Wednesday, July 2, 2008

3 Deplorable things


1. The spoiling of the youth through false education

2. The degradation of fine paintings through vulgar admiration

3. The utter waste of lifetimes in unconscious pride and prejudice

UP Statistics

247000 Alumni

30 out of 31 National Scientists

34 out of 57 National Artists

7 out of 14 Presidents

12 Chief Justices

15000 Doctors

8000 Lawyers

15000 Engineers

23000 Teachers

100 Years of Excellence


1000php per unit

Friday, April 11, 2008


"I-love-you" has no usages. Like a child's word, it enters into no social constraint; it can be a sublime, trivial word, it can be an errotic, pornographic word. It is socially irresponsible world."


- Roland Barthes, Lover's Discourse

Friday, March 21, 2008

Lomography 101





Why lomography


“The intent of LOMOgraphy as a philosophy is to let go of all the burdens of traditional photography, and capture life as it is, as directly as possible. To translate freedom into pictures. To be free, wild, and young. To be spontaneous.”




On a very candid note, I lack ample photographic education since I constantly try to explore things on my own, just like when I educated myself how to play drums. However, with little guidance from a classmate, I eventually learn some of the dos and donts in lomography. And I still have a lot to know about it.


Lomography seems to be in vogue apparently. It emerged as a new way of photography years back. Lomography has one general rule, but a Lomographic society which I spotted in the internet created ten rules for lomo aficionado (see below). Anyhow, lomography’s motto is “don’t think, just shoot.” Point and shoot so to say. (A big) BUT there is no guarantee that your shots will be great; one needs the (necessary) skill to take a good shoot, using this rule.


When I was in high school I wanted to be a photojournalist, but ended up being a news writer in our school paper. So photography is one of my frustrations. Upon entering college, I focused on many things; tried to make it to a dance group in school, joined an organization of musicians’, writers and all. Basically, I forgot about considering photography as a “talent” and a hobby. Later last year, my friend urged me to buy a lomo camera, which I brought in Cebu. So my camera was first exploited in Cebu. My first set of shots is posted here in my blog but the rest is yet to be developed. Don’t have time to go to Hidalgo, the renowned place in Quiapo often visited by camera buffs, the place where I buy and develop films. One time we even met the official photographer of Imelda Marcos there, forgot the name though. And members of lomo manila (a lomo society in Manila which I am a part of) visit there to purchase stuff for their dearly loved cameras. Most of my friends, if not all, yearn to get their hands on a lomo camera (if not a dslr). I included but right now I am contented with my lomo camera, suits me being a novice in the field of photography Fantastic, it is.



The introduction and, now, the revival of lomography as an innovative way of photography created various externalities, in economic and social terms. Lomographic societies were formed both in local and national levels. An entire line of branded analog Lomo cameras was produced. Marketing of the products intensified. It is a profitable business nonetheless. The truth of the matter is that lomography is part of capitalist conspiracy, but I do not intend to discuss it here.



Giving us rules to break

Ten golden rules of lomography

1. Take your camera everywhere you go
2. Use it anytime-day and night
3. Lomography is not interference in your life but part of it (lomography is a powerful sign that u are alive)

4. Try the shot from the hip (choice of perspectives)no limits

5. Approach the object of your lomographic desire as close as possible

6. Don’t think (William firebrace)

7. Be fast

8. You don’t have to know what you captured beforehand in the film (random occurrence)

9. Afterwards either (read between lomographs)

10. Don’t worry about any rules





Funny, the last rule says that you should not worry about any rules. It’s as good as saying that the first 9 rules do not matter, or should not matter at all. Talk about giving rules to break. But that’s the catch. Lomography gives you overflowing freedom, in form, in perspectives, in everything. If it doesn’t require us to think, then it does not require a skill to be able to practice and learn lomography. When one is asked why he/she desires to have a lomo camera, the classic immediate answer would be to say that it’s the ‘in’ thing right now. The ten golden rules of lomography make you believe that lomography is a part of your life- the common concept capitalists feed the consumers with. That it is a necessity rather than a luxury. That is satisfies your well-being rather than your desire. Freedom is such a concept almost devoid in meaning. And the people behind the crafting of this illusion in lomography bank on the people’s desire to be ‘in.’ They bank on the concept of freedom as a way of life, through photography. It creates rules which contradict the freedom it preaches. Or the other way around.



Now why do I enjoy lomography, even if the film and developing expenses demands exhausting your pocket till the last peso? For a person always burdened by rules, lomography is the only leeway that offers freedom one craves to have.

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Somewhere in the middle

(The Myth of Neutrality)


After almost a year, I was finally able to attend an educational discussion which is all about contradictions. My gratitude to Leon for inviting me to join them yesterday. Admittedly, my ideological growth was stunted due to lack of EDs and partly I am to be blamed for this. The topic is timely and very appropriate (for me) because apparently I am having contradictions and problems on various matters. And tackling these issues needs a scrupulous understanding on the nature of the contradictions being experienced, which is what I gained knowledge of in the discussion. My blog entry, as you might have guessed, is about the notion of neutrality which, fortunately, was shortly discussed in the ED.



The concept of neutrality was already discredited and debunked for a very long time. Indeed, there is always a neutral ground in everything. But positioning yourself in either of the two extremes or somewhere in the middle ground is, and always a choice. Using a very sparse argument, one can always dispute that neutrality is simply not being biased for or against something and therefore will enable you to see the two sides of a coin. However, you can always consider the pros and cons while still taking sides. Who says that neutrality is evil? It is not. And it was never good either for it has always resulted to further disempowerment and marginalization of the oppressed while strengthening those who are in power. Neutrality favors the elites, the status quo. This phenomenon was best illustrated by the instructor using a seesaw. A seesaw has two extreme ends (diametrically opposed of course) and a middle point. Now put a plump kid on the other end while leaving the other end unoccupied. Try putting a book in the middle of the seesaw and imagine if it moves the bar. What’s the impact? Nothing actually. The bar did not move at all except that it contributed to maintaining the normal balance of the seesaw with the kid. In other words, it contributed to the continuance of the status quo.



I for one think that neutrality is being silent on issues. You tend to view the two sides of an issue and yet your analysis ends there because you remain neutral. Unresolved, perhaps?



At the end of the discussion, I approached the instructor to ask him about certain things that have been bugging me since last year. At one point, I felt like a devil’s advocate when I questioned the validity of a certain theory and argued about the criticisms being thrown at activists. I was relieved eventually when I gained understanding of things. Honestly, I find the discussion yesterday toxic and profound. Somehow it contributed to my ideological maturity.



Note: Again, I’m reminded of the great importance of EDs as ideological investment.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

...and i hate when things are over

I woke up this morning at 6:57 due to a recurring nightmare. Today is my flight to Cebu to attend a National Conference of Student Leaders. Last night, I was really feeling weird that I even cry. Perhaps, I am just tired.

For some strange reasons, I don't want to go to Cebu anymore. There are many things left undone.Sigh. I am so tired yet I want to do things because no one might do them. Also, I feel soooo alone. When I opened my friendster account this morning, I checked my profile to (re)read some testimonials from my friends, blockmates and important people in my life. I do this whenever I want to boost my ego because my (severe)inferiority complex is manifesting itself since last night. At some point, we all feel this way, I know. Maybe I just need company. As of the moment, Im the only person awake in our house. I haven't eaten breakfast yet because I don't have the appetite to eat. The song At the Beginning is playing--this time I think for the 10th time. The sun is now reunited with the sky, bright as ever. Sadness is oppressive. I hate it.

My days are usually tiring but still I try to find time to laugh, rest and chat with my friends. As you might have guessed, I am currently experiencing an ideological struggle. I know oppression is evident, poverty is widespread and equality remains to be a myth. But really, is there still hope? As I see it, only those who are well-off remains to be optimistic about our current political and economic situation. Have you even heard of a millionaire committing suicide because he feels hopeless for the Philippines? Of course that'll be absurd. They have more in life hence they have more options. Given the situation in our country, they are least affected. Besides, they can always opt to live somewhere better than the Philippines. (mind you, Philippines is number 87 in the ranking of the top 100 livable countries around the world). Im on the verge of collapsing. (of course not in the literal sense) Seriously, do you think there's still hope?

Anyway, there is a transpo strike today. The senate will soon decide on the UP Charter. On Saturday will be the anniversary of the passage of the tuition increase in UP (of course, there is no reason to celebrate this due to its many implications not only in terms of student enrollment but also to education sector as a whole). There are so many issues at hand that sometimes I feel confuse which to prioritize. Yes I know that local issues are manifestations of the bigger national issues.However, there are instances when one is given heavy premium while the other is left out. I wish I was Superman--this way I could attend to things easier, faster and at the same time.

Criticisms. Why do I always have to explain myself if I prefer to do this and that?--This is the line I throw at people whenever my mouth is tired to speak and when I don't feel like explaining. However, there are times when you need to speak up and explain things to people (closed minded people, you bet) to enlighten them or at the very least defend yourself. I love many things about being part of the council. For one, your social network expands. You meet different people, interact with them, debate with each other while waking up your braincells. Some of my friends and acquaintances are both politically and culturally diverse (and include their economic status as well which varies, too). I have friends who are weird, kikay, nerd, geek, apathetic, religious, gay, artist...everything you could think of. But even if we may differ in many ways, we have converging interests. I have met different government officials and even became friends with some of their staff. Usually, the speakers in our congress are senators and I will be meeting more of them in Cebu (which will include Mr. Artemio Panganiban, Sen. Madrigal, Sen. Roxas and many more.)Some may argue that you need a large social network to win in student council elections and any type of election for that matter, which I think is partly right. But also, a large social network is an offshoot of being a member of the council. HOWEVER, the thing I hate most about being a student leader is the part where you hear criticisms from people who don't even know a tenth of you and your life. Criticisms are sometimes good in order to develop and better yourself. Criticisms based on hatred is another story.Definitely, we can always argue that we can never please everyone so it's ok and normal to have people stabbing your back, (I remember a line from Eminem which says "Back stabbers are only powerful when you got your back turned.") but in my case, I really feel bad. I wouldn't want to have enemies and I find it difficult to sleep when someone's mad at me or when I hate someone. Sometimes I even hate the idea of party lines. I never wanted a political rival or opponent. I never dreamed of people staring at me funny just because I belong to a different party. I only wanted to serve.

17days more before the year ends. Often, we try to assess the year and make a resolution on what we'll do next. In other words, what will be our frame of mind and attitude in the coming year. As for me, I have yet to list the things I will aim to accomplish next year. I am looking forward to enjoying my stay in Cebu even if I know that, like usual Conferences, it's going to be very tiring.

I would also want to take this opportunity to thank people in my life (just in case I die today or any time soon).

Thanks to my blockmates who are always there to help and understand me. Thanks to my closest friends who often hear me rant and rave but still listen to me. Thanks to my orgmates who are there to offer assistance whenever Im tired of schoolworks. Thanks to my professors who have given me knowledge of the real world. Thanks to my friends whom I can always count on. Thanks to those who broke my heart and to those who are trying to mend it. Thanks to my one good friend who knows almost everything about me.Thanks to my family. Thank you!

Thanks for the memories I will cherish forever.
This year is one of the best I've ever had. I will forever be grateful to everyone.

Friday, November 16, 2007

35 Facts that Tell You You're in College

1. High school started before 7:20am, but now anything before noon is considered "early".
---> Yeah, seems like that. i even had a class that STARTED at 5:30 PM
2. Weekends start on Thursday.
---> Hahaha! Rock on! And even the gimik nights start every Thursday.
3. 6am is when you go to sleep, not when you wake up.
---> True, especially when me and my gang just left the club.
4. You know many different ways to cook instant noodles or macaroni and cheese.
---> Filipino style, Italian, American, Spanish and even DORM style, I so know.
5. Anything can be cooked in a microwave.
---> Yes, even fried chicken! Hahaha! So it bummed everyone when my dorm's microwave was unavailable for a week or so.
6. You know which fast food is open 24/7.
---> Imagine walking around Pedro Gil or Taft Avenue just to go look for a store that's still open at 3am until our dorms opened!
7. Your underwear/sock supply dictates your laundry schedule.
---> When there aren't anymore clothes in my closet but the pambahays, I know it's time to do the laundry.
8. You talk about beer pong like it's a sport. Your beer pong table is nicer than all your other tables.
---> Of course, it's a reserved table, espacially decorated with the week-old trash.
9. The standard of meals per day falls to two, sometimes just one.
---> Disagreed! I'm hyperacidic so I eat 3-5 times a day on average
10. Your trash is overflowing and your ATM allowance isn't.
---> Dear, so sad but true. *tear*
11. You wear the same jeans for 7 days without washing them.
---> Not really.
12. Your breakfast consists of a coke or cereal bar on the way to class... anything with caffeine will do.
---> I'm not supposed to drink anything with caffeine but what the heck. I always need something to wake me up even at night (Starbucks loves me so much.)
13. You sleep more in class than in your room.
---> Hahahahahah! I slept in class one time and I woke up to find everyone already leaving the classroom!
14. You see people you know you've met but can never remember their names or how you know them.
---> True. This has happened way back.
15. You've traveled with bags of dirty clothes- from dorm back home.
---> To think that my hometown is 12-13 hours away by bus!
16. You recognize the meat in the dorm soup as yesterday's meatloaf, and thus decide to eat a nice bowl of cereal - a safe bet for any meal.
---> Dorm doesn't serve any food, but some people steal my food in the fridge!
17. It takes preparation... and 3 people... to take out your garbage.
---> There're three of us in the room so whoever is irritated at the sight of an overflowing trash bag throws it out.
18. Going to the library is a social event.
---> Hahaha, I haven't gone to the lib since last year!
19. You skip one class to write a paper for another.
---> I skip classes for so many other reasons. *wink*
20. You have no idea where your tuition money is going... technology fees? I think misc.
---> First of all, tuition is tuition. The misc fees... ah... I don't know exactly why the newer batches had to pay that much, other than the fact that there was a "need" to increase the miscellaneous fees.
21. You stay up late to finish homework then sleep through the class in which it was due.
---> I even slept while taking an exam. How's that?
22. You never realized so many people are smarter than you.
---> I know. What a horrible fact.
23. You never realized so many people are dumber than you.
---> I know. What a motivating fact.
24. You meet the type of people you thought only existed in movies.
---> The probinsyana that I am, I never thought I'd make friends with models and all those TV people.
25. Printers break down only when you desperately need them.
---> No, Alva photocoying machines and the ones at AS break down when you deperately need them most. Bummer.
26. You can't imagine life without your computer/cell phone/ i-pod.
---> I have yet to buy a laptop, and I believe there is really no need to buy an iPod. But the dire need for a cellphone is unquestionable.
27. A canceled class is almost as exciting as Christmas.
---> Not really. There was one time when we had too many cancelled classes AND exams that I got tired of studying. The exams had to be moved again and again and it sucked big time.
28. Taking a nap in the library is perfectly acceptable.
--->Yes! How sweet of the librarians. We praise them for understanding the reasons behind our zombie looks.
29. Showers become more of an issue.
---> I always shower before going to school, unless I'm feverish.
30. Class size doubles on exam days.
---> Indeed! You never knew that this and that took (or is STILL taking) the same subject until the departmental exams.
31. There's always a "question kid" in at least one of your classes, and you really wish someone would just tell him/her to shut the hell up.
---> We call them "epals."
32. You become increasingly annoyed with the "old" people in class - props to them for going back to college but they generally ask really, really annoying questions.
---> I've never encountered someone who fits this description.
33. Bet you know which way “in” is not guarded in your dorm.
---> There's no other way in or out of the dorm but the main door.
34. An hour and a half of philosophy class is like forever.
---> An hour and a half of CHEMISTRY is forever.
35. You finish reading this and wonder how you can procrastinate next.
---> Dude, you'll never know. Never know.