National Bookstore Paseo opened about 2 weeks ago and I never really had the chance to stop by. With all the projects lined up, I never really had the time to just sit back and read a good book. The last novel I read was “Blood of Angels” by Reed Arvin and I’m still in page 39 (hehe). When I have nothing to do it would usually take just 5-6 hours for me to finish a 400-page hardbound.
Yesterday, with Paeng and Deanne, I devoured over the books. I haven’t done this in ages! I miss the smell of book paper! I miss flipping through the first few pages! I miss inspecting every aisle looking for the classics, the banned, a new author of a different race, a new book by Paulo Coelho or Haruki Murakami, or a new Filipino author.
There’s something about the experience of being on the bookstore than browsing Amazon.com. I guess it’s the physical presence of the books that move me. When I grab a book from the shelf and read the synopsis at the back, there are no pesky pop ups. I am not bombarded with critics’ reviews, readers’ ratings or information about other books of the same genre. I know I chose a book not because I’m cajoled by the ads, nor influenced by the readers’ comments. I chose the book because of what I felt when I held it and when read through the first pages.
I cannot imagine a time when bookstores will be closed down and books will only be available online. The experience of gong through the aisles, smelling the book paper, holding it and feeling the hardbound or paperback is something I would not trade for the instant gratification/ information- on- a -click that online bookstores offer. (I’m relieved that in our country, online bookstores are not popular. National and Powerbooks do have websites and sell books online but it doesn’t have the full catalog)
Reading and finishing it is just part of the real experience with a book.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
On Blogging
Not because there are no written rules about writing a blog doesn’t mean we can all just type in whatever we have in mind. A blog is posted in the web for everyone to read.
Yeah, it is freedom of expression, but even in our daily face-to-face interactions, we are careful with the words we use. Even writing itself entails one to think first before putting the words on paper.
There are just a number of issues about other people’s rants and raves on blogs. Because there is no body language, there’s no way for us to determine if the entry really was sarcasm, mockery or irony. Non-verbals play an important role – they help decipher the real or intended message of the source. It is also important that you know where the blogger is coming from – not the physical location, but the person’s culture, religion, orientation, etc.
It’s pretty obvious what the difference is between a diary and a blog. You write an entry on your diary with yourself as the intended audience. You make a blog entry, knowing where its going to be posted. You make a blog entry not just because you want to express your thoughts. At the back of your mind, you are looking for someone to acknowledge what you have written, someone who would sympathize with your feelings, someone who would agree to your ideas. You have an audience in mind.
Yeah, it is freedom of expression, but even in our daily face-to-face interactions, we are careful with the words we use. Even writing itself entails one to think first before putting the words on paper.
There are just a number of issues about other people’s rants and raves on blogs. Because there is no body language, there’s no way for us to determine if the entry really was sarcasm, mockery or irony. Non-verbals play an important role – they help decipher the real or intended message of the source. It is also important that you know where the blogger is coming from – not the physical location, but the person’s culture, religion, orientation, etc.
It’s pretty obvious what the difference is between a diary and a blog. You write an entry on your diary with yourself as the intended audience. You make a blog entry, knowing where its going to be posted. You make a blog entry not just because you want to express your thoughts. At the back of your mind, you are looking for someone to acknowledge what you have written, someone who would sympathize with your feelings, someone who would agree to your ideas. You have an audience in mind.
Anti-Siopao Files Symposium with Ms. Celery Aganon
Last week, we organized a Symposium entitled “The Anti-Siopao Files: Guidelines on Responsible Journalism”. We invited Ms. Celery Aganon, the Supervising Producer of The Probe Team Documentaries. The aim of the discussion is to come up with a solution as to how can the students’ awareness regarding responsible journalism can be increased.
Here are a few points that she stressed out that I think we, as Communication Arts students and future media practitioners, should keep in mind:
Be wary of sources. Don’t use the Internet as your primary source, else confirm, corroborate and get more than 2 sources. Never fabricate or plagiarize.
Guard against putting too much importance to ratings.
Reputation and credibility is your most important asset. Never accept bribe or extravagant gifts.
Correct errors quickly and openly
Strive for balance and hold no bias
Reveal a conflict of interest to your supervisor and to the public.
Strive for integrity, fairness and balance.
When asked about bribes, she recalls an incident when a prominent public figure running for office discreetly handed their cameraman a P500 bill. She shared how the cameraman told the candidate, “Hindi po kami tumatanggap niyan. Bawal po sa amin niyan”. The candidate, to avoid humiliation, told the cameraman that it’s for the whole crew’s merienda (strike two). The cameraman still gave back the money.
A certain public official also gives her an expensive watch every year, which she refuses to accept. She also shared how sometimes some of their crew members/researchers are being followed. They also get calls threatening them not to air a particular episode. There was also a time when an advertiser for their show pulled out after the Probe Team aired a documentary that revealed how one of the advertiser’s client’s company contribute to air pollution.
Work at The Probe Team is an adventure. It’s also for a worthy cause. What they do, I believe, is really something that’s relevant and impactful.
I really do wish that somebody I’d be able to work for a production company like the Probe Team.
[I would like to thank Ms. Buyser and Ms. Lily Mendoza for their support. ]
Here are a few points that she stressed out that I think we, as Communication Arts students and future media practitioners, should keep in mind:
Be wary of sources. Don’t use the Internet as your primary source, else confirm, corroborate and get more than 2 sources. Never fabricate or plagiarize.
Guard against putting too much importance to ratings.
Reputation and credibility is your most important asset. Never accept bribe or extravagant gifts.
Correct errors quickly and openly
Strive for balance and hold no bias
Reveal a conflict of interest to your supervisor and to the public.
Strive for integrity, fairness and balance.
When asked about bribes, she recalls an incident when a prominent public figure running for office discreetly handed their cameraman a P500 bill. She shared how the cameraman told the candidate, “Hindi po kami tumatanggap niyan. Bawal po sa amin niyan”. The candidate, to avoid humiliation, told the cameraman that it’s for the whole crew’s merienda (strike two). The cameraman still gave back the money.
A certain public official also gives her an expensive watch every year, which she refuses to accept. She also shared how sometimes some of their crew members/researchers are being followed. They also get calls threatening them not to air a particular episode. There was also a time when an advertiser for their show pulled out after the Probe Team aired a documentary that revealed how one of the advertiser’s client’s company contribute to air pollution.
Work at The Probe Team is an adventure. It’s also for a worthy cause. What they do, I believe, is really something that’s relevant and impactful.
I really do wish that somebody I’d be able to work for a production company like the Probe Team.
[I would like to thank Ms. Buyser and Ms. Lily Mendoza for their support. ]
A Love Story
Once upon a time there was a bird. He was adorned with two perfect wings and with glossy, colorful, marvelous feathers. In short, he was a creature made to fly about freely in the sky, bringing joy to everyone who saw him.
One day a woman saw this bird and fell in love with him. She watched his flight, her mouth wide in amazement, her heart pounding, her eyes shining with excitement. She invited the bird to fly with her, and the two traveled across the sky in perfect harmony. She admired and venerated and celebrated that bird.
But then she thought: he might want to visit far-off mountains! And she was afraid, afraid that she would never feel the same way about any other bird. And she felt envy, envy for the bird’s ability to fly.
And she felt alone.
And she thought: “I’m going to set a trap. The next time the bird appears, he will never leave again.”
The bird who was also in love, returned the following day, fell into the trap and was put in a cage.
She looked at the bird everyday. There he was, the object of her passion, and she showed him to her friends who said: “Now you have everything you could possibly want.” However, a strange transformation began to take place: now that she had the bird and no longer needed to woo him, she began to loose interest. The bird, unable to fly and express the true meaning of his life, began to waste away and his feathers to lose their gloss; he grew ugly; and the woman no loner paid him attention, except by feeding him and cleaning out his cage.
One day, the bird died. The woman felt terribly sad and spent all her time thinking about him. But she did not remember the cage, she thought only of the day when she had seen him for the first time, flying contentedly amongst the clouds.
If she looked more deeply into herself, she would’ve realized that what had thrilled her about the bird was his freedom, the energy of his wings in motion not his physical body.
Without the bird, her life too lost all meaning, and Death came knocking at her door. “Why have you come?” she asked Death. “So that you can fly once more with him across the sky,” Death replied. “If you had allowed him to come and go, you would have loved and admired him even more; alas you now need me in order to find him again”
-Maria, 11 Minutes by Paulo Coelho
One day a woman saw this bird and fell in love with him. She watched his flight, her mouth wide in amazement, her heart pounding, her eyes shining with excitement. She invited the bird to fly with her, and the two traveled across the sky in perfect harmony. She admired and venerated and celebrated that bird.
But then she thought: he might want to visit far-off mountains! And she was afraid, afraid that she would never feel the same way about any other bird. And she felt envy, envy for the bird’s ability to fly.
And she felt alone.
And she thought: “I’m going to set a trap. The next time the bird appears, he will never leave again.”
The bird who was also in love, returned the following day, fell into the trap and was put in a cage.
She looked at the bird everyday. There he was, the object of her passion, and she showed him to her friends who said: “Now you have everything you could possibly want.” However, a strange transformation began to take place: now that she had the bird and no longer needed to woo him, she began to loose interest. The bird, unable to fly and express the true meaning of his life, began to waste away and his feathers to lose their gloss; he grew ugly; and the woman no loner paid him attention, except by feeding him and cleaning out his cage.
One day, the bird died. The woman felt terribly sad and spent all her time thinking about him. But she did not remember the cage, she thought only of the day when she had seen him for the first time, flying contentedly amongst the clouds.
If she looked more deeply into herself, she would’ve realized that what had thrilled her about the bird was his freedom, the energy of his wings in motion not his physical body.
Without the bird, her life too lost all meaning, and Death came knocking at her door. “Why have you come?” she asked Death. “So that you can fly once more with him across the sky,” Death replied. “If you had allowed him to come and go, you would have loved and admired him even more; alas you now need me in order to find him again”
-Maria, 11 Minutes by Paulo Coelho
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Blurred.
Last week’s discussion about ‘blurring’ made me think about my report on Cyberpunk and Postmodernity when I took up Science Fiction last 2005. The concept of ‘blurring’ is, I believe, brought about by the Internet – a world entirely on its own, decentralized, without physical boundaries, where basic reality becomes a contrived reality. In my understanding, ‘blurring’ is Postmodernity exemplified.
Here are some interesting points about Postmodernity taken from an Internet journal (I’m sorry I forgot the URL L ) that I’d like to share.
- As with the birth of the modern, the birth of the postmodern represents a time in which an old social order is passing away and a new one emerging. This change is revolutionizing every aspect of social life from technology to the arts, economics, political theories, human perception, ways we relate to one another as well as the individual, family and community.
- The computer seems to annihilate time. Information is available in an instant, a nanosecond. There seems to be today, much more than in the past, a sense of the immediate. Studies show that young people who spend a lot of time with video games do not develop a sense of the past and the future as those in the past did. The individual as suggested earlier is being seen not as an integrated self which has been created by his past experiences but as the result of what ever experience is available at the moment. There is the loss of center or logocentrism as it was known in Classical civilization. Terry Eagleton describes the postmodern self as: ...a dispersed, decentered network of libidinal attachments, emptied of ethical substance and psychical inferiority, the ephemeral function of this or that act of consumption, media experience, social relationship, trend or fashion. (Eagleton,p.71)
- If during the industrial revolution there is inequality between the ‘haves’ and ‘have- nots’, this post-industrial society has seen growth in global and national inequality between those who are information rich and those who are information poor (digital literacy divide). This information based economy results in the globalization of the economy and global economic interdependence. This in turn results in changes in the shape of the urban zone where the concentric zone sites of the industrial age are decaying to the decentralized multi-nuclei city of today. An employee may work whenever and wherever so long as he has a computer and an Internet connection. “Distance learning” or “virtual university” making it’s appearance on the educational scene. [In some of my subjects, we post blog entries (like this one J) instead of submitting ‘papers’].
- [Now for the disturbing truth] The phenomenon of decentralization has some interesting implications for the self or ego-centrality, also a product of modernity. The postmodern individual is seen as being seen no longer as an integrated whole ego, but more in terms of a multiplicity with no essential being.
Conceptions are changing. How one perceives time, space, and his relations with other is slowly becoming ‘blurred’.
Here are some interesting points about Postmodernity taken from an Internet journal (I’m sorry I forgot the URL L ) that I’d like to share.
- As with the birth of the modern, the birth of the postmodern represents a time in which an old social order is passing away and a new one emerging. This change is revolutionizing every aspect of social life from technology to the arts, economics, political theories, human perception, ways we relate to one another as well as the individual, family and community.
- The computer seems to annihilate time. Information is available in an instant, a nanosecond. There seems to be today, much more than in the past, a sense of the immediate. Studies show that young people who spend a lot of time with video games do not develop a sense of the past and the future as those in the past did. The individual as suggested earlier is being seen not as an integrated self which has been created by his past experiences but as the result of what ever experience is available at the moment. There is the loss of center or logocentrism as it was known in Classical civilization. Terry Eagleton describes the postmodern self as: ...a dispersed, decentered network of libidinal attachments, emptied of ethical substance and psychical inferiority, the ephemeral function of this or that act of consumption, media experience, social relationship, trend or fashion. (Eagleton,p.71)
- If during the industrial revolution there is inequality between the ‘haves’ and ‘have- nots’, this post-industrial society has seen growth in global and national inequality between those who are information rich and those who are information poor (digital literacy divide). This information based economy results in the globalization of the economy and global economic interdependence. This in turn results in changes in the shape of the urban zone where the concentric zone sites of the industrial age are decaying to the decentralized multi-nuclei city of today. An employee may work whenever and wherever so long as he has a computer and an Internet connection. “Distance learning” or “virtual university” making it’s appearance on the educational scene. [In some of my subjects, we post blog entries (like this one J) instead of submitting ‘papers’].
- [Now for the disturbing truth] The phenomenon of decentralization has some interesting implications for the self or ego-centrality, also a product of modernity. The postmodern individual is seen as being seen no longer as an integrated whole ego, but more in terms of a multiplicity with no essential being.
Conceptions are changing. How one perceives time, space, and his relations with other is slowly becoming ‘blurred’.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Hymn to Isis
For I am the first and the last
I am the venerated and the despised
I am the prostitute and the saint
I am the wife and the virgin
I am the mother and the daughter
I am the arms of my mother
I am barren and my children are many
I am the married woman and the spinster
I am the woman who give birth and she who never procreated
I am the consolation for the pain of birth
I am the wife and the husband
And it was my man who created me
I am the mother of my father
I am the sister of my husband
And he is my rejected son
Always respect me
For I am the shameful and the magnificent one.
Third or fourth century BC, discovered in Nag Hammadi
I am the venerated and the despised
I am the prostitute and the saint
I am the wife and the virgin
I am the mother and the daughter
I am the arms of my mother
I am barren and my children are many
I am the married woman and the spinster
I am the woman who give birth and she who never procreated
I am the consolation for the pain of birth
I am the wife and the husband
And it was my man who created me
I am the mother of my father
I am the sister of my husband
And he is my rejected son
Always respect me
For I am the shameful and the magnificent one.
Third or fourth century BC, discovered in Nag Hammadi
On Digital Literacy
Digital literacy: Ability to read and write digitally in order to 'access the Internet; find, manage and edit digital information; join in communications; and otherwise engage with an online information and communications network...' (Blackall, L 2005)
I skimmed through the Job Market section of PDI. Common denominator: Must.be. computer.literate. (I believe computer literacy and digital literacy are pretty much the same in terms of accessing digitally interpreted, stored, and retrieved information). It’s not enough that you know how do use MS Word; in most ads, knowledge about MS Office applications is a requirement. It’s not enough that you can express yourself in English fluently; you should understand computer lingo as well. Some companies were forced to implement ‘early retirement’ to welcome the new breed of the computer literate workforce. Today, whoever knows how to operate and use computer programs and the Internet have better chances of landing a high paying job, are better decision-makers (as they know how to access and manipulate digital information) and therefore have better chances of getting promoted.
Questions. The only thing that can stop such inequality (and this is something that’s been written in history as well) is access. The question is, is it feasible? Is it possible for every household to have a computer? Is it possible for every member of the household to be computer literate? How wide would the gap be (between the ‘know-hows’ and the ‘no-know’) before every single person in the Philippines becomes ‘digitally’ literate?
Considerations. Consider our level of English competency. Then consider how almost every instruction manual, guidelines, and even Internet resources in using digital technology (not limited to computers) is written in English. What medium of instruction do teachers use in teaching basic I.T. and computer concepts, jargons, processes? What language is used in computer textbooks? To combat inequality with digital literacy, it is essential that we have a mastery of the English language- also the universal language used in explaining and interpreting digital information.
I skimmed through the Job Market section of PDI. Common denominator: Must.be. computer.literate. (I believe computer literacy and digital literacy are pretty much the same in terms of accessing digitally interpreted, stored, and retrieved information). It’s not enough that you know how do use MS Word; in most ads, knowledge about MS Office applications is a requirement. It’s not enough that you can express yourself in English fluently; you should understand computer lingo as well. Some companies were forced to implement ‘early retirement’ to welcome the new breed of the computer literate workforce. Today, whoever knows how to operate and use computer programs and the Internet have better chances of landing a high paying job, are better decision-makers (as they know how to access and manipulate digital information) and therefore have better chances of getting promoted.
Questions. The only thing that can stop such inequality (and this is something that’s been written in history as well) is access. The question is, is it feasible? Is it possible for every household to have a computer? Is it possible for every member of the household to be computer literate? How wide would the gap be (between the ‘know-hows’ and the ‘no-know’) before every single person in the Philippines becomes ‘digitally’ literate?
Considerations. Consider our level of English competency. Then consider how almost every instruction manual, guidelines, and even Internet resources in using digital technology (not limited to computers) is written in English. What medium of instruction do teachers use in teaching basic I.T. and computer concepts, jargons, processes? What language is used in computer textbooks? To combat inequality with digital literacy, it is essential that we have a mastery of the English language- also the universal language used in explaining and interpreting digital information.
Friday, July 13, 2007
In the name of convenience and security?
I was leafing through the pages of the June 2007 issue of Marie Claire Philippines and I came across an article entitled, " Is this the Future of Money?" by Bjoern Goethicker. The article was about Verichip, a microchip-cum-credit card injected on the surface of the skin. The 1.2mm by 12mm glass stores information about the person's age, gender, status, credit balance and such. The Baja Beach Club International in Spain has been the first club to employ this technology for cashless payments. They use the technology for their VIPs.
According to the article, the Netherlands, UK, US and Belgium are currently introducing this technology into their day-to-day routines.
All for convenience? Security?
I do see the reason behind developing such systems. But as with any type of technology, there are loopholes that may be used against us. I'm not just comfortable with the fact that technology is slowly becoming an essential tool for humans to survive. Now it is slowly, literally, becoming a part of the body.
I remember the movie the 'The Matrix', the classic 2D movie 'Ghost in the Shell' and my research about the premises behind the movie - We're slowly moving towards the age when it will be quite difficult to draw the line between what is 'natural' and what isn't; what defines a human being and what does not.
The article ends with "The door has been opened and the future is on its way..." Somehow, that statement made me feel like there's nothing we can do about it....
According to the article, the Netherlands, UK, US and Belgium are currently introducing this technology into their day-to-day routines.
All for convenience? Security?
I do see the reason behind developing such systems. But as with any type of technology, there are loopholes that may be used against us. I'm not just comfortable with the fact that technology is slowly becoming an essential tool for humans to survive. Now it is slowly, literally, becoming a part of the body.
I remember the movie the 'The Matrix', the classic 2D movie 'Ghost in the Shell' and my research about the premises behind the movie - We're slowly moving towards the age when it will be quite difficult to draw the line between what is 'natural' and what isn't; what defines a human being and what does not.
The article ends with "The door has been opened and the future is on its way..." Somehow, that statement made me feel like there's nothing we can do about it....
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Otso-Otso
I took the Enneagram Test twice – during last school year’s leadership training seminar (LTS) when I was a participant and last summer when I was an LTS student faci.
I am torn between standing up and doing the Otso-Otso, and flinching and slowly sliding down on my seat whenever they flash the results before me. I am always QUEST Numero Otso – I work hard, and do the Otso-Otso hard too.
Growing Mountains.
I cannot uproot a santan plant with bare hands, much less move mountains.
When Ms. Alona read the interpretation during my first LTS, I was speechless. Could it be true? I guess it comes with the experiences and hardships I’ve encountered in life (07-08 LTS batch and SPT team shussshh..J). I think I draw my strength from the blessings that I receive, the people who give me courage, experiences that enlighten me and show me that despite the problems, I am still fortunate. My mother was a big influence (oh, she can move the refrigerator or the cabinet by herself) and watching her face everything gave me that strength (I am my mother’s daughter after all). Most importantly if not for my ‘tiklop-tuhod’ (as Ms. Alona puts it) sessions with the Almighty, I wouldn’t be able to meet challenges head on.
I may not have enough muscle power to literally move mountains, but with God by my side, I believe I have enough strength to uproot ‘damo-damos’ and plant changes (in school, in stud orgs and someday in the workplace) that would hopefully (through the help of other people) grow, multiply and become mountains that can never be moved.
Rarrr.
QUEST says: I am Direct. I am Strong. I am Straightforward. I am Honest. And don’t gossip about me or betray my trust. Rarrr.
I am an honest person and I can only trust a person twice. I respect individual differences, understand the fact that nobody’s perfect. Usually when I am bothered about something involving a close friend I can’t sleep without telling that person. Of course, I choose my words carefully and make sure that we’re still friends after the open forum. And I prefer if my friends would confront me, rather tell somebody else and start a gossip. I trust easily but sadly, one backstab move is enough to break that trust. Sometimes I’m quiet about how I feel – at times the person doesn’t even know that I already found out how she started the gossip. I forgive easily but it usually takes ages before I heal and bring back that trust. I’ll move on for sure. I would treat you in a civil manner but sadly I wouldn’t be able to share my life with (nor it lay down for) you.
Am No Promil Kiddo. Am Vulnerable.
But I never knew that I would come to be the Numero Otso. I’m not a Promil Kid. In fact I gave up on milk when I was two years old (when my Dad mixed it with sugar). I was extremely shy when I was in kindergarten. I used to bite my nails, sit in a corner and just watch people with a curious look on my face. No I’m not crazy. Looking back, I’ve come to realize the real reason for my ‘people watching’: I observe people so that I’d know how to approach them. I fear rejection and of not being liked. I make sure that I know who I’m dealing with – evidence that points to the fact the we Otso- Otsos do not want to open up and reveal their vulnerable side unless we know yours.
No, not Lola, Please.
They call me Mommy Rose, Ate Rose, Ninang Rose.
I have this ‘mother instinct’ in me. I agree with the results of the test. My youngest sister would usually comment on how strict I am with her. I have heart-to-heart sessions (she calls it nagging) with her more often than my mother does. I usually comment on how short her skirt is or if her clothes are too revealing or how she’s too young to have a boyfriend.
I am also a magnet for people who need advice. I don’t usually remember what advice I give them or how I came up with such gibberish (hehehe). Guy friends would usually turn to me for help with wooing a girl – what to say, how to say it, when to say it, what to wear, the works.
Thus the name Mommy Rose, Ate Rose, Ninang Rose. But don’t call me Lola, please. I am neither wise nor old enough to give you advice on covering gray hair, back pains, arthritis, memory gaps, menopause, etc.
Am No Amazon.
“Rosie – She looks like one of those snotty types who wouldn’t care if you were dying at her feet…. In reality, she wouldn’t hurt a fly…she would actually eat one” – A guy friend’s Friendster testimonial.
QUEST says: I am intimidating. I am dominating.
And I slid lower and lower down my seat.
In my 23 years of existence, only three people had the guts to tell me that I am indeed intimidating – my two best friends and a guy I used to date (guess I kind of scared him away). The fact that only three people had the courage to tell me is evidence enough I guess. It may have to do with the fact that I have a strong personality, making me appear as if I don’t need anybody’s help. But I do! I do! I’m just waiting for the person’s initiative. I am usually uncomfortable if people ask me if I need help – I put too much pressure on myself and I feel as if I’m inadequate and incapable. I prefer if they would help me automatically, without asking me. And I need your moral support, your words of encouragement to keep me going and going and going! But don’t flatter me. I don’t know how to take compliments sometimes. J
The Dark Side
Driving Force: Lust/ Excess
Need: Innocence
And I flinched.
I took the test twice and I get confused whenever we get to this part. Maybe my driving force is excess/lust because I want to acquire so many things, I want to achieve so many things in life that it gets all tangled up that I don’t know what to prioritize. Maybe I need ‘innocence’ because I do too much, that I have this need to do and know everything even if it’s neither essential nor relevant. Maybe I need to step back every once and a while and forget about everything I know just so I could see problems (may it be with friends, in stud orgs, family) in a different light. I honestly don’t know how I’ll handle this. There are times when I feel the need to do something, anything, because I feel like such a failure if I’m not doing something, anything…
On being Otso and doing the dance step
I run out of batteries to keep me going as so I have to recharge every once in a while. Every ‘nakaw na sandali’ (times of the day when I’m not doing anything) I try to get all the enjoyment I can out of life - go somewhere cozy or relaxing and chat with friends, dance with Paeng, Diane and Deanne, have a heart-to-heart talk with my family, take a stroll, watch a flick with friends, etc. I hang out with people who I can unleash my ‘kengkoi’ side.
Out of the personality tests I took, the Enneagram test hit closest to home. It revealed my ‘unknown self’ (of the famous Johari Window) and has helped me acknowledge different aspects of my personality. It has actually influenced me a lot when I was part of a student organization, when I was tasked to something that I have no prior experience with.
It is difficult and tiring to be the strong Otso-Otso. And I look silly doing the Otso-Otso dance move. But it helps to know that I am one. And that I can dance to it. “Tayo’y mag Otso-Otso, Otso-Otso, Otso-Otso..…”
I am torn between standing up and doing the Otso-Otso, and flinching and slowly sliding down on my seat whenever they flash the results before me. I am always QUEST Numero Otso – I work hard, and do the Otso-Otso hard too.
Growing Mountains.
I cannot uproot a santan plant with bare hands, much less move mountains.
When Ms. Alona read the interpretation during my first LTS, I was speechless. Could it be true? I guess it comes with the experiences and hardships I’ve encountered in life (07-08 LTS batch and SPT team shussshh..J). I think I draw my strength from the blessings that I receive, the people who give me courage, experiences that enlighten me and show me that despite the problems, I am still fortunate. My mother was a big influence (oh, she can move the refrigerator or the cabinet by herself) and watching her face everything gave me that strength (I am my mother’s daughter after all). Most importantly if not for my ‘tiklop-tuhod’ (as Ms. Alona puts it) sessions with the Almighty, I wouldn’t be able to meet challenges head on.
I may not have enough muscle power to literally move mountains, but with God by my side, I believe I have enough strength to uproot ‘damo-damos’ and plant changes (in school, in stud orgs and someday in the workplace) that would hopefully (through the help of other people) grow, multiply and become mountains that can never be moved.
Rarrr.
QUEST says: I am Direct. I am Strong. I am Straightforward. I am Honest. And don’t gossip about me or betray my trust. Rarrr.
I am an honest person and I can only trust a person twice. I respect individual differences, understand the fact that nobody’s perfect. Usually when I am bothered about something involving a close friend I can’t sleep without telling that person. Of course, I choose my words carefully and make sure that we’re still friends after the open forum. And I prefer if my friends would confront me, rather tell somebody else and start a gossip. I trust easily but sadly, one backstab move is enough to break that trust. Sometimes I’m quiet about how I feel – at times the person doesn’t even know that I already found out how she started the gossip. I forgive easily but it usually takes ages before I heal and bring back that trust. I’ll move on for sure. I would treat you in a civil manner but sadly I wouldn’t be able to share my life with (nor it lay down for) you.
Am No Promil Kiddo. Am Vulnerable.
But I never knew that I would come to be the Numero Otso. I’m not a Promil Kid. In fact I gave up on milk when I was two years old (when my Dad mixed it with sugar). I was extremely shy when I was in kindergarten. I used to bite my nails, sit in a corner and just watch people with a curious look on my face. No I’m not crazy. Looking back, I’ve come to realize the real reason for my ‘people watching’: I observe people so that I’d know how to approach them. I fear rejection and of not being liked. I make sure that I know who I’m dealing with – evidence that points to the fact the we Otso- Otsos do not want to open up and reveal their vulnerable side unless we know yours.
No, not Lola, Please.
They call me Mommy Rose, Ate Rose, Ninang Rose.
I have this ‘mother instinct’ in me. I agree with the results of the test. My youngest sister would usually comment on how strict I am with her. I have heart-to-heart sessions (she calls it nagging) with her more often than my mother does. I usually comment on how short her skirt is or if her clothes are too revealing or how she’s too young to have a boyfriend.
I am also a magnet for people who need advice. I don’t usually remember what advice I give them or how I came up with such gibberish (hehehe). Guy friends would usually turn to me for help with wooing a girl – what to say, how to say it, when to say it, what to wear, the works.
Thus the name Mommy Rose, Ate Rose, Ninang Rose. But don’t call me Lola, please. I am neither wise nor old enough to give you advice on covering gray hair, back pains, arthritis, memory gaps, menopause, etc.
Am No Amazon.
“Rosie – She looks like one of those snotty types who wouldn’t care if you were dying at her feet…. In reality, she wouldn’t hurt a fly…she would actually eat one” – A guy friend’s Friendster testimonial.
QUEST says: I am intimidating. I am dominating.
And I slid lower and lower down my seat.
In my 23 years of existence, only three people had the guts to tell me that I am indeed intimidating – my two best friends and a guy I used to date (guess I kind of scared him away). The fact that only three people had the courage to tell me is evidence enough I guess. It may have to do with the fact that I have a strong personality, making me appear as if I don’t need anybody’s help. But I do! I do! I’m just waiting for the person’s initiative. I am usually uncomfortable if people ask me if I need help – I put too much pressure on myself and I feel as if I’m inadequate and incapable. I prefer if they would help me automatically, without asking me. And I need your moral support, your words of encouragement to keep me going and going and going! But don’t flatter me. I don’t know how to take compliments sometimes. J
The Dark Side
Driving Force: Lust/ Excess
Need: Innocence
And I flinched.
I took the test twice and I get confused whenever we get to this part. Maybe my driving force is excess/lust because I want to acquire so many things, I want to achieve so many things in life that it gets all tangled up that I don’t know what to prioritize. Maybe I need ‘innocence’ because I do too much, that I have this need to do and know everything even if it’s neither essential nor relevant. Maybe I need to step back every once and a while and forget about everything I know just so I could see problems (may it be with friends, in stud orgs, family) in a different light. I honestly don’t know how I’ll handle this. There are times when I feel the need to do something, anything, because I feel like such a failure if I’m not doing something, anything…
On being Otso and doing the dance step
I run out of batteries to keep me going as so I have to recharge every once in a while. Every ‘nakaw na sandali’ (times of the day when I’m not doing anything) I try to get all the enjoyment I can out of life - go somewhere cozy or relaxing and chat with friends, dance with Paeng, Diane and Deanne, have a heart-to-heart talk with my family, take a stroll, watch a flick with friends, etc. I hang out with people who I can unleash my ‘kengkoi’ side.
Out of the personality tests I took, the Enneagram test hit closest to home. It revealed my ‘unknown self’ (of the famous Johari Window) and has helped me acknowledge different aspects of my personality. It has actually influenced me a lot when I was part of a student organization, when I was tasked to something that I have no prior experience with.
It is difficult and tiring to be the strong Otso-Otso. And I look silly doing the Otso-Otso dance move. But it helps to know that I am one. And that I can dance to it. “Tayo’y mag Otso-Otso, Otso-Otso, Otso-Otso..…”
toot-too-too-too-toot
- Who would’ve thought that a simple toot-too-too-too-toot would inspire the creation and the development of communication technologies and gadgets that becomes obsolete in only a matter of days?
- I never thought that smoke signals was the precursor of telegraphy (or sending messages from one place to another without physical contact).
- I thought that as a communication arts student, it is enough that I know how to organize my thoughts well and be able to express them, that I know how to craft my ideas and messages effectively using any medium. Sine waves, FM and AM, circuits, megahertz are all jargon to me. But I didn’t realize the importance of knowing the technicalities of such communication technologies and how it may affect the messages that I want to convey until the discussion last week. I will be tinkering and handling such gadgets especially if I get to work for a TV network or radio station and it’s best if I’m equipped with the knowledge on how stuff works (at least the basic) than risk being hoodwinked and being called dumb. Hehe..
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Referee Me
I've been leafing through the pages of my old photo albums looking for any evidence that I came out of my mother's womb with a whistle attached to my mouth; that before I learned how to do 'close-open' with my small chubby fungers, I knew how to do the 'peace' sign. I swear I'm born with this natural talent of smashing two people's heads together, for them to come to a compromise. I hate conflicts, although it is but inevitable.
Ever since I became part of a 'barkada', I've been dubbed as the harmonizer, the referee. I carry the same whistle whenever I'm part of any group. Because I am a 'listener' and I used to dream of being a shrink, people find it easy to confide with me, especially if it had to do with negative feelings about somebody in a group. In 9 out of 10 cases, my client and other people involved are friends... and they're my friends as well.. not mere acquaintances... friends... my close friends.
The usual scenario: On the red corner, ranting about the spoiled, dictatorial, authoritative friend-slash-ka Org is Friendlaloo-Ka Org A. On the blue corner, raging about the judgemental, opinionated, 'kikay', social climber Friendlaloo-Ka Org A is Friendlaloo-Ka Org B. On the center, wearing yellow raincoat ang anti-saliva-projectile mask is... me.
I usually arrange for their face-to-face match.. err... peaceful confrontation, or at least try to explain the other party's side and why she/he reacted that way.
I just hate to see people fight because of their differences... differences that are innate, special, unique.. differences that can be compromised.. differences that can be an advantage for the group to see things, problems, solutions and alternatives from different POVs.
Ever since I became part of a 'barkada', I've been dubbed as the harmonizer, the referee. I carry the same whistle whenever I'm part of any group. Because I am a 'listener' and I used to dream of being a shrink, people find it easy to confide with me, especially if it had to do with negative feelings about somebody in a group. In 9 out of 10 cases, my client and other people involved are friends... and they're my friends as well.. not mere acquaintances... friends... my close friends.
The usual scenario: On the red corner, ranting about the spoiled, dictatorial, authoritative friend-slash-ka Org is Friendlaloo-Ka Org A. On the blue corner, raging about the judgemental, opinionated, 'kikay', social climber Friendlaloo-Ka Org A is Friendlaloo-Ka Org B. On the center, wearing yellow raincoat ang anti-saliva-projectile mask is... me.
I usually arrange for their face-to-face match.. err... peaceful confrontation, or at least try to explain the other party's side and why she/he reacted that way.
I just hate to see people fight because of their differences... differences that are innate, special, unique.. differences that can be compromised.. differences that can be an advantage for the group to see things, problems, solutions and alternatives from different POVs.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
traditional media
What is reality? It’s basically what you see on the tube, what you hear on the radio, what you read on the newspaper. And we earthlings are so dependent on mass media– to the point that we make our day-to-day decisions based on what they present. From deciding whether to buy designer or ukay jeans to deciding whether to engage in a business venture or not, we rely on information we get from mass media.
The television seems to have the most impact. Almost every household has one and spends about an average of 6 hours glued to it (according to some article I read on the Internet). Since television presents information in the form of a combination of visuals, sounds and (sometimes) text, their messages are easier to remember. (Notice how we are more likely to remember a song because of its music video).
Radio still has the widest range, as people from the provinces rely on it for their daily dose of news and current events. Some communities in the Philippines still do not have
electricity and so battery-operated radios are their primary source of news and entertainment. People on the go rely on radio as well for real-time traffic and weather updates.
Information on ink is deemed the most credible. News and feature articles are written in a certain format and writers/editors make sure that every information printed is supported by reliable, credible sources and proven data.
The television seems to have the most impact. Almost every household has one and spends about an average of 6 hours glued to it (according to some article I read on the Internet). Since television presents information in the form of a combination of visuals, sounds and (sometimes) text, their messages are easier to remember. (Notice how we are more likely to remember a song because of its music video).
Radio still has the widest range, as people from the provinces rely on it for their daily dose of news and current events. Some communities in the Philippines still do not have
electricity and so battery-operated radios are their primary source of news and entertainment. People on the go rely on radio as well for real-time traffic and weather updates.
Information on ink is deemed the most credible. News and feature articles are written in a certain format and writers/editors make sure that every information printed is supported by reliable, credible sources and proven data.
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