TAG: 10 Things I Love

I have been tagged by my blogger friend to do this very interesting entry. Thank you Tessa! I was supposed to do this yesterday, but my thesis work got me busy. Enough of that! I actually remember writing a post like this before through A Few of My Favorite Things and The Mystic Collection. I yakked about all tangible materials in those posts. I don't wanna come off as a material girl so instead of talking about them again and again here in my niche, let me share you 10 intangible & valuable things I hold dear in my heart, mind and soul.

That sounded so dramatic. Right, folks? Here goes my list in no particular order:

University of the Philippines

In UP, I've learned how to work under pressure, not to mention poise under pressure. Teachers bombard us with a lot of paper works and stuff, and I thank God I was able to survive them somehow. In this institution, I've gained the confidence I never had before especially in dealing with difficult situations in academic and real life. I've gained strength because of the circumstances I've been through. Most of all, I gained new true friends here.

BA Communication ARTS (BACA)

That image above is our official logo. I love learning about communication -- from the theories to the practices. Communication really is my passion. My favorite communication subjects are Intercultural Communication, Public Relations & Advertising, Organizational Communication and Ethics in Communication. I would like to quote what our professor told our class before, "You might think communication arts is easy, but it's not." Very well-said, Sir!

Writing

Writing my thoughts out are one of those activities that ultimately makes me sane. I love to express myself through writing although I'm a Speech Comm major. That's how I spend most of my solitary moments alongside listening to my favorite music. I love doing it more than anything else. I write poems, journals, essays and even stories. But my stories are so weak. They're not like the good ones. You wouldn't want to read them.

Music

Music is my sanctuary. I consider it a safe place in this troubling world. Just like writing or blogging, it also makes me sane from all kinds of pressure that I experience every single day. Without it, I’d probably have an extensive degree of exhaustion every time I deal with some mind-boggling trials. It’s my preferred companion whenever I want to rest my mind, body and soul. I listen to 80% rock and 20% smooth music.

Simplicity

"Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious, and adding the meaningful." That is a beautiful quote I found while searching for SIMPLICITY images. I was not born with a golden spoon. Now everything is handed to me on a silver platter. I am just a simple and average girl, but I feel happy just living my simple life. I love everything simple, from fashion to lifestyle. I don't know why, but I really feel intimidated with anything extravagant.

Art

With art, I can have great ideas when it comes to fashion, food, lifestyle and even in writing. Art is just everywhere, and I love it. I was really honored when I got the chance to enroll in one of the famous subjects we have at school -- Arts and Humanities. I talked about it in an entry just last year, December 2010. It gained 424 page views, so far. If you want to read it, here's the link -- Creative Juice: My Intense Devotion for Art.

Thoughts

I love to think. When in my deepest and wildest thoughts, I don't want anyone to disturb me. For me, thinking is a lot like dreaming. When someone or something interrupts, it's like going back to sleep to continue your dream. I admit that I get weird sometimes, but of course I don't show it to people. Thinking helps me come in contact with myself. With my thoughts, I can talk to myself. I'd rather do it than talk to senseless people.

Serenity

Because I mostly have troubled thoughts, I love to compose myself by going to places that invite calmness and peace of mind. Serenity for me is bliss. I don't like going to places that are too crowded and noisy. I actually think I'm a little enochlophobic (fear of being in crowds). That explains why I'd rather eat at restaurants than fastfood chains. I just get easily irritated with people moving back and forth when I'm concentrating on something (like eating).

Desires

I have a lot of desires from the materials I want to have, to the things I want to achieve and all that jazz. I want to graduate with flying colors soon. I want to have stable job when I graduate. I want to have a position in an advertising or marketing firm. You know, things like that. Those desires help me strive hard. They inspire me to do good in crafts that can help me get what I've always wanted to have and hold. I certainly hope I can get the desires of my heart someday!

Adventure

Adventure means fun. It is a kind that gives us natural high. It has that certain factor that yields excitement and amusement. When I say adventure, it doesn't only mean going on extreme activities like trekking, bungee jumping, wall-climbing or white water rafting. Adventure can also happen even in choosing what we wear, what we eat, and most especially, what we want to become. By taking risks, I also learn even if it means failing. That's how we grow, right?

How about you, what are those ten things that you love? I'm tagging Ate Gemma, Lavinia, Sergei, Jesse, Shimea and Maxine. Care to do this tag too?

All images in this post are not intended for copyright infringement.

day 05 - a song that reminds you of someone

Today’s assignment for this month-long music challenge is a song that reminds me of someone. However, I’ve already posted Tori Amos’ Sleeps with Butterflies months ago. I said there that I remember my ex-boyfriend whenever I listen to it. If you haven’t read it yet, here’s the link. And because that is case, I’ll be sharing you another song instead --Trouble by Coldplay.

That song doesn’t just remind me of one person only, because it reminds me of more than one people in my life – my Speech Comm batch mates and friends. Our favorite professor, Ms. Jeni Eligio, likes this song so much that she has thought of playing it in class one time. It then turned into everyone’s favorite song as well, to the point of making it as our batch song.

Trouble by Coldplay (Official Music Video)

I am not a big Coldplay fan. In fact, Trouble is the only song I like from them. But because of the beautiful memories that this song holds, I gave it an instant place in my heart. Sometimes it’s not really the song that matters most; it’s the remarkable things that you get to reminisce because of the song. Let me end here now. I don’t want to cry. I will miss you dear SPCM friends!

The video used in this post is not intended for copyright infringement.

Tribute to my College Friends

I've already blogged about my bad experience in college, and how I managed to go through it. And then I thought, "Why not write about the things that made me happy in that stage as well?" Half of my memories in my college life are distressing. I fought the depression of failing my parents' expectations, not having a lot of friends and being hated by many, all alone. But I could say God is good for giving me even a few but true friends who helped me surpass those challenges.

My college life will not be memorable if not because of those people who chose me to share some of their experiences with. They made it easier for me to deal with difficult circumstances. They made me feel comfortable in tagging along with different types of personalities. Most of all, they made me feel that I'm someone who's worthy of their trust and respect, despite what others used to make me feel.

I wasn't actually expecting to have new friends, because I got used to being alone. All I wanted was to know how was it like to be taught by teachers from this premier university. The only thing I honestly looked forward to when I passed UPCAT was not wearing uniform in school. That got me so excited because I can mix and match clothes everyday in my student life. One more thing is that, I had the experience of dwelling away from comfort zone because I lived for three months in the dormitory. I just went home during weekends. I enjoyed it somehow, because it was like one heck of an adventure.

However, groups are everywhere whether I like it or not. It's quite impossible to live life in college without those people you can hang on to. We need friends, not to gain something from them, but to share countless memories with them. We need each other to survive. I may shy away from groups, but I know that I will always be part of them. So now, let me introduce you to the various cliques I had in college.

MUNTING BACA NI OBLE (MUBA)

This is how our second batch shirt look like.

Freshies at Ate Ling's Old Kubo.

We were getting ready for our speech presentation.

Bloc A of BACA 2007 literally took the floor.

PUDDING GIRLS

I met Mae Joy during the Summer Bridge Program in UP. I met Dolly because of Maej.

I miss Maej and Dolly's company. I miss our laughters and conversations.

SPCM

Biodiversity field trip at Philippine Eagle.

Business Communication Finals under Ms. Elaine Isip.

Intercultural Book Launching.

MAX and JEW

Max and I love taking pictures, while Jewel loves eating! :D

It was just recently when I got close to these girls, but they became special to me instantly.

THE QUITTER's CLUB

OSA, welcome our club with open our arms! :D

Too bad, Ria and Lavinia wasn't with us when we had this group pic.

This is Lavinia. She may look bashful, but she's really not. :D

With our group's clown, Ria Gene Petrache. :D

To all the groups I've mentioned, I hope you like this tribute. I’m very grateful that God gave me a chance to get to know some of the truest people in UP Mindanao. I must have done something so good in the eyes of God. I hope we still become tight friends after graduation. I can’t afford to lose some friends again. I will do my best to keep our camaraderie stronger.

Happy graduation BACA 2007! I wish I can march with all of you, but it's impossible. Before you go on in the next chapter of your life, let me just say that you all are very special to me. The memories I had with you will always remain in my heart and mind. It was a blast having you around, and I hope we get to reunite again someday. I will miss you, and thank you so much for the genuine friendship you've given me. As what I always say, I will remain a true friend to each one of you no matter what happens! Mikimoto Angel will definitely be with you along the way.

Mystique Shutterbug: Evolution (Week 5)

I could say my life in college was the hardest part of my life, not just academically, but also socially and emotionally. I've undergone culture shock and identity crisis in that stage to the point that I became very rebellious, especially to my family. I really regret that, and I want to apologize to my parents who have become the victims of my aggressiveness before. I pray that they'll notice how sorry I am that I disappointed them a lot of times. I hope they find it in their hearts to forget the past and to forgive me.

In my freshman year, I joined a sorority even though I was not allowed to. The moment I said yes to my masters made a turning point in my life. It was from them where I learned being intense with the way I expressed my opinions and grieves. I tend to say things that are beyond the boundaries of what is accepted by the many. When issues came up with my membership with that organization, I began to lose my self-esteem more because everybody started to hate me and call me names.

Some might not know I'm that girl who squealed against a fraternity-sorority organization, but I doubt it. News and rumors spread faster than I know. I actually hate talking about it now, because it has been four years ago already. But that was one of the most unforgettable encounters I had in my past year in college. Thank God, I've managed to deal with people's whispers and smirks with head up high.

That circumstance challenged me big deal. I've experienced many difficulties that made me tougher and more mature, despite my delicate facade. I may look sensitive and reserved, but actually I’m not. I have gone through instances that sharpened and shaped the way I am now.

For my fifth week in this blog series, I'm going to show you some photos I had from my first year to fourth year in college. I'd like to look back before I go on in my SUPER SENIOR year here in the University of the Philippines. Let's begin tripping down memory lane through photos.

FIRST YEAR

I was a FRESH MEAT then.

When our school was still under construction.

BA Communication Arts Batch 2007!

SECOND YEAR

At Datcom Internet Cafe's grounds.

BACA - BA Camera Addict.

After our speech presentation.

THIRD YEAR

BACA Christmas Party 2009 at Kookel's Bangkal.

This was during our Intercultural Book Launching.

Kabahin Magazine group mates.

FOURTH YEAR

This was during our Semana BACA last month.

Confident enough to take a pic with Oble despite the urban legend.

Marketing Plan groupmates with Ms. Elaine Isip.

Let me divulge something: Up to now, I still get intimidated with UP professors. It’s like I don’t know anything sensible whenever they are in front, speaking about different things that are new to me. Back in high school, I was one of the best writers, but now I think I am one of the worst. I can’t help but sell myself short whenever I encounter professors in UP. They're really up there and I'm down here.

I'm planning to have an episode here in Mystique Shutterbug that will showcase my photos with those UP teachers I look up to the most. Hopefully they'll give me the chance to camwhore with them. God willing!

What were your best memories in college?

Mystique Shutterbug: Week 1

I am a textual blogger. That's the image I want to portray to my readers through my niche. I just love writing about different kinds of stuffs. In fact, I'm obsessed and passionate about it. Because I love writing that much, I always make it a point that I get to write all the things I want to share without holding back. I don't do shortcuts, cause I want to expound my ideas. Honestly, I feel so bad whenever I could not elaborate on the things I want to say. For me, lengthy pieces are better ones. That's what I've learned from my favorite College Professor, Ms. Jennifer Eligio. She didn't actually told us that in class, but that's what I've realized through her comments on our write-ups.

To tell you the truth, my hand can express better than my mouth. I am more of a writer than a speaker. Maybe you'll just get bored talking to me in person, but I hope you won't. I guess that statement contradicts my field of study, cause I'm a Speech and Corporate Communications major. But hey, I'm just saying the truth. There are actually times when I just stare blankly at one corner, and wish that I should have chosen the Creative Non-Fiction Program instead. How I wish I have the best of both worlds. I truly desire to be a productive communicator through both writing and speaking.

So now, let me end that drama unfolding in my mystic blog post. I have thought of kicking off a new blog series that will feature my next favorite thing -- photography. This will have LESSER WORDS and MORE PICTURES. Yeah, I know it's overrated. But who cares? It's still an IN thing, by the way. This series is called MYSTIQUE SHUTTERBUG. I will show you the photos I took that I deem fall under the Principles of Photography. I will post one set of pictures every week. To start off, let me share you these pictures of things taken everywhere using the Macro-Shot principle. I hope you enjoy.

SHELLS

Taken at Dayang Beach Resort using 10MP GE Digicam.

THE BODY SHOP

Taken at home using 10MP GE Digicam.

TOBLERONE FRUIT & NUT

Taken at Eden Nature Park using 8MP Samsung Digicam.

SOY SAUCE and FISH SAUCE

Taken at La Toscana using 10MP GE Digicam.

BAKLAVA

Taken at Cafe Med using 8MP Olympus Digicam.

On that note, I would like to say "Once a shutterbug, always a shutterbug!" This has been my first post for my new series. I'll keep you posted. I hope you watch out for what my trigger finger have to share through photos next week. Feel free to drop some critics blogmates.

Group Dating Event for Valentine's Day

Hearts' Day is just around the corner.

Our teacher for Communication Plan tasked us to create a fictional product or service for our Marketing topic. I don't actually consider it as an assignment or just-another-boring-academic-project, because me and my group mates had fun doing it. We named our company as Jewel Diamonds Salon & Spa. Isn't it lovely? We named it after my group mate, Jewel Rose. She has the only sophisticated name suitable for our "business" among the four of us: Katrina, Maxine and Enrica. How I wish we can build this in the near future. This is what we've planned:

Need: New product for an upcoming event -- Valentine's Day Celebration for singles only.

Target Market: Singles

Product/Service: Group Dating Event for single people. This will include pampering services, like Salon & Spa (sponsored by Jewel Diamonds) before the event proper.

Promotional Tools:

Facebook

Poster

Flyers

REGISTRATION

Fee: P500.00

First come, first serve basis

Visit Jewel Diamonds for down payment and reservation

no cancellations/ non-refundable

20-25 years old

50 men and 50 women

Package: includes Salon & Spa services

Photographs (Yoyong's)

Cocktail Party (The Bar as main drink)

Male participants will randomly select their partners in a jar with the girls' names at the event proper.

PROGRAM

Date: February 13, 2011 (Sunday)

Time: 7-12mn

Venue: Garden Oasis

Games (by couple):

Apple eating contest

Balloon Race

Lift me Up

Cheesiest Pick-up Lines

How well you know your partner

Hire: Local Acoustic Band

Guidelines for Participants:

No cameras allowed inside the event hall.

Wear Cocktail Dress (women)/ semi-formal attire (men)

No chaperons allowed.

Photo Booths will be displayed in the venue. Anyone can have their pictures taken there. Photographers from Yoyong's will also be roaming around to take some pictures of you and your partner. The best couple of the night will be awarded with Pearl Farm free passes for two. This event is brought to you by, Jewel Diamonds Salon & Spa. :-)

The image in this post is not intended for copyright infringement.

The Keys to Credibility and Objectivity (Intonation and Inflection)

In delivering news reports, Ted Failon emphasizes key words on specific news by using rising intonation. This could be because he wants to capture the attention of the viewers and listeners. This is an excerpt from the material where he used rising intonation on specific words. These words are important terms of the news article that’s why they are needed to be stressed.

“Mahigpit na minomonitor ngayon ng mga coast guards ang karagatan ng Limay, Bataan. Nadiskubre na intact pa rin o hindi pa tumatagas ang liquefied petroleum gas at gasoline mula sa lumubog na dalawang tanker doon. At dahil mapanganib ito, may panawagan ang local na pamahalaan. At live mula sa Limay, Bataan, nagpapatrol si Ron Gagalac, Ron...” In this part, he raised his intonation in the place Bataan, in the words gas, pamahalaan and live.

Ted Failon’s intonational pattern enables the program’s audience to fully comprehend the content of the news. It aids us physically and mentally -- Physically, because we hear the words and utterances clearly; and mentally, because we understand the message. Here’s another excerpt from the material. This time, Ted Failon used upward inflection more often on the conjunctions like kasi, kung and the noun, crew. This is to emphasize the emotional state of the fishermen because of the calamity brought about by the recklessness of the cargo vessel crew.

“Maraming Salamat, Ron Gagalac. Samantala, nais papanagutin ng mga mangingisda ang may-ari ng cargo vessel na nakabangga sa kanilang mga bangka noong kasgsagan ng bagyong Basyang. Naiwasan daw kasi sana ang trahedya kung naging alerto ang crew ng mga barko. At live mula sa Mariveles, Bataan nagpapatrol, Ryan Chua, Ryan...”

On the other hand, 24 Oras’ Mike Enriquez deliver news report by being monotonous on the beginning and middle part of the sentence, and by using upward inflection on the last part. He does this style, maybe because he wants to be known for his unique voice in reporting. His pitch change occurs at the end of the sentence. So far, no other reporters speak like he does. Here’s an excerpt where he raised his tone on the “-TE” part of Cavite.

“Ayon naman sa Petron, kontrolado na ang OIL spill, at patuloy silang gumagawa ng paraan para tuluyan ng matapalan ang tagas. Nakatutok si Jun Veneracion, Live mula sa Cavite, Jun.”

It is very noticeable that Mike Enriquez plays with his intonation all the time. He says one word in a way that is not done by normal speakers. This creates an impression that is mostly negative on Mike’s part. People focus more on his voice rather than his report. Here’s an excerpt where he used upward inflection the “-TOK” part of “Nakatutok”, and where he played with his intonation on the word “Lalawigan.”

“Samantala, puspusan ang salvaging operation sa Mariveles, Bataan. Merong sumadsad na barko doon. Meron ding malaking barge na nakabangga sa ilang mga Bangkang pangisda noong kasagsagan ng Bagyong Basyang. Msangsang na amoy ang isa sa mga kalaban ng mga tauhan ng coast guard. Nakatutok si Raffy Time Live mula sa LalawiGan ng Bataan.. Raffy.”

Between the two anchors, Ted Failon is more objective in reporting news. When he speaks, an audience wouldn’t feel even a hint of emotion. He just delivered news straight and passive. While on Mike Enriquez’ way of reporting, you would know that he is in favor on news or not by the way he stresses some ideas. His voice becomes the focal point of the news report and not the content itself.

Realizations of a Communication Practioner

The article about Aling Seping and Dr. Flavier as supporters and teachers on Family Planning says a lot about being a communication practitioner. As a Communication Arts student for years, I have encountered many things that are necessary to have an effective communication with people around us. These things are also what Dr. Flavier did to educate the barrio people.

After reading the article, I've realized that communication practitioners must be knowledgeable enough on different matters. We don't discuss only one thing, we have to be versatile. Even if it's not our field of interest, we have to take time in feeding our brain with various sources of knowledge. If we don't know anything, we can not communicate in the first place. Learning is an unending process. We, as communicators, must love learning as much as we love communicating. We're just so lucky because by communicating, we also learn whether by chance, or by choice.

One of the good reasons of communication is to minimize misunderstanding and misconception. But of course, we can not do this if we do not show what reality is. We must know the proper method of removing incorrect interpretations from the minds of the people who are not well-educated. We have to establish what we really wan them to know. We should not just bombard them with new facts, instead, we should facilitate their learning gradually. As what the rural reconstruction motto says, “Start with what they know, build on what they have.”

As communication practitioners, we must prepare to interact with diverse groups of people. We're not expected to communicate to just one cultural group. We are obliged to communicate to different kinds of cultures in order to understand each of them. We have to open our minds to many other possibilities. We shouldn't be narrow-minded and judgmental. As quoted from the article, explaining “increased peristalsis in the Fallopian tubes and hastened ovum” is difficult when a person you are talking to is not exposed to the knowledge on medical terms. We have to bear in mind that human beings come from various walks of life.