Noong nakaraang Setyembre 21, ilang libong katao ang nagsikapit-bisig at nagsipag-aklas upang gunitain ang ika-34 anibersaryo ng deklarasyon ng martial law - matatandaan na ito ang panahon kung saan napasailalim tayo sa pamumuno ng dating diktador na si Ferdinand Marcos, panahon din sa pagsuspinde ng karapatang pantao. At dahil dito, sa pagtutulungan ng samabayanang Pilipino, sumiklab ang People Power Revolution o mas kilala bilang EDSA Revolution upang magbigay-daan sa demokrasya.
Kinikilala ang demokrasya bilang uri ng gobyerno na kung saan lahat ng mamamayan ay may karapatan sa pamumuno ng bansa. Ito ang hakbang ng mga Pilipino matapos ang sinapit na mga panahon sa kamay na bakal ng martial law. Ito rin ang istrukturang pinaniniwalaan ng nakakarami, at istrukturang perpekto sa ilan. Subalit, masasabi mo pa rin bang matatag ang demokrasyang bumabalot sa ating bansa? Sa kasalukuyan, sang-ayon ka ba sa sistema?
Sa akin lang, hindi naman ako lubusang taliwas dito ngunit may mga pagkakataon din talagang masasabi natin na mahina ang pundasyon ng demokrasya sa lipunang ginagalawan. Mga atras-abanteng polisiya, mga problemang internal na hindi matapus-tapos, ang walang tigil na korupsyon, ang pang-aabuso sa dignidad ng ilan sa mga tapat na kawani ng gobyerno - ilan lamang ang mga ito.
Kung gusto nating makamit ang maayos na pamumuhay, dapat pagtibayin ang totoong layunin ng demokrasya. Minsan kasi, nagiging panakip-butas na lamang ito sa ilan. Minsan pa, nagiging baluktot na ang pagsasakatuparan ng mga batas na nais maimplementa. At minsan, kung sino pa ang tapat sa serbisyo, iyon ang nais patumbahin ng ilan. Hindi ba't isa na lamang ang Pilipinas sa kakaunting bansang may istrukturang taglay ang ganitong klaseng pamahalaan? Sana'y huwag nating hayaang tuluyang masira ang demokrasya ng bansa. Naniniwala ako na kaya naman natin ito, basta mayroon lang iisang direksyon, iisang paningin, at iisang pangarap.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Thursday, October 26, 2006
MOTORKR E2
RATING: 3.0
Fusion of music and mobility as it is equipped with full stereo audio, .35M
Motorola once again introduced to the market another advancement in wireless digital technology; the MOTORKR phone for music enthusiasts, the MOTORKR E2 is the ultimate fusion of music and mobility as it is equipped with stereo audio, .35mm headset jack. 1.3 megapixel camera with flash and a high resolution (2 inch, 240 x 320 TFT, 262 colors) making it advanced compared with other Motorola phones. If you're still not convinced yet with its features, you may start to question what its edge among other mobile phones is. Simple, phone promotes an advanced feature in wireless technology. Who would believe you could just leave you phone inside you pocket or anywhere within 30 feet radius while using embedded Bluetooth headphones and listen to music?
If you are conscious about the physical specifications, 115 gram phone would definitely be an addition to your techie gadget collection as seen from Marc Abaya and the Itchyworms during their gigs. Determine style as this has brilliant screen, built-in camera to take snapshots or video and play MPEG4 format. A phone slash music player it is, because it functions also as an MP3 player where it can play up to 500 songs with 4 MB each.
Organize a special music library. Simply download your favorite music saved in you desktop computer or the internet via the 2.0 connection USB and save them on 2 GB swappable memory card.
The unique design of the MOTORKR E2 allows an easy access to your downloaded music because of the built-in sound buttons wherein you can play, stop or move to next track. If you got bored listening to saved songs, just switch to the FM radio and groove with the DJ's at the local radio station. Get connected to the internet and be uploaded with news, biz bits and sports with the SCREEN3 technology.
What I like about this mobile phone is that these practically organize your songs into a music library and easily access it through the built-in buttons. It doesn't only function as a mobile phone but it is also an electronic notebook and MP3 player in one. Plus, it is marked fairly at a window price of Php18,000.00
Catered mostly to the music enthusiasts, MOTORKR E2 proves an advancement in wireless Bluetooth technology. Convenience and phone efficiency could be a deciding factor. But with all summed up, MOTORKR E2 owners may I ROCK!
Fusion of music and mobility as it is equipped with full stereo audio, .35M
Motorola once again introduced to the market another advancement in wireless digital technology; the MOTORKR phone for music enthusiasts, the MOTORKR E2 is the ultimate fusion of music and mobility as it is equipped with stereo audio, .35mm headset jack. 1.3 megapixel camera with flash and a high resolution (2 inch, 240 x 320 TFT, 262 colors) making it advanced compared with other Motorola phones. If you're still not convinced yet with its features, you may start to question what its edge among other mobile phones is. Simple, phone promotes an advanced feature in wireless technology. Who would believe you could just leave you phone inside you pocket or anywhere within 30 feet radius while using embedded Bluetooth headphones and listen to music?
If you are conscious about the physical specifications, 115 gram phone would definitely be an addition to your techie gadget collection as seen from Marc Abaya and the Itchyworms during their gigs. Determine style as this has brilliant screen, built-in camera to take snapshots or video and play MPEG4 format. A phone slash music player it is, because it functions also as an MP3 player where it can play up to 500 songs with 4 MB each.
Organize a special music library. Simply download your favorite music saved in you desktop computer or the internet via the 2.0 connection USB and save them on 2 GB swappable memory card.
The unique design of the MOTORKR E2 allows an easy access to your downloaded music because of the built-in sound buttons wherein you can play, stop or move to next track. If you got bored listening to saved songs, just switch to the FM radio and groove with the DJ's at the local radio station. Get connected to the internet and be uploaded with news, biz bits and sports with the SCREEN3 technology.
What I like about this mobile phone is that these practically organize your songs into a music library and easily access it through the built-in buttons. It doesn't only function as a mobile phone but it is also an electronic notebook and MP3 player in one. Plus, it is marked fairly at a window price of Php18,000.00
Catered mostly to the music enthusiasts, MOTORKR E2 proves an advancement in wireless Bluetooth technology. Convenience and phone efficiency could be a deciding factor. But with all summed up, MOTORKR E2 owners may I ROCK!
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
My Own
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Billy Rainey
GENRE: Reality Show
RATING: 3.0
What more can an avid fan possibly ask for aside from meeting his/her most wanted celebrity up-close and live in the flesh? Music Television (MTV) offers another dating game, as My Own, plus a certain twist. The fan does not get as lucky as securing a date with his/her favorite star. As a delightful alternative, can date someone whom he/she perceives to be exactly like the icon, may it be in terms of the chosen one's appearance or sheer qualities.
Sets of evaluations staged by the searcher along with his or her two other buddies cut the initially six contestants to a victorious one. My Own edges over other reality dating shows due to the required skill that goes hand in hand with the aspiring searchee. He or she must first brush up on the featured star's biography since that could take him/her a notch higher. It also serves an an "X factor" if the contender can sing or rap their idol's chart-topping songs, groove to the beat, dress with the attitude, or simply exude the charm akin to the celebrity's. Albeit projecting the celeb's trademark style is an eye-catcher, it is a common ground for the chosen ones that they manage to pull the Hollywood aura off with a balance of own identity. Hence, the maxim:"Always be yourself" still works magic.
Viewers shall certainly be amused with the guts that surround the competing teens with how close they can look like their idol. The presence of the challenger's friends can be quite influential though, that one is left baffled whether his/her choice for date was of own taste or to impress the other two. Also, My Own's well-crafted and highly embellished setting analogous to the real shooting-the-video scenario is hard to ignore. The crew undeniably plans matters up to its finest details (e.g. things present in the real video are also included in the video remake round) and the impeccability of the final three's impersonation after undergoing the scrunity of a guru. But on top of that, the show's main theme, which is to link two people with passions entwined serves as the breakthrough.
GENRE: Reality Show
RATING: 3.0
What more can an avid fan possibly ask for aside from meeting his/her most wanted celebrity up-close and live in the flesh? Music Television (MTV) offers another dating game, as My Own, plus a certain twist. The fan does not get as lucky as securing a date with his/her favorite star. As a delightful alternative, can date someone whom he/she perceives to be exactly like the icon, may it be in terms of the chosen one's appearance or sheer qualities.
Sets of evaluations staged by the searcher along with his or her two other buddies cut the initially six contestants to a victorious one. My Own edges over other reality dating shows due to the required skill that goes hand in hand with the aspiring searchee. He or she must first brush up on the featured star's biography since that could take him/her a notch higher. It also serves an an "X factor" if the contender can sing or rap their idol's chart-topping songs, groove to the beat, dress with the attitude, or simply exude the charm akin to the celebrity's. Albeit projecting the celeb's trademark style is an eye-catcher, it is a common ground for the chosen ones that they manage to pull the Hollywood aura off with a balance of own identity. Hence, the maxim:"Always be yourself" still works magic.
Viewers shall certainly be amused with the guts that surround the competing teens with how close they can look like their idol. The presence of the challenger's friends can be quite influential though, that one is left baffled whether his/her choice for date was of own taste or to impress the other two. Also, My Own's well-crafted and highly embellished setting analogous to the real shooting-the-video scenario is hard to ignore. The crew undeniably plans matters up to its finest details (e.g. things present in the real video are also included in the video remake round) and the impeccability of the final three's impersonation after undergoing the scrunity of a guru. But on top of that, the show's main theme, which is to link two people with passions entwined serves as the breakthrough.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Prep
AUTHOR: Curtis Sittenfeld
RATING: 3.0
Ever wondered what life would be like when you're bound for boarding school? Infinite freedom as you party till you drop a thousand miles away from the "parentals!" Curtis Sittenfeld's debut novel, Prep, writes about a mid-western teenager's experience with boarding school and the inner world of what a young girl goes through in ruthless teen hierarchy. This delightfully novel has become a National Bestseller and was chosen as one of the Ten Best Books of 2005 by the New York Times and will be translated into 22 languages. At 16, Sittenfeld won a fiction writing contest in Seventeen Magazine and has continued to write ever since.
Sittenfeld writes about Lee Fiora who leaves her home of South Bend, Indiana bound for Boston to attend the prestigious Ault School. Once in Ault, Lee quickly realizes how different she is with the likes of the uber-popular Aspeth Montgomery, the kind of girl about whom rock songs were written. A chance encounter with the enigmatic Cross Sugarman, who is less than a boyfriend and more than a crush, opens her world of infatuation and sexual curiosity. Excessively insecure, Lee spends her long weekends in her dorm and sits out in school dances. Parents' weekend, school-wide game called Assassin and a suicide attempt by a former roommate are just some of the events she encounters in Ault.
Despite the dragging beginning, the novel is enjoyable and thought-provoking, it makes you laugh and smile and reflect on your own emotions and experiences. However, the novel has an overwhelming amount of details, which causes a lack of plot, as heavy emotions are involved. Nevertheless, the author does an unbelievable job in rekindling memories during one's high school days, making you wish you could return to those days again and at the same time grateful that you never had to relive it. Not a typical chick lit book, the author gives a genuine truth adolescence, depression and alienation.
An awe-inspiring and insightful read, surely readers won't resist looking back at what high school life really is.
RATING: 3.0
Ever wondered what life would be like when you're bound for boarding school? Infinite freedom as you party till you drop a thousand miles away from the "parentals!" Curtis Sittenfeld's debut novel, Prep, writes about a mid-western teenager's experience with boarding school and the inner world of what a young girl goes through in ruthless teen hierarchy. This delightfully novel has become a National Bestseller and was chosen as one of the Ten Best Books of 2005 by the New York Times and will be translated into 22 languages. At 16, Sittenfeld won a fiction writing contest in Seventeen Magazine and has continued to write ever since.
Sittenfeld writes about Lee Fiora who leaves her home of South Bend, Indiana bound for Boston to attend the prestigious Ault School. Once in Ault, Lee quickly realizes how different she is with the likes of the uber-popular Aspeth Montgomery, the kind of girl about whom rock songs were written. A chance encounter with the enigmatic Cross Sugarman, who is less than a boyfriend and more than a crush, opens her world of infatuation and sexual curiosity. Excessively insecure, Lee spends her long weekends in her dorm and sits out in school dances. Parents' weekend, school-wide game called Assassin and a suicide attempt by a former roommate are just some of the events she encounters in Ault.
Despite the dragging beginning, the novel is enjoyable and thought-provoking, it makes you laugh and smile and reflect on your own emotions and experiences. However, the novel has an overwhelming amount of details, which causes a lack of plot, as heavy emotions are involved. Nevertheless, the author does an unbelievable job in rekindling memories during one's high school days, making you wish you could return to those days again and at the same time grateful that you never had to relive it. Not a typical chick lit book, the author gives a genuine truth adolescence, depression and alienation.
An awe-inspiring and insightful read, surely readers won't resist looking back at what high school life really is.
Monday, October 23, 2006
America's Next Top Model Cycle 5
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS
Anthony Dominici
Tyra Banks
Ken Mok
HOST
Tyra Banks
GENRE
Reality Show
RATING
3.0
Do you have what it takes to be the next catwalk superstar? This is the question 13 model-wannabes hope to answer as they endure unconventional challenges and photo shoots with hopes of winning a fashion spread in Elle Girl magazine, a management opportunity courtest of Ford Models, a $100,000 contract with Cover Girl cosmetics, and bagging the coveted title of America's next top model.
Extreme makeovers and momentary modeling stints at high-profile fashion shows are just some of the trials the contestants undergo before venturing into a creative pictorial officiated by a guest photographer. Like the modeling industry, a contestant's fate in the competition greatly relies on the ability to produce striking photographs that are subject for intense critiquing from a panel of judges composed of supermodel Tyra Banks, acclaimed photographer Nigel Barker, runway expert J. Alexander, and fashion icon Twiggy. During elimination, the contestant who fails to meet the standards set by the judges is immediately sent packing.
Each episode delves a little deeper into the lives of the contestants as they pursue their dreams of becoming a runway model. However, antics of the contestants tend to become overly dramatic once they realize cameras documenting their every move. It gets frustrating to see girls break down every now and then due to the extreme stress they are facing in the competition. More tension ensues when contestants go through immense backstabbing and cat fighting when they all realize the deep-seated competition existing among them. When it comes to the photo shoots, some are artistically themed while others are just too eccentric to appreciate as "art". Banks and Alexander tend to deliver witty remarks in an attempt to give the show a little humor, but simply fail miserably doing so.
This show is for anyone fascinated with the ins and outs of the fashion and modeling industry, specifically for anyone who has dreams of strutting the catwalk very soon. It serves as a crash course for those engrossed in the fast-paced world of supermodels and the media glitz and glamour that spice it all up. Amidst all the drama that transpires, anticipating the outcome of the competition already proves to be an exhilarating show.
Anthony Dominici
Tyra Banks
Ken Mok
HOST
Tyra Banks
GENRE
Reality Show
RATING
3.0
Do you have what it takes to be the next catwalk superstar? This is the question 13 model-wannabes hope to answer as they endure unconventional challenges and photo shoots with hopes of winning a fashion spread in Elle Girl magazine, a management opportunity courtest of Ford Models, a $100,000 contract with Cover Girl cosmetics, and bagging the coveted title of America's next top model.
Extreme makeovers and momentary modeling stints at high-profile fashion shows are just some of the trials the contestants undergo before venturing into a creative pictorial officiated by a guest photographer. Like the modeling industry, a contestant's fate in the competition greatly relies on the ability to produce striking photographs that are subject for intense critiquing from a panel of judges composed of supermodel Tyra Banks, acclaimed photographer Nigel Barker, runway expert J. Alexander, and fashion icon Twiggy. During elimination, the contestant who fails to meet the standards set by the judges is immediately sent packing.
Each episode delves a little deeper into the lives of the contestants as they pursue their dreams of becoming a runway model. However, antics of the contestants tend to become overly dramatic once they realize cameras documenting their every move. It gets frustrating to see girls break down every now and then due to the extreme stress they are facing in the competition. More tension ensues when contestants go through immense backstabbing and cat fighting when they all realize the deep-seated competition existing among them. When it comes to the photo shoots, some are artistically themed while others are just too eccentric to appreciate as "art". Banks and Alexander tend to deliver witty remarks in an attempt to give the show a little humor, but simply fail miserably doing so.
This show is for anyone fascinated with the ins and outs of the fashion and modeling industry, specifically for anyone who has dreams of strutting the catwalk very soon. It serves as a crash course for those engrossed in the fast-paced world of supermodels and the media glitz and glamour that spice it all up. Amidst all the drama that transpires, anticipating the outcome of the competition already proves to be an exhilarating show.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Lumalalang korupsyon, sinisira ang Pilipinas
Kamakailan ay nagsagawa ang World Bank ng ulat tungkol sa pagganap ng mga namumuno sa pamahalaan upang supilin ang korupsyon at lumabas sa ulat na sa loob ng walong taon ay hindi naging epektibo ang pamahalaang pigilan ang korupsyon sa gobyerno. Matatandaan ding kamakailan lamang ay nahirang muli ang Pilipinas bilang isa sa mga pinakakorap na bansa sa mundo. Hindi na bago ang ganitong balita. Sa nagdaang mga taon ay ilang dayuhang ahensya na ang nakapuna sa malawakang katiwalian sa bansa at ang masama pa roon ay alam ng pamahalaan ang problema ngunit hindi nagiging maagap ang pagtugon nito sa suliraning ito.
Sa isa pang riserts na ginawa noong 2001, mula 1965-2001, tinatayang umabot na sa $208 bilyon ang nawala mula sa kaban ng gobyerno dahul sa korupsyon. Sadyang nakakalarma ang halagang nawala dahil napupunta lamang sa mga bulsa ng ilang tiwaling opisyal ng gobyerno ang binabayad na buwis ng mga Pilipino.
tsk tsk tsk. . .
Sa isa pang riserts na ginawa noong 2001, mula 1965-2001, tinatayang umabot na sa $208 bilyon ang nawala mula sa kaban ng gobyerno dahul sa korupsyon. Sadyang nakakalarma ang halagang nawala dahil napupunta lamang sa mga bulsa ng ilang tiwaling opisyal ng gobyerno ang binabayad na buwis ng mga Pilipino.
tsk tsk tsk. . .
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Panahon ang kalaban mo
Sa isang iglap, mas nanaisin mong sana ay hawak mo ang takbo ng panahon, na nasa palad mo sana ang bawat panahon na nasayang dahil nanindigan kang kaya mo ang sarili mo. Kahit ano pang gawin o sabihin, sadyang may mga bagay dito sa mundo na walang kasiguraduhan kapag iyo nang binalikan. Marami mang sagot sa ganitong klase ng katanungan sa isip mo, hindi naman lahat ay nakakatanggap ng magandang kasagutan, o kaya ang nais nilang kasagutan. Kahit alam nilang may mga balakid, hindi dapat ito maging hadlang upang ipagpatuloy ang nais gawin o simulan. Dapat kang magsikap, magtrabaho, at maging masigasig sa paggawa ng nais mong gawin.
Minsan, ang pagkakaroon ng prinsipyo ang isa sa nangungunang dahilan kung bakit marami sa atin ang ayaw magpakumbaba. Hindi lahat nagkakaroon ng tapang na aminin ang mali na kanilang ginawa. Maraming oportunidad ang sinasayang dahil hinahayaan lamang itong lumipas hanggang sa ito'y magsawa at kumupas. Mga pagkakataon na ibinigay na sana'y nagamit nang maayos nang sa gayon ay hindi umabot sa puntong pinagsisisihan ang mga ito.
Minsan, ang pagkakaroon ng prinsipyo ang isa sa nangungunang dahilan kung bakit marami sa atin ang ayaw magpakumbaba. Hindi lahat nagkakaroon ng tapang na aminin ang mali na kanilang ginawa. Maraming oportunidad ang sinasayang dahil hinahayaan lamang itong lumipas hanggang sa ito'y magsawa at kumupas. Mga pagkakataon na ibinigay na sana'y nagamit nang maayos nang sa gayon ay hindi umabot sa puntong pinagsisisihan ang mga ito.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Kulang pa rin yan. . .
Iligaw mo ang iyong sarili sa kawalan. Doon mo lang maiisip na ang sapat ay kulang na, ang marami ay kakaunti na lamang at ikaw ay sinusukat sa pamantayang walang katapusan. Maraming tao ang hindi nakakapansin sa konseptong ito. Masyado na kasing binago ng mentalidad na ito ang kaisipan ng mga tao. Ang lahat ng bagay sa mundo ay may kasukatan. Ang mayaman ay nasusukat sa dami ng ari-arian. Ang matalino ay nasusukat batay sa taas ng kanyang nakukuhang marka sa pag-aaral. Ang maganda ay nakakahon na lamang sa mga numerong 36-24-36.
Masyadong marami kung iisa-isahin ang mga pamantayang sumusukat sa kung ano ang nararapat at alin ang hindi. Minsan nakakapagod isiping dapat maabot mo ang mga pamantayang ito para lang maging masaya. Ito'y nilikha ng lipunan upang iparamdam sa iyo na hindi ka perpekto. Kung sa bagay totoo nga namang hindi tayo perpekto. Pero mas maganda sigurong malaman mo iyon mula sa iyong sarili at hindi dahil iyon ang dinidikta at ipinapahatid ng lipunang iyong ginagalawan. Sayang naman kung hindi mo gagamiting ang kaisipang ibinigay sa iyo. Sayang naman kung mananatili kang isang katauhang walang pag-iisip at pagpapahalaga sa sariling kakayahan.
Ang lahat ng tao raw ay may walang katapusang pangangailangan at kagustuhan. Sakim din daw ang mga tao sapagkat mas nanaisin nito ang mas marami kaysa sa kakaunti. Ang konseptong ito ay pinag-aaralan sa Economics. Kung totoo man ang mga ito, marahil ito nga ang dahilan kung bakit hindi nakukuntento ang mga tao sa mga bagay na mayroon sila.
Masyadong marami kung iisa-isahin ang mga pamantayang sumusukat sa kung ano ang nararapat at alin ang hindi. Minsan nakakapagod isiping dapat maabot mo ang mga pamantayang ito para lang maging masaya. Ito'y nilikha ng lipunan upang iparamdam sa iyo na hindi ka perpekto. Kung sa bagay totoo nga namang hindi tayo perpekto. Pero mas maganda sigurong malaman mo iyon mula sa iyong sarili at hindi dahil iyon ang dinidikta at ipinapahatid ng lipunang iyong ginagalawan. Sayang naman kung hindi mo gagamiting ang kaisipang ibinigay sa iyo. Sayang naman kung mananatili kang isang katauhang walang pag-iisip at pagpapahalaga sa sariling kakayahan.
Ang lahat ng tao raw ay may walang katapusang pangangailangan at kagustuhan. Sakim din daw ang mga tao sapagkat mas nanaisin nito ang mas marami kaysa sa kakaunti. Ang konseptong ito ay pinag-aaralan sa Economics. Kung totoo man ang mga ito, marahil ito nga ang dahilan kung bakit hindi nakukuntento ang mga tao sa mga bagay na mayroon sila.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Usapang Tao
"Mas mapagkakatiwalaan mo ang hayop kaysa tao. Dahil ang hayop, kailanman ay hindi magtataksil, hindi katulad ng tao."
Ang linyang ito ay nagmula sa isang "anime" na aking napanood. Tinanong ng bida sa kanyang kaibigan kung bakit mahilig siya sa hayop at ang naturang linya ang kanyang naging tugon.
Totoo ngang may kakayanang mag-isip ang tao ay iyon ang dahilan kung bakit tayo angat sa lahat ng nabubuhay dito sa daigdig. Ito rin ang dahilan kung bakit ang mga tao ang pinagkatiwalaan ng Diyos upang pangalagaan ang mundo. Ngunit ang tanong: "Ginagamit ba natin ang ating pag-iisip sa tamang paraan?" Sa tuwing manonood at magbabasa ng balita, hindi na nawawala ang masasamang balita tulad ng korupsyon, pandaraya, paninira, rape, pagnanakaw, giyera at marami pang iba na may kaukulan sa masamang ginawa ng tao sa kanyang kapwa. Kalunus-lunos talaga!
Parang kumikilos tayong taliwas sa ibinigay sa ating ng Diyos. Nararapat bang tawagin talaga tayong may isip kung hindi naman natin ginagamit sa tama ang ating isip? Masakit isipin pero baka dumating ang araw na maging mas masahol pa tayo sa hayop. Kaya gamitin ng tama ang iyong isip at patunayang angat nga tayo sa mga dalisay ng hayop.
Ang linyang ito ay nagmula sa isang "anime" na aking napanood. Tinanong ng bida sa kanyang kaibigan kung bakit mahilig siya sa hayop at ang naturang linya ang kanyang naging tugon.
Totoo ngang may kakayanang mag-isip ang tao ay iyon ang dahilan kung bakit tayo angat sa lahat ng nabubuhay dito sa daigdig. Ito rin ang dahilan kung bakit ang mga tao ang pinagkatiwalaan ng Diyos upang pangalagaan ang mundo. Ngunit ang tanong: "Ginagamit ba natin ang ating pag-iisip sa tamang paraan?" Sa tuwing manonood at magbabasa ng balita, hindi na nawawala ang masasamang balita tulad ng korupsyon, pandaraya, paninira, rape, pagnanakaw, giyera at marami pang iba na may kaukulan sa masamang ginawa ng tao sa kanyang kapwa. Kalunus-lunos talaga!
Parang kumikilos tayong taliwas sa ibinigay sa ating ng Diyos. Nararapat bang tawagin talaga tayong may isip kung hindi naman natin ginagamit sa tama ang ating isip? Masakit isipin pero baka dumating ang araw na maging mas masahol pa tayo sa hayop. Kaya gamitin ng tama ang iyong isip at patunayang angat nga tayo sa mga dalisay ng hayop.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Usapang Hayop
"Hayop ka!" Ito ang isa sa mga ekspresyong ginagamit ng nakararaming mga Pilipino sa tuwing siya'y nagagalit sa isang tao. Kung hindi ako nagkakamali, ginagamit ang naturang salita dahil inihahantulad sa hayop ang masamang ugali ng tao sapagkat ang hayop ay walang kakayahang mag-isip hindi tulad ng tao. Ngunit, tama ba talagang gamiting ang salitang iyon sa tuwing nagagalit ka sa iyong kapwa? Para sa akin, dalisay ang mga hayop. Isipin mo na lamang, kahit na ang pinakamabangis na hayop, hindi ka naman sasaktan kung hindi mo sila sinaktan. Kahit na wala silang kakayang mag-isip, may kakayanan naman silang makiramdam tulad ng tao. Mamahalin ka ng hayop at ipagtatanggol ka niya sa abot ng kanilang makakaya kung ipinadama mo sa kanya ang iyong pagpapahalaga at pagmamahal. At higit sa lahat, hindi natin maikakailang napakahalaga ng mga hayop sa ating buhay. Isipin mo na lang saan nanggagaling ang kinakain mo sa araw-araw? Sinu-sino ang tumutulong sa mga magsasakang magtanim ng palay sa bukid? Ngayon, nararapat pa bang gamitin ang ekspresyong "hayop ka" sa tuwing may atraso sa iyo ang iyong kapwa?
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Damit na Nagbabalik
Tila may hawig ang mga pananamit ng ilang kabataan ngayon sa mga porma ng mga tao noong dekada otsenta. Maraming nagsimulang maghalungkat ng mga lumang damit sa mga baul ng kanilang mga magulang at sa likod ng kanilang mga aparador upang hiramin ang mga inaalikabok na malalaking shades, makakapal na sinturon, mahahabang mga blusa at mga palamuting tulad ng 'hoop earrings', mahahabang kwintas, makakapal at malalaking mga singsing upang makamit ang nauusong 80's look. Isama pa ang 'Victorian style'(ruffles) inspired na pang-itaas sa mga kababaihan. Isa pa ang skinny jeans o mga pantalong tinatawag ding baston, idagdag na rin ang ubod na ikling mga shorts. Halina't ating buhaying muli ang mga istilo ng kasuotang akala nating permanente nang nabaon sa limot.
Mas mabuting manamit sa pamamaraang magiging komportable ka sa iyong kasuotan kaysa sumunod sa bawat dikta ng usong maaaring hindi laging komportable at minsang hindi laging bagay sa iyo.
Paano kung mapuno ang Greenbelt, Rockwell, Glorietta, Podium o iba pang malalaki at sikat na establisamiyento o mga paaralang pinamumugaran ng mga fashionista? Kung nagkataon mang hindi ka kabilang sa kanila, hindi ito nangangahulugang huli ka na talaga sa uso at isa na itong kakulangan sa iyong parte. May kanya-kanyang istilo ang lahat sa pagpapahayag ng kanilang mga sarili, maaaring iba-iba lang ng mga paraan at panlasa sa pananamit at pagdadala nito. Maaaring naghahandog ang mundo ng fashion ng pagbabagu-bagong mga uso, ngunit asahan mong babalik din ang iba sa mga ito. At sa kanilang pagbabalik, may mga kaunting pagbabago sa bawat piraso ng damit at palamuting aagaw ng atensyon ng mga tao. Nasa sa iyo na kung paano ihahayag ang iyong sarili sa pamamagitan ng fashion.
Mas mabuting manamit sa pamamaraang magiging komportable ka sa iyong kasuotan kaysa sumunod sa bawat dikta ng usong maaaring hindi laging komportable at minsang hindi laging bagay sa iyo.
Paano kung mapuno ang Greenbelt, Rockwell, Glorietta, Podium o iba pang malalaki at sikat na establisamiyento o mga paaralang pinamumugaran ng mga fashionista? Kung nagkataon mang hindi ka kabilang sa kanila, hindi ito nangangahulugang huli ka na talaga sa uso at isa na itong kakulangan sa iyong parte. May kanya-kanyang istilo ang lahat sa pagpapahayag ng kanilang mga sarili, maaaring iba-iba lang ng mga paraan at panlasa sa pananamit at pagdadala nito. Maaaring naghahandog ang mundo ng fashion ng pagbabagu-bagong mga uso, ngunit asahan mong babalik din ang iba sa mga ito. At sa kanilang pagbabalik, may mga kaunting pagbabago sa bawat piraso ng damit at palamuting aagaw ng atensyon ng mga tao. Nasa sa iyo na kung paano ihahayag ang iyong sarili sa pamamagitan ng fashion.
Monday, October 16, 2006
LIGAYANG HATID NG MGA Palabas ng Kahapon
Malayo na ang narating ng mga TV shows sa kasalukuyan. Hindi na ito tulad ng dating iisang studio lamang ang ginagamitang lugar ng palabas. Nagkakaroon na ng mga palabas na ipinapakita ang mga nangyayari sa ating pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay. Ang mga reality shows, soap opera, fantaserye at Asian novelas- ito ang iilan sa mga palabas na madalas makita kapag nanonood tayo ngayon ng telebisyon. Sa dami ng mga palabas, nakakagulat malamang mapapanood nating muli ang mga lumang palabas na minsan na nating sinubaybayan.
Ang panonood ng telebisyon ang isa sa mga naging libangan na nating mga Pilipino. Hindi maikakailang marami na ngang palabas ang ineere sa telebisyon. Mapakomedya man o drama, sadyang patok ito sa manonood kaya naman napadadalas ang pag-ulit ng programa o palabas ng midya.
Samu't saring reaksyon ang binibigay ng sambayanan ukol sa pag-uulit ng mga palabas. May mga taong nasisiyahan at mayroon ding gustung-gustong ulit-ulitin ang panonood ng telenovelas.
Kung minsan nakatutuwang malamang bumabalik ang mga nakaraang TV show. Ngunit minsan din naman dumarating sa puntong nakakasawa na. Iba-iba man ang reaksyon ng taumbayan, hindi na nating maikakailang naging parte na ng buhay nating ang ganitong tradisyon na inuulit o dinudugtungan ang isang palabas sa telebisyon. Mga palabas na sadyang minsang nakaaagaw pansin natin bilang manonood.
Ang panonood ng telebisyon ang isa sa mga naging libangan na nating mga Pilipino. Hindi maikakailang marami na ngang palabas ang ineere sa telebisyon. Mapakomedya man o drama, sadyang patok ito sa manonood kaya naman napadadalas ang pag-ulit ng programa o palabas ng midya.
Samu't saring reaksyon ang binibigay ng sambayanan ukol sa pag-uulit ng mga palabas. May mga taong nasisiyahan at mayroon ding gustung-gustong ulit-ulitin ang panonood ng telenovelas.
Kung minsan nakatutuwang malamang bumabalik ang mga nakaraang TV show. Ngunit minsan din naman dumarating sa puntong nakakasawa na. Iba-iba man ang reaksyon ng taumbayan, hindi na nating maikakailang naging parte na ng buhay nating ang ganitong tradisyon na inuulit o dinudugtungan ang isang palabas sa telebisyon. Mga palabas na sadyang minsang nakaaagaw pansin natin bilang manonood.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Harried, hurried Lasallians
De La Salle is too prestigious that for its name for students to have actually based their choice on the educational system. How many Lasallians could say that they preferred De La Salle because that student believes that studying and learning is at its best in a trimestral system? How many can assert that transformative learning can improve a student's life when we know for a fact that only a few have a full grasp of the whole framework?
In casting the university's net, it can perhaps do away with explaining how the trimestral system functions or what the current Lasallian Core Curriculum invokes the students. A level 4 accreditation, a list of successful alumni, and a high tuition fee can always prove the university's worth and enough to bring in a good number of applicants. De La Salle has either earned that or sugarcoat is too well.
Students in getting their college applications are driven by the image universities project. However, the good image of De La Salle today may no longer have been given justice by our generation's performance. Each generation has a different standard for excellence and mediocrity. But it is also important to note that while Lasallians of today are often criticized by its creeping mediocrity, the administration together with the Brothers, as educators, should cease the alarm.
It would be ideal for students to have made their picking after a clear understanding of the university's structural features. But when you are 17 or 18 years old what is in it for you who only know that the next step is college and the basis of your perception is coming from what you see or what you hear. After a year or two it is when you testify that only an experience, the actual Lasallian college life that will allow you to understand how the structures work here. What it takes to be in a trimestral system and what requires of you in the transformative learning framework. The problem is, of the thirteen thousand students of this university, how long does it take for each one of us to understand and be conscious of our growth? For students that are too varied, for achievers and non-achievers, and for fast learners and slow learners, the answer would be relative. The big question is: How is our generation coping with trimetral system in this university?
In casting the university's net, it can perhaps do away with explaining how the trimestral system functions or what the current Lasallian Core Curriculum invokes the students. A level 4 accreditation, a list of successful alumni, and a high tuition fee can always prove the university's worth and enough to bring in a good number of applicants. De La Salle has either earned that or sugarcoat is too well.
Students in getting their college applications are driven by the image universities project. However, the good image of De La Salle today may no longer have been given justice by our generation's performance. Each generation has a different standard for excellence and mediocrity. But it is also important to note that while Lasallians of today are often criticized by its creeping mediocrity, the administration together with the Brothers, as educators, should cease the alarm.
It would be ideal for students to have made their picking after a clear understanding of the university's structural features. But when you are 17 or 18 years old what is in it for you who only know that the next step is college and the basis of your perception is coming from what you see or what you hear. After a year or two it is when you testify that only an experience, the actual Lasallian college life that will allow you to understand how the structures work here. What it takes to be in a trimestral system and what requires of you in the transformative learning framework. The problem is, of the thirteen thousand students of this university, how long does it take for each one of us to understand and be conscious of our growth? For students that are too varied, for achievers and non-achievers, and for fast learners and slow learners, the answer would be relative. The big question is: How is our generation coping with trimetral system in this university?
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Filipino time
Typical scenario: intended meeting time is scheduled 9 o'clock but people arrive minutes, if not hours late. Organized events would say that the planned actual time (wise move); yet people will still trickle in behind schedule. This chronic habit is what we call Filipino Time, the thwarting tardiness amongst Filipinos, which entails unnecessary waiting - something I am, as well as other people, (I suppose) are impatient for.
Why is this phenomenon pervasive? Is this a trend or an obvious indication of complacency? Considering the two concepts of time, the Eastern notion of time is circular or spiral - implying continuity and 'second chances', that we incessantly commit slip-ups until we learn. On the other hand, the Western concept of time is linear - 'once time passed, it is gone forever', it visions life as a succession of quandaries and also involves overlooked opportunities, errors, etc. We are geographically located at the east, yet we are heavily westernized due to Spanish occupation and strong American influence. Plus consider our laid-back passive-aggression culture due to colonialism. And since traffic is notorious over the years, we have imbibed and translated this Bahala Na attitude and 'we'll-get-there-when-we-get-there' mentality on a daily basis action. Problematic.
Being "Fashionably Late" and pa-importante. I do not know why people are into this. Is it because they feel that if they are strictly needed/wanted, they would be found; that people are greatly preoccupied with something (chitchatting, IM, texting, etc), or for the reason of that they want a 'dramatic entrance'? The answer I do not know, but these prove thoughtlessness and inconsideration to others. Normally, when one comes late, most of us would just shrug it off. Talk about seeing a problem but not having it addressed.
The key to this is simple - Awareness. Being aware that the time we have is God's gift, it is our task to demonstrate our gratitude for this endowment by making the most of our time, being on time, and valuing or respecting the time of others. As what Cesar Montufar, an Ecuadorian Colonel said, "He who is late steals time from another."
My message is purely simple: Be on time and do not waste your time and anyone's time. Promptness is an indicator of soaring ambition and driven aspiration. Attest that we Filipinos are not flagrantly inconsiderate. It's now time for setting Filipino time right on the exact dot.
Why is this phenomenon pervasive? Is this a trend or an obvious indication of complacency? Considering the two concepts of time, the Eastern notion of time is circular or spiral - implying continuity and 'second chances', that we incessantly commit slip-ups until we learn. On the other hand, the Western concept of time is linear - 'once time passed, it is gone forever', it visions life as a succession of quandaries and also involves overlooked opportunities, errors, etc. We are geographically located at the east, yet we are heavily westernized due to Spanish occupation and strong American influence. Plus consider our laid-back passive-aggression culture due to colonialism. And since traffic is notorious over the years, we have imbibed and translated this Bahala Na attitude and 'we'll-get-there-when-we-get-there' mentality on a daily basis action. Problematic.
Being "Fashionably Late" and pa-importante. I do not know why people are into this. Is it because they feel that if they are strictly needed/wanted, they would be found; that people are greatly preoccupied with something (chitchatting, IM, texting, etc), or for the reason of that they want a 'dramatic entrance'? The answer I do not know, but these prove thoughtlessness and inconsideration to others. Normally, when one comes late, most of us would just shrug it off. Talk about seeing a problem but not having it addressed.
The key to this is simple - Awareness. Being aware that the time we have is God's gift, it is our task to demonstrate our gratitude for this endowment by making the most of our time, being on time, and valuing or respecting the time of others. As what Cesar Montufar, an Ecuadorian Colonel said, "He who is late steals time from another."
My message is purely simple: Be on time and do not waste your time and anyone's time. Promptness is an indicator of soaring ambition and driven aspiration. Attest that we Filipinos are not flagrantly inconsiderate. It's now time for setting Filipino time right on the exact dot.
Friday, October 13, 2006
The Filipino habit
Prayer is defined by Merriam-Webster as an earnest wish or request which is addressed to God or a god.
The Philippines, being one of the most Christian populated nations in Asia, never miss to pray when they need something from God. Moreover, they thank God for all the blessing He has given. They also ask God's forgiveness for the mistakes they may have committed. Praying is actually one of the best traits Filipino have.
In the course of Philippine historty, we could trace how much prayer has affected revolutions or changes. Vital to the success of the EDSA I was the withdrawal of the support of the military to former President Ferdinand Marcos. I firmly believe that what moved the military to do so was the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit which was prayed over by the millions of people who stayed in EDSA to pray together in unity. EDSA I was followed by EDSA II which still proved to be successful with the Filipinos' prayers. Even in our everyday lives, our prayers have always guided us in the things we do. It has moved us to change and be guided in making our decisions. It has been our time to talk to God. When we are alone, we never loose a friend since we know God is always there to talk to us.
It's sad to see that nowadays people do not anymore see prayer as a priority in their everyday lives. Prayer has become an occasion to them that they only pray when they need something from God. Some people in EDSA might have only prayed at that time since they were starting to seek peace. But I doubt if everyone who prayed there prays at least once a day thanking God for answering that one request they asked for. We have to realize that prayer as defined by the dictionary is not only a request but it should be a communication with the Lord. It should be a regular practice for us to pray because we have a lot to thank God for. Just the fact that we know He is always there for us is already something to thank for.
I have realized these things in the course of my search of true meaning in life. Before, I also do not prioritize prayer in my life. Like most people, I think more of how I could attain the material things I want in life but just like what they say, "Pag namatay ka na, hindi mo naman madadala ang kayamanan mo." This is very true. And what you could only bring with you in death is your faith.
Our country offers us so many means to pray and practice our faith compared to other countries. There are so many churches everywhere. But not having churches is not a hindrance since we could always pray at home. God is everywhere and He listens wherever we may be.
At the current turmoil we are facing, with wars erupting in different countries, disunity, and poverty; the more we should be praying. Far more than that, we should be thanking the Lord that despite the uproar, we still have our families and friends that partially blind us with the harsh realities of life.
Always believe in the power of prayer.
The Philippines, being one of the most Christian populated nations in Asia, never miss to pray when they need something from God. Moreover, they thank God for all the blessing He has given. They also ask God's forgiveness for the mistakes they may have committed. Praying is actually one of the best traits Filipino have.
In the course of Philippine historty, we could trace how much prayer has affected revolutions or changes. Vital to the success of the EDSA I was the withdrawal of the support of the military to former President Ferdinand Marcos. I firmly believe that what moved the military to do so was the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit which was prayed over by the millions of people who stayed in EDSA to pray together in unity. EDSA I was followed by EDSA II which still proved to be successful with the Filipinos' prayers. Even in our everyday lives, our prayers have always guided us in the things we do. It has moved us to change and be guided in making our decisions. It has been our time to talk to God. When we are alone, we never loose a friend since we know God is always there to talk to us.
It's sad to see that nowadays people do not anymore see prayer as a priority in their everyday lives. Prayer has become an occasion to them that they only pray when they need something from God. Some people in EDSA might have only prayed at that time since they were starting to seek peace. But I doubt if everyone who prayed there prays at least once a day thanking God for answering that one request they asked for. We have to realize that prayer as defined by the dictionary is not only a request but it should be a communication with the Lord. It should be a regular practice for us to pray because we have a lot to thank God for. Just the fact that we know He is always there for us is already something to thank for.
I have realized these things in the course of my search of true meaning in life. Before, I also do not prioritize prayer in my life. Like most people, I think more of how I could attain the material things I want in life but just like what they say, "Pag namatay ka na, hindi mo naman madadala ang kayamanan mo." This is very true. And what you could only bring with you in death is your faith.
Our country offers us so many means to pray and practice our faith compared to other countries. There are so many churches everywhere. But not having churches is not a hindrance since we could always pray at home. God is everywhere and He listens wherever we may be.
At the current turmoil we are facing, with wars erupting in different countries, disunity, and poverty; the more we should be praying. Far more than that, we should be thanking the Lord that despite the uproar, we still have our families and friends that partially blind us with the harsh realities of life.
Always believe in the power of prayer.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
The War of Profits
March 20, 2003 - Operation Iraqi Freedom kicks off in the Middle East and barely two months later, US President Bush victoriously declared that major combat operations have ended. Today, as a consequence of the US invasion, Iraq is on the brink of civil war, but it's all part of the Bush doctrine's War on Terrorism. Truly, 9/11 was the largest foreign attack on American soil and the US government responded by waging war against Afghanistan and Iraq, places they classified as havens of terrorism. On the surface it is a war of retribution but critics speculate bacause it was also a war of many rewards.
Behind the smoke and the bloodshed, there was money - lots of it. The Middle East is notoriously rich in black gold and invading it would be a way to cash in. American firm giants Unocal, Enron and Halliburton were companies with stakes in Afghan oil and incidentally, had excellent relationships with the US President and Vice President. When Afghanistan was invaded and a new president was installed, it wasn't surprising that pipeline agreements were signed between Middle Eastern countries with these companies as contractors.
Oil wasn't the only cash cow here. With Iraq in tatters, rebuilding is a must and who better to do that than American companies? Not just any companies, Halliburton and the Carlyle group did it. Estimates from Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments pegged the non-military costs to rebuild Iraq at $500billion. The US Council on Foreign Relations pegs rebuilding costs at $100billion. A lot of money there and they might've been lucky but close ties with the Bush family helps.
And what of Osama bin Laden, Al-Qaeda, and the Taliban? President Bush's utterance of, I don't know where he is. . . I don't just spend that much time on him, should be telling enough.
Behind the smoke and the bloodshed, there was money - lots of it. The Middle East is notoriously rich in black gold and invading it would be a way to cash in. American firm giants Unocal, Enron and Halliburton were companies with stakes in Afghan oil and incidentally, had excellent relationships with the US President and Vice President. When Afghanistan was invaded and a new president was installed, it wasn't surprising that pipeline agreements were signed between Middle Eastern countries with these companies as contractors.
Oil wasn't the only cash cow here. With Iraq in tatters, rebuilding is a must and who better to do that than American companies? Not just any companies, Halliburton and the Carlyle group did it. Estimates from Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments pegged the non-military costs to rebuild Iraq at $500billion. The US Council on Foreign Relations pegs rebuilding costs at $100billion. A lot of money there and they might've been lucky but close ties with the Bush family helps.
And what of Osama bin Laden, Al-Qaeda, and the Taliban? President Bush's utterance of, I don't know where he is. . . I don't just spend that much time on him, should be telling enough.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Playing those mind games
December 8, 1980 - 25years past and it's still intensely disturbing how Mark David Chapman and a 0.38 revolver extinguished John Lennon - musical demigod, unabashed social activist. With a copy of The Catcher In The Rye and and unflinching countenance, Chapman casually walked away from the hemorrhaging rock star and became either the most deranged or misunderstood man in the world of conspiracy theories. For certain, Chapman was the murderer, but the motive is shaky at best. Insanity was ruled out since legally administered tests conclusively paint the picture of a sane man. The motive then became Chapman shot Lennon because he wanted his fifteen minutes of fame. But many didn't buy this theory, like British journalist Fenton Bresler who asked, (Was Chapman) as much the victim of those who wanted to kill John Lennon as Lennon himself?
Unknown to most, FBI policy is that ALL EXTREMISTS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED DANGEROUS. Hence the FBI watched him constantly as he fit the bill as a bold, undeterred spokesman against the Vietnam War in the late 60s and 70s. At Lennon's behest thousands upon thousand of adoring youth would furnish roses, bolstering his message of a pacifist revolution. In 1980, the cold war was in full swing and President Reagan and the government had plans that'd draw Lennon's opposition. Lennon was not to be trifled with given his unfettered public influence and successful comeback album. His activist involvements could be a threat and he was young and still active. For the government, problems need to be solved and getting rid of him wouldn't have been a bad solution.
Unknown to most, FBI policy is that ALL EXTREMISTS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED DANGEROUS. Hence the FBI watched him constantly as he fit the bill as a bold, undeterred spokesman against the Vietnam War in the late 60s and 70s. At Lennon's behest thousands upon thousand of adoring youth would furnish roses, bolstering his message of a pacifist revolution. In 1980, the cold war was in full swing and President Reagan and the government had plans that'd draw Lennon's opposition. Lennon was not to be trifled with given his unfettered public influence and successful comeback album. His activist involvements could be a threat and he was young and still active. For the government, problems need to be solved and getting rid of him wouldn't have been a bad solution.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Who done it?
August 21, 1983 - Hundreds crammed into the arrival terminal of NAIA as Ninoy Aquino emerged, home from his self-imposed 3-year exile in the US. Seconds later, the staunchest Marcos critic was killed by a bullet to the head. The assassination was allegedly the deed of Rolando Galman who was shot dead by the military moments after Ninoy in the same tarmac. As Ninoy planned his homecoming, he allegedly received death threats from Marcos to dissuade him from returning.
Marcos' motive was clear but he was recovering from a kidnet transplant when the shots rang. This could be a cover-up but giving the benefit of the doubt to Marcos, who orchestrated the assassination? Notorious Gen. Fabian Ver was a candidate. With Marcos ailing, Ver would be poised to take power in the country's Martial Law. In a government commissioned investigation, Ver was tagged as the mastermind but in the end these findings were thrown out by the Sandiganbayan. The First Lady has also been accused because Imelda would lose it all should Ninoy topple Marcos. Rumors say that Marcos pleaded Ninoy not to return, saying it would not be his hand that would stop him but Imelda's. Unlikely mastermind as well was Juan Ponce Enrile, spearhead of the People Power Revolution that ended the dictatorship. His secret motive: Ninoy would be the catalyst to spark the revolution he needed to overthrow Marcos and put him in power.
Despite this, 16 soldiers were charged with perpetrating the crime. Some say that Gen.Fabian Ver confessed what happened behind the assassination of Ninoy at his deathbed but until now, the truth remains hidden.
Marcos' motive was clear but he was recovering from a kidnet transplant when the shots rang. This could be a cover-up but giving the benefit of the doubt to Marcos, who orchestrated the assassination? Notorious Gen. Fabian Ver was a candidate. With Marcos ailing, Ver would be poised to take power in the country's Martial Law. In a government commissioned investigation, Ver was tagged as the mastermind but in the end these findings were thrown out by the Sandiganbayan. The First Lady has also been accused because Imelda would lose it all should Ninoy topple Marcos. Rumors say that Marcos pleaded Ninoy not to return, saying it would not be his hand that would stop him but Imelda's. Unlikely mastermind as well was Juan Ponce Enrile, spearhead of the People Power Revolution that ended the dictatorship. His secret motive: Ninoy would be the catalyst to spark the revolution he needed to overthrow Marcos and put him in power.
Despite this, 16 soldiers were charged with perpetrating the crime. Some say that Gen.Fabian Ver confessed what happened behind the assassination of Ninoy at his deathbed but until now, the truth remains hidden.
Monday, October 09, 2006
How to kill a president
November 22, 1963 - The motorcade snaked its way through downtown Dallas and, unbeknownst to all, into the 26 most controversial seconds on film. As admirers crowded to catch a glimpse of America's most iconic First couple, shots rang through Dealey Plaza and within 30 minutes, President John F. Kennedy was declared dead. Police arrested 24-year old Lee Harvey Oswald and tagged him as the lone gunman with a telescope rifle at the Texas Book Depository overlooking the scene of the crime. The police had their man, but America would never witness its legal circus. Two days later, on national TV, nightclub owner Jack Ruby fired a fatal bullet into the suspect. Ruby himself died of cancer 4 years later. No trials took place.
While Oswald is said to be the shooter, footage argue otherwise. The fatal shots rang out when the motorcade was close to the grassy knoll where a shooter could have hidden. Roughly 75 photographers filmed the assassination but of the film collected, none captured the shady grassy knoll. Curiously enough, photographs show a scarf-clad woman filming the motorcade from a vantage point that could have captured the grassy knoll. Unfortunately, the world would never view those crucial moments because she was never identified or tracked down. Now she is known as the babushka lady and a lingering question remains: could she have captured an incriminating visual of the 'real' assassin, the face lurking behind the grassy knoll?
If it was Oswald, did he act alone? JFK had powerful enemies, in particular, Fidel Castro. The US's CIA admits to have engaged in covert operations to murderer El Presidente. The Cuban missile crises and the failed Bay of Pigs invasion also draw the wrath of the Cubans. Coincidentally Oswald idolized Castro and was recently denied entry into Cuba, while Ruby spent some time in the island before. Could they have been Cuban instruments?
While Oswald is said to be the shooter, footage argue otherwise. The fatal shots rang out when the motorcade was close to the grassy knoll where a shooter could have hidden. Roughly 75 photographers filmed the assassination but of the film collected, none captured the shady grassy knoll. Curiously enough, photographs show a scarf-clad woman filming the motorcade from a vantage point that could have captured the grassy knoll. Unfortunately, the world would never view those crucial moments because she was never identified or tracked down. Now she is known as the babushka lady and a lingering question remains: could she have captured an incriminating visual of the 'real' assassin, the face lurking behind the grassy knoll?
If it was Oswald, did he act alone? JFK had powerful enemies, in particular, Fidel Castro. The US's CIA admits to have engaged in covert operations to murderer El Presidente. The Cuban missile crises and the failed Bay of Pigs invasion also draw the wrath of the Cubans. Coincidentally Oswald idolized Castro and was recently denied entry into Cuba, while Ruby spent some time in the island before. Could they have been Cuban instruments?
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Conspiracy Conundrum
Common knowledge is that iodized salt is crucial to physical growth, metabolism and prevention of illnesses like goiter. This is why in 1995, R.A. 8172 or the Act for Salt Iodization (ASIN) was passed to promote its use and distribution. Soon, the governement campaign had iodized salt in everyone's house. Behind praises sung for iodized salt, some whisper it significantly lowers fertility and it's a government address to overpopulation.
Is this true? Who's doing it? What's in it for them? Questions follow situations like this and oftentimes answers are found. Unfortunately, there are some scandalous and controversial cases with no answers. Answers are not lost but have been hidden by people pulling the strings for their own ends. Something scandalous, secret groups and selfish motives are the ingredients of a conspiracy much like this one. Whether people know it or not, conspiracies have shaped the world and spawned moments that have left only shock and loss.
Is this true? Who's doing it? What's in it for them? Questions follow situations like this and oftentimes answers are found. Unfortunately, there are some scandalous and controversial cases with no answers. Answers are not lost but have been hidden by people pulling the strings for their own ends. Something scandalous, secret groups and selfish motives are the ingredients of a conspiracy much like this one. Whether people know it or not, conspiracies have shaped the world and spawned moments that have left only shock and loss.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
A matter of personal choice
Even if the media is said to portray the beauty trends of society, it is the viewers, listeners, and readers, who are left to judge the real measure of one's appearance. For Ms.Alvarez, Filipinos would most likely react in three ways: copy the trend, disagree with it, or act indifferently. Some would try to imitate what is attainable in the magazines, others would go against the conventional, and several would simply see it as entertainment or leisure, without having to copy what they see in the pages. Although there are constant factors that dictate the ideals of beauty, such as colonialism and the media, it will always be left to the person to decide.
According to DOVE, women in the Philippines send a mixed message. Although more women in the country than anywhere else in Asia think showbiz personalities and models are good role models, more women feel inadequate looking at the "beautiful" women in magazines. Filipinas wish that media would do a better job in portraying the diverse physical characteristics found among the country's people.
The method of finding closure in a world filled with twisted ideals of beauty should not come from following the standards set by the majority. There should never come a time when one lets the outside factors determine what is appropriate. In the end, it all boils down to the peson. There is no point in using so many products to erase one's personal identity. Beauty ideals are set for everyone to fit in, and creating your own is the only way to move past these set standards. The question is: why conform to them when you can stand out?
According to DOVE, women in the Philippines send a mixed message. Although more women in the country than anywhere else in Asia think showbiz personalities and models are good role models, more women feel inadequate looking at the "beautiful" women in magazines. Filipinas wish that media would do a better job in portraying the diverse physical characteristics found among the country's people.
The method of finding closure in a world filled with twisted ideals of beauty should not come from following the standards set by the majority. There should never come a time when one lets the outside factors determine what is appropriate. In the end, it all boils down to the peson. There is no point in using so many products to erase one's personal identity. Beauty ideals are set for everyone to fit in, and creating your own is the only way to move past these set standards. The question is: why conform to them when you can stand out?
Friday, October 06, 2006
Beauty diversified
Kate Alvarez, assistant fashion and beauty editor of OK! Magazine Philippines, says that the problem of westernization can be attributed to the Philippines' being a Third world country. There is a tendency to look up to First world countries for cultural influences. The gurus, from fashion designers to makeup artists, are found mostly in western countries, and the magazine industry looks up to them for the latest trends.
Although others view the media as a means for setting stereotypical looks, she says that today, the concept has become broader. She argues that the local society has evolved from the dilemma of the westernization of beauty ideals. "If you browse through some of today's magazines, both foreign and local, you'll notice that there are some models who don't fit the standard tall and slender", says Ms.Alvarez. She calls these the "anti-it" models, and in fact, in booking their models for the magazine, they look for those that fit their theme, and not necessarily because of an acceptable look.
The west in itself is synthesizing Asian Hollywood icon Gwen Stefani as an example, who launched a fashion line, inspired by the Harajaku girls of Japan. Artists like The Black Eyed Peas, The Pussycat Dolls and Cassie, among others, are penetrating the foreign industry, while proudly declaring their heritage. The beauty icons seen today are no longer limited to the usual blonde-haired, blue-eyed Americans.
Although others view the media as a means for setting stereotypical looks, she says that today, the concept has become broader. She argues that the local society has evolved from the dilemma of the westernization of beauty ideals. "If you browse through some of today's magazines, both foreign and local, you'll notice that there are some models who don't fit the standard tall and slender", says Ms.Alvarez. She calls these the "anti-it" models, and in fact, in booking their models for the magazine, they look for those that fit their theme, and not necessarily because of an acceptable look.
The west in itself is synthesizing Asian Hollywood icon Gwen Stefani as an example, who launched a fashion line, inspired by the Harajaku girls of Japan. Artists like The Black Eyed Peas, The Pussycat Dolls and Cassie, among others, are penetrating the foreign industry, while proudly declaring their heritage. The beauty icons seen today are no longer limited to the usual blonde-haired, blue-eyed Americans.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Forgetting the Filipino
The local beauty industry caters to this unrealistic prototype. The availability of skin whitening products today is enought to show the deviance of beauty standards from the natural morena skin of most Filipinos. Skin whiteners are said to be the fuel of the industry, with a 17 percent increase in sales in 2001. 86 percent of the Filipino population, or 66 million Filipinos, are said to be cosmetic buyers. The influx of commercials in the Philippines that promote the concept of westernized beauty are extremely diverse. There are lotions, moisturizers, and soaps that claim to either whiten or improve skin. There are also hair products that promise the silky straight or buhaghag-free hair.
The strong influence of colonial mentality is greatly evident in the beauty standards popularized by media. Colonialism, a forced change in which one culture, society, or nation dominates another, affects the identity development of countries through this indirect act of oppression. Franz Fannon, a French psychiatrist who tackled the effects of colonialism in his book Black Skin White Masks, said that colonialized people's inferiority complex has been created by the death and burial of its local cultural originality. Coming face to face with the culture of the mother country, the colonized is elevated above his jungle status in proportion to his adoption of the mother country's cultural standards. With the influence of the Spaniards, the Americans and the Japanese in the Philippine culture, the standards of beauty have continuously evolved until how it is perceived in presentday scenarios.
The strong influence of colonial mentality is greatly evident in the beauty standards popularized by media. Colonialism, a forced change in which one culture, society, or nation dominates another, affects the identity development of countries through this indirect act of oppression. Franz Fannon, a French psychiatrist who tackled the effects of colonialism in his book Black Skin White Masks, said that colonialized people's inferiority complex has been created by the death and burial of its local cultural originality. Coming face to face with the culture of the mother country, the colonized is elevated above his jungle status in proportion to his adoption of the mother country's cultural standards. With the influence of the Spaniards, the Americans and the Japanese in the Philippine culture, the standards of beauty have continuously evolved until how it is perceived in presentday scenarios.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Setting the Superficial Standard
Beauty is what gives pleasure to both the mind and senses. However, the pursuit of this quality comes with a great price. Extreme measures have been taken, with women putting themselves through eating disorders, plastic surgery and risky fad diets. Actors and actresses must keep their youthful looks and fight aging in order to stay longer in the entertainment industry. Have people's popular beliefs for beauty become reduced to merely straight hair, Barbie-like measurements, and unblemished skin?
Print advertising, television commercials, and other forms of mass media are efficient tools for setting the standard of physical appearance. The common unrealistic prototype for women - skinny, tall, young, straight haired and fair-skinned, compose the bulk of today's advertisements. Dr. Liz Dittrich, director of research and outreach for AboutFace - A San Francisco group that promotes a realistic body image, said that an average person sees between 400 to 600 advertisements per day and that one out of every 11 commercials contain a direct message about beauty.
The DOVE Campaign for Real Beauty, launched August of last year, initiated a widespread consciousness on the actual effects of these forms of media. The research done involved over 2,100 women in 10 Asian countries, 58 percent of Filpinas concluded that the media sets impossible beauty standards, and 55 percent felt inadequate when looking at women in magazines. These statistics show the increasingly crucial consequence of the media's portrayal of beauty. Contradictory to the promise of a positive self-image, the end result is low self-esteem, with 84 percent wishing the media would give more confidence to women with their looks.
Print advertising, television commercials, and other forms of mass media are efficient tools for setting the standard of physical appearance. The common unrealistic prototype for women - skinny, tall, young, straight haired and fair-skinned, compose the bulk of today's advertisements. Dr. Liz Dittrich, director of research and outreach for AboutFace - A San Francisco group that promotes a realistic body image, said that an average person sees between 400 to 600 advertisements per day and that one out of every 11 commercials contain a direct message about beauty.
The DOVE Campaign for Real Beauty, launched August of last year, initiated a widespread consciousness on the actual effects of these forms of media. The research done involved over 2,100 women in 10 Asian countries, 58 percent of Filpinas concluded that the media sets impossible beauty standards, and 55 percent felt inadequate when looking at women in magazines. These statistics show the increasingly crucial consequence of the media's portrayal of beauty. Contradictory to the promise of a positive self-image, the end result is low self-esteem, with 84 percent wishing the media would give more confidence to women with their looks.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Fairest of them all
Many are unaware of the fact that indigenous groups of pre-colinial Philippines had their own sense of style. The book Panapanahon shows the simplicity Filipinos achieved in their appearances. Female Itas were fond of jewelry while males only wore a loin cloth between their thighs. The people from Luzon were fond of matching clothes, particularly the barong tagalog for males and baro't saya on females. The Malays wore dresses of woven fabrics and adorned themselves with gold jewels, pearls, beads, glass and colored stones. The sarong, potong, and embroidered shawls of Muslim women today are from the cultural influence of India on pre-Spanish Filipinos.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Havaianas lovers, read this (especially made for BENG)
There seems to be no difference between this over claimed rubber slippers and the average ordinary one. They both bend as it rubber's nature to do so. It is durable and delivers the same kind of treatment to our soles. The only difference is that one has a tiny 9 letter name on the lift thong, other than that all its "incredible" qualities are all media hyped.
Fashionistas have nothing but praises for these otherwise lowly slippers. Havaianas have also raised the acceptance for slippers in places where they are usually considered taboo. Havaianas are flexible enought to blend from good old pambahay to beachwear to killer party attires. In extreme cases, some would even claim to have worn the dark-hued versions of these to black-tie affairs with their cocktail dresses. All that, with just a common tsinelas.
VIT: Very-Important-Tsinelas
So just how special have Havaianas become? For one, gone are the days when wearing slippers would merit no entrance in bars. Well provided they are Havaianas of course. A story goes about a girl who was stopped outside a club for wearing slippers, but when reasoned out that these slippers were Havaianas, she was granted instant access into the club.
Status Symbols
It's no secret that Havaianas have subtly replaced the status symbol throne once ruled by cellular phones and other gadgets. After all, these slippers have cushioned the feet of no less than the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts, and Sting, to name a few. But then again, the ground these celebrities walk on don't have any bearing. It is incredible indeed to imagine a person who can afford to buy slippers, regular slippers presumably for indoor use, which cost 600 pesos at the very least. Proof of the iconic status of Havaianas is the proliferation of rip-offs and imitations like Havanas and Hawaianas which can be bought for the minimum of 50 pesos to a maximum of 200 pesos. It's funny how their official website stated that "top athletes, rock stars and celebrities demanded the butter-soft comfort of these inexpensive flip flops" considering how pricey these things can get for monetarily-challenged Filipinos. But it's also easy to understand why we still buy and don them.
Overrated slippers or shallow consumers?
This hoopla surrounding Havaianas is very peculiar considering the fact that slippers have been in the Philippines time immemorial. These slippers were clothing staples and there were definitely no magazines that featured it or people who collect it in every color or style. But suddenly, everyone from the President to office workers to students began paying attention to these slippers. Is this boiling down to those flip-flops or to what Filpinos have become? I'd say the latter. Havaianas are mere symptoms of a social malady that plagues this nation, perhaps not a single disease but rather an accumulation of several ailments. Would these "click" if they weren't made by foreigners? Would fashionistas still hail them to the high heavens if international celebrities didn't wear them? Would people still insist on donning them in their workplaces or classrooms if they weren't the "in" accessories? Fascination for this footwear could possibly be vestiges of colonial mentality and herd mentality. Filipinos are after all often touted as "Brown Americans" and appreciation of products that aren't ours is not new. It is sad that such still occurs indicating how Filipinos, instead of emulating patriotism, turn their backs on their country by making such a big fuss over rubber slippers.
Best Foot Forward
Buying or wearing Havaianas is not wrong nor is it condemnable. Regardless of the reasons for buying or owning a pair, be it for comfort, for fashion or simply for being "in", it is imperative that people employ critical thinking. It is one thing to compromise values for fashion and another to sacrifice virtues for bigotry. So remember, they're not just slippers.
Fashionistas have nothing but praises for these otherwise lowly slippers. Havaianas have also raised the acceptance for slippers in places where they are usually considered taboo. Havaianas are flexible enought to blend from good old pambahay to beachwear to killer party attires. In extreme cases, some would even claim to have worn the dark-hued versions of these to black-tie affairs with their cocktail dresses. All that, with just a common tsinelas.
VIT: Very-Important-Tsinelas
So just how special have Havaianas become? For one, gone are the days when wearing slippers would merit no entrance in bars. Well provided they are Havaianas of course. A story goes about a girl who was stopped outside a club for wearing slippers, but when reasoned out that these slippers were Havaianas, she was granted instant access into the club.
Status Symbols
It's no secret that Havaianas have subtly replaced the status symbol throne once ruled by cellular phones and other gadgets. After all, these slippers have cushioned the feet of no less than the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts, and Sting, to name a few. But then again, the ground these celebrities walk on don't have any bearing. It is incredible indeed to imagine a person who can afford to buy slippers, regular slippers presumably for indoor use, which cost 600 pesos at the very least. Proof of the iconic status of Havaianas is the proliferation of rip-offs and imitations like Havanas and Hawaianas which can be bought for the minimum of 50 pesos to a maximum of 200 pesos. It's funny how their official website stated that "top athletes, rock stars and celebrities demanded the butter-soft comfort of these inexpensive flip flops" considering how pricey these things can get for monetarily-challenged Filipinos. But it's also easy to understand why we still buy and don them.
Overrated slippers or shallow consumers?
This hoopla surrounding Havaianas is very peculiar considering the fact that slippers have been in the Philippines time immemorial. These slippers were clothing staples and there were definitely no magazines that featured it or people who collect it in every color or style. But suddenly, everyone from the President to office workers to students began paying attention to these slippers. Is this boiling down to those flip-flops or to what Filpinos have become? I'd say the latter. Havaianas are mere symptoms of a social malady that plagues this nation, perhaps not a single disease but rather an accumulation of several ailments. Would these "click" if they weren't made by foreigners? Would fashionistas still hail them to the high heavens if international celebrities didn't wear them? Would people still insist on donning them in their workplaces or classrooms if they weren't the "in" accessories? Fascination for this footwear could possibly be vestiges of colonial mentality and herd mentality. Filipinos are after all often touted as "Brown Americans" and appreciation of products that aren't ours is not new. It is sad that such still occurs indicating how Filipinos, instead of emulating patriotism, turn their backs on their country by making such a big fuss over rubber slippers.
Best Foot Forward
Buying or wearing Havaianas is not wrong nor is it condemnable. Regardless of the reasons for buying or owning a pair, be it for comfort, for fashion or simply for being "in", it is imperative that people employ critical thinking. It is one thing to compromise values for fashion and another to sacrifice virtues for bigotry. So remember, they're not just slippers.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Metamorphosis
Why do people put up with these self inflicted punishments just for beauty? Author John Dewey suggested the answer in his book The Live Creature. He proposed that pain and suffering are necessary for a beautiful world because complacement pleasure is not satisfying.
Culture has always made a strong link between physical appearance and moral worth. In fairy tales are beautiful princesses and ugly witches whose appearance show their inner kindness or wretchedness. Beauty and happiness are ideas that are so tangled together that most people misinterpret one from the other. Most women place themselves in Cinderella's shoes thinking, "Would the prince pick me?" Thus, women go to further lengths just to achieve beauty believing it would end in happily ever after thinking, "If I am beautiful, then maybe he would."
Perhaps it would also make sense if it were put in the context of heaven itself. The thought of heaven is only pleasurable because it is placed in the context of an imperfect and hurtful world. Following this train of thought, would the idea of heaven in a perfect world still be as appealing? The same goes for beauty. There will always be a need for people to be in pain in order to achieve it. Otherwise, the beauty and pride of life will be something more trivial than striking.
There is nothing wrong with acknowledging pain as a requisite to the beauty, or all things favorable for that matter. After all, what would life be if man didn't toil for his/her rewards? But one must remember that the concept of perfection is abstract, much more subjective. In the end, the state of satisfaction ultimately rests on the interpretation of the individual.
Culture has always made a strong link between physical appearance and moral worth. In fairy tales are beautiful princesses and ugly witches whose appearance show their inner kindness or wretchedness. Beauty and happiness are ideas that are so tangled together that most people misinterpret one from the other. Most women place themselves in Cinderella's shoes thinking, "Would the prince pick me?" Thus, women go to further lengths just to achieve beauty believing it would end in happily ever after thinking, "If I am beautiful, then maybe he would."
Perhaps it would also make sense if it were put in the context of heaven itself. The thought of heaven is only pleasurable because it is placed in the context of an imperfect and hurtful world. Following this train of thought, would the idea of heaven in a perfect world still be as appealing? The same goes for beauty. There will always be a need for people to be in pain in order to achieve it. Otherwise, the beauty and pride of life will be something more trivial than striking.
There is nothing wrong with acknowledging pain as a requisite to the beauty, or all things favorable for that matter. After all, what would life be if man didn't toil for his/her rewards? But one must remember that the concept of perfection is abstract, much more subjective. In the end, the state of satisfaction ultimately rests on the interpretation of the individual.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
No Pain, No Gain
Many people think that the torture of beauty has now drastically lessened. People are no longer forced to adhere to the cruelty of tight-laced corsets or foot binding shoes. However, beauty and pain often work hand in hand. Times may have changed and the severity of the conquest for beauty may have declined, but it has been replaced with modern torture devices ranging from simple to downright absurd.
Waxing, plucking, wearing high heels, skintight jeans, and thongs are but a few simple ways that women inflict pain on themselves just to look attractive. Beneath the glamour of timely styles that are subtly enforced on women are hidden physical pains that they hide from inside out. The process of acquiring beauty in the modern times has not always been the same for every woman. Some people nowadays tend to look into the extremes of solutions. With the help of technology; it has made these solutions costly and sometimes hazardous. Botox, nose lifts, tummy tucks and liposuction are some of the various resolutions to a woman's dire need for enhancement. These contemporary surgical procedures have gained much acceptance this era not because of the creation of a miracle product but because of two underlying psychological reasons. First, is that cosmetic surgery is not built out of vanity alone but of two more powerful feelings: rejection and envy. This industry thrives on man's refusal to accept his limits. It also makes a person think that contentment can only be possible through perfection and attainment of nature's ephemeral charms - youth, beauty, and fertility. The second reason is inferiority complex, a school of thought that was created in the early twentieth century by Viennese psychologist, Alfred Adler. It was this idea that gave an important bond to mental health and appearance. This meant that psychological suffering because of physical unattractiveness required medical intervention in order to ease emotional pain.
Waxing, plucking, wearing high heels, skintight jeans, and thongs are but a few simple ways that women inflict pain on themselves just to look attractive. Beneath the glamour of timely styles that are subtly enforced on women are hidden physical pains that they hide from inside out. The process of acquiring beauty in the modern times has not always been the same for every woman. Some people nowadays tend to look into the extremes of solutions. With the help of technology; it has made these solutions costly and sometimes hazardous. Botox, nose lifts, tummy tucks and liposuction are some of the various resolutions to a woman's dire need for enhancement. These contemporary surgical procedures have gained much acceptance this era not because of the creation of a miracle product but because of two underlying psychological reasons. First, is that cosmetic surgery is not built out of vanity alone but of two more powerful feelings: rejection and envy. This industry thrives on man's refusal to accept his limits. It also makes a person think that contentment can only be possible through perfection and attainment of nature's ephemeral charms - youth, beauty, and fertility. The second reason is inferiority complex, a school of thought that was created in the early twentieth century by Viennese psychologist, Alfred Adler. It was this idea that gave an important bond to mental health and appearance. This meant that psychological suffering because of physical unattractiveness required medical intervention in order to ease emotional pain.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Original Sin
Vanity finds its literary celebration in the Myth of Narcissus. But history, too, gives a detailed account of man's thirst for physical beauty. Archaeological evidence reveals that the use of cosmetics to enhance the face and preserve its youthful features was a popular practice among the Ancient Egyptians, Ancient Greeks, and Romans, with the first recorded usage at 4000BCE. In the East, the Japanese Geisha were famous for their use of flower essences and wax to paint their faces to perfection. In the west, make-up was very much in vogue among the upper classes of the medieval period. However, when cosmetics became very popular with actors and prostitutes in the 1800s, Queen Victoria banned its use among the elites.
Even the human body became an object of obsession. In medieval England, the corset was used to give the illusion of the perfectly-shaped body, in conformity with the fashion of the times. Because society dictated that women with smaller waists were considered to be more beautiful, there was a clamor for hourglass corsets, which shaped the torso in such a way that the bust and hips looked more pronounced while the waist remained small and flat. However, looking sexy according to medieval standards came at a heavy price. Corset-wearers risked breaking their ribs and twisting their nerves, not to mention incurring indigestion and respiratory damage.
Given the severe difficulty of wearing corsets, people sought a more natural way to achieve the perfect silhouette. Today's popular practice of dieting was first developed in the 17th and 18th centuries. One of the first successful target diets ever recorded was William Banting's low-carb diet in 1863. Exercise regimens, such as vigorous ten-mile-a-day walks and ten-minute lung gymnastics supplemented corset-wearing and dieting.
Even the human body became an object of obsession. In medieval England, the corset was used to give the illusion of the perfectly-shaped body, in conformity with the fashion of the times. Because society dictated that women with smaller waists were considered to be more beautiful, there was a clamor for hourglass corsets, which shaped the torso in such a way that the bust and hips looked more pronounced while the waist remained small and flat. However, looking sexy according to medieval standards came at a heavy price. Corset-wearers risked breaking their ribs and twisting their nerves, not to mention incurring indigestion and respiratory damage.
Given the severe difficulty of wearing corsets, people sought a more natural way to achieve the perfect silhouette. Today's popular practice of dieting was first developed in the 17th and 18th centuries. One of the first successful target diets ever recorded was William Banting's low-carb diet in 1863. Exercise regimens, such as vigorous ten-mile-a-day walks and ten-minute lung gymnastics supplemented corset-wearing and dieting.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Hurt Me Beautiful
In 1956, American anthropologist Horace Miner penned and published a memorable essay entitled Body Ritual Among the Nacirema. There, he described an obscure North American tribe's unusual beliefs and barbaric practices, the main focus of which is the human body.
An example of such rituals is the insertion of a rod containing a bundle of hog hairs and special powders into the mouth to exorcise it of its "evils". There are also rituals mentioned that are exclusive to specific sexes. Male members of the tribe, for instance, scrape and lacerate their faces with sharp instruments. Women on the other hand, bake their heads in small ovens in hour-long ceremonies in order to beautify themselves.
Indeed, no tribe could be ever more masochistic, or cruel, or inhumane. But if you think that Miner's anecdotes aren't shocking enough, wait until you reach this surprising revelation:
"Nacirema" is actually "American" spelled backwards.
In fact, a quick run-through of the entire essay reveals a lot more surprising clues that point out to that truth. It would be interesting to further note that the so-called barbaric rites mentioned earlier are not so out of this world after all. In fact, people around the globe, not only Americans, do these everyday.
The insertion of a "bundle of hog hairs with special powder" actually pertains to the act of brushing one's teeth. Facial mutilation wouldn't sound so gruesome once you learn that the more hirsute members of the male population do it in front of their mirrors in a process called "shaving". How about the women exposing their heads to extreme heat? They do it to style and dry their hair. Ever heard of salon?
hehehe...
An example of such rituals is the insertion of a rod containing a bundle of hog hairs and special powders into the mouth to exorcise it of its "evils". There are also rituals mentioned that are exclusive to specific sexes. Male members of the tribe, for instance, scrape and lacerate their faces with sharp instruments. Women on the other hand, bake their heads in small ovens in hour-long ceremonies in order to beautify themselves.
Indeed, no tribe could be ever more masochistic, or cruel, or inhumane. But if you think that Miner's anecdotes aren't shocking enough, wait until you reach this surprising revelation:
"Nacirema" is actually "American" spelled backwards.
In fact, a quick run-through of the entire essay reveals a lot more surprising clues that point out to that truth. It would be interesting to further note that the so-called barbaric rites mentioned earlier are not so out of this world after all. In fact, people around the globe, not only Americans, do these everyday.
The insertion of a "bundle of hog hairs with special powder" actually pertains to the act of brushing one's teeth. Facial mutilation wouldn't sound so gruesome once you learn that the more hirsute members of the male population do it in front of their mirrors in a process called "shaving". How about the women exposing their heads to extreme heat? They do it to style and dry their hair. Ever heard of salon?
hehehe...
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Up, up and not going away...
Besides children exclaiming that they want to be Batman when they grow up, and people dressing up as heroes in anime and toy conventions, what superhero culture brings in us is a lifestyle. Christopher Reeve will always be known as Superman, and seldom in his other movies such as Somewhere in Time. People now anticipate superhero movies and stay turned for the next episode of....Super Inggo. Superheroes have come a long way, and have evolved from goodie two-shoes to the gritty and dark anti-hero. Fans have evolved too, not only in taste, but they have become millions in number.
As this world is evolving, superheroes have been the source of strength and inspiration for many things, and for people to believe in. Come to think of it, it used to be the lives of saints, apostles, and religious heroes which satisfied this need and now they have become people with secret identities who run and jump around in spandex battling the forces of evil. Garret says that they are "the ones we most need to hear to be whole". These stories lead us and inspire us in our very own quest to do good.
Who says getting rescued is a far-fetched thought? After all, "Superman was seen in Manila at 10:55PM", wasn't he?
As this world is evolving, superheroes have been the source of strength and inspiration for many things, and for people to believe in. Come to think of it, it used to be the lives of saints, apostles, and religious heroes which satisfied this need and now they have become people with secret identities who run and jump around in spandex battling the forces of evil. Garret says that they are "the ones we most need to hear to be whole". These stories lead us and inspire us in our very own quest to do good.
Who says getting rescued is a far-fetched thought? After all, "Superman was seen in Manila at 10:55PM", wasn't he?
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
World Superhero Federation
If nobody can fly, and nobody can have heat vision, it would seem that real-life superheroes would be too far-fetched. Nonetheless, real-life superheroes maybe closer than you think. Besides the heroic deeds of firefighters, police, and actors dressed in spandes, the closest thing to superheroes would be surprisingly, professional wrestlers.
In a way, they parallel heroes in such a way that they each have their own gimmicks, they have their own costumes, have their own moves, and they portray the classic good vs. evil scheme in their storylines. And of course, they are marketed like superheroes,where even the supernatural such as The Undertaker or even WWE's former superhero The Hurricane come lay the smack down in their own super-feats. Some of them even attempt to fly as they showcase their agility and even moves such the "Super-plex". And the masks where they hide their secret identities also come to mind. They're also larger than life, real - except for the match results.
In a way, they parallel heroes in such a way that they each have their own gimmicks, they have their own costumes, have their own moves, and they portray the classic good vs. evil scheme in their storylines. And of course, they are marketed like superheroes,where even the supernatural such as The Undertaker or even WWE's former superhero The Hurricane come lay the smack down in their own super-feats. Some of them even attempt to fly as they showcase their agility and even moves such the "Super-plex". And the masks where they hide their secret identities also come to mind. They're also larger than life, real - except for the match results.
Monday, September 25, 2006
WORLD OF ADAMANTIUM CLAWS, and SILLY RED SHEETS
The world today has witnessed the golden and silver ages of superhero history where campy dialogue and pastel colors donned the utility belts of superheroes. As a result, the "KAPOWS!s" and the "SPLAT!s" of lore are now replaced with neat looking special effects and futuristic costumes to glamorize our favorite heroes; and the anti-hero is the new appeal to audiences. So where is superhero culture in the world today?
Superhero movies have become an eye opener and have become a respectable genre in itself. Movie franchises such as X-men, Spiderman, Blade and even Zorro have cracked Hollywood and local box offices showing that superheroes have come a long way since the "Holy Cow" expressions from the 60s. In the past years, there have almost always been new superheroe movies premiering every quarter, and now they are seen as serious money makers rather than last resorts.
Besides the big screen, superheroes have occupied the boob tube through series showing familiar and new heroes to the audience. Heroes on TV battle little conniving villains each day at a time making the adventures more micro in nature. Smallville portrays young Clark Kent who needed to cope with the trials of peer pressure, love, and resentment of his powers. Stan Lee now even has his own Who wants to be a Superhero? reality show where people get to live out their superhero fantasies.
Superheroes exist globally, with each country adopting their own super savior. Japan is the home of a number of famous superhero franchises that have even reached the Philippines, such as Ultraman, Super Sentai and their adaptation Power Rangers, Sailormoon, The Powerpuff Girls in anime rendition and other heroes. In India, an adaptation of Spiderman was published where he has a costume with an Indian touch, got his powers from an ancient god, and Uncle Ben was named Uncle Bhim. Locally, superheroes have been dominating the television ratings since the introduction of Darna, Kristala, Captain Barbell, and Panday, and film festivals are abound with superhero themed entries such as Lastikman, and Gagamboy.
Besides television and movies, superhero culture can be seen in other things such as toy and comic collections, where even a rare 20 page comic can sell for hundreds of dollars; and toy collections keep track of new releases and hard to find bargains to add to their exhibits. Superheroes appear in advertisements, merchandise, video games and almost any place anyone can put a super seal on. The culture of superheroes has such a following spanning from song titles to t-shirt designs to perhaps even cults, and one could wonder what it is that turns ordinary human being to graphic novel geniuses. Greg Garett in his book Holy Superheroes! tells us that Superheroes are well loved because they, unlike the Greek gods and legendary monsters of fame which we refuse to accept, have become the primary mythology of our society. And even though we don't accept myth, a part of us keeps reaching out to fill the gap that reason has left behind.
Superhero movies have become an eye opener and have become a respectable genre in itself. Movie franchises such as X-men, Spiderman, Blade and even Zorro have cracked Hollywood and local box offices showing that superheroes have come a long way since the "Holy Cow" expressions from the 60s. In the past years, there have almost always been new superheroe movies premiering every quarter, and now they are seen as serious money makers rather than last resorts.
Besides the big screen, superheroes have occupied the boob tube through series showing familiar and new heroes to the audience. Heroes on TV battle little conniving villains each day at a time making the adventures more micro in nature. Smallville portrays young Clark Kent who needed to cope with the trials of peer pressure, love, and resentment of his powers. Stan Lee now even has his own Who wants to be a Superhero? reality show where people get to live out their superhero fantasies.
Superheroes exist globally, with each country adopting their own super savior. Japan is the home of a number of famous superhero franchises that have even reached the Philippines, such as Ultraman, Super Sentai and their adaptation Power Rangers, Sailormoon, The Powerpuff Girls in anime rendition and other heroes. In India, an adaptation of Spiderman was published where he has a costume with an Indian touch, got his powers from an ancient god, and Uncle Ben was named Uncle Bhim. Locally, superheroes have been dominating the television ratings since the introduction of Darna, Kristala, Captain Barbell, and Panday, and film festivals are abound with superhero themed entries such as Lastikman, and Gagamboy.
Besides television and movies, superhero culture can be seen in other things such as toy and comic collections, where even a rare 20 page comic can sell for hundreds of dollars; and toy collections keep track of new releases and hard to find bargains to add to their exhibits. Superheroes appear in advertisements, merchandise, video games and almost any place anyone can put a super seal on. The culture of superheroes has such a following spanning from song titles to t-shirt designs to perhaps even cults, and one could wonder what it is that turns ordinary human being to graphic novel geniuses. Greg Garett in his book Holy Superheroes! tells us that Superheroes are well loved because they, unlike the Greek gods and legendary monsters of fame which we refuse to accept, have become the primary mythology of our society. And even though we don't accept myth, a part of us keeps reaching out to fill the gap that reason has left behind.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
SECRET IDENTITY
"Timeless" is a perfect word to describe superheroes. While the genre itself was born in 1938 before the Second World War, the superhero genre has sparked a culture in itself by evolving. Now decades after the war, we find ourselves in a world sparked by these tights-wearing men and women alongside global threats. People like Jerry Siegel (Superman creator) and Stan Lee (Marvel heroes creator), have already made a fortune out of their "super ideas", yet we question: How can something that's so outrageous and imaginary be so real at the same time?
In the comics or in movies, Superman is stronger than his creator Jerry Siegel or in fact, than any other human, while in the real world which we live in, he's nothing but an intellectual property, and Superman nor Clark Kent neither exist. Yet we don't even look at it that way, and that's the secret: Superheroes are larger than life; they are portrayed to live among us and we wished they do. We imagined unlocking our secret powers through a failed experiment or a spider bite. We want to be them or be with them and we relate with them, and that's why we admire them.
Ironically, some situations in superhero stories such as The Hulk, shows us that Bruce Banner doesn't want any part of that. Come to think of it, who wants to transform to a big green brawny raging juggernaut when he gets angry? On the other hand, the supervillains and the arch-enemies serve as the balance as they also have their own story that we can relate to, but that they come from the other side of the light. In many cases, they are admired like the protagonists and some are even remembered more than the hero himself. Too bad Luke, everybody loves Darth Vader.
In the comics or in movies, Superman is stronger than his creator Jerry Siegel or in fact, than any other human, while in the real world which we live in, he's nothing but an intellectual property, and Superman nor Clark Kent neither exist. Yet we don't even look at it that way, and that's the secret: Superheroes are larger than life; they are portrayed to live among us and we wished they do. We imagined unlocking our secret powers through a failed experiment or a spider bite. We want to be them or be with them and we relate with them, and that's why we admire them.
Ironically, some situations in superhero stories such as The Hulk, shows us that Bruce Banner doesn't want any part of that. Come to think of it, who wants to transform to a big green brawny raging juggernaut when he gets angry? On the other hand, the supervillains and the arch-enemies serve as the balance as they also have their own story that we can relate to, but that they come from the other side of the light. In many cases, they are admired like the protagonists and some are even remembered more than the hero himself. Too bad Luke, everybody loves Darth Vader.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
CLARK KENT, BRUCE WAYNE, PETER PARKER... IF THEY DON'T SOUND FAMILIAR TO YOU, THEN YOU NEED TO BE RESCUED FROM UNDER A ROCK. WHILE THE WORLD AS IT IS TODAY IS STILL REVOLVING AROUND POLITICS, TERRORIST ATTACKS AND STOCK MARKETS, IN ANOTHER CORNER IS THE REMARK ZABIE HEROICS, AND ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN, BATMAN, SPIDERMAN, AND WHATEVER PREFIX "MAN" CAN BE ATTACHED TO. ENTER THE SUPERHERO CULTURE OF THE WORLD: THEY FASCINATE, THEY MARVEL, AND THEY CHANGE OUR HEARTS AND MINDS.
Friday, September 22, 2006
quote
There are only two worlds - your world, which is the real world, and other worlds, the fantasy. Worlds like this are worlds of the human imagination: their reality, or lack of reality, is not important. What is important is that they are there. These worlds provide an alternative. Provide a threat. Provide a dream, and power; provide refuge, and pain. They give your world meaning. They do not exist; and thus they are all that matters.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
The Break-Up
Director: Peyton Reed
Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman
Genre: Romantic Comedy
rating: 2.5
Love is never a one-way street. For a relationship to be fruitful, it requires a tremendous amount of patience and understanding from both sides. But when your relationship starts to go one-way, then you most certainly have a problem.
This is what The Break-Up is all about. The romantic-comedy flick is all about the relationship of tour guide Gary Grobowski (Vince Vaughn) and sales representative Brooke Meyers (Jennifer Aniston). After meeting at a baseball game, Gary and Brooke fall in love and decide to live together. They seem perfectly content in each other's company. What one day begins as a rather small argument over dinner escalates into something even bigger. It is funny to think how such small things can ultimately destroy a relationship. Gary and Brooke decide that they have had enough of each other and break up. However, both are unwilling to move out of their condo. They go to various lengths to kick the other out of the place by annoying each other, such as declaring their own "spaces" and doing whatever they want to the condo. As they go about their separate ways, they find a new found appreciation for each other. But the question remains, will it be enough to restore their tattered relationship?
The ending is somewhat hanging and disappointing, though, for audiences might expect it to be something better than what the filmmakers decided on. The movie borders between a light comedy and a mild tearjerker, but don't expect too much from it. The movie is interesting to watch, yet it lacks that certain humorous streak that most people would find in most romantic comedies. The dialogues are not extremely witty, but they are good enough to coax some smiles and laughs from the viewers. Also, having been set in Chicago, the film could have featured more of the scenic spots of the place; almost all the scenes simply travel back and forth from Gary's and Brooke's workplaces to their condo. Nevertheless, Vaughn and Aniston, the main stars of the movie, succeed in displaying their on-screen chemistry, which can be said to reflect their real-life relationship. Both experienced actors, they play their roles with conviction and complement each other's acting abilities quite nicely.
Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman
Genre: Romantic Comedy
rating: 2.5
Love is never a one-way street. For a relationship to be fruitful, it requires a tremendous amount of patience and understanding from both sides. But when your relationship starts to go one-way, then you most certainly have a problem.
This is what The Break-Up is all about. The romantic-comedy flick is all about the relationship of tour guide Gary Grobowski (Vince Vaughn) and sales representative Brooke Meyers (Jennifer Aniston). After meeting at a baseball game, Gary and Brooke fall in love and decide to live together. They seem perfectly content in each other's company. What one day begins as a rather small argument over dinner escalates into something even bigger. It is funny to think how such small things can ultimately destroy a relationship. Gary and Brooke decide that they have had enough of each other and break up. However, both are unwilling to move out of their condo. They go to various lengths to kick the other out of the place by annoying each other, such as declaring their own "spaces" and doing whatever they want to the condo. As they go about their separate ways, they find a new found appreciation for each other. But the question remains, will it be enough to restore their tattered relationship?
The ending is somewhat hanging and disappointing, though, for audiences might expect it to be something better than what the filmmakers decided on. The movie borders between a light comedy and a mild tearjerker, but don't expect too much from it. The movie is interesting to watch, yet it lacks that certain humorous streak that most people would find in most romantic comedies. The dialogues are not extremely witty, but they are good enough to coax some smiles and laughs from the viewers. Also, having been set in Chicago, the film could have featured more of the scenic spots of the place; almost all the scenes simply travel back and forth from Gary's and Brooke's workplaces to their condo. Nevertheless, Vaughn and Aniston, the main stars of the movie, succeed in displaying their on-screen chemistry, which can be said to reflect their real-life relationship. Both experienced actors, they play their roles with conviction and complement each other's acting abilities quite nicely.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
WORDS AND GRAPHICS PART 3
Graphic novels showcase two of arts' most powerful mediums. With the boundless creativity of man, who is to say that literature should only be restricted to letters and words alone? In addition, graphic novels are also becoming an effective teaching tool to students since they sustain the reader's level of interest through eye-catching images. Libraries in the United States are maintaining their graphic novel collections to encourage educational interest among children and young adults.
People are starting to consider the effectiveness of graphic novels in telling stories as more and more graphic novels are integrating into pop culture through other forms. 21st century movies Road to Perdition, Sin City, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and V for Vendetta are graphic novels adapted to the big screen. The critical successes of these movies have played a part in exposing graphic novels to the mainstream.
Avid bookworms or regular readers may have also heard of Neil Gaiman and his Sandman graphic novels. He is one of the premier writers of graphic novels at present. His Sandman series has made believers of those who doubt in the effectiveness of comic books and graphic novels as a story-telling vehicle, and is considered as one of the best examples of the literary heights a graphic novel can reach.
People are starting to consider the effectiveness of graphic novels in telling stories as more and more graphic novels are integrating into pop culture through other forms. 21st century movies Road to Perdition, Sin City, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and V for Vendetta are graphic novels adapted to the big screen. The critical successes of these movies have played a part in exposing graphic novels to the mainstream.
Avid bookworms or regular readers may have also heard of Neil Gaiman and his Sandman graphic novels. He is one of the premier writers of graphic novels at present. His Sandman series has made believers of those who doubt in the effectiveness of comic books and graphic novels as a story-telling vehicle, and is considered as one of the best examples of the literary heights a graphic novel can reach.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
WORDS AND GRAPHICS PART 2
Many notable graphic novels do have substance, and the public is starting to recognize their achievements, not only in the field of drawn art, but also in the field of written works. Dylan Horrocks, an award-winning graphic novelist and comic artist, and a University of Auckland Creative New Zealand Literary Fellow for 2006 recognizes the graphic novels' increasing popularity. Horrocks notes that the graphic novels have become an increasingly important literary form with many writers and artists choosing comics as a means to create serious literary material. More and more people are actually starting to look past the graphic novels' "comic" past and considering the medium as a new form of legitimate written literature.
What does literature actually mean? The common noun "literature", refers to any form of writing. However, the proper noun "Literature", refers to a written work of exceptional intellectual caliber. Giving emphasis on the word "written".
Traditional fiction literature has always been all about the words. Graphic novels dispute the assumption that only words can move the heart and challenge the mind as an excpetional piece of literature can.
Graphic novels have achieved the level of traditional fiction, enriching both mind and imagination through the effective use of its picture and text components to tell a story. People who criticize graphic novels for the lack of narration and undue focus on conversation are missing the point. Drawings are as much a story-telling device as sentences and paragraphs. As Eric James Shanower, an American comic artist and writer simply puts it, "Writing is an art, just as drawing is."
What does literature actually mean? The common noun "literature", refers to any form of writing. However, the proper noun "Literature", refers to a written work of exceptional intellectual caliber. Giving emphasis on the word "written".
Traditional fiction literature has always been all about the words. Graphic novels dispute the assumption that only words can move the heart and challenge the mind as an excpetional piece of literature can.
Graphic novels have achieved the level of traditional fiction, enriching both mind and imagination through the effective use of its picture and text components to tell a story. People who criticize graphic novels for the lack of narration and undue focus on conversation are missing the point. Drawings are as much a story-telling device as sentences and paragraphs. As Eric James Shanower, an American comic artist and writer simply puts it, "Writing is an art, just as drawing is."
Monday, September 18, 2006
WORDS AND SKETCHES
Superman. Wolverine. Archie. Polgas.
There is a certain charm in the comic book world that appeals to the inner child inside every one of us. Vivid imagery and witty banter combine to form a medium that has captured the imagination of people everywhere.
Yet comic books have always been dismissed as a juvenile form of entertainment. Because of their unique attribute of having their stories told in still, hand-drawn panels, comics have never been compared to traditional written fiction. Since a lot of comic strips focus on life's lighter issues, people tend to dismiss them as "fluffy" pieces of work. Comic books have a history of not being taken seriously, although one can say that's the whole point.
In recent years, the comic book has been gathering respect from the literary field as more and more stories released under this form feature darker plots and characters than would be expected from a "comic". Often termed "graphic novels", these comic books feature longer and more complex storylines aimed at adult audiences.
The phrase "graphic novel" rose into popular use after it appeared on the cover of Will Eisner's A Contract with God and Other Tenement Stories, a collection of serious short stories depicted in the comic book style in October 1978. The term "graphic novel" is still in the process of evolution though, leaving it difficult to properly define. While it's generally accepted that a graphic novel is a lengthy piece of written work expressed in sequential art, a number have used the expression to suggest work that is more mature than "mainstream" comic books. Others have used the term to refer to collections of multiple comic book issues that tell a single story.
Contract with God and Other Tenement Stories. These early books set the standard for graphic novels in the years to come. They had dark, mature storylines that weren't afraid to address serious issues. This new take on comic books earned praise from critics, who came to see the potential in its reinterpretation of a supposedly "kiddie" medium.
There is a certain charm in the comic book world that appeals to the inner child inside every one of us. Vivid imagery and witty banter combine to form a medium that has captured the imagination of people everywhere.
Yet comic books have always been dismissed as a juvenile form of entertainment. Because of their unique attribute of having their stories told in still, hand-drawn panels, comics have never been compared to traditional written fiction. Since a lot of comic strips focus on life's lighter issues, people tend to dismiss them as "fluffy" pieces of work. Comic books have a history of not being taken seriously, although one can say that's the whole point.
In recent years, the comic book has been gathering respect from the literary field as more and more stories released under this form feature darker plots and characters than would be expected from a "comic". Often termed "graphic novels", these comic books feature longer and more complex storylines aimed at adult audiences.
The phrase "graphic novel" rose into popular use after it appeared on the cover of Will Eisner's A Contract with God and Other Tenement Stories, a collection of serious short stories depicted in the comic book style in October 1978. The term "graphic novel" is still in the process of evolution though, leaving it difficult to properly define. While it's generally accepted that a graphic novel is a lengthy piece of written work expressed in sequential art, a number have used the expression to suggest work that is more mature than "mainstream" comic books. Others have used the term to refer to collections of multiple comic book issues that tell a single story.
Contract with God and Other Tenement Stories. These early books set the standard for graphic novels in the years to come. They had dark, mature storylines that weren't afraid to address serious issues. This new take on comic books earned praise from critics, who came to see the potential in its reinterpretation of a supposedly "kiddie" medium.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Pangya - Online Game
rating: 3.0
Massive...Multiplayer...Online....Golf? Pang you, because here comes Pangya. Fresh from the success of MMORPG's, Netgames brings you to the world of Pangya, where everything is second to golf.
While still making waves in its native country Korea, and taking over Japan like a storm, Pangya (meaning "Bang!" in Korean) is now slowly eating up leisure time by indulging in a cyber game of golf. The game is presented with a cute and colorful presentation, along with an intuitive interface, making it user friendly. Gameplay is a breeze, using timing and accuracy in clicking the mouse or pressing the keyboard for the "Pangya" moment, or the perfect shot. Along the way, players pick up Pang points after every game, which is the game's currency for items, new characters and your fashion statement to show off to other people's PGA fantasies.
The game has its quirks in determining the Pang points you receive; which brings gamers to a high score of Albatross, down to the dismal Triple Bogey. The "Caddy" system is a nice touch, bringing the Microsoft Office assistant to cyber golf. Different modes of play include "Stroke Play" mode, and "Family Mode" where even someone who hates golf's peaceful sport can swing a few polygonal clubs. Some of the best items of the game can be bought with another currency called "Cookies" which cost real money for the real Pang in you.
This is no stimulation like EA sports' Tiger Woods franchise, or Microsoft's physics savvy Links. This game is what it is, a straightforward golf game recommended for anybody: you can play for a hole, or play for hours. Along with the "pick up and play" style of gameplay, the game's graphics, and sounds are easy to the eyes and the ears. With so many options to tweak your golfing pleasure, its not surprising that game rooms are full of Pangyaddicts. It's only a download away for those with broadband, and computer shops are begging you to swing your keyboards to Pangyaville. Now imagine this: Tiger Woods doing his trademark fist pump and shouting "Pangya!"
Massive...Multiplayer...Online....Golf? Pang you, because here comes Pangya. Fresh from the success of MMORPG's, Netgames brings you to the world of Pangya, where everything is second to golf.
While still making waves in its native country Korea, and taking over Japan like a storm, Pangya (meaning "Bang!" in Korean) is now slowly eating up leisure time by indulging in a cyber game of golf. The game is presented with a cute and colorful presentation, along with an intuitive interface, making it user friendly. Gameplay is a breeze, using timing and accuracy in clicking the mouse or pressing the keyboard for the "Pangya" moment, or the perfect shot. Along the way, players pick up Pang points after every game, which is the game's currency for items, new characters and your fashion statement to show off to other people's PGA fantasies.
The game has its quirks in determining the Pang points you receive; which brings gamers to a high score of Albatross, down to the dismal Triple Bogey. The "Caddy" system is a nice touch, bringing the Microsoft Office assistant to cyber golf. Different modes of play include "Stroke Play" mode, and "Family Mode" where even someone who hates golf's peaceful sport can swing a few polygonal clubs. Some of the best items of the game can be bought with another currency called "Cookies" which cost real money for the real Pang in you.
This is no stimulation like EA sports' Tiger Woods franchise, or Microsoft's physics savvy Links. This game is what it is, a straightforward golf game recommended for anybody: you can play for a hole, or play for hours. Along with the "pick up and play" style of gameplay, the game's graphics, and sounds are easy to the eyes and the ears. With so many options to tweak your golfing pleasure, its not surprising that game rooms are full of Pangyaddicts. It's only a download away for those with broadband, and computer shops are begging you to swing your keyboards to Pangyaville. Now imagine this: Tiger Woods doing his trademark fist pump and shouting "Pangya!"
Saturday, September 16, 2006
My Super Ex-Girlfriend
Director: Ivan Reitman
Cast: Uma Thurman, Like Wilson, Anna Farris
Genre: Comedy
Rating: 1.5
Have you ever wondered what it would actually be like if you realized your ex had super powers? Fortunately for you, you never had to be Matt Saunders. Matt (Luke Wilson) thought he found the perfect woman in demure and outwardly bashful Jenny Johnson (Uma Thurman). After a few dates, he gets the biggest surprise of his life as he realizes Jenny was actually the city's local superhero, G-girl. This feisty and sexy superhero does nothing short of saving the city from halting colossal meteors to saving children playing on the street. In spite of her seemingly blissful perfection, Jenny turns out to be the epitome of neediness and paranoia. Matt turns to his co-worker, Hannah Lewis (Anna Farris), and inevitably finds himself falling for her. Upoin their break-up, G-girl does everything to wreck Matt's life from bashing his car in to hurling a huge shark into his bedroom.
My Super Ex-Girlfriend was a rather satirical view of the plethora of superhero movies hitting the big screen. This was Ivan Reitman's take on the female version of Superman, minus the trademark costume and the sanity. There were humorous scenes with witty quips and amusing special effects, but it lacked the special ingredient that had to be present in memorable films - substance. As the movie went on, it was already a question whether she was the protagonist or the antagonist; it was safe to say that the character was not flat at all, but it was just blatantly messy. The humor ran dry as she kept on vindicating herself from the break-up, and it became annoying watching the lead character get swallowed up in her own bitterness.
This flick is pleasing if you've just gone through a messy break-up and looking out for light laughs. However, if you intend to see real comedy with heart, this may not be it. The concept may be a bit alluring (read: a female superhero who can rival Superman's powers, plus clad in fashionable clothes), but offers little to the emotional and intellectual levels.
Cast: Uma Thurman, Like Wilson, Anna Farris
Genre: Comedy
Rating: 1.5
Have you ever wondered what it would actually be like if you realized your ex had super powers? Fortunately for you, you never had to be Matt Saunders. Matt (Luke Wilson) thought he found the perfect woman in demure and outwardly bashful Jenny Johnson (Uma Thurman). After a few dates, he gets the biggest surprise of his life as he realizes Jenny was actually the city's local superhero, G-girl. This feisty and sexy superhero does nothing short of saving the city from halting colossal meteors to saving children playing on the street. In spite of her seemingly blissful perfection, Jenny turns out to be the epitome of neediness and paranoia. Matt turns to his co-worker, Hannah Lewis (Anna Farris), and inevitably finds himself falling for her. Upoin their break-up, G-girl does everything to wreck Matt's life from bashing his car in to hurling a huge shark into his bedroom.
My Super Ex-Girlfriend was a rather satirical view of the plethora of superhero movies hitting the big screen. This was Ivan Reitman's take on the female version of Superman, minus the trademark costume and the sanity. There were humorous scenes with witty quips and amusing special effects, but it lacked the special ingredient that had to be present in memorable films - substance. As the movie went on, it was already a question whether she was the protagonist or the antagonist; it was safe to say that the character was not flat at all, but it was just blatantly messy. The humor ran dry as she kept on vindicating herself from the break-up, and it became annoying watching the lead character get swallowed up in her own bitterness.
This flick is pleasing if you've just gone through a messy break-up and looking out for light laughs. However, if you intend to see real comedy with heart, this may not be it. The concept may be a bit alluring (read: a female superhero who can rival Superman's powers, plus clad in fashionable clothes), but offers little to the emotional and intellectual levels.
Friday, September 15, 2006
well...
More than anything else, the current situation in the Middle East should remind us of the reality of the law of unintended consequences; that things (people, objects, events) and their corresponding relationships in a system are not as simple as we make them out to be. Here, the term "unintended consequences" is synonymous to what economists refer to as "negative externalities:" unplanned effects that nevertheless carry noticeably destructive impacts in a large number of people. Pollution is a good example. Many forms of pollution are unintended consequences of industrialization and urbanization.
Unintended consequences may be incremental or immediate in their impact. Ever wondered why environmental issues matter little during elections in this country? Because politicians and policymakers - who (normally) hold office for a maximum of three years - as well as the public, can literally afford to ignore them. Since the environment can tolerate some levels of pollution, negative environmental externalities more often than not build up for a considerable time before resulting in extremely devastating outcomes. Landslides which result to considerable losses in human lives and property, for instance, are the result of years of irresponsible land use and development due to excessive soil erosion. Similarly, planting trees without adequate knowledge of the site's local ecosystem disrupts the natural order of things in ways we still do not completely understand.
In complarable yet more noticeable fashion, Israel and Lebanon (perhaps more so Israel) are suffering from unintended consequences brought about by each other's actions. Israel, with its superior military capability, probably only set out to dismantic Lebanese political group Hezbollah in a few days. Instead, the world is seeing a Hezbollah "trained like an army and equipped like a state", described The New York Times, "a revolutionary force within a civilian sea." Hezbollah, on the other hand, could not have expected the capture of two Israeli soldiers to cost their country hundreds of civilian causalties. To further complicate matters, it appears that other nations (allegedly Iran and Syria) are keen on fanning the flames of conflict for their own interests.
What has emerged is a protracted war of far more serious and complicated proportions; a conflict which has destroyed forests (in northern Israel), driven poor people to greater poverty (especially in southern Lebanon), and polarized the international community over which side is right - and what solution is really needed to defuse the situation. (Again, disagreement: immediate ceasefire or a long-term peace settlement>)
In a region of uneasy alliances like the Middle East, tracing the roots of any major conflict is especially difficult and confusing. The phenomenon is logically equivalent to economic historian Deirdre McCloskey's critique of qualitative theorems: new conditions (assumption) yield new conclusions. While two parties may join forces against a common enemy, it is also likely that they will be odds with each other when faced with even very slightly different circumstances.
Unintended consequences may be incremental or immediate in their impact. Ever wondered why environmental issues matter little during elections in this country? Because politicians and policymakers - who (normally) hold office for a maximum of three years - as well as the public, can literally afford to ignore them. Since the environment can tolerate some levels of pollution, negative environmental externalities more often than not build up for a considerable time before resulting in extremely devastating outcomes. Landslides which result to considerable losses in human lives and property, for instance, are the result of years of irresponsible land use and development due to excessive soil erosion. Similarly, planting trees without adequate knowledge of the site's local ecosystem disrupts the natural order of things in ways we still do not completely understand.
In complarable yet more noticeable fashion, Israel and Lebanon (perhaps more so Israel) are suffering from unintended consequences brought about by each other's actions. Israel, with its superior military capability, probably only set out to dismantic Lebanese political group Hezbollah in a few days. Instead, the world is seeing a Hezbollah "trained like an army and equipped like a state", described The New York Times, "a revolutionary force within a civilian sea." Hezbollah, on the other hand, could not have expected the capture of two Israeli soldiers to cost their country hundreds of civilian causalties. To further complicate matters, it appears that other nations (allegedly Iran and Syria) are keen on fanning the flames of conflict for their own interests.
What has emerged is a protracted war of far more serious and complicated proportions; a conflict which has destroyed forests (in northern Israel), driven poor people to greater poverty (especially in southern Lebanon), and polarized the international community over which side is right - and what solution is really needed to defuse the situation. (Again, disagreement: immediate ceasefire or a long-term peace settlement>)
In a region of uneasy alliances like the Middle East, tracing the roots of any major conflict is especially difficult and confusing. The phenomenon is logically equivalent to economic historian Deirdre McCloskey's critique of qualitative theorems: new conditions (assumption) yield new conclusions. While two parties may join forces against a common enemy, it is also likely that they will be odds with each other when faced with even very slightly different circumstances.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Sikreto ng pagpili ng kumpanya sa empleyado
Aminin man natin o hindi, nandyan ang mga pamantasan upang magsilbing tagapagsuplay ng mga empleyado para sa mga komersyal na kumpanya. Karamihan sa mga kakilala kong nagsipagtapos ay nakahanap na ng trabaho sa mga bangko, kumpanya ng mga kompyuter, multinasyonal na kumpanya, at mga food chain.
Oo nga't nandito tayo sa ating pamantasan para matuto, pero hindi pa rin maiaalis ang katotohanang pagkatapos nitong paghihirap, kinakailangan naman nating maghanapbuhay para sa ating sarili at sa ating pamilya sa hinaharap. Kung tutuusin, lahat naman ng ating inaaral ngayon ay napupunta lamang sa wala dahil iisang bagay lamang ang dapat nating matandaan: ang matutong mabuhay sa mundong ginagalawan.
Ngayong tapos nanaman ang isang termino, isang batch nanaman ang magsisipagtapos sa kanilang mga tungkulin bilang mag-aaral. Maswerte ang iba dahil may trabaho nang nakaabang sa kanila...lalong-lalo na ang mga nakapagtapos nang may Latin Honors. Para sa iba, magiging simula sa pagharap sa tunay nilang mundo ang paghahanap ng trabahong nababagay para sa kanila.
Sabik ka na bang malaman kung ano ang sikreto ng isang kumpanya sa pagkuha nila ng mga empleyado? Nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataong makasalamuha ang ilan sa mga opisyal ng Procter & Gamble (P&G), isang multinasyonal na kumpanya, para sa kanilang taunang diskusyon ukol sa pagpili nila ng kanilang magiging empleyado.
Hindi na pala singtradisyunal tulad ng pananaw ng ating mga magulang ang hinahanap ng isang kumpanya mula sa isang mag-aaral. Dati kasi, basta makakuha ka lamang ng mataas na grado mula sa iyong kurso, siguradong magkakaroon ka na ng maayos na trabaho. Ngayon, tinitingnan na rin nila ang naging karanasan ng isang mag-aaral bilang pinuno ng kahit anong organisasyon ng paaralan. Mahalaga na kasi para sa mga kumpanya ngayon na mayroong kakayahang magdesisyon para sa kanilang mga sarili ang mga makukuha nilang empleyado.
Ginagawa ito ng mga kumpanya dahil sa pagkuha nila ng bagong empleyado, parang nakahanap na rin sila ng mga pinunong susunod na papalit sa mga kasalukuyang lider nito. Kinakailangan nila ito upang mapanatili ang katatagan ng sarili nilang kumpanya. Hindi naman kasi bagong kompyuter o makina ang hinahanap nila, kundi mga taong marunong mag-alaga ng kanilang kumpanya.
Isa pang hinahanap ng kumpanya ngayon sa mga maaaring maging mga empleyado nito ang pagiging mature ng mga ito. Ayon nga sa isang opisyal ng P&G, dito nadedehado ang mga mag-aaral ng DLSU dahil mas maagang grumagradweyt ang mga mag-aaral nito kumpara sa ibang Pamantasan. Aniya, mayroon daw itong maaaring maging implikasyon na hindi pa handang harapin ng mga batang Lasalyano ang tunay na mundo dahil nasa isip pa rin nila ang mag-enjoy ng buhay kabataan. Makikita naman ito sa mga Lasalyanong nagbabakasyon muna ng ilang buwan hanggang taon bago maghanap ng trabaho.
Kaya kung isa kang Lasalyano, sana hindi pa huli ang lahat para sa iyo para maipakitang kayang-kaya mong makapasok sa kumpanyang nais mong pasukin. Simulan mo na ang pagsasaayos ng iyong resume sa pamamagitan ng pagsali sa mga organisasyong kinaiinteresan mo. Kung sasanayin mo ang inyong mga sariling magpakaaktibo sa isang organisasyon, magkakaroon ka ng pagkakataong maranasan ang magdesisyon para sa ikabubuti mo at ng iyong grupo. Hinahasa kasi ng mga organisasyong itong isipin ang kinabukasan ng buong grupo at hindi lamang ng sarili. Dahil dito, mas matututo rin kayong maging mature sa pagharap sa buhay.
Kung patuloy nating itataas ang bandila ng mga Lasalyano sa ganitong uri ng larangan, kinakailangan nating makibagay sa patuloy na pag-ikot at pagpapalit ng ating mundo.
Good luck sa mga nagsipagtapos ngayon at nawa'y mahanap ninyo ang trabahong babagay para sa inyo.
Oo nga't nandito tayo sa ating pamantasan para matuto, pero hindi pa rin maiaalis ang katotohanang pagkatapos nitong paghihirap, kinakailangan naman nating maghanapbuhay para sa ating sarili at sa ating pamilya sa hinaharap. Kung tutuusin, lahat naman ng ating inaaral ngayon ay napupunta lamang sa wala dahil iisang bagay lamang ang dapat nating matandaan: ang matutong mabuhay sa mundong ginagalawan.
Ngayong tapos nanaman ang isang termino, isang batch nanaman ang magsisipagtapos sa kanilang mga tungkulin bilang mag-aaral. Maswerte ang iba dahil may trabaho nang nakaabang sa kanila...lalong-lalo na ang mga nakapagtapos nang may Latin Honors. Para sa iba, magiging simula sa pagharap sa tunay nilang mundo ang paghahanap ng trabahong nababagay para sa kanila.
Sabik ka na bang malaman kung ano ang sikreto ng isang kumpanya sa pagkuha nila ng mga empleyado? Nagkaroon ako ng pagkakataong makasalamuha ang ilan sa mga opisyal ng Procter & Gamble (P&G), isang multinasyonal na kumpanya, para sa kanilang taunang diskusyon ukol sa pagpili nila ng kanilang magiging empleyado.
Hindi na pala singtradisyunal tulad ng pananaw ng ating mga magulang ang hinahanap ng isang kumpanya mula sa isang mag-aaral. Dati kasi, basta makakuha ka lamang ng mataas na grado mula sa iyong kurso, siguradong magkakaroon ka na ng maayos na trabaho. Ngayon, tinitingnan na rin nila ang naging karanasan ng isang mag-aaral bilang pinuno ng kahit anong organisasyon ng paaralan. Mahalaga na kasi para sa mga kumpanya ngayon na mayroong kakayahang magdesisyon para sa kanilang mga sarili ang mga makukuha nilang empleyado.
Ginagawa ito ng mga kumpanya dahil sa pagkuha nila ng bagong empleyado, parang nakahanap na rin sila ng mga pinunong susunod na papalit sa mga kasalukuyang lider nito. Kinakailangan nila ito upang mapanatili ang katatagan ng sarili nilang kumpanya. Hindi naman kasi bagong kompyuter o makina ang hinahanap nila, kundi mga taong marunong mag-alaga ng kanilang kumpanya.
Isa pang hinahanap ng kumpanya ngayon sa mga maaaring maging mga empleyado nito ang pagiging mature ng mga ito. Ayon nga sa isang opisyal ng P&G, dito nadedehado ang mga mag-aaral ng DLSU dahil mas maagang grumagradweyt ang mga mag-aaral nito kumpara sa ibang Pamantasan. Aniya, mayroon daw itong maaaring maging implikasyon na hindi pa handang harapin ng mga batang Lasalyano ang tunay na mundo dahil nasa isip pa rin nila ang mag-enjoy ng buhay kabataan. Makikita naman ito sa mga Lasalyanong nagbabakasyon muna ng ilang buwan hanggang taon bago maghanap ng trabaho.
Kaya kung isa kang Lasalyano, sana hindi pa huli ang lahat para sa iyo para maipakitang kayang-kaya mong makapasok sa kumpanyang nais mong pasukin. Simulan mo na ang pagsasaayos ng iyong resume sa pamamagitan ng pagsali sa mga organisasyong kinaiinteresan mo. Kung sasanayin mo ang inyong mga sariling magpakaaktibo sa isang organisasyon, magkakaroon ka ng pagkakataong maranasan ang magdesisyon para sa ikabubuti mo at ng iyong grupo. Hinahasa kasi ng mga organisasyong itong isipin ang kinabukasan ng buong grupo at hindi lamang ng sarili. Dahil dito, mas matututo rin kayong maging mature sa pagharap sa buhay.
Kung patuloy nating itataas ang bandila ng mga Lasalyano sa ganitong uri ng larangan, kinakailangan nating makibagay sa patuloy na pag-ikot at pagpapalit ng ating mundo.
Good luck sa mga nagsipagtapos ngayon at nawa'y mahanap ninyo ang trabahong babagay para sa inyo.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Kampeon ka ba?
"Hindi tunay na kampeon ang mga taong hindi nabibigo kundi ang mga taong hindi sumusuko..."
Maraming bagay sa ating buhay ang nais nating balikan at bawiin, pero ika nga ng isang mensahe mula sa isang kaibigan, bakit mo pagsisisihan ang isang bagay na ginawa mo, gayong ginawa mo ito dahil ito ang gusto mo. Samakatuwid, masaya ka sa nangyari. Nalalaman mong maaari kang mabigo o magtagumpay pero buong tapang kang nagpatuloy dahil ito ang sigaw ng iyong puso, ang nais mong gawin. Maaaring marami ang nagalit sa iyo, dahil para sa iba mali ang ginawa mo. Ngunit tatandaang higit na mas mahalaga ang iyong pananaw dahil ikaw ang may hawak ng iyong buhay. Kung hahayaan mo na maghari sa iyong isipan ang iba't ibang opinyon ng iyong kapaligiran, ikaw ay maguguluhan lamang. Lubos na mahirap ang magpatuloy matapos magkamit ng kabiguan sa kabila ng iyong pagsisikap. Pero di kaila sa ating ang maraming taong tinitingala ngayon na nagmula sa paghihirap at nagtagumpay bunga ng pagtitiyaga. Sa kanilang pagsisikap, marami rin silang narinig na masasakit na salita at dinanas na pagtitiis, maraming pagtatalo sa kani-kanilang mga sarili kung ano ang dapat nilang gawin at kung ano ang dapat nilang iwasan. Ngunit nanaig ang kanilang kagustuhang magtagumpay at ang takot sa Panginoong Diyos na gawin ito sa tamang paraan. Maraming tao ang hindi matanggap ang mga kabiguang dinanas nila at hindi natututo sa mga pagkakamaling ginawa nila. Sa pagod na nadarama, nagagawa nilang umasa sa mali, ika nga'y kumapit sa patalim dahil sa kawalan ng pag-asa. Ang mga ganitong tao ay mas lalo pang naghihirap, dulot ng iyong konsensya dahil sa maling nagawa at ng panganib dahil sa ikaw nga ay lumabag at nagkasala.
Sa bawat oras na magugunita mo na ang sumuko, isipin mo na lamang: Paano mo mararamdaman ang tagumpay kung hindi mo nagawang maramdaman ang kabiguan? Paano mo maikukumpara ang liwanag kung hindi mo pa nararanasan ang mapunta sa dilim? Paano mo mararamdamang ikaw ay maligaya kung hindi ka pa nakararanas ng kalungkutan? Kampeon nga bang maituturing ang isang taong lumaban ng may nalalaman kaya't nakasisigurado siyang tama ang kaniyang ginagawa? O mas maituturing na kampeon ang lumaban ng buong tapang bagamat di siya nakasisiguro sa maaring kinalabasan nito? Hindi ba't mas masarap ang pakiramdam ng natatalo ngunit lumaban ng patas kaysa nanalo ng nandaraya. Mas masarap ang pakiramdam ng nagtatagumpay dahil sa sariling paghihirap at hindi dahil sa paghihirap ng iba. Mas masarap sabihing mapalad ka kung nagbubunga ang iyong pagsisikap. Mas masarap sabihing "nanalo ako!" dahil alam mong karapat-dapat kang manalo. Bakit ka mahihiya sa lahat ng dinaranas mo, gayong ang mga bagay na ito ang magdadala sa iyo sa isang kapalarang ikabubuti mo?
Ngayon nais kong dagdagan ang mga kataga "Hindi tunay na kampeon ang mga taong hindi nabibigo kundi ang mga taong hindi sumusuko at patuloy na lumalaban ng may prinsipyo't takot sa ating Diyos"
Sa bandang huli, maiintindihan mo ang lahat ng nangyayari sa iyong buhay at masasabing masarap ang maghirap at magtiis. Ikaw, nais mo bang maging kampeon sa buhay na ito?
Maraming bagay sa ating buhay ang nais nating balikan at bawiin, pero ika nga ng isang mensahe mula sa isang kaibigan, bakit mo pagsisisihan ang isang bagay na ginawa mo, gayong ginawa mo ito dahil ito ang gusto mo. Samakatuwid, masaya ka sa nangyari. Nalalaman mong maaari kang mabigo o magtagumpay pero buong tapang kang nagpatuloy dahil ito ang sigaw ng iyong puso, ang nais mong gawin. Maaaring marami ang nagalit sa iyo, dahil para sa iba mali ang ginawa mo. Ngunit tatandaang higit na mas mahalaga ang iyong pananaw dahil ikaw ang may hawak ng iyong buhay. Kung hahayaan mo na maghari sa iyong isipan ang iba't ibang opinyon ng iyong kapaligiran, ikaw ay maguguluhan lamang. Lubos na mahirap ang magpatuloy matapos magkamit ng kabiguan sa kabila ng iyong pagsisikap. Pero di kaila sa ating ang maraming taong tinitingala ngayon na nagmula sa paghihirap at nagtagumpay bunga ng pagtitiyaga. Sa kanilang pagsisikap, marami rin silang narinig na masasakit na salita at dinanas na pagtitiis, maraming pagtatalo sa kani-kanilang mga sarili kung ano ang dapat nilang gawin at kung ano ang dapat nilang iwasan. Ngunit nanaig ang kanilang kagustuhang magtagumpay at ang takot sa Panginoong Diyos na gawin ito sa tamang paraan. Maraming tao ang hindi matanggap ang mga kabiguang dinanas nila at hindi natututo sa mga pagkakamaling ginawa nila. Sa pagod na nadarama, nagagawa nilang umasa sa mali, ika nga'y kumapit sa patalim dahil sa kawalan ng pag-asa. Ang mga ganitong tao ay mas lalo pang naghihirap, dulot ng iyong konsensya dahil sa maling nagawa at ng panganib dahil sa ikaw nga ay lumabag at nagkasala.
Sa bawat oras na magugunita mo na ang sumuko, isipin mo na lamang: Paano mo mararamdaman ang tagumpay kung hindi mo nagawang maramdaman ang kabiguan? Paano mo maikukumpara ang liwanag kung hindi mo pa nararanasan ang mapunta sa dilim? Paano mo mararamdamang ikaw ay maligaya kung hindi ka pa nakararanas ng kalungkutan? Kampeon nga bang maituturing ang isang taong lumaban ng may nalalaman kaya't nakasisigurado siyang tama ang kaniyang ginagawa? O mas maituturing na kampeon ang lumaban ng buong tapang bagamat di siya nakasisiguro sa maaring kinalabasan nito? Hindi ba't mas masarap ang pakiramdam ng natatalo ngunit lumaban ng patas kaysa nanalo ng nandaraya. Mas masarap ang pakiramdam ng nagtatagumpay dahil sa sariling paghihirap at hindi dahil sa paghihirap ng iba. Mas masarap sabihing mapalad ka kung nagbubunga ang iyong pagsisikap. Mas masarap sabihing "nanalo ako!" dahil alam mong karapat-dapat kang manalo. Bakit ka mahihiya sa lahat ng dinaranas mo, gayong ang mga bagay na ito ang magdadala sa iyo sa isang kapalarang ikabubuti mo?
Ngayon nais kong dagdagan ang mga kataga "Hindi tunay na kampeon ang mga taong hindi nabibigo kundi ang mga taong hindi sumusuko at patuloy na lumalaban ng may prinsipyo't takot sa ating Diyos"
Sa bandang huli, maiintindihan mo ang lahat ng nangyayari sa iyong buhay at masasabing masarap ang maghirap at magtiis. Ikaw, nais mo bang maging kampeon sa buhay na ito?
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Career MOVE
One of the reason people are not successful is because they are not in the right career. One of the top reason people are not in the right career is due to lack of purpose. Sense of purpose sets the sail for them to move on. This is what differentiates the achiever from non-achievers.
People like Bill Gates of Microsoft and Steve Jobs of Apple may be high school drop outs and did not have a college degree but they know what they want in life. They didn't run around idly going to bars or videoke just to have booze. Computer is their passion and they spent their time learning. They learned only in a non-structured way for they didn't go to school, but they still got what they want and moved ahead.
No matter what our economic, political and other situations befall in our life and in our country, the core message is still the same. Same logic, same opinion across different career fields.
People like Bill Gates of Microsoft and Steve Jobs of Apple may be high school drop outs and did not have a college degree but they know what they want in life. They didn't run around idly going to bars or videoke just to have booze. Computer is their passion and they spent their time learning. They learned only in a non-structured way for they didn't go to school, but they still got what they want and moved ahead.
No matter what our economic, political and other situations befall in our life and in our country, the core message is still the same. Same logic, same opinion across different career fields.
BE PREPARED
Go to interview appointment prepared and on time. Bring your pen and wear something presentable. It need not be outlandish. Be confident but not bold that you might appear haughty and proud. Answer using the language used by interviewer. Talk in a single language, either in English, Chinese or Tagalog. First impression last. You are judged from the moment you step into the company. Truth be told, seasoned interviewers already sized you up just because of the way you enter the room, sign your name on the logbook, sit in the waiting room, among other things. The Q&A part is just a formality.
BE PASSIONATE
Passionate people do things more than what is required of them. You not only fulfill your job requirements but you are putting your heart and soul into it. It can be distinguished by your output whether it is done methodically like a robot or done enthusiastically by an "alive" person.
Go to any fast food store and observe how the cashier or order taker does his/her job. You can easily spot who is enthusiastic or mechanical.
Go to any fast food store and observe how the cashier or order taker does his/her job. You can easily spot who is enthusiastic or mechanical.
BE CALCULATIVE
Be calculating about the risk that you would like to take or consider and not so much about how much monetary benefits you will be getting. If you want to jump into a business or propose a major project to your company or switch jobs, be sure you have covered your ground. It starts with knowing yourself, your abilities, character, attitudes, the plus and the minuses. Knowing where you are headed, the nature of business, competition, opportunities, hindrances and others.
BE NOT AFRAID TO FAIL
Failures serve as learning experience. Successful people failed at one time or another, be it bankruptcy or loss of a job. Did you know that Steve Jobs of Apple was at one time kicked out of his own company? If he had lost hope with life and stopped at that moment, he would not have come back for you to enjoy your iPod today. Failure is not a stop sign for you to move on. It might be a ceasefire or a wake-up call, but still it is a sign to move on.
BE ACCOUNTABLE
People would like to hire people who are credible, respectable, honest, dependable and a team player. One's technical skills might be the reason one is hired but one's character and attitude would determine how long one would be staying in the company, not to mention the promotions. If you can be entrusted with small things, then you can be entrusted with bigger things next time.
BE ONE STEP AHEAD
Be updated with the latest trends and developments. Learn endlessly by attending seminars, reading books, enrolling in a course and things of the like.
BE A CHEERFUL SHARER
Pass it on. Share what you've learned and train people if it is needed. Make it your principle, that whenever you are promoted, the people under your management are also promoted in one way or another.
BE A GOOD STEWARD O YOUR TIME, MONEY AND ABILITY
Your work and the money you earn may not last forever. So save a fraction of your money. Take care of your health for you may not enjoy the fruits of your labor due to medications and hospital bills.
BE THANKFUL
Be thankful for God's grace that He has given you talents, character and abilities to achieve. Give what is due to Him by giving your time, money and devotion.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Ang Tunay na Kahulugan ng Pamumuno
"Leadership isn't about titles, positions, or flowcharts. Leadership is one life influencing another."
-John C. Maxwell
Kaaya-aya ang pananaw ng taon ito ( John C. Maxwell) sa aspeto ng pamumuno. Ayon sa kanya, nangangahulugan itong impluwensiya at hindi lang posisyon o titulo na maaaring makamit sa isang organisasyon. Sa pamamagitan ng impluwensiya, nabibigyan ng lakas at inspirasyon ng pinuno ang kanyang mga tagasunod upang maisakatuparan ang layon ng organisasyon.
-John C. Maxwell
Kaaya-aya ang pananaw ng taon ito ( John C. Maxwell) sa aspeto ng pamumuno. Ayon sa kanya, nangangahulugan itong impluwensiya at hindi lang posisyon o titulo na maaaring makamit sa isang organisasyon. Sa pamamagitan ng impluwensiya, nabibigyan ng lakas at inspirasyon ng pinuno ang kanyang mga tagasunod upang maisakatuparan ang layon ng organisasyon.
Mahirap ngunit kinakailangan
Masasabing handa ka na mamuno sa lipunan kapag napamunuan mo na nang husto ang iyong sarili. Tama nga lang naman na ganito sapagkat ito ang hinahangad at tinitingala ng bawat tao sa isang tunay na pinuno. Subalit, hindi lang naman puro tamis ang buhay na dala ng pagiging pinuno sapagkat may mga pagkakataon ring ikaw ay madarapa. Minsan, hindi maiiwasan ang pagkakamali.
Lider ba o lider-lideran lang?
Sa panahon ngayon, minsan na lang makakita ng isang dakilang pinuno. Sa ating bansa ay mangilan-ngilan na lamang sila. Ating tanawin ang kondisyon ng pamahalaan, ng mga pinunong namamalakad dito, at kung papaano napakikilos ang sistema ng bansa. Hanggan ngayon, pansin pa rin ang mga problema at kabuktutang sanhi ng ilang mga lider ng lipunan. Isa na rito ang walang kamatayang korupsyon at ang mga makasariling pamamaraan ng ilang mga pinuno ng bayan. Ebidensya lamang ito na mali ang nabigyan ng kapangyarihan sa lipunan at kaya na lang hindi pa rin maayos ang sistema ng pamahalaan. Naaabuso ang kapangyarihan kapag ito'y ginagamit sa personal na pakinabang ng isang pinuno. Hindi ba't dapat gamitin ang kapangyarihan sa pagtulong sa kapwa sapagkat hindi ito ipinagkaloob para sa personal na kapakanan lamang? Kung tunay ka, parehas tayo ng pananaw. Sapagkat, susunod lamang ang tao sa isang pinunong nagpapakita ng kakayahan sa gawain, tunay na pakialam sa kapakanan sa iba, at kahanga-hangang kaugalian. Ito ang mga bagay na dapat maimpluwensiya ng isang tunay na lider.
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