Things I Can’t Go Out Without

I may feel good wearing my favorite get-up for school or a meet-up, but not having certain things with me makes me look so bare. It’s just like owning all the wonderful possessions in the world, but you still feel incomplete without those small details that make you whole. Imagine it, you’d get my point. I get totally anxious whenever I go out without those items that I consider as necessities. The moment I step into the PUJ and realize that something’s not with me, my day gets ruined instantly. I can’t just let my hair down if I forget to put my important belongings inside my bag. Here are those stuffs that I am blabbering about:

1.) My Handkerchief

I am a very self-conscious kind of girl. I am fond of freshening myself up every now and then. I don’t want to put on powder or remove the dirt on my face using just my hands, that’s why I use my hankie. I bet there are a lot of girls out there who share the same sentiments.

2.) My Face Powder

As I’ve said earlier, I try to make myself look better every chance I get. I don’t want to look all sweaty and oily when I face others. That’s how I value my appearance. People form their impression on us through our outer shell. People don’t look at us from inside out at first glance. That’s impossible, right?

3.) My Hair Brush

Bad hair day sucks! I brush my hair anytime and anywhere -- Before I go out of the house, when I’m inside the jeepney, and before and after the class starts. My vanity strikes without taking heed of the time and place. My hands seem like having their own life. Sometimes, I get surprised that I’m already holding my brush. That is because my hair is valuable to me. It’s every girl’s crowning glory.

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4.) My Lip Tint, Lipstick or Lip Gloss

Not wearing anything for my lips makes me feel so dull. I’m not used to it! It makes me think that I’m just at home. I want my look to be different when I’m out. Among all those lip care I have, my favorite is my Revlon Ultimate Colorstay Lipcolor that can last up to eight hours. What a great catch, eh?

5.) My Money

Of course, I can’t go out without something in my wallet. This is the most necessary item that shouldn’t be absent when I’m out. I don’t have the nerve to go somewhere when I don’t have money. I don’t want to make an ass of myself by letting someone else spend for me, not unless we’re as thick as thieves. It’s just like putting my foot in my mouth.

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I can ditch anything inside my bag, except for these five essential things. I won’t have a whale of time even when just one of these five is missing. I make a big thing of these pieces. I have a brain like a sieve these past few months. I just hope in the days ahead, my bad memory won’t make me forget about this list. Lord, help me mark it on my brain.

Desires of a Mystic Nymph (Wishlist)

How does it feel to have the time of your life by having everything your heart wants right before your very eyes? Let me guess. In my mind’s eye, the feeling would probably be that awesome that you won’t find the perfect words to define what you feel. Your emotions would possibly whirl like a hurricane. Nothing beats the sensation of turning your unrelenting yearnings into tangible sophistication. I can’t surely wait for the time when I can finally tell myself, “I got what I want, now I couldn’t ask for anything more!” But I know that it would be impossible. Humans have incorrigible longing for many things. I’ve already come to grips with that a long time ago. Of course we won’t delve on that matter. So before we go down deep, let me share you these things that are bugging me because I badly want them, and I still don’t have them.

First on the list is a Nikon or Canon DSLR Camera. I don’t mind which model as long as the quality is great especially for a beginner like me. I would raise my eyebrows if you say you don’t care about these thingamajigs. I mean, who wouldn’t want to have one? Yes, I know photography is getting really overrated with everyone wanting to document everything they do. People in this “state-of-the-art” generation venture into food photography (some call as foodnography), fashion photography and many other photography thingy that I don’t know how to label. This modern-day hobby is so classy that it pulls everyone who wants to revamp their civilized existence by learning it.


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I want a Little Black Dress to hang in my closet. I think I have to erase the article “a” cause I honestly want an overwhelming number of elegant and chic LBDs. Just looking at them from afar seems as if I’m feasting my eyes on them. These are a girl must-have, and owning even one is enough. But of course, a fashion fiend like me doesn’t want to settle for just “enough” if not because of some monetary constraints. We’re not that wealthy and living high off the hog that’s why I still can’t afford to purchase many of those. If you want to perk yourself up with those stylish dresses, you have to invest a lot of money. We’re talking about fashionable dresses here, and they’re costly they can burn your wallet that instant. I actually don’t have an LBD. Criticisms are welcome. Kidding aside! Not having it makes me feel I’ve cramped my style. I just have a Little Pink Dress and Little Black-and-White Dress. What a bore!


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For the year 2011 and beyond, I want my fancy for rubber shoes, doll shoes and sandals to tone down. I’d like to strut in modish comfort with loafers that have metallic particulars. I’m just so head-over-heels in love with detailed slip-ons. I crave for GEOX Breathes. According to its advertorial, it combines a micro perforated rubber sole and the breathable waterproof membrane. I know it is way too expensive, so I would be eager to buy any shoe that looks like it at a reasonable price. I also don’t mind wearing those trendy Oxford lace-up booties, platform heels and leather wedges only when I’m in the appropriate place or occasion.


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I want some more additions to my casual wardrobe. I drool over Bow-neck tops, Chiffon tops and dresses, lace tops, Lumberjack flannel vests, zippered sweater dresses, Harem pants, black patent leather over-sized shoulder bags and classy scarves for layering. I want to look edgy with attires and accessories that are minimal but modern. I’d probably look prettier on those items. Don’t mind my over confidence (LOL)! Well, I hope Santa grants my wishes this season or maybe next year. I’ve listed a lot of things, but I’m pretty sure I still have all the time in the world to reward myself with all those delightful possessions. In God’s time!

A Day of Shame (Repost)

I would like to repost this statement by Sir Eufemio Rasco regarding the uprooting of UP's scientific experiment, BT Eggplant. This is sent to the University of the Philippines Mindanao official student publication, Himati. I just hope people, especially the government, have open minds. Such a shame that some are easily swayed by unsolicited statements without even investigating any further. We shouldn't be afraid to take risks. How can we become an industrialized country if always doubt anything that is of science?

"December 17, 2010: A Day of Shame for UP Mindanao

Eufemio T. Rasco, Jr.

Few considered it an important issue. For the first time in the history of the 100 year-old university, a scientific experiment, the symbol of UP’s academic tradition, was destroyed upon the order of the honorable mayor of Davao City.

The order is unjustifiable. It was based on half-truths and exaggerations manufactured by the City Agriculturist. UP Mindanao took pains to clarify all of these directly and indirectly to the City Mayor, in newspapers and in various public fora. But the explanations fell on deaf ears. UP Mindanao pleaded for more time to explain; this was summarily denied.

Even if the City Agriculturist’s claims were true, it could be argued that the local government could not justify the destruction of the experiment. There was no imminent danger to life or the environment that might justify a drastic local government action on an activity that is officially permitted by the national government. The basis of the order, in the final analysis, was that UP Mindanao failed to post a notice in 1 out of 4 places in Davao City where it is supposed to, as a condition for granting a national government permit to do the experiment. The punishment, if warranted, would have been to revoke the permit. This could only be decided by the Bureau of Plant Industry, the organization that issued the permit. But the permit had not been revoked; BPI had not been asked by anyone to revoke the permit.

The order was carried out, in full view of the leadership of UP Mindanao, and by the same people who worked hard to set up the experiment, all of whom knew that the order was at best questionable, if not outright illegal.

Who gave the command to destroy on site? It was not even the City Agriculturist, the man who
was sent to carry out the order. She was an associate professor, a member of the Institutional
Biosafety Committee (IBC) of UP Mindanao -- the same IBC, by the way, that was remiss in posting the controversial notice.

The role of the IBC at that stage of the experiment was to monitor the procedures to ensure that they comply with BPI’s (the regulatory body’s) conditions for granting the permit to do the experiment. If the experiment was compliant, it was IBC’s duty to make sure that no one illegally interfered with it. If it was not compliant, it was IBC’s duty to report this to BPI. But the experiment was compliant; BPI, the official body to whom the IBC reports, said so in an official certification that everyone knew exists.

But one member of IBC decided that it is her role to carry out the order of the City Mayor, even without consulting the rest of the committee. In a fit of sadism, she asked the young researcher who worked so hard for the experiment, to destroy her own work while a noisy mob of anti-GMO advocates cheered. It is a spectacle that I will never forget.

While the rape of the university tradition’s symbol was taking place, most of the university’s constituents were in downtown Davao City 20 km away, participating in the annual parade of Christmas lanterns, even as they were alerted earlier in the day that the order was about to be carried out, and that their presence could help prevent the virtual invasion of UP Mindanao. Few cared. Those who do and were present in the experimental site, did little to stop the invasion. The project leader of the experiment, the UP Mindanao faculty who should be most concerned, was hundreds of kilometers away, enjoying an early Christmas break…

December 17, 2010 permanently tarnished the University of the Philippine’ self-image as a family of fearless, principled advocates of social change and a bastion of righteousness in the academic world. This image, recently enhanced by the standoff with the Supreme Court over a plagiarism issue, was lost in UP Mindanao.

On December 17, 2010, the name UP Mindanao has assumed a derogatory meaning. It is too
embarrassing to print what this meaning may be. We will forever carry this badge of shame. A
former UP President once rhetorically asked: Does UP Mindanao deserve to be called UP? Many of us questioned this skepticism. But he may be right, after all."

POSSESSIVE is the Word

This is a dilemma being undergone by most partners. There will always be one who will try to control everything just to keep the other one with him or her. It's a wrong way to get hold of someone. It's not right to dominate just for some selfish reasons. Since when did it become beneficial for a couple to have one of them too possessive?

I've been like that with my boyfriend for a long time in our relationship. It was hard, I tell you. I wanted to own him, especially his time. I want him to be with me all the time. He was my shelter then, and even now. Whenever I felt like I've messed up again, I just run to him. No, actually, I demanded him to be with me in my dark times. Though I could feel that he was willing to comfort me, I know that he was also struggling. I always told him not to attend his classes whenever I felt like hanging out with him. I didn't really tell him that straight, but I made him feel that I want all of his time. I always got mad at him whenever he rejected my requests. He was such a good boyfriend, that he just gave me the extravagance of my overreactions. He never fought back. He never argued with me. He just gave in like I was his master.

He set aside everything just for me. He left his precious friends in Cotabato City to be with me here in Davao. What's worst about me was that, jealousy ate me up whenever he said he was with them. I wanted his attention all for myself. My selfish desires brought him down. He was forced to drop almost all of his subjects because of excessive absences. I admit that it was all my fault! I was such a bad girlfriend, though now I'm trying all my best to make it up to him.

Do not be too possessive. As much as possible, do not try to be one. It's not healthy for a relationship. It doesn't make it more passionate either. Yes, there's love but too much of it kills as the song goes. Being possessive jeopardizes what good thing you have with your mate. It creates trouble. Always bear that in mind. If you want your partner, to stay with you. Let him do what s/he wants. Do not be too anxious, if s/he's not telling you where s/he is, or who s/he's with. If s/he ever does something out of the bounds, then let it be. Do not cling too much. There's no point in running after something that is clearly not for you.

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For My Friend, Ria

I have five Christmas cards for five special people in my life. I already gave the first one to my college friend. I made sure not to leave any space in the card. I want to make use of the card for me to tell them everything I want them to know. It’s not that I have horror vacui or something; it’s just that I don’t want to waste the moment of telling them how important they are to me.

The first card is for Ria Gene Petrache. I can’t understand what I felt when I gave her the card. It’s like I wanted to cry. Weird, eh? I hope she didn’t notice that. Ria is one of my few dearest friends in college. She’s my batch mate in Communication Arts, but we’re not bloc mates. I got close to her when we became classmates in Math 1 during our sophomore year. At first I thought she’s going to be just like other friends that I have. I thought our closeness will just stay in the class room. But I was wrong, she’s different. She makes sure that our friendship stays the same even though we don’t have that much time to bond anymore. She hugs me whenever she meets me somewhere. That really means something to me. Not everyone makes me feel loved with that simple gesture. Thanks for that, SIST!

A photo I borrowed from her.

Ria is the clown of our club – The Quitters’ Club. She’s not like all those pretty girls out there who just do nothing but try to look good all the time. She’s not afraid to make fun of herself by doing the “budotz” dance and actions. She’s not conscious at all! That’s one of her qualities that I admire the most. She’s confident that she still looks beautiful even she’s goofing off. Her boy friend might really be proud of her. She’s smart, attractive and amusing. What more can he ask for? (I hope I don’t sound like I’m Ria’s Talent manager.)

They say it’s difficult to find a genuine friend in college. But I’m blessed to have found some, and Ria is one of them. Always remember that I never get tired of listening to whatever stories you have. Don’t try to keep them to me, ok? I am more than ready to give you my time if you want someone to listen, and I am willing to lend you a hand if you ever need my help. Mikimoto Angel will be with you along the way! I love you, sist!

How the Chips Fall

Ethics is all about the difference between what is right or wrong, good or bad, virtuous or vicious. Ethics has a vital role in the foundation of building a society. People usually associate ethics with morality, because when we adapt societal norms we are considered ethical. If we don’t conform to the behavior of a group, we are regarded as unethical. To lessen or even eradicate the instances of not conforming to the norms, different professional groups have created their Code of Ethics.
The most unethical behavior usually happens in areas like government, law, media, and medicine and in business. Ethics is significant in all areas of business. From sales and marketing, to product development and customer service, and most especially in, finance. Business Ethics is a form of the art of applied ethics that examines ethical principles and moral or ethical problems that can arise in business environment. It deals with issues regarding the moral and ethical rights, duties and corporate governance between a company and its shareholders, employees, customers, media, government, suppliers and dealers (Ezine Articles, 2010).
In line with Business Ethics, there is this company called Mr. Potato Chips which has been well-respected manufacturer for years. Recently the company expanded into new markets to assure a competitive advantage. In keeping with these objectives, a policy has been instigated which reduces the finished products' inventory to a rock-bottom level each June 30th, which is the end of the company's fiscal year. They say, the lower the inventory, the less money is tied up. This is an ethical dilemma for the side of the new production, Jane. With this situation, she predicts the company’s lost sales.
If I were Jane, I would question the wisdom of the policy. I believe that being part of the company, I also have the right to voice out what I think is right and just. As said by Joe Paterno, “Success without honor is an unseasoned dish. It will satisfy your hunger, but won't taste good.” In business world the organization's culture sets standards for determining the difference between good or bad, right or wrong, fair or unfair.
I believe there is always a good way or perfect timing in airing a grief. Not being argumentative and angry may be a good way in raising such concern. Managers like Jane should lead by example. It is the first step in fostering a culture of ethical behavior in business sectors.
A manager should treat his employees, customers, shareholders, government, media and society in an honest and fair way by knowing the difference between right or wrong and choosing what is right, this is the foundation of ethical decision making (Ezine Articles, 2010).
In order to make one company successful, it is important to practice proper communication especially in dealing with ethical dilemmas like this. If I were Jane, I would think of practical solutions to the problem and present it to the head managers in a calm and sympathetic manner. Spoken or direct communication is crucial when crucial when topics are highly needed to be discussed. It allows everyone to bounce off ideas, discuss issues and come up with solutions.
Business Executive R. Holland wrote, "It is perfectly possible to make a decent living without compromising the integrity of the company or the individual. Quite apart from the issues of rightness and wrongness, the fact is that ethical behavior in business serves the individual and the enterprise much better in long run," he added (Ezine Articles, 2010).
Good ethics is good business. Why should companies resort to unethical ways when they can still be successful, or even more successful, in an ethical way of running a business? Ethics should always be a leading consideration in our customs in order to have a unified and morally sound approach in doing business.

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.

Ever After

The specific situation that affected Ever After’s protagonist, Danielle, was the fact that she was the sole daughter of a deceased French nobleman, and yet she was treated as a servant by her stepmother. Instead of getting what is due to her, Danielle chose to serve her horrible family. Her agony started when her father died. Luck went well with her stepmother, Rodmilla and her two step sisters Marguerite and Jacqueline. The three ruled the dead Baron’s house instead of Danielle. She was made to sleep in a dirty room where servants usually live. She was made to cook breakfast, clean the house, and many more chores. What’s worst is that, Rodmilla and Marguerite often take advantage of her kindness. One good thing is that, she has a kind stepsister, Jacqueline. (Power of Situation)

Since Danielle somehow grew up to be a happy and strong-willed lady, she managed to at least make her life easy. She got along well with their servants who inspired her, and took good care of her. One day, she met the handsome Prince Henry who was fleeing an arranged marriage. She got the Prince’s interest when she pretended to be a courtier to save a servant from being taken to another land. Since then, they met in secrecy, and captured each other’s hearts. That’s how Danielle made her life exciting despite the hardship her stepmother and sister brought about in her life. (Power of the Person)

Danielle interpreted the situation she was into as something that she could get through no matter what. She was not a timid girl at all, although we thought at first that she’s a girl that can easily be deceived. The best part of her being a firm lady was when she punched her bad step sister in the face to show her anger. That moment was interesting because that was the time when she really showed her real emotions towards the maltreatment of the trio to her. Another thing is that besides her beloved father gone, she still displayed a positive outlook. In that way, she overcame all the difficulties she encountered in her wicked family. (Power of Cognition)

What I learned from this movie is that we should show good character no matter how hard the situation is. We should not forget that there is always a silver lining. We must remember that we are not always on top, in the same way that we are not always at the bottom. No matter how bad others may treat us, we must always stay gentle. But we should also bear in mind that we also have the right to defend ourselves when the going gets rough.

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

City of God

The movie, City of God, shows the two cities as presented by St. Augustine in his book of the same title: The Earthly and Heavenly City of God. Though not necessarily a city, the movie conveys the concept or representation of these two cities in the film. The earthly city evokes love of self and contempt of God. It seeks glory from men, and is lifted up by its own glory. Leaders in this kind of city rule just because they love to rule. They seek personal advantage and they have high regard on their own wisdom. They are seized by pride. This is what the movie, City of God is all about.

This movie is actually a series of short stories which revolves on a group of interrelated personalities of the narrator's generation in the city called, City of God. It portrays the underlying madness of this Brazilian slum life of poverty, drugs, and violence. Senseless killings have been done all over the City of God making it a very hazardous place for innocent people. What’s disturbing is that, the gangsters are training kids to kill, making them lose their conscience and gullibility because they have become unaware of the importance of life.

The homicidal, mad drug lord, Little Zee has a strong lust for power. He kills people to show his authority, and that the society will fear him. According to St. Augustine, the founder of the earthly city was a fratricide; Romulus killed Remus and found the republic. The Earthly City is divided by wars and victories that is life destroying and short-lived. Victory for Little Zee involves pride. He attains success when he destroys lives and gains something for himself in return. He thinks that the only way to achieve more power is when the other one who covets for it is gotten rid of. As what St. Augustine said, “By this crime the empire was made larger, but inferior, while otherwise it would have been less, but better.”

This movie also shows how the earthly city is divided against itself, the wicked against the wicked. Little Zee had a revenge feud involving "Knockout Ned" who’s girlfriend has been raped and his brother and father has been killed. At first, Ned joined another ferocious and raging group to take revenge for the people close to him who had been killed by Little Zee. "Knockout Ned" even imposed “no killing of innocent people” rule. But then later on, he broke his own rule when he killed one man in a bank. He said it was an exception. In the next attacks, as what the narrator said, the exception becomes the rule.

Little Zee and “Knockout Ned” had slain many people because of their wild and rowdy assaults towards each other. Both wanted to own the ability to influence solely in the City of God. Both desired for greater supremacy and command. In the end, justice prevailed among “Knockout Ned” and Little Zee because they were both killed during the police encounter. But violence still carried on when the kids learned to kill and they even wanted to take over Zee’s drug-dealing business.

The film City of God opens our eyes from possible hostility and brutality. Because of it, I learned to appreciate the Heavenly City, wherein the love of God governs the people. The Lord is glorified. The Heavenly City is ruled by leaders and everyone serve one another with love. I have learned to value the Heavenly City, wherein civil peace is well-ordered among citizens.

A Delightful Cuisine

Dec 13, 2010 was one heck of an adventure for my tummy. Ate a lot at Cafe Mediterranean with some schoolmates. It's located at Chimes Complex, here in my favorite city and hometown, Davao. We ordered Lamb Kebab Pizza, Yummy Turkey & Cheese Melt, Gourmet Decker Sandwich, Grilled Burger with Mushroom Gravy and Baklava plus Bottomless Iced Tea. We had a blast enough to make our stomach full, but we still want more. We just couldn't get enough of their delish meals. Maybe next time, I'll drop by with my boyfriend to try their Large Plates, Pasta and other Pizzas. Here are some pictures we took. You might want to drool as much as we did.

Baklava

Gourmet Deli Triple Decker Sandwich

Lamb Kebab Pizza

Yummy Turkey and Cheese Melt

Grilled Burger with Mushroom Gravy

Mystic Nymph at Cafe Med

Sumptuous, isn't it? The place is not even appalling. It's cozy and comfortable at the same time. You and your friends can be informal if you want. Just don't do it too much. Other customers might get irritated. Try it there, you will have fun! Total fun, I have to say. Investing in food is really one of the best treats for yourself.