Weighing the Pros and Cons: REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH BILL

Source: www.newsaroundus.com

The reproductive health bill is one of the controversial issues in the country nowadays due to its urgent signing of the government which is not supported by the religious sector. Since then, the RH Bill has been a contentious social issue because it opposes two powerful sectors with each other – the Church and the development non-government sector supported by government technocrats.

Why these two sectors are opposing with each other about the RH Bill? First, the Catholic Church pits this bill because it promotes the use of artificial birth control methods such as birth-control pills and condoms, saying these could lead to promiscuity and a rise in abortion cases. They advocate natural family planning methods such as ecological breastfeeding and systematic natural family planning. On the contrary, the development nongovernment sector supported the RH Bill because it gives clear content on population commission, ideal family size, reproductive health education in schools and the freedom to use natural or artificial family planning methods.

The reproductive health bill is relevant in terms of assisting family planning programs to the people. It gives significant information on the methods of birth control, the appropriate number of children for every family, gender equality and reproductive health education. Also it includes the Commission on Population will serve as the government agency that complies with the issues on overpopulation and disseminating the information on family planning to local government sectors.

But there are parts in the RH bill that needs improvement in terms of content because other sectors will not conform on it. First, they encourage having two children as an ideal family size and there is no punitive action for those families having more than two children. In the contrary, overpopulation is one of the major problems in our country. There are ideas that there will be a law for ideal family size which the number of children is not more than eight and above. Hopefully, responsible parenting is the solution for this problem in a way that the parents should grow their children depends on their family size and capacity in terms of budget and spacing.

Second, the mandatory age-appropriate reproductive health education where it can be taught to the students by adequately-trained teachers starting Grade five to fourth year high school. There is nothing new about it because it is already common in schools nationwide. However, we need to look forward on the possibilities that the family, especially the parents, will guide their children appropriately through proper teaching of reproductive health education. It is for the reason that children learn these things in school, neighbors and peers; sometimes, it can be learned through improper way which leads to indecent idea towards reproductive health.

Lastly, the bill promotes the freedom to choose between natural or artificial methods of family planning. But there are parts in the bill that advocates more on the use of artificial birth control methods such as surgical methods in public hospitals and the contraceptives such as condoms and pills are essential medicines. These methods are scientifically effective but the Church opposes the use of artificial birth control methods.

Therefore, the Church, the development nongovernment sector, and the government technocrats express their side in this social issue. It also reflects the pros and cons to be encountered if the bill will implement in the future. Hopefully, other people from different sectors of society will become aware in this issue and express their side if they agree or disagree in the RH Bill.

Source: "Belmonte to ask PNoy to certify RH Bill as urgent" by Amita Legaspi

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/202312/belmonte-to-ask-pnoy-to-certify-rh-bill-as-urgent

Summer Getaway: Freelance Writing Workshop

The certificate I received from the workshop.

I have a different summer experience this year. Aside from the typical summer outings in beaches or mountains, having a Visita Iglesia or even staying in home with my family, this year is different. It was a summer getaway in Makati City where it is educational and relevant for aspiring writers like me.


I attended a two day workshop entitled "Jumpstart Your Freelance Writing Career 4.0" last April 30 until May 1, 2011 in Powerbooks, Greenbelt 4, Makati City. Before, I wanted to attend the preceding workshops and events of Writers Block but I missed it due to the location and lack of expenses to attend the events. This year, I was able to attend due to family support and I paid in the early-bird rate discount of the workshop. One day before the workshop, I was thinking that I would not attend this workshop because of financial expenses, transportation concerns where I am going to travel from Cavite to Makati plus the prediction of having a traffic jam in the Metro which I hate the most, and the jitters because I was intimidated and nervous at first.

However, when I made it to the workshop, everything was in good flow. I experienced a smooth-sailing trip from Cavite to Makati and I made it two hours early to the workshop (afraid of getting late in an appointment). My classmates in the workshop were very nice which allows us to exchange our ideas and experiences about writing. The facilitators of the workshop were so accommodating and knowledgeable. In other words, I feel comfortable in this event.

Therefore, the most important thing there is the investment and the long hours of travel, definitely WORTH IT! I learned a lot from the speakers, the topics and the activities in the workshop, I realized my strengths and weaknesses which contribute to my skills as a writer, I received a lot of giveaways and a certificate plus the soft copy of the topics discussed in the workshop, and I met new friends with the same interests in writing.

10 Things I Learned from the Workshop:

1. Freelance writing is not a RAKET!
2. Making a writing pitch is the first step to please your editor to publish your work. Be creative and technically concise about your pitch. In addition, critiquing our pitch by the speakers of the workshop is the most exciting part because I need to know the things that I need to improve.
3. Media ethics which helps importantly to become a disciplined writer.
4. The seven steps in creative process which is applicable not only to writers but also to other artists.
5. Dealing with writer's block. 
6. Different styles applicable in freelance writing. (I found out that travel and entertainment are my top 2 interests in writing).
7. Different writing techniques and the art of interviewing.
8. The Life SWOT where I learned to reflect on my strengths and weaknesses which contribute in writing skill and how it affect the threats and opportunities in freelance writing.
9. Writing is not easy. It takes a special skill to communicate with effectively and a write-up should be based on research and facts. 
10. Sharing your articles to your circle of friends.

Therefore, I would like to extend my appreciation to the speakers and founders of Writers Block Philippines Nikka Sarthou, Ana Santos and Nina Terol Zialcita for this great opportunity to handle a workshop for aspiring writers, to the guest speakers Tweet Sering and DJ Vince Golangco, to my family (especially my sister and my mom) who gave me financial and moral support to make it on this event, to my workshop classmates and new friends I met, keep up the good work to achieve our dream in writing (see you soon in the upcoming workshops of Writers Block), and most of all, to God thanks a lot for this wonderful opportunity that I achieved in order to improve my writing skills and I will share it to my friends and people who are willing to become a writer someday.

I would like to close this note by asking this question: after I made it on the workshop, is it the way to step out from being a personal blogger to a freelance writer? The most important thing running in my mind is keep on writing to achieve my dreams.

The freelance writing class of Jumpstart Your Freelance Writing Career 4.0 held at Powerbooks, Greenbelt 4, Makati City. (Source: Writers Block Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/writersblock.ph)

Pilipinas Got Talent Season 2: Second Semi-Finals

The second batch of semi-finalists: Virgilio Del Carmen, B4, Angel Calalas, Lapinid Sisters, Madonna Pianista and Skeights.Source: Google Photos

The competition continues for the second batch of semi-finalists for the second season of Pilipinas Got Talent last May 7, 2011. This batch is definitely unique in terms of their talent and impact in the audience.

The show begins with the funny performance of Virgilio Del Carmen Jr. of Cebu. He has a very unique voice which resembles to the late Yoyoy Villame and did a cellphone punchline (where in  his audition performance, his wife called to him while doing the judges verdict). However, he did a right song choice but predictable and he did a good job as an impressionist of Yoyoy Villame.

The dance troupe from Baguio City called B4 (also known as Baguio Boom Boom Boys) showed their coolness in stage: from creative props and effects for their intro, choreography, song choice, poppin and lockin moves and their packaging. Overall, it was a very entertaining performance.

The singing duo of Gracelle and Kristelle Lapinid or simply the Lapinid Sisters  from Kidapawan, Lanao del Norte did a very good job in singing "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing". The musical arrangement, song choice and the vocal prowess are very good. They improved so much from their auditions and they can do better if they grow up.

To begin with the second half of the finalists is Fernan Santuyo, also known as Madonna Pianista, the pianist from Albay. He has an exceptional skill in playing the piano plus the fast hands in plucking the keyboard keys in the tune of Richard Clayderman's "Balade Pour Adeline".  He has a nice melody and he is different in terms of attire.

We also have a jamming session from Skeights, the band troupe from Davao City singing their rendition of "Break Even" by The Script.  They have a very good song choice and blending of musical instruments and vocals. However, their performance is somewhat predictable. Therefore, they have a great future in local music industry as the next band sensation because their music is on the mainstream.

The final act of the night came from Angel Calalas, the hula hoop tricker from Cainta, Rizal. She did a very exceptional act using hula hoops. It was a very hard act to follow where she has the versatility in making hula hoop tricks plus the gracefulness and endurance for twirling the hula hoop. In addition, her performance is the most spectacular moment of the night because she is not just focus on twirling but she did other  acts like fire dancing and  simple acrobatic acts. using hula hoop tricks. Hopefully she will make it to the grand finals because of her excellent performance.

Who will make it to the grand finals? Who will get the highest number of text votes and who will get the judges choice? Watch this Sunday on Pilipinas Got Talent Results Night, Sunday 9:00 p.m. on ABS-CBN.

Friendster Reformat

Friendster changes into a social entertainment site

Friendster is a pioneer social networking site in 2002. There are 98 million users of Friendster worldwide and Philippines got the highest number of users with 20 million people. It is also the social networking site that introduces to keep in touch with your friends through messages, comments and testimonials, uploading photo albums, posting shoutouts and bulletin boards and participating in forums and groups about a particular topic of interest.

However, when Facebook enters the online scenario, it has 500 million users around the globe. It features not just photos, groups, shoutouts and blogs, you can also chat with your friends, like a fanpage, and enjoying in various applications in this networking site.

This May 31, 2011, the social networking site Friendster will have its major reformat to social entertainment site where you can enjoy listening to music and playing games. On the other hand, all of your account contents including photos, testimonials, comments, messages, blogs, forums, groups, and shoutouts are no longer part of your account starting May 31. But with the help of an application called Friendster Exporter, you can recover your account contents and download or export photos and blogs securely to third party sites such as Flickr, Blogger and Multiply. However, your account will not be deleted. You still have the same email login and password and your basic information and friends list will be preserved in the new Friendster.

Author's Note:

I started to become part of the social networking site when I was in first year college. It was 2005. My first social networking site where I became part of it was Friendster. It was cool and exciting to use where I meet new friends, getting updates from famous personalities (if they are not posers), sharing your photos and blogs and keeping in touch with your friends in other places. I was active in Friendster for five years and when Facebook came in the virtual online world, it was also exciting as well as Friendster. 

Being hooked in Facebook gives you more time to spend on the Internet through using applications, chatting with friends and liking a fanpage and I still have time to visit my Friendster. I hooked up in Facebook for two years since 2009 and in Friendster for almost seven years. (Although others don't have time to check their Friendster because they said that it is boring and Facebook is more advanced in terms of networking and interaction with online friends) This coming May 31, they will have a major reformat from social networking site to social entertainment site where they can enjoy listening to music and playing online games. Hopefully, Facebook, Friendster, Blogger and other websites keep on improving their assets to attract more online users. Keep it up! 

- Jonathan Diesta, 21, Cavite -

Source: Friendster to delete users’ content by May 31

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/218782/technology/friendster-to-delete-users-content-by-may-31

You can also check this website where my article published: http://www.newsaroundus.com/2011/05/friendster-changes-into-social.html

Pilipinas Got Talent Season 2: First Semi-Finals

Last April 30, 2011, the first batch of talented acts performed in PAGCOR Theater for the first semi-finals of Pilipinas Got Talent Season 2. The competition was exciting and entertaining, showing the spectrum of talents which proves that Filipinos got it! Yesterday, May 1, 2011, the results are revealed and two acts made it to the grand finals. Here's a quick recap of the acts who performed in the first semi-finals round of Pilipinas Got Talent.

The first act of the night is Freestlyers, the dance troupe from Calamba, Laguna. At first, their dance routine was very common and seen in other talent competitions in TV like Showtime or Talentadong Pinoy. However, they have the breathtaking stunts, good choice of music and a synchronized choreography. They got the highest votes in this batch which automatically send them to the grand finals.

We also have Brian Brady, the young singer from Laoag City. He is one of the memorable auditions because he is  the American kid who has a heart of a Filipino. He sang a classic from Rico J. Puno entitled "May Bukas Pa" (There Is Still Tomorrow). It is a right song choice but he needs to improve the dynamics and the modulation of his voice. However, he has a positive outlook and a pleasant disposition in life.

The acoustic duo of Sol & Ven from Bacolod City or Light Gauge Acoustic did a rendition of Usher's "OMG." They are very good tandem especially Ven has a gifted skill in playing the guitar. But the song choice is not showing their genre but it fits to the voice of Sol and nice attempt to make an acoustic version of "OMG".

The Madrigal Siblings of Cainta, Rizal did an amazing job of singing Kuh Ledesma's "Ako ay Pilipino" (I Am A Filipino). The singing trio proved that they are experienced performers and it seems that they are prepared for their performances. They have the harmonized blending and powerful vocals which results into a great performance. They got the third highest number of text and online votes and got the judges' vote to made it on the finale.

The differently-abled singer and musician Jeremie Tampoy of Davao del Sur did a touching rendition of "The Music of the Night" from the musical Phantom of the Opera. She has a very good musical talent but the song choice is not familiar to other people. Therefore, she proved that although she is blind, she can share her talent to the world.

Last performance of the night is Rico The Magician from Caloocan. He has the strongest audience impact in this batch. He has a funny routine in magic from quirky footwork to strange tricks using his wife, a dog and a snake in his magic. Overall, his performance was entertaining, funny, and amazing! He got the second highest number of votes but he didn't make it to the finals. If there is a wildcard round, he will win all the way to the finals.

All of these contestants did a great job and hopefully, there will be a wildcard round for those acts who didn't make it in the semi-finals.

The first batch of semi-finalists in Pilipinas Got Talent Season 2.
Upper row: Freestylers, Brian Brady, Rico The Magician
Lower row: Madrigal Siblings, Jeremie Tampoy, Light Gauge Acoustic.
Photo Source: http://www.starmometer.com.ph

Pilipinas Got Talent Season 1: Grand Finals Review

It was almost one year ago when the first season of Pilipinas Got Talent was aired on Philippine TV. We witnessed the auditions from funny but horrible to great talents who emerged in the live performances and even others became Youtube sensation. This year, the second season of international franchise is airing but let us have a review of the contenders who made it to the grand finals of the previous season.

1. Alakim (Magician, Quezon City). He is one of the best contenders in PGT this first season because of using sensitive and delicate butterflies in magic plus he has a strong showmanship and he knows how to catch the attention of the audience through magic. This is not your ordinary magic but it is a fantastic act. In addition, during the grand finals, he used teleportation from stage up to the crowd. 

2. Sherwin Baguion (Singer, Lanao del Sur). He is memorable because of his audition with his father (who used electricity tricks and failed to make it) in his heartfelt performance of Rey Valera's original song "Tayong Dalawa". During the semi-finals stage, he sung Gary Valenciano's "Sana Maulit Muli" but it was not his best performance. However, he's back in the finals singing once again his audition piece for his performance.

3. Markki Stroem (Singer / Musician, Quezon City). With his charm, voice and musical talent, definitely the girls will love him. He got the right song choice, the stage presence and the right performance. He has a great future in local showbiz industry.

4. Ezra Band (Band Troupe, Davao City). Their music is on the mainstream and it is cool to hear. There are members of the band who stand out especially Kaye, the lead singer of the band who has a very good voice which sounded like a male acoustic singer and Nor, the differently-abled keyboard player who has an exceptional skill in accompanying the keyboard. 

5. Velasco Brothers (Breakdancing Crew, Manila). This group is one of the most consistent performers in the show. They have the synchronized choreography, the professional experience (where they worked in Thailand as performers) and the amazing stunts. Their dance act was fantastic which shows stunts and acrobatic movements.

6. Maria Jeline Oliva (Violinist / Multi-talented Musician, Naga City). She's got a raw talent in music at her young age. In addition, she can play 12 instruments especially the violin, piano and drums. Definitely, she is one of the best contestants in terms of technical aspects of performing.

7. Baguio Metamorphosis (Hip-hop and Belly Dancing Group, Baguio City). They have the colorful costumes which jives their choreography plus the choice of song in their dance routine which is so lively.

8.  Jovit Baldivino (Singer).  He definitely deserves to be the winner of this series because of his powerful voice and his style as a rocker. He has a humbling story and he is one of the most consistent contestants in the show because he became a Youtube sensation and a successful recording artist at his young age.

9. Ruther Urquia (Ventriloquist, Las Pinas). His act is definitely entertaining because of the child-friendly concept and humorous punchlines from Ruther and his puppet Titoy. Other puppets like Lolo Teddy and Baby Tomtom are also popular as Titoy. In addition, all ages will definitely entertain with his performance.

10. Ingrid Payaket (Singer, Baguio City). She is the only female soloist who made it to the grand finals. She has a clear voice and diction and her style is resembled to Lea Salonga because of song choice. In her grand finals performance, she performed "On My Own" from Les Miserables where it is the best rendition of the song among the contestants who rendered it in other local singing contests.

11. Keith Clark Delleva (Electric Guitarist / Singer, Pasay). He is a teen heartthrob and a talented musician because he can play the electric guitar passionately and he has a good singing voice. Although he struggled in the semi-finals where he received three buzzes due to technical problems,  he made a rebound in the finale where he proved that he is a talented guy.

12. Luntayao Family (Singing Group, Negros Occidental). They have the powerful voice and nice blending of voices. All of them are very good singers even the members comprise of different ages from  children to adults and they deserve to form a group.  

Great and successful season of Pilipinas Got Talent! More exciting talents for the upcoming seasons.

Source: Google Photos

Pilipinas Got Talent Season 1: Semi-Finals Review

The dance group Hello World in Cagayan de Oro auditions.

The classical singer Fame Flores impressed the judges in her audition with Lara Fabian's "Caruso."

Joel Amper or Big Mouth /BM amazed the crowd with his animal sounds.

It was one year ago when the first season of Pilipinas Got Talent held its semi-finals round. For six weeks, six different acts who passed the Judges Cull will perform every week to make it to the top twelve grand finalists. This season has a lot of talented Pinoys showing their unique skills and talents. However there are some talents who stand out during the semi-finals and they deserve a spot in the grand finals but didn't make it.

Let us start with the two ballroom dancers from Cebu, Jhistine & Filemon (Baguio Siblings) and Mae & Anselmo, they did their choreography with precision and right song choice for their performance. However, they didn't make it to the top 3. Then, we also have the double-character singer Reggie Ramirez where he impressed the judges with his rendition of Diana Ross and Lionel Richie's classic "Endless Love." But in the semi-finals, he didn't make it to the top 3 highest votes due to wrong song choice but the character of male and female voices is still there. We also have Florante Inutan, the Human Saxophone of Davao. He did a good job in making sounds like a saxophone and a credit for singing "La Bamba" but it was not enough to get the votes.

In addition, groups gave their best shot during the semi-finals round. Snap Boiz show their talent in their dark costumes and good stunts, as well as Xavier University Cultural Dance Troupe proved that cultural dance is on the mainstream. Then, Hello World of Davao became one of the early favorites in the competition because of their clown costumes and make up plus the smooth and synchronized dance routine in the tune of Taylor Swift's "Love Story". However, in their semi-finals performance, they didn't make it to the top 3 highest votes although they performed with the same routine which other people think that it is predictable. We also have  Goldies and Goodies with their strong confidence and enjoyment in their age and their entertaining dance routine where they can lead to morning exercises. Then, the Imusicapella Chamber Choir shows creativity and precision in singing with choreography which leads them as one of the top 3 highest votes in their batch. Similar with Imusicapella, Powerpuff Corn shows their musicality with their songs with a combination of reggae and acoustic. 

The soloists also performed their hearts out in this stage. Beatboxer Harold Jomar Gesulga show his ability with the use of harmonica during performance. Josephine Aton suits her song choice in her vocal prowess, Garrett Devan Bolden did an encore of his audition performance in the semi-finals and Manoling Saldivar delivered a one of a kind semi-finals performance with his opera singing. Rolando Permangil sing his heart out with OPM ballads and he did a great job in his performance. Also, BM or Big Mouth shocked and amazed the crowd in his auditions because of the animal sounds he created while he is singing (especially the horse) and he did it once again.

The younger finalists shown their amazing performance in this round. Jzan Vern Tero amazed the crowd and received a standing ovation from the judges in Cebu auditions with his energetic rendition of "Hush Hush" but in the semi-finals he fell short during his performance of "The Climb" because he didn't sing it properly due to health conditions. Carl Malone Montecido touch the hearts of the viewers with his song "May Bukas Pa" which reflects hope in his inspiring story although he is blind, he has the talent to share with other people. Reiniel Tulabing remains consistent with his performance from singing Michael Jackson's "Ben" in his auditions to groovy performance of "The Way You Make Me Feel" makes him a versatile performer. The youngest contender in this batch is the seven-year old Rolando Ng III with his rocking auditions singing Queen's "I Want To Break Free" and Elvis Presley's "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" proves that he is not just a boy with a good voice but with a strong showmanship in stage.

There are also semi-finalists who made a strong impact to the viewers because their act is deserving to the grand finale. First, we have the poppin and locking moves of Alexis Carpena where his robotic and smooth dance moves is unique and extraordinary. In addition, he is also a likable guy because he is humble. We also have Kapidamu Band where all of the members are talented in music and they have a future in becoming the next popular band in our country. The energetic, precise and passionate dance routine of Experience Kidz which proves that dancers or dance groups from General Santos City like XB Gensan (winner of Showtime Season 1) are really fantastic. Last but not the least is the teen opera singer Geraldine "Fame" Flores who can sing classical songs with a very good vocal range, she can also sing religious songs even in foreign languages, she's got the beautiful face which matches her talent and the meaning of the song which expressed in her emotions are really great. Definitely, Fame is the best female vocalist in this season because she is consistent from her rendition of Lara Fabian's "Caruso" in her auditions to her semi-finals performance of "Via Dolorosa".

Therefore, this batch of the first season is great and keep it up!