Four Generations

Four generations of Green Media Group VP-Externals. Taken at GMG's GA for T1, AY 2011-2012, Y405, by Frank Francisco.

From Ayis to Cee to Memzie to Arlene... Lahat may side bangs swept to the right. Lahat dumaan sa braces. Above all, lahat maganda. :)) Number one yun sa job description and contract. Haha!

Like what Arlene said, I'm so glad to have been a part of this lineage of responsibility, commitment, and dedication. :)

Slack No More!

I am a student. I am an artist. I am a leader. In all, I am a student-artist-leader.

Being a student isn't much of a choice, when I look at it now. I have to get quality education to be able to achieve at least the practical things in life, with convenience. Being an artist... Well, I'm not the conventional artist you have in mind; not even the one I had in my mind! Being part of a media and production organization under the office that advocates culture and arts made me an artist in my own terms. As William Ernest Henley wrote in Invictus: "I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul." Whether or not my student organization decided that I was leader material after all, I am a leader in more ways than one. In the end, they did decide that I could lead; so lead, I do try.

Given all those, I should at least be at my best always. Don't get me wrong, I try.

It frustrates me that I only realized how a slack I've become (thesis-wise) after my thesis group got approved on the first reading. Sure, it was all overwhelming at first. The happiness was like drugs, I tell you; not that I do drugs at all, haha! Anyway, the happiness, I think it sent useless fumes to my brain and told me to hold off everything about thesis. Time wasn't wasted at all anyway when I focused on my only class for the term. That went well, too, so it's all good. It's just so frustrating that we had a three-week (or so?) head start for research and all that paper stuff!

Now that the storm's gone (literally; goodbye, Juan and Katring), everything seems to be calming down. Things are falling into place, one by one, the way it always does! I just hope I don't let opportunity slip away again. Like what David said this afternoon: "When the opportunity's there, you just have to get it!"

So farewell, slacker vibes! Leave me be! Come to me, productivity!

Not[e] Worthy

As of this morning, Typhoon Megi (bagyong Juan in the local term) still hasn't let up. It's been raining since I woke up. See, I don't have any class today and I could very well choose to sleep in and revel in the cozy confines of my room in such a weather. But I have engagements: with groupmates for a class presentation; and with the office where my organization is under for the quarterly quality check. So instead of sleeping in, I had to wake up really early so I could cope with everything I need to accomplish today.

A note, like one in the photo below, indicating an early hour is a staple accessory in our household. I leave it on the dining table where my mom could easily see it. I know, I've heard about alarm clocks but is it my fault I'm such a heavy sleeper? Haha.

Sorry about looking wasted, I can't help it. I've had too many sleepless nights. Haha. And about my hair (I love how I let it dry without having to brush it)... Well let's just say that I hurried out of my pajamas before I completely go lazy and postpone my school responsibilities (doubt it, though). After a quick shower, five text messages said that classes were suspended by 11:20 AM, as CHED says 12:00 NN. Who knew I had to get back into my pajamas as fast as I had to hurry out of them.

The note was useless. I could have slept in, had I only known! *SIGH* Life goes on.

Champorado for lunch. How neat is that!

Overdrive

My life, academic and extra-curricular, is on overdrive. It seems like every aspect of living in this now is pushing me too hard. I know my limits, I respect it. But my responsibilities do not recognize its presence. How much more do I expect these responsibilities to respect my limits? In fact, I don't expect anything from it at all. I have no problem with that. It's the people who abuse these responsibilities who give me the headache. This is not insubordination; I just wanna say it, and perhaps reassure myself, that I am a sane and logical human person. I will do what is expected of me to the best of my abilities. But I just wish that people would realize that they've been pushing too far and hard against my self-imposed limits.

I'm on a cliff. It's exciting to be where I am but if I ever decide to jump off it, leave me be. Don't push me. Let me go on my own terms.

Since I'm on the topic of drive... We sold the car. I still don't have a driver's license. Relevance of photo? Nothing. Just something for me to remember it by.

Word Vomit II

• I haven't been updating lately.
• Guess what, I have devised a time management scheme that I think should work for my crazy schedule. I hope this one works. I haven't been staying up late for useless internet stuff anymore, that's a plus? But not so much yet because I have still been staying up late reading. Not a big plus, still, cos it doesn't quite hit the goal's bull's eye just yet. I've been up reading old books from my humble shelf. It's good that I'm using my time to widen my vocabulary (again, after a long while) and sharpen my wit (some more?) with reading. I hope though, that this becomes a habit, only that it applies more for academic readings.
• I miss my class on Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Already. We've just started the second leg of the GREATWK (Great Works) triad and I miss it already. Time to reconstruct my mindset from Classical Music to nada to Neuroscience. Let's go, Antonio Damasio!
• Philosophy is not my thing. I mean, I like the idea of philosophy; I like "philosophizing" things (if I may say such); and I like philosophy's concepts. It's really interesting. However, I have to admit that I'm no longer amused with taking a Philosophy class for the third time when my program curriculum requires only two. Go figure. I like my class, though.
• Baking Life, a game application on Facebook, has been a great proxy for my unpleasant habit. It takes up precious time, but it keeps me sane. But it doesn't take the place of my food binges.
• I feel the weight of my responsibility for my organization and it's heaps and heaps heavier than ever before; so much more than what I tried to foresee before I took the challenge.
• I enjoy blogging. A lot. But I am yet to master my time management scheme before I may be able to blog regularly again. I think I waste so much time on this. Don't get me wrong, I love what I do.

001 to 100: DLSU Centennial Countdown Celebration

SKIP THIS PART. Not important. Proceed to photos. Thanks. Haha.

I had a humongous role and an extremely easy task. What could have gone wrong? Unfortunate circumstances, that's what. The effect of that mishap wasn't a major disaster, I think. But of course, having done productions for quite a time now, I knew that it wasn't excusable. Once the production/show/event has started, there never can be room for mistakes. Enough vagueness, it isn't helping.

Overall, the program was a success. It wasn't an ordinary program; it marked the day that De La Salle University counts down to the University's 100th year. I'm very drained. This entry is ugly; it falsifies my knowledge and competence in the field of writing. I don't normally write this way. La la la.

After the countdown, I was literally a walking zombie. So here are photos:

A photo from last night during the one and only technical run that the entire production had.
*HINT* My simple task with an enormous role: Babysit and guide our La Salle Greenhills representatives, Kevin and Roniel. Photo taken from inside the sacristi of the Most Blessed Sacrament Chapel.
While the show had been running smoothly since the flash mob dance, Stage Manager, Sir Brad, takes a breather and sits with the Lasallian Youth Orchestra. Congrats, Sir!
Countdown done! Time to party! (Look at all that confetti. I've never seen so much in my entire life!)

© Meryl Algenio 2010

WE ARE ROCK SOLID. I love you, EB loves. ♥ All drained but all smiles, still. (I just noticed how forced my smile is. Eckh. Haha.)

© Andrew Pamorada 2010

We are the Green Media Group. We make things happen.

Sold!

I feel like I sold my soul to the devil.

And for what, experience? Credentials? Training?

It doesn't matter why or for what because I am here now, wallowing in what I call a consistent stream of responsibility. I'm not complaining because I can't do it. I'm not complaining because I don't want to either. I like responsibility. It keeps me busy. I like being busy because I hate being idle. Otherwise, I could live being idle all my life and I wouldn't care if I went nowhere.

Here's the thing. I am ambitious. Admitedly, I am OC when it comes to things that I think will interfere with my usual routines; or with things that require a lot of patience, because it tests me until I'm ready to break away; or the things that I lack knowledge and interest in.

I have not an inkling of doubt that I have an attention span worse than a baby gnat's. Once my eyes gloss and glaze in the middle of a conversation or an activity, boom! Sorry, I'm out. Zoned out.

Anyway, enough segue.

I think I just needed to let this all out. I'm not sick of my responsibilities, don't get me wrong. Like I said, I like having responsibilities. Sometimes it just gets too heave for my arched back and my neck can't take the pain. Oh, but one thing that I love, though, are words. Thank God for words because they lift me up when I feel like everything has buried me deep into my stresses, insecurities, and doubts.

In a very strange way, I think that words buy me back from the devil. Piece by piece.

On Responsibility

Recruitment week for interested student applicants of the Cultural Arts Office's performing and student support groups officially ended today. Interview sessions for each pool started today with Green Media Group.

It's only the first week, the first (supposedly) no-class Friday, and I spent it in school. And guess what, my first Saturday of the term will be spent in school as well. I didn't have much time for anything else but classes, extra-curricular work, and more responsibilities for the organization.

The old me would have given up already. But I'd like to think I'm a different person now. I took this responsibility to be the leader of the group, and so I should stay committed. It is only fair that I do, especially that in such way, I can prove (more to myself than to anyone else, really) that I actually give a shiz about what I do.

To get things done, all it takes is effort. To keep going sans the sanity, dig deep and resurrect the passion. In all, passion fuels the human soul. (Even when the soul desires otherwise.)

Hello, Senior Year!

It's the first time after an entire year that I'm taking up a major class again. It's my last academic term in La Salle to have 12 units, which is already the minimum required number to be eligible for the Dean's List. I am more than determined to make it to the Dean's List this term! I can do this, I know I can!

Speaking of things I can do... Today marked my first Green Media Group recruitment activity as its head. Together with my co-officers, I think we made the first recruitment day a success. I hope that the creases decrease (pun intended) as we go through this week. Here are some quick snapshots of our booth located at the Central Plaza:

Okay, good job, Carlo. Hahaha!

Everyone's baby boy, Juris!

Oh, and there's this new eating place and it's sticking out like an eyesore at a place like Agno. *SARCASTIC* I mean, a place like Agno (don't get me wrong, I love Agno to bits!) doesn't deserve such a fancy-looking food joint like the Castro 810 Cantina:

To the tune of If We Ever Meet Again Jay-Z intro: "What's some fancy joint like you doing in a place like this?" Hahahaha.

And to end this entry with the happiest note EVER, a pleasant surprise from AJ! A box of Panda Chocolate straight from Beijing! Best pasalubong he has given me ever!

Will die for pandas. Will die for chocolates. Combine, and I'm double dead!

Election Day, Momentous Day

MOMENTOUS. I can't say that I have waited for this day with excitement for so long because I have been apathetic until last night, as I filled out the Sample Ballot that COMELEC mailed to each registered voter.

On TV at 6:214 AM. I feel so giddy! Not over Atom Araullo! Giddy to vote, dummy! Hahaha!
Dad and Mom locating our assigned cluster precinct room at the La Paz Elementary School.
I feel so grown up! I can finally vote for change, betterment, or whatnot for my country. Or maybe I really should be feeling that way cos I already am grown up. Hahaha. So my parents and I arrive at the voting precinct at 6:45 AM and a woman was already arguing with screaming at a teacher/Board of Election Inspector about not being given any priority. First come, first serve, yes, but if you can't show the tiniest hint of respect, even for yourself, then don't bother. She wouldn't stop, oh my God. Can't blame anyone if I'm clustered with registered informal settlers, right? Anyway, this is me waiting beyond the queue...
I didn't plan on cutting but I didn't have to line up all the way because my precinct made its own system to keep things calm and collected after that incident with the loudmouthed woman; we have service numbers! Haha.
An hour and about 15 minutes later, I can flash you the dirty finger! >:) Hahaha! And a dirty thumb. ;) It's all worth it though. I think I had an awesome first time because I didn't have to wait hours and hours to get through the ridiculous long lines and insane heat. It pays to be early! ;)
It was a great experience! Social classifications, discrimination, and all other boundaries were broken because today, we vote as an ordinary Filipino citizen. Today, I did my part. I love my country, and this is what I can offer. I continue to pray that my one vote can make a change.

My Tiny Contribution

In the previous entry, I had this spiel about taking on the world as the stage instead of the other way around. That's in the light of me being a "student-artist" because of my affiliation with my organization in the University. In simple words, I dedicate my leadership for social awareness and change. My generic but sincere life goal: MAKE A CHANGE. Regardless of size and intensity, make a change. I know that it's not a student-artist's priority in life, but as a leader, I believe that it's one of the most essential things one must value. After all, what value is there in one's craft if sense and sensibility does not go beyond that?

Before I get too deep and philosophical (if I ever do haha), I think it's about time that I start my tiny contribution for my society, and maybe, if I'm lucky, to the world at large.

[Okay, this just in. I can't find that video file that Meryl and I did for our WRIMULT (Writing for Multimedia) final project. This is so frustrating. I've been searching for it in my hard drive for more than an hour now. I might just have to give up... For now. I'll replace the video as soon as I get the file from Meryl. *SIGH*]

Disclaimer: This is a project for class and isn't meant to be distributed for public use. The use of "La Mesa Ecopark" and "A Project of ABS-CBN Foundation" are copyrighted (or something like that) and I am fully aware of that. Again, it's for a project. And in my degree program, Organizational Communication, we usually just assume a client organization that we're communicating for. (Isn't my course just the best! :D) Besides, I'll take this down as soon as I find the right file, and of course, edit out the copyright infringing part. :)

On Being Hopeful

I am back from total internet hiatus. Last week was intense! April 20-21 and 23-24 was Cultural Arts Office Executive Board 2010-2011 Leadership Training and Teambuilding Seminar. CAO LTTS, for easier reference. Haha. It's my second year to participate in such activity, only that I'm elected President now, and last year, Vice President for Externals. Now, the only reason that I divulged such terms on this entry, because I normally would prefer to be vague, is that I feel more hopeful of what this incoming school year could bring.

I am more in touch of bigger responsibilities, or so I think. Or would it be more apt if I said, I have the biggest responsibility? Hmm. As GMG alumni and funny man Jino del Mundo said to me some time in March, I think it went like this:

Congrats, Cee! You're the mommy of the group now. You're first in line when the shit hits the fan. Good luck!

It may sound snide or sarcastic. But it doesn't sound as bad, really, especially when you know him. It's actually a great advice because it would always remind me of the responsibility at hand. ANYWAY.

We had this commitment sharing on the last day of the teambuilding seminar. We were to create an artwork reflecting our commitment as officers of the organization. We came up with this:
It's an impression of our workplace, the Teresa Yuchengco Auditorium, or TYA, as we fondly call it. It is shaped into a sphere to represent the world. Contrary to popular belief that the TYA is GMG's world, I strongly oppose this statement because I believe that it's not enough. To those who know me as me, I'm all for change and non-conforming. Not that I plan to deviate from the norm but I think that I, together with my co-officers, can make a significant change. In the same way that we do our best to create a beauty in the success of shows we produce on stage, maybe it's time that we carry out these endeavors in creating a better world, by saying instead: The world is our stage. Deep, yes. Long way to go, yes. But it's a start! ;)

I have high hopes for this year. :)

[Both photos courtesy of Meryl. Thanks, sis. :)]

Academic Emancipation

And after today, I might not have to. Well, academically-speaking, at least. My last academic requirement met its flat line this morning. However, I have tons of other things to accomplish. All the tons of other things, thanks to GMG for this responsibility; a window of random chance to keep my brain from being idle.

[Photo taken from I-forgot-whose-Tumblr.]

Taking The Wheel

Today wasn't my usual class-chill-stat-hangout-MIA-chill Thursday.

I drew this on my best friend Joh's nape, see? CUTIE! I think I wanna be a tattoo artist if worse comes to worst. Bahahaha!

I took the wheel tonight and boy did I drive! (Haha, what?) The Green Media Group had its last general assembly for this school year and it was awesome. Hehe. Well, generally, maybe not really that awesome, but it was to me! It was the first time that I presided a general assembly. It was nothing much, really. It's just like talking in front of a class, telling them about your plans and all other agenda. It was cool.

Two weeks ago, the Executive Board for the next academic year was announced. Tonight, more brave souls were summoned to the call of leadership and responsibility: the Pool Heads for GMG's six unique pools.

[L-R] Incoming pool heads for an awesome year ahead: Frank (Hosting), Hannah (Creatives), Raj (Production Design), Celine (Coverage), Robin (Scriptwriting), and Joan (Audio-Visual Production).

Outgoing (and proxy) pool heads and incoming pool heads!

Outgoing pool heads, incoming pool heads, plus the executive board! We are gonna have an awesome year, loves! ♥

Going through a transition phase yet again, and this time, I really should take the wheel. Note to self: In everything that you do, DFTBA! (Don't forget to be awesome!)

The Future Started Today

Responsibility is something I've always had, but it wasn't something I always chose to deal with. Sometimes, random circumstances tweak the way your life was supposed to go... Or at least how you wanted it or how you planned it. It's all a matter of recognizing priorities and acknowledging what's urgent and important.

Today marked the beginning of a future (I hope will be) filled with surprise, excitement, new insights, new learning, and maybe a bit of healthy stress. Haha! Come on, I'm not being pessimistic; it's all part of the job. Pressure will always be there to create stress, eventually. Just a reality check. Haha.

Today, the gods have spoken. Haha, what gods? I have one and He's the only one I got.

I know and I believe my Father loves me, He never leaves me.

My Father's Child
(A gospel song I learned back in grade school.)

I am more than scared than confident, which isn't such an advisable start. But the more that I think about it, I am constantly being reminded that there will always be my GMG mommies and current co-executive board members who I can run to when all is set on rocky ground.

Outgoing and incoming EBs.
[Photo courtesy of Joan Guinto]

All geared up? Good to go? Let's do this, darlings!
AJ, Meryl, Mimi, Sheila, and Angge... WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER, OKAY? I believe in us! :)
[Photo courtesy of Joan Guinto]

Green Media Group - Second General Assembly,
AY 2009-2010, T3 | Y505

Photos, photos!

Coverage Pool!
[Photo courtesy of Joan Guinto]

So, here.
[Photo courtesy of Meryl Algenio. Thanks, sis. CONGRATULATORY!!! Haha!]

*** EDIT ***
So just to give you more than just an idea, haha, I've been to vague, yeah? Haha. I was elected as the DLSU Green Media Group's President for the incoming school year of 2010-2011. There. Whew. It still feels a little weird to say (or type) that. La la la. :)