be careful what you wish for

Yes. As the saying goes, be careful what you wish for, lest you get it. And boy, did I get it.

I was standing near the LRT station at Katipunan yesterday evening, waiting for a ride home. As luck would have it, all the jeepneys passing by were going to other places while those that were on my route home were packed full with passengers.

It was already late, and I wanted to get home before midnight. I was already anticipating a hot meal of sinigang na baboy even though I had just come from dinner with my orgmates at Mang Jimmy's.

While vehicles of every size and shape zoomed past me, I kept myself busy by going over various ideas in my head. I was deep in thought, contemplating something which I cannot quite remember right now, when it happened.

I was watching the cars go by when everything suddenly turned bluish-white. A loud buzzing sound filled the air as I turned my head towards the source of the light. My face went hot as I instinctively dove for the ground once I realized what was happening.

The power lines just a few meters above me had exploded. Sparks started to fall around me as I ran away from the explosion. Across the road, another power line also blew, and the entire area was suddenly awash in blue light. It only lasted a split second though; half of Katipunan Avenue soon went dark.

The good thing was that I did not panic. I did not go running around screaming my head off. A few seconds after the blast I was just standing there as if nothing had happened, trying to analyze the situation, trying to find a cause for the sudden explosion.

One of the things that came to my mind was that I finally got something that I wanted. Call me crazy, but I have always wanted to see an actual explosion. Fireworks at New Year don't count; I wanted an explosion - a big blast complete with a fireball and debris flying around. Well, I finally got what I wished for. Of course I did not mean for it to happen just a few meters from my head, but there you are.

Oh, and sorry again folks. I'm still alive and kicking. Hahahaha.

one of those days

I lost my last stylus for my XDA2 yesterday afternoon while running around at the Sunken Garden.

It's no big deal, really, just damned inconvenient and annoying. I now have to use my fingernails to send text messages. I now have to resort to toothpicks in case the device needs a reset. Argh. I need a new stylus.

Of course, that in itself is nothing. But when misfortune strikes in succession, that's something.

The heat finally got to me. Yesterday afternoon was one of the hottest, and I was lucky enough to be outside as the sun beat down through the cloudless sky. I felt bad once I got to UP, and now I believe I have a fever. Crap.

I broke the zipper on my coin purse. It was one of those stupid accidents. I was trying to fix the zipper. However, I ended up breaking it. For good.

At Kenny Rogers yesterday evening I ordered the cheapest meal available. I wanted some mashed potatoes with my meal. They were out of stock. Fine. I explicitly asked for a chicken breast. Why that part, you ask?

Economics. Hahahaha. It gives the highest return on investment.

The chicken breast is the softest, most tender part of the chicken. It has the most meat, and is also the easiest to eat; one only has to scoop out the white meat instead of having to go between bones. At home, I don't have to fight for the part of the chicken that I want; my family willingly leaves the white meat for me. While they have to share the thighs, the wings, and the legs between them, I have the chicken breasts all to myself.

Back to the story. I also ordered a large Coke. However, the waiter gave me a large glass of iced tea which was not even cold. When they finally got around to serving our meals everyone EXCEPT ME got a chicken breast. EVERYONE BUT ME. I got stuck with a drumstick. A little, itsy-bitsy drumstick. It was really frustrating.

I just checked the CRS, and my Journalism 101 grade has not yet been posted. I have been waiting for a week already. All my other grades are there already, and the deadline for the submission of grades has already passed.

I want to know if I got another "1". Hahahaha. Grade conscious? Yes. I AM.

Somebody please give me a hot Venti White Chocolate Mocha. I haven't had one of those in a very, very long time.

stress relief

I feel refreshed. It's ironic, given that trouble is brewing up once again.

My secrets? One is a quick game. Call of Duty does wonders when you feel like blowing up. Instead of screaming and throwing things around the house why not just take out your frustration on ones and zeroes?

It's safer and eminently satisfying; you blow stuff up AND THEN reload the level to blow stuff up AGAIN. The perfect headshot, the perfect missile lock, the cannon round right on target... all serve to sate a burning desire to let loose with all the fury locked inside.

Of course, if a first-person perspective seems too limiting, a wide plethora of strategy games -from Command and Conquer to World in Conflict- lets me cause destruction on a more massive scale. Artillery barrages, napalm strikes, cluster bombs, fuel-air explosives, nuclear weapons, ion cannons... The genocide of imaginary beings does wonders for a boiling temper.

When I was a child computers were still in their infancy; no Core 2 Duo powerhouses yet. I had to content myself with toys. I especially enjoyed playing with Lego blocks. I would build cities -whole cities with airports, roads, and skyscrapers- from UNO Stacko blocks and whatnot. The Lego blocks I form into bombs which I would promptly lob from across the room into the collection of towers.

But all those toys burned down with our house at Santa Ana years ago. What a shame. I could really use that kind of relief right now.

And that's one other secret: I recall memories of happier times. Why dwell on the stress of the present when you can relive a happier memory? Stress only serves to compound the problem, and dealing with it goes a long way towards solving the problem.

So I go back into the past. Like this afternoon. I was already well on the way into a bad mood. It was hot and I was on my way to UP to take care of an errand that I should have taken care of weeks ago. I was thinking that I should have just stayed at home, that I was just wasting money, that there would be no one at NISMED, all sorts of useless yet stressful stuff.

That all changed when I boarded the Katipunan jeepney for right there across the aisle smiling at me was the very last person I expected to see, much less meet, on the Katipunan route. The long trip to UP NISMED turned into a blur as we talked about school and whatnot; I even forgot about everything that I was worried about.

Here's the third secret: I write. I write about my day, my problems, my thoughts, my joys. You should try it; it's very relaxing to just let it all out on (electronic) pen and paper. There. I feel better now. Hahahaha.

not until the fat lady sings

It's all over.

All my classes have finally ended; no more exams to worry about, no more papers to pass, no more reports to present, and no more sleepless nights.

Whew!

I survived.

I went through it all, and I'm still standing. That's enough cause for celebration right there.

This has been the most exciting semester I've had in UP. At the start of November I was a new shiftee who a few months before had nearly lost all hope. Today I feel that I've finally found my place, that I'm in a course that I really enjoy.

Hahahaha. Drama. Not really my cup of tea.

There is one more thing that I have to go through before I go into full vacation mode though.

Grades

Never have I been as grade-conscious as I am now, not even when I was a struggling non-major trying to get into a new college.

Maybe it's because I feel that I performed well this semester, and I want it reflected in my classcards. I'm not beyond hoping for cum laude standing you know. Hahaha.

Or maybe it's simply one thing: pride.

I'm now in a course which allows me to do something I really want to do, something I'm really good at. It would be very unfortunate -and extremely embarrassing- if I did not get high grades now.

Hehehehe... Don't mind me.

The deadline for the submission of grades is on April 7. Another week of waiting, and waiting, and waiting...

Then I'll go on a vacation.

and now it rains?!

Yes, I was quite literally burning up a few hours ago.

Yes, I had to resort to the air-conditioner just to get the temperature back to tolerable levels.

Yes, I gulped down glass after glass of Coke to keep from dehydrating.

Yet all the while the skies were clear, and that was the only good thing about the heat.

But close to dusk, the rain poured down. The temperature went down, but the overcast sky threatened to spoil my view of the International Space Station as it passes directly overhead at exactly 7:08 PM local time.

The rain stopped barely five minutes before 7, and the clouds started to part slowly but surely.

At the appointed time, I was staring at the southwest. It was a good thing that it was the clearest portion of the sky, for a bright dot soon came out.

I was staring up at the sky for a good two minutes. The ISS went from the southwest to the northeast within a few minutes, easily brighter than the visible stars at that time. I could even make out the Space Shuttle beside it (or were my eyes playing tricks?).

Hahahaha. Ang babaw ng kaligayahan ko.

How I wish that I had a good pair of binoculars with me...

For those of you who want to see the ISS for yourselves, there would be another flyby directly above the Philippines on Tuesday, March 25 with the same brightness as what I saw just a few minutes ago.

Enjoy!

it's really hot in here

That damned transport strike last week really screwed everything up.

I should be in Davao right now, not roasting in this oven while waiting for Sir Avecilla to tell us the schedule of our final exam!

With no supply of orange juice nearby I've gone back to drinking Coke. Glass after glass of Coke filled with ice. Hahahaha.

Argh.

too close for comfort

From ABS-CBN Interactive:

A shoe soles factory in Antipolo City caught fire Saturday afternoon, ABS-CBN News learned.

The fire at the Marikina Rubber shoe soles factory, located in Barangay Mambugan, started at around 4 p.m.

The Antipolo City Bureau of Fire Protection's initial report said that the fire has reached 4th alarm and was still burning as of 5:30 p.m.

Several houses have also been damaged by the blaze.

No injuries or fatalities have been reported as of posting.

Yikes. I took this picture from outside our house just this afternoon. So that's what was happening over there...

up for freshies

***

This is my final paper for one of my Journalism classes.

***

First off, let me welcome you to the University of the Philippines. You are now an Iskolar ng Bayan, one of the few who make it into the premier university of the country.

You are now entering a new world where you will learn new things and face new challenges.

Life in UP is not like life in high school. You will be on your own in this new world; no one will be there to hold your hand or to tell you what to do.

During my first week as a UP student, I got lost a lot of times. I simply did not know where to go.

The UP campus is huge. There are many buildings and places to go to. As freshmen, there are five places you have to know by heart, besides your home college of course.

Number one: Palma Hall.

A lot of your time will be spent here, as most of the general education subjects are held in this building. It will be hard to miss, as all the jeepneys in UP pass either in front or behind it. Just look for the huge columns and the famous steps where students go to meet friends, to study, or to just pass the time.

Of course, it was not that simple for me during my first days in UP. All the jeepneys do pass Palma Hall (or AS, for Arts and Sciences), you just have to know what to look for. At that time I did not know anything about the campus, let alone which building was which, so I often went right past Palma Hall. Here's a tip: when you see a lot of people –as in A LOT of people- that would most likely be Palma Hall.

Another thing about AS is that it does not have 4000 rooms. My first class there was at PH 4124, and I had absolutely no idea where that was. Guess what I did.

I followed every room since I did believe then that there were 4000 rooms. So I went from the first floor to the fourth floor looking for PH 4124. I did find room 1001 at the ground floor, but by then I was already huffing and puffing, not to mention extremely late for my class.

I finally gave up, swallowed my pride, and asked the nearest security guard where my class was. It turned out that I was in the wrong building. Besides the huge main building, Palma Hall has four pavilions and one annex. The room numbers do not show the actual number of rooms, they are location codes. As such, PH 4124 is read as Palma Hall Pavillion 4, 1^st floor, Room 24.

One thing you must always remember is that there is nothing wrong with asking questions. Ask for help if and when you need it. It is more embarrassing to not ask and be wrong in the end.

Of course, you should be wary of one thing. When looking for TBA, do not ask upperclassmen. Most UP students, if not all, seem to find this as an excuse to play a prank on unsuspecting freshies like you. I know I did. But I'm turning over a new leaf. To save you the trouble of asking, TBA means "to be announced" and not "top of Business Administration" or "Teodoro Benigno Annex".

Number two: Gonzalez Hall.

Also known as the Main Library, this is the building seen behind the Sunken Garden. It is just a short walk from Palma Hall. Much of your time MUST be spent here, since many of your classes will require research. Books, people. Wikipedia is overrated. And there are a lot of books here. I'm a voracious reader, and in five years I've read barely 1% of all the books in the library. You will most likely be using three sections of the Main Library: General Reference, Social Sciences, and Filipiniana. The General Reference and Social Science sections are on the first floor; from the entrance, GenRef is to the left and SocSci is to the right. The Filipiniana section is at the ground floor; go down the stairs to the left of the entrance.

Of the three, the best place to be would be the General Reference section. It is airy and quiet, easily conducive to sleeping. Just kidding. This is where you will find the free Wi-Fi service courtesy of DILNET. However, Friendster cannot be accessed from here.

Most of the readings for your classes will be found at the Social Science and Filipiniana sections, unless your professors are kind enough to have photocopied the needed books beforehand (which is very rare) or if they are at the Shopping Center, which would be the next stop on our tour.

Before we move on though, remember that there are also other libraries scattered all over the campus. Every college has its own library. Some of your readings may only be found in one or two of the different college libraries, so be prepared to go library hopping.

Number three: the Shopping Center.

Just an Ikot ride away from Palma Hall or a short walk from the Main Library, everything you could possibly need can be found here. There is a grocery store with all the food and supplies you will need. There are a lot of computer shops here for your printing, typing, and research needs. Yes, you can access Friendster here. Most of the photocopying shops are here too, along with some of your required readings.

The food shops here –Rodics, especially- are some of the best –and the cheapest- in the entire campus.

You can also find UP memorabilia, clothes, eyeglasses, school supplies, even rare movies. I only found out about the latter a few days ago. Try to go to the second floor of the first shop (Mister Donut) in the left wing of the building. Along with pocket books are hard-to-find movies, series, and computer programs; all of which can be bought cheap.

With the high cost of tuition nowadays, you need all the breaks you can get.

Number four: the Sunken Garden.

Life in UP is not all about studying. Don't get me wrong, it's very important to study here. However, all work and no play is boring, not to mention dangerous. You have to strike a balance between the two; you run the risk of burning out if you do not take some time out to relax.

This is where the Sunken Garden comes in. Found behind the Main Library, you would be hard pressed to miss this vast expanse of green. This is undeniably one of the best places to relax and unwind after a day of exams, reports, and papers. The tall acacia trees provide shade from the sun, and the air is almost always cool.

People come here to hang out with friends, play games, or just to sit and think. Kite flying, football, Ultimate Frisbee, baseball, badminton… The list of what you could do there is endless.

When I find the time to go there I just sit on the grass and watch the clouds or the people playing in the field. Sometimes I bring a book along with me.

The Sunken Garden is not the only place in UP where you can relax though. There are many other parks throughout the campus, foremost of which is the Lagoon. Found between the UP Theater and the Vargas Museum, this is the place to go for total peace and quiet.

The Lagoon opens up to the Amphitheatre and our next and last stop: Quezon Hall.

Number five: Quezon Hall.

To everything there must be an end. Our stay in UP will eventually come to an end, and the only way we should meet that end is by going through Quezon Hall.

The Oblation statue (or a copy of it) can be found in front of the tall columns of the building facing University Avenue. Behind Quezon Hall is the Amphitheatre, an expanse of grass comparable to the Sunken Garden but used for a different purpose.

This is where graduation ceremonies are held. If you study hard, in four to five years you will be one of the many white-clad students standing in the Amphitheatre waiting to be awarded their diplomas.

The ultimate goal for all of us should be to finish our courses, get our degrees, and share our knowledge and experience with the outside world.

As an Iskolar ng Bayan, a UP graduate must use the education and training given to him by the Filipino people to serve the Filipino nation.

That's it for our short "tour" of the University of the Philippines Diliman Campus. Remember that these are not the only places to see in the campus. I leave the others to you. Explore the place; you might find something new and unusual.

Good luck and enjoy your stay in UP!

alone

It's quiet.

Too quiet.

I've just finished checking every entrance and exit into the house; every gate and door is locked, every window is shut. All the lights outside the room are out. Every plug has been pulled and the gas valve has been closed.

This house is as locked down as the Maginot Line.

It had better be.

I'm all alone. Everyone is in Davao right now. If only I had no classes left I would be sleeping like a baby way down south right now.

As it is, I have an exam tomorrow, a paper to pass on Tuesday, and a presentation on Wednesday. Argh.

I should have been on the plane hours ago, but no, I still have classes up until AT LEAST the 27th. The earliest that I could get to Davao would be the 29th.

That's two weeks.

Alone.

Hahahaha. I'm not scared. I'm twenty-one for crying out loud! It's just that...

...it's too quiet.

Haaay...

At least I have EVERYTHING to myself. Hahaha.

I can't wait to get on that plane. I want to see the whales. I want to rest. I want to relax. I want to forget civilization for a while. I want a vacation.

Back to studying. Crap.

images

The Ayala rally last February 22 was my first rally. It was everything I thought a rally would be. Streamers, banners, and placards were everywhere. Speakers were on stage giving speeches. People were clapping and chanting. The protesters from different groups were estimated to number around 10,000. The media was also there in full force; cameras were set up atop trucks and makeshift stages, reporters were doing live reports, and directors were telling the protesters to move their banners for the cameras.

Wait.

The call from someone in the media which was relayed through one of the speakers on stage stopped me in my tracks. Right there and then was a simple example of how media somehow influences events. That one was pretty simple; it was only so the cameramen could get a good shot of the stage. But the way the protesters quickly acceded to the request amused me. This was all a game.

The media is a very powerful force in this country. It can make or break anything –careers, causes, lives. It had been instrumental in the fall of two presidents in the past, being an integral part of two “People Power” revolts. In the current crisis spawned by the NBN-ZTE scandal, the media is once again at the front covering and reporting every single move of the parties involved.

And, as before, it has also become a battleground of images.

The protesters granted the media’s request in order to further their cause. By being very visible, by showing the world their numbers and their resolve, by being on the good side of the media, they would come closer to fulfilling their objectives.

When Jun Lozada came out from hiding with his expose the media was there. Live coverage was given to the man who had just recently “escaped” from his “kidnappers” and had sought refuge at La Salle Greenhills among nuns and priests. He dropped a bombshell which rocked the Arroyo administration to its core, and he lit off a spark which, most recently, led to mass protests here in Manila and other points around the country.

His first appearance at the Senate was covered live by the two major networks. Every word was broadcast to every person watching and listening. He came across as a penitent sinner, one who could no longer tolerate the corruption he had once been part of. When he cried, time seemed to stop –for us at home at least. Here was someone who was putting it all out on the line, someone who, in ANC and GMA-7’s full color, was telling us all about the darkness behind the presidency.

The Senate hearings continued, always covered by the media –live on ANC and Studio 23 and reported later during the primetime newscasts. Former and current government officials tried to discredit Lozada and his story. They poked holes in his claim that he had been kidnapped by the PSG and the PNP. They tried mightily to destroy his credibility, but to the people watching at home, Lozada became the underdog. He became a hero who bravely went against the powerful and the evil.

This image was further reinforced by the ANC special Harapan: The Jun Lozada Expose. Lozada was supposed to appear opposite former COMELEC chair Benjamin Abalos in a one-on-one debate. What happened only served to strengthen his underdog image, as wave after wave of government officials attacked his testimony. Lozada, via remote link-up from La Salle, dressed in a white undershirt, again outnumbered, parried their questions and fought back.

The administration appeared as an angry mob, the “dark side” which “Jedi” Lozada had turned away from. Its leader, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, was branded as “evil”.

The formerly obscure CEO of the Philippine Forest Corporation was now a celebrity, a “hero” for many, thanks largely to media coverage.

I saw him once during his visit to Malcolm Hall a few short weeks ago. He looked simple enough. He seemed sincere enough. He was consistent in everything he said or did.

But there was something... ...off.

I can't quite place it yet. There's something about Lozada that bothers me. Nearly everyone was quick to embrace him the moment he appeared at the Senate and started to talk. It was the same at Malcolm Hall. Nearly everyone there believed in him and in what he said.

The problem there is that he hasn't shown a single shred of evidence which would corroborate his stories. He tells good stories, but stories they shall remain unless he gives up the goods.

Papers! Numbers! Prices! Receipts! Photographs! ANYTHING! Nothing.

And people believe him just the same.

One other thing that bothers me is that he's just a bit too good in front of the cameras. Naturally charismatic or artificially practiced?

And he cries a lot.

A LOT.

Come on man, you don't need to cry so we would believe you, just show us some proof!

Yes, I find it annoying. I find HIM annoying. I want to know the truth as much as everyone else, but you can't get the truth from just the stories of one man.

He could be making it all up for all we know!

But is anyone even trying to get him to show some proof? The Senate seems content to just let him talk and talk during the hearings. His supporters demand for truth and accountability from everyone else except their dear hero. It was as if his confession that he was right in the middle of the scandal and that he had his own share of corruption made him the one true arbiter of truth, the one man in this madhouse of a country who cannot tell a lie.

His image does help him a lot.

***
Feel free to agree or disagree. Post your comments below. Hahaha.

the semester that was

Let me start off by saying that this was all a mistake.

I had no plans of taking Broadcast Journalism 101 during the registration period. None at all. I put this class on my registration form only as a hedge against the possibility of my getting only 15 units for the semester. At that time I was scared and confused, just fresh from a year as a non-major. I did not know what to expect from my new course so I wanted to get 18 units, just so I could drop one subject should the need arise without fear of becoming under-loaded.

I did not know then what I was walking into.

My first day was a disaster. Torrential rains and the subsequent floods slowed traffic to a crawl, so much so that what was normally only a 30 minute drive became a two hour nightmare. I came into class looking like someone who just came out of a tornado; my hair was a mess and my clothes were in disorder. To top it all off, my timing could not have been any worse; a few minutes after I sat down I was called to the front to introduce myself. I had no idea what to do. It was a good thing that the directions were written on the board, so I answered all the questions. That was when I was tagged (I think) as “Attorney Obidos”, since I mentioned that I wanted to become a lawyer someday. Up until today everyone in class knows me as “Attorney”, and somehow that nickname has also spread outside the classroom.

The first assignment was a real shocker. We were told to go out and interview two –yes, that’s right, TWO broadcast journalists. I had not done any interviews before, save for the group interview we did for Comm 3 the past semester. However, this was different. We were split into pairs, and we had to hunt down one radio and one television reporter within two weeks. My partner, John, and I did not know where to start. We went to different places all over Quezon City before we got a break. We interviewed Danilo Santos for radio and Alex Tinsay for TV.

Before that assignment, I was already questioning my choice of classes. The workload was just too much. After that assignment, however, things changed. The experience of running around chasing down leads was exciting, to say the least. The people we met on the way and the places we went to further added to my knowledge of the world. The interviews had the largest impact. We were lucky enough to meet two people who were extremely dedicated to their profession, people who really loved their job. And I think that it rubbed off on me. Right there and then, after we interviewed Alex Tinsay, I felt that I really wanted to become a reporter.

I never complained after that. Besides, I was learning so much in class –much more than from my other subjects- that I looked forward to every Thursday. Yes, it’s true, even though I always ended up arriving late; I really have trouble with morning classes. The first-hand accounts of what it was like working as a broadcaster were my favorites; it always amused me to know about what was really happening when the microphones and the cameras were turned off.

Of course, the work never ended. We reduced three pages of text to one page of only four sentences. We covered talks and gathered soundbites, which we promptly converted into news copy. The only problem I had at this time was my lack of access to equipment. I had to borrow a voice recorder from a friend, and that was only when she was not using it. Come to think of it, the entire course could have been more enjoyable if the equipment we needed –recorders, cameras, computers, audio-visual equipment- were available for our use. I know that I’m asking too much, given the budget constraints of the university, but that’s my opinion.

Anyway, we just finished our final presentation yesterday. Our radio presentation last week turned out better than we had hoped, and now I hope that our TV newscast turns out to be even better. The preparations for the final presentations was another great but extremely stressful experience. We were told to prepare 5 stories each; two stories for radio and three stories for TV. My groupmates and I got stories from Ayala, Mendiola, EDSA, and even Baguio City. The lack of proper equipment –especially cameras- caused problems for us, though in the end, we did manage to give a good presentation.

I really enjoyed the course. After each assignment or project I always felt a profound sense of accomplishment. I always felt that all my hard work was not wasted, that it was all worth it. Now, at the end of the semester, I can say that whatever misgivings I had in the beginning are now gone. I’m really thankful that the Computerized Registration System gave me a slot in this class.

However, it was all still a mistake. Now I find that I REALLY want to be a journalist. What’s wrong with that, you ask? THAT puts my dream of becoming a lawyer someday in jeopardy; I’m enjoying my work so much that I would most probably decide NOT to go to law school once I graduate.

One other thing which inspired me this semester was one conversation I had with our professor. I haven’t told many people about this yet, but since the semester is about to end, what the heck.

I was filling up my classcard at the Broadcast Communication department. I had just finished my report on the history of broadcast news that day and I was curious as to how I fared in that report. Professor Estonilo told me that I did good, that I knew my report well. She also told me that she thought that I would become a reporter someday, and that I was well-suited for the Congress beat. However, what she said next really struck me hard:

“Itaga mo sa bato, magiging reporter ka.”

Thank you, Ma’am.

rush

I passed my Film 102 paper two minutes before the deadline. Hahahaha.

Right now I'm writing -trying to write- my last paper for Broadcast Journalism 101.

Chronic procrastination, I know.

But it gives me a rush. Hahahaha. That's new; "addicted to cramming".

I have four hours to finish my two-page experience paper. I think I'll spend the next three watching videos on YouTube or playing one of my many games.

I'll finish the paper in 30 minutes.

Then why not start now!!!

damned strike

The day I become President of the Philippines will be the day that all strikes, labor or otherwise, will be met, not with maximum tolerance, but with maximum force.

Today's transport strike really screwed up a lot of my plans.

I can't leave my home since all the jeepneys have stopped. I could walk sixteen frakkin' kilometers, but that would take all of today and some of tomorrow.

I could take a taxi, but that would cost me an arm and a leg; the taxi drivers must be having a field day with all the stranded commuters walking around.

How I wish that I had a car. Hahahaha. By next year that would most likely be a reality, but next year is 365 days too late!

Haaay... The timing could not have been worse.

four thousand three hundred twenty minutes

Seventy-two hours. Three days. Three frakkin' days.

And I'm still going, and going, and going, and going, and going, and going, and going, and going,

ad infinitum.

Between my acad life and org life, I have no more life.

Ano daw? Ang labo mo pare!

Hahaha.

I haven't been sleeping much for the past month.

I haven't slept at all for the past three days, save for the occasional 30 minute nap or the rare three-hour semi-sleep period.

I've been dozing off in FX taxis and in jeepneys just to make up for my lack of sleep.

The weird thing is that I'm still standing. It's amazing. Simply amazing.

The even weirder thing is that I'm actually getting a lot of stuff done.

I'm not promoting cramming -you do so at your own risk- but so far it seems to be very effective; high grades on ALL of my papers is proof positive of that.

Or maybe I'm just that good.

*Cold wind blows.*

Hahahaha.

I just came home from UP.

Yes, I went to school on a Sunday. We had to work on our TV news production for Broadcast Journalism 101.

Before that, I was at Plaza del Sol in Marikina for UP AstroSoc's Final Rites.

Even before that, we had an all-nighter at Erika's condo.

The night of that all-nighter, we had our deliberations.

I also became Over-all Coordinator-elect.

Hahahaha. I love my life.

Four thousand three hundred twenty minutes. A lot can happen in three days.

After all my assignments, projects, and papers are done and over with I'll have three days of sleep. Maybe more.

Hahaha.

**
Congratulations to Batch Astro Supernova!


***
If you find this blog entry incomprehensible, wala lang.

HAHAHAHA.

blurb

I need to sleep. Hahahaha.

Our radio news cast this morning was a surprising success.

Again, I have a paper for Journ 109 due tomorrow.

And yet again I have not even begun to write it.

Life is beautiful.

hangover

Good morning Andre. Your head is on fire. Hahahaha. Crap.

I just woke up with a splitting headache. And it still hurts.

I don't know why.

I had nothing to drink last night.

I slept my normal six hours last night.

Maybe it was because I kept waking up every hour - for just a few seconds - before falling back to sleep. My mind was in extended overdrive, doubtless brought about by my report for BC 100 later today.

Or maybe it was because of that dream (nightmare?) I had where Teng was a psychotic ghost who haunted a department store and was deathly afraid of isopropyl alcohol. Weird? Yes. Edward was there, and I distinctly remember She as an extremely weird exorcist. Oh, and Erika was also being her usual tabachingching self.

Wala na ba akong takas sa AstroSoc?

Breakfast of corned beef, eggs, and fried rice. Orange juice and coffee. Yes.

a catalyst for truth

***This is a paper I wrote for yet another of my Journalism classes.

A CATALYST FOR TRUTH

It is only my first semester as a BA Journalism student, but I already have a good idea of what my life would be like after I graduate from college. Thanks to this interview assignment, I had a taste of what real journalists do out there in the field.

In our search for two broadcast journalists to interview, John and I went on a sort-of "Amazing Race" around Quezon City, visiting places which, until then, I didn't know existed. This assignment required us to find and interview one broadcast journalist from radio and one from television. We opted to go directly to a TV station and see if we could 'ambush' one unsuspecting reporter so in the early morning of November 23 we went to the Broadcast City, a place not far from UP where the offices and studios of RPN-9 and IBC-13 plus a radio station were located. However, we found out that we could not just walk up and interview people; we needed to have an appointment first. The guards there told us to try our luck at the Quezon City Hall instead. Unfortunately, when we got there all of the reporters assigned to that beat were out covering a story. The lone man in the press office referred us to a reporter named Angie Dela Cruz at the Land Transportation Office near Kamuning.

So far, this was the closest we got to finally getting to interview a reporter, so we went there only to find out that all the broadcast journalists there were also out looking for stories. Ms. Dela Cruz however was very accommodating, and she called up some of her friends in broadcasting. She set up an appointment with Alex Tinsay, a reporter for GMA-7, and she also told us to try the Central Police District in Kamuning, as she knew some of the radio broadcasters assigned there. That was how we got to meet radio broadcaster Danilo Santos at the Central Police District Press Office on November 26. However, due to unfortunate circumstances, I could not get there on time so John handled much of that interview by himself.

That same day, at lunch time, we went to the Department of Agrarian Reform to meet Alex Tinsay. It was my turn to be the interviewer, and I must say that I was really nervous then as it was the first time that I interviewed someone all by myself. The following is my attempt to translate that interview into a report.

***

"A catalyst for truth": that is what a good broadcast journalist is -should be- according to veteran reporter Alex Tinsay.

In an interview at the Department of Agrarian Reform Press Office last November 26, we asked Mr. Tinsay what being a broadcast journalist was all about.

Aside from being a catalyst for truth, Mr. Tinsay told us that a good broadcast journalist should also be driven, hardworking, and equipped.

He further explained that 'being equipped' meant being well-versed in current events, being able to research the background of stories, going by the ethics of journalism, and being able to dig out the truth.

When asked about the skills needed in broadcast journalism, Mr. Tinsay highlighted both the ability to determine the newsworthiness of a story on the spot and the ability to get both sides of the story.

Aside from these, the skills learned in school are also important, and when asked about the academic qualifications needed for the job Mr. Tinsay replied that every broadcast journalist should be a graduate of a mass communication course to ensure the quality of the broadcasting industry. He considered 'pseudo-journalism' a problem, as this often leads to news agenda and sensationalism.

Proper training is very important according to Mr. Tinsay. He doesn't believe in "getting people from nowhere and putting them on cam(era)" and having them report the news. Instead of having mere newsreaders, he wants to have newspersons that are credible. To him, one must "go through the ranks", so to speak, starting from the bottom –first becoming a production assistant or writer- before going on camera.

Mr. Tinsay considers broadcast journalism as a profession. Being a broadcast journalist entails heavy responsibility and the obligation to be a watchdog of society. Broadcast journalists must contribute to shaping or molding the opinion of society and they must give the people a better perspective on what is happening all around them for the good of society. Finally, broadcast journalists must work to expose all the lies and deception in society so as to "create a world that fits us all", a democratic society wherein everyone is free and has the opportunity "to rise up and reach his maximum potential".

He shared with us how he became a reporter at GMA-7. He said that he always had an "obsession to become an announcer, a 'news-cam person'". He started out as a radio broadcaster at the Far East Broadcasting Company but, given his obsession, he was not contented with being on radio; he wanted to be on TV. Someone later told him about an opening at GMA-7, so he applied there as a news writer.

This was where his 'big break' came in.

One Halloween night, a fire broke out at the Department of Labor. 5 people had died in the blaze, and ABS-CBN was already reporting the story. So far, GMA-7 had been silent, as the news anchors, Tina Palma and Raffy Marcelo, had already gone home for the holiday. Mr. Tinsay was the only one left at the newsroom, as he was the so-called balagoong, the new guy. The news director tried to recall the anchors, but they could not locate them. In desperation, the news director decided to put Mr. Tinsay on air. He still remembers his first words on live television: "Good evening ladies and gentlemen. This is Alex Tinsay straight from the newsroom of GMA-7. A fire broke out at the Department of Labor..." The impressed news director hired him on the spot, and the rest is history.

Mr. Tinsay attributed his success to preparation -he kept a good set of clothes with him just for such an event- and to practice.

To aspiring broadcast journalists, Mr. Tinsay said that there are only two ways to learn: the hard way or the easy way. "If you learn the hard way, it would be better. There is no shortcut to the ladder of success." Aspiring broadcast journalists should not be afraid of menial tasks and should be ready to sacrifice and give their all, as journalism "is a 24/11 job". However, he adds, it can all be very rewarding, as we would get to see the story unfold before our eyes.

"You are not told (what is happening); you are there as the story is happening."

***

"You are there." That is one of the reasons why I want to become a journalist in the future. Yes, aside from the skills and the experience I would be able to get and apply if I ever take up law, I want to be "there" when history is made.

The challenge, however, is in being "a catalyst for truth". How does one ensure that the truth comes out when there are a lot of obstacles –some can even cost you your life- in the way? How can one avoid being corrupted by the power given by the ability to control the flow of information?

From what I've heard during John's interview, I can say that Danilo Santos and Alex Tinsay believe in the same things, even though they work in two different areas.

They both consider broadcast journalism as a profession. Mr. Santos told us stories of media men who "received envelopes" and became rich, even though reporting the news was not a very high paying job. He told us not to follow their example, so as to maintain the professionalism of journalism.

Both value hard work. Mr. Santos kept telling us about the importance of research; about always checking the background of stories and digging deeper into them to find out the truth.

If there ever is one thing I will never forget from this exercise, it is that broadcast journalism is all about getting the truth. You find the true story and report it as best you can to the people. It is not all glitz and glamour; hard work is the norm and patience is a requirement, and compensation can be non-existent. Also, listening to both Danilo Santos and Alex Tinsay made me appreciate more their assertion that this job, this profession, can be very fulfilling and rewarding. It's not in their words, it's in how they said those words that you see how passionate and how happy they are in doing their jobs.

Now that I'm concluding this assignment, I finally understand what they meant. After all the hard work we went through, after going to nearly every single press office in Quezon City, after the interviews and the writing and the editing, I felt a sense of accomplishment. The experience was very rewarding.

In the end, it was all worth it.

It’s astronomy, stupid

***This is a paper I wrote for one of my Journalism classes. I'll be posting some of my other papers sometime soon.

IT'S ASTRONOMY, STUPID

Star light, star bright

First star I see tonight

I wish I may, I wish I might

Have the wish I wish tonight

Who hasn't wished upon a star? I used to recite the rhyme above when I was little, usually with hopes of getting this or that new toy or book. I remember sitting on the window sill, looking up at the sky at dusk as the stars started to twinkle. What is it with stars anyway? They are just tiny points of light in the black of night, right?

Wrong. The stars are more than just bright dots in the sky. They are more important than you think. You learn that –and more- when you study Astronomy.

First off, let's get one thing clear: Astronomy is NOT the same as Astrology. This is one problem I've encountered a little too often with a lot of people; fellow UP students, high school teachers, and even National Bookstore are the worst examples. It's really annoying to have to correct people about this every time, so I'm saying it here and now: it's Astronomy, not Astrology. It's UP Astronomical Society, not Astrological Society. Philip's Astronomy Handbook is not in the same line as Chinese Astrological handbooks.

Astrology is the same with Astronomy only in the sense that both observe the meanderings of celestial bodies. It is also worth noting that both have a shared history; before the Renaissance, Astronomy and Astrology were one and the same thing. It was only the advent of scientific reasoning which differentiated the two into the disciplines we know now.

Astrology diverges from Astronomy by going beyond scientific study and into the realm of divination, superstition, and even religion by relating the movements and placements of stars and planets to past, present, and even future events here on Earth. In short, astrologers believe that everything that happens here is influenced –even determined- by the cosmos.

What is Astronomy then? Wikipedia defines Astronomy as the scientific study of celestial objects (such as stars, planets, comets, and galaxies) and phenomena that originate outside the Earth's atmosphere (such as cosmic background radiation). It is concerned with the evolution, physics, chemistry, meteorology, and motion of celestial objects, as well as the formation and development of the universe. Astronomy does not try to relate celestial events with your mood nor does it try to predict who is going to be lucky or not in the New Year.

Sounds daunting? Just remember this: Astronomy is simply the study of everything beyond our own little planet, from the Solar System to the farthest reaches of the known universe.

Still too heavy? Don't fret. The good thing about Astronomy is that you do not need a doctorate in Physics to partake in it. Of course there is Math involved –formulas, equations, calculations- but you can safely ignore it and still enjoy the wonders of the cosmos.

Don't get me wrong though. Astronomy IS a science, but it is one science which is easily accessible to anyone, not only to the so-called "geeks" or "nerds". As I said, you don't need a doctorate in Physics to participate in it. It's really quite simple; you only need your eyes. Binoculars are good, and even a simple telescope would be better, but to "do" Astronomy, your eyes would suffice.

While professional astronomers do try to unravel the secrets of the universe –searching for extraterrestrial life, determining how everything began and how everything will end, exploring the planets of our solar system, etc.- we, as amateur astronomers, can just observe and take in the grandeur of the night sky. The majority of people who are interested in Astronomy are simply sightseers who want to know what's what in the sky over their heads.

So what is in the sky over our heads? Obviously, there is the Moon. Here in the Philippines we can also see the constellations of the northern hemisphere which include the well-known Orion, Ursa Major, and Cassiopeia. With a good telescope, the details of planets such as Saturn or Jupiter can also be seen. Nebulae are also visible, if you know where to look. A comet can pass by from time to time, and then there are the annual meteor showers… Whew. There is a lot more to see, but I will run out of space trying to fit them all here.

Aside from the "wow" factor, there are also more practical uses for knowing the stars. No, it's not the horoscope –that's Astrology. Knowing the positions of stars can aid you in finding your way around. In fact, the exploration of the world would have been extremely difficult –if not impossible- without the aid of the stars. Certain stars and constellations are visible at defined locations. Take for example the star Polaris. If you know where it is, you would be able to know where north is –that's why it's called the North Star. But how do you find Polaris? I'm sure you know the Big Dipper –it's not a constellation, by the way. It's an asterism, a pattern in the sky. A constellation is a region of the sky which is defined by a set of stars present at that location. Now the Big Dipper –part of the constellation Ursa Major- points toward a single star. That star is Polaris. It's easier than it sounds, believe me.

You would also be able to tell time –what hour it is, what month it is, and what season it is- by looking at the stars and the Moon. It's hard to discuss it here, but the simple explanation is that since the Earth revolves around the Sun, the locations of the stars in the sky change relative to where the Earth is at that point in time. The Moon will help tell what hour it is by its location in the sky and by what phase –crescent, gibbous, full- it is in.

Finally, knowledge of Astronomy can give you valuable insights in culture and history. People have been looking up at the stars ever since we have been here on this planet, and a lot of myths and legends, traditions and practices, and superstitions and beliefs are based on what our ancestors saw in the sky. You don't even have to look far for an example.

Here in our country, the indigenous peoples have been practicing Astronomy even before Magellan was born. Just recently, the Philippine Daily Inquirer published an article by Prof. Dante Ambrosio about how people called the Samas used and interpreted the skies. Would you believe that ancient Filipinos had their own versions of the constellations, that they had names for the stars? Read the Inquirer Talk of the Town article "'Mamahi:' Stars of Tawi-tawi" (PDI 01/26/2008) to find out more.

Astronomy is a fascinating science. It can also be a very rewarding experience. I should know; for the past three years I've been a member of the UP Astronomical Society, and much of what I have written here comes from my own experience. But don't take my word for it.

Try it for yourselves. Instead of just lying down and watching television tonight get out of your house and look up at the stars. Who knows, one of your wishes might be fulfilled.

Ad astra per aspera.

boom!

From the BBC News site: US missile hits 'toxic satellite'

Just watched a press briefing at the Pentagon live on CNN. The officer giving the briefing showed a video showing the SM-3 missile hitting and subsequently blowing up a defunct US spy satellite.

Hope someone puts the video up on YouTube.

again

I have to pass my Journ 109 paper tomorrow and I haven't even started writing it yet. History just keeps on repeating itself. Hahaha.

***
My phone is such a pain

Its battery suffered a drain

In the space of thirty minutes

The power dropped to tidbits

And yes, I went insane

Hahaha.