My Environmental Pledge: Preferring Second hand books over newly printed books and e-books
(Entry for BE the sparks environmental pledge contest)
I am a big fan of reading books. It all started when people associated with the Reader’s Association of the Philippines gave me a book when I was in Elementary. I received a book entitled “The Ghost Eye”. The plot of the book centers on a domestic cat with a third eye being bothered every time it sees a ghost. The gratification that I felt after finishing the book triggered me to read more books. This is evident as I exchange books with some of my friends and classmates. I also read books in the library. Despite the lack of money to enable me to buy new books, it does not stop me to read.
Reading books is like somebody touching your life as if you’re in the situation but it’s only in the book. It opens your horizon and understanding about life. One reason that my best friend and I are still best friends for almost a decade is because of our interest in reading books. Our passion in reading somehow sustain our friendship. When my allowance started to increase when I entered college, I tried to save money to buy new books. During that time, I would still prefer books in a mint condition than the second hand ones. Why would I prefer the second hand book than the new ones? I would love to be the first owner of the book.
However, my mindset changed when I started to have a concern for our environment. I learned a lot about the environment when I joined several volunteer opportunities in Environmental NGOs like CEAE (Center for Environmental Awareness and Education and WWF (World Wide Fund). I was awakened about the conditions of our environment and little by little, I changed my lifestyle to attune for the call of saving the Mother Nature. I know to myself that if I will continuously buying new books, it will lose more trees. However, I do not want to stop reading books. It gave me the idea that instead of buying a new book, why not stick to second hand ones. Aside from second hand books are cheap, it also lessens our contribution to our carbon footprint by not cutting additional trees. Even though only 1 % of the trees are being used in manufacturing books, it still has an impact to the environment. Book Hunt, a second hand bookstore located in Katipunan has the same advocacy as mine. They are not only advocating that books should be selling everywhere like in streets, they also believe that selling second hand books will save more trees. I also learned to appreciate the physical characteristics of second hand books. It is interesting to imagine that the previous owner of the second hand book and you are sharing the same cause because he/she sold or donated the book for our environment. Also, having a second hand book is like collecting antique furniture, it’s like the feeling that you’re in the era when the book was first bought.
There are suggestions that instead of buying new books why not try to switch to e-books, it is environment-friendly as to compare to books being sold in bookstores. However, there are several researches revealed that e-books have more destructive impacts than ordinary books. Unlike books that can last for decades, electronic gadgets like e-reader can only last for years. Moreover, it will be added as one of the environmental wastes when disposed. I am not saying that I will not patronize new books and e-books but if it is the last choice; then there is nothing wrong with it. We should only regulate ourselves in using our natural resources.
People are having difficulty in intertwining their personal goals with the care for the environment. It is confusing on which will be the priority. My suggestion will be you only need to compromise (in a good way) to come up with new solutions. There is a pressure to jive with the present technology, globalization, etc.; however, we need to take steps for the survival of our environment. Buying second hand books over newly-printed books makes the earth a big favor while one enjoys the passion for reading. I already did my part, how about you?
KNN Reporters speak on the state of Children's Media in the Philippines
Manila Bureau reporters Joseph, Nicai, Katreng and Ronin gave a presentation on Kabataan News Network at the Med-ya Bata Pa: A look into the current state of children's media in the Philippines last January 30 at the UP College of Mass Communication.
The symposium aimed to present and assess the challenges faced by children's programs. It was attended by Mass Communication students from UP and St. Scholastica's College.
Other guest organizations include the Southeast Asian Foundation for Children and Television, Junior Inquirer and End Child Prostituion, Abuse And Trafficking (ECPAT) Philippines.
The workshop was organized by the UP Communication Research Society.
Hey, hey! dont forget my dutch chocolate ah! and please bring the wind mills here in Quezon City.. We should have that one.. and also bring hot and young dutch guys.. hahaha..
I miss you ate, see you again after 15 days.. (sandali lang pala.. ayos!)
A film by Jean-Pierre et Luc Dardenne (French version, with English subtitles) 2002, 103 minutes Alliance Ondeo Auditorium Wednesday, May 30, 2007, 8:30 pm(Free Admission)
Synopsis :Olivier is formative in a reintegration social centre. One day, the manager asks him to welcome Francis, a teenager avid to learn the professions by the wood. Olivier refuses, pleading that he has already too many apprentices. The young boy is then placed in the weld workshop. Who is Francis? Why does Olivier begin following him in the corridors of the establishment, in the streets of the city, up to his building? Why is he so enticed by him? And why does he seem to be so afraid of him?
The green-eyed Afghan girl became a symbol in the late twentieth century of strength in the face of hardship. Her tattered robe and dirt smudged face have smmoed compassion from around the world; and her beauty has been unforgettable. The clear, strong green of her eyes encouraged a bridge between her world and the West. And likely more than any other image, hers has served as an international emblem for a difficult era and a troubled nation.
"Steve McCurry" by Anthony Bannon
The picture became famous when it was featured on the June 1985 cover of National Geographic Magazine. It was known throughout the world simply as the Afghan Girl until she was formally identified as Sharbat Gula in 2002.
Nagkaroon ako ng 15 seconds fame sa isang senatorial youth dialogue sa St. Scholastica's College (in partnership of Union of Catholic Student Council of the Philippines, First Time Voters Project, Student Council Alliance of the Philippines, Alliance of Local Colleges and Universities at studio 23). Maraming schools ang nagdoon, St. Scho, UP, CEU, FEU, DLSU-CSB, PNU, PUP, Ateneo,PLP, Umak etc.. Napansin ko na walang gustong magtanong saming school, (to those who didn't know, taga-RTU ako.. hehehe) at nakakarindi ang mga tanong na pagkahaba-haba ng ibang mga students sa ibang campus, (pa-impress pa, pati yung emcee napansin at sinabihan na gawing concise lang ang mga tanong, belat ka!!)
Inencourage namin ni Nissa na magtanong si Mean, dahil sa natural na mahiyain sya, sinamahan ko siya para lumakas ang loob nya. (at akoy kinakabahan narin hahaha!!) ayun nung nakapila na kami at biglang nagtinginan yung mga kaklase ko! Nagulat! hahaha! Pero sige parin at nung natapos na ni Mean i-raise ang kanyang tanong ay ako naman. Dahil sa nakaangat pataas ang microphone kaya inangat ko ang paa ko para maabot ko yung mikropono! Hay, nagtawanan ang mga tao! haha.. medyo nawala nako sa aking kamalayan medyo nagstammer nako nung una nung nagtatanong ako, Ang tanong ko ay "how will you represent the your constituents if hindi kayo pareho ng paniniwala nyo, let say mga atheist and your a catholic kasi your always saying that you'll always consider GOD in implementing your platforms?" pero nung tumagal na okay naman nako!!hehehe.. what a nice experience..
ah btw, abangan nyo pala yung teaser ng studio 23, yung "Y-Vote Kabarkada bumoto ka!" election campaign sya ng studio 23 at isa sa mga nag-facilitate ng senatoriable youth dialogue na pinuntahan namin.. bali nandun kami sa teaser at nagsisigaw ng "Y-vote Kabarkada bumoto ka!"
I'm very addicted into quizzes, i love answering them. When you see my other post to my blog, you'll see lots of it.. it helps me to know myself more.. we'll anyways according to them I'm the white rabbit in Alice in Wondeful.I'm also in a hurry!! and a prospect anxiety disorder patient.. hehe.. LOL!
You scored as White Rabbit. You're constantly worrying about everything, and always in a rush. If you were diagnosed with any psychological ailment, it'd probably be anxiety disorder.
I just want to post some of our pictures on our Human Rights Training in Astoria Hotel Plaza in Ortigas attended by some Kabataan X-press reporters last May 2006.
Kabataan X-press Reporters in Supreme Court
at Lunetaaaaa......
Lakas ng tama albert ah! (patapos na kasi ang training nyan eh,atat na sa SC!)
(buti't nagkasya kami ni ghelo!)
Pinoy version ng Charlie's Angels! Where's Charlie?? hehehe
Still reading the history of french revolution! *sucks! and now hating this bullshit organization named PETA! (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). They were so stupid!! Like the Got Beer?" campaign, a parody of the Got Milk? campaign. The advertisements urged college students to "wipe off those milk moustaches and replace them with. . . foam." The commercial encourages underage drinking which is really stupid! Just for the animal rights?? NO WAY!! I'am an all sort of rights advocate but PETA is getting OA! They are just thirsty of publicity!! LOL!
Noong akoy nasa elementarya pa lang, ang westlife na ang naging isa inspirasyon ko sa pagkahilig ko sa musika. (feeling singer ba?) Sabihin man natin na baduy na sila ngayon pero naging parte ang Westlife sa aking buhay pagkabata (at sa mga ayaw umamin jan, lumabas na!! pa-rakista effect pa jan, if i know!!).
Kaya't ito na naman nag-sisimula na naman akong maging baliw sa Westlife.. dahil pinahiram ako ng bestfriend ko ng mga VCD at CD ng Westlife.. akoy napapaiyak, at naalala ko ang aking pagkabaliw sa mga pinapangarap kong mga lalaki.. ang Westlife..
at dahil sa aking pagkabaliw sa kanila, nagsearch ako sa wikipedia... ang iba sa kanila ay may asawa na (wala na akong pag-asa!!.. huhuhu) at ang aking pinakakinagulat ay ang pagiging jokla ni Mark (sya pa pa naman ang paborito ko)... at sya ay may syota na.. syempre lalake?? ano pa ba.. Sayang..Pero napag-isip isip ko.. lahat naman tayo ay may tendency na maging bakla, tomboy.. actually tayo ang nagdedesisyon kung anong gender preference natin.. Siguro yung ang tingin ni mark sa kanyang Sekswalidad.. dapat na lang natin igalang ang kanyang desisyon sa paglaladlad.. eto nga yung sinabi nya eh "My sexuality doesn't define me as a person, but it's a huge part of anyone to be open about it. It's changed my life totally as I feel so much happier and at ease. It's the best thing I've ever done.".
Iyong gender preference mo kasi ang nagdidikta bilang ikaw at ang kung sino mang tao ang nagdikta nung para sayo isa na syang human rights violation.. LOLZ!! ano ba ito! napunta tayo sa Human Rights.. We'll talagang naalala ko lang talaga ang mga tinuro samin nung Human Rights Training sa Astoria.. hay.. Sana maging masaya na si Mark..
Recently, I watched Before Sunrise and its sequel Before Sunset starring Ethan Hawke (one of the characters of Dead Poet Society) and Julie Delpy.. I really love watching the movie.... The story is very idealistic, you'll never know if these kind of relationship would exist.
The movie follows Celine (julie delpy), A French grad student traveling back to Paris to attend school at La Sorbonne after having visited her grandmother in Budapest. And an American boy named Jesse (Ethan Hawke) on his way to Vienna to catch a flight back home after a traumatic break-up. They meet on a train and after talking for a while, Jesse convinced Celine to get off the train with him at Vienna and wind up spending one romantic evening together in Vienna. They talk about themselves, about dreams, about art, about relationships, about the dynamics of men and women, about each other. Throughout their conversations, you can track the entire evolution of a relationship, from attraction to flirtation to growing respect to understanding to romance.
Sometime through the night they click romantically and end up sleeping together in the park. After theyre one night stand, they'd promise to each other that they'll meet together at the same place after 6 months in Austria.. but on the day they'll be met, Celine's grandmother died and she has no choice but to attend the funeral instead and never meet Jesse in Austria. But after 9 years, they met accidentally in a bookstore in Paris when Jesse is having a book signing in his first novel. For not seeing for a long time they decided to have some intellectual talks together eventhough Jesse will only be stayingin Paris for two hours because of his flight back to America. The two are not happy to their relationship, Jesse marriage is not working anymore and Celine is not happy to his present boyfriend.
So the climax of the story is whether Jesse stays in Paris, file a divorce against his wife and be with Celine or He will come back to America and forget Celine?
The director gives the decision to the viewers the ending of the story. The story is still unpredictable. While Jesse is staying to the house of Celine, Celine said that he will gonna miss the plane and Jesse replied that he knows it. But will he stay longer and have a another flight or will he with Celine for the rest of their lives.
As what my bestfriend said to her blog on her Berore Sunrise/Sunset review: "There's really no implied ending... It all depends on you, the watcher, what their fate may be... I really love the ending, it makes you think..."
stupid na kung stupid.. but recently ko lang na-discover itong e-book sharing na ito.. dahil sa mahal ang mga libro ay sumali ako sa dalawang e-groups na ang sadya ay ipakalat ang mga mga libreng e-books.. hay nakuha ko na yung mga gusto kong libro kela gabriel garcia marquez, paulo coehlo, chuck palahniuk at neil gaiman.. naka pdf format sya yung iba hindi naka-zip ata at ang swerte ko at nalaman ako by searching the net.. kung gusto nyo matamasa ang aking pagpapalala sa libro eto ang mga e-group adresses nila: merong_ebook@yahoogroups.com at libreng_ebooks@yahoogroups.com kaya join na kayo.. basta check nyo lang sa file nung egroup yung mga libro na gusto nyo idownload at voila meron na!!matutuwa si bestfrend nito pag nalaman nya..
I think this coming semester will be sad for me. My two closest friends Nissa and sheena in polscie will shift schedule from morning to afternoon... I just receive a text from the two that they'll transfer the afternoon block due to some schedule matters.. pero i'm still sad parin.. Sila yung mga karamay ko pag may problema ko at nasasabihan ng mga sikreto ko.. (crushes?) I will never forget you guys
Si nissa yung katabi ko.. walang pic si sheena jan..
And I want to sleep early due to my runny nose and headache but I have this drive to update my blog, make an article and share it all over the world about this "talamak" or should i say a rampant thing that happens in every schools and universities, The unfair grading system.. though it is not yet approved by CHED (Commision on Higher Education) and DEP-ED (Department of Education, but this unfair grading system occurs.
The qualifications of this system:
First Qualification:
If the professor/teacher is a sex maniac and gets hot with those sexy ass and those big luscious boobs, if you pass this qualifications then you'll be pass to his subject. If he wants to have a one night stand with you then if you pass his qualification you'll get 100.1% assurance to be a Valedictorian of his class.
Second Qualification: If the professor/teacher likes those man oozing with masculinity (most likely they are kumadrona, and gays)and can't help but to make their underwear falls to the ground without effort of his irresistable charisma. If you meet this qualifications, you'll be pass to her subject. And as I said earlier, if you give her ever wishing one night stand.. Then maybe you'll be the next Summa Cum Laude on your batch.
Third Qualification: If you have this pleaing personality and make sipsip to your teachers and can be his buddy anytime, in bringing his things, having some talks with your professor or maybe if you have the ability to poison your professors mind (without even noticing by your professor) to give you a high grades and make reasons such as "we're close Sir, may pinagsamahan tayo". If you can do this things (just make sure that professor is madaling mauto) you can pass to his subject and maybe be the top 1 of your class.
Fourth Qualification: This is the easiest among the other qualification. If you have the "dugong Ma'am Sanchez" or in others words your professor is your relative (mother, father, aunt and uncle) then instanstly you can pass his subject and be among the prospects of the most outstanding student of the year.
Fifth Qualification: If your professor is "Ulyanin" or have the alzheimers disease "kuno" and if he remembers you as his student, then you have meet this qualification then you'll be given a fair grade or maybe a higher one. Just pray and kneel to the aisle of Quiapo Church that your professor will be familiar to you in order to get a fair grade.
If you didn't meet any of this qualifications it's either you'll be failed or "pasang awa".
How sad isn't this is what is Unfair is all about.
