Blog 14: "Uniforms All the Way"

I am all for the idea of implementing school uniforms. For one, it helps suppress violence in school. Gang members will have a hard time identifying each other in a place where everybody wears the same clothing. With uniforms, there would be no "trademark" gang clothes and "bling bling". There would be no conflicts between the "reds" and the "blues". With this, the school authorities wouldn't have a hard time on maintaining and reinforcing public order within the constitution, which is obviously good. Also, the school, especially security guards would find it easier on identifying students belonging to the school and which ones aren't. This can help in minimizing the possible dangers of gang and other kinds of violence. Would you sacrifice your safety for some "individuality" as some critics would say? As the saying goes, "It's better to be safe than sorry". Another reason why I prefer uniforms is that it teaches discipline and responsibility among students. It teaches discipline in a way that having uniforms avoid students from the possibility of dressing "inappropriately" (in other words, dressing like a slut) . It would also teach students to be responsible. They won't dare forget wearing their ids and following the dress code or else, they won't be able to get in the school premises. Some would whine about how it is unfair that they could not go inside their classrooms just because they forgot their ids. It might sound harsh to others but for me, it is one way of teaching students on how to act maturely. Finally, having uniforms would minimize social stigma. Students don't have to worry about what to wear in the morning. They don't have to worry if their freakin' clothes would go together with some freakin' slacks or the pants would mix well with the brand new shirt. Students don't have to prioritize fashion statements and instead focus in learning because after all, it is the purpose in going to school in the first place, not displaying who's got the best dress. To sum it up, uniforms are not a hindrance to a student's learning development. On the contrary, it helps the students in instilling school pride, providing safety, and minimizing discrimination and bullying.

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Blog 13: "The Longest Day"

The enrollment process in UPVCC turned out to be my most traumatizing event that I've experienced so far. First of all, it was a very tedious and frustrating procedure. The day started with my mother waking me up early in the morning and told me to make ready for the things needed for the enrollment process in UPVCC. I got my papers and pocket money ready so I thought that everything would be a piece of cake. I assumed that the enrollment would be an easy ride because I am already through with the pre-enrollment process (which is also a hell of an experience, but that's another story). It wasn't. At around 9 am, the second we (my mother and I) set foot on the campus, I knew something was up. There were already people piling up with "disturbing" looks on their faces. Some UPians were there to greet us and handed a piece of paper with a set of procedures about the enrollment process. We went first in the Management building to receive a "planned" schedule for the first semester. I proceeded to the lab to add my subjects for the first semester. It started to frustrate me a lot because of the crawling speed of the school's internet. I don't know why the world loves to prove me wrong every time I'm being optimistic but from that moment, all hell started to break loose. We also had to deal with some of the "arrogant" people over there. I really have no idea why, but some people really piss me off. I somewhat got "yelled" by the old lady during the STFAP procedure when I asked her some questions about the STFAP. The worst of them all would be the "lady in window one". Why? Ask her a question and all you get is an angry face. Because of this, I got the first impression that Cebuanos are arrogant sons of "ehem". Are they just stressed out that many of us are asking the same question over and over again? Maybe, maybe not but nevertheless, I got the thought that it's sometimes best to not ask any questions from that point on. Another reason was that my mother spent a lot of money just to comply with the requirements. I really got flared up when I learned I need another 2x2 photo to submit while filling up some form. I thought we won't need photos anymore since I'm done with the pre-enrollment process (and again, it's a different story). Knowing that the enrollment would end at around 4 pm, we raced to the gate and rode a cab to the mall to have my picture taken. Knowing the big city, we were stuck in a gridlock of traffic. I thought this could not get any worse. Unfortunately, the world proved me wrong - again. By the time I arrived back in the campus, I had to wait in huge piles of line just to have my form submitted, and it's already quarter to four. All I could ever do at that time was cuss nonstop, but good thing for me, my mother had the guts to barge in and talked to the facilitators to let me in first explaining that we still have a boat to catch. Fortunately, they agreed so I cut through the line and immediately submitted my requirements. At first, I was thinkin of what the others might think of me but I realized that I don't give a damn for all I care was that I could finish this within the freakin' day. We then went downstairs to pay the school fees and again, waited in line. After minutes of waiting, my mother payed the school fees in full cash (which is a huge pain in the pocket, all thanks to the ever helpful STFAP, ouch!) then finally went to the ADO (Associate Dean's Office) to give a copy of the form 5 to the office. After wrapping up the enrollment process, we wasted no time in going to the pier and fortunately, the boat is still there. This has got to be the longest day that I've ever experienced. Sure I am finally admitted to the school but the cost is enormous - lots of time wasted, knees and ankles hurting, and worst of all, thousands of money burned. I returned home sharing all of these things to my father with anger and frustration still lingering on the horizon. The enrollment did not leave a physical wound but that event would haunt me for the rest of my life. The fear of disaster, the fear of the possibility of depleted cash, the fear of huge crowds, and the fear of not getting to the boat in time is just too much for a single day. If there's a moral lesson behind it, it is to brace yourself for the possibility of a frustrating experience - even though the day started with blue skies and the sun smiling.

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Blog 12: "European Delight"

If I were to grab an opportunity to spend my vacation someplace else, I'd choose Europe as my preferrable destination. My first in the list has got to be the Stato della Città del Vaticano (Vatican City). I wanted to go to the Vatican to see what it's like to be in the smallest country in the world and the center of the Catholic faith. Over there I would go to the Vatican Museum to explore and enjoy history. Also, it would be cool to take pictures in St. Peter's Square and St. Peter's Basilica. I'd then visit the grand Sistine Chapel where the famous Michelangelo's ceiling painting exists. Having a picture of His Holiness while shaking his hand would be awesome and a "one in a million" experience. After Vatican, next on my list would be Switzerland. The place brags of its geographical sceneries, from its clear green valleys and clear lakes to the prominent white swiss alps. I want to taste the mouth-watering fondue and the chocolate sensation. I would then enjoy the picturesque sceneries in Zurich, the "cultural capital" of Switzerland where it is recognized as the city with the best quality of life in the world and is also the wealthiest in all of Europe. With that recognition, who wouldn't want to spend his vacation in Zurich? For a student seeking enjoyment and a temporary escape from stress worries, and the tropical conditions of the archipelago, Europe would serve as a breather and my ideal vacation.

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Blog 11: "A Promising Life"

Fifteen years towards my future would be what I call a promising life. From then on, I would be living a "financially-free" life. I could see that I'd have my own coffee shop franchise filled with fame, prestige, and skyrocketing profits. I'd have the luxury of experiencing the sweet wonders money can buy. Having possessed a huge estate situated near the yellow, sandy beaches is nothing but living a beautiful life. Along with the gargantuan estate, I'd own a heavily customized red Ferrari with expensive seats, and a well-oiled engine. I could have my private plane like America's Air Force One and a sky-blue yacht to take me to business trips or me and my family to vacation trips. I can have my children enrolled to a prestigious school to ensure them the excellence in quality education. I also won't have to scratch my head thinking on how to pay my debts. I'd be free from any financial difficulties that had once plagued my life in childhood. Besides money, I'd also have my "personal adviser and partner in life" - my wife. Her tantalizing eyes, cheerful personality, and beautiful smile would help me get through the day. She'd be there to encourage me in pursuing my dreams but also discourages me if I crossed the boundaries to the point I could possibly have no time with family. But what distinguishes her with any other woman is that unlike the others, she'd help me with business matters or just simply enjoy each other's company drinking Jamaican coffee in the balcony having a bird's eye view of the romantic sceneries. She'd be one of those women any man could want to have, and I consider myself blessed to have had one with me. Most of all, it's not having the money to improve myself that would make my life promising per se, but rather I can use my money to share it to other people. With the money I'd have, I can finally let my parents have their well-deserved rest after years of hardwork. I can finally afford medical help that my ailing grandmother desperately needs and have my father's goiter finally treated. I would also establish charity foundations to help the needy in my community and beyond like providing the financially insufficient families scholarships for their children or have feeding programs in the barrios. Or I could teach them business techniques and provide them a reasonable sum of capital in order for them to be encouraged in initiating a business and instill to them that everyone, even a struggling person could rise from poverty and other hardships in life. In this, I can help make my life promising not only to myself but to others as well. In other words, it's like my way of giving back the graces I've received from the Almighty. How amazing it is to live a promising life.

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Blog 10: "The Evolution of Communication: Past vs Present" (One Side at a Time)

{One Side at a Time}

Topic Sentence: If we humans did achieve bipedalism through evolution, so did the way we communicate.

I. Communication Before

1. Time it takes for the message to arrive at its destination. (longer)
2. Meeting new people (not that prevalent)
3. How people forge relationships (Face-to-Face)
4. Courting ("challenging" task)
5. The "old" generation's point of view (Past is better than present)

II. Communication Now

1. Time it takes for the message to arrive at its destination. (shorter)
2. Meeting new people (prevalent)
3. How people forge relationships (with the help of technology)
4. Courting (less challenging)
5. The "new" generation's point of view (Present is better than past)

If we humans did achieve bipedalism through evolution, so did the way we communicate. Before the advent of technology, people would wait weeks, months, even years for their message to reach its destination. Of course, they didn't have the luxury of cellphones back then. They rely on letters and telegrams if they want their message to reach the other side. Meeting new people was also an obstacle. In most cases, people only make friends by direct contact with others. It explains why communities of old were much closer and almost all of them knew each other. People of yesterday forge relationships "face-to-face". If they want to apologize, say thanks, or just say hi, they do it by personal contact. Also, courting was considered challenging back then. The man would visit the woman's house to do his courting there. It could be through "harana" or just go there to meet the parents. These are some factors which led to some "old-timers" saying that the past is better than the present. They claim that the meaning of communication has degraded because of the advancements in technology and the younger generation losing values. On the other hand, the present generation is way different in the way they communicate. It would only take a click to get their message through the other side. It is also easier for the people today to meet strangers. All they do is to have a facebook account or other online social networks and they can start "making friends". With the help of technology, forging relationships is much easier. It is all thanks to the cellphone that people could communicate conveniently at long distances. In contrast to communication back then, courting isn't even that much of a challenge anymore. Today, a person can court someone through SMS or with a little help from the email. They even depend on text templates in "strengthening their relationship". In the young generation's defense, they claim that the rise of technology benefited them in their day to day living. It gave them the convenience and even claimed that the meaning isn't lost when using these gadgets. Which is better you may ask? It really depends on the person in my opinion. It is because as time progresses, so does communication. If you ask me, times are changing and we should just live with it.

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Blog 10: "The Evolution of Communication: Past vs. Present" (Point by Point)

{Point by Point}

Outline:

Topic Sentence: If we humans did achieve bipedalism through evolution, so did the way we communicate.


I. Time it takes for the message to arrive at its destination.
1. Past: Communication takes longer for the message to arrive.
2. Present: Communication takes shorter for the message to arrive.

II. Meeting New People
1. Past: Meeting new people is not that prevalent during the past.
2. Present: Meeting new people is easier in modern communication.

III. In Terms of Forging Relationships
1. Past: Face to face
2. Present: Technology (cellular phones, Internet chat, facebook etc.)

IV. Courting
1. Past: Challenging
2. Present: Less Challenging

V. Point of View between the two generations.
1. Most of the "old generation" think the evolution of communication has turned for the worse.
2. Most of the "young generation" think that the advancements of technology actually improved communication.

If we humans did achieve bipedalism through evolution, so did the way we communicate. There are differences between the communication back then and communication today in terms of duration. People in the past would rely on writing letters and telegrams to get their message to the other side. So back then, it would take many weeks or months for the message to be relayed from one person to another. In the present time however, it would only take minutes or just with a single click to send your message even though the destination is miles away from the sender. In the current time frame, it's pretty much goodbye to the traditional snail mail, and hello to email. Also, there are differences between the two generations in terms of the approach in meeting new people. The people of today could easily make contact with strangers due to the emergence of social online networks such as facebook, twitter, and plurk to name a few. What they do is they only type names in the search panel then click the "invite as friend" button. It's as simple as that, and it's all thanks to the ones we call "technology". People back then didn't have that luxury that time. They make friends by direct and personal contact with others. That could explain why in my opinion, friendships back then were more "intimate" than at present. Speaking of how people make contact with others, the two generations have different approaches to it. Most people today rely on the power of the technology such as cellular phones and Internet chat to "strengthen their bonds". In contrast, people back then establish relationships face-to-face. The advantage of this is that relationships are forged personally, meaning there is more intimacy among individuals compared to friendships on the cyberworld. Even the approach of courting back then and now are different. It is safe to say that courting someone back then was, what I say "a challenging task". It is much harder to court a girl considering the fact that beside the girl are the watchful eyes of her parents. Now, couples can text each other to plan on their rendezvous point in order to evade their ever protective parents. With the evolution of communication, there have been disagreements between the two generations. The people from the "old generation" claim that the meaning of communication has degraded because of the advancements in technology and the younger generation losing values. On the other hand, people from the "younger generation" claim that the meaning conveyed in the message is not lost after all and in fact, technology helped make people's lives better and easier. In my personal opinion, society changes over time from the way people dress and even form the way people communicate. I also think that there will come a time when today's younger generation would whine about how "communication" is lost when the next generation comes to revolutionize the concept of communication.

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Blog 9: "How Computers Disrupt Families"

Computers have revolutionized the definition of the word "family". Nowadays, families are just social institutions that lacked the "strong bond" that usually keep themselves together. Families lacked the moral values upon the arrival of computers. With the internet, kids could access porn sites with one hand tied behind their backs without the knowledge of their parents. All they have to do is type the URL, click the links, and enjoy the "erotic" experience. Or, if it's not the children viewing the sites, it could be the parents. Regardless, if computers can be an easy source of knowledge, it could also be an easy source of undesirable content. With the impact of computers, interaction among family members has been significantly reduced. They spend less time on the dining table, eager for a piece of action in using the computer. The mother and father would access the internet to find relief from their exhausting jobs. They would then watch videos in youtube or play Zuma or Dynomite. On the other hand, the children would be indulged to the online gaming experience through the use of the sophisticated gadget. It is as if they treat the computer as family, even closer than their own blood relatives. No longer would there be casual conversations in the living rooms. No longer would parents help their children in their homework. The computer is there to act as a friend, a helper, and a family. It would be no surprise if a family member would spend his Christmas in an internet cafe than at his own home.

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