Where do deep posts go?

Instagram, Facebook, Twitter...name it! These social network sites are becoming the catalysts for sharing nowadays. If in most cases, we post our selfies, tweets, and status updates about our personal lives here, where do we share more profound posts? Post not skin-deep that requires more attention than the latest IG shot of our lunch? Post more engrossing than a “jwu (Just Woke Up) tweet”? The answer? It all lies in Knowledge Networks.

 Knowledge Networks are platforms where we can share our ideas and experiences like MUNPlanet.com. If you are wondering what they differ from the aforementioned sites, well, not much. Except the fact that what we share here are of global importance ranging from UN topics to entrepreneurship, international politics, sustainable technology, youth leadership, and even tips about self-improvement. Yes, these practical topics call for anyone who wants to gain and share knowledge at the same time.

There was this moment when I randomly clicked MUNPlanet.com. I thought it was a typical website where we shallowly broadcast anything, but as soon as I learned more about it, I got smitten.

I have never seen such a website where teenagers like me, are so connected and involved in making a difference around the world.  Those at such a young age have the passion for their respective future careers and care about their society. Not to mention, they also post great global opportunities like internships and jobs. This is what strikes me the most. With this website, it seems we found serendipity at its finest.

Given the technological era that we live in right now, I think it is a breath of fresh air to stumble upon something like MUNPlanet.com. Through Knowledge Networks we can share meaningful thoughts useful for the society. Here, we share deep!

Article Source: http://www.munplanet.com/articles/munplanet/where-do-deep-posts-go

Simple Post Grad Thoughts

(Okay, enough staring. I've been attempting to write another entry since the cold turkey war, and here, at least a short one, comes finally.)

       At this moment, I want to talk about something personal. I've been containing A LOT in my mind which I really wanna burst out because I've not written anything for so long, I think almost a year now. Recently, I graduated from college yet the idea seems to still run in the air because I find it difficult to absorb the fact that college is finally...over.

       Funny thing, I should feel relieved because when someone hears 'graduation' of course that only means bye-bye (1)workload like papers, quizzes, exams, projects, (2)terror profs, (3)classmates/schoolmates with u-*** personalities, and most of all (4)physical and mental strains or in other words big dark puffy eyebags combined. Graduation comes as a relief just by thinking about this. I mean, all the complaints are finally justified the moment a student comes up the stage and receives his diploma. If it wasn't a formal event I can even imagine every graduate shouting and jumping right after the first touch of the certificate. Indeed, college graduation is considered a milestone since it cannot be achieved without going through a lot of hard work and ships (except for those who had their thesis edited by the paid others, they don't deserve it). 

     Anyway, as they say, "Congratulations Paula! You made it!" and I reply, "Thank you!" but underneath, my mind whispers "You made it Paula, now what?". 

      This question has been popping out of my mind ever since (Now whut? 10x). So what if I graduated? So what if I've overcome those course workloads? I ask myself now, how can somebody easily say I made it? I know they say all these because well I've been through a phase where my ability and character were put into test. I do deserve congratulations after all but I find it unnerving to conclude it just like that. 

     Dealing with this, I took a deep breath and slowly figured out something-- I can never ask without actually trying to search for the answer and to find it, I can only do the work. I realized that in this kind of situation, I wouldn't find the answer not unless I start to actually make the answer. Hence, for now I don’t think I can fully accept it. I will have to create the first footsteps and carry on with them until I can truly admit “I made it”.    

      In connection with this, I remember writing a caption for a photo on Facebook which goes like: Finish line is in sight on April 2, and one good professor of mine left a comment saying, it’s not yet the finish line but only the beginning. He may be right after all, and I do hope I’m ready and equipped enough upon my entrance.

  

On Loafing

I loaf. Do you loaf? I think everybody loafs!

Today I just learned a new word called “loafing”. Well, not exactly the first time I heard the word but, this time, I actually understood its sense. My photography professor showed our class his work about “The Art of Loafing” that included a simple photo of friends chilling in what seemed to be a nearby beach. I felt fascinated about his work and really appreciated he had this purpose of celebrating that simple human act by means of photography and a few good words about the subject.

Loaf (-ing) ; verb: be lazy or idle

When asked why man should consider The Art of Loafing as a product of art, he answered: “Simply because it’s part of life.”

Don't Stay Up Late For Nothing

It’s wee of a two o’clock,

Wasn’t doing anything,

Was bored and tried to do something.

So I grabbed and switched on my netbook

Wishing I could find at least interesting to look.

Alas I found!

Some photographs

Of you and me, hugging each other—the sweetest!

Looking good together. He.

(Btw, I deleted the pictures where I didn’t look good.)

About to browse more but I thought

Time was a swoosh. Killjoy.

Didn’t realize it can run so fast!

And can run without the runner seeing

That he should have used the running for a worthy
Purpose; Perhaps this poem can't justify.

My Internship in GMA

April 11, 2012 marked the start of my internship as well as the beginning of a whole whirlwind experience.

Before my internship application to GMA Network Inc. I always looked forward to working in their News and Public Affairs Department. With a sudden twist of fate I was one of the lucky students who were assigned to work under it and, luckier enough, got to work with the people in GMA NewsTV Channel 11 for a show called I Juander. At first, I tried to learn the ropes.

Apparently it was not the exact environment I am expecting although most part of it was. The office was located in almost entire of the 8th floor; moreover, it housed cubicles, one for each show. The workplace seemed fine to me which I considered resembled that of a corporate office with only a streak of informality because the department was not very strict on dress code. I believe that served one good point working in media—you can wear almost anything and everything you want!

            As I started early on April, I also decided to maximize the daily 8 hour limit for my internship so I can finish early on May and shall have time to take another for a different company. Anyhow, I can say the first thing I learned was discipline. Being on time and following the rules and regulations of the company shall always keep you “safe”. There happened a time when I broke a rule because I ate breakfast inside the office and got scolded by the guard. I felt scared because I thought he reported me to the management but he was kind enough so I got away with it. Since then I realized how breaking even a simple rule can put an employee into a bad position.

            Moving on to the highlight of my internship, “the work experience”, I must say I learned a lot but owing it more to the Executive Producer of the show, whom by the way, was a UST alumni so I considered myself extra fortunate since, after all, bosses had the bias. The work focused more on pre-production thus we did mostly research, contacted people, research, and helped the researcher. J Although I regularly wrote the program synopsis I felt I deserve to do more such as being involved with the ‘field work’. Sadly, the rulebook strictly stated interns were not allowed to leave the network’s premises during working hours. 

            Nevertheless, speaking of the best part, I really did like the weekly Post Mortem. During each airing, the staff assembled in a room and brainstormed about the strengths, weaknesses, improvements, and everything that can contribute for the show. Every time I attended the meeting, I thought I am very privileged to be speaking with people whom were very good and experienced with the work. This, in turn, made me aspire to develop my potentials even more. I also had to watch some live taping/airing of the program inside the newsroom, plus, met a lot of respected newscasters with the likes of Jessica Soho, Kara David, Cesar Apolinario, Howie Severino, Pia Arcangel, some industry celebrities, and professional people behind the camera.

            My internship experience offered me a window of opportunities I cannot compare with any other. I am glad that UST, particularly Faculty of Arts and Letters; Media Studies Department, made us undergone through a strict compliance to ensure credibility of the program/company and the safety of students. UST assured the whole process from application to evaluation—everything, be in order and close watch of every practicum adviser.

            Given the chance, I evaluate my internship experience as good enough. In the end, the things that always matter most from it are learning and fun!

Significance of the 1994 Pulitzer Photograph

          On the first day of photography class, my professor discussed the two areas of the course; first was communication, and the other was creative art. He further highlighted that photography not only revolved around the picture making process but more importantly concerned on cause and meaning of the photo.

            Applying these ideas, the 1994 Pulitzer Photograph can be very significant to the course because it may serve as a perfect example of ‘real photography’.

            It communicates. True that hunger and poverty in Africa has been a perennial global problem and it has also become considerably old news. However, the picture only reinforces that people should not forget their responsibility to their fellow men and should also be aware that despite the convenience from luxury the majority experience, other people still suffer from the most basic problem.

           It exudes creativity. The photographer is obviously a professional because the picture appears fine and conforms to the rules and technicalities of a good photograph. Also, because it presents brilliance of idea, at the same time, candidness, the shot can be considered as a contribution to the field of creative art.

           The photo shows a cause and is very meaningful. Somewhat similar with the message it communicates is its cause which aims to expose the current situation African people suffer from—great famine. In the picture, even though the child still strives to survive from hunger, the vulture follows the child wherever he goes, expecting anytime the boy shall die and after which it can scavenge over the poor child’s body.

        No wonder the 1994 Pulitzer Photograph receives a lot of acclaims because of its brilliance and contribution to the world of art. Indeed, it works as a great inspiration for photography course because it embodies communication, creative art, cause and meaning that a real work of photography should have.

Lolo Erning's Poem

Let me share a heartwarming poem written by my laye grandfather. He passed away this June 2012 but left our family his legacy and teaching we’ll be forever reminded of. The moment I was able to read this, I figured out there’s so much I owe God, especially, for putting me to an imperfect yet such a wonderful family. Here it is:

ANG PAMILYA NAMIN

Ang pamilya namin binuo ng Diyos

Kaming lahat dito may galak na lubos,

Sa pamilyang ito nakabilang ako

Loob ng Maykapal habang-buhay ito.

Salamat kay ama na mapagbigay saya

Gayundin kay ina at mapagkalinga siya,

Sa aking kapamilya salamat sa inyo

Nalulugod ako na magkasama tayo.

Hindi man laging maligaya tuwina

Minsan may pagluha dulot ng problema,

Sa alin mang panahon talos na namin

Anumang pagsubok makakayang lutasin.

Sa lungkot man o tuwa kami'y magkaramay

Pamilya namin mananatiling matibay,

Kaya nga ating Diyos salamat sa Iyo

Sa pamilyang ito inilagay mo ako.

Lolo Erning, thank you for making me realize so many things, the wisdom and love, and memories spent with you. You’ll truly be missed lolo.