University Life

actual article

2010-01-31T01:42:00.001-08:00

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2009/ucm190427.htm

2010-01-31T00:50:00.001-08:00

UNIVERSITY OF SAINT LA SALLE
BACOLOD CITY

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE READING NO. 2 (MIDTERM)

In partial fulfillment of the requirements in the course General Science III

Submitted by:

TOLENTINO, Jim Austin M.
ABCO2 – A

Submitted to:

DR. JESSICA VILLAROSA
GenSci3

SUMMARY
In order to prevent the spread of addiction and the negative effects of alcohol and caffeine use, the Food and Drugs Administration has cautioned manufacturers against the addition of caffeine to alcoholic beverages. Studies show that addiction to such drinks prevail in college students by as much as 26 percent, hindering daily activities of learning and studying.
Unless a substance can be considered GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe), excluding caffeine in alcoholic drinks, it will be, of course deemed unsafe by the Food and Drug Administration. As of now, the FDA has only approved the addition of caffeine in soft drinks with only 200 ppm. Any alcoholic beverage with caffeine is not approved.
The FDA has issued memoranda on manufacturers to present their rationale on the presence of caffeine in their non-soft drink products. Otherwise, their products will be removed from the marketplace. Two alcoholic beverage manufacturers have already complied with the said enforcement namely Anheuser-Busch and Miller and Tilt and Bud Extra and Sparks in the past year.
It was with a letter from 18 attorney generals and one city general that the FDA found about this growing concern of local healthcare officers, most especially on the welfare of college students.

REACTION
Alcohol had been a constant presence in the culture of the world. It is associated with fulfillment, merry-making, achievements and goodwill. But it had always presented negative sides like its main effect which is intoxication and logical incapacity while under the influence. It is, of course, resolved with the enforcement of moderate drinking. Whenever there is moderation, drinking, or whatever substance intake is OK.
Now comes the inclusion of caffeine in alcoholic beverages. Alcohol in itself influences the mind, making it go fuzzy, but caffeine is a known stimulant, like that of coffee. Now that’s a totally different story. Here comes again man’s tendency to try and justify his actions, not by stopping that which he does, but by offering a twisted, if not another wrong decision. Such is the addition of caffeine in alcoholic beverage, which of course, will defy the original purpose of alcohol which deteriorates the functioning with a stimulant like caffeine.
We should take note that while students enjoy alcohol as it can deviate themselves from the pressure of study from time to time, coffee is more patronized by working individuals who need more waking time and energy to go with their work. It can seldom go around, but it is more commonly this way. Now, the addition of caffeine into alcoholic beverages will make more ways into which college students and working people intoxicate themselves with substances, deviating from the traditional ways of keeping up with man’s demands. It’s a good thing the FDA started making up for man’s recklessness by regulating the sale of caffeinated alcoholic beverages. It doesn’t even sound good in itself anyway.
REFERENCE
Herndon, M. (2009, November 30). FDA To Look Into Safety of Caffeinated Alcoholic Beverages
Agency Sends Letters to Nearly 30 Manufacturers. Retrieved January 4, 2010, from US Food and Drug Administration website: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2009/ucm190427.htm

reading for midterm

2010-01-30T05:15:00.000-08:00

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2009/ucm190427.htm

reading for midterm

2010-01-30T05:09:00.000-08:00

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2009/ucm189598.htm

character sketches on the video script

2010-01-12T23:30:00.001-08:00

May is the main character. She is the second child and first daughter of Ernest and Grace. She was born without both her legs and feet. She will appear as a baby, a fourteen year-old and an eighteen year-old in the story.

Grace is May's mother, who, because of the Republic of China's one-child policy, tried to induce miscarriage during her pregnancy with abortion pills at the cost of her baby's both legs and feet.

Ernest is the head of the family. He showed little concern for May and the rest of the family. His only concern is the eldest child and only son Ray.

Ray is May's elder brother. He brought May to the airport before she left for the Philippines.

Jade is Ernest's mother who secretly took concern for May. She signed up May for scholarships abroad and found one in a boarding school in the Philippines.

Sir Dick teaches piano at the boarding school. He took a certain interest in May's determination to succeed despite her insecurities and fears.

video script

2010-01-12T20:22:00.001-08:00

SEQ 01 EXT STREET IN FRONT OF JADE'S HOUSE MORNING
Jade and Ernest transfer pots from the doorstep to their minivan for delivery

JADE:
You'd think people had better things to gossip about. Three more sightings of the so-called private army police and things are getting more and more out of hand. My god.

Ernest drops a vase and it shatters. He walks away to get a broom. He arrives back with a broom and a dustpan. He starts sweeping the fine parts and picking up the bigger parts.

JADE:
Our clay gets more and more brittle every year. I hope Ray still gets to go on with the family enterprise in this situation.

ERNEST:
I think I want something else for him. I don't want him stuck here like me. Especially with the one-kid policy, it wouldn't be easy for him to manage this alone, with no brothers or sisters to help him.

SEQ 02 INT RAY'S BEDROOM SIMULTANEOUSLY
Grace fingers the pregnancy test kit. CU of the PT kit showing a positive. She sobs and the baby sobs with her. Grace hushes up, rocks the baby until he stops sobbing. She takes a brown bottle from a cabinet and examines it.

SEQ 03 INT MUSIC ROOM 14 YEARS LATER, AFTERNOON
May practices for her piano recital. She commits a mistake, stops right there and tries that specific measure again. CU of her keyboard attack.

SIR DICK:
There is a sharp on the third note there. And it's not supposed to be very heavily accented.

MAY:
Right, Sir thank you.

SEQ 04 INT ERNEST & GRACE'S LIVING ROOM AFTERNOON - FLASHBACK
Grace is seated on the living room with May. May sobs, and looks down on the floor. She looks up to her mother, tears glistening in her eyes.

MAY:
(sobbing)
Why can't I be loved like Ray is loved? I cant feel loved here! I FEEL LIKE A DISEASE!!! It's not anybody's fault I don't have my both of my legs! It's me who should get even more attention! Why do you neglect me?!

GRACE:
(indifferently)
Somebody wanted this, of course. It wouldn't happen without somebody wanting it. Well, for your information, it was me. I never wanted you. YOU WERE A MISTAKE! Now you stay in the house and not go anywhere, OR YOU LEAVE PERMANENTLY!

SEQ 05 INT MUSIC ROOM AFTERNOON - BACK TO THE PRESENT
May pounds the piano seat. She makes the same mistake again.

MAY:
(sighing)
Urgh.

SIR DICK:
Take it easy, May; you still have four weeks before the recital. You'll be fine. I know it. Relax.

SEQ 06 INT MAY'S ROOM MORNING - FLASHBACK
May is locked in her room. She pounds on the door.

MAY:
(sobbing)
Why can't I go to school?! MOTHER! Please let me out, I want to go to school! Please! HAVE MERCY!!!

SEQ 07 INT MUSIC ROOM AFTERNOON - BACK TO THE PRESENT
May is already alone in the room. She continues practicing, skips the part she misses and goes on until she commits another mistake.

SEQ 08 INT LIVING ROOM MORNING - FLASHBACK
Tha family sits around. May's bags are packed and are beside her seat. She sobs.

GRACE:
You want to do what you want to do, huh? You wanna follow your dreams? You dare go against what we wanted? Then leave - YOU UNGRATEFUL CHILD!!!

SEQ 09 EXT AIRPORT MORNING - FLASHBACK
May, on her wheelchair, waits for boarding. Ray arrives with food. He hands them over.

RAY:
If you ever get hungry on the trip. Take extra care, sis. Here's the business card of the boarding school. They're waiting for you there. Grandma took care of everything.

MAY:
Tell her I'm grateful, and that I love her. I love you too, brother.

RAY:
Till we meet again, sis. Take care of yourself. I love you. Keep the faith.

V.O.: PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUNCING BOARDING

SEQ 10 INT MUSIC ROOM AFTERNOON - BACK TO THE PRESENT
May smiles; she gets it correctly the second time. She proceeds with the song.

SEQ 11 INT FUNCTION HALL NIGHT - FLASHBACK
May, in her wheelchair, moves to the stage with other foreign students. People come forward and shake their hands.

SEQ 12 INT CLASSROOM AFTERNOON - FLASHBACK
May answers to the instructor's question.

MAY:
...With that in mind, Sir, we can absolutely say that the incident brought some fruit to the family. They may never have the money back, but the situation brought them closer together as a family and strengthened their bond. It also brought them closer to God - and that, I think, is far more important than the money they lost.

INSTRUCTOR:
Thank you, May, that was well said.

SEQ 13 INT AUDITORIUM NIGHT - FLASHBACK
May, in her graduation gown, moves to Sir Dick and offers her hand. Sir Dick accepts and shakes it vigorously.

SIR DICK:
Congratulations May, you made it. But don't forget about our piano recital next month, OK? I count on you to show them all the our music department rocks.

MAY:
Of course, Sir, after everything you did for me, you have my word that I'd do my best for that night.

SEQ 14 INT MUSIC ROOM AFTERNOON - PRESENT
May finishes practicing, tidies up and moves out, smiling.

MAY:
(to herself)
There still is time. Four weeks to go.

SEQ 15 INT FUNCTION HALL NIGHT - ONE MONTH LATER
May plays fantasie impromptu on the piano. She nears the end and happiness radiates on her face. She finishes with a powerful accent in the last few notes. She closes her eyes and smiles.

(applause)

LGU E-Procurement

2010-01-10T19:56:00.000-08:00

Initially, the EPS will serve as the official system for public bidding opportunities by the government of the Philippines, Procurement Service and other Government Agencies to advertise and distribute specifications. In the future the system will be extended to support other aspects of the procurement process including direct purchases, bid submissions, central accreditation and payments.

The GEPS, the Government Electronic Procurement System originated from the Procurement Service-Department of Budget and Management.

The GEPS represents the government of the Philippines' first step towards electronic procurement practices that will provide both government agencies and suppliers a more open, transparent and competitive environment for the procurement of goods and general support services, civil works and consulting services by the Government. Click here for more information. Initially, the EPS will serve as the official system for public bidding opportunities by the government of the Philippines, Procurement Service and other Government Agencies to advertise and distribute specifications. In the future the system will be extended to support other aspects of the procurement process including direct purchases, bid submissions, central accreditation and payments.

The GEPS, the Government Electronic Procurement System originated from the Procurement Service-Department of Budget and Management.

The GEPS represents the government of the Philippines' first step towards electronic procurement practices that will provide both government agencies and suppliers a more open, transparent and competitive environment for the procurement of goods and general support services, civil works and consulting services by the Government. Click here for more information.
For Suppliers

The GEPS offers direct access to government opportunities from one easy to use site. Suppliers can register directly on the system and have access to all opportunities and specifications. They will also be able to take advantage of the GEPS bid matching service and be automatically notified of new opportunities matching their profile. To start using the GEPS, register now.

For Government Agencies
Initially, the EPS will serve as the official system for public bidding opportunities by the government of the Philippines, Procurement Service and other Government Agencies to advertise and distribute specifications. In the future the system will be extended to support other aspects of the procurement process including direct purchases, bid submissions, central accreditation and payments. The GEPS, the Government Electronic Procurement System originated from the Procurement Service-Department of Budget and Management. The GEPS represents the government of the Philippines' first step towards electronic procurement practices that will provide both government agencies and suppliers a more open, transparent and competitive environment for the procurement of goods and general support services, civil works and consulting services by the Government. Click here for more information. For Suppliers The GEPS offers direct access to government opportunities from one easy to use site. Suppliers can register directly on the system and have access to all opportunities and specifications. They will also be able to take advantage of the GEPS bid matching service and be automatically notified of new opportunities matching their profile. To start using the GEPS, register now. For Government Agencies The GEPS provides the platform to post all your notices and specifications on the Internet and give you direct access to the supplier community. To participate on the GEPS, agencies need to register with Procurement Service. Interested agencies can contact Procurement Service by telephone at (632) 900-5232 or (632) 900-5234, by e-mail, or by fax at (632) 900-5239.

The GEPS provides the platform to post all your notices and specifications on the Internet and give you direct access to the supplier community. To participate on the GEPS, agencies need to register with Procurement Service. Interested agencies can contact Procurement Service by telephone at (632) 900-5232 or (632) 900-5234, by e-mail, or by fax at (632) 900-5239.

For Suppliers
The GEPS offers direct access to government opportunities from one easy to use site. Suppliers can register directly on the system and have access to all opportunities and specifications. They will also be able to take advantage of the GEPS bid matching service and be automatically notified of new opportunities matching their profile. To start using the GEPS, register now.

For Government Agencies
The GEPS provides the platform to post all your notices and specifications on the Internet and give you direct access to the supplier community. To participate on the GEPS, agencies need to register with Procurement Service. Interested agencies can contact Procurement Service by telephone at (632) 900-5232 or (632) 900-5234, by e-mail, or by fax at (632) 900-5239.

reading number 2 (Environmental Science MidTerm)

2010-01-07T21:00:00.000-08:00

Actual Article: http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/2009/ucm190513.htm

Satellite TV

2009-12-14T20:34:00.001-08:00

Satellite Television
 Satellite television is television delivered by the means of communications satellite and received by a satellite dish and set-top box. In many areas of the world it provides a wide range of channels and services, often to areas that are not serviced by terrestrial or cable providers.
 Satellite television is television delivered by the means of communications satellite and received by a satellite dish and set-top box. In many areas of the world it provides a wide range of channels and services, often to areas that are not serviced by terrestrial or cable providers.
 When satellite television first hit the market in the early 1990s, home dishes were expensive metal units that took up a huge chunk of yard space. In these early years, only the most die-hard TV fans would go through all the hassle and expense of putting in their own dish. Satellite TV was a lot harder to get than broadcast and cable TV.
 Today, you see compact satellite dishes perched on rooftops all over the United States. Drive through rural areas beyond the reach of the cable companies, and you'll find dishes on just about every house. The major satellite TV companies are luring in more consumers every day with movies, sporting events and news from around the world and the promise of movie-quality picture and sound. Satellite TV offers many solutions to broadcast and cable TV problems. Though satellite TV technology is still evolving, it has already become a popular choice for many TV viewers.
 Conceptually, satellite TV is a lot like broadcast TV. It's a wireless system for delivering television programming directly to a viewer's house. Both broadcast television and satellite stations transmit programming via a radio signal. Broadcast stations use a powerful antenna to transmit radio waves to the surrounding area. Viewers can pick up the signal with a much smaller antenna. The main limitation of broadcast TV is range.
 The radio signals used to broadcast television shoot out from the broadcast antenna in a straight line. In order to receive these signals, you have to be in the direct line of sight of the antenna. Small obstacles like trees or small buildings aren't a problem; but a big obstacle, such as the Earth, will reflect these radio waves. If the Earth were perfectly flat, you could pick up broadcast TV thousands of miles from the source. But because the planet is curved, it eventually breaks the signal's line of sight.
 The other problem with broadcast TV is that the signal is often distorted, even in the viewing area. To get a perfectly clear signal like you find on cable, you have to be pretty close to the broadcast antenna without too many obstacles in the way.
The Satellite TV Solution
 Satellite TV solves the problems of range and distortion by transmitting broadcast signals from satellites orbiting the Earth. Since satellites are high in the sky, there are a lot more customers in the line of sight. Satellite TV systems transmit and receive radio signals using specialized antennas called satellite dishes.
 Satellite TV solves the problems of range and distortion by transmitting broadcast signals from satellites orbiting the Earth. Since satellites are high in the sky, there are a lot more customers in the line of sight. Satellite TV systems transmit and receive radio signals using specialized antennas called satellite dishes.
 Satellites are higher in the sky than TV antennas, so they have a much larger line of sight range.
 The TV satellites are all in geosynchronous orbit, meaning that they stay in one place in the sky relative to the Earth. Each satellite is launched into space at about 7,000 mph (11,000 kph), reaching approximately 22,200 miles (35,700 km) above the Earth. At this speed and altitude, the satellite will revolve around the planet once every 24 hours -- the same period of time it takes the Earth to make one full rotation. In other words, the satellite keeps pace with our moving planet exactly. This way, you only have to direct the dish at the satellite once, and from then on it picks up the signal without adjustment, at least when everything works right.
Satellite TV System
 Early satellite TV viewers were explorers of sorts. They used their expensive dishes to discover unique programming that wasn't necessarily intended for mass audiences. The dish and receiving equipment gave viewers the tools to pick up foreign stations, live feeds between different broadcast stations and a lot of other stuff transmitted using satellites.
 Some satellite owners still seek out this sort of programming on their own, but today, most satellite TV customers get their programming through a direct broadcast satellite (DBS) provider, such as DirecTV or DISH Network. The provider selects programs and broadcasts them to subscribers as a set package. Basically, the provider's goal is to bring dozens or even hundreds of channels to your TV in a form that approximates the competition, cable TV.
 Unlike earlier programming, the provider's broadcast is completely digital, which means it has much better picture and sound quality. Early satellite television was broadcast in C-band radio -- radio in the 3.7-gigahertz (GHz) to 6.4-GHz frequency range. Digital broadcast satellite transmits programming in the Ku frequency range (11.7 GHz to 14.5 GHz ).
The Components
 There are five major components involved in a direct to home (DTH) or direct broadcasting (DBS) satellite system: the programming source, the broadcast center, the satellite, the satellite dish and the receiver.
 Programming sources are simply the channels that provide programming for broadcast. The provider doesn't create original programming itself; it pays other companies (HBO, for example, or ESPN) for the right to broadcast their content via satellite. In this way, the provider is kind of like a broker between you and the actual programming sources. (Cable TV companies work on the same principle.)
 The broadcast center is the central hub of the system. At the broadcast center, the TV provider receives signals from various programming sources and beams a broadcast signal to satellites in geosynchronous orbit.
 The satellites receive the signals from the broadcast station and rebroadcast them to Earth.
 The viewer's dish picks up the signal from the satellite (or multiple satellites in the same part of the sky) and passes it on to the receiver in the viewer's house.
 The receiver processes the signal and passes it on to a standard TV.
 Satellite TV Programming
 Satellite TV providers get programming from two major sources: national turnaround channels (such as HBO, ESPN and CNN) and various local channels (the ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and PBS affiliates in a particular area). Most of the turnaround channels also provide programming for cable TV, and the local channels typically broadcast their programming over the airwaves. Turnaround channels usually have a distribution center that beams their programming to a geosynchronous satellite. The broadcast center uses large satellite dishes to pick up these analog and digital signals from several sources.
 Most local stations don't transmit their programming to satellites, so the provider has to get it another way.
 The broadcast center converts all of this programming into a high-quality, uncompressed digital stream. At this point, the stream contains a vast quantity of data -- about 270 megabits per second (Mbps) for each channel. In order to transmit the signal from there, the broadcast center has to compress it. Otherwise, it would be too big for the satellite to handle.
Cable: Satellite's Biggest Contender
With emerging technologies in each service, the hardest decision in TV viewing is no longer just what channel to watch -- it's what service to choose.
CABLE Advantages
 Cable : Advancements in digital cable provide improved audio and picture quality with additional channels at a lower cost than satellite. You can also access cable channels from multiple rooms in your house fairly easily.
CABLE Disadvantages
 Cable : Cable has limited access in rural areas, and you should prepare for increased service costs as your provider updates its equipment. Your service costs are also subject to local taxes.
SATELLITE Advantages
 Satellite : Satellite offers movie-quality audio and picture display with hundreds of channels. This service is readily available in rural and urban areas and provides access to more digital and high definition programming.
SATELLITE Disadvantages
 Satellite : It is expensive to purchase all the equipment at the outset (and you can't typically rent it). If you want to access satellite TV in multiple rooms, be prepared for extra fees. Also, satellite TV is subject to weather-related malfunctions.
Satellite TV Signal
 Satellite signals have a pretty long path to follow before they appear on your TV screen in the form of your favorite TV show. Because satellite signals contain such high-quality digital data, it would be impossible to transmit them without compression. Compression simply means that unnecessary or repetitive information is removed from the signal before it is transmitted. The signal is reconstructed after transmission.
Satellite Dish
 When the signal reaches the viewer's house, it is captured by the satellite dish. A satellite dish is just a special kind of antenna designed to focus on a specific broadcast source. The standard dish consists of a parabolic (bowl-shaped) surface and a central feed horn. To transmit a signal, a controller sends it through the horn, and the dish focuses the signal into a relatively narrow beam.
 The dish on the receiving end can't transmit information; it can only receive it. The receiving dish works in the exact opposite way of the transmitter. When a beam hits the curved dish, the parabola shape reflects the radio signal inward onto a particular point, just like a concave mirror focuses light onto a particular point.
Satellite Receiver
 It de-scrambles the encrypted signal. It takes the digital MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 signal and converts it into an analog format that a standard television can recognize. It extracts the individual channels from the larger satellite signal. It keeps track of pay-per-view programs and periodically phones a computer at the provider's headquarters to communicate billing information.
The Black-and-White TV Signal
 In a black-and-white TV, the screen is coated with white phosphor and the electron beam "paints" an image onto the screen by moving the electron beam across the phosphor a line at a time. To "paint" the entire screen, electronic circuits inside the TV use the magnetic coils to move the electron beam in a "raster scan" pattern across and down the screen.
Color TV Screen
 A color TV screen differs from a black-and-white screen inthree ways:
o There are three electron beams that move simultaneously across the screen. They are named the red, green and blue beams.
o The screen is not coated with a single sheet of phosphor as in a black-and-white TV. Instead, the screen is coated with red, green and blue phosphors arranged in dots or stripes. If you turn on your TV or computer monitor and look closely at the screen with a magnifying glass, you will be able to see the dots or stripes.
o On the inside of the tube, very close to the phosphor coating, there is a thin metal screen called a shadow mask. This mask is perforated with very small holes that are aligned with the phosphor dots (or stripes) on the screen.
How does Satellite Television work?
 Satellite TV works by broadcasting video and audio signals from geostationary satellites to satellite dishes on the Earth's surface. These geostationary satellites orbit the earth in a region of space known as the Clarke Belt, which is approximately 22,300 miles above the equator. Each of these satellites carries a number of transponders. These transponders each carry a signal back to the Earth. These signals are typically on C Band, Ku Band, or Ka Band. The band of a signal describes, in broad terms, the frequency of the signal. After travelling over twenty thousand miles, these signals are received by a satellite dish.
 This dish can be as small as 18" across, or it can be 9‘ or larger across. The purpose of the dish is to act as a collector and a reflector. The dish collects the signal and reflects it towards the feedhorn. The feedhorn receives the reflected signal and sends it to the LNB. The LNB amplifies the signal and converts it to a frequency more suitable for transmission over a cable. In satellite terminology, that cable is known as the IFL. The LNB transmits the signal over the IFL to the satellite receiver. The satellite receiver then sends the signal to your television set.

for GenSci 3

2009-12-07T02:00:00.001-08:00

University of Saint La Salle
Bacolod City

College of Arts and Sciences

An Environmental Science Reading in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of the Course General Science III - Environmental Science

Submitted by:
Jim Austin M. Tolentino
ABCO2

Submitted to:
Dr. Jessica Villarosa
GenSci 3

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109142129.htm

Resource Message for the United Nations' Day Celeb

2009-10-20T00:30:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow marks the official coming to existence of what we now call the United Nations Organization. It is the world leaders’ effort to cushion the effects of the Second World War as the casualties had been poorly managed by the League of Nations. All over the world, this day is being celebrated as the world’s peace day, as it had been declared to be the day of celebrating the birth of regulation of global issues. It was even declared in 1971, 24 years after it had been established, that UN member states observe this day as a public holiday by the United Nations Resolution 2782. We display flags of countries; we do programs, meetings, discussions and exhibits about the achievements of this union of the nations.

As we all know by now, the United Nations is an organization aiming to regulate international affairs, ultimately leading to world peace. Who wouldn’t want that, shall we ask?

In 1945, toward the end of the war, the League of Nations had been abolished to give way to the founding of the United Nations Organization to stop the wars between countries and provide communication between the states. It has subdivisions that serve as arms and legs in executing programs.

To encourage visualization, the heads had to come up with an emblem, a symbol into which people would look to for reference. And so on October 1946, they came up with this design which showed the most of the world on a flat disc. Later, they added Antarctica, which was not included in the first emblem. The Greenwich Meridian was placed at the center and was accepted by the members. More and more designs came, and these designs became simpler and more monochromatic until a level of simplicity and dignity had been attained.

On October 20, 1947, the resolution 167 (II) was released to put the emblem on a flag together with the formulation of a flag code which was published on December 19 of the same year. Amendments were done in November of 1952 and a complete revision on New Year’s Day of 1967.

To house UN meetings and offices, the United States congress decided to request that the UN offices be built in the country. New York City reigned supreme among the choices of location and construction went on in 1949 and 1950. The land was purchased with an 8.5 million – dollar donation from John D. Rockefeller, Jr. and was opened on January 9, 1951.

Aside from New York, major agencies under UN based themselves in Geneva, the Hague, Vienna, Nairobi and other places.

The idea for the future United Nations as an international organization emerged in declarations signed at the wartime Allied conferences in Moscow (Russia) and in Tehran (Iran)in 1943. From August to October 1944, representatives of France, the Republic of China, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the USSR met to elaborate plans at the Dumbarton Oaks Conference in Washington, D.C.

Those and latter talks produced proposals outlining the purposes of the United Nations Organization, its membership and organs, as well as arrangements to maintain international peace and security and international economic and social cooperation. Governments and private citizens worldwide discussed and debated these proposals.

At the Yalta Conference it was agreed that membership would be open to nations that had joined the Allies by 1 March 1945. Brazil, Syria and a number of other countries qualified for membership by declarations of war on either Germany or Japan in the first three months of 1945 - in some cases retroactively.

Other signs included flags of other member states and a few patches, all symbolic of the essence of the union of the nations of the world.

The United Nations continues to cater to the needs of the world like the development of human rights, economies, decolonializations, health and education. The prevention of the occurrence of wars is one of their strongest advocacies. But then, there had been wars over the years, but none so far had been elevated to world war status.

The organization’s main advocacies include children’s welfare; in which developed and developing countries seem to have little to no time for. Children would be left homeless and sleep on the streets. They would be underfed, and undereducated. The future is dim for them, and as they were born and were raised is the streets, it is likely that they’d also die in the streets, robbed of the chance to prove themselves to the world.

Together with, but not totally in accordance to children, is education. That is said because the United Nations doesn’t just appeal the need for education to the young, but to the matured but uneducated people as well. It is a big job which includes raising awareness on healthcare and sanitation, family and lifestyle, and not just within school instruction.

Hunger and malnutrition result from poverty, often caused by colonialization and war. This is mostly seen in African countries, which had been divided into the hands of European powers in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It is there therefore that hunger and poverty is most evident. These countries had been ripped off of its riches, and the people’s morale is very low because of slavery and ethnical/tribal persecution as seer in the feature film “Tears of the Sun.” Diseases also abound due to lack of awareness in hygiene and healthcare. The United Nations’ Millennium Campaign aims to change this.

Peace, as mentioned earlier, is the UN’s primary advocacy, in the face of the raging war the time the organization was founded. But the problem did not end when the war ended. There are countries and cities to rebuild because of destruction of infrastructure and people to feed because of the destruction of livelihood and industry. As depicted by the bird with a twig in its beak, like Noah’s post-flood time, this is a symbol of hope especially to the war-ravaged countries that there still is hope.

Health issues are dictated by a person’s or a people’s way of living. Because of poverty and undereducation, malnourishment and hygienic negligence result in the spreading of very preventable and treatable diseases that cost the life of many of the people in these countries. Without decent shelters, clean water and clean food, people get sick and die. How much more without just shelters, water and food?

HIV or AIDS is still one of the most effective killers today. But the disease is defined by belief. There are hearsays as to guaranteed cures and sure risks to being infected with the virus, but a lot of people around the world do not base their beliefs and fears on the disease on fact.

Children’s Human Rights is the most important human rights advocacy in the world. Childhood displays a lot of innocence and trusting, and anything done against the best interests of a child is punished. And so the Convention on the Rights of the Child is adopted by the United Nations Assembly in 1989.

No man is an island, we say. The same is true with the union of the nations. In time of difficulty and suffering from emergencies especially of natural disasters, the United Nations advocate to help the affected countries with financial and in-kind help by supplying goods and money to help the victims rebuild their lives with. The United Nations were there after Hurricane Katrina destroyed the US and many other countries. The Pakistani earthquake left people homeless after the country suffered from landslides. Just after Ondoy and Pepeng, and certainly even after Ramil, the Philippines enjoys a steady stream of assistance from all over the world, not just coming from Filipino communities in different countries but from the locals as well.

The world has natural reactions to human actions. Intense heat not reflected back to the sun due to thinning ozone layer comes to the earth and melts the polar ice. Water level increases and disasters abound. In short, Climate Change. This is one of the biggest environmental issues that threaten global survival today. The UN closely monitors this together with the world’s environmental organizations as it would affect first and most the developing countries especially with their poor and still developing disaster management programs.

Women comprise more than half of the world’s population. But they seem to belong to the minority when it comes to global treatment. Violence, illiteracy and inequality are some of the toughest issues they face because of their gender.

The United Nations struggles to address the problems of the world many at a time. There aren’t anyway better for them, who also face threats from the very same problems. The feature film Tears of the Sun showcased how a nation can be very unstable within itself, and how the rest of the world, if not watching from the sidelines, reacts to them. There are medical and religious missions on the war areas to offer medical and moral support and doctors from all over the world come to help the sick and the hungry. American soldiers come to rescue the afflicted, and neighboring countries provide shelter for the refugees.

The United Nations – how helpful to the world’s welfare an organization can it be? What can we do to help? Wouldn’t it be better, make the planet cleaner and more peaceful, if we start the change from within to avoid cleaning up our mess after something bad already happened? Or maybe we can work hand-in-hand in order prevent bad things happening and if something does happen, the people above us, that is the world leaders and the United Nations would have less things and problems to think about.

for Jether

2009-10-13T08:28:00.001-07:00

The class of Communication Values and Ehics offers more things, for me, aside from the basic lectures for trustworthiness, dignity and credibility. I once first thought that the subject would be a breeze, with boredom blues to experience. However, I turned out to be wrong. Aside from it goes out of the usual “lecture” routine, the subject is indeed enjoyable, as seen in every activity done. I now have a different view towards looking at subjects and jumping to conclusions and assumptions. I thank the subjectfor opening my eyes before its too late.

Winding in my life’s ocean, I became aware that dilemmas, mostly ethical have ruled my life. At first, I thought getting out of it is the only way to solve them. Again, I was wrong. Getting out, or escaping would make you dull, fearful and distrustful. I learned that I should face it, and pick the best possible solution. As I look more, I have seen the errors I’ve done because instead of bringing justice, I would click the escape button and flee. I admit that the escaping turned out to be a help, but it wouldn’t get me through all times. Therefore, it is expected that as I grow more to age, better and more efficient alternatives, processes and solutions should be picked and used. It’s hard for someone who picks the escape section at all times, but I know that it is the only way to learn. I know that I have my fair share of faults and errors, some of them, destroyed people’s trust to me, destroyed my reputation and also my parents. I wish it won’t happen again. However, my efforts turned out to be futile. I just hope sooner or later, I’ll grow, and be responsible enough because I know that the world I’ll enter doesn’t have time for people who are not flexible and irresponsible. Preparation and practiced should be exercised, to destroy all hindrances to growth, and make a difference. Sooner or later, I would be facing rifts that could weaken my stand or blur my ideologies, I must be ready. I know I can’t save myself from that because they are sent to test strengths and versatility, so I need to start from now to be properly equipped. If I don’t start now, I may be doomed of following a dark and sinister road.

In terms of thinking ethically, almost all learned persons stress that the mind should be wise and knowledgeable enough to solve whatever problems he may cross. However, I am asking myself how. Thinking ethically is not achievable overnight. Like preparing for possible and potential problems, it takes a deal of courage and determination. It is because I, for one, am not entirely sure of what I’ll face the moment I tell myself I’m ready for practicing thinking ethically. I know it’s a real necessity, therefore I should do it. Reading literature about the matter would aid me in the process. Journals and books about thinking ethically are things I should read to clear this skull. From these books, I am sure I could draw tips and insights to enhance thinking ethically. If possible, reviewing instances or occurrences where thinking ethically played a part should also be observed, studied, processed and eventually learned to further enhance it. The tip is to study, observe and learn. Another way also would be testing myself if I could really exercise this skill. After reading and research, the only way to test is evaluating myself. It is necessary so that I could really tell myself I have indeed learned. However I also should not feel contented and satisfied all at once. I shouldn’t stop, in analyzing, in observing, and in learning. If it is possible still, I hope I’ll find the determination to re-learn and tell myself I am still lacking and therefore requiring more guidance to continuously think ethically. After all, it doesn’t only stop at me, and the betterments are not only mine to experience, but also for everyone around me, who may enlist my aid sooner or later. This made me realize that learning to think ethically, for the matter, is not at all a process that ends, but is eternal and forever. People, that includes me, will, for all eternity strive to grow in wisdom for the betterment of a society that deserves people whoa re enthusiastic enough in spreading goodwill to all men.

2009-10-08T21:40:00.001-07:00

TOLENTINO, Jim Austin M.
ABCO2 - A 10

PR Programs for the Department

1. "Adopt-a-Family" program: each class of the Mass Communication Department will adopt at least two families, vising them with goods, lectures on health and hygiene, and helping around in the activities of the house. This aims to expose the students in urban and below average lifestyles of media consumers, and also get to ask them as to how media affects them, especially the children, and extending assistance while doing it. The activity will last for a month, in June. Each class will present their outputs with photo proofs.

2. "Dialogue on Public Service with the Officials" program: Every end of the month, political/social heads around Bacolod will be invited to speak to students of the university as facilitated by the Mass Communication Department. Youth/student leaders will be asked to participate in leadership workshops. This activity will be conducted on the months of the first semester.

3. "Piso Laban kay Ondoy" program: Mass Communication Department students will be asked to do pledges of one peso a day to help riase funds for vicitms of Typhoon Ondoy. The one-peso contributions will be collected daily by a designated secretary-treasurer of the class and will be sent to any of the various bodies that facilitate extending help to the victims.

4. "MassComm Ako, Mahalaga Ako" program: Selected students under the Department will be recognized once a month for their accomplishments in school or outside. The rest will be nominating students whom they know to have done something in the span of the current month for selection of the Mass Communication Department staff.

5. "Communicators-Teachers' Day" program: Spearheaded by the seniors, who have already encountered all of the teaching staff of the department, the members will be invited for a dinner with the Mass Comm society officers for a reminisce of their stay in the department for the last four years under them. This activity will be held on the last month of the second semester.

6. "Ask 'Nes'" program: a half-day program in the departmental offices that gives time for the students to relay their comments and suggestions to the Department Chair for brainstorming of solutions and formulation of new regulations within the department. The Chair reserves the right to judge each proposition if it is for the best interests of the majority of the members of the Society.

7. "Froshies'/Sophies'/Juniors'/Seniors' Retreat" program: each of the year levels will conduct a half-day retreat at the first Monday of each month to get balanced with their scholastic and spiritual selves. First, second, third and fouth months, all on the first Mondays, will be designated to the seniors, juniors, sophomores and fresnmen respectively.

8. "Mass Media Local Exposure" program: Sophomores, as part of their Communication introductory courses, will be visiting media production sites around Bacolod and only as far as neighboring towns and cities to observe the practices of rural/provincial mass media production. This activity will be conducted while the students are taking their Intro to Mass Comm course.

9. "Christmas is Communication" program: observed before school closes at Christmas season, students will be going out to a specific community and hold a Christmas program there, complete with giving of goods and entertainment to members of the chosen community.

10. "Parent-Communicator" program: Parents will be invited to a special program in which the students will be offering them a tribute for having been allowed and supported by them in pursuit of a communications degree. Exclusive to the graduating seniors, this activity will be held on February.

TOLENTINO, Jether Budd M.
ABCO2 - B 10 PR Programs for the Company/Department

1. "Help Us Help the Typhoon Victims" program: the department will collect funds and send it to aid-facilitating groups in Manila for the affected areas of the typhoon. This will be spearheaded by the society officers and overseen by the department chair. Collection will include money donations, in kind donations like used clothing and packed or canned food, at least 20 pesos per member, 1 piece of clothing and 1 food item. Program will be conducted over July, and the collected donations will be sent first week of August.

2. "Who's Who Among U?" program: the department will hold a communications technology contest for everyone in specific fields of mass communication like Advertising, Journalism etc. with the participation of prospective college communication students in high schools around Bacolod. This aims to introduce the department's curriculum to graduating high school seniors. Each of the classes taking up the fields to be competed in will host their respective contests. To be conducted in September, this will be a one-day event.

3. "A Paper within a Paper" program: under the leadership of the journalism instructor, juniors will be doing a paper under their official journalism paper's name to be circulated outside the university for a more commercial journalism experience. There will be a one-time low circulation on the second to the last week of the journalism course and it will contain the same print journalism content as that of dailies but will mainly feature departmental activites of the society.

4. "Books to be Kept, Books to be Read" program: A Book Fair launched by the members of the department to be handled by the Book Publishing class which will be selling used books at minimal prices. The books to be sold will be collected from members of the society who wil be willing to give old books and novels away. Proceeds will go to departmental funds. Scheduled in October, as extra activity for the teachers' day celebration.

5. "Hand-in-Hand with NSTP" program: a joint program to be launched by the department and the NSTP program in which the department will help in the service program of NSTP. Members and Officers of the society will go with the NSTP students to their selected areas of assistance to extend service like streetside clean-ups and hosting entertainment programs to the members of the chosen community. To be held every first Saturday of the month

6. "Political Service Forum:" inviting a few local aspiring politicians for 2010, the students will be listening to their proposed leadership schemes and plans of the prospective candidates. This will be headed by the seniors for their PolSci minor subject but will be open to the university. This activity will be conducted on March, the last month of the second semester in preparation for the coming May elections.

7. "Rock enroll to School" activity: a competetive rock concert featuring local bands to raise funds for departmental activities. To be held in the outdoor ampitheatre, this activity will be scheduled on the last Saturday night of June.

8. "Search for Mr. and Ms. Communications" pageant in which the winners will perform ambassadorly duties of goodwill. This will include students from Communications programs of colleges and universities around Bacolod City. Judges will include the reigning MassKara Queen and the city's First Lady, together with USLS Mr. and Ms. Freshman of 2010. The activity will be held in the eve of Valentines Day.

9. "Future Broadcasters' Press Conference" activity: Communication students around Bacolod and Iloilo will be invited to compete in a Broadcasting tilt which will be participated in by local radio and TV stations as judges to be held on August of the Academic Year.

10. "Sharing my Santa Claus" program: to be held on the last day of school before Christmas vacation, students will be collecting used toys and clothes for distribution to street children along La Salle avenue. This program is in support of Jollibee's "Ma-'Aga' ang Pasko" program, since a Jollibee branch is also located on the said street.

Madonna Tribute to Michael Jackson at the 2009 MTV VMAs

2009-09-22T08:01:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson. [Cheers] I have a little bit more to say than that. OK, here we go again. Michael Jackson was born in August 1958. So was I. Michael Jackson grew up in the suburbs of the Midwest. So did I. Michael Jackson had eight brothers and sisters. So do I. When Michael Jackson was six, he became a superstar, and was perhaps the world’s most beloved child. When I was six, my mother died. I think he got the shorter end of the stick. I never had a mother, but he never had a childhood. And when you never get to have something, you become obsessed by it.

I spent my childhood searching for my mother figures. Sometimes I was successful, but how do you recreate your childhood when you are under the magnifying glass of the world?

There is no question that Michael Jackson is one of the greatest talents the world has ever known. That when he sang a song at the ripe old age of eight he could make you feel like an experienced adult was squeezing your heart with his words. That when he moved he had the elegance of Fred Astaire and packed the punch of Muhammad Ali. That his music had an extra layer of inexplicable magic that didn’t just make you want to dance but actually made you believe you could fly, dare to dream, be anything that you wanted to be. Because that is what heroes do and Michael Jackson was a hero.

He performed in soccer stadiums around the world, and sold hundreds of millions of records and dined with prime ministers and presidents. Girls fell in love with him, boys fell in love with him, everyone wanted to dance like him. He seemed otherworldly — but he was a human being.

Like most performers he was shy and plagued with insecurities. I can’t say we were great friends, but in 1991 I decided I wanted to try to get to know him better. I asked him out to dinner, I said “My treat, I’ll drive — just you and me.”

He agreed and showed up to my house without any bodyguards. We drove to the restaurant in my car. It was dark out, but he was still wearing sunglasses.

I said, “Michael, I feel like I’m talking to a limousine. Do you think you can take off your glasses so I can see your eyes?”

Then he tossed the glasses out the window, looked at me with a wink and a smile and said, “Can you see me now? Is that better?”

in that moment, I could see both his vulnerability and his charm. The rest of the dinner, I was hellbent on getting him to eat French fries, drink wine, have dessert and say bad words. Things he never seemed to allow himself to do. Later we went back to my house to watch a movie and sat on the couch like two kids, and somewhere in the middle of the movie, his hand snuck over and held mine.

It felt like he was looking for more of a friend than a romance, and I was happy to oblige. In that moment, he didn’t feel like a superstar. He felt like a human being.

We went out a few more times together, and then for one reason or another we fell out of touch. Then the witch hunt began, and it seemed like one negative story after another was coming out about Michael. I felt his pain, I know what it’s like to walk down the street and feel like the whole world is turned against you. I know what it’s like to feel helpless and unable to defend yourself because the roar of the lynch mob is so loud you feel like your voice can never be heard.

But I had a childhood, and I was allowed to make mistakes and find my own way in the world without the glare of the spotlight.

When I first heard that Michael had died, I was in London, days away from the start of my tour. Michael was going to perform in the same venue as me a week later. All I could think about in this moment was, “I had abandoned him.” That we had abandoned him. That we had allowed this magnificent creature who had once set the world on fire to somehow slip through the cracks. While he was trying to build a family and rebuild his career, we were all passing judgement. Most of us had turned our backs on him. In a desperate attempt to hold onto his memory, I went on the internet to watch old clips of him dancing and singing on TV and on stage and I thought, “my God, he was so unique, so original, so rare, and there will never be anyone like him again. He was a king.”

But he was also a human being, and alas we are all human beings and sometimes we have to lose things before we can appreciate them. I want to end this on a positive note and say that my sons, age nine and four, are obsessed with Michael Jackson. There’s a whole lot of crotch grabbing and moon walking going on in my house. And, it seems like a whole new generation of kids have discovered his genius and are bringing him to life again. I hope that wherever Michael is right now he is smiling about this.

Yes, Michael Jackson was a human being but he was a king. Long live the king.

rxn paper on secret window

2009-09-12T04:10:00.000-07:00

TOLENTINO, Jim Austin M.
ABCO2 - A

Reaction Paper on the Movie "Secret Window" (David Koepp)

The movie features a case of Dissociative Identity Disorder, occuring under the influence of liquor (Jack Daniels in the movie). Mort Rainey is a short story writer suffering from a mental block who got visited by a man named Shooter claiming to have been plagiarized by him in the story "Secret Window," bringing his own manuscript. In his struggle to prove his innocence against the plagiarism complain and at the same time trying to know more about Shooter whom he believes is out of his mind, he finds his private investigator and neighbor (who is a witness to the existence of Shooter) murdered before their meeting about Shooter. He disposes of the bodies into the river nearby, afraid that these murders would be labeled his.

Furthermore, Rainey believes that Shooter is sent by his ex-wife Amy's lover Ted to terrorize him and sign the divorce papers. Amy's house burns to the ground, and Rainey relates to authorities Shooter's harrassment so they have an arson suspect.

The magazine into which Rainey's version of the story arrives via UPS, and he realizes that the pages with "Secret Window" in it had been torn. Later, he realizes that Shooter is a make-believe persona trapped within him and is released with the help of alcohol. He also remembers everything he did unconsiously like killing the neighbor and the investigator and burning Amy's house. Amy goes over to his house and Rainey kills her and Ted who follows after Amy. He buries them as said in the last part of "Secret Window," plants a corn garden on it, and eats of the grain to slowly eradicate evidence. He gets back to normal, and the local sheriff comes over and tells him that he is aware of Rainey's doings, only without enough proofs. He just relates to the sheriff about the ending of the "Secret Window."

Technicals

Being a Stephen King adaptation movie, the setting would more likely be filled with mist and murky river waters, not with poor lighting, but the use of the woods in an upstate location, with all the effects of shadows from the woods. It had been just fitting, since it elicits fear and apprehension as to what lies beyond what is seen.

The musical score and the sound effects would have to be haunting and scary of course, since the film is a psychological thriller adapted from a story written by America's King of Horror.

Very cool colors dominate the film's overall appearance, depicting the clammy and cold climate and of murder and death.

DETROIT NEWS: AN A-Z Britney Spears article at http://detnews.com/article/20090903/ENT04/909030303/1424/ENT04/An-A-Z-look-at-Britney-Spears

2009-09-08T02:05:00.000-07:00

Alexander, Jason: Spears married her childhood friend -- not to be confused with the "Seinfeld" actor -- in a surprise Vegas wedding in January 2004, only to have the marriage annulled 55 hours later.

Baby: The most reoccurring word in Britney's lyrics, most famously heard in "...Baby One More Time," which opens with her signature, "Oh bay-buh, bay-buh."

"Crossroads" : Britney's 2002 film earned Spears Worst Actress honors at the Razzie Awards.

Diet: Seemingly consists of Cheetos, Red Bulls and Frappuccinos, though she somehow keeps her bikini bod in shape. (Did you see her on Letterman last month? Yowza!)

"Everytime": Spears' most touching ballad is accompanied by an eerie video in which she foresees her death at the hands of the paparazzi (scary!), and she shacks up in a Vegas penthouse with Stephen Dorff (scarier!).

Federline, Kevin: Britney's ex-husband and the father of her two children. The wannabe rapper also co-starred with Spears in the short-lived reality TV disaster "Britney & Kevin: Chaotic."

Gum-snapping: Brit was criticized for incessantly snapping her Trident during her monumentally ill-informed sit-down interview with Matt Lauer in 2006.

"How I Met Your Mother": Britney's well-received 2008 guest turn on the CBS sitcom was one of the first steps in rebuilding her career in the wake of her nearly career-killing appearance at the 2007 VMAs.

Implants: A 2008 Rolling Stone report alleged Brit underwent breast enhancement surgery while she was a teen, but later had her implants removed.

Justin Timberlake: Timberlake and Spears were the teen pop-power couple at the turn of the millennium. Her alleged tryst with choreographer Wade Robson led to their split and inspired one of Timberlake's biggest hits, "Cry Me a River."

Karate Kid: In the 2008 documentary "Britney: For the Record," Spears left us with this memorable parting line: "I go through life like a Karate Kid." Ralph Macchio would be proud.

Louisiana: The state that gave us hot sauce, jazz and yes, Britney Spears.

Mr. Clean: The look Britney was apparently going for when she shaved her head in early 2007.

"New Mickey Mouse Club": Where Britney got her start in 1993, alongside castmates Timberlake, Christina Aguilera and Ryan Gosling.

"Oops! I Did It Again ": The title of Britney's sophomore album gave lazy journalists everywhere an easy one-liner every time she made a mistake (or, even better, followed it up with another mistake).

Python: The type of snake Spears seductively danced with during her performance of "I'm a Slave 4 U" at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards.

Queen of Pop: A title usually reserved for Madonna but sometimes given to Spears. It's cool: The two are friends and collaborated on the single "Me Against the Music."

Rehab: Where Spears landed three days after she shaved her head.

"Saturday Night Live": Spears was the youngest person to ever appear as both host and musical guest when she did double duty in 2000 at the age of 18.

"Toxic": This 2004 single was one of Britney's most well-received songs, and earned Spears her first Grammy (for Best Dance Recording).

Umbrella: An enraged (and bald!) Spears' weapon of choice when she attacked a paparazzo in 2007.

Ventilation issues: What the Spears camp blamed when Britney cut a performance short in Vancouver earlier this year, after clouds of marijuana smoke from the crowd allegedly hung over the stage during the concert.

"Where have I been?": A question Britney poses in a leaked YouTube video, where an inquiry about the theatrical release of the little-seen junkie drama "Spun" leads to the revelation, "I feel like I've been missing out on life, like things, and things going on."

X-rated: The best way to describe the series of widely circulated paparazzi pics of Britney exiting vehicles, sans underpants, in 2006-2007.

Yahoo: The online search engine has listed Britney Spears as its most-searched topic of the year every year since 2005.

Zone: It's what she was in on her 2003 album "In the Zone."

Write-Up for the Magazine

2009-08-23T21:00:00.000-07:00

Name

Job-venue Magazine: It is a combination of the words "Job" and "Avenue." Going along the likes of jobstreet, job-venue can also be "venue for jobs," -a venue for job hunting. But it is more closely related by the editor to "job + avenue," like that of La Salle Ave.NEWS.

Scope

This issue, as instructed, will feature the interests of 22-25 year-olds, no matter where they are. The editor decided that since the age bracket given comprises of fresh graduates, the magazine will feature job-hunting as the next step into conquering their lives. It gives tips on selecting jobs that pay as much as they want, impress the hiring department of their chosen company, survive their first day, get something from the biggest companies and many more. It is a helpful medium of landing a first job.

Issue Frequency

For starters, the editor decided on a bimonthly basis, which will result in 6 issues annually. At the end of the year, the issues will be gathered to produce a hardbound compilation of all the year's issues. A separate cover for the background will be produced together with a binding theme for all the issues in it.

Price

The paper is sold at 85 pesos per copy. Prices are subject to change without prior notice.

Affiliates

The magazine will have an online affiliate which will have the articles published in the magazine in it. It is located on the world wide web at jimaustintolentino.blogspot.com, the official blog website of the editor.

The magazine will also be participating in job fairs, offering assistance to job-hunters and covering the said events for publication.

Editorial Notes

2009-08-23T20:40:00.000-07:00

A Maiden Issue is a first. Don't we just love the word first - and all the benefits it can give? You're first on the line, you get the first service. First on the list, you're on top. First honors, and you're the brightest among the group. But as in all aspects of life, it has disadvantages. Firsts can be the experiments. The maiden voyage of the Titanic went down. If you're first, there's probably a second (if you know what I mean...)

But the word first can also connote freshness, and with freshness comes quality. And with quality comes a standard, a standard by which people can rally around. We don't claim to be superior, we are a magazine that aims to help people start out. Everything can be first in this part of one's life. Maybe the first job interview, the first time out of school as a fresh graduate, first time independent after two decades under one's parents' custody, first paycheck - everything seems to be new and exciting.

It is this time that one sees the world with a different set of eyes, that is, a different viewpoint. One's view is no longer obstructed or influenced by those who used to be over him. He governs himself now, and we'll help take him there.

Scholarly Essay for MidTerm

2009-08-22T00:35:00.000-07:00

University of Saint La Salle
Bacolod City

College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Mass Communications

A Scholarly Essay in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in MC 103: Communication Values and Ethics

TOLENTINO, Jim Austin M.
ABCO2 - A

Mass Media Influence

Advancement of technology elevates the influence of media. First is the telegraph, but now there are broadcast media by way of the radio, the newspaper, magazines, television and now the internet, in which the society depends on information and communication to move forward with work, entertainment, health care, education, personal relationships, traveling and anything else.

The average person reads the newspaper, watches the morning news, or logs on to the internet upon waking up. People's lifestyles are based on the facts they know, their assumptions and their own experiences. Work goes along with what is studied and experienced. However current news and facts about what is important and what people should be aware of for they to live their lives by are obtained from news.

Images of violence, advertising, sex, fame and much more are being fed by the media everyday. The local media scene is dominated by the biggest media organizations in the Philippines like: ABS-CBN, GMA, Manila Bulletin, Philippine Daily Inquirer and Philippine Star

Because of acquisitions, mergers and takeovers, media companies had grown large enough to really shape and influence the masses.

Media influence spending preferences, as people buy things media say to be good and worth it. Media organizations, especially advertising firms, earn millions from the manufacturers with the media campaigns they create. Teenagers buy what they see on TV, especially after testimonials from their favorite celebrities. However, there still are positive and negative influences on the young.

For example, physical exercises together with proper diets, as the "in" thing to do to get the celebrities' curves are good influences for the young people. However it can't be helped that the cigarette industry just has to use famous celebrities to promote their products, so teens also get influenced with smoking.

How movie and television stars look is the epitome of a successful life among many teenagers. Their maintained good looks, together with the money they earn, is a good thing to look up to. So teenagers tend to wear the clothes the stars wear, use the things the stars use, and move like the stars would. They buy the products promoted by the celebrities to be accepted by their peers.

To get killer figures, health issues also abound among teenagers, especially anorexia and obesity which media advocacies also fight against. Media advertises food, sometimes junk food, but it also imparts that being thin and wealthy is a good image as that of supermodels.

Children are most receptive among all sorts of media consumers, being young and uneducated. They can go as bad as being traumatized by seeing people hurt other people on the television. They sometimes see wars depicted in movies, still labeled entertainment, but what they need to know is that everybody loses when there are wars.

Media can shape how the public thinks about an issue. Facts gathered often change the perception of a person.

The public supported the war against terrorism after the lengthy coverages on the 9/11 attack. After exposing Bin Laden to be guilty, people had been more conscious about the effects of terrorism. Unfortunately, but still truly, many Americans had been hostile and unfriendly to the muslims because of all the things they have heard over the media as to beliefs and prophecies mentioned in the Q'uran about the United States.

Media also influence the polity, since it uses media as the most powerful tool to sell good deeds of the officials as well as election candidates. The visibility of the candidates and the public officials brings success into their political careers. It gives them more popularity, if they and their projects get more exposed by way of media coverage.

The things mentioned above focus on media influence. But putting that and everything else aside and going back to the basics of life, how people influence other people with their actions really do count. Are we, as suppliers of content, with the understanding of the influence we have over the audience, practice our professions with dignity and respect? It is with the upholding of good values that we create a positive influence among our consumers. With good example, we help build character and restore what was previously good. Otherwise, we can destroy, exploit or abuse our power and create a negative influence to add to the destruction of what little we have left.

Reference

Abdulwasea, M. (2008). Influence of mass media on societies. Yemen Times, Issue: (1168), Volume 16, June 30, 2008 to July 2, 2008. Retrieved August 22, 2009, from http://yementimes.com/article.shtml?i=1168&p=opinion&a=3

Scholarly Paper for Midterm

2009-08-21T22:11:00.000-07:00

ABSTRACT

This paper talks of the influence of mass media to society's ethical actions. The influences studied vary according to which aspects of the society is influenced by the media content fed to the consumers by the media providers. There is the influence on the youth, which is the main concern of the study, as the student himself is under this age category; effects on children, who are the most vunerable and receptive of all media consumers, being unable to discern among different sorts of media content; how it affects the workplace and its people, as they run the society's affairs vital to its survival; the polity which can generate waves of media interest through its activities regarding governance; how beneficial or dexstructive it can be to education and many others. It will also talk of ethical issues and concepts regarding the influences it has on the society, and the useful suggestions on making ethical decisions that will, ultimately, affect the social activities of the community.

MASS MEDIA INFLUENCE ON SOCIETY

Media plays an important role in the everyday affairs of the society. It intrudes on every move made by every member of the society. Every action and decision made by individuals are usually based on the content they get from media. Sometimes, with technological difficulties wherein media is sometimes barred from entering the home or the workplace, the human is completely lost in confusion, and he craves for some media content to go on with his work and life. (Burtina, 2005)

Burtina (2005) goes on to say that even though the experiences people have had shape their decisions and actions, commercial advertisements influence a lot of other aspects of a person's life. Economically, people spend for what they see to be good on TV, newspaper or radio advertisements, and it affects the youth most especially. They tend to go after what they see on the celebrities they idolize, so they buy everything they see the celebrities endorse. They become superficial and self-conscious because they see the celebrities as role models.

Media evolved from the most crude of technologies fifty years ago from the telegraph, the radio, newspapers, magazines, the television and now the internet in which we rely on to be bases of how we live.

We trust the media to give us content to help us along with whatever we need to do. The average person reads the paper or watch the TV before he even does anything upon waking up. We are soncerned about the weather, national economical status, the lives of our favorite sports or showbiz celebrities and many others that we rely on media content for.

Romantic relationships are common in various media content with storylines such as film, TV and theater. They lure the audiences using their own human inclinations to affection.

How does this go in accordance to everyday life? In a college survey, 60% said that mass media does not accurately portray their romantic relationships. However, 90% said that the media does influence their perception of romance.

There had been a dramatic increase on the portrayal of romance on media content throught the ages. In her book titled Consuming the Romantic Utopia, Eva Illouz says:

"Until the middle of the 1920s middle class magazines tended to espouse a conservative, Victorian consumer ethos congruent with family oriented ideals and values. As magazines came to adopt the flamboyant style of the working class? the romantic manner in which they portrayed couples dramatically increased."

How Mass Media Influence Works

Images of violence, advertising, sex, fame and much more are being fed by the media everyday. The local media scene is dominated by the biggest media organizations in the Philippines like:

ABS-CBN
GMA
Manila Bulletin
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Philippine Star

These media organizations give majority of the everyday supply of content. They own the major entertainment movie studios, television and radio broadcast networks and programing and video news and sports entertainment, but they also venture to telecommunications, video game softwares, music recordings and electronic media.

Because of acquisitions, mergers and takeovers, media companies had grown large enough to really shape and influence the masses. This power they exude gives consumers the accountability of responsibility over the media content the consume.

On The Youth

Teen sex is a “major public health problem” according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (Hart). Teen sexual activity, together with its working with a person's dimensions and all the complications result in difficult teen issues like early pregnancy, STDs and others. Media influences teens' emotional well-being with their content, resulting in physical difficulties. For example, unrealistic body images as that of animated shows or skinny models develop in teens an urgent, burning desire to be just like that. Unhealthy eating beaviors manifest in teen lifestyles, especially to the girls in attempts to get the celebrity image they want.

This kind of influence used to be assigned to family and social relationships, but it is undeniable that teens learn about society and sexual relationships from visual media images portraying body types, clothing, and other cultural norms portayed by media content. Media can command natural-sounding norms and enforce new ways of thinking unimaginable in the past.

According to Hart, prefer to see sexual material from media than ask of it from their parents. In a study of prime-time television shows popular among young viewers, sexual references accounted for as much as 50% of character interactions. These programs tend to portray sex as a recreation rather than its essence of reproduction among married people and further shows men to be aggressors of the women which, as shown by these shows, are objects of sex valued for the physiques.

Hart further states that MTV used to bring music videos as additional entertainment to what was just once pure music. But the music videos allowed the artists, musicians and video creators to add more to the music than what it just is by the visuals they experiment on. What would have been a simple song can be transformed into a dance phenomenon because of the video created to promote it. With this means, sex had been added to entice the viewers, which is primarily the youth to focus more on the acts seen than on the music playing with it. Instead of helping the audience understand the song and its message, the videos tend to divert the attention of the viewers. Furthermore, even the music itself at present uses sex to sell itself. Sexually explicit lyrics, together with a provocative video make commercialized sex available to just about everyone.

Video games, TV shows and movies, music and Web sites are sources of news content that is never without stories of violence from all around the world. These messages largely shape the imagination of the youth, as they, as readers and spectators share the experience.

Cause-and-effect situations prevail in this context. Most media content also show consequences of the actions, but the actions had still been done and shown. A student need not necessarily start shooting people in school because he saw some shooting in campus from a movie he saw, but the effect is there, imprinted in his mind. (Malcolm, 2009)

Malcolm quotes Sr. Elizabeth Thoman, a member of the Sisters of the Humility of Mary and executive director of the Center for Media Literacy in Los Angeles, California as saying, “The impact may not be on potential perpetrators, but on the rest of the population, who begin to believe that violence is inevitable, that crime is everywhere and that they must be afraid.” Thoman’s center produces media literacy programs for schools across the country.

USA President Clinton convened a summit and promised an ongoing national campaign against youth violence, while USA Vice President Al Gore announced a new agreement with on-line providers to restrict violent material, changes that would “honor the lives of those who were killed.”

Entertainment executives defend their products by saying that it would take an already disturbed person to act out the shooting he saw on TV or the shooting he did in a video game as a first person shooter to real life and kill real people.

Media affects health, not just on the young, but everybody. Media organizations, especially advertising firms, earn millions from the manufacturers with the media campaigns they create. Teenagers buy what they see on TV, especially after testimonials from their favorite celebrities.

There are positive and negative effects of media advertisements on the youth. For example, physical exercises together with proper diets, as the "in" thing to do to get the celebrities' curves are good influences for the young people. However it can't be helped that the cigarette industry just has to use famous celebrities to promote their products, so teens also get influenced with smoking.

How movie and television stars look is the epitome of a successful life among many teenagers. Their maintained good looks, together with the money they earn, is a good thing to look up to. So teenagers tend to wear the clothes the stars wear, use the things the stars use, and move like the stars would. They buy the products promoted by the celebrities to be accepted by their peers.

To get killer figures, health issues also abound among teenagers, especially anorexia and obesity which some media advocacies also fight against. Media advertises food, sometimes junk food, but it also imparts that being thin and wealthy is a good image as that of supermodels.

Children

First-graders as critics

Robinson has found the most receptive audiences in very young children. Even children in older grades already have their viewing patterns established, she said. “I’m finding the first-graders to be incredibly astute at looking at their shows and critiquing them,” Robinson said.

Robinson noted how the children at St. Philip’s have carried their newfound media skills into their homes. They are encouraged to see critiquing the media as a way of taking care of their younger brothers and sisters -- “to see this as a collective responsibility,” she said.

The children are also bringing the message back to their parents. “There are some parents struggling with their own issues with media, and this is part of the very emotional response I get at times,” Robinson said. She said one mother told of how her elementary school-age daughter challenged her father’s preference for action films, leading to dialogue about the violence in the movies he was bringing home.

Many parents are naive about what messages their children are receiving, said Robinson, a mother of three children in their late teens and early 20s. “All TV, all movies are educational,” she said. “What are they learning? If you step back and look critically, some of the messages are very frightening. ... Violence is entertaining, sex is no big deal, the more things I have the happier I’ll be -- those are the three big messages I see.”

Robinson recalled a lesson she gave to a third-grade class at another parochial school. When she brought up video games, “two boys way in the back jumped up and machine-gunned the class,” she said. “The response was strong and automatic and violent. That was part of their favorite video game.”

She questioned media leaders who say that the violent entertainment they produce has no effect. “In that half-hour program there are 25 commercials -- because media is an effective way to sell things,” she said. “So how can they say they’re not selling violence as entertainment, as fun, as funny?”

In late April, the Center for Media Literacy launched a Web site funded by grants from religious communities and devoted to the topic of violence and the media (www.medialit.org/Violence/indexviol.htm). The center was “literally in the midst of uploading pages” when the story from Littleton broke, Thoman said. The stories of the killers’ media influences -- music, video games and the Internet -- began to hit the newscasts, and the latest round of public debate fired up again.

Thoman has not seen the nature of that debate change much since 1993, when the center launched a campaign on media violence. “After the Littleton experience, we still hear the same questions -- does watching violence cause violence?” she said.

References

Abdulwasea, M. Yemen Times Issue: (1168), Volume 16 , From 30 June 2008 to 2 July 2008 Retrieved August 22, 2009 from http://yementimes.com/article.shtml?i=1168&p=opinion&a=3

Burtina, Tatyana December 8 2005. Media Influence in our society. Retrieved August 22, 2009) from http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/13871/media_influence_in_our_society.html

Clay, R.A. Volume 34, No. 2 February 2003 Unraveling new media's effects on children
Retrieved August 22, 2009 from http://www.apa.org/monitor/feb03/unraveling.html

Hart, E.M. (n.d.) Teens, Sex and Media: The Influence of Electronic Entertainment on American Teen Sexual Culture: A Reason to Revive Rhetoric in English Teacher Education Programs. Retrieved August 22, 2009 from http://www.frankwbaker.com/MediaLitEd.pdf

Malcolm, Teresa. May 28, 1999. Teen Violence: Does violent media make violent kids? Retrieved August 22, 2009 from http://www.natcath.com/NCR_Online/archives/052899/052899a.htm

Mass Media Influence on Society. Retrieved August 22, 2009 from http://hubpages.com/hub/Mass-Media-Influence-on-Society

Mass Media Influences. Retrieved August 22, 2009 from http://www.lcc.gatech.edu/~herrington/gcp/Ethnology/media_ethn.htm

2009-08-21T22:09:00.000-07:00

Mass Media Influence

Advancement of technology elevates the influence of media. First is the telegraph, but now there are broadcast media by way of the radio, the newspaper, magazines, television and now the internet, in which the society depends on information and communication to move forward with work, entertainment, health care, education, personal relationships, traveling and anything else.

The average person reads the newspaper, watches the morning news, or logs on to the internet upon waking up. People's lifestyles are based on the facts they know, their assumptions and their own experiences. Work goes along with what is studied and experienced. However current news and facts about what is important and what people should be aware of for they to live their lives by are obtained from news.

How Mass Media Influence Works

Images of violence, advertising, sex, fame and much more are being fed by the media everyday. The local media scene is dominated by the biggest media organizations in the Philippines like:

ABS-CBN
GMA
Manila Bulletin
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Philippine Star

These media organizations give majority of the everyday supply of content. They own the major entertainment movie studios, television and radio broadcast networks and programing and video news and sports entertainment, but they also venture to telecommunications, video game softwares, music recordings and electronic media.

Because of acquisitions, mergers and takeovers, media companies had grown large enough to really shape and influence the masses. This power they exude gives consumers the accountability of responsibility over the media content the consume.

The Youth

Media affects spending preferences, as people buy things media say to be good and worth it. Media organizations, especially advertising firms, earn millions from the manufacturers with the media campaigns they create. Teenagers buy what they see on TV, especially after testimonials from their favorite celebrities. However, there still are positive and negative influences on the young.

For example, physical exercises together with proper diets, as the "in" thing to do to get the celebrities' curves are good influences for the young people. However it can't be helped that the cigarette industry just has to use famous celebrities to promote their products, so teens also get influenced with smoking.

How movie and television stars look is the epitome of a successful life among many teenagers. Their maintained good looks, together with the money they earn, is a good thing to look up to. So teenagers tend to wear the clothes the stars wear, use the things the stars use, and move like the stars would. They buy the products promoted by the celebrities to be accepted by their peers.

To get killer figures, health issues also abound among teenagers, especially anorexia and obesity which media advocacies also fight against. Media advertises food, sometimes junk food, but it also imparts that being thin and wealthy is a good image as that of supermodels.

Violence

Children are most receptive among all sorts of media consumers, being young and uneducated. They go as bad as being traumatized by seeing people hurt other people on the television. They sometimes see wars depicted in movies, still labeled entertainment, but what they need to know is that everybody loses when there are wars.

Public Opinion

Media can shape how the public thinks about an issue. Facts gathered often change the perception of a person.

The public supported the war against terrorism after the lengthy coverages on the 9/11 attack. After exposing Bin Laden to be guilty, people had been more conscious about the effects of terrorism. Unfortunately, but still truly, many Americans had been hostile and unfriendly to the muslims because of all the things they have heard over the media as to beliefs and prophecies mentioned in the Q'uran about the United States.

Media also affects the polity, since it uses media as the most powerful tool to sell good deeds of the officials as well as election candidates. The visibility of the candidates and the public officials brings success into their political careers. It gives them more popularity, if they and their projects get more exposed by way of media coverage.

The things mentioned above focus on media influence. But putting that and everything else aside and going back to the basics of life, how people influence other people with their actions really do count. Ethics

this is supposed to be passed pa on the end of the month.

http://hubpages.com/hub/Mass-Media-Influence-on-Society
http://www.lcc.gatech.edu/~herrington/gcp/Ethnology/media_ethn.htm

Outline for the Scholarly Paper

2009-08-17T00:20:00.000-07:00

Mass Media Influence on the Society

I. Mass Media Influence
1. How it works
a. Entertainment
b. Showbiz gossip
c. legalities

II. Effects: to the Youth
1. Influence of advertising to spending preferences
2. Positive and negative effects of advertising
3. Looking up to movie stars
4. Heath issues
a. Anorexia
b. Obesity

III. Violence (Children)
1. How they take media content
2. How the media contents shape their growth

IV. Public Opinion
1. The 9/11 attack and the socio-cultural religious issues
2. The continued fight against terrorism
3. Polity

V. Education
1. Multimedia instruction
2. Advantages and Disadvantages

VI. Conclusion

Limiting our Freedom

2009-08-13T18:13:00.000-07:00

University of Saint La Salle

Bacolod City

College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Mass Communications

TOLENTINO, Jim Austin M.

ABCO2 - A

Limiting Press Freedom

Mass media is self-regulatory. It is controlled by various media organizations and societies that govern the operations. There are codes of ethics and conduct, there is the KBP (Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas), PPC (Philippine Press Council), which is the Ethics body of the PPI (Philippine Press Institute).

Minimize Harm by Limiting Press Freedom

According to the Society of Professional Journalists of Northwestern University, they believe, as part as their preamble that public enlightenment is the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democracy. However, they limit the extent of the obtaining and the exposure of truth to the following:

Journalists should:
— Show compassion for those who may be affected adversely by news coverage. Use special sensitivity when dealing with children and inexperienced sources or subjects.
— Be sensitive when seeking or using interviews or photographs of those affected by tragedy or grief.
— Recognize that gathering and reporting information may cause harm or discomfort. Pursuit of the news is not a license for arrogance.
— Recognize that private people have a greater right to control information about themselves than do public officials and others who seek power, influence or attention. Only an overriding public need can justify intrusion into anyone’s privacy.
— Show good taste. Avoid pandering to lurid curiosity.
— Be cautious about identifying juvenile suspects or victims of sex crimes.
— Be judicious about naming criminal suspects before the formal filing of charges.
— Balance a criminal suspect’s fair trial rights with the public’s right to be informed.

These are items coming from the Society of Professional Journalists in Northwestern University under "Minimize Harm." It gives us a view of ethical treatment of news subjects by limiting the journalistic practice to give way for respect.

Locally, there is the KBP (Kapisanan gn mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas) Code of Ethics as a governing body among media organizations. Under General Porgram Standards in the Observance of Decency and Proper Decorum in Programs, it says: "Programs shall not use dialogues, actions and other similar manifestations which are obscene, blasphemous, profane, derogatory, or vulgar." Not just about everything one has to say about an issue. Dialogues should be screened as to maintain professionalism in decency. The same code of Ethics authorizes the MTRCB (Movie and Television Review and Classification Board), another media regulator within media itself, to approve or disapprove programs and to prosecute violators.

References

http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp

Arao, Danny (February 25, 2009).Uniting Against the Right to Reply Bill. Retrieved August 14, 2009 from http://risingsun.dannyarao.com/2009/02/25/uniting-against-the-right-of-reply-bill/

THE TELEVISION CODE OF ETHICS IN THE OBSERVANCE OF DECENCY AND PROPER DECORUM IN PROGRAMS; LAWS ON OFFENSES AGAINST DECENCY AND GOOD CUSTOMS; AND CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISION ON FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION Retrieved August 14, 2009, FROM http://www.congress.gov.ph/download/researches/rrb_0303_4.pdf

Mass Media Influence on Society

2009-08-13T01:29:00.000-07:00

Mass Media Influence on the Society

Submitted by:

Jim Austin Tolentino

ABCO2 - A

Mass Media Influence

Advancement of technology elevates the influence of media. First is the telegraph, but now there are broadcast media by way of the radio, the newspaper, magazines, television and now the internet, in which the society depends on information and communication to move forward with work, entertainment, health care, education, personal relationships, traveling and anything else.

The average person reads the newspaper, watches the morning news, or logs on to the internet upon waking up. People's lifestyles are based on the facts they know, their assumptions and their own experiences. Work goes along with what is studied and experienced. However current news and facts about what is important and what people should be aware of for they to live their lives by are obtained from news.

How Mass Media Influence Works

Images of violence, advertising, sex, fame and much more are being fed by the media everyday. The local media scene is dominated by the biggest media organizations in the Philippines like:

ABS-CBN

GMA

Manila Bulletin

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Philippine Star

These media organizations give majority of the everyday supply of content. They own the major entertainment movie studios, television and radio broadcast networks and programing and video news and sports entertainment, but they also venture to telecommunications, video game softwares, music recordings and electronic media.

Because of acquisitions, mergers and takeovers, media companies had grown large enough to really shape and influence the masses. This power they exude gives consumers the accountability of responsibility over the media content the consume.

The Youth

Media affects spending preferences, as people buy things media say to be good and worth it. Media organizations, especially advertising firms, earn millions from the manufacturers with the media campaigns they create. Teenagers buy what they see on TV, especially after testimonials from their favorite celebrities. However, there still are positive and negative influences on the young.

For example, physical exercises together with proper diets, as the "in" thing to do to get the celebrities' curves are good influences for the young people. However it can't be helped that the cigarette industry just has to use famous celebrities to promote their products, so teens also get influenced with smoking.

How movie and television stars look is the epitome of a successful life among many teenagers. Their maintained good looks, together with the money they earn, is a good thing to look up to. So teenagers tend to wear the clothes the stars wear, use the things the stars use, and move like the stars would. They buy the products promoted by the celebrities to be accepted by their peers.

To get killer figures, health issues also abound among teenagers, especially anorexia and obesity which media advocacies also fight against. Media advertises food, sometimes junk food, but it also imparts that being thin and wealthy is a good image as that of supermodels.

Violence

Children are most receptive among all sorts of media consumers, being young and uneducated. They go as bad as being traumatized by seeing people hurt other people on the television. They sometimes see wars depicted in movies, still labeled entertainment, but what they need to know is that everybody loses when there are wars.

Public Opinion

Media can shape how the public thinks about an issue. Facts gathered often change the perception of a person.

The public supported the war against terrorism after the lengthy coverages on the 9/11 attack. After exposing Bin Laden to be guilty, people had been more conscious about the effects of terrorism. Unfortunately, but still truly, many Americans had been hostile and unfriendly to the muslims because of all the things they have heard over the media as to beliefs and prophecies mentioned in the Q'uran about the United States.

Media also affects the polity, since it uses media as the most powerful tool to sell good deeds of the officials as well as election candidates. The visibility of the candidates and the public officials brings success into their political careers. It gives them more popularity, if they and their projects get more exposed by way of media coverage.

The things mentioned above focus on media influence. But putting that and everything else aside and going back to the basics of life, how people influence other people with their actions really do count. Ethics

this is supposed to be passed pa on the end of the month.

http://hubpages.com/hub/Mass-Media-Influence-on-Society

http://www.lcc.gatech.edu/~herrington/gcp/Ethnology/media_ethn.htm

"Si Officer Buckle at Gloria" (ni Peggy Rathman)

2009-07-22T20:51:00.000-07:00

Si Officer Buckle ang nakaaalam ng pinakamaraming batas pangkaligtasan sa kahit kanino sa Napville. Bawat oras na nakaiisip siya ng isa ay idinidikit niya ito sa kanyang pisara. Isa dito ang Batas Pangkaligtasan Bilang 77: "Bawal tumayo sa upuang de-gulong."

...

Ipinakakalat ni Officer Buckle ang mga batas na ito sa Napville School. Ngunit walang nakikinig, kalimitan pa'y sila'y humihilik.

...

Pagkatapos noo'y ganoon pa rin. Si Gng. Toppel, ang punong-guro ay ibinaba na ang pakilalang paskil. "Huwag tumayo sa upuang de-gulong," wika ni Officer Buckle, ngunit hindi siya napansin ng punong-guro.

...

Isang araw, ang himpilan ng pulisya ng Napville ay nagdala ng asong si Gloria. Nang panahon na upang magsalita si Officer Buckle, sumama ang aso.

...

"Mga bata, ito si Gloria," pakilala ni Officer Buckle. "Sinusunod niya nag aking utos. Gloria, Upo!" at naupo nga si Gloria.

...

Ibinigay na ni Officer Buckle ang Batas Pangkaligtasan Bilang 1: "Palagiang buhulin ang pisi ng inyong mga sapatos!" Napatingin ang mga bata at nakinig.

...

Tiningnan ni Officer Buckle kung nakaupo si Gloria at siya nga.

...

"Batas Pangkaligtasan Bilang 2," sabi ni Officer Buckle, "Laging punasin ang mga tubig sa sahig nang walang mapadulas!" Bumuka ang mga mata ng mga bata.

...

Tiningnan ni Officer Buckle si Gloria ulit, "Magaling na aso," sabi niya. Pagkatapos noon, winika ni Officer Buckle ang batas na nalaman niya kaning umaga.

...

"Huwag mag-iiwan ng thumbtacks na pwede mong maupuan." Doon ay napasigaw ang mga bata.

...

Napangiti si Officer Buckle. Tinapos niya ang pagsasalita ng mga batas na puno ng ekspresyon. Pumalakpak ang mga bata. Ang iba'y naiyak sa higit na kasiyahan. Hindi makapaniwala si Officer Buckle, dahil hindi niya napansin kung gaano pala kasaya ang pagbibigay ng Batas Pangkaligtasan. Pagkatapos ng pagsasalita ni Officer Buckle, wala nang kahit isang aksidenteng nangyari sa Napville.

...

Sa sumunod na araw, nakatanggap ng mga sulat ang himpilan ng pulis. Mula ang mga sulat-pasasalamat sa mga mag-aaral ng Napville School.

...

Sa bawat sulat, nakaguhit si Gloria. Nagtaka si Officer Buckle sapagkat punung-puno ng imahinasyon ang bawat sulat.

...

Ang paborito niya sa lahat ay ang sulat na hugis bituin na mula kay Claire. Winiwika dito: "Ikaw at si Gloria ay magaling. Ang inyong kaibigan, Claire. P.S. Lagi ankong magsusuot ng helmet, Batas Pangkaligtasan Bilang 7."

...

Pagkadikit ni Officer Buckle ng sulat ni Claire sa kanyang pisara, tumunog ang telepono. Mga paaralang hayskul, elementarya at kindergarten ang tumatawag para sa kanyang pagsasalita. "Officer Buckle," wika nila, "nais ng aming mag-aaral na marinig kayo! Pwede bang sa inyong pagparito ay isama mo ang aso?"

...

Sinabi ni Officer Buckle ang kanyang Batas Pangkaligtasan sa 313 na paaralan. Sa bawat paaralan na kanilang pinupuntahan, nakikinig ang mga kabataan.

...

Pagkatapos ng bawat pagsasalita niya, kumakain sila ni Gloria ng ice cream. Mahal na mahal ni Officer Buckle si Gloria.

...

Isang araw, isang grupo ng nagbabalita sa telebisyon ang nag-rekord sa video ng pagsasalita ni Officer Buckle sa loob ng isang awditoryum sa isang kolehiyo.

...
Nang matapos niya ang Batas Pangkaligtasan Bilang 99, "Huwag maligotuwing may unos," napatayo at pumalakpak ang mga estudyante. "Bravo! Bravo!" sabi nila. At si Officer Buckle nama'y yumuko nang yumuko muli't muli.

...

Nang gabing iyon, nanood ng balita si Officer Buckle. Nakita niya na ang paggawa ni Gloria ng kanyang sinasabi sa kanyang likod nang hindi niya nakikita ang siyang pinapalakpakan at hindi siya.

...

Pagka-umaga, tumawag ang punung-guro ng Napville School sa himpilan ng pulis. "Magandang umaga, Officer Buckle! Oras na para sa inyong pagsasalita!" Sumimangot si Officer Buckle. "Hindi na ako magsasalita pa! Wala namang nakikinig sa akin!" "Oh!" wika ni Gng. Toppel. "Papaano na si Gloria? maaari ba siyang pumunta?"

...

Mula sa himpilan ng pulis ay pinasakay si Gloria tungo sa paaralan. Umakyat ng entablado si Gloria na malungkot. Nakatulog siya pagkatapos, kasama ng mga manonood. Pag-alis ni Gloria, ang Napville School ay nagkaroon ng pinakamalaking aksidente.

...

Nagmula ito sa banana pudding na nakakalat sa sahig. Lahat ay napadulas, tumama sa upuang de-gulong na tinatayuan ni Gng. Toppel, na sumigaw at nabitiwan ang martilyong hawak niya.

...

Kinabukasan, maraming mga sulat ang ipinadala sa himpilan ng pulis. Sa lahat ng sulat ay nakaguhit ang aksidente. Sa ilalim ng sulat ay may isang hugis-bituin na sulat mula kay Claire. Napangiti si Officer Buckle.

...

Hinalikan ni Gloria si Officer Buckle at tinapik ni Officer Buckle si Gloria. Pagkatapos noon, nasisp ng pulsi ang pianakamainam na Batas Pangkaligtasan sa lahat...

...

"Batas Pangkaligtasan Bilang 101: Laging samahan ang iyong kaibigan!"

Scholarly Paper - A Case of Ethical Dilemma

2009-07-14T01:38:00.000-07:00

University of Saint La Salle

Bacolod City

College of Arts and Sciences

Mass Communications Department

A Scholarly Paper in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the course Communication Values and Ethics

Submitted by:

Jim Austin Tolentino

Submitted to:

Mr. Rhoderick K. Samonte

Center for External Relations/Institute for Negros Development
University of Saint La Salle, Bacolod City

.................

Abstract

The paper aims to evaluate a certain media involvement in an ethical issue which is the hazards of going after a news story and risking one's life doing it. The situation is filled with consequences that could have been evaded upon further consideration of internal and external factors. The country being one of the most hazardous places for journalists, the theme of this paper is about the seize and release of ABS-CBN journalist Cecilia Victoria "Ces" Oreña-Drilon.

The paper presents newspaper clippings of the developments in the case presented until it ended about nine days later. Developments, including continuous supply of communication to the media team by phone and press releases of the abductors had been followed closely.

Conclusive to the series is the release of the news team. But that does not conclude the case study and presentation. Ethical dilemmas, momentarily forgotten for the sake of the crew's safety, should be tackled afterward.

.................

Case Presentation

INTRODUCTION

Together with two cameramen and a professor from the Mindanao State University, Ces Drilon was kidnapped by members of the guerilla group called Abu Sayyaf on the way to interview a top commander of the terrorist group. Maimbung mayor Naji Maldisa confirmed the kidnapping Tuesday, June 10, 2008. The MSU staff, Prof. Octavio Dinampo was with cameramen Jimmy Encarnacion and Angelo Valderama.

Albader Parad of the Abu Sayyaf and Gafur Jumdail of the Moro National Liberation Front Misuari breakaway group were the alleged kidnappers of the media personnel and professor.
Drilon and company were held at gunpoint in Labbah 10-12 kilometers away while on their way to Barangay Kulasi , Maldisa quoted witnesses as saying.“Before they could get to Kulasi, they had to pass two more barangays—Datu Ugis and Kapuk Punggul,” the mayor said, also saying that Labbah is not a populated community. “They were on the main highway in Labbah when the Tamaraw was stopped.” (Alipala, 2008)

Nine days after the abduction, the crew were released together with the MSU professor, 11 PM Tuesday. They were picked up by Jun Isnaji and brought to the house of Mayor Alvarez Isnaji of Talipao, Sulu. They were in good condition but they needed medical attention and nutrition.

Authorities thanked the people of Sulu and their local government for their cooperation with the armed forces in trying to bail the media personnel out. It had also been found out the Senator Loren Legarda, former colleague of Drilon, took part in the negotiations, which included "pressuring, cajoling, appealing, and even threatening them to free the captives."

Philippine National Police Director General Avelino Razon said,"Ang aral po dito laging sinasabi hindi natin puwedeng i-exercise press freedom na malalagay ang [The lesson here is we can't exercise press freedom by putting] reporters or journalists in harm's way, na hawak ng terrorista or criminal elements." (Alberto & Guinto, 2008)

There can be a lot of ethical dilemmas in the picture. First is the persistence on the part of the newscaster to enjoy press freedom in a quest to get the story at a personal risk. This is what the paper will be talking about. Another is the motivations behind the "without conditions or payment of ransom but on 'purely humanitarian grounds'” claim of the parties who helped pull the crew out. We should take it in point that Sen. Legarda is a prominent presidentiable or vice-presidentiable. And lastly is the unmentioned grounds of sanctioning Drilon went through as punishment for "disobeying orders not to go to Indanan, Sulu, where she and her cameramen Jimmy Encarnacion and Angelo Valderama were kidnapped by an armed group.” (Papa, 2008)

INVOLVEMENTS

Cecilia Victoria "Ces" Oreña-Drilon had been with ABS-CBN since 1989, after working with Maharlika Broadcasting System Channel 4. She anchored The World Tonight, a daily English news broadcast program. She also hosted Pipol, Insider and the Correspondents - all from ABS-CBN. She had covered important public events, including the 1989 coup attempt to the Aquino regime, 1990 earthquake, 1991 eruption of the Pinatubo and the failed rebellion of Sen. Antonio Trillianes IV from the Manila Peninsula Hotel in 2007. (Sampan & Go, 2008)

Jimmy Encarnacion and Angelo Valderama are members of Drilon's news team. They had been abducted with Drilon. Valderama was released ahead with an alleged P2-million ransom for "his board and lodging." (Alberto & Guinto, 2008)

Prof. Octavio Dinampo teaches at Mindanao State University. He was the team's guide down to the Abu Sayyaf camp.

Mayor Naji Maldisa of Maimbung confirmed the abduction of the team.

Albader Parad and Gafur Jumdail of the Abu Sayyaf and the Moro National Liberation Front Misuari breakaway group respectively were the abductors.

Chief Supt. Joel Goltiao, the police chief of ARMM, said that the team was initially brought to the Karawan complex since the place is saturated with law enforcers.

Mary Ann Arnado, secretary general of the Mindanao Peoples Caucus, denied reports that Dinampo might be included in the plot to seize the news team by saying, “[Dinampo] is our negotiator for peace in the area, being our Bantay Ceasefire chair.” She addedthat Dinampo is “a gracious and reliable guide of many visitors to Sulu, and has consistently protected his visitors even at the risk of his own life.”(Alipala, 2008)

Jainatu Dinampo is Mrs. Octavio Dinampo who expressed worry about her husband's arthritis and that he is not being considered a kidnap victim.

Fatmawatti Salapuddin said that Dinampo was “one credible person” in the area with his access to different armed groups. She is from the Bangsamoro Women Organization.

Maria Ressa is ABS-CBN news and current affairs chief who had been in touch with Drilon a day after she went missing, being informed by Drilon herslef that the team was detained.

Avelino Razon is the PNP chief who received the ransom demands and confirmed the release of the team after nine days of the abduction. The ransom had not been granted.

Sen. Loren Legarda is a former colleague of Drilon before she entered the senate. She secured the captives’ release without conditions or payment of ransom but on “purely humanitarian grounds.” (Alberto & Guinto, 2008)

Indanan Mayor Alvarez Isnaji and Governor Sakur Tan are members of the local crisis committee who aided in persuading the abductors to free the team.

Haider Isnaji is the son of Mayor Alvarez Isnaji who also coordinated with the rebel group.

ETHICAL DILEMMAS

Mentioned on the introduction above is a chronological set of events involving the abduction and release of ABS-CBN news team led by broadcast journalist Cecilia Victoria "Ces" Oreña-Drilon. The ethical dilemmas also presented give a fair view of what could still have happened. It starts with their itinerary for the day which is a trip to interview on of the top commanders of the Abu Sayyaf group, to the release, and the sanctions faced by Drilon upon returning to the office.

Did Drilon and her team have a choice as to going after the news and risking themselves? Could they have been safer, and not been under the terrorist group's custody, had they taken in extra care in treading through terrorist territory? How far is a journalist supposed to go to secure a story for his network? Would the ethics of campus journalism still be obeyed in the scenario?

ETHICAL PRINCIPLES INVOLVED

Respect for Autonomy - Drilon had her own decisions to herself to go after the news story she desires to share with the people.

Informed consent - Applying to both the cameramen as agents under Drilon's instruction, and Drilon herself under the authorities' instruction. They were informed of all the risks, being in the business in the better part of their working lives.

Veracity - The journalists' continued path into obtaining the truth despite all the risks is very evident in the scenario.

Human Dignity - The threat to behead the news team had been a clear indication of the price of human dignity. The Abu Sayyaf's continued fight for administrative independence also indicates their need to be honored and seen as they are. This is mainly rooted to the belief that the source of human dignity is rooted in the concept of Imago Dei, in Christ’s redemption and in our ultimate destiny of union with God. (Ascension Health, 2007)

Subsidiarity - not necessarily to the abduction itself, but there is subsidiarity in the scenario because of the organization Drilon is in. Not just with ABS-CBN, but also among her small group with the cameramen

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

Based on the ethical principles involved in the case presentation and the journalistic ethical dilemma of how far to go to get a particular story, the recommendations are as follows:

1. The use of personal judgement. While it is true that journalists have their own sense of autonomy as persons themselves that should also be respected, they are also members of an organization who look up to superiors. The judgement therefore must be in accordance to what would benefit all the members.

2. Consideration of all the factors before proceeding with the act. Looking into the case in itself: Mindanao is a hostile part of the country - of that Drilon is sure. They were confident that they were not supposed to be touched by the rebels because they also convey the rebels' messages to the government, but they should also have considered that the rebel psychology may see anybody from the neutral part of the society to belong to the government by default.

3. Awaiting further instructions, or asking for them. This is not a school situation wherein anybody could be reprimanded for not being able to comprehend and ask for clarifications. This costs safety of people - people who we rely on for knowledge about what's happening at that, in the pursuit of the information to share.

4. Asking for assistance. Extra security or back-up until a few kilometers before the exchange won't hurt the egos of the rebels. At least the defenseless media people won't be travelling alone and be exposed to all risks of ambush and accidents.

CONCLUSION

The case presentor prefers all of the mentioned solutions, since they can be done together. Doing all them would ensure that the profession is practiced well according to the laws that safeguard the interests of all the involved.

This is a tough job encompassing tasks as simple as writing about a select feature on lifestyle to life and safety - costing adventures. Let it be remembered that the Philippines is one of the most dangerous places in the world for this business. While these things can be inevitable in many instances, a little observance of ethics in the regulations could just possibly save oneself and one's team from doom.

Drilon humbly accepted her sanctions and admitted that because of her actions, she had jeopardized her team's safety. She wrote, “I respectfully accept the sanctions you deem proper in my disregard of your order. I cannot put into words how deeply I regret having put my team in danger ... and having caused anxiety and stress to the whole organization.” (Papa, 2008)

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References

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080611-141961/Ces-Drilon-2-TV-crew-prof-seized

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080618-143262/UPDATE-3-Ces-Drilon-companions-free

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080706-146708/Ces-Drilon-slapped-3-month-suspension

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/june/10/yehey/top_stories/20080610top8.html

http://www.ascensionhealth.org/ethics/public/key_principles/human_dignity.asp

Hello Everyone.

2009-06-28T04:47:00.000-07:00

This is to inform my visitors (especially my lot in MC103 - Communication Values and Ethics) that our presentation text is the third publication from here. It still aint finished though, the last page of the summary was handed to Gerhard, who I saw earlier today performing at SM Bacolod foodcourt. No point. Just a chuckle. The 2nd publication from here going down is for my MC 101 assignment (Photography and Multimedia Communication). Thank you.

On Aperture

2009-06-28T04:35:00.000-07:00

Aperture - General Definition

Aperture is a hole in which light travels through. It determines the cone angle of a bundle of rays that come to a focus in the image plane. It also determines how collimated the admitted rays are, which is important for the appearance at the image plane. If the admitted rays also pass through a lens, highly collimated rays (narrow aperture) will result in sharpness at the image plane, while uncollimated rays (wide aperture) will result in sharpness for rays with the right focal length only. This means that a wide aperture results in an image that is sharp around what the lens is focusing on and blurred if not. The aperture also determines how many of the incoming rays are actually admitted and thus how much light that reaches the image plane (the narrower the aperture, the darker the image).

Aperture - In Photography

The aperture stop of a photographic lens can be adjusted to control the amount of light reaching the film or image sensor. Together with variation of shutter speed, the aperture size will regulate the film's degree of exposure to light. Typically, a fast shutter speed requires a larger aperture to ensure sufficient light exposure, and a slow shutter speed requires a smaller aperture to avoid excessive exposure.

Diagram of decreasing aperture sizes (increasing f-numbers) for "full stop" increments (factor of two aperture area per stop)

A device called a diaphragm usually serves as the aperture stop, and controls the aperture. The diaphragm functions much like the iris of the eye—it controls the effective diameter of the lens opening. Reducing the aperture size increases the depth of field, which describes the extent to which subject matter lying closer than or farther from the actual plane of focus appears to be in focus. In general, the smaller the aperture (the larger the number), the greater the distance from the plane of focus the subject matter may be while still appearing in focus.

The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lens typically has a set of marked "f-stops" that the f-number can be set to. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening which allows more light to reach the film or image sensor. The photography term "one f-stop" refers to a factor of √2 (approx. 1.41) change in f-number, which in turn corresponds to a factor of 2 change in light intensity.

Aperture priority is a semi-automatic shooting mode used in cameras. It allows the photographer to choose an aperture setting and allow the camera to decide the shutter speed and sometimes ISO sensitivity for the correct exposure. This is sometimes referred to as Aperture Priority Auto Exposure, A mode, Av mode, or semi-auto mode.

Maximum and minimum apertures

The specifications for a given lens typically include the minimum and maximum apertures. These refer to the maximum and minimum f-numbers the lens can be set at to achieve, respectively.

A typical lens will have an f-number range from f/16 (small aperture) to f/2 (large aperture) (these values vary). The maximum aperture (minimum f-number) tends to be of most interest (and is always included when describing a lens). This value is also known as the lens speed, because it is proportional to the square of accepted light, and thus inversely proportional to the square of required exposure time (i.e. using a lens with f/2, one can take pictures at one quarter of the exposure time necessary using a f/4 lens). Lenses for 35mm cameras can have f-numbers below f/1.0. For instance both the Leica Noctilux-M 50mm ASPH and a Canon 50mm L-mount for rangefinders have a maximum aperture of f/0.95. Professional lenses for some movie cameras have f-numbers as low as f/0.75 (very large relative aperture). These are known as "fast" lenses because they allow in more light and therefore reduce the exposure time. Stanley Kubrick's film Barry Lyndon has scenes with the largest relative aperture in film history: f/0.7.

Lenses of low f-number, often with fixed focal length, are popular for example with photojournalists, who often work in dim light and typically have limited opportunity to introduce supplementary lighting.

Zoom lenses typically have a maximum aperture (minimum f-number) of f/2.8 to f/6.3 through their range. A very fast zoom lens will be constant f/2.8 or f/2, which means the relative aperture will stay the same throughout the zoom range. A more typical consumer zoom will have a variable relative aperture, since it is harder and more expensive to keep the effective aperture proportional to focal length at long focal lengths; f/3.5 to f/5.6 is an example of a common variable aperture range in a consumer zoom lens.

Aperture control

Most SLR cameras provide automatic aperture control, which allows viewing and metering at the lens’s maximum aperture, stops the lens down to the working aperture during exposure, and returns the lens to maximum aperture after exposure.

The first SLR cameras with internal (“through-the-lens” or “TTL”) meters (e.g., the Pentax Spotmatic) required that the lens be stopped down to the working aperture when taking a meter reading. With a small aperture, this darkened the viewfinder, making viewing and composition difficult. Subsequent models soon incorporated mechanical coupling between the lens and the camera body, indicating the working aperture to the camera while allowing the lens to be at its maximum aperture for composition and focusing; this feature became known as automatic aperture control or automatic diaphragm control.

For some lenses, including a few long telephotos, lenses mounted on bellows, and perspective-control and tilt/shift lenses, the mechanical linkage was impractical, and automatic aperture control was not possible. Many such lenses incorporated a feature known as a “preset” aperture which allows the lens to be set to working aperture and then quickly switched between working aperture and full aperture without looking at the aperture control. Typical operation might be to establish rough composition, set the working aperture for metering, return to full aperture for a final check of focus and composition, and focusing, and finally, return to working aperture just before exposure. Although slightly easier than stopped-down metering, operation is less convenient than automatic operation. Preset aperture controls have taken several forms; the most common has been the use of essentially two lens aperture rings, with one ring setting the aperture and the other serving as a limit stop when switching to working aperture. Examples of lenses with this type of preset aperture control are the Nikon PC Nikkor 28 mm f/3.5 and the SMC Pentax Shift 6×7 75 mm f/4.5. The Nikon PC Micro-Nikkor 85 mm f/2.8D lens incorporates a mechanical pushbutton that sets working aperture when pressed and restores full aperture when pressed a second time.

Canon EF lenses, introduced in 1987, have electromagnetic diaphragms, eliminating the need for a mechanical linkage between the camera and the lens, and allowing automatic aperture control with the Canon TS-E tilt/shift lenses. Nikon PC-E perspective-control lenses, introduced in 2008, also have electromagnetic diaphragms. Automatic aperture control is provided with the newer Nikon digital SLR cameras; with some earlier cameras, the lenses offer preset aperture control by means of a pushbutton that controls the electromagnetic diaphragm.

Chapter 1: Ethics and Moral Development

2009-06-25T19:35:00.002-07:00

Overview: The Study of Ethics

Ethics in Definition
-the philosophical analysis of human mrality and conduct; system of conduct or behavior, moral principles
-"ethic" moral principle or set of prinnciples (work ethic, etc.)

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Ethical Dilemmas
-moral struggles and reflection in an effort to do the right thing
-responding to two competing actions in engagement with the conscience

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Examples of everyday Ethical Dilemmas
-free internet music downloads when music files (.mp3) are supposed to be bought in digital format
-reporting crimes witnessed and risk safety in anonimity doing it
-a physician-assisted suicide and all the moralities around it
-hidden cameras utilized by press people and all its implications
-commercialization of sex and violence by hollywood entertainment

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By these examples, ethics can be seen as public justification of our own choices based on the grounds of morality as reflected in the home, playground or workplace.

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"Cultivation of Morality"
-a historically quoted important responsibility of learning institutions by way of teaching ethics.

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Term Origins
Morals - Latin roots mos, moris mean "way of life" or "conduct"
Ethics - Greek root ethos means "custom" "usage" or "character"
- a ratinal process applying established principles when two moral obligations collide.

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"It is usually the absence of a 'correct answer' in the presence of two 'right' moral obligations that ethical dilemmas occur."

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Example of two moral obligations in a student's viewpoint:
-Loyalty to the classmate or honesty to the teacher over keeping silent about a the classmate's confidence that he cheated.

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The moral standards of the society, over the course of history, had also set the ethical standards of profession today, making way for the usual interchange between "morals" and "ethics." Ethics, also labeled to be "moral philosophy" is testimony to this fact.

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Ethics, as a set of principles or a code of moral conduct draws the boundaries even within the positive or negative ideas. For example, such negativities as incompetence and laziness are not necessarily immoral, but their cousins lying, cheating and stealing are downright immoral.

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HISTORY
-The study of Ethics began 2500 years back to Plato's statememts about his mentor Socrates roaming Greece in pursuit of Greek ideas on justice and goodness.
-The so-called "Socratic Method of Inquiry" of questions and answers pertaining to perceptions on conduct, has brought the people into heated discussions on morality even among themselves.

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Moral Diversity - brought conflicts manifested on ethical debate due to the difference between standards.

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Ethics in mass communications descend directly from the Socratic Method of Inquiry due to the QandA format of criticism in journalism, advertising and public relations.

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"The People's Right to Know" is the journalists' most powerful justification in delving into people's privacies.
Problem: They don't actually answer the questins of what people ought to know and why they have the right to know.

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Branches of Ethics
1. Metaethics - characteristics, nature of ethics
- examines meanings of ethical terms good, right, justice, fairness, etc.
- provides fundamentals for thical decisions but ont guideposts to actual decision making.
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2. Normative Ethics - development of general theories, rules and principles of modern conduct.
- looks into rise and decline of certain moral values in history as ethical markers of civilizations
- provides foundation of ethical decisions in the real world setting.

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3. Applied Ethics - the application of Metaethics and Noramtive Ethics, and is so therefore the actual problem solving and decision making branch of ethics.
- usage of insights from metaethics and principles of normative ethics in addressing issues.

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Example: A reporter's commitment to the privacy of his sources in the face of a lawyer's commitment to the acquittal of his client by way of information on the sources of the reporter's news report.

Colliding concepts on this example: Betayal of trust (reporter), Justice (a fair trial for the defendant)

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ETHICAL COMMUNICATION

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Concepts in ethics within a communication process

1. Moral Agents (the communicators)
-actions done (specifically communication) and their channels, messages, motives and consequences

example: an education reporter (moral agent - together with his audience and employer) who does news reports and participates in advocacies (channels) on abortion rights and homosexual civil rights (motives) had been reassigned from education news reporting to swing shift editor (consequence)

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2. Context
-either political, social or cultural which may or may not determine the outcome of the judgement, but to either set the message to which content it applies or creazte internal conflicts to invoke conscience.

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3. Motives
-proper examination of the motives to avoid the usage of good motives in justification of unethical actions.

example: a reporter (moral agent) uncovers administrative corruption (motive) by way of deception/entrapment (unethical acts) received tolerance/appaluse (consequence) from the masses.

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4. the Act itself
-the behavioral component, whether ethical or not, whether good motives or not.

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5. Consequences
-either positive or negative effects for moral agents (reassignment, promotion, or sacking) and the audience (transformation, renewed convictions, strengthened beliefs).

example: A tribute written to a hardworking hispanic in America appearing on the local paper's Sunday edition which resulted to the poor hispanic's arrest by the immigration people upon finding out his undocumented residence status.

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THE VALUE OF ETHICS EDUCATION: 2 Schools of Thought

1. Cynical View - Skeptics doubt the value of teaching ethics as individuals develop a sense of ethics before school. Education may not be necessary to develop morality.

example: A college student who is expelled from school after cheating on his ethics exam, in which he had been enrolled as punishment for an earlier case of plagiarism outside the ethics course.

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2. Optimistic Formal Ethics Training - Based on moral knowledge with fixed values of Concepts into concrete and solid ethical training.

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............(Unreadable) Media Ethics

Five Educational Objectives

1. Stimulate moral imagination - personal choices and perceived/imagined consequences as dictated by morality.

2. Recognize ethical issues - according to the needs of the audience, these issues which arise in times of collision of to ideazs can be addressed with proper training on moral reasoning.

3. Develop analytical skills - critical thinking, which is the heart of every decision making process.

4. Elicit moral obligation and personal responsibility - responsibility cannot be delegated. being resonsible for own actions and the consequences.

5. Tolerate disagreement - avoid automatic labeling of the opposing idea as immoral in disagreement.

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DEVELOPING ETHICAL FITNESS

"Ethical Fitness" as it was called by Rushworth Kidder, a journalist and the founder of the Institute of Global Ethics, doesn't establish itself from mastery of an ethics course. the course provides the learners hypothetical experiences of ethical dilemmas to start living the real world with.

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"Mental Engagement" and "Commitment through the feelings," also according to Kidder is what jumpstarts the ethical fitness one may achieve through confrontation of tough moral issues encountered everyday.

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The First Principles of Moral Virtue

communicating unacceptable and incommunicable truths

2009-04-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: OK, this isn't any school assignment or output or whatever, just something to share the world with. Back in La Salle, where big communicators questioned my communication skills as to placing me into their world where the rules have to be followed just over two months ago, people (journalists or not) are loads more communicative of their feelings in comparison with their CPACian (journalists or not) counterparts. This is a sort of exposition on the importance of being able to communicate oneself and ultimately accepting the truth.

The grayness of the sky and ground pertains to the amount of pollution it has accumulated all throughout the decades. That's talking realism. Some people, those who tend to pretend that everything is lovely while people are being forsaken and murdered even by their own brothers, see realism as a pessimistic view of the world, in which, incidentally, the world, in its current state of modernization, also stocks up its waste, sometimes very unmindful of the adverse effects. Along with technology, comes hunger for power and domination - colonization. In other, or rather, more straightforward terminology - war. Deaths. Destruction.

Something incommunicable, isn't it? Setting incommunicability aside, it is still one's responsibility to be known, his views of the world be open to the world herself so the world sees her ups and downs in the perspectives of her inhabitants.

Ready for another one? Sex. Vulgarity. Obscenity. Things which, allegedly, corrupt the world's pillars of tomorrow - the youth. But coming out from whom? Fellow sinners - in the form of self - righteous elder people who happen to see the world with a set of self - righteous eyes. Very, very, incommunicable. Some even throw up. But exactly what are we doing when we tend to rebuke people who do stuff like these? None other than taking the fight out of them, making them feel lame about themselves, without even giving them the chance to defend themselves.

These people are still people, no matter what the self - righteous "religious people" think about. Come to think of it, it's not even the "religious" people that rock. It's the "spiritual" people. Now that's coming from a self - proclaimed sinner. Not because somebody enjoys something the rest of the world looks down on means he or she is bad. If there is Somebody Who should see morality or immorality in an act, it would be no one else but the Author of life, not some self - proclaimed "representative" of heaven. Sounds like a fraud to me.

Forgiveness? Does it really come with forgetting? I don't think so. It should, though. It's just the difference between the "real" situation and the "ideal" situation where these two Fs must go together, but in reality, in the set - up of people's psychologies, no they fucking don't. Incommunicable. Very hurtful, couldn't it be? Some people just have to endure it. They may have given the world loads of fucking reasons for them to endure these nerve - wracking agonies, but sometimes, even them, being the human beings that they are, also own bodies that demand for rest.

Hmm. Think about pleading and needing to bleed before getting heard. That's one hell of a fucking predicament, isn't that? Now who is there to forgive and be forgiven?

Just hoping that the world would, at least, one day, see the sunrise it's looking for. Sunrise that doesn't just brighten the surface of the planet after twelve hours of darkness and coldness of the night, but sunrise that seeps in through the pores of every person that somehow makes him warm inside - wherever he is, whatever state he is in.

Just one point people. Acceptance - in the form of being able to communicate one's feelings. Good night, world.

My Philosophy in Life

2009-03-23T19:56:00.000-07:00

University of Saint La Salle

Bacolod City

Jim Austin M. Tolentino

AB1 - B

Logic Assignment: My Philosophy in Life

If there is one thing happening in the background of people's lives I believe in, it is the very powerful effect of change in the life of a human and in his behavior. This is something you can't turn your back from, since you, or in this case, me, is its haunt. Change is everywhere, happens all the time, and is inevitable.

After turning my back from the people who send me to school studying nursing for free, I realized in myself that the main thing I'm here on earth for is to live as long as I could, as simply as I could, and learn as much as I possibly could. I believe that whether I'm a CEO or a lowly member of the workforce, I can grow into contentment and still be the best in whatever I do.

Life is certainly not easy. It's no wonder nobody gets out of it alive. You want out? You die. That's all there is to it. If you don't love it, then you don't love anything at all. That's the main reason why sometimes I feel like I shouldn't take it very hard, instead, focus on the pleasures offered by the simplicities of the manner with which life is lived.

To be more specific, I take my eyes off the glamorous city life and corporate setting the world offers me. Instead, I try to look into the bounty and the benefits of a professional life even in the countryside. Quiting nursing is tantamount to giving up worldly pursuits of working abroad and earning dollars and living a good life in my case of course. But just having what you need and just a little for more than that is just perfect for me. We live in a fast-paced world today, where everything can be obtained on a whim. But taking our eyes off those, living peacefully, simply, and naturally is still living, minus all the complications the fast-paced world has to offer.

Fast-paced business transations, fastfoods, high speed internet connections, 30-second TV ads, they're really quick. But what it offers along with it is quick aging as well, usually minus the wisdom life experiences have with them.

It's not bad to aspire for a corporate condo life. It's just not me. A private firm to work for, business proposal presentations, nightlife and shopping - that's what we see people in this part of the world do. Wouldn't it be better, make you more content, to wake up in the morning, not late at night, filling your lungs with cold, fresh air, go to your teaching job maybe, cook your own food with vegetables from the market or your own garden, and ultimately, live healthy and longer? See life more than the average man. Experience more, learn more, be a better person.

thoughts on the movie the Gospel of John (RS4)

2009-03-19T02:17:00.000-07:00

Coming out alive and rich in high end Christology, the Gospel of John poses into the world one more purpose than what the other Gospel writers said about the life and earthly ministry of Jesus Christ, which is to counter-attack criticisms or unorthodoz belief of the Jews, saying that Jesus' existence is mainly spirit and not flesh. This defies the 100% humankind and 100% God-nature that Christians regarded Jesus to be, throwing away all the edges of reason and embracing the majesty and infallibility of Heaven.

As a gospel, John is a story about the life of Jesus. The Gospel can be divided into four parts: the Prologue, the Book of Signs, the Passion narrative, his version of the story and the Epilogue.

The prologue hightened Jesus as God, in all His deeds and power across the earth. The signs mirrored Jesus' earthly ministries, his teachings and the signs He set for the world to see. John's version of the Passion told of the events in the Upper Room (the Last Supper) as He discoursed the events of the following day and the farewell He gave, along with the arrest, crucifixion, burial and resurrection. On the epilogue, Jesus was showcased after He resurrected Himself from the dead and revealed Himself to the disciples.

Logos, as it was called, was John's forefront on Jesus' mission on earth, and the way He conversed with the disciples at length about Himself. John uplifted Jesus more than any of the Gospel Writers ever did. He put Jesus, the person, the God above His message, in contrary to what the other gospel writers.

In summary, the inspiration the writer held as he wrote his version of the story of the owner of the face and heart he was very close to, was infallibly beautiful. Showcasing the caster, and not the casted, something for a change, made the whole world loving Him and His word more and more, now knowing the power from where it's all from, and still fully clinging to learning more about Him everyday.

2009-03-15T22:32:00.000-07:00

University of Saint La Salle

Bacolod City

TOLENTINO, Jim Austin M.

AB1 - B

General Sociology Research

Programs and projects of the government in alleviating poverty in the Philippines

NEDA's Search for the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Youth Champions

According to NEDA, the follwing factors contribute to the decline in poverty incidence for the period of 2000-2006: The sustained growth of real gross domestic production (GDP), driven by private sector participation. There also are national policies spelled out in the mid-term Philippine development plan (MTPDP) 2001-2004 and 2004-2010, which have prioritized anti-poverty strategies. The two plans espouse poverty reduction as an overarching goal, while sectoral thrusts fully support poverty-reduction targets and priorities,” NEDA further stated.

The national government is fully committed to pursue an integrated and comprehensive national anti-poverty strategy called the “Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan” (Linking Arms Against Poverty) which focuses on asset reform, human development services, employment and livelihood, social protection and participatory governance.

Aside from the above mentioned programs, the government has been implementing major foreign-assisted programs and projects designed to fast-track poverty-reduction efforts which include:

a) KALAHI-CIDSS or Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)/World Bank (WB)

b) Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)/WB/Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC); c) Development of Poor Urban Communities Sector Project (Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC)/Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP)/Asian Development Bank (ADB) and

d) Achieving the MDGs and Reducing Human Poverty (NEDA/United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

The Philippines pledged the poverty and hunger eradication; universal primary education achievement; gender equality promotion and women empowerment; child mortality reduction; maternal health improvement; combat against HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases; environmentally sustainability assurance and a global partnership development. (Barriga, 2009)

Probable solutions and programs of the NGOs in minimizing poverty in the Philippines

Microfinancing is the process of provision of financial services to poor or low-income clients, including consumers and the self-employed. The term also refers to the practice of sustainably delivering those services. The non-governmental units that engage in this movement include:

a) Bangko Kabayan (a rural bank) offers loans like:

KAPITAN group lending program (Kapisanan ng mga Ilaw ng Tahanan), which finances micro-enterprise businesses that generate daily income to augment additional household support and for businesses with long gestating period like livestock raising, provided, the secondary income can pay the weekly amortization payment;

KABAYAN individual lending program (Kaakibat ng Bangko sa Pag-unlad sa Kabuhayan), which finances loans for working capital or acquisition of fixed assets for existing business;

KABAYAN Educational Loan (Kaakibat ng Bangko sa Pag-unlad sa Kabuhayan)Microfinance Individual Lending Program which offers an incentive credit window for existing class "A" microfinance clients to finance: Tuition and/or entrance fees, Graduation fees, Board review, Books, school and uniforms and Educational plan - premium; and

KABAYAN PLUS Program which offers transitory special financing schemes providing credit assistance for loans above P150,000 up to a maximum of P300,000. (Bangko Kabayan Official Website)

b) Ateneo de Manila's Educational Microfinance Capacity Building Services:

Regular Microfinance Training Courses - Microfinance training courses will be offered by the Development Studies program. Such courses respond to market needs. Adult learning techniques and structured learning experiences that enhance the knowledge and skills of participants are employed.

Off-Site Microfinance Training - Microfinance institutions (MFIs) usually need training interventions specifically tailored to the peculiarities of their operations in the short term. Off-site training courses target MFIs that have a human resource base adequate enough to run a training course (at least 15 management staff). Cost is also reduced on the part of the MFI without sacrificing income streams from the activity.

Microfinance Management Development Program - The microfinance management development program caters to microfinance institutions that need capacity building interventions in the long term. A combination of various capacity building interventions will be offered that depend on the specific needs of the MFI. These may be in the form of training, mentoring, technical assistance, facilitation and experts’ advice, on the job training, strategic planning and other consulting services.

Microfinance Knowledge Resource Hub - Most microfinance institutions have the necessary human resource base but lack the right policies, systems and procedures. Information that could be used to enhance policies, systems and procedures should be disseminated. This offers access to secondary sources of information such as books, microfinance journals, case studies and the like. Also included are multimedia resources such as CD-ROM databases, audio and visual materials. The website will offer publications that could be downloaded, trends and news/updates in the microfinance industry. (Ateneo de Manila official website: www.admu.edu.ph/index.php?p=1052)

2009-01-25T21:46:00.000-08:00

Summary

The story primarily talks about the complexities brought about by the continuous process of maturity kids undergo as they go on with their education. This idea is more evidently portrayed by way of debate, which happens to be the one thing among many other things that these kids are particularly good at, and therefore it is through debate that they express themselves and show their true colors. It is where their individualities and characters are revealed, and it shows what hardships they really are going through, as most teens in school do.

The story starts with the main characters, having been just accepted at a fictitious Kenmont College bearing debating scholarships with them. They learn things together, fight, flirt and fall in love, and one of the three, the writer wannabe even died, suffering from the complexities of human affection and emotion.
Despite losing their comrade, they show up at the Supreme Court facing a perrenial debating champion favorite, and after showing their points and even revealing dark pasts and forgiving selves of their shortcomings, they emerge to bring the championship home. It is actually teamwork and the employment of logic and philosophy that takes centerstage in this beautiful work of art.

Favorite Character and Rationale.

It would of course be Monica. She finds a way to forgive herself and the world around her for everything she had to endure from the very unfortunate event that took place in her life in the past. Even though it is almost repeated under the hands of one of her teammates, she has it all utilized to her advantage at the present predicament - facing the Supreme Court in a battle of philosophies and principle via debate, the thing she loves to do the most.

Favorite Scene and Rationale.

Nothing beats the sweetness of victory. After managing to face their biggest and toughest adversaries in the field of debate, they emerge winners and owners not only of their possessions but of their lives. Their principles have been counted and they see nothing but lives to lead on their own very clearly ahead of them.

Five arguments to support the resolution of the immorality of abortion

1. Following a standard syllogism:
The law prohibits killing of human beings.Fetuses are human beings.The killing of fetuses is prohibited.The absence of any of the following: biological (human being), psychological (self-consciousness), rational (ability to reason), social (sympathy/love), or legal (being a human life form with rights) criteria of personhood does not make a fetus not human. It is not a limb that depends on the mother as to what to do about it, but it is rather an independent life form which depends on the mother for nourishment and therefore, survival. Somebody who takes the life of people who depend on him aggravates the immorality of the act, as to when parents kill children is much worse than when somebody else outside the immediate family does the killing.It may or may not be considered murder, since murder is legally defined as "illegal killing with malice aforethought." Abortion fails this definition since there is no evidence to suggest that expecting mothers feel malice towards their own flesh and blood.

2. Abortion is not a realistic way to deal with the complexities and hardships of an unwanted pregnancy. Things do happen, and we are being educated in the world in order to be able to cope up with whatever comes our way. If we ever learn to benefit from all the things we learn from growing up and the experiences that go along with it, we will find that all our experiences are actually designed to build us up, and not to break us down. They are supposed to make us tougher and ready against simply anything. Aside from that, we have other people who will support us in the form of family and friends.Unwanted pregnancies are of course unwanted, id est., unexpected and most would want to have it within wedlock. But due to the infirmity of the world we are privileged of living in, there are some things which just cannot be stopped from happening. It is when our strength and endurance are tested, and a good hands-on training in the world is a very effective defense against it.

3. In order for the unwanted pregnancy to be saved from the prospect of an abortion, fathers are supposed to stand up to what they have done and face the consequences of their actions. It doesn’t mean that because there are ways in to which they could be saved from shame and humiliation of their actions brought about by the technology in the ever-changing world, they can already make excuses to their, for the use of a more straightforward, crime.

4. On the other hand, the mothers who are supposed to be in charge of the welfare of the baby growing inside her womb, she should not be defeated by the predicament. She should be strong to face the hardship she yet have to endure because it is what’s given her.

5. Ultimately, every life is precious, and worth saving and worthy of their chance to find their place in the world and prove themselves to contribute to the betterment of the society they are in. the worst thing you can do to another person, aside from killing it, which is very manifested in the concept of abortion, is taking the fight out of him, which is the right to life. Life is precious. That’s downright true and not debatable. Heartless people do, but that doesn’t mean we should, either.

2008-12-13T22:05:00.000-08:00

FINALLY, THE TRUTH.

This is the letter sent by Mrs. Jonathan Tolentino (first name: Margenia) to Mrs. Herbert Tansiongco (first name: Minerva Angeli) after Mrs. Tansiongco questioned Mr. Jonathan Tolentino's appointment as the head elder of Odiongan Church, supposedly stating reasons of alleged "unhealthy relationships with people from his workplace, that is, with her very own husband, Herbert." All of the supposedly "unhealthy relationships" are stated in the letter below by Mrs. Tolentino, together with witnesses from Romblon National High School - Odiongan.

December 13, 2008

Angeli:

Salamat sa ginawa ninyong pagsabi sa ibat-ibang tao ng mga bagay laban kay Boboy. Matagal kong pinigil ang sarili ko na sulatan kayo mula ng magkasamaan kami ng loob ng asawa mo. Nanalangin kmi na mapapalagpas namin ang mga bagay na nangyari at salamat na nagawa namin yon para makaiwas sa gulo kase hindi kami sanay sa nakasanayan mo e. Ang problema, sa aming pananahimik ay parang sinusubukan ng kaaway ang aming pagtitimpi. Kaninang alas sais ng umaga ay ginising kami ni Mam Febe Fallar at sinabi na nakarating na sa nominating committee ang mga reklamo nyo. Salamat sa lakas ng loob nyo na tingnan ang iba pero pilit tinatakpan at ayaw aminin na may mga pagkukulang din kayo. Marahil, panahon na rin na maipagtaggol namin ang aming sarili sa pamamagitan ng pagsasabi ng totoong pinagmulan ng lahat. Alam namin na hindi mo alam ang tunay na dahilan kaya nagagawa mong magkwento sa mga tao na nakakarating din naman sa amin lahat, pilit nga lang naming pinagpapasensyahan at kinakalimutan. Kaya lang dapat ay malaman mo na rin ngayon.Ang sabi mo noon ay ayaw mong maglingkod sa iglesya kase masama ang ugali mo at ng pamilya mo. Ang pakiusap ko lang sa iyo ay hayaan mo na makapaglingkod ang ibang makasalanan na tulad namin para sa ganun ay makapanumbalik sa Panginoon bilang kristyano at wag manatili sa pagkakasala at gawing sangkalan ang ibang tao sa kanyang mga pagkukulang.Tungkol sa babae na na-tsismis sa asawa mo, kami rin ang huling naka-alam kahit marami na ang nakakaalam sa skul at pinag uusapan na ang asawa mo. Kaya ang ginawa ni Boboy ng marinig ang tsismis ay kinausap nya ng diretso pinagpayuhan si Totong na itigil nya kung ano man yon bago mo pa malaman. Ginawa ni Boboy na sabihan siya bilang pagmamalasakit sa inyo na itinuring na rin namin na pamangkin dahil kay Ate Dina kasi nag aalala kami na kung malaman mo ay kami ang pwede mong sisihin na di siya napag-payuhan e samantalang magkasama kami sa trabaho. Ang tsismis na yon ay hindi namin sinabi kahit kanino pero masama ang loob namin kasi kami pa rin pala ang pinagbibintangan ninyo na nagpalakat noon. Hindi namin maubos maisip kung bakit kami lagi ang napagbibintangan ninyo sa kabila ng pinagsamahan natin. Galing kay Jubilee ang balitang iyon na pinatutuhanan ng mga sinabi ni Robina . Alam yan lahat ni Totong dahil magkaharap-harap kami nuon na nakiki-simpatiya sa kanya. Maliban sa mga balita na yan ay may lumabas na bago at kaklase ni Jeko na si Nelfa Diokno na kamag anak daw ng babae ang may sabi nuon at si Bogang ang nagsabi nyan sa amin. AT THIS POINT IN TIME, HINDI NA AKO NAG-AALALA SA KUNG ANO PA MAN ANG MANGYARI KASI NAUBOS NA RIN ANG PASENSYA KO SA MGA IBINIBINTANG NYO SA AMIN NI BOBOY.

Panahon na kulang ang team namin sa third year kaya sumali si Boboy kahit siya ay naka assign sa first year dahil tapos na ang gawain nya noon. Kahit nagkaganuon ay kulang pa rin kami ng isang tao kaya ang asawa mo ang naisipan namin na tawagin kasi alam namin na siya ay hindi adviser at siya ay regular na member ng reading committee. Sinundo siya ni Boboy ngunit sumagot sya ng ganito “BAKIT AKO NA LANG LAGI?”. Kaya umalis si Boboy ngunit binalikan siya at tinanaong kung hindi talaga siya mag re-read. Sa muli ay sinagot nya si Boboy ng ganito “YONG IBA NAMAN”, siempre ibig sabihin noon ay hindi siya pupunta kase tinuturo nya kay Boboy na iba naman ang tawagin.

Hindi na nagpumilit si Boboy na tawagin sya at bumalik na lang sa aming team at sinabi sa amin na “AYAW SUMAMA E. IBA NA LANG DAW ANG TAWAGIN KASE LAGI NA LANG DAW SIYA “. Doon nagalit si Mrs. Fontamillas kasi hindi makapagsimula ng reading kya pumunta siya sa principal pero hindi namin alam kung ano ang sinabi nya sa principal. Nagulat na lang kami ng maya maya ay tumunog ang motor ng asawa mo at pumasok sa laboratory at ito ang sinabi “BAKIT KAYO GANYAN! NAKAKA BAD TRIP NAMAN KAYO. BAT NAGSUSUMBONG AGAD KAYO SA OFIS. SANA KINAUSAP NYO MUNA AKO. HINDI KO NAMAN SINABI NA HINDI AKO PUPUNTA”.

Ano sa palagay mo Ne, hindi ba siya kinausap ng tinawag siya ni Boboy na tumulong? Alangan namang magpaalam pa si Mrs. Fontamillas sa kanya na magsasabi ito sa principal kasi ayaw nyang tumulong? Kami pa ba ang nakaka-bad trip sa lagay na yon? Sa totoo lang, ang sabi ni Mrs. Fontamillas ay 2 beses pa lang siya na nag assist sa reading at late na siya dumating nung unang reading at nung pangalawa naman ay umalis siya ng maaga pa, kaya nainis si Ate Chit (Mrs. Fontamillas) kase nagsinungalaing si Totong sa pagsasabi na lagi na lang daw na siya ang tinatawag pero tungkulin naman nya talaga lahat un, lalo na siya na hindi adviser.

Si Boboy pa nga ang ginawa nyang sinungaling sa mga sinabi nya pero nagpasensya at tumahimik kami. Inaamin ko na nagalit ako sa kanya sa ginawa nyang yon kasi hindi na nya iginalang ang matatanda naming kasama sa team sa pagtataas nya ng boses sa amin. SIYA ANG UNANG NAGTAAS NG BOSES AT MAPAPATUNAYAN YAN NG MGA KASAMA SA TEAM. Natuklasan ko pa nung huli na kami pala ang pinagbibintanagn ninyo na nagsumbong sa principal at yan ay kaya kong patunayan sa harap ni Bogang na nagsabi sa amin. Sinabi mo pa nga raw na “AH, USA PA KINA SI FONTAMILLAS NAK YAIN IT BATASAN”.

Tahimik ang buhay namin pero nabago ito at nahaluan ng gulo mula ng makilala namin kayo. Ikaw na rin ang nagsabi noon na hindi na kayo sasama sa mga lakad namin kasI lagi kayong nag-aaway at napapahiya tayo sa ibang tao nakakarinig. Alam mo yan kasi paulit ulit mong sinasabi yan mula sa Boracay, Calatrava at Punta na kung saan ay kasama namin ang anak mo at tahimik ang buhay sa camping pero ng dumating ka ay naging maingay na at magulo. Tiniis naming lahat at pilit kayong inuunawa sa mga ginagawa nyo kahit nakakahiya talaga sa mga anak ko na nagbibinata at kana Elma na tahimik din ang buhay. Kaya nga ng hindi na tayo nagsasama ay nawala na ang bigat sa dibdib namin at tahimik na ulit ang buhay namin PERO AYAW NYO KAMING TIGILAN.

WAG NYO NAMAN KAMING IGAYA SA PAMILYA NYO NA HINDI NAUUBUSAN NG BAGAY NA PAG AAWAYAN KASI HINDI KAMI SANAY SA GULO. HINDI KAMI PINALAKI SA AWAYAN NG PAMILYA NAMIN, GANUON DIN ANG PAMILYA NI BOBOY. KAHIT MAKASALANAN KMI AY SINISIKAP NAMIN NA MANALANGIN AT HUMINGI NG TAWAD SA TUWI -TUWINA AT LAKAS NA MAPANAGUMPAYAN ANG MGA KAHINAAN NAMIN BILANG TAO AT HINDI NAMIN KAYA NA MAKIPAG-AWAY SA KA-PAMILYA LALONG LALO NA SA MGA MAGULANG NAMIN DAHIL MATAAS ANG PAGGALANG NAMIN SA MGA MAGULANG NAMIN AT YAN ANG IPINAMULAT SA AMIN NA UGALI. ANG AMING PAGLILINGKOD SA CHURCH AY HINDI DAHIL SA KUNG ANO PA MAN KUNDI ITO LANG ANG MAGPAPANATILI SA AMIN SA PANGINOON KAHIT KAMI AY MAKASALANAN. AT KAHIT ANO ANG SABIHIN NYO LABAN SA AMIN, PATULOY KAMING MANANATILI SA PANANAMPALATAYA NA ITO. HINDI KAMI GUMAGAMIT NG IBANG TAO NA DAHILAN SA PANGHIHINA NAMIN. SALAMAT SA MGA GINAWA NYO SA AMIN NA KAHIT NASAKTAN KAMI AY GINAWA NAMIN ANG MGA ITO NA DAHILAN UPANG LALONG HUMINGI NG LAKAS SA PANGINOON NA TULUNGAN KAMING UMUNAWA SA IBA, PERO HINDI PALA MABUTI NA LAGING NANANAHIMIK KASI NAAABUSO.

Tungkol sa pagsasabi ni Boboy na hindi Adventist ang asawa mo na ikinagalit niya ay ipinagtataka rin namin. Nagkataon noon na nagtanong ang principal sa miting kung sino ang mga Adventist na hindi pwedeng sumama sa parade ng pista at may sumagot na “si Mr. Tansiongco pa” kasi nabanggit na halos lahat ang pangalan naming maliban sa kanya. Nagsalita lang si Boboy na “HINDI PA ADVENTIST YON KASI HINDI PA NAMAN SYA NABIBINYAGAN”, AT YON ANG TOTOO DI BA? Narinig yon ng co-teacher namin at duon nagsimula na nagalit sya kay Boboy. HINDI PINAGSIGAWAN NI BOBOY NA HINDI SYA ADVENTIST. Marahan nyang sinabi yon BILANG IMPORMASYON. Masama na ba ngayon magsabi ng totoo?

Di ba pinagtawanan mo rin ang asawa mo nuong maglagay sya na Adventist sya sa birth certificate ni Eya kasi sabi mo ay nagsisinungaling sya dahil nga hindi sya baptized? Nagsisimba, oo, pero hindi yon sapat na sabihing Adventista sya. At maraming nagsasabi sa amin na yong pangyayaring yon ang ginagamit nyo na dahilan sa hindi nyo pagsisimba. Na hindi na kayo magsisisimba dahil sa amin. Di ba hindi naman talaga kayo nagsisimba ng regular? Bakit kami ang ginagawa ninyong dahilan?Sa totoo lang, ang paniniwala ko ay mabuting tao ang asawa mo kaya lang minsan mainit ang ulo nya kasi parang may problema sya sa iyo at sa pamilya mo. Ang sabi nya nuon sa akin sa burol ni Lola Bating ay kaya daw siya ayaw magpabinyag sa Adventist kahit alam nya na totoo ang paniniwala sa Adventist sapagkat naiugnay nya ito sa mga aklat nya sa History ay dahil masama daw ang ugali ng pamilya mo at yon ang tinitingnan nya…Sabi ko naman ay huwag syang tumingin sa tao kundi sa Panginoon lang.

Minsan pa nung magkatay sila ng kambing sa school kasama si Danny at Boboy ay sinabi nya na kung pwede ka lang nya saktan ay sasaktan ka na nya kasi nahihirapan na sya sa ugali mo. Kesyo hindi ka raw nya kayang supilin.

SANA KUNG MAY PROBLEMA KAYO SA PAMILYA AY IDALANGIN NYO NA LANG NA MAAYOS ITO. WAG NA SANA NINYONG HAWAAN ANG IBANG PAMILYA NG MGA UGALI NYO DAHIL INUULIT KO SA IYO NA HINDI KAMI SANAY SA MGA NAKASANAYAN NYO. SANA MA-REALIZE NYO NA KAHIT SAAN TAYO MAGKASAMA NOON AY KAYO ANG LAGING NAG-AAWAY AT MAGULO SA GRUPO AT HINDI PA NAGYARI NI MINSAN MAN LAMANG NA MAY NAGSIMULANG PROBLEMA SA PAMILYA NAMIN. ITONG SAMAAN NG LOOB NATIN AY KAYO ANG UGAT. HINDI KAMI ANG PINAGMULAN NITO.KAHIT DITO SA SCHOOL, KUNG ANO MAN ANG MGA GAWAIN NG ASAWA MO NA HINDI NYA NAGAGAMPANAN DAHIL SA NAPAKARAMI NYANG DAHILAN AY KAMI NI BOBOY ANG GUMAGAWA PERO WALA SIYANG NARINIG SA AMIN KAHIT ISANG SALITA. MULA SA NAPAKASIMPLENG RESPONSIBILIDAD NA AYUSIN ANG ASSIGNMENT NYA AT I CHECK KUNG WALA NANG KULANG SA MGA VENUE DAHIL SYA ANG CHAIRMAN SA HALL AND BENCH COMMITTEE AY NAPAPABAYAAN NYA MINSAN. KUNG MAY KULANG MAN AY HINDI NYA NALALAMAN KASI HINDI SYA NAGPA-FOLLOW UP GAYA NG KUNG KULANG ANG MGA UPUAN O ELECTRIC FAN…KASI NGA HINDI NYA INAASIKASO NG DIBDIBAN ANG TRABAHO NYA.

KAMI LAHAT ANG SUMASALO NG MGA PAGKUKULANG NYA SA TRABAHO AT YON ANG HINDI NYA ALAM KASI HINDI NAMAN KAMI NAGREREKLAMO PERO ALAM YAN NG KARAMIHAN DITO SA SCHOOL. KUNG HINDI MAN NYA AMININ YAN GAYA NG INAASAHAN NAMIN AY WALA NA KAMING MAGAGAWA. HINDI KO NA KAILANGANG ISA-ISAHIN PA. ULTIMONG SI MADAM LUCS AY NAGSABI SA AMIN NYAN.

GUMISING NAMAN SANA KAYO. WAG NYO NA KAMING IDAMAY SA MGA KAGULUHAN NYO. KUNG NAGREREKLAMO KAYO SA PAGIGING ELDER NI BOBOY AY MAGHARAP- HARAP TAYO SA NOMINATING COMMITTEE AT ISAMA MO ANG ASAWA MO PARA LALONG MALAMAN NG LAHAT ANG TOTOO.

MARGIE

thoughts on CARP

2008-10-02T01:06:00.000-07:00

nature of the program

The Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program was designed to return the lands taken from the people by the oppressive tyrant landowners. Parcels of land from the haciendas were distributed to tenants who used to till the haciendas for the landowners to till on their own.

uh, wait - something's funny here.

The implementation posed various problems. Primarily, land alone would be more of a disaster than help to the new landowners without the capital for them to start on their own. Even though the land itself is the resource they need, they are still in need of money for seeds, fertilizers, tools, and other farming concerns.

Aside from that, tenants are incapable of managing the lands. Aside from not having resources to make the land grow, they have not been taught management for the land's productivity.Due to the absence of capital, the starting landowners have to borrow them.

Another negative effect is that lenders tend to abuse the new landowners for the capital lent to them to start on their own in the form of skyrocketing interest rates. Landowners resort to placing their lands on collaterals just to get money, resulting to the formation of workers' unions aiming to return the land to the owners for them to buy from the small landowners again, only to return after the specified period of time given the landowners to collect the finances needed.

Due to the mismanagement of the lands, lesser and lesser rice are being produced, resulting to deficiencies in the staple food product, and unfeasible prices of imported rice.

I say...

The CAR Program, in my opinion should be dismissed, for the reason that the aim of the program does not focus on the farmers but only to the satisfaction of the scrutinizing public to show that the people are sustained by the government in terms of livelihood by the allocation of land, but oblivious to everything else the people are in need of and the problems that come to pass.

If the people need anything, it will be direct help from the authorities, not more work to do with their limbs amputated, having no tools to do the extra jobs. If the government distributes something that requires giving out, it should be for the benefit of everybody and not for their self-image and the extremely precious public opinion.

for RIZAL

2008-09-18T00:16:00.000-07:00

UNIVERSITY OF SAINT LA SALLE
Bacolod City

Jim Austin M. Tolentino September 22, 2008
AB – 1B

On the Movie “The Count of Monte Cristo”

Characters and their traits

Edmond Dantes - the protagonist who brings a letter from Emperor Bonaparte to an "old friend" in France. A second mate on the ship french trading ship Pharaon.

Fernand Mondego - Edmond's bestfriend, who is also an officer of the same ship Edmond is in.

Napoleon - the emperor of the French Empire. He saves Edmond and Fernand when the British mistake them for french soldiers when they stop by Napoleon's exile island of Elba to seek medical assistance for their captain who falls sick aboard.

Mercedes Iguanada - Edmond's fiancee who becomes Fernand's wife after Edmond's conviction.

Morrell - the boss of their shippig line who is inspired by Edmond's bravery and promotes him to captain after the captain dies.

Danglars - the Pharaon's first mate who hates Edmond for being promoted to captain instead of him. He leaked false information to Mercedes thatEdmond has been executed so she marries Fernand.

Villefort - the deputy public prosecutor and chief magistrate whose father is Bonaparte's "old friend" in France.

Armand Dorleac - the sadistic warden of Chateau d'If whom Edmond kills upon escaping.

Abbe Faria - a priest and a former soldier of the emperor, who is imprisoned for denying to the emperor the knowledge on the location of a treasure. He teaches Edmond language and fighting skills, economics, philiosophy and others.

Jacopo - a member of the group of smugglers Edmond meets after escaping Chateau d'If. He is regarded as a traitor by the group and is intended to be buried alive. Edmond fights him, and upon sparing his life, vows to be "Edmond's man for life."

Luigi Vampa - the smuggler and thief who leads Jacopo's group, whom he hires to kidnap Albert, Fernand's son so Edmond could pretend to have saved him.

Albert Mondego - Mercedes' son by Edmond whom she labels to be Fernand's and he claims to be his own until he finds out.

Theme

The movie primarily talks about injustice and the sufferings endured by the main character, Dantes. He had been unjustly convicted and thrown behind bars with the prosecutor’s and Fernand’s personal charges against him behind him, and he faced the charges he can only see due to his limited education which made him blind to the realities and implications of the actions he took.

We see a variety of concepts encircling the entire storyline that would give us insights that may either aggravate, justify, mitigate, or exempt the actions of the characters that will lead us to conclusions as to whether justice is served or sanctions are made to those who are due them. For example, did Edmond’s incapacity in words serve as an excuse for him to not know that the letter he carries brings about a disaster, something that will be snagged by a falling out between a father and a son for the son’s personal interests? Or are we to condemn Villefort’s unlawful conviction of Dantes because he wanted to look good for the current regime by breaking all his father’s ties with Napoleon?

We see in the end that Fernand had been killed, the family reunited under the real paternity, and everything goes back to normal. Can we say that justice had been delivered to the proper doorstep? I believe so. Edmond had taken back what had been robbed of him and he had been able to put the pieces of his life back together, putting everything behind him, as characterized by his purchase of Chateau d’If where he suffered pain and suffering in the superlatives.

We can now figure out at least three concepts: injustice, revenge, forgiveness – which all led to the administration of justice to those who deserve it. Good for Edmond, he had been given the right tools to do the job properly, as seen in his last words in the film thanking Abbe Faria and finally, leaving all of his undertakings to God in his planned revenge: “God will give me justice.”

for my PIP

2008-09-08T19:52:00.000-07:00

University of Saint La Salle

Bacolod City

Religious Studies 3

TOLENTINO, Jim Austin M.

AB1 - B

Parish Involvement Plan Activities (MidTerm)

NARRATION

August 15, 2008 - Friday

The Adventist Youth Society was in charge for all the Sabbath services the following day, and they wanted to present a concert, so I joined the group singing the song "Midnight Cry," which is a Southern favorite and one of my mum and dad's favorites as well. I sang Tenor, and we are supposed to sing it in Sabbath School. I played the piano for the tenors to learn their melody, and later, while the pianist has gone somewhere, I played for the entire chorale to sing to it. I eventually got to play for the official performance, because the pianist still has many other youth choirs to accompany. I also got to accompany one more chorale, on the song "Give Us A Vision." All the others were accompanied by the older pianist.

We started practicing at 2:30. During our practice, we had to evacuate the Grand Piano because it is not supposed to be used for practice pala. We had to settle with an electric organ, since the Upright Piano is being used by Mrs. Jonah Toledo, the older pianist. She was one of my piano and voice teachers, but even she didn't want to practice with the Grand Piano. It is only for the church services and official song performances. We stopped practice to prepare for the Friday night services at 6:00 PM

August 16, 2008 - Saturday

This time, we went to church early to polish the song, and at about 9:15 we sang, we are on the second part of the concert. I was on the Grand Piano all along, so I didn't get to sing with them. It's OK, we had a potluck for lunch after the Divine Hour of Worship (second service after the Sabbath School).

August 17, 2008 - Sunday

The chorale I sang with last Saturday agreed to do a bayanihan for the church. It was so filthy around the church because of the grand social night last night. Litter were everywhere, mostly of candy wrappings, straws, bottles, because we had games in the grand socials. We cleaned the surroundings of the church (the deaconesses cleaned inside) and had lunch together. We arrived there at 10:30, stopped for lunch, and continued cleaning at 1:30. We all went home shortly afterward at 4 o'clock.

REFLECTIONS

Music and singing were and remain to be the most popular and most beautiful form of worship, especially among our denomination. We had been trained in music (including musical instruments for me) while we were growing up. And it is not just for any other purpose, but all to glorify God with it. The reason why I took classical music for my voice lessons while most specialize in pop to sing in varied occassions is that I only wanted it to be used in church. Learning classical music is twice as expensive as pop music, but it's worth it.

I believe that praising God and bringing Him back the glory He shows us should be the best reason for everything we do. And by doing so, we also get to share Him with other people by crwning Him in our lives, and lead beautiful lives while doing it.

Watch Out!

2008-09-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

Hello World,

I'll be taking on a brand new target for my fresh and delicious entrees. If you all want to know, just watch out, and tune in to my page...

See you guys...

Don't be so shocked. You might never live to read another entry.

If I ever get blocked, then you know I'm for real.

"It's a queueing that's so totally new"

2008-08-14T20:15:00.000-07:00

Rows and rows of banana cue? Is that what it takes to open a new category to beat in the Guiness' Book of World Records?

Preparation of Ingredients

As part of CPAC's Silver Anniversary, everybody worked on establishing the school as a world record holder. How? It took fifty thousand bananas, ten sacks of sugar, forty liters of oil, six-and-a-half hours, the half of the entire Recreation area, everybody's hands, and most importantly, the gleam of excitement and happiness from each pair of hands working. Information on the said activity had been disseminated weeks prior to the Silver Anniversary so everybody is really excited to produce what needs to be seen on TV.

Bananas Fried and Sugar Caramelized

Banana Cue, as we all know, is fried along sugar to coat it with. To fry the bananas, each department brought along with them two big frying pans - that's Business, Nursing, Education, Arts and Sciences and Theology. Some fried the bananas raw, some preferred to boil the bananas before frying them. Whatever technique, Banana Cue never left or forgot its mouth-watering brand of magic which got all the members of the CPAC family wanting to do more. People peeling, frying, transferring bananas, making sticks can be seen everywhere across the Recreation center, all for record.

Bananas get skewered and displayed

Displaying fifty thousand bananas in one area for the world to see on TV is an astonishing feat. To do it, lines were spread across the football field, suspended by crossed sticks. Our four-legged brothers and sisters also had to be tied up for a while, lest they wander across the fields of fried bananas and caramelized sugar. Television people from ABS-CBN covered the unusual sight of what seems thousands of burnt meat for meat barbeque but are actually bananas.

Longest line

The College aims to make five kilometers of banana cue snaking around the football field. But due to irregularities and circumstances way out of our control, this feat had never been the fate everybody expected. But no worries, 1.9 kilometers is good enough for everybody to enjoy what they worked all day for. Imagine fifty thousand bananas stretching to almost two kilometers, that would be good enough to feed as many monkeys a person can meet in his entire lifetime. That's what everybody has to offer after a day of working on a project - all together.

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NEXT PAGE

After a hard days work

The broad grins were undeniable and the thirst for the sweet bananas impaled on the sticks insatiable. Everybody were everywhere, picking as many banana cues as they can, owing to the 2-kilometer length of the queue of banana cue. A fortunate few even got the rare oppportunity of TV exposure, showing off their remarkable happiness due to the accomplishment of the activity.

Much more exhilarating was that the activity was shown in local TV news that night, and later on at midnight into the national TV news "Bandila." What about that? Indeed one of the greatest record breaking attempts ever done in a college campus.

But let's take a look back on the real essence of the activity. It built cooperation, camaraderie, patience, positivity, and hope of success to every participant. And as far as a college campus is concerened, she wouldn't be able to reach twenty-five without these things. And further, she wouldn't be able to go on without them either. That shows happiness and fulfillment in unity and strength to do things in friendship and camaraderie. And it's all here!

What we are trying to achieve

In everything we do, we should always see to it we get what we need, far more than what we want from it. In doing so, we got what we want, which is thousands of bananas coated with caramelized sugar, but did we get what we need? Or as said above, did we achieve what is there to be achieved? As said in "after a hard day's work," values like friendship and patience were instilled in everyone from the activity.

But we have to want to achieve something else. Something personal, not a personal achievement, but something to give back to Whoever it is Who has given the strength and the ideas and Wherever it has come from. In everyhting we do, we should do it all for the glory of the Lord, as said in the Holy Scriptures. By doing what we did, we showcased His majesty in the ideas that come out of us, His creation.

2008-08-09T03:49:00.000-07:00

hello:

honestly, I felt a little estrangement from the blogging thing since my last post dated 04/15... I really dont have anything in mind to say but I just wish the Filipino Olympians luck in their particular events. I was never into sports but I might have imagined their training sessions correctly.

Apart from that, it just occured to me that according to 2 news items from my Google Alerts subscription on the keyword "Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo," Madam Arroyo sat with UNO's Security Council in Beijing recently. What I disliked is that the item focused on Madam Arroyo's position which is I think 5 or 6 seats away from the Chinese representative, and worse, the gems she'll be wearing on the Olympic Ball.

Cool huh? People just keep blinding themselves from the truth and overlook the real essence of the things that transpire in our lives.

Imagine how the showbiz press make stories from an actor tripping on the red carpet instead of how he reacted to the critics' reaction to his performance or even the critics' reaction in itself. I think that's better and more informative news. Stars aren't made for tripping anyway.

Whenever we face anything which may seem to have several faces, let's try to concentrate on what will be worthwhile. Time and effort - not just from the writers but from the readers as well, are things which can be wasted if we focus on relevant, yes, but worthless aspects of a particular issue.

Thanks for your time, have a great day...

Newer, worse stuff...

2008-04-15T00:46:00.000-07:00

Hello People:

I already told myself that last time was to be my last blog on dear Jun... The google alerts with his name on it I am subscribed to had been sending lesser and lesser items as time goes. I used to receive four or five of them a day, and I hardly receive one a day these days. This only shows how corrupted the face of the planet is nowadays. Every issue will always be toppled down by a newer, usually worse issue.

We are right now battling the unstoppable rice price hike. A raise of about 26% on the price of grain, or a whopping 6 pesos per kilo proves to be of a disastrous nature. More and more people are being affected. But people from the higher places continue saying that there isn't any problem with rice. Are they really this apathetic of the nation's welfare?

Or could this already be the results of the horrors brought about by the persistent issues estranging the government from the people in the past few months? Could this be the cause of a lower satisfaction rate of people toward the already low present leadership? Times are really bad. And the people usually make it worse. How? Here's how:

When you see the "No Vending" sign on the streets, do you inhibit yourself from selling stuff there? What about "Guinadili-an ang pagpangihi diri?" Does that prevent you from responding to the call of nature in that very instant? Or whenever you see the "No U-Turn" sign, does that prevent you from going a longer way than go against rules seen before your very face, only thinking about the gasoline price rather than your own dignity?

Hey, people: you might be missing something. The government isn't perfect-let's give them that. We all know that. We even call them dirty. But who constitutes the government? Who is it that without its presence, the government would not be called a government? And why is the government called democratic-republican? Why don't you take this literally: "the power is in your hands." Yes it is. It's right there. In your open palm. And it's waiting for utilization. And proper utilization, if you please. It's gonna be taken away from you if left unused.

Hullo... Excuse me, just takin' a break...

2008-03-24T07:08:00.000-07:00

Junk Food (are these?):

Some people couldn't do better. Being introduced like a boxer in Bacolod, then booed (not really, maybe a little) in Cebu (is that doing better? I guess not...). Where else do people want to be? What kind of receptions will they still be expecting? Maybe a place in the 2010 elections? Ooh. That's interesting - I like this - hang on. I never liked Chicken Inasal if there ain't unlimited rice promos I can take advantage of anyway...

Some still, never waivers in pretending that everything is lovely while the planet is in total chaos. Seems to be looking at corruption in the face, but running after it in the back. Now that's silly. Real silly. Sorry, G.U. - Walsh, I thought you've produced some good stuff people can brag about.

Some, though practically out of the picture, keep butting in. I don't mean to be harsh, but just because you left your place in favor of your neighbors' demands of your eviction doesn't mean other people should do too. Their house ain't threatened to be burned yet if they dont go out like what happened to yours.

Some, have been certainly important to the rise and fall of the heads' intonations. Be careful you people. Sometimes, or most of the time, you get controlled by the slightest persuasions... A house isn't too bad for me. At least I need not pay for rent and my family's got a place to call their own, even if it means I'm selling my soul to some greedy creature (or should I say force? Take your pick).

After all these indio's sentiments would you carefully look at the inside? See what transpires in your thoughts and pause for a moment and think, "Am I or am I not a part of this? If I see a sign telling me not to throw me refuse, do I follow? That's pretty simple. Take this. If I know I am obliged by my personal conviction to pay my tithe, do I need reminding? What about my taxes? Am I glad to not be a earning from my government so I could at least evade my taxes when the going gets tough for my needs?"

You are the person. You've got the mind. Use it whenever, wherever you can. If you don't, you'll end up like the giraffes whose necks are shorter and died upon consumption of the lower leaves. Get the picture?

Sure hope you do.

Goodnight, Philippines!

130 M USD, Anyone?

2008-02-28T18:11:00.000-08:00

What is 65 Billion? What will you do for 65 Billion? Or, what can 65 Billion do for you?

Look in this perspective:

It can buy you Queen of Pop Madonna's gold Shu Uemera eyelash curler, that one she said she will never trade for all the Ferraris in the world. It also can buy you a whole subdivision with house and lot units each amounting to no lower than 500 Million pesos, and imagine how unimaginable a 500 Million-peso house and lot would look like. You can also spend 2-3 summers on Mars and double that if you'd rather spend it on the moon...

Why don't you imagine even just one of these:

Be able to buy every college student a laptop in your city, then expand to the whole National Capital Region.

Or send 5 million out-of-school-youth to 5,000 high schools you can build and pay 250,000 teachers.

Wipe out the entire squatters' areas throughout the Philippines and from those areas afford the rise of decent residence villages.

Turn the country into an economic giant by giving out millions of jobs.

Which of the two groups do you think would the recipients of a commission for an international business deal prefer? If you could be it, what would you choose? The choice gives an extremely rare opportunity of self-service or public service. Which is which, depends on you. Your choices mean a lot.

22:00 at the cafe

2008-02-26T05:46:00.000-08:00

From A Simple Life
ZTE National Broadband Network Deal : Unmasking Jun Lozada

Joey (maybe Joey de Venecia): Hey Jun.
Jun (maybe Jun Lozada): Hey Joey.
Joey: Jun, can you hear me?
Jun: Yeah. Go ahead.
Joey: Yeah, where are you to put Chair (Abalos)?
Jun: Ang formula ko doon is kuha ako ng points dun sa 130.
Joey: Uh-huh…
Jun: Di ba? Kasi saan ko pa kukunin di ba? (Laughs) Itong mga :)…
Joey: Kaya lang pare, we need to get some… at least from… something from them, di ba?
Jun: Yeah. From both sides. P*tangina…
Joey: Pare... Start from the thing... Because he’s the gatekeeper of the votes. P*ta. I can understand, but not that amount.
Jun: Oh yeah. That’s too big, right. That’s too big.
Joey: Pare, let’s develop a plan to talk to him.
Jun: Yeah, yeah, yeah. So…
Joey: And you know what he told me, between you and I. When we were in Hong Kong, in Shenzen. Don’t quote me ha. Sabi niya kasi, marami akong… Tinanong ko bakit ba ang laki-laki? Singkwenta.. Sabi niya marami ako kelangan bigyan. Pati yung NEDA. He said the word NEDA ha. P*tangina. For your information pare.
Jun: Information? I would understand that… He’d like to look at…
Joey: Maybe, wait, you can quote me and say, sabi ni Joey meron daw… sabi mo sa kanya may NEDA dun. (Laughs) Di ba? He told me pare. (Laughs)
Jun: Sige, sige…
Joey: P*tangina, baka magwala na naman yung… (Laughs)
Jun: For some reason, I have this chemistry with him. Sabi ko Chair… In fact, sabi niya, Jun, ikaw na mag-referee bukas ha. Sabi niya, I want you to be there. Ikaw na mag-referee, ikaw na magsabi kung papaano. Sige po Sir, ako na ang mag-aano sa ano… (Laughs)
Joey: Well anyway, so that’s where I’m looking at right now. .. ought to get you.. And then, uh, think of a strategy for Ben (Abalos?), and if you need me to back you up, I’ll be there.

Jun: Hey Joey, regarding this Chinese embassy thing. I think I struck a motherload no? I’ll put them in Roxas Boulevard. P*tangina, di ba?
Joey: In the Reformation? (Reclamation)
Jun: No, p*tangina, that’s not prime. We’ll put them in the CCP complex.
Joey: Yup, got it.
Jun: P*tangina. Yeah, that’s, wala.. I can ??? that ??? agreement. (I can swing that gddam deal Pare)
Joey: You mean, owned by the Central Bank?
Jun: Yeah! Can you imagine? P*tangina, same stature as the American embassy, better pa, di ba? The Japanese Embassy is in Roxas Boulevard. The American embassy is there. So p*ta, I just arrived that we put the Chinese embassy right in the midst of it all, di ba?
Joey: Yes, yes, of course. That’s ??? to hear. That’s foresight. (That’s perfect)
Jun: … don’t mention my name. I think he knows me well.
Joey: Gaano kalaki, pare?
Jun: P*tangina, as much as 15 hectares. (Laughs)
Joey: P*tangina. Tapos siguro kumuha rin tayo dun. Pero we need 10 finances. (10 financiers)
Jun: No, no, no, no. P*tangina. I cannot just tell you all the things that I’ve been asked to do. But that one I think, I can ??? for ourselves.
Joey: I’ll talk to the…
Jun: Talk to him right away.

NASASAYO ANG PAGHUSGA, PINOY.

at least I aint...

2008-01-28T00:39:00.000-08:00

"Shit...! I'm broke again... Where had all the money gone?!"

Is this a common phrase ringing in your ears? Well, it's time you learn to spare that coin and save.

Common stuff you list to buy on the stores should diminish. Leave only what's extremely needed...

Learn to control those eyes whenever they spot those mouth-watering cakes and ice creams...

List the prices of everything you purchase...

Grab a book whenever the movies strengthens its pull on you...

Sleep whenever you feel like going out...

Try doing something you're supposed to do but isn't very urgent. By the time they are needed, you'll find them done (of course - it certainly does bring loads of relief...)...

Do stuff for the sake of sanitation. Clean your bedroom, the sitting room, and you'll find clean places good spots to think of something to do in...

Now, whenever you would look for something to do and feel like going out and spend, yet again, try to do stuff as listed above. You won't only have something to do, you also saved that cash.

I don't know... really... Just check it out and see for yourself

2007-11-08T05:26:00.000-08:00

Its Crazy. Better check it out:

1. Black Hawk Down - Ibong Maitim sa Ibaba
2. Dead Man's Chest - Dodo ng Taong Patay
3. I Know What You Did Last Summer - Uyy... Aminin!
4. Love, Actually - Sa Totoo Lang, Pag-ibig
5. Million Dollar Baby - 50 Milyong Pisong Sanggol (depende sa exchange rate)
6. The Blair Witch Project - Ang Proyekto ng Bruhang si Blair
7. Mary Poppins - Si Mariang May Putok
8. Snakes on a Plane - Nag-ahasan sa Ere
9. The Postman Always Rings Twice -Ang Kartero Kapag Dumutdot Laging Dalawang Beses
10. Sum of All Fears - Takot Mo, Takot Ko, Takot Nating Lahat
11. Swordfish - Talakitok
12. Pretty Woman - Ganda ng Lola Mo
13. Robin Hood, Men in Tights - Si Robin Hood at Ang Mga Felix Bakat
14. Four Weddings and a Funeral -Kahit Apat na Beses ka Pang Magpakasal, Mamamatay Ka Rin
15. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly -Ako, Ikaw, Kayong Lahat
16. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - Adik si Harry, Tumira ng Shabu
17. Click - Isang Pindot Ka Lang
18. Brokeback Mountain - May Nawasaksa Likod ng Bundok ng Tralala/Bumigay sa Bundok
19. The Day of the Dead - Undas
20. Waterworld – Pista ng San Juan
21. There's Something About Mary - May K'wan sa Ano ni Maria
22. Employee of the Month - Ang Sipsip
23. Resident Evil - Ang Biyenan
24. Kill Bill - Kilitiin sa Bilbil
25. The Grudge - Lintik lang ang Walang Ganti
26. Nightmare Before Christmas -Binangungot sa Noche Buena
27. Never Been Kissed - Pangit Kasi
28. Gone in 60 Seconds - 1 Round Lang, Tulog
29 . The Fast and the Furious - Ang Bitin, Galit
30. Too Fast, Too Furious - Kapag Sobrang Bitin, Sobrang Galit
31. Dude, Where's My Car - Dong, Anong Level Ulit Tayo Nag-park?
32. Beauty and the Beast - Ang Asawa ko at ang Nanay Nya
33. The Lord of the Rings - Ang Alahero
34. Die Hard - Hindi Mamataymatay
35. Die Hard, With A Vengeance - HindiNa Mamatay-matay, Nag-higanti Pa
35. Lost In Space - Mga Tangang Naligaw sa Kalawakan
36. Paycheck - Sweldo
37. What Lies Beneath - Ang Pagsisinungaling sa Ilalim
38. Superman, The Return - Si Superman Bumalik, Naiwanan Ang Brief
39. Cinderella Man - Bading si Cinderella
40. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Nag-trabaho si Charlie sa Goya
41. Blade Runner - Magnanakaw ng Labaha
42. Schindler's List - Mga May Utang kay Schindler
43. Men In Black - Mga Lalaking Namatayan
44. X-Men, The Last Stand - Mga Dating Lalaki, Huling Tinayuan
45. Wedding Crashers - Mga Bwiset sa Kasal
46. The Day After Tomorrow - Samakalawa
47 . Three Men and a Baby - Ang Tatlong Yayo
4 8. Catch Me If You Can - Habulin Mo 'Ko
49. A Bug's Life - Ang Buhay ng Isang Surot
50 . Die Another Day - Mamatay Ka Uli Bukas
51. The Rock - Ang Shabu
52. Jaws - Panga
53. Back to the Future - Sa Likod ng Hinaharap
5 4. In the Line of Fire - Tumulay ka sa Alambreng may Apoy
55. Saturday Night Fever - Sabado ng Gabi, may Trangkaso
56. Stepmom - Tapakan si Inang
57. Brother Bear - Kuya Oso
58. Police Academy - Paaralan ng Mga Buwaya
59. The English Patient - Ang Pasyenteng Inglesera
60. Man on Fire - Nasusunog na Mama
61. The Horse Whisperer - Ang Tsismosong mga Kabayo
62. Dante's Peak - Ang Bumbunan ni Dante
63. Legends of the Fall - Ang Kasaysayan ng mga Lampa
64. The Forgotten - Ewan

I really can't understand how people can create things like this which will really make your day after being exhausted. The world will surely be boring without these fellows. Thank you so much for giving us something to chuckle about even before we sleep.

Something I Will Never Admit I Did. Period.

2007-10-31T05:40:00.001-07:00

This is something I strongly disagree with. I mean, I'm not the perfect son, I made my Mum cry several times, but I can assure you those were the lowest parts of my life, where I prayed I could just vanish just she'd be happy. I make mistakes. I get angry at her sometimes, but her tears is my one single weakness. No matter how determined I am to fight back, my love for her will always reign supreme.

Take time to analyze every statement here. I hope you would disagree as much as I do.

when you were 8 years
old, your mom handed you an ice
cream. You thanked her by dripping it
all over your lap.

When you were 9 years old, she paid for
piano lessons. You thanked her by
never even bothering to practice.

When you were 10 years old she drove
you all day, from soccer to football
to one birthday party after another.
You thanked her by jumping out of the
car and never looking back.

When you were 11 years old, she took
you and your friends to the movies.
You thanked her by asking to sit in a
different row.

When you were 14, she paid for a month
away at summer camp. You thanked her by
forgetting to write a single letter.

W hen you were 15, she came home from
work, looking for a hug. You thanked
her by having your bedroom door locked.

W hen you were 16, she taught you how
to drive her car. You thanked her by
taking it every chance you could.

When you were 17, she was expecting
an important call. You thanked her by
being on the phone all night.

When you were 18, she cried at your
high school graduation . You thanked
her by staying out partying until dawn.

When you were 19, she paid for your
college tuition, drove you to campus
carried your bags. You thanked her by
saying good-bye outside the dorm so you
wouldn't be embarrassed in front of
your friends.

When you were 25, she helped to pay
for your wedding, and she cried and
told you how deeply she loved you. You
thanked her by moving halfway across
the country.

When you were 50, she fell ill and
needed you to take care of her. You
thanked her by reading about the
burden parents become to their
children.

And then, one day, she
quietly died.
And everything you never did came
crashing down like thunder on YOUR
HEART..

I am happy to say that everything I did will never ever crash like thunder on my heart. I know I made her feel that she's the most wonderful woman in this whole wide world. Not one title beats the title she's got: Mummy. I do and I will always love my Mother. Mummy - it's the most beautiful word for me.

Probably The Happiest Moment in My Entire Life

2007-10-14T22:03:00.000-07:00

Hey, long time no blogging huh?!

I'm back, and I'm back with a message. I'm just two days away from living my own life and leaving the life I knew - a life full of peace and security to a life of endless possibilities and rsiks... How light I feel, you cannot imagine- how much more when I'm at it already! I can't wait!

Back to life - Living on your own may not be as good as it sounds... But I've been in a preview of it, I lived in the Dormitory for more than a year. But living alone, I mean living alone without people who cook for you and you just wake up and go to the cafeteria can be really difficult... Difficult for the gloomy, but extremely challenging and exciting to the bright. I'm not saying I'm brilliant, you know.

Anyway, yes it's true. I'll be leaving home for a new home in two days. It can be smaller than this old home, but it will be bright and beautiful, as bright and as beautiful as my old home, filled with none other than my hopes and dreams, smiles and laughter, and the contentment I will be enjoying once I get to lead a life of my own.

Missing my family is a thing of the past, indeed. I already had my fair share of nostalgic nights thinking about my family way back home the time I was in the Dormitory. But it will be different this time. I'm free to make my own decisions, and suffer the consequences of my actions. At least, they're all mine, and a chance to hit rock bottom isn't so bad if it came from you.

Now is my chance to prove myself - something I have been craving for the moment I realized I want to develop into a mature human being.

I quote and paraphrase Michelle Tratchenberg from Walt Disney's Ice Princess: "I've wanted this more than I ever wanted anything... If I fail, I fail. But then it's because I wasn't good enough, not because I did'nt have the guts to dare do it" I have to if I want a life led by it's owner. This fact is sadly something people I most expect will can't really understand.

I also have to start disbelieving in fate. I might start calling it God's will now. It may be His will, but still I have a choice. I want that choice to be the master of my life. Anyway, that reigns supreme among other reasons is why I call myself human - God's steward on His creation - and that includes this body I'm in.

2007-07-19T02:00:00.000-07:00

Central Philippine Adventist College
Alegria, Murcia, Negros Occidental

July 20, 2007

Dr. Rudy Baloyo
VP- Student Administration
Central Philippine Adventist College
Alegria, Murcia, Negros Occidental

Sir:

Christian Greetings!

The Student Government (SG) days is fast approaching and it is our desire to be properly prepared for this important school activity.

In connection with this, we, the AHSE Group Singing Team is requesting your office to allow us to have our song practice starting the coming week in Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday nights at 7:30 to 9:00 pm in the AGB2.

Thank you so much for your consideration and help to the welfare of the students.

Most respectfully yours,

LE JARDIN GIL MARK ALLEN MANZANO
Group Coordinator Group Coordinator

(MRS.) SALVACION G. BAN (MS.) LUANNE JOY GREGORIO Adviser Adviser

I'm Back

2007-04-17T23:19:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! I'm back at school!

People Cried...

2007-03-31T08:45:00.000-07:00

"God Will Make A Way- where there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see- He will make a way for me" These were the first lines of the song I played and the graduates sang at my Alma Mater's graduation ceremonies. They were actually crying since Donah's valedictory address emphasizing on the saying "Poverty is not a hindrance to success- persevere and trust God." Then here came the valediction song "God Will Make A Way"- and people went on wiping tears off their now glistening faces...

It's real people- poverty is not and will never be a hindrance to success... Many of us earthlings found light on these sayings, and became the heroes and heroines of rags-to-riches stories of today.

Donah's address was of her first experiences in school- the up-to-late night study periods, and how she studied under the flickering light of their only oil lamp. It's kind of hard, really, to be under these circumstances- but sometimes, it's what it takes to be a champion in your life afterwards. Donah, as I can regard her, is the crying fighter. She had cried in her victorious moments- in her SSG win, where she was a little reluctant to run, and tonight, in her valedictory address, she proved to be and came to win after all... after everything she had been into.

Why not?! Everyone can do the same. Most of us are so blessed with all the facilities we have even at home. But sometimes these make us lax and carefree and unmindful of the things we really should be prioritizing. Sometimes, it makes us invest into things that won't give long-lasting fulfillment. In short, only for the moment and not for the future.

Earthlings, take time to remember this- all is vanity... Huh?! Ive just been doing my reading a little too much- the quarter's over anyway. Let's be expecting for a new set of lessons... Err- back to the topic. But there can be vanities that may last a little longer than the others. Why not focus on them and make a difference in our lives.

Be it people. Be big. Be at the finish line- I'll be there.

I dont know what to call you... just check this out on CC's 2nd ish

2007-03-22T23:11:00.000-07:00

Getting on the right track

There is a play featuring a group of kids who are continuously striking their heads with their fists. A kid shows up and tries to befriend them. They ignore him and go on striking their heads. Desperate to have a friend, this boy starts to do the same- strike his head with his fist- and he starts to feel welcome.

A teacher asks a class on basic Math: 100-32=?. A student confidently raises his hand and answers: 78. The teacher asks how many agree, and 40 of the 45 students raise their hands. The 5 look at each other and slowly raise their hands up in agreement.

What do we see in these cases? It is the greatest fear of a person to be left out and feel he does not belong. No problem- it's normal, since no man is an island. Does that mean we should be archipelagos? kidding I am. Here in CPAC and in any other boarding schools in which most of the students get to see their families for no more than once a month find their friendship circles their source of inspiration and warmth. Then the place becomes a home away from home.

Get diverted for a while

We see in urban communities the rampant cases of criminal and drug involvement. This may be very serious and most of these cases involve fraternities which cause riots and mess in the streets and other residential areas. Drug abuse in today's youngsters are influences of drug-user friends. Some students tend to follow their friends in skipping classes and hang out for their own enjoyment without thinking about their parents who do their best to send them to school.

Some of our kids today, young as they may be, tend to prefer going somewhere with their friends rather than being with their families. No question again- they're kids, and they will tend to be with people their age. But if not properly guided by the parents themselves, the results might be scary.

Back to the topic: Peer Pressure

Peer pressure is one hard-to-combat struggles of our youngsters today. He does what they do, sometimes without even a hint of persuasion. Most of today's kids are being pulled into bad stuff by their peers. Sometimes by the trend. But again, if not properly guided, they may result to scary attitudes.

At first, he may feel welcomed and loved. Then he starts transforming to be like those friends. And the more he falls in love with them, he also falls for the things they do- good or bad. "Tell me who your friends are and I'll tell you who you are", we say.

To the parents

"Be with your kids". Get them to enjoy their childhood in balance with friends and you. I'm not a preacher you know, but I can proudly say I'd rather go home than stay in the dormitory if given the chance and the money for home. I love my friends, but I love my dad, my mum and my only brother more. There was once a time when I really wanted the company of my friends for a trip, but my parents said No. I was upset, but it was over overnight. They will follow if you show them you really care.

To the kids

There will always be a time for everything. My parents used to be very strict about me going out with my friends but there came a time when they felt I have to start feeling and building my own life with independence, not totally though. At least you get to choose which dress you wear, places to go, and who to go with. It always starts with the simplest things. Be strong and hold on to the values you learned while growing up. Be good and trust yourself. You can do it. And above all, trust your Creator. "In all your ways acknowledge him, and He will direct your path".

Let me go

2007-02-21T18:28:00.000-08:00

I once read of a girl who was so tired of her parents controlling everything she does. She wishes to get out of their lives, and when she wakes up the following morning, she is 17 years older the night before... Yeah, yeah, yeah... fiction huh?

But it really is a major phenomenon in the life of ours, young adults. We actually started feeling autonomous the moment we try to walk on our own. But it's different this time. It's more of sophistication in our ways, and we tend to make it a reason to tell our parents that we can take care of ourselves. Sure you can.

See your mum. You can be 18 or 19 and is of course entitled to your own decisions, but they will ask, "Where has my baby gone?" or like "Oh my god, my baby's growing up!" It's kind of weird sometimes. I was in second elementary grade when I first revealed my first ever fully-fledged crush to my mum and she actually started crying, saying her baby's gonna leave her na daw. Now that's a nice thing to look back to.

Kids will always be kids. Or should I say that kids are of all ages... humm, but of course, every person experienced being a kid for at least a portion of his life, and it would really be nice to have sometime to leave that and just store it on your pensieve.

If you feel your parents pressure you so much or are being overprotective, its up to you to show them that you deserve some trust from them. And you can let that be shown without going out and partying all night and not getting drunk... That's not the trust they require of us as their children. It's on the simplest things we do- at home, at school, the way we respect the elders and a lot more of that.

Be on the right track, guys.

Of Tans and Curls

2007-02-20T16:46:00.000-08:00

Have we ever felt isolate, different or out of place because we feel there's something unusual at what we look, or a physical injury that has brought visible damages? We might and we might not, of course, but its still one of the main reasons why we can't go enjoying our short stay in this planet.

Kung ganyan ka or isa ka sa mga yan, try to look into yourself again. Check your features. You've got the eyes everybody has that has been helping you appreciate the beauty and the madness of the world, that nose that has susutained you your whole life, and that mouth which keep on stuffing food down our throat which has kept yo alive and strong, those legs which has kept you upright and firm as a tree for the trying moments of your life (of course you have had...) and all the others. They may differ in proportion, but they all function the same anyway- same as most other human beings' do.

You can be as dark as your worst nightmares but will it ever hinder you from speaking your mind? No, it wont. It never will. Will those curls ever terrify the people around you? Think again. Come to realize that there are more important things. If you fear about insult or whatever may happen, hear this words from the Crown Prince of Genovia in Walt Disney's The Princess Diaries which I have paraphrased: "Courage in not the absence of fear. It is the acceptance that there are more important things than fear. The BRAVE may not live long, but the CAUTIOUS may not live at all. Be on the journey of figuring out who you are and what you can be." Set your mind into conquering this vast journey into a more fulfilling and contented life. Be on the happy side enjoy it. Ask the Creator to be with you.

mah fuss tahm

2007-02-15T22:56:00.000-08:00

well, this has been a wonderful first time, i hope i can go on sharing my thoughts with the world... watch out, it can be scary...