Majal Quita

*Just wanna share this with everyone

Mahal kita kahit na sinungaling ang iyong ina

at magnanakaw ang ama

Kahit ilang ulit ka ng ginahasa ng kastila, amerikano o hapon, 

mahal parin kita hanggang ngayon

kahit ilan na ang ibinaon mo sa limot

hindi ko malimutan ang mga yon sapagkat sila ang dahilan kung ba't ganito

nadarama ko sayo

kahit ilang ulit kaming binabato kasama ng mga barkada ko

pigilan ka mang mahalin walang makakapigil sa pag-ibig

itaboy mo man ako ng malakas na tubig

ang lubid, itali man saking kamay ng iyong itay

magsusulat ako hangga't 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 tula ko ang kulay pula ng bandila

at tila di na magbabago ang takbo ng buhay ko sa piling mo

masamang ina'ng napili mo

at ang tingin pa ng iba sayo di ka masaya kaya

magpapalit nalang daw ng anyo

nabigla ka, wag ka lumagda!

humanda ka, ako'y makikibaka

mahal kita at di ko pabayaang mapunta ka sa iba

wag ka maniwala sa ina mong pabaya at ang kapal ng mukha ng iyong ama

katotohanan daw hatid sa minamanipula niyang dala

di ka pa ba nadala sa pandaraya, sayo kinita

nagparaya, di mo namalayan, yumayaman

pinapamukhang ika'y mahirap lang

at di mo pa kaya magbayad ng utang, pa-utang ina

sa kanya mo sabihin

humingi ka ng pagkain at paki-sabi na wag siyang maglihim

Mahal kita, Pilipinas.

-Syke

Salamat Po.

Dati, akala ko pag naging broadcaster ako, D.J., o kahit anong trabaho sa media, magagawa ko na lahat ng gusto ko. Tulad ng tirahin ang bulok na sistema ng gobyerno ng bansa kung saan ko isinulat tong blog post na to. Pilipinas. 

Akala ko simple lang tong course na to, dadaldal ka, konting sulat, konting ulat, konting camera, konting ilaw, swak na. Pero hindi pala ganun ka-dali to. Kahit papano, may mga palatuntunan din palang dapat sundin. May mga bagay na dapat isipin bago gawin. Dapat pala akong pagkatiwalaan ng mga makikinig at mga magbabasa ng mga isusulat ko.

At hindi porke galit ako sa gobyerno eh pwede na lahat. Hindi porke ka-course ko rin halos lahat ng pinatay na parang mga hayup sa Maguindanao eh magpapaka-punk rock na ko at tutugisin ko yung *%^$# na may pakana ng ka-walang hiyaang yon. Hindi pala pwede lahat.

Kaya ako nag-MassComm dahil gusto ko maging malaya. Gusto ko sumulat ng mga bagay-bagay na nasa loob ng isip ko. Mga bagay na nararamdaman ko. Mga hinanakit at saloobin ng isang mamayang tulad ko.. Akala ko dati malaya ang magpahayag ng saloobin. Hindi pala. May presyo din palang dapat bayaran.

Pero siguro, kaya nilagyan ng mga palatuntunan ay para narin sa sariling kapakanan nating mga mamamahayag. Isipin mo nga naman, anong mangyayari sayo kung harapan mong duduraan at nga-ngaratan sa mga artikulo mo yung isang congressman sa Paranaque na wala ng ginawa kung di ipaskil yung mukha niya sa bawat kanto na may proyekto na siya daw ang may pakana. Kung di ba naman siya @#$%^ , pera ng mga tao yun. BUWIS yung tawag sa pera na ginamit para "ayusin" yung mga tubo na wala naman talagang problema. Ang liit-liit ng kalsada sa Sucat tapos huhukayin mo yung sementong nananahimik. Kaya nagta-trapik eh.

Pero balik tayo, talaga nga naman siguro na dapat sundin ang mga palatuntunang to. Kailangan marunong ka mag-desisyon kung ano ang i-uulat at ano ang itatago mo nalang sa sarili mo. Yan ang natutunan ko sa Media Ethics kasama si Ma'am Candice. Kailangan tayo ng taong bayan para makita at malaman nila ang katotohanan na nangyayari sa Perlas ng Silangan. Kailangan nila tayo para magbigay kaalaman, lungkot at saya sa mga buhay nila. At dahil kailangan nila tayo, gumawa ng batas na dapat sundin ang bawat Media Practitioner para nga naman hindi tayo matulad kay Bubby Dacer (R.I.P) na hanggang ngayon eh malaking tanong parin kung si Lacson ba talaga ang may pakana. 

Oo, para hindi tayo patayin ng mga (*&^% naka-upo sa pwesto. Kasi kailangan tayo ng mga Pilipino. Isipin niyo, kung wala tayo, sino ang mag-didirect ng pelikula nila Derek Ramsey at Christine Reyes na hanggang ngayon ay sobrang ganda parin kahit ilang ulit ko ulitin. Sino ang magsusulat ng nakaka-iyak na script ng pelikulang "One More Chance" na may linyang "...Sana ako nalang ulit.." :))=)) oh diba wala? bakit, kaya ba ng mga Abogado at Pulitika gumawa ng ganyang klaseng drama? uhm, oo pala. yung Donyang Maliit nga biglang nabali yung leeg tapos pinasukan ng kung ano-anong sakit nung nalaman niyang hinihintay na siya ng rehas eh. Nagtangka pang umalis ng bansa. Mala-Meteor Garden yung eksena sa NAIA nun. At siyempre badtrip ako kasi trapik nung araw na yun nung pauwi ako. 

Anyways. Sana na-gets niyo yung gusto ko i-point out dito. Maraming Salamat po Ma'am Candice sa pag-mulat sa mga mata ko na limitado parin ang kalayaan ng isang mamamahayag. Aalalahanin ko ang mga bagay na itinuro at natutunan ko sa inyo. Kasi baka maaga ako patahimikin ng mga hayup na naka-upo sa katungkulang hindi nararapat para sa kanila. 

P.S.

natutunan ko ding masama ang MANGOPYA ng mga bagay bagay sa internet. hahaha.. baka makasuhan ako. :))

"Ang lubid, itali man saking kamay ng iyong itay, MAGSUSULAT ako hangga't buhay, handang managutan ng hininga sa kulangan, 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." 

Ethics: A Rule to Live By

“Media Ethics” what comes to your mind? The first thing I heard the subject we are taking is all about the rules, regulations and laws. I described it before we started lesson as “What is right and wrong”.

First and foremost, I am thankful to our professor as well as to the subject, I really don’t have idea of how to use blogs and I am blessed to require us to use blogs also for our subject matter, also I was able to learned to write importantly I am not really excellent in writing but in the term we had I was given an opportunity to have freedom of expression to write what is my intention and thoughts after the lessons we had.

I am very grateful specially to Ms. Candice Reyes our professor, before we end up this school year at least we are given a chance to teach us by newly SELAMS Professor for MC 110 which is really very thoughtful and has a “long-term patience” because of the trouble we had during the subject meetings as regards with the networking sites J . All the things I haven’t known in media standards ethics and public policies she was able to educate and noted us.

And how to value such things particularly doing things related to the course, it best given when our professor required us not to use PLAGIARISM which are most of the students don’t mind the words, sentences etc. they copy and paste without citation of the author these is also describe as intellectual property theft.

The first comment entered in my mind is that “I think it would be difficult for us to apply it, but we’ll try” honestly, in some moment it became a norm of some students to plagiarize one’s work, but then in manner that it is required I realized that it would the time to value one’s work. Indeed, plagiarism is against the law and each passing day who abides the law is accusing him/her a criminal.

From the first day of our meeting until the end of the term it is PLAGIARISM that is the most important topic I learned and the word that will not exist in my everyday living and I was able to apply it also with other subject matter.

As you notice that this Mass Media Ethic is just a typical word for us but when you recognized that plagiarism is a crime, yes! We are free from internet access but do you think it is a practical way to use works of the authors? Of course it is not! Valuing one’s work will give you a reward that you yourselves work can do what is the author did, we you can by your own patience.

My second most essential topic I learned is the bias/impartiality, to be express as against one thing, person or group while impartiality is treating all rivals equally these are all stated to our lecture.

I chose this topic because it was explained and expounded what are the things that should and should not judge to any team environment or individually. I was able to understand how does to use these ethics for our career plans and to get awareness as a future broadcaster and us media we shall treat individuals equally.

The final topic which is most vital to me is the lesson about staging. I am proud as well as glad that I was able to recognized portraying photos to public which some of these showing as staged. Staging also can be damage your reputation in your audience it is a learning not to do unwanted deliberation of photos it is because photos are being posted around the world.

Added to my important learning and kind of made to be fun is the activities we had. Thanks to Ms. Candice Reyes J I guarantee you that the entire lesson we had will help me for my next career goals.

Source and Reporter Relationship

 I interviewed Mrs. Jen Cruz- Pastrana a reporter in DZIQ 990 AM where I have my On the Job Training. She’s a field reporter and also a showbiz anchor in the station.

    First I asked her what are the characteristics of a good reporter and she said a reporter must be credible, must have integrity. She also stated that “Dapat may puso ka sa ginagawa mo at dapat mahal mo yung trabaho mo.”

            Next was, relationship of source and the reporter, since she’s in showbiz part she said that she makes sure that she has this converstion with her source and that everything that she says on air must be really said by the people involved in the story. She said that “Mismong experience naman nung taong involve yung sinasabi ko on air.”

            Related to this is how does she keep the identity of her source especially if the story is sensitive, she said that “Nasa iyo naman yun kung sasabihin mo o hindi yung identity ng source mo ang importante dapat protektado mo pa rin yung source mo.”

            She also shared few of her experiences while reporting on field, like she had this experience reporting inside a public utility vehicle like jeepney, LRT and a taxi and everyone around her gets shocked but she still continues with her work. “Di naman maiiwasan ang ganoon since pakalat kalat nga ako at nasa assigned beat ako.”

            She also said if possible, when you report on field find a quiet place so that what you say on air is clearly heard.

            I learned from her that if I’ll be entering this kind of field I must be full-hearted on my career and I must love what I’m doing. Make sure that what I’ll be doing must be right. I also learned that in radio everything is fast. You should learn how to manage things at the same time. Every story you hear and see must be reported. Learn how to ask. Have the initiative. Be on time. Be aware in everything that surrounds you. Every incident is news.

Gaining Public Trust

         

 Mr. Ruel Perez was a former freelance journalist and news analyst before he worked for Radyo Inquirer as a field reporter. He is with the station for about 2 years already and he considers it as a privilege to be one of the competent news reporters of the station. The first thing that I asked him to share is his insight about the source – reporter relationship. The first thing he told me is to always introduce our self first and get their attention.  He also pointed out that the most important thing that should be established between the source and the reporter is trust. As a reporter, he said, we are the one in need of information from them, that’s why we should be able to build rapport between them and us so that they will feel at ease in telling us what they know about a certain story. We should be properly dressed and show them that we are credible and trustworthy enough to be given information especially those stories that are sensitive. He also told me, that the first question during your interview with the source is crucial because it may make or break the whole interview process. He stressed out that, as a reporter, the first question and the following questions should be logical because this is where the first impression of the source is based. He also told me that as a reporter there should be aggressiveness and in asking question and it should be in a straightforward manner. The next question that I asked him is his view about ethics in delivering news reports. In news reporting especially on sensitive cases, the usual rule they are following is to avoid offensive and foul words. The news report should be factual and as much as possible it should be 100% accurate. Delivering the news as it happens, meaning we should not add anything to it or remove some part of it just to make the story acceptable or favorable to someone. In cases like murder, sexual abuse etc, the identity of the victim should be treated with utmost confidentiality and should not be disclosed publicly. In news gathering, reporters should have the aggressiveness and eagerness to ask. As a reporter, we should be bold in asking for the information that we need, we should know the immediacy of the news. Getting the name of the witness in our story is also important and it should be confirmed and verified by a person in authority, either the police or the investigation team. Verifying and double checking of information should always be done before delivering the news.

            After my interview with Mr. Ruel, I was amazed at how dedicated he was in doing his job, or should I say his passion. I learned many things from his experiences on the field, how he handles the pressure of being a reporter and the character that a reporter should possess. I learned that being a reporter, knowledge and skill is important but it is also important that we know how to deal with people especially with our sources, because without them we will not be able to gather much information for our story. 

Once a Reporter, Always a Reporter.

     I interviewed one of the reporters in Radyo Inquirer, the site where I am currently having my on the job training. She is Mrs. Donabelle Dominguez Cargullo. She is known for her screen name Dona Dominguez. Mrs. Dominguez is now a Desk Supervisor in Radyo Inquirer. She was once a field reporter before she was promoted to being a Desk Supervisor. She started to work in the media industry way back in the year 2003. When I had the chance to interview her, it’s like we are just having a friendly conversation. I tried to ask her about the source-reporter relationship but she doesn’t have idea about it. All she knows is that it is about the relationship of the reporter and the source of the news that he/she had gathered and how a reporter treats his/her source.

     To make our conversation a little longer, I added some follow up questions. Since she is the Desk Supervisor, she is the one in charge in doing the newsbreak. I asked her some questions like, “how do you choose the news that you are going to broadcast in the news break”. She had so many answers and some of those are these; news gathered by their reporters, information/reported news in an interview whether phone patch or recorded and most especially reports on dot net, the Philippine Daily Inquirer Newspaper which is their official newspaper, that they haven’t reported yet.

     I also asked her experiences of being a field reporter before. She told me that she was once assigned in the police beat. In that beat, you will experience covering news that involves massacre, murder and any crime that has something to do with killing a person. She also told me that it was her first time to see a bloody dead victim when she was on the beat. She also covered fire reports and was also experience reporting live in front of a burning house. In police beat, all that you don’t want to see, you will get the chance to see it whether you like it or not. After telling me her experiences being assigned in the police beat, she also told me her experiences in the major beats. In this kind of beat, you will have the chance to interview different government officials especially senators. She told me that she had already experienced having a conversatAnother question that I asked Mrs. Domiguez is the responsibility of a reporter. She said that you should be sure of the facts and details that you will report. You should be aware that no matter what you say, the public will believe and rely on what have you said. Get the right news first before you open your mouth and tell the public about it. Your news should be credible enough. If you happen to report a wrong detail, you can correct it in your second report but most of the time, there would be problem their because what if your listener is already not listening in your second report anymore, how can she know that you have corrected it. So, being a reporter is totally a big responsibility because people will depend on what your mouth will say.ion with the former president of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

     Another question that I asked is what are the common problems of reporter are. Her answer in this question is limited. She just said that the most common problem that a reporter could face is how to gather reports. Sometimes, not all news has source. Sometimes, people who are involved in the news won’t provide other information. If that would be the case, reporters will find it hard to know what is really behind the story.

     I learned a lot on my interview with Mrs. Dona. Being a reporter is a serious job. You should be aware of all the happenings around you for you to produce a story that you will report because those news won’t come to you, you are the one responsible to look for it and get it first.

     

 

"BEING A TRUE PUBLIC SERVANT"

             Knowing someone’s life is very exciting, especially if you’re asking somebody’s life that is on the line, where you are also tracking in. and as I interviewed the two people who is in the industry of radio, I learned a lot from it and it will really serve a big help and a big reminders to me.

               I first interviewed Mr. Joey Collantes, One of the regular Anchors in the Radyo Veritas, he also have a daughter who runs a advertising company. he shared a lot of experiences and a lot of memorable moments that happened to him, He was one of the anchors in the late program “Radio Patrol”, and being an anchor on that program was just an accident, he and his friends just had an game and fortunately, Sir Joey was the one who auditioned and was the chosen one to be part of the said program.  I asked him if how ethics is being manifested in the source reporter relation, he said that, they must be professional with each other; they must not also be too boastful with each other, according also to him, “WAG MAGPAYABANGAN SA ERE.”

                He also shared his life being an reporter, when the time of Martial law, he really don’t know if where to hide because at that time, the students are throwing pillbox to the authorities, and the authorities are shooting them using an armalites, they really don’t know where to hide, but because they need to get that story or that event, they must go to the both parties. Being a reporter is not easy, because your life might be in danger.

               The second interview that I had was with with Mr. Jemuel Go, One of my professors in Centro Escolar University and also one of my Supervisors in the DZRV known as Radyo Veritas. I’ve asked him if how’s his experience in terms of Audio Editing and also Source Reporter Relation in connection with ethics, He first shared to me the three social communications; these are Information, formation, transformation and also he said that According to Cardinal Rosales, “Information is Essential to formation that leads to transformation”. That’s why he was using it also in terms of teaching his students.  Also he said to me that on the time that he was just a reporter, if the statement that was given by his interviewee was not the statement that he wants, or against in his own station or in his own wants, he didn’t publish it and cut the lines. He also said that he was the reporter, that’s why he is the one who holds his report. He can choose if what parts in the interview will be said on air or not.

                     On the other hand, Sir Go, pointed that Radyo Veritas was different from the other AM Stations, because their reports are based from the church and from the Catholic techniques, and also he cleared to me that they are not using the words like “Di umano” and “Umano”, because those words means that they are not sure with the things that they are being reporting.  They didn’t also report uncertain details, they don’t care if they are the last one to publish the story, and the important thing to them is to have a Sure Information, because they really do believe that many people was waiting for accurate information, not just information. According also to Mr. Go, “Every station has their individual biases, as long as you don’t violate the stations rule, you are safe.” And also going back to the topic about the audio editing, in the Radyo Veritas, He said that, if the conversation in the interview was against the KBP, RV and on the Church, they didn’t air it. Also I remember that he also said that, if some anchors and reporters got a problem with each other, or an anchor to anchor problem, they made an internal arrangement so that it can be fixed as soon as possible.

                     I learned a lot from those two interviews that I had. I learned that being an anchor is not that easy, because an anchor must have a lot of knowledge because many people are relying to them, also an anchor must dress up right so that they can earn the trust of a person and also so that they will be respected as well. And then, I also learn that if you’re an anchor you must establish a good relationship between your co-anchors and reporters, you must give them respect, so that they will also respect you. Also, I realize that being an anchor or a reporter must always prevail the truth even that you are contradicting other people.             

The Damage has been Done

I am not really an ABS-CBN viewer. But I found the article very interesting and informative. I must admit that it is worth reading.

I have heard a lot of rumours of how they say ABS-CBN handles news stories. It is negative. Some say they can be paid to change stories in accord to their interest. Some says that they have been an ally of the Arroyo administration. These things have greatly affected my view about the News and Current Affairs of the station.

I agree to what the author said in this article that no matter how hard they try to explain their side, some people will still remain unconvinced. It is a sad truth especially in the media industry that how easily a rumour spread is the total opposite of how it can vanish. Sometimes people will see your explanations as alibis even if you are really telling the truth.

I believe that a lot of television networks nowadays run as a business. It is a fact. I think this is a great factor that affects how its owners and its employees act. Their actions will be for the best interest of the station. Anything that will ruin the good reputation of the company to present and potential partners should be eliminated. This is even at expense of the truth that they should always hold on to.

Even if explanations were laid before me about what had really happened during those times that ABS-CBN is accused of doing things for the benefit of the Lopez’s, I myself is not convinced completely. I don’t know why. But having a background of how dirty the media industry could be makes me think that a lot of things worse than I am thinking is happening without the knowledge of the public on it.

I think that it is really a challenge for ABS-CBN to uphold their image and integrity for future success. I mean, being on top, there is no way to go but down. What is adding a lot of pressure in their part is the big group of companies it is related with.

No one can really please everybody even ABS-CBN. I hope that what is written in the article is true. This topic gives an important challenge to all of us who are pursuing a career in the mass media industry--- to be responsible in an enormous power given to us.

Sexual Advertising: One Step to Culture Degradation

                   Having read the title of the video, it initially created a bit of curiosity on my mind, on what the video would like to impart to its viewers and why is it entitled Killing us Softly. I got more interested to the video when I found out that it is all about “Advertising’s Image of Women”. For a long time now, a certain question has been bothering me; and that is how come advertising nowadays is becoming very liberated even to the extent that they are not focusing on the product anymore but much effort is being exerted on what kind of “strategy” are they going to do just to get the attention of the people; and eventually these advertising strategy are sometimes damaging already to our culture. I was amazed on how Jean Kilbourne came up with this lecture that really served as a mind opener to the people especially to the women. I agree with everything that Kilbourne said in her lecture. As a woman, I realized that women nowadays are being deprived of their right to respected, and are treated very differently compared to how women are being treated in the past especially in our country. A question quoted by Kilbourne in her lecture “What does it mean to be a woman in this culture” made me really think hard on how to answer it because being a woman in this culture and in this present generation, I can say that it’s very hard. Life has become so complicated compared to the way of life in the past. People now are very mindful on what they see around them and the world is following a certain standard that dictates on how a certain person or woman, specifically, could be acceptable in the society where she is living, and that is stereotyping just like what advertising is doing now. They are aiming for perfection, when there is really no such thing as perfect. As what Kilbourne said, “Advertising tells us who we are and who we should be”. Some are fortunate to be included in the list of women acceptable in the society, some are unfortunate, making them feel insecure and ashamed. If a fat woman is advertising a certain product, people tends to judge the ad because of the size of the woman, which shows masculinity while on the other hand, if a thin figured woman would pose for a certain product, it would most likely be acceptable to the society. Just like what Kilbourne said, “There is much emphasis on how we look no matter what we do”. It suddenly saddened me when pornography is already being discussed, looking at a body of a woman being used as a beer bottle in an ad, the legs of a woman in a pair of scissor, figures of woman bodies sculpted in a glass, this is definitely an insult. Its very degrading that woman bodies are already turned into object, into things. Others may say it’s an art, but what really is their intention in doing all of these, is it really for the sake of art or something more is in the back of their minds the moment they are creating this.

The inequality between men and women in advertising is also very evident. Images that portrays man being in power and active and women being portrayed as inferior and passive. I agree with what Kilbourne said, “Men and women inhabit two different worlds; men don’t basically live in a world where their bodies are routinely scrutinized, criticized and judged whereas women do.” Women are prone to the judgment of the people more than the men.

Having all of these things presented to us, I can say that there should really be a change in the mass media. Things like these in advertising should not be tolerated just for the sake of selling. Our advertising industry can survive and can flourish even without these sexual and pornographic images or ads. We have to be mindful on what effect could it do especially to the women in our society. We must act not just as consumers but as citizens taking a share of responsibility on whatever these things can do to us and to our community.

FINALS!

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT


MARCH 03 (Saturday)

March 03- Final Meeting. Reading Circles & Final Group Case Reports (This is 40 Points of your FINAL CP!), Review Quiz

 

MARCH 10 (Saturday)

FINAL EXAM

Kindly check your required readings here. 

FINAL PAPER DUE (30 points)
SELF-REFLECTIVE ESSAY
What do you consider the most important thing you
learned in MC 110? Why do you think this is the most
important? Be specific in the topics you found
interesting and state why. Relate these with your
career plans or plans for further study.

(Font TNR, 12, Spacing 1.5, max. 2 pages)
SUBMIT IN PRINTED FORMAT ON OR BEFORE
MARCH 10.

They are Used

Since I am not yet assigned to a particular practicum site, my interviewee is someone from the media industry I just know. A fresh grad of AB Mass Communication Major in Broadcast in Centro Escolar University, Ms. Joena Marie Manlangit, 21 years old, is from San Mateo Rizal. She is currently a researcher in GMA Network for the programs Reel Time, Motorcycle Diaries and Best Men.

I interviewed her over the phone because it is the best way to talk to her amidst her busy schedule as a researcher. I asked her about the Source-Reporter Relationship topic and I also tried to connect our conversation with what we are studying in Media Ethics.

I asked her how is it being a researcher, interviewing a lot of people, getting involve with many issues in life. She said it is hard. You have to be realìy good in public relations. You have to be charismatic but not sympathetic. You have to be knowledgeable of the people that you will meet. You should learn how to adapt to their way of life so that you may be able to get their sides easily. And no matter what happen you have to get the answers to your questions no matter what.

All along, I thought their subjects are paid in trade of their stories shared to a lot of people but they are not. She said that the company prohibits that because it adds bias to the scene. But she admitted that she gave money to some of her interviewees. She said it is unfair to them especially that their subjects all have compelling situations in life. In short, they belong to the poverty line. It is her way of bringing her thanks to them and she sees nothing bad about it.

She advised me that in this line of work. You should have a strong heart. There is no room for tears because the subjects might be affected if you will show them that. You should not be sympathetic. Maintain the source-reporter relationship. Do not go beyond that line or else something wrong might happen in the end. Like for example when she is working on the documentary entitled “Tulo Boys”. She developed friendship within them. But after the project, she was not able to sustain the communication and so her interviewees got mad at her in the end. At the end of the day, you were just a person who’s mission is to get the facts right and do not have the obligation to be in a good relationship with them even after the project.

She told me a truth I can never forget. Subjects in the stories are used. You use them to get what your job requires you to do. I asked her, ‘Do you think it’s ethical? She said it’s not. You became a user. Getting what you need to them and then leave them afterwards. But that is how business in this industry works. As for her, she makes this thing right, by giving something in return to the interviewees even if her company prohibits it. With this I remember the paradigm that I saw in our lesson, the thin line between a person’s professional ethics and moral ethics. And if I were ask if I would do the same, I would say yes.

In any job, ethical dilemmas are to be solved. It is indeed really important that all parties at stake are to be considered, not only the professional rules but also your moral obligations as well. I admire how Ms. Manlangit is able to deal with the usual problems as a researcher. As I see it, she tried her best to be a good employee and a citizen as well. It is a balance between two equally important things to her.

Women In Advertising

Advertising is everywhere. Women are really the most effective ingredient, when it comes to advertising. So now, every women is under the impression that they need to look good. Why, cause in advertising they don't just use a girl for their products they use girls, literally. Like, they were using the hair of a girl, the body of the other girl and the face of another. Imagine how advertising grew from decades ago. Companies really are taking this seriously more and more each year. As technology grows Advertising grows a well. Even your favorite celebrity that looks perfect for you are being turned better because of technology.

Women's self-esteem decreases as they are being influenced based on the things that they see on ads that they need to look good. Advertising is really using beauty to attract people. That's why they used celebrity or any popular personality to buy their products. It's really a good thing too see how our technology evolves. But I think we should keep in mind that we shouldn't be that affected in how we live or how we want to live. In advertising technology should really grow.

But in our society what should really grow? Is it our technology or our self-esteem? For me, I think our technology grows every minute, and every minute they create such things that we might need in our lives, but for the self esteem of the women? For me my answer is no, because every women who indulge themselves into fashion and glorify their favorite celebrities or model, i think through these women they lost their own identity and make themselves blind in advertising. And because of this behavior Jean Kilbourne said that it can lead to depression, low self esteem, and eating disorders for the women. 

Somehow, advertising can be a good purpose to us, but on the other hand there has this negative impact if we overuse it. And I'm pretty sure that as time goes by advertising changes as they explore the world of giving life on how to advertise their own product.

WOMEN AS THE TOPNOTCHERS OF ADVERTISING.. BUT...

Advertising as of today is obviously on to a step by step proceedings through modernization.

Advertising is the one of the smartest and influential way of promoting your products, goods, or even your bet in an election (just sayin’).The new generation of advertising creates a more twisting concepts and creativity that will give every consumer thinking.

The more they think of that product, the more they want to explore it, and in the end, they’ll purchase it. Advertising it is!

But in some other aspects of promotionals and advertisements, it is not sometimes the goods that is wavering around the mediums of media, it is the endorsers who gave impact to the products they were paid to endorse to.

For me the Women in this industry are the most effective product endorsers. They had the power to move the viewers through their unique style of promoting goods.

Some examples of women who dominate the advertising industry are Kris Aquino, Anne Curtis, Sam Pinto, Solenn Heusaff, and Lovi Poe.

As you see most of them are Ladies who has a sexy image to the public. They are the most powerful form of celebrities that can make all consumers buy the products they are endorsing.

For Kris Aquino, yes she is sexy in her own way too, but the others I have mentioned our really the new breed of local celebrities who use their sex symbol for the sake of making a big impact on the product.

In line with the movie that we watched at the MIR, Jean Killbourne’s “Killing us Softly”.

She explains all the types of media forms that we cannot see on what we are watching, reading, etc.

It is an eye opener to every one of us because in this business, the more you have the witty creativity, the more you should know your limits as well.

She added the women are the more consistent because it gets the viewers attention easily especially to men.

Yet some commercials have open up so much of their minds they forget the limitations of what they must offer only to the viewers. Not what they wanted to but what they must just put into it. Simple yet effective way and not to the extentof some vulgar and malicious scenery that would made the observers feel disturbed.

This is the new form of advertising, sexy women, sensual form of promotions, lusty minds of the viewers and in the end another big impact in the market.

RV Reporters: Unfolding Ethical Issues

“Broadcasters are like… Jack of all trades, master of none…” ---Mr Joey Collantes

This is just one of those insights that he gave which made an impact as I had this interview with him. Mr. Joey Collantes is one of the anchor/reporter at Radyo Veritas 846. He has been in the media industry for a long time he said. He started being an announcer and a field reporter at Radyo Patrol. I’ve been quite shocked by the fact that he is not actually a Mass Communication graduate instead he’s a Commerce Economics graduate of FEU. He has ventured the field of the Media industry because of his friend working at ABS-CBN who teased him to try to audition as a reporter which eventually became the start of his career in media.

As I asked him with his views and personal experience with regards ethical issues on source reporter relation he said that there is a lot of things that a Mass Communication graduate should know upon entering the world of media because he considers media people as “know-it-all” he added that not all who are in the media are graduates of Mass Communication but we as mass comm. students should know the law though we are not taking law, we should be aware of who is the secretary of the DOT though we’re not taking tourism, we should know about the epidemic diseases which is rampant in the country though we are not actually taking up medicine. That is the job of being in media he said, being versatile, flexible and prepared. He also said that there is a high expectation when it comes to those people who are graduate of mass communication that is why we should not settle for any mediocrity.

Ha also added ethical issues with regards getting a news story. Upon getting a story, “Be First, Be Right but Be Right first”. A story must not be aired if and when it is not confirmed because it is not proper. “Una ka nga nakakuha ng istorya pero mali naman yung ibinalita mo wala rin yun, sino mananagot? Di ba?” he said. Some stations are just protecting their own interests he added. Another is the inappropriate languages, anchors/reporters on radio are being grounded by the KBP guidelines with regards inappropriate languages however there’s no move being taken except to reprimand the reporter.

As we end our interview he said that not all mass comm. Students who will graduate will venture into the field of media but wherever we will be working soon is that we give our best and build a strong work ethics particularly on time management and being prepared on whatever our job may take us.

I also had a brief interview with Mr. Jemuel Go a reporter at radio veritas and professor at CEU teaching Media Management.

He has shared his views with regards ethics on the same issue of source reporter relation. He said upon gathering news story in Radio Veritas they are looking for a news which is newsworthy that will not violate the rules of the KBP and the rules and policy of radio station, if it did violate the rules of the two, because or bias is on the church, they will not air the story.

He added that in reporting the story, it will not stop there, there should be change, there should be an advocacy, and there should be values. As he said that information is essential to formation that leads to transformation. Follow rules and regulations, program policies, guidelines and media ethics so that you don’t have any problem with regards ethical issues that’s it, as we end our interview.

SEXY ADVERTISMENT

Setting the Minds of People?

by: Cecilio Ronquillo

Advertising is very influential to everyone, we can say that no one can escape to it, everywhere we can see it, from Television to radio, print ads and even thru telephone directories. This form of media is actually affects our lifestyle and set the minds of people on what to wear and what to eat. All advertising agency nowadays make used of seductive models to attract people to patronized their certain product.

These Advertising agencies produced commercials and print advertisement that is very attractive to their audience and prospective clients, but the problem is that these agencies produced a kind of commercials that tends to make the audience and buyers to believe on what they see on print ads and TV commercial that is actually is not existing in the real world. Because of the advent of technology, we can now easily transform an ugly person to a very good looking subject, a messy room to a clean room, a dirty face to a clean face, we should be thankful in the creator Photoshop and other editing software that enhanced the subject to turn to its fine-looking angle. But dilemma in here is that we are fooling everyone to believe on what they see on the advertisement, it may affect their self esteem because people believed that if they have the same apparel with any fashion icon or model, they think that are in, but if they don’t have it, they consider themselves as not acceptable by our society.

Advertisers change their subjects into an object which means everything that you seen on their ads is actually not true, it is either edited or retouched wherein we should not practiced it because it may affect ones identity and hurt someone’s feeling. The effect of this is people are trying hard to be like what they see and if they can’t attain the beauty that they want it may lead to depression and obsession. So let us move and pass a bill that lessen down the editing system in commercials, we should not fool people, we must promote things that is not against the will of others as well as in the will of our creator.

Codes of Ethics: Are really implemented or not?

 

               We all know that many programs in different stations that was running nowadays are fighting for those people who abuses others and also exploiting the wrong doing of the citizens in a particular place, group and etc., yes… we must be thankful because there are people and programs who are really concern with the environment and the people that was being abused.

               Particularly, these programs are Like, XXX from the network of ABS-CBN, the second one is the IMBESTIGADOR from the GMA7, and last but not the least is the TUTOK TULFO from the TV5.

             As a viewer and as a student of the course, Mass Communication Major in Broadcast, I am really a fan of watching those kinds of programs, even though sometimes the time that they aired was late… and also I am really focuses on the current issue or problems that they are trying to solve, the Issues that they are giving solutions are really interesting.

            As an observer, I just noticed that the Program of Mr. Tulfo, Specifically the TUTOK TULFO program was a Big No-No for me… because at some points, Mr. Tulfo is saying the NEVER ENDING bad words that results to profanity like “TARANTADONG/GAGONG MGA PULIS YAN”… and “MGA DUWAG”… to tell you honestly, he’s not setting a good example to all the viewers that watching his program… especially to the children who are also watching that program. According to the KBP CODE, Program Standards, number 9 that…. “Programs shall not use dialogues, actions and other similar manifestations which are obscene, blasphemous, profane, derogatory, or vulgar.” But what Mr. Tulfo is doing, he is violating that rules, because, like what I’ve said earlier, he is saying some bad words to those people that he is turns down. And actually, the violation of that Anchor has a corresponding penalty.

,         I also noticed that when the topic or the issue was all about our policemen, he was very mad, that’s why it results to saying some bad words. I do understand that he was just showing his sympathy to those who was demoralized or degraded by the other people, but saying those bad words are not the appropriate thing to do or say because at first, he was a anchor, a well known personality that must set a good example to all of the viewers. And as a viewer, I was really affected because I admit, I am a daughter of a policeman, and I can really say that not all in the police community was doing the things that Mr. Tulfo was pointing out to them.

        But I was just wondering, why that program is still continuing to air, even the anchor was always doing the same mistake? Or the same violation. According to Mr. Joey Collantes of the Veritas, the one who I interviewed last time, they are still airing because even that they are doing that kind of violation, they are still the reason why many people are watching the program and that was the reason why they are gaining more viewers and earning money. So, it means that... for them, the viewers and the money was more important than giving punishment to that kind of program. And for my opinion, I am really disagree to it and I am hoping that KBP can give a fair action to this, so that, the Rules and Regulation may not fall into a display only.

                                 

             

A More Responsible Public

Being a Responsible Member of the Society

The film we’ve watched last Saturday is very eye opener and informative. I must say that throughout the film viewing, I’m not bored rather I am interested. The film makes me realize that I should be a responsible mass media practitioner in the future, especially if I want to be part of the advertising world. The speaker made me realize the things that the advertising industry’s doing just to earn millions of money even though it will cause ruining women reputation on the society or rather the society itself.

In the country like the Philippines, we are lucky enough that our people are somehow conservative and don’t like to change that perception. But how long will it last, since information and internet is widely accessible. I am aware that the use of sexy women and men on advertising is really eye catching, but I am shocked that age doesn’t matter nowadays. The models they are using to do photo shoot or commercial should be at school or play ground playing and growing up as a normal child. But I should also want to question why they’re parents even give their permission on using their child in a way that will give other parents an idea. Is that how people became far and desperate to promote their product and be patronized by the people? Especially the people in liberated countries like United States and Europe. I’m curious if they still remember their advertising code of ethics and if they have ever an advertising board.

Advertising is very powerful and persuasive; it gave us their own idea and perception of beauty which somehow we adopt. I mean we can’t prevent it, since media is a very powerful medium. But as a women and a responsible member of the society we should patronize product with good quality and not with good advertisements, because it makes them think that their method of promoting is being admired by the public. I know that common people have the power and control whether they want to be influence in a good or bad way through advertising.

During our group discussion, we almost have same opinions on the matter and different questions. But to make the work done in a short period of time given to us, after discussion we divided the questions that we should answer individually. We should be wise and aware of its effect to our culture and society and it’s up to us if we want to continue promoting the disturbing ads or making ads with moral values.

Violence Against Women

During the viewing of the video of “Killing Us Softly 3: Advertising's Image of Women” I was absent but I was able to watched it on the internet to cope up with the discussion. I was absent because I had a fever and I can’t get up in my bed so I’ve decided to not to attend the class.

As I have watched the video, I learned some ethical things in advertising. First we must not use the women’s body in adverting. Second using women’s body in advertisement is violence against them. Third using computers in adjusting the women’s body must not be tolerated because it is insult to them. Some people said women’s are the best instrument in advertising but as I have watched the video they are not perfect for advertisement because it may be able to harm them. We cannot say they are best instrument by showing their body because it can be violence against them. Editing the picture of a woman for advertisement is not a good idea, editing the whole picture meaning destroying the true image of the women. I know woman’s body can easily attract the attention of the viewers because of its beautiful figure. Women’s body is a gift from god. They must not be a model to attract consumers they are not instruments for advertising and that must be the first thing to change in ads the attitude of people that harms the moral dignity of the women. We advertise not just for the consumers but also to educate the public.

Some advertisement here in the Philippines also using the women to attract consumers, example of it is the Colt45 ads that if you buy the product of them, you will given a chance to date the one of the hottest woman in the Philippines Christine Reyes. The theme of the commercial was Christine Reyes was wearing a two piece bathing suit and massaging by a not a handsome guy or I can say an old man and in the end of the commercial the bra wearing by Christine is pulled by him. The idea is very intelligent and I salute the commercial because of it. Of course using a beautiful icon to promote is a very powerful ads. Imagine if you buy the product there will be a chance to date with Christine. I’m sure men will never reject the opportunity of having the chance to date Christine Reyes, they will surely buy the product just to have a date with her.

However, after I have watched the video, I am disappointed to the commercial of Colt45 because they used Christine Reyes just to promote their product and the theme of their ads was violence against women. The print and TV ads of it was showy on the perfect body of Christine Reyes and I learned that it is not a perfect idea to promote the product. All in all after I have watched the video advertising is not just to attract consumers but also to educate the viewers.

WOMEN AS SEX OBJECTS: USE OF SENSUAL IMAGES IN ADVERTISING

Admit it. Mass media is everywhere. We live in the modern world of media. Whether we like it or not, we are surrounded by countless mediums that compete for our attention all over the society. TV, radio, magazines, newspapers, advertisements, films, and even the Internet and the latest technologies where we are all hooked in, we can see different kinds of media that inform, educate and entertain us. And as time flies, the industry has tried innumerable ways to keep the public hooked with the media. And the present trend that is quite concerning is the use of sensual images in trying to get the public’s attention; particularly, images of women which display nudity and sexuality. This kind of technique is mostly used in the advertising industry, using exploitative images to draw attention to products, which was noticed by Jean Kilbourne: the woman behind the Killing Us Softly series.

Yes, it is in human nature to be curious about sex. God gave man the power to reproduce, thus it is not morally wrong to induce sex in the media as it is part of humanity. However, too much can be morally and ethically wrong. Studies show that the use of sensual images can indeed increase the sales of a product; that is acceptable if the products are related to the said sensual images. But some advertisers go beyond their limits when they use such sensual images in products which are not really inclined with each other. That is just wrong. To make profit out of half-naked women in their bikinis and sexy clothing and the use of double meaning phrases that titillate the minds of the consumers when the products don’t really go together with the ad is a show of how people nowadays can resort to uncreative ideas just for the sake of money. There are many ways of catching the public’s attention. It’s not all about sex.

On the other hand, it is pleasant to know that here in the Philippines, the shows and ads that make the Filipino favorites are not all about sensuality unlike those of the other countries. Since we are a family oriented society and there are values in our culture that coincide with the idea of femininity, conservativeness and modesty, the Filipino favorites are still the ones which have the concept of love for family and fellow Filipinos, happiness, charity, liveliness and wittiness. I applaud the makers of the films, shows and ads here in the country as they don’t resort to the sensuality that is vastly spreading in the other countries. As a future media practitioner, this lesson is what I should bear in mind. Creativity is much more important than resorting to mundane ideas that just bring in money. With a creative mind and a lot of effort, it is not impossible to reach the top.

ONE CLICK AWAY TO MAKE THE NEWS OF YOUR LIFE

“The world is better viewed through the lens of a camera. No matter how simple an object is, one click is all it needs to be appreciated. The lens captures the beauty that the naked eye usually cannot see.” – Jasmine Romero, reporter (ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol)

Indeed, the world is better viewed through a camera. One shot is all it takes for you to see the difference between reality and a picture perfect moment. As mass communicators, capturing these photos is important as they retain the memory of a newsworthy moment that becomes history that can never repeat itself. However, as mass communicators disseminating news in the society with the different kinds of media, the concept of photography also covers a specific ground that a media practitioner should follow. And it does not only concern the code of ethics that media people should follow, but the ethics of the image itself.

As I sat down with Ms. Jasmine Romero (former DZMM anchor and now a correspondent in ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol), I showed her a couple of photos that I found on the Internet as we began our talk. There were three sets of pictures.

• A picture of Fifteen year-old Fabienne Cherisma was shot dead by police at approximately 4pm, January 19th, 2010. Photo: Paul Hanse
• A picture of a photographer sabove looking like vultures– all trying to get the best version of the image and exploiting this horrible crime. Photo: Nathan Weber
• DPWH floating officials
• Newsweek giving a tooth job to mother of Septulets, Kenny McCaughey

As I was about to ask my first question, she interrupted me and asked the same question that I had in mind, “What do you think of these photos?” I thought hard. Not wanting to embarrass myself as I know little about image ethics. And tried to answer as considerately as I could. In the first set of photos of the fifteen year old who was shot dead, the photo on the left was most definitely a newsworthy shot as it would catch the attention of the public if it were disseminated widely. A heartbreaking shot, to be honest. And for the second photo, it was an awkward angle to the story. Indeed the photographers looked like vultures to the dead girl’s body. An unethical shot. For the second set of photos: first thing I had in mind was: CHEAT. They cheated the public as those DPWH officials faked their so-called visit to Roxas Blvd. after Typhoon Pedring. And for the third photo: well, it’s for beauty’s sake. If I were to be a cover of a magazine, I would love to have edited teeth as well. (I’m not very comfortable with my smile you see). And she set aside the photos and we started our short conversation and I got a few important pointers that Ms. Jasmine shared with me.

Image ethics cannot be understood fully as one’s ethics to images may vary. It would depend on the person looking at the photo, whether they would judge a picture as ethical or not. But as media people giving news to the public, it is only about the TRUTH and nothing but the TRUTH. Yes, you can enhance the color, the hue, sharpness, saturation and brightness of the photo, for appreciation’s sake. But that is all. Changing the shape, appearance, color, position and adding or withdrawing something from a photo, that is a NO-NO as you are already changing the story and reality of the event. Some people might think a photo taken is too strong for their eyes, or too revealing, or too exploitative. But a photojournalist cannot change what’s in reality. He/she should reveal the truth, or else, one’s credibility is at stake.

And yes, I agree with Ms. Jasmine. I believe that each person has their own perception. One might think a picture of a naked body with tattoo is beautiful, one may think it is too vulgar. One person might think a photo of a body mangled with animal bites is too unethical to see, and one might think that picture is a warning to everyone to be extra careful in the woods as to not have the same end as the dead person in the picture. Many will critique the photos taken by news people. However, the decision to take the shot is still within the photographer. Is the picture newsworthy? Will the people remember me for this shot? And most importantly: To shoot or not? That is the question.

God created women not to be violated but to be respected.

Jean Kilbourne's “Killing us softly 4: Advertising's Image of women” is an explanation of what is the status of the advertising nowadays with regards to women being used as an endorser. After I have watched the said film, I came to the realization that women are violently used in advertisements. It is a fact that women are much more interesting to viewers when used as a subject in an advertisement. But as I have watched the film, the way they used women in their advertisement is unethical. Although it can immediately capture the attention of the viewers, still it is unethical. Advertising company should know their limitations because not all the viewers would like their idea on how they used women in their advertisement. Sometimes, it may affect the feelings of the viewers when they happen to watched the advertisement especially if the rights of the women are being step off. What I mean is that when the women can't do anything but to follow what the advertisers want them to do in an advertisement. I'm not actually against on the issue but as a woman, I do still disagree on the fact that women are being used violently in advertisements. There are other ways to used women in advertisement. Advertisers should know it and they should respect the rights of women. Women can make a great contribution in the advertising world because they tend to be more believable than men. If you will notice in most advertisement, women are being used more often as a model than men.

I also don't agree on what Jean said which she based on the opinions of others that “if you are not beautiful physically, you can't be a member of the society.” No one will like you. That statement which is dedicated to women is indeed unethical. We all know that not every woman is beautiful but it should not matter to the society. Yes, it is acceptable that in advertisement, the endorser should be beautiful to be able to capture the public's attention but let us not be unequal and unfair because God created humans equally. There should be no exceptions.

All in all, advertisement today should still have limitations because not all viewers would accept the idea that they wanted to tell to the public. They should consider ethical values in an advertisement. We should be always aware on the things that we get to watched because sometimes, we have no idea that we are being violated in a way that it is being used to gain the public's attention. In short, we are being taken for granted especially, the women. 

LIBERATION. CHALLENGES. PEOPLE. CHANGES. MONEY.

Philippines has always been a conservative country that has its own original identity and practices. Some of the few notable observations I had, that will serve as examples on what images, themes and stereotypes prevalent in Philippine TV and films are these follows.

But before my notable observations, I would like to reflect on what I feel about the documentary-film or a TALK from Jean Kilbourne’s Killing Us Softly: Advertising’s Image of Women Documentary. I had fun while watching the documentary-film, not because of the pleasure brought by sensitive images or the double meanings but because of the background talk Kilbourne had, while showing those photos and other videos. I precisely agreed on everything that she said the deterioration and the unlikely image of vulnerable women nowadays as they were being use as a LIKELY image by a lot of advertisements/advertisers.

Women are being used as a sex object that can arouse someone’s desire and attention anytime they may see an ad with this kind of treatment, foreign and western advertisers are the people who use this kind of technique.

Here in the Philippines, I am happy enough that there is a regulating board that will scan and study first the advertisements that were about to come up and penetrate the tri-media, with their largest exposures. PANA or Philippine Association of National Advertisers is the body that responsible for this kind of work, and I am happy to see advertisements that though creatively done and a witty one, still, it is an ethical advertisement. There might have been some issues questioning the credibility and the quality of the screening PANA had in some advertisements, but for me, its good enough, compare to the western advertisements shown in some imported magazines, Philippine advertisements may sometime be foul and revealing but far different and still wholesome and creative from imported ads.

Based on my observation- my biggest observation in ads, Philippine advertisers often use matinee and famous good-looking MALE endorsers in laundry soaps and detergent, like Piolo Pascual in Speed, Vic Sotto in Tide, Michael V. in JOY dishwashing liquid, Ogie Alcasid in Bonux and many other endorsers that seem to be ironic, thinking that the task of household chores are only for women, way back before. But now, advertisers are using these male/masculine endorsers. This may signify a glaring reality here in the country, the there is really an equality among women and men.

Another remark I noticed is the use of graphics and skits as a form of advertisements of some products, like Mc Donald’s- most of the time and also Coca Cola. For me, this signifies the creativity of the Philippine advertisers nowadays, because they were able to catch attention from the market with the use of these IMAGINARY graphics and interpretation.

Though, there might be issues concerning in the down graded quality of our ads here in the Philippines, still I am happy and hopeful in whatever flow our ads have right now, as it compares in the ads as shown in Kilbourne’s film-documentary.

As for my observation with regards to the Philippine television and films, I can see that there is an immergence of the portrayal of the real-life situations and entertainment. Film makers and TV programs producers are creative enough to catch the viewers’ attention not just to entertain but to convey realities/realization and real-life examples that most of the viewers can relate and reflect after watching- mostly in films, while Philippine TV specifically, is being more bold and aggressive when it comes to competition, and battle of new ideas.

With the innovations of technologies and the inevitable liberation that is now taking place, I am glad that we are able to grow more and improve more. I just hope that these changes and the upcoming challenges in our industry will bring more positive changes and improvements to us. That at the end of the day, it’s not always sale and competition on ratings but on what the people or viewers can get on the ads, films and TV shows.