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.

This insanity ends here!

Dear Person Concerned,


I want to begin my days anew, with the thought of becoming the person I want myself to be. I want to experience something different in my life-- something that I think is right and could make everyone around me happy. I want to learn form the real world-- from the words I read, the sounds I hear, the things I see, and the touches I feel. I want to live again... this time, without the thoughts of you.

It has been quite while since I lived my life freely-- free from worries and fears, free from doubts and insecurities, free from you. Now, things already fell to their right places. All those questions I've been holding for so long are finally answered. Now I know where I really belong.

Life is a journey filled with many choices, and the challenges and choices that I have now, helped me find the dreams that I know are meant true for me. I know what my heart yearns, but I also know that it's better for me to follow what my mind dictates. Forgetting about how I feel may be such a great task, but I know anything can be accomplished if I just set my mind to it.

It was such a great experience. I've learned so much from it. Now, I'm stronger and I know I can handle things better. I just want to thank you for sharing with my vulnerabilities and making me feel loved, even for a short time. Thank you for all the realizations. It's so funny how both of us realized different things at the same time.

Now, it's over. I called it stupidity before, but I realized later on that it's a blessing from God. May you try to search for a new perspective, lean towards understanding, and find happiness that lasts. You deserve the best in life. You just have to be willing to work for it, no matter how long it takes.

And as for me, I'll go on with my life. We both know that I'm stronger than you are, so you don't have to worry. I'll be right here, in case you need somebody to talk to. Let's just continue with our dreams. The world is such a wonderful place, and we are so lucky to be part of it.