walang panahon

Democracy Photo Challenge Finalists

2010-08-21T09:12:00.000-07:00

Vote for the sole entry of the Philippines.

"Democracy is accessible and quality education for all.

It is education as a right."

Google’s Long History of Social Media Attempts [INFOGRAPHIC]

2010-08-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

I just learned that Google Wave bade us goodbye.
Here's a brief background story of Google's journey in the social media arena.

Google's Long History of Social Media Attempts

Pinoy and FB

2010-08-06T04:03:00.000-07:00

93% of Filipino online users visit Facebook. Adik!
http://technews.com.ph/?p=3334

Neophyte - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

2010-01-12T00:59:00.000-08:00

Neophyte - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

In this Youngblood article of the Inquirer, Congressman Mong Palatino talks about life in Batasan. He is the representative of Kabataan Party-list. He was the USC Chairperson while I was the College of Science Representative. I believe in alternative politics. I believe in activist lawmakers.

Karumal-dumal

2009-11-27T02:50:00.000-08:00

Nagpupuyos ako sa galit mula pa noong narinig ko ang naganap na masaker sa Maguindanao. Hindi ko naintindihan. Bakit nangyari ito? Sana nga masamang panaginip lang. Hindi pa halos nakakarekober ang bayan natin mula sa mga sakuna ng bagyo, isang man-made disaster naman ang sumalanta sa Pilipinas.

Hindi naman ako bingi o bulag sa mga extra-judicial killings, laluna sa mga aktibista at mamamahayag. Hindi na bago, kumbaga, ang mga balitang may mga napapatay nang walang kalaban-laban. Ayon sa Karapatan, umaabot na nga ang bilang ng mga biktima sa 312 sa ilalim ng rehimeng Arroyo. Subalit, noong una kong narinig ang balita, hindi ko magagap kung paanong na-execute ang masaker na ito nang ganoon na lang.

Nalaman ko, batay na rin sa mga balitang aking narinig, napanood at nabasa, na ang Ampatuan clan ang itinuturong salarin, pangunahin na rito ang Mayor ng Datu Unsay na si Andal Ampatuan Jr. Siya ay nasa custody na ngayon ng NBI.

Matagal na raw kaalitan ng mga Ampatuan ang angkan ng mga Mangudadatu. Ang mga Mangudadatu ang pangunahing target ng masaker. Noong araw na naganap ang krimen, maghahain ng Certificate of Candidacy si Genalyn Magudadatu para sa kanyang asawa na si Esmael, tatakbo ito sa pagka-Bise-Gobernador ng Maguindanao. Makakalaban niya si Andal Ampatuan Sr, ang ama ng prime suspect sa krimen. Sa pinakahuling balita, umaabot na sa 57 ang mga nahukay na bangkay. Kabilang sa mga pinaslang ang 27 mamamahayag at 15 motorista (na umano'y witness sa naganap na masaker kaya pinili nilang patayin na rin).

Ayon kay Boy, ang testigong nagbigay ng pahayag sa media, isa sa mga gunmen na ngayo'y tumetestigo laban kay Ampatuan Jr, ang direktiba sa kanila ay patayin lahat ng miyembro ng Mangudadatu clan – babae man o bata. Ayon na mismo sa DoJ, hindi lang basta pinatay ang mga kababaihan, maaaring sila rin ay ginahasa muna at tinortyur.

Isa na sa pinakamatitinding election-related violence ang masaker sa Maguindanao. Lumang tugtugin na ang pamamayagpag ng guns, goons and gold kada eleksyon. Alam din nating mananaig ang krimen sa ating bansa sa darating na halalan. At heto na nga nagsimula na, sana nga wala nang mas titingkad pang halimbawa sa masaker na ito. Sukdulan ang kagahamanan sa kapangyarihan.

Nararapat suriin kung saan nagmumula ang lakas ng loob ng mga Ampatuan upang isagawa ang krimen na ito. Sariwa pa sa ating alaala ang kontrobersyal na pagkapanalo ni Miguel Zubiri bilang ika-12 Senador noong nakaraang halalan. Hindi ba't Maguindanao lamang ang nagtala ng 12-0 na boto? Ibig sabihin, lahat ng botante sa Maguindanao at bumoto para sa administrasyon, walang nakuhang ni isang boto ang oposisyon mula sa probinsyang ito. Kalokohan di ba? Pero namatay na ang balitang iyon, hindi na nga natin nabalitaan kung anong nangyari sa protesta ni Koko Pimentel. Pero ang malinaw, nagkaroon ng kasunduan sa pagitan ng administrasyong Arroyo at ng mga Ampatuan: papanalunin ang mga 'bata' ng administrasyon at pananatilihing namamayagpag ang angkan ng mga Amaptuan sa Maguindanao. Sa kasunduang ito, nagkaroon ng matibay na mandato ang mga Ampatuan na ipagpatuloy ang kanilang paghahari sa nasabing probinsya.

Isa pa, saan galing ang humigit-kumulang 100 gunmen? Ayon sa testigo, mula rin sa hanay ng pulisya at militar ang mga tauhan ng mga Ampatuan. Hindi ko matanggap na ang ikinakaltas sa aking buwis sa tuwing susweldo ako ay mapupunta sa ganitong aktibidad! Nakakagalit talaga!

Malapit na kaalyado ni Arroyo ang mga Ampatuan. Magkakaroon ba ng hustisya para sa mga biktima ng masaker nito sa ilalim ng rehimeng Arroyo? Hahayaan ba natin na patuloy na mamamayani ang nagkakanlong sa mga mamamatay-tao? Sabagay, siya naman mismo, si Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, ang utak sa pagpatay ng napakaraming inosenteng sibilyan. Karumal-dumal talaga ang kalagayan ng pulitika sa ating bansa.

8th Italian Film Festival | Spot.PH

2009-10-17T04:48:00.001-07:00

8th Italian Film Festival | Spot.PH
Shared via AddThis

From Spot.ph:

Free admission. Seats are on a first come, first serve basis. MTRCB classification may be confirmed at the ticket office.

Screening schedule:

October 14, Wednesday
The True Legend of Tony Vilar - 7:30 p.m.

October 15, Thursday
Before You Know It - 2 p.m.
Gas - 4:30 p.m.
The Viceroys - 7 p.m.
Smalltown, Italy - 9:30 p.m.

October 16, Friday
The Fever - 2 p.m.
Mater Natura - 4:30 p.m.
The Bird with the Crystal Plumage - 7 p.m.
The Heretic - 9:30 p.m.

October 17, Saturday
One Out of Two - 2 p.m.
What I'm Doing Here - 4:30 p.m.
The True Legend of Tony Vilar - 7 p.m.
Gas - 9:30 p.m.

October 18, Sunday
Caravaggio - 2 p.m.
The True Legend of Tony Vilar - 4:30 p.m.
Mater Natura - 7 p.m.
The Destination - 9:30 p.m.

October 19, Monday
The Heretic - 2 p.m.
The Fever - 4:30 p.m.
One Out of Two - 7 p.m.
What I'm Doing Here - 9:30 p.m.

October 20, Tuesday
Smalltown, Italy - 2 p.m.
The Bird with the Crystal Plumage - 4:30 p.m.
Caravaggio - 7 p.m.
Before You Know It - 9:30 p.m.

October 21, Wednesday
The Destination - 2 p.m.
The Fever - 4:30 p.m.
What I'm Doing Here - 7 p.m.
The Viceroys - 9:30 p.m.

Venue: Shangri-la Cineplex, EDSA cor. Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City

The writing in the wind - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

2009-10-12T01:35:00.001-07:00

The writing in the wind - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

"And finally, our appeal to the world for help is fully justified. The bedraggled throng that huddles in the evacuation centers that have sprouted all over the country we used to see only in countries pounded by war, famine and disease. What used to happen only to âother peopleâ has happened to us. Your heart goes out to those who have to build their lives all over again. I know only the loss of life is truly a cause for despair, possessions can always be replaced, but tell that to those who have lost everything to Ondoy and Pepeng.

Just as well, the murder and mayhem, the looting and lying, the vileness and abuse that have become the way of life of this country we used to see only in African countries ruled by rulers whose names we could not pronounce. What used to happen only to other countries has happened to us. Injustice is rife, indecency par for the course. The country is in a state of calamity for more reasons than have to do with rain and flood. I know only the loss of life is truly a cause for despair, but tell that to those who lost their freedom, their sanity and their hope for a better life for their children under Marcos and Arroyo. Your heart goes out to the next president of this country. His relief work is cut out for him, and he may not turn to the world for help.

Nature is showing us a metaphor for our lives. The writing isnât on the wall, itâs in the wind."

- Conrado de Quiros
Shared via AddThis

May araw din tayo - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

2009-09-16T06:23:00.001-07:00

May araw din tayo - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

Shared via AddThis

Hindi ko masasabing ako ay fan ni Noynoy. Gayunpaman, natutuwa pa rin ako sa paraan ng pag-eexpose ni CDQ kay GMA sa article nyang ito.

Cro-Magnon - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

2009-09-15T23:44:00.001-07:00

Cro-Magnon - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

Shared via AddThis

On Digital Divide

2009-09-14T07:18:00.000-07:00

Digital divide reflects the persistence of class contradictions; it is not alienated from the prevailing social structure. In a way, recognizing the existence of digital divide provides a certain perspective in assessing the reality of the current global socio-economic and political situation.

Ever since the expropriation of the means of production, only a privileged few benefit from capital. Technology continues to flourish, yet, the relations between the ruling and ruled class remains. Since we are in the 'information age', now we also have information capital. Just the same, the gap between the information-rich and the information-poor is ever-widening.

Through the internet, information was somehow democratized. Anyone can generate and use content. On the other hand, since the availability of technology is still elusive to the majority, the wealth of information is still out of reach for most. There are commendable stories and cases wherein technology boosted the economic conditions of impoverished communities. However, these are still exceptions to the rule.

Technology alone would not solve the digital divide. Having access to information is one thing but converting information into something tangible is another. Technology could aide but not solve relevant political and social problems. The efforts in making information and technology available for more people should continue but it should not stop there. The complexity of poverty, as explained in our Unit 1 readings, entails painstaking change in different societal and political aspects. The eradication of this digital divide is an inevitable corollary of resolving the root causes of poverty.

(Cross-posted from one of my BAMS classes)

Video: Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeno - Desaparecidos - Bulatlat

2009-09-03T22:40:00.001-07:00

Video: Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeno - Desaparecidos - Bulatlat

Shared via AddThis

Slideshow: Families, Friends Honor Desaparecidos - Bulatlat

2009-09-03T22:35:00.001-07:00

Slideshow: Families, Friends Honor Desaparecidos - Bulatlat

Shared via AddThis

Which Office Is Cooler Facebook or Twitter

2009-08-24T02:41:00.001-07:00

Which Office Is Cooler Facebook or Twitter

Shared via AddThis

A fusion of art, technology and ecology - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

2009-08-19T20:57:00.001-07:00

A fusion of art, technology and ecology - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

Biomodd is featured at the Philippine Daily Inquirer today!

Shared via AddThis

GMANews.TV - 'Arroyo foreign trips exempted from austerity measures'

2009-08-19T02:02:00.001-07:00

Bulok na sistema ng rehimeng Arroyo: Lahat kayo'y magtiis, pero ako'y magpapakasasa. Mga ganid.

GMANews.TV - 'Arroyo foreign trips exempted from austerity measures'

Shared via AddThis

May araw din kayo - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

2009-08-17T03:05:00.001-07:00

May araw din kayo - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

Shared via AddThis

Magparehistro para makaboto!

2009-06-18T03:40:00.000-07:00

BIOMODD [LBA2]

2009-06-18T01:36:00.000-07:00

BIOMODD [LBA²]

Biomodd is a project that fuses art, ecology and technology while encouraging innovative collaboration. Ultimately, it aims to come up with a local sculpture that involves an ecosystem of plants and a network of modified computers for gaming. The finished work will then be launched to the public through an art installation exhibit. Developed and first launched by Belgian artist Angelo Vermeulen in the USA, the idea is now being adapted and relaunched in the Philippines.

The first version, Biomodd [ATH¹], was installed in 2007 and 2008 in the Aesthetic Technologies Lab in Athens, Ohio. It generated both large local and international interest, was front-page news on all local newspapers, and was extensively discussed on the internet. It also received a nomination for the Ars Electronica Hybrid Art Prix 2008 in Linz, Austria.

INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION WITH LOCAL ARTISTS

For the Philippine version, officially named Biomodd [LBA²], Vermeulen has partnered with the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) and plans to engage both the Los Baños and Manila community. The Philippine Biomodd is a growing team of students, artists, art supporters and scientists. The core group consists of Filipino artist and UPOU Faculty, Diego Maranan; project manager, Lai del Rosario; another UPOU faculty, Al-Francis Librero; UP student organization liaison, Nex Beñas; and art and cultural advocate, Carlos Celdran.

The final outcome of the Philippine Biomodd will rely entirely on the dialogue and creativity of the participants. Other members of the community will also be invited to contribute to the project. In fact, Vermeulen is thinking of inviting Paete carvers, well-known artists in the Los Baños area, to build the skeletal casing of the sculpture.

The exhibit is set to open in Los Baños in August and in September at the National Museum, Manila.

EXHIBIT IN BELGIUM

Although Biomodd [LBA²] has only kick started in February of this year, it has already been featured in 'The Game is Up! How to Save the World in 10 Days?', an arts festival happening in the Vooruit Arts Centre in Ghent, Belgium in March 2009. Filmmaker Waise Azimi is presenting a documentary on Biomodd through two simultaneous video projections, the first being an introduction to the Philippine version and the people involved, and the other, a live video stream of the project’s early stages of development.

BIOMODD NEEDS YOU

Currently, the team is looking for anyone interested in ecology, art creation, computer modification, and documentation to join the production process in Los Baños, which runs from March until July 2009. Participants will be staying and working in a guest house provided by UPOU.

For more information on Biomodd, events, and how to join, please visit www.biomodd.net or email biomoddlba2@gmail.com. For project collaborations, you may call Lai del Rosario at (63)916-376-3835.

The Language of New Media - The MIT Press

2009-06-09T05:56:00.001-07:00

The Language of New Media - The MIT Press

Posted using ShareThis

Stop Gloria's Con Ass!

2009-06-07T00:42:00.000-07:00

The Biomodd Computer Drive

2009-05-14T21:36:00.001-07:00

The Biomodd Computer Drive

Biomodd Los Baños, in partnership with the University of the Philippines Open University and Informatics, present The Biomodd Computer Drive.

If you have old computers, monitors, and other computer parts, Biomodd needs your help. Biomodd is a sculpture made up of computers and plants. The second-hand equipment you donate will be integrated into the final artwork.

Computer drop off is on May 23, Saturday, 2-8pm at the Green Papaya Art Projects, 41 T. Gener St. Kamuning, Quezon City.

Celebrate art and recycling with music by DJ Drumlander and Dxzvizhawnz. Early donors of computers and monitors will receive a P500 gift certificate from Informatics.

This event is also brought to you by UP Circuit, Green Papaya Art Projects, Haliya Light Fruit Wine, VuQo Vodka, and Purefoods Tender Juicy.

WANT TO DONATE BUT CANNOT ATTEND THE EVENT? Contact Lai del Rosario at 0916-3763835 or e-mail lai.delro@gmail.com and let us know where and when we can pick up your computers.

For more info, visit www.biomodd.net

Mga Tula para sa mga Manggagawa ni Joi Barrios-LeBlanc*

2009-05-03T00:25:00.000-07:00

DALAWANG TULA PARA SA MAYO UNO

SYENTO BEINTE SINGKO
Joi Barrios-Leblanc

Gasino na ang syento beinte singko?
Apat na kilo ng bigas,
ilang saing sa hapag ng mahirap.
Anim na pirasong galunggong,
Simutin mula ulo hanggang buntot,
at nang makatawid gutom.
Kahit noodles ay laman na rin ng sikmura
at sa limang pisong pakete mula sa pabrika.
busog ka sa asin at betsin, paalam na sa sustansiya.

Gasino na ang syento beinte singko.
sa kapitalista't may kuwarta
isang tasa ng kape sa Starbucks,
isang hiwa ng kesong maalat,
isang espesyal na ensaymada
na ihahain na pang-meryenda.

Syento beinte singko lang ang dagdag na suweldong
hinihingi ng manggagawa.
Syento beinte singkong walang dantay
sa mga guhit ng timbangang sumusukat
sa agwat ng kapitalista't manggagawang naghihirap.

kuha ni Kenneth Guda, Pinoy Weekly

SA ARAW NG PAGGAWA
Joi Barrios-Leblanc

Kasingtayog ng gusali na siya ang nagtayo,
Kasingkinang ng minina niyang ginto
Ang halaga ng paggawa,
Ang pagsikhay na dakila.

Ngunit nabubuhay tayo sa mundo
na nangungusap ng salapi,
At sumusukat sa tao
Sa nakamal na pag-aari.
Ang manggagawa'y bayaran lang.
Ang walong oras, limang araw,
ay ipagpasalamat!
Bakit pa hihilingin
na ang sahod ay tumaas?

Bakit hindi?
Ano't ang pagpupunyagi
ay hindi tutumbasan ng biyaya,
O sasalubungin ng pagkilala.
Sapat na pagkain sa hapag,
Isang pumpon ng mga bulaklak.

Pagkat siyang lumilkha ay kaya ring magbuwal,
Siyang nagtiya-tiyaga ay marunong ring lumaban.
At ang daigdig na isinusulong niya sa pag-unlad,
Ay daigdig din na babaligtad sa kanyang pag-aklas!

*Sec-Gen, US Committee for the Protection of Workers' Rights

Addendum to Perfectly Legal

2009-05-02T00:52:00.000-07:00

I was once asked by a journalist if I do not regret what I did, that in spite of my sacrifice and the suffering of my family, nothing have changed in the structure of Philippine society. Those who steal and lie are still there while I remain in limbo and uncertain of my future.

I gave him an answer that went this way, “Yes, I agree that it is tragic that Arroyo remains in power along with the rest of her people. But I believe that the bigger tragedy right now is the more than eighty million Filipinos who acquiesce to be subjected to the indignity heaped upon them by a handful of people”.

- Rodolfo Lozada Jr.

Talk about ironies. I try my best to mellow down my sarcasm; yet, to mellow down my rage, I cannot.

A few days ago, Lozada was arrested. On my previous post, I enumerated instances that define legality in this country. And here I am, a few days later, reaffirming how ill-defined this word we call legal is.

Lozada mentioned that of all the cases thrown at him, he refuse to believe that he is being arrested for lying. Whilst what made him a household name in the first place is that people found it refreshing that someone in this insane, corrupt government finally told the truth.

I saw a status message in FB maligning Lozada's role in the NBN-ZTE deal: as someone who did not get his "fair share" on the NBN-ZTE deal. Maybe this person did not watch the Senate hearings. Or this person is just to fed up to even care about facts and data. Or maybe she is just too tired of the Arroyo administration's lewdness. Please, Lozada is not Chavit, not in the long run.

Lozada admitted that he is an unwilling Senate witness, he feared for his life. He was asked to leave the country when his name came up on the discussion of the anomalous NBN-ZTE deal. He was kidnapped (or "escorted" by people he doesn't know/he didn't hire/he has no affiliation whatsoever with) and was paid (through his allowance from Manuel Gaite, through Mike Defensor's friendly loan... Defensor denies his participation in efforts to pacify Lozada and is "clearing" his name now, hence the perjury charge) to deny that he has no knowledge of what happened.

Lozada, Neri's friend, complied and lied for them. In his compliance he learned of FG and Abalos' rapacity.

He complied until he no longer can. This greed is no longer "moderate", he realized. And so he told us of his knowledge on the deal, his involvement, his story.

Jun Lozada, arrested for voicing the truth

The truth is Jun Lozada risked his life and his family's well-being. Normalcy was nil after the Senate hearings: Lozada became a convent-camper, jobless, forgotten. Heck, he is even being accused of being a tantrum-throwing pawn by random cynics. It would be easier to succumb, accept and pretend. Yet he did not choose the easy path. And it is remarkable. How many of us can claim such decency?

Rodolfo Lozada Jr. told the truth. He is now detained at the MPD-HQ. Legal?

Perfectly Legal*

2009-04-26T00:54:00.000-07:00

Legal. Naaayon sa batas. Ilan ito sa mga halimbawa:

1. Legal ang pag-upo ni Palparan sa Kongreso kahit na may batayan ang akusasyon na imbwelto sya sa pagkawala ng mga UP students na sina Sherlyn Cadapan at Karen Empeno. Mayroon ding bakas ng dugo nina Eddie Gumanoy at Eden Marcellana ang kanyang mga kamay.

Sherlyn Cadapan at Karen Empeno, nawawala pa rin!

Layunin ng Party List na magkaroon ng representasyon sa Kongreso ang mga marginalized na sektor ng lipunan. Si Palparan ay magiging kinatawan Bantay, ang Party List ng mga "True Marcos Loyalists". Siya ay magiging boses diumano ng "sectors engaged in security and peace and order concerns”. Hindi ba't ito na mismo ang mga tauhan ng gobyernong kung tawagin ay Pulis at Militar. Ah, oo, kailangang magkaroon ng mga mambabatas mula sa sektor na ito, hindi kasi sila nabibigyan ng prayoridad.

: Palparan, Berdugo!

2. Kaugnay nito, legal din ang pagdaragdag ng isa pang Arroyo sa Kongreso. Isa sa mga bagong Party List Representative si Lourdes Arroyo, hipag ni Gloria mismo. Sabi ng Malakanyang, legal nga rin ang pagkakaroon ng dalawang Cayetano sa Senado...so anong problema?

3. Wala pa raw namang naghahain ng Cetificate of Candidacy kaya legal din ang mga personal ads ng mga aspiring tumakbo. Hindi naman kasi ata obvious kung ano ang pinopromote ng ads na ito. Masagot kaya nila nang buong linaw kung saan nagmumula ang pondo para sa airtime ng mga ito?

4. Legal ang pang-aarestong ginawa sa mga kapatid ni Trina Etong, asawa ng broadcaster na si Ted Failon. At uulitin ko ang sintemyento ng nakararami, laluna niyong mga nakapanood ng video footage ng panghuhuli: kung kay Ted Failon nagagawa ito ng awtoridad, paano pa sa mga mamamayang walang suporta ng ABS-CBN, gaya ko, halimbawa.

5. And finally, legal ang pwersahang pakikipagtalik sa mga babaeng hindi naman tunay na "demure provinciana lass". Ayon sa Court of Appeals, ang rape ay maaari ring tawaging "spontaneous, unplanned romantic episode" kung saan kasalanan mo pang napagsamantalahan ka dahil sa iyong "indecorous behavior".

: they've set the rapist free

Legal ang pumatay ng tao, ang nepotismo, ang pangmalakasang pangangampanya maski hindi ito napapanahon, ang pangdarahas at ang panggagahasa.

Hindi lahat ng legal tama, hindi lahat ng ilegal ay masama.

*Nasambit ito ng aming VP noong nakipag-usap sya sa team namin noong nakaraang araw. Tungkol ito sa forced overtime sa aming department noong holy week. Sabi nya, "Although it's perfectly legal, we will not do (10-hour shifts) again." Hindi umano "convenient" para sa mga agent ang ganoong set-up kaya hindi na uulitin pa. Gayunman, hindi rin babayaran ang OT na iyon.

Life, Death and the Internet

2009-04-15T09:32:00.000-07:00

http://www.topnews.in/regions/germany?page=4

The internet is fast becoming the primary platform of various advocacies. This week, I browsed a couple of articles from PDI about how personal the internet has become to these two people: Jonathan Mann and Lilian de Dera.

Jonathan Mann is an artist, particularly, he writes a new song each day. The internet is his stage. I particularly like his optimism towards his craft:

"There are laws of probability," said Mann. "If I write 31 songs in a month, I have a pretty good chance one of those is going to be excellent and the more I do it hopefully the better they get."

Lilian de Dera seeks justice. Her husband and daughter were allegedly killed by men in uniform. Surely, you are familiar with e-mails requesting to be forwarded to everyone in your inbox - an online version of a polyeto: ipasa pagkabasa. She said:

"Help me bring my cause to the eyes of the people capable of steering the wheel of justice to the right direction. Help me make the loudest cry worthy of attention by those people in-charge in rendering justice to those who deserve it."

One is about celebrating life, the other a clamor about inequitable death. The internet is a refuge for common people. There is no escaping this connection, this virtual world.

The McKinsey Quarterly Top Ten Newsletter 2009

2009-04-10T23:52:00.000-07:00

Top Ten Newsletter 2009

Read our ten most popular articles of Q1 2009

	1. BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY Six ways to make Web 2.0 work McKinsey’s work with early adopters of Web 2.0 technologies reveals six management imperatives to help companies make the most of these new tools. This article includes a sidebar that summarizes the Twitter comments received since its publication, as well as a podcast featuring one of the authors.
	2. FINANCIAL SERVICES A better way to fix the banks Here’s a plan that could solve the toxic-asset pricing problem voluntarily—without requiring Uncle Sam to nationalize the whole industry—and make (pretty much) everyone a winner.
	3. CORPORATE FINANCE Mapping decline and recovery across sectors Different sectors enter and emerge from downturns at different times. A look at past recessions suggests how some industries may fare. An audio recording of the article is also available.

4. BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY
Five trends that will shape business technology in 2009
The year 2009 will be challenging for CIOs. Here’s how to play your hand.

5. STRATEGY
Hal Varian on how the Web challenges managers
Google’s chief economist says executives in wired organizations need a sharper understanding of how technology empowers innovation. Read the interview or watch the video.

6. STRATEGY
How companies make good decisions: McKinsey Global Survey Results
Companies get a lot of advice about how to make good decisions. Which decision-making disciplines really make a difference?

7. GOVERNANCE
The crisis: Mobilizing boards for change
Andrew Campbell, a director of London’s Ashridge Strategic Management Centre, and Stuart Sinclair, the chairman and nonexecutive director of several companies in the United Kingdom and Eastern Europe and former CEO of Tesco Personal Finance, write that boards must change the way they work if they are to meet the challenges of the economic crisis. We asked readers who are directors to take an online survey of how their boards have since changed. A summary of the results is now posted with the article.

8. STRATEGY
The new normal
McKinsey’s worldwide managing director, Ian Davis, writes that the business landscape has changed fundamentally. Tomorrow’s environment will be different, but no less rich in possibilities for those who are prepared.

9. MEDIA
When job seekers invade Facebook
Soumitra Dutta, a professor of business and technology at INSEAD, and Matthew Fraser, a senior research fellow there, write that the increasing popularity of online social networking is changing not only the way people manage their careers but social networking itself. Included is a selection of some of the many reader responses we have received since this article was posted.

10. STRATEGY
Leading through uncertainty
The range of possible futures confronting business is great. Companies that nurture flexibility, awareness, and resiliency are more likely to survive the crisis, and even to prosper.

Computer Professionals warns of possible large scale election cheating on COMELEC automation | Computer Professionals' Union

2009-04-02T16:49:00.000-07:00

Link

Press Release, 2 April 2009

“If not done properly, automated large scale cheating can happen with the COMELEC's plan for automated elections,” warns the Computer Professionals' Union (CPU) on the current rush of COMELEC to implement an Automated Election System (AES). The first automation attempt was scrapped by the Supreme Court in 2004 when COMELEC's P1.7 billion contract with Mega Pacific Consortium was declared null and void due to irregularities. Under R.A. 9369 which mandates the COMELEC to recommend the technology and choose a provider for the automated elections, the Commission chose Optical Mark Reader (OMR) technology for the 2010 National Elections.

The OMR system that will be used by the COMELEC will use 80,000 Precint Counting Optical Sensor (PCOS) machines. The PCOS includes a computer system, an OMR device which will read ballots marked by the voter, and a networking device for data transmission. This will cost the Filipino people P11 Billion.

The current automated election system is vulnerable to insider manipulation, software engineering problems, and remote or network attacks.

With insider access to the AES, vote manipulation can become more sophisticated. Dagdag-bawas or tampering can be made to appear mathematically consistent. In the manual elections, adding or subtracting to the results at the canvassing stage produces inconsistent totals when compared to the number of registered voters and actual votes cast. With the AES, this can now be made to appear consistent if direct manipulation to the data is made or by programming the system to reconcile the numbers. Insiders can overwrite the consolidated data with results favorable to certain candidates. In the manual elections, the coordinated manipulation of municipal/provincial canvass is limited by geographical factors. In the AES, tampering in the synchronized provincial canvass can now be done by just manipulating the consolidation servers at the municipal, provincial and national canvassing levels.

Whether intentional or incidental, a software problem in the AES system can affect the machines to be used in the elections. Software bugs are commonplace and they sometimes affect the same hardware with the same configurations differently.

“It should be a requirement that the source code of software used by the AES be open and released to the public for review,” adds Rick Bahague, the National Coordinator of CPU. Source codes are instructions understood by machines to do certain functions or tasks. “However, with the current timeline of COMELEC, this will not happen. If source codes are released, no time for review is alloted.”

CPU is also known for its advocacy for Free and Open Source Software (FOSS).

During transmission of data from municipal to provincial up to the national canvassing, there are still dangers of manipulation. Outside attackers can do advance cracking techniques to alter data being transmitted.

In addition, the AES should also provide a voter-verifiable audit trail. A voter-veriafiable-audit mechanism allows a voter to check consistency between his or her ballot and the recording made by the AES. In the event that machines fail, there should be a way to recount votes independently from the machines.

While there are technical challenges, it is still possible to create a suitable AES system which the people can trust. It should be reviewed by a large number of independent security experts with knowledge in computer security and cryptography. The source code, instructions written in a language understood by computers, of the system should be open and available to the public. This will allow all interested and technically-adept individuals and groups to scrutinize the functions of the system. It should have voter-verifiable audit trails for reference.

A suitable AES should accurately capture voter's intent to actual tally. It should be secured such that ballot secrecy is protected. It should be encrypted and digitally signed so that the ballot data is protected and difficult to tamper with. It should be able to effectively handle a large number of voters. Finally, it should release report faster than the manual elections.

AES will not eliminate cheating and fraud in the 2010 elections. Moreover, technology to speed up voting and the canvassing process only becomes relevant and useful if the people behind the technology are credible and serve to protect the interests of the population in the elections.

The Computer Professionals' Union and other concerned ICT groups are organizing a National ICT Conference on Automated Elections System on 22 April 2009 in UP Diliman. It primarily aims to gather experiences and best practices in technologies relevant to AES. CPU hopes to set a baseline that will serve as a monitoring mechanism of the people on AES providers and the COMELEC.

Source:

Automagic Elections, Computer Professionals' Union, 2 April 2009, http://www.cp-union.com/cpunion/content/2009/04/02/automagic-elections-s...

Reference:

Rick Bahague rick at cp-union dot com 4134196 / 09178840096

Nation of Servants

2009-04-02T03:36:00.000-07:00

Yes, the HK magazine and the erring writer already apologized.
Yes, they already pulled-out the article's online version.
Yes, there are hundreds of thousands of domestic workers in Hong Kong.
Yes, the Philippine's claim over Spratly Islands is under dispute.

And yes, the article is a criticism on the Chinese government's inability to assert their blah on Russia and Japan...and instead, they chose to "pick a fight" with a poor country like the Philippines.

Yes, the article is just plain sarcastic.

I now understand what Chip Tsao wanted to say, especially since he had Conrado de Quiros to defend him and his article. What makes the article insulting is that it tells of the truth: the Chinese government is confident that we do not have the political, and hence, military, capability to defend the Spratlys; we have degree holder OFWs paid to "wash (their) toilet and clean (their) windows 16 hours a day"; and the Spartly take-over by the modern state capitalist government of China might as well be a revival of expansionism, among others.

Chip Tsao's article can be funny. If he had not used Louisa to expound his point, I could have enjoyed the article the first time I read it. But then, I was one of those who reacted on the contrary. Glaring was the "disrespect" for his household help. Okay, so this was not his point. I could accept that. I could also accept his apology.

from Aaron Ceradoy

De Quiros said, "the barb (is) aimed elsewhere", in fact, "it even casts Filipinos in a good light, by inference". But the Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong cried foul. And we must understand why: they have been dealing with ignominy the instant they boarded the plane that brought them there.

For a "best-selling author and columnist", Chip Tsao should have known better. Has he not heard of the Philippine's calvary already? I could agree that the article is not intended to be condescending. Unfortunately, a nation which needs to deal with blatant insult every single day cannot appreciate satire. Satire scmatire.

Here is a reprint of Chip Tsao's article:

The War At Home
March 27th, 2009

The Russians sank a Hong Kong freighter last month, killing the seven Chinese seamen on board. We can live with that—Lenin and Stalin were once the ideological mentors of all Chinese people. The Japanese planted a flag on Diàoyú Island. That’s no big problem—we Hong Kong Chinese love Japanese cartoons, Hello Kitty, and shopping in Shinjuku, let alone our round-the-clock obsession with karaoke.

But hold on—even the Filipinos? Manila has just claimed sovereignty over the scattered rocks in the South China Sea called the Spratly Islands, complete with a blatant threat from its congress to send gunboats to the South China Sea to defend the islands from China if necessary. This is beyond reproach. The reason: there are more than 130,000 Filipina maids working as $3,580-a-month cheap labor in Hong Kong. As a nation of servants, you don’t flex your muscles at your master, from whom you earn most of your bread and butter.

As a patriotic Chinese man, the news has made my blood boil. I summoned Louisa, my domestic assistant who holds a degree in international politics from the University of Manila, hung a map on the wall, and gave her a harsh lecture. I sternly warned her that if she wants her wages increased next year, she had better tell every one of her compatriots in Statue Square on Sunday that the entirety of the Spratly Islands belongs to China.

Grimly, I told her that if war breaks out between the Philippines and China, I would have to end her employment and send her straight home, because I would not risk the crime of treason for sponsoring an enemy of the state by paying her to wash my toilet and clean my windows 16 hours a day. With that money, she would pay taxes to her government, and they would fund a navy to invade our motherland and deeply hurt my feelings.

Oh yes. The government of the Philippines would certainly be wrong if they think we Chinese are prepared to swallow their insult and sit back and lose a Falkland Islands War in the Far East. They may have Barack Obama and the hawkish American military behind them, but we have a hostage in each of our homes in the Mid-Levels or higher. Some of my friends told me they have already declared a state of emergency at home. Their maids have been made to shout “China, Madam/Sir” loudly whenever they hear the word “Spratly.” They say the indoctrination is working as wonderfully as when we used to shout, “Long live Chairman Mao!” at the sight of a portrait of our Great Leader during the Cultural Revolution. I’m not sure if that’s going a bit too far, at least for the time being.

Chip Tsao is a best-selling author and columnist. A former reporter for the BBC, his columns have also appeared in Apple Daily, Next Magazine and CUP Magazine, among others.

Mobile Internet Penetration etc.

2009-03-31T01:12:00.000-07:00

(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!

Remembering

2009-03-26T23:32:00.000-07:00

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.

Pinoy Multiply

2009-03-26T19:09:00.000-07:00

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.

Declining Filipino TV, print consumption - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

2009-03-26T17:11:00.000-07:00

Link

Sampung nakakairitang salita sa Filipino ni G. Danny Arao

2009-03-24T23:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-24T22:40:00.000-07:00

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.

Google search gets semantic - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

2009-03-24T20:20:00.000-07:00

Link

March 2009

2009-03-24T05:38:00.000-07:00

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.

Let us not condemn Nicole

2009-03-19T06:20:00.000-07:00

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.

Acquiesce

2009-03-16T23:24:00.000-07:00

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.

Katarungan!

2009-03-16T02:49:00.000-07:00

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.

A Faux Pas that led me to "analyze" my Social Networking Life

2009-03-13T16:48:00.000-07:00

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.

Fridays

2009-03-12T18:15:00.000-07:00

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.

A recollection of the week that was

2009-03-10T03:19:00.000-07:00

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.

Ben solving a puzzle (shot with a 5MP Vivitar Camera)

2009-02-09T03:51:00.000-08:00

LECTURE: THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS — The Great Depression of the 21st Century with Michel Chossudovsky

2009-02-04T17:39:00.000-08:00

Junk HB 4631 and SB 2665! No to the recommissioning and operation of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant! Petition

2009-02-04T17:31:00.000-08:00

Junk HB 4631 and SB 2665! No to the recommissioning and operation of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant! Petition

From http://action.gazajustice.org/t/4436/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=963

2009-02-02T23:07:00.000-08:00

Watch CBS Videos Online

Defend the Office of the Student regent! Vote YES to CRSRS!

2009-01-22T03:51:00.000-08:00

We are called to participate in the upcoming referendum for the approval of the procedures and qualifications for the selection of our voice in the UP Board of Regents (BOR)- the Student Regent. In an attempt to undermine our democratic right to have a representative to the highest policy making body in our school, the UP Charter (RA 9500) requires a vote of 50%+1 of the UP students to recognize the student appointed SR through a referendum. This would take place on January 26-31, 2009. It is of urgency that we vote YES.

Some are calling for NO because they argue that the Codified Rules for the Selection of Student Regents (CRSRS), is flawed. But we should think of the consequences of voting NO or NOT voting at all. There are a lot of issues involving the SR selection - issues that has been answered and reconciled through the General Assembly of Student Councils (GASC). There are also a lot of opposing positions regarding this referendum. But I take the position of former UP Student Regent and USC Manila Chairperson Terry Ridon:

"In the main, it can be foreseen that the provision shall seriously threaten the functions and mandate of the Office of the Student Regent during the entire course of the referendum, as no [new] Student Regent shall be selected for as long as no system-wide approval of the referendum is in place. This predicament opens the door for Malacanang and UP Administration intervention in the appointment of the next Student Regent while a referendum is not in place."

Let us first secure the Office of the Student Regent and deal with our different views regarding the process through a consensus. It is imperative that we vote YES and defend the legacy of our fellow Iskolars ng Bayan who established the OSR. This is a time to unite.

Let us vote YES to our voice in the BOR!
Let us defend the history of the Office of the Student Regent!
Vote YES to CRSRS!

Defend the Office of the Student regent! Vote YES to CRSRS!

2009-01-22T03:14:00.000-08:00

REPRESENT & STRUGGLE
The Office of the Student Regent & KASAMA sa UP

by JPaul Manzanilla, former USC Chair & former Student Regent

The creation of the student regent position is profoundly related to the student and the people’s struggle to decide on their own conditions.

From 1908 to 1968 university policies are determined without the student population’s full knowledge. Student councils in the campuses provide services, launch campaigns and voice out their concerns on many matters but the Board of Regents (BOR) had no provision for student representation. Only on 29 September 1969, its 787th meeting, did the board resolve to have a “student observer,” following the recommendation of UP President Salvador P. Lopez. Student council chairman Mr. Fernando T. Barican was then allowed to observe the board proceedings. On January 25, 1970, a day before the state of the nation address, Mr. Barican was appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos as a regular member of the board. The BOR Chair and the UP President announces that this appointment of the student council chair as regular board member “will therefore set an important precedent and give due recognition to the role of students in the life of the university.”* According to the colonial university charter, the Philippine President has the power to appoint the non-ex-officio members of the Board of Regents and the Student Regent is one of the seven additional members to be appointed by the President of the Philippines, with the consent of the Commission on Appointments of the Congress of the Philippines.2 In 1970, 1971 and 1972 the incumbent student council chairmen Ericson Baculinao, Manuel Ortega and Jaime Tan3, respectively, were appointed regular members of the board concurrent with their student council tenure.

The Committee on Academic Reform of the Law Student Government, in a position paper in the early eighties, positively noted a progressive development in Presidential Decree No. 58. Promulgated on 20 November 1972 as an amendment to the University Charter, the decree provided “one regent representing the student body” in its composition of the BOR. According to the paper,

“the progressive development of student representation in the Board of Regents is, in itself, a tradition. Thus, we have seen the movement of student representation from informal consultation to implicit recognition and finally, under P.D. 58, to express recognition. Also, under the arrangement prior to P.D. 58, the U.S.C. Chairman was not the representative of ALL students although he was the representative of the overwhelming majority of them (students in U.P. at Los Baños and the regional units did not participate in the election of U.S.C. officials); however, P.D. 59 mandates that the student regent must represent the ‘Student Body’ which is nothing less than the studentry of the entire University System. P.D. 58 therefore requires greater representativeness.” (present author’s emphasis)

It must be strongly ascertained, however, that the tradition this student formation describes is one of the consequences of the militant student movement of the time. Radicalized students then were fighting with the people for a reorientation of our economy along national interests and for a democratic right to decide on sovereign matters. It was to prove perilous for the students to recognize legal formal pronouncements as privileges granted to them instead of a product of their resolute campaign. P.D. 58, after all, is trounced by the more powerful P.D. 1081 or Martial Law.

Martial Rule and Marshalling for Reforms

Marcos’ dictatorial means were to operate for self-serving ends; publicly and politically it was to crush the growing rebellion while intensifying imperialist and feudal oppression. In schools and colleges' student councils, publications, fraternities, all student assemblies were abolished. The student regent (SR) post was to remain vacant for a decade since the dissolution of student organizations.

Students painstakingly engaged with authorities for the restoration of democratic rights. The movement for democratic reforms in the late seventies through early eighties decisively fought for the reestablishment of student publications and councils, along with organizations of various interests. They had learned from the campaigns of urban poor communities and labor union fights. Now was the time to reclaim what were due them inside the universities. They had succeeded in reestablishing student formations steadily.

P.D. 58 also created autonomous units of the university and accordingly, the UP student council in Diliman ceased to represent the entire university student body. A national convention of all university and college student councils was held on October 17 to 22, 1981 and the Katipunan ng mga Sangguniang Mag-aaral sa UP (KASAMA sa UP) was established to campaign for the reinstatement of the student regent position in the BOR. The national alliance of UP student councils sought a dialogue with the board on January 7, 1983 and asserted the students’ right to be involved in the decision-making processes of the university by possessing direct representation in its highest policy-making body. They too demanded that the SR must, unlike in the previous practices when he was selected by the university president and appointed by the country’s head, be selected by the students themselves.

On February 5 and 6, 1983 KASAMA sa UP held a system-wide conference to discuss the mechanism for the selection of the student regent. Their position: an Office of the Student Regent should be created to position an ex-officio membership of the SR in the BOR and the institutionalization of this board membership. They agreed further to form a U.P. System-wide Student Council (UPSSC) with its chair automatically serving as the student regent. This council will “define the lines of accountability of the student regent to his constituencies.” On February 24, 1983 they had a second dialogue with the BOR and the board agreed in principle to their demands. A ratification of a system-wide student council charter must be made before such a council can be created. The alliance agreed to the BOR’s proposed interim student regent appointed by the President from a list of three nominees they submitted. UPSSC failed to materialize and the student body still had to contend with the less official status of their regent.

KASAMA sa UP convened the National Assembly of Student Leaders on November 26 and 27, 1983 and resolved to have a student representative in the BOR pending the ratification of the UPSSC Constitution. They defined the rights and responsibilities of this student representative and elected Leandro Alejandro, UP student council chairman of Diliman, to the position. Another dialogue with UP President Edgardo Angara on December 22 of the same year maintained the appointment by selecting from a list of three students submitted by KASAMA sa UP. The national assembly rejected Marcos’ hand in the appointment.

After EDSA: Rights, Controversies and Campaigns

The People Power Uprising that ousted the dictator was deemed the continuation of the fight for democratic rights in the larger world outside and within the state university’s bureaucracy.

President Corazon Aquino’s Executive Order No. 204 amended the composition of the Board of Regents. The memberships of the undersecretary of agriculture and the chancellors of the autonomous units were removed. Appointee regents were reduced from six to give, at least three of whom are alumni of the university. A faculty regent is to be appointed by the president. Most importantly, the largest constituency of any educational institution – the students – would now have their representative with the right to vote. The Office of the Student Regent (OSR) was formally established and Francisco Pangilinan, UP Diliman student council chair, became the first SR who can vote on decisions.

From Pangilinan in 1987 to Henry Grageda in 1990 the selection of the student regent went smoothly. But in 1991, UP President Jose Abueva defied the KASAMA sa UP selection process by appointing Angelo Jimenez over KASAMA’s choice: Jose Ilagan. The practice was to appoint only the top nominee and should the post be offered to the other nominees, they must refuse. Jimenez accepted the nomination and KASAMA sa UP contested this intervention on the students’ right to choose their regent. Jimenez’s term was a regent-less year in the history of the alliance.

The first refusal to recognize the selection process was committed by the university president, succeeding controversies on who and what the SR should be and how s/he is to be elected were set off more spitefully by student leaders. University officials ruled over the divided student body imposing anti-democratic and anti-poor policies on the UP community.

In 1995 and 1996 some student councils bolted out of the KASAMA sa UP over differences on the nature and character of the university, analyses on Philippine society and on what the student movement should do in our country. KASAMA sa UP believes that the Philippines country is backward, agricultural, pre-industrial and foreign-dominated. Its opponents thought that we are an industrializing country and/or any analysis on society must be discarded by an alliance of student councils, including the necessary actions on how to change the nation for the better. KASAMA sa UP finds after a thorough study of government education programs that the Philippine educational system is colonial, commercialized and repressive. Other student councils rejected such a “negative” view within the premier state university. KASAMA sa UP joins the non-academic segment of the university community and the basic sectors outside the campuses in the fight for our common rights and welfare. Ivory-tower student leaders called for a focus on the campaigns inside the university, removed from significant events happening all over the country. Some simply dismissed the activist orientation of the student council and a progressive orientation of student leaders.

The university student councils of Diliman and Manila did not participate in the student regent selection process in 1996 and communicated to the BOR their rejection of the appointment of Leo Malagar from UP Visayas. Considering that not all of the student councils are members of the KASAMA sa UP, the Office of the Student Regent formed the General Assembly of Student Councils (GASC) in the same year to provide an all-inclusive SR selection. With student councils both from the KASAMA and non-members the Codified Rules for Student Regent was crafted. In 1998 the Diliman university student council disregarded the selection process they took part in and nominated their own choice, John Pineda, to UP President Emil Javier, over GASC-selected Dennis Longid.

The most controversial component of the codified rules is the non-discrimination provision on academic standing. Students who stand up for their rights find their student leaders persecuted, with subjective rulings on their academic standing. Some student councils are fighting for good academic standing while KASAMA sa UP cites the common experiences of repressive measures applied on leaders and student council members who firmly oppose unjust policies and schemes. In 1999 several student councils led by the USC of Diliman contravened the selection of Ferdinand Zafranco of UP Manila. They wrote to various administrators and the offices of the university president and even President Joseph Estrada contesting Zafranco’s academic qualifications. Zafranco was later kicked out of the university, his appointment revoked and incumbent regent Longid’s term extended. To students who campaign for the technical requirement of good academic standing, it is singularly important that one strives to be a good student, never mind the conditions and the punitive reactions of the administration on the many who fight for accessible top-quality education. Many times the fight becomes divisive, with accusations of academic irresponsibility being hurled on those who fail to reach the good academic mark (bad academic standing = bad student leadership) when the proper response should be to unite in calling for an end to tuition increase and commercializing schemes.

This serves the conservative administration opinion that student leaders should be just focused on their studies, and not studying the conditions of their academic education. Why do many leave the university? Academic standing and proportional allocation of votes are central questions for the ongoing discussion on the student regent’s (s)election that is to be incorporated in the university charter. More than the technical matters of eligibility and elections mechanism, the coming referendum on the Office of the Student Regent must make legible—and thus historically institutionalize—the position’s emergence from the struggle for democratic rights and the concomitant duty of the regent to campaign for the welfare of the students.

In 2001 the KASAMA sa UP and SR Kristine Clare Bugayong exposed previous year’s SR Hannah Serana’s graft and corruption cases. On the tide of EDSA 2 that toppled a corrupt and brute president, the alliance and the SR seriously set to cleanse the student institution, even if it meant prosecuting one from your own ranks and inviting the vilification of your political opponents. Those opposed to the KASAMA sa UP charged that Serana is criminal and so is the alliance that she represents (Serana was vice chair of the KASAMA sa UP in 1998-1999). Cynics self-righteously pointed how student leaders of today betray the public interest and become the trapos of tomorrow. Bugayong and company looked for documents and gathered evidence in the nationwide scandal that rocked the university. They had successfully filed the legal complaint, withstood disparagement and are vigilant in ensuring that justice be served. To this day those who maligned KASAMA sa UP had not done a helpful thing in ferreting out the truth and taking the defendants responsible for their acts. They just raise the issue habitually in the bid for student political power.

The Office of the Student Regent and the KASAMA sa UP were formed from the students’ decisive campaign to have their voices heard and their ideas translated into action. The UP administration, and any administration all over the country, must now confront the strength of collective action being practiced inside the highest decision-making body.

From the renewed students’ confrontation with the state on the Education Act of 1982 the KASAMA sa UP outlined a comprehensive study of the Philippine educational system. The last years of Marcos was the beginning of a more colonial type of education, serving the needs of big foreign corporations here in our country and the demands of the free market the world over. Tuition and other fees were deregulated and the number of private schools increased. The government has to contend with public schools bursting at the seams and a growing army of out-of-school youth who are embittered and toughened to fight the unjust system.

The SR and the alliance were engaged in issues such as the recommendations of the 1983 Committee to Review Academic Programs (CRAP) under UP President Edgardo Angara, Magna Carta of Students, commemoration of the First Quarter Storm and the campaigns against human rights violations.

KASAMA sa UP opposed the implementation of the Socialized Tuition and Financial Assistance Program (STFAP). This design was a particular ramification of the Aquino administration’s structural adjustment programs obedient to the International Monetary Fund and World Bank’s deal of deregulation, liberalization and privatization. The government’s promise of reducing expenses and increasing income from government-owned and controlled corporations included the university as a pilot area in public higher education. Students had to pay tuition according to their financial capacity, contrary to the public good of providing low-cost (if not free) education to those who qualified admission in the university. As state subsidy on education decreases, school officials then had to be resourceful in making money out of UP’s large tracts of lands, academic-intellectual-scientific output and vast resources. The Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997 and the recommendations of the Presidential Commission on Educational Reforms under the Ramos and Estrada administrations executed rationalization and gradual privatization of state universities and colleges closely related to the deregulation, liberalization and privatization economic programs. Briefly stating, the said programs classified educational institutions based on their relevance to overall economic needs. Smaller colleges and institutes may be dissolved or appended to larger existing ones and college degrees may be dissolved when these are redundant (other campuses have the same programs) and if the courses do not entice a significant enrollment. PCER and HEMA sought to speed up the lease of university services (such as food and maintenance) to private entities and land for profitable ventures.

In 1999 to 2001 the office and the alliance provided system-wide leadership to campaigns against the then largest budget cut UP history, which it tied to the general immorality and anti-people policies of the Estrada regime. The Kilusan Laban sa Budget Cut mobilized thousands of students, teachers, employees and community residents, regularly trooping the Batasang Pambansa, the Senate, culminating in Mendiola on February 14, 2000.

In 2001 and 2002, the OSR and KASAMA sa UP launched a system-wide campaign on the Revised General Education Program that devalues crucial general education subjects such as history and literature in the guise of freedom to choose courses. The General Education Movement (GEM), a network of students and faculty members, was established in response to this academic revision.

From 2003 to early 2008 the multisectoral community, of which the office and the alliance are part of, unswervingly pushed to have a UP charter that advances the national interest along with the welfare of its students, teachers and employees enacted. Now the Office of the Student Regent and the KASAMA sa UP face the business leadership of Emerlinda Roman in the university’s centennial year, realizing the oblation call to serve the people. With numerous formations and individuals, it participates in the relentless questioning of what we must struggle to do: UP, ang galing mo ialay sa bayan!

1From the Law Student Government’s Committee on Academic Reform position paper on student representation in the Board of Regents, page 2, no date. The quote comes from the letter of the Honorable Onofre D. Corpuz, Secretary of Education and Chairman of the Board of Regents, and University President Salvador P. Lopez to the President of the Philippines dated 15 January 1970.

2From the same paper by the Law Student Government, quoting from Act No. 1870 (1908), section 4.

3Mr. Jaime Galvez Tan and his council started their term on September 8, 1972 but were only able to legally represent the students for two weeks or until the proclamation of Martial Law on September 23.

Internet Penetration

2009-01-14T00:33:00.001-08:00

Uploaded on authorSTREAM by xtin918

animoto.com

2009-01-09T01:38:00.000-08:00

My UPOU classmate Sheila, posted an animoto video on our class' multiply site. I was very much intrigued by the said post. I liked how the video was presented and edited! Of course this roused the video freak in me (something that was kept at the depths of my subconscious for a while now).

I tried using the site and I was just amazed. Animoto is astig indeed. It has the capacity to produce clear videos and all you have to do is provide the images. I have exploited the site, really.

We are assigned to produce a podcast for a group assignment. At first, I was already content - like, pwede na - on just submitting a plain, dull audio podcast. The animoto experience changed that. I have not slept much for 2 days - these are my off-from-work days so this is a BIG thing for me! Nevertheless, I am just having fun exploring and I am pretty proud of my work so far. :)

I have a very limiting video editor though, I am using videopad from NCH Software, it is free! It cannot perform a lot of tasks that can be done by, say, Adobe. (Oh yes, you can "Duh" me!) I enjoy that it does not require much memory space. I also use Windows Media Maker for effects not available in videopad-like image panning, zooming, etc. In fact, videopad is really a no-frills video editor, it would just allow you to insert 3 (I think) transition effects and I do not even think the effects you can add on the clips/images are relevant. I hope they could add video overlays at least.

I remember some of Adobe Premiere's effects, there are so much to choose from! When I first used it, it took me 3 days to make a 3-minute music video. I was exploring the effects and I was using a Pentium laptop then. I am not be familiar with Adobe Premiere's upgraded versions, it has been a few years since I interacted with it.

Sleeplessness is catching up on me. Must sleep now.

Crossing the Chasm - 30 sec

2009-01-07T07:15:00.001-08:00

History of the Israel-Palestine Conflict

2009-01-07T04:05:00.001-08:00

Uploaded on authorSTREAM by xtin918

family dinner - Christmas 2008

2009-01-07T01:46:00.001-08:00

Thankful

2008-12-18T15:26:00.000-08:00

It has been 10 days since Ben's operation. He is doing quite well although there are some changes. For one, he is thinner. He also cries lengthily at night, waking up 2 -3 times for no reason. But like I mentioned to one of our well-wishers, I guess the worst is over. His operation was a success and the thought of giving him a happy, normal life eases the hardship that came with the process.

There are a lot of people (a mass movement even) involved in giving Ben a new lease in life. We are, indeed, forever grateful.

First in our list is my parents: they have been very supportive ever since Ben was diagnosed with VSD. My sister Wena, who has been with us during check-ups and hospital visits. Ryan and Reese for helping us sell planners and for being the subject of Ben's delight whenever they come visit. Of course, Cathy for patiently taking care of Ben.

Our extended family, the Balbastro family, Maravillas family, Espinosa family, Garcia family, Lorraine and Karla, Sindy, Tita Ofel, Lola Quita, Ate Sol. I should also mention my mother's friends who offered their prayers and well-wishes. Also my mother's friend and former officemate, Tita Penny, for introducing us to Dr. Lopez.

My friends, how can I go through this ordeal without you! With the risk of sounding "showbiz" and of missing out someone, I would still mention some people who helped us get through Ben's operation.

Ben's Ninang Raia and Tito Ruel, owner of Sinag Printing and Publishing, was very generous to offer the printing of planners for fund raising. The Dela Pena family for being their support. Bogart, who has been my (online) therapist and constant companion during Ben's hospital confinement. Nerve for the exceptional cover design of Ben's planner and for forming the benheartsyou facebook group. ;) RC for introducing me to Djay - this consequently resulted to a guarantee letter from PCSO. Tin Ciu for helping me secure a solicitation from Cong. Tanada. Helen for being with me (and Bogart) during the crucial moments of Ben's hospitalization, for passing needed documents to Tin Ciu and for making a career out of selling Ben's planners.

Analea, Raia, Miles, Tita Sening, Tita Luz, Tito Jojo, Karla, Patrick, Tita Mely, JR's cousins, Tita Penny, Ate Sol, Donald, Anji, Sheena, Joel for visiting Ben in PHC.

Mary Rose Dayao (I can't help using the full name!), Donna, Issa, Daddy Mario, Boss May, RAMO Toni C., Team John my beloved teammates, for not making me worry a thing about selling the planners at the office.

Everyone who bought the planner: my tibak friends (especially, STAND-UP Alumni - forever and ever!), my officemates, brods and sisses from Sigma Kappa Pi Fraternity and Sigma Delta Pi Sorority, especially Czani Kho, Jo Israel, Joanna Pascual, Krista for informing Toldy and Toldy for informing everybody else.

It is very touching to have people whom I have never met but nonetheless responded to my solicitation for financial assistance - Brod Romy Sajor, Brod Charlie Castillo, Brod Sam Ganapin, my UPOU classmates Jerry Ugay and Mel Trani. These people made me see and understand a new dimension of charity.

Thank you also to Ben's blood donors - Jason, Kuya Marlon, Roy and his officemate, Diego Maranan and everyone else who went (or offered) but did not pass the screening.

The past few months have been quite a journey. I will remember this as a humbling episode of my life, it surpasses the anxiety and hopelessness I went through. Again, many thanks!

Ben's Planner Pics

2008-12-16T14:44:00.000-08:00

Link

Limited edition benheartsyou planners now available! Grab a copy now! :)

My Son's Operation is on December 8

2008-11-28T16:03:00.000-08:00

Upon seeking another doctor's opinion, we have decided to push through Ben-ben's operation on December 8. I would really like to have it delayed for a few more months, years and actually hoping that it would not be needed at all anymore. However, the doctor made me realize the severity of Ben's pulmonary hypertension (which was caused by the "hole" in his heart. We would not be able to reverse the damage it (PAH) has done if his VSD is left untreated. It would just translate to more open heart surgeries - which is really hard to bear. The thought of my son being subjected to such traumatizing procedure already makes me feel weak and scared. However, I understand that this is not the time to succumb to helplessness. I really hope that he recovers fast after a successful operation.

In an hour, I would be going to Ben's doctor again. We would be getting his admission request. He will be subjected to tests and laboratory exams in preparation for his surgery; he will be confined on December 6. We would also know what stuff we need to bring and buy. I know my salary for the next couple of years is already gonna be spoken for after this ordeal..but funny how it seems like the least of my worries right now.

Pray for Ben, and me too.

Issue of the Heart

2008-11-26T19:27:00.000-08:00

The following entry is from my sister's post.

Pls visit http://benheartsyou.multiply.com

Christmas is fast approaching, and although it seems to have degenerated into a cliche of materialism, I would like to believe there is still some vestiges of sincere charity and meaningful sacrifice and giving still left.
Believing that, I would like to ask for your help, during these times of crisis, with regards to a crisis that occurs closer to home for me.
My nephew has a heart condition, Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), which people know as "a hole in the heart". We are currently looking for ways on how to raise funds for his operation which is tentatively scheduled for December 8 of this year. I've only posted this now because my family and I have been praying and hoping all this time that my nephew, Ben, would not have to undergo surgery for his condition. Although we are still clinging to the hope of Ben's VSD closing up on its own, the critical time for the surgery is drawing closer and it would be best to be prepared.
The procedure involves a major surgery, which has been estimated by the doctor to cost more than P400,000 and requires an initial deposit of P120,000.
We aren't asking for much, but any form of support is appreciated, prayers, financial, or emotional support to help us, and Ben, to tide over these difficult times.
Thank you everyone, and please help us to fix Ben's heart.

My Ben-ben

2008-11-19T05:49:00.000-08:00

My 2 year old son calls himself Ben-ben.

His name is Ben Eman Nikolai. We named him such because my husband’s father’s name was Benjamin and Nikolai means “victory of the people.” His name would have been just Ben Nikolai if not for Eman: I love her and she was supposed to be my child’s godmother. She passed away while I was pregnant with Ben.

He was born July 1, 2006 at the Philippine General Hospital. He was a healthy 7.7lbs. baby boy; his cries echo through the Pediatric Wing whenever he wants to be fed. We went home 2 days after I gave birth clueless that he has a congenital heart disease.

During his first routine check-up, his pediatrician Dr. Benilda Sanchez, heard a heart murmur. She explained that it could be “innocent” but nonetheless referred us to a Pediatric Cardiologist, Dr. Jonas del Rosario. Upon hearing my son’s heartbeat, he said that he has Ventricular Septal Defect. He instructed us to have my son’s 2d-echo taken.

It turns out that the “hole in his heart” was moderate in size. It was hard to tell at that point if it were to close on its own. He prescribed medications - Digoxin and Furosemide so that this defect would not complicate other functions of the heart and lungs. Nevertheless, he reiterated that it would just either close on its own or operation would be necessary. We all hoped that it would be the former since Ben is a very healthy child and he did not show any signs of illness.

May 2007, I was regularized at HSBC; hence, my son was already covered by our HMO. I brought him to the only available Pediatric Cardiologist affiliated with our HMO in the area - Dr. Jhuliet Balderas. She shares the same sentiments with Dr. del Rosario.

Ben’s first birthday passed. His 2d-echo showed that nothing much changed with his heart condition. We were advised to wait another year since the defect might be asymptotic.

October 2008, his latest 2d-echo was taken. It showed that though the hole diminished in size, his aortic valve is already leaking. It means that the pressure brought about by the hole’s existence complicated another part of his heart. Right after the said diagnostic procedure, the doctor recommended open heart surgery when Ben turns 2 and a half years old. This means January 2009. Later on, we were advised that due to the surgeon’s availability, Ben would undergo surgery on December 2008.

I really cannot describe the anguish I felt during at that very moment. I understood everything the doctor said - when the next check-up’s going to be, what his medications would be while waiting for the operation - but the thought of my son undergoing such invasive and risky procedure really stressed me. I was, and still am, very scared.

I really hope that other non-invasive procedures are available for his case here in the Philippines, but I’m not sure if there are catheterization techniques being developed.

To date, we are still raising funds so that my son could undergo the procedure. If there is anyone there who could help us contact charitable institutions or donors, please inform us. Of course, your donations and pledges are also very much welcome.

Lastly, I would like to thank everyone supporting us in this ordeal. This is a very tough time for our family. Your unwavering support helps us in coping with this situation. Let us hope and pray that Ben’s operation would go smoothly and successfully.

Contact Ben’s parents - Tin and JR at +639282202982, xtin918@yahoo.com

Cloud Computing

2008-11-17T01:30:00.000-08:00

Cloud computing [1]

Web-based emails, social networking sites, blogging... All these data are stored "in the clouds."

Bob Metcalf and Vint Cerf, great contributors in internet history, talked about the evolution and continuing innovation of the internet. In particular, Bob Metcalfe gave emphasis on the significance of video internet. He discussed how underlying network challenges are being addressed and how end-user equipment, such as camera/webcams, can be readily available so that consumers no longer stay as such but they become information producers as well. YouTube videos are the perfect example, it is one of the most visited/utilized sites in the Web.

As Vint Cerf, Google's Internet Evangelist on his talk in Google site in Zurich, candidly recalls how they overcame obstacles in setting up the internet and optimistically visualizes how it would continue to develop, we are shown a picture of the internet's future.

The internet is inevitably expanding. (Bob Metcalfe even used 5 prepositions to describe this expansion.) Data is flowing in and out of the internet everyday. And it is a challenge to optimize utilization of this data and to transform it to relevant information. Applications are becoming more and more creative; computing is altogether geared to a new level.

This is where university cloud comes in. In a press statement released by IBM and Google, the goal of this initiative was discussed. University computer science students are going to be trained to improve their "knowledge of highly parallel computing practices to address the emerging paradigm of large-scale distributed computing." Eric Schmidt, Google's CEO, said they (IBM and Google) are providing the resources to "better equip students and researchers to address today's developing computational challenges." While IBM's chairman, president, chief CEO, Samuel J. Palmisano says they are "aiming to train tomorrow's programmers to write software that can support a tidal wave of global Web growth and trillions of secure transactions every day."[2]

Needless to say, this cloud computing initiative is set to have end user's interest and business in mind.

What started to be a Google software engineer's project in education turned out to be one of Google's productive ventures.[3] Together with Google and IBM, six universities launched a major research initiative on cloud computing. [4]

The university cloud aims to address challenges presented by the internet's rapid evolution. It became very apparent that new programmers and researchers are needed to lead the internet into a more advanced stage. Of course, these universities and students are excited to be part of this big project. Who wouldn't? We could only imagine the learning experience they would have in these clouds.

Communications and Multimedia

Much has been discussed about cloud computing as an answer to business needs. Cost, mobility and collaboration are the primary drivers that may compel small business to say "no to software", to quote Salesforce.com's tag line. It could very well be the advantages that communications and multimedia experience from cloud computing.

Vint Cerf mentioned in one interview that he agrees with Bob Metcalfe's bold statement: telecommunications can substitute transportation, one way of addressing the subject of energy efficiency. This could not be truer when the time comes that cloud providers offer telepresence services.

His statement has an impact in communication's role in this age. Through cloud computing, this is not impossible; costs are definitely less. With the mobile phone as a platform and with broadband access continuously expanding, getting data from point A to point B can definitely be a breeze.

Multimedia products have undergone a lot of innovations over the years. We can only speculate how imaginations could and would be pushed further by the power of cloud computing. The most interesting part is collaboration. In our MMS 100 class, we had a collaborative project. We were assigned to build a wiki page, while working with people we had never met. This is one practical experience I had with cloud computing. As they say, all you'd need is a browser. And that was indeed what we used to access our project from the (Google) clouds.

This brings me back to education and multimedia. A Philippine university cloud could be very beneficial to the academe. We would surely need more scholarly journals published, and the cloud would a very good venue to start from. Collaborative works of professionals from different parts of the country would be easier and cheaper.

Another multimedia impact of cloud computing would be the so-called broadband cloud. The digitizing of television, said to be launched on February 17, 2009, would introduce video-on-demand in TV's in the US.

Cloudy cloud

A couple of articles I read gave some reasons why cloud computing is not "the way to go" just yet. Neil Weinberg, wrote a few reasons why this is so. In his article, he mentioned that while the TimesMachine - The New York Time's searchable archives (done by Amazon in only a day for $240) - is an astonishing achievement, examples like these are "few and far between."[5] Jon Brodkin, on the other hand, focused on cloud computing security risks identified by Gartner, an analyst firm in a similar article.[6]

Disintermediation

I recall Vint Cerf mention in his Zurich speech, one of the socio-economic effects of the internet is that new business models are born. Anyone can be a merchant on the web as much as anyone can buy anything from the web. Transactions are very simple and buying/selling, as the cliche goes, are just clicks away. An ad and good pictures on your social networking site would do the job. Anyone who happens to visit your site would be aware that you are in business. Your closet is your warehouse: you do not need capital for rent and displays.

This is also the philosophy behind the Long Tail Theory, “the new economic model for media and entertainment industries.” Chris Anderson pointed out that “retailers will carry only content that can generate sufficient demand to earn its keep.”[7] Therefore, disintermediation and the long tail theory occur hand-in-hand in the WorldWideWeb.

"Adapt or die" is how Cerf puts it: even if the cloud is still in the "process of condensation," pun intended, businesses are evolving ever so quickly so that they don't fall on the latter. While new businesses flourish through the internet, on the one hand, they are surely following the Long Tail theory and on the other, they “disintermediated” some other business. Take Amazon for example.

I personally think that though the process of disintermediation is unavoidable in a capitalist setting, it is really cruel for those who were brought to their extinction. In his 1996 article, Phil Wainewright discussed this process in simple, relevant terms. What is true then, is especially true more than a decade (and more terabytes) later.

The Semantic Web

The realization of a semantic web co-existing with cloud computing would make things a whole lot easier for everybody, to say the least. That would be powerful computing at its finest. Some are pessimistic that the semantic web cannot be brought to reality, just as there are skeptics on cloud computing. Mobile phones, laptops and desktops would be devoid of software, and secure browsers are all we’d need. Of course who knows if this is achievable, we must wait a few more years.

The Cloud and I

I am hurriedly typing this entry. My mother is using a Facebook application. My brother is bothering me through instant messaging. My sister is using her mobile phone to check her email... we are in constant use of the cloud. After addressing issues like ownership of data, privacy, and security – it is not impossible to have most computing needs reside on the cloud. Of course, a reliable and, need I say, fast internet connection and cloud provider is needed.

In conclusion, it is good that these innovations are taking place at a rapid pace. However, according to Internet World Stats, only 21% of the entire world population have actual internet penetration. The good news is that the percentage of increase is exponential. Hopefully, the initiative to expand internet accessibility would be advanced further so that more people can benefit from all these available information.

[1] Hayes, Brian. "Cloud Computing." Communications of the ACM July 2008: 9-11.

[2] Business Wire Contributors, "Google and IBM Announce University Initiative to Address Internet-Scale Computing Challenges." Business Wire 08 Oct 2007 17 Nov 2008 .

[3] Baker, Stephen. "Google and the Wisdom of Clouds." Business Week 13 Dec 2007 17 Nov 2008 .

[4] Lohr, Steve. "Google and IBM build cloud computing data centers online." International Herald Tribune 08 Oct 2007 17 Nov 2008 .

[5] Weinberg, Neal. "Cloudy picture for cloud computing." Network Worlds 03 Apr 2008 17 Nov 2008 .

[6] Brodkin, Jon. "Gartner: Seven cloud-computing security risks." Network World 02 July 2008 17 Nov 2008 .

[7] Anderson, Chris. "The Long Tail." Wired. 17 Nov 2008 .

Ventricular Septal Defect

2008-11-15T21:37:00.000-08:00

Ventricular Septal Defect

What is VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect)?

VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect), is a condition where a defect is present in the ventricular septum (also called the interventricular septum) – the muscular wall of the heart between the two ventricles (left and right). The defect manifests as a “hole” within this wall.

In the illustration above, the ventricular septum is indicated by the red rectangle.

VSD is one of a group of heart problems found in newborn babies that are collectively called congenital heart disease, of which it is the most commonly occurring. Congenital heart diseases, which are also called congenital heart defects, are characterized by a variety of malformations of the heart or blood vessels which are present at birth. They occur when the heart or blood vessels do not develop properly before birth.

Ventricular septal defect accounts for about 15% of all cases of congenital heart disease in the United States.

Types of VSD

Doctors classify VSDs based on the:

· Size of the defect.

· Location of the defect.

· Number of defects.

· Presence or absence of a ventricular septal aneurysm—a thin flap of tissue on the septum. It is harmless and can help a VSD close on its own.

VSDs range in size from small to large

· Small VSDs usually allow only a small amount of blood flow between the ventricles. Because of this, they are sometimes called restrictive. Most small VSDs:

o Do not cause symptoms in infants and children

o Close on their own, often by school age

o Rarely need surgery or other procedures to close the defect

· Moderate (or medium-sized) VSDs are less likely than small defects to close on their own. They may require surgery to close and may cause symptoms during infancy and childhood.

· Large VSDs allow a large amount of blood to flow from the left ventricle to the right ventricle and are sometimes called nonrestrictive. A large VSD is less likely to close completely on its own, but it may get smaller. A large VSD can cause more symptoms in infants and children, and surgery is usually needed to close it.

VSDs are found in different parts of the septum

· Membranous VSDs are located near the heart valves. They can close at any time if a ventricular septal aneurysm is present.

· Muscular VSDs are found in the lower part of the septum. They are surrounded by muscle, and most close on their own during early childhood.

· Inlet VSDs are located close to where blood enters the heart. They are less common than membranous and muscular VSDs.

· Outlet VSDs are found in the part of the ventricle where the blood leaves the heart. This is the rarest type of VSD.

Effects of VSD

Over time, a VSD that does not close—especially a large VSD—can cause:

· Congestive heart failure

Infants with large VSDs may develop congestive heart failure. Extra blood flows from the left ventricle through the right ventricle to the lungs and back to the left atrium and on to the left ventricle. This causes the left atrium and left ventricle to handle an increased amount of blood, and the workload on the heart increases. The increased workload on the heart also increases the heart rate and the body's demand for energy. The extra blood flow in the lungs may cause rapid breathing, while also increasing the body's demand for energy.

· Growth failure, especially in infancy

Your baby may not be able to eat enough to keep up with his or her body's increased energy demands. Your baby may lose weight or fail to grow and develop as he or she should.

· Bacterial endocarditis is an infection of the lining of the heart, valves, or arteries

Endocarditis often occurs following dental and medical procedures.

· Irregular heartbeat or rhythm (arrhythmia)

The extra blood flowing into the left atrium can cause the atrium to stretch and enlarge. When this occurs, your child can develop a fast heartbeat with symptoms such as dizziness or fainting.

· Pulmonary artery hypertension (high blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries)

If a moderate or large VSD is not closed, sustained blood flow under higher pressure into the pulmonary arteries causes the arteries to become thickened and stiff. The amount of blood flow to the lungs decreases over time as the resistance to blood flow into the pulmonary arteries increases. However, this causes the right ventricle to work harder. Today, pulmonary artery hypertension rarely develops because most large or moderate VSDs are closed in infancy or early childhood.

In a normal heart, the right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs and the left ventricle pumps blood throughout the body. In VSD, the presence of a hole between the two ventricles causes a backflow of blood from the left ventricle (which contains oxygenated blood from the lungs) into the right ventricle (which pumps deoxygenated blood from the body to the lungs). This means that some of the oxygenated blood recycles through the lungs AGAIN, before returning to the left ventricle. This results in less oxygenated blood reaching the body, and makes the heart work more since there is less oxygenated blood to circulate. This means that as compared to a normal functioning heart, a heart with VSD is less efficient.

It must also be noted that the two ventricles, left and right, have different systolic pressure (the blood pressure (as measured by a sphygmomanometer) during the contraction of the left ventricle of the heart). The left ventricle has a systolic pressure of ~120 mm Hg while the right ventricle has systolic pressure of ~20 mm Hg. With the leakage of blood into the right ventricle from the left ventricle, this therefore elevates right ventricular pressure and volume, causing pulmonary hypertension with its associated symptoms. This effect is more noticeable in patients with larger defects. Patients with smaller defects may be asymptomatic.

Over time, increased backflow of blood may cause the right ventricle to enlarge (as a way to cope with the abnormally high pressure it must withstand due to the backflow). This may lead to other problems, such as abnormal heartbeats and increased blood pressure to the lungs. These problems may make it difficult for the heart and lungs to supply oxygen to the body.

If the hole is sufficiently large, the lack of oxygen being delivered to the body can cause severe problems, including heart failure and breathlessness, and also poor feeding and failure to thrive in infancy.

Approximately 0.7% of all babies have a congenital heart defect. Of these, 20%-30% have a ventricular septal defect or about 2-3 per 10000 births.

2. What causes a VSD (ventricular septal defect)?

It is not exactly known what causes a VSD.

Doctors think that problems during the development of your child's heart may cause VSD. The following are possible factors or conditions which may increase your child's risk of having a VSD:

Ø Certain medicines, illegal drugs, or alcohol used early in your pregnancy.

Ø Family history of a VSD or other heart problems

Heredity may play a role. Parents who have congenital heart defects are more likely to have a child with VSD than parents who do not have congenital heart defects. In some cases, VSD may be due to a defect in one or more genes or to chromosomal abnormalities.

Ø If your child has other congenital conditions, such as Down syndrome

Problems with the information in genes are also thought to cause a VSD. A gene is a little piece of information that tells your body what to do or what to make.

Ø Uncontrolled diabetes (high blood sugar) during pregnancy

3. What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Ventricular Septal Defect?

The major signs and symptoms of ventricular septal defect (VSD) are:

· Heart murmur

· The signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure

· Slowed growth

Most newborns with VSD do not have heart-related symptoms.

Heart Murmur

A heart murmur is an extra or unusual sound heard during your heartbeat. It is usually present in VSD and may be the first and only sign found by your doctor. The heart murmur is often present right after birth in many infants, but it may not appear until the baby is 6 to 8 weeks old. Sometimes the heart murmur is not found until the child is older or much later in life as an adult.

Congestive Heart Failure

A baby with a moderate or large VSD can develop congestive heart failure. These symptoms usually appear during the baby's first 2 months of life. Some older children and adults with VSD also may develop symptoms of congestive heart failure, which include:

· Fatigue or tiring easily

· Shortness of breath

· Fast breathing

· Slow growth and poor weight gain

How Is Ventricular Septal Defect Diagnosed?

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is diagnosed using a medical history, a physical exam, and tests. Your baby's doctor may see symptoms of VSD during a routine check-up. Some parents also notice signs, such as poor feeding, and bring the baby to the doctor.

Most cases are diagnosed in infancy and childhood. Babies born with a large VSD may have symptoms of congestive heart failure by the time they are 1–2 months old. They are usually diagnosed at that time. Some cases are not diagnosed until adulthood.

Medical and Family History

Your child's doctor will ask you about:

· Family history of congenital heart defects

· Your child's symptoms

· Your child's feeding and growth

Physical Exam

During the physical exam, the doctor:

· Listens to your baby's heart with a stethoscope to hear and evaluate a heart murmur (ascultation)

· Looks for signs of congestive heart failure

Tests

Your baby's doctor will order several tests to diagnose VSD. These tests will also help the doctor determine the type and size of the defect.

Echocardiogram (ultrasound)

An echocardiogram or ultrasound study of the heart is the test used most often to diagnose VSD. This test uses sound waves to create a picture of the heart. An echocardiogram shows movement of blood through the heart and problems with how the heart is formed. It is safe and painless.

An echocardiogram shows:

· VSD location and size

· How much blood is passing through the VSD

· Enlargement of the left atrium and left ventricle

· Other congenital heart defects

Other tests

· Chest x ray. This test takes a picture of the heart and lungs. It can show if the heart is enlarged or if there is fluid in the lungs.

· EKG or ECG (electrocardiogram). This test measures the rate and regularity of your child's heartbeat. It provides an estimate of enlargement of the heart chambers and shows abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia).

· Cardiac catheterisation. A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is passed through a blood vessel (artery or vein) to the heart. With the assistance of x rays, the doctor can see the child's blood vessels and heart. During the procedure, the doctor can measure blood pressure in the heart and arteries connected to the heart, and see how much blood is mixing between the two sides of the heart. Cardiac catheterisation is rarely used for diagnosis unless the echocardiogram does not provide enough information or if other defects or problems are suspected.

4. How is a ventricular septal defect treated?

Goals of Treatment

The goals of ventricular septal defect (VSD) treatment are to:

· Monitor the defect to see if it closes or gets smaller

· Treat the symptoms of congestive heart failure, if present

· Close or repair the VSD if it does not close on its own

Most small VSDs close without treatment. But treatment is needed if your child's VSD:

· Is large

· Is causing your child to have symptoms

· Is moderate and does not close on its own by the time your child is in preschool

· Affects the aortic valve

Treatment is either surgical or conservative. Smaller congenital VSDs often close on their own, as the heart grows, and are thus treated conservatively, with prescription medicines, and supplements. Some small congenital VSDs may not ever require surgery.

Types of Treatment

There are several types of treatment for VSD. They include:

· Monitoring and observation

· Medicines

· Extra nutrition

· Surgery or a procedure using catheters to close the VSD

Your child's doctor will discuss treatment options with you and will consider your family's preferences when making treatment recommendations.

Monitoring and observation

This involves regular checkups to see if the VSD may close on its own. This typically lasts for until the child reaches 2 years of age, where in, if the VSD does not close by itself by then, surgery is considered.

Your baby's doctor may choose to monitor and observe the baby if your child does not have symptoms of congestive heart failure. This means regular checkups and tests to see if the defect closes on it own or gets smaller:

· Weekly for infants with large defects.

· Yearly or even less in older children.

· A VSD diagnosed during infancy usually closes or gets smaller. Even large defects may close.

Medicines

Children with small VSDs and no symptoms may not need any medicines. Children and adults who have moderate or large VSDs and develop symptoms of congestive heart failure may need medicine until the defect can be closed. These medicines include:

Diuretics to treat fluid buildup

This medicine may be given to help the child's body and lungs get rid of extra fluid. This can help him breathe easier. Diuretics however, may make him urinate more often.

Heart medicine

This medicine may be given to make the child's heart beat stronger or more regularly. There are many different kinds of heart medicines. It would be best to consult the physician concerned for any questions as to why that medicine is being prescribed, and its intended effects as well as any side-effects it may have.

*(Digoxin to improve heart function and keep the heartbeat regular)

Antibiotics

These are prescribed so as to prevent bacterial endocarditis are usually given for a limited time after surgery or a catheter procedure.

It is recommended to check with the child’s doctor if antibiotics can be given when the child is having his teeth cleaned. Antibiotics may also be given if the child has been exposed to someone with certain infections.

Extra nutrition

Some infants with VSDs do not grow and develop or gain weight as they should. These infants usually include those who:

· Have large VSDs

· Are born prematurely

· Tire easily during feeding

Doctors usually recommend extra nutrition or special feedings for these infants. These feedings are high-calorie formulas or breast milk that give the baby extra nourishment. In some cases, tube feeding is needed. Food is given through a small tube that is placed through the nose into the stomach. Tube feeding can add to or take the place of bottle feeding.

Surgery

Today, most doctors recommend surgery to close a large VSD by 1 year of age. Doctors also recommend closing a VSD that does not close on its own by the time a child is in preschool. Surgery may be required earlier if:

The child fails to gain weight.
Medicines are required to control the symptoms of congestive heart failure.

Open surgical procedures require a heart-lung machine and are done with a median sternotomy, in which a vertical inline incision is made along the sternum(breastbone), after which the sternum itself is divided, or "cracked". Percutaneous endovascular procedures are less invasive and can be done on a beating heart, but are only suitable for certain patients. This involves a needle catheter getting access to a blood vessel, followed by the introduction of a wire through the lumen(tube) of the needle. It is over this wire that other catheters can be placed into the blood vessel. This technique is known as the modified Seldinger technique.

Repair of most VSDs is complicated by the fact that the conducting system of the heart (the system responsible for the maintenance of the regular beating of the hear) is in the immediate vicinity.

Respiratory support

Oxygen:

The patient may need oxygen to help him breathe easier. He may need a nasal cannula (small tubes placed in the nose) or mask. Many children do not like having these on their face, so instead the doctors may place the mask next to your child's face. Some children are placed in an oxygen tent or plastic hood.

ET tube:

Your child may need an endotracheal (ET) tube to help him breathe. An ET tube is put in your child's mouth or nose, and goes into the trachea (windpipe). It may be connected to a breathing machine called a ventilator. The ET tube will be taken out when your child is breathing better.

The surgical procedure. The surgery to close a VSD is done under general anaesthesia so that your child will be asleep and feel no pain. The surgeon makes a cut down the center of the chest to reach the VSD.

*Transcatheter device closure:

The doctor may suggest that the child have a transcatheter device closure. This is a procedure where a device called a septal occluder is used to close the hole in the ventricular wall.

The child is placed on a heart/lung bypass machine during surgery.
The heart is stopped, and the heart/lung machine takes over for the heart, pumping red blood throughout the body.
The heart/lung machine also brings oxygen-poor blood back to the machine where it picks up oxygen.
The surgeon uses a special patch or stitches to close the VSD. (plu or patch)
The surgeon puts the patch over the VSD and sews it into place.
Once the repair is completed, the heart is restarted.
The child is taken off the heart/lung bypass machine.
The surgeon closes the skin incision.

Within 6–8 weeks, heart tissue will grow over the patch so that it will not need to be replaced as the child grows.

After the surgery. After VSD surgery, your child will spend a few days in the intensive care unit or in a regular hospital room. Most children go home about 4 days after the surgery.

While in the hospital, your child will be given medicine to reduce pain or anxiety. The doctors and nurses at the hospital will teach you how to care for your child at home. They will talk to you about:

Limits on activity for your child while he or she recovers
Avoiding blows to the chest while the incision heals
Bathing the child
Followup appointments with your child's doctors
How to give your child medicine at home

Results. The outcomes from VSD surgery are excellent. Your child should have little pain or discomfort.

Complications from VSD surgery, such as bleeding and infection, are rare and short term. After full recovery from surgery, most children are able to participate in normal activities. Children who ate poorly before surgery often start to eat better and gain weight, and they are more active.

Living With Ventricular Septal Defect

Children with small ventricular septal defects (VSDs) usually have no problems and do not need long-term treatment or followup. Also, most children and adults who have successful repair or closure of a VSD and have no other congenital heart defects can expect to lead healthy and active lives.

Medical Needs

Sometimes problems and risks remain after surgical closure. They include:

Irregular heart beat (arrhythmia). Serious and frequent arrhythmias require regular followup. The risk for arrhythmia is greater if surgery is done later in life.
Residual or remaining VSD. In some cases, the VSD does not fully close. This is usually due to a leak in the patch. These VSDs tend to be small and do not cause problems. They rarely require another operation. Once catheter-based procedures are readily available, they may be used for this condition.
Bacterial endocarditis. Antibiotic treatment is recommended for 6 months after VSD surgery. Residual VSDs usually require lifelong treatment with antibiotics. The antibiotics are given in a single dose 1 hour before a dental visit or surgical procedure. Antibiotics are used only to prevent infection and not to treat the VSD.
Enlarged left ventricle. Long-term volume overload may lead to increased stress and enlargement of the left ventricle.

Special Needs for Children

Activity

There should be no special restrictions on your child once he or she is fully recovered from VSD repair. Regular physical activity is usually allowed. Be sure to check with your child's doctor before allowing your child to participate in any sports.

Growth and development

Your paediatrician or family doctor checks your child for growth and development at each routine checkup. Children with moderate or large VSDs may not grow as quickly as other children. These children usually "catch up" after the VSD is closed.

Special Needs for Teenagers

Teenagers with VSDs—even if the VSDs have been closed—should continue to have regular checkups.

Teenagers or young adults rarely need additional surgery once a VSD closes or is repaired. Your heart doctor (cardiologist) will discuss with you and your teenager the need for any additional heart surgeries.

Special Needs for Adults

Over time, some adults—mostly those whose VSD was repaired later in life—may need medicine to help improve heart function or to help stop irregular heartbeats. Your cardiologist decides if you need any medicine. It is important to check with your cardiologist before changing or stopping any medicines.

Just like teenagers, adults whose VSDs are closed or repaired usually do not need additional surgery. Sometimes it is necessary to have a pacemaker or defibrillator to help stop or control irregular heartbeats. The cardiologist will discuss with you the need for any additional surgeries.

Key Points

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a hole in the wall of the heart that separates the lower chambers (ventricles). This defect allows blood to flow from one ventricle to the other.
In most cases of VSD, blood flows through the defect from the left ventricle to the right ventricle. This causes extra blood (volume overload) in the pulmonary artery (the blood vessel that carries oxygen-poor blood from the right side of the heart to the lungs) and in the lungs, left atrium, and left ventricle.
Usually a VSD is not found until after a baby is born. Between 4 and 6 out of every 10 VSDs close on their own, often by the time the child is of school age.
Most VSDs are so small that they don't need treatment. But some children and adults need treatment to close the VSD—especially if it is large. Today, large or moderate VSDs are usually closed in infancy or early childhood.
Most children and adults live long and productive lives after their VSD closes or is repaired.
VSDs range in size from small to large. They can occur in different parts of the septum. They also can occur alone or with other congenital heart defects.
A VSD that does not close—especially a large VSD—can lead to congestive heart failure or other serious health conditions.
Doctors do not know what causes VSD. Most cases of VSD develop by chance.
A heart murmur may be the only sign of a VSD. Some cases are not diagnosed until adulthood.
A baby with a moderate or large VSD can develop congestive heart failure. These signs usually appear by the time the baby is 2 months old.
An echocardiogram is the test used most often to diagnose VSD.
Treatments for VSD include monitoring and observation, medicine, extra nutrition, surgery, and procedures using catheters to close the VSD.
Children whose VSDs close on their own usually do not need special followup beyond an initial period. Children and adults without spontaneous or surgical closure need regular followup.

totoong blogging (?)

2008-11-15T21:08:00.000-08:00

Hindi ko alam kung kaya ko ngang isustina ang pagba-blog.

Sinubukan ko nang magblog sa aking friendster account; minsan buwan ang pagitan ng mga entry, minsan naman oras lang. Pero bakit nga ba ako magbablog? Hindi naman ito para lang magkaroon ng espasyo sa virtual world ang aking mga angas. Siguro, pwedeng sabihing lugar ito kung saan maaari kong ibahagi ang aking sarili nang hindi ako nababawasan. Mas ninanais ko sanang magkaroon ng katuturan at direksyon ang mga kaisipan. Matagal nang walang sinasalungang agos, kailangan muling makahanap nang saysay.

Ito ang gusto ko, matapos ang unos.

walang panahon

Democracy Photo Challenge Finalists

Google’s Long History of Social Media Attempts [INFOGRAPHIC]

Pinoy and FB

Neophyte - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

Karumal-dumal

8th Italian Film Festival | Spot.PH

The writing in the wind - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

May araw din tayo - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

Cro-Magnon - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

On Digital Divide

Video: Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeno - Desaparecidos - Bulatlat

Slideshow: Families, Friends Honor Desaparecidos - Bulatlat

Which Office Is Cooler Facebook or Twitter

A fusion of art, technology and ecology - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

GMANews.TV - 'Arroyo foreign trips exempted from austerity measures'

May araw din kayo - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

Magparehistro para makaboto!

BIOMODD [LBA2]

The Language of New Media - The MIT Press

Stop Gloria's Con Ass!

The Biomodd Computer Drive

Mga Tula para sa mga Manggagawa ni Joi Barrios-LeBlanc*

Addendum to Perfectly Legal

Perfectly Legal*

Life, Death and the Internet

The McKinsey Quarterly Top Ten Newsletter 2009

Read our ten most popular articles of Q1 2009

Computer Professionals warns of possible large scale election cheating on COMELEC automation | Computer Professionals' Union

Nation of Servants

Mobile Internet Penetration etc.

Remembering

Pinoy Multiply

Declining Filipino TV, print consumption - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

Sampung nakakairitang salita sa Filipino ni G. Danny Arao

Officemate

Google search gets semantic - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

March 2009

Let us not condemn Nicole

Acquiesce

Katarungan!

A Faux Pas that led me to "analyze" my Social Networking Life

Fridays

A recollection of the week that was

Ben solving a puzzle (shot with a 5MP Vivitar Camera)

LECTURE: THE GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS — The Great Depression of the 21st Century with Michel Chossudovsky

Junk HB 4631 and SB 2665! No to the recommissioning and operation of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant! Petition

From http://action.gazajustice.org/t/4436/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=963

Defend the Office of the Student regent! Vote YES to CRSRS!

Defend the Office of the Student regent! Vote YES to CRSRS!

Internet Penetration

animoto.com

Crossing the Chasm - 30 sec

History of the Israel-Palestine Conflict

family dinner - Christmas 2008

Thankful

Ben's Planner Pics

My Son's Operation is on December 8

Issue of the Heart

My Ben-ben

Cloud Computing

Ventricular Septal Defect

2. What causes a VSD (ventricular septal defect)?

It is not exactly known what causes a VSD.

Doctors think that problems during the development of your child's heart may cause VSD. The following are possible factors or conditions which may increase your child's risk of having a VSD:

Ø Certain medicines, illegal drugs, or alcohol used early in your pregnancy.

Ø Family history of a VSD or other heart problems

Heredity may play a role. Parents who have congenital heart defects are more likely to have a child with VSD than parents who do not have congenital heart defects. In some cases, VSD may be due to a defect in one or more genes or to chromosomal abnormalities.

Ø If your child has other congenital conditions, such as Down syndrome

Problems with the information in genes are also thought to cause a VSD. A gene is a little piece of information that tells your body what to do or what to make.

Ø Uncontrolled diabetes (high blood sugar) during pregnancy

3. What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Ventricular Septal Defect?

How Is Ventricular Septal Defect Diagnosed?

4. How is a ventricular septal defect treated?

Diuretics to treat fluid buildup

Heart medicine

Antibiotics

These are prescribed so as to prevent bacterial endocarditis are usually given for a limited time after surgery or a catheter procedure.

Respiratory support

Oxygen:

Video: Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeno - Desaparecidos - Bulatlat