Fearless Writers, Fearless Publications

“Words are really powerful”.

One of my professors reiterated that to our class a couple of days ago. I believe in the power of words and in the freedom to express using those effective tools. They give every individual the chance to convey their message fearlessly and to be very powerful. Powerful in a sense that by the use of their prerogative to express they were able to leave a deep impact to mind of their readers. Just like how the newsletters from three different universities influenced me as a reader which made me think of the perspectives of its young writers.

Undoubtedly, the writers of those publications are courageous. They were able to exercise their freedom to express and make their own stand. They make the readers think hard.

Relevant issues were tackled in all the newsletters and reading those, made me more aware of the deeper side of current issues in our society. All of the three publications discussed the Maguindanao Massacre which is a very current issue in our nation. But each has their own way of relating it to the public. Each has distinct statements about the issue. However, one common denominator among the three publications is that they were able to convey their message and their own viewpoint in a very compelling way which awakened the readers’ thoughts.

The authors of the newsletters sound like professionals. Maybe, I was able to say this because I felt their flaming desires to express themselves. And I personally understood what they want the readers to ponder because they have clear perspectives.

Thanks to those student publications namely,“The Guidon” of Ateneo De Manila University, “The Varsitarian” of University of Santo Tomas and, “Ang Pamantasan” of Pamantasan Lungsod ng Maynila. As I read, I was able to fully realize how significant it is to set a perspective and stick with it. I understand that a person is not truly free until he voice out his thoughts and become fearless

How deep is AdEPT?

The implementation of an unfamiliar training got our whole class protesting. Every time it is mentioned our class reacts in an unlikely manner. The acronym AdEPT has somehow left a bad impression in our minds.
It was just last week when the training was introduced to us. It is an acronym for Advance English Proficiency Training. It is not really a requirement to our course and yet we are being obliged to undergo the said training. It is a 3-hour class a day, and it’s twice a week its like two subjects has been added to our load.
In truth, we are pushed to attend the AdEPT class which they say will enhance our English communication skills. Although various encouragements have been said, still, the question “How deep is AdEPT?” remains as a riddle left for us to solve.

2010 Election Period Commenced

January 10, 2009, Sunday is the start of the 5-month election period which will end at June 9. The beginning of election period also means the start of following new rules for the preparation of the 2010 elections.

During the election period there will be an implementation of a nationwide gun ban. This gun ban is applicable to everyone except government security forces. It is prohibited to carry guns in public places like parks and malls and even in private and public vehicles. According to Comelec they will also set up checkpoints in order to keep an eye on violations. Not only guns are banned. There will also be a prohibition in transfer of officers and employees of the civil service during the election period. According to Comelec commissioner Rene Sarmiento, the violation of this decree would also signify as an election offense.

The commencement of the election period is the most important rather than actual election date or the counting of votes after it. Because it will mark the next happenings during the entire election period. As what I’ve heard from the news, Comelec director Atty. Ferdinand Rafanan said that if they are not serious in implementing the rules people would not believe them and probably would not follow the resolution they had given. That is why they see to it that they are doing the right way of implementing and reassured they will maintain it.

This start of election period will definitely be a big part of the Philippine history and the following happenings that will occur during the 120-day election period. Every citizen must strictly abide with these rules so that there will be less trouble. I know that these rules are most likely to be ignored; probably disobedience will be an issue in the days to follow. But as a student though not I’m not directly under the decree given, I will still do my part in obeying the rules. In fact, I am now a registered voter and I know it is not ideal to have a clean election in our country. Aside from knowing these negatives, I know I can make even a very little a difference by simply following the rules and being a wise voter. Just like what they say, “Ako ang simula!”

Cebu Pacific Discriminatory Act

“It’s time everyone files”, that’s the slogan of the Cebu Pacific Airlines. To me, it sounds very inviting, as if the airline is promising every individual a chance to ride an airplane and to take them wherever they want. Cebu Pacific is the biggest budget airline in the nation and many people are choosing this company because of the promising services they offer.

Last January 6, 2010, a woman filed charges against Cebu Pacific for their discriminatory act. The woman said that a flight crew insisted that her son has mental illness and because of that the crew attempted to offload her and her son who is suffering from Global Development Delay, a condition that delays a child’s development. This incident happened last December 23, 2009 on a flight from Hong Kong to Manila. For the mother and her son the promise of Cebu Pacific that “It’s time everyone flies”, is a big lie because of the discrimination that they had experienced.

Now, these are the questions, if you are planning to travel via airplane would you still choose Cebu Pacific Airlines? Would you still trust the company despite the discriminatory act? Would you also do the same thing if you were in the mother’s shoes? What could possibly be the reaction of Cebu Pacific about this issue of not accepting special child passengers? Is it humane to treat passengers that way?

Discrimination is a sociological term referring to the treatment taken against a person of a certain group. What the flight crew of Cebu Pacific did is disability discrimination. How cruel that act is. Neither the crew nor the airline company has any right to do that especially to passengers who paid for a flight. Certainly because of what they did, they lost the trust of many customers and failed their expectations. Regular customers might think twice of ever trusting Cebu Pacific again.

In general, the act of discrimination should be avoided because all people have the right to be treated fairly. “Discrimination is a disease.”

Desicion-Making (Thursday, December 31,2009)

Everytime we need to decide, we need to think.

When you make decisions...would you rather be happy but wrong?... or sad but right?...think of it.

Extra Mile (Wednesday, December 30, 2009)

"If you want to have what you've never had, then you must do what you've never done... because if you only do what you've always been doing, you will only have what you've always been having."

In many aspects of life, we should take the extra mile to be able to have greater results that would make us successful. If we want to achieve something we have to work hard for it. Especially when we aim to make a big difference in our lives we must take bigger steps too. We should obliged ourselves to make the necessary adjustments and discipline ourselves. We must keep track of ourselves.

People who want to achieve something, must do something. There must be an action. If you want to make a difference, do not settle for your old habits and old routines because you wouldn't make any difference at all if you still do those. We hold our lives, what we are is what we made of ourselves. So be the best of yourself.

A Happy Ending? (Tuesday, December 29,2009 )

Do you believe in happy ending?

Well, I wanna believe about it. I still remember when I was young, I’ve read books about fairytales and all have happy endings. Hopefully, there will be a happy ending on my own story. ♥ But I’m still that confused because some things are not falling into place. Of course, to be able to have a happy ending you need to have partner! or should I say soulmate. Yeah, soulmate it was! I hope there is such a thing as soulmate. I guess it would be quite scary to find a soulmate when you`re young because you’re probably going to mess it up. Well, I don’t really rush and I have all the time to wait and do what I want. To tell you one thing, it's not about the trend. Love comes at the most surprising moment of our life and I believe in that. Love may take long but it will always take you to where you belong. Just hold on and enjoy the journey.

You Are Beautiful! ♥ (Monday, Dec. 28,2009)

How do you define beauty?
Look in the mirror and search for beauty. Take time to notice and try hard to understand that the most beautiful things in life are often delicate and hidden.The same goes for the beauty you hold.The only way to make yourself truly beautiful is to start within.

Stop being your own worst enemy. The confidence that creates that inner glow cannot be nurtured while you’re putting yourself down, about your looks, your abilities, your weight or anything else. Everyone has moments of self-doubt, what you must do is to let go of all the harsh criticisms you reserve for yourself.
Cease being jealous of others, whether because of their looks, their talents, their financial status, or their popularity. You could be spending your time and energy creating a life that will make you deeply satisfied and help you to be more confident of yourself. Develop yourself inside and out.
Keep in mind, the opinions of others are not important than you make them. Have a self-assurance, have a deep-seated faith in yourself and in your abilities, that will certainly make you beautiful.

Realize your self-worth. Put away thoughts of not being good enough. Recognize the beauty in yourself, and everything will follow, you will have that oozing self-confidence because you know that You Are Beautiful inside and out. Ü

Which road are you going to take? (Sunday, Dec. 27,2009)

We live at a time when we are faced with different choices. The choices we make determine our destiny. Some choices may seem more important than others, but no choice is insignificant.

In the famous story, Alice in Wonderland, Alice, gets trapped in Wonderland. Not knowing how to get out of the place she wanders here and there. She stands there, confused as to which road she will take, and then she saw a white cat and asked it for advice. The cat replied “My dear little girl, it depends a lot on where you want to go”. More confused Alice manages to reply, I don’t know, and I don’t care much where I go.” Hearing this the cat says with a chuckle, “Then, my dear, it doesn’t matter which road you take”. What about us? Which road are we going to take? Do we know where we are going to?

Shooting Star (Saturday, December 26, 2009)

Galaxy is composed of different planets, billions of stars and other celestial bodies. All have distinct sizes, shapes and formations. One of those amazing galactic creations of God is the shooting star.

I just wonder...

Shooting star is like a tear in our eyes. When we get hurt we just cry and tears flow down like a crystal. Others said when you cry, you’re a loser. But crying is not sign of weakness; it shows that you are strong and willing to learn. Like shooting star our tears easily fall down and disappear.

JOY is contagious Ü (Friday, December 25, 2009)

This yuletide season everyone wishes to be happy. They wish for things that will make them truly joyful and contented. It could be materials things or to be with someone really special. Happiness cannot be found when we seek it for ourselves…but when we give it to others, and then it will find its way back to us. I believe that what we give off to others is what we have in ourselves because we can’t give what we do not have. So let us find the JOY in ourselves first and let it radiate to the lives of others. Indeed, Joy is contagious. Definitely, all people would want to catch it. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE ♥♥♥

Make A Room In Your HEART ♥♥♥ (Thursday, December 24, 2009)

Everyone can feel the spirit of Christmas...

Lanterns in the streets, different colors of lights, cold breeze and big Christmas trees.Everyone is busy preparing for Christmas Eve but have you ask yourself, “Do I have room in my heart for others?”

Others say that Christmas is time for sharing and forgiving. That’s right! But sometimes we don’t care about other’s feeling. We become numb and pretending we are blind. We can help them, reach them, lift them not only this yuletide season but anytime, anywhere because everyday is Christmas and we should make an attitude to “make room in your heart”.

Be in! (Wednesday, December 23,2009)

Filipinos are fans of fashion. Some make their own style while others are contented in the old attitude of fashion.

But if you want to “Be In” in this world, you can create your own style where you don’t need to use money too much. Some get addicted in fashion. They can’t control themselves to spend money. The attitude of being fashionable is good as long as you know how you put yourself in the flow of water in this dreary world.

LIFE (Tuesday, December 22,2009)

LIFE comes in three broad categories; EASY, DIFFICULT, and IMPOSSIBLE. Those who take only the EASY route have a safe and boring life. Those who take the DIFFICULT are tough have a sense of fulfillment. But those who take the IMPOSSIBLE inspire others that it can be done.

Footprints (Monday, December 21,2009)

Everyone has a past.

Unluckily... some had bad experiences and they want to get out of the dark. They want to escape from their nightmare. They try to pull out themselves from the cell but every time they take one step forward there’s a mark of footprint that is hard to forget.

But as we go on, line upon line, it will heal...not very fast but the most important thing is that we learned from the past.

Take A Stand! (Sunday,December 20,2009)

You should take a stand! You must know your side!

No one stands in the middle of the road. If you stand in the middle you will be hit by cars.

Procrastination (Saturday, December 19,2009)

Putting off for tomorrow what you can do for today is something that people should not do. But honestly speaking I am guilty of this. Often times I idle my time. I keep my priorities in mind but I don't do anything to accomplish those at the earliest possible moment. I will always have to rush things just to reach with the target date and time. Just like what I'm actually doing right now. One of my biggest challenge is keeping up with my schedule.

One of the famous contemporary writers said, "If you believe in life, life will believe in you. Therefore enjoy your magic moment today, as this moment will not be here tomorrow." We have to enjoy and do what we can today, let us not wait for the next day for us to work on important matters. For tomorrow is another tomorrow awaiting us. So if there is something you can do now, do it! Do not delay! Do not procrastinate!

CHANGE (Friday, December 18,2009)

Things go wrong when we don't expect them to be. And it's funny how we resist to change when everything in our life keeps changing. We have this attitude of being stubborn and we don't open ourselves to such changes.

Not all change are bad. That's why we shouldn't be afraid to embrace the changes in our life. We should change for the better and we must not let go of our values.

Everyone experience different changes in theirs lives but not all can manage change.

I've read a book about change and it is now one of my favorites. It says there that change happens and that we must anticipate it. We must be ready to change quickly and enjoy it again and again. We should not fear change. We must move, we must chan

Get Over It! (Thursday, December 17, 2009)

Moving on is not as easy to do as it is easy to say. Especially when we see things that reminds us of the person who made our hearts broken, when we hear songs that pull the memories back. Whether the memories are happy or sad it really drives us to tears. If every thought of the people we love is a knife we would be more than double dead, for sure.

There’s no need to question why hearts are fragile because they are ought to be. No one can ever change that ugly truth. I wonder why there are people, including me, who seem to be strong but when it comes to love it's like they are losing all their senses. I know that all of us are wishing our dreams and expectations in life and in love would align with reality.

I know how hard it is to get over someone whom we really love. But we must keep ourselves alright though we were left hanging. We ought to move on with what is left.

Try to get over it! Move on! Even you move very slowly at least you are moving on. It’s better to take it slowly than being stuck in that worst situation.

Friendster vs.Facebook (Wednesday, Dec.16, 2009)

Facebook is more addictive than friendster. According to research more and more people are getting hook to facebook this days. I myself is addicted to facebook. It it is currently the world's top social networking site, and friendster the top social networking site in Asia. Facebook is hailed as the king of social networking.

Teenagers are not the only ones who join facebook but adults as well. Through this site we get connected to hundreds of people both close to us and strangers. It helped me reconnect with my long lost friends and classmates. It's much easier to find other people in facebook and get connected with them than in friendster.

Facebook is the new word of the mouth. Everywhere you could here people talking about different applications they are using like farmville and restaurant city. Every member enjoys how easily they can chat with their friends who are online. People feel free to say what's on their mind by posting it as their status. Many activities can be done in facebook. Once you're logged in you'll never run out of things to do.

Who wouldn't love facebook? If you don't have a facebook account yet, better be creating one. You miss a part of your life when you fail to live the facebook experience. Get facebooked now. (",)

Take Things Easily (Tuesday, Dec.15, 2009)

Often times we make things harder than they really should be. It is a good thing to think hard sometimes, but it is better to keep it cool and easy. When we over-think and over-react with a certain problem it is when the situation becomes absolutely complicated. As what I've experienced for almost a hundred times, our minds ache and our hearts break when we take things very seriously. It's like getting ourselves sick and making the illness worst instead of curing it.

Come to think of it, why would we suffer to make things difficult for ourselves than helping ourselves enjoy the life we have. Why do we have to put ourselves into deep sorrow for too long when in fact we can move slowly and be the happiest person alive if we choose to. But the choice is always ours to make. We always have a choice, we have the choice to do what is right but if we don't want to choose what's right we can at least choose to be happy. So let us take things easily, let us take only one step at a time and let us stop pushing ourselves too hard.