Entry 10: Positive and Negative Traits: Key to a Better Me

Everyone has their own traits, whether it is negative or positive. As I assess myself, there are positive traits that I want to keep. Being well-organized person helps me to focus more and to avoid stress. Also, I always make sure to finish my "to-do" list, even if it takes midnight to accomplish everything. Another positive trait I have is being optimistic. Even though something bad happened, I still look for its brighter side. I know that in every situation that I am in has its good purpose, not just for the sake of myself but for others. However, there are also certain traits that I want to change, especially the negative ones. One of them is being lazy. I just feel like I'm always tired, even though sometimes I didn't do anything. Also, I even talk without thinking sometimes, that it's unpleasant for someone. But as I grow up, I realize that it is important to learn how to think first before doing and saying something. Because every people you are talking with, has different personality. Some may be sensitive, some may not. Not all people can adjust to your personality, because you are the one who should adjust. These realizations are part of growing up. And as we continue to grow up, it is important to be aware of ourselves because that's the key to a better us.

Entry #9: Book vs. Movie: Which is Better?

We all have different source of entertainment. Some prefer watching movies, and some prefer reading books. But let's take a look to both sides. First one is reading books, which is known as an inexpensive entertainment. It is necessary to enhance your vocabulary skills, as well as your focus. It improves your creativity, since it gives you complete information that you always come up with creative ideas. Like an exercise, it stretches your memory muscles which helps to improve your memory. On the other hand, movies can also benefit you. Some of the movies nowadays are about social issue, which helps you to become aware. Also, there is a so-called cinematheraphy, which helps treating depressed people. It relaxes your mind in a way that you don't have to think unlike in reading books. However, movies are based on director's point of view to the story, that some adaption of books are different from its movie. So, from the two, what do you think is better?

Entry #8: Importance of Personal Development

One of the subjects that students have, is the Personal Development or known as Values. Some students may not see its importance just like the 'major' ones that we know. It helps us to become self-aware. We need to realize that knowing ourselves is the key to everything—to be able to associate with other people and to know our career someday. It gives us sense of direction, that it makes our mind clear to what are the thing we want to achieve in life. Decision-making is now easier. It also motivates us. It helps us how to become tougher and how to deal with the challenges in life. And one of the most important thing is that you can build intimate relationship with your family and other people. These are only some of the importance of Personal Development as a student, as a human and as a citizen of our country.

Entry #7: Communication Process

Communication has a process which helps to make it effective. It consists of components: the sender, the channel of communication, the receiver, and the feedback. First, a sender encodes the information. Next, the sender will choose what channel of communication to use in order to pass the information, it could be in a written or in a oral form. Then, the receiver would receive and decodes the information. Lastly, the receiver may provide a feedback to the sender. This feedback is the sign that it is effective. And that's how the communication being done in a process.

Entry #6: Senator Santiago: Outstanding Politician

The person that I consider outstanding in politics is our Former Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago. Her achievements, excellence, patriotism and the honor that she gave to our country are the reasons to call her as a pillar in Philippine politics. She is known globally because of her 'legal brilliance' and 'courageous' in fighting corruption. Also, she is the first Filipino and first Asian who elected in United Nations as judge of the International Criminal Court. She was chosen as laureate of the Magsaysay Award for Government Service, equivalent to Nobel Prize in Asia. Named as one of "The 100 Most Powerful Women in the World" by Australian Magazine. To name few of her academic excellence, she earned the degrees Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude; Bachelor of Laws, cum laude, from the University of the Philippines; Master of Laws;  and Doctor of Juridical Science, from the University of Michigan, United States. Another reason is that, Sen. Santiago holds an amazing record of excellence in all three branches of government – judicial, executive, and legislative. On her third term, she has filed the highest number of bills, and authored some of the most important laws. That's why she has been called the incorruptible lady, the platinum lady, the tiger lady, the dragon lady, the iron lady of Asia, the queen of popularity polls, and the undisputed campus hero. These were only 'some' of her achievements. She will be remembered in Philippine history for being genuine hero of her people.

Entry #5 – Rain on the other side

It was Tuesday morning and was our break time. We were eating our foods while sitting on the benches beside Centennial Gymnasium of Manila Central University. The clouds seem darker on the other side of gym compare to the place we were in. As we noticed the sky, it became our topic while waiting for our next class. Hoping for a suspension on that day, but instead, something unusual happened.  We saw how rain poured so hard on the other side of gym, as if there was typhoon. Simultaneously, there was no even rain on the place we were in for at least a minute and sun peeked instead. Everyone was amazed that time. It was my first time to be in a place where it feels like you are between two different worlds. Though it’s a little thing, it matters because I love rain. And that’s how I witnessed two different weather on the same time and same place.

Entry #4: That's What Makes Philippines Beautiful

                Inside of an oyster is a pearl that is truly precious and special. Just like a pearl, Philippines can be described in the same way. From its beauty and strength, it perfectly symbolizes the country. Let us try to enumerate the reasons why Philippines is beautiful. Brace yourselves and get ready for a journey that will surely fuel your wanderlust.

                Philippines has 7, 107 islands and has various landforms that provide resources, including valleys, mountains, volcano and caves which can be used for agriculture and mining. Beautiful beaches like Boracay, and even one of the 7 wonders of the nature--Puerto Princesa can be also found. It is also surrounded by water, this is why fishing becomes one of major industries in the country. In fact, it is known for having the largest fish, smallest one, and even the most expensive seashell. In addition, it is home for diverse range of birds, plants, animals and sea creature.

                Not only the country itself is what makes Philippines fascinating, but also the people. Aside from having a fair complexion, first, they have a unique combination of Malayan, Chinese, Indonesian, Spanish faces and other races since they are once colonized by them. Second, Filipinos are still able to smile even in the midst of problems. The bigger the problem, the more faithful they become. Lastly, they are hospitable, family-oriented, and  they value relationships with other people.

                Filipino cuisine is also what makes their culture unique. Balut (duck embryo), dishes like Adobo, Sinigang, Afritada, Kare-kare, Tinola, Pancit Palabok may also included, which some of them are brought by Spanish and Southeast Asian influence. Meanwhile, Filipinos celebrate an annual event like fiestas which are related to their beliefs or religion. Bayanihan is also included in their culture, where the unity of the community is being expressed to achieve something. Besides, respect especially to the elders is really important to Filipinos, that is why children says ‘po’ at ‘opo’ and even do ‘mano’. Finally, one of the cultural sign of the Philippines is cheap but windy jeepney, where you can ride, carrying 16-20 passengers.
                As can be seen, Philippines is beautiful in its own and different ways. Only here in the country will make us feel that kind of fun and enjoyment. Philippines is not just a place to travel or visit, but also a home for everyone. Here, it will make us realize that there are other things to be happy about, more than a money can do. Choose and visit Philippines for an unforgettable destination and try to experience the real fun adventure!