Always Anxious

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2011-01-09T23:28:00.001+08:00

It's not just the grades that matter

2009-10-22T00:57:00.003+08:00

Private schools who have given passing grades to victims of Ondoy miss the point of education (So does the guy who proposed the idea and even asking for a DepEd Directive. Oh but he retracted and clarified that what he meant was to give "extra credit" and not passing grade. Then again, damage has been done).

Escudero provided two reasons for suggesting this: schools were no longer usable and students could no longer catch up with their lessons. The reaons he has provided can be easily confronted by simple solutions that can benefit the students more than just giving them passing grades.

Here are some suggestions:

1. Create Special Classes
2. Tutorial Classes
3. Distance Learning/Online Learning

We go to school not simply to pass subjects but to acquire learning. Giving the students passing grade doesn't compensate for the opportunity they've lost by not being able to attend to classes.

Those private schools who decided to give passing marks to their students don't have genuine concern. It's an easy escape for them not to spend extra resources in setting-up special classes. Is this greed that's manifesting on their part or simply an unintelligent way of showing empathy?

Smelling 2010...

2009-05-27T01:23:00.001+08:00

... and I don't know what to feel about Philippine Politics.

UUnga (tunog ng kalabaw?)

2009-02-24T12:24:00.003+08:00

Text lingo has not just ruined the spelling capacities of a lot of people but as well as the manner of conversation of some. I don't really understand why there are those who change the spellings of ako to aq (it doesn't sound ako to me, it sounds like acu which is shorter for acupuncture), "po" to "poh", (and sometimes making their text messages even more character consuming). And the more irritating to me is changing oo (yes) to uu (what, as in jerbs?) or when people reply and say uu nga (tunog ng kalabaw?) instead of oo nga.

Another bad thing about this is when you try to visualize the person using these words. You just end up saying, "kadiri at hindi bagay."

Malapit na pala ang 2010

2009-01-29T08:15:00.002+08:00

Around 2 or 3 years prior the 2004 elections I already knew who I'm going to vote for as president. A little over a year from now, we will have to vote again. But up until now, I'm still undecided or should I say less excited. It's not like in 2004 that all the reasons voting Roco were clear. It was too easy to answer anyone who'd ask me who am I voting for. *sigh*

Corporate Social Responsibility

2008-12-05T15:57:00.003+08:00

The term CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) has become a buzz word in and out of the corporate world. Anyone who reads the newspaper would be familiar with the term CSR given the number of news releases and articles on companies doing certain CSR Activities like scholarships, book donation, feeding program, medical and dental mission, provision of livelihood programs and a lot more.

But with that varying kinds of approach into Corporate Social Responsibility it is apparent that there is no unified perspective as to what CSR really is. Actually CSR doesn't have a “singular” concrete definition applicable to all corporations implementing CSR. People coming from different industries have different perspectives thus provide different definition and approach on CSR.

I am now in a Multi-Sector Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility and Accountabilty. Below are some pop-up ideas and reactions based from the presentations and reactions from participants (subject to editing and updating).

Reality Check: Business engagements are well business. If they do things beyond business like corporate social responsibility projects the main goal is still for the improvement of business. These are investments not just merely to help the development of a certain community but it is also geared towards achieving the goals of the corporation.

“When enemy speaks in front of an enemy...”

This was how the moderator of Multi-Sector Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility and Accountability commented after Prof. Alfonso presented his perspectives on the current state of CSR in the Philippines and answered some queries (wherein some were a bit hostile). The audience of the forum is composed mostly of representatives from development NGOs (some from party-list and labor groups).

Wala Lang

2008-11-14T15:11:00.001+08:00

Dalawang katagang may malalim ibig sabihin.
Wala lang dahil walang maisip na ibang dahilan
Wala lang dahil ayaw nang magpaliwanag
Wala lang dahil nahihiyang sabihin ang nadarama
Wala lang

Mas misteryoso ang wala lang
Ang pagsambit ng 'wala lang' ay hindi nagtatapos sa wala lang
Pwede ba namang basta wala lang
Lahat ng bagay may dahilan
Hindi pwedeng wala lang.
Dahil ultimo ang pagsabi ng wala lang ay hindi basta wala lang.

Invitation to Bloggers: Philippine Science Centrum Visit

2008-11-08T01:56:00.002+08:00

Back in the early 90's, we visited the Philippine Science Centrum for our field trip. And one of the exhibits that's still vivid in my memory is the anti-gravity mirror. A few weeks ago, I visited the new Philippine Science Centrum which is now located at the Marikina Riverbanks.

Nostalgia tripping indeed,the old exhibits (which I saw when I was in grade school) were still there! There were some additional stuff to see but visiting the Centrum again felt like I was a grade school trying to learn (re-learn) basic principles of Science.

Bloggers who wish to experience/re-experience Science Centrum may take the opportunity to visit the Science Centrum for free.

Anyone who writes a regular blog may join us for a free tour on November 22, Saturday at 2:00 pm. There will be a question and answer session afterwards with the people in charge of the centrum. Bloggers who write about places to visit, science, parenting, and education will be most welcome. For mommy/daddy bloggers, you may also bring your kids along, that'd be more interesting.

Please send an email expressing your interest to cognitioncreative (at) gmail (dot) com with a link to your blog/s to get on the guest list (also indicate if your bringing your kids with you). We'll confirm with an email containing details.

More from missingpoints.

Ticket to Job

2008-10-23T02:30:00.004+08:00

If course card distribution is a day that gives fear (or somehow nervousness) to students, it's also a day that some teachers hate, i think. And I'd like to believe I'm among those teachers who hate the actual distribution of grades (and even days prior that). It's not only because of grades computation (it isn't something that tedious since grades from prior activities are already recorded) but because of different kinds of requests and "pag-mamakaawa" that you'll get.

The bad thing about the school where I teach (or I used to teach) is that it's a polytechnic college whose people are mostly exposed to handling High School Students. It means that the culture they try to instill in the school is the typical high school culture (at least that kind of culture in my town) wherein it's easy to excuse anyone from class because he/she has to practice for a cultural presentation for the town Fiesta.

Can you imagine a college wherein someone from the Office of Student Affairs would knock on your room and tell you that your students need to go down to attend the flag ceremony? How about a number of intances wherein your students weren't able to attend your class because the guard told them they don't have proper haircut? All these things just remind me of a high school treatment.

And because of this kind of culture, I have encountered students who will approach you and ask you if he/she can instead submit a project for him/her to pass the subject. Will a project measure what you have learned or will it add up to a learning at all? The opportunities to learn and perform were already given. There's no way you can make up for those, unless you repeat the subject.

What irritated me most is getting an inquiry if I'm going to fail anyone from a particular subject. The person (admin) said if the basketball players are candidates for failure, maybe I could give them chance by giving them extra project. Duh, eh iyong required project nga di naibigay, extra pa? And they couldn't even participate well in class activities. The straightforward me of course replied: "Eh di magbasketbolista na lang ho sila." You're in school to study, not to play. That's just an extra-curricular activity.

******
Sadly, a lot are missing the idea and the REAL goal of college education. If you just want a job, then enroll in a vocational course. I'm not teaching just to give you grades and pass you so that you can earn a diploma and get a job. If you are a degree holder, more things are expected from you.

It's not about the money

2008-10-19T12:47:00.000+08:00

The cash register says I still have 2.75 change but the cashier handed me only 2 pesos. I said, "Kulang pa ng 75 centavos iyong sukli" and her face changed (looked irritated). Yes, it's just 75 centavos but the thing here she made a mistake. It could've been better if she said, "Ma'am wala po akong 75 centavos, ok lang po ba kung 2 pesos na lang."

She really got irritated when I asked for the 75 centavos. She gave me one peso which she got from the other counter. I said, "Wala akong 25 centavos." And she replied in a quite sarcastic manner, "Okay na nga iyang piso." I asked for 25 centavos from my Aunt and gave it to the

I'm just making her realize the value of telling your customer sorry if you've made a mistake. Or if you really lack the change, then inform your client appropriately. Yes, it's only 75 centavos but that's not the point.

Love in children's eyes

2008-10-12T18:59:00.003+08:00

In one of the segments of today's episode of "The Buzz", Boy Abunda asked a group of kids (Pinoy Dream Academy Little Dreamer)about how they view love. It's kind of surprising to observe comments like linking one of the boys to the other girl and you'd hear other say "yikee." At medyo ganun din ang reaction ng host.

Is that how we want children to view the concept of love? Do we want them to always link it to romance? They are kids for goodness sake.

This is the reason why I don't understand parents who pair their children to classmates. I don't understand when they start teasing their boys to those cute girls in their school.

Back when I was a kid, it's something that I didn't really appreciate. I get angry at any adult who'd tease me to a classmate (or any boys for that matter). Which is why whenever they do that to my nieces and nephew, I always tell them to stop. Teach the children how to make friends instead.

Oh, and don't ever make them think that love is always about coupling.

Happy 5th!

2008-10-11T00:07:00.003+08:00

I missed to note that Always Anxious turned 5 last October 1st (or is it 2nd?). Busyness. Anyway, I'm thankful for:

>>> Learning
>>> Friendship
>>> Knowledge-Sharing
>>> Opportunities (esp. Theater)
>>> Improvement
>>> Outlet for Observations
>>> Networking

La Boheme in Manila

2008-10-02T04:32:00.005+08:00

The first time I heard the song "Seasons of Love", I automatically got interested to find out more about "Rent." Eventually, I ended up becoming a fan. I wasn't able to watch its local staging though. My only basis then for loving the musical is but I made sure to catch the movie (I even watched the premiere night).

Being fan (RENThead), it's just normal to be interested to know more about the opera it was based. And when I found out the Philippine Opera Company is staging "La Boheme", I knew there's something to look forward to this year. Although I'm a theater-goer, this thing is different as it's an opera which is why it's a new thing for me.

We're really planning to watch the Opera. In fact, I checked the ticket prices and availability via ticketworld some weeks ago. The show is kind of pricey but it's theater and it's opera so it's fine. But when we found out about the rehearsals preview for bloggers (courtesy of The Bachelor Girl), we decided to register for two well, three reasons: (1) if the rehearsal will go smoothly (meaning very limited pauses), we somehow be able to watch the show for free (frugality, hehe), (2) if it's really a rehearsal with lots of breaks/cuts, we would at least have an idea if it's worth watching, and (3) we have something to write about.

Erase first reason. We weren't able to watch the full rehearsals (we have watched acts III and IV). And of course, it was REALLY a rehearsal (with cuts), which is actually good because it was a learning experience (more on this for another post) and we have more reasons to watch the show. The preview made me realize that this is something I shouldn't miss. We are DEFINITELY watching the OPERA (hoping that there are still good seats though). As for the 3rd reason, oh this post is a proof and will probably write another one after watching the opera (and probably the learning experience post with points from Director Floy Quintos).

Why watch the show:

>> It's a rare event.

>> It won't just give you goosebumps. Sagad sa buto ang tama at dagundong ng musika.

>> Oh yes, the opera is in Italian. But you don't have to understand the language to fully appreciate the opera. The key is to listen to the music attentively. You'll be able to get the emotions it wants to communicate. Oh it'd help if you read the synopsis of the Opera, of course.

>> Mahusay! The Filipino opera artists are just so brilliant. Some may think that listening to opera is boring (due to much vibratto) but that ain't true. Not a bit of the moment during the preview did I find myself wanting to sleep.

>> If you loved RENT, you'll for surely love La Boheme. Malamang :)

>> Same story, music, characters, with a Pinoy touch (the artistic directions of Floy Quintos). I've seen a bit and it's really intersting (a material from the 1800 made to fit today's audience).

More information about the show from Karla Gutierrez.

-------
Thanks to Lorna aka The Bachelor Girl and to the Philippine Opera Company.

Marketing Blah

2008-09-29T00:20:00.002+08:00

Some weeks ago, I inquired on Phoenix One's Multi-media Design Program. I requested for the following: 1) curriculum, 2) schedule of classes, 3) of course, the rate. The inquiry was done through email. The response was quick except that the html tags weren't properly closed in the mail which is why I wasn't able to understand the reply.

Anyway, it's good that the sales consultant attached the requested curriculum. What I really didn't find cool is that they didn't want to give out the rates for the program. They wanted me to take the exams first since they are offering a scholarship. Only after the exams that they'd let me know their rates. But this is a school, eh? There should be standard rates. And come on, that's not the way you should get students enroll to your programs.

Huli

2008-09-14T00:38:00.003+08:00

Nahuli iyong sinasakyan kong Taxi kahapon ng madaling araw. Lumiko kasi ito sa No U-turn area dun sa intersection sa may Buendia at Ayala. Nakakataka lang na kahit madaling araw talagang may traffic enforcer. Well, wala namang masama dun mas mainam nga para maensure ang kaayusan ng traffic.

Kaya lang, ang masama nun ay kung nandun sila para lang manghuli at mangotong. Sabi kasi ng driver, "swapang" ng enforcer. So ang assumption ko, naglagay lang ito. Wala rin naman akong nakitang bitbit na ticket ang driver pagbalik sa sasakyan. At oo sa labas sila nagtransaksyon at malayo sa sasakyan. Pero bago iyon, nakuhaan ko ang kanilang initial transaction.

Convoy

2008-09-13T11:10:00.002+08:00

You're not a "god' if you're in a convoy.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080913-160386/Arroyo-convoy-figures-in-2-accidents-3-hurt

I remember during the campaigns in 2004, our lives were always at risk whenever we were in a campaign sortie. As advance parties, we had to be at the place where the candidate is campaigning before he arrives and wait until he arrives (and even assist). However, we normally had to leave ahead to get to the next area before the candidate. We had to run at least 120kph to make sure we get to the place.

There were also some incidents when we were asked to overtake the entire convoy. Our vehicle was an old FX while we were trying to beat the speed of Expedition. But the order givers think (and even those people I was with)it's just fine. They didn't even think that what we were doing is dangerous. Maybe they think it's because we're in a convoy, we own the road. I don't know, but maybe that's the feeling.

Buko

2008-09-13T10:25:00.001+08:00

See the improvised scoop/spoon? Interesting!

Philippine Science Centrum

2008-09-13T10:01:00.004+08:00

Back in the early 90's, we visited the Philippine Science Centrum for our field trip. And one of the exhibit that's still vivid in my memory is the anti-gravity mirror. A few weeks ago, I visited the new Philippine Science Centrum which is now located at the Marikina Riverbanks. Nostalgia tripping indeed,the old exhibits (which I saw when I was in grade school) were still there! There were some additional stuff too see but visiting the Centrum again felt like I was a grade school trying to learn (re-learn) basic principles of Science.

But it was fun. As compared to SM Discovery, the PSC experience is definitely better. Children will learn a lot about science through experience. The place may not be as good as it is not air-conditioned and aesthetically so-so, but the displays are worth seeing. Plus, the entrance is cheap, 90 pesos.

For more information about PSC, check http://www.science-centrum.ph

Bonggang-Bongga

2008-09-10T18:21:00.001+08:00

Madalas kong marining ang salitang ito. Minsan nababasa ko pa sa ilang mga blog posts. Nagusisa tuloy ako minsan sa estudyante ko. "Sino ba may pakana niyang salitang bonggang-bongga?" Sabay sagot sa akin,"Kay Amanpura po."

Wow sino si Amanpura? Yun pala, character siya sa Diyesebel. Ayan, minsan pala tama lang din iyong sumisilip-silip ka sa palabas sa TV ng di ka naman nagmumukhang tanga. Pero promise ang dami nilang gumagamit ng bonggang-bongga. Buti hindi pa ako masyado nahahawa, hanggang "bonnga" lang. Todo-todo ang madalas kong sabihin, ata.

Bee...

2008-09-10T01:30:00.003+08:00

...zzzzyyyy!

A lot of things to write about but too busy writing for paying stuff. :)) But I've a lot of things to write about after Sunday. Tada! :))

Life's Pleasure

2008-09-04T18:27:00.003+08:00

Ice cream is so good at Five Cows Resto and Ice Cream Bar in Trinoma. I was reminded of Coney Island Ice cream while having the bubble gum blast ice cream.

Painting the town

2008-09-04T18:24:00.001+08:00

Somewhere in Malate Area, they're painting the town. Astig ng pintor.

Utang na loob

2008-08-28T12:53:00.001+08:00

Nandito ko sa Tacloban. Pero utang na loob, hindi na ito sakop ng Metro Manila, eh akit nandito pa posters ni Bayani?

Will try to take a picture...

Grrr...

Trying Thai

2008-08-24T21:57:00.003+08:00

I’ve always loved hot & spicy food which is why I enjoy eating (and now trying to cook) Thai cuisine. It was my first time to try eating at SOM’s. We ordered Pad Thai topped with Shrimps and a bowl of Curried Tofu.

I got interested to try cooking curried tofu. It’s easy to cook and the ingredients are pretty easy to find. It’s good to cook something than the usual dishes at home. You could also do this when you’re craving for SOMs but you’re stuck at home to finish some chores.

Ingredients:

6 blocks of tofu, diced.
5 cloves of garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
2-3 pieces of sliced green and red bell pepper
2-3 pieces of sliced chili (green)
1-2 pieces eggplant, sliced
1 cup of coconut milk
2-3 tablespoons of fish sauce
1 tbsp. of curry powder
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
1 teaspoon of chili powder
½ cup of tomato sauce

[Note however that I really didn’t use measure cups, merely approximation.]

Process:

1.Sauté garlic, onion, and green and red bell pepper.
2.Add the sliced chili.
3.Add the sliced eggplant.
4.Add the fish sauce.
5.When the eggplant is half-cooked, add the coconut milk.
6.Bring to a boil.
7.Add the curry powder, turmeric powder, and chili powder.
8.Simmer for around 2 minutes.
9.Add the diced tofu.
10.Simmer for around 2 minutes.
11.Add the tomato sauce.
12.Simmer for around 2minutes.

My own version of Curried Tofu:

I guess..

2008-08-24T16:18:00.003+08:00

... I'm giving up.

Just a week ago, I found out that my students are not aware of Plagiarism. They told me it was the first time that they heard of that term. I explained the concept to them. They were surprised as they are all used to submitting papers/reports wherein contents are copy pasted from a web source.

All the while I thought they already got the idea that Plagiarism is stealing. But no... Someone submitted a piece copy pasted from gmanews.tv

I'm slowly giving up boy.

*photo from http://www.gapingvoid.com/imtired763.jpg

To my advantage...

2008-08-18T14:19:00.000+08:00

... if I'm in the Manila area. Perfect!

MANILA, Philippines -- The Light Rail Transport Authority (LRTA) is extending operations of all lines to 11 p.m. from its previous closing time of 9:30p.m. starting Tuesday, August 19, the agency’s administrator, Mel Robles, said Monday.

Tourism as an Opportunity for the Retailing Industry

2008-08-14T17:24:00.002+08:00

Confronting the economic challenges for the retailing industry is not merely through creation but in innovation, said Mr. Sammie Lim, Chairman Emeritus of the Philippine Retailers Association, during his welcome remarks to the opening of the 17th National Retail Conference. He also added that one industry with lots of innovation opportunities is Tourism.

"Tourism is where the future of retailers is. We can make the Philippines as the next shopping capital in Southeast Asia through the collaboration of the public and private sectors," he explains.

This perspective is supported by the belief of DOT Secretary Joseph Ace Durano that Philippines has become an interesting shopping place for tourists.

He explains, "Every year, not less than a hundred of foreign travel media visits the country and most of them are amazed by the quality of Filipino brands in terms of design, quality of make, and affordability."

Durano sees the Philippines to become a shopping destination. However, he explains that it's not because of high brands and big discounts but due to value proposition. "The value proposition for the Philippine shopping industry is the great quality of products at an affordable price."

In line with this, DOT is launching Shop Fest Philippines in September 2008. Unlike with shopping fest in other countries, the local shopping fest will not be about sale and discounted products, he explains, but it is focused on selling Filipino brands as great quality.

"The event will serve as an opportunity for retailers to promote their brands as value proposition," he adds.

The people from the retail industry see tourism as an opportunity. However for the tourism industry, retail opens up new market and increase the contribution of the industry to economy. "It is in retailing where the future of tourism is," Durano shares.

Durano was the keynote speaker to the opening of the17th National Retail Conference at the Crowne Plaza in Galleria. Tomorrow (Aug 15) is the last day of the conference and the exhibit. The exhibit is open to public for free.

Long Weekends Galore

2008-08-10T12:19:00.005+08:00

With the two upcoming long weekends (which I really find weird, di ba dapat iyong nearest Monday?), some may be thinking of unique and interesting ways to spend these free days. Since I've already encountered two friends asking for suggestons, might as well write something about it.

If the weather is good (but the weather is just so unpredictable), to go out-of-town is a perfect option.

Cocobeach, Puerto Galera

I really recommend this place. It changes the way you perceive Puerto Galera (as a party place). It's a perfect picture of nature -- mountain and seas, trees (a lot of coconut trees which is why it's Cocobeach plus banana trees which is why one of their villages is named banana and a restaurant named Cocobanana).

You got 101 things to do at Cocobeach wherein some of the activities are free. The food is good and the price is quite acceptable (200-300 per meal). You should just learn how to strategize. :D They have four (4) restaurants to choose from however not all are open daily except for the main restaurant. If you go there, try their Cocobeach Burger.

Cocobeach has an on-going promo, Going Coconut: Stay as long as you want. You're just basically paying for your accommodation and transportation. You can really stay as long as you want just for PHP 2498 + VAT. That's around 2,800 pesos for a really relaxing trip. So why not take a leave on a Friday and stay in Coco until Monday :)

Just make sure to check the weather for any typhoon update. Go to Pag-asa's website. You can also check Gale Warning updates there (to know the sea condition).

Note: Aside from the beauty of the place, what makes it a lot more interesting is the fact that the resort is helping a lot of locals. Every villa has an assigned service family to provide visitors with house-keeping assistance. The concept is interesting as they work as if you're a guest in their house.

For more information about Cocobeach Island Resort, visit their website.

Andanita Taj of Tagaytay
Address: 5059 Aguinaldo Highway, Laurel, Tagaytay

Never been there but reading through different reviews and the fact that I love anything Mediterranean made me interested about the place. They have a Friendster blog wherein you can check photos of the place and their rates. It's not really that presentable but enough to know their services (Maybe they should work out more on their marketing communication, oh well. I guess their working out on a website).

Some reviews of the place here.

Tam-Awan Village, Baguio City
I've written a review on this. It remains a good option.

Other options for quick weekend trip include: Casa de San Pablo,Sonya's Garden,La Luz.

However, if the weather won't permit you to go out-of-town, you can stay in the city and relax in a hotel/serviced apartments (Mayalan Plaza in Ortigas offers 3,500 per night for one-bedroom suite while Torre Venezia in QC offers 5,000 for two nights for studio-type unit). Throw a tea party or wine party among friends.

Or if you don't have much budget, simply lock yourself in your room and read all the books you've long wanted to finish. Or probably do a general cleaning of your room.

Deals are Hot at the Malayan Plaza

2008-08-07T11:46:00.001+08:00

Every busy professional would feel the need to escape from the fast-paced and demanding environment once in a while. It's typical to think of going out of town but it means spending much time (for travel and preparation) and money. But there's room for rest and relaxation even in the city.

The Malayan Plaza brings you one of its exciting hot deals wherein you can enjoy a night or event nights of bonding with your family or friends at a very affordable rate. For PHP 3,500 per night, you can already have feel of a serene life in the city.

From August 1-31, 2008, you can avail of the One Bedroom De Luxe at a package rate of PHP 3, 500. It includes overnight accommodation, daily buffet breakfast, complimentary bottled water, and daily local newspaper. And to make your stay even more relaxing and fun, you get to have free use of the facilities at the Health Club as well as access to the swimming pool.

The offer is open to all local residents and foreigners with ACR. Price is subject to a 10% service charge and other applicable government taxes.

Managed by Quantum Hotels and Resorts, the Malayan Plaza Hotel offers furnished studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units that easily combine aesthetic values, comfort and functionality. Apart from featuring stylish interiors, The Malayan Plaza Hotel units are also equipped with complete living, dining and kitchen facilities. Other attractions include: cable network television, NDD/IDD telephones, individually controlled air-conditioning, hot and cold water, in-room video intercom, broad band internet access in the room, helipad, swimming pool, open-air whirl pool (with minimal charge for usage), children’s playroom, housekeeping/laundry/concierge services, private dining, and 24-hour security.

For further inquiries on other hot deals, reservations and bookings, contact The Malayan Plaza Hotel at telephone numbers (632) 706-0055 / 634-6534 Fax (632) 635-2969, online reservations: sales@quantumsuites.com website: www.themalayanplazahotel.com.

Learn Something About Retailing

2008-08-07T11:39:00.003+08:00

17th Retail Confab Opens in August:Offers Strategies to Combat Today’s Retail Challenges
We don’t need statistics to tell us that we are in tough times - shopping baskets, once filled to the brim, are lighter with only basic household goods; motorists and commuters complain of unending fuel price increases and fare hikes, some opting to use public transport systems to save on fuel. Hardest hit are the retailers, who by the very nature of their business, are the first to feel the economic pinch. There is higher input cost today for business operators. Now more than ever, there is tougher competition over who gets the share of the consumer wallet. In spite of the economic woes, the local retail industry is proactively dealing with the situation and is finding ways to overcome. So what can retailers do in these difficult times? The answer: LEARN NEW WAYS TO DO BUSINESS.

The Philippine Retailers Association (PRA: tel. 6874180-81; telefax 687-4985; fax 636-0825; mobile (0920) 234-7840; email ebbs@philretailers.com, philretailers@gmail.com; www: philretailers.com), the only nationally recognized retail organization counting among its members some of the biggest retail players & mall developers in the country such as SM, Robinsons, Ayala, Araneta, Mercury Drug, Rustans, Bench, National Bookstore, Toby’s, Celine, Automatic Centre, to name a few, is helping the retail industry deal with the challenges by putting together the 17th National Retail Conference and Stores Asia Expo (NRCE 2008), to be held in August 13-15, 2008 (Conference: August 14-15, 2008, Expo: August 13-15, 2008) at a new venue, the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Ortigas Avenue, Quezon City.

Supported by PLDT Business Solutions and SM, the NRCE 2008 themed “Retailing in Challenging Times,” is an annual major retail event organized by retailers, for retailers, serving as a vital avenue for learning, knowledge-sharing, and networking among experts & practitioners in the Philippine retail industry. The NRCE 2008 gathers over 700 retailers and retail decision-makers, in a two-day information-packed sharing and discussion of issues confronting the industry and best practices and technologies. The three-day Expo is a trade exhibit featuring some of the country’s top-of-the-line retail suppliers in POS software and hardware, barcode, fire security, AVP equipment, commercial/real estate developers, anti-shoplifting systems, in-store radio, HR solutions, character/trademark licensing, non-traditional advertising, uniform manufacturing, etc.

The conference, to open on August 14, will be keynoted by Department of Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano, featuring top retail experts led by Adidas Philippines Managing Director/President Joseph Edward Singian to talk on Trends in Retail; Singapore-based Oracle IBU Retail & Wholesale Distribution Regional Senior Director David Boden to discuss Managing in a Down Economy: Survival Techniques of Global Retailers; Isobar-Asia Pacific Director Barney Loehnis to share tips on Marketing in a Digital Age; Japan-based GMAP Consulting Manager Luke Whittam to teach Market Mapping: The Science behind Store Openings; Cibo CEO Margarita Fores to share secrets to successful food retailing; and a panel of Filipino global retail brands – Penshoppe’s Bernie Liu, Goldilock’s Pinky Yee, National Bookstore’s Trina Licauco Alindogan and Red Ribbon’s Albert Cuadrante to discuss Local Brands to Global Lands.

Day Two of the 17th NRCE Conference will feature speakers from some of the world’s top brands like Krispy Kreme President Caroline Salud to discuss Translating Great Customer Service into Market Share Advantage; Philips Lighting LIDAC Manager for ASEAN Matthew Cobham to share Generating Value for your Business thru Lighting; Rustan Commercial Corp. Marketing Services Manager Dina Arroyo Tantoco on Best Practices in Human Resource Management for Retailers; Brandlab CEO/Chairman Jos Ortega’s Unleashing Creativity; Atty. Andrew Michael S. Ong to talk on Trademarks and patents; a panel of today’s hottest designers and lifestyle arbiters Rajo Laurel, Patrice Diaz, Ana Rocha and Randy Ortiz; with Business Matters president Francis Kong to talk on how to inspire people to greater productivity.

The 17th NRCE is supported by Araneta Center, Ayala Malls, Chronos, Memo, Robinsons Malls, Philips Lighting, Eastwood Mall, Celine, Rusty Lopez, Globe Telecoms, L Time Studio, HBC, Montanara (Kit Bag Sponsor) The Philippine Star (Official Newspaper), Crossover 105.1, DZRH (Official Radio Stations), BusinessWorld, Enterprise and NU 107 (Media Partners), IBM Phils., Oracle, Kaisa Consulting (Session Sponsors), Renz Haute Couture (Official Outfitter for Male), Okasyon (Official Outfitter for Female), Powerplant Mall, Shangri-la Mall, Greenhills Shopping Center, Manuela Corp., Wilcon Builders, Canon Marketing, Travel Club, Kraft Phils., Commerce Asia, Direct Express, Sportshouse, Globaltronics, Auto ID, Sodexho, Sterling Paper Co., Manels Leathergoods, Res Toe, Run, Wrigley Phils., All Visual Lights Systems, Adman Resources, Continuum Technology Corp., Goldilocks, Francorp, Expressions, Hersheys, and Motorola Phils.

The 17th Stores Asia Expo is supported by Globaltronics, Focalcast, Image One/Channel Big, My Perks, Mindgate, FocusMedia, Sharp/Ecopy, Qualiplus, Imaginimage, DZCard, Saga Events, Microdata, and Rabbit Advertising.

For more information, contact PRA at 687-4180/4181/4985. Email: philretailers@yahoo.com, ebbs@philretailers.com, or visit www.philretailers.com.

####

Iridology

2008-08-04T21:42:00.002+08:00

It was probably last year when my friend and I had nothing to do in a mall and we got interested to check Osaka Iridology just to kill time. Unfortunately (or was it fortunately), the clinic was about to close, they couldn't accommodate us. I was just so curious to see how they do the diagnosis. If I'm not mistaken, I consulted an Iridologist before but I wanted to re-experience it. I was too young then but I already doubted it. Oh, the doctor told me my lungs are weak just by examining my eyes' iris. Duh!

Now, DOH warns people against Iridology.

Iridology is “neither a diagnostic tool nor a therapeutic modality in alternative medicine,” the Department of Health (DoH) on Monday said.

“There is no scientific validation for the use of iridology and it does not have strong evidence of having value either for diagnosis or treatment of diseases,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said in a statement.

But why some people subscribe to this?

1)It's cheap. The last time I checked, consultation is at P150. Compared if you go to a specialist (who normally offers specific specialization unlike at Iridology Centers which offer to check everything), you'd normally have to spend P300 at a minimum (that's provincial price I guess).

2)Ang lupit ng ads kasi madaming gullible

3)Cheap alternative medicine. Another thing that sets this Iridology Consultation thingy different from typical medical consultation is the prescription. You won't get the normal medication you get from a drugstore. Instead, you are given herbal/alternative medicines to cure whatever illness they find in your body.

Now I'm wondering, is giving warning the only thing that DOH can do about this?

Pleasures to Treasure at 25

2008-07-30T11:30:00.003+08:00

Allow me for an every year personal post of gratitude.

********

I'm grateful for friends who have proven that real and trusted relationship is possible regardless of time and space. What is important is the trust built and the willingness to share good and bad experiences together.Thanks go to those who have been with me for more than a decade as well as to those whom I've just known for a year or two for sharing their lives with me and letting me in to their lives, too.

I'm thankful for having realized that a life lived with a different belief or non-belief for that matter is even more relaxing (peaceful) and more rational -- learning how to make your self more accountable with your decisions, making you act more than stay passive. I've been living a more rational life now. That's real enlightenment!

The Internet has been an essential part of my existence for the last 5 years. I'm thankful for its wonders -- for making various information easily accessible online, for being a window to brilliant people's ideas (witnessing interactions of brilliant people), for helping build and maintain good friendship and even love, for free downloads (yes, galore!), for being an avenue in getting rakets, for the existence of blogging, for helping me enhance my stalking este spying skills :)), for almost everything about that has affected my daily existence.

I'm grateful for opportunities to explore more about theater -- from watching to selling tickets (kulang na lang to performing). If only I have the time and courage, I could have probably ventured into acting as well. Nevertheless, I'm thankful for the local theater productions for staging more and more shows every year.

I'm thankful for the chance to learn and experience a lot of things in the field of Marketing Communication.

Going Coconut

2008-07-28T21:27:00.002+08:00

Will post my review of the place soon.

Going Coconut!
Stay as long as you want in Coco Beach for Php 2,498 per person only!

Inclusive of:
- Deluxe Room accommodation based on twin sharing
- Stay as long as you want from July 1 to September 30, 2008.
- Regular transportation only – the only thing you are paying for!
- 50% off for children 3-12 years of age sharing a room with 2 adults.
- Additional Php 500 per person for Suite Room & Single Supplement.
- Php 2,498 per person per visit.
For local residents only.
*Subject to availability. Prices are subject to change without prior notice. Not valid in conjunction with other promos. Exclusive of 12% government tax.

Address: G/F Baywatch Tower, 2057 M.H. Del Pilar St., Malate Manila Phone: 521-5260 or 526-4594 Email: info@cocobeach.com or sales@cocobeach.com Website: www.cocobeach.com

Watch KARAOKE DREAMS for FREE

2008-07-23T21:26:00.003+08:00

PETA would like to invite everyone to the last Manila performance of Karaoke Dreams written by Palanca Winner Vincent A. de Jesus, on July 31, 2008, 3pm at the Crossroads Convenarium,Scout Reyes cor Mother Ignacia, Quezon City .ENTRANCE IS FREE.

However, prior reservation is required, especially if you are coming as a group. Kindly send an email to PETA (petampro@yahoo.com) with the following information:

Name of Organization/school/institution:
Contact Person
Contact Number
No. of attendees:
Names of Attendees:

For more information, please call the PETA Marketing and Public Relations Office at 4100821, 7256244 or 0918-9068083.
****

About the Play
Karaoke Dreams
A musical comedy informance on Filipino Migration

Produced with the support of the European Union through the Philippine Border Management Project implemented by the International Organization for Migration.

Written by Vince de Jesus
Directed by Maribel Legarda

The story revolves around three Filipinos who have always dreamt of working abroad but only decided to do so after learning about the life and experiences abroad of one of their OFW neighbors who returns home after eight years.

* Julie Nahuli hopes to become a singer and because she wants to work abroad immediately, she unknowingly falls into the trap of an international network of syndicates; little does she know that she will become a victim of trafficking.

* Isko Nabisto successfully gets a job overseas using a valid passport, but after his visa expires he decides to overstay and become a TNT; that is when his problems start to appear.

*Rudy Natsugi decides to get his passport and visa from a “friend”; once he pays his friend a big amount of money, he discovers that the travel documents given to him are fake and can not be used to leave the country

Dr. Horrible

2008-07-19T23:55:00.004+08:00

"I have a Ph.D. in Horribleness"

Just imagine Neil Patrick Harris saying that line. Perfect!

People you should check Dr.Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. You'll love the music, too.

A Rational Transformation

2008-07-19T21:05:00.003+08:00

Since grade school and high school, I am a number one active kid in church. You'd see me in almost all the religious activities in school. I go to church regularly and even attend first Friday mass. It was because I grew up surrounded by religious. Some may be wondering, how a religious person can turn to non-belief? A simple explanation is: I was enlightened. I realized that I needed a rational transformation.

Back in grade school and high school, I started wondering why we have to believe in what our religion tells us. There are things that I didn't agree on and I really find weird but I still continued believing and following because I had to. It was all about faith.

But when I started to feel the need to follow rationality that mere faith, I continued questioning these things and started asking myself: "Why are you doing all these? Does being in a religion makes you really a good person?

I cannot clearly remember since when I have stopped praying. It was an intermittent thing actually. There were moments I find myself praying and still believing but there were also some points where I was really convinced not to believe. You know, it's not an abrupt and complete transformation: it's like breaking up with and trying to unlearn the things you used to do and the things you used to believe. It's breaking up with the idea and the way of life

Then I stopped going to church. Because I didn't see the logic of doing repetitive things that aren't really action-oriented. Praying structured prayers, taking communion, so what? Can these things change the world and make it better? Can these deeds help people out of poverty and misery?

I'm turning 25 soon and it's technically the 5th year of my non-belief(official). And I'm happy about this realization and the kind of life I'm living now. No, it's not because I can do whatever I want because I'm not bound by religion. Contrary, I am now more conscious of my deeds than before. I always hold myself responsible for every action I do. It's the idea of "here and now."

It's crazy but when you believe in a god or you're bound by religion, you may have the notion that it's fine to commit mistakes or bad things because the God I believe in is a good god and he knows how to forgive. I'm not sure with others, but I think the existence of such idea gives a believer more reasons to be irresponsible of his or her actions.

The transformation is not easy because of the struggles you have to battle caused by the people around you. People will start to question your personality if they found out about your non-belief. Your parents will (of course except if they share the non-belief with you)keep on reminding you about going to church and praying (to the extent of forcing you to go to mass). Well, in any kind of transformation, there are barriers. And that doesn't mean that you wouldn't be able to surpass these.

Some tips:

1. If you don't want to encounter someone raising eyebrows on you or telling you your the son or daughter of Satan, you don't have to tell them about your non-belief. If they ask you what your religion is, well, tell them whatever is written in your birth certificate/baptismal certificate.

2. If you decide to tell others (who may not be open about the idea of non-belief), just be prepared for your arguments and don't expect them to listen. They won't or at least most of them won't.

3. You don't have to tell your parents about your non-belief, they will just feel it. You can let them know about it slowly. One is by not regularly joining them in attending the mass. Just make them feel that something is different now. Of course, prepare yourself of their violent reactions. But you know, that too will pass. :)

[More tips later]

West Side Story

2008-07-17T21:59:00.003+08:00

I'm really a big fan of Christian.

Ah, although Christian Bautista started as a theater actor (before joining Star in a Million and becoming Asia's Pop Idol) , I was not able catch any of his theater performances. But finally, I will be able to see him perform on stage as Tony together with two interesting actresses alternating as Maria--Karylle (known TV-Personality but she actually started as theater actress,too) and Joan Ampil a London-based thespian doing her first ever musical theater project in Manila-- in Stages's local production of West Side Story.

*********

Two feuding street gangs – the Jets and the Sharks – are on a collision course in the gritty slums of New York City. Out of the chaos, a passionate romance blooms between Tony and Maria, teenagers caught on opposite sides of the turf war. But can they find a place for their love amid the prejudice and turmoil that surrounds them? Winner of 10 Academy Awards and two Tony Awards, Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story is one of the all-time great American musicals, with explosive dancing and some of the most electrifying music ever written for the Broadway stage, including “Maria,” “Tonight”, "One Hand, One Heart" and “Somewhere.”

Executive produced by Audie Gemora and directed by Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, West Side Story will be brought to life in Manila with an exciting cast featuring Christian Bautista as Tony, Karylle and Joanna Ampil alternating as Maria, Rowena Vilar and Pam G alternating as Anita, and Gian Magdangal as Riff.

Musical Direction is by Gerard Salonga, and Choreography by James Laforteza.

Tickets at P1,200 for Orchestra and Loge Center, P1,000 for Orchestra and Loge Side, P700 for Balcony Center, and P500 for Balcony Side.

To reserve tickets to the September 6 (Saturday), 8pm show, click to here

For other play dates, check Ticketworld.

Endorsements

2008-07-17T21:22:00.002+08:00

In a terse statement, Legarda ordered United Shelter Health Products to dismantle all its billboards within 24 hours and explain to the public the adverse findings of the DOH-BFAD.

Endorsing a product is not just about the money. It means entrusting yourself to the product -- if the credibility of the product depends on you, your credibility is also affected by the promises of the product you endorses.

If getting a product endorser needs a lot of research and assessment, an endorser, before agreeing to be the face of the product should also do research more than knowing how much is the professional fee.

Now, I wonder if the group of Sharon Cuneta implemented extensive research before accepting her new advertisement.It's fine to promote an instant noodle if you're saying it tastes goods and fortified with vitamins etc. But it's different when you say that eating instant noodles is not bad (because we know anything instant contains flavorings that are processed). As far as I can remember, the government even has a campaign on using noodles made from vegetables as alternative to instant noodles (because its unhealthy).

Nasa Kulay

2008-07-16T20:51:00.000+08:00

Naranasan niyo na bang maramdamang ibang-iba ka sa mga mayayaman? Iyong tipong in"your face" iba ka?

Kung mapapadaan ka sa EDSA (nakaMRT) mapapansin mo iyong mga nakapilang trabahador na nakapila papasok sa Corinthian Garden. Well, sa mga ganitong exclusive na villages, todo-todo talaga ang higpit ng security. Dati nagpunta ako dun, wala akong sasakyan so kinailangan ko ring makipila ng ganun. Mararamdaman mo talaga iyong kinaiba mo.

Understandable naman dahil sobrang mayayaman ang nilalang sa lugar na ito. Naranasan ko na ring maramdamang iba ako sa kanila. Pero kung titignan mo sa ibang banda, may mga pagkakataong todo ang pagpapakita kinaiba ng mayaman sa pangkaraniwan at dun sa talagang mahirap (e.g. construction workers). May mga patakarang pinatutupad na parang lalong nakakapanliit sa mga mangaggawa. Halimbawa na lang iyong kwinento ng kaibigan ko.
Sabi niya sa Ayala Alabang, may uniform ang outsider. Orange kapag ka ikaw ay construction worker. At muntikan panga siyang madamay, ultimo tutor daw ay kailangang sumunod -- dilaw naman sila. Siyempre, hindi siya pumayag (maliban sa ayaw niyang magsuot ng dilaw) hindi niya makita iyong sense nito kasi meron naman silang ID. Ang offensive lang ng dating, "kinukulayan ang pagkatao" mo. Nakakadiscriminate. Meron naman sigurong ibang paraan para maging ayos ang siguridad sa village na hindi kailangang tinatapakan ng ganun (pinamumukha sa maliliit na maliit sila) ang workers.

Ang masama pa sa ganitong patakaran ay ang mga nagpapatupad na security guards. Mas masahol pa sila sa mayayaman, umaangas. May isang mama na naka red-orange daw (construction worker). Dahil hindi orange ang t-shirt niya (kasi nga raw red-orang), hindi siya pinayagang sumakay muli sa jeep para makapasok na sa village (fyi, nakabayad na ito ng pamasahe). So ang ibig sabihin nun ay hindi na rin siya nakapasok sa trabaho.

Isipin mo na lang, iyong t-shirt na iyon ay ginagamit lang nila pagpasok pero habang nagtatrabaho balik sa kung anuman ang ginagamit nilang damit. Di ko maintindihan bakit kailangang kulayan kung ano'ng social class ka nabibilang. Ang hirap lang kung mahirap ka ay lalo ka pang mamaliitin. Hindi ko alam kung masyado ang sensitibo, pero sana makaisip ng ibang paraan na hindi naman discriminatory.

Can you teach English in Filipino?

2008-07-12T16:56:00.002+08:00

I believe that the best way for students to understand concepts effectively is to use the native language. Meaning, (in the Philippine Setting) you use Filipino to explain concepts in Science, Math, or History. It's easier for the students to grasp ideas especially if their English skills are limited. Look at Korea for example, most of them are good in math because explanations are in their own language.

But can we also do that in teaching English? Will it be easier for the students to learn the rules in English if they are explained in Filipino? Do we allow them to speak in Filipino first and try to translate their thoughts in English after?

Comprehension

2008-07-12T12:43:00.004+08:00

Teacher: Do you think we should accept homosexuals?
Student: No, Ma'am. No, Ma'am. (with much conviction)

BTW, the student is a gay man.

Siya na nga kaya

2008-07-10T09:59:00.002+08:00

Eto ang napapala ng taong bihirang-bihirang makapanood ng TV. Nakasakay ako sa FX at narinig kong tumtugtog ang "Siya na nga kaya." Siguradong-sigurado akong ang kantang ito ay bahagi ng musical na "Rama at Sita" (isa sa mga kantang gusto ko sa musical). Pero nagulat ako't iba ang kumakannta (at siyempre nagulat ako na pinatutugtog siya sa radyo).

Ginawa pala itong theme song ng "Dyesebel" (hindi pa ko nakakapanood ni isang episode nito ng buo, nakasilip siguro). Anyway, nakakatuwa lang na may gumamit ng kanta sa "Rama at Sita" pero bagets ang kumanta so parang hindi swak. Anyway, here are the two versions. One is by Chiqui Pineda (of course Lani has her version of this, too) and the new one is by Julie Ann of Sugarpop.

High Tide

2008-07-05T22:02:00.004+08:00

Imagine, it was a sunny day.

Who would expect to see a flooded area?

Well, it was high tide. Can you just imagine the place if there's a high tide alongside heavy rain (storm)? Terrible.

Tam-awan Village Artists Exhibit

2008-07-02T20:48:00.003+08:00

The Tam-awan Village Artists will be having an exhibit at the Oarhouse in Malate, Manila (1803 Mabini St.). The exhibit opens on July 5 at 6pm. For inquiries, you may get in touch with them by texting (0921)588-3131 or sending email to tamawanvillage[at]gmail.com.

To know more about Tam-awan Village and its Artists, check their website.

Lokohan

2008-06-28T10:42:00.003+08:00

"Huwag manloko ng kapwa Pilipino." - Manny Villar, radio public service announcement daw

Hindi raw premature campaigning ito. Sadyang public service lang. Naku naman.

1. Sinasabi nilang paraan lang daw ito ng kanilang pagbibigay ng serbisyo sa publiko. Pero malaki ang kaibahan sa pagsasabi sa publiko na "kailangan ninyong malaman na merng ganitong batas" kaysa sa "ako ang gumawa ng ganitong batas.

2. Kung mapapansin ninyo, ang ilang mga secretaries ng iba't-ibang government agencies. Pero ang pinagkaiba nila sa mga nakikita natin ngayon tulad nung kay Villar eh wala namang mention ng ideya na sila ang may pakana ng lahat para mangyari ang isang bagay. Hindi nila pinapangalandakan ito. Sinasabi lang nila ang dapat gawin or kung anuman ang kasalukuyang proyekto ng nasabing ahensya. Halimbawa na lang ay ang mga public service advertisements ng DOH.

(Pero meron ding mangilan-ngilan na sumablay at nafocus dun sa tao at hindi sa project or campaign.)

3. Kung public service lang talaga ito at walang sinusulong na personal na interest, eh bakit kailangang isama pa iyong pagbibigay ng tulong pinansyal. Iba iyong natulungan ka ng batas sa natulungan ka ng tao.

Sino ngayon ang nanloloko?

The internet is for...

2008-06-25T12:20:00.004+08:00

...porn, according to Trekky Monster. But it's also for STALKING. I'm a frustrated investigator turned stalker. Kidding of course. But seriously, I enjoy imagining myself as an investigator (solving mysteries, spying).

The internet has made the world smaller and easier for people to get to know another person. Back in grade school and high school (for people my age), to know some information about our crush or whoever we find interesting we ask questions to our connections related to our crush (the connection may probably be even more complicated: friend of a friend of another friend and so on).

But today, one can already know a lot of things about a certain person because of the internet. Because of Social Networking Sites and blogs, we are able to get a lot of information (from basic to too personal) about anyone. Probably, because of my research-inclinations, whenever I find a person interesting or I just feel the need to get information about someone, it's automatic for me to Google a person's name. It's not being a stalker. But often, it has something to do with work.

Me: Hey, tell your officemate* (who I don't personally know) I saw her at Avenue Q.
Friend: Creepy ka talaga.

I may be creepy but hey, it wasn't me who posted information about you. Making somethings about yourself available in the internet is your responsibility. So don't freak out when you find someone who knows you even if you don't know them.

If you know how I look because you searched my name (since when you view my blogger profile, my real name is posted) in Friendster and saw my primary photo ** (which is accessible by anyone: oops! but I've just deleted my account days after this post. more on that soon), I won't freak out (I should try not to since I was the one who posted my picture). But probably the most important question that will run in my head is, "Why was he/she interested to know me and get information about me?" Which is more interesting to find out.

*That officemate was my source for the job post I forwarded to my friend. My friend and that person are now officemates because of that job post email. Before forwarding the post to my friend, I did a bit of background check of the source (that officemate) using Google and I was directed to her different blogs that contain her pictures. It was just pointless to tell my friend that I saw her officemate at Avenue Q. Wala lang. Trip ko lang.

** Now I'm thinking. What if information gathered about you (e.g. your previous activities, your friends) came from somewhere else (e.g. Friendster account of a friend)? Should there be some sort of SOP in asking your friend's approval that you're going to post some of your pictures with him/her (especially when they don't have a Friendster account or they are too private)?

Handling Messengers

2008-06-24T04:08:00.003+08:00

Yesterday I realized some things about handling messengers or even helpers at home. Often, we encounter problems with them in getting our directions correctly. But it is sometimes our fault why they didn't get our instructions properly.

We have to understand that most of them only finished elementary or high school. Well, you shouldn't be expecting much on them and instead help them become better. I don't think treating them and showing them that they are totally inferior can help. It can frighten them a lot. And instead, they might commit more mistakes.

Suggestion #1 Stop acting like a terror teacher.

It doesn't help. It can only make matters worse. Instead of them getting the directions correctly, their minds are wandering. Lalo lang silang natutuliro.

Suggestion #2 Never assume that everything is already clear with them.

Double-check if they really understood your instructions by asking them -- review them.

Suggestion #3 It's probably better to write the instructions.

At least, they have a reference to look into lest they forget something. Also, include options. It'll train them in making good judgments.

[Will polish this post later]

Random thoughts...

2008-06-21T00:48:00.002+08:00

...because of flying babies.

Micketymoc has a well-written (full of sarcasm) post on "flying babies".

Random Thoughts:

1. I'd rather see teenage boys buying condom than seeing teenage girls living in pain and giving miserable life to their kids (e.g. throwing babies)

2. It seems that having a lot of sexual experiences is better than doing it once and ending up getting someone pregnant or end up pregnant (against will). Thus, eventually giving miserable life to kids.

3. How many more incidents of babies being thrown from somewhere do we want to see happening? Sex education is important but identifying what should be taught is even more important. It should be more of the values of responsibility, respect, and love than it being a bad thing (premised on religion).

4. If you think you're not yet capable of providing quality life to your future kids but you want to have sex, indulge but don't be stupid. You should know what to do.

[More thoughts to follow]

Because the more the merrier?

2008-06-19T00:07:00.004+08:00

I attended a small event the other day: a donation turn-over event to a community organization in Manila. There were some community members who attended the event and the donor got quite interested to interview them (the ED of the organization was also eager in introducing them to the donor).

One of the mothers was asked, “Ano'ng trabaho ng asawa mo?” She replied, “Disabled po kasi ang asawa ko. Bulag siya. Dati nagmamasahe siya kaya lang mahina ang kita. Ngayon, beggar na lang siya sa kalsada.” Follow-up question: “Eh ikaw, ano'ng trabaho mo?” Reply: “Dati po nagtitinda ako ng basahan. Kaya lang tumigil na po ako nung nagka-baby ulit ako. Question: “Ilan ba ang anak mo?” Reply:”Lima po”

BINGO!

It's really hard to understand why a family who doesn't even earn 300 pesos a day could actually have the courage to raise 5 kids. Honestly, the thought of raising kids still scares me. It’s never a simple thing: you need to be financially capable and it also means being able to raise kids with good values (you have to provide them everything from good education to a good environment, etc.).

While here I am thinking of what kind of life I could probably give to my future kids, there are couples who continue to procreate even if it’s way beyond their capacity to give quality life to their kids. It’s hard to imagine why they keep on having kids even if they don't have enough money to feed a child (or probably themselves).

You'll usually hear, "Masaya naman kami kahit naghihirap. Tulong-tulong kaming mag-anak."

Honestly, are they really happy? Well, they try to be happy and accept things as they come.

[To be Continued]

Unanswered

2008-06-15T22:33:00.005+08:00

If there's one thing from my college experience that remains unanswered, that'd be: "Why didn't I pass Interel?"

********

While waiting for the house to open (Avenue Q's opening night last Friday), I was seated next to a college classmate (who I was entertaining since he purchased tickets from me) when we both noticed our former professor for Semirel (actually a substitute professor) passed by. [Seeing her reminded us of our bad experience from another professor but it as well reminded me of how she has inspired me much of venturing into teaching.]

My classmate said, "I love her. She gave us good grade for our report."

I replied, "Lucky you. She was not the one who graded us." (The original teacher got back when it was our turn to report).

Then, he commented, "Alam mo hindi pa rin ako makapaniwalang hindi ka pumasa sa Interel*. Smart ka naman at masipag kang mag-aral." (Something like that)

I replied, "Ako rin. Hindi ko pa rin alam kung bakit."

I just find myself thinking of that sad past - the struggles, sleepless nights, crying nights, a sad birthday, a blue dinner at Hotshots Providence...

Really, without being arrogant here, it remains an unanswered question.

I've struggled much for that subject but still I didn't pass. I've read much, prepared outlines, compared notes, but still I didn't pass. It was the saddest moment in my entire academic life. It was the first time I failed a subject. Not to mention the fact that I still don't know why I failed.

I was never angry with the professor. I know somewhere he had reasons which I just couldn't see. I still feel it's unfair but I believe he really had reasons. But I'm afraid I'll never know.

It was still a learning experience though. I never cursed him. I learned a lot. Maybe not about the subject per se but a lot about teaching and learning - things that I can apply being a practitioner now.

*Interel is the pre-requisite course to to Semirel.

Touchy Subject

2008-06-12T23:43:00.001+08:00

Last year, I made a student cry. No, it had nothing to do with me being strict. I didn't say anything bad to offend her. I just asked a simple question, "Which do you prefer a rainy or sunny day? Why?" (Yes, I it was a class in college but the question may sound too simple. More on this next time.) She said, "I prefer sunny day because rainy day makes me feel sad." Then I asked why. When she was answering, tears were beginning to fall from her eyes. She hates raindy days because she's reminded of the cruelties of her mom.

Yesterday, I made two more students cry (first day of classes). Again, not because I looked and acted too frightening. No, I was not bitching around. As a typical first day in class, we had a getting-to-know activity.

Since it's a Speech Communication class, I wanted to gauge the students' ability (fluency) in speaking English through presentation as well as answering series of questions. I asked them to tell something important about them or something that their classmates still don't know about them. One student shared that she is emotional and she hates talking about family issues. She was stating that as if she was about to cry. I didn't dare to ask the reason as I don't want my class to turn out a values education class. Then, when I asked another student why is she taking up education, tears started to flow. While crying she shared that she's taking up Education to prove that even if she's poor she can finish college and be able to share her knowledge to others in the future.

Remember the student who said she's emotional and easily touched by family issues? Well, she also cried while listening to the other's student's story.

Sometimes, you just don't know when a particular subject will be touchy. For me, it was just a simple question which may be explained with passion. I didn't expect any emotional outburst. It was just the first day of class and we will be discussing a lot of things. Apparently, I have to be prepared with more crying moments. But I don't want to turn my class to a drama class. Maybe I should tweak my rule in class. Instead of "express yourself and let go of hesitation" it should be "express yourself, let go of hesitations, and please do not cry."

Avenue Q: Tomorrow!

2008-06-12T07:27:00.008+08:00

For those who haven't got tickets yet, we still have Good Loge Seats (1,000) to the Opening Night (June 13, 8pm).

You can buy tickets from me (Text 0917-4843006) or go directly to Ticketworld (at National Bookstore). Note however that ticketworld charges additional 3%.

Don't feel left out and let your life suck. Don't miss the final run of Avenue Q Manila and make it a point to be among the first to say goodbye. Watch Avenue Q!

Sunflower

2008-06-09T16:24:00.004+08:00

Seeing a Sunflower makes me happy. (I'm not the someone who enjoys receiving flowers but I'm someone who's attracted to a garden of flowers.) Sunflower gives me a different kind of bliss. When I'm quite depressed or in pain, seeing a sunflower makes me smile. When I'm already happy, seeing a Sunflower elevates the happiness.

Through internet research, I found the following:

Sunflower: Happiness and Depression

A sunflower has a stigma. Depression has a stigma. The stigma is the receptor of the pollen. If it is not a positive stigma, the sunflower will not grow and become its beautiful flower. That is the same with humans. If the negative stigma on depression is continued and accepted as it is today, people will not seek treatment and become their full potential.

Sunflower: Symbolic Meaning

SUNFLOWER: Positive attributes: Balance of individuality, radiance, vitality.

Indications: Distorted sense of self, inflation or self effacement. Low self esteem or arrogance. Father relationship issues. Loss father at early age.

Arts and Sunflower

The Impressionist period of art is famous for its fascination with the sunflower, and this striking flower remains today a commonly photographed and painted icon of uncommon beauty.

Vincent Van Gogh and Sunflowers

*Photo taken at Baguio Botanical Garden

Garden in the Sky

2008-06-06T01:45:00.005+08:00

Anyone who's been to Baguio for several times already would find the place a bit boring. Actually, people who have been there and still visit the area are normally not after site-seeing. They are there because of the weather. But of course, you'd normally end up visiting the same old places (common Baguio Experience) because you have no other choice.

I was looking for a unique place to visit in Baguio. While it's been a while since the last time I visited the place (2004), I wanted something different. I wanted to make the Baguio Experience quite more interesting (of course the common Baguio Experience would still be there).

A friend mentioned about Tam-Awan Artists' Village. So I checked it out on Google and found its website. The original plan was to stay in a traditional hotel/motel somewhere near the downtown. But when I found out that Tam-Awan offers accommodation, I decided to place a reservation. It was indeed a brilliant decision.

Tam-Awan Village, Garden in the Sky, is a perfect place to have a glimpse and feel of Cordillera. Chanum Foundation Inc. reconstructed Ifugao houses and placed it in Baguio (Pinsao Proper). It's really such a bright idea to make cultural heritage more accessible to people. Not everyone can go to Sagada (that includes me).

Entrance fee (if you’re not lodging) is 10 pesos for children and 20 pesos for adults. You will have to go to an Eco-Trek to tour around Tam-Awan. You’ll be assisted by a tour guide (you’ll learn a lot from these students). When you go to the area, you will really have that feel of cultural authenticity. There are a number of Ifugao huts in the area. They are all authentic: nail-less. We stayed in one of the Ifugao huts called Luccong (An octagonal shaped hut. Trivia: the shape of a hut defines a family’s economic status). (Other Ifugao huts are available for accommodation.)

What made the place more interesting is that it serves as home to Filipino artists. Tam-Awan has regular exhibits for Filipino artists to showcase their works. It also serves as a practice venue for artists. There are artists stationed at the area that sketch portraits of interested visitors. Just approach them and pay a donation of 100 pesos for 2-3 sketches.

You can also catch a cultural show on Ifugao dances, I think on Saturdays.

The best way to enjoy the feel of Tam-Awan is to lodge there. Just imagine staying inside an Ifugao hut? It’ll make your Baguio Experience really interesting. Not to mention, the cost of accommodation is cheap.

How to get to Tam-Awan:

From Victory Liner Terminal, it’s better to take a Taxi if you’re going there in group. Fare costs around 60-70 pesos. But if you want more adventure, you can take a jeepney ride from the terminal to the Plaza. From the City Market, there are jeeps bound to Tam-Awan.

ACER: Extreme Summer Adventure

2008-05-25T22:21:00.010+08:00

ACER Philippines held a 3-day "Amazing Race-like adventure" among media practitioners in Cagayan de Oro City. It's the company's 2nd year of bringing IT press together in a physically and mentally challenging activities. It's my first time to witness (yes, I was there) such kind of competition. A more detailed account of the event in the coming posts. But you can actually get a really blow-by-blow account here. In the meantime, enjoy a short clip on Extensa Green Machine's (one of the 5 teams) discussion of their encounter with a Pacquiao look-a-like multi-cab driver.

Song and Drama

2008-05-21T10:50:00.003+08:00

Back in college days, two of my friends in highschool and I had a weird trip. We went to different auditions for singing contest just for the heck of experiencing it.I think we only managed to sing in one of the auditions because there were just lots of singer-wanna-bes to be accommodated at all. Apparently, we didn't pass.

Of course, that tripping days were over. We're old now and we know it's not our thing. Not to mention, it isn't really the BEST way to make sure that our talents will be utilized.

But up until now I still encounter the question, "Bakit hindi ka sumali sa ganyan (whatever singing contest that's on-going). My usual answer is, "I'm old already and there are other ways to utilize the talent." Honestly, there were some moments that I really got interested to try it out. I even posted a survey of sorts here if I should audition for Pinoy Idol. It's probably due to the idea that I want to share the talent (yes cliche) but really you just want to utlize whatever it is that you have. Sayang eh. But then again, I don't need to join a singing to be able to sing. And reading Vince de Jesus's entry [via Gibbs Cadiz] reminded me of another reason why I decided not to audition. Just like what other game shows used to do (yes, parang sa "Game ka na ba"). Ayoko ng drama!

Kung may drama sa loob ng balita (remember that "Insider" tagline?), there's also drama sa likod ng musika. Ganun ang paepek ng mga singing contests ngayon eh. Bakit kasi kailangang ipangalandakan ang mga kaproblemahan at sakripisyo ng mga sumasali sa contest? Eh those things won't make them win naman. At least not for the auditions. Kasi kapag botohan na, ayan may paawa epek na magaganap niyan.

Read Vince's entry. Sapul sa banga!

Random Thoughts

2008-05-18T23:20:00.003+08:00

(Due to about an hour spent in a church)

1. I just realized that prayers commonly recited are already ingrained in a person's memory regardless how long you have not said these prayers. While you try not to recite the prayer out loud, you just couldn't control your mind to silently join the praying crowd.

2. Part of the baptism ceremony is the rejection of sin (vis-a-vis Satan) and renewal of faith (at least for Catholic practice i don't know with others). The priest will recite some parts of the Apostle's Creed in a question manner and the parents and godparents are asked to respond out loud: "Opo, sumasampalataya kami" or "Opo, itinatakwil namin" (rejection of sins. Observing most of the baptism ceremony I attended, the priest would always react and force the parents and godparents to respond. Makes me think, Are they not responding out loud because they don't really agree with what the priest is telling them? Or do they find it a weird and stupid thing to answer out loud? Or they are just simply lazy?

3. For me the ceremony is all about tradition and less complication (as I've explained in an earlier post, should religion-less parents decide to send their children to sectarian schools: baptismal certificate is always necessary).

4. Bakit ganun, hindi naman ako church-goer but I know what kind of acceptable behavior I should maintain whenever I'm inside a church (not necessarily susunod sa practice nila pero yung hindi ka nangugulo). Pero bakit maraming mga usual church-goer or at least iyong nagsisimba paminsan-minsan pero hindi alam ang kind of behavior expected of them inside a church. Ang weird lang talaga. Say for instance, Catholics view baptism as a sacred ceremony. But how come the sacredness of the ceremony is neglected by those same people who are bringing their kids to be baptized? Naknakan nila ng ingay.

5. I always end up ranting whenever I visit a church.

SM Science Discovery Center

2008-05-17T23:59:00.003+08:00

I don't have a vivid recollection if I was able to visit the old Planetarium in Manila back in grade school or high school. What I remember so far is that I enjoyed visiting the Science Centrum (meron pa ba nito?) back in grade school (I remember it's somewhere in Manila since we visited the place after our visit at the Tahanang Walang Hagdanan).

Fast forward to 2008, I got too much fascinated about the idea of visiting the SM Science Discovery Center. It's probably because I think it's going to be a nostalgic experience but at the same time something new (since technology is far different now).

The SM Science Discovery Center has the following galleries:Life Clock, ImagePort, SMART Media City (where you can play some video games and access the internet), Transportation Nation (where there's a flight simulator), Grossology (yes, all about gross: pee, burp, etc.), Spaceship Earth, Virtual Reef (underwater experience of sorts), City Science, Robot Inc., Digital Planetarium (currently the featured show is "The Search for Life: Are We Alone" narrated by Harrison Ford), and Lego Mindstorm Robotics Center (which was closed during our visit). I think it's a place that kids will enjoy (5-10 years old maybe). It's not much complicated and not much amazing (maybe because I expected more and well I'm quite old) but enough to make the kids learn and appreciate Science. For teachers who are scouting for interesting places for field trips, I think the SM Science Discovery Center deserves to be included in your list.

Entrance is P330 (unlimited gallery access and 1 Planetarium show) for walk-in visitors. There are also other visit set-up.To know more about SM Science Discovery center, visit http://www.smsciencediscovery.com.

Preoccupation

2008-05-14T23:45:00.003+08:00

I've been preoccupied with various things these past few days that I couldn't concentrate on writing something sensible for the blog. [How can I actually start writing something good for the blog while here I am busy trying to make sense of an article about termites (usapang anay)?] But there are actually a lot of topics that I would want to write about. Here are some of the topics I'd probably be writing (actually some I've already started) soon.

I just realized that most of my college blockmates graduated from Law School already (2 are now lawyers in fact). I really have to finish my article "Why Polsci?" It's simply about why most of us took the course (because we wanted to take up law) and how some of us ended not taking up law (And why people shouldn't be wondering why we didn't pursue a law degree).
I attended the "1st National Campaigners-Media Interface" yesterday which featured the launching of "Selling Candidates" (a sequel to "How to win an Election) by Newsbreak and a conference on handling campaigns in the afternoon. There are a lot of issues and interesting topics that were raised during the event. Not to mention, Political Marketing was one of my favorites subjects back in college. I'll probably be writing a series of articles on this (ah, I should because I learned a lot and I just love Yolly Ong).
Culture Appreciation orHow to make your kids appreciate culture and arts? I visited the National Museum a week ago (a cheap—PHP 100 entrance—but definitely great learning experience). It's just quite sad that less people are interested in venturing in such kind of activity. But learning culture by trying to experience what we read on books can perfectly happen by visiting museums (cultural/historical places). FYI, John Silva still has a National Museum Tour on the 17th of May (contact John Silva at 0926 729 9029). Entrance and tour at PHP 700.
Food Review. Been eating in various restaurants lately. [That's what you get when you're working on freelance -- you can manage your time to explore things.] But unfortunately, I haven't posted any food review. [Mostly due to fixation that is exploring things.]

But for now, I've to concentrate writing an article about termite-attack protection (yes, a product release). Wow, construction ito!

MMDA Issues

2008-05-08T20:27:00.004+08:00

This is a notable move from MMDA. Ngayon lang ata ako natuwa kahit papaano sa kanila. I've always hated the loud sounds (sana ba kung ayos ang tumutugtog at maganda ang kaledad ng tunog) inside a jeepney. It's irritating for the passengers.

It may not help the drivers to concentrate.

Further, the MMDA received reports of accidents because the jeepney driver failed to hear another vehicle’s warning signal.

"The report said passengers complained that, most of the time, drivers fail to drop them at their destination because of the loud sound from the radio. There were also times that the driver speeds off even before a passenger could step out of the vehicle."

But the second justification is not applicable to all. Most of the jeeps with loud sounds are "pull-the-string-to-stop capable". Often, it's the fault of the passenger why he/she misses his/her stop (they keep on shouting "para" even if there's a note to pull the string to stop).

Personally, I don't like the idea that they had to confiscate the radio and speakers pa. To regulate is the key. Pwede pa rin namang magpatugtog dapat. Pero ang dapat ipagbawal eh iyong sobrang maingay na pagpapatugtog. Magkaiba iyon.

*******

Now we go to Bayani. Well, something's really wrong with you. What made you think that changing your picture in your tarpaulins along EDSA would make the protesters like you? You know that it's not your unsympathetic face that people are protesting of. YOU ARE USING PUBLIC FUNDS FOR YOUR PUBLICITY AND YOU KNOW THAT.

Ploning

2008-05-07T08:50:00.001+08:00

The first time I saw the trailer of Ploning and read on the movie brief, I thought "Ay, parang Batanes." (But actually I haven't watched Batanes to compare it with. It's probably because of the setting and the mention of Taiwanese). I got less interested to watch the movie. But when a good friend sent me an IM telling me to watch the film because it’s that good, I got intrigued to watch the film. Not to mention, I value her recommendation.

********

Ploning transcends the common movie story of a romantic love. Most Filipino movies have the element of romantic love or often it’s even the premise of the movie. But Ploning is different. The movie is premised on love that will make you fall with the idea of love beyond romance. It is a movie that may have an element of romantic love but it touches the hearts of the audience in a very different sense. This is the next Filipino movie that made me cry after “Magnifico”.

Majority of the conversation in the movie is in Cuyonon. (I appreciate any movie that showcases the culture and tradition of Filipinos. It’s always a learning experience.) All the non-Cuyonon actors (yes, another thing interesting about the movie is that they casted locals and they acted pretty okay) had to learn the language. You know that they really spent effort in learning. I love the way Judy Ann delivered her line. It’s truthful, if you’ll compare her accent to the Cuyonon actors).

I just love the transitions. I love the way the audience were led to the past and the present (yes, the movie is full of flashbacks). You wouldn't be confused (and you shouldn’t be with that kind of story). The transitions were really smooth that you can really understand every detail from the past to connect it with the present.

Interestingly, some of the veteran actors in the movie had a very little participation (e.g. Joel Torre). It’s probably the producer’s way of enticing people to watch. A not-so-popular actor could have played his role as the mayor.

It's not the mystery of the story that will keep you watching the movie. It's the mystery of Ploning's character.

*******

Judy Ann is stunningly beautiful in the movie. I wonder if it has something to do with the cinematography. Or it’s probably because she’s “looking wow and feeling wow.”

Pagdadalawang-isip

2008-05-04T10:21:00.004+08:00

(01 May 08 , Thursday)

Naglalakad ako kanina hawak ang sukli na puro limang pisong barya. Ililipat ko sana ang mga ito sa aking coin purse at aksidenteng nalaglag ang isa at gumulong ito papalayo. Sinundan ko dahan-dahan sa pag-asang mapupulot ko ito sa kanyang pahinto. Ngunit hindi pa man ay pinulot na ito ng isang lalaki. Umaasa akongmagtatanong sya sa kanyang nasa likuran para alamimn kung sino ang may ari ng limang piso. Wala. Tumingin lang siya sa likot at tinignan lang niya iyong mga kasama sabay bulsa sa limang piso.

Natural nainis ako. pwede naman akong magsalita na akin ang limang piso kaso may kalayuan siya kaya magmumukha akong sumisigaw. Hinid ko na pinatangkaang bawiin.

Habang paaksya na ng hagdaan ay may mga batang nanililos. Hindi ito pinansin nung lalakeng dumkewat ng limang piso ko. Naisip ko talaga na sana inabot na lang niya iyong pera sa mga bata. Pero hindi.

Nung malayo na siya, halos 8-10 baitanga ang layo sa mga mga bata ay ibinato niy ang limang piso. Nakonsensya ito.

Ang tao ay parating nagdadalawang isip. Nagdadalawang isip gumawa ng mabuti at nagdadalawang isip gumawa ng masama. Minsan nga lang mas mabilis nakakapagdesisyon ang ilan na gumawa medyo hindi mabuti.

English Trainers for Europeans (Job Post)

2008-04-29T22:59:00.001+08:00

My friend asked me to post this.
Anyone interested? Contact her. :)

**********

The company I work for is looking for full-time English Trainers for Europeans.
Business English lessons are delivered through phone.

Requirements: graduate from a reputable school, excellent English communication skills, experience in teaching/coaching/training, and computer literate and internet savvy.

Great culture experience and good compensation await you!

If you're interested, please send your resume to kureyobi@yahoo.com.

Consultant

2008-04-27T21:24:00.000+08:00

The basic reason in getting a consultant is the idea that no one in the company is that much capable or expert in the field to provide insights. Or it’s also possible that you need someone to give you an independent (out-of-the-box) perspective.

You hire consultant to acquire insights that may be different from yours. The aim is to find the flaws in your concept and come up with a better one. If a consultant attacks your idea or provides you with a totally different perspective, it doesn’t mean that they’re personally attacking you.

You have to be open minded. In the first place, you hired a consultant to act as your critique. To develop a concept means challenging the already presented ideas – presentation of arguments and counter arguments.

Be more afraid if the consultant simply agrees on what you presented. The often he/she says yes to your ideas may not mean always mean you have good insights. You shouldn’t feel happy when he/she accepts everything as good. Something’s wrong with that.

You may be paying the wrong person. Poor you, you’re wasting your money that should have been given somewhere better.

This week's LSS

2008-04-27T21:12:00.003+08:00

Land of the Loving
by David Benoit

Deep in your eyes is a promise
Love can be ours if we want it
Starting tonight ev'ry dream I ever knew
Here in your arms I'm believing
Fin'lly my life has a meaning of its own
Here in the land of loving I am home

I was alone in the city
Searchin' for someone to find me
cold empty nights and a million strangers' eyes
Here in your arms I'm beginning
To leave behind all the loneliness I knew
Here in the land of loving there is you.

In this simple room magic is made
Though the world seems unchanged
Leave the lights on I'm a bit afraid
This might be just a sweet dream.

Deep in the night love is growing
Though I had no way of knowing
That when I found you I found evrything I need
Here in your love I'll be staying
Fin'lly my life won't be living all alone
Here in the land of the loving I am home.

Press Conferences (Updated)

2008-04-26T21:02:00.005+08:00

[I’m no expert in the field of PR but I’d like to document my observations given my exposures now. I’ll often post such kind of article.

“The Philippines is PR-driven in terms of sourcing scoops or news”, says my editor. He added that journalists here are normally assigned to submit 2-3 articles in a day. This means that media people really have to be able to cover different events to get good stories. From that figure, you’ll have an idea why staging a press conference is still a common practice in launching a product, a person or an endorser, and most especially in confronting issues (mostly for politicians/showbiz personalities).

Newsworthiness

However, in doing press conferences, the main consideration should still be the newsworthiness of whatever it is that you’re going to launch (this is crucial for products/services PR) which unfortunately seems to be not much of an issue among clients and agencies. Probably because even if an event is not that worthy to be covered, there are still a lot of press attendees and not to mention there are still some pick-ups. [But it should be noted that events that are not that newsworthy aren’t normally covered or maybe covered but news aren’t really published in the top three broadsheets or give less priority.]

Why are there a lot of press attendees?

As mentioned earlier, press conferences are attended with the hope that media people can get good stories. When I asked my editor if he attends PR-initiated press conferences, he said he does if the topic is interesting and if he thinks there’s a prospect of a story. So for any curious journalist, attending a press conference is really an option.

But again, there’s still a process of screening – trying to see if the event is worth attending. This leads us to the second reason why even if the event seems to be not that interesting or material for news, there are still attendees.

Another reason would be the honorarium (technically, envelopmental journalism). Yes, I’ve witnessed that. There are some press people who actually receive money from pr agencies because of their attendance to the event (with the hope that they will release a story about the event). Giveaways are fine. But getting money is a different issue. It’s like you’re getting paid to release an article. Again, media is a microcosm of government. [It should also be noted that sometimes even if they are given honorarium, stories aren’t released since they are always subject to the editor’s approval].

But do clients really get what they need out of Press Conferences?

Not really if your event is not newsworthy.

The common thinking probably among clients is: “I just want my story out.” Regardless how irrelevant or non-issue based the story is doesn’t matter for as long as there’s the pr who can do the job of serving as media liaison.

A good friend, a marketing professional, explains that pr agencies shouldn’t act just like that. They have to serve as consultants and strategists. Normally, PR agencies are hired to develop a PR campaign strategy. Building god relationship with media is just part of the entire work of PR agencies. Most of it is about strategizing.

He also adds that there are other ways to publicize a certain product/service. Well, sometimes PR is not even the right avenue. There are times that advertising is more apt and cost-effective.

So what now?

So it’s all about right strategy. PR agencies should be able to help clients identify what should be done and how these should be executed. There’s a need to take a leap from being just a simple middle person to a real pr consultant/strategist which makes more sense.

On the other hand, I guess clients should be more aware of what they need from a PR agency. That getting an agency is more than just connecting you to the media. It’s about helping you strategize.

Paano kapag...

2008-04-23T22:43:00.002+08:00

... malaki na ang anak ni Kris Aquino? BABY JAMES pa rin ang itatawag nila?

Sabagay may matanda namang lalaki at babae na "Baby" ang nickname. Kakaiba lang na imbes na "Junior" eh "Baby + Name." Kung ako siguro iyong papangalanan (palayaw) nang ganun ng magulang ko, sasakit ulo ko.

Wala lang.

American Dream

2008-04-22T22:22:00.001+08:00

Have you ever imagined yourself leaving the country and stay abroad for good?

Not me. I really can't imagine myself living in another country for the rest of my life. Honestly, just the thought of detaching from my home may already mean a higher level of conditioning. What more transferring to another country? But there are a lot of Filipinos who do; living that American Dream. Well, actually not just American even Canadian, etc (name all the countries that accept migrants). It's not just about having work abroad but really staying there for good. Being an OFW is understandable. People work in another country to earn quite higher to save and probably invest.

Anyhow, this morning I attended a press conference of a US Immigration Lawyer. He offers free consultancy services to Filipinos who are interested to migrate in the United States (at least the consultancy is free). He provides tips as to the easiest way to get to the States (depending on your status/profession). While it's a good thing that Pinoys have that option than just risking their luck abroad (probably a cheaper way than hiring a more popular US Immigration Lawyer), I still just hate the idea that it appears to me as a form of encouragement for more people to leave the country for good.

With that free consultancy thingy, I'm sure a lot more Filipinos will try their luck. Actually, last weekend when the lawyer had a radio interview her marketing person received a lot of calls/inquiry for consultation.

[To be continued]

LSS: 3rd Week

2008-04-20T23:20:00.004+08:00

Because I'm too lazy (and tired) to type my draft entries, here goes an LSS post.

Bakit Ba Ganyan?

Bakit ba ganyan,
Ang ibig ko'y lagi kang pagmasdan?
Umula't umaraw ay hindi pagsasawaan
Ang iyong katangian
Damdamin ko'y ibang-iba kapag kapiling ka, sinta.

Ewan ko, bakit ba ganyan;
Damdamin ay di maintindihan?
Kailangan ang pag-ibig mo
Dahil sa ako'y nagmamahal sa 'yo
Magmula nang kita'y makilala.

Bakit ba ganyan,
Kung minsan ay nauutal sa kaba
Kapag ika'y kausap na?
Ngunit lumalakas ang loob kung ikaw ay nakatawa.

Ewan ko, bakit ba ganyan;
Damdamin ay di maintindihan?
Kailangan ang pag-ibig mo
Dahil sa ako'y nagmamahal sa 'yo
Magmula nang kita'y makilala (oh)

Ewan ko, bakit ba ganyan;
Damdamin ay di maintindihan?
Kailangan ang pag-ibig mo
Dahil sa ako'y nagmamahal sa 'yo
Magmula nang kita'y makilala.
(Bakit ba ganyan, hah)

Wonderful cover by Imago:

Code names

2008-04-17T23:23:00.003+08:00

Dahil napapadalas ang pagsakay ng FX/Shuttle...

Eto'ng kadalasang code names na ginagamit ng mga FX drivers kapag naguupdate sila ng traffic situation sa isa't-isa:

Papa Tango = P. Tuazon
Kangkungan (Ilalim/Ibabaw) = Kamuning
Charlie (Ilalim/Ibabaw) = Cubao
Spaghetti (Pababa/Pataas) = Balintawak spiral road to/from NLEX
5-3= actually iniisip ko pa ito kung ang ibig sabihin nito ay passable or heavy traffic. di ko pa mafigure-out.
Money Market = Megamall
Tamagochi = Traffic Management Group (TMG)

Stories of Goodbye

2008-04-13T12:56:00.005+08:00

Goodbye Story #1

It's wonderful how people start creating special connection - build good relationship and eventually make it grow into something more, something that is special. How things started may not be that easy to define: how it turned out to be a special relationship is probably something hard to pinpoint - mysterious or even magical.

Years of togetherness were about spending good time together, sharing each other's stories, planning life and the future together. But at some point, the one has to compete with the partner's dream: not much time to spend together to prioritize fulfilling that dream. One has to understand that you can never win in a competition over a person's dream, thus, must give way.

Relationship started to sour. While both struggled to make the relationship work (because the love is still there), the situation is too challenging. Probably saying goodbye (perhaps only for now) is the most apt move.

It's weird that an end of a special connection may have the same process - mysterious. How things ended may be too hard to identify: vague ending. What makes it even harder is the issue of acceptance - letting go of something you probably still would want to own.

Goodbye Story #2

For some, cultural difference is a non-issue in love. No matter how different the way that person was raised, the belief-systems and values, even the practice of a hygienic lifestyle, one can continue to like and fall in love with that person.

Even if sometimes there are points of misunderstanding because of language barrier, they are together because of attraction and mutual admiration. But how long can they keep such relationship grow when the other has to go to another country to fulfill one's dream?

While the exciting connection is just brewing, one has to say goodbye. But who knows, maybe it's just a temporary farewell. And maybe the distance can make their relationship grow more.

********

Haha, parang "Love Notes" lang. May kanta after every story. :))

U2 3D

2008-04-13T02:02:00.005+08:00

I don't really consider myself a big time U2 fan. No, I don't have a collection of their albums nor have memorized all of their songs. But I definitely love a number of their songs (they're even part of my "favorite songs list"). Which is why watching U23D was such a great experience. Ecstatic.

It's not boring (contrary to a post I read from PEx). Anyone who knows how to appreciate good music, would enjoy the show. You don't have to know all the songs (but of course it's different when you can sing out loud) to enjoy listening and watching. Just feel the music (understand the lyrics) and you'll just find yourself moving to the beat. If it wasn't just awkward (because you might be blocking the view of other audience)... masarap makirakrakan. Medyo pigil kasi.

Anyhow, if you're not a U2 fan but you're planning to watch (probably for the 3D experience), I guess there are two options you can choose from to really enjoy the show. Watch it with someone who's a fan or watch it in group .

If you're a U2 fan, you really shouldn't miss this treat.

It's on at The Block (P350) and MOA (P500) the entire April.

*****
I love the 3D experience, too. First time. 350 pesos well-spent.

Kung tutuusin...

2008-04-10T01:14:00.004+08:00

... mahirap talagang maging babae.

Well, base lang naman ito sa buwanang sakripisyong dinaranas ng mga babae. Isipin niyo na lang,

"[PMS Symptoms] Such symptoms are usually predictable and occur regularly during the two weeks prior to menses.

Ilang linggo ba meron sa isang buwan? Merong higit-kumulang sa 4 na linggo. Kung 2 linggo bago magkaroon ang babae na kakaranas ng PMS ibig sabihin kalahating buwan eh may iniinda ng sakit. Ang malupit niyan:

The symptoms may vanish after the menstrual flow starts, but may continue even after the flow has begun.

Eh halimbawa na 5 days ka kung magkaroon? Lumalabas na humigit kumulang na isang linggo ka lang 'normal'?

Siyempre hindi naman sa lahat ng babae applicable ito. At saka siguro dun sa 3 weeks na iyon, meron lang peak days naman. At dun sa moments na iyon ang sobrang distubance.

Well, technically kung ganito ang monthly cycle ng babae, eh di kung tutuusin din ito na ang normal na kaganapan. Hindi siya madali, pero normal kaya kailangang masanay. Kaya lang described pa rin siya as disorder.

Normal Disorder?

picture from damegames.com

Kodakan sa Kalsada

2008-04-08T22:57:00.004+08:00

-Break-

Photo taken by someone who has, as the text in the photo says... :)) Peace dude!

Naiinip ako sa bus. Bigla kong napansin ito. May naalala. At naaliw ako. So ayun kinuhaan ko ng litrato. Sa isang Bus galing Buendia LRT pa-Ayala. :)

Houseband

2008-04-06T16:09:00.004+08:00

Have you seen one of Champion's (cheap laundry soap) advertisements featuring a "houseband"? It was a sort of testimonial type of advertisement. The spiel goes something like, "Dati asa lang ako. Asa sa asawang nagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa. Pero ngayon, champion na ako." Well, he's a champion because he has learned how to do the laundry using Champion (natuto raw siya ng gawaing bahay).

The ad seems to be sending the wrong message that being a "houseband" is fine.

Is it actually okay to be a "houseband"? I still don't think it's proper to just let your wife sweat blood to earn for your family (feed you ). I know some "housebands" who are still not capable of raising their kids well (of course there are some exceptions) but still it's different when the mother is the one really hands-on looking after the kids. While some of them know how to do household chores, mind you, most are still dependent to their relatives.

I'm actually thinking if I am being too unfair. It's still an apparent subscription to the idea of traditional gender roles in family. Ang inutil kasi ng dating eh. Admittedly, the woman can do more things at home than the man. Tama naman di ba? So it'll still be a fair game.

And, being a stay-at-home mom is actually a sacrifice: leaving one's career for the family. It's not the same for "housebands". Mostly, they simply aren't capable of getting good jobs or are too lazy to find one.

Anyhoo, given the costly living these days, it's ideal that both are working. However, for the the earlier stages of marriage while the kids are still very young, it's still better if the the husband is the one working.

This Week's LSS

2008-04-06T15:16:00.002+08:00

1)Rekalmo ng Reklamo by The Jerks
Ang kantang ito ay swak na swak sa tiyahin ko (at marami pang iba diyan). Hardyharhar!

Reklamo ng reklamo
Sa hirap ng buhay dito
Kapwa pilipino
Ikinahihiya mo
Masakit sa pandinig ko
Ang sinasabi mo
Siguro'y gusto mong
Maging Amerikano

Magpunta ka sa tindahan sa tapat
Magpalit ka ng balat
Sikmurang walang tibay
Magpalit ka na ng kulay
Makulit, nagpupumilit
Bumili ka na ng tiket
Sa America magpiknik
'Wag ka nang babalik

Reklamo ng reklamo
Gustong maging Amerikano
Reklamo ng reklamo
Ang tatay mong kalbo

Kay dami ng problema
ang iyong makikita
Ngunit ito'y lalala pa kung aalis ka
Pagkatanggap ng pagkatalo
Kung ika'y tatakbo
At kung ikaw'y susuko
Puri mo'y ilako

2) Suddenly It's Magic by Vesta Williams
Dahil sa playlist ng Burgoo at Figaro Gateway. Mabuhay.

I always thought I would be strong
If I made it through the pain
Well, I’m in and out of love
And it all hurts just the same, oh yeah
Love can really change your life
There’s something magic in my world tonight

Chorus:

I feel so free,
It’s like a fantasy
Havin’ you next to me
Suddenly it’s magic

One look, one touch
Once just don’t say enough
When you fall in love
Suddenly, suddenly it’s magic

I’m not afraid of letting go
I’ve got to find what’s right for me
I’m not afraid to stand alone
If that’s the way it has to be
After all that I’ve been through
There’s magic when I’m near with you

Chorus

Bridge

We can dream our dreams forever
When I’m here with you
Baby, heaven’s a heartbeat away
Now that we’re together
Love will last forever
There’s magic in my life
With you, you…

Trophy Girlfriend

2008-04-05T01:46:00.003+08:00

We set up a surprise birthday party for a close friend's boyfriend in a Videoke Bar somewhere in Tomas Morato. The group was predominantly composed of male friends/acquaintances. On our way home while we were waiting for cabs, I noticed a couple also waiting.

The girl was wearing a sexy outfit (tank-top, mini skirt, tights, and chucks-like shoes with heels). She is really sexy, maybe gorgeous. She has a quite good facial features. Well, not really that "wow". But because of her total appeal, she's really hot. (But honestly, she doesn't look that decent :D Bad ko). Meanwhile, her boyfriend is an ordinary looking guy. Nothing noticeable with his facial features and not even with his appeal. The couple were publicly displaying their affection.

And because the girl is hot, I noticed that most if not all of the guys in our group were really watching over the girl. So after observing them, I focused my attention to the couple. I wanted to see how the girl and her boyfriend will react. I just got irritated.

Napakayabang ng boyfriend nito. He gave us well actually the boys a look like saying "Hah, ang ganda ng girlfriend ko. Inggit kayo."

There's nothing wrong about being proud that you have a good looking girlfriend but you know it's different when you're trying to display your good looking girlfriend to be proud of yourself. A-hole! I couldn't help myself and my friends/acquaintances just laughed at me.

I couldn't help but to give side comments. "Gago, kahit maganda ang girlfriend mo, panget ka pa rin. It doesn't make any difference. Panget ka pa rin. Leche ka. Ang yabang mo. Matisod ka sana."

I understand that it's quite a good feeling when you see other people appreciating your special someone. This case physical since these other people don't know you and your partner personally thus the initial thing they'll observe is the physical appearance. Nakakatuwa naman talaga iyon, that's given. Pero utang na loob, iba iyong iyon talaga ang intensyon mo: magmayabang para sa sarili mo.

Anyone who treats his girlfriend as a display should be tied on a tree and be burned or be buried alive. At utang na loob ulit, para sa mga babae, hindi ka nakikipagrelasyon para i-display lang.

Tamang maasar bago matulog. But seriously, I easily get irritated with such kind of attitude. Ang sarap mang-away. :))

Bakit kaya...

2008-04-04T00:58:00.002+08:00

... nauuso ang pagaampon?

Una si Claudine. Tapos si Juday din pala meron.

Hindi ko lang maintindihan iyong logic dito. Halimbawa na, gusto mo naman na palang magpalaki ng anak at may kapasidad kang gawin ito (dahil may pera ka at responsible enough) bakit kaya kakailanganin pa ang mag-ampon? Hindi ba't higit na magiging komplikado ang buhay kung ganun? Lalo't pag-dumating iyong pagkakataon na may sarili ka ng anak.

Hindi ko lang talaga maintindihan eh. Kung magpapalaki ka na rin lang tapos may plano ka namang mag-asawa (dahil may boyfriend ka), bakit hindi na lang totohanin (wow, parang title ng pelikula ito)?

Abogada

2008-04-03T08:48:00.002+08:00

Wow! Two (2) of my batchmates (the other one is a blockmate actually) in college (DLSU)passed the Bar. Just imagine, at 23 or 24, they are already lawyers! Level-up din naman kasi ang utak nitong dalawang ito. Which makes me think... If I ventured into Law School, abogada na rin kaya ako? ASA.

Congratulations to Monica Liwag (ADMU) and Jazz Tamayo (UP).

Organs for Sale

2008-04-02T08:34:00.005+08:00

What's wrong with trading organs?

Isn't it that we encourage donation? But why is selling organs bad?

It's still an economic activity (just like prostitution), right? Those who traded his/her organ in exchange of money may be simply constrained because they need money. But then again, it's still a personal decision: consented. It think regulation is more apt than totally banning the trade. Some thoughts:

1. Set rates as to how much an organ should cost. ORGAN COST + MAINTENANCE.
The amount should be equal to the cost to the lifestyle of someone living with just a single kidney for example. One would need regular check-up and a more strict diet to ensure that he/she will be able to sustain a living even with just a single kidney.

2. Have a "bank" of sorts wherein people can legally sell their organs thus avoiding trading among middle persons who are taking advantage of the constrained individuals. Just like the "Blood Bank."

3. Ensure that each person who sells his/her organ is REALLY healthy for the operations. That he/she can survive the operation and the post operations effect.

4. Make sure that each individual who plans to sell his/her organ should be well educated of the activity he/she is venturing into. Aside from that, there should be a session with a psychologist, too.

Sige kayo, kapag binawal ang pagbebenta baka magkatotoo at dumami iyong mga nangingidnap at nangdedekwat ng organs. Siyempre, biro lang.

Seriously, it's still a trade. What's important is that each person who ventures into this knows the cost and consequences. Of course, it is also necessary to make sure that these individuals are not being taken advantage of.

Busy

2008-03-31T01:18:00.002+08:00

For a time, I was guilty of using the busy status or icon of YM (papansin lang). But I realized, something's wrong. When one is busy, of course you wouldn't want to be bothered. So why would you even make yourself available for a bother. I mean, might as well go on invisible mode and have the freedom to talk to ONLY those you want. That makes more sense, right? Or probably, a BUSY Status means bother only if you're about to ask something important, pero bother pa rin. :))

LSS: Never Surrender

2008-03-29T22:48:00.004+08:00

I'm probably devoting an LSS entry per week. Just so to share songs I find interesting that you may not be familiar with it or may have forgotten of. Anyway, here's the entire day LSS (a song from the 80's).

"Never Surrender" by Corey Hart

Just a little more time is all we're asking for
Cause just a little more time
could open closing doors
Just a little uncertainty can bring you down
And nobody wants to know you now
And nobody wants to show you how
So if you're lost and on your own
You can never surrender
And if your path won't lead you home
You can never surrender
And when the night is cold and dark
You can see, you can see light
Cause no-one can take away your right
To fight and never surrender
With a little perseverance you can get things down
Without the blind adherence that has conquered some
And nobody wants to know you now
And nobody wants to show you how
So if you're lost and on your own
You can never surrender
And if your path won't lead you home
You can never surrender
And when the night is cold and dark
You can see, you can see light
Cause no-one can take away your right
To fight and never surrender, to never surrender

Earth Hour

2008-03-29T22:21:00.002+08:00

So I spent the Earth Hour in one SM Mall. I got intrigued as to what's going to happen if there will really be a total lights off in SM Malls. It was just a 'dim moment' at least in that branch where I was. In the entertainment center, "Inconvenient Truth" was playing.

Apparently, business establishments cannot afford to turn the lights off for an hour (technically pause the operations) and resume after an hour. Asa. Mahirap siya. Dahil action talaga siya. . But anyway, at the very least it was as show of support of the advocacy (a statement) and somehow something was minimized.

I'm just not sure if people at home participated. How about in your homes?

Uring Manggagawa

2008-03-29T18:43:00.004+08:00

Matagal na ng huling beses akong nag ordinary na bus. Kanina ay sumakay kami ng biyaheng Navotas pa-EDSA Oridnary bus papuntang LRT 5th Avenue Station. Napakainit (bandang alas dos y medya ng hapon). Sa kalagitnaan ng init na iyon ay may sumakay na isang mama na may hawak na kahon (pangkoleksyon) at microphone (pang barker). Ngayon na lang ulit ako nakatapat ng welgista na sumasampa sa bus upang humingi ng kaunting tulong.

Magaling magsalita iyong mama. Talagang malalim ang tagalog at may pinaghuhugutan ang damdamin. Iyon nga lang, hindi k makita ang logic sa ginagawa nila. Nakikipaglaban daw sila sa mga ganid na kapitalista. Fine. Pero bakit mo inaaabala ang iyong kapwa. Ayos lang na i-educate sila sa iyong sitwasyon pero ibang bagay ang humingi ka ng tulong pinansyal. Hindi ba't kaysa sumasampa ka sa bus at isinisiwalat ang iyong sitwasyon sa mga tao, hindi kaya mas makakakbuti kung maghahanap ka ng ibang bagay na maaaring mapagkakitaan maliban sa paghingi ng limos?

Binigyan siya nung kasama ko. Oo naaawa ako,pero marami pa naman siyang pwedeng ibang gawin. At hindi ko nakikita ang logic talaga sa paghingi ng tulong pinansiyal. Walang masama sa pakikipaglaban para sa hustisya. Masama lang kung kinakasangkapan mo ang sitwasyong ito upang makalikom ng pera. Hindi ko alam kung para lang talaga ito sa kanilang kaso. Pero magkaganun man, parang sablay pa rin eh. Hindi ko alam baka masyado akong mapanghusga. Iniisip ko kasi kaysa talaga ganun, dapat naghahahanap sila ng matinong pangkabuhayan.

Finding a Partner

2008-03-29T02:27:00.002+08:00

"Matchmaker, Matchmaker,
Make me a match,
Find me a find,
catch me a catch
Matchmaker, Matchmaker
Look through your book,
And make me a perfect match"*

I remember a scene from "Got to Believe in Magic" where Claudine was asked by her old-maid aunts of her age. She was already 24 turning 25 (I think) in the movie and unattached. The reaction of the aunts was like, "Oh no, malapit ka na sa finish line." I guess there really is pressure for some people to find a partner (an instinct to be coupled). And apparently, there's society's pressure, too. Heck, it's just normal for some to fear and look for things that will aid them in probably finding a partner. Below are some options you may venture into. See what fits your needs.

Speed Dating

It stared from the matchmaking concept of Jews. Now, it's all over and it has reached the Philippine Market (mukhang magandang business ito, event!). Well, this sounds safe (no exchange of numbers). Maybe if you're someone who'd really like to meet a prospective partner, you could probably try this out. Except that it means evident financial investment (tickets to the event). Panget, bumibili ka ng ticket para makakuhaor makakalilala ka ng lalaki o babae (kung ganun nga ang magiging dating niya). Sana lang pare-pareho kayong seryoso. But there are good relationships that have happened because of this. So do your research and see if this set-up suits you (your personality and more importantly your principles).

Explore

This is a subtle way of meeting a prospective partner. Well, meeting a prospective someone may start through meeting various people. Of course, you can only meet people if you have loads of activities that aren't regularly shared with friends or acquaintances.

1) Go to a gym daw. You might find someone interesting and gain higher value: physical for that matter. If you are not able to find that someone, at least you're in shape, assuming that you're really working-out and not simply working-out on someone.

2) Join organizations. You might find someone who shares the same interests with you. In case that someone is not there, you're doing something for a good cause (assuming you're not really attending meetings or actively participating in events just to bump into someone or to keep your eyes on a prospect).

3) Explore the Internet.

a. Old School MIRC. Meron pa ba nito?

b. YM. Join chatrooms

c. Forums. Meron sa PEx Singles Scene. Hardyharhar!

d. Blog. Either create your own or simply interact. Ano'ng ginagawa ng Multiply? It's more personal than blogspot and more network-oriented (malamang, social-networking site siya). More serious ang dating ng Blogspot.

Network

Blind-date, Set-ups (retos). You can tell your friends to introduce you to someone whom they think you'll find interesting and who'll probably find you interesting, too. Safe. At least, that person revolves within your network and a friend's recommendation. Kumbaga sa trabaho, may nagrefer so may basehan. At kung palpak, pwede mong balikan ang kaibigan or kakilala mo. Not to mention, you can also set requirements as to the qualities of a person you want to date.

Serendipity

Effortless (Somehow)! Admittedly, this one is the most exciting and I guess sweetest. Well, for those who aren't pressured, this will work. I'm not sure if you're at the brink of losing hope (not really desperate) of finding a partner.

"Matchmaker, Matchmaker,
Plan me no plans
I'm in no rush
Maybe I've learned
Playing with matches
A girl can get burned
So, bring me no ring
Groom me no groom
Find me no find
Catch me no catch
Unless he's a matchless match."*

*" Matchmake"r, Fiddler on the Roof

Ano'ng meron sa taong happy: The Story

2008-03-28T22:41:00.003+08:00

A smile that warms the heart...

I've always been against giving money to beggars. However, whenever I see someone who's sick begging, I couldn't help myself but to give a little amount (believing that he/she is begging to be able to buy medicines). But sometimes, I still feel guilty giving money (napapaisip ka na pinagkakakitaan lang ang kanilang sitwasyon).

Last Holy Wednesday, I took the footbridge from MRT North to SM North. Whenever I'm walking alone, I'm always preoccupied (talking to myself: silently of course, thinking of various things). I suddenly noticed a beggar with a big lump on his throat. I told myself (while walking away from the man), "shit, naaawa ako pero ayoko magbigay ng pera. pero naaawa ako." Then I realized, I was actually holding a plastic bag with a piece of pizza. I decided to go back and give it to the beggar. I was a bit hesitant. Crazy me, "Hindi kaya bawal sa kanya ito or hindi kaya siya allergic (seafood pizza kasi)" When I handed him the food, he was really delighted. He was very thankful. Alam mo iyong ngiti na sinsero? Ganun talaga eh. Iyong talagang lubos ang pasasalamat niya? That made me REALLY happy. Sarap

A similar scene happened yesterday. I was just so tired and again ultimately preoccupied. I was at Galleria in the afternoon but had to wait for a friend to leave her office at 8pm. So I instead decided to spend the rest of the night waiting at my cousin's house in Kamuning. I was supposed to take an SM Fairview bus but they were all crammed. I took a Monumento bus and drop off at Kamuning MRT. I had to use the MRT "overpass" to get to the south side.

A young gay sampaguita vendor approached me, "ate bili na kayo 10 pesos lang." Wala naman akong gagawin sa bulaklak kaya hindi talaga tamang bilhin ko. I just realized (oo mabagal akong makarealize kasi nga preoccupied parati) that I was holding a plastic bag with a cake (oo, mahilig akong magtira ng pagkain). I asked if he wanted to have the food. I was a bit hesitant again because I felt he'd reject my offer. But no, he was very happy. With a sincere big smile he said, "Maraming, maraming salamat po. Ingat po kayo sa pag-uwi. Salamat po." Wow! Sarap ulit.

Happiness. Really. There are a lot of small and big things to be happy about. How I wish to get sincere smiles everyday :)

Ano'ng meron sa taong happy?

2008-03-27T22:46:00.002+08:00

Maliban sa energy (corny)...

If you've caused other people to smile (a very sincere smile) as a means of appreciation, ay ang saya ng puso. That's one good source of happiness.
Story tomorrow. Tired, but REALLY happy.

Grounded on Responsibility

2008-03-25T19:25:00.003+08:00

Ay, Lola na naman si Lalah...

So my niece to a cousin is again pregnant. She's just 19 years old. Apparently, she hasn't finished her studies yet therefore isn't capable of getting good job to feed her family. Her boyfriend is just of the same age, working but still the money isn't enough to raise a family. They are not from a well-off family which is why raising a kid is a problem (they don't even know where to get money to buy milk for the baby). And I just don't get it why there's another baby coming.

Sex Education shouldn't just be about teaching kids not to have sex (that sex is bad outside marriage blah, blah) but it should rather be about realistic approach in teaching the concept that is premised on the ideas of responsibility and respect(self-respect and respect of others). That I guess is more realistic and real values education. Nah, it's not about encouraging teens to venture into sex but it's about educating them of their responsibilities once they do the act. So if they are curious of trying, they know what's going to happen and be responsible for that.

Here are some students petitioning against Frenzy Condom commercials.

"What we expect are commercials that can give good values so that we can learn more. We have to bear on our minds that we need to be a good example to youth so that in the future, they will be more responsible and a good example to the next generation."

But there are also values communicated in the advertisement, I guess. Probably, there's a need to be more cautious as to when such should be aired to avoid sending wrongly interpreted ideas to teens, right?

Comedy

2008-03-23T11:35:00.001+08:00

When I was a kid, I used to enjoy watching Dolphy and TVJ movies (be it in the cinema or simply at home). Even if I was already growing up, I still enjoyed watching their movies (new and even replays). Apparently, Pinoy comedy movies these days aren't as interesting as those of Dolphy's or TVJ's. I'm actually thinking if such perception is just due to my age or the comedy movies produced today are simply not a par with those old movies.

Is it just me or the movies? I chanced upon the trailer of Vong Navarro's latest movie and I feel like it isn't near to a Dolphy or TVJ movie. I find it baduy and corny (but if you'll look at it, parang pareho rin naman iyong konteksto o approach with a TVJ movie, which is weird). Maybe I was baduy then (and corny) that my taste have matured already. I don't know.

Avenue Q: The Farewell Run

2008-03-23T10:34:00.005+08:00

Be the first to bid goodbye to Avenue Q Manila. This is your last chance to (re)experience the fun.

Avenue Q is a cool way of thinking about realities and cruelties of life. It discusses heavy (and “touchy”) subjects in a light way: (1) THE PURPOSE OF LIVING; (2) how hard it is to hide in a closet; (3) racism; (4) loving someone; and (5) commitment. Basically, it tackles questions (existentialist) that we encounter usually after we finish college.

Watch it. It'll really be a blast.

Text (0917)4843006 or email lmvarias@yahoo.com to reserve your tickets to the Opening Night (June 13, Friday, 8pm) at the RCBC Theater.

Ticket prices:

Orchestra Center: P1,300
Orchestra Side: P1,100
Loge: P1,000
Balcony: P500
*********

Written by Jeff Marx, Bobby Lopez and Jeff Whitty, AVENUE Q was the winner of three 2004 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL. It continues to play on Broadway and London's West End to SRO audiences.

Directed by Bobby Garcia and Chari Arespacochaga,AVENUE Q's exciting cast features Carla Guevarra as Kate Monster/Lucy T.Slut, Felix Rivera as Princeton/Rod, Aiza Seguerra as Gary Coleman, Frenchie Dy as Christmas Eve, Rick Everley as Brian, Teenee
Chan as Mrs. T and others and Joel Trinidad as Nicky/Trekkie Monster and others.

Set and Costume Design is by Mio Infante, Lighting Design by Jay Aranda, Musical Direction by IJ Garcia, and Puppet Execution by Samuel Fuentes and Marvin Choa based on Rick Lyons'original Broadway designs.

Being a Woman

2008-03-23T02:40:00.002+08:00

Being a woman we often enjoy the sweet respect of the opposite sex: you're treated nicely and sometimes offered a seat in a crammed PUV. But being a woman we also experience rude actions from the opposite sex. If you've got big boobs and gifted with butt, sometimes you need not wonder where the guys' eyes are set. Well, it's probably a guy's instinct but it's different when they're maliciously looking at your "assets."

Being a woman, I'm not afraid to express my feelings. It's good to be a woman because you wouldn't be labeled weak if you cry out loud. We experience more freedom due to lesser repressed emotions.

But being a woman entails monthly pain that guys will never experience. We undergo both physical and emotional unexplainable shit every month. You just don't know where to put your body. You couldn't understand why you easily get irritated. You just find that period "too heavy" to actually be doing all the stuff you normally do. However, because of that pain, being a woman allows us to carry a child in our womb.

Being a woman may mean some challenges and vulnerabilities. But being a woman is also a sweet endeavor especially when you have learned how you can really empower yourself. I think I'm beginning to enjoy and love being a woman.

Happy Women's Month!

Privacy

2008-03-23T00:02:00.003+08:00

Why are most taxi drivers (or any drivers for that matter, dahil ang nakaenkwentro ko kanina ay pedicab driver) guilty of intruding to the private lives of their passengers?

Yes, from time to time I intentionally or accidentally share something personal in this blog. But it's not to the extent that I expose to "everyone" how I am living my life (and it's different when you're willingly sharing something about your personals). At least, some of the posts, even quite personal, are anchored (or trying-to-be) on somehow relevant issues or whatnots that may be useful to others.

Pero anak ng tipaklong naman. Iba iyong binubulatlat ang buhay mo. Kaya nga di ako nag-artista, eh.

Mga Tanong:

1. Hindi ba kayo nag-bakasyon, kala ko tipong magpupunta kayo sa Baguio? (Sa isip ko: Haller, kaya nga nakasakay ako sa pedicab mo ngayon. Obviously, hindi. At ano ba'ng pakialam mo?)

2. Saan ka na nagtatrabaho ngayon? (Forgivable) Naku freelancer ka, eh di dapat may service ka, dapat may sasakyan ka? (Sa isip ko: Wow, dude. Napakapakialamero mo na talaga)

3. Wala pa rin bang naghahatid sa'yo? Baka naman kasi napakasungit mo? (Sa isip ko: Lintik. Hindi naman ako imbalido para ihatid.)

4. Magkano ang sweldo mo? (Sa isip ko: Again, pakialam mo?)

5. Ginagabi ka sa pag-uwi? (Sa isip ko: Hello! Tatay ba kita? Jowa? Leche)

Seriously, I don't get it why there seems to be a lot of people who aren't aware of the extent of what they should ask from someone (lalo't higit na pasehero ka). I'm only open about my life (the really personals) to close relatives and a few good friends.

Balik Tanaw

2008-03-22T16:54:00.003+08:00

Nung bata ako, natatandaan ko na masira-sira ang bait namin ng aking pinsan tuwing Holy Week. Wala kasi kaming maggawa. Walang palabas sa TV. At halos mapudpod na rin ang daliri namin sa kakalaro ng Family Computer. Nakakatuwa, ngayon ay nagbago na talaga ang panahon. Sabado de Gloria pero bukas na ang mga malls. At eto na-eenjoy ang wifi sa gateway. Maliban dun ay may mapapanood ka na rin sa local channels na hindi puro tungkol sa kwento ng Diyos. Mahusay. Ang nakakalungkot lang eh wala palang MRT at LRT.

Progreso.

Half-Rice

2008-03-20T10:56:00.002+08:00

“I’m asking fast-food restaurants to give their customers an option to order half a cup of rice because right now if you do a survey of all the fast-food joints you will notice a fraction of them always have excess rice,” Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said Monday.

This makes sense to me. I don't normally finish a cup of rice. It's fine when I'm with someone who'd finish my leftover. But whenever I eat alone (and ordered rice), there's always some sense of guilt (maraming hindi kumakain tapos hindi mo uubusin). It'd really be good if fast-food chains would offer half serving of rice. I'm not sure how helpful this can be with the looming rice shortage but for sure it's a good way of not putting essential things (like rice)into waste.

Mareklamo

2008-03-18T17:07:00.003+08:00

Natatawa na lang ako sa sarili ko. Nung nakakaraang linggo ay masyado kong pinapansin ang sobrang lamig. Hindi naman ako nagrereklamo dahil sa sobrang malamig (pero ayoko rin naman ng masyadong malamig dahil hindi maganda ang epekto nito sa aking kalusugan). Nagtataka lang ako na sobrang malamig pa rin kahit na Pebrero-Marso na at nanghihinayang din sa ideyang baka hindi masaya ang summer. Labo. At saka mas naappreciate ko ang mainit kaysa malamig dahil sa mga kung anu-anong sakit sa katawan.

Pero kahapon at ngayon ay nararamdaman ko na sobra ang init. Ang masama nito, ito'y nakakaapekto sa aking pagtatrabaho (Hindi ako makapagsulat ng matino maliban sa mga bagay na hindi naman masyadong importante tulad ng blog post na ito. Baliw talaga ako). Bilang isang freelancer/part-time whatever, madalas ay sa bahay ko ginagawa ang aking trabaho. May air-con naman dito pero sino ba namang matinong tao ang magbubukas ng aircon buong araw (kung di ka naman mayaman)? Kaya dinadaan ko na lang sa inom ng tubig na may yelo (nakakarami na ako actually). Ang sama pa nun di ka makapagkape na mainit kasi mainit na nga.

Ang solusyon, umalis ng maaga sa bahay at tumambay sa lugar kung saan libre ang aircon at wifi (technically, babayaran mo rin naman dahil manginginain ka rin naman). At umuwi kung pakulimlim na. Iwas lagkit at amoy lapis (magka-amoy ang monggol at taong amoy araw, i-try niyo). Mas matipid na rin kaysa magbayad ka ng dagdag sa kuryente. Maghanap lang ng lugar kung saan pwedeng tumambay ng matagal, iyong tahimik, at hindi kamahalan ang bayad. Matuto ring magpalipat-lipat. Halimbawa, sa first three hours dito ka next three hours sa kabila naman. Strategy lang iyan. Para hindi naman abusado ang dating mo. Siguro 300 (kung hindi ka naman makain) ang gawing maximum budget para dito. Pwede na siguro iyon. Hindi naman araw-araw eh. Tapos paminsan-minsan, okay lang din naman magpaka-sosyal. Pagkain naman iyon eh.

Libre naman ang wifi sa Araneta at Robinsons tapos may mangilan-ngilan din dun sa Trinoma so sapat lang. May mura rin namang matatambayan.

Simply Romance in D

2008-03-17T23:57:00.003+08:00

Got to watch the last staging of Rep's Romance in D last Sunday. I knew what to expect. It's not something that can "wow" the audience(like saying wala lang, just for entertainment and my promise to support the theater).

Nothing spectacular (oh maybe except for the set design). Of course, you can only expect good acting from theater veterans. But then again, there's nothing extravagant about the material to actually expect “wow” moments from them. The material is similar to a sitcom (probably longer since it's 1.5 hours). It can make you laugh and think but it's not something you'd want to watch live for a pretty expensive price.

Well, there are notable moments.

1) When Charles (Audie Gemora) was communicating his feelings to his mother through music. It's kind of hard to describe here.

2) The ending (although it was quite lacking of something) it was able to communicate the main point of the play which is the value of communication. When the two main characters (Charles and Isabel played by Ana Bitong) finally admitted their interest/affection to each other, the two agreed to watch a movie and eat dinner together (they were both at Charles's apartment. Charles prepared the dinner while Isabel went back to her unit to get the player well actually prepare her place as she assumed that Charles will be going to her place with the dinner. So the ending, both of them were waiting for each other. See, that's the point of communication. One cannot always assume that the other was able to understand everything.

Makes me wonder how a theater production company decides as to what show to stage. Hmmm... Maybe there should be a survey of some sort to get to know the interests of the audience (target audience). Since we're encouraging more people to watch theater, maybe more interesting materials can be staged. I'm just an exception; I watch anything (I've promised that I'll watch ANY theater show as long as I've the time and money to do so).But it's different to non-regular theater-goers.

Q&A

2008-03-16T02:01:00.003+08:00

Links to some bloggers' reaction on Janina Miguel's Q&A controversy:

* Frances points out that the disheartening thing is not Janina's "terrible" grammar but her comprehension skills. Very true!

*Gibbs shares interesting beauty pageant stories. LOL!

*McVie wonders why she won. I wonder, too.

* Missingpoints suggests interesting ways to prevent her from joining Ms. World and save the country from probable shame. Winner! LOL!

********

When I was about 4 (I think), I joined Little Miss Philippines. Wooohoo! Palakpakan. May 'wanting to be a star syndrome' ako nung bata. So eto'ng naganap nung question and answer (not precise, i've yet to search for the beta tape and convert it. masaya iyon.)

Question (IIRC it was Joey de Leon who asked it): Kunwari umalis sina Mommy mo at pinangakuan kang uuwian ng doll. Kaso pagbalik nila, wala silang uwi. Ano'ng gagawin mo.

Ako(may pagkamaldita at maaaring hindi naintindihan ang salitang kunwari): Wala po. Hindi ko naman hiningi eh. Ayoko naman ng doll eh.

(Ang mga hosts napilitang palitan ang tanong para sumagot ng matino ang batang pasaway. Instead na doll swing dahil iyon ang gusto ko).

Question: O sige, kunwari swing. Tapos pag-uwi hindi ka napasalubungan ano'ng gagawin mo?
Ako: Wala pa rin. Eh wala, wala naman po akong magagawa.

Sino'ng may pagka-tanga? Ako at ang aking sagot o sila at ang kanilang tanong?

********

I've watched a lot of pageants live (esp. those small time pageants in our province). And yes, there are a lot of beauty-queen-wannabees like Janina. The real problem really is the comprehension skills. Putsa. Nasa Earth ka ang sagot hinugot sa Mars.

I really wonder how much percentage of the criteria is attributed to intelligence. Maybe it's just too minimal. Kasi nga kung hindi, bakit siya nanalo? If that's the case, maybe there's a need to re-package the way we handle beauty contests. Beauty na lang kung beauty. Then again, Q&A really is part of any international beauty contest. So maybe organizers should be more stringent in accepting candidates. Oh, and they should also be prudent in getting judges (baka kasi mamaya sablay rin magtanong at sablay ring magjudge). More importantly, aspiring beauty queens should be more responsible. Huwag hayaang maganda ka lang.

Who wants to be Christian's Maria?

2008-03-16T01:50:00.002+08:00

I do, I do :)) Haha!

Seriously, if you're qualified, go audition! Manonood na lang ako.

********

Christian is in search of Maria

Christian Bautista portrays the role of love struck Tony in STAGES’ production of popular Broadway musical “West Side Story,” set to run at Meralco Theater in September-October 2008.

Christian’s leading lady Maria, as well as supporting roles Anita, Bernardo, Riff, among others, is yet to be cast. Open auditions for singers and dancers with age 17-30 will be conducted on March 29-30, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. at Stand Studio, Brahma Building, 172 Mabini Street, Addition Hills, San Juan, Manila.

Maria must be pretty and slim. She has to be a soprano 1, preferably with classical or musical theater voice training.

Anita must be a strong dancer and an alto with impressive acting skills. Bernardo must also be a strong dancer and actor. Riff must be mestizo with strong dancing and gymnastic background.

The rest of the cast should be a mix of mestizo and Pinoy-looking actors. They must be strong dancers who can sing, preferably with jazz, ballet or hip-hop background.

Aspirants must bring 3R colored photo, resume and minus one CD. Singers must sing a song from any stage musical.

STAGES’ production of Broadway’s “West Side Story” is its third major theatrical offering after “Footloose The Musical” in 2005 and “High School Musical On Stage” last year.

“West Side Story” will be marketed in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, where Asian pop idol Christian Bautista has a strong following.

For further audition inquiries, call Judith of STAGES at tel. no. 818-1111 loc. 225. Fundraising groups, block buyers and corporate sponsors may call Eva at 0918-9396065.

“West Side Story” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) in New York.

Wow...

2008-03-16T01:05:00.002+08:00

...Bird!

A friend and I were talking about Dingdong Dantes's venture as Bench's newest underwear model. We were walking our way to EDSA from Trinoma North Avenue when we noticed another Bench billboard and got reminded of Dingdong's.

Friend: Nakita mo iyong bagong billboard ni Dingdong?
Me: Ay oo. Iyong sa Bench. Masagawa mare.
Friend: Di ba crush na crush mo iyon?
Me: Dati iyon nung hindi pa siya nagpapakita ng laman.
Friend: Ang sagwa no?
Me: Oo kaya. Parang bagay na bagay ang "Dingdong".

Honestly, when I saw Dingdong's billboard (the one along Balintawak), I couldn't help but to look back and stare (oh, huwag mag-isip ng bastos). Nagpupush-up siya sa litrato.. But the thing is, the underwear is too fit and his "thingie" is too obvious. Sagwa. To quote my friend, "Parang ready to attack ang dating!"

Seriously, in conceptualizing an underwear ad, what's the main goal? Probably, it has to communicate comfort and style. Sige, sexy or macho na rin. Pero parang hindi ganun iyong kay Dingdong. Pero iba talaga iyong masagwa, promise. Wow Bird! Yun na lang talaga ang masasabi ko.

Cool Change

2008-03-15T14:10:00.002+08:00

Yeah, everything is just so cool.

*******

Cool Change - Little River Band

If there's one thing in my life that's missing
It's the time that I spend alone
Sailing on the cool and bright clear water
It's kind of a special feeling
When you're out on the sea alone
Staring at the full moon, like a lover

CHORUS:
Time for a cool change
I know that it's time for a cool change
Now that my life is so prearranged
I know that it's time for a cool change

Well I was born in the sign of water
And it's there that I feel my best
The albatross and the whales they are my brothers
There's lots of those friendly people
And they're showing me ways to go
And I never want to lose their inspiration

CHORUS

I've never been romantic
And sometimes I don't care
I know it may sound selfish
But let me breathe the air
Let me breathe the air...

Well I was born in the sign of water
And it's there that I feel my best
The albatross and the whales they are my brothers

It's kind of a special feeling
When you're out on the sea alone
Staring at the full moon, like a lover

CHORUS