Red Marks

Last January 24, 2012, I got my first stern red marks on an editorial draft by my Journalism professor.

And on the 27th, I still have red marks on my draft but it was fewer than the picture above. (I don't have its picture cause I was really upset that time.) But also on that date, my draft was approved and I was slightly happy about it. I think my professor wasn't still happy and I am so frustrated. I mean, what did I've done wroooong? -___-

GOOD NEWS! On this day, January 31, 2012 my Editorial Article (oh yes the article itself!!!) was approved by him. And guess what, I just did that in more or less than 15 minutes. AMAAAAAAAZING. I was also surprised because I've never write an article as swift as that. NEVER! :) Maybe I was just soooooo inspired today and I don't know where's that inspiration's coming! (Joke, of course I know, right? lol) So here, is the Editorial Article I wrote today!!

THE TRIAL

by: Angeli Ruth C. Castorillo

“People of the Philippines versus Chief Justice Renato Corona.” or is it, “The Administration against CJ Corona”?

            According to Article XI, Section 2 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution: “The President, the Vice President, the Members of the Supreme Court, the Members of the Constitutional Commissions, and the Ombudsman maybe removed from office, on impeachment for, and conviction of, culpable violation of the constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust.” The constitution may sound specific and stronger than any other definition but it sounds better than saying that impeachment is just the removal of public officials in their perspective offices due to misconduct because the leaders might be frightened to do anomalies. But why does it seem like here in the Philippines, impeachment of public officials is not a stranger to us anymore?

            Do you remember former President Joseph Ejercito – Estrada? How about Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez? It is not surprising that another public official is now being heated under his seat. The controversial impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona is now being televised like a dramatic soap opera as virtual as ERAP’s impeachment.

            CJ Corona’s impeachment is due to his betrayal of public trust, he violated the constitution and he failed to disclose to the public his statement of assets and liabilities and net worth as required by the Constitution. He is now charged of graft and corruption by the courts. And yes, the Philippine’s highest court where CJ Corona used to operate his function.

            Of course, CJ Corona denied the entire allegation against him. He fortified himself and told the court that he only own 5 of the 45 properties being accused by his name. He also said that the other properties were either owned by his in-laws, his in-laws parents, his broker and people he did not know, and even by the National Housing Authority, but were incorporated in the list to “make it appear” that these were his. Speaking before the keen crowd of cohorts gathered at the Supreme Court building in Manila, the Chief Justice also lashed out three powerful persons he did not name for allegedly conspiring to eject him out of his office. He was apparently referring to President Aquino, DOTC Secretary Mar Roxas and Associated Justice Antonio Carpio.

            Whether the court will be just or Corona is guilty with the allegations, it is the people’s task and responsibility to be up-to-date of the issue since we have to be vigilant also if the person in the hot seat is really blameworthy or if he is just being charged for the reason of his involvements and him being appointed by the former president Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal – Arroyo. Is this case just a confederacy against Corona? Is it or is it not? #

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I am so asdfghjkl inspired!! <3

I love Vlog-ing

I'm a Youtube-Sensation-Wannabe!

Oh yeah, I am. I was busy making video blogs lately. Vlogs about stuffs going on in my head. Some are non-sense things that I tried to put sense with them. Like this blog. There's nothing inspirational nor informational with this post. I just want to share my excitement and happiness with regards to my vlog-ing life.

I'm a newbie. Some people thinks I was just "trying-hard" of course I am. I don't have the best humor in the world but I think I've got the guts to express myself infont of a camcorder. That's how it supposed to be. That's how it goes. Some folks would say my vlog won't geet any hits but guess what? I have this vlog that got 700 plus hits in just days! I never imagined it will happen.

So there, just want to share my thoughts of it. :)

MOVE MANILA!

Last January 12, 2012, the Far Eastern University auditorium was chock-full of about a thousand of people because of the most current program of Move.Ph “Social Media for Social Change” chat series. The event highlighted big names in the broadcasting business such as Cheche Lazaro, Veronica Pedroza, Chay Hofileña and Maria Ressa.

When Mr. Ryan Yturriaga announced that we are going to attend a seminar about Social Media, I was not so enthusiastic about it. I didn’t even felt any pleasure flowing in my veins; I can’t find any reasons why do I have to be present in the event. I was actually forcing myself to go. I’m not fond of going to seminars although I’m aware that in the real world after college, there are a lot of seminars waiting for me. On that morning last Thursday, I am not willing to get up early. I’m not a morning person but I should because I have to go to the event.

When I got there in school, I saw Mr. Yturriaga immediately and signed for the attendance, went up the upper box because surprisingly, there are a huge mass of people inside the auditorium. We wait for the even to start and OH MY GOD, I was so starstucked with the big journalism “stars” who are present in that event.

Former ABS-CBN news broadcaster, Al Jazeera English, BBC and CNN Asia’s Veronica Pedrosa delivered the Keynote Speech. She told stories about her experiences as a journalist during her time in ABS-CBN, in CNN Asia until she stated far-fetched stories about her involvements in Al Jazeera. She voiced out a lot of information and I learned a lot from her keynote speech. She discussed about “the power of the word to pressure the power of regime”, how Asian trust social media than traditional media and the “Tectonic drift of Trust” which is presented in a pyramid graph. Age of Deference VS Age of Reference.  She also discussed about how technology that is used well has the ability to make you feel “something” and it’s (technology) impact on the practice of journalism: Live news and more live news, journalists as curators and transparency and credibility as watchwords.

My most favourite part of the event was Pat Evangelista’s Chat Session 1: Telling Stories. Pat Evangelista is a Rappler media reporter. (Oh my god, I can’t believe that I saw her already. When I was in high school, I used her speech several times (“Blonde and Blue Eyes”) as my oration speech. It was such an honour to see her to speak live omg). We watched documentation about Andi Eigenman. In that docu I learned that we should not judge people like her as we Filipinos have judged her just because of this ideology: In the Philippines, you should live with morals. Situations as such happen because we do not live in a fairy-tale who always have a “happily ever after”. She also presented documentaries about the Maguindanao Massacre and the victims of “Bagyong Sendong”. The line I cannot forget on Pat’s speech is that “Journalists are story tellers – we put ourselves in their lives.”

“Chat Session 2: The Fun and Challenges of being a Multimedia Reporter” of Natashya Gutierrez is the most light and fun of all! She discussed about what multimedia journalism is, how multimedia journalism changed the news world, the challenges and the fun part of being a multimedia reporter, while promoting Steve Job’s iPhone! I tweeted during the event and Natashya favorited and retweeted my tweet! She also mentioned me in her tweet!! She’s so nice. J

Chay Hofileña talks about Social Media’s risks and potentials and how to use it responsibly. Potentials such as quick mobilization and information dissemination during disasters and crowd sourcing information. Social media risks such as English language damaged, link between addiction and depression, “current generation of digital natives spend 10,000hrs online before they become adults”, being anti-social, privacy and security issues, CYBER-BULLYING, and mobocracy or mob rule. Responsible use such as “post it and it’s public; age of screen grabs”, avoid inflammatory languages, avoid feeding trolls and do not steal or violate copyright.

Maria Ressa the CEO and executive editor of Rappler wrapped up the whole event. She discussed the main theme of the event: Social Media for Social Change. She talked about social media being a hot topic since 2009, social media addiction, upside of the dopamine fix and social network theory. She also talked about Rappler’s approach in journalism.

Afterwards, a panel discussion was led by Cheche Lazaro and our very own Mr. Joven Castro was there with the other panel. The audience were allowed to ask questions to the guest and they answer it vigorously. Mr. Ryan Yturriaga, my ICT professor had the chance to ask the panel about their stand on security of the journalists here in our country. Veronica Pedrosa was the one who answered Mr Yturriaga’s concern and she said that everyone of us should make a stand about the security of journalists in the Philippines.

The event was such a success and very inspiring. It was a great honor to become part of it! J

It's Friday the 13th and I'm Cyber-bullied.

I never thought it will turn out that way.

Yesterday, I was in an internet cafe waiting for my next class. Doing homeworks, Facebooking, Tumblr-ing, Blog-ing and Tweeting. A lot of students were there and other people whom I can't be familiar with but one thing is for sure. FEU-EAC students are dominating that internet shop. 

I was just hushed; critically thinking about "What am I going to blog?" Then the worst thing that ever happened to me came about…

Three East Asia College students are “talkshit-ing” while playing Counter Strike (or whatever that is because I am not so familiar with online games that involve guns.) They say terms that are so exasperating. Foul words that are very annoying! They shout noisily as if they are the only person inside that internet café.

I asked the internet café personnel to attend my request if it is probable to keep those 3 guys settled down because I cannot focus well. The personnel attend my demand immediately. Suddenly, those guys started to become quiet but something happened. They humiliate me infront of a lot of people. Those East Asia College guys said foul words in my face!

I was so aggravated of them that I posted on my Twitter account a statement. “Grabe naman tong mga taga-East Asia College. Mga Walang Breeding!” Suddenly, I saw in a Facebook account a print-screened adaptation of my tweet. Instantly, there were a lot of comments! Other trollers and stalkers continued to post printed-screen version of my other tweets that are not linked with the issue. I was so bothered about it.

I am aware I also have fault in this because I posted such things stating foul words about EAST ASIA COLLEGE due to my anger against those boys who debase me, but I believe not all of the liability are mine. I just wanted to rant about what happened to me because those FEU-EAC students humiliated me! The fact that this Rima Lopez print-screened my tweets actually made it worst. She invaded my privacy! I can’t think of how she got access on my Twitter account because my Twitter account was locked.

But Praise God, He never leave me in these kind of circumstances. The Facebook Account of “FEU STOLEN SHOTS” became the vessel to let the issue erased. I was so grateful with the Administrators of the account. They stated: “Sure ma`am hindi po namin ginawa tong page para mag hilaan pababa :) i understand kung ano man po yung nangyari sa daughter niyo and we hope as soon as possible na ma trace kung sino yung hinayupak na nambastos sa kanya may god bless her and your family
-elmer :) “ 

(He was then addressing his comment to my mom)

Whoever Elmer is, I know he’s the nicest guy the Lord used for the issue to stop. Thanks to him and to all the Administrators of “FEU STOLEN SHOTS”

“Internet sucks” = No, it is not. It is us who suck. I realized that if I didn’t reacted that way, that won’t happen to me. I wouldn’t be cyber-bullied. I am so sorry about it. But what is worst is that, they invaded my tweets, they bullied me, they say foul words about me, they ridicule me after those FEU-EAC boys had done to me before hand. TELL ME WHO’S THE VICTIM? TELL ME WHO’S THE ONE WHO SUFFERED? Is it really The East Asia College because of that statement I avowed? Or it is me, who haven’t had the time to clarify my side and was judged immediately?

Running Out of Words. Running Out of Time.

My thoughts are vague, I can't explain.
Maybe I was dreaming, maybe I was too lame.'
My heart's undecided, it's so absurd.
I can't think of anything my mind's so stirred.


Can't say I'm broken, can't say I'm okay;
I just want my thoughts to be poured out this way.
For when it is full, it is lost and crashed.
Wisdom is wasted, it is put to trash.

-- Angeli Cstrllo

I wish my eyes were a camera.

I would take pictures of everything and record my life. I’d keep all my pictures stored in my brain and be able to look at them whenever I want. And before I die, I’d rewind all the way to the beginning and fast forward to the end, replaying my whole life in my head.

My New Year's Resolution

Hey guys, don't laugh. I know it sounds cliche but I can't help thinking about doing things as such. I always have a new year's resolution every year. It started when I was in high school. There are certain things I want to change or permanently delete in my life (lifestyle). After all these years, I always fail on this but still I'll continue to formulate another set for the year 2012!!

1. I WILL PUT GOD FIRST IN EVERYTHING THAT I DO
     It says it all. :)

2. I WILL BE MORE SOCIALLY ACTIVE
     I'm the kind of person that do not go out a lot. I go out with friends, with CERTAIN FRIENDS. We eat-out, watch movies, chill, but we seldom go to parties. Maybe I'm going to explore everything I can but of course only those things that aren't beyond my limits.

3. I WILL STOP PROCRASTINATING
    I'm stubborn like that. I don't have this "being initiative" or whatever they call it. My parents didn't raise me like that. They are both industrious and responsible. Oh. Maybe that's the reason why I'm being crazy lazy. I know I'm loving laying down, chilling. I hate chores. But I know I can change that.

4. I'M NOT GOING TO HAVE FIGHTS ONLINE
   Social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter are my vessels where I rant bad feelings, crazy opinions, anger about a lot of people which most of the time turns out to be fights. I'll be more understanding this time and I'm going to lessen ranting about stuff online.

5. I'M GOING TO GET RID OF THE F WORD AND THE B WORD.
   Whenever I get surprised, get mad, be so much happy, or whenver I tell stories to friends, I always, ALWAYS say "fuck" and "bitch" all the time. I know it isn't good to hear especially coming from a girl's mouth but I can't help saying it for "animation" purposes. I know it's bad, that is why I'm going to get rid of it.


So there. I know I can make it. :)