taking Begonia for this (or any) class!

I definitely loved his style of teaching. He brought about the students through an unpaved road which sent them on track toward their goal(s). Mr. Begonia has always helped each and every individual develop their own character. Through his teachings of Pilipino-American views, he helps the class get involved in reaching people in the community.