Which comes first, L or M?

In today's learning environment, what is more important,

LEARNING or MORALITY?

In today's learning environment, I believe that learning and morality are equally important. However, if it is really mandatory to choose only one, I would pick learning. Learning is a process of acquiring knowledge, both basic and advanced, and it is also through learning that morality can be developed. There would be times that people are moral but was not properly educated, but I think it is better to understand it by starting in the beginning and taking the first step.

Just to add, the idea of what is right or wrong sometimes depend on the value and character of a person. What may be right to one may be wrong to the other. That's why in some movies or films, it is depicted that people experiencing poverty point out to other people that they may not be educated but they know what is right. So, morality is important. But I will still stand on choosing learning even though I don't so much trust education in the Philippines yet, hoping that one day it will be better.

Push Your Luck?

Playing again in an amusement park after quite some time proved to me that it reflects the reality. Yesterday was a random Monday night out with friends. These are the following lessons I gained:

1. Bingo - I've learned in my class under Sir David Nye that I have no luck in gambling. It is a fact at times for at least there are still moments that I get lucky. This tells us that we should not take chances in the present because it can affect our future. We should plan ahead.

2. Arcade - Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. In the end, it depends on your performance. Hence, in reality, if you want to keep winning, strive harder.

3. Racing - I was the first in the beginning but I wasn't able to maintain it. I ended up as the last racer. There are times that I won't always be on the top. Therefore, if you want to keep leading, focus and be consistent.

So, do you still want to push your luck? The choice is yours.

Remind Me (1)

I, Eric Pastor, a current LPU Manila graduating student, taking up AB Mass Communication with specialization in Broadcast Communication, because of my journalism background in high school newspaper, do hereby solemnly promise and write this document to take an oath to fully commit to the field I chose, by balancing my academics, extra-curricular activities, and outside and social life using my elective “Media Studies” by watching television at least 30 minutes a day or 1 hour if possible; by reading news either printed or online whenever I have vacant time, when in school library, or when visiting social media site or surfing the net; by analyzing commercials and billboards or any form of advertisement and taking note of details; by listening to radio, both FM and AM, as much as possible while travelling (through phone or stereo) or at home during weekends and rest days; allowing anyone who reads this to bother me and remind me of my duties and responsibilities and whenever I read this again, it shall serve it purpose to prove that I shall abide to this agreement to ensure my success by achieving my goal.

Media Autobiography

At one point in my life, I believe some people will question why I am here. I wrote this for people to know my answer. To be honest, I did not or was not able make it a habit to read newspaper and watch television daily even though Broadcast Communication is the field that I chose. I can really say that it is one of my weaknesses.

It is very ironic for me to be a writer of our school paper back in high school if from that moment up until now I do not read newspaper consistently. Journalism was my basis to take this course yet, why did I also choose this field if I do not watch television on a regular basis? At present, I am thankful that I have gone this far but I am really bothered because I do not make myself updated of the latest events from time to time; it is only random. I know it will hit me one day without knowing.

Why do I choose international films over local? If we talk about local, why am I more interested in independent films over commercial? In advertising, what makes me choose a product if no commercial convinces me? In the internet, where anything or everything is available, why do I only open and access it to socialize through Facebook or Twitter?

Even though most are automated nowadays, I do not choose to visit sites that are necessary in my life like the online version of newspapers. Being busy with academic subjects and extra-curricular activities has factor why I am like this. To temporarily solve the concern, I maximize my academics... I use them as a tool to get to know everything, to be at least updated at a certain period of time. If asked what my long term solution is, I really think that I have to write a contract myself to remind me that I have to do this because this is what I chose to become, I committed myself to this. Hence, I finally wrote one. Thanks to Media Studies.

Yes, I Am

“...our job wasn’t to argue voters into supporting Stein, it was to provide them with information they needed to make the right choice...”

This book written by David Levithan is something that is unique for it is the first book I have read that really underlined the words that need emphasis. I like the idea because similar is done when you are making a script in a production and you want to do the same.

“We will not be moved.

We will not be moved.

We will not be moved.”

I was able to relate to it because it talks about politics. At present, I am actively participating in school politics. You really have to stand in everything you believe and fight for what is right. Though it is small in nature, it was a start, a stepping stone for me to care enough in the national politics now that I am a registered voter and now that another election is coming near.

“We all are a part of history.”

I also like the idea that it talks about change, something that my party and I are pursuing for. It has already started, actually, and we will make it continuous and constant. I am happy that I am a part of it.

Though the story is about politics, it also talks about all kinds of relationship: divine, family, friends, same sex, opposite sex. It’s about faith, love, and friendship.

This is actually the first David’s known book that I have read and I encountered it because of sale, from Php305 to Php40. I don’t know his distinct writing style yet, but it is evident that his genre is love. The first book that I've been searching for so long that I haven’t found yet is entitled “Are We There Yet” but it seems out of stock all the time.

Anyway, I think you would not believe that he also has written something for children. I don’t know if it is his very first product that I did not know exists but nonetheless, it is good and that would be my next entry.

“’Change,’ they sung, ‘it comes eventually.’”

The Power of Silence

Who ever said that silent people do not make difference? Think twice. You do not know the power of introverts.

However, this entry is not about that. This is written to express the appreciation for the 2012 movie "A Thousand Words." The concept is very good because it makes the viewers realize every action that they have made. It makes them think that what they do affects the people around them most especially the people they value, that once they have done something wrong, they have to make up for it. Nothing is ever too late. The main point is that you've tried no matter what.

But I believe that at the end of the day, it is a case to case basis. The movie is moving, yes, but in real life, it applies to certain situations. I am not going to go about it in detail, but not everyone talks a lot to make their point.

I am one of those people who keeps silent because I know what I should do; I am conscious of my behavior. I may not know better sometimes, but I know what I am doing. I do the things I do because I have reasons. There are times that my actions are misinterpreted, but know that it is for others, not for myself.

As I've always noticed, comedy is still a powerful way to make someone cry while watching. The sudden change of mood is effective. As the story goes, with the help of musical scoring, the goal will be achieved afterwards because the idea was passed along. Like the game I used to play, "I got the message."

So, it is good if a person is outspoken, knows how to express himself all the time. However, do not ignore the fact that there will be also people in your life that is quiet. He may not always react or express his feelings, but you may not know that behind the camera, he does all the works. I don't know if I made my point clear, if the message was sent clearly, but one day, I want to make you understand the power of silence.

Proud Volunteer

"...I felll in love with the eyes looking at me, and the smiles. I think charity work is the most seductive thing in the world, and I've never done it before. For the first time, in your life you're surrounded by people who tell you you're making a difference..."

-Olivia Weston,

Trash by Andy Mulligan

I was surprised to learn that I was a "Volunteer of the Year Awardee." But at that moment I read that text message, that private facebook chat, I thought that whatever the result will be on the election, win or lose, I am still a winner.

I was only exposed to outreach programs this third year in college. I did not expect that in my first year of service, I will already have recognition. And now, I got two. Thanks be to God.

This will also serve as my inspiration to serve other people. I'll continue my service because as I give a hand, I touch a heart, and I save a life. I AM A PROUD VOLNTEER.

Service. Commitment. Change is the Movement.