My stint at UP so far..

This week classes at any UP system will resume and a horde of students will definitely flock to the campus - with excitement and of course, apprehension at the same time. The excitement will stem from meeting new friends or by being reunited with classmates after  four months of vacation lest spared from the stress and mental challenges during those times. But as the old adage goes, it's time to go back to reality. This where anxiety comes into play - the dreaded and tedious work each of the students would likely to anticipate upon entering the campus. I, for one is no excuse. And my case is ultra special since it would be my first time to experience the life of a UPian and engage with mentally gifted people converged into one setting.

I was already expecting that it would not be a smooth sailing for me. I knew it then since the time when I had to struggle accomplishing my papers for admission, getting myself examined whether I am physically fit or not even it means i have to battle my fear against needles and blood, up to this very moment where I have to walk to and fro offices under a extreme heat just to enlist my subjects and finally be enrolled.

Tomorrow I will be finally meeting my professors and classmates. I am hoping and praying that everything will fall into place. That my apprehension and emotional baggage me for the past few months will finally wear off.

I leave it all up to GOD. With Him I trust that my stay in UP would be easier and adjusted smoothly.

Cheer Me Not

I am bit curious about this world cup saga and why seem to have such a huge impact to our compatriots who are hooked into watching this ball game. I couldnt fathom the idea that there some Filipinos who are fairly knowledgeable about whose team got the most numbered of trophies but failed to recognize or even appreciate our own sports team competing in international event. When Brazil lost to a match with Germany, the whole nation was awed in disbelief and disappointment even to the extent of destroying properties every around corner. Honestly, I admire their relentless support to their national team. How can we not do the same thing? Because we feel our athletes arent good enough and often times throws our blame to the lack of gov't support. True to that. But look at Kenya and Jamaica. Political turmoil and famine aren't viewed as deterrent in their quest of becoming a world class athlete. It's people, undeniably the driven force why they push themselves to compete. They cheer out loud and still embraces them even at times of defeat. But here if our athlete get lost, it's easily for us to forget its name, much worse humiliate for just a second rate athlete. Poor Pinoy athletes! I wish we have that Brazil spirit imbibed to each and every one, so that by winning and losing, we will unite as one nation.

Excerpt from the Interview at UP

1. Give me your reason(s) why you are pursuing your PhD program. 

 I am taking this PhD program for two reasons. On a personal level, having a PhD degree is a prestigious endeavor since it required a lot of hard work, patience and intellect before one has to bear that elusive title. It would be an additional feather in my cap which i know would put me in a pedestal of success someday. As worker in an educational institution, we are committed to elevate ourselves from mediocrity to excellence. We have to study in order to better serve to our clienteles. On a higher level, I am aware that it’s not all about personal gain but any one who is working their PhD is expected to contribute to the larger academic spectrum - our researches must add to the body of knowledge in the field of development communication. 

2. What are your plans after finishing your doctorate degree?

So many things I have in mind if I would be fortunate enough to finish the degree. Definitely, I have to go back to the institution who feeds me and who made it possible to achieve this goal. I will pay it forward to the academe who trusted my capability by sharing to them what i have learned here at UP. For sure, I’ll go back into teaching. Another thing is that, it has always been my goal to create a culture of research in our department or college. I will mentor my co-faculty in writing a research proposal and conduct more and more relevant researches in development communication and allied fields. Lastly, I want to get involve in non-government organization who caters to the upliftment on the lives of our destitute Estehanons. If given the opportunity, I’ll serve as communication specialist who can contribute to the success of their program or project. 

3. What is to you is Development Communication?

Development communication is a field of communication which primary function is to put communication as instrument to the speedy transformation of a society or the upliftment of the lives of the people making all forms of communication viable means to realize that goal. It is a type of communication that is purposive and pragmatic. 

4. Your undergraduate course is Mass Communication and your masters is DevComm, what you do you think are similarities and differences between these two programs?

 When I took up my undergraduate program, we were taught on how to write on print, television and for motion picture. Although these skills are necessary for both masscomm and devcomm students, it sets apart on whom it cater - masscomm caters the general audiences while devcom has to write for intended audiences. Another thing is the form of communication used. In mass comm, only the tri-media were used while devcom shall resort to any tools of communication relevant to that specific audiences. Both are functioning to entertain and inform but in mass communication we are paid for the services rendered because it is a job while in devcomm the monetary aspect is just only secondary because our primary goal is to serve the people as social worker. 

5. Discuss what have you learn in your masteral program - the subjects taken and the activities you’ve done.

l During my first term at UPOU,I was able to take up the introductory subject in devcomm with Dr. Alexander Flor as my FIC. On that subject, my understanding on development communication has broaden. I got to know some of its concepts and theories which formed the foundation of this youngest field of communication. Part of the topic which we have tackled is regarding the meaning of development - how different decades perceived the meaning of it. Also, I learned that the rationale behind development communication is to place communication and media technology in the service of development and that communication should be placed as a major component for the success of developmental programs. 

On my second term as UPOU student, i took up Social Marketing/Social Mobilization course. This was a very interesting subject to me. Here, i was able to learn mixing up marketing strategy used in selling products to selling ideas of a particular cause or project to make it a successful one. Following the concepts and techniques imparted to us through series of exchanging ideas online and the textbook provided to us, we were instructed to develop our own social mobilization project. Mine was to create a campaign called KIDNEY CARE. The creation of this project was inspired through my own experience when i had an infection of this illness before. But of course, i followed the steps on how social mobilization should be done from knowing the problem, gathering the data, to strategies to be employed, stakeholders who will performed different roles to evaluation of the success of the program or projects. 

Communication of Scientific and technical information - this course primarily emphasizes on appreciation of science and other scientific advancements and how these contributions made available to ordinary people. The course gave us an insight on the historical perspective of science communication, how scientific knowledge should be organized, and taught us the techniques in writing scientific and technical information in a way that it should be understandable by the layman people. Popularizing research results, disseminate these information to the end-users and create an impact to the people are what this course wants to achieve. 

l The last two sems at UPOU was devoted into teaching us the practical guide to conduct a research. We were then asked to develop our own proposal and eventually proceeded to work on to our chosen topic. But of course, the topic need to be evaluated by the adviser. Luckily, it didnt take long mine to be approved by Dok Alex. My topic was about an evaluation of the Farmers Information Technology Services Center in terms on how effective the center to the farmers and look into the problems met by the rice farmers so that necessary recommendations shall be raised and imposed to the concerned agencies. 

6. You’ve said that you already conducted researches before, can you share what are the title of your researches. What are your researches all about?

Internet Use Among Students of the College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences

This a quantitive research which assess how frequent are the cans students utilize internet services, what are the common sites they often visited and the purpose of which they are using the internet. This study also carried out their perceived relevance of internet to their academics. 

Post Assessment Survey of the Samar Island Natural Park 

In 2012, I was tapped as member of a team who will conduct the final phase of SINP project which an evaluation whether the project was a success or not. We went to different municipalities in ESamar covered by the SINP/SIDP. Through FGD, we asked our respondents if they were familiar with the project, their participation on the implementation of that project and what were the changes in their community after the said project was implemented. 

v Tracking and Inventory of ESSU Students After Super Typhoon Yolanda

I spearheaded this project upon the request of the president to conduct an assessment of the students across essu after that fateful day of November 8, 2013. I was then designated as Planning Director at that time when the incident happened so i took charge the responsibility. The research is tracer study which sought to determine the status of ESSU students and their present condition a month after Yolanda caused a massive destruction to the province. We asked the students about their plans with their lives and whether they will pursue their studies despite the toil of their present condition. Findings of the study became the basis for the university to conduct a comprehensive rehabilitation plan and also facilitated CHED in providing baseline information for their rehabilitation project. 

In addition to that i served also as an adviser to undergraduate thesis. Currently, I am working on a research regarding rice farmers use of communication media in receiving information on rice technologies. My aim is to assess if farmers are able to have access to information on rice technologies with the aid of various communication media. 

7. What will be your contribution to the academe while working your PhD? What do you envision to contribute to body of knowledge?

My previous researches are geared towards agricultural and environmental development which were greatly influenced by the researchers team in the state university I am currently working. It taught me a lot from appreciation to these fields as well as an understanding to the problems faced by the agricultural and environmental sectors. In other words, I already have connection to these fields of science. But the recent catastrophe that struck the Visayas ,which include my province as one those hardly hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda, has changed this perspective. I am now inclined to conduct studies on disaster risk or crisis communication. When communication line broke down, I was curious on how the government agencies were able to respond to emergencies and conduct relief operations despite the absence or lack of communication signals. My observation before, during and after the typhoon was that the government failed to create a concrete communication plan or strategy that supposedly direct them on what to do in all phases of the calamity. If there was a plan, it lacks the involvement of the people to participate in the planning stage and ignored their supposed participation during and after the typhoon. People are just passive receivers of the information provided to them by the government and media. There were some studies in America citing the importance or the benefits of the public involvement in all phases of a crisis response.

Another gray area which I have observed is resident’s lack of understanding of the terminology used in weather reports. There were abuzz that had PAGASA used a more common term, in this case using daluyong or dulok instead of ‘storm surge’, perhaps the adverse effects of the typhoon could have been averted. How people search for information in a natural disaster has not been the focus of much research. It is necessary to find out what information is needed by people and what terms they to need to describe a disaster event and how they use this. 

So all these observations had led my interest in disaster risk or crisis communication - my hope to mitigate the effects of the calamity that may happen in the future. The researches that may developed out of those observations may be an input to devise a comprehensive crisis communication strategy to be employed by our local government and if successful be an inspiration for some LGUs to adapt it as well. 

My Candy Pop

The one is on his 40’s and the other one has just turned his 20s. That is 20 years difference and in between those gaps is me - turning 30. I am talking about two of beautiful persons I have met in my life. They are extremely opposite to one another both in age and character but inside my heart they form a singular sphere of happiness - to me alone.

He is Mr BULALO addict, married, a daddy of a cute little princess and an airport maker. McRoy, as fondly called by his colleagues and friends, doesn’t have an artistahun looks, at least in my self-made standard, but he’s alluring sex appeal created a jolt of appreciation by the girls and bekis alike. Even the grannies can still be persuaded to like him. When I started to work at ESSU, I didnt pay attention anything about his popularity in school. Maybe because my full attention was concentrated on improving myself as a teacher. But his name was somewhat resonating in my head because his was too familiar to me. When I recollected my memory I knew then that I was right - he was the MC Jr we stalked wayback in highschool. I giggled the idea that my long time crush and the man of my dream was in fact my officemate. It didnt take long when we were finally introduced to one another. The good thing was we worked in the same department and he was handling a graphic design subject for mass communication students. Oh Man! That was it. That was the tip off point to finally get to know the person very well, to have had an access to his moves and actions, to whatever he does - just everything about him. I was literally and figuratively back into stalking once again. I even tried to steal a picture of him just to have it placed in my wallet and for me to indulge looking at his handsome face. That’s not yet the highlights of our blooming relationship as FRIENDS (lol). On 2013, ESSU hosted the regional scuaa meet. Different task force was organized to facilitate efficient and faster work assignment. Makel and I were assigned in the same group which will make a video presentation for different night activities. At first i was kind of hesitant to join the group since i was the only one who came from a different college - the rest of my team belong to CET. But i learned not to be intimidated by their presence. I was amenable to be working with them despite the strange feelings i have inside especially to Mcroy. I feel awkward at that very moment since i couldnt even looked directly to his eyes. I have this gut feeling that he knew already i have had a huge crush with him; only that he can handle very well not to be too conceited. As we proceeded to our assignment, he even cracked a joke just to make me feel at ease at times which i graciously accepted even the corniest one. One of the most remarkable moment that we were together was when we visited the different municipalities to take shots for our video presentation. He was always too generous to buy snacks for his teammates. Inside a van when he felt that we were too sleepy, he would blurt out with a noise or even fabricate stories just anything around that he could think of. But never had it been annoying to me. I always got carried away with his charm and his presence made me happy everyday. After the SCUAA, we got even closer to one another. During fridays after work, we usually go for a bottle of two or more in Baybay or at their house just to relax and unwind. Oftentimes he would insist to pay the bills or take charge for our drinking session if he has extra money inside his pocket. Beyond that charm looks, Makel is such a caring person, a true friend, honest and a family man. He never talked about girls in his past nor would you learn about him having an affair with someone. His sense of humor is his weapon to make someone enticed to appreciate his whole personality. He was never judgmental to anyone and I for one is a living testimony that he never humiliate homosexual individuals. He got many beki friends in and outside ESSU but I am fortunate enough that his treatment to me is beyond platonic; it is special in every sense of a word. There were many times that he had opened up about what he feels and what he envisioned about his life and his family. I took it extremely flattering since a guy usually not open with someone who has a different sexual orientation. May be he was just too comfortable with my presence and whatever it is, I will keep that trust bestowed on me. I hope our friendship will continue to flourish as time goes by. I don’t expect anything in return from him, not even his love, because I know where i have to stand in a situation like this. What I wish for is his continual connection to me - wired, virtual and better yet, in flesh. That admiration will never fade as long as I breath. Thank you for all the good memories!


Okay, let us now proceed to the other person who skip my heart a beat during summer and even, ahem, until now. His name is Keith Baquilod, 23 years old, chinito look with a dark-thick eyebrow and perfectly molded nose. His only downside is that he is not that tall which I thought at first was a major turnoff. But his sharp eyes and all that on his face was the qualities that made me attracted to him. We first met in a disco bar together with his two other friends. I was about to leave the area when i saw them at the parking lot trying to discuss on something. I don’t know what drove me to introduce myself but next thing to happen i already offered them a drink inside the bar. We easily got along together and even ordered few more bottles of beer. Next thing we knew it was already past 4 in the morning and that we have decided to part our ways. The next day I incessantly requested his friend to go for a picnic in Linao - Boronganons perfect getaway place due to its relaxing view of the river which is just a kilometer away from home - but to no avail. I knew they were still intoxicated by the volume of alcohol we consumed that night. Days passed, Keith and I still didn’t see each other after that last incident in the bar. I was too eager to meet him once again that i have to ask a number of him from his friend which was graciously sent to me by the latter. I immediately texted Keith and asked if he was okay. My heart was pounding erratically the first time i received a reply from him. What followed next was a long queue of conversation as we exchange text messages every day. As time progressed, I was already trying to build a relationship not only with him but also to his circle of friends. Every time they have a drinking session, I was invited by them. The good thing about Keith and his friends, was that they were not taken me for granted. They bought their own drinks and never insisted me to pay for their bills every time we go out. They waited for me to shell out my money if I was the one who insisted it. I remember the time when I invited to chill and indulge some booze at home. He was so drunk and even asked him to stay at home until morning since he could no longer drive his bike by his own. That was the moment where I got to see his other side - he was funny. I enjoyed his company and the company of his friends - although sometimes i could not relate much of the things they talked about. But the idea of having them as my friends was somewhat refreshing to me. I could jive easily to their trips and other kulitan moments. It didn’t hit me that i was too old for them nor I felt awkward every time I dance with them in a bar. That was the perks of having such as a young heart. I never felt so insecure about my age as long as I am having a blast with the people who trust and believe in me.

Keith is now chasing after his dreams. I am hoping someday he will get his wishes - for himself and for his family - a good career and eventually, a good life. May our friendship will continue to flourish as well. I remain his true friends and that is a PROMISE TO KEEP.

Road to Success (Part 3)

My decision to finally gave in the idea of having UPLB as my choice to work on my PhD program created both a sphere of doubt and encouragement. For sometime, some of my colleagues were adversarial with my plan since they thought that i would be having a hard time dealing with a UP life. Although they cant utter it bluntly to my face, I knew that what they were trying to say was a sort of discouragement. I can’t simply ignore their despondency since they too have had a fair share of experiences as UPian before or stories passed through them by their friends or loved ones who struggled also to survive as Iskolar ng Bayan. These people whom I asked an unsolicited advice opted to enroll their PhD in private school in Cebu or Manila - an easy way out to get that doctorate diploma. According to them, there were no pressure, arduous requirements that can take away their time since everything seemed to be relax and easy. I didn’t expect to hear this from them since I thought PhD is like dwelling your entire life reading and researching. But anyways, I’ve listened more to the call of my heart - that is, to be part of UP community. I wanted UP as my habitat of learning since i want to go beyond my horizon - to expand my knowledge, to discover things which tend to be new to me and although the least reason, i want my family, colleagues and community looked up to me and value my education. In time, i’ll pay it forward to those who will need my help and service. It has always been my dream to serve the larger community through my works and researches. 

Road to Success (Part 2)

Road to Success (Part 2)





Yesterday, I was able to share the reason why i quit from my post as Planning Director and this has paved the way of my decision to push through my plan of going back to school again. It was a tough decision and this has drawn a lot of issues and talks from my colleagues as to why I vacated the position that too early. For some people who were closed to me, they would probably understand the reason behind it. In fact, they were too concerned about my health and often observed changes in my physical looks - the bulging eye bags, the thinning hairline and the slimmer physique. That was already a clear indication that I was able to developed a psychological stress and work fatigue out of the overwhelming work. So to fast track this thing I leave the office and started to plan anew. I was determined already to enroll my PhD program. I checked on the websites of schools who are offering PhD in Development Communication. There are only two state universities in the country who are offering the program - the UP Los Banos in Laguna and Central Luzon State University in Nueve Ecija. I first considered CLSU since one of my colleagues is finishing her PhD in that school and it would be easier for me to adjust to the environment if I have someone to keep me company. Then their is UP.









The UP Dream that was...









Ever since it has always been my dream to become a legitimate UPian . By legitimate, that is, one is not only that you passed the UPCAT but also someone who is able to survive the ‘the fittest of all’ specie. And that the validation is you wearing the Sablay, with your head up high and finally clinched that diploma stamped with a UP Logo. I happened to be an UPCAT passer and enrolled at UP Cebu before i shifted my course in Tacloban. Wayback 2001. Unfortunately, destiny decided that it wasnt really for me. I was so frustrated that i cut short my stay in UP Cebu. Not because i got eliminated but because the place wasnt ideal for my studies - the dialect difficulty, the financial constraints and the lack of sounding board - factors which hindered me to continue my stay in UP. I then told myself that someday I would be able to go back to UP and this time, by hook and by crook, i should finish my studies. The redemption began when i enrolled my masters at UPOU, the fifth system of UP. On April 2011, the board of regents of UP conferred me as one of the graduates of master of development communication program, I was in extreme happiness that time that i finally got my UP degree and my first time to have worn the Sablay. On that same day, i realized that dreams really do come true in a perfect time. It gave me a chill since i couldnt really believe that was happening to me. That incident had brought back my selfesteem that once had lost in me when i failed to reach my UP dream in college.

Road to Success (Part 1)

It’s a lazy afternoon everyone! As promised, I am going to pound this keyboard with the hope to share with you my thoughts on certain things and anything that goes under the sun. Let me reiterate that I dont want to brag anyone to like this piece. It’s my personal account and i demand a little respect for this. Nor I urge anyone to criticize this even if your intention is as genuine or as good as mine. Anyways, what I am going to share now is my journey towards fulfilling my dream and that is to become a PhD holder. I had plan this out a few years back when myself was drawn with so much vigor and enthusiasm that by the age of thirty, that elusive suffix three letters should now be placed next to my name. But sometimes things didn't turn out according to plans, as the old adage says. Mine was a matter of decision rather than fate. I decided to accept a responsibility whom I thought was going to be handled easily. I was WRONG. I accepted a position that demands time, effort and which requires mental agility because of the figures and numbers I have to deal with everyday. Not to mention the major decisions i have to make which may affect the whole institution. I struggled to balance my primary function as an instructor to that of a planning director which consumed three-forth of my working time. At the middle of the year, I was on the brink of giving up because of physical and mental exhaustion in trying to dispense my responsibilities. Time came when at the last quarter of this year, I was already losing my grip to come to office, hair starting to fall, and a waning enthusiasm were already manifested in me. That was the deciding point for me to end my struggle in that office. On January this year I have terminated my directorship to the University President. I have justified my reasons why i have to vacate my post and which he eventually accepted.

To be continued...