Sawasdeka, Bangkok! (Sept 2012)

September 28-October 1, 2012. Bangkok, Thailand.

I had to cut four classes for this trip but it was totally worth it! First time in Bangkok! Upon arriving at the airport in Thailand (I keep forgetting what it's name is), the passport control area was jam packed. The lines were moving at such a glacial pace that it would be 10 or 15 minutes before we took a few steps forward. My brother and I joked that this was because of the movie, Hangover Part 2.

First photo in Thailand! Taking the walkalators down to the sky train.

The Right to be Heard

Like any ordinary and humble netizen and citizen of the Philippines, I have but a few thoughts and opinions on the latest issue that has plagued our country. Plagued. Am I still allowed to use that word?

Image taken from Digital Martial Law Article on GMA News Online and SPOT.ph

Everyone has been quoting Article I of the Bill of Rights which basically states that every Filipino regardless of who they are, what they do and where they come from, has a right to Life, Liberty and Property. They CANNOT be deprived of these rights unless there is due process of law.

There have also been posts about the right to freedom of expression in whatever form, manner or medium. I am not a student of law, nor do I practice it. I cannot admit to fully comprehending the laws of our country but I, like all other citizens of our country, have access to the information on the latest schemes and sad excuses for bills that our government shits out.

There is a new act that steps on the rights of Filipinos.

I do not intend to expound on its legality, pros and cons. It is enough to know that this particular act does not respect and uphold the Filipinos' rights. I'd like to know, what do they want to get out of this? I am all for eradicating cyber bullying, cyber sex and all other online acts that are detrimental to the general welfare of society. But to hinder and block us from expressing what we want, however harmless they may be, and to stop us from publishing posts? That's borderline idiotic and quite frankly, atrocious.

I do not want to bash any more on this joke of a law. You get enough of that on the internet. No. I would like to contemplate on the ideals of the common Filipino which they have been deliberately trampled to dust. On the historical events of our nation's great legacy that have become absolutely meaningless to so many today, including persons in the government. On the future of our country that I imagine what with the bonehead "public servants" that "serve" us.

We celebrate Rizal Day, Bonifacio Day, Independence Day, Edsa Revolution Day, and other events that commemorate the victory and triumph of the Filipinos throughout history. We celebrate our great heroes to remember what they did and who they are. Along with this remembrance, we can only hope to embody their ideals and become who they are--heroes, brave men who fought for freedom, ideal Filipinos. Nowadays, celebrating these great events and heroic men of Filipino history merely means regular holidays and no class days. What the hell happened?

The people standing up to the Cybercrime Prevention Act reminds me so much of Rizal standing up to abusive people of power of the Spanish colonial period with Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo; of Ninoy and Cory Aquino's fight for democracy; of the Katipuneros' actions for freedom. All of these boil down to the fact that the people in government no longer care. Although the actions of our great heroes and those who have voiced out their opinions on our right to freedom of expression are not of equal magnitude, they are basically the same. Fight for freedom, fight for justice, fight for our rights.

In my travels in other countries, I can only hope and dream that one day, we will be able to reach an equal level with our brothers in foreign seas. Educated citizens, less pollution, a responsible government, an active work force. All these seem like pipe dreams that are but lingering in the recesses of the minds of dreamers of a better Philippines.

The rash actions and fogged mentality of our government have brought nothing but shame to our country and constant suffering for our countrymen. They concentrate on those that don't actually need their immediate actions. They do not seem take their work seriously. They lack empathy and compassion for the people who have been robbed of their dignity, rights and protection.

Expressing oneself encourages intellectual stimulation. It invites individuals to become better thinkers, speakers, writers, especially with a wide avenue for sharing ideas. (Ideas -- one of my favorite words.) But if the government attempts to shut us out and dampen opportunities to expound on the issues of our country, then the few free thinkers will not be able to reach out to people who have lent their ears to ideas that are about Filipino ideals. What are still staying in school for if we cannot become original thinkers and creators?

Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012; so many issues and conundrums can stem from it. So many more branches of the same tree stretching outward only to bear no fruit and vegetation. The many social, economic and cultural issues that have befallen on our country bring me to tears. What happened? We have become the laughing stock of the whole world. We have lost the Filipino identity. We have forgotten what it means to be a Filipino.

I know this will not reach out to a lot of people or less likely, the government. But I don't care. I am but a small voice struggling to be heard in a country that is being attempted to be silenced.

Respect our rights. Or shun yourself from the position you were entrusted to commit to by the people who put you there.

A few weeks ago

It's been about a few weeks since the UST Behavioral Science Society general assembly but I just felt like sharing this. I wore a black dress with a tulle skirt and a yellow cardigan; all with a gold necklace, watch, and a bracelet. It was really hot then so I borrowed Kiko's polo shirt and replaced it with my sister's thick yellow cardigan. This is what went down:

I don't know, but it actually looks pretty good. Haha. It looks like a lab coat but I think it just has to be paired with the right stuff. Mine could use a little more improvement but overall I think it's okay. I'm not trying to start a trend or anything because that's not my thing and me, trending? Really? I don't think so. Anyway, enough about that because I have something else to talk about that happened several weeks back: The 33rd Manila International Book Fair!

I forgot when I went there but it was a week-long event from September 12 to 16 and held at the Mall of Asia Complex. I was pretty big with a lot of stalls from different publication houses, titles, stores, etc. It's every book worms haven. I wish I had more money though because I really wanted to buy a lot of books and reading materials. Just the sight of all the books made me drool.

I bought this shirt at the Ayala Museum Library stall. It's a "Sketches by Jose Rizal" shirt. I would absolutely LOVE to go to an exhibit at the Ayala Museum some time.

Because Tahanan Books were a part of my childhood and Lola Basyang's stories have always fascinated me. I will always be a kid at heart and reading their books will always rekindle my youth. I mean, the side of me much younger than I physically am.

I can't help it! Their memo pads are so cool. And with their package containing 1 calendar pad, 1 to-do list pad, 2 little memo pads and a slightly bigger one, at P250, I just had to!

Every post is always late. Too bad for lack of time and stress. Oh well. September 2012 trip to Bangkok, Thailand POST in a few days...

Global Youth Summit 2012

THIS JUST IN! I interrupt my current Thesis work to blog about something BIG.

Last September 7, 2012 I had the privilege of being part of the biggest youth summit for young leaders all over the country. THE GLOBAL YOUTH SUMMIT! And yes, it took me THIS long to put it in writing. Honestly, all the commotion with acads and org work drives me to chaotic madness. A little exaggerated. But that's how it is..

Anyway, yes the summit was pretty big. 1000 delegates to say the least. We also had some influential personalities there. So yes, GYS was awesome.

Because I've run out of fuel to jog my memory for the details regarding the event, I'd like to tell this tale through photos I took during the GYS.

I went to the GYS with one of my best friends, Naomi. Earlier that day, I slept over at her place. So yeah, we still had racoon-ish eyes.

I absolutely love their logo design. Colorful! I like to eat crayons and shit rainbows hence, my admiration for all the pretty pastels I saw.

The event was just about to start and people were already starting to fill the sky dome up. I loved the initial part of the event wherein everyone joined in the AIESEC dances. I love AIESEC dances. They're awesome.

The hosts! Oh, for the life of me, I cannot remember what their names were. But I do know that they radio jockeys.

AIESEC-UST's LCP Joyce Domingo in the middle.

With AIESEC Philippines' MCVP for Talent Management. The letters and acronyms are confusing you? Same way I felt during my first few experiences with AIESEC. If I have to explain... ngrghrghn.

With Naomi, my groupmate and TOMCAT orgmate Pau and AIESEC-UST's LCVP for Outgoing Exchange, Riella. I don't know why but I just really wanted a picture with this backdrop.

I love this guy. I follow him on Twitter, I'm a fan of APO and he's really outspoken and driven. Ew, I sound like a creepy fangirl. But seriously though, this guy's awesome. I loved his entire speech! Very inspiring words that were all quotable.

Truth be told, I've never heard of him until GYS. But based on his talk and his achievements, he is truly an epitome of "small but incredible". I can relate with his life experiences and, let's face it, his being petite. I loved his speech and all the lessons I picked up!

This slide was from Mrs. Inez Reyes, CEO of Reyes Barbecue. I love this. Also, their business story was one for the books. 

Taken after the summit. I love taking these awkward photos.

Media, bitch. I actually had to write a narrative article on the GYS after the event.

Chilled at Naomi's place after the event for a while. On the couch with Kiko. Thank you for picking us up :)

Err, yeah. Flat tire. What a bust.

Spread the awkwardness! Love the awkwardness!

So all in all, I learned a lot. I think it's safe to say that a lot of speakers there really ignited the "fire of change" present within the delegates. The volunteerism campaigns, change-the-world agenda and project management talks really did make me want to impact something influential and good in society. It's a pipe dream and I sound like any other idealistic fool wishing for the moon. But based on history, the people who wrote it and preserved their identity through time are the idealistic ones who acted upon their dreams.

Damn, I sound really cheesy. After all, words are useless unless coupled with action. Enough about that. I'll be contemplating more about this when my energy levels are better than they are now.

It's my birthday today! Sadly, I won't be able to stick to my original plan of just sleeping the day away on my bed full of all my crap because I'm too lazy to fix my stuff. I won't be able to while the time away just reading and resting and recharging my batteries.

I have to go to DSWD with my sister in the morning and then AIESEC UST duties in the afternoon. On a lighter note, I'll be watching Phantom of the Opera tomorrow evening and then much later after that, Sumulong Highway in Antipolo! Exciting.

More awesome news that made my day: I was able to recite well in Labor. But I was just really lucky that I had the easy questions and it was only... 2 or 3 minutes short. Haha. Also, my friends surprised me :) First time, I was touched so naturally, like the bawler I am... water works.

Next time when I have the photos from my friends already.

Thank you: Kiko, Naomi, Katrin, Claire, Camille, Reya, Alex, Argel, Luis, Anna, Kuya Jason, Blessie, Erica! >:D<

Monday Mayhem

September 10, 2012 was a Monday. Probably one of the most eventful Mondays [I think] of my life so far. This was also the date of UST Yoga Club's general assembly. I couldn't make it to the morning batch because I had a meeting with Ms. Ces Lopez of Manila Cookie Co. for a group project regarding manufacturing businesses.

At UST's Tan Yan Kee Student Center 4th floor. Probably one of the best places there because of this scenery. It's so naturally well-lit and serene-looking.

About a semester ago, this is also where my group mates and I had a photo shoot for our Training and Development subject, wherein our main program was Yoga. Namaste! :)

The meeting was held in Starbucks (one the most famous meet-up places ever) along E. Rodriguez Ave. Look at those HUGE cookies. Look at them and drool. The Cookie Monster is going to have a field day.

L-R (1st row): Ms. Ces Lopez, Camille, me, Christine, Blessie

L-R (2nd row): Katrin, Reya, Erica, Joey

Claire, where are you?! Taking the picture hehe.

Lunch @ Tapsilog Avenue, near UST-Dapitan area. Run by Joey's family. Visit them! :)

The entire morning and afternoon of the day was scorching hot. I wasn't really expecting rain to fall anytime soon. Damn it, rain it did. It was like someone was holding a hose up their in an effort to fill up UST again. No, just kidding. But it really did rain hard after my Taxation class.

Here we are, stuck in the car.

 

The guys bought food from a nearby Goldilocks because we were stuck in unmoving traffic and the water levels weren't going down anytime soon, we thought.

L-R: Angeline, Sofie, Eugene, George

That was my Monday. Today I went to the Manila International Book Fair. Again, that's for a later post. Back to dreadful Wednesdays again :(

Teacher MM?

Photos from an event around last August? I cut class to teach kids about Feature Writing :D

I exerted effort for that power point. The content had to be able to deliver the right information to the right audience. Also, it had to look like it was created by a Features writer.

 I had fun teaching kids :))

 Hello, Ms. Rachelle!

My "students" :)

Ms. Rachelle, my high school school publication adviser contacted her previous staff for help regarding a Young Writers' Conference. The only ones who made it were PJ Carmona (editorial cartoonist), Michelle Lojo (news editor and photo journalist) and me (features editor). Michelle had to leave early tho.

Anyway, the day was pretty productive. And hat's off to preschool teachers who handle rowdy kids on a daily basis!

I wanna post about the Global Youth Summit, Behavioral Science General Assembly 2012, Manila Cookie Co. meeting and stranded-around-UST experience next. Woo! :D