Normal Day?

I guess so.

I tried.

Did well I guess.

I did have my anxiety attack every now and then. But I managed to have a "normal" day today.
Hope it continues.

***
I was busy today doing HF work. I have lots of backlogs due to my absence last week because I got sick. I'm quite happy since Just Play is now on the proofreading stage, LS special is almost finish so as Palad. Alipato is 40% done. The problem na lang is the special issue of HF broadsheet. Long way to go pa. I am aiming for all jobs done by this month so I could leave HF already hahaha. Kidding, I mean I want those burdens off my chest for me to enjoy my final moments in DLSU-D.
By the way, today is the start of the summer term. I miss summer classes. For three years I had summer classes because my course's curriculum really has the summer term. I did not complain though since I love summer classes, it is fast faced actually and I was not bored.
Also, there was a shooting in school today, ABS CBN as always. I saw Maja Salvador and Jon of PBB. DLSU-D is a favorite location of ABS CBN shows. Over the years I saw Bea Alonzo, John Lloyd Cruz, Zanjoe Marudo, Jason of PBB, Iya Villania, Kim Chui, Gerald Anderson among others. And of course when I was a freshman, Marian "Marimar" Rivera was a Psychology senior and she was sort of famous na rin back then since she starred in the Skin White commercial during that time. Who have thought a few afters she will be a star. I remember seeing her in the JFH hallway and she is really beautiful but she really have a "manly" voice hehe.
***
I saw some friends who claimed their diploma [the real one since the one given to us in the graduation rites was fake haha]. I kinda felt envious. A clearance is needed to claim the diploma . Well, I haven't started my clearance yet since I will still be in school pa naman until May. Plus, we haven't passed the thesis yet hahahaha. Procrastinating until the end haha. But me and Jas will work on it this week. The past weeks we decided to lie low . Not just us but the whole JOU41 block haha. I guess we were delaying it so we could have a reason to go back to school. Awwww *senti mode on*
****
Guilty pleasure: PBB Teen Edition Plus! Aliw! So far the show is entertaining but knowing PBB it will have its draggy moments like contrived twists and lousy tasks. But for now I'm enjoying the show.
Also because of waiting for PBB to start I sort of got hooked with Lobo as well. The show is not the typical Pinoy fantaserye, the story has depth and I must say Angel Locsin improved on the acting department, she is not a ham actress anymore.
And before you label me as "kapamilya", I will tell you I'm not. I'm not a "kapuso" either. I am "kabarkada" haha just jokin. Seriously, I actually hate the network war since because their competition is not healthy. Long time ago I posted a blog entry about that titled Boobtube Battle Boo Boos.
***
I'm excited to find work. Although I'm expecting it will be hard. But hey I'm ready.

Breathe

It has been almost a week since I became "like this". I decided that I could not sulk and whine all day. I'm not saying I'll fight this because I can't, I already tried and I'm tired. I will just face reality. Be as brave as I could. I could not let my life to be on hold because of this. I'll just hope and pray that in the end things will turn out fine.
But I have to stop acting like this. My whining will not help me at all. I have to be strong.

Let the song speak for me

These Hard Times-Matchbox Twenty

Morning falls like rain into the city life
There goes another night
Losing my breath in waves
Knowing that ever crash is bleading the hourglass
And taking the strife from all our lives

Everyone keeps talking
They promise you everything
But they don't mean anything

We may loose our focus
There's just too many words
We're never meant to learn
And we don't feel so alive

So goodbye, these days are gone
And we can't keep holding on
When all we need is some relief
Through these hard times
Through these hard times

Move your hands in circles
Keeping me hypnotized
The power behind your eyes
Move around your bedroom cursing the naked sky
You should be here tonight
But you stay alone and cry

Say goodbye, these days are gone
And we can't keep holding on
When all we need is some relief
Through these hard times
(whoa) There's something missing
(Oh whoa) You'll never feel it but you
(Oh whoa) You're gonna feel it when it's gone
When it's gone

Say goodbye, these days are gone
And we can't keep holding on
When all we need is some relief
Through these hard times
(hey) these Hard times
(oh no now) Hard times
Hard times

Say goodbye, these days are gone
Say goodbye, these days are gone
These days are gone

Twenty Tunes 4

CURRENT FAVORITE SONGS:

1. These Hard Times-Matchbox Twenty
2. Beat It-Fallout Boy feat John Mayer
3. Whatever It Takes-Lifehouse
4. Evidence-Urbandub
5. Akala mo lang-Zelle
6. Under Repair-Imago
7. Monobloc-Pupil
8. Bleeding Love-Leona Lewis
9. Procrastinator-Sandwich
10. Uh Oh-Taken by Cars
11. 4 minutes-Madonna feat Justin Timberlake and Timbaland
12. With You-Chris Brown
13. Touch My Body-Mariah Carey
14. Nine in the Afternoon-Panic at the Disco
15. Aaminin-Six Cycle Mind
16. No Air-Jordin Sparks feat Chris Brown
17. Low-Flo Rida feat T-pain
18. Susundan-Callalily
19. Empty-The Click Five
20. Something Right-Westlife

***
Twenty Tunes 3
Twenty Tunes 2
Twenty Tunes 1

I want to feel normal again

This is the third day that I am feeling this way. I feel so sick. Not just medically speaking. But sick, emotionally sick. Here I am again , going to this very disturbing phase. I feel like my life is put on hold. I could not tell to anyone exactly what I feel. I am a shock absorber from my family to my friends. But what about me? This blog is my shock absorber.
There are stuffs that helped me divert my attention for a while: TV, radio, Internet. But the effect will only last for a short while then I will go back to whining, being paranoid and crying.
I'm a great pretender. No one knows exactly what I am going through. I don't like sharing it that much. I would like them to see me as "business as usual" but I'm hurting inside. Sometimes I would like to blame people why I feel this way but later on I would take it back. I just like to blame people coz I want to feel better but I did not feel any better at all.
The thing I am struggling right now is my fault. I want to redeem myself but it's too late or I'm too scared to take the risk again. I'm a coward.
God help me survive this ordeal.

This is the day

that I want to forget.

***

Yesterday I was so happy, I had a getaway with my classmates at Batangas sort of graduation send off but sadly only 13 came nevertheless I enjoyed the day so much that I don't want it to end.

But it has to. Nothing last forever.

***

And now I'm sad again. I hate this feeling.

***

Last week, I was happy because I graduated. One week after, for a few hours all my happy thoughts were erased. Damn, I hate this day.

Pen

Yesterday I announced the incoming editorial board of HF. And it started to sink in, soon it's over. And I really felt sad. Has it really been a year already? I will still be with HF until early May though and I still do have lots of things to do and work on. But the coming weeks will be the transition period already.I will soon leave the publication which gave me the toughest challenges and where I learned so many lessons in life. I had a good run. I realized despite the downward spiral I experienced towards the last part of my term I should not feel bad. I did my best. I had shortcomings but I accepted it and will bring all those experiences and lessons as I leave HF and DLSU-D. Plus I had lots of good memories during my three-year stay with HF. Three years. Three unforgettable years.
Thank You Heraldo Filipino.

Team 23

The Editorial Board of Heraldo Filipino Team 23 (SY 08-09)

Hanna Corrine Salta
Editor in Chief

James Michael Chiong
Associate Editor*

Michaela Grimaldo
Managing Director

Regilin Hernandez
Office and Circulations Manager

Rizza Mendoza
News Editor

Paul Amiel Salonga
Features Editor

Krisha Lou Doliente
Sports Editor

Patrick Rowell Quintos
Literary Editor

* The Associate Editor will be in charge of the Visual sections (Photo,Art and Graphics) for the time being until the Editorial Board decides to tap someone to be the coordinator of the sections.

** The position of Copy Editor will be appointed by the new Editorial Board

*** There are vacant positions due to the following reasons:
1. No one applied
2. Disqualification due to non appearance on the panel interview
3. The applicant/s have low scores in both the competitive exam and panel interview.

Special thanks to former editors Maycee Mercado, John Xavier Nepomuceno and SPO Director Ms.Brenda Martinez who accepted my invitation for them to seat as panelists during the screening of applicants.

Still in School

It really felt weird when I entered the DLSU-D campus yesterday. Technically, I'm already an alumnus. But I will still be in school until May due to HF duties and I'm not complaining, I do still have lots of responsibilities to take care of. I just don't want to took off without a smooth transition with next year's batch. I had a rough transition when I was appointed as EIC. I don't want my successor to experience the same. Anyway, the next EIC and the rest of the editors were already chosen and they will be announced tomorrow on our special staff meeting. March 26 was the panel interview of editorial board aspirants. I invited Ate Maycee and Kuya Jun Jun,HF Team 20's associate editor and managing editor respectively, to seat as panelists along with Mam Brenda, SPO director. They were my first editors. They were one of the people who took a gamble with me by accepting me at HF. It was nice seeing them especially ate Maycee who was so nice as she filed a leave at Manila Bulletin where she works just to accommodate us. Ate Maycee is the "terror editor" but I love her for that. She is one of my mentors especially since she also came from the News section. I learned a lot from her and that's the reason why I chose her as one of the panelist. I know she will asks the right questions. Kuya Jun Jun is one of the smartest and most approachable I have ever met in my life. He is now a teacher and is currently taking up his masteral degree. He plans to teach in DLSU-D in the future.

Tomorrow is the start of a new beginning for HF. I'm excited.

The Big Day

Today is my Graduation Day it was held at PICC. Assembly time was 8 am but me and my parents got there 7am but there were people who were earlier than us and when we went to PICC there was a plethora of people already. The graduation ceremony was okay, not that long to the point of being draggy. But since we had an ineffective rehearsal, we got confused for some stuff like when will we stand up or when will we place our tassel to the right. In the rehearsal we were warned not to "cheer" or "take pictures" but still we were pasaway!But I guess it does not matter since it did not look disrespectful. We could not be stiff and lifeless on our graduation. Jerry , the Magna Cum Laude from Political Science, were in tears during his speech. You know what I felt butterflies in my stomach when I was close to being called to the stage. It was a fast moment but very momentous. Well, we did a lot of camwhoring/picture taking, here's mine. After all, this is the last time we will be in one room together. Some of my classmates cried. I did not but I was sad and I hug all my classmates. It felt good. I love my block. Will never forget this people. I'm so happy for my parents too. I'm glad I did not let them down. I know they really feel jubilant since they were able to send us all four children to college.
So that was it. The end of an era.
What's next for me? I still have HF duties. Tomorrow is the panel interview for the EB aspirants.
I will be still in school for HF stuff probably until May.
After that? Abangan!
***
I called up a radio station tonight and I was on air! It was my first time! It happened during DJ Kelly's program on MAX 103.5. My voice sucked and talked fast [nothing new haha].Why did I do that? Well, because of the graduation spirit I had, I want to try something I haven't done yet. Calling a radio station is a bit shallow but hey it is a start.

Graduation Eve

Today I had a hair cut. Bought a new belt [since my old one does not "satisfy my needs" anymore haha]. All in preparation for tomorrow's "big day". This is it, after 14 years of studying [6 years grade school, 4 years each for high school and college] this chapter of my life will now end.
I wrote three "Senti Blogs" already on my multiply account:

Buhay Third Year
Buhay Sophomore
Buhay Freshman

The 'Buhay Fourth Year' will be posted tomorrow in line with the "big day".

I also begun writing testimonials/comments on my classmates' Friendster accounts which they interpreted as a 'farewell" message. Been listening a lot to songs such as Nelly Furtado's All Good Things (Come to an end), Greenday's Time of Your Life, Matchbox Twenty's How Far We've Come, Natasha Bedingfield's Unwritten, Vitamin C's Graduation (Friends Forever), Lea Salonga's The Journey and of course Raymond Lauchengco's Farewell. I also created a Friendster group for our block. I am also cooking up some major farewell blog for my classmates. I think it was just apt to have the Holy Week first before our graduation. It gave us time to think and reflect.

I was never like this during my high school graduation. I am more sentimental and emotional now. Maybe tomorrow I will cry and I will not give a damn about it.

Maintain this frequency!

Campus Radio is back! The station has now been resurrected at 99.5 under the name Campus FM. As some of you may know, Campus Radio is formerly at 97.1 DWLS but well on February 14,2007 the station made a complete turn around and became a masa station named Baranggay LS which was one big shock to Philippine Radio enthusiasts like me. The DJs like Triggerman,Jimmy Jam, John Hendrix stayed and were "masafied". But in January 2008, the veteran LS jocks were fired and a brought a new air staff since the old team could not bring the station to no.1. Then well the old LS FM jocks found a way to ressurect Campus Radio at 99.5 formerly HiT FM (which is actually a year old only since it was launched in January 1,2007, before that the station was known as RT). I've been following this radio developments for months already. If you want to know more of the story you could visit Jimmy Jam's blog entries about the incident, you could read it here. You could see the discussion over at PinoyExchange over the rebirth of Campus radio through this thread.
I'm glad Campus Radio is now back! Although I was sad to see HiT FM ago.
***
The past few months revitalized my love for FM radio. I've been a radio junkie for years, it started when I was in Grade 4. I especially love music charts/countdowns. I have a thread Pinoyexchange about music charts.
I used to have a notebook where I jot down the countdowns. I love texting radio stations and chatting up with radio shows/stations who have YM IDs. But I never called up a radio station I am too shy. Back in the day though, I send messages throught their beepers haha. Old school.
Since 1998,I memorized all FM stations from Jam 88.3 to NU 107 [for a time there was Power 108]. The different changes/reformat several FM stations have over the years. The DJs who come and go or transferred or went back [Chico and Delamar from RX to KC to RX]. I even crIED when my favorite station 93.9 KC FM had their final airing [I-FM is now occupying the 93.9 frequency]. DWKC will be my ultimate favorite radio station, you could see my love for the station here. For AM radio, I grew up with DZRH but now I like DZMM better.
I did have a dream about becoming a radio broadcaster but that dreamed ended when I heard my voice on a cassette tape. Horrible. Haha.
Although, I love radio do not expect me to have "excellent taste" in music haha. I'm just into Pop music/contemporary hit radio/adult contemporary. I also don't discriminate on the masa stations, they have their own audience who genuinely enjoys them. But I know a lot are irritated with the masa stations but I guess kanya kanyang taste lang talaga.
I actually enjoy Love Radio's Nicole Hyala and Chris Tsuper especially Nicole. Their style on giving advice to people could be "over the top" but beneath the jokes they are somehow thought provoking. Well, people might disagree with me but this my honest assessment on them.
Since, I'm an active participant on some radio stations, it makes me feel happy that some DJs know me already like DJ Kelly of MAX 103.5.Her program Kellybites Nights aired weeknights, 9pm to 12 md is really fun plus she has this multiply conference every episode. And I met a lot of online friends there and DJ Kelly even chats with us. And we are like a barkada there.
There also shows like the ones in RX 93.1 where they have YM IDs and I have chatted with some DJs. Then my sister is actually friends with Ric Rider 101.9 WRR. Ric sometimes greets our family on air.
My love for radio is one of the reason why I never owned an MP3 player/I-Pod. I do however get the appeal of I-Pods because one could have their own "mini radio station" where they are the boss and controls the playlist. While for me, I like music and DJ interaction. Some people do not like too much talk on radio I understand so they prefer MP3 players. The rise of Ipods inspired me to write "I-Pod killed the Radiostar" for HF a year ago.
Oh well, actually I'm thinking that I could still have a career on radio, not "on air" though. Who know's right? The possibilities are endless.

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.