TIP administrators urged the whole community to join in the Gawad Kalinga (GK) Empowerment as they led a seminar last June 20, 2006 at the TIP Arlegui Seminar Room, With VP HRD Engr. Ramon de Leon as the resource speaker.
Through the initiative of the various deans, heads and other administrators, TIP has adopted a GK site in Tatalon, Quezon City since summer. In the said seminar, they shared their heartwarming experiences with other deans, coordinators, faculty members, and student- representative from different colleges and personnel from the different offices.
Starting with a video showing of the Tatalon site and GK sites, the seminar presented how TIP participated in the GK project,showcasing the "pasa-pasa system" of the hollow blocks in the buiding of homes for the poor.
Ms. Melfi Caranto, OSA Head shared, " Kahit tumutulo yung aming pawis, ang sarap ng feeling dahil may naiiambag kang tulong".
A resource speaker from GK site then explained the Bayan Concept. He said that after his graduation, he wanted to go abroad, but when he got involved with GK, he remained in the country serving the poor Filipino communities.
Currently, he said that there are 50- 100 GK sites all over the country and there are 30 universities or colleges working with the GK, aiming for the vision of " Walang Pinoy Squatter sa Sariling Bayan".
Amazingly, when the whole world sees the transparency in GK building houses, it attracted donors and volunteers coming from different government agencies, senators, congressmen, mayors, and even the Vice President and the President; from local industries like Petron, Jollibee, SMART. PLDT; from universities like Ateneo de Manila, La Salle University, University of the Philippines, University of the East, Don Bosco Technical Institute, Mapua institute, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Manila; and from Canada, England, Austalia, U.S. and among others.
One of the recipients of GK is Brookside of Payatas, named Rambo, narrated his life before GK came to their lives, " Noong bata pa po ako, mga siyam na taong gulang ako noon, ang pinagkakakitaan ng aking ama ay pagbabasura na ipinambibili lamang ng shabu sa halip na pagkain naming mag-anak. At ang aking ina ay may sakit ng panahong iyon, napilitan akong mamulot ng mga basura upang mapagkakitaan din ay pilit kong inuunawa ang kalagayan ng aming buhay. Namumulot din kami ng pagkain sa mga basurahan, iluluto ang mga ito at nagsisilbing pagkain namin. Naranasan din namin na tuwing tag-ulan, tag-ulan din sa labas at maging sa loob ng aming bahay. Nasabi ko sa aking sarili habang ako'y umiiyak sa Panginoon, ' Panginoon bakit pinagkalooban mo kami ng ganitong buhay? Bakit ang ibang mga bata, natutulog nang mahimbing sa panahong ito, ngunit kami ay nagtitiis ng ganito? Kailan mo kami tutulungan? Dahil sa karanasan kong ito, kinamuhian ko ang aking ama,ngunit ang lahat ng ito ay napawi nang dumating ang GK sa amin."
His mother named Cora, likewise affirmed her son's narration and shared also how they brought her husband to the rehabilitation center, brought food picked up from garbage for him, and loved him despite his shortcomings. This eventually transformed her husband's heart that when he was released, they immediately joined the Couples for Christ. Now, her husband is already the vice president of their cooperative. This story indeed touched the audience's heart
A CFC member from West B of Tatalon site, Bro. Maning Alba, said "Nagpapasalamat kami sa TIP na may pagpapahayag na kabahagi ng GK. Naniniwala ako na ang bawat isa ay may likas na kabayanihan."
He added that before, one needs to die to become a hero, but today, one can already be a living hero.
Addressing to the students, he then challenged them, " Handa ba kayong bumaba upang makibahagi sa GK?" To which the students responded, " Kasali kami riyan! Kasali ako riyan!
For Bro. Lito, another sharer from Bagong Silang , the biggest barangay in Asia to become a relocation area, the Bayanihan Concept of GK is love, shaing, and concern, since GK means less for self, more for others.
He explained the concept of "padugo system" which means giving time, effort, talents, generosity with accountability. Thus, the call for GK is to foster " bayanihan" by working all together to upgrade not only our selves but for others.
He said, " We are called to be a light". He illustrated this with an anecdote of a matchbox with three pieces of matchsticks. The first is for the ears, the second for the toothpick, and the third for light purposes.
With this, he ended, " Let us stand with patriotism and witness the rebirth of the Filipino people".
With the same vision, Engr.de Leon also inspired the audience with words: " I also came from a poor family that is why I told my self I have to study hard to become a millionaire someday. With my own efforts, at the age of 25, I have everything, yet, I felt I have nothing. But when I joined the Couples for Christ, I found the joy of giving and the feeling of emptiness then disappeared."
VP for Academic Affairs, Dr. Maria Consuelo V. Flora, followed by the VP for Administration, Angelita S. Soliven, closed the program with an invitation for the whole TIP community to respond to the Gawad Kalinga's Empowerment call.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Separation of the State and the Church by Ronan S. Estoque, MA (May, 2006)
A couple of weeks ago, the Chinese Government appointed two Catholic Bishops without consulting the Vatican. It was such a big deal in the media because instead of the Church meddling in the affairs of the State, this was a reversal of intrusion. The Roman Catholic Church reciprocated by excommunicating the newly appointed bishop by the state. From the harshness of the excommunication, one could easily say that the composition of the hierarchy of Roman Catholic Church in China is still within the purview of the Vatican.
Everybody thought that such would be the end of a drama that is a lose-lose situation for both parties. Unfortunately, the Chinese Government again appointed another Catholic Bishop in China and this time around - the incident that began with the aura of comedy is no longer a laughing matter. If the response of the Vatican leads to another excommunication, there would be an open declaration of hostility between People's Republic of China and the Catholic Church. Taken to an extreme, such could possibly lead to another persecution of Catholics in China and such would lead again to another worldwide condemnation of the present Chinese Government.
Prior to these appointments and excommunication episodes, there was an uneasy truce between the Chinese Government and the Catholic Church. Unfortunately, with these current strings of events - another escalation of government persecution targeting religious orientation might spell another difficulty that would definitely spell more instability for the fragile semblance of peace and cooperation.
With the nuclear issue of Iran, the instability of Iraq, the Palestinian dilemma in Israel, continent-wide hunger in Africa and political uncertainty in the Philippines, the brewing of another Chinese Catholic Backlash is certain to raise another scenario that leads towards disintegration instead of integration. If it weren't for globalization, one could have easily exclaimed, "Who cares?" Unfortunately, the mystery and inevitability of globalization is upon us and just like any self-respecting intellectual - we really should care and take notice or face the consequence of global domination with the markings of yuans.
Everybody thought that such would be the end of a drama that is a lose-lose situation for both parties. Unfortunately, the Chinese Government again appointed another Catholic Bishop in China and this time around - the incident that began with the aura of comedy is no longer a laughing matter. If the response of the Vatican leads to another excommunication, there would be an open declaration of hostility between People's Republic of China and the Catholic Church. Taken to an extreme, such could possibly lead to another persecution of Catholics in China and such would lead again to another worldwide condemnation of the present Chinese Government.
Prior to these appointments and excommunication episodes, there was an uneasy truce between the Chinese Government and the Catholic Church. Unfortunately, with these current strings of events - another escalation of government persecution targeting religious orientation might spell another difficulty that would definitely spell more instability for the fragile semblance of peace and cooperation.
With the nuclear issue of Iran, the instability of Iraq, the Palestinian dilemma in Israel, continent-wide hunger in Africa and political uncertainty in the Philippines, the brewing of another Chinese Catholic Backlash is certain to raise another scenario that leads towards disintegration instead of integration. If it weren't for globalization, one could have easily exclaimed, "Who cares?" Unfortunately, the mystery and inevitability of globalization is upon us and just like any self-respecting intellectual - we really should care and take notice or face the consequence of global domination with the markings of yuans.
They're Not Cute by Claudio V. Tabotabo, MA (May, 2006)
Now is the time to reformat the system that regulates the services tendered by the government. There are waves of complaints and in the height of these waves, government employees remain unbending and uneducated-manhid sa hiya. Media had said so much on the shamelessness in the government offices; but employees are still there with their ugly faces. Even if lightning will strike them they will still remain unchanged.
We often hear people saying, maganda sa governo maraming beneficio, well if one wants to get rich he must not work as a government employee. He must do something that will take him to the end of the rainbow where there is a pot of gold.
Chance brought me to the Department of Education office and these are what I heard there from teachers conversing with each other, wala pa si ma'am ala una na, kanina pa akong alas 10 dito, nakakainis naman, the other one said, ako pangatlong balik ko na ito, hindi pa rin na permahan, Then a lady came out from office and said, balik na lang kayo wala si ma'am nasa city hall, balik na lang kayo bukas. Ayyyyyy, the sigh of the frustrated teachers.
There was a long file of teachers near the gate. I did not inquire about it but when I happened to see through the half-opened door, I saw that employees inside were playing scrabble. The other one was polishing the fingernails of her feet.
There were many people that came into the office bringing products from the Goldilocks Bakeshoppe. When I inquired about it, and my informant said that, those are given to the staff to insure prompt the transactions. My informant also said, "Come to my office and you will see them coming in at 10: 30 in the morning and they are out at 3:00 in the afternoon, but in the card it is 7:30 A.M. and 5:00 P.M."
It is now the habit of people working in the government. Lectures alone cannot eradicate it. Something monstrous will revolutionize the working habit in the government.
Some countries utilized the contractual basis of employment. This is the practice applied in the private sector of the Philippines. I only wonder why government intervenes in the private employment while the ugly employees in the government are left behind to wallow in the corrupt system.
Well something has to be said for the few government employees who work with diligence. But they are only very few in a bloated bureaucracy.
We often hear people saying, maganda sa governo maraming beneficio, well if one wants to get rich he must not work as a government employee. He must do something that will take him to the end of the rainbow where there is a pot of gold.
Chance brought me to the Department of Education office and these are what I heard there from teachers conversing with each other, wala pa si ma'am ala una na, kanina pa akong alas 10 dito, nakakainis naman, the other one said, ako pangatlong balik ko na ito, hindi pa rin na permahan, Then a lady came out from office and said, balik na lang kayo wala si ma'am nasa city hall, balik na lang kayo bukas. Ayyyyyy, the sigh of the frustrated teachers.
There was a long file of teachers near the gate. I did not inquire about it but when I happened to see through the half-opened door, I saw that employees inside were playing scrabble. The other one was polishing the fingernails of her feet.
There were many people that came into the office bringing products from the Goldilocks Bakeshoppe. When I inquired about it, and my informant said that, those are given to the staff to insure prompt the transactions. My informant also said, "Come to my office and you will see them coming in at 10: 30 in the morning and they are out at 3:00 in the afternoon, but in the card it is 7:30 A.M. and 5:00 P.M."
It is now the habit of people working in the government. Lectures alone cannot eradicate it. Something monstrous will revolutionize the working habit in the government.
Some countries utilized the contractual basis of employment. This is the practice applied in the private sector of the Philippines. I only wonder why government intervenes in the private employment while the ugly employees in the government are left behind to wallow in the corrupt system.
Well something has to be said for the few government employees who work with diligence. But they are only very few in a bloated bureaucracy.
The National Service Training Program Act of 2001 (RA 9163) by Rogelio G. Dela Cruz (May, 2006)
This Act affirms that the prime duty of the government shall be to serve and protect its citizens. In turn, it shall be the responsibility of all citizens to defend the security of the State; thus the government may require each citizen to render personal, military or civil service.
In recognition of the vital role of the youth in nation-building, the State shall promote civic consciousness among them and shall develop their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well being. It shall inculcate the ideals of patriotism, nationalism, and advance their involvement in public and civic affairs.
In the pursuit of these goals, the youth shall be motivated, trained, organized and mobilized in military training, literacy, civic welfare and other similar endeavors in service to the nation.
The National Service Training Program aimed at enhancing civic consciousness and defense preparedness in the youth by developing the ethics of service and patriotism while undergoing training in any of the three (3) program components, specifically designed to develop our youth's physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being. It shall then inculcate the ideals of patriotism, nationalism and advance their involvement in public and civic affairs.
The National Service Training Program
Components.
This program is aimed at enhancing civic consciousness and defense preparedness in the youth by developing the ethics of service and patriotism while undergoing training in any of its three (3) program components, namely
Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)- designed to provide military training to tertiary level students in order to motivate, train, organize and mobilize them for national defense preparedness.
Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS)- refers to programs or activities contributory to the general welfare and the betterment of life for the members of the community or the enhancement of its facilities, especially those devoted to improving health, education, environment, entrepreneurship, safety, recreation and morals of the citizenry.
Literacy Training Service (LTS)- designed to train students to become teachers of literacy and numeracy skills to school children, out of school youth, and other segments of society in need of their service.
Starting Academic Year 2002-2003, all male and female students enrolled in any baccalaureate or of at least two (2) year technical/vocational courses are required to complete the equivalent of two (2) semesters of any one of the NSTP components listed above as a requisite for graduation.
Each NSTP component shall be undertaken for a period of two (2) semesters, with fifty-four (54) training hours and student load credit of 3 units per semester.
Under the NSTP law, state universities are required to offer ROTC and at least one other NSTP component. Schools may collect not more than 50% of the current basic tuition for NSTP courses.
In recognition of the vital role of the youth in nation-building, the State shall promote civic consciousness among them and shall develop their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well being. It shall inculcate the ideals of patriotism, nationalism, and advance their involvement in public and civic affairs.
In the pursuit of these goals, the youth shall be motivated, trained, organized and mobilized in military training, literacy, civic welfare and other similar endeavors in service to the nation.
The National Service Training Program aimed at enhancing civic consciousness and defense preparedness in the youth by developing the ethics of service and patriotism while undergoing training in any of the three (3) program components, specifically designed to develop our youth's physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being. It shall then inculcate the ideals of patriotism, nationalism and advance their involvement in public and civic affairs.
The National Service Training Program
Components.
This program is aimed at enhancing civic consciousness and defense preparedness in the youth by developing the ethics of service and patriotism while undergoing training in any of its three (3) program components, namely
Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)- designed to provide military training to tertiary level students in order to motivate, train, organize and mobilize them for national defense preparedness.
Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS)- refers to programs or activities contributory to the general welfare and the betterment of life for the members of the community or the enhancement of its facilities, especially those devoted to improving health, education, environment, entrepreneurship, safety, recreation and morals of the citizenry.
Literacy Training Service (LTS)- designed to train students to become teachers of literacy and numeracy skills to school children, out of school youth, and other segments of society in need of their service.
Starting Academic Year 2002-2003, all male and female students enrolled in any baccalaureate or of at least two (2) year technical/vocational courses are required to complete the equivalent of two (2) semesters of any one of the NSTP components listed above as a requisite for graduation.
Each NSTP component shall be undertaken for a period of two (2) semesters, with fifty-four (54) training hours and student load credit of 3 units per semester.
Under the NSTP law, state universities are required to offer ROTC and at least one other NSTP component. Schools may collect not more than 50% of the current basic tuition for NSTP courses.
Fig or Feg Tree by Claudio V. Tabotabo, MA (April, 2006)
Trying to get answers to some questions ushered me to the thinking of a certain bishop of our province. I finally found it right to seek help from him as authority to the topic because what I had was simply an opinion that does not deserve attention. Perhaps like me the author of Da Vinci Code was simply voicing his opinion and like me he does not deserve attention.
Why did the people of Jerusalem welcomed Christ with leaves waved in the air and sang Hossanah's? The bishop explains; the people did not look at Christ as king and savior or as God. At that time, the whole of Israel was in political turmoil and the people looked at Christ as a politician who can lead them towards political redemption.
Why, "happy are those who are poor in the spirit"..? I was still an acolyte when this question began to hammer my mind. But the bishop explains; if you are poor you crave for something that will displace the things that makes you poor. For instance. You are poor because you don't have money. With all your strength and influence you will do everything to obtain money. So the bishop continues, you must be poor in the spirit so that by all means - you do everything to be rich in the spirit.
Why Jesus The Christ and not simply Jesus Christ? Christ is not a surname as I thought of it before. The bishop said, Christ means savior therefore "Jesus the Christ" that means Jesus the savior.
Not exactly the correct wording, the bible says, to enter heaven you must be a child. If such is the case then there are no adult people in heaven now because to go there one must be a child. The bishop explains; it should not be taken literally. What characteristic of a child that everyone must bear to enter heaven? It refers to the inability of the child to do wickedness that will lead him to perdition. In other words it is about the innocence of the child.
Perhaps it was the literal level of what the bible says that some people considered.
The bishop said some confusion, which the attackers of the church followed, it started simply from the literal level of some words that have nothing to do with the doctrine and practices in the church. The literal confusion on the same hand originated from the early translation of the bible.
Why did the people of Jerusalem welcomed Christ with leaves waved in the air and sang Hossanah's? The bishop explains; the people did not look at Christ as king and savior or as God. At that time, the whole of Israel was in political turmoil and the people looked at Christ as a politician who can lead them towards political redemption.
Why, "happy are those who are poor in the spirit"..? I was still an acolyte when this question began to hammer my mind. But the bishop explains; if you are poor you crave for something that will displace the things that makes you poor. For instance. You are poor because you don't have money. With all your strength and influence you will do everything to obtain money. So the bishop continues, you must be poor in the spirit so that by all means - you do everything to be rich in the spirit.
Why Jesus The Christ and not simply Jesus Christ? Christ is not a surname as I thought of it before. The bishop said, Christ means savior therefore "Jesus the Christ" that means Jesus the savior.
Not exactly the correct wording, the bible says, to enter heaven you must be a child. If such is the case then there are no adult people in heaven now because to go there one must be a child. The bishop explains; it should not be taken literally. What characteristic of a child that everyone must bear to enter heaven? It refers to the inability of the child to do wickedness that will lead him to perdition. In other words it is about the innocence of the child.
Perhaps it was the literal level of what the bible says that some people considered.
The bishop said some confusion, which the attackers of the church followed, it started simply from the literal level of some words that have nothing to do with the doctrine and practices in the church. The literal confusion on the same hand originated from the early translation of the bible.
Hawks and Doves by Ronan S. Estoque, MA (April, 2006)
What do you do when your neighbor recently bought a gun and is openly threatening you and your family? Will you go to the police? Will you inform your friends and relatives about the current situation? Will you buy your own gun for protection?
The threat is there and there are so many possibilities. What is certain though is that you are going to do something. You will not sit idly by and let events take its natural course without doing something.
Similarly, the same is happening in the Middle East. Just recently, Iran openly announced that they have already developed a weapon's grade plutonium and that Israel will finally have its comeuppance. The West of course is gravely concerned with these troubling events and its possible escalation to another Middle East skirmish. Because this time around, the possibility of a nuclear weapon entering the equation might escalate into a world war with a religious undertones and flavorings. If a war is made out of this posturing, it will be the Christians and Jews against the Muslims.
I am quite certain that the West will only use the nuclear weapon as a last resort and for a defensive purpose only. The Muslims however is a big question mark. Internally, the moderates are battling it out with the fanatics and if there is a nuclear prize to be won, this could escalate into a graphic scenario of a neighbor threatening another neighbor with a loaded gun.
I could just imagine the effect of an American aggression in Iran (all in the guise of preventing a nuclear holocaust) in the Philippine economy. Simply stated, this will only mean more economic difficulty. If you think that life now is difficult, just imagine when the price of everything is skyrocketing just because there is nuclear turmoil boiling somewhere in the Middle East.
To diffuse the situation and to prevent such a gloomy scenario, the moderates in the Middle East politics must prevail. Ironically, the Christians, the Jews and the Moderate Muslims must work together to defeat the aggressive posturing of the fanatics. All possible scenarios are gloomy and deadly without the moderates gaining the upper hand against the fanatics. Because whether we like it or not, the doves of Islam are needed to disperse the convention of war hawks.
Somehow, this has become a contest between the warmongers and the peacemakers regardless of religious orientations.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There is a story why Ms. Abuel carries the first name of Baby Girl. When Ms. Abuel was born 21 summers ago, her birth gave so much happiness to her parents that they forgot to properly give her a first name. Coming from a family of farmers, Ms. Abuel was the first in her family to be born inside a hospital.
The only mistake was that the parents of Ms. Abuel did not insist on giving her a first name and when the name Baby Girl Abuel was registered in the municipal civil registry, due to the absence of a given first name - Baby Girl Abuel became the official name given not by her parents but by the system.
It was the first time for the parents of Baby Girl Abuel to enter the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). And since, Ms. Abuel is graduating with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering, everybody in the family is excited. When the master of ceremony uttered the immortal announcement of "we are now witnessing the entrance of the graduating students…", there were tears rolling in the eyes of her parents. Seeing their daughter graduating (the first in the family) at the PICC was worth every hardships and sacrifice that the family endured.
There were some close instances when Baby Girl Abuel was almost unable to continue her studies. What with the unexpected death of her grandmother and with the string of typhoons that visited the republic, the four hectares of rice paddies that her parents were farming almost yielded close to nothing. They were not even enough to cover the expenses for the purchase of saplings. Somehow, someway, the parents of Baby Girl Abuel were able to persist and overcome the economic hardship - in short, a mini miracle transpired and she is now marching in the expensive and intimidating hall of PICC.
The hope now is for Ms. Abuel to pass her licensure examinations, to finally land a job and to start the tedious steps of lifting her family from the clutches of poverty.
There is really no guarantee that she will be successful, what is certain though is that her fight against the cycle of poverty will be more difficult if she was not able to finish and acquire a degree. Bill Gates, the riches individual in the planet is a college drop-out. Lucio Tan, one of the riches individual in the republic is also a drop-out. The question however is that with a population of almost 6 billion people worldwide, just how many Bill Gates and Lucio Tan do we have? For ordinary mortals with no moneymaking ability, education seems to be the only passport that will close the door of poverty. Hence, the toil and sweat for a college degree continues with the hope that with a college degree, at least a level playing field in the hunt for a job will transpire.
In life, there are no guarantees. With a college degree, there is at least a glimmer of hope for the fight against poverty. There is a reason why graduation rites are sometimes called commencement exercises - a "commencement" indicates a new beginning. For the likes of Ms. Abuel and her family, this is a new beginning.
From the Humanities and Social Sciences Department, a heartfelt congratulations to the batch of graduates of 2006!
The threat is there and there are so many possibilities. What is certain though is that you are going to do something. You will not sit idly by and let events take its natural course without doing something.
Similarly, the same is happening in the Middle East. Just recently, Iran openly announced that they have already developed a weapon's grade plutonium and that Israel will finally have its comeuppance. The West of course is gravely concerned with these troubling events and its possible escalation to another Middle East skirmish. Because this time around, the possibility of a nuclear weapon entering the equation might escalate into a world war with a religious undertones and flavorings. If a war is made out of this posturing, it will be the Christians and Jews against the Muslims.
I am quite certain that the West will only use the nuclear weapon as a last resort and for a defensive purpose only. The Muslims however is a big question mark. Internally, the moderates are battling it out with the fanatics and if there is a nuclear prize to be won, this could escalate into a graphic scenario of a neighbor threatening another neighbor with a loaded gun.
I could just imagine the effect of an American aggression in Iran (all in the guise of preventing a nuclear holocaust) in the Philippine economy. Simply stated, this will only mean more economic difficulty. If you think that life now is difficult, just imagine when the price of everything is skyrocketing just because there is nuclear turmoil boiling somewhere in the Middle East.
To diffuse the situation and to prevent such a gloomy scenario, the moderates in the Middle East politics must prevail. Ironically, the Christians, the Jews and the Moderate Muslims must work together to defeat the aggressive posturing of the fanatics. All possible scenarios are gloomy and deadly without the moderates gaining the upper hand against the fanatics. Because whether we like it or not, the doves of Islam are needed to disperse the convention of war hawks.
Somehow, this has become a contest between the warmongers and the peacemakers regardless of religious orientations.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There is a story why Ms. Abuel carries the first name of Baby Girl. When Ms. Abuel was born 21 summers ago, her birth gave so much happiness to her parents that they forgot to properly give her a first name. Coming from a family of farmers, Ms. Abuel was the first in her family to be born inside a hospital.
The only mistake was that the parents of Ms. Abuel did not insist on giving her a first name and when the name Baby Girl Abuel was registered in the municipal civil registry, due to the absence of a given first name - Baby Girl Abuel became the official name given not by her parents but by the system.
It was the first time for the parents of Baby Girl Abuel to enter the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). And since, Ms. Abuel is graduating with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering, everybody in the family is excited. When the master of ceremony uttered the immortal announcement of "we are now witnessing the entrance of the graduating students…", there were tears rolling in the eyes of her parents. Seeing their daughter graduating (the first in the family) at the PICC was worth every hardships and sacrifice that the family endured.
There were some close instances when Baby Girl Abuel was almost unable to continue her studies. What with the unexpected death of her grandmother and with the string of typhoons that visited the republic, the four hectares of rice paddies that her parents were farming almost yielded close to nothing. They were not even enough to cover the expenses for the purchase of saplings. Somehow, someway, the parents of Baby Girl Abuel were able to persist and overcome the economic hardship - in short, a mini miracle transpired and she is now marching in the expensive and intimidating hall of PICC.
The hope now is for Ms. Abuel to pass her licensure examinations, to finally land a job and to start the tedious steps of lifting her family from the clutches of poverty.
There is really no guarantee that she will be successful, what is certain though is that her fight against the cycle of poverty will be more difficult if she was not able to finish and acquire a degree. Bill Gates, the riches individual in the planet is a college drop-out. Lucio Tan, one of the riches individual in the republic is also a drop-out. The question however is that with a population of almost 6 billion people worldwide, just how many Bill Gates and Lucio Tan do we have? For ordinary mortals with no moneymaking ability, education seems to be the only passport that will close the door of poverty. Hence, the toil and sweat for a college degree continues with the hope that with a college degree, at least a level playing field in the hunt for a job will transpire.
In life, there are no guarantees. With a college degree, there is at least a glimmer of hope for the fight against poverty. There is a reason why graduation rites are sometimes called commencement exercises - a "commencement" indicates a new beginning. For the likes of Ms. Abuel and her family, this is a new beginning.
From the Humanities and Social Sciences Department, a heartfelt congratulations to the batch of graduates of 2006!
The Rulings of the Council of Nicaea on the Date of Easter by Rogelio G. Dela Cruz, Ph.D (April, 2006)
Easter is a festival commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the principal feast of the Christian year. It is celebrated on a Sunday on varying dates between March 22 and April 25 and is therefore called a movable feast.
Connected with the observance of Easter are the 40-day penitential season of Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday and concluding at midnight on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday; Holy Week, commencing on Palm Sunday, including Good Friday, the day of the crucifixion, and terminating with Holy Saturday; and the Octave of Easter, extending from Easter Sunday through the following Sunday. During the Octave of Easter in early Christian times, the newly baptized wore white garments, white being the liturgical color of Easter and signifying light, purity, and joy.
Constantine the Great, Roman emperor, convoked the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D.. The council unanimously ruled that the Easter festival should be celebrated throughout the Christian world on the first Sunday after the full moon following the vernal equinox; and that if the full moon should occur on a Sunday and thereby coincide with the Passover festival, Easter should be commemorated on the Sunday following. Coincidence of the feasts of Easter and Passover was thus avoided.
The Council of Nicaea also decided that the calendar date of Easter was to be calculated at Alexandria, then the principal astronomical center of the world. The accurate determination of the date, however, proved an impossible task in view of the limited knowledge of the 4th-century world. The principal astronomical problem involved was the discrepancy, called the epact, between the solar year and the lunar year. The chief calendric problem was a gradually increasing discrepancy between the true astronomical year and the Julian calendar then in use.
Ways of fixing the date of the feast tried by the church proved unsatisfactory, and Easter was celebrated on different dates in different parts of the world. In 387 A.D., for example, the dates of Easter in France and Egypt were 35 days apart. About 465 A.D., the church adopted a system of calculation proposed by the astronomer Victorinus (flourished 5th century), who had been commissioned by Pope Hilarius to reform the calendar and fix the date of Easter. Elements of his method are still in use, although the Scythian monk Dionysius Exiguus made significant adjustments to the Easter cycle in the 6th century. Refusal of the British and Celtic Christian churches to adopt the proposed changes led to a bitter dispute between them and Rome in the 7th century.
Connected with the observance of Easter are the 40-day penitential season of Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday and concluding at midnight on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday; Holy Week, commencing on Palm Sunday, including Good Friday, the day of the crucifixion, and terminating with Holy Saturday; and the Octave of Easter, extending from Easter Sunday through the following Sunday. During the Octave of Easter in early Christian times, the newly baptized wore white garments, white being the liturgical color of Easter and signifying light, purity, and joy.
Constantine the Great, Roman emperor, convoked the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D.. The council unanimously ruled that the Easter festival should be celebrated throughout the Christian world on the first Sunday after the full moon following the vernal equinox; and that if the full moon should occur on a Sunday and thereby coincide with the Passover festival, Easter should be commemorated on the Sunday following. Coincidence of the feasts of Easter and Passover was thus avoided.
The Council of Nicaea also decided that the calendar date of Easter was to be calculated at Alexandria, then the principal astronomical center of the world. The accurate determination of the date, however, proved an impossible task in view of the limited knowledge of the 4th-century world. The principal astronomical problem involved was the discrepancy, called the epact, between the solar year and the lunar year. The chief calendric problem was a gradually increasing discrepancy between the true astronomical year and the Julian calendar then in use.
Ways of fixing the date of the feast tried by the church proved unsatisfactory, and Easter was celebrated on different dates in different parts of the world. In 387 A.D., for example, the dates of Easter in France and Egypt were 35 days apart. About 465 A.D., the church adopted a system of calculation proposed by the astronomer Victorinus (flourished 5th century), who had been commissioned by Pope Hilarius to reform the calendar and fix the date of Easter. Elements of his method are still in use, although the Scythian monk Dionysius Exiguus made significant adjustments to the Easter cycle in the 6th century. Refusal of the British and Celtic Christian churches to adopt the proposed changes led to a bitter dispute between them and Rome in the 7th century.
The World's Educator by Claudio V. Tabotabo, MA (March, 2006)
Among the things Fr. Ragonton left in 1996 were books with edition date backing up to the pre-vatican period. They are so brittle that reading them is like deciphering the old sea-scroll. Too much care is necessary. I don't know what is their original color because when I found them, they were all brown like a color of a fertile soil. In the cobwebbed room they littered together under the ramshackle shelf that leaned on the naked wall. There was a makeshift bed where the old priest rested after his voracious readings. I went there for the books but I cannot avoid the sight of a humble life that one time gave meaning to this poor abode. He was a rich man in Ilocos who sold his share of land to put up a school in the scarcely populated island of Mindanao in 1950. There he lived and died among the people he so much loved. And in his remembrance the people of the town petitioned to bury him in the very school he founded. Now in our town his life is a legend.
The books, from the heap of ball-weevils I picked up one. I cannot remember the author but it is about the Jesuit system of education published around 1896. I smuggled it and in my room and I digested the system of the world's greatest educators. Somewhere in the book I came across with how a certain priest described St. Ignacio de Loyola. It says, when a Spaniard tries to drive a nail into the wood, and the hammer breaks, the Spaniard uses his head to drive the nail. The Spaniard here refers to St. Ignacio. He was a Spanish soldier who surrendered his sword and founded at first, The Companion of Jesus that is now the Society of Jesus or shortly called Jesuit.
It is about determination to do the mission. In the pantheon of great missionaries the Jesuit is at the top of it. Jesuits are men who spend their lives for the glory of His people by way of education. The Jesuits founded the Ateneo schools of the Philippines, the Fordham University of New York, Loyola University of France and other known schools of the world.
The books, from the heap of ball-weevils I picked up one. I cannot remember the author but it is about the Jesuit system of education published around 1896. I smuggled it and in my room and I digested the system of the world's greatest educators. Somewhere in the book I came across with how a certain priest described St. Ignacio de Loyola. It says, when a Spaniard tries to drive a nail into the wood, and the hammer breaks, the Spaniard uses his head to drive the nail. The Spaniard here refers to St. Ignacio. He was a Spanish soldier who surrendered his sword and founded at first, The Companion of Jesus that is now the Society of Jesus or shortly called Jesuit.
It is about determination to do the mission. In the pantheon of great missionaries the Jesuit is at the top of it. Jesuits are men who spend their lives for the glory of His people by way of education. The Jesuits founded the Ateneo schools of the Philippines, the Fordham University of New York, Loyola University of France and other known schools of the world.
Irresponsible Journalism by Ronald M. Corpuz (March, 2006)
Last March 06,2006, People's Tonight, a newspaper of general circulation published an article with a title " TIP Student Killed in Hazing" which surprises and shocked many students, professors and administrators of TIP. The victim of the said hazing incident was identified as Clark Anton Silverio, 18 years of age, a resident of Pasay City and a neophyte of Tau Gamma Fraternity. He was rushed into Manila Sanitarium Hospital but died. He was believed to have died due to severe body injuries from a paddle as part of the initiation rite of the said fraternity .One of the suspects was arrested by the name of Edmar Cipan.
TIP administrators verified the name of the victim and the suspect of the said hazing incident. It happened to be that both victim and suspects are not students of TIP but are students of Technological University Philippines or TUP. Of course, they are convinced that it is not intentional on the part of the publisher to print such article but the said error should be set aside and must be rectified.
This is another case of irresponsible journalism, which should not be tolerated or given excuses. We are aware that it may be a typographical error or they may have overlooked the title of the said article but one thing is certain, and that is, there is negligence on the part of the said publishing company on insuring that the published article was correct. The said error may be not so serious on the part of publisher but on the part of the TIP community, it can cause some hesitation on the part of our incoming freshmen students to enroll in our school and may even degrade the reputation of our beloved institution. Indeed, our institution has been striving so hard, utilizing some of its precious capital and human resources just to acquire and attract as many students as possible but because of this publication, the efforts may not be realized. If not corrected, TIP may be given the recognition to be the "home of uneducated fraternity members" or " a school with undisciplined students" which in reality it is not. TIP administration is very vigilant and has taken all the measures to avoid this particular incident to ever happen.
Whatever it may be, the suspects of the hazing incident which are the members of the Tau Gamma Fraternity will be held criminally liable for violating Republic Act 8040 or otherwise known as the Anti-Hazing Law, and that the family of Clark Anton Silverio will demand for the immediate arrest of those who are involved in the crime. On the part of TIP, a civil case may be filed against People's Tonight for their publication or it may end up in a settlement by simply publishing an " erratum or public apology"
This incident will serve as a reminder to our friends in media to be very cautious and prudent in every article that they publish. Ensuring that every detail in their publication is true and correct. We are not questioning their right; we are just emphasizing the delicate nature of their job. A single word may cause not only confusion, it may degrade or destroy the reputation of a particular individual or entities, or worse, divide the nation.
TIP administrators verified the name of the victim and the suspect of the said hazing incident. It happened to be that both victim and suspects are not students of TIP but are students of Technological University Philippines or TUP. Of course, they are convinced that it is not intentional on the part of the publisher to print such article but the said error should be set aside and must be rectified.
This is another case of irresponsible journalism, which should not be tolerated or given excuses. We are aware that it may be a typographical error or they may have overlooked the title of the said article but one thing is certain, and that is, there is negligence on the part of the said publishing company on insuring that the published article was correct. The said error may be not so serious on the part of publisher but on the part of the TIP community, it can cause some hesitation on the part of our incoming freshmen students to enroll in our school and may even degrade the reputation of our beloved institution. Indeed, our institution has been striving so hard, utilizing some of its precious capital and human resources just to acquire and attract as many students as possible but because of this publication, the efforts may not be realized. If not corrected, TIP may be given the recognition to be the "home of uneducated fraternity members" or " a school with undisciplined students" which in reality it is not. TIP administration is very vigilant and has taken all the measures to avoid this particular incident to ever happen.
Whatever it may be, the suspects of the hazing incident which are the members of the Tau Gamma Fraternity will be held criminally liable for violating Republic Act 8040 or otherwise known as the Anti-Hazing Law, and that the family of Clark Anton Silverio will demand for the immediate arrest of those who are involved in the crime. On the part of TIP, a civil case may be filed against People's Tonight for their publication or it may end up in a settlement by simply publishing an " erratum or public apology"
This incident will serve as a reminder to our friends in media to be very cautious and prudent in every article that they publish. Ensuring that every detail in their publication is true and correct. We are not questioning their right; we are just emphasizing the delicate nature of their job. A single word may cause not only confusion, it may degrade or destroy the reputation of a particular individual or entities, or worse, divide the nation.
1017 by Ronan S. Estoque, MA (February, 2006)
In response to the foiled coup attempt, the Arroyo Administration issued Proclamation 1017. In a simplest term, this particular proclamation enables the administration to arrest suspected coup plotters without the benefit of a warrant. Media could be muscled to toe the government line and taken to an extreme, this particular proclamation run counters against the freedom of expression that is enshrined in the 1987 Constitution.
Civil libertarians are labeling this proclamation as a prelude to a martial law. Senator Joker Arroyo put it bluntly when he called it as a "creeping martial law".
This afternoon, the Supreme Court is slated to hear the entire petition against Proclamation 1017. Whatever the outcome of such a hearing, one thing is certain - democracy is still working in this republic because the mere fact that one could still lodge a petition against PP 1017 means that there is still freedom of expression.
Article III, Section 4 says that "No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceable to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances".
Now I don't know how PP 1017 is going to go around it but the above-mentioned article is clear, simple and easy to understand. If such goes against Article III, Section 4 of the Constitution then such is unconstitutional.
I really believed that GMA was badly served when she agreed to proclaim 1017. All of the powers that the said proclamation gave her were already inherent in her as the Chief Executive of this republic.
Article VII, Section 18 states that "The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Philippines and whenever it becomes necessary, he may call such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion. In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, he may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law. Within forty-eight hours from the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, the President shall submit a report in person or in writing to the Congress. The Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at least a majority of all its Members in regular or special session, may revoke such proclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be set aside by the President. Upon the initiative of the President, the Congress may, in the same manner, extend such proclamation or suspension for a period to be determined by the Congress, if the invasion or rebellion shall persist and public safety requires it.
The point that I am trying to make here is that all the power that was supposed to be given to be president was already in her possession. Any other mean is just an extra-constitutional tool in imposing a mutated Philippine version of a dictatorship.
US Civil War General Burnside once said, "It is well that this is terrible, or else we might grow fond of it" (in reference to the US Civil War). The trouble is that we as a people became too fond of people power. Whenever there is a trouble with the administration, we want a people power.
Some segment of the Filipino people wanted the former president treated with more respect and what did they do, they staged their own people power. People right now are mad with the present administration and what are they doing? They are staging their own version of a mutated people power.
Favorable or not, this silly issue with Presidential Proclamation 1017 will be settled in one way or another by the Supreme Court. If 1017 is an overkill, then it is high time for the Supreme Court to say so.
Civil libertarians are labeling this proclamation as a prelude to a martial law. Senator Joker Arroyo put it bluntly when he called it as a "creeping martial law".
This afternoon, the Supreme Court is slated to hear the entire petition against Proclamation 1017. Whatever the outcome of such a hearing, one thing is certain - democracy is still working in this republic because the mere fact that one could still lodge a petition against PP 1017 means that there is still freedom of expression.
Article III, Section 4 says that "No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceable to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances".
Now I don't know how PP 1017 is going to go around it but the above-mentioned article is clear, simple and easy to understand. If such goes against Article III, Section 4 of the Constitution then such is unconstitutional.
I really believed that GMA was badly served when she agreed to proclaim 1017. All of the powers that the said proclamation gave her were already inherent in her as the Chief Executive of this republic.
Article VII, Section 18 states that "The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Philippines and whenever it becomes necessary, he may call such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion. In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, he may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law. Within forty-eight hours from the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, the President shall submit a report in person or in writing to the Congress. The Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at least a majority of all its Members in regular or special session, may revoke such proclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be set aside by the President. Upon the initiative of the President, the Congress may, in the same manner, extend such proclamation or suspension for a period to be determined by the Congress, if the invasion or rebellion shall persist and public safety requires it.
The point that I am trying to make here is that all the power that was supposed to be given to be president was already in her possession. Any other mean is just an extra-constitutional tool in imposing a mutated Philippine version of a dictatorship.
US Civil War General Burnside once said, "It is well that this is terrible, or else we might grow fond of it" (in reference to the US Civil War). The trouble is that we as a people became too fond of people power. Whenever there is a trouble with the administration, we want a people power.
Some segment of the Filipino people wanted the former president treated with more respect and what did they do, they staged their own people power. People right now are mad with the present administration and what are they doing? They are staging their own version of a mutated people power.
Favorable or not, this silly issue with Presidential Proclamation 1017 will be settled in one way or another by the Supreme Court. If 1017 is an overkill, then it is high time for the Supreme Court to say so.
Presidential Proclamation No. 1017, Declaration of State of Emergency by Lorna V. Wy, MA (March, 2006)
Series of events transpired on February 24, 2006 when the President declares the Proclamation 1017 otherwise known as "State of National Emergency", Chronology of events shows the factual basis in the exercise of the Power of the President as provided in Section 18, Article 7 of the Philippine Constitution which states that: "The President…whenever it becomes necessary,… may call out (the) armed forces to prevent or suppress … rebellion…," and in my capacity as their Commander-in-Chief, do hereby command the Armed Forces of the Philippines, to maintain law and order throughout the Philippines, prevent or suppress all forms of lawless violence as well as any act of insurrection or rebellion and to enforce obedience to all the laws and to all decrees, orders and regulations promulgated by me personally or upon my direction.
Testimonial and documentary evidence proved beyond doubt the existence of tactical conspiracy and systematic alliance between the rightist, leftist, military, civil society and hardcore political opportunist to create destabilization on the part of the government. The illegal acts plot was timed to coincide with the celebration of the 20th anniversary of EDSA 1, to induce civil society revolt against the government. Since the will of the people is supreme over the constitution, which was served as a vehicle in restoring democracy against tyrannous acts of President Marcos.
The three branches of government (Legislative, Executive and Judiciary) are co-equal and checks and balances. The burden is now shifted with the Highest Tribunal to interpret the constitutionality and legality of Proclamation 1017. Petition for review has been filed even though the President lifted 1017. Notwithstanding the resolution to be rendered by the Higher Court after the hearing of oral arguments and presentation of evidence, it is the duty of the President, whenever in her judgment, there exists a grave emergency or a threat or imminence thereof, she may, in order to meet the emergency, issue the necessary decrees, orders or letters of instructions, which shall form part of the law of the land" as incidental to her power as Commander in Chief of the Arm Forces of the Philippines. To substantiate it, the acts of conspirators and coup plotters constitute evil acts crossing the boundaries of the guaranteed civil rights and liberties by the 1987 Constitution. There was clear and present danger acts that were neutralize and diminished by the AFP, PNP and other law enforcers.
The act per se is extra-constitutional but it does not render illegal and invalid, sources of powers of the President are express, implied as provided by the Constitution and incidental. The power to declare state of emergency is expressly authorize by law because it is incidental to state existence, attaches to the power of the President from the moment that the law conferred her to be the President of the Republic of the Philippines. It need not be written in the Constitution since it is inherent and doest not constitute "ultra vires acts".
Testimonial and documentary evidence proved beyond doubt the existence of tactical conspiracy and systematic alliance between the rightist, leftist, military, civil society and hardcore political opportunist to create destabilization on the part of the government. The illegal acts plot was timed to coincide with the celebration of the 20th anniversary of EDSA 1, to induce civil society revolt against the government. Since the will of the people is supreme over the constitution, which was served as a vehicle in restoring democracy against tyrannous acts of President Marcos.
The three branches of government (Legislative, Executive and Judiciary) are co-equal and checks and balances. The burden is now shifted with the Highest Tribunal to interpret the constitutionality and legality of Proclamation 1017. Petition for review has been filed even though the President lifted 1017. Notwithstanding the resolution to be rendered by the Higher Court after the hearing of oral arguments and presentation of evidence, it is the duty of the President, whenever in her judgment, there exists a grave emergency or a threat or imminence thereof, she may, in order to meet the emergency, issue the necessary decrees, orders or letters of instructions, which shall form part of the law of the land" as incidental to her power as Commander in Chief of the Arm Forces of the Philippines. To substantiate it, the acts of conspirators and coup plotters constitute evil acts crossing the boundaries of the guaranteed civil rights and liberties by the 1987 Constitution. There was clear and present danger acts that were neutralize and diminished by the AFP, PNP and other law enforcers.
The act per se is extra-constitutional but it does not render illegal and invalid, sources of powers of the President are express, implied as provided by the Constitution and incidental. The power to declare state of emergency is expressly authorize by law because it is incidental to state existence, attaches to the power of the President from the moment that the law conferred her to be the President of the Republic of the Philippines. It need not be written in the Constitution since it is inherent and doest not constitute "ultra vires acts".
Waterdipper (2x) by Ronan S. Estoque, MA (March, 2006)
In answer to the vanity articles that have been plaguing the HSSD Newsletter lately, I am writing this piece in honor of Professor Claudio V. Tabotabo.
If one were to yahoo search the word Tabotabo in the Internet, one would find 915 articles that contain the word Tabotabo. If you were specifically searching for Claudio V. Tabotabo in the Internet, one would find 19 entries that are nowhere related to the subject of this article.
At any rate, the potential is there. Years from now, when Mr. Tabotabo is already famous (or infamous) let me be the first to claim that I was the first who wrote about him. A graduate of a perfectly aligned course (i.e AB English and MA English), he is currently in a dilemma whether to proceed with his doctorate pursuit in the University of the Philippines. At the moment, suffice it to say that his love life takes the first priority over his doctorate studies.
Married to the former Librarian of TIP-Manila, we could say that Mr. Tabotabo loves knowledge so much that he married the very embodiment of knowledge in this plane, a librarian. Psychologically, that speaks well of the man. Literally, he is a living testament to the love of wisdom (which in Latin is philosophia).
For Professor Tabotabo, height does not matter - what matter is the thing that is between your ears. His dedication to teaching is beyond reproach as well as his loyalty to his wife. Though the two are not interconnected, his passion is similar to a bull - it only seizes when the objective was gored (learning and loving, that is).
To teach, to love, they are all intertwined. For Professor Tabotabo, both can never be sustained without passion. To the promise and potential that is still to be realized, allow me to say, "the thrill is in the hunt, and not in the kill".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A couple of weeks ago, a melee in a popular noontime show triggered a stampede causing hundreds of injuries and over 70 deaths. After the shameful incident comes a more shameful tragedy. The mediocre program was bankrolled by ABS-CBN who happens to be one of the most profitable (worth billions of pesos) network to work for in current Philippine media.
Any bumbling lawyer will tell you that whenever an accident happens, actual and punitive damages are due to the victim. Assuming that for every death, ABS-CBN will pay a million pesos (as a payment for actual damages) and a 500 million pesos goes for punitive damages; a total of 570 plus million liability is nothing to a company that is worth over billions of pesos and who at the very moment of the actual incident was even earning millions of pesos in its advertisement endeavors.
People who side with the giant ABS-CBN will say that the tragedy was nobody's fault. That though the incident was tragic, nobody wanted it to happen. And giving them the benefit of the doubt, I happen to concur with the argument. However, there is such a thing as "culpability". And this culpability resulted in deaths and numerous injuries. With so many lawyers out there, an exposure of this kind will certainly trigger a feeding frenzy among the profession that is generally regarded as less forgiving and by nature behaves as a glutton.
A payment of 570 plus million is nothing. The moment the case is filed, I am quite certain that an amicable settlement will be the only objective that the ABS-CBN lawyers will be aiming for.
In this tragedy, someone with money will have to pay, the poor have already paid for this tragedy with their blood, now is the turn of ABS-CBN to part with their money. Maybe, ABS-CBN is just reaping the dividends of making fun (and making money) out of the poor and the unwashed masses.
Secretary of Justice, Raul Gonzales nailed it straight, ABS-CBN is liable to a criminal case of "reckless imprudence leading to multiple homicides and injuries".
Knowing facts and proving it are two different things, but the next logical question ought to be "will ABS-CBN drag and expose its reputation in the bar of public opinion just to save a couple of pesos?"
My dear Brutus, what are you waiting for?!!!
If one were to yahoo search the word Tabotabo in the Internet, one would find 915 articles that contain the word Tabotabo. If you were specifically searching for Claudio V. Tabotabo in the Internet, one would find 19 entries that are nowhere related to the subject of this article.
At any rate, the potential is there. Years from now, when Mr. Tabotabo is already famous (or infamous) let me be the first to claim that I was the first who wrote about him. A graduate of a perfectly aligned course (i.e AB English and MA English), he is currently in a dilemma whether to proceed with his doctorate pursuit in the University of the Philippines. At the moment, suffice it to say that his love life takes the first priority over his doctorate studies.
Married to the former Librarian of TIP-Manila, we could say that Mr. Tabotabo loves knowledge so much that he married the very embodiment of knowledge in this plane, a librarian. Psychologically, that speaks well of the man. Literally, he is a living testament to the love of wisdom (which in Latin is philosophia).
For Professor Tabotabo, height does not matter - what matter is the thing that is between your ears. His dedication to teaching is beyond reproach as well as his loyalty to his wife. Though the two are not interconnected, his passion is similar to a bull - it only seizes when the objective was gored (learning and loving, that is).
To teach, to love, they are all intertwined. For Professor Tabotabo, both can never be sustained without passion. To the promise and potential that is still to be realized, allow me to say, "the thrill is in the hunt, and not in the kill".
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A couple of weeks ago, a melee in a popular noontime show triggered a stampede causing hundreds of injuries and over 70 deaths. After the shameful incident comes a more shameful tragedy. The mediocre program was bankrolled by ABS-CBN who happens to be one of the most profitable (worth billions of pesos) network to work for in current Philippine media.
Any bumbling lawyer will tell you that whenever an accident happens, actual and punitive damages are due to the victim. Assuming that for every death, ABS-CBN will pay a million pesos (as a payment for actual damages) and a 500 million pesos goes for punitive damages; a total of 570 plus million liability is nothing to a company that is worth over billions of pesos and who at the very moment of the actual incident was even earning millions of pesos in its advertisement endeavors.
People who side with the giant ABS-CBN will say that the tragedy was nobody's fault. That though the incident was tragic, nobody wanted it to happen. And giving them the benefit of the doubt, I happen to concur with the argument. However, there is such a thing as "culpability". And this culpability resulted in deaths and numerous injuries. With so many lawyers out there, an exposure of this kind will certainly trigger a feeding frenzy among the profession that is generally regarded as less forgiving and by nature behaves as a glutton.
A payment of 570 plus million is nothing. The moment the case is filed, I am quite certain that an amicable settlement will be the only objective that the ABS-CBN lawyers will be aiming for.
In this tragedy, someone with money will have to pay, the poor have already paid for this tragedy with their blood, now is the turn of ABS-CBN to part with their money. Maybe, ABS-CBN is just reaping the dividends of making fun (and making money) out of the poor and the unwashed masses.
Secretary of Justice, Raul Gonzales nailed it straight, ABS-CBN is liable to a criminal case of "reckless imprudence leading to multiple homicides and injuries".
Knowing facts and proving it are two different things, but the next logical question ought to be "will ABS-CBN drag and expose its reputation in the bar of public opinion just to save a couple of pesos?"
My dear Brutus, what are you waiting for?!!!
Estoker by Claudio V. Tabotabo, MA (February, 2006)
Spending long years in the academe provides me opportunities to meet people. Unfortunately, only a few I could bring to my ideals who have dedication to their academic life. I must be branded arrogant to say, but in this period of extreme materialism, only a few have the faculties of understanding. People are busy acquiring things that only fulfill the practicalities of life while a vast area for the cultivation of the personality is overlooked.
So great was my rejoicing when I found myself in a department with an atmosphere of academic development. There is a chance to read books, to write and to converse with the liberals. Liberals to clarify in this paper refers to the professors of arts and the humanities.
I said academic development because this is the department populated with academically inclined few. Among these few I wish to highlight is the head of the department who is notably an armchair traveler. He is always seen with a book on hand.
While working as office staff of the Philippine Senate, he worked hardly for his graduate studies which he eventually finished in 2001, at MLQU in the degree of MA PSYCHOLOGY. Finishing a graduate study is not the point to be discussed about. He worked in an office that is the object of everybody's illusion. Everyone dreamed to work in the senate while he himself was thinking to vacate it. His desire to be in the academe was burning and it went as he designed, leaving the Philippine Senate and entering in the academic institution.
It was at TIP Manila where his dream began to realize. He became administrator after few months of plain classroom professor. Now he himself designs syllabi, distributes teaching loads to teachers at the same time does his beloved job, to teach. So indeed he has the work of a pure academician.
But everything did not end there. His exposure to the academe made his graduate degree a small thing for him. He was still hungry for a higher degree that finally put him in a post graduate studies. He is now in the finishing part of it. Sometime this year a young Doctor of Public Administration shall be named at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
The TIP like other schools of Manila looks at the talent and enthusiasm of young blood so that today who runs the schools are young professionals. Old school masters cannot ignore the fact that the young shall outdo them. "The old shall give way to the young so that there shall be promotions." It's what the old navy said to the young Edmund Dantes in the Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas.
It is the fashion of the time. But part of the fashion is the lament of the old masters on the weaknesses of the young to earthly demands. The old talk about wisdom, the young talk about fortunes. The situation of the schools of Manila exemplifies this claim.
However, the old are also aware that among this crop of technologically minded school administrators exists unnoticed a schoolmaster who can see beyond the physical dimension of a thing.
When everyone was restless for promotion, he is calm peering down at his newly acquired book, a novel. When everybody is copying, he is writing his own article for the department's paper. When everybody is prodding anger at his subordinates, he is laughing with his friends. It is the meaning of what they called serenity, the capacity to do things when everyone surrenders from doing.
There was a series of lay off of faculty members on the ground that teachers are not qualified to teach after teaching more than 10 years. Mr. Estoque devised a system that saved his faculty members. He promised the school that all the faculty members who have not finished a graduate degree and such due to end the contract, shall enroll in their respective graduate studies.
The teaching load was not enough to everyone. The department chair distributed it equally to one another, the situation that sometimes put him in danger. But he was there brave enough like the Spanish fighter stoking the advancing bull that gives him the right to be called stoker.
So great was my rejoicing when I found myself in a department with an atmosphere of academic development. There is a chance to read books, to write and to converse with the liberals. Liberals to clarify in this paper refers to the professors of arts and the humanities.
I said academic development because this is the department populated with academically inclined few. Among these few I wish to highlight is the head of the department who is notably an armchair traveler. He is always seen with a book on hand.
While working as office staff of the Philippine Senate, he worked hardly for his graduate studies which he eventually finished in 2001, at MLQU in the degree of MA PSYCHOLOGY. Finishing a graduate study is not the point to be discussed about. He worked in an office that is the object of everybody's illusion. Everyone dreamed to work in the senate while he himself was thinking to vacate it. His desire to be in the academe was burning and it went as he designed, leaving the Philippine Senate and entering in the academic institution.
It was at TIP Manila where his dream began to realize. He became administrator after few months of plain classroom professor. Now he himself designs syllabi, distributes teaching loads to teachers at the same time does his beloved job, to teach. So indeed he has the work of a pure academician.
But everything did not end there. His exposure to the academe made his graduate degree a small thing for him. He was still hungry for a higher degree that finally put him in a post graduate studies. He is now in the finishing part of it. Sometime this year a young Doctor of Public Administration shall be named at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
The TIP like other schools of Manila looks at the talent and enthusiasm of young blood so that today who runs the schools are young professionals. Old school masters cannot ignore the fact that the young shall outdo them. "The old shall give way to the young so that there shall be promotions." It's what the old navy said to the young Edmund Dantes in the Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas.
It is the fashion of the time. But part of the fashion is the lament of the old masters on the weaknesses of the young to earthly demands. The old talk about wisdom, the young talk about fortunes. The situation of the schools of Manila exemplifies this claim.
However, the old are also aware that among this crop of technologically minded school administrators exists unnoticed a schoolmaster who can see beyond the physical dimension of a thing.
When everyone was restless for promotion, he is calm peering down at his newly acquired book, a novel. When everybody is copying, he is writing his own article for the department's paper. When everybody is prodding anger at his subordinates, he is laughing with his friends. It is the meaning of what they called serenity, the capacity to do things when everyone surrenders from doing.
There was a series of lay off of faculty members on the ground that teachers are not qualified to teach after teaching more than 10 years. Mr. Estoque devised a system that saved his faculty members. He promised the school that all the faculty members who have not finished a graduate degree and such due to end the contract, shall enroll in their respective graduate studies.
The teaching load was not enough to everyone. The department chair distributed it equally to one another, the situation that sometimes put him in danger. But he was there brave enough like the Spanish fighter stoking the advancing bull that gives him the right to be called stoker.
Rosalin San Ramon Camacho by Aquilina V. Redo, MA (February, 2006)
Small but terrible. This petite but brainy woman, still young in service with us, in a pride of Technological Institute of the Philippines-Manila particularly of the Humanities and Social Sciences Department. As a consistent honor student from elementary to college, she is now ready to make a difference in the lives of the people, especially the young, as a Psychology professor. Aspiring to become the best of what she could possibly become, she finished elementary and high school in Southeastern College and finished AB Psychology in PWU-Manila-all with flying colors.
She took up education units from PCU-Manila and finished academic requirements for MA Education with Specialization in School Psychology in PNU. As LET passer and civil service eligible, she has also gained several teaching, guidance and counseling experience from St. Mary's Academy, Colegio San Agustin-Makati and AMA-Makati Campus, among others.
As a fourth child among five siblings, she considers her parents as the most influential people in her life with their example of hard work. With the Golden Rule as her guiding principle, she believes that everything happens for a reason and life is a product of our choices. Strict in self-discipline, she also firmly upholds that time in gold.
Finally, with strong faith in God, she says that safety is not the absence of danger but the presence of God. She is very much confident that nothing is impossible if you have strong faith in God. Likewise, she deems that our life is God's gift to us but what we do with our life is our gift to God.
She took up education units from PCU-Manila and finished academic requirements for MA Education with Specialization in School Psychology in PNU. As LET passer and civil service eligible, she has also gained several teaching, guidance and counseling experience from St. Mary's Academy, Colegio San Agustin-Makati and AMA-Makati Campus, among others.
As a fourth child among five siblings, she considers her parents as the most influential people in her life with their example of hard work. With the Golden Rule as her guiding principle, she believes that everything happens for a reason and life is a product of our choices. Strict in self-discipline, she also firmly upholds that time in gold.
Finally, with strong faith in God, she says that safety is not the absence of danger but the presence of God. She is very much confident that nothing is impossible if you have strong faith in God. Likewise, she deems that our life is God's gift to us but what we do with our life is our gift to God.
Sporting Champions by Ronan S. Estoque, MA (February, 2006)
Similar to the win achieved by Manny Pacquiao and Brian Villoria, there was also a sporting event that was eagerly anticipated and prepared for by the TIP-Manila community. In the merry month of February, a sporting competition was held between the sports enthusiast of TIP-Arlegui and TIP P. Casal.
They say that for four straight years, TIP P. Casal has been whipping the sports enthusiast of TIP-Arlegui. Well, I do not know if that is true (about the 4 consecutive years), what I do know is that for two consecutive years such "whipping" did occur and I was a personal witness to the whipping, especially in men's basketball.
Last year, TIP-Arlegui underestimated TIP P. Casal and the price was a humiliating lost. For this year, TIP-Arlegui prepared long and hard for the annual basketball game. They even spent some cash to purchase a basketball uniform. Unfortunately, the result was still the same. They were still defeated. It is not because that the players of TIP P. Casal were taller or more talented or heaven forbids, more good looking. It was simply a case of more determination, pride and honor.
For this year, the bragging rights belong to TIP P. Casal. Next year would be another chapter to this friendly rivalry, nevertheless - the sporting competition next year promises to be more fierce and competitive. But for the meantime, let TIP P. Casal savor the joy of victory for another year. No one could promise the results of next year's games, so for this year, TIP P. Casal, enjoy the victory. For TIP-Arlegui, better luck next year!!
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You could always tell when the palace (or specifically, the president) is playing politics. Was is me or was it just a year ago that the battle against E-VAT polarized the entire republic - where people normally are against additional taxes and by sheer political force, the expanded value added tax law was finally passed and implemented by the present administration and rammed against the populace.
Now in the face of another threat (real or imagined), the present administration is again advocating the removal of withholding taxes for the minimum wage earners. If this is allowed, the revenues gained from the E-VAT will just be cancelled by this populist move.
Clearly, this is just another side of ugly politics where the long-term betterment of the republic is being sacrificed for the short-term respite of the grudging minimum wage earners and a play for their perceived support. A questionable support that is still to be established and verified (in the very first place).
If one is sacrificing a long-term goal (to raise more revenues) in lieu of the artificial purchase of a popular support then all is lost. Governance now will be based on what is popular rather than what is right. Taxes are the lifeblood of any government. If you are exempting one sector then what about the other sector? Psychologically, a sacrifice is really not that difficult if all are bearing the brunt. If one sector is exempted, then the perennial question of "why me?" is going to fester and in the long run will cause more harm than the immediate good.
We have all heard it before; these are all bitter pills for the betterment of the future. But it seems that the present administration is losing its perspective and is starting to believe the negative impact of surveys. They are wavering in their stance and believe me when I pronounce that they would be asking for more exemptions and sacrifices.
If one is really bent on being popular, why not scrap all taxes altogether? Now that is one stupid idea worth considering since they are after the "popular support". With the summer fast approaching, they are playing with fire that could easily swallow the entire forest (that is not virgin anymore).
We are heading for a brewing disaster that will implode sooner or later. This is now a failure of leadership at the highest level. More turmoil is before our road, my dear Brutus, more turmoil indeed...
They say that for four straight years, TIP P. Casal has been whipping the sports enthusiast of TIP-Arlegui. Well, I do not know if that is true (about the 4 consecutive years), what I do know is that for two consecutive years such "whipping" did occur and I was a personal witness to the whipping, especially in men's basketball.
Last year, TIP-Arlegui underestimated TIP P. Casal and the price was a humiliating lost. For this year, TIP-Arlegui prepared long and hard for the annual basketball game. They even spent some cash to purchase a basketball uniform. Unfortunately, the result was still the same. They were still defeated. It is not because that the players of TIP P. Casal were taller or more talented or heaven forbids, more good looking. It was simply a case of more determination, pride and honor.
For this year, the bragging rights belong to TIP P. Casal. Next year would be another chapter to this friendly rivalry, nevertheless - the sporting competition next year promises to be more fierce and competitive. But for the meantime, let TIP P. Casal savor the joy of victory for another year. No one could promise the results of next year's games, so for this year, TIP P. Casal, enjoy the victory. For TIP-Arlegui, better luck next year!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You could always tell when the palace (or specifically, the president) is playing politics. Was is me or was it just a year ago that the battle against E-VAT polarized the entire republic - where people normally are against additional taxes and by sheer political force, the expanded value added tax law was finally passed and implemented by the present administration and rammed against the populace.
Now in the face of another threat (real or imagined), the present administration is again advocating the removal of withholding taxes for the minimum wage earners. If this is allowed, the revenues gained from the E-VAT will just be cancelled by this populist move.
Clearly, this is just another side of ugly politics where the long-term betterment of the republic is being sacrificed for the short-term respite of the grudging minimum wage earners and a play for their perceived support. A questionable support that is still to be established and verified (in the very first place).
If one is sacrificing a long-term goal (to raise more revenues) in lieu of the artificial purchase of a popular support then all is lost. Governance now will be based on what is popular rather than what is right. Taxes are the lifeblood of any government. If you are exempting one sector then what about the other sector? Psychologically, a sacrifice is really not that difficult if all are bearing the brunt. If one sector is exempted, then the perennial question of "why me?" is going to fester and in the long run will cause more harm than the immediate good.
We have all heard it before; these are all bitter pills for the betterment of the future. But it seems that the present administration is losing its perspective and is starting to believe the negative impact of surveys. They are wavering in their stance and believe me when I pronounce that they would be asking for more exemptions and sacrifices.
If one is really bent on being popular, why not scrap all taxes altogether? Now that is one stupid idea worth considering since they are after the "popular support". With the summer fast approaching, they are playing with fire that could easily swallow the entire forest (that is not virgin anymore).
We are heading for a brewing disaster that will implode sooner or later. This is now a failure of leadership at the highest level. More turmoil is before our road, my dear Brutus, more turmoil indeed...
Predictive Scenarios by Ronan S. Estoque, MA (January, 2006)
Over the weekend, the US branded terrorist organization HAMAS was elected as the ruling majority for the Palestinian politics. Indignation was immediate after the announcement of a HAMAS electoral win and though the ascent of a HAMAS led government seems inevitable, the ramification of this current scenario seems to lead towards a more potent and a more dangerous middle east debacle.
There is a standing US policy that there should never be a negotiation (in any form) with a terrorist. With this stunning political upset in the Palestinian equation, like it or not - America will have to deal with the current looming political reality.
In addition to the current difficulty is the insistence of Iran to develop its own nuclear program and be a nuclear power by its own right. The possibility of an Iran Nuclear Power and a virtual terrorist state operating besides Israel is a scenario that is getting nearer than previously contemplated.
This current geo-politics is relevant to the republic because of oil. It is an open secret that the planet's oil supply is dwindling. Oil demand far outweighs oil supply. This fact alone is certain to raise the prices of oil. With the addition of the instability in the Middle East (e.g. Israel, HAMAS and Iran equation), oil prices are bound to increase further to unimaginable scale.
The Philippine Republic is an oil-consumer. Once the oil supply is threatened, world oil prices will certainly go up directly affecting the local price index, the local consumption and taken to an extreme, the local politics. It seems unimaginable but the reality of having local politicians replaced because of world oil prices is very possible.
Looking at a macro-economic perspective, the case of Middle East politics pervading in the local politics is nearer at hand than previously thought off. If we could only affect the current Middle East politics instead of the other way around. Or better yet, if we could only export our local politicians abroad, then we would be in a more bearable situation...
There is a standing US policy that there should never be a negotiation (in any form) with a terrorist. With this stunning political upset in the Palestinian equation, like it or not - America will have to deal with the current looming political reality.
In addition to the current difficulty is the insistence of Iran to develop its own nuclear program and be a nuclear power by its own right. The possibility of an Iran Nuclear Power and a virtual terrorist state operating besides Israel is a scenario that is getting nearer than previously contemplated.
This current geo-politics is relevant to the republic because of oil. It is an open secret that the planet's oil supply is dwindling. Oil demand far outweighs oil supply. This fact alone is certain to raise the prices of oil. With the addition of the instability in the Middle East (e.g. Israel, HAMAS and Iran equation), oil prices are bound to increase further to unimaginable scale.
The Philippine Republic is an oil-consumer. Once the oil supply is threatened, world oil prices will certainly go up directly affecting the local price index, the local consumption and taken to an extreme, the local politics. It seems unimaginable but the reality of having local politicians replaced because of world oil prices is very possible.
Looking at a macro-economic perspective, the case of Middle East politics pervading in the local politics is nearer at hand than previously thought off. If we could only affect the current Middle East politics instead of the other way around. Or better yet, if we could only export our local politicians abroad, then we would be in a more bearable situation...
Eulogy to Rizal by Claudio V. Tabotabo, MA (January, 2006)
Unfortunately I was not around in his funeral, but if I were there and given a chance to speak before the dead, this is what I will say.
The little bad boy from Calamba Laguna, had a fist fight with his classmates in Binan, pet of the Jesuits at Ateneo and enemy of the friars at UST, he went to Madrid to continue his medical studies, there in the school where he was an alien he fought against the bishop to glorify the academic freedom advanced by Dr. Miguel Morayta, challenged a Spanish writer to a duel, mustered two novels, some essays and poems to open a window where Filipinos can see the Spaniards raping the Filipino girls and beheading the Filipino farmers, but other Filipinos abroad did not like him because of his blatant attack to all that put bad name to his people and that include some compatriots who went to Spain in the name of struggle which in reality they only flirted the beautiful Spanish ladies, disgusted by the cowardice and arrogance of his compatriots abroad, he himself went home to the Philippines where he was not given a conquering hero's welcome like what they gave to Manny Pacquiao, what he got was misery as an exile in Dapitan in the island of Mindanao, and to complete their dislike to the man, they put him into a military court for alleged part in the revolution that was beginning to foster, and finally to complete their evil, they set the man into a firing squad on December 30, 1896 Bagum-bayan (now Luneta).
It's what he gets after his struggle to save the Filipinos from the fang of the conquerors. Rizal did not want Philippine separation from Spain. He only wanted education for the Filipinos that perhaps the first steps of Philippine autonomy. Neither did he advocated for rebellion although it was very clear that he did not oppose bloody revolution unless the Filipinos are prepared. For these reasons Rizal was not a rebel. He was a reformist.
We have this man who combined all the luster of arts and the bravery of a fighter. Without him perhaps until now we are still under the American imperialist regime. It was his poem My Last Farewell which was read in the congress of America when the Philippine Independence was being debated. After the poem was read a unanimous decision to grant Philippine Independence became inevitable. Filipinos can stand by their own governance.
Without Rizal there can be no Bonifacio who crushed the Spanish garrison with his only weapon, a bolo. Without Rizal the memory of the three martyred priests shall be forgotten like an ordinary occurrence in a country because of all the freedom fighters in the Philippines only Rizal remembered them. The novel, El Filibusterismo was dedicated to them. And when the vagrants come back to Luneta at dusk to sleep, or a prostitute while waiting for a prospective customer or when beggars and run-away boys look at the statue, a thought comes to their minds that there was a man who tried to save them from becoming what they are now.
He tried to save the Filipinos by way of education but he was a failure. Filipinos are not educated. More than 100 years after his death what we produced are bunch of functional illiterates with college diplomas from the best schools of the country. It appears that his enemies are the victors...
The little bad boy from Calamba Laguna, had a fist fight with his classmates in Binan, pet of the Jesuits at Ateneo and enemy of the friars at UST, he went to Madrid to continue his medical studies, there in the school where he was an alien he fought against the bishop to glorify the academic freedom advanced by Dr. Miguel Morayta, challenged a Spanish writer to a duel, mustered two novels, some essays and poems to open a window where Filipinos can see the Spaniards raping the Filipino girls and beheading the Filipino farmers, but other Filipinos abroad did not like him because of his blatant attack to all that put bad name to his people and that include some compatriots who went to Spain in the name of struggle which in reality they only flirted the beautiful Spanish ladies, disgusted by the cowardice and arrogance of his compatriots abroad, he himself went home to the Philippines where he was not given a conquering hero's welcome like what they gave to Manny Pacquiao, what he got was misery as an exile in Dapitan in the island of Mindanao, and to complete their dislike to the man, they put him into a military court for alleged part in the revolution that was beginning to foster, and finally to complete their evil, they set the man into a firing squad on December 30, 1896 Bagum-bayan (now Luneta).
It's what he gets after his struggle to save the Filipinos from the fang of the conquerors. Rizal did not want Philippine separation from Spain. He only wanted education for the Filipinos that perhaps the first steps of Philippine autonomy. Neither did he advocated for rebellion although it was very clear that he did not oppose bloody revolution unless the Filipinos are prepared. For these reasons Rizal was not a rebel. He was a reformist.
We have this man who combined all the luster of arts and the bravery of a fighter. Without him perhaps until now we are still under the American imperialist regime. It was his poem My Last Farewell which was read in the congress of America when the Philippine Independence was being debated. After the poem was read a unanimous decision to grant Philippine Independence became inevitable. Filipinos can stand by their own governance.
Without Rizal there can be no Bonifacio who crushed the Spanish garrison with his only weapon, a bolo. Without Rizal the memory of the three martyred priests shall be forgotten like an ordinary occurrence in a country because of all the freedom fighters in the Philippines only Rizal remembered them. The novel, El Filibusterismo was dedicated to them. And when the vagrants come back to Luneta at dusk to sleep, or a prostitute while waiting for a prospective customer or when beggars and run-away boys look at the statue, a thought comes to their minds that there was a man who tried to save them from becoming what they are now.
He tried to save the Filipinos by way of education but he was a failure. Filipinos are not educated. More than 100 years after his death what we produced are bunch of functional illiterates with college diplomas from the best schools of the country. It appears that his enemies are the victors...
HSSD Technical Seminar by Benigno V. Faral (January, 2006)
Finding that the English forum at Ateneo de Manila effective and worth the attendance of all language professors, the Chair of the Humanities and Social Sciences Department brought the Ateneo speaker to TIP Manila to discuss topic on English in the classroom. Dr. Ma. Luz Vilches whose graduate studies were taken in England and presently the chair of the Ateneo de Manila English Department, talked before the faculty members Department of the Humanities and Social Sciences of TIP Manila last January 12, 2006.
The speaker discussed learning principles and teaching methodology. There is a teaching methodology for English that combines learning the language at the same time integrating values. More importantly, in the pedagogical method, students are given a chance to master the four language areas namely; listening, speaking, writing and reading.
A more elemental component of the presentation was concerned with the "content" of a teacher's instruction material. She underscored the exigency that every instructional material must square with the context of the learner, that is, it should be related to one's life and situation so as the learners would be able to relate and situate themselves within the context with which they are familiar. This feature of the instructional material also demands that the educators should constantly reinvent themselves as well as to continiously revise the content of the teaching material to cope with the present situation of the learners.
Asked what is her opinion to the English of the local celebrities, Dr. Vilches said that "I let the students speak the kind of English of the local celebrities but never in my class." She further added "that kind of English (that of the celebrities) should never be the model of the students.
The speaker discussed learning principles and teaching methodology. There is a teaching methodology for English that combines learning the language at the same time integrating values. More importantly, in the pedagogical method, students are given a chance to master the four language areas namely; listening, speaking, writing and reading.
A more elemental component of the presentation was concerned with the "content" of a teacher's instruction material. She underscored the exigency that every instructional material must square with the context of the learner, that is, it should be related to one's life and situation so as the learners would be able to relate and situate themselves within the context with which they are familiar. This feature of the instructional material also demands that the educators should constantly reinvent themselves as well as to continiously revise the content of the teaching material to cope with the present situation of the learners.
Asked what is her opinion to the English of the local celebrities, Dr. Vilches said that "I let the students speak the kind of English of the local celebrities but never in my class." She further added "that kind of English (that of the celebrities) should never be the model of the students.
Some of the Most Prominent Teaching Strategies by Rogelio G. Dela Cruz, Ph.D (December, 2005)
Institutions of higher learning across the nation are responding to political, economic, social and technological pressures to be more responsive to students' needs and more concerned about how well students are prepared to assume future societal roles. Faculty are already feeling the pressure to lecture less, to make learning environments more interactive, to integrate technology into the learning experience, and to use collaborative learning strategies when appropriate. Some of the more prominent strategies applicable to teaching are outlined below.
The Lecture Method
For many years, the lecture method was the most widely used instructional strategy in college classrooms. Nearly 80% of all college classrooms in the late 1970s reported using some form of the lecture method to teach students. Although the usefulness of other teaching strategies is being widely examined today, the lecture still remains an important way to communicate information.
Used in conjunction with active learning teaching strategies, the traditional lecture can be an effective way to achieve instructional goals. The advantages of the lecture approach are that it provides a way to communicate a large amount of information to many listeners, and maximizes instructor control and is non-threatening to students.
The Case Study Method
Providing an opportunity for students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-life experiences has proven to be an effective way of both disseminating and integrating knowledge. The case study method is an instructional strategy that engages students in active discussion about issues and problems inherent in practical application. It can highlight fundamental dilemmas or critical issues and provide a format for role playing ambiguous or controversial scenarios. Course content cases can come from a variety of sources. Many faculties have transformed current events or problems reported through print or broadcast media into critical learning experiences that illuminate the complexity of finding solutions to critical social problems.
Integrating Technology
Today, educators realize that computer literacy is an important part of a student's education. Integrating technology into a course curriculum when appropriates, is proving to be valuable for enhancing and extending the learning experience for faculty and students. Many faculties have found electronic mail to be a useful way to promote student/student or faculty/student communication between class meetings. Others use list serves or on-line notes to extend topic discussions and explore critical issues with students and colleagues, or discipline- specific software to increase student understanding of difficult concepts.
Cooperative Learning
Cooperative learning can be summarized as the instructional use of small groups, so that the students work together to maximize their own and each other's learning. Cooperative learning groups proliferate in every educational setting, regardless of the age or educational level of the students present.
In cooperative learning situations, there is a positive interdependence among students' goal attainments; students perceive that they can reach their learning goals if and only if the other students in the learning group also reach their goals.
The primary objective of using cooperative learning groups is to meet specific content goals. In order to attain it, we need to place the students into non-competitive situations, giving each student the opportunity to succeed. They have included the five elements of cooperative learning namely:
Positive interdependence
To face-to-face interaction
Individual and group accountability
Learning social skills
Group processing
Brainstorming
Brainstorming is a technique for generating new, useful ideas, and promoting creative thinking, according to an Educational Website, "Brainstorming for Students." It can be a very useful technique to help generate ideas for projects, encourage shy or reluctant students to participate actively and to express themselves confidently.
The use of brainstorming in the classrooms is truly an effective method. In this method, there will be a need to assign roles to students, making sure that each student's contribution is valued. It can be used to help;
Define what project or problem to work on.
To diagnose problems.
Remediate a project by coming up with possible solutions and to identify possible resistance to proposed solutions.
There are three roles for participants in a brainstorming session namely: the leader, the scribe, and the team member.
Ground Rules for Brainstorming
All ideas are welcome. There are no wrong answers. During brainstorming, no judgments should be made of ideas.
Be creative in contributions. Change involves risk taking, it's important to be open to new, original ideas. Every point of view is valuable.
Attempt to contribute a high quantity of ideas is a short amount of time.
Participants should "hitch hike" on others' ideas.
The Lecture Method
For many years, the lecture method was the most widely used instructional strategy in college classrooms. Nearly 80% of all college classrooms in the late 1970s reported using some form of the lecture method to teach students. Although the usefulness of other teaching strategies is being widely examined today, the lecture still remains an important way to communicate information.
Used in conjunction with active learning teaching strategies, the traditional lecture can be an effective way to achieve instructional goals. The advantages of the lecture approach are that it provides a way to communicate a large amount of information to many listeners, and maximizes instructor control and is non-threatening to students.
The Case Study Method
Providing an opportunity for students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-life experiences has proven to be an effective way of both disseminating and integrating knowledge. The case study method is an instructional strategy that engages students in active discussion about issues and problems inherent in practical application. It can highlight fundamental dilemmas or critical issues and provide a format for role playing ambiguous or controversial scenarios. Course content cases can come from a variety of sources. Many faculties have transformed current events or problems reported through print or broadcast media into critical learning experiences that illuminate the complexity of finding solutions to critical social problems.
Integrating Technology
Today, educators realize that computer literacy is an important part of a student's education. Integrating technology into a course curriculum when appropriates, is proving to be valuable for enhancing and extending the learning experience for faculty and students. Many faculties have found electronic mail to be a useful way to promote student/student or faculty/student communication between class meetings. Others use list serves or on-line notes to extend topic discussions and explore critical issues with students and colleagues, or discipline- specific software to increase student understanding of difficult concepts.
Cooperative Learning
Cooperative learning can be summarized as the instructional use of small groups, so that the students work together to maximize their own and each other's learning. Cooperative learning groups proliferate in every educational setting, regardless of the age or educational level of the students present.
In cooperative learning situations, there is a positive interdependence among students' goal attainments; students perceive that they can reach their learning goals if and only if the other students in the learning group also reach their goals.
The primary objective of using cooperative learning groups is to meet specific content goals. In order to attain it, we need to place the students into non-competitive situations, giving each student the opportunity to succeed. They have included the five elements of cooperative learning namely:
Positive interdependence
To face-to-face interaction
Individual and group accountability
Learning social skills
Group processing
Brainstorming
Brainstorming is a technique for generating new, useful ideas, and promoting creative thinking, according to an Educational Website, "Brainstorming for Students." It can be a very useful technique to help generate ideas for projects, encourage shy or reluctant students to participate actively and to express themselves confidently.
The use of brainstorming in the classrooms is truly an effective method. In this method, there will be a need to assign roles to students, making sure that each student's contribution is valued. It can be used to help;
Define what project or problem to work on.
To diagnose problems.
Remediate a project by coming up with possible solutions and to identify possible resistance to proposed solutions.
There are three roles for participants in a brainstorming session namely: the leader, the scribe, and the team member.
Ground Rules for Brainstorming
All ideas are welcome. There are no wrong answers. During brainstorming, no judgments should be made of ideas.
Be creative in contributions. Change involves risk taking, it's important to be open to new, original ideas. Every point of view is valuable.
Attempt to contribute a high quantity of ideas is a short amount of time.
Participants should "hitch hike" on others' ideas.
Fr. Ragonton and the Trees by Claudio V. Tabotabo, MA (December, 2005)
I was only trying to recall things that will spark remembrance of our departed padre. But it was all that I had, the thought of the poem, The Tree by Joyce Kilmer.
Fr. Ragonton was a priest and I was his acolyte. He was strict and an epitome of refinement while I had no identity of the kind. But when things went serious I told him I was going to the seminary. He said, "No, you cannot". "With difficulty to speak Cebuano he added "Butakal ka". Butakal is a Cebuano word for hog. It is a regional version for playboy.
I knew that at the back of all he said was the desire to let me go. It was his early attempts to push me go in a guise of discouragement. I thought it would progress as planned. But everything went differently. He died while I became a teacher and to completely forget the cloistered life I had desired, I went to Manila as teacher and finally got married.
At Saint Estanislao Kostka College in the province of Zamboanga del Norte one can find giant Acacia and Nara trees making canopy over the ramshackle building. Fr. Ragonton planted them all.
When he came to Mindanao in 1952 fresh from the San Jose Major Seminary, the first thing that came to his senses was to put up a school. But before his parishioners found signs of the school, they saw the young priest worked hard to planting trees. He himself scooped the soil with his bare hand and everyday he himself watered the plants. Time went on the school was put up until its paint cracked and naked wall turned gray but the plant went on blooming to perfection.
We boys used to capture spiders around the school. We saw Fr. Ragonton sitting on one of the protruding roots of the Acacia. He was a voracious reader and under the tree read. One day in one of our journeys to say mass to the mountain barrios, he asked for a piece of paper then wrote the Greek translation of the poem The Tree. He handed to me the paper and said to memorize it. I learned later that it was himself who made the translation when he was a college student at the Ateneo de Manila.
Few years latter as I looked down at the face of the dead priest the memory of the paper came to me. I can only picture out the crooked writing and the first line that say, I mean pericanus peregmatus a tutuam, I'm not sure of the spelling. In English it is, I think that I shall never see. No matter how, the last line of the poem says poems are made by fools like me but only God can make a tree.
The wisdom of man is foolishness compared to God. The knowledge that we have is nothing as long as it is not pleasing to God.
Now storms come and go leaving the people crippled while the trees stood unbend from any form of trials. For me I had not memorized the poem. It was a failure to do a simple token of friendship. But it was through and nothing can be done about it. The saddest side of memory is its invulnerability to corrections. We cannot undo what had been done. Our journey can be rerouted to another direction but never the past. Yet memories are always good because they are permanent.
Fr. Ragonton was a priest and I was his acolyte. He was strict and an epitome of refinement while I had no identity of the kind. But when things went serious I told him I was going to the seminary. He said, "No, you cannot". "With difficulty to speak Cebuano he added "Butakal ka". Butakal is a Cebuano word for hog. It is a regional version for playboy.
I knew that at the back of all he said was the desire to let me go. It was his early attempts to push me go in a guise of discouragement. I thought it would progress as planned. But everything went differently. He died while I became a teacher and to completely forget the cloistered life I had desired, I went to Manila as teacher and finally got married.
At Saint Estanislao Kostka College in the province of Zamboanga del Norte one can find giant Acacia and Nara trees making canopy over the ramshackle building. Fr. Ragonton planted them all.
When he came to Mindanao in 1952 fresh from the San Jose Major Seminary, the first thing that came to his senses was to put up a school. But before his parishioners found signs of the school, they saw the young priest worked hard to planting trees. He himself scooped the soil with his bare hand and everyday he himself watered the plants. Time went on the school was put up until its paint cracked and naked wall turned gray but the plant went on blooming to perfection.
We boys used to capture spiders around the school. We saw Fr. Ragonton sitting on one of the protruding roots of the Acacia. He was a voracious reader and under the tree read. One day in one of our journeys to say mass to the mountain barrios, he asked for a piece of paper then wrote the Greek translation of the poem The Tree. He handed to me the paper and said to memorize it. I learned later that it was himself who made the translation when he was a college student at the Ateneo de Manila.
Few years latter as I looked down at the face of the dead priest the memory of the paper came to me. I can only picture out the crooked writing and the first line that say, I mean pericanus peregmatus a tutuam, I'm not sure of the spelling. In English it is, I think that I shall never see. No matter how, the last line of the poem says poems are made by fools like me but only God can make a tree.
The wisdom of man is foolishness compared to God. The knowledge that we have is nothing as long as it is not pleasing to God.
Now storms come and go leaving the people crippled while the trees stood unbend from any form of trials. For me I had not memorized the poem. It was a failure to do a simple token of friendship. But it was through and nothing can be done about it. The saddest side of memory is its invulnerability to corrections. We cannot undo what had been done. Our journey can be rerouted to another direction but never the past. Yet memories are always good because they are permanent.
Kaizen, HSSD Core Values by Marian Jeanette G. Laxa, MA and Lorna V. Wy, MA (December, 2005)
The Humanities and Social Sciences department has formulated its core values deliberated during the 1st and 2nd Departmental meeting. The following are:
Honesty and Integrity in dealing with TIP Community- As a collegial body imbued with the highest ethical and moral standards aiming for a just and humane TIP community.
Punctuality and Compliance of academic requirements- A process driven workforce with a commitment to quality education, rigorous detail and relevance.
Industriousness- Diligence and scholarly attitude for every task at hand.
Spiritually oriented/Exemplary Spiritual life - A humanistic and cosmopolitan worldview which values nature and environment.
Reasonable - Fair and just treatment with the students and colleagues and accepts reasons beyond doubt.
Flexible- Adaptable to changes and development.
These core values are the central aims of the department for this second semester in its pursuit of excellence in education as envisioned in the TIP mission and vision.
Honesty and Integrity in dealing with TIP Community- As a collegial body imbued with the highest ethical and moral standards aiming for a just and humane TIP community.
Punctuality and Compliance of academic requirements- A process driven workforce with a commitment to quality education, rigorous detail and relevance.
Industriousness- Diligence and scholarly attitude for every task at hand.
Spiritually oriented/Exemplary Spiritual life - A humanistic and cosmopolitan worldview which values nature and environment.
Reasonable - Fair and just treatment with the students and colleagues and accepts reasons beyond doubt.
Flexible- Adaptable to changes and development.
These core values are the central aims of the department for this second semester in its pursuit of excellence in education as envisioned in the TIP mission and vision.
December Birthday Celebrants by Arlyn A. Marata
The following HSSD Faculty and Staff are celebrating their birthdays on the merry month of December:
Leandro N. Opetina, December 2.
Lorna V. Wy, December 13.
Debbie C. Ogalinola, December 22.
Claudio V. Tabotabo, December 27.
Ronald M. Corpuz, December 28.
Arlyn A. Marata, December 31.
Happy Birthday, Happy Christmas and Merry New Year!!!
Leandro N. Opetina, December 2.
Lorna V. Wy, December 13.
Debbie C. Ogalinola, December 22.
Claudio V. Tabotabo, December 27.
Ronald M. Corpuz, December 28.
Arlyn A. Marata, December 31.
Happy Birthday, Happy Christmas and Merry New Year!!!
4th Oxford - Oregon Debate by Francis Lanorias
The modified 4th Oxford-Oregon Debate was finally held last December 9, 2005 at P. Casal Seminar Room organized by the Humanities and Social Sciences Department in coordination with the Humanities and Social Sciences League of Students.
The topic for resolution was the granting of the absolute freedom to the youth when they reach the age of majority.
The adjudged Best Speaker was Mr. Alvin C. Calimbas, the Best Debater was Mr. Antonio Valente G. Macarilay and the Best Speaker (Extemporaneous Speech) was Mr. Bryan M. Martinez.
The topic for resolution was the granting of the absolute freedom to the youth when they reach the age of majority.
The adjudged Best Speaker was Mr. Alvin C. Calimbas, the Best Debater was Mr. Antonio Valente G. Macarilay and the Best Speaker (Extemporaneous Speech) was Mr. Bryan M. Martinez.
Einstein's Last Journal Entry by Ronan S. Estoque, MA (December, 2005)
I am a failure. I am supposed to find a single equation that will connect and explain everything. An equation that will simplify everything. What I found is that my initial theory of e = mc2 is altogether wrong. With that silly theory, I have pointed the progress of intellect backward instead of pushing it forward. True, some discoveries will invariably be pointed to that equation; what I am afraid of is that with that theory- another consideration of an alternative perception was dismissed.
Time, which was supposed to be constant, became relative. Time became linear and along with it came parallel time (meaning alternative reality). For the time being, this is quite acceptable but another alternate concept must be considered. The trouble is that I lack time; I am now in my dying days. It is really quite ironic, I am trying to solve the mystery of time and yet, I am denied and frustrated. My work is nowhere near complete. I need more time! My much-publicized "unified field theory" still needs some validation to make it acceptable.
Let me spell it out clearly. My initial heuristic view is that time appears like a straight line, where the beginning is the past, the middle as the present time and other end as the future.
But what if I was to offer another alternative perspective. What if it is impossible to have a straight line as a linear model of time because time is constantly happening. There is no beginning and there is no end. Everything is happening simultaneously at once.
Now, I certainly know a lot of people who will argue this particular theory. Because if time is constantly happening then time travel would be impossible. One cannot possibly go back in time because there is no past. The past, the present, and the future are all intertwined that they are all dots trying to connect to each other.
The very fabric of time is no longer a mystery to me, with this particular perspective; I could now formulate a working mathematical equation to base all of my future work. But alas, I am dying; I simply do not have the luxury of time. I will leave this generation deprived of my discovery. What a sad irony. Here I am in my dying days finally discovering the very fabric of time and yet I myself is denied time. A fitting scenario, a doctor who discovered the vaccine for his own ailment but cannot use it because the disease has already consumed his body.
No matter, let me end this entry by saying that imagination is far more powerful than knowledge... Farewell my dear reader, farewell - your journey towards your own discovery will commence soon enough...
Time, which was supposed to be constant, became relative. Time became linear and along with it came parallel time (meaning alternative reality). For the time being, this is quite acceptable but another alternate concept must be considered. The trouble is that I lack time; I am now in my dying days. It is really quite ironic, I am trying to solve the mystery of time and yet, I am denied and frustrated. My work is nowhere near complete. I need more time! My much-publicized "unified field theory" still needs some validation to make it acceptable.
Let me spell it out clearly. My initial heuristic view is that time appears like a straight line, where the beginning is the past, the middle as the present time and other end as the future.
But what if I was to offer another alternative perspective. What if it is impossible to have a straight line as a linear model of time because time is constantly happening. There is no beginning and there is no end. Everything is happening simultaneously at once.
Now, I certainly know a lot of people who will argue this particular theory. Because if time is constantly happening then time travel would be impossible. One cannot possibly go back in time because there is no past. The past, the present, and the future are all intertwined that they are all dots trying to connect to each other.
The very fabric of time is no longer a mystery to me, with this particular perspective; I could now formulate a working mathematical equation to base all of my future work. But alas, I am dying; I simply do not have the luxury of time. I will leave this generation deprived of my discovery. What a sad irony. Here I am in my dying days finally discovering the very fabric of time and yet I myself is denied time. A fitting scenario, a doctor who discovered the vaccine for his own ailment but cannot use it because the disease has already consumed his body.
No matter, let me end this entry by saying that imagination is far more powerful than knowledge... Farewell my dear reader, farewell - your journey towards your own discovery will commence soon enough...
Education as the Greater Equalizer by Aquilina V. Redo, MA (November, 2005)
Quality seems to be a totally impossible thing. But education somehow will reduce this impossibility. In the classroom, even if students have their individual differences, education bridges them. Students in school are given equal opportunities to discover more about themselves and nourish their talents if they would only open their minds and hearts into it.
There are pictures in our lives that we don't like, which can be changed dramatically through education. Education as a whole, will separate us somehow from the things that we don't like to do. It gives us hope that someday, we can break the chains of misery in our lives, believing that education will prepare us for a promising future which only our hands and God's hold.
With good education, a person coming from poor family can fare well in the field that he has chosen and in the business or corporate world, brain and right attitude will help him stay on top regardless of the socio-economic status he may once belong to.
The best way to predict his future is to create it. As always, a good education, combined with a tough and persistent attitude, will ensure success. In fact many of us here in TIP are products of this so-called ST or "sipag at tiyaga" keys to success by our Senator Manny Villar. Every semester, especially during the first semester many from our freshmen students enjoy scholarship grants/discounts. Most of them come from the province. However, for one reason or another, some of them fail to combat the odds and rigors of tertiary education. More often, those with strong determination and those endowed with intelligence and talents plus God's intercession are those who are able reach the top.
Through a good education, the poor can mingle with the rich, the simple can mingle with the extremely aesthetic, and the physically plain can confidently compete with the adorable good-looking ones.
With this in mind, we, as mentors of the academe, should really stress out how education can be a good foundation for our students to succeed. Moreover, we must stick to the principle of fairness in treating them. If education is the greatest equalizer, we must then give our students equal opportunities to learn and to grow. When they see that they will feel secured in TIP and under our care; the more it will give them motivation to study and the more they will see that there's a silver shining beyond their clouds. But that is if they experience good things in school, so as much as possible, as their educators, we really have to give our best to let those who are lost find light as they continue in their quest for education. As we see them prosper and succeed, only then could we say that: "the task is done and that is a legacy".
There are pictures in our lives that we don't like, which can be changed dramatically through education. Education as a whole, will separate us somehow from the things that we don't like to do. It gives us hope that someday, we can break the chains of misery in our lives, believing that education will prepare us for a promising future which only our hands and God's hold.
With good education, a person coming from poor family can fare well in the field that he has chosen and in the business or corporate world, brain and right attitude will help him stay on top regardless of the socio-economic status he may once belong to.
The best way to predict his future is to create it. As always, a good education, combined with a tough and persistent attitude, will ensure success. In fact many of us here in TIP are products of this so-called ST or "sipag at tiyaga" keys to success by our Senator Manny Villar. Every semester, especially during the first semester many from our freshmen students enjoy scholarship grants/discounts. Most of them come from the province. However, for one reason or another, some of them fail to combat the odds and rigors of tertiary education. More often, those with strong determination and those endowed with intelligence and talents plus God's intercession are those who are able reach the top.
Through a good education, the poor can mingle with the rich, the simple can mingle with the extremely aesthetic, and the physically plain can confidently compete with the adorable good-looking ones.
With this in mind, we, as mentors of the academe, should really stress out how education can be a good foundation for our students to succeed. Moreover, we must stick to the principle of fairness in treating them. If education is the greatest equalizer, we must then give our students equal opportunities to learn and to grow. When they see that they will feel secured in TIP and under our care; the more it will give them motivation to study and the more they will see that there's a silver shining beyond their clouds. But that is if they experience good things in school, so as much as possible, as their educators, we really have to give our best to let those who are lost find light as they continue in their quest for education. As we see them prosper and succeed, only then could we say that: "the task is done and that is a legacy".
Behind (Conclusion) by Ronan S. Estoque, MA (November, 2005)
Eternity is such a long word. Since time immemorial, people have been casually saying for "eternity" and yet, their eternity is nowhere near my eternity. Somewhere in the near future, someone is going to postulate that everything is relative. Time is relative. Motion is relative. Energy is relative. Even the very definition of beauty will be relative. For the purpose of this exercise, let us just assume the theory of relativity. My eternity however, is far longer than any eternity imaginable.
Before the very concept of time is thought of, my existence has always been here. To what purpose, I still cannot fathom. It is just that my very existence is to come up with this silly produce which the winds, the stars and the soil promises that will surely change this place, this land and this earth.
They say that I will be the harbinger of change. With this silly produce, everything will change. History is not yet written, but when the time comes, this will be the same produce that will shape civilizations.
Truth be said, this produce is quite difficult to bear. This produce, I was promised will free me from the monotony of neither light nor darkness. This produce, so I was assured will be the bedrock of religions, philosophy, and way of life, maxims and even learning.
Literatures, doctrines and debates will be written because of this produce. Blood will be shed, in honor and for the glory of what is yet come. I couldn't wait for the conflicting versions. Fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, cousins against cousins are going to shed blood just for the right to interpret what is surely to transpire here today.
Eternity is nothing, I am going to stretch it a hundredfold and what is eternity now, will just seem like a piece of sand in a vast ocean of desert. Just you wait; this produce will change everything. The trouble with this produce is that in producing it is sucking my life-giving juices. From the distance, my appearance is starting to resemble a withering tree. But I am not withered. No sir, I am nowhere near withering. I am robust and without the burden of this single fruit, I could be a magnificent tree worthy of awe and worship.
But wait, what is this clumsy woman doing? She is climbing my branches as if trying to seek refuge. Doesn't she know that she is interrupting with my endeavor in trying to produce this fruit? And what is that creature hovering in my top branches. I am getting aggravated if they do not stop, I might just drop this burdensome fruit and start all over again. Eternity as they say is long duration to repeat and I will surely not going to repeat this tedious process.
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Everything is just a blur now. At one moment, Sylvia was running. She was being chased, something and someone was after her. A tree over the horizon offered a respite from this seeming deadly race. But just what is over the horizon?
There was a heavy breathing coming both from the prey and the predator. And both of them are on the same tree. The terror that was very real for Sylvia though this purges her of all her recollection.
What Sylvia now remembers is that after a long run, she was finally caught. Similar to the scene of waking up, recalling the actual scene preceding her consciousness is now impossible. Though, she is able to recall that there was a chase, there was a tree, and to make everything dreadful was the thought and sensation of being caught. From all initial indications, she lost her consciousness but now, after regaining her senses it seems that she was just having a nightmare. Everything was just a silly dream. The feeling of terror was just a dream; the feeling of being pursued and being caught was just a product of imagination.
Her pursuer, though she cannot anymore recall what it looks like is similar to a hazy thought. You know that it is there, it exist, you just cannot place your perception and literally describe the sensation anymore than to prove or disprove its existence.
Sylvia is now about to escape from this slumber when she noticed and recalled that previously, she was sleeping beside Adam. Just like the previous day preceding this nightmare, Adam was exploring the other side of this garden.
She was not feeling well and Adam left her all by herself. Her memory is still hazy, it seems that the dream (or was it a nightmare?) was more real than the reality that is now intruding and insisting for her consciousness. Adam was up and about and from what her ears were telling her was thanking her about the fruit that was previously beside her.
It had an unusual taste and yet it was a welcome deviation from all the other fruits that they have been eating, he said. Adam is now thanking her though he addresses her by a different name.
It seems that in this consciousness, she goes by the name of Eve.
Before the very concept of time is thought of, my existence has always been here. To what purpose, I still cannot fathom. It is just that my very existence is to come up with this silly produce which the winds, the stars and the soil promises that will surely change this place, this land and this earth.
They say that I will be the harbinger of change. With this silly produce, everything will change. History is not yet written, but when the time comes, this will be the same produce that will shape civilizations.
Truth be said, this produce is quite difficult to bear. This produce, I was promised will free me from the monotony of neither light nor darkness. This produce, so I was assured will be the bedrock of religions, philosophy, and way of life, maxims and even learning.
Literatures, doctrines and debates will be written because of this produce. Blood will be shed, in honor and for the glory of what is yet come. I couldn't wait for the conflicting versions. Fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, cousins against cousins are going to shed blood just for the right to interpret what is surely to transpire here today.
Eternity is nothing, I am going to stretch it a hundredfold and what is eternity now, will just seem like a piece of sand in a vast ocean of desert. Just you wait; this produce will change everything. The trouble with this produce is that in producing it is sucking my life-giving juices. From the distance, my appearance is starting to resemble a withering tree. But I am not withered. No sir, I am nowhere near withering. I am robust and without the burden of this single fruit, I could be a magnificent tree worthy of awe and worship.
But wait, what is this clumsy woman doing? She is climbing my branches as if trying to seek refuge. Doesn't she know that she is interrupting with my endeavor in trying to produce this fruit? And what is that creature hovering in my top branches. I am getting aggravated if they do not stop, I might just drop this burdensome fruit and start all over again. Eternity as they say is long duration to repeat and I will surely not going to repeat this tedious process.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Everything is just a blur now. At one moment, Sylvia was running. She was being chased, something and someone was after her. A tree over the horizon offered a respite from this seeming deadly race. But just what is over the horizon?
There was a heavy breathing coming both from the prey and the predator. And both of them are on the same tree. The terror that was very real for Sylvia though this purges her of all her recollection.
What Sylvia now remembers is that after a long run, she was finally caught. Similar to the scene of waking up, recalling the actual scene preceding her consciousness is now impossible. Though, she is able to recall that there was a chase, there was a tree, and to make everything dreadful was the thought and sensation of being caught. From all initial indications, she lost her consciousness but now, after regaining her senses it seems that she was just having a nightmare. Everything was just a silly dream. The feeling of terror was just a dream; the feeling of being pursued and being caught was just a product of imagination.
Her pursuer, though she cannot anymore recall what it looks like is similar to a hazy thought. You know that it is there, it exist, you just cannot place your perception and literally describe the sensation anymore than to prove or disprove its existence.
Sylvia is now about to escape from this slumber when she noticed and recalled that previously, she was sleeping beside Adam. Just like the previous day preceding this nightmare, Adam was exploring the other side of this garden.
She was not feeling well and Adam left her all by herself. Her memory is still hazy, it seems that the dream (or was it a nightmare?) was more real than the reality that is now intruding and insisting for her consciousness. Adam was up and about and from what her ears were telling her was thanking her about the fruit that was previously beside her.
It had an unusual taste and yet it was a welcome deviation from all the other fruits that they have been eating, he said. Adam is now thanking her though he addresses her by a different name.
It seems that in this consciousness, she goes by the name of Eve.
Supreme Court Upholds E-VAT with Finality by Lorna V. Wy, MA (November, 2005)
Its Final: RA 9337 otherwise known as the VAT Reform Act and also the Expanded Value Added Tax of 2005 is CONSTITUTIONAL. SC En Banc ratio decidendi said that "So long as there is a public end for the RA 9337 was passed, the means through which such end shall be accomplished is for the legislature to choose so long as it is within the Constitutional bounds" The State has three inherent powers impose upon the citizens without mandate of the Constitution.
These are Power of Eminent Domain, Police Power and Power of Taxation. Power of taxation is sovereign power, exercise through the legislature, to impose burdens upon the subjects (natural and juridical persons) and objects within its jurisdiction, for the purpose of raising revenues to carry out the legitimate objects of the government.
However, there are indispensable principles of Power of Taxation, which is incumbent upon the Government: To serve the people and to protect the people. The opposition led by Congressman Escudero filed before the Supreme Court a Motion for Reconsideration on the contention that Bicameral Conference Committee (BCC) deleted the "no pass on" provision, thus E-VAT is ultimately borne by the consumer. Dissenting opinion of Justice Dante O. Tinga, opined that a tax measure may be validly challenged and struck down prior to the implementation if its poses a clear and present danger to the life, liberty or property of the taxpayer without due process of law. He said that the resolution makes doctrinal the "temerarious proposition" that a person has no vested right to business earnings and profits.
Prima Facie evidence established the display of the constitutional rights to freedom of expression and redress grievances of the leftist group, peoples organization led by the opposition on the contention that E-VAT law will create a wide gaps between the elite and the Filipino people living below poverty line. It is not an isolated issue of frustration on the part of the people towards the government whether or not President Arroyo is the Head of State; it is coupled with minimum wage law, oil deregulation law with domino effects on electricity and water prices. At the end of the day, the effort, acts and display of force of the people subscribing to the principle of democracy and sovereignty of the people will not bear any fruit. We are governed by the rule of law, Laws are repealed only by subsequent ones, and their violation or non-observance shall not be excuse by wrong usage, of custom or practice to the contrary.
Up
These are Power of Eminent Domain, Police Power and Power of Taxation. Power of taxation is sovereign power, exercise through the legislature, to impose burdens upon the subjects (natural and juridical persons) and objects within its jurisdiction, for the purpose of raising revenues to carry out the legitimate objects of the government.
However, there are indispensable principles of Power of Taxation, which is incumbent upon the Government: To serve the people and to protect the people. The opposition led by Congressman Escudero filed before the Supreme Court a Motion for Reconsideration on the contention that Bicameral Conference Committee (BCC) deleted the "no pass on" provision, thus E-VAT is ultimately borne by the consumer. Dissenting opinion of Justice Dante O. Tinga, opined that a tax measure may be validly challenged and struck down prior to the implementation if its poses a clear and present danger to the life, liberty or property of the taxpayer without due process of law. He said that the resolution makes doctrinal the "temerarious proposition" that a person has no vested right to business earnings and profits.
Prima Facie evidence established the display of the constitutional rights to freedom of expression and redress grievances of the leftist group, peoples organization led by the opposition on the contention that E-VAT law will create a wide gaps between the elite and the Filipino people living below poverty line. It is not an isolated issue of frustration on the part of the people towards the government whether or not President Arroyo is the Head of State; it is coupled with minimum wage law, oil deregulation law with domino effects on electricity and water prices. At the end of the day, the effort, acts and display of force of the people subscribing to the principle of democracy and sovereignty of the people will not bear any fruit. We are governed by the rule of law, Laws are repealed only by subsequent ones, and their violation or non-observance shall not be excuse by wrong usage, of custom or practice to the contrary.
Up
Behind (Continuation) by Ronan S. Estoque, MA (November, 2005)
For as long as he can remember, the chase has been going on for quite some time. It seems that the woman is running forever and that he is also running after her for eternity. In the darkness, her slim figure is quite difficult to separate from this awful surrounding. If I could just have some more lighting and see clearly; this chase would have been over.
But why is he after her?
For some inexplicable reason, he could just not explain why he is pursuing her. Just when he thinks that she is already in his clutches she runs faster and this very humid weather is hampering his breathing.
In the middle of the run, in the middle of the chase- he is losing steam. The object of the hunt is quite slow and clumsy. He knows that he could easily catch her but for some baffling reason: circumstances are conspiring to prevent this easy chase.
Before, in the beginning of the hunt, he could have easily caught her. But for some unknown reason, something and someone was preventing him from having an easy hunt. It was simply puzzling; who was preventing him? There is no one here. In this vast tract of darkness where light is just simply over the horizon, all of his attention is on the woman. And yet, some unseen hand released the woman first and the same hand is holding him back.
It is giving her an undue advantage. Is this a race or a hunt? The instruction is not clear but he is certain that things will figure itself and will be sorted by its own flow.
Just when she is almost out of his sight, the force that was holding him back finally released him. And he just noticed that he could run faster than the prey, within a couple of easy stride, the distance was slowly closed. With a couple more of easy stride she would be in my clutches, he said. Then without any warning, his feet were lifted off the ground and he suddenly noticed that he could fly. He looked behind him and there it is...
A pair of powerful wings. "I don't need to outrun this woman. All I need to do is to simply flap my wings and the chase would be over. Maybe, just maybe, I could prolong this hunt. With these powerful wings, I could play with the prey". Why end an easy race? Perhaps, I could let her tire herself and when she is tired, when she least expects it, then I would come.
And so, instead of ending this silly race, he plays with the woman. If you know the terror of someone or something that is about to catch you and yet when you look back, there is nothing there. The same trick is being played on the woman.
After some time, just when the onset of boredom starts to creep in, he finally decided to swoop down and finally capture the prey. And so, he flew high exacting high altitude and acquired a majestic latitude in swooping down on the woman. However, just when he is about to give her an embrace that she will never forget, the woman tripped with her own clumsy feet causing her to fall forward just when he is about to get her.
On his first and only attempt, he failed and he couldn't believe it. This clumsy woman is getting the better out of me. "I will fail no more and end this silly chase". He swooped back and tried to leverage his flying. The woman however is nowhere to be found. It seems that has she vanished out of thin air. He started to curse the darkness and noticed the thin air that is surrounding his very wings. To his amazement, he is running out of breath. He needs to rest. And so, the chase was postponed for a while and landed softly on the ground.
After an eternity, he feels that he is now ready to resume the chase. Surely, the woman is not that far. With his wings and lungs fully rested. He could easily resume the hunt and this time, he promised to himself to immediately go for the jugular and finish the woman right away.
The hunt was on, and he sees that there is a withered tree. Against the backlight on the horizon, the woman is foolishly climbing the tree. Almost at the top, the woman is heavily breathing and most certainly is also trying to catch her breath.
This will be easy.
But why is he after her?
For some inexplicable reason, he could just not explain why he is pursuing her. Just when he thinks that she is already in his clutches she runs faster and this very humid weather is hampering his breathing.
In the middle of the run, in the middle of the chase- he is losing steam. The object of the hunt is quite slow and clumsy. He knows that he could easily catch her but for some baffling reason: circumstances are conspiring to prevent this easy chase.
Before, in the beginning of the hunt, he could have easily caught her. But for some unknown reason, something and someone was preventing him from having an easy hunt. It was simply puzzling; who was preventing him? There is no one here. In this vast tract of darkness where light is just simply over the horizon, all of his attention is on the woman. And yet, some unseen hand released the woman first and the same hand is holding him back.
It is giving her an undue advantage. Is this a race or a hunt? The instruction is not clear but he is certain that things will figure itself and will be sorted by its own flow.
Just when she is almost out of his sight, the force that was holding him back finally released him. And he just noticed that he could run faster than the prey, within a couple of easy stride, the distance was slowly closed. With a couple more of easy stride she would be in my clutches, he said. Then without any warning, his feet were lifted off the ground and he suddenly noticed that he could fly. He looked behind him and there it is...
A pair of powerful wings. "I don't need to outrun this woman. All I need to do is to simply flap my wings and the chase would be over. Maybe, just maybe, I could prolong this hunt. With these powerful wings, I could play with the prey". Why end an easy race? Perhaps, I could let her tire herself and when she is tired, when she least expects it, then I would come.
And so, instead of ending this silly race, he plays with the woman. If you know the terror of someone or something that is about to catch you and yet when you look back, there is nothing there. The same trick is being played on the woman.
After some time, just when the onset of boredom starts to creep in, he finally decided to swoop down and finally capture the prey. And so, he flew high exacting high altitude and acquired a majestic latitude in swooping down on the woman. However, just when he is about to give her an embrace that she will never forget, the woman tripped with her own clumsy feet causing her to fall forward just when he is about to get her.
On his first and only attempt, he failed and he couldn't believe it. This clumsy woman is getting the better out of me. "I will fail no more and end this silly chase". He swooped back and tried to leverage his flying. The woman however is nowhere to be found. It seems that has she vanished out of thin air. He started to curse the darkness and noticed the thin air that is surrounding his very wings. To his amazement, he is running out of breath. He needs to rest. And so, the chase was postponed for a while and landed softly on the ground.
After an eternity, he feels that he is now ready to resume the chase. Surely, the woman is not that far. With his wings and lungs fully rested. He could easily resume the hunt and this time, he promised to himself to immediately go for the jugular and finish the woman right away.
The hunt was on, and he sees that there is a withered tree. Against the backlight on the horizon, the woman is foolishly climbing the tree. Almost at the top, the woman is heavily breathing and most certainly is also trying to catch her breath.
This will be easy.
Just a Suggestion by Claudio V. Tabotabo (November, 2005)
It's the opening of classes once again and it reminds me of literary critique Isagani Cruz who wrote an article about classroom activities during the first day of classes.
Acquaintance and orientation must be done in the first day. It is necessary because on that day everything is new, the classroom, students, professor, subject and lessons.
The professor is new to the students and the students at the same time new to the professor. Acquaintance therefore is necessary in this situation. The professor should introduce himself particularly his academic attainment in relation with that particular subject. It is necessary that students at an early period of acquaintance find the professor an authority in the field he is in. Students feel confident and proud to be handled by a good mentor.
At the same time, professor must also know his students. Students represent varied personalities and level of learning. Perhaps some of them in the class are second coursers definitely advanced compare to other students. In other words some students are to be fast-tract while others need remediation. These are to be considered by the professor at an early period of the term.
There are policies in school so are in the classrooms. American educator Harry Wong calls it cultures in the classroom. On the first day of class these policies should be discussed to the students. Policies include, how to pass paper, how to leave and enter the room, how to take examination and others. Grading systems are also included in this part. But it is good for professor to emphasize the things to be done rather than those not to be done. We do not like prohibitions same thing with the students who do not like limitations although classroom is a place of culture and freedom.
Papers and other requirements like drama production, critique paper, reactions and others. are part of things to be identified during the first day of class. In English, Literature classes, JPR and History or subjects that require long readings, professor perhaps at an early period should assign the students what to read. If novel is part of the reading requirement, professor must emphasize it on the first day of class so that student will begin to look for a copy and start the long reading.
After all these things are only suggestions.
Acquaintance and orientation must be done in the first day. It is necessary because on that day everything is new, the classroom, students, professor, subject and lessons.
The professor is new to the students and the students at the same time new to the professor. Acquaintance therefore is necessary in this situation. The professor should introduce himself particularly his academic attainment in relation with that particular subject. It is necessary that students at an early period of acquaintance find the professor an authority in the field he is in. Students feel confident and proud to be handled by a good mentor.
At the same time, professor must also know his students. Students represent varied personalities and level of learning. Perhaps some of them in the class are second coursers definitely advanced compare to other students. In other words some students are to be fast-tract while others need remediation. These are to be considered by the professor at an early period of the term.
There are policies in school so are in the classrooms. American educator Harry Wong calls it cultures in the classroom. On the first day of class these policies should be discussed to the students. Policies include, how to pass paper, how to leave and enter the room, how to take examination and others. Grading systems are also included in this part. But it is good for professor to emphasize the things to be done rather than those not to be done. We do not like prohibitions same thing with the students who do not like limitations although classroom is a place of culture and freedom.
Papers and other requirements like drama production, critique paper, reactions and others. are part of things to be identified during the first day of class. In English, Literature classes, JPR and History or subjects that require long readings, professor perhaps at an early period should assign the students what to read. If novel is part of the reading requirement, professor must emphasize it on the first day of class so that student will begin to look for a copy and start the long reading.
After all these things are only suggestions.
Historical Background of Organizational Behavior by Rogelio G. Dela Cruz, Ph.D (October, 20050
Pyramids and many other huge monuments and structures were built, armies and governments were organized and civilizations spread over vast territories. This took organization and management. There are some writings from antiquity that suggest that systematic approach to management and organization did evolve and were transmitted to others. But the primary influences in organizations and management today stem from more recent events.
Some would claim that to begin to understand our organizations today we need to look at the Protestant Reformation. A new ethics began to evolve; an ethics that shifted the orientation of one's life from the "next world" to this world. This ethics is best embodied in quotes from Luther that all men possess a calling in the world and the fulfillment of its obligation is a divinely imposed duty and Calvin who argued that disciplined work raises a person above the calling into which he was born and is the only sign of his election by God to salvation... The soul is naked before God without Church or communion-religion is a personal matter; worldly success and prosperity are construed as signs of God's approval.
Over time, the Protestant Reformation provided an ideological foundation for the modern industrial society by suggesting that work be now a profound moral obligation, a path to eternal salvation. The focus is this world and materialism, not next world. The individual's obligation is self-discipline, and systematic work. It should be clear that the factory system, which began to evolve late in the 18th Century, could never have flourished without the ideological underpinnings of this profound shift in philosophy as, exemplified by Ethics.
The Scientific Management
The Industrial Revolution that started with the development of steam power and the creation of large factories in the late Eighteenth Century lead to great changes in the production of textiles and other products. The factories that evolved created tremendous challenges to organization and management that had not been confronted before. Managing these new factories and later new entities like railroads with the requirement of managing large flows of material, people, and information over large distances created the need for some methods for dealing with the new management issues.
The most important of those who began to create a science of management was Frederic Winslow Taylor, (1856-1915). Taylor was one of the firsts to attempt to systematically analyze human behavior at work. His model was the machine with its cheap, interchangeable parts, each of which does one specific function. Taylor attempted to do to complex organizations what engineers had done to machines and this involved making individuals into the equivalent of machine parts. Just as machine parts were easily interchangeable, cheap, and passive, so too should the human parts be the same in the Machine model of organizations.
This involved breaking down each task to its smallest unit and to figure out the one best way to do each job. Then the engineer, after analyzing the job should teach it to the worker and make sure the worker does only those motions essential to the task. Taylor attempted to make a science for each element of work and restrict behavioral alternatives facing worker. Taylor looked at interaction of human characteristics, social environment, task, and physical environment, capacity, speed, durability, and cost. The overall goal was to remove human variability.
The results were profound. Productivity under Taylorism went up dramatically. New departments arose such as industrial engineering, personnel, and quality control. There was also growth in middle management as there evolved a separation of planning from operations. Rational rules replaced trial and error; management became formalized and efficiency increased. Of course, this did not come about without resistance. First the old-line managers resisted the notion that management was a science to be studied not something one was born with (or inherited). Then of course, many workers resisted what some considered the dehumanization of work. To be fair, Taylor also studied issues such as fatigue and safety and urged management to study the relationship between work breaks, and the length of the work day and productivity and convinced many companies that the careful introduction of breaks and a shorter day could increase productivity. Nevertheless, the industrial engineer with his stop watch and clip-board, standing over you measuring each little part of the job and one's movements became a hated figure and lead to much sabotage and group resistance
The Human Relations Movement
Despite the economic progress brought about in part by Scientific Management, critics were calling attention to the seamy side of progress, which included severe labor/management conflict, apathy, boredom, and wasted human resources. These concerns lead a number of researchers to examine the discrepancy between how an organization was supposed to work versus how the workers actually behaved. In addition, factors like World War I, developments in psychology (eg. Freud) and later the depression, all brought into question some of the basic assumptions of the Scientific Management School. One of the primary critics of the time, Elton Mayo, claimed that this alienation stemmed from the breakdown of the social structures caused by industrialization, the factory system, and its related outcomes like growing urbanization.
Some would claim that to begin to understand our organizations today we need to look at the Protestant Reformation. A new ethics began to evolve; an ethics that shifted the orientation of one's life from the "next world" to this world. This ethics is best embodied in quotes from Luther that all men possess a calling in the world and the fulfillment of its obligation is a divinely imposed duty and Calvin who argued that disciplined work raises a person above the calling into which he was born and is the only sign of his election by God to salvation... The soul is naked before God without Church or communion-religion is a personal matter; worldly success and prosperity are construed as signs of God's approval.
Over time, the Protestant Reformation provided an ideological foundation for the modern industrial society by suggesting that work be now a profound moral obligation, a path to eternal salvation. The focus is this world and materialism, not next world. The individual's obligation is self-discipline, and systematic work. It should be clear that the factory system, which began to evolve late in the 18th Century, could never have flourished without the ideological underpinnings of this profound shift in philosophy as, exemplified by Ethics.
The Scientific Management
The Industrial Revolution that started with the development of steam power and the creation of large factories in the late Eighteenth Century lead to great changes in the production of textiles and other products. The factories that evolved created tremendous challenges to organization and management that had not been confronted before. Managing these new factories and later new entities like railroads with the requirement of managing large flows of material, people, and information over large distances created the need for some methods for dealing with the new management issues.
The most important of those who began to create a science of management was Frederic Winslow Taylor, (1856-1915). Taylor was one of the firsts to attempt to systematically analyze human behavior at work. His model was the machine with its cheap, interchangeable parts, each of which does one specific function. Taylor attempted to do to complex organizations what engineers had done to machines and this involved making individuals into the equivalent of machine parts. Just as machine parts were easily interchangeable, cheap, and passive, so too should the human parts be the same in the Machine model of organizations.
This involved breaking down each task to its smallest unit and to figure out the one best way to do each job. Then the engineer, after analyzing the job should teach it to the worker and make sure the worker does only those motions essential to the task. Taylor attempted to make a science for each element of work and restrict behavioral alternatives facing worker. Taylor looked at interaction of human characteristics, social environment, task, and physical environment, capacity, speed, durability, and cost. The overall goal was to remove human variability.
The results were profound. Productivity under Taylorism went up dramatically. New departments arose such as industrial engineering, personnel, and quality control. There was also growth in middle management as there evolved a separation of planning from operations. Rational rules replaced trial and error; management became formalized and efficiency increased. Of course, this did not come about without resistance. First the old-line managers resisted the notion that management was a science to be studied not something one was born with (or inherited). Then of course, many workers resisted what some considered the dehumanization of work. To be fair, Taylor also studied issues such as fatigue and safety and urged management to study the relationship between work breaks, and the length of the work day and productivity and convinced many companies that the careful introduction of breaks and a shorter day could increase productivity. Nevertheless, the industrial engineer with his stop watch and clip-board, standing over you measuring each little part of the job and one's movements became a hated figure and lead to much sabotage and group resistance
The Human Relations Movement
Despite the economic progress brought about in part by Scientific Management, critics were calling attention to the seamy side of progress, which included severe labor/management conflict, apathy, boredom, and wasted human resources. These concerns lead a number of researchers to examine the discrepancy between how an organization was supposed to work versus how the workers actually behaved. In addition, factors like World War I, developments in psychology (eg. Freud) and later the depression, all brought into question some of the basic assumptions of the Scientific Management School. One of the primary critics of the time, Elton Mayo, claimed that this alienation stemmed from the breakdown of the social structures caused by industrialization, the factory system, and its related outcomes like growing urbanization.
On Scarlet Letter by Marian Jeanette G. Laxa, MA (October, 2005)
Life is full of intricate developments, complex decisions and association with others, and is not always fair. Try as we might, we can never change the fact that in every path we take, always hindrances are on the way. Life is not paradise of endless happiness, but a paradise of merciless love. Love that tends to make the world go round, as they always say.
Contrary to the maxim, love is also a tool that shatters life, properties and even personality. Indeed, love neither always tastes as sweet as chocolates nor smells as sweet as roses. Love is a poison that leads us to our inevitable end.
"Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a novel that opens our heart and mind in a wider perspective of love, of forbidden love and an unconditional love. The characters maybe a reflection of your personality, moreover, the story itself is like yours, so, what are you going to do? Will you stay in secret or let other people learn the truth? Will you save the one you love in exchange of your dignity and sacrifices? Will you give up or move on?
In June 1642, in the Puritan town of Boston, a crowd gathers to witness an official punishment. A young woman, Hester Prynne, has been found guilty of adultery and must wear a scarlet A on her dress as a sign of shame. Furhermore, she must stand on the scaffold for three hours, exposed to public humiliation. As Hester approaches the scaffold, many of the women in the crowd are angered by her beauty and quiet dignity. When demanded and cajoled to name the father of her child, Hester refuses.
AS Hester looks out over the crowd, she notices a small, misshapen man and recognizes him as her long lost husband, who has been presumed lost at sea. When the husband sees Hester's shame, he asks a man in the crowd about her and is told the story of his wife's adultery. He angrily exclaims that the child's father, the partner in the adulterous act, should also be punished and vows to find the man. He chooses a new name- Roger Chillingworth- to aid in his plan.
Reverend John Wilson and the minister of her church, Arthur Dimmesdale, question Hester, but she refuses to name her lover. After she returns to her prison cell, the jailer brings in Roger Chillingworth, a physician, to calm Hester and her child with his roots and herbs. Dismissing the jailer, Chillingworth first treats Pearl, Hester's baby, and then demand to know the name of the child's father. When Hester refuses, he insists that she never reveal that he is her husband. If she ever does so, he warns her, he will destroy the child's father. Hester agrees to Chillingworth's terms even though she suspects she will regret it.
Following her release from prison, Hester settles in a cottage at the edge of town and earns a meager living with her needlework. She lives a quiet, somber life with her daughter, Pearl. She is troubled by her daughter's unusual character. As an infant, Pearl is fascinated by the scarlet A. as she grows older, Pearl becomes capricious and unruly. Her conduct starts rumors, and, not surprisingly, the church members suggest Pearl be taken away from Hester.
Hester, hearing the rumors that she may lose Pearl, goes to speak to Governor Bellingham. With him are Reverends Wilson and Dimmesdale. When Wilson questions Pearl about her catechism, she refuses to answer, even though she knows the correct response, thus jeopardizing her guardship. Hester appeals to Reverend Dimmesdale in desperation, and the minister persuades the governor to let Pearl remain in Hester's care.
Because Reverend Dimmesdale's health has begun to fail, the townspeople are happy to have Chillingworth, a newly arrived physician, take up lodgings with their beloved minister. Being in such close contact with Dimmesdale, Chillingworth begins to suspect that the minister's illness is the result of some unconfessed guilt. He applies psychological pressure to the minister because he suspects Dimmesdale to be Pearl's father. One evening, pulling the sleeping Dimmesdale's vestment aside, Chillingworth sees something startling on the sleeping minister's pale chest: a scarlet A.
Tormented by his guilty conscience, Dimmesdale goes to the square where Hester was punished years earlier. Climbing the scaffold, he sees Hester and Pearl and calls to them to join him. He admits his guilt to them but cannot find the courage to do so publicly. Suddenly Dimmesdale sees a meteor forming what appears to be a gigantic A in the sky; simultaneously, Pearl points toward the shadowy figure of Roger Chillingworth. Hester, shocked by Dimmesdale's deterioration, decides to obtain a release from her vow of silence to her husband. In her discussion of this with Chillingworth, she tells him his obsession with revenge must be stopped in order to save his own soul.
Several days later, Hester meets Dimmesdale in the forest, where she removes the scarlet letter from her dress and identifies her husband and his desire for revenge. In this conversation, she convinces Dimmesdale to leave Boston in secret on a ship to Europe where they can start life anew. Renewed by this plan, the minister seems to gain new energy. Pearl, however, refuses to acknowledge either of them until Hester replaces her symbol of shame on her dress.
Returning to town, Dimmesdale loses heart in their plan: He has become a changed man and knows he is dying. Meanwhile, the captain of the ship on which she arranged passage that Roger Chillingworth will also be a passenger informs Hester.
On Election Day, Dimmesdale gives what is declared to be one of his most inspired sermons. But as the procession leaves the church, Dimmesdale stumbles and almost falls. Seeing Hester and Pearl in the crowd watching the parade, he climbs upon the scaffold and confesses his sin, dying in Hester's arms. Later, witnesses swear that they saw a stigmata in the form of a scarlet A upon his chest. Chillingworth, losing his revenge, dies shortly thereafter and leaves pearl a great deal of money, enabling her to go to Europe with her mother and make a wealthy marriage.
Several years later, Hester returns to Boston, resumes wearing the scarlet letter, and becomes a person to whom other women turn for solace. When she dies, she is buried near the grave of Dimmesdale, and they share a simple slate tombstone with the inscription "On a field, sable, the letter A gules."
Contrary to the maxim, love is also a tool that shatters life, properties and even personality. Indeed, love neither always tastes as sweet as chocolates nor smells as sweet as roses. Love is a poison that leads us to our inevitable end.
"Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne is a novel that opens our heart and mind in a wider perspective of love, of forbidden love and an unconditional love. The characters maybe a reflection of your personality, moreover, the story itself is like yours, so, what are you going to do? Will you stay in secret or let other people learn the truth? Will you save the one you love in exchange of your dignity and sacrifices? Will you give up or move on?
In June 1642, in the Puritan town of Boston, a crowd gathers to witness an official punishment. A young woman, Hester Prynne, has been found guilty of adultery and must wear a scarlet A on her dress as a sign of shame. Furhermore, she must stand on the scaffold for three hours, exposed to public humiliation. As Hester approaches the scaffold, many of the women in the crowd are angered by her beauty and quiet dignity. When demanded and cajoled to name the father of her child, Hester refuses.
AS Hester looks out over the crowd, she notices a small, misshapen man and recognizes him as her long lost husband, who has been presumed lost at sea. When the husband sees Hester's shame, he asks a man in the crowd about her and is told the story of his wife's adultery. He angrily exclaims that the child's father, the partner in the adulterous act, should also be punished and vows to find the man. He chooses a new name- Roger Chillingworth- to aid in his plan.
Reverend John Wilson and the minister of her church, Arthur Dimmesdale, question Hester, but she refuses to name her lover. After she returns to her prison cell, the jailer brings in Roger Chillingworth, a physician, to calm Hester and her child with his roots and herbs. Dismissing the jailer, Chillingworth first treats Pearl, Hester's baby, and then demand to know the name of the child's father. When Hester refuses, he insists that she never reveal that he is her husband. If she ever does so, he warns her, he will destroy the child's father. Hester agrees to Chillingworth's terms even though she suspects she will regret it.
Following her release from prison, Hester settles in a cottage at the edge of town and earns a meager living with her needlework. She lives a quiet, somber life with her daughter, Pearl. She is troubled by her daughter's unusual character. As an infant, Pearl is fascinated by the scarlet A. as she grows older, Pearl becomes capricious and unruly. Her conduct starts rumors, and, not surprisingly, the church members suggest Pearl be taken away from Hester.
Hester, hearing the rumors that she may lose Pearl, goes to speak to Governor Bellingham. With him are Reverends Wilson and Dimmesdale. When Wilson questions Pearl about her catechism, she refuses to answer, even though she knows the correct response, thus jeopardizing her guardship. Hester appeals to Reverend Dimmesdale in desperation, and the minister persuades the governor to let Pearl remain in Hester's care.
Because Reverend Dimmesdale's health has begun to fail, the townspeople are happy to have Chillingworth, a newly arrived physician, take up lodgings with their beloved minister. Being in such close contact with Dimmesdale, Chillingworth begins to suspect that the minister's illness is the result of some unconfessed guilt. He applies psychological pressure to the minister because he suspects Dimmesdale to be Pearl's father. One evening, pulling the sleeping Dimmesdale's vestment aside, Chillingworth sees something startling on the sleeping minister's pale chest: a scarlet A.
Tormented by his guilty conscience, Dimmesdale goes to the square where Hester was punished years earlier. Climbing the scaffold, he sees Hester and Pearl and calls to them to join him. He admits his guilt to them but cannot find the courage to do so publicly. Suddenly Dimmesdale sees a meteor forming what appears to be a gigantic A in the sky; simultaneously, Pearl points toward the shadowy figure of Roger Chillingworth. Hester, shocked by Dimmesdale's deterioration, decides to obtain a release from her vow of silence to her husband. In her discussion of this with Chillingworth, she tells him his obsession with revenge must be stopped in order to save his own soul.
Several days later, Hester meets Dimmesdale in the forest, where she removes the scarlet letter from her dress and identifies her husband and his desire for revenge. In this conversation, she convinces Dimmesdale to leave Boston in secret on a ship to Europe where they can start life anew. Renewed by this plan, the minister seems to gain new energy. Pearl, however, refuses to acknowledge either of them until Hester replaces her symbol of shame on her dress.
Returning to town, Dimmesdale loses heart in their plan: He has become a changed man and knows he is dying. Meanwhile, the captain of the ship on which she arranged passage that Roger Chillingworth will also be a passenger informs Hester.
On Election Day, Dimmesdale gives what is declared to be one of his most inspired sermons. But as the procession leaves the church, Dimmesdale stumbles and almost falls. Seeing Hester and Pearl in the crowd watching the parade, he climbs upon the scaffold and confesses his sin, dying in Hester's arms. Later, witnesses swear that they saw a stigmata in the form of a scarlet A upon his chest. Chillingworth, losing his revenge, dies shortly thereafter and leaves pearl a great deal of money, enabling her to go to Europe with her mother and make a wealthy marriage.
Several years later, Hester returns to Boston, resumes wearing the scarlet letter, and becomes a person to whom other women turn for solace. When she dies, she is buried near the grave of Dimmesdale, and they share a simple slate tombstone with the inscription "On a field, sable, the letter A gules."
To Give or Not to Give by Claudio V. Tabotabo, MA (October, 2005)
A student's mind is hardened by idleness. Motivation alone lubricates it. And it is the lubricated mind that is capable of learning.
At home there is no learning environment. There are no books or any forms of reading materials. What is at home is a TV. set where children try to impersonate the stupidity of some personalities. Parents cannot motivate them. The parents are busy and the contact hours between parents and children are too narrow. Gone were the days when parents and children eat together and talk about matters that concern life.
Aware of their in-accessibility to the children, parents sent their kids to school in the hope that the "experts" there can open the minds of the children.
To open the minds of the children is a need and to touch their hearts is itself a teaching the basic reason why a teacher is there in school. This means that if a teacher feels he is incapable of touching the children's heart, then he must pursue another occupation. He must give way for others who can inspire the students to wander the world of wisdom.
A series of seminars tells us always to give what we have. It sounds very ordinary and boring that even the sidewalk vendors are tired of listening to it. But we cannot motivate the students to read if we ourselves are not readers. We cannot simply tell the students to buy and read the books of Dumas, Zola, Steinbeck, and Shakespeare.
Teachers must always be readers. A businessman with the kind of his profession makes no difference if he reads or not. But a teacher who does not read is like a rower who does not row or a carpenter who goes to work without a hammer, his basic tool as carpenter.
A student' brain is dry. The teacher must water it with motivation but let the teacher motivates himself first.
At home there is no learning environment. There are no books or any forms of reading materials. What is at home is a TV. set where children try to impersonate the stupidity of some personalities. Parents cannot motivate them. The parents are busy and the contact hours between parents and children are too narrow. Gone were the days when parents and children eat together and talk about matters that concern life.
Aware of their in-accessibility to the children, parents sent their kids to school in the hope that the "experts" there can open the minds of the children.
To open the minds of the children is a need and to touch their hearts is itself a teaching the basic reason why a teacher is there in school. This means that if a teacher feels he is incapable of touching the children's heart, then he must pursue another occupation. He must give way for others who can inspire the students to wander the world of wisdom.
A series of seminars tells us always to give what we have. It sounds very ordinary and boring that even the sidewalk vendors are tired of listening to it. But we cannot motivate the students to read if we ourselves are not readers. We cannot simply tell the students to buy and read the books of Dumas, Zola, Steinbeck, and Shakespeare.
Teachers must always be readers. A businessman with the kind of his profession makes no difference if he reads or not. But a teacher who does not read is like a rower who does not row or a carpenter who goes to work without a hammer, his basic tool as carpenter.
A student' brain is dry. The teacher must water it with motivation but let the teacher motivates himself first.
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