A Penpusher's World

Technology has indeed offered us a lot of things that are very much useful in our daily lives. Throughout the years, the technology that we have developed and become more and more advanced as time goes by. There are lots of things that have been the product of the modernization and advancements in our technology. But is this thought enough to get rid of the possible flipsides of the use of these technological innovations? Think again.

Lately, the news of the automation of elections has been the most talked about political issue in our country. It has been said that we will abandon the traditional way of voting and we will have a fully computerized one. If that is the case, how sure is it that no hocus-pocus will happen at the time of elections if it is said to be fully automated? They say that it will make the process easier and will lessen human interference and that the possibility of the popular “electoral fraud” concept will be eradicated. But is it all of it that we should take into consideration? Machines are just things made by humans and if humans commit mistakes, how much more with machines? Last February 8, 2010, it has been shown in the news that the printing of the ballots that were said to be used in the elections has been in jeopardy because some of the printers did not work properly. This is an imminent threat that something bad might just really happen at the time of the election proper. If you are not yet convinced that it might just be really bad for us, here are other things for you to consider. First, the machines that will be used for the elections will need programming. Even an average computer course student knows this. When it comes to programming, who makes the programming? Humans do it. Now, the problem is that it is easy for a candidate to act below the radar and cannot be seen to bribe the one doing the programming. You might say this is impossible but for a desperate candidate, nothing is impossible. Second, computer hackers are very much aware of the said elections. The problem lies on the fact that COMELEC will use the internet in transporting various data from all over the world.  Computer hackers might just get into work and can penetrate the system and even worst, manipulate the results.

Let us not forget that we might get few benefits while in fact, the bad side of things might just be a handful. There is nothing wrong in going with the flow of modernization but did you seriously think that these machines, produced by technology, can really eliminate the problem at the source? With the problems mentioned and the possible consequences, are you willing to risk the future of our country just because you think these machines will really help us? Think again.

“Another closet corrects the cry.”

Well done is NOT better than well said. Sure it is said that action speaks louder than words, but why don’t we pause on that thought. Have we not realized that by saying this phrase it can already be considered as “well said?” and how can you say well done when no action is made? There are areas and achievements where there is no action taken, like in a debate; a speech of good will and morale booster; a prayer for hope and well being; a vow of everlasting love, these are but a few examples of words are used not action. And most feats are started first with a statement before doing an action, so in the first place it is already a well said before it can even be said as a well done.

By Denise Leann R. Tomines

Living a monotonous life is indeed a big joke, and I’ve no plan to live mine that way. It’s always nice to take a break from the chaotic world you live in and plunge into the wonders of the world. Relive the past, feed your mind with the different cultures, explore and refresh yourself with the new setting.

The dreamer that I am, I do hope that I would make at least 90% of the dreams I’ve envisioned for me, come true. Who wouldn’t want to travel around the world? … But the question is, how and where? Never mind the fact that the idea itself may empty your pockets, but the experience you will acquire from this will be priceless, I daresay.

Where? There are 7 continents, 195 countries to choose from—now that’s gonna cause a major headache. Anyway, I’ve managed to narrow it down to three.

Bonjour!

France is definitely one of the most interesting countries for me. I’ve read about it on books and articles and it just made me wonder what it would be like to be actually standing at that place right now. Still, France is a big country. But there’s a certain place that captured my attention the most. RENNES-LE-CHÂTEAU, a medieval castle village in the southwest of France. I first heard about this place on discovery channel. The topic was about the truth behind The Da Vinci Code—a world famous book and a very controversial one, I’d say, written by an American author, Dan Brown. The place is controversial for I’ve read that a resident of the place, Father Bērenger Sauniēre, found proof that a secret society really existed,—the Priory of Sion. This controversy itself is enough to arouse anyone’s curiosity, and it certainly aroused mine.

Annyong Haseyo!

I love everything about Korea. The people, the food, the country itself. Although I find it quite hard to study their language, I still adore them. I’m a self-confessed KPOP and KDRAMA fanatic. I’ve watched 20 Korean movies already and a couple of TV series, I download Korean songs though I’ve no idea what they’re singing about. Their culture is really interesting, especially the CHANGDEOKGUNG PALACE—the principal palace for the kings during the Joseon regime. The palace itself is often seen at Korean TV series about historical pasts. The palace is simply majestic.

Ya Ssou!

I’m a movie-and-book freak. I guess I can’t deny that. One of my favorites was the movie “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” both 1 and 2. It’s about a pair of pants that miraculously fit each of the for friends, though their sizes aren’t of thr same measurement. One of the four was Greek and so a lot of scenes had to be shot at Greece, SANTORINI to be exact.

Living in Greece would be like living in Olympus. The houses were all painted white, their means of transportation was a donkey, the beaches were divine. This is the place to relax. Watching the sunset was the climax, the rising of the moon was the happy ending. A perfect view to end a wonderful journey away from home.

I know that saying “Bonjour!” or “Annyong Haseyo!” or “Ya Ssou!” would mean glee. But a traveler cannot travel forever. Besides, our country has a lot to be proud of. I know I should say “Kamusta?” but hey, “WOW PHILIPPINES!” is still the best, and im not gonna be tired of saying that.

I-BS HM B

By: Jesue Bryan Abella

One of my dreams is to visit fascinating places with ancient ruins and enchanting history, and if I’ll be given a chance I’ll tell you the three places I want to visit.

First on my list is Rome in Italy, we all know that Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world because of its ancient ruins and sophisticated infrastructure. One of the famous land marks in Rome is the Coliseum where in the slaves fight for their lives to survive the furious way of life. The Romans called them gladiators.

Second is the City of Lights, the fashion center of the world- Paris in France. Paris is the most romantic place in the world; thousands of couples come here to have their honeymoon and enjoy the view and feel the soothing sensation of the city. In the second thought can I have my honeymoon here in this remarkable city? Why not…..

The last on my list is NASA or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in the U.S. This place is where they conduct their experiments and inventions through highly advanced technology. NASA is first to flight space shuttle in the moon, The Apollo 11. Imagine the technology, the people behind the success of science, the break through. The eager minds that won’t stop to give us information about the outside world.

There is no verge in discovering…

NASA is the pioneer of advance technology, it is mind blowing, I can’t imagine how I will feel just inside NASA’s facilities. How I wish…these three amazing places are the spots where I want to visit if given a chance.

I-BS HM B

By Jeanet Maramba

All places in the world were made by God perfect. Many places in the world are full of beautiful places and wonderful natural resources. I wanted to go on all of the places in the world if I can but we all know that it’s impossible. So if I will be given a chance to go in any place, I think the good choices will be Japan, Korea and America.

First of all, I wanted to go in Japan for many reasons. First, I wanted to see Mt. Fuji. I’m interested with the shape and the snow that covers its land. Second, I wanted to see the beautiful blossom flowers that fall in the ground. Their different colors and smells make me more interested in them. The blossom flower for me is very meaningful. It signifies purity and freedom. And of course, I’m amazed with the Japanese in their talent of doing anime. Most of the anime aired in the Philippines are made by the Japanese. They were very dedicated and skilled in their job so the result of their project is successful. And last but not the least is sushi. Many tourists were very amazed with their favorite dish. The sushi is very famous in the world as “MOST FAVORATE DISH IN THE WORLD”. I wanted also to taste it to prove if they were right.

Second, I also wanted to go to Korea. I wanted to see all of my idols specially “Jun Pyo” and “Jan Di”. When I first saw them in T.V. in their soap “BOYS OVER FLOWER” that’s the time I became their fan. And that was the day also that I wish to God that if I got a chance, I wanna go there. I wanted also to see in person “Kim Bum”. I am a very fan of him. When he smiles, I’m so very attracted to him. And every time I saw his commercial, I can’t take my eyes off him. I’m very obsessed with him. And I wish that as soon as possible, I can go there and meet him in person.

And lasty, America.

I wanted to be in America to experience White Christmas. As a Filipino, I wanted also to try the tradition of how Americans celebrate their Christmas. I wanted also to go to America just to relax. In my observation, Filipino who visits America for vacation, works or others, when they go back to Philippines they were very fluent in American language. So, I wanted to go in America to be fluent in their language so that I can communicate to them with confidence.

By Jamaica Ferrer

I don’t know if my existence is worth living for. I’ve already tasted the agony of life, but why it won’t stop? Can’t you let me taste just for awhile the ambrosia of life? Why it had to be like this? Ceaseless pain! Though I don’t want to, it will always nurtured by me. Every night I couldn’t sleep. My heart is already wasted. Every drop of my tear counts, leaving a fathomless ocean. I wish I was never be me.

Ever since I was a child, I wanted to have a fairy God mother just like in fairy tales, a few waves of their wands anything is possible. Then I could wish to be somebody else. But if I were not me, who am I gonna be? Of course, fairy God mothers are worthy; they would never let me down. I am thinking I will have a better life if I were not me. I’ll be a legitimate child who has a beautiful and complete family. I could earn the 5A’s that everyone wanted to have; the acceptance, appreciation, approval, affirmation and affection. Unlike in reality, I am still craving for it.

But if I were not me, then I would never know the people I love most in my entire life. This fact made my eyes leak. Seriously, I suppose I must say, I love who I am coz I am what I am. And I am very glad and thankful for that. I am very grateful in every enigmatic dilemma I encounter; being vulnerable, because I struggle hard to win the fight and in return I am growing stronger and stronger.

So if you’re thinking of being somebody else’s life, you should not. If I were you I would stick to my real self and would just change my immoral standpoints in life to be a better person, to have a better life. And would just be thankful to the most powerful and king of all king’s, our Lord God who created me as me.

I-BS HM-B

By Noel A. dela Cruz

Before I start my plans and daydream ten years from now, we should pass the different stages of life. And of course god created us to be challenged and to pass the mission that all humans do to prove themselves before God to be ultimately be with Him someday. For how many nights I was thinking of this chance, a chance to express what I want to be. Could I be somebody someday? Most of us must start in from small beginning and grow steadily on. It is only in digging a well that one starts to dig from the top and work towards the bottom.
For me time is gold and those who are earnestly struggling to go ahead know the importance of this saying. No one is young enough to think seriously, plan seriously, so I work seriously by my own to attain my goal. I always think that there is always time left to accomplish the big things in life. Yes, time does not exhaust its source but I can never be sure that it will all be ours for spending. Ours is a borrowed time. The great giver might claim us tomorrow, tonight, or at this hour.
I will be making mistake while I’m still young. So I better go at life early to allow for such period of trial and error
from my past I grow up and become a dependable person. I may be able to learn how to manage myself. I have learned to form good habits. One of these important habits is “punctuality”. I arrange my time schedule for the things that I have to do. I follow this schedule faithfully. I set a certain time for my study periods at home. I go to bed at fixed time and wake up also at a regular time. I am old enough to help in house hold task, so I also set a certain time to do the duties assigned to me. For all of this experience I’ve been developed because forming time habits is a very useful way of developing my body and my mind for successful work someday.
Ten years from now I aim to improve the condition of my living. It is a good thing for a poor boy like me to think and work hard and will someday have a comfortable home, my even home with a happy family and circle. Simple, but that’s how I envision my future ten years from now.

I-BS HM B

By Ariel L. Salvador

Most of us want a good future in life. Some people are dreaming to become rich or millionaire someday. But for me as a student now, I’m worried if I will be able to reach my dreams in life. Since our family are experiencing financial crisis, I ask myself how I can achieve my future dreams. What will I be ten years from now? My eldest brother has a family to support their needs. So I prayed and asked help to our almighty God to help me to fulfill my dreams. And He did. With the help of our Vice Mayor, I was given a scholarship to attend college. I promise to myself that I will be studying hard to become a good chef someday. There is a saying that “Our good future is in our hands”. I believe in that saying.

Ten years from now I will be a successful chef. Maybe I will have a big salary, a big house and a great car. I will also help my sister to study in college, support my parents’ needs. I will give a quarter of my salary to the needy people. Ten years from now, I will plan to build my own restaurant and raise a family of my own. I will also help our neighbor who is seeking a job. Ten years from now, I will buy our own lot because we are only caretaker in our cousin’s lot. I will also help my other cousins who are needy like us, and also our friends who love me.

Believe in the power of your dreams. Dream, believe and survive. Be confident to yourself and increase your self-esteem. But most of all, pray.

I-BS HM B

By Joshua Zaire L. Mabanglo

Each of us wants to experience a new kind of excitement like discovering new places, games, adventures, foods, etc.; and maybe if we were given a chance to explore a place that we want, you may say “Thank God, You give this to me.”

If I were given a chance to visit three places the first one would be Corregidor because I dreamt to be there since high school. You can see the historical places like Malinta tunnel, historical vehicles like airplanes and tanks as well as historical equipments like guns, swords, grenades, knives, etc.; that were used in the past World War II. The second place is Palawan where you can find the Palawan Underground River. My aim is to go there and experience the excitement, enjoyment, relaxation and peacefulness of my mind and body in seeing the beautiful formation of stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave travelling in a boat. The Palawan Underground River is one of the candidates for the selection of the New Seven Wonders of Nature.

The third one is Egypt because I want to see the sphinx, pyramids and most of it the “Tomb of Pharaohs’.” Besides Pharaohs’ tomb, I am very eager to look at the tomb of King Tutankhamen. He was laid in a coffin that is made of pure gold. You can conclude that Egypt in the ancient times has the sign of being a rich country. King Tutankhamen is the youngest Pharaoh who died during a particular Egyptian era.

Dreaming something leads someone for his development as a whole being— intellectual, physical, social, moral and emotional aspect because dreams help us develop and discover anything that we wish for. They make us become stronger to face the unexpected. So let us dream and believe in order to survive.

BSHM I – B

By: Ayvinel B. Domingo

If I were an animal I were a cat, sometimes I’m wild & angry but deep within my heart, I’m small but amazing and fabulous even if I don’t show any boldness like a dog…

I have noticed that what we appreciate the most about cats is their entertainment value. It is easy to understand why we treat our pets as members of the family. We invite them to our homes, feed and groom them, and take them to the vet when they are not well. Our pets have feelings & emotions and many are similar to our own…

Nowadays, we don’t think much of a man’s love for an animal; we laugh at people who are attached to cats. Like the cat, I know how to follow the advice of the person who is taking care of me. I have bright eyes. I have the sense of hearing & sense of smelling. I learn in different ways & know how to understand in every possible way…

I BSHM B