Opening remarks for seminar Facebook: a friend or a foe?

                Our ever dynamic Masscom Seminar teacher, Mr. Harvey Inahid, our active organizer of this seminar, the Harlequins, beautiful and handsome Josenians, friends, ladies and gentlemen, Good morning!

                Facebook has given us the glory of expression and communication. This social networking site enables us to be heard out and connect with the people around the globe. It has informed us, educated, and entertained as well. We were so engrossed with these facts that Facebook has pushed us to practice Freedom of expression to the extent that we, unwittingly or deliberately, maim a person’s life or even your own life. Today, our speakers will talk about the topic: Facebook, a friend or a foe? To educate us about the advantage and disadvantages of Facebook in order for us to be guided in using Facebook wisely and responsibly. So set back, relax, learn and enjoy! 

#nervous

#firsttime

A Notion to Crime and Justice of the Philippines

This is a respond to:

 http://politikalon.blogspot.com/2011/09/crime-and-justice-in-philippines.html

                All over the Philippines unending crimes and unjust justices are widespread. It is obvious that the justice system in this country is neither fair nor just for some people or maybe for many people especially when it comes to criminal justice. Various crimes against humanity have occurred and that might still occur if this will not be given enough attention and right action.

                Notwithstanding some development and revisions in law and order, crime remained a major problem from time to time. Crime is on a rampage in the streets of many towns and cities, in many places. By this, we should pay attention to the crime rates that we have in the Philippines. Statistics show that there has been a downward trend in crime rates over the last two years but we should not be too confident that it will get lower and lower over time. We can never tell. Crime should be stopped, if not, at least prevent it from spreading out. We always wanted a safer community to live in and what I think could be one way of achieving this is crime prevention, successful crime prevention. Successful crime prevention efforts will promote a safer community by enhancing the perception of safety and the attitudes and behaviors that will help people feel safe. If we cannot stop the crimes all around, at least we do take an action and start it out even in simple ways. It’s just a matter of step by step process.

                We all know that it is morally impossible to find anything really good or truly right when injustice is an element of circumstance. As I watched TV news, when you have committed a crime, justice seems blurry because I think that nowadays truth and justice is somewhat dying. Our system of justice here in the Philippines, somehow, is no longer preventing the people from being unfairly convicted when charged with a crime. I actually believe in our legal system and I believe in justice. I believe that with justice established injustices are sanctioned but what I observed now is that“Miscarriage of Justice” is getting trendy. I know this isn’t right, this is totally wrong that is why we should not let justice be defeated by injustice. There is always room for changes, we might not get things right and stop injustices but we can always change how we handle situations like this. (400)

- Zaesl Mary Ego-ogan

One Hundredth of a Second (Reflection)

            The “One Hundredth of a Second” is a film that serves as an eye opener to the nature and reality of our job as journalist. The film caters the battle between career and life, and clash between heart and mind. We are also given a chance to make our own stand, and weigh everything. The main question to ponder will be, chance or choice?

            If I were in Kate’s shoes, I would choose to cease the gunman from shooting the girl. I am a human being blessed with innate moral conscience and I intend to act like one. My career or job as a journalist is not an excuse to be insouciant with the indispensable gift that the girl and I have in common ― LIFE.

            I am not God who can bring back someone to life but I am a man who can afford to miss that achievement in my career and wait for greater achievements to come. It’s not the career that I have lost, but the life that I saved that counts.

            On the other hand, the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA)  fifth standard in the Code of Ethics states that while photographing subjects do not intentionally contribute to, alter, or seek to alter or influence events.

Others may say that it is merely a chunk of the pineapple job of a photojournalist to take photos; however, it will be a selfish kind of service. If you let that gunman kill the girl, then you are no different from him. You may not be his comrade, but the fact that you have attested that the girl is in plight, and you can already foresee the palpable aftermath, yet you choose to be blind and play like Pontius Pilate afterwards, still you’re just like him. The man could kill the girl through his gun and you could kill the girl through your cam.

Conscience has nothing to do as lawgiver or judge; but is a witness against me if I do wrong, and which approves if I do right. To act against conscience is to act against reason and God's Law according to Arthur Phelps.

            Moreover, it is stated in the ninth element of journalism that in order for a journalist to fulfill his or her duty of providing the people with the information they need to be free and self-governing, its practitioners must be allowed to exercise their personal conscience.

            Ergo, I still did my job as a journalist albeit I chose to save the girl.

            Let me end this by sharing James Nachtwey’s thoughts about his job and experience as a photojournalist and war photographer, “the worst thing to feel that as a photographer I am benefiting from someone else’s tragedy. This idea haunts me. It’s something I have reckon with every day because I know that if ever allowed genuine compassion to be overtaken by personal ambition, I will have sold my soul. The only way I can justify my role is to have respect for the other person’s predicament. The extent to which I do that is the extent to which I become accepted by the other; and to that extent, I can accept myself.”

Grand Halad Kapamilya (Reflection)

Last June 30, 2012, the Grand Halad Kapamilya took place in the Cebu Normal University.

            Since it was my first time to participate in this event, I was curious and excited in the flow of the event, and how will things work out. So, to feed my curiosity, I went there. As I was on my way to CNU, I can already say that this event is much awaited and anticipated by lots of people from different towns/barangays in Cebu, and even from the nearby provinces. By just focusing on the fact that there are people coming from nearby provinces who want to be part of this event, I can say that this event has been doing well ever since. The participants are already in the venue at dawn. Some of them brought their own food and drinks aside albeit there are free foods and drinks offered. I am elated that despite the very hot weather and crowded place, people still manage to smile and to be patient in waiting for their turn.

            The impact of the free service to the people is it makes them grateful and happy because there are people who wish to avail a certain service during ordinary days but could not avail due to financial problem. For those people who can afford a certain service anytime, they can save their money for future use. Also, they can fully enjoy the free services that they have acquired.

 On the other hand, the impact of the free service to the people giving it is they can help the people come up with an idea to improve their livelihood like the T-shirt printing demo (manual). It can be their sideline or business according to DJ Jackie of MOR. Also, she said that this is their way of thanking the Kapamilya for their support throughout. In addition, Manong Ronario, a barangay vaccinator, mentioned that he is happy in giving free service (injection of anti-rabies) to the dogs and cats.

True enough, I can say that the Grand Halad Kapamilya is a big help to all people, and I do hope that this event will continue to serve whole-heartedly not just for the Cebuanos, but for all the people from different places.

This event has inspired me a lot to extend my open arms to the people who need my help. It also made me realized that you don’t have to be rich in order to help, but as long as you have the heart in rendering your service fully, it is more rewarding than any free service.

La Indolencia de los Filipinos (Reflection)

     La Indolencia de los Filipinos, widely known by many as “The Indolence of the Filipinos” is an essay written by Dr. Jose Rizal explaining the alleged sluggishness of the Filipinos when the Philippines is still under the control of Spain.

     Rizal admitted that at that era, Filipinos were idle yet not by nature but because of certain causes and reasons. There are certain factors that made the Filipinos indolent. Long before the Spaniards arrived in our land, our natives are laboriously transacting businesses with different countries such as China, Arabia, Japan, Malaysia, and other countries in the Middle East. This has ceased when the Spain colonized the Philippines. Our natives became indolent because they lack of unity to fight against the hostile attacks of the government and other foreign society. The Spain did not establish quality education especially in agriculture, commerce and industry, and if there has, the lessons being taught were obsolete and lack resources that will guide them. Also, if the Filipinos cultivate their own land and own businesses, they were asked to pay enormous taxes or rentals and were exploited by foreign rulers. In addition, the religious aspect of the Filipinos were not given so much attention because the friars themselves are not persuasive in encouraging the Filipinos to strive hard; instead, they instill in the minds of the Filipinos to remain indigent because according to the friars, it would be easier for them to be in heaven when they die. Moreover, the Spanish officials were not good example of laborers. They reported to their works late and left early without doing their duties and responsibilities. No wonder, the aftermath of all these are indolent Filipinos.

     When we spend our entire lives worshipping such a cruel and inhumane society, forced upon us by aliens who do not even know our motherland, we are destined to tire after a while.  We are not fools, we are not puppets who simply do as we are commanded – we are human beings, who are motivated by our will towards the accomplishment of our objectives, and who strive for the preservation of our race.  When this fundamental aspect of our existence is denied of us, who can blame us if we turn idle?

     As what Rizal said,“an illness will worsen if the wrong treatment is given.”

                                           - John Lend D. Sugarol

LUYO SA KAAYO

Sa kalibotan karon nga atong gipuy-an,
Liboan ka mga tawo ang naghandom magamhanan.
Ug tungod niining maong damgo,
Daghang mga tawo ang nahimong politiko.

Dali kita madani sa ilang mga pulong,
Wa' 'nato huna-hunaa kon nagyawyaw ba sila'g tinarong.
Tabang dinhi, tabang didto,
Mao kini ang gihimo sa  mga politiko.

Apan human sila midaog sa eleksiyon,
Kalit lang sila mahanaw ug kita makalimtan.
Asa naman ang ilang mga saad?
Wala na kini nila tagai og pagtagad.

Pipila nalang ka mga kadagkoan sa gobyerno,
Ang adunay limpyo nga tuyo sa pagserbisyo.
Ug usa sa mga maayong ehemplo,
Mao si anhing DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo.

Tungod sa maong panghitabo,
Ako nakapanghinuktok og ayo.
Dili gyod diay tanang maayo
Magpabilin og dugay kanato.

Sama sa panghitabo nga dili gayod 'nato malikayan
Ug mao kini ang gikasubo natong' kamatuoran
Nga luyo sa kamaayo ni Sir Jun Tariman
Siya mobiya na gayod sa atong tunghaan.

MY WONDERWOMOM

She's not a doctor nor a nurse,
yet she heals my wounds & heartaches..

She's not a teacher,
yet she teaches & imparts me with golden lessons in life..

She's not an engineer,
yet she can build dreams & hopes for me,
and build bridges to achieve these dreams..

She's not a policewoman,
yet  she disciplines us like Nanny McPhee whenever I'm already crossing the line..

She's not a lawyer,
yet she can defend me when I'm in difficulties and feel helpless..

She's not any of those successful professions,
yet she was successful in molding me for who i am right now..

She was and will always be the woman
behind every success and achievements that I have received and will receive..

She was and will always be
the same woman who has guided me to the right track,
protected me against all odds, and loved me with all her heart..

and this woman will always be
my WonderWOMAN and Wonder MOM.. <3

PRESS RELEASE: FROM SUPPRESSION TO EXPRESSION

             For almost two years of studying different theories and discovering facts and the nooks and crannies of media, I can't believe that it was easily suppressed by an unreasonable person in an unjust incident.
            It was really frustrating that even how powerful and influential the media can be, still, the media was suppress during the Martial Law.

               After watching the part 6, 7 and 8 of BATAS MILITAR (Martial Law in the Philippines), I really don't know how to react as an aspiring journalist. I don't know if I was disheartened in pursuing my course upon knowing about the Press Suppression at that time . During the Martial Law, the power of the press was purloined and bridled. The media at that time was nil. There are journalists who tried to do their role by gathering news during that time, yet they were ceased.

               To add insult to injury, those journalists were arrested when all they want was to serve the public. I was really dejected that the press was repressed at that time. The media should have been the bridge to unfold all those secrecy and deception. They were supposed to be the voice of the voiceless. But how can they be the voice of the voiceless if they were taciturn? The press is the sixth sense of the public. The supposed to be “watchdogs” turned in to “clutched dogs”.

               Yes, there were allowed magazines and newspapers during that time, yet they're nothing but crony newspapers. A crony newspaper, in one way or the other, won't serve the public in a just manner. It would merely feed the public with lies and gainsays the hidden truth.

                 I was even thinking that the journalists should have fight for their right as an individual and as a journalist. I think it's possible since they were not putting the public in danger but instead, uplifting the spirit of the Filipino people. If I were in their shoe, I could have fight for my right. But a thought sink in my mind. According to Sir Ramirez, “there is no story worth-dying for”. I believe, that was one of the reasons why journalists ceded their right as an individual and as a journalist during that press suppression.

                     Despite the influx of press suppression that transpired during the Martial Law, I still salute those journalists who were ceased yet tried, reposed yet never surrender. Suppress them, oppress them, depress them, repress them, but the press will continue to express.

TWIST OF FATE

There I was, standing 20 meters away from Agnes. Seeing how happy she is right now with her family gives me no reason to hold on to my feelings for her. I have to let her go so she can find someone who can love her more than I do. It was the most important but decidedly not the easiest decision that I’ve made. For the last time, I look at her intently and turn away before I lose control. As I walked away, I can’t help but reminisce with all the memories that we once shared…

                It was first day of school when I met this girl whom I thought would be the last person I would fall for. This girl named Agnes was too plain and simple, silent and a bookworm. She was a total opposite compared to the girls I like who is sexy, damn attractive and popular. As far as I can remember, we were classmates during Tuesdays and Thursdays. Whenever she arrives, she would go straight to the back portion of our classroom and read her books while most of the girls are busy doing their makeup, chit chatting and flirting with boys. I never talked to her even once because I don’t want to be tease by my friend since I am Mr. Popular in our school. But one day, my animosities, my oblivions, my entire life, in fact, have taken a hundred-eighty-degree turn.

                My best friend and I had a fight because of my girlfriend. I found out that my best friend and girlfriend was cheating on me. I was so furious with my best friend not because he stole my girlfriend, but because I felt so stupid and it bruised my overweening ego. He even gambled our friendship over a girl whom I never loved anyway. Aside from my bruised ego, I was also hurt physically because Carlo was more build up than I. I hurriedly went to my favorite spot in the building to pacify myself from anger and to escape from humiliation. I was still grasping for my breath when I heard someone humming my favorite song. I don’t know what to do at that time because I was torn between listening her soft and sweet voice that soothes into my ears, or confront her for trespassing my favorite place and invading my privacy as well; but then, I preferred the latter. When I rummaged the place to know where the voice came from, I was dumbfounded to see Agnes. All of a sudden, I found her beautiful at that time especially when her hair danced with the wind and fell perfectly into place. I was enchanted by Agnes’ hidden beauty. But when I felt my lips ached, I suddenly realized why on earth I was standing right then and there. I abruptly approached Agnes and confronted her.

“Hey! What are you doing here? Don’t you know that you disturbed me and invaded my privacy?” I asked her coldly.

                To my surprise, Agnes did not answer me but stare at me. I was about to demand for an explanation for disregarding my question but instead she offered me her handkerchief. I was befuddled by her action not until I realized that she was actually staring at my distend lips. I guiltily accepted her handkerchief and wiped the smeared blood. Before I could utter a ‘Thank you’ and apologized for being so mean, she spoke coyly.

“I’m so sorry for disturbing you… for invading your privacy. I… I really don’t know that you were here. I’m leaving as soon as possible. I’m sorry…” then she walked away.

                I was left speechless and guilty. I thought she would defend herself and throw insulting words at me. I felt so bad. Yet, I felt so happy because I was able to hear her sweet voice and discover the inner beauty beyond what she always carries. I promised to myself that I will make it up to her first thing in the morning.

                Lucky enough, Agnes and I were classmates in one of my subjects. My attention was focused to Agnes. I did not mind all the rumors and gossips that the students feast on. All that matters to me was Agnes. I walked in school as if nothing really happened. When I arrived in our classroom, I was already expecting that Agnes was in her usual place reading books. But to my surprise, there was no trace of Agnes. I was starting to fret because it was the first time that Agnes was not yet around and we’re about to start our class. A few minutes later, Agnes came in. I sighed in relief when I saw her. When she entered the room, she gave me a quick glance and proceeded to her seat.

                When the class ended, I looked for Agnes but failed to see her. I hurriedly packed my things and went out. Then, I saw Agnes.

“Agnes! Wait!” I called her.

                Upon hearing my voice, Agnes walked faster, trying to ignore me. So I walked as fast as I could and blocked her way.

“Look Agnes, I… I… I… just want to… apologize for talking to you harshly and treating you rudely. I felt so guilty. I didn’t mean it. I was just affected with what happened yesterday. You know what I mean right?” said I.

Agnes nodded.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

“Yes, I’m fine now. Thank you for the handkerchief and I’m really sorry. Can you forgive this handsome lad?” I asked sheepishly.

                Agnes smiled and said, “Yes handsome lad.”

                I was surprised the way she answered and felt so happy. I can feel that she was already at ease with my presence so I took the chance of asking her friendship.

“Can we be friends?” I asked shyly.

“Sure,” she said.

“Thank you beautiful Agnes. You just don’t know how happy handsome lad is.” I answered.

                Agnes giggled and blushed.

***

                Seeing my brother-in-law and niece playing and laughing makes me happy for my sister who’s been blessed with a happy family, and dejected at the same time upon remembering Marco and imagining my life today if only Marco did not let me go. He was my first and last love. I can never hate Marco for not holding on with our relationship because he filled my heart with love and I love him more than he ever knew. I will always be happy reminiscing with our past especially the day I put my heart at stake. That was the day when Marco and I started as friends…

 “Thank you beautiful Agnes. You just don’t know how happy handsome lad is.”

                I was really blushing when Marco said that I am beautiful. I felt like I was in the cloud nine. For an ordinary girl like me, it was such a dream comes true. He was the only guy who made me believe that prince charming do exists. He was like a fallen resemblance of Adonis. He was tall, fair-skinned, handsome, intelligent and athletic. He was like the prince charming in most fairytales that I watched. I never expected that I would find him this soon because of the belief that prince charming only transpires in fairytales. Marco and I were classmates in one of my subjects. I never talked to him even once and always keep distant from him though it was undeniably difficult for me because of his magnetizing characteristics and irresistible charms. Besides, I’m not that blunt type of girl who would show up and tell my feelings for him and I know that I’m just an ordinary typical girl who couldn’t match his exceptional features. I know what kind of girl he likes, yet I can’t tolerate myself from dreaming that one day, I will be her princess. That’s why when he asked me to be his friend; I did not think twice and accepted his friendship.

We became good friends. Marco and I always hang out in our favorite place. I found out that we have tons of differences yet I like him more and we had so much to talk about. He never fails to make me laugh each day. We were always together as if we’re afraid to lose sight with each other. Sometimes, Marco holds my hand, looks at me and plasters his heart-thawing smile which makes my heart drummed against my ribs. I don’t know what’s the meaning of those sweet gestures but I can’t help myself from hoping that he’s already falling for me. But, one day, my hope was gone with the wind when I saw Marco and his ex-girlfriend kissing with each other! My heart tore into pieces when I witnessed that scene. My first heartache hurts like hell! I feel so stupid for hoping! I can already feel my tears streaming down to my cheeks. I ran and found myself in our favorite place. There, I poured all my emotions. I cried so hard and freed my heartaches. I felt numb after crying up to the last tear. What hurt me most was the fact that I don’t have the right to confront him and I’m not in the position to demand for an explanation. It was entirely my fault in the first place; for letting myself fall for him. I can’t hate Marco. The best thing to do right now is to avoid him and go on with my life without him beside me albeit it hurts.

            I tried to avoid Marco the next day. I always see to it that he can’t get close to me. I always run away from him and hide. I ignored his texts and calls. I tried not to visit our favorite place though I miss that place a lot. I did everything just to help my self forget him and mend my broken heart.

            But one day, fate was not with me. I was so engrossed looking for my bracelet in my bag that I did not notice the person walking towards me. I bumped with that person and looked up to apologize only to see Marco. I was about to turned away from him but before I could, he grabbed my arm.

            “Why are you avoiding me Agnes? Is there something wrong?” he asked sadly.

            I looked into his eyes and saw sadness in it. I felt like crying at that time. God! How I miss this man. I don’t know how to answer his question. All I could do was to looked into his eyes and feel the touch of his hand against mine. Then I close my eyes to hide my true emotions and said,

            “I’m so sorry Marco. I really don’t want to avoid you. No, there’s nothing wrong with you, it’s me. I can never hate you Marco. I’m not in the position to confront what I saw between you and Liz. It was entirely my fault. I was so stupid to let myself fall for you. I know that you can never like me nor love me. Yes it hurts but I can still manage. I’m saying this to you because you are my friend and I want to be honest with you. Please forget everything that I said after this. I’m happy for both of you. You deserve each other.” I said without opening my eyes.

            He reached for my cheek and said, “Open your eyes. I want you to look at me while I’m talking so that you will know if I’m lying or not.”

            Slowly, I open my eyes and saw Marco smiling at me. I look straight into his eyes and saw love if I’m not mistaken. I waited for him to say something. I don’t want to hope for nothing for the second time.

            “Forgive me Agnes if I hurt you. I didn’t mean it. There are no us between me and Liz for the second time. I have never loved Liz. I don’t believe in love. Love for me was just a stupid thing. But since the day you disturbed me and invaded my privacy in my favorite place, I got this eerie feeling that was new to me. You did not only disturbed and invaded my privacy but you also disturbed and invaded my heart. Thank you for trespassing in my heart. You make me realize that love does exist. Love begets you. I don’t want you to be my friend anymore. I love you Agnes. Will you be my girl?” he said.

            I could not believe what he said. My heart was beating so fast. It was the happiest day of my life. I cried and said, “Yes Marco and I love you more.”

            Then he kissed me.

            Each passing day was magical for us. Marco never fails to show his love for me. We were so attached with each other. We always have each other around. Marco and I spent most of our time in our favorite place. We had lots of memories in that place. There, we planned our marriage our family, our family, and our future. That place attested our genuine and lasting love with each other. We will always cherish all the sweet memories we made.

            Then out of the blue, a bad news transpired that tests our relationship. Marco and his family had to move temporarily to their province. It was so hard for me to be away with Marco but we had to face this challenge. Before Marco left, we spent most of our time in our favorite place. There we stayed and talked with each other.

            “I will miss you Agnes. I really don’t want to leave you. I don’t want you to cry because of me; it will only break my heart. Always remember that I love you so much and my heart belongs to you always and forever.” he said sadly.

            “I will miss you too Marco. I’ll try my best not to cry so that you will not be hurt. Please take my heart with you so you will always remember my love for you. I don’t know when are we going to see each other again, but I just want you to know that I will wait for you. That’s a promise. I love you so much.”

            After several months, I received a call from Marco. I excitedly answered his call.

            “Hello Marco! I miss you so much! Is your family coming back here?” said I.

            “Hello Agnes. I miss you too. Please listen to me. I… I will never… see you again. I will never be back. I’m setting you free Agnes. I’m giving your heart back. Please find someone who will love you more than I loved you. Always remember that I love you so much that even death can’t take away my love for you.”

            “No Marco! Please stay! If you really love me, you won’t let me go! Why are you doing this to me?! I don’t want my heart back Marco. It’s no use if you’re going to leave me. A promise is a promise Marco. I will wait for you… forever.” I said crying.

            Then the line went off.

***

            After five years, I receive a miracle. My disease was cured. I could not believe it! Thank God I’m still alive. I remembered my last conversation with Agnes. I remembered that she will wait for me no matter what. I was really hoping that she still loves me. I called her but it was out of coverage. I hurriedly book a flight back to Manila to surprise her. But because of the bad weather, I have to wait for a week. Each passing day was a torture for me. I’m afraid that Agnes already found someone new. I regretted what I said to her. It got even worse when I receive a letter. When I open it, the first thing that caught my eyes was a wedding invitation. My hands were trembling when I read Agnes’ surname with the surname of the man she will marry. It tore my heart into pieces and threw the letter and invitation without even bothering to read it. The only thing that matters to me was that Agnes is getting married and it’s too late for me. I cried so hard and remorse what I said to her.

***

            I sent Marco a wedding invitation for my sister’s wedding together with my personal letter hoping that he will attend t my sister’s wedding so I could see her. It’s been five years since we had our telephone conversation. I can still remember what he said, but I never gave my heart to anyone. My promise for him will remain, and I will wait for him forever.

***

            After a year, I decided to go back to Manila. Even if Agnes is already happy with her family, I would still love her. Before I went home to our province, there’s still one place that I want to visit. My feet were leading me to our favorite place, and sit on the same area where I first heard Agnes’ sweet voice. There, I close my eyes, and remembered all the memories that Agnes and I once shared…

***

            After remembering all the memories we’ve shared, I decided to leave my sister’s house and went to the very place where it all started. When I arrive in our favorite place, I sit on the same spot where I hummed the same song that I was humming when Marco confronted me while my hair dances with the wind. There, I close my eyes, and remembered all the memories that Marco and I once shared…

* I'm giving you the chance to decide whatever twist of fate you desire... * :)