It is very ironic how people keep on asking me (just for today though) why i look so happy today.

The question is: Do I need any reason to validate my happiness?

…or a simple “just because” would be fine, eh?

A lot of things happened to me last week and early this week, I just couldn’t open a notepad and begin starting my blog. The irony here is i am in my desk for 9 hours (well, it really depends on me) with a PC on it, of course, and not being able to type a single word.

Last week was excusable. I had to “prepare” (whatever this word means) for my LAE (Law Aptitude Exam) (read: procrastination). But I never really did. It is so funny how I collected review materials and for all sake, wasn’t able to open (not even browse) them. Oh well, I just thought to myself, there is nothing really to review anyway. I mean, although you could actually enroll in a review center and take review classes (for law entrance exams), what you can basically get from these centers are just tips. And these tips, they won’t help you much. So it is really you and yourself who will do all the maneuvering. I mean, come on, you cannot really cram and “know everything” in just months. Not even a year, I think. As the word says, aptitude. Therefore, it is an exam to test what you know in your 20+ years of education. So, did I really prepare? I say, I just condition my mind. And just let it be.

How did the LAE go?
I found it hard, of course. The test was time-pressured and before I can “half-finish” it, I just learned from the proctors that I had already consumed all of my time for it. The test consisted of 7 sections. The first part — abstract reasoning — was easy. I was able to finish it on time. But finishing it on time did no good to me. After the first section, I felt relaxed in answering the second part — i think it was, logical reasoning — so I took all my time pretty well — deliberating each and every number, as if I had the luxury of time. But no! By doing such, I was just able to answer a third of it. And so, my intuition said I had to answer letter B to all the unsolved items. Haha. I can just imagine how it would go. And so the third part was just relative to the second, but this time, my wild guess was tuh-da! Letter C. … And then down to the seventh part..

The last section is the essay: My Idea of Law. In this part, we had only to write an essay about the given topic for 30 minutes (and not 30 minutes and 10 seconds). No extra sheet for the draft, haha, so i just drafted it in my head. Uh, I cannot really remember if I even drafted it. Haha again.
So what I’m saying here is really nonsensical. I just thought that among the thousands of up law students-wanna-be, the college will just get not even 10 per cent of it. Well I hope it will reach 5 per cent though. All the examinees, I believe were all smart people. The guts alone for taking LAE was already something. In terms of the aspirants’ grades (as college grades is one of the bases of admission), I believe everyone had an equal footage on this. Majority, if not all, had exceptional grades in college. So what’s the fuzz?

I say luck. This will be the third and final (and maybe the best) make-or-break, do-or-die factor for UP LAE qualifiers.

Oh well, if I had it? Luck? I don’t know. Only time will tell.

The speech below was the piece I delivered 6 times to 6 different crowds. This was in completion for Popo Tolentino’s undergraduate thesis. The speech was beautifully written by Rache de Guzman.

Whenever I am asked what school I am from, people are often impressed when I answer “U.P.” This question will be followed by another question about the course I am taking. I cannot help but notice the decreasing admiration in their “Ahh…” as I answer “Speech Communication”. The problem lies with the fact that not many are familiar with my course – Speech Communication. Truth be told, several people had already dissuaded me from pursuing this course – fearing that after four years of studying, I might end up finding no job at all. Today, I would like to invite each one of you to join me in exploring the career paths of a Speech communication major like me.

Rather than developing an in-depth expertise in just one area, a Speech communication major is expected to develop a broad array of skills that might be applied to any number of careers. Speech communication majors are trained to work in various fields such as communications, public relations, government and public service, sales, publishing, journalism, advertising, education, performing arts, and business. I would like to focus on four of the most prevailing careers in Speech communication today.

One of the possible careers a Speech communication graduate could work on is business communication. Business communication includes advertising, sales and marketing, public relations, and personnel relations. Strong communication skills in speaking and writing are essential in presenting a favorable image of the company you are working for, in persuading clients to accept a proposal, in employee-management mediation, and in communicating with the public.

Another career to decide on is management communication. Highly related with business communication, management communication is all about organizational communication. One may analyze how communication works to enhance the management of a company. He may also be in charge of many public relations jobs such as writing, speaking, and producing corporate communication materials. Furthermore, he may evaluate the communication of the company to see how it may improve the company’s image and/or profits. Positions exist with research and consulting firms, government, public relations firms, business associations, banks, and some large volunteer agencies.

Speech communication majors may also find career opportunities in media. This area encompasses a number of behind-the-scenes careers such as journalism, broadcasting sales, writing and management. Those who work in such areas gather information, interview people, attend events, examine public records, and do considerable research in putting together news items and stories. Although the fields of broadcasting, production and programming are highly specialized and they require specific training, we now see that many occupations in radio and TV exist for speech communication majors.

Last but not the least, there is also a career for Speech communication majors in teaching. The teaching of communication involves a wide range of possible subject areas as well as places where the subjects may be taught. Aspects of communication are taught in business, government, military services and institutions as well as in public and private schools.

Since communication skills are used in our everyday work – to make contact with people, to issue directions, to present ideas, to write letters, or to carry on all day-to-day activities, we could say that communicating effectively is a prerequisite for success in almost all careers as well as social situations.

The four career opportunities I have presented – business communication, management communication, media and teaching are only a few of the existing possibilities a Speech communication major may embark on. Speech communication is a field with broad adaptability, a field that can be utilized in many professions, and a field full of career opportunities. As we have explored the career paths a Speech communication graduate may walk on, I hope that I have impressed upon you that since communication ubiquitously exists, there is also a wide range of career opportunities awaiting those who specialize in it.

As analyzed on the last issue, among the many environmental problems that are on the priority list of Africa include: land degradation, deforestation, declining of marine resources and water scarcity of deteriorating of water and air quality. More to these problems and more to the pressing issue on HIV/AIDS (that was also discussed last issue) that has been taken a serious toll on this region are the tropical diseases.

Tropical diseases are one of the main environmental problems of Africa S. of the Sahara. This tropical climate creates epidemics such as malaria, river blindness, cholera, Ebola, and sleeping sickness. Sleeping sickness comes from tsetse fly infestations from the cattle. Sleeping sickness has had the power of killing more than 200,000 people in one year.

Like HIV/AIDS, these tropical diseases have a cure, except of course that many people can not afford health care to treat it. So, the problem goes beyond the surface level.

Environmental problems in Africa have been discussed on considered on the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) which was held in South Africa in August 2002. Basically, the material of the summit points out main environmental problems and challenges. The key issues which dominate African environmental problems were addressed during the summit. They include:

1. Water pollution and sanitation. First of all water pollution is caused by oil transmission in ship ports, water resources poor management, lack of financial resources required for sustainable development and efficient utilization of resources, absence of effective regional and basin development plans and shared management, and under-estimation of the groundwater potential to supplement irrigation and drinking water supplies. Thus, Africa’s freshwater problems are acute and worsening. Freshwater shortage is the two greatest limits to development in Africa;

2. Energy. Energy consumption in sub-Saharan Africa varies dramatically and dominates fuel consumption. Africa is home to one of the world’s largest rain forests. It is obvious that rain forests are lungs of the Earth and their reduction cause air pollution. They protect and stabilize soils, recycle nutrients and regulate the quality and flow of water. Deforestation is one of the most pressing environmental problems not only in Africa but in other parts of the world and has negative implications for the local and global environment. Forests cover about 22 per cent of the region, but they are disappearing faster than anywhere else in the developing world. During the 1980s Africa lost 10.5 per cent of its forests. Thus, African forests are shrinking as a result of deforestation;

3. Biodiversity. The richness of African biodiversity requires greater protection and a sustainable use that will ensure the income of those who depend on it. There is a need to maximize biodiversity landscape protection, to give priority to biodiversity areas close to areas of high population density, and to give balanced attention to such regions as the arid and semi-arid areas;

4. Oil pollution. In a number of countries such as Nigeria and Angola, fore example, oil is the principle source of benefits. However it is pretty clear that new technologies used in oil exploration are extremely harmful for the environment. Environmental problems are common and rise heated debates. On the one hand, it expands relations among states, diversify trade relations, bring benefits. But, on the other hand, the benefits from oil are not fairly distributed among the population. The revenues from oil mainly belong to some local government communities or certain groups of interest. But the commons of Sub-Sahara have to face the oil-related problems;

5. Agriculture. Increased food insecurity resulting from rapid population growth, degradation of agriculture and arable lands, and mismanagement of available water resources combined with poor economic policies to support food production.

The summit was therefore very essential. Not only they identified the environmental problems in Africa, also they seek solutions to solve these serious problems.

To summarize, the address of environmental issues first of all lie in environmental awareness. To cap it all the environmental issues need regular monitoring, assessments and public reports of the state.

It is noting to submit however that these problems that Africa encounter aren’t exclusive to them. They are present and are even malignant to other regions of the world.

There have been various environmental problems that Africa is currently experiencing. Several scholars have continued to study the continent’s environmental concerns and found out that these problems were caused by the inhabitants’ ignorance of the universal knowledge that they need to be aware of.

Many problems have arisen in the status quo and it is said that new developments in industry and manufacturing have been root causes of environmental degradation over the past three decades. This thinking has been supported by Sandon. To him, “the rapid growth of population, urbanization and globalization are the driving force of the environmental problems.” He stressed that “the challenge is extremely high not only for the well-developed regions, but in poor parts of the world as well.” Among the many environmental problems that are on the priority list of Africa that he mentioned include: land degradation, deforestation, declining of marine resources and water scarcity of deteriorating of water and air quality. Sandon admitted that Africa has a vast majority of poor states and regions, and blamed poverty to be the major reason and consequence of the environmental degradation.

A working paper titled, “Fatal Problems in Africa South of the Sahara,” add up HIV/AIDS as another cause to the existing environmental problems of Africa aside from poverty stating that “this disease destroys a person’s immune system causing them to be more susceptible to other fatal diseases such as tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis, cancer, pneumonia, and others. Many people contract the disease from having sexual intercourse without protection causing the bodily fluids to mix. It is also caused by the sharing of dirty needles, from mother to child either from birth or through breast milk, and through transfusions of infected blood. Once infected with this disease a person is incurable and will eventually die.”

People receive the said disease because of the increased spread of poverty, a traditional family breakdown of support systems, and miners having sexual intercourse with prostitutes and then transporting the disease to their wives. Many people can not afford to take on the medical expenses and they end up suffering until their death.

The said paper suggested that this problem can be solved and that organizations in the

continent are constantly working solutions in order to control this critical problem by providing condoms, sex education to the youth, and educating people on the harmfulness’ of the disease.

More environmental problems in the continent will be critically scrutinized next issue.

A lot of the internet aficionados right now have been hooked up to creating and updating their daily blogs. Blogs, short for weblogs, are one of the latest craze this generation has been experimenting on. Examining its primary definition as defined by Wikipedia, a blog is “a type of website where entries are made, such as in a journal or diary, displayed in a reverse chronological order.” As expounded, blogs usually provide commentaries or news on a particular subject, such as current events on local and world arenas, politics, economics, or even up to the most interpersonal relationships of people.

The habit of blogging has propagated swiftly from 1997 (the year blogging was born) up to the present. If during the first three years of blogging, there were only about twenty to thirty blogs that were created, now, with the media promoting it, thousands of blogs are created every single day. The concept of blogging has boomed even in just a matter of years mainly due to the proliferation of free-weblog creation programs.

Its foremost use is to give information on certain topics the author is blogging. Blogs are meant as a medium for intellectual discussions, educational forums and business transactions. Therefore, in any of this event, blogs should be created responsibly. Proper decorum is the unwritten rule in this kind of set-up.

Now, our concept of blogs is even broadened therefore not just limiting on its fundamental function which is share information. It has become a means of entertainment – the main reason blogging has gain popularity. Blogging has become a hobby for people who find a great deal in interacting with the virtual world. It has also been used as a channel for self-expression. Bloggers (those who create blogs) have considered this fad their sort of diary or journal where they can write up to the most personal grounds they wish to share and be known to fellow bloggers down to the typical internet users. Since creating blogs over the net in these days are totally for free, the remaining issue left is on how responsible or not the bloggers are, how they use it efficiently or not. The very point here is that this tool of free expression will remain free and will remain yours if you value the dignity and privacy of others. True, because in this system of interaction with others, “personal dignity outweighs freedom of speech.” I’ve read an article about a Chinese professor who won a suit against a blog hosting site. The said professor won the lawsuit because the website refused to remove remarks, which he deemed foul, thus exploited his dignity as an individual. In response, the court ordered the said site to pay the complainant one thousand yuan. Also, the court ordered blogsites to practice accountability in blog postings, review every complaint received and delete any material considered offensive.

My opinion on this matter would be this: blog as long as you can and as long as you love to, but blog not just for blog’s sake but for the finest intentions one can attain without contravening other people’s personal discretion.

I never waste opportunities. If they come, they are not going, because I am grabbing them. I always believe that opportunity comes but once, that’s why in every endeavor, I make sure that these three things be accomplished: service, fulfillment, and happiness.

This exactly was what I accomplished some three years ago when I was admitted in the university that every Filipino aspire, the University of the Philippines Diliman. I can still remember how I cried for joy, how eager I was to actually start my college education. I also could not forget how my family was so proud of me. Such a wonderful feeling, indeed! But attached with this excitement was my greatest fear of rejection. I was intimidated that the new society that I will soon partake would not accept me as the person that I really am, a member of a minority group, a Bisaya.

I thought I cannot make it: coping up with a different culture from where and how I was raised. I thought, mine was so backward, very baryotic, very conservative; and the new environment will just eat me up that I’ll mislead my own identity, my being me, my being a Bisaya.

But this fear turned out to be a myth. When I entered the university, I realized that the kind of culture adopted by the people is very diverse. I was convinced that I should not feel pity for myself. I realized that I have one big, rich culture that I should be proud of. I am a Bisaya.

This realization didn’t just hit me alone. Because the university has students all over the 7,107 islands of the Philippines, the reservation that I felt was not mine alone to keep. I found out that it was in fact all of us who felt the same, whether you come from the provinces, or from small islands, or even from the metropolis.

My experience of staying in dormitories in the university really helped me know my identity more, that more than being a Bisaya, I am a Filipino – very rich with culture and traditions. It is always good and fulfilling to know that our very difference in culture and belief made us one, as a Filipino. However, what made it even more rewarding is the fact that all of us were actually open to and with our identities. We experience from culture to culture, and by mere interaction meant a learning process. Gaps were bridged. Cultures refined.

It even helped me more when I took up Intercultural Communication. In this class, I was able to understand not only the Filipino Culture but with all other cultures around the globe. I got to meet people with different colors, races, beliefs. I got to interact with them and appreciate them. From this class, I also learned theories and concepts that are even helpful to fully understand the dynamics of intercultural communication.

More to it, however, is my sorority. Because we are a sorority based in the Philippines, we get to meet different people. We have projects not only for the members but to the Filipino people as a whole. It is always an achievement when you know that you’ve helped a lot with the gain of actually understanding different kinds of people, with different culture and beliefs.

Now, I am on my final year, actually, on my final semester, taking up Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication. I want to try something more. And because opportunities are much more open this time, I would not dare miss it, or else I’ll miss half of my life. I know that by trying out opportunities around, I can learn so many things not just learned in school. I know that by actively joining events and occasions necessary for building a better me is an accomplishment that I will treasure forever.

I don’t know what’s in store for me months from now. But no worries much. The future will take care of itself, for me. Because I take much care for my present.

I would like to believe that Rizal’s philosophy on youth and education is nevertheless true: The youth is the hope of our motherland.

To realize this formula, certain significant factors need to and must be considered. These factors involve mutual participation between the beneficiary (the youth) and the benefactors (external factors). Mutualism is the key; meaning give and take. Both should take part to obtain a reciprocal benefit. The beneficiary definitely plays a crucial role for the accomplishment of the goal; likewise, the benefactors perform an exclusive function for its attainment, that when blocked or distorted by any physical and external factors may mean disparity to the relationship between the two involved.

Consequently, in order to fulfill our National Hero’s conviction, it is but fitting that both factors involve will and must cooperate, collaborate and respond to this call. It is not only the task of our government to give full and quality education to its youth; the youth also must take responsibility in satisfying this right.

Of course, in every issue there have always been two sides. In this case, there have been stories in favor for the youth and those in favor with the government. This issue is inevitable considering our present national capacity to provide this right. The concerned (let me use this word to address to people who stand up for their rights) asks for a quality education they need and they deserve. Their stress is on education as a right rather than a privilege. This is so true because no way can and will education be a privilege but in fact a right. The argument of the other side is, people (in this case, the youth) must take pride of their rights such as the right to education. People would therefore acknowledge their citizenship as Filipinos and be competent on how to grab this right considering the government’s capability to meet such right. Again, the argument to contradict the latter is, no matter how much effort these concerned youth exert if the barrier is as concrete as steel then such an effort may all be put to waste…and the arguments continue…and it shall never end. It’s a cycle. If these arguments raised continue to be more arguments then it will only lead to pointing each other the blame on who says right and who says more.

An immediate solution to this quest has always been a problem, I attest to that. However, my suggestion would be to maintain a give-and-take relationship to obtain harmony. To be fair with the government, we, the youth, must take pride such right to education. Because our government cannot afford to educate us but once, let us not waste such an opportunity. Instead, let us use such chance to further enhance our holistic development as individuals and as responsible citizens of our country. Instead of pointing fingers at each other, let us just point those fingers on our own heads. May it aid us think for a productive move to all our actions.

I always wanted to be in politics. That is my dream ever since I started climbing up the stage to campaign for my father’s candidacy. Ever since my childhood years, I already felt the passion to serve my constituents through the political arena. They say that it’s in the blood, politics runs in our blood.

And I guess I had proven this right when, five years ago, I ran for a government position representing the youth. It was my sole decision to run for that. I seek my parents for advice. Though my mom was against it, I still pushed for it knowing that my dad’s supporting my candidacy anyway. I ran. And I lost. It was very painful for me knowing that I had good intentions for the youth. I must say that I had great plans for my fellows, but it all halted when I lost.

At that time, I felt so much betrayed by everyone, especially by my friends who initially expressed their support for me and suddenly withdrew it at the very last minute for some practical reasons.

I thought it was the end of the world when I lost. I thought I had no more purpose in life so why live anyway? Good thing I had my family with me to console me every time I felt like crying. My father always told me that God has perfect plans for me ahead that’s why He didn’t allow me to win. I continued with my life, years went by, and I realized that after that defeat, here I am, and I am still here, much stronger than before and will be very ready to conquer the world very soon.

To my friends, I thought it was through but I practically understand them why they did that.

Had I invested my everything on it, I would not have survived this far. That was only my first battle and I know there are still many more battles to come that I shall conquer. Had I placed all my eggs in one basket, I would have rotten and not endured. Good thing I still have fresher and newer eggs that are placed in different baskets. I realized that forever I shall keep and abide the quote: Do not put all your eggs in one basket or else you’ll forever regret it.

People ask me of what I would want to become when I grow up. Surprisingly for them, my answer doesn’t usually fit to what they expected from a youth like me who has been part of politically-inclined families. They are expecting me to follow the footsteps of my father, at least. I have thought of that ever since, yes, but now that I have reached college wherein plans of the future have already been mapped at least not too sharp, I have realized that I want something new for myself. As I continue to unravel the cosmopolitan world, I have come to think that there’s a bigger world for me out there and there’s always a place allotted for me someday in that bigger world. I want to be a cosmopolite. I want to travel around the world. I am eager to discover new things about the wonders in life. And of course how can I forget, one of my top priorities, I always want to continue the legacy of my family – I want to serve the people in whatever way I can. And nevertheless, enjoy. I always want to live in a simple and happy life full of fun and excitement. I always dreamed of a family living in an undemanding lifestyle harmoniously. I always want life to be simply perfect. That’s why in my article for this issue, I’ve tried to research something fabulous on one of my favorite countries I plan to visit soon – Brazil. Below are some of the facts about this beautiful, close-to-nature, country.

Brazil with its capital Brasilia is located in the Eastern part of South America bordering the Atlantic Ocean. It has a population of almost two hundred million with an area of about eight million five hundred thousand square kilometers. That’s roughly twenty eight times as big as the Philippines. And olá (hello), Brazil is a Portuguese-speaking country. Now doubt Portuguese is one the top ten most popular languages in the world according to the census.

What’s interesting about this country is that this country is a bit like the Philippines.

Like us, Brazilians are very emotional and much attached with their families and friends. Before they make conversations, it is necessary for them to give a kiss on their cheeks (we call it beso-beso) or a handshake. Asking about the family’s background and how the family is going on is very important likewise. In that way, you show your deep concern for them.

Brazilians like coffee as much as we do. They are also very into coffee, and that they serve really strong coffee. These coffees are now served mostly during business transactions. When it comes to business dealings however, Brazilians are very particular with time so that when you make appointments with them, make it at least two weeks in advance. Never try to make impromptu calls at business or government offices. During meetings, Brazilians start on time (a very reflecting part for the Filipinos). Gift giving in doing business meetings is also usual in Brazil so that the host will have to give a present to her colleagues or if not he must buy lunch or dinner instead during or after the transaction.

An unfamiliar fact about its people is that they have this unique gesture that they do every time they express appreciation to someone; that is, Brazilians pinch their earlobes in front of the person they admire using their thumbs and forefingers. For what reason they’re doing this, I still don’t have a clue, but I’ll promise to know the reason behind this as soon as I interview a Brazilian the moment I’ll be in Brazil. I mean, we can always dream right? It’s the only thing left here on earth that is free, so just dream on.

Here’s more. If somebody asks you a question and you do not know what the answer is, just flick your fingertips underneath your chin. It indicates that you do not know the answer to the question. Imagine it and try doing it. Its fun and amazing realizing that we only see this in cartoons shows.

Before I close this article, I want leave some questions for reflection to help us realize what it takes to be a Filipino. What can we say about these Brazilians? How do they differ from us? Do we have “strange” qualities too that are exceptional in our culture? What are these? Are we proud of these traits and customs we have like the Brazilians do? Or do we, like most of us, forget our customs and traditions our ancestors passed on to us?

Adeus!