I often think how life is like that of an umbrella. We have to withstand the pouring of the rain. Even though the gust of winds is strong for the umbrella to hold, it will still remain intact to its wire even it was bent.
I even feel comfortable to be under an umbrella while it is raining. The feeling of protection that it brings while you hear the sound of the raindrops splattered on your umbrella. The moment is really something to be experienced, rather than explained, to truly be appreciated for its benefits.
"Anyone who thinks that sunshine is pure happiness, has never danced in the rain"
Rain seems to be a dull moment to some but rain -- liike the sunshine -- can be a source of fun to someone. Rain brings gentleness as the the rhythmic sounds of the raindrops kiss the ground. The rainfall from the sky fall as it renews the environment with the moisture, both have a way of reminding us to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures in life.
"When others try to rain on your dreams, carry an umbrella and dream on."
You don't need others validation in order to pursue a goal. What's important is that you are happy… that are you feeling passionate towards every dreams you want to pursue. If others try to rain on your dreams, shield it with umbrella and continue dreaming on.
"Nothing can rain on my parade"
No one can ever make me less worthy. None can make me sad over something. None can trouble me. No one must ever dare to rain on my parade. I will carry on with my shoe and stride.
"Your vibe attracts your tribe"
The saying, "birds with the same feathers flock together" seems be truthful. Your energy will be equalled by someone which is your true friend. If ever it will rain, come enjoy and share your umbrella with your friend.
"Our friendship means we always take our best memories"
Yes! I always wanted to treasure the moments I had with my favorite person. I want to capture every memory and keep it as a souvenir.
"Dancers don't need wings to dance"
I always think that dancing is an art of emotion, expression and motion. In dancing, the spirit and the soul move -- and together, with the weight of your body, all will soar. Sometimes, leave your umbrella and embrace the rain and dance with it.
"Let my soul smile through my heart and my heart smile through my eyes, that I may scatter rich smiles in sad hearts"
None can match the emotion the eyes can hold. The eyes are the window to your soul. Every beauty is seen by eyes, and beauty can be seen in the eyes too. Sometimes, you just have to relax, sit, and watch the rain.
Life is like that of an umbrella. It can be colorful depending on your choice. It will protect you from the rain or the strong heat. However, you must be careful for it too in order to lasts longer. I started realizing that rain really tells a lot of stories — maybe hundreds of them are hiding in that skywater — the story of a footmark, one of a leaf, of an umbrella. The rain is the challenges and the umbrella is your protection. Whatever you feel, if you want to dance, if you're having your moments with your friends, just remember to treasure your life. Just like the umbrella, use it with care.
With Great Power, Comes a Greater Responsibility: The Power of Social Media
Ne Alawas Cadiog
The Spiderman movie tells us how greater responsibility comes with having a great power. It is also true that the use of Social Media that a greater responsibility comes with the power held in our fingers -- enabling us to connect with people around the globe. But like all superheroes in movies, this also have a weakness -- like kryptonite to Superman -- the validation each person received on the social media they used is the key factor of their weakness and that they will think of something that would battle this weakness. They would think of something that is more powerful -- something that would acquire a higher chance of validation.
Photo grabbed from blog.qsample.com
Instagram for example, the more we time we consummate it, the more impact it will bring us. As recorded by NIH, dopamine is released during interactive activity with our social media account which means that we grew happy everytime we deal with our online identities where we share something about ourselves. It has benefits that allows us to communicate with others and build social networks. These networks can provide us with support. We use social media for entertainment and self-expression. It is also a platform where we can interact around the globe.
However, social media use can also negatively affect us.
Photo grabbed from socialmediaexplorer.com
We can never deny that Social Media is a distraction, cause of bullying and depression, lack of sleep and many more. Social Media also provoke what we call the "Big Divide". The goal of this media is to connect us with more people online, but it seems that it causes disconnection to the people who are right beside us.
Photo grabbed from blog.qsample.com
A 2015 study found that social comparison and feedback seeking by teens using social media and cellphones was linked with depressive symptoms. The use of Social Media has impacted us than what we thought it will be.
It has both positive and negative impact so it is better to be critical that we all become aware of this situation and take action. Continuing to scroll through Instagram or other platforms mindlessly definitely will not help fix the problem. A potential solution is an increase in parental supervision and self-control. We must also educate ourselves on the reality of social media. With great power, comes great responsibility. The power vested into us by free use of social media must always come with a great responsibility.
2020 is another 1972: Mirroring the Dark Days of Press Freedom
Ne Alawas Cadiog
History seems to be repeating itself.
The ABS-CBN shutdown on July 10, 2020 was the second time it was closed down by the Government. The first time was on the early morning of September 23, 1972 right after Martial Law was declared.
This issue is a clear blow to the freedom of the press as accorded in Constitution Section 4, Article III of the Constitution provides that “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.”
Photo courtesy: Noel Celis/AFP/Getty Images
Journalist and Rights groups slams the rejection of ABS-CBN franchise with so many lives affected by its closure. Human rights groups say that this proves that we are under a de facto martial law and that the shutdown of ABS-CBN merits a discussion on human rights including what we call Freedom in the Press. It is a "grevious assault on press freedom", the Human Rights Watch (HRW) stated.
ABS-CBN’s TV and radio stations have been two of the main sources of information and entertainment of millions of Filipinos, many of whom live in far flung areas, and a greater number of which do not have access to the internet or cable TV, and so would not have access to alternative news and current affairs. ABS-CBN shutdown took away the right of the Filipino people to information and entertainment. The aftermath is worser as it just took away the right to information from the citizen but it also killed the lives and hopes of 11,000 workers. This efface the context of press freedom, freedom of expression of artists, and the rights of the people to information and entertainment.
“The constitutional protection assures the broadest possible exercise of free speech and free press for religious, political, economic, scientific, news, or informational ends, in as much as the Constitution's basic guarantee of freedom to advocate ideas is not confined to the expression of ideas that are conventional or shared by a majority. The constitutional protection is not limited to the exposition of ideas. The protection afforded free speech extends to speech or publications that are entertaining as well as instructive or informative," Chief Justice Puno once said.
Image from Presidential Museum and Library/PCDSPO
As a matter of fact, the current situation mirrors the actions of former president and dictator Ferdinand Marcos. During the Martial Law era, journalists’ rights to publish freely were stifled. On Sept. 28, 1972, Marcos issued Letter of Instruction No. 1, which authorized the military to take control of assets from major media outlets including ABS-CBN, The Manila Times and Daily Mirror among others.
Year 1972 and 2020 are both the times wherein the press is silenced and dark days of media happened in both years with ABS-CBN being closed down. The difference was that the time after Press Freedom was killed on 1972 that freedom and democracy were raised. Hoping that 2020 will rise up not just the ABS-CBN or freedom in the press and even the freedom of expression to prosper but also the Filipinos to unite as one for peace and freedom as what they had before.
Image retrieved from https://philnews.ph/2019/12/04/philippine-flag-symbols-and-the-meaning-of-each/
Flipping the Other Side of the Coin: On Abuse of Freedom in the Press
Ne Alawas Cadiog
A cornerstone of a democratic society is a free press in which we call as the "Fourth Estate".
The press works as a system of checks and balances -- a watchdog of the citizen and its government. We learn how to form our decisions and opinions and filter what to be seems to be righteous and one that is not through the Press. News and stories are produced in order to help us learn the facts and the truths. The "Truth" must be the Press itself.
Photo source: news.abs-cbn.com website
With this information, we know how to adapt and fight what is wrong and prevent ourselves from being deceived by Propaganda. However, claims are justified that Press is also "Propaganda" itself.
During the hearing of ABS-CBN's Franchise renewal, Representative Remulla questioned ABS-CBN President and CEO Carlo Katigbak,
"Would you agree with me, Mr. Katigbak, that, probably, the fourth estate, the mass media, is more powerful than government itself?"
We can never the deny the fact that Mass Media or the Press can create a ripple effect that is powerful enough to break the Government. One news from this platform can ruin one's reputation and can cost an individual's life and power. Press can either break or make the world -- that's how powerful Mass Media are and the Freedom vested on them. Some media outlets and journalists abuse this Press Freedom that is why limitations are made to control them. In the Philippines, there exists no law such as Media Law, only provisions from the Constitution that give the Press both Power and Limitations. The Constitution is enforced by the Government. About Remulla's question, which is more powerful, the Government or the Fourth State?
Mr. Katigbak responded,
"I don't think we're more powerful than government, Your Honor. In fact, that's why we're here today because I understand that our future is in the hands of the government, in the hand of the legislature."
Photo courtesy of Cathy Miranda/INQUIRER.net (In photo is ABS-CBN President and CEO Carlo Katigbak)
The Press must not be seen as someone who is powerful than the government. The Press must practice fairness in reporting about the government. And the government, on the other hand, must not question the Press.
Is the struggle of ABS-CBN and the denial of it's franchise application be seen not just a limitation but rather, as a suppression and an exercise of power by the Government to prove their authority over the Fourth Estate?
ABS-CBN's Franchise Death rings the death knell of Press Freedom?
Ne Alawas Cadiog
JULY 10, 2020 marked the beginning of the death knell of Press Freedom after the House of Representatives tolls the ABS-CBN's franchise application to a dire conclusion. Voting with 70 yes, 11 no, 1 abstain, and 2 inhibits, the House of Representatives denies franchise renewal of the Kapamilya network.
Photo courtesy: PhilStar.com
Photo shows the ABS-CBN compound in Quezon City on May 05, 2020 after the National Telecommunications Commission ordered its shutdown.
The network, which is the largest media conglomerate in the country, faced the threat of a network shut down due to its expired franchise on March 30, 2020.
This was when Solicitor General Jose Calida also filed a Quo Warranto petition in the Supreme Court against ABS-CBN claiming that the corporation is partly-owned by foreigners. ABS-CBN rebutted this claim saying that Philippine Depositary Receipts or PDRs do not refer to ownership, but rather, investments to sustain the corporation's growth.
After ABS-CBN being killed off-air, over 10,000 employees lose their jobs, and subsequent consequences may be feared. With the renewal of their franchise being blocked, organizations and journalists see this as proof of the vindicativeness of the government.
What are the violations of the network as stated in the argument debated over during the span of 12 hearings?
•Critics had accused ABS-CBN of illegal foreign ownership.
➡ Justice Undersecretary Emelline Aglipay-Villar testified in the hearings that ABS-CBN Corporation chairman emeritus Eugenio "Gabby" Lopez III is a Filipino because his parents are Philippine citizens, said Zarate.
DOJ: ABS-CBN's Gabby Lopez Filipino citizen from birth. Lopez earlier told congressmen that he was also a dual American citizen because he was born in the US.
"There’s no distinction made between pure Filipino and dual citizens" when it comes to participation in mass media, said Bayan Muna Party List Representative Carlos Zarate, quoting Justice Assistant Secretary Nicholas Ty.
The Securities and Exchange Commission also testified that "a dual citizen is 100 percent Filipino," Zarate added. SEC agrees, dual citizens are '100 percent Filipino'
• Accusation on the Foreign Ownership
➡SEC Commissioner Ephyro Luis Amatong, noted by Zarate, stated that ABS-CBN's Philippine Depositary Receipts "do not reflect transfer of ownership to foreigners."
PDRs allow foreigners to invest without violating PH laws, says Monsod ABS-CBN PDRs 'compliant' with law.
• On Tax Violation
➡Contrary to allegations of tax irregularities, the Bureau of Internal Revenue testified that the network regularly settled taxes and is one of the country's top taxpayers. In addition, Philippine Economic Zone Authority officials also said the broadcaster has no tax shield. BIR says ABS-CBN has no tax deliquency
•On allegations of election coverage bias
➡The Commission on Elections said the network did not violate any poll law. No complaints vs ABS-CBN on election bias.
ABS-CBN news chief Ging Reyes said that Journalism a 'public service'.
•Violation of Worker's Rights
➡Quoting the labor department, Zarate said that it was typical for any big company to face labor cases and that ABS-CBN complied with standards.
DOLE exec stated that ABS-CBN 'fully compliant' with labor standards.
Before the votation of the House of Representatives happened, the Technical Working Group (TWG) of the Committee on Legislative Franchises after their findings and recommendation which was contained in their 40 pages TWG report, recommends to deny new franchise for ABS-CBN. Consequently, 70 representatives vote "yes" to the denial of their franchise, while 11 representatives stand in favor of ABS-CBN franchise renewal; 2 inhibit, and 1 abstain.
A copy of the TWG Resolution
Here is the list of 70 Representatives who voted for the approval of the TWG recommendation:
1. Rep. Abraham Tolentino
2. Rep. Antonio Albano
3. Rep. Faustino Michael Dy
4. Rep. Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado
5. Rep. Cyrille Abueg-Zaldivar
6. Rep. Faustino Dy V
7. Rep. Dale Malapitan
8. Rep. Eric Martinez
9. Rep. Divina Grace Yu
10. Rep. Julienne Baronda
11. Rep. Anthony Peter Crisologo
12. Rep. Luis Ferrer IV
13. Rep. John Marvin Nieto
14. Rep. Strike Revilla
15. Rep. Samantha Louise Alfonso
16. Rep. Rolando Valeriano
17. Rep. Joaquin Chipeco Jr.
18. Rep. Eduardo Gullas
19. Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona
20. Rep. Frederick Siao
21. Rep. Ian Paul Dy
22. Rep. Gil Acosta
23. Rep. Weslie Gatchalian
24. Rep. Prescious H. Castelo
25. Rep. Alyssa Sheena Tan
26. Rep. Christian Unabia
27. Rep. Raymond Mendoza
28. Rep. Jericho Nograles
29. Rep. Yedda Romualdez
30. Rep. Eric Yap
31. Rep. Claudine Bautista
32. Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu
33. Rep. Enrico Pineda
34. Rep. Dulce Ann Hofer
35. Rep. Sharon Garin
36. Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr.
37. Rep. Janette Garin (Ex-Officio)
38. Rep. Paulo Duterte
39. Rep. J. F. Nograles (F. Hernandez)
40. Rep. Conrado III Estrella
41. Rep. Sandro Gonzales (Rep. P. Pichay)
42. Rep. Mike Defensor (Rep. R. Puno)
43. Rep. Allan Ty (Rep. A. Gonzales)
44. Rep. F. Matugas (Rep. J. Pimentel)
45. Rep. Luis Villafuerte Jr.
46. Rep. Raneo Abu
47. Rep. Dan Fernandez
48. Rep. Rodante Marcoleta
49. Rep. Henry Oaminal
50. Rep. Pablo John Garcia
51. Rep. Deogracias ‘DV’ Savellano
52. Rep. F. Datol (Rep. M. Romero)
53. Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez
54. Rep. Jesus Crispin Remulla
55. Rep. Juan Miguel Macapagal Arroyo
56. Rep. Cristal Bagatsing
57. Rep. Juan Pablo Bondoc
58. Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr.
59. Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy
60. Rep. Xavier Jesus Romualdo
61. Rep. A. Calixto (Rep. J. Lacson-Noel)
62. Rep. Wilter Palma II
63. Rep. Ma. Theresa Collantes
64. Rep. Ria Christina Fariñas
65. Rep. Camille Villar
66. Rep. Roger G. Mercado
67. Rep. Sharee Ann Tan
68. Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano
69. Rep. Bayani Fernando
70. Rep. Jose Singson Jr.
Names of the 11 Congressman/Congresswomen who voted against the TWG resolution:
1. Rep. Sol Aragones
2. Rep. Christopher de Venecia
3. Rep. Carlos Zarate
4. Rep. Gabriel Bordado Jr.
5. Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto
6. Rep. Lianda Bolilia
7. Rep. Jose Tejada
8. Rep. Bienvenido Abante
9. Rep. Stella Quimbo
10. Rep. Mujiv Hataman
11. Rep. Edward Maceda
Abstain:
1. Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr.
Inhibit:
1. Rep. Alfredo Vargas
2. Rep. Micaela Violago
The House Committe moves to keep ABS-CBN off-air and put a halt on their operation even though BIR, DOLE, COMELEC to name some testified the network to be free of violations. Knowing these facts, do you think this a blow to Press Freedom?
Part 2. 2020 is another 1972: Mirroring the Dark Days of Press Freedom - https://lifewithne.tumblr.com/post/623332805633572864/2020-is-another-1972-mirroring-the-dark-days-of
Ne Alawas Cadiog
The ABS-CBN shutdown on July 10, 2020 was the second time it was closed down by the Government. The first time was on the e
Part 3. Flipping the Other Side of the Coin: On Abuse of Press Freedom - https://lifewithne.tumblr.com/post/623323812956684288/flipping-the-other-side-of-the-coin-on-abuse-of
Flipping the Other Side of the Coin: On Abuse of Freedom in the Press
Ne Alawas Cadiog
The press works as a system of checks and balances --
(Here are the links where you can view the 40 pages TWG findings and recommendation:
“My passion for gardening may strike some as selfish, or merely an act of resignation in the face of overwhelming problems that beset the world. It is neither. I have found that each garden is just what Voltaire proposed in Candide: a microcosm of a just and beautiful society. ” - Andrew Weil
As a gardener, who in my whole life is accustomed to living with gardens and nature, I have so much to tell how gardening is some sort of a struggle and survival itself -- for in the land I cultivated is made of golds and muds.
I love how the gardens and fields taught me so much lessons of spirits that I even myself don't understand until I found it myself when I cultivated my land.
I am fortunate enough to be living in a valley where our home was situated. Velds, hills and mountains surround it that gives so much pride on the horizon of the Cordilleran ranges.
My mother is a farmer. She practically knows everything how to grow vegetables. Mine is more of a flower grower. I basically practiced the hows and the what's not of growing flowers. The entire quarantine period kept me busy grazing my backyard, weeding the grasses, propagating my cactus and succulents, and turning the little field into a flower farm. All these things required efforts. As a gardener, what makes it fruitful on becoming one are the lessons you will be reaping from the labour you did.
In this times of pandemic, the gardens and the flowers may teach us how to handle this crisis.
📍 We are living in a garden. We all are. What will let us bloom is the care and nurture given by our families and friends.
📍 Not all plants produce flowers. That is applicable to us too.
📍 Cactus survived only with the presence of heat. Some plants survive under the shades. Not all plants, like people, survive the same way as the others.
📍“A weed is a plant that has mastered every survival skill except for learning how to grow in rows. ” Doug Larson
📍“A garden requires patient labor and attention. Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions or to fulfill good intentions. They thrive because someone expended effort on them. ” Liberty Hyde Bailey
There are many things we can learn by being in a garden. The connection will teach us life lessons worth pondering. The COVID crisis may be giving us emotional stress and pressures, but we must learn how to deal with things. The garden is where our lives started. I also believe that in times bad things happen, the garden will help you overcome it. Nature lives with us because it is it's goal to comprehend with us, and vice versa.
The garden is a satisying place, where you see lives like your own and that's what makes it so wonderful to see what your life was be, and what will it become. Your life is the garden, and only yourself can nurture it.
"An hour in the garden put life's problems in perspectives." - author unknown
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