Escape

I enjoyed watching the marathon run of Kyle XY on Studio 23 today. I finished all 12 episodes. I was in front of the television for so many hours [10:30 am to 8:30pm]. But it is nothing new actually for me haha. I did watch a few episodes when Kyle XY premiered a few months back on Studio 23 but I MISSED a lot episodes because of heavy school work [it was the thesis season haha] and I'm glad I was able to catch up a lot episodes. This show is my kind of show, a show for escapism. It is a good mix of suspense, science fiction, family drama and good 'ol teen romance haha. Let us just say the show is The X FILES meets 7th Heaven meets Beverly Hill 90210. The script is well written and what I like is that even the minor characters are not totally useless. The story line is well structured. In a nutshell, the TV show follows the life of a boy who have a mysterious past. It is sort of the teen version of the short-lived TV show John Doe.
Kyle XY is one engaging show to watch. For several hours I was able to "escape" from reality through this show.
You know what one of my dream career is to work for television and produce scripted shows like these. But I don't like the local TV scene, not that I'm placing the foreign productions in the pedestal because a lot of western shows are also bad. But my point is that the local TV scene is so draggy. I don't know if I'm making sense here. But you know the whole network war is overshadowing what TV should be. Anyway, what I don't like about our local TV industry is that it is so publicity-driven. It does not matter if the show is good but as long as it rates high its good . Or maybe I am just too idealistic. I do enjoy some local serialized shows but more on the guilty pleasure level but I don't feel compell to watch it regularly or care about the story or characters. I don't like that we have lots of daily shows. I believe if TV shows here are more on weekly basis there will be more time to produced polished scripts and not just some rushed production where the story lines are not laid out properly. Plus, I want variety in television where our local TV does not offer. It is just the same fare no matter what type of name they want their shows to be called [teleserye, telefantasya, fantaserye, sinenovela, telepiko and so on]. Another problem with our local TV industry is that we are 'star-driven', the networks launch shows just to use as a vehicle to launch a star or keep the star in the showbiz circulation.
Woah, I think I said so much already haha. Anyway, to end this blog entry let me share to you a quote by DJ Kelly of MAX FM 103.5 during the TV NIGHTS episode of her radio program "Kellybites Nights" [I'm also fascinated with radio as well, but that is another entry haha]

"We all have different forms of escape, movies, radio, tv...this is to briefly be somewhere else, in someone else's life, for as long as a couple of hours or as little as half an hour...you find yourself forgetting your worries, your troubles for awhile...whatever form of escape you choose, just try to never lose yourself, your true identity...and know that the best escape is still knowing who you really are, wherever you go, whatever you listen to or whatever you watch."

The Story

"CONGRATULATIONS! You are qualified for the panel interview on July 7 4pm at the heraldo filipino office. Pls be on time"

I received this text message on July 5, 2005. That text message changed my life.

I have been part of Heraldo Filipino for three years. Three nerve-wracking but wonderful years. There are so many things I have learned because of Heraldo Filipino.

This is my HF story.

How did it all started?

I wanted to join HF even when I was only a freshman. During the freshmen orientation, several school organizations were doing all sorts of gimmicks to lure to join their respective orgs but I was not interested because I was specifically looking for an organization, which was not as aggressive with their promotion as compared to the other organizations. I was looking for the student publication. After scanning the booths for like 15 minutes I finally found the booth of Heraldo Filipino and got an application form.

But I did not submit it.

Why?

I chickened out. I felt insecure because I don’t have the experience. I came from a highschool with no student publication. I know that I will face stiff competitions from students who were editors during their high school. I thought, I have no chance at all and junked the idea of applying at all. Why would I try if I know I will fail anyway?

But during my first year in college, I always regretted that decision especially when I read HF’s publications. Whenever I see a student holding a copy of HF, I would immediately run and get a copy myself. I would read every issue from cover to cover and sometimes email them if I have any comments or suggestions. Heck, my topic for my research paper in my Filipino subject that time was about the challenges faced by the Heraldo Filipino editors.

Reading HF opened my eyes on the controversies surrounding the campus like the infamous headline “CHEd declares DLSU-D not a university” and the intense rivalry between Sinag and Partido Independiente. Kampusapusapan manage to both make me laugh and think. HeralDoodles is such a good comic relief and I would always read the magbatian portion, felt envy wishing that I was part of the ones who were greeted. I look at the photo essay for a few minutes and analyze what it was saying. The feature articles gives me a whole a new perspective on various subject matters, the literary articles took me to a whole new world while the sports section gave me front row seats on the battles of our athletes

Yes, I was Heraldo Filipino’s number one fan.

But I said to myself, I am not contended being a fan. I want to be there. So as my first year comes to an end I made the decision to try joining Heraldo Filipino. I was still not that confident that I would make it but then I pursued this still because of the maxim that if ever I failed at least I tried and will not forever be burdened by “what ifs”.

***

It was the last day of the summer term of 2005 when I saw the poster screaming that HF is now open for applicants I immediately dragged one classmate to persuade to take the exam with me. When I already was able to convince someone we immediately went to the HF office and took the exam, but my classmate did not finish the exam because of some emergency. So I was left alone and , boy, the exam was hard it took me three hours to finish it. I only answered the features and literary exams since I've realized that the guy is just waiting for me to finish so he could go home, I did not answer the news exam anymore although I wanted it.

When I left, I was so sure I will not make it. The features exam was difficult, some questions were hard to understand while for the the literary I just dont have "it". After one month, I did not hear anything from HF so I just concluded that I failed. But on July 5, I received a text message telling me that I passed and is scheduled for interview. I could not believe it. For the whole day, I kept on re reading the message.

I was nervous on the day of the panel interview. When I was called I felt numb but when I was there in the HF room, I already felt comfortable and answered to my very best every question they threw.

After the interview, I waited for an hour to find out if I passed. I became nervous again. Then they called five of us who applied and they informed us we passed. I was smiling from ear to ear, I wanted to shout for joy but I was too shy to do that in front of the editors.

I was really happy when I made it even though I did not take the NEWS exam I was still accepted as a news staff. I did not complain because in the panel interview I did very well in news section-related questions rather than features and literary questions.

It was the start of the most memorable time of my life. Being a news writer, I experienced dealing with so many people with various personalities from regular students to student leaders to professors to administrators. Being a news writer, I was exposed to many DLSU-D stories. I discovered some problems that were not being noticed by the community. I found out some concerns from different people.

Especially, I learned through news writing I cultivated the value of service. I will admit that one of the reasons why I want to be part of the campus publication is because I want to see my name on print. But when I was already part of HF, my view changed. I learned that you are not part of the student publication just because you want to improve your writing skills, you are there for a greater and that is student service.

Being in the student publication, you will encounter stuff that an ordinary student does not know. And it is our duty to inform the students know that. I am one of their watchdogs after all.

HF helped me to care for others even some of those of others do not really care about you. Yes, it hurts whenever I see a copy of HF being neglected or treated like trash but poses an even greater challenge for me to motivate this people to care with what is happening in their surroundings.

I've learned a lot of things about HF like really discovering what my niche really is, before I just wanted to write but I don't know exactly what to write but when I became an HF staff I found out what it is. I am a news writer, my writing style suits it and importantly, the responsibility of being one is something that I enjoyed and find fulfilling. News writing is not just telling the 5Ws and 1H of a story, it goes beyond that. I enjoyed it because I liked the purpose and the responsibility of being a campus journalist.

With HF I met a lot of different people with contrasting personalities. I will say that if you will see the interaction in the HF office it is evident that we are a melting pot of different personalities and culture. But despite the differences, we still managed to work together successfully and harmoniously. Why? Because our diversity is united by one purpose: Student Service.

***

The next school year, I applied to become an editor but I failed. It was really a big blow to me since I was expecting that I will make it. I applied for two positions: News Editor and Office and Circulations Manager. I was sure that I will surely get one of the two positions. But I did not. It taught me a big lesson to never be that confident.

And well the next time I applied to be an editor, I made it and well I become the Editor-in-Chief. A dream come true for me. Who knew this will happen?

But to tell you honestly, I was miles better when I was just an ordinary staff rather than editor. I was an outstanding staff but a mediocre editor. But I love my team, they were very supportive and I really thank them a lot because without them I could have quit as EIC long time ago. They were not the problem why I feel this way as an editor, it is all me. I sometimes wish I became a section editor first before I jumped from being a senior staff to EIC. I could have perform better. But its futile for me to think that anymore. But I guess this part of God's plan for me. All setbacks I experience has a reason. I may not know them now but later in life I will understand it.
***

I have lots of HF stories to tell but the space is not enough because of the rich experience I had but I believe I already made my point.

Being with HF, is no walk in the park. If you want to join HF, you must remember that we does not just look with your skills on writing, art, photography and graphic design but what it is important is that you have the heart that will help you survive this life full of pressures.

Being with HF, I've learned a lot of stuff even more than what I could learn in school. It makes sense being with HF I continuously learned and what I learned was not confined by textbooks and classroom discussions. I learned through experience that I will bring along as I leave this publication and university.

Being part of a school publication has been a dream for me for such a long time and when I became a part of it I could not complain less.

The Ticket

Here it is.

I'm just days away to the end of my college life. And the start of a new chapter of my life. This Holy Week I am really reflecting. I need to find myself and discover what will I do for the rest of my life. Unlike in school where everything has a foreseeable end, life after college is unpredictable. I know it is different out there. Wish me luck.

***

Last Tuesday [March 18] I supervised the Editorial Board examinations. HF is ushering to a new era. A better year I hope. I already committed myself that I will train and guide the future EB this summer since there will be a lot of new faces in next year's slate. I learned from my shortcomings the past year and this will serve as the fuel for me to impart important knowledge to them. March 26 will be the panel interview where I invited two of my previous editors to seat as panelists. This will be exciting.

I love Heraldo Filipino and after my dismal performance this year the least I could do is give my all for the remaining time of my term and help the next batch editors by guiding them and preparing them to the tough road ahead.

***

The start of the year was a difficult time for me. Well, until now actually. I am still haunted with the events of January. It sucks to feel this way. I want to move on. I tried. I diverted my attention. But in the end I could not escape this feeling. I'm such a coward. I'm so weak. Everything was going fine until January. From there everything went downhill. I have no one to blame but myself. I wish I could turn back time. But I know I cant and have to face the consequences. And somehow my decisions in the future will be affected by this.
How I wish I was stronger.

How Far We've Come

Today was the Baccalaureate Mass and we are now just a finger away to the end of our college life. Up to now, I could not still believe how fast it seem my college life has been. I kept saying to myself "Parang kailan lang". I will really miss my block-JOU 41-. I love these people. My block is a melting pot of mix personalities but somehow we could work together and live harmoniously (most of the times haha). We've grown a lot, I could still recall how frustrated I was on how "passive" and "lazy" my classmates were back in freshman year but hey as each semester and summer term ends we are growing and getting mature. We witnessed each other's success and shortcomings. We learned from each other. I will miss their never ending inquiries: "Jec required ba umatend dyan" ,"Jec may pasok?", "Jec may assignment?", "Jec pwede pa ba magpasa?" , "Jec may number ka ni____" I will miss those text messages. There was even a time that I received five to six messages back to back to back asking a same question. Since second year I have been the official "messenger and reminder" of my block through text [Group Message], Friendster bulletin et al. I love doing that, I always want all of us to be well informed and no one is left out. And I'm sure they will miss my GMs too.

Senti Moment again *sigh*

Jeocup

Although the graduating students are already allowed to enter DLSU-D on civilian clothings I opted not to. I chose to wear my uniform. I will wear civilian clothes all my life anyway. Today was the last time I will ever wear my DLSU-D uniform. Unlike other students, I love wearing school uniforms, it is more comfortable for me. And I really feel like a student when I'm in my uniforms.
From now on, my uniforms will now stay in my closet. I'm gonna miss wearing it.
***
Also today, fixed up some stuff for thesis and now we are now on the next level, printing the thesis using DLSU-D thesis paper and book bind. Yehey! Got my Globe DLSU-D SIM which we unknowingly paid for on our tuition this sem, so even though I will not maximize the features of this SIM (access of grades? no-classes announcements? I'm graduating!) I still claimed my SIM since I paid for this. But I did not change my number and just gave my SIM to my sister.
I also applied for the Alumni ID today, it was easy. In a few weeks time, my ajb2091 portal account will be gone forever. And will now use my new identity A08-08541, my alumni portal account.
After a year of gathering dust at the Dean's office, I claimed my certificates for becoming a Dean's Lister during the two semesters of my Junior Year. However, one certificate misspelled my name: JEOCUP.
Muntik ko nang malimutan na kunin ang mga certificate ko, better late than never.
I am also a Dean's Lister for this semester so I still have a certificate to claim by 1st sem next school year. Yehey!
***
Had my last last general staff meeting on a regular class day. But a few came. So I will still call for another meeting on March 28, the distribution of grade sheets. But anyway, I still captured the moment, here are the photos.
***
Had an impromptu heart-to-heart talk with Dr.Martin, Dean of Student Services. It was out of the blue, so sudden but I'm glad it happened. I cried during our talk. Quite embarrassing. But it felt good.
Thank You Dean Martin! I will never forget you.

Jestoni and Kittens

Today was our graduation rehearsal, it was chaotic. Disorganized. And there was one quite funny incident as the registrar got angry at the Business Management students because one of them wrote JESTONI ALARCON in the attendance sheet. Me and my classmates find it odd why of all people that guy will write Jestoni Alarcon? As my classmate Ish said "Why not Sam Milby, Piolo Pascual or Jun Lozada?"

***
Later at 6pm,the Communication Arts Department held its recognition night. I was awarded the Leadership award for Broadcast Journalism. Thank you so much. I'm flattered. Ish and Apple bag Best Thesis for Broadcast Journalism and Jan for Academic Excellence for Broadcast Journalism.

However, I feel envious over the Communication students since their subjects such as Editorial Management,Advertising Management and Developmental Communication gave special citations on their achievements on their subjects. We? Zero. We receive no love from our subjects.
I'm sorry for the sour graping but we can't help but feel sad. It was always like that like when we were in third year, we produced publications, news programs, documentaries,music videos, short films and other media productions but we were not eligible for the Gawad Tala, where the Communication students' efforts on their media productions are recognized.
We are not competing with our Communication brothers and sisters. But we just felt that we should also be recognized for our efforts. We are ignored.
While the Communication students cheered as they bag awards after one another we Broadcast Journalism students felt out-of-place since we could not relate. Parang saling pusa lang kami.
Our department advocates that we should be one family but with this kind of system we could not help but feel isolated.

Final Touches

Tomorrow is our graduation rehearsal from 9-11 am. Then in the evening we are invited to attend to the Recognition Day of our department where we, the graduating students will be treated to something special daw.
On Monday, we will have the Baccalaureate Mass and Class Picture taking.
My digicam will be busy.
Every moment is important.
***
I feel bad with some of my classmates who will not graduate since they failed their thesis. Whenever I send out GM (group message) regarding graduation-related reminders I will almost include their numbers, good thing though I realize it before I punched their numbers. If I did that I will just make them feel bad.
Our block started with 40 students, now about 20 people will march at PICC on March 25. Some shifted course, transferred schools, became irregulars due to flunked subjects, stopped for a semester while others failed pivotal subjects.
We are the survivors.
But how I wished my other classmates will be with us in PICC. We will be incomplete.
***
I saw some of the third year students today who were busy with their thesis topic proposal defense.I felt nostalgic. One year ago, I was just like them, so nervous thinking on how will the defense eat you alive haha. Back then, I decided to leave my original group since I felt that it will not work out and went solo. It was frightening to do it alone but I survived and well, I got the highest grade, defense performance and paper combined.
In summer, when I already was chosen to be the next EIC of HF. I thought that it will be difficult for me to do the rest of my thesis alone. And well I absorbed my classmate Jasmin, who broke up with her original thesis partner since their partnership is not working out and they want to save their friendship. Jasmin had apprehensions at first since our classmates might think that she will just have a free ride on my thesis.I told her that do no mind what they will think and prove to them that you will be an asset to the study. She did and our partnership worked.
She was nervous at first that she might pull our team come defense since she is not confident that she could present well. I assured her that do not be anxious as long as we believe in our study and know it by heart, we could survive the defense. And we did. I was so proud of Jasmin during our thesis defense, she was so prepared and ready. She was nervous but she shined.
And guess what, we had the highest grade in the oral defense (97 % according to Mam Cachuela, our adviser). I said to Jasmin, we deserved it! She thanked me for absorbing her but I also said to her that I am more thankful to you since this thesis will not be successful without her help.

Now we are currently doing the final touches of our thesis. I feel so proud. Our topic may not be a "best thesis material" (as said by our panelists) but I don't care since I enjoyed doing this thesis and learned so many stuff and not just about the topic per se but life lessons.
Communication Research is indeed one of the highlights of my college life.

Time

For the past two days, I stayed at home since I felt sick. I miss going to school. Although basically I don't have anything to do yet. Well I do have some HF responsibilities left but the press work for HF4 is done and I'm giving way to the finals exam week of the other students. After that back to work on finishing the remaining publications.
The past two days gave me time to think. To be honest, I feel so disappointed on how I performed as the EIC of HF team 22. I do not want to wallow to self pity but I have to be honest to myself: I did mediocre.
It is the sad truth. I just felt that I was just like the caretaker of this year's batch. I took some risks that flopped. I became so complacent. I became so passive. I was spineless. I took it easy.
One of the reasons why I did not submitted an application for the Student Awards for Campus Journalist of the Year is because I don't deserve it.
I feel guilty when some people praise me, I am overrated.
But all the stuff I experienced as EIC will be forever in my heart. I learned so much. I do hope that somehow my co-editors and staffers learned something from me too. I hate being emotional. I just need to let this out.
Still, I'm thanking God that he let me experience this. This is definitely one unforgettable experience. How I wish I have done better.
***
After graduation, I will still spend my summer with HF, doing my remaining responsibilities and making it sure that there will be a smooth transition with Team 23 editorial board.
After that I will not go job hunting yet. I am fortunate that I'm not really pressured to work immediately and I already told my parents that I will have a "vacation" first before I face the real world.
I just need time to think and reflect what I really want in my life.
What career path I would like to pursue.
Time to recover from all the disappointments I caused.
Time to heal.
Time to recharge.

Because I want to face the future with a better and stronger me.

Reverse

Today

The grade for OJT which was delayed was finally uploaded today. I am now, finally, an official graduating student since I no longer have deficiencies. Yehey!


Yesterday

I got the edited thesis by the Languages department. Yehey! Attended a career talk by an AB COM Alumnus which is just okay. We also now have the winners of PALAD Creative Writing Workshop, disappointing since we don't have winners for the short story and essay categories this year since the average scores of the entries were so low [it did not even reach 75%] so we decided not to have a winner for the said categories. The judges were: yours truly, Grace [literary editor], Ate Heidi [former Literary editor who now works with Cavite Studies Center and Sir Mok [Palad Adviser and EIC of HF in the early 90s who now works for the Institutional Communications Office of DLSU-D]. Ang pangit naman mag-award for the sake na may manalo lang even if the work is not really that good.

Two days ago

HF4 finally finished. Yes, the 4th issue is embarrassingly late. Because of that HF5 will now be released on April in time for summer classes and to address the students who don't have summer classes, we will circulate hf5 copies on the enrollment sched for 1st semester on May.
I actually have something to pitch to the incoming EB to solve this problem [delayed release]. It is just sad that I did not realize this earlier on, it could have help my term prevent this problem.

Three days ago

Spent all day the HF office doing a lot of stuff. Stressful indeed. Anyway, its the home stretch anyway. Bumigay na yung pinto ng locker ko. Well, the HF lockers are really old already, since 1990s pa.
I also helped out some of my editors on their thesis [chapters 1 to 3] through advices and tips. Feeling expert? I really feel proud of our thesis, yes it was simple but nevertheless it was praised during the defense and the criticism I've gotten was sort of a complement as well since they said I conducted a study who is beneath my capacity. Well, I said to myself if I will pursue my plans in the future to have an MA, I will do a better thesis. Anyway, I believe our thesis got the highest grade in my block (3.25). I'm so proud!

Four days ago

We were required to attend this job fair in school but it was a bit useless since there were no companies present in the fair that is suited for our field. Well, I don't count call centers as an area suited for us. I have nothing against call centers. The call center industry really helped provide employment to a lot of Filipinos. For me its okay if you will be a call center agent for the meantime due to financial reasons but don't ever consider that field to be something for the long term.

Five days ago

I claimed my toga today. I was tempted to wear it and look at the mirror to see how I will look but I resisted the urge thinking baka mausog haha.

Twenty Tunes 3

CURRENT FAVORITE SONGS:

1. Akala Mo Lang-Zelle
2. Whatever It Takes-Lifehouse
3.Under Repair-Imago
4. Procrastinator-Sandwich
5. Evidence-Urban Dub
6. Bleeding Love-Leona Lewis
7. No Air-Jordin Sparks feat Chris Brown
8. Love Song-Sarah Bareilles
9. Pasubali-Spongecola
10. Cat and Mouse-Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
11. Love Like This-Natasha Bedingfield feat Sean Kingston
12. See You Again-Miley Cyrus
13. Shadow of the Day-Linkin Park
14. With You-Chris Brown
15. Boys Do Fallin Love-Parokya ni Edgar
16. Nine in the Afternoon-Panic! at the Disco
17. Low-Flo Rida feat T-Pain
18. Wont Go Home Without You-Maroon Five
19. Feedback-Janet Jackson
20. Monobloc-Pupil

****
Twenty Tunes 2

Twenty Tunes 1

March

I've been talking about graduation since my senior year started and now that I am days away to the culmination, I just could not explain the feeling I have right now. But definitely this feeling is so overwhelming.
I'm sure I will graduate. No more worries about that. I have to admit that how I wished I will graduate with honors,but then what I learned about college that is not just all about grades. It's the experience. It really is. But I wont deny it would have been great if I achieved that. But I'm satisfied that I survived and gained a lot [not just weight ha!ha!]. Some say that they love high school more than college but not for me. I love college! I will never forget this chapter of my life.

***

This is the first week of no more regular classes. So this week I spent my time at Heraldo Filipino, doing work but savoring each moment by chatting with my editors and staffers. Reminiscing with my batch mates. Seriously, I think I'll cry during our year end workshop. When the time has come that I will clean out my locker, what would I feel?
I'm a sentimental guy and I'm not ashamed of it [defensive? haha]
You know what, last the general staff meeting we had yesterday after the regular HF matters were announced and discussed, I started sharing to my staff the things I've realized and learned during my stay at HF and as a college student as well, the obstacles you will face and how you will grow over the years. It was an unplanned talk actually. Unconsciously, I was sort of having a farewell speech already. We still have two regular general staff meetings left and I could just imagine how I will act on my last general staff meeting ever. Ack! It kinda sucks to be a senti guy sometimes.

***
Other stuff that happened this week:

• Halalan, HF's Student Elections newsletter released
• Exit Interview and Graduation Guidelines discussion with Associate Dean
• My last time to vote on the Student Council Elections
• Got my grad pics already
  
• Supported Bebeth, my classmate who joined Fashion Eclipse [formerly called Fashion Exposure]. I watched it with Patricia, our former classmate during our freshmen year and who represented us in the Fashion Exposure of that year and won. She stopped attending school in our sophomore year when she got pregnant and returned to school last semester. We had a nice talk and motherhood really changed her and I have to say she is an inspiring person.
• Grades released and I'm happy with the results
• Did the most exciting part of thesis writing: Acknowledgment
  

***
Ate Babes, DLSU-D's traffic enforcer was hit by a jeepney. She is in the hospital right now and I'm really praying she will recover soon. She is a sweetheart. Everytime you will see her you will really feel blissful because of her genuine and warmth smile. It was said before that a student who was on the verge of suicide was stopped because s/he felt inspired when s/he saw ate Babes smiling wholeheartedly despite the strenuous atmosphere she was in.
And if you have seen her personally you will understand why.

Get well soon Ate Babes, DLSU-D needs you.

Two Hundred

I miss having my OJT at Journal Group of Publications. I miss proofreading. I miss the office.
I'll drop by hopefully next week to give tokens of appreciation.
***
March is just a few days away and with the regular classes over I am feeling the "end" more. Some of my friends and classmates are already asking where I would like to work. I could not answer them straight because I do not know yet. I just sa "isipin ko na lang pag ka graduate na" . Technically, I will still be at school around May because my term as EIC will end on that month though I will no longer have to do a lot of stuff by that time since the incoming Editorial Board will take over.
***
Speaking of HF, we are late once more :( It is just hard since my staffers and editors were all busy with their academics. Sigh. Anyways, one good thing though the student elections newsletter will be on time.
The EB applications started already. I already invited the panelists for the panel interview and currently preparing the EB exams. Shucks, sometimes it really felt that my EIC stint flew fast.
Memorable year of my life
***
Last Saturday was our Advertising Management presentation and we placed second. Not bad and I'm satisfied. Congrats to my team, the Viewpoint and to the winners: Izdihar's group 24/7. I'm really happy they won since they were the underdog and that group went to some trouble especially their leader Izdihar who earlier in that day was on the verge of a breakdown because of unexpected problems they faced. Who have thought that in the end they will win? Izdihar later texted me that she felt that their team did not deserve to win and I said to her don't think that way since they won fair and square and she should not feel guilty at all since they did not cheat or what. Do not let anything spoil your achievement.

Anyway, the subject of our advertising campaign proposal is a new light beer in the market. Our product is branded as Chill Lite.

Our Products: from right to left, Cool Drive (1st place), LiQ (5th place), Chill Lite (2nd place), Pivo (4th place), Swabeer (6th place) and Buzz (3rd place).

My Team: The Viewpoint

For more pictures click here

***
I'm excited to meet this fellow known as real world, sana hindi siya suplado.

***

This is my 200th blog entry =)

Yeah, it's near

Our last meeting with Sir RS was very memorable, right classmates? It's an experience I will never forget. It would have been the perfect subject to end our regular class days. But nah, we will end with the presentation on tomorrow's Advertising Management class. It was an amusing scenario earlier where half of the class were online at YM, doing (cramming?) for the final requirements due the next day. Well this is the last time we would cram for school work. The feeling is starting to sink in. It is bittersweet

Three!

Ack!

How could I forgot? It's a bit late but as the cliche goes"better late than never", last February 3 this blog celebrated its third birthday!
Pretty amazing that this blog have gone this far. It just started as "wala lang". I used to blog at the library [the ERS for DLSU-D students/alumni] and now I do it more frequent because I now have Internet access at home. This blog has witnessed a lot events in my life haha.
Thank you to all visitors from classmates,to org-mates, to acquaintances, to online buddies and lurkers.

Let me share to you my very first post:

Dreams,frustrations,inhibitions,decisions........

My dream is to become a journalist that's why I took up Broadcast Journalism. But I'm afraid I lack the qualities to be one. First of all I never had any experience. Even highschool journalism, I never experienced. Well my high school did not have a school paper anyway. Why? I really don't know why our school administration did not want to have one. It really frustrates me whenever I think of all the things I missed out. I could have learn the basics IF I had the chance to be a campus scribe. For a while I thought of not taking this course because I'm so scared that I could not do it. But my long time aspiration prevailed so I decided to pursue it anyway. Then comes another dilemma, the school I want to enroll does not offer JOURNALISM ONLY instead a double major BROADCAST JOURNALISM. The "inhibition cell" of my brain worked again? I'm not good in speaking, I stutter and talk fast. Plus I'm a shy person. And lastly I'm not good looking; definitely not a TV type person. But I don't want to go to other schools that offer journalism only because they are far from home. So in the end I enrolled for the broadcast journalism program. I said to myself " Well there is still journalism and I could learn".

Well I'm still here already near the end of my first year and I must say I'm doing okay. But my subjects are still the minor ones, we will having major subjects by next sem. I'm looking forward for it, I know it will be hard but I do hope I could do it.

***

Oh my. I feel so nostalgic. I wrote this one as a frustrated freshman now I'm near the end! And well who would have thought in 3 years time, my dream will be a reality, well at least in the field of campus journalism.

I love blogging! With my blog looking back is so much fun to do.

Chart Geek Moment

Well, as I've mentioned before I'm a CHART GEEK. I love music charts/countdowns whether local or international. And last Friday, I was surprised when my e-mail was chosen in the CHART BEAT CHART portion of Billboard.com. It was my first time to e-mail Fred Bronson [the "Ernie Baron" of Billboard charts] and I did not expect my e-mail to be chosden. Here is the link

If you are too lazy to click the link, here it is:

Fred,

I'm curious if there has ever been an instance when there were songs occupying the same position. I'm not talking about two-sided singles, but two separate songs that were tied for the same position. Is it even possible?

Regards,

Jecoup Asombrado
Cavite, The Philippines

Dear Jecoup,

Under current chart policies, there are tiebreakers in place and those rules have been sufficiently explicit to eliminate all ties. In general, ties are broken by awarding the title with the greatest increase over the previous week the higher position. If neither title has an increase (in sales and/or airplay, depending on the chart), then the title that has the smallest decrease is listed in the higher position.

You did ask if there has ever been a case where two songs occupied the same position, and if we're talking about the Hot 100, the answer is yes. On the chart dated March 7, 1960, "I Was Such a Fool" by the Flamingos fell from 74-100 and "Down by the Riverside" by Les Compagnons de la Chanson debuted at No. 100. The people who compiled the Hot 100 in 1960 are either no longer with Billboard or no longer with us on Earth, so it's not possible to ask them why this tie occurred.

Prior to the introduction of the Hot 100 in August 1958, ties on charts such as Best Sellers in Stores, Most Played by Jockeys and Most Played in Juke Boxes were commonplace. If two songs were tied at No. 11, there would be no song No. 12. The next song on the chart would be No. 13.

My e-mail was short but his answer was very comprehensive. With my "exposure" on the Billboard.com website it just raised up the ante on my chart geekiness ha!ha!

Anyway when you google my name that webpage will now show up!

Twenty Tunes 2

CURRENT FAVORITE SONGS:
1.Cat and Mouse-Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
2.Shadow of the Day-Linkin Park
3.Whatever It Takes-Lifehouse
4.Procrastinator-Sandwich
5.Love Like This-Natasha Bedingfield feat. Sean Kingston
6. Low-Flo Rida feat. T-Pain
7. With You-Chris Brown
8. I Dont Want You To Go-Kyla
9. Love Song-Sarah Bareilles
10. Don't Stop The Music-Rihanna
11. Wont Go Home Without You-Maroon Five
12. Guillotine-Urbandub
13. No Air-Jordin Sparks feat Chris Brown
14. Pasubali-Spongecola
15. Cruschcrushcrush-Paramore
16. Simula-Mojofly
17. Nangangawit-Sugarfree
18. Evidence-Urban Dub
19. Bleeding Love-Leona Lewis
20.One Word-Elliott Yamin
***
Previous Twenty Tunes

It's Over

OJT Day 33 [February 4]

My unexpected last day at OJT, yes I'm already done with OJT at Journal Group of Publications. Technically, I still have 30 hours left but when I inquired to Sir Mike, the published articles I had last December will make up for the remaining hours. It's over. Ang bilis.

I was supposed to submit my my attendance sheet and evaluation form from school today [Feb.5] but due to an emergency academic stuff I need to do, I was not able to come today. I will just submit it tomorrow and pick up the certificate and evaluation form on Monday [February 11]. I still have two days to have a formal goodbye to the people I've met in Journal.

Well, on my last OJT day I saw Sitti! She is gorgeous and friendly because she was the first one who smiled at us, I will not even notice her if she did not gaze towards us. I proofread the associate editor's column which for me was very interesting since he told what will happen on the session on the Congress that night, and he was right. His column is aptly titled "JOE 'DI NA SYA".

Oh well I will miss my OJT, I learned a lot stuff and mostly not about Journalism but life's lessons I will cherish and gave me a taste of the "real world".

side note:

Incidentally, People's Journal's headline today is also It's Over

35 hours left

OJT Day 30 [January 28]

30 days. Wow, I could not believe how fast my OJT went. I'm now in the homestretch. Well, Mam Vilma commented to me that she though I was already finished with my OJT since I was absent last Wednesday. Hehe. Well, if my duty was 8 hours I've finish by now but then my duty is only for 5 hours a day only [sometimes 6 hours]. Anyways, I'm not complaining since I'm enjoying my stay here anyway.
Anyway, another day when food flooded in the office coming from advertisers. I could not refuse since as Kuya Buddy said "Dito bawal tumangi, ito na lang yung bonus namin dito kasi wala kaming pera haha". Such a strong statement from him that really got me.

OJT Day 31 [January 29]

It's a Tuesday and my co-interns are back. They are okay now, well some. There is one who still gets to my nerves, the way she bosses her classmates irritates me. But it is none of my business.
Anyways, I had a nice chat with Mam Vilma, we talked about her ex husband. It was a very interesting story and I feel happy that she opened that to me. I will definitely miss Mam Vilma when I end my OJT

OJT Day 32 [January 30]

I asked if I could seat on Ate Beth's cubicle since it was her day off plus we are already congested in the interns table, thank God they allowed me too. Yes, I will admit it was also a way for me to escape my co interns. Yeah I'm bad. But to my defense, I still do my best to help them if they ask me. I still have them use my highlighter [but not my pen anymore no, sa dami nila ni isa sa kanila walang ballpen? Come on].
Anyways, because I was separated from them I had more jobs to do since I no longer have to give way to them. Selfish? Maybe. But I do not want to be bored to death just watching them proofread while I do nothing for hours.
They stayed a little longer and for the first time I was the first one to go home.
I tallied my hours and I'm just 35 hours away until I leave Journal group. Sad.

Rewind

OJT Day 27 [January 20]

A slow Sunday. Large gaps in between proofreading. It was unusual that there were very people in the office that day. Mam Vilma and Sir Roel, the proofreaders that I usually talk with,were absent.The other interns were all absent. So it was quiet. Uncomfortable silence. Left the office a bit earlier than usual. I just felt bored and the my energy level were at its lowest that day.

OJT Day 28 [January 21]

If the previous day was boring, this day is different. Did a lot of work today, and the other interns are absent because they have classes. I have to admit that I'm more comfortable without them around. But tomorrow they will be back.

OJT Day 29 [January 22]

The other interns are back. So for the first three hours of my OJT I did nothing but "supervise" them. I was a bit annoyed today since I lend my two pens and highlighter for them to use but I heard no "thank you" at all. Hindi sa nanunumbat but I believe it is just polite right to do that lalo na't they even used my highlighter and pens for some non work-related stuff[for word search problems, lettering names on their school handout]. Sorry for ranting, but I just felt they were insensitive. Also, at one time I asked someone where is the cap of my highlighter --no reaction-! They are still noisy. But there is one who is polite and he really shows the proper behavior. When they left, it was really a sigh of relief for me.

January 23

Absent for OJT. Went to school for HF stuff. The start of Lasallian Festival [previously called as Lasallian Days]. But I did not feel it because I was busy and my mind was pre occupied with another dilemma. Haaayyyy.

January 24

Lasallian Festival Day 2 but still not active. Went on to take care of HF stuff then met BOUNCE magazine editors [ate Upper and ate Jen] who visited DLSU-D that day, we discussed some stuff.
We had a class later that afternoon for Cross Cultural Communication under sir Ramirez but we just had film viewing. We watched "NOT WITHOUT MY DAUGHTER". Nakaka-stress na pelikula but very insightful.

January 25

No classes on Ethics today so went to school around 1pm in time for the HF staff meeting 1:30pm. Ate Lhen, EIC last year and my mentor, visited the office and I even invited her to talk the staff meeting. It felt good seeing her.
The meeting went fine. Announced adjustments on the HF 4 release, we did not meet our original plan. My editors and staff were all swamped with academic requirements. Also announced the promoted staffers. Five were promoted to Junior staff status. and one for Senior Staff status. I also had a meeting with the CJA delegates and the News section. The News section is under a challenging period because my news editor,Pat, filed for Leave of Absence due to health reasons. So for now I'm the one monitoring her staff.

Today was also Gary V's concert in DLSU-D. I wanted to come but I have to go home early because I have to meet the deadline for this online writing gig I have. Well, sacrifices.

January 26

The results of the Prelim Exams of my Advertising Management class were released. I got a higher than expected grade, that's good since half of the class got low scores. Our final requirement was also discussed. We will bid for an advertising account. It will be challenging since we have limited time to work that on [the finals period for the graduating students is so short]. But I believe we [my group, The Viewpoint] could pull this off.
We had a fast paced class on Broadcast Management because our department required us to watch a play later that afternoon at SM Bacoor.
The play is best for grade school kids but I was entertained nevertheless since the actors were really good and the script is witty.

January 27

I was supposed to report for OJT but I opted not too since everyone in the family went out. Bantay Bahay muna ako. Plus, it was an opportunity for a rest after another jam packed week.

Congratulations!

I'm so proud to announce that DLSU-D bagged seven medals in the 19th Campus Journalism Awards held at DLSU-Manila today. We grabbed four golds, one silver and two bronzes. Six from Heraldo Filipino and the other one from Viccissitude, DLSU-D's yearbook. Here are the winners:

Andrew Tadalan (HF)- 1st place, Photojournalism
Julianne Maverick Juan (HF)-1st place, News Reporting
Luis Olitoquit (HF)- 1st place, Sports Writing
Rizza Mendoza (HF)- 1st place, News Writing
Regilin Hernandez (HF)- 2nd place, News Writing
Jinky Pascua (Viccissitude)- 3rd place, News Writing
Vicbert Maceda (HF)- 3rd place, Editorial Cartooning

Congratulations!

I'm so proud to all of you especially that most of the winners are in their first year with HF. And to my classmate Jinky, astig ka talaga! "Shocking!" hehe I'm proud of you too!
Kudos to all DLSU-D participants as well I know you all did your best and I hope you enjoyed and learned a lot from the experience.
Thanks to the organizers,DLSU-M's Green and White, for the invitation and accomodation.

Five Numbers

Time flies so fast.

29
-days that I spend with Journal Group of Publications for OJT
50
- the remaining hours for my OJT
4
-days to go before Midterm Exams
23
-days to go before Final Exams
7
-weeks to go before the HF Team 23 Editorial Board exams

Twenty Tunes

Current Favorite Songs [In Order]:

1. Whatever It Takes-Lifehouse
2. Cat and Mouse-Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
3. With You-Chris Brown
4. Love Song-Sara Bareilles
5. Guillotine-Urban Dub
6. Crush,Crush,Crush-Paramore
7. Wont Go Home Without You-Maroon Five
8. One Word-Elliott Yamin
9. Happy Birthday-The Click Five
10. Simula-Mojofly
11. Saan Na Nga Bang Barkada Ngayon-Spongecola
12. Hero/Heroine-Boys Like Girls
13. Your Guardian Angel-Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
14. Nangangawit-Sugarfree
15. Don't Stop The Music-Rihanna
16. Shadow of The Day-Linkin Park
17. Tatoo-Jordin Sparks
18. Home-Westlife
19. What About Love-Lala
20. Heto Na-Concrete Sam

Buy Bounce

Please check out the newest magazine in town BOUNCE. This magazine is one of its kind in the Philippines as it is the only college culture oriented magazine in the market right now. This magazine is not just about fashion or campus crushes. It is about college life as a whole.

Anyways, the managing editor of this magazine is my former chief photographer at Heraldo Filipino, Ate Upper Viceo. I actually contributed a short article in this issue [page 24, haha! but it is just a news feature about the seminars HF conducted] so as my associate editor, Hanna [environment] , chief photographer Sherwin and features staffer Paul [interview with DLSU-D alumnus and Cinemalaya best director Jeck Cogama].

Other notable topics are fraternities, cyber education and interviews with Iya Villania,Matteo Guidicelli, and Mike Enriquez.

BOUNCE also invites students to submit their works [articles,photos and artworks] and be part of their team, for more info e mail bounce@octobereighty.com or better yet buy the mag [for only 90 pesos] for full details. Visit them at http://bouncemag.multiply.com

What JECOUP Means

Well, I jumped the bandwagon seeing this item being blog by a lot of blogger friends. I tried it and IT REALLY REFLECTED how I see myself. Freaky but very insightful,it makes you reassess yourself. I posted this on my Friendster account too. Here it is:

What Jecoup Means

You are fair, honest, and logical. You are a natural leader, and people respect you. You never give up, and you will succeed... even if it takes you a hundred tries. You are rational enough to see every part of a problem. You are great at giving other people advice. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily. You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind. A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable. You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life. You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you. At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself. You are a very lucky person. Things just always seem to go your way. And because you're so lucky, you don't really have a lot of worries. You just hope for the best in life. You're sometimes a little guilty of being greedy. Spread your luck around a little to people who need it. You are influential and persuasive. You tend to have a lot of power over people. Generally, you use your powers for good. You excel at solving other people's problems. Occasionally, you do get a little selfish and persuade people to do things that are only in your interest.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Changes

I changed my featured song from Love Song by Sara Bareilles to Whatever It Takes by Lifehouse today. I love this song. I have been a fan of Lifehouse since their breakout hit Hanging By A Moment almost 7 years ago [tagal na pala!]. If you will ask me what are my top 10 favorite songs of all time, 5 out of 10 will be songs by Lifehouse. I plan to buy their CD, I will just save money. I have their first two albums on cassette. COLLECTOR'S ITEMS, since cassette tapes are phased out already [excluding blank tapes of course]. I kinda feel sad about that. I promise myself that if I ever have the extra money I will buy CDs. The sales of CDs are down because of the Internet, and well this is my way to support people in the recording industry and the employees of the record bars [naks!]. I started last Christmas I bought myself albums of Sugarfree, Elliott Yamin and the Best of Almost Kinda Acoustic. Well I had the money to buy those [I did not buy all of them at the same time btw] because of the Christmas Bonus of my siblings.
So I must find a good job in the future to support my "luxuries": books,magazines and CDs.

Check out the Whatever It Takes' music video [don't say MTV!] here

Six

OJT Day 26 [January 16]

Well, it was a very challenging day "handling" my new co-interns. Today, they were complete, all six of them were stationed at the proofreaders section. Their personalities are various and they are chatty. I like some of them, some just okay. And one staff sort of scolded to us and said "INTERNS LOWER YOUR VOICES!". Well. I do not want to brag but we [me and my classmates] never experienced that. But I guess they already learned their lessons. I believe I was helpful because I assisted them in all their questions. They left again around 4pm. And some staff told some comments about them, I defended them with my very best. They are new and they will learn I believe.

Old and New

OJT Day 24 [January 14]

I'm back at Journal! Feels good to be back after 4 days of absence. It was the usual work load but I'm used to it anyway. Mam Vangie, the one who was bitten by the dog, is still absent. But she is okay according to his husband Sir Ernie, the chief photographer. Before I reported for duty I notice there was a commotion at Gallardo Street,where Journal's office is near. It turns out that a portion of the old PAL [Philippine Airlines] building collapsed. It caused a slight panic among the nearby offices including Journal. According to the employees it felt like an earthquake. The building was scheduled to be demolished but it was postponed because of the incident.

***

A realization: One thing good about my OJT as a proofreader is that I read a lot [proofreader nga eh duh haha] and it is beneficial for me since I am now well informed on national news plus sports and showbiz [haha]. I realized it was when I watched the news and a lot of the news there I already know. After all,I read tomorrow's news today.

OJT Day 25 [January 15]

I was listening to the FM radio on my phone as I wait for pages to proofread when someone tapped me in the back and it was Sir Mike [The HR] with a couple of people with him and he began saying "Well this is Jec, he is your senior OJT, he is a fast learner and I will leave you to him" WHAT THE! Okay, I felt flattered being praised for me being a quick learner but I was surprised when he said to me to "take care" of the people he was with, which were the new interns from University of Rizal, FIVE NEW INTERNS!
Later on I found out that they are actually six but the other one was assigned to the advertising department then a few minutes after the other two joined their classmate in that department, so three were left for me "to take care of". Oh well, I told them some stuff I know about Journal and some basic stuff for proofreading [feeling empleyado hehe]. They are nice naman, we had conversations about our respective schools but later on someone complained a bit how she was bored. Well, I know the feeling since there are times that there are large gaps that you don't have anything to proofread yet... it is really boring. But the way she said was kinda bratty for me. They left early around 4pm. Sir Roel told me that they were noisy and asked me to tell them next time to tone down their voices when talking.
It looks like I have a new task. But I'm glad for the trust and confidence they have on me.

Closer

I talked with my "favorite" editor haha just a few minutes ago. It was an emotional talk caused by the stress of the problem we have. But what's good, we were able to settle some things. I was able to comfort her in this challenging times and understand some of the things she is going. It was good that she informed me of her concerns. Also she helped me to lessen my worries, well she aimed to put an end to my worries, but knowing me I could not really be 100% confident but still she was able to help since I'm no longer that paranoid about this crisis. Well, I feel better now.

***

I may or may not report for OJT. It depends on the weather. It was raining cats and dogs today.

***

It was funny in class earlier when I answered our professor's query when our last meeting will be and I said Feb.16. I could see in my classmates' faces that it already started sinking in that we are close to the end. I even made a boo-boo when I stressed that fact even more "Oo sa 16 na last meeting, kasi sa feb 18, graduation na..........este finals". Everybody laughed, excited daw ako.
Well, I really am.
But sad as well.
But will dwell on that topic on future posts, it is premature as of now to talk about it.

Officially Alone and More Flashbacks

OJT Day 21 [January 7]

Today, Sir Mike [The HR] approached me and asked if my classmates would like to be transferred to another company connected with Journal which is MediaCom, and he said there will be an allowance. I texted them and they agreed. When I told it to Sir Mike he gave me the contact details of the company and instructed me that they [classmates] should contact them immediately. And that's the official start of me being the lone intern at Journal as my classmates were asked to report at MediaCom the next day. Mam Vilma said "Paano yan, mag isa ka na lang", I said to her that I'm used to being alone anyway since they are absent usually. She laughed.
Sir Mike told me too if I'm interested to join my classmates there but I declined. I'm happy with Journal already.

OJT Day 22 [January 8]

I had a nice chat with Mam Vilma today, she is really nice and friendly. She is young at heart that is why I enjoy talking with her. We talked about her kids, her failed marriage, how she wants to retire already but can't [she has been with Journal for 28 years], my family, Jennylyn Mercado's pregnancy, Mariel's behavior at PBB, and a bit of Journal's history [Gus Abelgus used to work there!]. Well, we talked a lot of topics because we had slow start at work since the production of the three papers were delayed.
But when pages started pouring in we were so busy since two proofreaders were absent and once again I feel useful hehe. Plus, they really trust my proofreading skills since there are no more 2nd reading after I've proofread a page. I felt like a real employee.
Anyways, I discovered another interesting stuff at Journal. I'm amazed at the Sports section of Journal, they work so fast. I observed this in the "Racing Holiday" issue wherein a writer interviewed a key person through phone and wrote immediately. It was fast yet they still manage to write a substantial article.

OJT Day 23 [January 9]

A senior writer celebrated his birthday and celebrated it by treating the whole office. Thank You Sir [stupid me, I forgot his name]. A sad story though, Mam Vangie was bitten by a dog earlier so she could not report for work, I hope she will be fine soon. Another discovery, I found she is married to the Journal's chief photographer. I discovered it when he hurriedly left the office after finding out what happened to Mam Vangie. They met and fell in love at Journal, sweet.
It was a stressful day because of a problem in school and Mam Vilma commented that she saw in my face how stressed I was. I felt guilty because it took me a little longer proofreading because I would pause time to time to text people in school. I was not reprimanded though but still, I will never do that again.
When I left the office I told them that classes would resume the next day. Sir Roel said to me that they have gotten used to seeing me frequently already.

I'm excited to report,more than ever, again on Sunday. I need a new atmosphere, something to divert my attention from school stress.

Test

We had our Preliminary exams in our Media Ethics class under Sir RS [Dr.Ricardo Santiago]. And it was unforgettable. There were three questions, done by group and open notes. Weird isn't it? But the exam was not the usual academic exam, it was a PHILOSOPHICAL TEST. Yes, the exam was very enlightening and inspiring. I want to elaborate it but I don't know how to start. It was just a different experience.The Best exam I ever had.

***

I still feel uneasy. I shared my pent up emotions to some friends today, it was something that come off naturally and I even got teary eyed. I'm ashame I'm feeling this way.

Crisis

The problem now I am facing has a hope of being solved. It was not directly my fault, but I should have known better. I was afraid...afraid of not pleasing people. And that is my biggest mistake. I should have trusted my instinct. I'm praying hard this problem will be solved. I will never be at peace if this problem is still bothering me. But the good things about this crisis is that I am learning, 'yun nga lang the hard and painful way. If only I could turn back time and acted according to my instinct then this would not happen. I feel so guilty. Ang bigat sa loob. But I have to be tough. I accept my mistakes and I hope things will turn out fine in the end. I really hope.

Christian Bautista

Because now I know what he felt when he forgot the lyrics when he sang the Philippine National Anthem.

Waiting

Classes started already in DLSU-D but I will my have classes on Thursday pa, so I'm still at my OJT. I am bad. I feel so lazy to go to school. This is the effect of my OJT, I enjoyed my OJT so much that thinking of school felt bad haha. Come Thursday, stress ,tensions, challenges,pressures from both acads and HF will welcome me. So I better get ready.

Lord, please guide me.

OJT shorts

OJT Day 17 [January 2]

First OJT for the year. And a lot of the proofreaders [and my co-interns as well] were absent. So I worked double time and I felt like a real employee. Great feeling.

OJT Day 18 [January 3]

Well another day of where more than half of the proofreaders were absent so I was really useful and busy. No dull moments. The receptionist joked that I was "the hero" for the day haha. Yes, kinilig ako sa comment na 'yun haha.
I realized that I like proofreading Filipino more than English. It is challenging. I even bought Vicassan's Pilipino-English dictionary today to aid me.Grace, HF's Literary editor, recommended me that dictionary because it is really helpful and she is right. A good reference indeed because it does not just translate the meanings of a Filipino word but its part of speech,variants and with sample phrases and sentences to make clear of their uses.

OJT Day 19 [January 4]

Back to normal as the proofreaders are back [from an extended vacation?]. So we went to normal work load and my classmate Christian showed up [my other classmate Ghie is sick]. Well I'm kinda getting used being alone but it was nice to have a classmate there with you especially during the idle times when there is no page to be proofread. During one of our conversations we realize how soon graduation is. Oh well.
Oh and one senior Sports writer chatted with us about writing, he shared to us that he was business management graduate but it did not stop him from pursuing his passion for sports writing. Reminded me of Kuya Jonas, our senior sports writer at HF who is also a Business Management student but is so good in sports writing [he won 3rd place in the PBA sports writing contest two years ago]. It was nice of him to have a chat with us since it was the first time we talked to a Journal staff aside from the proofreaders, the receptionist, the resident go-to guy Kuya Buddy and EIC Sir Gus.

January 5

Absent because of a lame reason. Nagsisi din ako sana nag-OJT na lang din ako.


OJT Day 20 [January 6]

Ghie is present and she came early but Christian is absent. All proofreaders were there [except for the one who had a day off] so usual work load. But it was an entertaining day because they were all talking about PBB Big Night hehe.
Well, I added my duty hours today and I accumulated 103 hours already! 97 hours to go. But I will also have some "bonus hours" because of the published articles I had last month. So in my computation, I will be finish by second week of February. Geezz, time flies.

The Late Yearender Post

It has been almost a week since 2007 so I should have done this earlier but I got lazy lol. Anyways, here are the significant events that happened in my life in 2007:

1. My maternal grandmother died.
-She died three days before my birthday. The saddest birthday I ever had. It was a sudden and shocking death. I have many regrets because I have not seen her for six years. I still get teary eyed everytime I think of her especially at night when I could not sleep. Three days ago, four months after her death, my mother dreamed about her, they were hugging each other and she was smiling is. It was the first time since she died that my mother had a dream about her. With that dream, I felt happy because she is at peace up there.

2. Editorship
-The biggest achievement I ever had was being chosen as the Editor-in-chief of Heraldo Filipino Team 22. I never though it would happen, that it is possible. I failed the first time when I applied to become a news editor or office and circulations manager. I was confident that I will be an editor for Team 22 but I knew being EIC was a long shot, but it happened. A dream come true. But it was not easy, especially the fact that I jumped from Senior Staff status to EIC. I face a lot of problems during my first two months [the summer of 2007], some problems were inherited. But I survived and learned so much. My term is now on its last stretch. I know I will still face a lot of challenges but I know I could handle it.

3. Thesis
- I have heard a lot about how tough thesis is ever since I was a freshman and when I was already there it was true. It will test your patience and commitment. Me and my partner Jasmin survived and it made us better persons. We learned a lot life's lessons during the whole thesis writing process. I'm proud of our study. And getting raves during our defense felt like heaven. I never expected it because of the simple nature of our study compared to our classmates who had more challenging topics. But what I learned that it is not just how "deep" your study is, you have to love your study. It may be simple but as long as you know what you want to find out and what's the purpose of it, your study will deliver.

4. On-the-job training at Journal Group of Publications
- My goal on having my internship on print came true. I am enjoying my stay here and learning stuff not just about journalism per se but about people and the environment. And for me that is great wisdom.
And I had the chance to have my work published by a national paper because on December 20, two articles I wrote were published at People's Journal. I was very overwhelmed and consider this a big achievement in my life.

Stuff I need to do

• Study, especially Media Ethics[I love the professor but his pointers for review could be compared to the study load of a Law student]. We did not have preliminary exams on all of subjects last December because our professors moved it to this month. Bummer. Oh well, kunting tiis na lang.
• Schedule bidding for the HF mags and folios. Also set a schedule for deadlines, lay out and release. We were able to release HF3 on time last Month, we could do this. HF 4 schedule is already okay and I need to plan for the other publications.
  
• Read the newspapers everyday and start to have clippings. Thanks to my OJT as a proofreader I became updated with the news. And I will have news clippings, I believe this is a good activity to do and will be beneficial in the long run. I was inspired to do this because of one employee in Journal is doing this.
• Read. I bought a lot of books when I started my OJT, well blame it to the location of Journal's office which is near the Makati malls and my siblings who shared to me their Christmas bonuses. I bought Twisted 8 and Pinoy Elections: A Guide for the Dismayado both by Jessica Zafra, Tongues of Fire by Conrado De Quiros, Kiko Machine Volume 3 by Manix Abrera and two books of flash fictions [in Filipino and in English] . So far I finished two only [Pinoy Elections and KikoMachine] and 1/4 of Twisted 8. Plus I have not continue reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows which I bought late November [pinag ipunan ko yan ah haha], I was swamped with school stuff so reading it was put on hold. I thought I could start reading it again this Christmas break but then there was OJT. I'm sure I could not read it the succeeding months because I will be again busy with school and HF. So therefore I plan to read it on summer haha because reading Harry Potter needs my undivided attention. No spoilers please. Oh I also have not started reading Nicholas Sparks' A Bend in the Road which I bought in a second hand bookstore several weeks ago. Summer na rin siguro haha
• Speaking of books, I need to organize my books, magazines and HF publications.
• Go to the bank and deposit, this has been a monthly thing for me since I started banking in June 2006. I want to be like my parents, especially my mother, who is very good in handling our finances. I'm off to a good start.
  

Awaken

The latest episode of Probe on ABS CBN is very moving. The topic is about Victor, a batang lansangan whom Che Che Lazaro interviewed him in 1988. His interview back then left a great impact, like when he was asked what's the job of her mother, he replied "Puta nanay ko". The way he said it was so raw and so real. After 20 years, Probe located Victor to find out what happened to him. He is still poor. But what is good at least was that he did not really went astray, he is not in the prison after all despite the environment he grew up. I also like his smile, it did not change after all this years, it was a smile that shows a glimmer of hope. It was amazing how Probe was able to pull this story. Great episode but what's sad is that only a few people have seen this because of its very late time slot.
I hope Probe puts their episodes on DVD. I have always been a big fan of Probe shows especially 5 & Up, I wanted to become a 5 & Up kid back then. When the show was canceled I was really upset. Although Probe now has Kabataan News Network [joint effort with UNICEF] over at UniversiTV but unfortunately I have not watch an episode yet when the show was moved there. It was aired previously at ABC 5 [2 years but the last year in ABC 5 was full of replays. Also, during its stint in that station I won a KNN t-shirt when my e-mail was read on air] then they moved to ABS CBN [for a very short time only like two months before they canceled it]. I hope I could catch up but their time slot is not feasible for me since it is early evening [6:30pm] weeknights and these days during that time I'm outside because of OJT. I hope they could have a DVD too. And old 5 & Up episodes too. But that is a far fetch idea I know.
Anyways, speaking of TV shows on DVD, I was at Powerbooks yesterday and I saw the I Witness and Philippine Agenda DVDs and made a mental note to buy one the next time I visit the bookstore. They are a bit expensive but I am sure it is worth it.
I hope Probe will follow suit. Maybe I should e-mail them? Hmmmm...
I know this post is so random and anything goes, I was about to post something else but that Probe episode just left a big impact that it rekindled something inside me that was dormant the last few months. A good way to start the year I believe.

New Year, New Look

Today, I decided to "renovate" this blog. Well, last month I actually started renovating sort of by changing the template to Christmas theme. But of course I could only afford to have that theme for a short period only. I picked a new template that is simple. I changed the music [Home by Michael Bubble'] and added, finally, a CBOX. I also did some re arranging and renaming with my links and other features of this blog. Hope you like the new look.
I had my best month in blogging here last December where I had 17 entries. Sinipag ako. I hope to continue blogging continuously this year.

I realized that I did not have a personal year ender post since my December 31st post tackled OJT stories. Well, maybe I will write one this week although it is late already. 2007 was a very eventful year for me so I don't know how to start.

Oh well, Everyone Have a HAPPY 2008!

#1s

To start 2008, I will post the list of songs that topped the different yearend charts for 2007. Well, as I've said in my earlier post I'M A CHART GEEK since 1998. Every December 31 unlike most people who are outside firing up fire crackers, I stay indoors, glued to radio with a notebook in hand listing down the various yearend countdowns. This year was different because instead of a notebook, I used the PC to type in the charts in a thread I made at Pinoyexchange [for full lists of the charts visit this]. Anyways here are the chartoppers for 2007:

International:

United World Chart: Umbrella-Rihanna feat. Jay Z
Billboard Hot 100: Irreplaceable-Beyonce
UK Charts: Bleeding Love-Leona Lewis*
MTV Asia: Umbrella-Rihanna feat. Jay Z
MTV TRL: Girlfriend-Avril Lavigne

The Philippines:

MYX Hitchart: Magbalik-Calla Lily
MYX International Top 20: Jenny- The Click 5
RX 93.1: Makes Me Wonder-Maroon Five
Magic 89.9: Wait For You-Elliott Yamin
99.5 HiT FM: Teenagers-My Chemical Romance
103.5 Max FM: Umbrella-Rihanna feat. Jay Z
NU 107: Probinsyana-Bamboo
Wave 89.1: Because of You-Ne-yo
101.9 For Life: Don't Matter-Akon
102.7 Star FM: Beautiful Girls-Sean Kingston
97.1 Brgy. LS: Beautiful Girls-Sean Kingston
91.5 Energy FM: Beautiful Girls-Sean Kingston

* Leona Lewis is the winner of UK's X-Factor, a show similar to American Idol

Recap

OJT Day 14[December 27]: There was a shocking news at the Journal office that day, one of the guards of Universal-re building [where Journal's office is located] died the other night. He fainted in the building and was DOA in the hospital, what a sad news before the year ends.
We also had another nice chat with Mam Vilma, what a cool mom, I must say. She has been part of Journal since 1980. Wow. She told us that Sir Gus, the EIC,used to be a terror editor. It was surprising because Sir Gus today is very nice and approachable. I could not imagine how he was like during the early years of Journal.

OJT Day 15 [December 28]: My classmate Ghie was given an assignment to interview someone in Sta. Mesa. I actually encourage to accept the assignment because at first she was hesitant but I told her that it will be a great experience plus she needs the "extra points" because she lagging behind with the duty hours. I'm glad she enjoyed the assignment somehow although she said it was tiring. I helped her write the lead of her story, that is actually my forte writing leads hehe.
I hope next time, I will get a field assignment too, but I'm not rushing since I'm enjoying the proofreading. And I'm glad because the resident artist and one writer there commended for being so hardworking.They are actually amazed because I live in Cavite and is still very visible in the office. It was nice to see my efforts appreciated.
Anyways, the journey back home is frustrating because of the worst traffic I ever experienced. It took me four hours just to get home.

OJT Day 16 [December 30]: There were only two proofreaders who reported for work today so we had extra work today and I like it. I proofread like 6 pages continuously. And it felt good that the proofreaders showed confidence to us because previously after we proofread a page we will pass it to them for rechecking what we have done. Yesterday, for some pages, they told us to forward the page to the lay out artist already. Woohoo!

Well I will not have my OJT today, I'll be back next year[which is like a few hours from now haha]. Out of the 31 days of December, I was on duty for 16 days. This month is definitely a memorable one for me.

My TOP 10 TV shows for 2007

1. BROTHERS AND SISTERS
- One of the best ensemble in recent years. The story lines are engaging and you would really care for the characters.
2. PUSHING DAISIES
- This show is a breath of fresh air. Many criticized the show as being too sweet, but its "sweetness" is cutting edge, and the one factor that put this show above the rest. Plus the performances are good especially Chi McBride and Kristin Chenoweth, even the dog, DIgby, is charming.
3. LOST
- Lots of complaints had been thrown at LOST this year but the latter half of season 3 brought back why we loved LOST in the first place, the shocking season 3 finale will always be remembered as one the memorable season finales of all time.
4. GILMORE GIRLS
-The show lost its magic during the 6th and the first half of the 7th season. there were contrived stories and some "out-of-character" moments but the last few episodes of this show brought back its former glory and reminded us the "spunk" this show had. Although, it had a "rushed" series finale it was still able to wrap up the show nicely. Definintely a show that will be missed.
5. HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
- This show proved that the traditional sitcom is not dead. The characters are well played out and the chemistry between the actors is good. What's amazing about this show is how they tell the story for each episode, what show could pull off a "flashback-within-a-flashback-within-flashback" story than HIMYM?
6. SURVIVOR: CHINA
-The show went back to some basics and I like it. Every episode is exciting, thanks to one of the best set of castaways in recent memory, even the considered "boring" castaways brought something to the show before their exit.
7. THE AMAZING RACE ALL STARS
- I did not like who won this season but still I will not disregard the fact that this season was still an enjoyable ride. The Blondes and Charla & Mirna made this season a good watch for me. People complain how this show always win in the EMMYS but come on, this show is very difficult to produce and the producers never fail to deliver.
8. DIRTY, SEXY, MONEY
-An underrated new show. It all has the elements of a gripping primetime soap opera. The characters are interesting and the storyline is intriguing.
9. DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES
- If I base it from the latter half of season 3, this show will not make my top10 however the 4th season renewed my interest for the show.
So far the 4th season is going back to the roots of the 1st season, hopeful.y the show will sustain the momentum. I'm loving it, the addition of Dana Delany is a good move/
10. HEROES
- This is my hit-or-miss show of the year. The latter half of the 1st season rocked! Although I felt the season 1 finale was a bit underwelming. When season 2 started, it was boring but during the last few episodes this year, the show starts to kick @ss once more. If these show have not been so inconsistent this could rank higher on my list but still despite the flaws of the show it is undeniable how captivating this show is

My "Hot 100" for 2007

Here are my top 100 songs for 2007. I'm a chart geek since 1998, I monitor and record various music charts and have a notebook where I record Yearend charts since 2000. I have a personal weekly countdown too which also started in 2000. I'm not really a music expert and my taste in music is very mainstream pop as reflected with my top 100 songs for the year. Aside from preference another basis of this list is airplay here in the Philippines; so some of the songs in the chart are not really favorites but I consider popular to some degree this year:

1. MAKES ME WONDER- Maroon Five
2. WAIT FOR YOU-Eliott Yamin
3. MAGBALIK-Calla lily
4. YOUR GUARDIAN ANGEL-Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
5. UMBRELLA- Rihanna feat. Jay Z
6. BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY-Fergie
7. NAKAPAGTATAKA-Spongecola
8. WHAT TIME IS IT?-Cast of High School Musical
9. DON'T MATTER-Akon
10. LOVE WILL LEAD YOU BACK-Kyla
11. SUNDO-Imago
12. BEAUTIFUL GIRLS- Sean Kingston
13. TEENAGERS- My Chemical Romance
14. JENNY- The Click 5
15. GIRLFRIEND-Avril Lavigne
16. TULIRO- Spongecola
17. IRREPLACEABLE- Beyonce
18. 'WAG KA NANG UMIYAK-Sugarfree
19. APOLOGIZE-Timbaland feat. One Republic
20. THNKS FR TH MMRS- Fallout Boy
21. STOLEN-Dashboard Confessional
22. GIMME MORE- Britney Spears
23. BEAUTIFUL GIRLS [THE REPLY]-JoJo
24. HOME- Daughtry
25. CATCH ME I'M FALLIN- Toni Gonzaga
26. GOTTA GO MY OWN WAY-Nikki Gil
27. PAPAYA- Groovy Chick
28. LIPS OF AN ANGEL- Hinder
29. IKAW- Sarah Geronimo
30. THE WAY I ARE- Timbaland feat. Keri Hilson
31. SALAMAT-Yeng Constantino
32. THE SWEET ESCAPE- Gwen Stefani feat. Akon
33. IT'S NOT OVER-Daughtry
34. UPSIDE DOWN- Six Cycle Mind
35. IF WE FALL IN LOVE- Yeng Constantino and RJ Jimenez
36. JUST SO YOU KNOW-Jessie McCartney
37. IT ENDS TONIGHT-All American Rejects
38. WILL YOU EVER LEARN- Typecast
39. WAY BACK INTO LOVE-Hugh Grant and Halley Bennet
40. TATSULOK-Bamboo
41. SAY IT RIGHT- Nelly Furtado
42. I WANNA LOVE YOU-Akon feat. Snoop Dog
43. ONLY REMINDS ME OF YOU-MYMP
44. WHEN YOU'RE GONE-Avril Lavigne
45. FAMOUS LAST WORDS- My Chemical Romance
46. HATE THAT I LOVE YOU-Rihanna and Ne-yo
47. WHEN SHE CRIES-Restless Heart
48. DINAMAYAN-Six Cycle Mind
49. ONE LOOK-Kjwan
50. PASAN-Calla lily
51. PROBINSYANA- Bamboo
52. PRINSESA- Six Cycle Mind
53. LOVETEAM-Itchyworms
54. TIME IN- Yeng Constantino
55. OVER IT-Katherine Mcphee
56. GLAMOROUS-Fergie
57. KEEP HOLDING ON-Avril Lavigne
58. SEVEN BLACK ROSES-Chicosci
59. SAAN NA NGA BANG BARKADA-Spongecola
60. NO ONE- Alicia Keys
61. ALE-The Bloomfields
62. MISERY BUSINESS-Paramore
63. I'LL BE ALRIGHT- Sarah Geronimo
64. PILIT-Hilera
65. MOVIE-Spongecola
66. SIGNAL FIRE- Snow Patrol
67. SHOOTING STAR-Hale
68. BACK INTO YOU-Amber Davis
69. PAG IBIG NA KAYA-Christian Bautista and Rachelle Ann Go
70. THIS AIN'T A SCENE,IT'S AN ARM RACE-Fallout Boy
71. HERO/HEROINE- Boys Like Girls
72. SO FAR AWAY-Bamboo
73. HOLD ON-Shamrock
74. TADHANA- Moonstar 88
75. YOU ARE THE MUSIC IN ME-Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron
76. DEAR KUYA-Sugarfree
77. FIRST TIME-Lifehouse
78. IKAW LAMANG-Silent Sanctuary
79. WAKE UP CALL-Maroon Five
80. FALLING AWAY-Miguel Escueta
81. WHAT I'VE DONE-Linkin Park
82. WONT GO HOME WITHOUT YOU-Maroon Five
83. GIVE IT TO ME-Timbaland feat. Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake
84. THE TAKE OVER, THE BREAK'S OVER-Fallout Boy
85. CANDYMAN- Christina Aguilera
86. SUNBURN-Sandwich
87. WALA NANG IBA- The Bloomfields
88. HIDE AND SEEK-Hale
89. COOL OFF- Yeng Constantino
90. GUILLOTINE-Urban Dub
91. HEY THERE DELILAH- Plain White T's
92. TUYO NANG DAMDAMIN- Silent Sanctuary
93. I'M LIKE A LAWYER WITH THE WAY I'M ALWAYS TRYING TO GET YOU OFF (ME AND YOU) -Fallout Boy
94. I'LL STAND BY YOU-Carrie Underwood
95. SAMSON- Regina Spector
96. AMBISYOSO- Kamikazee
97. MOVIN ON-Elliot Yamin
98. NEVER LET HER SLIP AWAY-The Bloomfields
99. SALA-Pupil
100. HEADLINES-Spicegirls

1 vs. 100

OJT Day 13:

So I resumed OJT with Journal Group of Publications today. And I was very productive. For an hour I was the only one proofreading. My co-interns were absent and the first shift proofreaders were all on leave [the other proofreaders will come later pa]. I was alone. Na pressure ako haha. I was nervous to commit errors or miss out something. But fortunately I did fine. Well, I enjoyed it. I like being that busy.
Another first, maaga ako nakauwi, no heavy traffic!