Uneasy

I don't feel comfortable lately.My head is full of so many things to do. Yeah, stress is kicking in.
Stress on a sembreak, haha. Earlier, I lost my cool in the HF staff meeting. It was not supposed to happen, I began the meeting in a happy mood, I was talking about some details on the Midyear workshop on Oct.29-30. This midyear instead of ordering food, we decided to assign each section to cook. We will give them a budget for that then some of the people began yapping that they should have a larget budget blah blah and we announced that they should only buy on stores that gave valid receipts more complaints came in. That's when I lost my cool, Yeah I know that buying in Palengke will be cheaper, but hey the money they wil use come from the HF trust fund, and everything we spend should be reported to the accounting and of course that's where the "receipts" play the role. I told them that managing finance in HF is friggin hard, it is so complicated. The reason I want them to do this for them to experience how it is to manage the fund and be responsible. To appreciate more that being an editor is not just about writing and editing, there is more into that. I told them to be resourceful, creative and be industrious. Man, am I being too ambitious? I was having doubts if this"staffers-preparing-the-meals" idea is a good one. I hope it is.

The second issue of HF is so delayed. It was supposed to be out this month but it will pushed till November. I'm disappointed. Could I be one of the worst EICs HF ever had? But I don't want to have my spirits go down. I will do better next sem.

Academics? Just doin fine. Got my grades today, not complete though since some professors did not pass their grades on time. I got two 3.75 and one 3.50. (4 is the highest mark in DLSU-D). I'm waiting for two more grades and I believe I did well on the two.
Grades for thesis is obviously on hold since that subject is extended til next sem.Not entirely our fault, even though that's what I feel they have been rubbing into our faces. They say we are poor research writers but let me just say that isn't it weird that ALL senior students in my department have "poor research writing" skills? I know we have our flaws but for us to take all the blame? That is unfair.

Sorry with the rants. I just want to release this things bothering me.

Saying Goodbye

What a dramatic title. But actually I'm just refering to GILMORE GIRLS which will air its last episode tomorrow, 8:30 pm on Studio 23 [it ended last May in US]. Seven seasons [seven years] of watching this TV show, I'm sort of attached with this show already.One of my all time favorite American shows. Some people think this show is for girls only. But not really, yeah the shows really skews the female demographic but the writing of this show is really good and witty and once you watch this show regularly you will fall in love with it regardless of gender and age. But I admit the first three seasons were the prime of the show because the later seasons dwindled [especially season 6 and the first half of season 7]. Still, the thought of no longer seeing a new episode of GG will be really different for me.Oh well, the show had a good run
, Bon Voyage Lorelai and Rory!

Sembreak?

I will have my last exam tomorrow, normally it will signal the end of the sem and the start of the sem break. But not for me. For sure I'll be busy during the sembreak. Not that i'm complaining. When I was a freshmen, just an ordinary student, I was bored to death during those weeks. Of course when I joined Heraldo Filipino, I kiss sem break goodye. Not that I was forced too. I remember going to the HF office during the sembreak even though all my articles are already ok or I don't really have an assignment, I just love being at the office and finding a thing to do. Well, this sem break, will not just be about HF duties [and there are lot pending you know] but also for acads. Well, the thesis. Working on the draft 2. I hate to admit that I'm not doing good on working on it so far. Yeah, I am being lousy. Damn, I need to get my act together so I could finish it already.
And there are also HF duties I need to work on. Early today, I'm happy that I was able to finish 4 documents for HF. I kinda like writing proposals for the different HF activities [including the problems that arises when preparing one] and the feeling when those papers are approved is a GREAT feeling especially when I overcome an obstacle. I'm so glad we will have a MidYear Workshop, we did not have last year which was sad because my first Midyear Workshop two years ago was one of my unforgettable HF memories. I hope this coming Midyear Workshop will be great.
Another nostalgic moment for me was when I was writing the Inkblots seminar proposal, two years ago I was the one chosen to attend that and now I'm the one preparing it. Honestly, i want to attend the Inkblots 2007but of course I want my staff more to be there than me. Besides, i'll be too busy to this sem break.

So basically, I don't really have a sem "break". But I'm happy.

Hell Week

Tomorrow is the start of the "hell" week. So many things needed to be accomplish this week for my subjects. Actually, it already started a week ago but it was just the primer if you get what I mean. It's hard to balance things, and allot equal time and attention on all the projects pending. In some tasks I'm already delayed and there are things that I need to do but I do not know how to squeeze it in. Hard. hard. hard. I just hope this week will run smoothly.

Mission Accomplished

Today I interviewed Henry Omaga Diaz of ABS CBN for a school project under sir Jun Del Rosario's class. We haven't had hard time scheduling a interview with sir Henry becuause Sir Jun was the one who actually helped us get an appointment. We did not expect Sir Jun to do that we just asked him if he knows how to contact Mr. Henry Omaga Diaz since they are former co workers and right then he picked up his cell phone and called Mr. Henry and scheduled us an interview. He also helped the other group who will interview Gus Abelgus.
We almost failed to interview Mr. Henry because the guard over at ABS CBN is giving us a hard time good thing though Kate [from the Gus Abelgus group] contacted Sir Jun and asked for help and he asked us to give the phone to the guard and-alas- we were let in. Sir Jun was a big help.
We waited for a while at the ABS CBN newsroom, and right there I could really feel the tension and stress, well it was almost 5 pm that time and the news people were busy obviously for TV Patrol.
We were called up and proceeded to the News and Current Affairs office to meet Sir Henry. He was nice and very accommodating to us. I felt at ease while interviewing him. Our topic was about the use of hidden cameras in Investigative Journalism. I learned a lot from him.
I'm glad we finished one of so many tasks ahead. This will be a stressful last few weeks of the semester. Wish me luck that I could accomplish successfully all the assignments knocking on my door.

Welcome Back

After a month of hiatus, thesis is back. Oh well, our draft one got a poor grade
Draft two is due on October 5. A consolation though is that the chapter 4 has no big problems. That chapter is very vital. We have a weak chapter 2. Need to focus once more to meet the deadline. We need to pass a 95% better output this time.

****
For three days, I became a student administrator for Students' Week. I became the Student Publications Office Director. I had fun though of course there were problems I have to handle but hey I'm with Heraldo Filipino, so facing stress is nothing new hehe.

***

Two weeks left for regular class this sem. Once more, how time flies. I'm now loaded with so many school projects, two documentaries, one exhibit for our educational broadcasting, thesis (see above). Plus press work for the second issue of HF and first issue of LS.

***

As the sem draws to a close, I'm evaluating myself. How was I as student? as EIC of HF?
I think I did fine but not that great as I hope I would become.

My favorite cliche

How time flies...

It really is. It's already the finals period for this sem. I'm now swamped with so many things to do. We will have our thesis defense next sem pa raw according to our prof when I talked to him earlier. It's almost a month since we submitted our first draft. I was thesis-free for the last few weeks. And anytime this week, it will be back. Must get ready.

Last year, I was in Baguio, attending a campus journalism workshop. Now, a new breed of HF people went there to experience it. I had great time last year and I'm sure they will too.

Last week, we [JOU41] had our Retreat. It was really great. Had a nice bonding time with my blockmates.And I'm just glad I belonged to this block. I used to have frustrations on my section but as the years went by, we became better and stronger. I will sure miss them once we graduate.

Tomorrow is the 6th Palad Seminar-Workshop. I just hope things will turn out fine tomorrow. But honestly, I just feel that we are not fully prepared. Or I am just so nervous because Palad is already an establish event at HF, I just dont want to screw that up.

I'm so excited on next sem's OJT. There are two opportunities knocking on my door,one is almost sure while the other 50/50 but what I really want is the latter. So i will take the risk and hope that I'll get in. But if not, I already have my back up plans.

Britney and Erap

I watched Britney Spears "comeback" performance at the MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS over at YouTube and it was awful. Britney is not a good singer but she makes up to it through her dancing but her 2007 VMA performance was dreadful. Lacks energy and she shouldn't have worn that, it highlighted her current figure . She used to have great abs. Britney is train wreck.

****
I'm glad Erap was convicted guilty. But whether I like it or not Erap is the "star" right at this moment, the sympathy is on him. Thanks to PGMA's bad reputation, bumango si Erap, which sucks because it does not follow that if PGMA is not a good president, Erap was.
I was really smirking when I watched a news report that showed that the Erap supporters prepared two shirts, placards, posters etc. one for if erap is convicted guilty and another if not. Well funded ah?

Must See TV: Brothers and Sisters

ave you been craving for some good family drama on television?
If your answer is yes, then I recommend you to watch Brothers and Sisters. This program has a stellar cast lead by accomplished movie actress Sally Field and some of our TV favorites Calista Flockhart [Ally McBeal] Ron Rifkin [Sloan of Alias], and Rachel Griffiths [Six Feet Under]. This program tells the story of the Walker family as they deal with their issues with one another. This show is classified under the drama category but this show is not heavy drama because it also has its funny moments especially the scenes with Nora [Field], the mother and Kitty [Flockhart] her daughter who is the only Republican in their family. I like the writing of the show because of its sharp, witty and could-relate-to dialogue and conversations that will really tug your heartstrings. The casting of this show is excellent, all of them have chemistry. I also like that the characters in this program are not one dimensional, when there are conflicts, there is no usual protagonist/antagonist. Sometimes, all the people involved in a conflict have their own flaws.This show brings out the best and worst out of each family member and makes us think, hey, they're exactly like my family.

***
Philippines:
Mondays, 9:30pm, Studio 23

U.S.A
Sundays, 10:00pm, ABC

No longer a teen

My clock in my cellphone says its 12 midnight. Its already September 5. With that, I turn20. It's my birthday. Two decades. I've been into this world for that long. Goodbye teenage years. I know I was not your typical teen. I may have missed out on a lot of stuff normal teenagers do. But there is no regrets. I used to regret on the things I did not do. But as the years go by, I've learned that every choices I made helped me grow and molded me into what I am today. And I thank God for that.

***

As some of you may know, this day is not really a "happy" birthday because of the shocking death of my grandmother last Sunday. The last few days were so difficult. I go to school and for a time I forget the pain. But no matter how I distract myself, the pain is still there. I feel so sad. I know someday I will accept that she is no longer with us. But please understand that even though I know that Mama Eyang does not want me to sad on my birthday, I could not pretend not to be sad. But I appreciate the people who are cheering me up. Your words are greatly appreciated. I'm touched.

But please understand why I don't feel like celebrating at all.

Saddest Birthday

My birthday is on September 5. An this will be the`saddest birthday. My father informed just a few minutes ago, that my grandmother (maternal) died. It was sudden. A few hours earlier our relatives from Bohol called telling that mama eyang was rushed into the hospital. My grandmother is a healthy woman so it really shocked us to know that. I feel so sad. When my mother called me, I cried so hard. Her death affected me very mucH. She is the only living grandparent I have since my other grandparents died when I was really young. I admit we are not really close since she could not speak tagalog that much. But I love her and always admire her for being a strong woman. She lives alone in Bohol although almost of her neighbors are relatives. I just feel so sad, because I haven't seen her in like 6 years. My mother saw her last year when they had a vacation. Who would have thought it would be the last? It just painful for me because I know my mother is in pain because she was not with her mother on her last few moments here in this world. We have a plan pa naman that after I graduate we will visit her. It will not happen anymore. I just feel so sad right now. I'm still in shock that Mama Eyang is no longer with us.

God Bless mama Eyang. I love you very much and I'm sorry

Nearing the climax

A Wednesday night and its not raining.
No more [unnecessary] cancelation of classes on a Thursday, finally.

***
We submitted the chapters 1-4 of our thesis on time last Monday. Thank God. But I know it will have major corrections once our first draft will be returned to us. I admit I'm not really fully satisfied with what we submitted. We could do better. But hey I'm glad were coping up so far

***
Midterms is already next week, time flies so fast. We only have three written exams while the rest of our subjects we will do productions in lieu of a written exam. A documentary [ala Supersize Me/ Incovenient Truth] for docu field production and a Social Sciences educational radio program for Educational Broadcasting. And for both productions I'm the leader so another hectic week ahead. But I'm enjoying doing it. And I prefer to do productions than take a written exam. I learn more.

***

On HF, we're close on solving this problem [that we inherited hehe]. I'm really praying that this problem will be resolve already. So that I could have a "peace of mind".

Next month, we will conduct the 6th PALAD Creative Writing Seminar Workshop. The past PALAD seminars were really succesful. I hope it will be the same this year. And I'm really excited since one of our guest speakers is Mr. Lourd De Veyra of RadioActive Project Sago fame. I'm glad he accepted our invitation

Also next month we will also have the ALIPATO Photography Seminar-Workshop as part of the Students' week celebration of DLSU-D. We invited speakers from PDI and they also accepted it.

I'm excited and nervous because organizing back to back seminars will not be that easy. But my experience with Lasallian Press Conference last May trained me very much.

And of course we are also working on the second issue of the broadsheet and first issue of La Salleno magazine [which I'm confident to tell you that this issue,content wise, will be really good].

***

Despite my busy life, people are noticing that I'm gaining weight. Haha. I love to eat when I'm stressed out.

***

During the "bagyo break" I found myself watching KOKEY. Haha. What a fun show to watch. Maybe it's the voice of that Alien I found amusing.

What a day!

• The first issue of the Heraldo Filipino broadsheet was released today. I'm glad although it's a bit delayed (thank you rains hehe). I'm a bit disappointed since I found some errors that I overlooked. I'll do better next time.
  
• I was so busy with academics. Revising the questionnaire for our thesis, meeting my groupmates for our case study analysis for Investigative Journalism then a radio production for Educational Broadcasting which I am the director. I was literally confused with so many of my classmates calling me , "Jec! Jec!". Next week will be the most stressful since next Friday is the DEADline of the first draft of our thesis.
  
• My friend from AB Communication told me that I was included in their quiz. I was suprised reall. Their subject is Editorial Management and their professor (Sir Polo) asked who is the current EIC of HF hahahaha. They were shocked, it's amusing to know that. Never in my life that I would thought that I will be a quiz item haha.
• A sheet was passed around today in class asking our preffered companies for our On the Job training next semester. Majority of my classmates picked ABS CBN and GMA. I was the only one different since I've written down Philippine Daily Inquirer and Philippine Star. Well, I would really love to have my OJT in the print media. Although TV and radio interests me too. Print tops my list!

No Classes Tomorrow

I should be happy right? But I am not. Having the classes suspended tomorrow means that we will not be able to conduct our survey for our thesis. Arrgh... Cancelling classes is a tricky thing, the complaints of late cancellation of classes has been staple already. It's gut feel sometimes. I remember that I had class that was still pursued despite calls for cancellation early in the morning but midway through the class it rained really hard, so the classes were suspended anyway. On another occasion, classes were suspended a day before because of the weather report that says that a storm will hit the country. On that day, it did not rained hard, just ambon. But of course there were incidents were they got it right like last year's Milenyo.

Oh well, we need the rain because of the dry spell Luzon is experiencing. But along with the rains comes floods and other incoveniences, It's a package deal I guess.

I hope we will have a class on Friday. The deadline for our thesis is fast approaching.

Wake Up Call

I became too pessimistic that I almost jeopardized everything. I got too scared, I admit. It's a shame now that I think of it. Because of fear I could have mess up things more. One thing I did right was to consult them. I'm very touched that they understood what I felt yet they still enlighthened me and prevented me from commiting what could have been one of the biggest mistake of my life. I'm so happy I'm with this people, they showed me the light. They did not judge me.I should never be overcomed by my weaknesses.Be tough. Think Positive. I will fight this problem with more courage. Thanks to them.

I'm really praying hard that things will turn out okay in the end.

Expert?

Today I attended a meeting with the other student leaders of DLSU-D, well it was worth my time but it lasted two hours and I was late for my class but my professor was absent, though his secretary showed up and collected our assignments and killed time by having it recited. After my class I went to Bulwagang Jose Basa where I was invited by the Political Science Program (PSC) Council to be a resource speaker in their SONA forum.Yes, you've read it right, I was a resource speaker. I kinda hesitated to accept the invitation but I find it rude if I reject since I know its not easy to organize this kind of event. I'm not really an expert in Philippine Politics, social science in general but heck I've thought that joining this forum will be beneficial to me too. I was right, the other speakers, three professors and a PolSci student were really good, they have given good insights, and not just one sided. As for me, I know among the five panelists I was the weakest, I did not mess up but I did not shine. I felt embarass when the PSC president introduced us the speakers as EXPERTS! Define Pressure hehe. Anyways, the one good thing I said in the forum that the PSC president and the other panelist like is my answer to the question what is the true State of the Nation? My answer was the country is struggling but I'm not losing hope.
Anyways, the token I received was a gold DLSU-D letter opener, a coffee mug and certificate. Well, it was a nice experience but I really felt weird being on the other side, I used to be an ordinary student who attends this kind of seminars,symposium. Now I'm the on the"hotseat".

On Aug. 1, I will also speak about Publication Management for the Council of Student Organizations which will launch a newsletter this sem. I hope I'll do better this time since the topic is my field. I don't want people who invited me to be disappointed but sometimes I can't stop but feel that I don't deserve to be placed on this pedestal, I sometimes think I'm overrated.
But heck, I know I can do this. I just feel insecure at times. It's normal I guess. But I will not let "it" win.

Guilty Pleasure Returns!

Here is a sneak peek of High School Musical 2. I'm not really part of the target demographics of this TV movie but I really did enjoy High School Musical 1. The songs were very catchy, I just love the feel good music of this TV movie. And base from this video, I guess the sequel will be as enjoyable as the first one.

What Time Is It? by the High School Musical 2 Cast

Br. Armin and Sir Jun

Br. Armin Luistro,FSC, De La Salle Philippines President,visited HF's office today. It was a short visit, too bad he did not see the other HF people as only me and art staff Jheerick were the only ones present in the office at that time. Our former associate editor J.E who now works with Br. Armin texted me early morning informing me that Br. Armin will drop by the office. I was surprised, I have a make up class that time but I asked permission to go out early because I need to go HF since few people stay at the office during Friday mornings, baka walang madatnan sina Br.Armin. Thank God, my professor allowed me.It was nice meeting him. He asked me a few questions, small talk. He was nice, he has a friendlier aura than the other Lasallian Brothers I've met so far (I'm not saying they are not friendly, they were nice to me too but they have a different vibe, they're more formal I guess). Br. Armin and J.E treat each other like barkada. I find it amazing how their relationship evolved, it started when J.E emailed a complaint to Br.Armin and now he is working for him. Ironic, isn't it?
***
We had a fun and enriching class on Special Cases and Problems in Broadcasting and Journalism (wheew.... what a long subject title) under Mr. Jun Del Rosario. This professoris terrific! I'm learning a lot from him. The problem only is he is always late in class. But I guess the reason for his tardiness is because he came all the way from Quezon City, where he is the news executive producer for the morning show of the government stations. How I wished that he taught at DLSU-D noon pa. Well, It's better late than never. I really hope he will still teach in DLSU-D after this sem because the next batches of BroadJourn and AB Com students should experience being in his class because they will really learn a lot

New Blood

Today was HF team 22's first Panel Interview. We interviewed 12 students and 11 passed.
Here is the breakdown:
2 passed for News
3 passed for Features
1 passed for Literary
2 passed for Sports
1 passed for Art
1 passed for Photo
1 passed for Graphics

It felt strange being on the other side. Two years ago I was the one sitting there in the middle of the two tables being grilled by the editors (especially Ate Maycee, the terror hehe). Now, I'm the one doing it. Time flies.
This will be an exciting year, the apprentices of this batch is a melting pot of different personalities. I really hope many, if not all, will be with HF til they graduate.
***

Last Thursday, I lost my ID! Kung kailan 4th year na ako tsaka pa nangyari ito. Grr... My ID has a sentimental value, it survived so many occurences it almost got lost.Plus, it has my "first year" look hehe. I thought me and my ID will be together til the end (dramA! lol). Oh well, I hope whoever found my ID will return it. But, I guess the chances of getting it back is slim. Haaayyy.

4-1

When we had a seat work for my first class last Wednesday, June 13 (opening of classes), I had a realization with the word (and numbers)I wrote in the paper:
JOU4-1
And so it begins. The FINAL year of my college life. My junior year was very memorable because of all the things that I've experienced which help me grow and mature(plus in that year I had my best academic performance since I became a Dean's Lister for the two semesters!).
I don't know if I could duplicate such feat this year. The subjects are harder, definitely. Sir Artin (our professor for Video post-production and Communication Research II) warned us already that he will be stricter this year and he will not think twice in failing a student who could not meet his requirements. I so believe him since last year a lot of students failed to graduate because they flunked Sir Artin's subjects.
We've met two new professors already: Ms.Quadra for Educational Broadcasting and former ABS CBN reporter and Cavite provincial Board member Jun Del Rosario for Special Cases and Problems in Broadcast and Journalism. Since they are new profs, I don't have the idea with their teaching styles;if they're strict or what. But based on my first impressions with these two profs, they mean business. During our first meeting with their respective subjects, we already discussed lots of stuff. So much for the first meeting being a sort of "orientation". They have already assigned us so many home works.
Oh and I will also embark on the most challenging year as I assume leadership of Heraldo Filipino. I got off to a rocky start but things will get better, hopefully.
I won't deny I'm nervous with the great pressure I'm facing. But one of the things I've learned during our HF Year end is that don't over nurture your fear. I'm optimistic I'll survive this year. But it wont be easy, that's for sure.