4 Days

Dec.4 Tuesday

2nd Day of OJT at Journal. I went early, around 1pm and when I went to the proofreaders section I was the only one there so basically I did not do anything but browse the issues of the dailies for that day and checked out the pages I've proofread. Then Christian came but Ghie was absent because of some thesis stuff. Speaking of thesis, Jasmin submitted the revised thesis, it was an easy revision since we had minimal changes which I am really glad about.
The first page that was given to us for proofreading was the showbiz section of Taliba. I was amused actually because the blind items struck me haha. Then other the pages came. Since Journal had three dailies it is unavoidable that they have repetitive stories. There was this story on Nina that appeared on all three dailies.There were idle moments when there no pages to proofread since they are still not finished so it was quite boring so we decided to eat and as we leave the building we saw Mam Anne and reminded us of our articles which is due the next day, she was nice but the way she said "Bukas ah" quite gave an impact to us since we were conscious that we could disappoint her. Actually that day I still have no idea what to write about.
Anyways when we got back to the office, it was the peak time for proofreading so we like it since we are busy again. After two of the three dailies are already complete we decided to leave early since we will write our articles pa.
But it was traffic so I was still not able to go home early nevertheless I still worked on the article and slept 1am the next day just to finish it.

Dec. 5 Wednesday

I woke up around 8am and was shocked when I saw that the laptop is not there. Well, my sister [who owns it by the way] brought it at work. I have not printed my article yet since I will reread it. Anyways, I just went to a computer shop here in our place, actually, it has been months since I last went there and I was surprised how the shop has changed. Mas sosyal na sila with all their brand new PCs and I'm glad their printing cost is cheap already, 3 php per page, they used to charge 5 php the last time I went there and 10 php when I was in Highschool.
Anyway I had my article printed there and also emailed it to Mam Anne.
In the office, Ghie was there already so we are already complete. We were busier today than yesterday so it was good. And for the 2nd time, my buena mano was Taliba's showbiz section! haha
Around 3pm Mam Anne was in the office already and we submitted our articles already and a after an hour she said a good response on my article
Also on that day, there were snacks being passed around and they also gave us! We had chips, donuts and C2. Well, it came from Journal's advertisers.
There is also an office girl there who has a "mini sari sari store" and at first we were shy to buy at first but then we got hungry and we bought snacks there. She was nice anyway.
Well we ended our third day around 7pm.
As we go home we felt stranged that we have to go to school tomorrow. We felt that we have been with Journal for a long time already.

Dec. 6 Thursday

Back to school. In the morning I worked on our case study for Cross Cultural. My load was quite light since it was a pair work and Gerard already finished half of the work and he emailed it to me last night. I was not able to work it out when I went home yesterday because my sister went home late already and she had the laptop.
I had a hard time finding a yellow presentation folder where we have to place that case study.We were required to use one specific color of presentation folder only. It is a Sir Ramirez class afterall. For our class, it was yellow. May nag hoard yata ng small starfile yellow presentation folder, wala sa national bookstore ng glorietta,greenbelt, sm dasma,southmall at bacoor!
Anyways, it was good we found one in one of the shops near DLSU-D but it was not starfile but a new brand Focus, incidentally our case study was about a magazine named Focus, what a coincidence. I already brought extra folders for reserve hehe.
So before class it felt like ages since we last saw our classmates and we had lots of kwentos about our respective OJTs.
After class, I went to HF. I miss HF since I was gone for three days. Of course, problems on lay out progress welcomed me but what else is new anyway?

Dec. 7 Friday

We had no classes on Professional Ethics because of a confusion. Our room is at Bulwagang Jose Basa but there was a program there so we were instructed to VBH104 but the room had a class ongoing. And 20 mins had passed but Sir RS was nowhere in the vicinity of VBH. So we got paranoid and went to his department. We found out Sir was absent BUT we had a substitute professor and he went to VBH and did not saw us. We explained that the room had a class and were just in a Kubo near the room. Then the faculty checker called the department, also confused. It was a messy day. And in the end the class was cancelled.
Sayang.

After that I went to HF, presided the staff meeting and edited articles. Before I went home I had a chat with some of the staff and editors about childhood games, schools before, enchanted kingdom and swimming classes. Very random but I enjoyed it and it lasted for an hour. This, random conversations on anything and everything, that I will miss the most about HF when I graduate. Wait....I'm getting premature senti mode already ha!ha!

Before going home I went to a bank in SM to deposit for my and my brother's savings account [so busy with work, he have no time to do it anymore].
As I left the bank, I saw fireworks outside SM. Maybe it was for Dasmarinas Day tomorrow or for Christmas. Anyways, it was a nice way to cap off my day.

Tomorrow, classes are suspended because it is Dasmarinas Day and Immaculate Concepcion so I will use the day for OJT.

I'm excited to see Journal's office once again.

Day One

Today I started my OJT at the Journal Group of Publications in Makati. We [me and my classmates Christian and Giselle] came in early, 10:30 am, but we were told that we would start later that afternoon since we will be proofreaders and their work starts in the afternoon.
So around 2pm we started our OJT as proofreaders. It was okay since I already have experienced with that with Heraldo Filipino. There are three daily publication Journal Group of Publications have: People's Journal, People's Tonight and Taliba. I handled some pages in People's Journal and it was good experience, every mispelled word and typo I see excites me, hehe. We ended at around 7:30pm.
The people in Journal are very nice from the EIC to the HR to the proofreaders themselves. They are very accomodating and I felt relax. Our workload today is just okay since there are actually three proofreaders there plus us three interns. There were also times when we already finished proofreading and we don't have anything to do since some of the pages [the news pages mostly] of the dailies are not yet ready for proofreading so we had to wait.
Good thing though, that moment the HR approached us and asked if we could be supplementary writers, of course we accepted it. We met the supplementary section editor and gave us assignments with the deadline on Wednesday already.

Overall, it was a nice first day and I believe I will enjoy my stay with Journal as the HR told us that for the latter half our internship there we will experience being a beat writer, now that is something I'm so looking forward to.

Christmas Starts

After a long time of not changing the skin of this blog, today I decided that it's time to change my template and since it's already December I opted to transformed this site to Christmas mode. Pasko na!
This a way for me to start spreading the Christmas love to everyone. I will also work on putting Christmas music here. I just have to figure out how, anyone there could help me? The downside of being an amateur when it comes to HTML it is that when I changed my template my links were all gone! Oh well, I just have to do it all over again. Masipag naman ako hehe
Also check out my Multiply site and Friendster account which are both on Christmas mode too.

What a week!

Earthquake

Typhoons

Coup attempt

all in one week

***

Yesterday was chaotic
Today is already okay
The curfew was lifted
PNP apologized to the media
Trillanes is the man of the hour
Conspiracy theories are sprouting
We are back to normal
So it seems

***

I went to the mall today. There were so many people there. Tomorrow is the first day of December...It's the Christmas season already! I hope you will feel the season. I know it was not what it used to be. But enjoying the spirit of Christmas depends on you. Do not start the season being pesimistic. Sometimes it is our own fault why we can't feel Christmas.
I'll stop right here before I get too preachy. Happy Holidays!

Curfew

Starting 12 midnight until 5 am CURFEW will be implemented in Metro Manila,Region 3 and Region 4.

***

Bago ako pumasok eh napanood ko nga sa news na nag walkout nga sila Trillanes. Pagdating naman sa school yung ibang classmates ko clueless sa balita although yung iba narinig na yun. Pero we were all pre occupied with sa pag aasikaso ng OJT at thesis. Business as usual

***

When I got home my mother was watching the news and I asked her kung all day ba yan ang palabas, sabi nya oo. Then ang balita pagkadating ko eh pinosasan ang mga media. I was shocked. Tsaka lang nag sink in sakin na malala na pala ang situation. Then up next sa news eh yung announcement na mag kaka curfew nga. Mas lalo akong kinabahan. Nag text brigade na ako about sa curfew, walang pasok bukas baka gabihin sila.

***
Hay nakakaba ang mga pangyayari ngayon lalo na yung pangigipit sa media. Kahapon nasa Makati ako at nag aasikaso ng OJT sa People's Journal. Paano kaya kung kahapon ito nangyari o ngayon ako nag asikaso ng OJT?

***

Sana hindi mangyari ang iniisip ko ngayon. In this situation, you can't help but feel paranoid.

***

Tapos na yung coverage ng major networks. Back to regular programming. Pero ewan ko lang kung may gana pang manonood ang mga tao ng Princess Sarah o Zaido sa mga pangyayari ngayon.

Minor Revision

We had our thesis defense today and the results are great! We were given favorable response by the panelists [sir artin and mam sarile] and Mam Sarile even praised our Chapter 2 [Review of Related Literature] Me and Jasmin were surprised because we did not expect that since we thought our RRL is not that strong. During the defense proper we were not given a hard time, no nerve wracking cross examination and Mam Sarile even commented that she does not see any problem. I am so happy because I know Mam Sarile is hard to please and we are glad that she liked our thesis. The one thing I did wrong according to sir Artin was how I wore my necktie

I am also pround of my classmates because out of the 7 who had defense today [the first batch by the way], 5 were Broadcast Journalism students. Kudos to PIO peeps Ruzelle and Ate Mars, the Mangangalaykay group Jan,Christian,Levin,Cherisvil and ghie ,the ZTE queen Jinky and the Rizalistas Nelly,Bebeth and Jaja.We all did good today guys!

Thank you to our very supportive thesis adviser Mam Nornelyn Cachuela and Communication Research 2 professor Sir Artin Umali for the pushing us to be the best that we could be.

To my thesis partner Jasmin, we did it! What's amazing is that we never really went overnight, we worked on our thesis online, through Yahoo Messenger. All our hardwork paid off.

Thank you to our respondents, the Broadcast Journalism students from first year to to fourth year for cooperating by answering our survey sheets. Without your responses, our thesis will not be possible

To Mr.Leo Katigbak of Studio 23, we are so thankful that you accomodated us and squeeze our appointment for interview despite your hectic schedule.

Thank you God, for guiding us throughout this thesis writing time.

Nabunutan na ako ng isang malaking tinik

PS: LUMINDOL pala kanina, hindi ko naramdaman,kung nagkataon pala na malakas yung lindol napaka eventful naman ng thesis defense namin hehe

Going Green

The Environmental Special of La Salleno [magazine of Heraldo Filipino] titled GREEN LIGHT DISTRICT had its launching last November 15 at Tanghalan Julian Felipe. It is another breakthrough since this is the first time that HF had a launching for one of its publication. I'm happy to report that the event was a success. Former Actor and Environmentalist Roy Alvarez Graced the event. Kudos to the Features Editor Christine Weizel Gulfan for a job well done as well as all the editors and staff who helped for making this event a success. Special thanks to Environmental Resource Management Center and USC for co-organizing this event and The Filipiniana Dance Company for their performance. To those who attended, THANK YOU! Hope you learn something about the alarming environment issues. See photographs of the event here.

Too bad though, I was not present the whole time because of classes nevertheless I was not worried because I know the event will run smoothly because the people who I trusted to manage this event worked very hard.

Nostalgia Fit [Elementary days]

I studied in a very small private school at Bulihan, Silang, Cavite (note: we are really are far from Silang proper. Dasmarinas, GMA, Carmona are way nearer to us. I really have a hard time explaining where I live because when I say Silang people think we are near Tagaytay and some wonder why I ride a jeep going to GMA,well my barangay is just in front of GMA sandwiched between Dasma and Carmona. The name of the school is Risen Christ Catholic School (RCCS). Sounds Fancy? To be honest my school was not that good. We have no library, clinic, school publication, gymnasium, auditorium,laboratories,clubs (except the student council) and other facilities that is needed. RCCS rarely joins inter school competitions.Our school is just made up of two buildings,the other one during my time was not that completely furnished because the third floor rooms was not painted and had no doors! (Thank God I never had a homeroom there).Our school is also known as Simbahan since before the construction of the buildings. the school was located near the church (Risen Christ Parish) but the name sticked. Incidentally there are other schools in my place with weird nicknames. There are two public elementary schools adjacent each other, one is named Bagong Buhay Elem School the other BSSPES (I forgot the meaning).Their nicknames are "Bago" and 'Luma" The public highschool was previously known as, well 'high school", but later on it became "Annex". So if your new in my place I know you will find it weird when you ask someone where s/he studies and their response will be "simbahan", "bago", "luma" and "highschool/annex". Anyways, back to my RCCS reminiscing, I studied there for 10 years (grade one-4th year).I did not enter pre school because I refuse to be away from home but my mother "forced" me to finally enroll but straight to elementary na since if I became a preschooler first I will be behind since its already late when I started studying. Due to some shock I felt with the new environment, I did poor during the first grading, all my grades were 80 below (but no failing mark). But my mother strive to teach me and later on I had good grades. I even entered the top 10 list on the succeding grading periods but was disqualified to be part of the final top10 come recognition due to my poor first grading performance. But i had a pa consuelo award (Most Diligent). The succeding years I became a consistent honor student (gr.2- top 6,gr.3 and 4, top4). In fifth grade we had a star section (before we did not have and the ranking of the honor students were done per section not the over all batch) and I faced stiff competition but one good thing about it that it did not become personal. I experienced sharing the 10th post with two other people during the first grading then i jumped to 4th the next grading and maintained it the next grading but for the final list I ended up at no.5. During that year the honor's list was comprised of 23 students and every grading the rankings changed,the only one who was not defeated was the top 1 (actually that guy hold that place for 10 years!). The next year, grade 6, the old system came back (the honor students were split up) but it was a bit unfair,in the end I ranked 8th (6th honorable mention).I was surprised with the result and I knew something was wrong. Hindi sa pagyayabang But I knew how I performed in class and I did not think I will end up being 8th.I found out that my other classmates shares the same feeling that something was wrong. But we did not do anything, we were just kids....

In elementary, I love to play but later on because of my asthma attacks I was just confined with just observing them. Although I still play but I restrict my self from playing strenous stuff like habulan and taya tayaan. Teks, jolens,scrabble, dampa those are the stuff that I play.

Despite my 'nerdy' personality I was not really a bully's target. I don't know why...

I love going to school because that is the only place where I have friends.

To sum this up, my childhood is a bit unusual. I'm such a studious, grade-conscious kid back then. But in academics I feel happy because that is the only thing I excel on.

Four Reasons Why I am Happy Today

• After weeks of delay the second issue of Heraldo Filipino was released today [see entry below].
  
• I received my HF evaluation and I'm pleased with the outcome. Thank you team 22 for the trust and the kind words you've written in the comments. I will strive even more in performing my responsibility.
• The second draft of our thesis was also released today and it only had a few stuff for us to fix. Sir Artin added that if our thesis adviser is satisfied with the third draft, we could now be scheduled for defense. And I believe we are nearing closer since before we submitted our draft 2, our thesis adviser told us that our thesis is already okay. I'm nervous for the defense but I could not wait any longer. Wish us luck.
• So far I love my subjects this sem because we have the two of the best professors in DLSU-D teaching us. Sir Roel Ramirez, APR for Cross Cultural Communication and Dr. Ricardo "RS" Santiago for Professional Ethics in Media. They are the type of professors that really challenges the students to be the best that they can be. I'm so looking forward attending their classes

Finally

After weeks of delay the second issue of Heraldo Filipino was released today. So far the feedbacks we've been receiving are generally good.It really feels good whenever I see a student reading HF. Weeks of hard work paid off. Next week La Salleno magazine will be out and it is all about ENVIRONMENT.

Here is the frontpage for the second issue of HF:



This is the 6th page where I have my column:

Realization

We had our OJT orientation earlier today. And well reality kick in for me. We have to complete 200 hours. And well we could start in two to three weeks, there are just documents needed to be taken care of. Well, as expected, I'm nervous and excited. Worried because on how I will be able to manage and cope this sem, 2nd sem is fast paced compared to the first sem, so there is a limited time for so many things to do. I'm talking about HF stuff, this sem there 2 contests we will organize, 3 more issues of the broadsheet, 1 issue each for LS,Just Play, Alipato,Palad and Decreto. All should be finished and released within this sem.
Oh and There is still the nerve wracking thesis saga. And I'm kinda guilty because this week I'm not being productive. Must get back to work mode.There is no more room for "pa easy easy" lifestyle.

The Start of the End

Tomorrow is the start of the second semester. I only have four subjects left plus OJT and thesis defense. Only a few months left before I graduate. I will make the most out of it. This will be a nerve wracking semester. I just hope come tomorrow we will have schedule for thesis defense already or notice if we need a draft 3. The waiting is killing me. I want to move on with my 2nd sem subjects already. But the past [aka thesis] is still haunting us.
I have not made any move regarding my OJT, the semestral break for me was so busy with HF duties and thesis revision. Plus, our department will have an orientation first, but they did not announce when? Hopefully tomorrow, everything will be cleared to us already.
The final semester and for the nth time how time flies...

Pathetic Drama

I love my family, but I just could not stand what's happening right now. I'm irked with my older siblings, for pete's sake they are now in their late 20s but they haven't matured. Yes, they have jobs but I still feel nothing have changed, my brother's salary for example is manage by mother, could not blame my mother though since my brother does not handle money properly. But then again my brother should prove to my parents he could do it, he could be independent. But I guess he is not ready yet. But when will he be ready? My sister, our eldest, lately I'm annoyed with her. I salute her hardwork and her being madiskarte but lately she is acting like a brat. Right now there is a drama in the house because of her. She got tampo with Tatay because Tatay was cold to her earlier in the morning, Tatay's reason is valid, he asked something from my sister but she did not do it. I also understand that Tatay is sometimes annoying when is angry to us because he does not scold us or confront us personally but instead he would text us very hurtful words. I experienced that too, but I don't make a scene thus creating a bigger problem. That is what my sister is doing right now. What a drama queen! She should act her age. Add to that Nanay's nagging who does not help because she would just find people to blame. She is worried, i know and she releases that through nagging even if her sermons does not make any sense.
I'm so annoyed right now!I'm sorry if I am releasing it through this. I just want to let it is out!

Gawad Abdul: Halloween Edition

Gawad Abdul is the Heraldo Filipino Awards Night which happens every Midyear and/or Yearend Workshop of HF . [By the way, in case you're curious Abdul is our mascot, he is a dog which symbolizes watchdog]. To spice up Gawad Abdul for this year's midyear workshop we decided to have the theme of Halloween and it was fun, because a lot of the staffers really dressed up. I failed to mention in my previous post that we also awarded BEST COSTUME, it was won by an art staffer, Ella. This is how she looked like:

Actually, nag-effort talaga ang art section sa costume, just look at them:



To see more Gawad Abdul pictures, click here

The Art staff and Photographer Andrew were really in Halloween Mode that night and took more pictures and the results were really amazing. Here is a sample:



See more pictures at Andrew's Multiply account

The Midyear

I'm back from Heraldo Filipino's Midyear Workshop. Thank God, it did not rain! It was really fun. I'm glad that 90% of the HF Team 22 members were present. Previous workshops, only half or even less of it attended. So this midyear is a breakthrough. We also saved money because we opted to cook our meals than have catering services. Each section who were assigned to cook was able to save money. Plus, the cooking session is some sort of teambuilding for them too.
We had our teambuilding first, click here to see the how it was played out. We had our Gawad Abdul later that night. The Gawad Abdul is the HF Awards night, it has two parts, the goof awards and the serious awards. Our theme for that night was Holloween, so everyone wore a costume. I also asked each section to have a presentation.The Graphics and Photo sections did an "interpretative" dance, the News section [an all girl team] danced Lady Marmalade, The literary section, living up to their nature, did a skit, Sports section "exercised" to the tune of the DLSU hymn, and the Art section spoofed the Editorial Board which was hilarious that actually resulted for them to win the BEST PRESENTATION. The Features section beg off since the feat ed told me that they were too exhausted from cooking the dinner. We had 20 goof awards, some popular awards were the Senior Citizen award for the oldest HF member[Gino from Graphics edged out Ros from Art by a month, he is 23 yrs. old), HF is my Home award for the staffer who had the most number of residency hours [Mica from Sports won, 500 plus hours) and Talipandas ng taon [Talipandas is an inside joke at HF, Paul from Features won).]. After the goof awards we announced the promoted staffers. 3 apprentices were promoted to Junior Staff status while 7 staffers were promoted to Senior Staff status. And the highlight of the night were the recognition of exemplary HF members. Here are the winners:

Outstanding Section: Literary
Outstanding Section Editor: Patricia Cruz, News
Outstanding Staff: Michaela Grimaldo, Sports
Most Promising News Writer: Rubilyn Valdez
Most Promising Features Writer: Millicent Andres
Most Promising Sports Writer: Luis Olitoquit [unfortunately he did not attend the midyear workshop]
Most Promising Literary Writer: Patrick Quintos
Most Promising Artist: Jumel Estranero
Most Promising Photographer: Andrew Tadalan
Most Promising Graphic Artist: Geronimo Santiago

I was happy to see the smiles of the people above as they received their certificates of recognition. I really hope this will even inspire them to be the best that they can be.
I told the staffers who were not promoted nor received an award not to be disheartened but instead strive more and their time will come.

As for the rest of the workshop, there were lots of bonding moments from playing games, swimming [not me though], videoke [yeah, i sang haha] and lots of kwentuhan sessions. I'm glad to see some of the shy staffers were able to come out from their shell.

It was a memorable workshop. I'm glad it went smoothly. I'm kinda emotional since the Midyear workshop signals the end of the first semester and the start of the 2nd [and my last] semester with HF.

I just could not believe how time flies. The midyear workshop that I attended during my first year with HF is still fresh in my memory and now I was the one who facilitated it.

I guess, I should stop here before I get too nostalgic.

Stop the rain!

It's raining cats and dogs right now! NOOOOO! If this continue it might mess up with our Midyear workshop. Dear Lord,please do not let this be a typhoon. We could not afford to cancel the workshop. We could not. It will be a big problem. BIG! Please cooperate Dear Mother Nature.
I'm so friggin worried. I could not imagine the consequences if the midyear will be canceled because of the rain. Oh no. Please don't rain anymore. Please stop. Please.

Midyear Madness

HF's Midyear Workshop is on Oct. 29- 30 and as expected preparing this is not hassle free.I will not expound anymore but this is one tough job. I want the midyear to be a success. I'm excited and nervous! I'm preparing myself with the problems that may come. I really hope the workshop will run smoothly. The Midyear Workshop signals that start of the 2nd semester and my last one at that. The first sem was very challenging but I survived. But the 2nd semester will be tougher, more publications to be released plus I will have my OJT. Wheew....time flies.

Boo!

Erap received a pardon. I'm not pleased but not surprised, I saw it coming.
Enough said.

***

With this, news on the Glorietta bombing took a backseat and I'm afraid it could be forgotten and the attention will be all about Erap, portraying him as a "hero". Whatever.

***

Some of my family members sympathizes with Erap. Not a long ago we hated him. Now,I guess I'm alone.

Currently Listening

I'm no music expert, I'm just a casual listener. My music genre: Pop/Mainstream radio

My Current Favorite songs (in order)

1. Apologize-Timbaland feat. One Republic
2. Walang Misteryo- Imago
3. Never let her slip awy- The Bloomfields
4. How far we've come- Matchbox Twenty
5. Wag ka nang umiyak-Sugarfree
6. Gotta go my own way-Nikki Gil
7. Jenny-The Click 5
8. Sala-Pupil
9. Hate that I love you- Rihanna feat. Ne-Yo
10. Love will lead you back-Kyla

Jubilant

I am so happy that my thesis is seeing light. I finally interviewed an executive from Studio 23. You know, that is the remaining link for the revision of my thesis. And it was not easy to set an appointment, it took me a month to get a schedule. I was already worried yesterday and when Studio 23 called me informing me of the schedule, i want to cry (OA haha). Ok, that's all for now, I just took a break from revising my thesis.

Feeling Better

Today I'm glad I was able to fix already all the financial stuff needed for the UNIGAMES coverage in Bacolod and the INKBLOTS seminar in UST. What a relief. Also, the layout for HF2 is almost finished. Just one page not yet laid out [doodles]. But I already printed the galley for proofreading. I will be very careful and observant this time because last issue we committed a HUGE error, our issue was dated June-July 2006 in the front page, instead of 2007! Although in the succeeding pages, 2007 was printed. Still, an embarrassing boo-boo
On Monday,I will go to DLSU-Manila to attend a meeting with my fellow Lasallian campus journalists. Well, its passing the torch sort of, as we will talk about La Sallian Schools Press Conference (LSPCON) in University of St. La Salle,Bacolod next year, Time flies, it was just a few months ago when we were going gaga and very nervous about LSPCON because this is a big event.But I'm glad we pulled it off and we got glowing reviews. It is now Bacolod's turn.

****

The Glorietta bombing is very tragic. May God Bless the souls of those who passed away.And whoever did this, will pay. I'm very sure of that.

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.