Blog # 18 : Plagiarism

Copy, paste, then you're done!

                           We tend to get lazy when it comes to our assignments, reports, project, and other requirements in school. But are you even aware that the simple copy + paste routine is against the law? Why? Because you're doing the act of plagiarism.

                       Plagiarism means you're "copying" or "stealing" someone else's ideas without the permission of the author. The words "copying" and "stealing" can lead to a serious offense though because you disregard the protection or copyright of the ideas of the author. There are many ways on how the plagiarism is committed but I will give three ways only:

1. Turning someone else's work as your own

                   It's their work, not yours. You can't just simply going to copy paste everything what the author has written on a specific topic and tell the readers that it's your fresh idea. The author can file a case on you once the author reads your "work"

2. Changing words but copying the sentence structure of a source without giving credit.

                   This is what students often to do. If they can't copy + paste everything, why not change some of the words and presto! New and fresh idea! But if the author reads your work, he/she may be doubtful and may investigate between your work and the author's. Then again, the author can file a case on you once the author reads you work.

3. Failing to put quotation in quotation marks

                    We all know know the quotation marks is just a symbol but we should be aware that it's not just a "symbol." The reason why there is quotation mark it's because we are acknowledging the person who said that famous phrase. Failure to give importance of the quotation can lead to plagiarism.

                   We don't want to go to jail early, so it's best for us to give credit and show the source of the ideas. We should be aware that plagiarism happens almost every second of the day. Let's avoid plagiarism.

Resource: http://www.plagiarism.org/plagiarism-101/what-is-plagiarism/

Blog # 17: Speak Up!

Speaking in front is not an easy task.

                           Its was lazy Friday on that very day, a competition for high school of various schools. I was there, sitting for four hours, mostly waiting but astonished by the speaking talents of the young students. I told myself "When I was in that age, I'm still shy to speak in front!" How amazing it is to watch the students speaking in front as if they're already experienced!

                               I have to say, some of their speeches touched my heart. I remember some of the stories. The hotdog guy, the girl who slashed her wrist, the I-almost-died-when-I-was-born boy, the dumped-after-the-prom guy, and the at-home guy. Although some of the speeches of the others were a bit off (especially dead airs), but the content of their speech is one of a kind. It really touched me as in my heart is racing. It gave me full attention, and I praise them by applauding.

                                The activities of the program was quite fun. The debate and the transition challenge is really fun. I told myself "I want to be in front and experience!" But of course, the shy me took over. I didn't go up the stage, instead, I watch my classmates do their thing over there. Oh the excitement was there! Quite enjoyable.

                            The overall program is something memorable for a speaking club. Well, I have to admit, I really enjoyed the program even though I spent half of the time getting bored. It's hard to catch the audience attention, but you have to speak out and let your voice be heard!

P.S. The inter-class competition is up next, and I am very, very, VERY nervous about it! (Because I'm one of the chosen and I want to back out for some reason. But I can't.)

#TeamLauxenflair

Blog# 16: Keep your Eyes and Mind open

We can be the master, the captain, or the superior. But are we aware what's happening?

                              On a hazy Wednesday, my professor in Grammar and Communications is absent. I thought I can leave to sleep again, but I was wrong. I attended a seminar together with my four other classmates (which its a must.) The topic of the seminar is about social media awareness. As expected, its all about do's and don't's on what to post in the world of the internet. What caught my attention, is the dark side of the internet.

                              Oh, reality! You've been quite a pain in the rear at many times. It can be in personal, but mostly in the world of the internet. Sometimes internet is annoying. Why? Since everyone is the "star" of the show, they can post whatever they want. They don't care who doesn't give a fudge about their posts and someday be famous in a matter of a day or two. I just simply don't know why do they have to do silly stuff (like procrastinating in front of the computer, or telling the world wide web that they don't have the right to bash them) just to be famous. Are they desperate? Looking for attention? If you take off you clothes, you will be noticed by millions of people? This is not the correct way of changing your life. Stay out of the computer for sometime and have a quality time with your loved ones.

                          Since you can literally post anything in the world of social media, besides seeing nothing but trash all day, you can see different opinions about the politics, world, happening etc. What's unique about posting opinions? Brainwashing the readers. After reading the posts, false opinions may spread in reality. Confusion spreads between what's right and wrong. Having false opinions can result to a fight, a bad war. They want peace? Stick to what's right, and that is books, newspaper, and television news.

                             Being famous is natural to the human kind. It's common and something "to die for." But aren't we aware of the other important things that we should be keeping an eye to? Yes, we do admire the stars entertaining us, but we should know what's happening to our brothers and sisters around the world.  It's sad that people praise what's trending rather than share what's good and what's to be aware of. I have to admit, humans are stupid animals. They laugh at people having pain, despise and discriminate a race, and praise the illiterate of internet. Are we that stupid? Or we're just avoiding reality?

                             We may start a revolution but may end up a war. One post may change everything, including your own life. You can brainwash or help people. The internet is a strong source of a medium. If we overpower it, it can go out of control, and also might start a World War III. Let's be cautious in our own words. Most importantly, let's be cautious in our surroundings.

#TeamLauxenflair

Blog # 15: F. Sionil Jose

"I write to please myself - of course, that is a given. But beyond this reach for pleasure, I know that I write for my country men, that they may be lifted from apathy and ignorance. I write because of a compulsion to make something out of the nothing. That is my own life" - F. Sionil Jose

                                F. Sionil Jose ( Francisco Sionil Jose) is a fictionist who was was born in December 3, 1924 in Rosales, Pangasinan. He is a son of Antonio  Jose, an Aglipayan minister, and Sophia Sionil, and he is married to Maria Teresa Jovellanos with seven children. When he was young, he had to help in supporting his family by raising hogs and working as a farm laborer. While he is working for his family, his mother encouraged him to love books. Jose started writing in grade school. In his 5th grade, one of Jose's teacher opened up a school library, and Jose managed to read  Jose Rizal's "Noli Me Tangere", Willa Carter's "My Antonia" and others.

                               He studied grade school in Rosales Elementary School, high school in Far Eastern University High School, and took pre-medicine in Manila College of Pharmacy and Dentistry, then to University of Santo Tomas, but shifted to Liberal Arts after World War II. During his college years, he became an editor-in-chief in the university paper "The Varsitarian." In 1947, he joined the staff of Commonwealth, a Catholic magazine. He went to work with the United States Information Service (USIS) as assistant editor. He worked there from 1948 to 1949. Later on, he became managing editor of the Sunday Times Magazine from 1957 - 1960, editor of Comment, and managing editor of Hong Kong-based Asia Magazine.He founded the Philippine Chapter of Poets, Playwrights, Essayist, Novelists (PEN) International Organization in 1958.

                                 After working briefly in Sri Lanka as information officer for the Colombo Plan Bureau, he returned to Philippines in 1965 and set up t Solidaridad Publishing House  as became a publisher, and Solidaridad Bookshop Ermita, Manila, together with his wife. In 1962, Jose has been a professional lecturer in Arellano University, De La Salle University, and University of the East. He was also a  writer-in-residence at the National University of Singapore, a visiting researcher at Kyoto University's Center for Southeast Asian Studies, in Japan, and a consultant for the Department of Agrarian Reform.

                               F. Sionil Jose created different novels, essays, short stories, and verses.His works was translated into several languages like Russian, Latvian, Ukrainian, Dutch, Indonesian, and Ilocano. He wrote the best of all his works, The Pretenders (1962). With his works he has various awards and he is known now as the National Artist for Literature in 2001.

Sources:

http://kulturang-noypi.blogspot.com/2011/07/biography-of-francisco-sionil-jose.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F._Sionil_Jos%C3%A9

http://geemiz.blogspot.com/2009/09/biography-francisco-sionil-jose.html

http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php/F._Sionil_Jose

Blog # 14 ; Research # 1 : Climate Change

             Notice such scorching heat, unconditional weather change, heavy storms, and untimely El Niño and La Niña? We people didn’t mind one of these but we should be aware on what is happening to our environment and possible consequences without further care. Having these devastating events can have a major catastrophe to our lifestyle and needs. Ultimately, this may cause an early destruction to mankind. Earth may no longer be habitable to any living creatures, and it’s all because of climate change. Why do we have Climate change?

                First is thinning of the ozone layer. Ozone layer is an “invisible wall” to reduce the heat waves of the Sun. Each year, the ozone layer is slowly depleting due to air pollution, specifically puffing engine smoke and cigarette smoke, using products with CFC (Chlorofluorocarbon), and burning of rubbers and plastics. Most industrialized countries, Like America and China, produces a lot of air pollution because of factories and heavy traffics, and uses a lot of CFC products. If our ozone layer continues to reduce its thin wall, heat will slowly raise, icebergs melt and water rises in a great amount, possible to have either a super typhoon or a tsunami that can engulf a small country, and people may die due to too much absorption of Ultraviolet rays.

                Last is the changing of greenhouse effect. The “Greenhouse effect” is a mixture of Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), Methane (CH₄), Nitrous Oxide (N₂O), and Water vapor (H₂O). Certain gas in the atmosphere blocks the heat from escaping. Human activities such as burning of fossil fuels like coal or oil has increased the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide, thus changing the natural atmospheric greenhouse can result warmer temperature, resulting to a global warming, and unpredictable climate patterns.

                We can lessen our carbon emissions in many ways like use an organic product, avoid using plastics, walk or ride a bike instead of driving a car, and the alike. We are living in a fragile planet with living creatures. Our world is in danger, and so are we and the future generation.


Sources: 
http://climate.nasa.gov/causes/
http://education.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/ozone-layer/

Blog # 13 : Alfredo Salazar (From the Short Story "Dead Stars")

I am Alfredo Salazar.

I am a professional lawyer, and a confused lover.

                    There are times that I am indecisive with my actions and feelings. I want things to happen in my way, leading to happy endings. I can be honest or dishonest at times but I am straight through when I know what is right and wrong for me. You can call me selfish, but I know what I am doing in my life because I believe in my thoughts and feelings for what are right to me and I can take consequences if I made the wrong choice.

        I am engaged with Esperanza. My sister, Carmen, chose her for me.  At first it was hard to love someone who thinks the person is perfect for you. As time goes by, I fell in love to Esperanza. We’ve been together for a year now. My sister plans to take it to the next level, and that is marriage. 

             My father and I go to the judge’s house for some “business.” As I approach the door, I thought this is the judge’s wife. As this fine lady corrected me, it was the judge’s sister-in-law, named Julia Sales. Believe me I am struck with her fine words and graceful attitude.

                How could I explain this…? When I became friends with Julia and our souls slowly come close, it’s like a bloom inside my chest. A light glow shines upon my heart, feeling that you finally found the lost piece of your heart. Every time I see her, my heart skipped a beat. I always find a way to go to her and try my best not be nervous whenever I am close to hear. Seeing her smile and hearing her laughter makes up my day. She simply completes me.

                When I came home after the Holy Sunday, I saw Esperanza sitting down of a sofa. It seems that I am in trouble. She thinks that I am having an affair with someone else. I have to defend myself, so I told her what I truly feel, and I don’t love her anymore. Yes it does hurt emotionally, spiritually, and mentally to me, especially to Esperanza, but I have to be true to myself. I don’t want to lie to her anymore. After having an argument she decided to let me go, giving me my “freedom.”

                I sailed on a boat to attend an important business. I’m supposed to be in Sta. Cruz for the hearing between the rebels and the government. When a guard told me that it will take a little longer, I decided to stroll around the streets after landing on a small village. To be honest, I can’t stop thinking of Julia. I want to see her once more. As I go further, I saw her, looking outside the window.

                We had our small talk. But that small talk may be our last. I have to sail away. I have to say good-by. I have to let go and continue my journey as a lawyer and a confused lover. But I prayed to the stars that we shall collide once again when the right time comes. Who knows what is truly fated to me.

Blog# 12: Some Jeepney Stories

I don't usually think a lot in the jeepney. But when I do, it's going to be deep. Really deep.

                                 Besides what to eat at home, have you ever think deep in the jeepney? Ever asked yourself what did you do before going home, or what kind of good deed you'll do before going home? If you have, you're not alone. Who wouldn't think really deep in such an annoying traffic? The heat from the sun and engine, the smoke of other jeepneys, cars, or trucks, the dust from the construction, and the noisy horns of "rushing" citizens. It's really inevitable, but let me share some experiences I'll never forget while I was heading home.

                             I rode a jeep (obviously) then I saw a jolly young girl with her grandmother beside her. I can't stop smiling every time I see her. Holding her coca-cola bottle candy, while talking to a stranger beside her. I loved her enthusiasm, her innocence, and her shyness. I've decided to draw her in anime style. She was happy. She showed it to her grandmother then kept it in her plastic bag with her favorite treat in it. I kept smiling, and I wasn't satisfied. I made an origami lotus flower for her. She showed it to her grandmother. I went down the jeepney as my destination reached. I winked at the girl before I came down, and I walked home, smiling.

                                    I was walking going to the jeepney terminal on a rainy afternoon. A guy was running under the rain. I can't bear to see this guy running under the crying heavens. I raised my umbrella and brisk walked beside him. I spoke up to him"Kuya heto oh. Maki-sulong ka magkasakit ka pa niyan." He smiled with a hint of embarrassment and said "Nako ate, huwag nalang po. Nakakahiya."  I refused his request. He had no choice but to be with me under the umbrella. When we reached the jeepney terminal, we sat together, and the conversation started. We're both freshmen in the same school but different institution. I'm an accountancy student and he's an IT student (if I can remember) He's from Laguna which is quite far. I asked him why did he ride in this jeepney if he's from Laguna. He smiled with a laughter "Kasi ang dad ko nagtatrabaho sa Star Cruise. Kaya hihintay ako doon." After he went down the jeepney. He waved good-by. Call it a serendipity, it's just good things come together. Don't even try thinking of it as my future couple


Basically that's what I remembered.. Hope I can think some more..

#TeamLauxenflair

Blog # 11: Christianity as One

I went to Malabon to meet a special someone. It was a challenge for me.

                               Yes, he invited me to his church when I told him I don't have a Saturday Class. I was excited at first then I got nervous when I stepped on the land of Malabon. When I went in to the church, I feel like I'm an apple in an orange crate! I'm wore the typical casual blouse and jeans get up, while the majority, for the girls, wear dress! Nervousness engulfed me!

                                He's a Seventh-Day Adventist, I'm a Catholic. He goes to church every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, while I go to church every Sunday. He studies bible, while I listen to the priest's preach. But we only have one similarity. We praise the One and Only Jesus Christ. During the Sabbath day, he invited me to join in the bible study. And here's what caught my attention.

                                There are two preachers inside the room. An elder, and a guy in his mid 40's. The rest are Adventists, except for me and another old woman. I was quite shocked to the guy, who's in his mid 40's, was originally a Catholic, then converted to Inglesia ni Cristo, then to Adventist. I told myself that the guy really looks for true devotion to Jesus Christ. While the two preachers, told some chapter and verses from different persons, I was a bit struck with their words regarding to different branches of Christianity (e.g. Mormons, INC, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Protestants, Seventh-Day Adventist, etc.) has different ways, and the reason why the Seventh-Day Adventist is very different to them, is that they read the bible, as for the bible is where the Lord's story and teachings are scripted. There's the sad part. Hearing that some religion used their religion as part of gaining power since its in majority in the country. Some people pray for the sake of it. Catholics doesn't read the bible because they kept on relying the preaching of the priests. How ironic that the preacher mentioned that the Catholic doesn't read bible? I didn't agree on that because there are some who really read the bible even though they're Catholic. INC doesn't believe on Jesus Christ, which made me ponder, where the preacher said that Jesus is the human form of God. Some of the time, during the bible study, I sighed silently to the horrid nature to the different branches of Christianity, but enjoyed the whole bible study up to the end.

                               At the end of the day, I thanked my beloved one for letting me in the church and giving me his time. It made me reflect on many things to be honest. It really made me ponder and asked myself with this big question: "If we all believed in one God, why do we have to branch out ourselves? Why do we have to differ ourselves with the others?"

                                 There is a purpose in having a religion, as it is for the people to unite and believe in one God. To come in peace with the people. No discrimination, no hate, just love for our kind and love for God.

#TeamLauxenflair

Author with the mentioned special someone

Blog # 10 : Inhale, Exhale

I admit. I'm a smoker. A second-hand smoker.

To be really honest, I didn't attend the anti-smoking campaign. I'm going to put my opinions about smoking.

                    And probably you guys know what a second-hand smoke is. If you don't, here's a simple explanation: Inhaling smoker's smoke. You're not smoking the smoker's cigar. Why you ask? Imagine, you're talking or even eating beside that person, he/she will just puff the smoke beside you, but not directly of course. And it also happen almost everyday. You always see the same person puffing. Nearly impossible to avoid inhaling the smoker's smoke. But aren't you feeling worried to the person?

                  I understand why people smoke. To get away with problems. To relieve the stress. I know it sounds really vague but you have to understand. Besides understanding, you have to warn. We all got concerns, especially if your loved ones are the ones who smokes a lot.

                Yes. I am very aware the consequences in smoking that even second-hand smokers can have an equal or more than the consequences than the first-hand smokers (the one who really smokes.) I'm also afraid that my dad may die due to lung cancer. I want to point out for those who started smoking and who continued chain smoking to stop this kind of habit. You know the risks, why want it to happen early? You're just wasting your money just for a pack of cigarettes rather than to save it for your future. Think about it. Think large. Don't stress yourself and smoke it away. You'll pay twice or twice on your hospital bills rather than your one month supply of cigarettes.

                    For the ladies and gents who smokes a lot, stop. Just stop. Please. It's for your health not mine. Would you want to risk yourself just because of a petty problem? Or you just wanted it to make it worse without even noticing it. You don't want to end up in a hospital bed, would you?

#TeamLauxenflair

Blog #9: Fun Time in SoM Week!

Let's go SoA-- Er... SoM!

Seriously. I'll probably never get used to saying SoM.

                   Hail for the School of Management, formerly called the School of Accountancy and Business! You guys might think that this department is full of head exploding courses and does nothing but eye-widening paper works, and body-aching management. Well, you're probably right. But we SoA-- Er... SoM got the funk! We can still prove that we still have the crazy fun inside our soul for the relief after all the head-exploding studies!

                The first day of SoM week? How should I start this. Well, we paraded, or should I say, walked half of the Brgy. Magallanes. The scorching heat poking to my skin really annoys me and the boredom slowly striking through as I felt weak and tired. After all that marching, we watched an opening remark, a cheer, and a dance (with cute boys!) and basically left after the program. Yeah, that's it.

                   The rest of the week? I can barely say it was "enjoyable." I mean, on the second day we were scolded by our Public Speaking II teacher for coming late. Beast mode, really. Scary too. The next few days of SoM week, I watched a volleyball match. My classmates are going wild to a player who is also our classmate. We kept on shouting "Go Eva! Dalang dala mo ung team!" Seminar and mass was also part of the week. I was amused that the JPIA required us to bring a pen and a notebook for donation.

                   After all the back-breaking days of lessons, quizzes, and activities, SoM week is very enjoyable. And I'm looking forward to next year's SoM week!.

                    P.S. I'm waiting for the lanyard and T-shirt of JPIA. I'm quite impatient yet excited at the same time!

#TeamLauxenflair

Blog # 8:Twisted Fate (All About Parasyte - the Maxim - : Live Action Movie)

An anime turned into a live action movie!

            I was quite happy and excited when my teacher in English Enhancement Program I (the same teacher I had in Philippine Literature I) got the live action movie of Parasyte - the Maxim - ! I haven't watched the anime in full yet but I bet the movie itself gave me such spoilers and all. Doesn't matter, at least it got me good!

                An ordinary boy with an ordinary life with such extraordinary parasite that made the rest of his life... Extraordinary. Meet Shinichi Izumi, an ordinary school boy, with a parasite as his partner. Crazy right? How do I start this? There was a "something" landed on the waters of Japan. Infestations of this extraterrestrial parasite crawling all over Japan. What's weird and interesting to this certain parasite is that they really have an objective, and that is to manipulate a person by eating the host's brain and basically take over the world. But wait, in this picture, there is a weird alienated hand in him? What the fudge happen? The parasite didn't enter in his brain. Just his hand. That's where his screwed adventure begins.

               Miraculously, this parasite seems to give no harm. Instead, he's given such strength. Unlike other people, who's been affected by the parasite, are acting like a crazed zombie. Also, these parasites are fast learners! These things are quite interesting you know. Besides being a fast learner, they're somehow brutal. They would just simply kill a person just for food. Ugh. Disgusting to look at. Really into gore.

             Would you imagine, just a parasite, would change your life? It turns you into a different person. You became a bit cold to others, a bit straight forward, and a bit of... Different. You're not who you are anymore. But you know what you're doing. You want to eliminate other people who are infected by that parasite with the help of your parasite. Crazy yet very meaningful. Tells about life. Life is short. Simple as that.

#TeamLauxenflair

Blog # 7: Fated to Love You (All about the Movie : "Turn Left, Turn Right")

Destiny awaits!

                    As said by majority, "Love can wait." and this movie proves it all! Imagine, that your fated someone is just around the corner, and almost everywhere you go, you get to be with him but only unconsciously? Truly, love is in the air! A story of fate, faith, jealously, destiny, and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

                      The musician and the journalist reunited at a small pond where the journalist's translated poem was blown away and landed on the water. The musician saw it helped the journalist collect the paper. Then they started having this conversation that gave both of them got the coincidence. They asked each other's number, and forever exist! They are fated to love each other! But what kind of conflict awaits them?

                     When both of them suffer the symptoms of pneumonia, they both ordered the same dish at the same restaurant. The waitress gave their orders, and the girl suddenly fell in love with the musician. The waitress does her best to avoid the journalist to meet the musician once more. When the musician called for a hospital rescue, the rescue took the journalist instead. When the journalist's doctor inspected her, the doctor remembered her in a foreign language class. He said that he had his love at first sight in the first crazy day. Both the doctor and the waitress tries to avoid the two to meet after they knew that the journalist and the musician are destined to be each other.

                        When the doctor and the waitress send a package of picture for both journalist and musician, they're betting if they the two couples would return to them, then they are not fated for each other. As the journalist got an job to an international press, and the musician got the spot for an international orchestra. When they will try to repeat the number that were given to them, they exchanged calls, they finally answered but only via recorder. After hearing the recorder, they went out to see each other. At the end, they saw each other and got married. Horray!

                       You see, there really is forever! No bitterness shall overwhelm to the power of love! Someday, you might meet that special someone of yours!


#TeamLauxenflair

Blog # 6: An Open Letter for the Layered (This is not a negative Letter)

Dear Ching,

                  I know you're feeling lonely because people don't want to be near with your weirdness and uncanny lust for food. I know you're feeling confused because your other friends tend to despise behind your back and leave you alone for the sake of being "cool." I know you're bashful when it comes to people around you, the feeling you are not belong. Anxiety and depression rolled into you every time the crowd would stare into your soul and almost telling you to get out of the society. Hear me out, young one! I have the same feelings with you up until now. You are not alone. You are different, and that what's make you special.

                    I know you're giving your effort to gain friends, to be a good person to everyone, to avoid people from criticizing you, and more importantly, to understand who you are. They should know that we thick-skinned people have a thin layer of heart. People should see through what and why have we become. Yes, they can tell that we're unaware of ourselves in terms of health and lifestyle, what do they know about us to discriminate us? This is the sad truth ladies and gentlemen. People are too cold to understand not only we thick-skinned people, but for to the other races and color.

                  Let me tell you a little story. When I was in grade school, the whole years compose nothing but depression. Why? People don't like me. I tried to be very nice to them and look what they told me at the end? "You're doing this because you're just a fool and we'll just use you anyway you weirdo." This is the moment I did not forget, so I told myself this: "I swear to God when I'm going to my high school and college years, you'll be soo sorry!" I tried going near to people, show what I can do, and for the very first time I had a friend, and we're best friends up until you know it. I started gaining new friends, learning new cultures, respecting strangers, understanding the losers, and inspiring the weak. Even though there are times that people left me alone and I cry silently, I told myself this afterwards: "Don't worry, I'll be a better person tomorrow."

                  NEVER LET THE PEOPLE STRANGLE YOU FROM WHO YOU ARE! Who cares if someone said to you that "You are what you eat," or "You'll going to have a bad future with that size!" You are the master of your own fate and the captain of your soul, and you can do whatever it takes to take them down and prove that you are you, the better you, the smarter you, the kinder you, and most importantly, the more awesome you! Never let people pull you out of your dreams! Who are they to judge us? Keep in mind that they're just finding a way to get a full attention to the audience and feel like they're soo cool and perfect. Keep in mind that we're all different and we should respect that difference. And also, keep in mind that God treated us equally so we should love everyone no matter who we are.

                     Ching, I hope you're alright now. I hope you're inspired. What are you waiting for? Make a change! I'll see you in the happy life!


Sincerely,
Taba (Fat)

#TeamLauxenflair

Blog # 5: The Bald Spot (All about the play: "Ang Tatay Mong Kalbo")

" "Ang Tatay Mong Kalbo?" This sounds like a good, and funny play for me. "

                     I told myself this, and I am correct! It is a good, funny, AND enjoyable play ever. I thought, at first, the beginning will be a blast, like crazy musical number or whatnot. Also, it's a play with funny scenes with sense of good direction (by means of no random out-of-the topic/question conversations.) When the director said that there's a deep and hidden meaning in this absurd play, I pondered to myself "Really? Well it's hard to find a lesson in an absurd play, but I'll give it a shot." After the play, I went home and tried to recall the play then think of what kind of message she was reffering. While listening to a Deemo playlist (It's a rhythm game, major in piano. My favorite collection 1A and 1B, link will be provided on the end of the post if interested,) I thought deep, and there are few things that sparked up my mind and nearly answered the question "Why is the play titled "Ang Tatay Mong Kalbo?.

                  First, the story itself. Humor aside, it's just a typical home with random thingamagigs happening in the house. Stories, amnesia (between Mr. and Mrs. Reyes), temptation, and others. But that typical home has a deeper meaning in my perspective. This reflect the natural routine of an ordinary neighborhood in the Philippines. "Sharing" different kinds of grapevines to each and every neighborhood that may hurt the feelings of the person, having such high standards even though they're poor in the family, judging the person, thinking that the one who's judging is perfect. Did you notice the conversation between Mr. and Mrs. Santos in the beginning of the play? For me, this shows that they're not a happy couple at all, they're just forced to understand each other to be exact. What they're sharing to each other? It's just a test that if they really care on a certain person/topic, in short, testing of the person is what the people used to say "Plastic."  Some couple huh?

                          Second, the surnames of "Reyes," and "Santos." According to research, the surname "Reyes" came from the Latin word "Regis" meaning "Royal," while "Santos" is a Latin word meaning "Saints." I can clearly identify the attitudes of Mr. and Mrs. Reyes, and Mr. and Mrs. Santos. Their similarity is the attitude of being in the "highest social class of the society." Rich and powerful, and has high standards in life. They always imply that they had the best in the city while others in the neighborhoods are just some lowly citizens. Saints are like gods, highly respected, people should not oppress the power. Do you ever notice that Mr. and Mrs. Santos are a bit disgusted to Mr. and Mrs. Reyes? The situation is like having a war between gods and kings. Also, almost at the end of the play, did you notice that Mr. and Mrs. Reyes switched places with Mr. and Mrs. Santos? It's like the kings are the ruler of the world, treated as "gods." What kind of irony where having this? Quite funny to think that they suddenly switch places. And I also cant believe I thought it this deep.

                       Third, the different stories of the Hepe and Mr. Santos and other grapevines of the two couples and Hepe. I find Mrs. Santos' story, "Ang Bulaklak" too obsurd since it's all about infatuation. What caught my attention is that the story of Mr. Santos' "Ang Ahas at Ang Aso." Now this is a good reflection to reality. What I observed to this story that this is a situation between a trickster and an innocent person. If you keenly listen to the story of the story, the snake is just using the dog for pleasures. Why would he kill the dog if he doesn't have temptations and greed up his sleeves? Another thing, from the random neighborhood stories of the two couples did you notice that they took a big deal to an useless story? It irritates me to be honest. This is one of the nature of Filipino neighborhood. One useless thing gradually became a "big issue to the society." Cool story bro. Let's pretend I understood all of them.

                       Lastly, why is it called "Ang Tatay Mong Kalbo" anyway?. I seriously though that the main character is literally a bald father, but no. After thinking deep and getting some of the hidden message to the absurd play, the reason why it is called "Ang Tatay Mong Kalbo" is that what they're referring "father" is the innocence of the person. Free from negativity from other people, has a sincere heart, avoids all the false statements from other cold-hearted, and selfish people. And why is it bald? People shaved all those good perspective that the father had. Selfish people shaved his smooth hair. The hair shows the optimism of the person even though he had this bitterness to the scalp. The baldness reveals humiliation, discrimination, and the alike. That's reality, we get shaved by people with their selfishness.

                      That's all I can think of. I really can't believe that I though of this deep but since it reflected me a lot even though its an absurd play it really helped me realize few things about the reality in the Philippines. That's all. *bow*

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The Link of the Playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjDbbxvol24

Resources:
https://www.houseofnames.com/reyes-family-crest
http://www.sheknows.com/baby-names/name/santos

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Blog #4: The Chronicles of Ensaymada (All About Heneral Luna)

I got addicted to the movie "Heneral Luna" because of the powerful message that it brings to the Filipino nation.

                          I saw this article in Facebook that the director's intention is to give a strong message to the Filipinos and to lift up the spirit of nationalism within. I am really impressed with the director and good news, it reached P200M (and counting) in just four weeks! Can you feel the patriotic air in the Philippines in just one movie? It's also nominated as "Best Foreign Film!" How incredible is that! It's even required to students to watch this movie, and it was a brilliant idea. It helps the students to learn briefly about the history of the Philippines during the American-Filipino war, moreover, the dark stench of the government way back in that time. Besides "fan girling" over Rusca and Del Pilar in the movie, the main character, Heneral Luna, shows the true definition of nationalism. You see, for me, there is a BIG difference between nationalism and patriotism. Nationalism shows your true love for the country. You are ready to give up your life for the development of your country, while patriotism implies that you love your country, and that's that. Let me give you my view on the movie: "Heneral Luna."

                          "A Lunatic War Freak," "General "Article One" ", and "The Greatest General of the Army." That's what people mostly describe to Heneral Luna. For me, he's one of the national heroes of the beloved Pearl of the Orient. Call him a lunatic, he's just doing his job as a general and as a concerned citizen of the endangered country. Almost everyone in the movie hated Luna's attitude. The flared temper, the strictness, and "over disciplined" attitude that people hated to him, thinking that he's overusing his power as a general. Yes, let's think of that way, but at least he though of fighting to the Americans rather than to drop down, surrender, and give up yourself to the Americans. He's a very wise man, well educated, and I am quite disappointed that people think of him as a threat. I admire his tactics to drive away the Americans during the war, service for the love of his country, and how he cared and handled his army. Give promotions for the worthy, demote or remove from the position for the worthless. All he wanted is the people to cooperate with him, but what mostly happened? They ignored him and they just simply do what they please. You know what's worst? Secret assassination of Heneral Luna, a set up of the President Emilio Aguinaldo. Yes, the president had a grudge on Luna after the middle part of the movie. I don't even know why the president have this kind of mindset to even give a secret assassination to the greatest general of the Philippines? Is it the overuse of the power as an Army general, is it the  unnecessary demotion, arrest, or dismissal of officials, or is it that our president had enough problems to take, he just had to kill Luna? Who knows what he had in mind.

                              I also started thinking deep to this movie. I asked myself "What if these situation in the movie related to the situation today?" Indeed, it is somewhat connected. I'll give you an example: In the movie, there is this part that the army of general Luna is trying to ride the train, but that train is filled with people who wanted to have a relaxing vacation even if it's the midst of war. The people didn't care about the army, all they care is about their lovely vacation. This is related to our situation today. What is that situation you ask? We citizens love AlDub or Pastillas Girl or whatever trending to the showbiz. We are in a bliss in these trends, but are we not concern about our supposed claimed territories that will give help to the development of our country? Do we even try to care for the poor, the captive citizens, the soldiers who served for the country, the corruption happening in our country, or even the upcoming threats that we will someday meet? I guess not, and probably 5% will. Quite shameful.

                                Beside having some touch of comedy to ease the serious and grudging aura of the movie and having some few handsome characters in the movie (especially Rusca and Del Pilar), the movie wants to point at you and say "Hey, hear me out! Wake up young one! Your country is endangered until now! See the dark shadows of the government, the need of our army, and most of all your love in our country." What about you, what do you think about the movie?

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P.S.: Have a dose of Heneral Luna Memes

Blog# 3 :Philippine Literature 1 Activities

Hail the Philippine Literature, Hail the Filipino Spirit!

Really! 

                       The Philippine Literature subject needs to be hold dearly since I am a Filipino and I am a proud Filipino and I need this subject! I've been really curious what's in the nutshell of my subject. Besides learning some few things, let me give you some activities we've done soo far!

Activity I - Heneral Luna Role Play

                       Yes, role play, and I played as Pedro Paterno (wait what?). It was a really fun experience. Me, a role as a guy and somewhat of an antagonist in the movie. During practice, I admit it was a chaos and people are like really carefree. People are shouting here and there, roles here and there, what to do here and there, here and there to the infinite power.  but at the end, we managed to pull off a good role play. After that activity, it gave me the hype to watch Heneral Luna all over again.

Activity II - Mi Ultimo Adios Recital (In English)

                        "What the actual fudge." The first sentence that came up to me silently when my teacher suddenly spoke in Spanish. My jaws drops, my ears slowly deafened, and my brain slowly walking out of the building. "No! Focus!" I told myself. When my teacher assigned 14 students to read the Mi Ultimo Adios (Spanish version) out loud to us, I tried to focus, but my mind suddenly went blank and I caught myself staring at people with a face of "The fudge." written all over me.

                        "Finally, something understandable." I told myself when my teacher gave us something to do. When she told us to do something like a speech choir on the given piece, it suddenly gave me a good flash back during my first term. We're second place in the speech choir and I was happy. Anyway, after going to the designated practice room, the room is overwhelmed with silence at first. I spoke up first what to do, then next person, then one after another until we finished the designation of lines to each person. After the practice, we did a pretty good job on the activity, and I have to admit, it was really enjoyable.

Activity III - Poem out of a drawing

                      "What kind of image I'll draw out of a poem." Yeah. Creating an image out of a poem was my problem. I had no idea why, I swear. I've been drawing things, from famous characters, to random doodles, and I'm having a problem drawing an image. It was really embarrassing for myself to have this problem. I made a house. Yes a house. A drunk house who's roof is a bit slanted. At least I did it. Yay?

Activity IV - Take the lines from an audio poem

                      One word. "Hard." Geez, did you know, my paper is full of erasures and messed up writing? Yes it's that difficult, especially when the audio is not that good. You can hear some cracked up words or sometimes the poem is too short, I go like "That was it?!" Annoying, but it was really challenging. It helps me boost up my focus. Yay me, I guess.

Activity V - Origami

                      Yup, the Japanese art of paper folding. We made a frog and a crane. I finished the frog, but the crane I didn't made it in time. I was crying because I felt this depression that my friends left me alone. I promised to myself that I'll give the crane to my teacher. And I did, and I feel proud about it. I even left a note, a sign of thanking her for being with me.

Activity VI - Tanaga

                          Filipino Haiku to be exact. I was really inspired by my favorite rhythm game, Deemo, with such awesome background picture. I took the inspiration from the song Paper Plane's Adventure by my favorite composer V. K. (Vanros Kloud) I'm quite proud with my work.

Activity VI - Desire

                           At first I thought it was a different kind of desire. Like eating a lot of food and such. But when I saw it's about the beauty of the woman (specifically the body.) I was a bit irritated because it somehow relates to men who seek these things. But what I really enjoyed to this activity is that I'm in 7th place. Hey, it's worth it.

Activity VII - Dead Stars

                             Poetically, these stars are dead for they are forgotten and alone, but never disappeared. They will remain on the heavens. Just like the desires of a man named Alfredo Salazar. At least this is better than watching a Filipino movie called "A Love Story." Hey, it's my taste. Don't judge.

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Get updated on the activities that will be post if there are any activities that will be given to us by our teacher!

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