bits and pieces: 2007

Student Leaders and other members of AUF were invited to serve as audience during the Proclamation Rally of the Team Unity held at the Pampanga Convention in San Fernando last Tuesday.

Ma’am Virgie, head of the Mass Communication Department, also our teacher in most of our major subjects took advantage of the opportunity. We needed a venue for our stand-up reporting which should have been done last Valentines but we were not permitted because we were having our midterm exams. And so even if we weren’t student leaders, our class was excused from all of our subjects that day and headed to venue right after lunch.

It wasn’t a so smooth ride thanks to the warm weather, but more thanks to the air-conditioning unit of the AUF bus. I think it deserves a freon check-up. To worsen up things, we were instructed to go back to the school the moment we got there. One of the heads of the University said that the Convention cannot accommodate us anymore. Well, we can squeeze our butts in but of course, the school is after the students’ safety.

Fortunately or unfortunately, our class was exempted from the instruction. It’s not everyday that we get that kind of opportunity, as Mass Communication people, we had to grab the opportunity. In short, we stayed even if we knew that we wouldn’t get the chance to interview the senatorial candidates anymore. We just served as audience instead, but it was still interesting.

We got there two speakers late. But that wasn’t really bad. I even admire how we got ourselves in imagining the crowd of people pushing, shouting, sweating just to get in the small entrance door. The smell, the scene and everything else was disgusting before you get in. But what can I say, that’s reality! It’s really hard to get even a little cooperation from the people in times like this.

Talking about cooperation, the administration party was really united. It seemed like they had one goal to make bola the Kapampangans and our dear President who also happens to be a Kapampangan. I thought they’d be using all these boring speeches of promises in improving our country. But I was wrong. It was very easy. All they had to say was that they have relatives in Pampanga, mention positive traits of the Kapampangans, promise that they will prioritize Pampanga, and so on just to win the hearts and votes of people in Pampanga.

It makes me wonder. Would they use the same lines, same adjectives, same adverbs but just different Nouns when they solicit votes from the other provinces and cities of the country? Or they just used this strategy in Pampanga because they think Kapampangans are narrow-minded?

Sunday, February 25, 2007

WHOSE FAULT IS IT ANYWAY?

Of all courses, mass communication students like I are most expected to be updated with current events. But I sometimes hesitate to watch the news and read newspapers because I can’t help but be anxious knowing how terrible the reputation our country is holding these days. As they say, “what you don’t know won’t hurt you”

Being passive is not and will never be a solution with injustice, violence, riots, and other turmoil surrounding our society left and right but I hate to be judgmental for I am not in the government’s shoes. I haven’t even experienced how it is to govern a small district, what more to rule a country? Of course, I have opinions of my own but I don’t want to persuade my readers into something I am not so certain about.

It is so obvious that our country is in a total mess. So I can’t blame if some people overreacts on issues regarding our country, most specifically, our government. As citizens, we have our freedom of speech, but conducting mass rallies every so often won’t help a bit. Students are the only people I know who rejoice when broadcasters announce that there would be no classes due to strikes and unavailability of transportations almost every time there is a price hike and almost as often as the president speaks a word. You see, these people may not even know much. Worse, some are just being paid to protest and are not even aware which side they should belong to and what exactly are they appealing for. I remember a supporter of the opposition being interviewed by a reporter and turns out to be on the administration’s side.

How materialistic. These people would forgo their own beliefs for an ample amount of money. We are living in a democratic country where we are given the right to decide what kind of government we would want and the right to elect the leaders who would rule our country. In this case, we have no one else to blame but ourselves for it was the majority’s decision, to which we have all agreed with.

I think we Filipinos have eaten too much sweet that we become hyperactive. We elect a president and then demand for an impeachment. A replacement comes, and we again protest for another impeachment. Let us set aside our impulsive attitude when dealing with these issues. Can’t we just pause for awhile, take a deep breathe, think, and then make a judgment?

A democratic government, a democratic country, the Philippines is. So it all lies into our hands. To make a decision is like crossing a railroad. We have to stop, look, and listen, and then we decide.

GOVERNMENT: FOR THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE

What is a good government? Encarta defines a government as a political organization comprising the individuals and institutions authorized to formulate public policies and conduct affairs of state.

Governments are classified in many ways. Republic in which people elect representatives to exercise power for them and Monarchic often in European countries wherein a person has the heredity right to rule as head of state during his or her lifetime. Such rulers include kings and queens, emperors and empresses. Another classification embraces a dictatorial government whereby a leader rules a country with absolute power and usually by force and a democratic government where every citizen has the free and equal right to participate in decision-making processes.

Democracy comes from the two Greek words demos, meaning the people and kratein, meaning to rule. It is a government ruled by the people. But it doesn’t actually imply that everybody gets to be a leader. It is often practiced by the right to elect political leaders based on the majority.

A good government secures the common good of its members. Its citizens are entitled to certain rights which guarantee them to freedom, justice and equality. Under these rights falls the freedom of speech, of the press, to choose a religion, to due process of law, and so forth. To maintain peace and order, it enforces laws that impose penalties on violators. These regulations must ensure justice and protection to every citizen at all times, regardless of their race, religion, sex or other characteristics unrelated to the worth of an individual.

The government establishes and regulates a relationship between its people which comprises the social dealings within their community, their region, their country and other nations for it intends its country to become globally competitive.

A government of the people, for the people, and by the people, that basically is how a good government ought to be.

Saturday, February 24, 2007

22 SECRETS BEAUTIFUL WOMEN KNOW

BEAUTY is one of the most powerful words in the dictionary today. Every girl, lady or woman in this universe is so into it. We get tips from magazines, idolize celebrities, watch beauty pageants, spend for beauty products and trips to salons and dermatologists and get hooked into whatever it takes just to be called beautiful. We all have our own interpretations as to what the word means. In literature, many masterpieces have been composed by poets with beauty as its subject. But what does beauty actually imply? Has mass media completely misled us to a false understanding on what beauty truly is? Let’s see.

1. Beauty is wearing a big smile, one that is merry and bright. Do you know that a smile may bring happiness to anyone even if they don’t know or like you? A smile projects a “yes, I want to be your friend” image. Why do we smile when we take pictures? Simply because we look good on it. So come on, we don’t have to project and dress like professional ramp models to struck attention. A vivid smile is all it takes to shine your brightest.

2. Beauty is discipline. Do you know the difference between eating healthy and starving yourself? Do you drink too much and party all night long? Your body is a gift. Respect it and set your limitations. Can’t stop craving for junk foods? Have you considered storing it far enough from your sight. Or think of other ways to stay away from it. Alternatives are always present, and discipline is always a key to looking and feeling good.

3. Beauty is saying “no”. The Philippines is a democratic country, so why should anyone dictate you? Friends can be influential but the choice between good and evil is still yours to make, and for whatever path you take, you have no one else to blame but yourself.

4. Beauty is accepting complements so as criticisms. People have different standards in judging what is pleasing or not. This explains why you could never please everyone. Even top models are not free from offensive comments. You just have to learn to deal with them. Truth hurts but would you rather choose to hear someone say you look stunning when deep within he/she knows that your dress does not fit the occasion or choose a friend who honestly tells you your weaknesses to help you improve yourself?

5. Beauty is an “I can do it” attitude. Always think positive. If she can do it, why can’t you. If you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won’t get it, but if you believe in yourself, you probably sooner or later will get it. “The greatest pleasure in life is doing what others say you can’t do”.

6. Beauty is intelligence. Nobody’s exempted from aging. Physical appearance fades but the knowledge you have gained will forever stay. Well, except if you get amnesia. But even if you do, the wisdom you have acquired would not be wasted if you have passed it on to other people. Beautiful women always share opinions through big or small talks.

7. Beauty is a kind heart. “Life is an echo; it gives back what we gave”. But it doesn’t mean that you should give and expect something in return. Give wholeheartedly. Have you ever thought of how it is to be in someone else’ shoe? If not, then ponder, exert a little more selflessness and start using the pronouns they, them, their, instead of me, myself and I.

8. Beauty is dreaming big and setting your priorities. Life is brought by choice and not by fate. Set your goals in life and a deadline on when you aim to achieve them. Setting a goal without a deadline would not make pretty much sense. Make a list of your ambitions and priorities in life and read it as often as possible for you not to forget.

9. Beauty is being courteous. Paying people for their service doesn’t mean that they do not deserve even a simple “thank you”. The best way to gain respect is to pay respect.

10. Beauty is leading. Being a leader doesn’t mean that you have to be the President of the Philippines or a politician. You could start at home, simply by setting good examples to your younger siblings. Or by encouraging your peers to become better persons. Simple acts of leadership can create another leader.

11. Beauty is in a friend who cares. Best memories kept are those shared with friends. Be a friend and have a friend who does not just listen but understands; someone you could laugh, weep and pray with; above all, appreciates you for who you truly are.

12. Beauty is having the courage. “Courage isn’t the absence of fear, it is the presence of fear and yet the will to move on”.

13. Beauty is being real. Is it the real you that they see beautiful? Are you what you are in front and behind people? If you are faking, why is this so? Are you scared of not being accepted for who you truly are? Dare to be yourself and notice a constructive difference.

14. Beauty is being comfortable with your own skin. Always wanted to possess the color, height or built of a cover girl? Loving yourself perfectly is easier than aiming to be perfect. Having insecurities would only pull you down. So ditch those ASAP.

15. Beauty is originality. Who would want to be ordinary? Having the courage to be distinct from others makes you stand out from the crowd. There is nothing wrong with getting hooked into what is in or trendy, just make sure that it suits you and it would not make you a replica of someone else. Be imaginative. If everybody goes for white then get noticed by wearing black.

16. Beauty is leaving a room for self-improvement. Life is a circle of experiences both good and bad. And with every experience are lessons learned which leads us to becoming better persons. What counts most is not how many times we tripped over and fall but how many times we managed to stand up and go on with the journey of life.

17. Beauty is practicality. Splurging money on expensive stuff is not wise. Learn to be thrifty and to recycle. It would benefit the environment too.

18. Beauty is to live and let live. We are living in a community so this phrase doesn’t practically mean that we should not care about other people. Beautiful people respect the right to privacy of others so as for others to respect theirs.

19. Beauty is independence. Sure, good souls would always be there to lend a hand. But isn’t success more fulfilling when people appreciate what you have accomplished yourself?

20. Beauty is looking on the bright side. Remember the song Ironic? “It’s like rain, on your wedding day, it’s free ride when you’re already paid, it’s a good advice that you just didn’t take”. If you think you have experienced the most tragic misfortune there is, then you’re not alone. Everybody does. And we think we could not get over it. Just think there is someone out there experiencing ten times or even more of what you are going through. It’s clichéd but it’s true: “When God closes a door, he opens a window.” When He thinks it’s not for you, he always has something better to give.

21. Beauty is confidence. Beauty comes from within. It is not all about physical appearance. It is how you carry yourself that makes you beautiful. How you see yourself is how other people would see you. Learn by heart: the top secret to looking beautiful is feeling beautiful.

22. Beauty is to love unconditionally. There is no greater gift than to love and be loved. This gift is what makes us beautiful in the eyes of God.

POEM: Alone

THOUGHTS OF A BROKEN SOUL

Here she was
Seated by the window
Locked up with sorrow
No one to talk to; no one to turn to

Takes a shower
And off she goes
To mingle with people
She doesn’t truly know

What she bared
Was a merry individual
And beyond our expectations
Was a broken soul

Agony was never
For her to reveal;
Yet bedtime prayers
Were hers to keep

Sympathy was what
She hated the most
And so she breathed in a world
Where she was oh…so alone

Friday, February 23, 2007

ONE VOICE: ARE PROFESSIONALS BEING UNDERVALUED?

Someone once told me that there are only three ways to get rich here in the Philippines. First is to be born rich with silver spoon on your mouth. Well, golden spoon would be better in my opinion. Second is to be a politician. And third is to be an artist.

Injustice is present in every direction you look within the boundaries of this country. The gap between the poor and the powerful widens more and more as time pass by. In the right, you’ll see the percentage of unemployed graduates growing every year. We have this so called Palakasan System in our country. Competition is tough for job-seekers, but not for those with backers. In the left, you’ll see teachers and other professionals working their butts off only to receive a certain amount just enough to support their needs or even less, while other undergraduates, such as artists are paid huge sums of money. With this trend, we can’t blame why graduates choose to depart our country and work abroad.

If I were asked what the greatest challenge there is facing the Filipino people today, I would have to say graft and corruption of politicians which leads to poverty. Yes, their dishonesty is against their sworn duty to the public. Such act is immoral, but who are we to judge them if they get tempted, with the ample amount of compensation, not only these politicians but also all the other government and non-government employees receive?

I don’t understand why artists get paid huge amounts of money. I am aware that entertaining people and being on-call twenty-four-seven is a tough job but they in return, get famous and perk out of it. So aren’t that and an adequate amount of compensation enough? Why should celebrities be one of those with high-paying jobs if they don’t even have to spend much because they have sponsors to provide most of the tangible things they’ll need?

As a youth, I would like to be a model to my generation and make a promise to make a difference in this prejudice system of ours by voicing out my opinion and hopefully be able to initiate a change someday. Let us not take for granted the help that these underprivileged workers offer us and our society. Who would maintain peace and order without police and military men? And if not for our teachers, how would we be able to count our earnings and spell out success?

Learn by heart: every individual in this world of ours is significant

Thursday, February 22, 2007

SCIENTISTS OF YESTERDAY EQUALS THE YOUTH OF TODAY

Is it still possible to claim that we, the youth of today is the hope of tomorrow with Premarital Sex, Drug Addiction and Teenage Pregnancy as just few of the many issues linked to us so called potential leaders?

Scientists, I must say. We ourselves possibly hate the subject science but may also be unaware that we, in fact, are practical Scientists. The youth of today is open-minded, naturally curious and experimental; descriptions that best fit no other profession but a scientist.

To be open-minded is good but why do we get engaged into wrong doings? Isn’t it because of our being inquisitive? As they say, curiosity killed the cat. My attention was struck by a condom advertisement for it seemed to have us, the youth, as its intended audience, with a catchphrase saying “get into it”. Get into what, using condoms? Why then would we use condoms if not for sex? Mass media may be one of the main causes for the false culture implied into our young minds.

Given that we are naïve, we easily get influenced. We tend to imitate what we see on TV, hear from the radio and read from papers. Temptation is hard for us to conquer that we become gutsier and even more experimental. It’s a courageous act to stay pure when we belong to a society where the basis of acceptance is to get into what everybody else is doing.

Great, if we become modern versions of Albert Einstein and Galileo, and make use of our potentials not exactly to discover or invent hi-tech gadgets but to at least make use of them for the common good. But as what I see now-a-days, these God-given potentials have misled us to the wrong path.

Still, let us please not be judgmental. Incase we have forgotten, Sir Isaac Newton, who is considered to be one of the most important scientists of all time, was merely a quiet boy and an inattentive student before he had formulated the laws of gravitation and motions. Instead, I am calling everyone, despite our age differences to be supportive. Kindly, remind us, the youth, of what is expected from us. And in time, we would realize that it is still in our hands, where hope remains.

HOW TO CONDUCT AN INTERVIEW

Who wouldn’t know America’s favorite talk-show host, Oprah Winfrey? Incase you don’t, then surely your very much familiar with our very own Kris Aquino. As well as Korina Sanchez and Mel Tiangco who are both not only talk-show hosts but are also popular news anchors. Besides talking, a common thing these people do once the cameras and lights are on is asking questions, or what we call an interview.

An interview has two basic types namely: formal and informal. A formal interview is usually conducted after a prior appointment with the interviewee or which we sometimes term as the source. He should know before hand the topic of the discussion. On the other hand, an informal interview, also known as an ambush interview is on-the-spot and usually occurs to public figures such as politicians and celebrities where they get to be questioned spontaneously in an unexpected time or place.

Whether formal or informal, the interviewer has to be prepared with good, relevant questions. Preparation also requires research. As an interviewer, you ought to have adequate background information regarding the topic which would be discussed.

Ask the most necessary questions first. This is most important during ambush interviews where there is limited time. Also, the interviewer should be prompt when he has asked for an appointment for he is just asking for a favor.

To avoid distracting the interviewee’s attention, the interviewer must observe proper grooming as well as hygiene and must dress appropriately. The interviewer on the other hand must also pay attention to what the source is talking about and use facial expressions properly to encourage the source.

Certain media practitioners these days tend to put aside ethics, which they have sworn to take into considerations. A credible interviewer figures out a way to get his source to speak but still keeps in mind the interviewee’s rights, especially to keep his silence regarding an issue raised.

The interviewer must be cautious in asking sensitive questions so as not to offend the interviewee. In talk shows, the host sometimes plays with words and does not shoot a question directly to get a more honest answer. Hard-nosed questions should not hurt, embarrass or intimidate the source.

To keep it short, just remember that the key in conducting an interview is trust. A journalism professor has said it all, “Interviewing is the art of gaining trust, then gaining information.”

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

SIBLINGS AREN’T ALWAYS JUST A PAIN IN THE ASS

Cherry and Cecille are siblings who happened to be both my classmates back in elementary and high school. Cecille, who’s good in sports, being the eldest often complains about her sister’s “kill-joy” attitude, while Cherry, who excels in class, being more mature, complains about Cecille’s being irresponsible. Besides being two different people with contrasting characteristics, their birth position seemed to have interchanged which often resulted to small and big clashes to the point that at least one or even both of them end up saying “I’d be better-off without a sister”.

Easy for them to say but (knock on wood) wait ‘til they lose each other and realize how it is to be the only child. Sure, being the unica ija or unica iho as we Filipinos term it, gives you better chances of getting what you will need or want. You could get to have a better education, a room, clothes, and other stuffs of your own. You wouldn’t be obliged to share with someone else in the family, especially when it comes to your parents’ undivided attention. Best of all, competition would not be an issue. Don’t we just hate it when we get to be compared with someone else? It’s like we could not grow as unique individuals. And yes, this most often happens to siblings and may result to inferiority complex.

Let us look at the brighter side. Siblings may be annoying at times but accept it or not, would still be those first few good souls to remind you that the whole world has not totally turned its back on you when we are on our darkest hours. People we mingle with when we are in school, our workplace, or our favorite hang-out place may be deceiving but those inside our humble homes would forever remain true and would readily support and protect us twenty-four-seven

Being the only child may offer more tangible advantages, but with it comes more responsibilities. Imagine the burden of running errands for your parents and being scolded all by yourself. Doing household chores would be a lot easier with helping hands. And if you commit mistakes, you know that there are two or more of you to be blamed. In time, we would have to return our parent’s efforts on raising us. It will be a fulfilling but huge responsibility since we would also be raising a family of our own at the same time. Who then would we share these responsibilities with?

“The more the merrier” as they say. Nothing compares to having someone who truly knows and understands you during your ups, despite your downs. And this someone may be in no other place than our own homes and may be no other than our own sibling or siblings, no need to be searched for, only to be further appreciated.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

THE STUPIDEST THING I HAVE DONE

Stupidity: lack of intelligence, perception, or common sense. If Encarta is not mistaken, I believe that I have experienced stupidity countless times within a decade and seven years of my existence in this planet. Who would have not? Its human nature, isn’t it?

Most of the time, people, as well as I act stupid for laughter. But it may also be unintentionally committed. Just like when I doubted God’s presence. I may not be certain if it really is the stupidest thing I have done but it is indeed something I forever would remember.

It was the darkest chapters of my life when I questioned if He really does exist. I got tired of asking “why are these happening?”, “what have I done?”, “why me?” and so on. And so I just asked, “Are you really there?” My thoughts were so suspicious. I remember that someone once told me that God is just a mere image of hope for the people, nothing more than that. I told myself that he might be right. No one has seen him, and the books of the bible were just written by human-beings, imperfect, just like me. I thought that I may just be wasting my time asking for forgiveness and blessings from something or someone I am not so certain of.

Bewildered, a verse unconsciously came into my mind, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believed.” That’s faith. God is like the wind, we don’t see it and yet when we feel it, we’ll know that it’s there. In the end, I have come to realize that God answers all our prayers but in three ways: he says “yes”, “no” and “wait.” I learned that if he doesn’t answer my prayers. It is because he would answer it in his time or he has something better for me. Still, despite my stupidity, I know and feel that God loves me.

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

VJ Hunt '07

There is just so many things that I’d like to tell the world about the VJ Hunt that I don’t even know how or where to start. I don’t know how I’d express all my thoughts in an uncluttered manner. I do think that people tend to be speechless not because they have nothing to say but because there are so many things running in their minds that they do not know how they’d get it all out, not forgetting every single detail.

For fear that I might miss what I really wanted to say, I’ll start it of with this statement: I am so proud and honored to have been part of this production!

My statement may sound cheesy and the word “honor” may sound too big for a school production but for those who have failed to be a part of it, put your shoes in ours and you’d say exactly the same or even more.

For the benefit of people who are not from AUF, and those from the University but are not well informed, VJ Hunt is an annual University-based competition organized by the SAMASKOM, or Samahan Ng Mga Mag-aaral sa Komunikasyon. The chief in-charged of the production would be the 3rd Year Mass Communication Class of the year. In short, we are in-charged.

It’s primary objective is to discover students with the passion and skill for speaking not only in public but also in front of the camera and give them the opportunity to expose what they have. Who knows, they might be the next big thing like our very own Donita Rose and KC Montero of MTV.

Although VJ Hunt is an annual event, it has been reinvented this year. The competition has been opened to high school participants all over Pampanga. Four high schools namely Special Science School, Pampanga High, L’Altra Montessori and AUF Integrated School have competed in the pair category while seven college representatives competed in the solo category.

Another element which has just been added is the “theme”, which was “Retro”. It was certainly a great proposal. But as much as I loved the idea of having a theme, I was kind of hesitant. Designing and setting the stage wasn’t the dilemma. It may be tough but it was fun and we know that everything will eventually come into place. What made me kind of hesitant about the idea was requiring the participants to dress up ala Retro. Primarily because they might have to spend for their outfit. And also, we Filipinos have this characteristic of always being on safer side. We have this mentality that if we dress up, we’d be noticeable in a negative manner, that we’d fail to try out new things and always stick on what is basic. But they totally proved me wrong. I was extremely thrilled to see the finalists in their Retro costumes. They all looked fabulous!

I really appreciated how these people exerted efforts on looking and being their best despite the fact that even if they win, the only thing that they will get, besides from fame and pride is a very simple trophy, no cash, no freebies.

I really loved all the finalists. They were not only competitive. They were both interesting and interested. They were fun to work with, easy to instruct and more than willing to make our work lighter. They have been very patient, understanding and appreciative. It was a school competition, so as expected, we wouldn’t have the budget for perks. So seeing them build friendship between their co-candidates and knowing that they were having fun and they were learning would have meant a lot for them but more especially to us. It’s one of the factors why we feel fulfilled.

After weeks of labor and months of planning, the VJ Hunt has finally happened. It wasn’t exactly as organized as we wanted it to be but we believe that it was successful and above the average. We received a positive feedback from the audience and our mentors. We were so happy. The outcome was worth the stress, not to mention, the pimples. But I’d be a lot happier if I didn’t get more acne. Well, that’s life! I am just so proud of our accomplishment. It has been a product of our education, experience, determination and most important of all, unity…

Congratulations ABMC 3! I love you all!

Charge to Experience

“Charge to experience” would have to be one of my favorite lines. I believe that it is a defense mechanism for us people whenever we commit a mistake or get into a not-so-good situation. It’s what we say to ourselves and to other people to uplift souls despite a negative experience. Come to think of it, I think this line applies to me every single day. It’s a simple and positive way of saying “yes, it wasn’t that good but you will learn from it”

Monday, January 22, 2007

Online Newspaper - latest technology in mass media

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I do not read newspapers, and being a Communication Student, I think I should be embarrassed of what I have just said. Well, I do read once-in-a-while. However, I think it is as good as saying I have read a newspaper once in my life.

We used to have piles of newspaper in our storage room back in our old home. My dad always starts the day with a paper, as a part of his breakfast but I was never really hooked into reading them. I just like the thrill of earning extra bucks by selling them at the nearest junkshop.

When I am too early for class or I have nothing to do and there is no vacant computer in the internet room, I go through the broadsheets. I prefer reading them because they are accessible compared to books. You can just pick them up from the stand or the front desk rather than search for a single appealing book from thousands placed on the shelf.

More often, I get to read newspapers for projects, in other words, when I have no option but to do so. Not wanting to spend is not an excuse for us students. The library has a daily supply of the three leading national broadsheets.

However, I came up with the closest reasons I can think of:

1. I think newspapers are messy and inconvenient to read. (I know this is a petty one but it’s true). Every time I read, I get black stains on my fingertips and it becomes a problem when it stains my white uniform. I also have to stretch my arms to hold it because of its size. Lastly, the pages sometimes get mixed up.
2. I also get the top news from television.
3. We have the Internet, to be more specific, the online newspaper.

But what is the online newspaper? I am pretty that the majority is not aware of this advancement. But I don’t think it needs a definition for the term is self explanatory.

Many, especially those involved in the industry of printed newspaper have been against the said technological breakthrough. Obviously, it will cause the declining profit margins and declining circulation in daily newspapers.

We have online games, online encyclopedia and even online shopping. I don’t think having an online newspaper should be seen in the negative perspective. I do think that its advantages outweigh its disadvantages.

The most visible advantage of the web newspaper its ability to rapidly update itself. Unlike the printed newspaper, readers can get hold of the latest news anytime, anywhere there is a computer and internet connection. There is no need to wait for the following day for the printed newspaper to be circulated all over the country. This way, the press can sooner and better perform its duty as the fourth estate.

What you have read yesterday or the other month will still be available without having to go through dusty and almost rotten newspapers that you have kept.

Lastly, it is convenient in many ways. You can just search for a topic and all related articles will appear. It will even link you to further readings.

Examples of foreign online newspaper include:http://www.nytimes.com/ - The New York Times, http://www.washingtonpost.com/ - The Washington Post, and http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/ - China Daily and www.inquirer.net – The Philippine Daily Inquirer, www.philstar.com – The Philippine Star, and www.mb.com.ph – The Manila Bulletin for local.

Monday, January 15, 2007

MIKE ARROYO and HIS CONTROVERSIES, GUILTY OR NOT?

This blog entry may be different from my two previous posts. We were asked to make a stand on the controversies that the first gentleman Mike Arroyo has been and is still facing, allegations on jueteng, corruption and taking advantage of his wife, GMA’s position in particular. To answer if he is guilty or not, is a tough one, especially if the person involved have sued an incredible number of journalists for libel.

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Let me start with this:

IF THERE IS NO FIRE, THERE IS NO SMOKE, a Filipino proverb often associated to controversies being denied especially in showbiz and politics.

I may not be updated on politics but I do believe in this saying. There would be no controversies if there really is nothing to discuss about. Sometimes, people tend to exaggerate what they know but very few can generate stories out of thin air. There is a root for all these.

Many have been written and reported but of course not one is proven. Mike Arroyo is a lawyer. He sure knows his way out.

Expected to be a moral citizen, he will not pledge of being guilty, but claiming that he is innocent would not help. My suggestion is to defend rather than deny.

He claims to be a private citizen. And he knows his rights as one. But by simply holding the title as the First Gentleman makes him a public figure. He owes the Filipino people an explanation.