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