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Community Immersion: A Priceless Experience

October 11, 2014 – Camarin, Caloocan City

As hassle as it sounds like, I woke up an hour before the sunlight said hello only to be involved in a community immersion. Our assembly was exactly at Harison Plaza’s parking lot. From there, jeepneys were already lined up, all hired by De La Salle University just for that day. The two-long-hour drive left us exhausted even before we got to the area.

The moment we arrived, we were welcomed by a foul odour, a pile of garbage each seen at every corner and a whole lot of things I prefer not to mention. The area is clearly a slum.

Me and CJ, my partner, were assigned to the Robasto Family. They are two sisters who have 1 child and 4 children respectively. Then and there, we did the things we are bound to do. We conducted an interview, asked for their source of income and well, literally, “immerse”.

We have come to find out that both of them did not have a chance to graduate secondary school, as well as their husbands. In fact, the only hope they consider is their children. They believe that education is the only way out of what they are experiencing.

Having known their struggles in order to survive, I was enthused to still see smile on their faces. Right at that moment, I came into a significant feeling of enlightenment. I realized that for them, having less is having more. They get through problems not by dealing with it, but by living with it. And learning to live with it is a massive sacrifice that I can never imagine myself doing.

Right then and there, the fact of how fortunate I am hit me.

Generally, it was a life-changing experience. Priceless, indeed. They changed me more than I changed them. And this, perhaps, is a memory I will treasure for a lifetime.

This activity is only part one of our community immersion. We were obliged to do ‘masid-danas’, to observe and to experience. This will then pave a way for us to do actions for the community afterwards, an action that will not give them help to stand, rather, an action that will help them to stand.

#CWTS #CommunityImmersion

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justinbieber

Til next time Paris

AUTHENTIC CITIZENSHIP

This is intended for my Citizenship and Governance homework under Mr. Sherwin Ona (DLSU-Manila CITIGOV professor) and not in any way responsible for any other purposes.

CITIZENSHIP

Tagged as a “nation’s standard”, citizenship, according to The Hedgehog Review, is being a member of a political community, namely the nation-state. With it, of course, come certain legal rights as well as political responsibilities. But citizenship, on the other hand, is more than a legal designation. As Grolier’s Book of Knowledge states “A nation grants certain rights and privileges to its citizens. In return, citizens are expected to obey their country's laws and defend it against its enemies.” (2014). Thus, citizens are considered citizens only when concern and involvement dominate within them in facing social issues.

As of today, there is no shortage of social challenges across the world, especially in the Philippines. In fact, poverty still continues to prevail as “a living nightmare” in the country. According to Asian Development Bank, the Philippines went from fifth-poorest to third-poorest country in Southeast Asia, as estimated of $1.51/person/day (ppp, 2005 prices), as published in its August 2014 special report, “Poverty in Asia: A Deeper Look.”

Associated with this are issues in hunger, homelessness, unemployment and injustice. Accompanying such problems, there are no easy fixes, fast way out and overnight solutions. Each requires a step-by-step solution and a long-term approach.

This is when citizenship comes in.

Each citizen is a hope of the nation. Each citizen can be a catalyst of change.

Indeed, the involvement of all stakeholders is crucial, and that means bringing everyone together --- the non-governmental organizations, the business community, professionals and the general public to establish an action plan with the government. However, as Scarpitti and Cylke (1995) suggested, "We...do not have to wait for the government to take action. We can, and indeed we must, act as individuals and groups" (p. xvi). In short, it is much more effective for each citizen to explore these problem-solving avenues themselves.

Filipino citizens can then address the country’s massive issues through:

• Participating in the community and being involved in a voluntary activity

Active participation is the first step towards social change. Due to the rapid innovation of technology in the country, everyone can now be involved. Sheila Coronel, a Filipino investigative journalist said, "You don't have to be a Lopez or a Prieto to have your voice out there. Everyone can now publish on the Web.” (2008). Hence, citizens now have a big role to play in giving voices to relevant issues that are largely neglected by mainstream media. Citizens are important not just for raising voices but for pushing for social change (Mongaya, 2010).

• Challenging policies or actions and existing structures on the basis of principles such as equality, inclusiveness, diversity and social justice (F.I., 2007)

Ladlad Partylist, for example, is a group of citizens who raises awareness in protecting and promoting human rights and access to justice of lesbians, gays, transgenders and bisexuals in the Philippines. As stated in their societal vision, they fight for a society free from gender and sexuality-based oppression, prejudice, discrimination and stereotyping.

• Having sufficient knowledge and understanding of the political, social and economic context of their participation so that they can make informed decisions

Lastly, it all comes down to awareness. If and only if each citizen uses the product education, will be able to find an escape out of poverty, compete for employment, make good decisions during elections and eradicate weak governance. Only then, says Mangahas, will Filipinos be able to “feel” their right to a minimum living standard, the rights of minorities, the right to equal treatment, the right to be heard, and the right to participate in the democratic process (2008).

References:

(2014) Grolier’s Book of Knowledge, Citizenship.

Retrieved from: http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/government/civics.htm

(2014) Asian Development Bank, Poverty in Asia: A Deeper Look.

Retrieved from: http://devpolicy.org/events/event/poverty-in-asia-a-deeper-look/

(2013) Ladlad: Bukas Isip. Bukas Puso. Vision-Mission

Retrieved from: http://ladladpartylist.blogspot.com/

(2007) FACE IT!, Active Citizenship

Retrieved from: http://www.faceitproject.org/active_citizenship.htm

Coronel, S. (2008) Traditional reporting in the age of Citizen Journalism

Retrieved from: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/116174/lifestyle/traditional-reporting-in-the-age-of-citizen-journalism

Mangahas, M. (2008) The Philippine Daily Inquirer. Filipino ideals of good citizenship, par. 1

Retrieved from: http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20080419-131332/Filipino-ideals-of-good-citizenship

Mongaya (2010) Inter Press Service. MEDIA-PHILIPPINES: Citizen Journalism Gets Public Involved

Retrieved from: http://www.ipsnews.net/2010/07/media-philippines-citizen-journalism-gets-public-involved/

Rundblad, G. (Oct., 1998) Addressing Social Problems, Focusing on Solutions: The Community Exploration Project, Teaching Sociology,

Vol. 26, No. 4 (Oct., 1998), pp. 330-340

Retrieved from: http://0-www.jstor.org.lib1000.dlsu.edu.ph/stable/1318772

T.H.R. (2013) Hedgehog Review, What Does It Mean To Be A Citizen?.

Retrieved from: http://www.iasc-culture.org/THR/archives/Citizenship/10.3BLo_Intro.pdf

*This is intended for my CITIGOV (Citizenship and Governance) paper and not in any way responsible for any other purposes.

#Citizenship #CITIGOV #FilipinoCitizen

justinbieber

Refect

'NOBODY IS UNTOUCHABLE' (POLISCI REFLECTION PAPER)

President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III made a commitment with the Filipino people to hold accountable corrupt government officials and to focus on highlighting a better Philippines. The article stressed on three things. Foremost, Pnoy mentioned to Filipino migrants that he will ensure the responsibility of the corrupt and thieves. Second, he sated the good governance under his administration. In fact, he had made achievements for his country such as cleaning up bureaucracy. Lastly, Pnoy will remain unfazed by the relentless attacks of administration’s critics and detractors.

Having seen of his aim which is to correct the wrong that is currently happening in the country, we pick the said article. It mainly shows the progress in the last four years and proves that our country is long gone with the past of having horrendous governance and an injustice society. Also, it tackles all the issues that have been straightened up in Aquino's presidential term. In conclusion, we chose this article because it shows that our country still has hope for improvement and progress.

Two concepts that were evident in the article are power and justice. In the meeting, Pnoy stated the improvements in the Philippines since 2010. As he said, “If there is no corruption, then there will be no poverty.” With this, he obviously made use of soft power to run his country. Instead of using force, he gradually aimed to put corrupt leaders and thieves in their proper place in order to help eradicate poverty.

The concept of justice also surfaced in the article. Justice, according to Magstadt, is the "fairness: distribution of rewards and burdens in society, in accordance with what is deserved." President Aquino reassured his listeners that violators of the law - regardless of their positions in the government - shall be given what is due. This holds true as three senators, despite their high ranks, were arrested and charged with plunder and graft.

This reflection paper is written by:

Jose Gabriel Cortel, Diana Ambray, Ashley De Silva, Christine Joy Pascual, Andre Ethan Chua and Maria Sofia Onte

and was based on:

'Nobody Is Untouchable' by Genalyn Kabiling (Manila Bulletin)

#POLISCI

Blunt.

justinbieber

Justinbieber's #selfie on Shots

Written in these walls are stories that I can't explain...

THANK YOU FOR SMOKING (DETECTING FALLACIES)

To win over an opponent's eye, Nick Naylor, a lobbyist who promotes tobacco for a living, convinced himself that he possesses such great capacity to manipulate, outsmart and outwit other individuals. This, however, does not require a lot of wisdom --- just good marketing.

The truth is, Naylor just uses faulty arguments which contain fallacies in order for him to succeed. In a scene, he told his son Joey "... That's the beauty of argument. If you argue correctly, you are never wrong". This portrays a frame of Nick’s character, thus, explains the reason as to why he does not lose arguments in different conversations. This is because he reframes the argument until he finds a way to prevail.

Some of the many obvious fallacious arguments which Naylor presented are as follow: On the first part of the movie, Nick Naylor used appeal to ignorance to suggest that because research had not yet proven that cigarettes lead to lung cancer, therefore, they must not cause lung cancer.

Another one is the scene wherein his son's stepfather confronted him with the lines, “I hope you’re providing Joey with a smoke-free environment,” Naylor defensively replied, “I’m his father, you’re the guy fucking his mother,”. This is an obvious low blow. He committed the argument against the person - Abusive fallacy.

Naylor also had an early concept of pitching an advertisement that features actors in Hollywood to smoke. For him, this would make smoking more popular for others having seen that celebrities are doing it. This depicts a fallacy of appeal to the people. However, these celebrities are not experts on health, thus, making them false authorities. This shows an appeal to unqualified authority fallacy.

False dichotomy was also observed when he bribed the 'Marlboro Man’ that he only has two options, either he take the money and shut his mouth or not take the money at all.

A conversation between him and his son in the midst of touring him around California displays a fallacy as well, where he reframes the argument by diverting the topic, "Well I need more than chocolate, and for that matter, I need more than vanilla. I believe that we need freedom". This reveals the fallacy of red herring.

During the senatorial committee meeting, The against the Person - tuquoque fallacy was used by Naylor when he threw "you too" arguments to the senator. The red herring fallacy was again used when he emphasized the negative effects of Vermont cheddar cheese (which is also in need of warning signs as he claimed) on raising cholesterol levels.

Although Naylor used the most fallacious arguments in the movie, it is likewise noticeable that the other characters accustomed such fallacies too. The woman reporter showed red herring fallacy when Nick fell from her trap of knowing his secrets and telling things he should not by seducing him. This almost ruined his job and reputation. Joey, on the other hand, made use of appeal to pity fallacy when he tried to ask permission to allow him to join in his father's California trip. Surprisingly, he had convinced his mother.

Generally, Thank You For Smoking is a movie of triumph. Knowing that I have to write a paper with regards to it, I have been a keen observant. I concluded that fallacies do not really strengthen an argument. They might make it sound better to an inattentive listener, yet they will always weaken the logic behind the argument --- And this is the real beauty of an argument.

(This essay serves as my Quiz No. 3 in Critical Thinking under Ms. Hazel Biana, and not in any way responsible for any other purposes)

#ThankYouForSmoking #CRITHIN #Fallacies #DetectingFallacies

MEDIA LOG (MUSIC)

PART I (Summary):

Boom Panes is a song released last May 2014 by celebrity host and phenomenal wonder now turned singer-songwriter Jose Marie Viceral or more popularly known as ‘Vice Ganda’.

The song immediately obtained 50,000 hits during its first released on YouTube and became a charttopper to variety of radio stations nationwide for four consecutive weeks. It was in the midst of its popularity when finally, he granted the wish of one of his supporters to perform it live on his noontime show, It’s Showtime. From there, more and more Filipinos (especially the mass audience) got fascinated. In fact, reading through the comments, some even got obsessed with the said song.

Having the passion to appreciate Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and knowing the fact that Vice Ganda is a great influence to thousands of people from today’s generation, it led me to review and assess this very intriguing song of his.

PART II (Reflection/Reaction):

Call it absurd, ridiculous, weird or even insane, but there are selections or articles from authenticated materials which I long to read repetitively, perhaps at least twelve times a day every week. That is because of the style of the writer wherein he lets his readers feel comfortable through the use of language.

Presently, in the Filipino Music Industry, Boom Panes by Vice Ganda intrigued me and made me choose to analyze the content of his music. At first, I thought it was just a plain non-sense song where everyone who happens to hear gets addicted to it. At last, this media log opens the door for me to dissect the totality of the craft.

Powerful, that is my first impression upon knowing the lyrics. It gives lesson. It provides unsolicited advice to people from different generations. It has a heart and it teaches. Most of all, it tickles the innermost which makes the message of the song be accepted by the audience lightly.

Looking at the bigger picture, it is very Filipino. Basically, it caters to all kinds of Filipino people when it comes to standard of living. Perhaps due to the reason that the song itself insinuates the listeners to appreciate their physical appearance --- loving one’s self first, the song is already considered a triumph.

The best ingredient that Boom Panes has which other songs do not have is the sense of humor. This is consistently delivered from the beginning until the end. The contemporary style of writing and use of both formal and informal language in conveying the message of the interpreter (who is also the composer) struck the awareness of the common audience to appreciate their own positive and God-given attributes.

#medialog #ENGLCOM #music #boompanes

Spreading Environmental Awareness Among The Youth

Everyone knows that the environment is being disrespected and ruined by many of us. All one has to do is look and observe the situation around him to prove this to be true. This distressing situation may be telling people to go and do something to solve the problem. One must be aware of this growing problem in our society. One of the problems may be everyone’s apathy and lack of information about the situation. The group hopes to remedy this problem by spreading Environmental Awareness to the youth. After all, they do say that the youth is the hope of our nation. It makes sense to say that they could be the hope for our environment, as well.

The group has decided to conduct its action project of spreading environmental awareness among the youth in a high school in Pasay City, Pasay City East High School. The group conducted a lecture about Environmental Awareness among a class of Grade 7 students and even facilitated some activities that hope to increase environmental awareness among the students.

The lecture included showing several videos to the students that would make them consider about the different problems in the environment. These videos included “MAN” by Steve Cutts and “Going Green” by Thiago S. Aranha. The students were also asked to give their views and opinions about the said videos at the end of the film showing.

The recitation brought many interesting views about the environment and proposed solutions to save it from the student. It truly shows that there may still be hope yet if people are only able to know more about the problems of the environment. After that, one of the group members, Hannah Pabalan, gave her own explanation of the videos.

The short lecture was followed shortly by some activities that the students were asked to do. Some were assigned to write essays about the environment and some solutions that they think can solve the problems about it, others made posters and slogan and while others yet again were asked to make some presentations such as a rap and a rendition of the song “Anak ng Pasig”.

The students all showed their talent in their different activities and everyone had fun while doing all of it as well. Three winners each were chosen for the essay writing, slogan, and poster making and they were all awarded with prizes. Several students were also asked to present their work in class and everyone was able to evaluate it.

The event ended in a high note with everyone being able to gain something from it whether it is new knowledge about the environment or new friends. Everyone must remember that small changes can become part of a larger change. Improvement starts with the youth so we should start by educating them to appreciate the environment, one of God’s greatest gifts to humanity.