(Just a collection of some techie news I've read.)
I truly believe that the mobile is the most popular platform that would deliver internet to the Filipino masses. Unless laptops and netbooks get really, really affordable (read: minimum wage is at P320 in NCR), how else would the working proletarian have access to internet technology?
According to Nielsen Mobile, the Mobile Interent Usage Penetration of the Philippines is at 3,4%. Not bad, considering that US (no.1) only has 15.6% and UK (no.2) has 12.9%. Surprisingly (at least for me) Pinas bested Singapore (3%) and Taiwan (1.9%).
***
Initial peek into Wimax, 4G here.
***
I remember sharing the link to a PDI article discussing a reasearch on the current state of internet penetration in our country a few days ago. Here's another interpretation of that data from Yugatech.
Incidentally, the mentioned research showed that 1 out of 3 people who participated in the survey maintains a blog. Well, if you are one of those people, you might want to earn from blogging.
That's all for now!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Remembering
Sir Danny Arao posted this link at Facebook a few days back - upon learning the tragic news that VJ Rubio, a former Philippine Collegian editor, was mercilessly and brutally killed.
Here's what Sir Danny said about the video: A prize-winning short video featuring VJ Rubio, directed by a former student of mine; excellent use of semiotics and critical discourse analysis.It's unfortunate that VJ had to die a violent death, but at least we have something to remember him by.
I remember VJ. Vinzons Hall is pretty small space for people who frequent it not to bump into each other.
Here's what Sir Danny said about the video: A prize-winning short video featuring VJ Rubio, directed by a former student of mine; excellent use of semiotics and critical discourse analysis.It's unfortunate that VJ had to die a violent death, but at least we have something to remember him by.
I remember VJ. Vinzons Hall is pretty small space for people who frequent it not to bump into each other.
Pinoy Multiply
3.5 million (out of 12.5 million) Multiply subscribers are based in the Philippines. This was disclosed in an article published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer today. Next to the United States, the Philippines is the "second largest market for Multiply".
Multiply is partnering with network giant ABS-CBN as they are setting up their Manila presence. A new feature, Multiply Mobile, is underway; this allows MMS posting to the subscriber's respective Multiply sites. This is in recognition (as shared by Multiply co-founder David Hersh) that Filipinos favor their mobile device to keep in touch. Another realization that mobile phones, indeed, is the most promising instrument to bring internet to the masses.
The article also mentions an upcoming version of the network: Multiply 4.0. I guess we need to brace ourselves for some changes, if not a complete metamorphosis. I personally hope and think not. Unlike FB which underwent several alterations (and counting), Multiply remained reliably unmodified for the past year (or so). About this new version, set to be released in two months, it would "highlight (Multiply's) focus on media". This is all the article disclosed; it could have a variety of meanings. However, it just affirms what Multiply is about.
Just what is Multiply about?
What Multiply aims for is for users/subscribers "to create a social networking environment that is more personal." Peter Pezaris, Multiply co-founder, asserts that the difference between Multiply and other social networking sites is that Multiply "allows personal sharing of digital media to people who matter" to its users. It is not about "making hundreds of online friends", explain Hersh. He adds, "...it's utility more than entertainment".
Pezaris further shares that as they were thinking of a name for their service, "it was a toss-up between Multiply and Connect". What made them choose Multiply is the cost: they bought it for $10,000. Apparently, Connect was being sold for $2 million.
Multiply's focus to the Philippine market could mean better or worse for us users. Inevitably, advancements in technology are going to be felt in the next few months.
Reference
Ho, Abigail. "When Filipinos go forth and Multiply." Philippine Daily Inquirer Vol.24 No.109 (2009): B7.
Multiply is partnering with network giant ABS-CBN as they are setting up their Manila presence. A new feature, Multiply Mobile, is underway; this allows MMS posting to the subscriber's respective Multiply sites. This is in recognition (as shared by Multiply co-founder David Hersh) that Filipinos favor their mobile device to keep in touch. Another realization that mobile phones, indeed, is the most promising instrument to bring internet to the masses.
The article also mentions an upcoming version of the network: Multiply 4.0. I guess we need to brace ourselves for some changes, if not a complete metamorphosis. I personally hope and think not. Unlike FB which underwent several alterations (and counting), Multiply remained reliably unmodified for the past year (or so). About this new version, set to be released in two months, it would "highlight (Multiply's) focus on media". This is all the article disclosed; it could have a variety of meanings. However, it just affirms what Multiply is about.
Just what is Multiply about?
What Multiply aims for is for users/subscribers "to create a social networking environment that is more personal." Peter Pezaris, Multiply co-founder, asserts that the difference between Multiply and other social networking sites is that Multiply "allows personal sharing of digital media to people who matter" to its users. It is not about "making hundreds of online friends", explain Hersh. He adds, "...it's utility more than entertainment".
Pezaris further shares that as they were thinking of a name for their service, "it was a toss-up between Multiply and Connect". What made them choose Multiply is the cost: they bought it for $10,000. Apparently, Connect was being sold for $2 million.
Multiply's focus to the Philippine market could mean better or worse for us users. Inevitably, advancements in technology are going to be felt in the next few months.
Reference
Ho, Abigail. "When Filipinos go forth and Multiply." Philippine Daily Inquirer Vol.24 No.109 (2009): B7.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Sampung nakakairitang salita sa Filipino ni G. Danny Arao
Link
N.B. - This was published in the January 23-29, 2009 issue of Pinoy Weekly, the full text of which may also be retrieved from http://www.pinoyweekly.org/cms/2009/01/sampung-nakakairitang-salita-sa-filipino.
Humihingi ako ng paumanhin kung hindi ko na mahintay ang Agosto (o Buwan ng Wika) para talakayin ang ilang salita sa Filipino na sa tingin ko’y nakakairita. Ang ideyang ito ay bunsod ng nabasa kong artikulo sa Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk) na pinamagatang”Oxford compiles list of top ten irritating phrases” na lumabas noong Nobyembre 8, 2008.
Sa gitna ng napakaraming isyung kinakaharap ng Pilipinas, siguro’y iisipin mong hindi napapanahong magkaroon ng isang diskurso sa wika. Pero tulad ng korupsyon sa pamahalaan, hindi natin dapat tanggaping normal na kalakaran ang isang bagay dahil lang parating nangyayari ito.
Sa konteksto ng wika, ang anumang pagkakamali ngayon sa balarila’t ortograpiya ay maaaring maging tama sa hinaharap kung ang mga ito’y magkakaroon ng malawak na pagtanggap. Sa ngayon, nakakairita ang minsa’y malawak na paggamit ng wikang Filipino kung natatandaan pa ang itinuro ng mga guro natin.
Importante ang papel ng midya sa wikang ginagamit ng madla. Dahil araw-araw akong nagbabasa ng diyaryo, nanonood sa telebisyon, nakikinig sa radyo at bumibisita sa mga website, kapansin-pansin para sa akin ang paulit-ulit na maling paggamit ng ilang kataga sa Filipino.
Sa puntong ito, hayaan n’yong magbigay ako ng personal na listahan ng 10 salita sa Filipino na sa tingin ko’y nakakairita.
- GOBYERNONG ARROYO. Madalas na ginagamit ito, pati na rin ang Ingles na pagsasalin nito. Kung susuriin ang depenisyon ng ”gobyerno” at ”administrasyon” sa UP Diksiyonaryong Filipino, ang dalawang salita’y nangangahulugang pamahalaan. Pero sa larangan ng Agham Pampulitika (Political Science), magkaiba ang ”gobyerno” at ”administrasyon.” Ang una ay nakatuon sa estruktura at ang ikalawa’y sa mga taong namamahala nito. Sa Pilipinas, iisa lang ang gobyerno mula noong 1946 (kahit may ilang pagbabago sa estruktura noong panahon ng Batas Militar) pero marami nang nagdaang administrasyong namahala nito. Sa kasalukuyan, mas mainam na gamitin ang ”administrasyong Arroyo” (kahit maraming naniniwalang ninakaw lang ng Pangulo ang puwesto niya).
- KAGANAPAN. Sa iyong panonood ng telebisyon o pakikinig sa radyo, madalas mo sigurong naririnig sa ulat na ”ito ang pinakahuling kaganapan.” Ang salitang ugat ng huling salita ay ”ganap” na nangangahulugang lubos, buo, kompleto o perpekto. Dahil ang karamihan sa mga isyu sa ating lipunan ay hindi naman inaasahang may katapusan (lalo na’t paulit-ulit lang ang mga problema sa ating bansa), nararapat na gamitin ng mga kaibigan nating peryodista ang salitang ”pangyayari” sa halip na ”kaganapan.”
- TULDUKAN. Ang tuldok ay ang ”hinto sa pagsasalita o panandang ginagamit sa pangungusap” (UP Diksiyonaryong Filipino). Sa panonood ng mga programa tungkol sa mga kontrobersiyang kinakaharap ng mga artista, madalas nating marinig ang pahayag nilang ”Tuldukan na natin ang isyung ito!” Hindi ba’t mas mainam ang salitang ”tapusin” o ”wakasan?” Sa aking palagay, mas malakas na mensahe ito kung iisiping ang ”pagtutuldok” ay simpleng ”paghihinto” lamang.
- MATUTUNAN/NATUTUNAN. Madalas na pagkakamali ito sa pagbaybay dahil ang tamang salita’y ”matutuhan/natutuhan.”
- BARANGAY/BARANGGAY. Maniwala ka, parehong tama ang dalawa. Ang ”barangay” ay bangka sa wikang Iloko. Ang ”baranggay” naman ay ang”kapulungan ng mamamayan sa nayon at purok ng bayan,” ayon sa UP Diksiyonaryong Filipino. May malawak nang pagtanggap sa “barangay” bilang pinakamaliit na yunit ng pamahalaan, at kahit ang Rules and Regulations Implementing the Local Government Code of 1991 ay ginagamit ang salitang ito. Pero ang nakakagulo ay ang kawalan ng pagkakaisa sa mga yunit ng pamahalaan kung anong salita ang gagamitin, kaya ang naiisip tuloy ng ibang hindi nakakaalam ay mali ang ”baranggay” na nakasulat sa ilang lugar.
- MGA KABATAAN, MGA KALALAKIHAN, MGA KABABAIHAN (at iba pang katulad na pormulasyon). Mali po ang mga ito. Malinaw ang nakasaad sa Gabay sa Editing sa Wikang Filipino (2004): ”Ang mga salitang nasa anyong kolektibo ay hindi maaaring pangunahan ng pamilang. Kung gagamit ng pamilang, ang batayang anyo ng salita ang dapat gamitin (p. 18).” Ibig sabihin, sa halip na ”mga kabataan” o ”sampung kabataan” ang kailangang gamitin ay ”mga bata” o ”sampung bata.”
- MGA FRIENDS, MGA CLASSMATES, MGA CELLPHONES (at iba pang katulad na pormulasyon). Para sa mga salitang hiram (na kadalasa’y Ingles), ginagamit lang ang “mga” para sa batayan o pang-isahang anyo. Hindi na kailangan ang ”mga” para sa pang-maramihang anyo ng salitang hiram. Halimbawa, tama ang pahayag na ”Ang mga friend ko, dumating na!” at ”Ang friends ko, dumating na!”
- MGA MAGAGALING, MGA MATATALINO, MGA MAGAGANDA (at iba pang katulad na pormulasyon). Hindi na kailangan ang ”mga” kung ang pang-uri (adjective) ay nasa pang-maramihang anyo.
- ANG GANDA, ANG TAMIS, ANG DALI (at iba pang katulad na pormulasyon). Sa panulat, mas mainam na gamitin ang tamang pormulasyon na ”kay ganda, kay tamis, kay dali.” Kahit na sabihing lumalawak na ang pagtanggap ng mga katagang ”ang ganda” at iba pa sa pagsasalita, walang masama kung pagsisikapang gamitin pa rin ang tamang pormulasyon.
- NG (sa halip na nang). Nakakalito man at madalas na napapagpalit ang”ng” at ”nang,” ang ating pagbabalik-aral sa balarila’t ortograpiya ay magpapaalala sa ating ang salitang ”nang” ay ginagamit bilang pang-angkop (ligature) para sa pang-abay (adverb) – halimbawa, ”magmaneho nang mabilis.”
Sigurado akong marami ka pang maibabahaging ”iritasyon” sa paggamit ng sariling wika. Kailangan lang nating tandaang ang wika ay patuloy na nagbabagong-anyo depende sa malawak na paggamit nito. Mainam sigurong magtulungan tayo para paalalahanan ang nakararaming mamamayan sa ating malaking papel sa pagtatama ng mga mali, sa sariling wika man o sa panlipunang kaayusan.
Para makipag-ugnayan sa awtor, pumunta sa www.dannyarao.com.
Officemate
It has been more than a week since I visited Multiply. I just thought I needed to write something on this blog, albeit a random, free-flowing entry. 
On the other hand, since I still haven't figured out how to disaffiliate my Blogger account from this site, it is though I've always been here anyway. Haha!
I learn something new everyday. Don't we all? Well, today, I learned something very personal about one of my officemates.
Tuesdays are light-days. We don't REALLY work on Tuesdays.
Our usually jolly team just kidded around during the last hours of our shift. We talk about anything and everything - from our kids' yayas to our hobbies and sometimes our problems. What started as a laugh-all-you-can session brought me to tears by the end of our work day.
One of my officemates casually shared anecdotes about adultery and vices. As my officemate and 'the officemate's spouse' (I'll keep this gender neutral) have been apart for most of the past three years (the spouse being an OFW) they have been encountering major marital problems; they have four kids. The spouse was caught having an affair - through recorded sex by phone - by my officemate. Moreover, my officemate shares what a gambler the spouse is and how remittance is nil for the past six months. It just makes me want to kick myself that I have been wallowing in some petty things lately while there are people with larger than life (as I know it) problems.
I studied at KSA for three years when I was in high school. I have witnessed several disheartening family disintegrations there. I have a classmate whose mother committed suicide upon learning about the husband's mistress. My brother's first friend/classmate when we moved, apparently had stepsiblings in the kingdom unbeknownst to them. And so on.
Migration is commonplace in a country where employment is scarce. Aren't OFWs commodified to be our biggest income-generating exports? Calling them our "Bagong Bayani" does not eradicate the hardships nor justify the sacrifices these families had to endure for long periods of separation. It is good that the internet is now available to some, they somehow get to see each other more often through the webcam. Mobiles allow them to send messages or what-not easily. Of course, it is inevitable that technology brings these comforts. But of course, these are not enough.
It is sad that there are things you get to appreciate more when you notice other people not having it. We have been an OFW-family for years and I am thankful that my family is tough enough to weather the trials.
***
I am now a fan of micro-blogging (courtesy of Plurk). Although I haven't been actively recruiting friends there (unlike what I did when I first became a fan of FB.. incidentally, I still insist that the FB Home tab sucks), I enjoy posting one-liners to my timeline.
On the other hand, since I still haven't figured out how to disaffiliate my Blogger account from this site, it is though I've always been here anyway. Haha!I learn something new everyday. Don't we all? Well, today, I learned something very personal about one of my officemates.
Tuesdays are light-days. We don't REALLY work on Tuesdays.
Our usually jolly team just kidded around during the last hours of our shift. We talk about anything and everything - from our kids' yayas to our hobbies and sometimes our problems. What started as a laugh-all-you-can session brought me to tears by the end of our work day.One of my officemates casually shared anecdotes about adultery and vices. As my officemate and 'the officemate's spouse' (I'll keep this gender neutral) have been apart for most of the past three years (the spouse being an OFW) they have been encountering major marital problems; they have four kids. The spouse was caught having an affair - through recorded sex by phone - by my officemate. Moreover, my officemate shares what a gambler the spouse is and how remittance is nil for the past six months. It just makes me want to kick myself that I have been wallowing in some petty things lately while there are people with larger than life (as I know it) problems.
I studied at KSA for three years when I was in high school. I have witnessed several disheartening family disintegrations there. I have a classmate whose mother committed suicide upon learning about the husband's mistress. My brother's first friend/classmate when we moved, apparently had stepsiblings in the kingdom unbeknownst to them. And so on.
Migration is commonplace in a country where employment is scarce. Aren't OFWs commodified to be our biggest income-generating exports? Calling them our "Bagong Bayani" does not eradicate the hardships nor justify the sacrifices these families had to endure for long periods of separation. It is good that the internet is now available to some, they somehow get to see each other more often through the webcam. Mobiles allow them to send messages or what-not easily. Of course, it is inevitable that technology brings these comforts. But of course, these are not enough.
It is sad that there are things you get to appreciate more when you notice other people not having it. We have been an OFW-family for years and I am thankful that my family is tough enough to weather the trials.
***
I am now a fan of micro-blogging (courtesy of Plurk). Although I haven't been actively recruiting friends there (unlike what I did when I first became a fan of FB.. incidentally, I still insist that the FB Home tab sucks), I enjoy posting one-liners to my timeline.
March 2009
A few days are left before the third month ends.
On a more personal, "chummy" thought, I have treasured March as my family's birthmonth: my Dad, Mom and siblings were born on the 1st two weeks of this month. Likewise, and more importantly, March is celebrated as the Women's month.
This year, March has been filled with significant agitating events.
Here's what made March 2009 different:
March 1 - My sister, Wena's birthday
March 4 - My Tita Luz's birthday
March 4 - Rebelyn Pitao left home for work and never returned
March 5 - My brother Ryan's birthday
March 5 - Rebelyn was found dead in an irrigation ditch
March 6 - Francis M passed away
March 7 - Eraserheads Reunion Concert (I really needed to include this)
March 8 - International Women's Day
March 11 - My mother's birthday
March 12- Nicole signed the controversial sworn statement
March 14 - My father's birthday
March 14 - Rebelyn's burial march
March 17- Nicole's statement was published by the PDI, along with her real name and picture
March 19 - Jalosjos, a convicted rapist sentenced to two life terms, was released from the Bilibid prison after serving only 13 years
March 24 - VJ Rubio, a former Philippine Collegian staff, was killed for reasons yet unknown
What an irony this has been: 3 major issues pertaining to violence against women are highlighted this month. And we have a woman president who tolerates and coddles the perpetrators.
On a more personal, "chummy" thought, I have treasured March as my family's birthmonth: my Dad, Mom and siblings were born on the 1st two weeks of this month. Likewise, and more importantly, March is celebrated as the Women's month.
This year, March has been filled with significant agitating events.
Here's what made March 2009 different:
March 1 - My sister, Wena's birthday
March 4 - My Tita Luz's birthday
March 4 - Rebelyn Pitao left home for work and never returned
March 5 - My brother Ryan's birthday
March 5 - Rebelyn was found dead in an irrigation ditch
March 6 - Francis M passed away
March 7 - Eraserheads Reunion Concert (I really needed to include this)
March 8 - International Women's Day
March 11 - My mother's birthday
March 12- Nicole signed the controversial sworn statement
March 14 - My father's birthday
March 14 - Rebelyn's burial march
March 17- Nicole's statement was published by the PDI, along with her real name and picture
March 19 - Jalosjos, a convicted rapist sentenced to two life terms, was released from the Bilibid prison after serving only 13 years
March 24 - VJ Rubio, a former Philippine Collegian staff, was killed for reasons yet unknown
What an irony this has been: 3 major issues pertaining to violence against women are highlighted this month. And we have a woman president who tolerates and coddles the perpetrators.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Let us not condemn Nicole
This past couple of days, Nicole's affidavit has graced the news a few many times. Opinions have been drawn that it just feels right to write about it. After all, I have been reading a lot of derogatory statements about Nicole already, and it is sad to say the least.
I feel bad for Nicole. I stand by my statement that she remains the victim. She has been judged long before the guilty verdict came out a few years back. It has been a long and hard struggle for her. Sya na nga ang ginahasa, kailangan pa nyang patunayan ito sa harap nang korte at nang buong bansa. This has been the dilemma of rape victims, having talked to a few myself. Then, there are those who just keep the crime to themselves. But that is a different story altogether. What made this case all the more controversial is the person who raped Nicole. Who is Daniel Smith?
All we have to know is that he is a member of the most powerful Armed Forces in the world, worse, he is protected by an onerous treaty: the Visiting Forces Agreement. He is detained at the US Embassy, not really having a rough time. As the case unfolded, the defense painted a picture of Nicole as a woman with loose morals. A whore. They claimed that the sex that took place was consensual. Ginusto mo naman eh, pero ngayon, nagrereklamo ka. Imagine the pain this woman endured for years.
Nicole has her reasons why she gave up. Who are we to castigate her? If I, or anyone else, was in her shoes, can I go through the same ordeal: weathering the tough cross-examination, media scrutiny and the tremendous pressure put on her by the US and RP governments? Would it be very hard to understand why she wanted to move on, why she wanted to go somewhere where she hopes no one would recognize her as the woman raped by the US serviceman?
She was judged then and is still being judged now. Let us not condemn Nicole. Let her be.
I feel bad for Nicole. I stand by my statement that she remains the victim. She has been judged long before the guilty verdict came out a few years back. It has been a long and hard struggle for her. Sya na nga ang ginahasa, kailangan pa nyang patunayan ito sa harap nang korte at nang buong bansa. This has been the dilemma of rape victims, having talked to a few myself. Then, there are those who just keep the crime to themselves. But that is a different story altogether. What made this case all the more controversial is the person who raped Nicole. Who is Daniel Smith?
All we have to know is that he is a member of the most powerful Armed Forces in the world, worse, he is protected by an onerous treaty: the Visiting Forces Agreement. He is detained at the US Embassy, not really having a rough time. As the case unfolded, the defense painted a picture of Nicole as a woman with loose morals. A whore. They claimed that the sex that took place was consensual. Ginusto mo naman eh, pero ngayon, nagrereklamo ka. Imagine the pain this woman endured for years.
Nicole has her reasons why she gave up. Who are we to castigate her? If I, or anyone else, was in her shoes, can I go through the same ordeal: weathering the tough cross-examination, media scrutiny and the tremendous pressure put on her by the US and RP governments? Would it be very hard to understand why she wanted to move on, why she wanted to go somewhere where she hopes no one would recognize her as the woman raped by the US serviceman?
She was judged then and is still being judged now. Let us not condemn Nicole. Let her be.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Acquiesce
You chose your life. Who is there
to blame? Is it necessary?
Questions, questions
Always in the crossroads
Peace in acquiesce
Acquiesce in peace
She was not the cynic then
Ideas are fresh, she has answers
She thinks, she decides, she acts
That was then, this is now
Peace in acquiesce
Acquiesce in peace
She left her life, her love
Heart is found in the hearts
of the masses, one with them
She trekked the highlands, the Thoughts
She lived her life in acquiesce
In peace, she was, indeed.
Peace in acquiesce
With her life now in the confines
Of the technological cage of nonsense
of misery and angst and ignorance
Peace eluded the air she breathes
Ah, yes, acquiesce is naught.
In limbo, she stays
Aspiring the consumerist bourgeois life
she disremembered
she now thrives and tries and cries
to leave the pain and gnawing silence
and discern acquiesce and peace.
to blame? Is it necessary?
Questions, questions
Always in the crossroads
Peace in acquiesce
Acquiesce in peace
She was not the cynic then
Ideas are fresh, she has answers
She thinks, she decides, she acts
That was then, this is now
Peace in acquiesce
Acquiesce in peace
She left her life, her love
Heart is found in the hearts
of the masses, one with them
She trekked the highlands, the Thoughts
She lived her life in acquiesce
In peace, she was, indeed.
Peace in acquiesce
With her life now in the confines
Of the technological cage of nonsense
of misery and angst and ignorance
Peace eluded the air she breathes
Ah, yes, acquiesce is naught.
In limbo, she stays
Aspiring the consumerist bourgeois life
she disremembered
she now thrives and tries and cries
to leave the pain and gnawing silence
and discern acquiesce and peace.
Katarungan!
Nailibing na si Rebelyn.
Dinukot sya noong ika-4 ng Marso habang papauwi mula sa paaralang kanyang pinagtuturuan. Natagpuan syang patay - bakas ang tortyur at panghahalay - kinabukasan, ika-5 ng Marso.
Ang kanyang kasalanan:
Anak sya ni Leoncio Pitao, isang NPA Kumander.
Friday, March 13, 2009
A Faux Pas that led me to "analyze" my Social Networking Life
I forgot that my blog entries posted on Blogger automatically posts here (on Multiply). Since November (when the second sem started), I regarded my Multiply page as one of our subject's platforms, I did not even bother updating the site about my personal brouhaha - save for the photos that are just so easy to upload here, so what the heck.
I've had this website sometime ago, when one of my long lost friends invited me to join. And she was literally an out-of-coverage-area-friend. I eagerly used this account to share pictures, messages and what-have-yous with her. Later on, when she went into her seasonal hibernation, I discovered friends and other interesting webpages/groups that I decided to visit/update the site more often.
I remember this was before my son's 2nd birthday, which was waaay before I joined FB - I was late to join the FB bandwagon. If I was a facebooker then, I might have convinced her to open an account there, instead of me opening an account in Multiply...Now, I use FB for email, IM, photo-sharing, video-sharing aside from the superpokin' stuff (and other applications that just eats up my time without even trying! Nope, I still don't join the Mafia Wars). Anyway, my point is, I've really not been paying attention to my Multiply site. I was surprised to see my past 2 Blogger entries forwarded here. I am now thinking of discontinuing this cross-posting feature. That is, if I remember how I enjoined them in the first place.
This linkage among and between social networking sites are actually useful albeit confusing. I have recently opened a Plurk account (I am starting to sound like an Internet junkie now). Plurk is a micro-blogging site. My plurk is also interfused with my FB account: my Plurks are forwarded as status messages. (I don't have twitter (yet) but I guess, for those who have Twitter, Twit(t)s are somewhat the equivalent of Plurks.) I recently enrolled my Plurk to phPlurk.com - I can now send Plurks using my mobile. I know this social networking site-mobile phone connectivity is not new. However, you must understand, my mobile phone does not even have a camera - now a common feature of the mobile phone. I just bought my cellular phone from a buy one-take one offer from Talk 'n Text! So, the joy of being somewhat connected to the internet whilst using my erstwhile chaka phone is just happiness.
So enough with my babbling. Good night!
**I wrote this entry at my Multiply site.
I've had this website sometime ago, when one of my long lost friends invited me to join. And she was literally an out-of-coverage-area-friend. I eagerly used this account to share pictures, messages and what-have-yous with her. Later on, when she went into her seasonal hibernation, I discovered friends and other interesting webpages/groups that I decided to visit/update the site more often.
I remember this was before my son's 2nd birthday, which was waaay before I joined FB - I was late to join the FB bandwagon. If I was a facebooker then, I might have convinced her to open an account there, instead of me opening an account in Multiply...Now, I use FB for email, IM, photo-sharing, video-sharing aside from the superpokin' stuff (and other applications that just eats up my time without even trying! Nope, I still don't join the Mafia Wars). Anyway, my point is, I've really not been paying attention to my Multiply site. I was surprised to see my past 2 Blogger entries forwarded here. I am now thinking of discontinuing this cross-posting feature. That is, if I remember how I enjoined them in the first place.
This linkage among and between social networking sites are actually useful albeit confusing. I have recently opened a Plurk account (I am starting to sound like an Internet junkie now). Plurk is a micro-blogging site. My plurk is also interfused with my FB account: my Plurks are forwarded as status messages. (I don't have twitter (yet) but I guess, for those who have Twitter, Twit(t)s are somewhat the equivalent of Plurks.) I recently enrolled my Plurk to phPlurk.com - I can now send Plurks using my mobile. I know this social networking site-mobile phone connectivity is not new. However, you must understand, my mobile phone does not even have a camera - now a common feature of the mobile phone. I just bought my cellular phone from a buy one-take one offer from Talk 'n Text! So, the joy of being somewhat connected to the internet whilst using my erstwhile chaka phone is just happiness.
So enough with my babbling. Good night!
**I wrote this entry at my Multiply site.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Fridays
Today is Friday, March 13th. Friday the 13th. Whatever!
I used to like Fridays: last day of the business week, time for rest and play. But this was then, before my schedule was turned upside-down from working in an environment where there seems to be a time-space warp (ngayon din! -Shaider).
Fridays, now, represent the start of another dragging week. I hope I can get my life back on track and start loving Fridays again.
I used to like Fridays: last day of the business week, time for rest and play. But this was then, before my schedule was turned upside-down from working in an environment where there seems to be a time-space warp (ngayon din! -Shaider).
Fridays, now, represent the start of another dragging week. I hope I can get my life back on track and start loving Fridays again.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
A recollection of the week that was
When we finally decided to witness the Eraserheads' concert, I had to rearrange my usual work schedule. Luckily, I was able to do that way ahead of time without any complication. So, on Thursday, March 5, I went to work (I'm supposed to be off on Thursdays) so I can be off on Saturday, The Final Set day.
I woke up the following day, March 6, startled with the news that Francis M is gone. He passed away. I was in denial for a while, a little nonchalant, as if it was an expected incident knowing that he had leukemia and that he has been in and out of the hospital. As usual, the logical part of my brain prevailed. The psyche reacted very much later.
I was so tired from work and errands (especially since BPI gave me a helluva time getting my husband's hard-earned money from them!). Nevertheless, I found time to view news clips and read tributes about the Freeman. The effect of philosophical anesthesia must have worn off as I started to feel sad: In reality, Francis' music was a big part of my growing-up. His music crossed the chasm at the time I started to be influenced by pop culture: puberty. Yes, I can still remember rapping "Mga Kababayan Ko" and "Cold Summer Nights", I was Grade 5 or 6 then. Later on, I came to like "Girl Be Mine" and appreciated "Ito ang Gusto Ko!" (kalayaan, kapayapaan, katarungan, karapatang pantao). I started to realize how intense his work's impact was to his fellow artists and his audience - like me.
Saturday was concert day. It was also the Eat Bulaga tribute day. Talk about conflicting emotions: you cannot be too happy, hard to be so sad. Of course, I was not able to watch the whole EB show that it was necessary to search YouTube for bootlegged clips the following day; sleep was required before going to the Mall of Asia as I was up all night. I displaced myself from the sofa (in front of the TV) so that I could get my much needed 3-hour nap.
The concert was magnificently heartwarming. Ely amplified the nudging sentiments of their nostalgic fans (or was it just me?) when he put his piano in flames: They are Eraserheads no more. Goodbye, youth! As I wistfully echoed Spoliarium's "Pwede bang itigil muna/ Ang pag-ikot ng mundo/" on my mind and while I was singing whenever Ely commands the crown to do so, I can't help to ponder upon my life then and now, how things have changed drastically. Eraserheads catapulted to fame when curses became our chorus: "Di ba, tangina/ Nagmukha akong tanga/ Pinaasa nya lang ako/ Lecheng pag-ibig to..." I was in STC then, I remember a schoolmate, who adapted the name "Toyang", lent me her Ultraelectromagneticpop cassette tape. I bought my own tape after. I transferred to Saudi when "Kailan", "Magasin", "Huwag mo nang Itanong" became popular. Being situated there did not matter, I knew their songs by heart. When I went to UP, I saw Eraserheads perform live for the first time, the second, third,..., nth time. Until, well, they disbanded and I pursued greener pastures, literally. These things gnawed my mind during and a few days after the concert.
Of course, the Eheads paid tribute to Francis M, and everybody on the venue sang and dance with them as a show of respect for the Master Rapper. My Sunday was spent reading Francis M's multiply blogs. I agree with his opinions on certain issues, like how corrupt the government is, how we need to "defend the three stars and the sun" from greed and exploitation. I admire his talent in photography, being a frustrated hobbyist that I am. I felt his courage when he fought his Happy Battle. I am awed even by his concept clothing merchandise that I am thinking of queuing to buy one too! (As I am typing this, the news says that his shirts and CDs are selling like hotcakes. This is expected, yes?)
Since I am in a nostalgic mode, I started searching and adding high school classmates on Facebook. I am still dazed to put it mildly.
And today is Tuesday, I still feel lonely that these artists who influenced my youth are now gone - Francis resting in peace and the Eraserheads no longer existing. I realize that the memories during this turbulent episode of my life were long forgotten. I consciously disassociated myself from my friends for reasons I cannot even claim valid now. I guess this what magnified the sadness: realizing who I am now, who I was then and who I was between those two distinct periods of my existence.
I cannot do anything about the past, but my hands could definitely control how tomorrow turns out. I shall take my time appreciating this thought. For now, I will just let my youth, my dead aspirations and my lessons be there to enlighten my way to self-absolution.
I woke up the following day, March 6, startled with the news that Francis M is gone. He passed away. I was in denial for a while, a little nonchalant, as if it was an expected incident knowing that he had leukemia and that he has been in and out of the hospital. As usual, the logical part of my brain prevailed. The psyche reacted very much later.
I was so tired from work and errands (especially since BPI gave me a helluva time getting my husband's hard-earned money from them!). Nevertheless, I found time to view news clips and read tributes about the Freeman. The effect of philosophical anesthesia must have worn off as I started to feel sad: In reality, Francis' music was a big part of my growing-up. His music crossed the chasm at the time I started to be influenced by pop culture: puberty. Yes, I can still remember rapping "Mga Kababayan Ko" and "Cold Summer Nights", I was Grade 5 or 6 then. Later on, I came to like "Girl Be Mine" and appreciated "Ito ang Gusto Ko!" (kalayaan, kapayapaan, katarungan, karapatang pantao). I started to realize how intense his work's impact was to his fellow artists and his audience - like me.
Saturday was concert day. It was also the Eat Bulaga tribute day. Talk about conflicting emotions: you cannot be too happy, hard to be so sad. Of course, I was not able to watch the whole EB show that it was necessary to search YouTube for bootlegged clips the following day; sleep was required before going to the Mall of Asia as I was up all night. I displaced myself from the sofa (in front of the TV) so that I could get my much needed 3-hour nap.
The concert was magnificently heartwarming. Ely amplified the nudging sentiments of their nostalgic fans (or was it just me?) when he put his piano in flames: They are Eraserheads no more. Goodbye, youth! As I wistfully echoed Spoliarium's "Pwede bang itigil muna/ Ang pag-ikot ng mundo/" on my mind and while I was singing whenever Ely commands the crown to do so, I can't help to ponder upon my life then and now, how things have changed drastically. Eraserheads catapulted to fame when curses became our chorus: "Di ba, tangina/ Nagmukha akong tanga/ Pinaasa nya lang ako/ Lecheng pag-ibig to..." I was in STC then, I remember a schoolmate, who adapted the name "Toyang", lent me her Ultraelectromagneticpop cassette tape. I bought my own tape after. I transferred to Saudi when "Kailan", "Magasin", "Huwag mo nang Itanong" became popular. Being situated there did not matter, I knew their songs by heart. When I went to UP, I saw Eraserheads perform live for the first time, the second, third,..., nth time. Until, well, they disbanded and I pursued greener pastures, literally. These things gnawed my mind during and a few days after the concert.
Of course, the Eheads paid tribute to Francis M, and everybody on the venue sang and dance with them as a show of respect for the Master Rapper. My Sunday was spent reading Francis M's multiply blogs. I agree with his opinions on certain issues, like how corrupt the government is, how we need to "defend the three stars and the sun" from greed and exploitation. I admire his talent in photography, being a frustrated hobbyist that I am. I felt his courage when he fought his Happy Battle. I am awed even by his concept clothing merchandise that I am thinking of queuing to buy one too! (As I am typing this, the news says that his shirts and CDs are selling like hotcakes. This is expected, yes?)
Since I am in a nostalgic mode, I started searching and adding high school classmates on Facebook. I am still dazed to put it mildly.
And today is Tuesday, I still feel lonely that these artists who influenced my youth are now gone - Francis resting in peace and the Eraserheads no longer existing. I realize that the memories during this turbulent episode of my life were long forgotten. I consciously disassociated myself from my friends for reasons I cannot even claim valid now. I guess this what magnified the sadness: realizing who I am now, who I was then and who I was between those two distinct periods of my existence.
I cannot do anything about the past, but my hands could definitely control how tomorrow turns out. I shall take my time appreciating this thought. For now, I will just let my youth, my dead aspirations and my lessons be there to enlighten my way to self-absolution.
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