Sendong was coming to town

Sendong was coming to town

By: Ernilda Lalaine S. Uy

Before the year ended in 2011, the Philippines experienced a massive disaster which caused by the typhoon Sendong which hits in Northern Mindanao, the Visayas and Palawan. According to the news, it was stated that Sendong brought more than a month of average rainfall within 12 hours. It happened during December 17 and it was 2 in the morning where the flood starts to climb in the whole city. Many house and families was destroyed, Many people died, and their source of living were all gone.

During that time, I was peacefully sleeping and having some rest in my own bed, the feeling that the Christmas is near, I was excited to my plans and hang outs for the coming day, while those families was currently in the middle of their tragic death praying to still have hopes to survive. When I heard the news the next morning, I was exhausted and felt guilty to what I am experienced versus to what they’ve experienced. I can’t even imagine seeing our neighborhood’s roof like a paper that will stumble due to the strong wind and heavy rain, when actually in Mindanao, one of the house in the city was carried by the flood.

In our country, we have been experiencing several calamities that really test our hopes and belief in God. To what happened, I’ve realized that the country must prepare to avoid for more further accidents. I've prepared some things to do when there is a typhoon or any calamity the may come, some of my guidelines where learned by reading some newspaper, internet, and journals which they tackle about the different suggestions and tips in order to survive when a tragic typhoon comes. When we heard that we’ll be experiencing calamity in our country, especially when your city is one of the targets, we tend to panic during or before the disaster. For some, they get harmed not because of the typhoon, but because of our carelessness. We should remember that when it happens, we should calm down, that, will I guess we’ll avoid further tragic that can happen. In some cases like having strong winds, we should check the possible flying objects such as light metals, woods and other dangerous things that could harm us. Sometimes, typhoons stay for long hours to recover or to stop, and we could experience extreme hunger, we should bring extra food and some clothes. It is necessary to indicate those because sometimes we need to leave our house and be asked by the rescue to be on the evacuation area. It is a common sense, on my opinion, that we should stay away from those areas like beaches, tides can go higher and can destroy surroundings or any other infrastructure. And as a Christian, or any religion would have, we should also pray for ourselves and families that whatever happen, in the end of the day, you and your family are complete and hope that everyone will survive to the calamity also for the tragedy to be ended. These things would not be save you from any harm, but for me, with this way, this could possibly help you in surviving from the calling of death. In addition, according to Matthew 24:22; when distress and anguish cometh upon you; as they did at that time with a witness, when Jerusalem was besieged by the Romans: what with the sword of the enemy without, and the famine within; together with the vast number of cutthroats and seditious persons among themselves; it was such a time of distress and tribulation as never was from the beginning of the world, nor ever will be.

This should be a good lesson for all of us working towards a better world. I guess to what happened for some people who had died, especially for those ones who helped to save others but still they ended up killed in the tragedy, was resigned to the fact that they were going to be die. They got enough time to think of their love ones, people who have faced the life without fear whatever the consequences of death, was a good people who was content and appreciative of the life they had. Rest in peace to all the victims and more blessed life to have for those who survived during those terrible days.

Merry Christmas Ma'am Candice :)

Suggestion

As communication is very important in every aspect of our lives and also to a country, it was improved and developed to produce better and clear communication. The advent of Mass Media.

The existence of the printing press in the Philippines is very useful and considered as a great necessity in bridging the communication of government and the citizens. Newspapers were the go-to medium of information before, to know the different updates and status of the country. Second medium introduced to Philippines that gave impact on us was the radio. Radio successfully launched and produced great deal of information needed by Filipinos. After radio, television arrived in the system of communication of the Philippines. It was considered as the most influential medium to promote culture, tradition, products such as good and services, and also some campaigns. It can influence a person because of the combined audio and video that was shown in the screen. It is easier to make a person believed on how things made of because of its characteristics (audio and video). In the 21^st century, internet bombarded the world for new ways of connecting and communicating with other races of life. Gathering of news and information made easy by the use of internet. It is a new dimension of world where you can disseminate or share stories, facts, ideas, and also concealed political interest.

Talking about political interest, politicians are using Mass Media to communicate to a large number of people to have a tremendous impact and influence on politics and political socialization. It was a technique or strategy for them to be known and to establish their reforms and plans for the country. Mass Media plays a significant role in the progress of our country. It should be independent on its own and not engage with any politician to pursue personal interest. It is essential to be a medium that should be used properly to disseminate accurate information and sincere at all in telling the views of truth.

I would like to suggest that in spite of the awareness of the politicians about politics, be politically mature in making decisions and be a God fearing person, willing to help his community without hesitation. I would also like to imply a good and clean turn-over of position. Just be contented when your turn ends and be happy for the next elected official and let him do his best to serve the nation. For media, be true as always as possible and even practicing freedom of speech, there is always boundaries and limitations.

Assessment for both media and politician. Be a responsible citizen and having a great power and influence also entails great responsibility. So be careful of everything that you’ll say and do.

SAY IT WITH CONVICTION!

SAY IT WITH CONVICTION!

by: CECILIO RONQUILLO

ABMCB4B

Every day we hear different news, stories, and controversies in connection with our present emerging society, what I mean is the issues and the irregularities in our Philippine Government. Through the years, we are very surprise by the news about the corruptions like the ZTE Scandal, over pricing of the automated ballots, as well as the irregularities in the voting system and many more.

As part of the duty of journalist, they should inform the public on the transactions made by the government, even if it is a bad one. Journalist serves as the watch dog of the government and should be accountable on the news that they deliver, but what if there are people who wants to control the news that you are disseminating? Are you still willing to serve the public in informing them the right news or just work because there is compensation and control the news to protect someone?

In Article III Section 7 of the Bill of Rights states that The right of the people to information on matters of public concerns shall be recognized. Access to official records and to documents, and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions , as well as to government research data used as basis for policy development , shall be affordable the citizen, subject to such limitations as may be provided by the law. In return the journalist should provide truthful information to public despite the fact that the journalist is in the midst of controversies as

well as his/her station, they must stand on what they say, because it is their duty and they responsible on the news that you disseminate to public, say it with CONVICTION!. A journalist doesn't choose for his/ her news, they should deliver it with all his heart regardless on the people who control the news. If you think that writing news stories is your passion then we can just only now consider this as your profession, if not, you are just only follower of others mind and you are not a journalist. As what Ms. Maria Ressa of ABS-CBN say “Stand up and do jobs well and the Filipinos will benefit because we will help build a better nation with more transparent processes”.

Fight for your right

by Maria Lourdes Clare B. Nogoy
ABMCB4B, CEU Manila


We all have our rights, our human rights. Even though we are politicians or just an ordinary average person, we have that something that we could fight for and its all up to us if we are going to pursue it or just leave it like a trash.

CJ Renato Corona, appointed by our former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

CJ Renato Corona, giving his speech

About the Impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona, though I am not Pro-Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, I can really say that there was an injustice when it comes on signing the documents because as they stated, it only took them 30 to 45 minutes for them to sign it all. Well I guess, you can't blame Corona for fighting for everything he worked hard for. He even accused our President that he is a dictator and that is why the President wants him out of the government. And so Corona said that he is willing to fight for everything and for that matter, I admire him because he has that courage to give a remarkable speech like that wherein he really talks with his heart and blessed to have his wife beside him as he go through all this matter. 


On the other side, speakers of PNoy said that our President is not dictating. But who knows what might happen next. If he really is a dictator is this because he don't want Corona because he was appointed by our former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and he wants his own for him to control things? 

Last wave as he finished his speech

Well, all I can say for now is that Corona got that fighting spirit, fighting for his rights and willing to defend himself on court. Its just so unbelievable to have all those signatures without basis of reading the documents, its stupidity to sign a document that you don't even read. Some says that you might get out of your position if you don't sign, so is this imply as a black mail? 


Well, let's just the let the nation see the issue of this. Let's all hope for the truth because after all, only the truth will prevail. 

A Great Journalist

Journalists are the people who made the people see what is happening on a real world,

they are the eyes of every one of us, we should thankful on them. Their job is very delicate to

them mostly if it is inside the private life of a government official but they don’t mind if it is can

harm them or not. Remember the Maguindanao massacre? The victims were the media, the brave people who only thinks what is right and to spread the wrong doings of a corrupt government official made them suffer. They are the true brave people, they are one of our heroes.

Letter by Maria Ressas was inspirational it is written there that every journalists are don’t

think anybody’s good private life, they don’t think if they are writing about their boss or the very big boss “The President”. I believe that if every journalists was mindset as what Maria Ressas did I think the corrupt officials of our nation will see by every Filipinos. A true journalist is not bias they don’t think if their article is against their network or office, they telling what is truth and what are the bad treatment of their office, if their article is a big hit for a big corporation or person, when their article is very critical to a government, and that we can say they are the true eyes of our nation, who serves as fair and not thinking about the goodness of their bosses or a big person but serving as the truth and for the future of our nation.

I think if every journalists are like Mrs. Maria Ressas, our country will be good as other

country with good government officials. The bad system of government will not estabilished, the

government officials who use their power will be punished and all in all our country was good as

other country or maybe better or if goodness conquer our country I think we will become the bestin the world.

Jordan Asor

WHO ARE YOU?

Class,  PLEASE use your whole name in the class blog. 

This is stated in the Blog Guidelines. 

Posts will not be considered if you don't rename your usernames. 

Goodluck on your exams and Happy Holidays!

Thank you

”Different beliefs, Different People, One Unity"

Alintog, Ma. Christina B.

                   We people have different beliefs in everything that was happening in our lives, we also have different opinions when it comes to Politics, superstitions and etc. Because of our norms. But even we have different insights of everything, we still have at the end of the day the word “Unity” and that was a very good attittude that Filipino’s have.

                 I learned that I must respect the Beliefs of other people, so that they can respect mine too,  learned to listen on what they want to share to us or what they wanna say about their opinions, suggestions, comments and everything… so people also may respect yours too, it is not difficult to follow right? And as what I’ve learned, being a Good Leader is a Good Follower also.

                 I love having conversations with different people around me, and sharing their experiences and Listening to them was really a worth it thing to do. Because when you start listening to them, you will know things that you expect, unexpect to heard from her/him and most especially you’ll learn from those. I also love asking some personal issues in their life, and luckily when they are giving me some informations, I really kept that as for the two of us only.

                 Religion is not the same with Ethics, because Religion is your way to connect with God, while Ethics for me is the way how you act, how to treat people around you, my behavior, and etc., some people find religion close to ethics, but for me they are not. I am not a Catholic, But I respect the people who have their other religions, because according to my Pastor, Religion is not really important, the most important is how you connect with God, how you worship him, how you say thanks to him, the connection between You and God is the Most important than any other religion.

                  Just to end this short essay of mine, I am just saying that even we have different Religions, even we have different beliefs, norms, and etc., we still must have the Respect, Love, Acceptance and Unity that every Filipino’s I am really sure Have. J

MEDIA in ME

Jamellie P. Guerrero

When I was a kid I used to talk and act infront of the mirror. Acting like I’m a reporter like every kid their age. Then when I’m on my 4^th year in highschool my grandfather told me that I should take up MASS COMMUNICATION because I do fit becoming a reporter. And yes I go after what my late grandfather wants me to take. I’am now a masscommunication student of Centro Escoar University.

At first I thought being in this course is a waste of time because what I really want is to become a doctor.  But as time passed by I’ve learned to enjoy my course and my school as well. I’m loving my course especially when I get to make a film, learn about photograpy and now Im an intern in radio veritas, where I realized that I really want to be a broadcaster.

I always have a heart doing public service and in veritas I found where my heart belongs. I’m not about the money or fame. All I want to do is to serve people especially those who are less fortunate or innocent victims. just like what Maria Ressa says “I don’t manage them because they are not the interests of the newsroom. We are a newsroom run by journalists, and our end goal is to hold the government and the private sector accountable for the public good.” by what she said I want to apply it when or if ever I’ll be working as a reporter. A good reporter will not and never be afraid to tell the truth or broadcast it. As media practioner, We should be accountable for everything we’re goin to say and do. Responsible enough to handle the truth and be the voice of the people or better to say voice of the TRUTH.

Reading her article open up my mind and heart that I should do what my heart wants to and be someone that not money or power will control me but the TRUTH.  Qouted from Maria Ressa’s article again “In order to do that, we journalists have to first hold ourselves accountable, making sure we protect no vested interests. If we do our jobs well, all Filipinos will benefit. If we do our jobs well, we will help build a better nation with more transparent processes.” I do agree with what she said. Because doing our job RIGHT will help our nation to get better and be a land of hope. 

Once a Journalist, Always a Journalist.

(A Reflection regarding Maria Ressa's "We Are Journalist First" article)

Marie Elaine S. Cruz

            After I have read the article, the first thing that comes onto my mind is that, Maria Ressa just wanted to say to the public that they are just doing what their job is and not to protect someone or something because the public has the right to know all the information about the happenings around us. I agree to Ms. Maria Ressa when she said on the article the statement “If we do our jobs well, all Filipinos will benefit. If we do our jobs well, we will help build a better nation with more transparent processes.” It is not only them who will benefit from it but also the Filipinos who are innocent. If we all have the right to information, then we can lessen illegal acts of the higher authority which can lead to political illegal issues for example, corruptions.

            I can’t help but admire Ms. Maria Ressa for what she has said on the article. She is a journalist and it is her duty to tell the public the issues between ABS-CBN and Meralco and the Arroyo Administration. Even though she works for ABS-CBN, she still strongly told the public the issue about it. She was right when she said the statement “We are Journalist first” because although she works for ABS CBN, it doesn’t mean that she will protect the station. She’s just doing her job as a journalist.

            I believe that as a journalist, you should maintain your credibility. You should be aware that the public will trust all the words that will come out in your mouth and especially all the writings that you will write because you are the only person that has the power to tell them all the issues that they the right to know.

            The article made me realize that, in our field, it is much important to prioritize the rights of the public to have an access to information especially if it is all about political issues. Let us not make the public be blinded with it. It is our duty and responsibility to open their eyes to what they have to see.

Thoughts on democracy in the Philippines

Thoughts on democracy in the Philippines

The state of Philippine democracy has once more become an international issue. And I believe that it’s not the first time nor second time that the Philippines struggle about these issues, maybe we are asking what issues? Well it is all about corruption, dirty politics, crime etc. and it’s really hard to accept that our country filled with these negative issues. As far as I know, Democracy is define in political science as a form of government that is “for the people, and wherein the people RULES! But how come that our government that exist today used their position just to get what they want, and they just made themselves richer without knowing that there are thousands of people who starved to death, and people died without having any justice for them.

In the Philippines, some mediocre thinking Filipinos are fed up with an illusion that after the Marcos Administrations through a woman whom they call “the mother of the democracy” in the Philippines which is late former Philippine president Ms. Corazon Aquino, the Philippines has now become purely democratic country, though I think it is not. But having the historical Edsa revolution is a wake up call for all of the Filipinos during that time, it made us realized that even if we are ordinary people and don't have any high position in government, we can still fight for our rights and use our freedom through the camaraderie of the people, and because of the Edsa revolution it made us prove that we can all unite and fight for our democratic country. But seeing our country nowadays makes me think that principles can be sold by money, politics that surrounded by corrupted people and unresolved crimes. 

However, I do not say that our democracy is weak but if we just work on it and put some changes in a good way I think that there will be some changes, and most importantly we need the help of our president Noynoy Aquino to execute any plans for our country and trough this it will bring peace and harmony in the Philippines. And through prayers maybe we can save our country, because nothing is impossible with god. 

There’s nothing to fear except fear

Ma. Yllia Yriarte

We’re all afraid to fail, we’re all afraid to be humiliated by our wrong actions, believe it or not, we’re all afraid of our hidden character to be driven out, that can express much more of our movements. Our utmost fear has something to do with our expansion as a human. Through this, some would find out their damaging behavior that leads them to violence.

It is a threat a force of our inner voice that would have suffers us in silence. Some people has a fear of having their decision, some would think that their decision may lead to greatness or another mistake. I am not writing for those who are constitutionally fearless, but I have in mind all who do yield to the feeling of fear. Our ideal, however, is not a mere animal courage, not the courage of insensibility. It is rather the courage of the whole man or woman making for the white life.If you are only partially yourself, you cannot possess the highest courage. Such courage may be yours perfectly, if you will but resolve for the goal and go on into the great ideals of the harmonic personality. As a student I may fear that I may fail to be effective, feelings are so tough and convincing to man.

I may or may not conquer all my views that can be another phase to pursue my desires but One’s should develop the attitude of winning and it takes a lot of fears before we have a response to our “what if’s”. Our lesson last Saturday was somewhat a comparison of how reasonable person I am. We have different point of views in which reflects us as an individual. Some says that they agree in a particular situation but some disagree. Life is teaching us to face our fears thus ignorance is one factor that hinders us of being free to fulfill our dreams. Fear is teaching us to be strong and how to be competitive in any manner or way. It is also a desire, an energy that gives them the fuel to reach their true potential.

Facing fears is a total presence that sustained for the fulfillment of our goals. The passion within us as an individual is to achieve and has been so deeply fixed, that their mental power is motivated by this force and will not let them do anything other than achieve. Fear would always be fear not unless you overcome it. It’s a never ending cycle that never gets out of our system. It may be negative in a way, but it will lead us not to give up but rather take it as a challenge.

It's Your Choice

It's Your Choice
by April Jude Villanueva

Media is considered as one of the most glamorous profession. Given the chance that you will be part of the media industry, it can be your greatest advantage because of the influence that you can acquire from the different people in both Private and Government sectors of the country. But for me, that is just the bonus part of being a Media, because the greatest opportunity that you can acquire is having the power to deliver news to the public and earning their trust in a way that they will listen to what you are reporting and believe that it is accurate and true based from the news story you have gathered.
But in every good attributes that the media industry can offer, there are also flaws and defect. Specifically the fairness of every news story, the angle of the way it strike, and sometimes the pressure from the network owner and the different private sector.
As a Mass Communication student and future Media Practitioner, I know that I’m still not that fully equipped to the reality of the Industry that in the future I will be part of. After reading the article of Ms. Maria Ressa entitled We are Journalist first, I was able to reflect and realize how big is the importance of a person Ethical point of view and how it can altered our decisions as individual and as Mass Communicator.
In the article of Ms. Ressa, I really admired her statement "if we do our jobs well, all Filipinos will benefit because we will help build a better nation with more transparent processes.¨ I admire her by the way she defend ABS CBN in a professional manner. Especially that she has a high respect on every right of the Filipino people to know what is happening in our economy and making them understand according to their mind standard and that they deserve to know what are the stories in front and behind the camera. She also used her influence in a good way and for the benefit of the Filipino nation and that proves that she's a Good Communicator with good Ethics both Life and Work.
My article is entitled Its Your Choice, because I want to have my own stand in the importance of our choice and how it can cause bad nor good effects over the situation. As a part of audience we have a choice on how we will interpret the message and the news. Even if we don't like the Anchors or reporters we have the power on how we will understand the message of the News Story. That's a right that no TV Network can get from us.

A wake up call

Lora Dana Tajonera

In the present time, media is quoted to be dirty as politics. That media personalities are protecting names from the government for brive, and for their own safety as well. And i guess this is what the article of Maria Ressa is all about, that not all media men are the same.

“We are journalists first”, quoted from Maria Ressa’s article. I really think that what’s she’s trying to say is that not all the journalists are alike, that there are still journalists who live to their pledge which is to deliever news with pure honesty. Maria Ressa stressed that she wanted to deliver the truth behind the stories of the Lopez - Arroyo administration and the stampede that took place on the set of ABSCBN’s program Wowowee, even if these could affect the reputation of the network she’s working at. The point is that the name of the company you’re working for doesn’t matter as long as you know that you are not working against honest broadcasting. She claimed that being a journalist should be the first in line rather than covering up for your boss, or maybe for your own good as well because as a media person, you work for the people and not for any big boss of any network. This is a reminder that being a journalist is not an easy job, because behind the glamour of what we see “on cam” are crucial scenarios that journalists are facing “off cam”. Every journalist should be true to their pledge, because after all, this is what being a journalist is all about: bringing and uplifting the ugly truth to the nation, to be a watch dog to the wrong actions. This is a wake up call not only to the media persons, but also to the public. Journalists are also human beings, we aspire to bring people the best stories we can and to be honest at all times. But reality check, people make mistakes and no matter how hard we try to be perfect, we cannot please everyone. I think every aspiring journalists should read this, to make them realize what kind of track they are about to take, the risks that they are about to make upon fulfilling their dreams as a media person.

In this article, aspiring broadcasters like me are shown how important ethics is. Not only media ethics but our core values as humans with equal rights, because in such corrupt world, temptations are everywhere and we must strengthen our beliefs in order to be fair for everyone.

Up and About for the Jungle World Around!!

Sherry Ann T. Devera

      Every time people would ask me, what course I am taking, though they were expecting it is nursing, (maybe because they were deceived on how I look) still, it was more surprising for them to learn that I am a mass communication student.

We Filipinos are known for the democracy we have shown and remarked not just in our country but in the world’s history. Mass media played a very significant role in becoming what we are right now, indeed, democracy combined with mass media are the most powerful force in our society nowadays.

As I enter college life, I was pleased by the uplifting reactions and positive feedback on the path I am taking. I was full of hope and idealistic on my future then. But that was before, eventually, with the everyday experiences, stories I heard, lessons I learned and the day to day realities I am encountering, my ideal world full of hope, integrity, and smooth sailing happiness turned out to be a jungle of interconnecting issues, problems, and huge challenges that you need to overcome to obtain what I’ve been aiming ever since.

I have learned that life is not that easy, that media industry nowadays are not the one I thought of, it’s not just about glitz and glamour, not about truth and justice, not about criminals sent to jailed, not about the IDOL-material of the politicians, but it’s all about the truth that lies beyond everyone’s eyes, it’s about business and survival of the fittest.

My professor once told us that after graduation, with the exposure for the real world, there can only be two ways we are leading to; first, to be just and fair, avoid a lot of temptations and inspired life by all the things we have learned inside our classroom, and the second one is to become of what we never thought we could be; the sad truth that most of the media practitioners nowadays are dwelling with, the money/anomaly track, the people that has been swallowed by the dark side of the media industry.

Now, is this also part of the democracy? This might  be really confusing, is mass media really friends with democracy? That the most powerful force composed by these two, really friends with us?

Then, my another professor said, these things, (the sad reality) is inevitable part of the industry, we just have to balance everything, since we all have to feed ourselves, but not let to be gulp down by these dark side that I was saying.

Having exposed in the real world realities and mature enough to realized what I had been tracking on these past years of my life, I can say that no matter what, I’ll still be hopeful not just for my tomorrow but for the future of the industry, I will chose to be one of those who will stand for what I knew was right, the first path that my professor told us, that’s where I’ll be. I know I might sound idealistic, but I know I will make it, if I can’t change it, I’ll avoid temptations that will doubt me as a REAL media practitioner. I’ll be part of the media people not just by title but also, I am by heart.

Work by Heart

Jasmine Jaramillo

I am a college student and almost ready to take the world outside after graduating as a Communication Broadcast Journalists. Whether we like it or not, we will all face the same conduit, take the job and experience different impediment, in my case in the Media industry. In the workplace, I know there are lots of responsibilities that I should learn and countless things to unlearn. These things include what Maria Ressa wrote in her article "We are Journalists first" that pertains to the people judging their work whereas in fact they go through a dangerous yet clean path.

A work of being journalists is not easy as what other people think that it is just about researching and writing. Some say being a Journalist is easier because it has no computation or any other math problems, but I should say that being Journalists do not stop on just writing. Some high officials especially in the government think less of the profession of being Journalists. They thought that they can control those people behind the Media industry in exchange of what they call the "Envelopmental Journalism" that is an envelope contains money from the politician for their spotless name to the public. Of course some of the Journalists are not favor with this kind of system while some still divert to this so called "good will money" or "payola".

Being Journalists takes not just your intelligence, but also your heart to write what is authentic and comments on it without being biased. You are responsible on what you are writing so we must put in mind that it is not just about the reputation of those people we have as a subject while writing, but most importantly, it is about our reputation as a Journalists trusted by the people. We chose this kind of career so we must take control of it by being responsible and by writing by heart for heart. Who knows, we might inspire readers by our writings and produce good Journalists in the next generation.

Nothing Beats the Truth

Maria Patricia Nuguid

Before I started reading the article, I had the impression that from the title itself, it maybe all about professionalism. And as I’ve read the article, I’ve understood the importance of always keeping in mind what your job is all about. And in order to do that, you should always be objective, not subjective. But it’s always easier said than done. Being a journalist, you should know where you stand, what your role is and make sure you professionally do it.

However, its still part of the package that some are not in favor when journalists are doing well and being less biased in their jobs. People who still tend to create more stories to complicate more issues. The messages of the Maria Ressa in the article are clear and are not that uncommon anymore because this kind of issue has always been criticized. I think if you are a journalist, it is inevitable to encounter this problem about being biased regarding an issue concerning people you are connected to.

Also, I think it’s significant to understand that it’s never about pleasing everyone or anyone because that is entirely impossible and definitely not a journalist’s job. There should always be that sense of acceptance that people will never be satisfied but that should not affect the right principles that journalists should have. I’ve understood that the public can pick their side to believe in but journalists should remain transparent because nothing will beat the truth. Finding out the truth, disseminating it to the public, being a credible journalist; those are not easy. Journalists demand for the truth because it’s their job, not because they wanted to deteriorate the other parties’ reputation.

As a Mass Communication student, this is a very important point to understand. Entering the real world of media, broadcasters and journalists, we should really be prepared by expecting the worse but remain professional at all cost. Right now is the time to know what really is my stand and the proper place where I should stand along with what will be my role as I determine my specific future career.

Media sa Pilipinas

Marck Abarintos

Media. Pag binanggit dito sa ating bayan, maraming nasasabi ang ating mga kababayan. May ibang sabik maka-kita ng media dahil may chansa silang makita sa TV o marinig sa Radyo. Mayroon ding takot dahil alam nilang may lihim silang naibunyag at nariyan ang media para magtanong sakanila tungkol sa mga bagay bagay.

May mga nagsasabi ding ang media ay masama. Bakit? Dahil ba ito sa iilang mga reporter na tumatanggap ng suhol kapalit ng magandang ibabalita nila tungkol sa isang Mayor na tatakbo bilang Senador sa susunod na eleksyon? Dahil ba ito sa na-sagi ng isang Reporter ang asawa ni Mikey Arroyo ng sila'y kinasuhan sa kasong Tax Evasion? Masama ba talaga ang Media? Bakit may mga pulitiko na takot sa propesyon na pinasok natin? Siga ba tayo?

Parang hindi naman. Sa katunayan, ang Media sa ating bansa ay nakaka-awa. Parang may lisensya tayo.. pero expired na. Wala ng bisa ang pagiging malaya ng pamamalita dito sa atin.

Dacer-Corbito, Maguindanao Massacre.. 2 lang yan sa daang-daang kaso ng mga brodkaster/journalist na ninakawan ng karapatang mabuhay. Bakit kailangan nilang gawin ito sa ating mga kasama sa Media? Natitiyak ko, hindi rin malayo na mangyari sa akin ang nangyari sakanila pag-dating ng panahon at kung mangyari man yun, ayos lang para sa akin. Isang karangalang mamatay ng nagawa ko ang aking tungkulin bilang isang brodkaster/journalist.

Wala na sigurong lunas ang sakit ng Pilipinas.. Sa pag-kitil sa buhay ng mga taong nagsisilbing boses at imahe para sa mga pilipino.. Umaasa parin ako na bababa at balang araw ay hihigpitan ang seguridad nga mga brodkaster/journalist.

Tayong mga Brodkaster/Journalist, may sinusunod na Media Ethics. Sana meron ding "How to Treat Media Personalities 101" para sa mga tatakbong pulitiko.

Bahala na..

"Ang lubid, itali man saking kamay ng iyong itay, magsusulat ako hanggang buhay, handang managutan ng hininga sa kulungan, di mo man lang natulungan, ako'y masama, bulung-bulungan.. Putulan man nila ako ng dila, nasa mga artikulo ko ang kulay pula ng bandila.."

JOURNALISM AT MY BEST INTEREST

Albert Kevin Yalong

“With great power comes great responsibility.” As told by Uncle Ben to his nephew Peter Parker in the film Spiderman, a quotation that’s making all of us do the right things for a right direction for the right usage of power.

Journalism nowadays has been a cohesive yet the most risky world of Media, but through this forte, we will have an autonomous authority by the power of speech, yet we must learn how to limit ourselves, every part of this profession has its own dangerous threat to all of us, whether you like it or not, it is to me the best interest of the people. Would you believe it?

Being a journalist or broadcaster was never really my dream, when I was a kid I wanted to be on TV, to be on the limelight, dancing, singing and acting with all of my idols and to be my fellow colleagues in the future. That’s it, a dream that turned into reality yet in a different world.

That’s when I shifted to Mass Communication from being a Management student; it was a tough decision to me yet a big challenge on how can I reach my full potential on this course and how can I overcome all of my tribulations. And finally it turned out good to me.

Journalist isn’t for the weak-hearted people. In this career you must have the guts to present what is right and wrong, and in every action that we make, we must learn how to take responsible of that act and how can we defend the credibility of the news that we deliver.

Journalist tackles all stories and chopping it one by one so every readers, viewers and listeners knows what’s behind every issues and through this, they tend to made a suggestion too as an individual on how can they prevent all this type of problems that we encounter in our day to day lives.

As a graduating student of Mass Communication, it is an honor and a prestigious duty to be a part of this field; I cannot say that I will be great in this career, but through this influential profession, I will learn a lot, by having enough courage to deliver the stories and not to be biased, by motivating myself, and to get all the best interest of the people, especially me. J

Responsible Journalism

Roxanne Angeli Bagdoc

"We are a newsroom run by journalists, and our end goal is to hold the government and the private sector accountable for the public good. In order to do that, we journalists have to first hold ourselves accountable, making sure we protect no vested interests. If we do our jobs well, all Filipinos will benefit. If we do our jobs well, we will help build a better nation with more transparent processes."—Maria Ressa

Being a journalist is never easy as it may seem. There are lots of responsibilities attached as part of being one. Such issues will drag your name at stake but it is indeed your principles that are important, that you know how to offer the truth to the public without actually being biased and that you protect nothing but your credibility by being transparent in everything that you will unleash.

I was once a journalist. Truly a hard job for me being one of the editors in our school publication when I was in high school, lots of assignments to do and tasks to perform. You need to cover these and that event or activities for news writing, you do feature writing, editorials and aside from that you copy read and write headlines. It’s not that easy though I like doing it for it is my passion and I love what I’m doing. This is what I would like to say that being a journalist requires passion, a heart for serving. As I read the article “we are journalist first” by Maria Ressa one thing popped out on my mind that being a journalist that stands for the truth despite the issues that have been thrown. For her strong convictions and principles I commend her. That’s the role of a responsible journalist.

Being a journalist should see common good as their end product or goal, it is indeed upon doing your jobs well and looking forward to build a better nation with more transparent process as stated in the article.

Accordingly, stepping the rights of the other, concealing the truth and/or releasing information which is not true just for the benefit of the other will hinder us in moving forward to build a better nation.

I hope our journalists and the future ones who are next in line should take the role and responsibilities as one of those who will lift the standards of being a journalist with principles and convictions as Maria Ressa herself did that thing. We are held responsible for whatever we do or say but we, like journalists should also be held accountable in whatever story that we write. We should practice the things we acquire in our school especially in the subjects that taught and will teach us about such things.

Ethics in Human Life.

Princess Sanchez


         Be responsible in every action that you make. Take a stand on what you believe. Every individual has their own opinion and that we need to respect it as we want them to respect our own opinion. Ethics is not about your emotion but about actions taken toward something. In every decision you make it as a corresponding consequences, its either good or a bad consequence.

            Each of us has our own beliefs in life. These are formed and developed in our daily life as we live. Different people mean different personalities.

          “Ethical virtue "is a habit disposed toward action by deliberate choice, being at the mean relative to us, and defined by reason as a prudent man would define it." Each of the elements of this definition is important. Virtue is not simply an isolated action but a habit of acting well. For an action to be virtuous a person must do it deliberately, knowing what he is doing, and doing it because it is a noble action. In each specific situation, the virtuous action is a mean between  two extremes. Finally, prudence is necessary for ethical virtue because it is the intellectual virtue by which a person is able to determine the mean specific to each situation.” -Aristotle's Ethics Summary

       Ethics is the branch of study dealing with what is the proper course of action for man. It answers the question, "What do I do?" It is the study of right and wrong in human endeavors. At a more fundamental level, it is the method by which we categorize our values and pursue them. Do we pursue our own happiness, or do we sacrifice ourselves to a greater cause? Is that foundation of ethics based on the Bible, or on the very nature of man himself, or neither?

       Ethics is a requirement for human life. It is our means of deciding a course of action. Without it, our actions would be random and aimless. There would be no way to work towards a goal because there would be no way to pick between a limitless number of goals. Even with an ethical standard, we may be unable to pursue our goals with the possibility of success. To the degree which a rational ethical standard is taken, we are able to correctly organize our goals and actions to accomplish our most important values. Any flaw in our ethics will reduce our ability to be successful in our endeavors. --by Jeff Landauer and Joseph Rowlands

(http://www.importanceofphilosophy.com/Ethics_Main.html)

The moment i met them: ETHICS and APPROACHES

Chastel Iry Dizon

IT WAS ABSOLUTELY FUN! Last meeting, November 19, 2011 we enjoy the activities that really gives us lesson to ponder, lessons that will test your dignity as a person.

Several lessons that stuck to my mind in Ethics besides from its methodology are the contradiction of this powerful word to science and religion. It may be impossible but it is, possible. Ethics will be your measure point on what you are and what you believe for. With this, a first activity that really assesses our beliefs and what we stand for. The questions are so easy but it will make you think why are you affirming it? Many questions and much defamation you will do and hear in terms to stand on what you believe and it was so fun J In spite of different views and opinions, the whole class enjoyed this activity.

Next thing is the approaches (Utilitarian, Rights, Golden, and Common Good). This also gives you inculcation in mind to test on how strong and weak you are the moment you will be facing worst cased scenarios or life and death situations. The second activity is a dynamic activity. We’ve been grouped into five and given a certain situation we need to face and find a solution. It’s up to us what will be the decision we will choose. It is certainly mind confusing because you will consider many things. But of course, we should decide and consider what will be the good and benefit of the many.

In relation of the lessons we’ve discussed. It is undoubtedly true that these things are part of our lives. Ethics and the approaches are being applied without our prior notice. Life is like a roller coaster ride and every action has consequences and we are indeed responsible for our action. And it’s up to us how we will control it. But of course, whatever or whoever Gods we believed for, we must put them first above all.

MASS MEDIA AS THE BACKBONE OF DEMOCRACY

by: Mabel Ann Ruedas

“DEMOCRACY - a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people; rule of the majority” ~ Merriam and Webster Dictionary

Mass Media is the backbone of democracy. It is considered such by the way media influences the society through its incessant dissemination of information about politics and politicians, especially here in the Philippines. The information propagated, being the basis of the people for their choice of votes particularly in the election period. Media serves as the overseer of the transgression and corruption by those who have power. And the media also identifies societal problems which are then given much deliberation for resolutions by the nation. And with these responsibilities of the media, it is therefore concluded that the media performs to a certain standard by which it highly follows the universal code of ethics.

I for one, in our present time, there is a growing concern that the mass media is not fulfilling its roles properly. Take for example during election time. Advertisements in television, radio and the newspapers are supposed to be contemplating on the good deeds and perfect qualifications of the politicians for the people to notice and vote for them. But in reality, instead of ideologies of the politicians that would help uplift our nation, the information being broadcasted to the society is more of about the personalities of the powerful and famous; and more about gossips, scandals, sex and violence. The news is more entertaining rather than informing. The media hunt for scandals in the private lives of politicians and their families, but ignore much more serious consequences of their policies. And what’s more bothering is that the people have come across and accepted the way the news is spread and eventually decide upon the future of the nation and its leader with the information that the media has fed them.

How can it be called democracy now when there’s already a third party involved in the decision of the majority, that being the media. It is sad to know how the mass media can influence the society with such great impact. That is why we mass communicators should know how to use the power within our capabilities that can make or break a person. It should not always be about bragging rights as to who scooped on the scandal of this and that and all about making money and profit out of the news we obtain. We should all be responsible enough to be better mass communicators of the future; truth centered and God-fearing, making the most out of our acquired information not only to make profit out of it but also to educate and inform

MASS MEDIA AND DEMOCRACY

Eizell Grace Bantegui

For me when I heard the “Mass media” it could be a media technologies like television, film and radio, movies, CDs, DVDs and some other gadgets like cameras or video consoles whether written, broadcast, or spoken. That we live in a society that depends on information and communication,  it’s a kind of communication that reaches and influences a large number of people, people that can be a male or female, old or young, and people in high or low society. The importance of the mass media is immense that never before in our history have the media had such great significant on our lives and behavior that it is like everything revolves in media nowadays.  Then there is “Democracy” for me it means power of the people and seen as one of the ultimate ideals that modern civilizations try hard to create or maintain also a principle of universal freedoms such as the right to have a free speech. Where there is  a government in which the highest power have the rights of ownership in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually concerning from time to time held free elections in short we the people in our community have a say of how should our own community will run. Because decisions are being made everyday, but those decisions are not being made in isolation that relating us in those decisions about our communities is the important principle of a democracy. This is also about taking an interest in the decisions being made around us and finding out how we can get involve in determining these decisions and this is not only for the adults to be concerned about but also for us the young’s, we should care about local issues and must share our own views and opinions because by getting involve in our local democracy we can really help shape a good future for each one of us. The combination of mass media and democracy is by supporting objective news and information programs people can make knowledgeable decisions, cultivating alternative media so that multiple voices and opinions will be heard, multiplying the impact of change activities by distributing information on successful local peace and participatory efforts. Mass media and democracy have also the same purpose it is literally for everyone. With their combination the mass media represent the strength of character of democracy the media are supplying the political information that voters base their decisions on. They identify problems in our society and serve as a medium for reflection. They are also the watchdogs that we rely on for discovering errors and wrongdoings by those who have power. It is therefore reasonable to require that the media perform to certain standards with respect to these functions, and our democratic society rests on the statement that they do.

Serving Nation by being a Journalist

Miracle Kelvina Alonzo

     Let me begin this by saying that I have high respect for broadcasters and journalists who are determined enough to know the TRUTH behind every single story.

     This is one of the attitudes that all aspiring broadcasters and journalists should obtain, the courage to broadcast what is RIGHT, giving news to people fairly without any form of being bias. The strength to face TRUTH without even covering big names of people involved in a certain situation.

      I strongly believe that once you got the chance to be part of media industry, your main responsibility is to SERVE the people. Serve the NATION. Provide them the things that they deserve and need to know. It’s not your responsibility to please your Bosses. People rely on whatever information media will be providing. People deserve to know the TRUTH behind every single story.

      I remembered the time when I was told by my professor, “Media can make or break a nation.” This statement proves how powerful media is. But we should use this power to educate people and give them the sense of awareness within the things that are happening in our country.

        It is a lot easier for me to say this simply because I’m not in the position. But this is one of the things that I wish to have someday, the courage and strength to broadcast what is RIGHT. I want to be someone from the media industry who writes or reports without covering any faces. I want to reveal all dirty faces behind every mask of whoever is hiding from it.

        This is one of the things that I will always remember if ever I’ll be given a chance to be part of media, “We are journalists first.” A very short statement but contains a message that everyone in media should be aware of.

       I guess there are certain things that we need to do in order to be successful in this field. We need to set aside personal interests or intentions and serve the people and nation TRUTHFULLY. No matter if it includes taking risks because that is our responsibility, provide news even if sometimes it includes danger to our own lives.

       In my perception as a Mass Communication, the deeper meaning of Broadcast means to deliver information with heart and all fairness, to provide REAL score behind every story without taking any sides and to be determined enough not to cover anyone’s mask.

       When I graduate in this chosen field of mine, I’ll do my very best to possess the above traits that I have mentioned and I will use it to serve my fellowmen. Because I know by heart, that these attitudes define the meaning of a real “Journalist”.

Mass Media for Democracy

Monique Nellas

Mass media is the set of media technologies deemed to provide communications to a large group of people. Over the years, its role in making or breaking a society was greatly seen. It possesses great power and so a lot of people have been using it whether in a good and bad manner. It has been an itegral part of the history of the Philippines, of the lives of many Filipinos and the nations democracy.

Going back to People Power I, mass media had been a major key why people were able to gather for a cause. All Filipinos from different walks of life shout for a similar goal. They wanted to be liberated from the oppressing hands of the Marcos dictatorship. They reach their hands for freedom. And it was a success with just a simple call for support in a radio station, a marvelous historical event occurred.

I really hope that the use of mass media would continue to be like this. But at present, as I see it, its usage was mislead by those who have ulterior motives. Instead of communicating important messages to the public, sometimes the content of messages dessiminated were full of biases from the reporters themselves up to the owners of the company or stations. This is highly aggravated because of the fact that most of the newspapers, t.v. and radio stations nowadays are owned by businessmen. Is there equality here? Even democracy?

I would want to see mass media used in these manner. Rich or poor receives the equal right of having the truth behind each story. Nothing is concealed. Those who have great control over it will promote unity rather than partiality. It will be for the benefit of all not only for certain people who wanted personal advantage. Its power is for all. But this things I know is hard to achieve for as long as those who are abused will not speak up and fight for their rights.

Mass media can truly be an intstrument for democracy. A lot of accounts in the past can prove this. But we can never deny that as man fights for his everyday survival, this can be abused and so may lead to more oppressions than liberty and equality.

Media as Watchdog.

       Media is said to be the eyes and the ears of the people. But is it desirable? I read this PDF file a book about media as watchdogs, it is stated here that "Media" is "scandalmonger" meaning that the end goal is to amuse the audience rather than to inform them and mobilize them for reform/ development.

(page 3)

http://www.hks.harvard.edu/fs/pnorris/Conference/Conference%20papers/Coronel%20Watchdog.pdf

Try reading this and reflect.

Class Documents and Readings are UP!

Hi Class,

You may view/download our class documents and your readings HERE 

Goodluck on your prelim exam and have a happy holidays!

~Ms. Candice