Thursday, March 17, 2011

On Freedom and Manners

This is to exercise that freedom of speech they are talking about. Allow me to apologize ahead to those people who will be affected, in any way, by this article.

I was totally stunned upon seeing the headline of our university newspaper today. I totally understand that it is big news, and that it deserves a space in the paper. However, it could have been placed elsewhere, like the fourth page perhaps. Putting it in front of the paper in bold, big letters explicitly shows bad manners among those who are responsible for the publication of the said paper. Writing that kind of news and making it the headline story is such an insane, unscrupulous act. It is like announcing to the whole world how bad your own father is and slapping him straight on the face.

There is this so called freedom of the press, but there is also what they call manners. Without the support of the university president, the university publication would never exist. Without his approval, they will not be able to do anything and enjoy any benefits from the university. Without him, NORSU would never become what it is today. Without him, they will not be able to enjoy affordable, quality university education. Now, don’t you think he deserves even a little respect in return? Don’t you think he deserves to be supported and backed-up when he is the one in need?

Again, I believe that it is still big news and deserves a place in the paper, but they could have placed it elsewhere. I don’t have issues with the article. I just do not think the placement is right. ALL news, good or bad, deserve a place in the paper and be known by all NORSUnians. Loss of high-end equipment, especially more than one of them, is also news. Why is it not published then? Don’t they think NORSUnians deserve to know about that? Those lost equipment were acquired because of the payment made by the students. Don’t they have the right to know?

So, you see, the same question that I raised years ago still applies here. WHO WILL GUARD THE GUARDS? Freedom has its limitation, and manners should not be forgotten all the time.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Blessings, blessings... and it's God all along

Things have been going well, I guess. The things that have happened to me may not be that much, but they are enough to make people say that I have gone a long way after a year of being a part of the "jungle". Things happened very fast. I even cannot imagine up to now why and how they took place. I did not even ask for any of these things; they just come. It even seems to me that a certain force is manipulating things to work in my favor.

I really believe that I have done something good in life to deserve all the good things that are happening to me now. I admit I am not a religious person, but I have strong faith in God, and I believe that He is the one who gave me all of the things that I have now. I do not go to church regularly. I even barely go there. I have experienced being with nuns and priests, and I should say that I was not pleased with them. I know they are also human beings, but it should never be an excuse for them to do selfish things or talk ill about other people. But despite of that belief, God still showers me with so many blessings.

"Do not chase success." That is one of my favorite lines from my favorite movie ever. Chasing success will only leave you breathless, but it will lead you to nowhere. I do things not to attract attention or get renumeration for them. Had I done so, I would have gone full-time to my job that pays good and not bother teach and get a few pesos every hour. Indeed, when you focus on excellence, success will just chase you. Talking about success is still too early; but if things go on as I planned them, I will surely be able to taste it.

One of the greatest things that God has given me is the ability to manage my time well. Not too many people are given the ability to manage their 24 hours daily effectively. With the many things that I have to do in my waking hours, I am truly thankful that I do not miss a single thing. Every weekday, I wake up at 6:30 or 6:45am and spend the next eight hours in the office. I go out at 5:00 or 6:00pm and spend the next two hours with my friends and loved ones. At 7:00pm, I start with my articles. I have to finish them before 11:00, so I get to sleep for at least 7 hours. Saturdays are my MBA days, and Sundays are for lessons preparation, studying and hanging out with friends. I didn't even know how I survived with this schedule. I kind of get used to my old, more flexible one.

My plans for the summer are already weaved. My Saturdays and Sundays will already be occupied with other things, including the articles and website for the long-time planned venture with a few friends. I hope this venture will become a hit, and when it does, I am sure I will be able to find a spot for it in my schedule. Finishing my MBA is another one of my big plans. So help me God.

Things have been going well, I guess; and I hope they will continue to be. God, the world, everybody has been very good to me. I hope I'm doing the right things to give justice to all the goodness and all the blessings that I receive.

Thank you, God. I know it's You all along.