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.

YM

I am now a Yahoo Messenger user. Add me up, my id is jecoup9587. Haha, I'm such a late bloomer with a lot of stuff and one of this is the YM. Well, before i was a complete idiot to what the heck that is. I only use the internet for research, blogging, joining forums, email,friendster,reading hehe. But this month, when we had an internet connection once again at home(we had for a month dial up internet access before which was a waste of time,electricity and money, this time we're using Smart Bro) I decided to try that YM thing. And well its fun pala hehe. So guys add me up, but introduce yourself incase your IDs are different from your name or you don't have an avatar of your real looks hehe.

***

Today, our yearend proposal got approved already. Preparing that thing was so stressful and not easy. We have to consider a lot of stuff, it was hard and complicated. So I was a bit annoyed when I heard not so good remarks when they find out some details of the seminar/workshop. If they only knew what we went thorugh for the past week just to get things done.

***

I almost forgot that tomorrow is the distribution of summer grades. But then again I already knew my grade a week ago since it was posted in the dlsud portal already. I will just get the hard copy for filing. I like my grades (3.50 for PublicRelations and 3.25 Rizal). It was not an easy summer term especially PR which was an exhausting subject so thats why I'm so glad to get a high mark (and the highest grade in our class hehe). This summer term also served as a testing ground on how I will balance my academics and HF work. 'm glad I did well. Thank God!

Prelude

The school year hasn't started yet but I'm already exhausted with so many things to do.

But it's better to be tired than be bored.

Today, we had the ocular inspection of the printers. It was fun. Syempre special treatment kami dun hehe. I asked questions to the people touring us in their plant, too many questions I think. I caught someone lying, I asked a tricky question and his answer was too good to be true.

Good thing,I don't have summer classes anymore because I could now focus my energy with HF stuff. I have so many things to do. My term faces lots of problems from broken PC and printer, being understaffed (with some of the remaining staff planning to file for LOA), tight budget (sana marami mag enroll this sem hehe) and some other problems that we inherited hehe.

Because of the LSPCON preparations and majority of the EB have (mandatory) summer classes, we have delayed some of the activities that should have been done this May. We started the pre bidding later than usual. And the yearend workshop is now scheduled on the first week of June. And we haven't really prepared that much for the recruitment for the freshmen orientation which is tomorrow.

Oh well, I had my first editing experience yesterday (courtesy of the HF Sports, Give them a round of applause for early submission of articles ). I kinda felt weird when Hanna (our Assoc) gave me the articles that i'll edit. I admit kinareer ko yun hehe, I read the article so many times making it sure that I did not left out anything or committed editing mistakes. I hope I did fine.

And before I end, earlier today Pat (our News Ed) texted me and said that the office of the Mayor of Dasmarinas called up and said that they made a tarpaulin congratulating HF for winning first place for the Broadsheet category on the College of Editors Guild of the Philippines awards. I was surprised since I don't know how did they know that info. If they called up during the campaign season, I will be suspicious but they called after the election and with winners already, I'm quite intrigued with this.Anyway, I'm glad that they showed appreciation on the achievement of HF.

The end of May is nearing. The final year of my college is about to start. And I know it will be a tough year.

I will embark on this journey with this thing in mind

Make 'it' Happen

LSPCON 2007

Let me share to you a montage made by Gerard Joseph Atienza of the 2007 La Sallian Schools Press Conference hosted by DLSU-D. You will see how the three day seminar went in this audio visual presentation

My Dirty Finger

Today I voted for the national elections for the first time. It was a family affair as all six of us in the family went to the precincts at the same time. I did not have a hard time finding my precinct because my precinct is the first one you will see upon entering the school where the voting is being held. An advantage of having surname that starts with letter A is that you'll easily find your surname on the voter's list, my name was located on the first page of the list. We came in the voting precincts at 7:30 am, and I was surprised that many people are already there. The line in my precinct was okay and I got in quickly. The teachers in the precinct were former teachers of my brother and they had a short chat and I overheard the rant of the teacher that how she wish she was not there, it was evident in her face that she does not like what she was doing. I could not blame her, I bet she has been doing that for years yet she is not receiving what she deserves. Anyways, I went on and voted. My choices for senators, may seem odd. I voted mostly for the candidates that are not that popular and some even virtually unknown, but I did some research and I like their platforms and background. I know its unlikely that 60% of the people I voted will win but still I voted for them because I believe in them and I don't like to vote because of popularity's sake.Most of the candidates that were topping the surveys were not included in my list, I don't like most of them and even if they are sure winners I'm glad that I did not vote for them. I had a dilemma a while ago because I only had 11 senators, but I did not want to waste the remaining slot and it took me a while to pick my 12th senator, its quite ironic that the there were so many choices (almost 40 people ran for the senate) but I still had difficulty completing my line up. As for the other positions, I admit that a lot of names were so unfamiliar to me. With that I decided to vote for the candidates who belong to a party that I trust and had a good record. It's quite risky but I hope I made the right decision. As for the party list, there were so many groups to pick but I notices that majority of those groups are not that really representing a marginalized sector but more of socio-political activists. I voted for a party list that represented the disable because I do believe that they are not represented in the government.And within the span of an hour, I've accomplished one important responsibility: to vote. Many of my peers opted not to vote because of many reasons like they find it useless. For me it's not, yes our electoral process has its flaws, but I'm not giving up. Voting is a way for us to show that we care for the welfare of the nation. The political situation may seem hopeless but if we the citizens give up, the more the country will suffer. Yes, our votes could be cheated, but you could not complain to something you were not a part of (especially that even if you have the opportunity to vote, you decided not to exercise it). Your choices may not win but because you voted you have the right to demand to the winners to prove you wrong and show you they are deserving of the position.Yes, it is just one vote, but it makes a difference.

With Flying Colors

I'm finally home after the three-day Lasallian Schools Press Conference 2007 hosted by DLSU-D. I was a stay in commitee member. It was an experience I will never forget in my life, I met a lot of people and learned so many stuff. It was a tiring and a challenging experience. But all the physical exhaustion paid off when I learned that the feedbacks were generally good. When I toured the delegates of Ang Plaridel of DLSU-Manila they were all praises about how beautiful the DLSU-D campus is. It was a nice feeling that other people appreciated my school. And a lot of delegates had a fun stay specially the LSPCON challenge. I wasn't able to attend a lot of seminars becuase I was too busy taking care of some stuff for the seminars and I was running (well not really just fast walking haha) errands every now and then. But I was happy that we were able to invite some notable and respected media practioners like Quinito Henson, Isagani Yambot of Philippine Daily Inquirer and Yvonne Chua of PCIJ. I admit that days before the event I was really skeptic if we could pull this off and I'm so happy I was proven wrong. In general, LSPCON 2007 was a success though there were problems here and there and a potential big problem that was fortunately resolved (it happened the night of Day 2, that incident was so stressful and embarassing and one of the unforgetable moments in my life. hehe)
It's now over and I'm glad that we did it well. I wanna congratulate all the people who poured their heart out just to make LSPCON 2007 a success

Few Hours Away

I can't sleep, I'm currently doing some stuff for the 2007 Lasallian Press Conference (LSPCoN)which is just a FEW HOURS AWAY. LSPCon is a gathering of campus journalists from different La Salle schools. This is the third time this event will happen, DLSU-Manila and College of St.Benilde were the first two hosts. I'm quite nervous but very excited. I hope things will turn out fine. We all worked hard for it especially Mam Brenda,our Student Publications Office OIC, who gave out her heart in organizing this event. Earlier today we were so damn busy, some problems sprouted but I guess it is just normal especially that this is the first time we will host such big event. Tomorrow is judgment day, I'm really praying that things will run out smoothly

The Biggest Challenge

It has been a long time since I posted here. For the last few weeks that I had been dormant a lot has happen to me and let me start it off with biggest news of them all: I will be the next Editor in Chief of The Heraldo Filipino. :-)

To be honest, I did not believe that it is possible that I will get the position since I know for a fact that I am not the best writer in the publication plus the fact the I failed to make the cut when I applied last year for News Editor and Office and Circulations Manager (OCM). But an editor once told me that being an editor is not just about being the best writer in the bunch, it is also about leadership and being commited in whatever you do. When I took the editorial exams on the last week of March, I have a goal in mind. I do want to become an editor and correct the mistakes I have done last year which thwarted my editorial bid.I prepared more this year and took every exam seriously. I did not apply for the EIC position but for the Associate Editor position. But inside my heart I want to be the EIC but I was not confident that I'll get the position since I think it was a long shot for a senior staff like me to jump to EIC. I applied for the Associate Editor instead since I believe I could do the job well and have greater chances on getting the position. I also applied again for the News and OCM but I prioritized the ASSOC position. But my fellow staff members were telling that I have a shot to be the EIC and I was so touched because a lot were really rooting for me. I feel so blessed that there were so many people who believe in me and because of them I became more inspired. In the panel interview, the panelists asked me a lot of "what will you do if you'll become the next EIC" questions. From there, i knew had a chance, so I speak my heart out and discussed what I plan to do if I became the EIC. Also, the written exam for ASSOC as it turns out was also the same with EIC exam.

After all the screening process were through, I prayed and thank God and also said to him that whatever the results will be I'll gladly accept it. When the day has come for the announcement of the new editors, i was so nervous. They announced the positions in random.When they announced that the ASSOC this year will also handle the OCM duties since the panelists believe that s/he is both competent to handle both duties, I was 99% percent sure that it was my name they will call out but alas, it wasn't me. With assoc/ocm position announced the positions lefet were the sports ed, news ed and EIC. And the next to be announced was the EIC position, the HF office was full of tension. I was too, I could not think straight and I had butterflies in my stomach. When they called out my name, the people in the office cheered wildly. I almost cried actually because I could not believe that I made it. I was really touched by the support the HF people gave to me. I had a little speech and I said that I am often scared to face a lot of stuff, but I realized that being scared all the time will not help me, I missed a lot of opportunities in my life because of fear of failure. I always think low of myself but when you guys supported me and believed in me, my self esteem went up and became more driven to bring out the best not just for myself but for the other people.

No doubt, this school year I will face the biggest challenge of my life. I wont deny I'm nervous but I am excited. I will do my best to lead the publication but one thing I promise that I will not take any obstacle and problem pull me down. I am ready.

Moving on

It's almost over.

Our junior year in college, that is.

"Almost" because we still have the mandatory summer classes which is technically part of our third year curriculum. But I consider those six weeks as "transition period". I survived what other people say as the most exhausting year of your college life.

I realized that this is our last summer term. It's the start of our final year in college.I have been saying this for a lot of times but I mean it when I say it "time really flies". I could still remember my first steps in this campus, My memory is still fresh and I'm still in awe that it happened a long time ago already and we have made it this far. I don't feel a "senior student" yet. But what else can I do,I'm almost there. I just could not believe that we are already close to the end. I have mix feelings of excitement, fear,anxiety and sadness.

But hey, I'm so thankful we made this far.

Two

Because of my "haggard days" I almost forgot to "celebrate" forg files 2nd year anniversary! Yes this blog has been existing for TWO YEARS! My very first entry was written last Feb. 3, 2005. For the past two years, I have been sharing bits of my life. I was an accidental blogger. I don't know what "blog" is when I signed up for blogspot. I just did it for the sake of nothing. Soon I enjoyed blogging. Its been a hobby and also therapeutic to me. This blog has been my avenue to release my pent up emotions. Today I have another blog at multiply and I admit that I've been posting there more often than here but I will not dispose this blog. I'm a sentimental kind of person and this blog is special to me.

To all people who read my entries here and left a comment for the past two years, Thank You!

Hectic

To do list:

* Do chapter 2 of my Thesis, do research
* Schedule interviews for documentary
* Write project proposal for Technical Writing due TOMORROW
* Powerpoint Presentation on Tuesday for Technical Writing
* Edit articles for our Development Broadcasting newsletter
* Write script (although partial only since i have two co writers) for Cinematography
* Submission of documentary script on Tuesday
* Long quiz on Development Broadcasting on Monday
* Submission of pictures for Photography
* Layout of the election of newsletter of Heraldo Filipino where I am in charge

Man, define BUSY.

It's the homestretch of the semester and the stakes are high. Last Monday I went to the DLSU-D chapel and stayed there for an hour. I prayed for a few minutes and spend the rest of the time thinking NOTHING. Yes, I just stared blankly.I just need to take a breather. I need a pause. My brain shutdown for a while. I guess if you are stressed out too, a minute of prayer and silence really helps to recharge yourself. Despite my big load of my tasks, I love it. this is the kind of pressure I enjoy. Because if I don't enjoy what I am being pressured into i will just walk away. I know I will survive this.

The Week that Was

Sunday: Cramming for Communication Research. We have to pass chapter one the next day. This is one of the downside of doing the thesis alone, being the only one who will work on all stuff. But it is my choice anyway.

Monday: We had a "sort of" thesis topic defense. The substitute professor Mr. Marco Polo (that's his real name) was nice but very meticulous which was good since he wants us to get our topics in tip top form. Some pairs/groups though will need to do an "extreme makeover" on their respective topics. Mine? I will do some changes but not major which is good.

Tuesday: I was busy arranging stuff for the HALALAN student elections newslette. Quite a pain since there is this contoversy between the disqualification of candidates. Feels like national politics eh?

Wednesday: Trip to UP LOS BANOS for Development Broadcasting. It was okay, I love UP LB but I got annoyed with the block being separated into two buses mainly because of the poor seating arrangement system. Plus, one thing that i really despised was the call time is 6 am. I know many will not make it to that time so its okay to me to wait for at least until 6:30am but there are some students (not my classmates) who were so horribly late for like one hour and we have to wait for them (The bus stopped near Walter Mart and we waited for 30 minutes or longer just for this precious people to show up). It is so unfair to us who woke up early just to make it on time. Some told me that some of the late comers were living in a dorm! what the!

Thursday: I had a mild asthma attack but went to school anyway. I got busy rushing photographs for photo journalism/basic photography class but it was still a disaster. Lesson to me not to proscatinate anymore.
Also two of my articles for HF were ready for lay out but the thing is I have still four pending.

Friday: We had a fun photo journalism/basic photography class since we took studio shots. Photography is amazing. how I wis I was good at it. AFter that i did some research stuff for my thesis then HF work.

Saturday (today): I haven't accomplished anything today (well except passing my long overdue mediocre features article). I'm just surfing the net. I feel so useless but I need a break I gues

T.E.G

* The heat is on for my thesis. I'm doing it alone. Scary but I will not succumb to pressure. I want it to be succesful. I don't want to make a thesis just for the sake of passing the subject, i want it to be meaningful. God help me. This will really be a big challenge to me.
* The student elections season in my school started already. And as early as now controversies are already coming up. I feel disappointed that a simple student elections could really get so mean and dirty. A microcosm of the national elections.
* The changes in the unlimited texting of Globe caused an uproar! But I doubt it if the company will change their mind. But the unli text controversy is the talk of the town, everywhere I go this is the hot topic. I'm shocked how huge the impact it had.
I wonder how it feels to be in Globe's customer assistance hotline?

Names

I have an unusual name. JECOUP. I believe I'm the only person in the world with that name. It was derived from Coup d'etat. Because my parents said I was born in the midst of the coup attempts against President Cory Aquino. And they added the letters JE in harmony with my three older siblings with J- starting names. At first I find it weird to have this kind of odd name. But due to my unique name I'm easily remembered as the "guy with that unusual name". Plus I could predict when a new professor is about to read my name in his class list, s/he will stop as if trying to figure out how to pronounce that damn name hehe. My name is often mis spelled or mis heard, usually people think that my name is JACOB. Good thing that in the important records I have my name spelled correctly. My name could be pronounce in two ways JE-KUH or JE-KUP. But honestly, I like the latter better since this was the pronounciation I was used too. Only in my college days were most people call me JE-KUH than JE-KUP. Also in my college years, a new nickname spawned, JEC! I don't know how it started but I realized having a nick name will make it easier for other people to call me. When I was with with a high school friend and we bump into a college buddy, my high school friend asked since when did I became "JE-KUH and JEC". I smiled.

I like my name. It's different and unique. I don't know how to explain it but I really feel this name really suits my personality.

Juggler

I'm so disorganized this week. I'm swamped with lots of school stuff. I don't know how to manage it really. I like to do a lot of stuff in so little time. I cram. This is so damn frustrating. What's worse is that sometimes I feel so overwhelmed with all those things to do that I tend to get lazy and waste my time doing other stuff to "escape" those tasks. I don't know why I feel this way, it's bad I know. I just need to collect myself. I need to get my act together. Fast.

***

Things I need to accomplish ASAP:

1. Music Video for Cinematography
2. Community profile for Development Broadcasting
3. Photos for Basic Photography masked as Photojournalism (This is subject is fun but is so frustrating when the pictures I took when developed ARE ALL WRONG! I just dont KNOW how to use the SLR camera that much to make capture a good photo)
4. All those preliminary stuff for Communication Research ( a really big problem as I anticipated before)
5. A documentary for Electronic Newsroom 2
6. Those paper works for Technical Writing (relatively easy to do but I tend to neglect this subject because I'm more concentrated with the majors)
7. Pass the articles for HF, LS and Just Play. geez, of the 5 articles I'm tasked to write I have only done two so far, and out of the two I only submitted one!I kept forgetting to pass the other article I finished (I left it back home and kept forgetting it to place it my bag the night before!. Damn, so embarassing.

***

I want to do my thesis solo but I got scared so I opted to join a group to do an APPLIED thesis. But really my heart is not with it. I want to do a Basic research and I have a topic in mind but I'm scared that I may fail by doing thesis alone. I'm so torned really.

Headache

I was already on my way to school when I receive a text telling me that our 7am class was cancelled because our professor texted our class president that she is sick.

But I'm already at school anyway and decided to go to ERS. And as of the moment I'm the only here. Nothing new since during my freshmen year I'm an ERS addict and even I go there as early as 7am because I want to surf the net. Well maybe because I don't have Internet at home why I consider ERS a haven for me. (We had a brief dial up connection that lasted for two months).

****
The year is just starting and my To do list is pouring in. I always think that this time of the school year is the toughest. It gets tougher as the years go by. My academic stuff in my fresmen year pales in comparison with what's in store for me this year as a third year student.

***
I have like 5 articles to write for HF. This time not only the broadsheet but also for the JUST PLAY and LS SPECIAL. This is my first time to write something for the magazines of HF. It's a challenge for me since I dont really excell writing feature articles. (Hanna and Travis bear with me )

***
Plus, I'm the coordinator of the student elections newsletter, HALALAN. Ngaragan ito. Last year we failed to release Halalan but I wont let this happen again. By hook or by crook haha

Thankful

Its the Christmas season, lets enjoy! Don't be a grinch. I know some of you feels that it isn't Christmas but then again we should not join the "I-hate-Christmas" bandwagon. Merry Christmas to Everyone! and if you don't believe in Christmas, well Happy Holidays! I know life is hard nowadays but this is the time to forget it, even for a while and lets savor the moment. Let's think of the things that we should be happy about, things that we should be thankful for. I have mine and here it goes

1. I'm thankful that my family is okay. No major family crisis this year. There are fights, but petty ones and could be resolved in less than 48 hours. I'm happy that all of us are in good shape. Although early this year we had a scare when my mother was diagnosed that theres a cyst growing in her ovary. Good thing, it wasn't that dangerous and was cured immediately. I'm happy that my previously bum brother found a job, its a job that he did not studied for but it IS the RIGHT job for him. Well, I see how fulfilled he is. I guess thats what matters, He feels now that he has the right direction. I'm thankful that despite the economic crisis, my father is not affected. Although the company he is working was quite affected with the economic crisis, his job held steady.My father is so passionate with his work and I could not imagine what will happen to him if he lost his job. I'm thankful for that my sister I guess found new love, its blooming and I'm happy for her. You see I think she is now recovering (or recovered) from her bad breakup with her boyfriend for 10 years. I'm happy that we are financially okay. We're not rich nor poor. We could afford our needs and have some for our wants.

2. I'm thankful that my parents approved of the course I want to take.I know some (or a lot) of parents decides or influences their kids on what course to take. I'm happy that I never saw an inch of disapproval or skecptisism. When I said to them that I will take Broadcast Journalism, without a doubt they said "Thats okay, its your choice". I know and I think they also know that this course might not that be financially rewarding, but they trusted me that I could do this anyway. Well if they did not support me, i guess it will really hard for me to take this course because my spirits could be dampen.

3. I'm thankful for my block Broadcast Journalism 31 SY 06-07. We had a great run this year. We produced a newspaper, short films, news programs above all. Who thought we could survive this? I'm so happy that all of us in the block are now really into this course. In our freshman year, I' m worried about the future of our block, but first impressions are not always right and I was glad I was proven wrong. We have half a sem, summer terms and one more year ahead of us. And I'm sure we will all survive this.

4. I'm thankful for Heraldo Filipino. I'm so glad I became a part of this family. With HF I met a lot of people that despite of the different personalities could still work together and created a wonderful relationship. Special thanks to the Editorial board of last year who trusted that I could be an asset for HF despite my lack of experience and other flaws, becuase if they did not decide to pass me in the panel interview, I would notbe in HF and miss out on a lot of stuff. With HF, my self esteem blossomed. With HF, I saw the school in a different light, I learned how to explore it and deal with it on its good and bad sides. I have to admit that what at first wanted was just to see my name on print but later on I've learned that being a campus journaliss is not just being able to publish stuff just for the sake of having something published, it is not just being able to write articles with deep and falmbouyant words to impress people with how extensive your vocabulary is, but campus journalism serves a greater purpose. Thanks to HF, I learned how to care not just for myself but for other's people welfare.

Well the above four items were the serious stuff lets go the "lighter" things I'n thankful for:

Thank you...

5. Blogs. Well I really loved this Internet community,its easy to use and provided more avenue to share your thoughts and pieces of your life.

6. Youtube. The one who created this is such a genius with YouTube I could see stuff from Music videos to TV show snippets.

7. TV on DVD. Yeah, I'm so glad that with dvds I was able to watch a lot of shows I miss and be able to watch lots of episodes as long as I can hehe.

8. The Internet. Man, without, communcation and information dissemenatio will be harder, right?

That's it (well the list could go on longer but then again I'm limited with the money I could afford to pay in this Internet house, haha)

MALIGAYANG PASKO!

100

This is my 100th post. Wow, I've been a blogger for almost three years now. I'm an accidental blogger, I've registered here at blogger without knowing anything about it but alas it became a habit, an addiction.It became an avenue for me to share my thoughts, release stress and even to meet friends. Although,lately I'm not blogging as often as before, well at least here in blogspot, because I'm a little more active at my other blog http://forg.multiply.com but still I could not abandon this blog, my original blog. Thanks to all friends and people who took the time to read my entries and leave a comment.

Anyways,let me share to you my favorite posts:

Reasons why stereotypically I'm not a man

- Here I share why I'm not surprised if people will think of me as gay

Earthquake

Yesterday, some of the of the 2006 Miss Earth contestants visited DLSU-D and they have put the campus under their spell! I was both amused and annoyed with the community's enthutiasm with our visitors. They were really welcomed but some... nah, most of the students (and faculty, discipline officers, adminisrators, police, support staff etc...) became too excited to get the ladies to pose pictures with them that it seems to me that the girls are quite "harassed". The ladies were nice and accomodating to us, I felt embarass with how the other people reacted, parang ngayon lang nakakita ng foreigner . There was this contestant who was quite sick and decided to return to the bus but some fools were so insensitive that they still followed the woman to take her picture, what a shame! Another annoying thing is that during the presentation where the contestants goes to the stage and tells their plea for environmental awareness, the "cheers" for the black women were different, I just hope that the contestants did not notice that. It is just sad to note that most of them think low to the people with African descent and that the concept of beauty is still confined to skin color. Another rant, some cheers for the girls were uncalled for, they are not GROs for crying out loud! Im sure that 98% of the people present in the progran did not care what the girls said. But then again, I'm quite puzzled how could a beauty contest could spread earth care awareness?

*****

check out Miss Earth visits DLSU-D photos at

http://forg.multiply.com/photos/album/22

51 days to go...

Now that UNDAS is over, our family will start decorating our house for the Christmas season. Although my excitement for the Christmas season was not as it was when I was a kid I'm still looking forward for it. Last year, I had a good Christmas, somehow the magic, which was absent for a couple of years, returned and hopefully this year will be the same or better. But still the best Christmas I had was during my childhood years.By the way, even when I was a child I never believed that Santa Claus is a real person, to me he is just a cartoon character and also my parents did not do those leaving-a-sock-on-Christmas-eve-so that-Santa-could-leave-his-gift antics.

***

I had an early Christmas Gift. Well, the prizes I won on the Studio 23 promo arrived in our doorstep yesterday and i was so ecstatic . I have 5 prizes consisting of a Grey's Anatomy notebook, Lost water bottle and multi tool kit, Amazing Race belt bag and a Desperate Housewives shirt (I gave the shirt to my sister since it's designed for females plus it fits her anyway). Those items are perfect gifts especially for a couch potato like me.

***

Second semester will start on Monday, November 6. We have fewer subjects this sem (although it does mean less expensive tuition fees ), 18 units= 6 subjects. We have no more classes divided into Tuesday-Thursday or Monday-Wednesday-Friday, all are three-hour, once a week class. Only one minor subject (Technical Writing) the rest are major subjects.I'm excited and nervous, I know it will be hard but I'm ready.

I saw my name on TV

Yesterday, Millie texted me telling me that she saw my name on Studio 23. I won in the station's contest! I immediately turn on my tv and waited for the plug and there it is my name flashed on screen. I e-mailed Studio 23 to find out how could I claim my prize. I'm so excited!

In line with my boasting , I received all of my grades for last semester and I'm proud to say that I had my best perfromance ever in my college life. My GPA is 3.32 and I think I qualified to be a Dean's Lister since my lowest is 2.75. I'm so happy....

Milenyo Aftermath

Weeks had already passed but the damage the Typhoon Milenyo left is still devastating especially here in DLSU-D. Words could not fully explained it, the pictures below will tell the story itself:

DLSU-D Before Milenyo





DLSU-D After Milenyo

When ER meets Melrose Place

Grey's Anatomy is complex show with complications left and right. Therefore, it is one of the best shows on television due to its cast, storylines, music, and writing. The show brings forth relationshihps for each and every one of the characters from Dr. Bailey and her transformation between Nazi to a Maternal figure, to George's insecurity about relationship and himself, to Izzie Stevens stepping up from the stereotype that she is a dumb blonde, to Christina Yang's transformation from the competitive heartless intern to a more 'human" woman and of course the soapish love drama between Meredith Grey and Dr. Derek "McDreamy" Sheperd. The drama is entirely thrilling in a guilty way, its like watching Melrose Place in a hospital setting.To put it in a nutshell this program is a mix of personal and medical marvel. The main characters are well written each with a two dimensional personality. They are not yout too-good/evil-to-be-true characters. You'll both hate and love them at the same time. You will see relationships formed from unlikely people. The medical dilemmas injected every episode are thought provoking. It's a perfect mix of drama and comedy. If you watch this show on DVD you will find it hard to press the stop button, that's how addicitng the show is.

Close to the end

Last three weeks of this semester and as expected I consider these days as the time to get/be haggard. Tomorrow is the taping of our news program and I hope things will turn out fine. I wrote the script/spiels for the said program. But that it just the first stage after the taping will be the editng. And that phase is quite a task since its a bit tricky and complicated. Apart from our news program, we also have a radio news program in which I am one of the anchors [apart from writing the script]. It will go on air on October 9 but we have to do rehearsal for that. Not to be missed is our short film which is also due on the exam week [which is 2 weeks away], my group has a concept already we just need to find the right schedule where we could shoot. Also. we have to write a radio and tv script w/c contains 10 stories for another class as the final requirement. And for Computer Journalism we need to design a magazine coverpage with ourselves us cover boys/girls (I still could not think of a concept, any suggestions?). And the minor subjects are not to be left out, in sociology we need to write a book review where we could relate a sociological principle, the project is quite okay since we only need to write a one page essay. But in economics, we need to write a research paper, we have a topic and the materials already but with all those tasks I'm finding it hard to squeeze it. Haaay, that's how hectic this final term is, but these school stuff soon will end soon anyway, so to the other people who alos have lots of "academic hardships" just remember we're close to the end so hold on.

Baguio Bits

It was my first time to be in Baguio and I'm so glad I was one of the "chosen ones" to attend on the 5th OSSEI National Seminar on Campus Journalism. I really like the Baguio aside from the "centralized aircon" , I just love how I feel so comfortable and happy being there. How I wish I lived there. It was indeed one of the best times of my life. Here are some random stuff that relates with my Baguio Trip.

1. Clean Comfort Rooms
Every public CR we saw in Baguio is labeled as this. Di ba when a place is labeled COMFORT dapat talaga CLEAN?

2. Cheap Finds
Although I did not shop that much, any shopaholic will go gaga over the cheap finds you will see there. There's a wide array of choices, haaayy. If only I had the money...

3. SM Baguio
SM Baguio is located in a very high place, what's funny that we thought that it was near our hotel because it seems near. But we were proven wrong hehe. And mas malamig sa labas kesa sa loob ng SM pero when you reach the Veranda things will go great because of the great view and the weather.

4. Taxis
Mas honest ang mga taxi drivers dun, may silbi talaga yung metro.


I'll upload pics soon..

I miss Baguio already...

I'm wearing red

Because it's my birthday, I'm 19 years old. I don't know when and where did it started but as long as I remember when you are wearing a red shirt, people will comment "Birthday mo?".

Last night I've read my diaries of the past years (I've started writing one on December 25, 2003) and I notice that my birthday entry will always have this words 'I'm growing old and I hate it". Well, I just cant believe that I'm growing old so fast. This is my last year of being a teenager and next year I'll be a "tweener",the transition stage from your teenage years to adulthood, your not a teen anymore but not yet adultl;in short, in between. I'm thinking of the future too early. I'm like that when I was 9, I was already looking forward on my 10th birthday coz I will be "in double digits' already. haaay... I'm 19 but I can't feel like one. When I was younger I always think that 19-year-old people are mature but now that I'm 19 I don't feel like that, I still feel like I'm 15 or worse, 12.

So how will I celebrate my birthday? Well, I just treat this like an ordinary day for sure Nanay will cook something delicious tonight. I never hold parties or treat my friends, I'm kuripot kasi hehehe.

My birthday wish? It may sound a cliche or showbiz but I wish for good health not just for me but for my family also.

Thank you to all who greeted me happy birthday yesterday and the days before, aga ah.!

Down

I don't feel good, I'm frustrated
I disappointed myself and most likely other people
I'm too idealistic
I set goals that I could not achieve
In my quest to take the shorter route
I ended up getting lost
There are so many obstacls
I'm scared, worried.
I really feel useless and incompetent
I hope at the end of the day
Things will turn out fine

Grade School days rock

1. The greetings
"Good Morning Ms.____, Good morning classmates, nice to see you again, Maaaaaabuu-HAY!"
"Good morning _______, why are you late?"
"Good Morning Mam, Good Morning classmates, I'm sorry I'm late because_______"
"Good bye Mam, Goodbye classmate, see you to--mo-ROW!"

2. Notebook games
SOS (using math notebooks), "target shooting" sa notebook, guessing game ala wheel of fortune "do you have a letter "a"), FLAMES, PANTS (people, animals, names, things, arrgah I forgot what "s" stands for)

3. Nutrition Month

-parades and those production numbes by each grade level.In grade 3, I was an '"ice cream", astig costume ko nun. Cook fests, Nutri Jingle, Poster making contest, Essay writing contest (this really frustrated me because I always join but I never reach the top3)

4. Stage parents

-I believe that in grade school sucking up to the teachers are really predominant especially for parents. I remember one parent who gave big gifts to teachers during christmas parties. Parents who are so active in school programs, Parents who complain when their kids drop in the honor's list. Good thing my parents are not like them.

5. Field Demonstration/ Rhythmic Aerobics

-The contest where teachers gave their heart out to teach their pupils steps that will make them win. Hmmm.. my favorite was in grade 2, we used pompoms and our music was Total Eclipse of My Heart, we won and we were so colourful. I also like what we did in grade 5, we used sticks and the music is 'Tie a Yellow Ribbon".

6. Christmas Parties

-Kris Kringle, I love it, I'm always excited to see what will I get for 'something long, red, sweet" etc... Malas lang pag laging absent yung nakabunot sa iyo. Christmas games, in grade 5 I won at the Stop Dance contest, haha. In grade 3, ang nakabunot sa akin yung MAPE teacher ko, yung nabunot ko naman yung Adviser ko,ang saya. Also, during Kris Kringle I first used"forg" as alias which until now I still use. Wow, during that time you could buy decent gifts for 50 pesos or less. Here were the gifts I received during the grade school Christmas parties:

Grade 1: 5 briefs (hahaha)
Grade 2: Chess
Grade 3: Snake and Ladders
Grade 4: Picture Frame
Grade 5: Superman Mug
Grade 6: Lamp

7. The Cartoons Chat

We form circles to talk about cartoons, especially afternoon anime. We would discuss what happened, what will happen, and more stuff. I remember during the time Fushigi Yugi was popular my classmates, the girls in particular, went gaga over Tamahome,as if he is a real person. Also, during the popularity of Pokemon, we would play games like "Anong pokemon yung no. 16", dati memorize ko yun hehehe.

Wondering

Last June, I went to the wedding of my 4th year high school adviser. On that day, I realized something.... I grew apart with almost all of my high school batch mates. I really felt out of place when I was there. I had a hard time striking up a conversation, after the staples "kamusta, san ka nag aaral" I could not think of something more to say. What made it worse is that almost all of them seems to be having a great time, they talk as if they were never apart.Or maybe they were never apart in the first place. It was just me I guess. When I left RCCS, I never came back. You see the last time I set foot in my alma matter was when I obtained my report card, that's it. I was out of the loop although there are some former classmates who I still see but thats very seldom. The batch mates that I usually see are the ones that studies here at DLSU-D. It just sad when I think of it, I spent 10 years of my life in RCCS. My batchmates, many of whom I was with for a lot years, are now close to being just merely acquitances, worst, strangers. My life now is just so different with what I had before. It wasn't that long when I left RCCS but as I try to recall my previous life it seems like it was really a long time ago.

Forever Kid

A while ago, my friend and I were talking about our elementary days. The games we play, bags, lunch box, classmates, subjects,the 'Good morning teacher Maaaaa Bu Hay' greetings, "aliases" being tagged by students to teachers and a lot more. We came with the conclusion that we had the best time during our grade school years, not high school. I love being a child although I was not that active compared to a regular kid. Back then I dont have that much things to think about or things to consider as problems. I like my innocence, the care free attitude, the simple things that make you smile. A game of SOS in my math notebook will make my day. The kwentuhan on cartoons was really delightful. The dreams. At that age you could wish to be someone and not think about if this career could be "profitable". The friendship you formed, their maybe fights but yu could make up easily. I'm happy that I had a fun childhood [despite the asthma attacks]since the feeling I had when i was a child is priceless. I will not feel that again. Ever. And that makes me sad.

SMile

Today, the EB announced that I am promoted to Senior Staff status I wont deny that I really aimed for this and I'm so glad that I achieved my goal. But of course I will not stop doing my best because HF really made my life more meaningful. I love writing news stories, I love scouting for possible news stories, I love interviewing people. A big thank you to all who believe in me and I assure you that I wont let all of you down.

The other promoted staff are cL, Maynard and Ross., congratz!

******

HF participated in USC's Anti Passivity "rally" .I remember complaining how passive my block are on our first year here. But lo and behold, my classmates are now "active" students now. My classmate Jinky is the yearbook EIC, The Crossbars executive board is dominated by my classmates and same case with USC's publication Periodico (6 of my classmates are editors). I have also have classmates who are officers at Lasalian Speech Club, Friends of the Library and La Salle Radio. Moreover, two of my classmates became a part of HF too. I'm so happy with what's happening with my block becuase now I could see their enthusiasm which was absent a few years ago.

The War, Miss Japan, Glenda and DLSP

• The war between Israel and Lebanon is so sad. Once again, lots of innocent people die. Honestly, I dont know at first what's the reason behind the dispute so I began reading about it and discovering a lot. Lebanon's Hezbolah are evil people, terrorists. I somehow see the reason why Israel is attacking Lebanon but for how long will this war go on? Until both of them are wiped out?
  
• Last Monday, out of boredom due to the suspension of classes, I've watched Miss Universe. The last time I watched the competition was wayback in the late 90s when this thing was as big as a Pacquio match. Our representative won Miss Photogenic through online voting (I guess Pinoys did a massive power voting for her to win hehe). My bet was Ms. Japan, too bad she lost, later on I found out that she "walked out" when she was not announced as winner, she really took it hard I guess.
• Last Tuesday the classes was suspended but I strongly suspect that the suspension in Cavite was "accidental". Why? On that day, around 5am, I listened to an AM radio program to monitor announcements [but I was quite confident that the classes will not be suspended since its not raining although its gloomy]. The announcer called a CHED official and he asked " Sir wala na bang klase sa Cavite, Rizal etc..." and the official said "O sige na nga". Huh? The official sounded sleepy.
• The first issue of Heraldo Filipino this school year was released last Wednesday and I'm pleased that my articles did not receive any negative feedback [errors on facts, complaints]. Overall, I believe the first issue was good. However, Pat informed that her classmates thought that the name of the school is changed to De la Salle Philippines, Inc. [DLSP] I guess they did not read the article since on the lead pa lang, it was clearly stated there that the DLSU-System is gone and was replaced by DLSP not DLSU-D. This thing just makes me go...

A Trip to WRocK

July 22,2006. It was an exciting day to me. This is the day of my interview with Ms. Faith Gonzalvo of 96.3 WRocK. Ms. Faith is a friend of a friend of my friend [haha, but that's true, thanks MR. Deen!] and I was glad that she agree to be interviewed. I was really praying the night before that it wont rain [thank God it didn't]. I have no idea where WRocK's office [it's located at Zobel Roxas] is and so do my groupmates, but then my father, who is a driver for nearly three decades, told me that WRocK is not that hard to find, it is just one bus ride [In my place, there's this bus terminal going to Lawton but is only available on mornings], so with that my transportation problem was solved. So on that day I met Jasmin and Aaron to that bus terminal[my other groupmate,Christian who is from Las Pinas, went directly to the place although he has no exact idea where the office really is, but that guy is a lakwatsero so he will find his way, and he did]. We rode the bus at 7:30 am and the bus took off at 8am. My father said to me that we will get to that place early, I was anticipating that there will be traffic but I was wrong, we arrived at 9am, one and half hour early of our appointment! When we texted Christian that we are already at WRocK, he could not believe it since we were so fast. He came in 40 minutes later so we went to the WRocK which is located at the 11th floor of Fems Building. Because it still early and our interviewee hasn't arrived yet we entertained ourselves by taking pictures and ogling at the posters [with authographs] posted on the wall. The hallway of the 11floor is really small, only half of JFH and the elevator is sort of creepy as it opened three times with no people inside it. And then she came, Ms. Faith Gonzalvo step out of the elevator with her two kids and yaya beside her. When she saw us she apologized for making us wait, we said it's okay since we are way early naman talaga. Few minutes later, she let us in to the WRocK studio. It was spacious but dark. We conducted the interview at the recording room and then we found something that shocked us, WRocK is not aired live, its automated/pre taped, Ms. Faith told us that the djs only come to the stations three times a week to record their whole shift for one or two days. While she and the other newscaster [which we saw earlier wearing pambahay clothes only] come everday but record their news one or two hours in advance. The interview went smoothly[although I was the only one asking questions since my groupmates said 'kaya mo na yan, heraldo ka naman'], she gave us nice , poignant answers. After the interview, she took us in a short trip to the whole WRocK office and she even let us stay to see her record the news, her radio voice is so different from her speaking voice, I wonder how people can do that. After a few more photo-ops we said goodbye to Mam Faith.

It was a memorable day and a fun, enriching experience. To see photos of my trip click here

Lists

Music and Radio

Current Favorite songs:

1. Maneater-Nelly Furtado
2. Promiscuous- Nelly Furtado feat. Timbaland
3. Walang kadala dala-Sandwich
4. Jesus, take the wheel-Carrie Underwood
5. Para sa akin-Sitti
6. Beer-Itchyworms
7. Unfaithful-Rihanna
8. Martyr Nyebera-Kamikazee
9. Buwan-Wickermoss
10 Better Days-Goo Goo Dolls

Recurrent favorites (hits of the not so distant past)

1. Unwritten-Natasha Bedingfield
2. I- 6 Cycle Mind
3. Stick wit u-PCD
4.Sugod-Sandwich
5. Hiling-Paramita
7. Because of you-Kelly Clarkson
8. Heaven Knows-Orange and Lemons
9. First of Summer-Urban Dub
10. I'm feeling you-Santana feat. Michelle Branch

All time favorites:

1. Hanging by a moment-Lifehouse
2. You and Me-Lifehouse
3. Smooth-Santana feat. Rob Thomas
4. Before I let you go-Freestyle
5. Goodbye to you-Michelle Branch

Favorite Radio Stations

1. rx 93.1
2. 99.5 rt
3. magic 89.9
4. campus radio 97.1
5. Bomb Fm (A Cavite based fm station, my art appreciation teacher is a DJ there)

TV:

Regularly watched:

1. Gilmore Girls (season 6)
2. Lost (season 2)
3. Grey's Anatomy (season 1)
4. Survivor (season 12 concluded; season 13 on September)
5. Amazing Race (season 9 concluded,season 10 on September)
6. 7th Heaven (season 9)
7. Will and Grace (season 8)
8. Goin Bulilit
9. Deal or No Deal (*hides*, hehe guilty pleasure)
10. BLOG (Barkada Log) ( a 2-month old show hosted by my favorite Bianca Gonzalez)

Irregularly Watched:

1. Desperate Housewives (season 2, I've watched all episodes of season 1) (Studio 23)
2. 24 (season 4, I've watched all eps from season 1 to 3) (Studio 23)
3. CSI (Studio 23)
4. Alias (Studio 23)
5. Charmed (Studio 23)
6 Smallville (Studio 23)
7. Maalala mo Kaya (ABS-CBN)
8. I witness (GMA)
9. Reporter's notebook (GMA)
10. The Correspondents (ABS-CBN)
11. Probe Team (ABS-CBN)
12. Y Speak (Studio 23)
13. RX men (QTV)
14. Homecoming (MTV)
15. Iron chef (formerly on RPN 9 now gone)
16. Balikbayan (QTV)
17. Wow Mali (ABC 5)
18. Bitag (IBC 13)
19. Spongebob Squarepants (reruns on ABC 5 mondays to fridays 6 am)
20. KNN (ABC 5/NBN ,I actually won a KNN t shirt one year ago, when they read my email on air)

Wanna watch (On dvd, since these shows are not shown on free tv)

1. House, M.D
2. Prison Break
3. Veronica Mars
4. Entourage
5. One Tree Hill
6. Arrested Development

Looking forward:

1. Philippine Idol
2. Pinoy Dream Academy

Shows I miss:

1. Sineskwela
2. Hiraya Manawari
3. Sesame Street
4. As told by Ginger
5. Invader Zim
6. Rugrats
7 Bayani
8. Home Along da Riles (early years)
9. Abangan ang susunod na Kabanata
10. Ispup
11. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
12. Batibot
13. Adventures of Alex Mack
14. Black Hole High
15. 5 and Up

Celebrity Crushes

1. Bianca Gonzalez
2. Kat Alano
3. Natalie Portman
4. Alexis Bledel
5. Michelle Branch

Rainy Thoughts

It's currently raining cats and dogs and I'm quite freezin here at the HF office. There are only three people here at the office and I'll leave once the rain stops since I have already done my task for the HF style/guide book. The rain reminded me of the movie we watched last Monday in my Music Scoring and Audio Design class, "Singing in the rain". It was an entertaining movie and educational in some way because I had a idea how they did movie production during the late 1920s,it was cute actually. The movie is a musical, so there were lots of song and dance numbers which were good especially the tap dance which I watched in awe. What if we all live like in the musicals, instead of the usual conversations we sing and dance. That would be fun but of course weird. Plus who could sing in the rain, baka ma pulmonya ka lang. And you could not dance when it rains its either baha or you could slip. I don't know where this blog entry is heading too, it just random thoughts inspired from the weather. I just hope the rain stops now.

***

We have this project for Radio/TV Newswriting, we need to interview a real radio or tv news writer.The problem is I don't know how and where to contact a news writer.Could anybody help me where to find one?

Go Figure

let out a sigh of relief when my pending articles for Heraldo Filipino Issue 1 are done already.No more revisions and the articles are already laid out (may term bang ganito, past tense ng lay out hehe). My article on the enrolment rate was fun to do, I even used Mathematics on writing the article. The enrolment statistics really fascinated me. Here is something really got my interest, Business Management is the no.1 course of DLSU-D. It has 1, 300 plus students! And they comprise 43 percent of the whole CBA population. And when you add the population of CLE and COE they will still be outnumbered by Business Management! And the gap between Business Management and the no.2 course [HRM] is as wide as the Mall of Asia. Moreover, Broadcast Journalism have 200 plus students compared to Communication's 500 plus students. Even though CIH and CET had higher TFI among all the colleges their enrolment rate are still up. The number of Accountancy drops so fast as years goes by. In fact the 4th year students have less than 20 students. The females still outnumbered the males, but the males witnessed an increase in number compared to last year. Lastly,the enrolment rate is down slightly compared to last year,it declined by 0.59 percent mainly because DLSU-D had fewer enrolles on the graduate programs. Haha I still have article hang over.

Reasons to sleep a little later

ABS CBN will now have an earlier timeslot for their late night newscast.But it will not be INSIDER anymore, replacing the said show will be BANDILA (which I think is an awkward name for a news program).Personally,I guess it's good to finally move the newscast to a timeslot where most people are still awake plus with the change the current affairs programs will now also be earlier (11pm). I'm a fan of Probe Team and I'm really pleased that I could now watch the show on a better time.I hope GMA7 will follow too because I would prefer watching I witness,Reporter's notebook than their unfunny comedy block.

***

It's only the second week of classes and I'm already starting to feel how heavy my school load will be. I have tougher subjects this time around, so many things to do, so many things to accomplish. I have this bunch o photocopied reference materials to study on for a recitation/quiz on my subhect Electonic Newsroom. I also have this assignment for my Music Scoring and Audio Desgin to burn 5 classical and opera songs with reflection paper. Plus an essay and assigned readings for my Radio/TV newswriting. To top it off, I also have my duties for the school paper. I have seven articles, four are already okay but I still have three that needs revising, and the revision is not just technical errors but I need to input new data on the articles' content.Oh well, it is just the start.

Overdosed

I'm getting sicked with Pacquiao already. I dont really hate him, just annoyed with the overexposure he is receiving. TV Patrol for the past two months or so "stalked" Manny, reporting every move he does even the frivolous ones. And even his opponent Larios gets [over] exposure, and the slant of their news features on him is obviously to make him look like a threat or to ignite the Filipinos to hate that guy coz he is arrogant [well we're not really sure if he really says those arrogant stuff since his interviews are dubbed]. Dyan Castillego is such a lucky person, coz she travels a lot because of her task to follow the every move of the boxers. My brother noticed that pumuti daw si Pacquiao. I said "Baka nag Vicky Belo" . I intended that remark as a joke but when you come to think it is possible. Pacquio is like the no. 1 endorser right now, you see his tv commercials all day[I personally dislike his EXTREME videoke commercial when he sings and dance!], he has also billboards and radio commercials. Heck, he even has a new single playing on the radio [featuring Francis M!]. I just really hope that he wont run in the upcoming elections because if he does I may dislike him, big time!

Back to Uniforms

Classes are here again, Not really back to school since I am always at school just back to uniforms.After two months of wearing civilian clothing, I'm now back wearing my barong and brown pants. I like it this way actually since when you are in uniforms its okay to wear the same stuff everyday (except on wash days of course). I have a limited wardrobe so during the summer months you will see me wearing a shirt that I that I have used so many times. Plus, wearing uniforms is an advantage when riding jeepneys since the moment I step the vehicle its already a given that i'm a student so I should get my discount. Some jeepney drivers are so maarte sometimes but heck the students help them a lot to have a good day in terms of getting their jeepneys full. During the summer months a driver once said to me that passengers are not that many so they don't earn that much. Actually, during the summer months I did not invoke my right of student discount. I believe that's my way of helping them since I also understand that times are hard. But since classes are already resumed, they will have lots of passengers already, so I'm back to my normal commuter state.

***

This year my block has been "upgraded" form JOU21 to JOU31. Time is flying so fast, I just could not believe that it has already been two years since I first set my foot here at DLSU-D. My third year as Broadcast Journalism student, and base from what I've heard and observed this year will be hard, really hard. 6 out of 8 subjects that I will take this year are major subjects. My schedule is so flexible since all my major subjects are just scheduled in a day for three straight hours. In fact today (Thursday) my first class is on at 2:30PM! And I have no classes on Wednesdays (but I will still go to school). The only subjects in two meetings are the minor ones (Economics and Sociology) and they are scheduled every Tuesday/Thursdays 2:30-4pm and 4-5:30pm. Oh well, I just hope this year will be great.

Tape Recorder, School Supplies and Captain Barbel

I'm here right now at an Internet Cafe here at SM Dasmarinas, I went to school today to interview the CSO secretary for an article, this is her only available date since she has OJT on weekdays. The secretary, Mikki, is actually a close friend of mine so aside from the interview we had lots of kwentuhan. In fact, the interview lasted for just 5 minutes but the kwentuhan for nearly two hours! We talked about her initiation as the new CSO sec (which also happened at Caliraya) which was very memorable, her rants over the how disorganized the OJT system of her department and lots of stuff .However, I found out that I recorded some of our conversations which was not related to the topic for my interview! It turns out, I forgot to turn my recorder off when I finished the interview!

***

Since its too early too go home I decided to go to SM muna , my first stop is National Bookstore to window shop but there were hordes of people in "panic buying" mode. Well, its not surprising since the opening of classes is just a few days away. I kinda felt nostalgic seeing families with tons of notebooks,pens and other school supplies since we were like that before. Since grade 4 until 4th year highschool I had the same brand of notebook, PRO-EARTH, coz its cheap plus I love the cover which are of course centers on environment protection. What's weird though is that those brand is only available during the peak season of May and June only. We would also buy loads of pad paper from 1/4 to 1/2 (crosswise/lengthgwise) to 1 whole. Unlike most of my classmates who only have papers during the first week of classes I have enough that will last or one school year however my packs of pad paper will not reach that long since mauubos agad sa panghihingi ng mga kaklase ko. Still, Most of the time I have a pad of paper so I had of reputation of being the supplier of pad paper. My favorite brand is National's BEST BUY coz I love the texture and it's whiteness, sarap sulatan. I remember a classmate back in elementary who is like a mini national bookstore coz he almost have every needed school supply. He's kinda madamot though.

***

Also while browsing at National I saw this local showbiz magazine with Captain Barbel on the cover. Man! Richard Gutierrez looks so weird wearing that costume! Hindi proportion yung ulo niya dun sa built ng costume, ang awkward tingnan parang pinotoshop yung ulo niya dun sa costume. I've read in press releases and seen in the plugs that costume is expensive and imported abroad well for me the money is not worth it although I must say that the costume looks good it just dont fit the lead they should have used the services of local tailors/designers

A Big Puzzle called LOST

LOST tells the story of plane crash survivors stranded in an island full of mysteries. The show is a must see for people who craves for a show full of excitement, adventure and has intelligent writing. This is not your typical American shows which has stand-alone episodes. The first season, which I have recently finished, chronicles the first 41(?) days of the castways. The story is continous journey so it requires the viewer patience so if you have short attention span I guess you will get tired with the show easily. The show is like a large puzzle with every new episode bringing a new piece to the puzzle. Lots of questions will be raise however those will not be answered immediately. And sometimes when a question is addressed it will bring another one. The characters (well there are about 10 major characters) are not one dimensional, aside from what we see in them in the islands, the show also gives us the preview on how they live before the crash through backstories intertwined with each episode. Each episode (except the pilot and the season finale which have various backstories) focuses on one castaway's backstory. Their stories are so engaging and in some ways interconnected. But LOST is not just pure action as the story has a also a of mix of humor, drama and a little romance on the side.This is the type of show that will make you feel uneasy in your couch,make you cry and will definietly will get you thinkin and evaluate on the situation and the charcters' actions. However, I'm worried on how the show will end, the program set high expectations and hopefully the show's writers will not be "lost" since they have to avoid the story to be too dragging but not completely be revealing since it may generate lost of interest. But as of now I'm enjoying the program since this is truly one amazing show.