Another Movie With A Successful Sequel

I am glad to know that Miss Congeniality part 2 is as good as the first one, if not even better. I just got home from Glorietta where I watched the movie with Mike. We, along with other audiences almost lost our breath laughing. The comic lines and situations presented by the movie really clicked. Sandra's way of interpreting her character Gracie Hart was really effective. As expected, Ms.Hart still snorts and shows her clumsiness once in a while. The brawls are fantastic, most between Hart and Foreman who was played by Regina King. It's good to see Heather Burns again who plays Miss Rhode Islands who got the Miss United States crown. In this sequel, Miss United States was kidnapped along with the pageant host played by William Shatner. While Hart was given a new task which was to promote FBI by becoming a glamorous role model promoting on television shows and attending press conferences. While Hart came accross a decision between staying within the comfort of being a national celebrity, and following her call of duty as an FBI agent.

The movie was directed by John Pasquin, and produced by Sandra Bullock. Some of the cast are Regina King, Enrique Murciano Jr, Diedrich Bader, Ernie Hudson, William Shatner, Treat Williams, Elisabeth Rohm, Lusia Strus, Nick Offerman, Abraham Benrubi, Heather Burns, Leslie Erin Grossman, William O'Leary, and John DiResta.

I will give this movie 5 out of 5 popcorn buckets. Superb!

Joy and Pain in Research Writing

When I am still in my high school years, I have been hearing already from my older sisters about this thing called thesis or research paper. All I know about it then was that it’s simply like a composition or an essay that is just the same with what we used to do in English class, only a longer version. The only thing that I’ve been wondering about was their complaints and comments about research writing. Is research writing a real pain and difficult task do to? Is it the test of everything that you’ve learned in college? Almost eight years have passed, and I am now a fourth year college student. My turn has come to face and experience writing a research paper, and the first thing that came into my mind was a question. Am I ready for this? Yes, I have done research writing during my second year in college, but that was a group thesis and it is not as serious as an undergraduate research paper. This time we are required to write individually, which means doing everything all by yourself. From researching, formulating problems, up to doing a survey and encoding all the data, not to mention the defense part.


Anxiety has been the feeling that dominated the air during WOS 1 class. I knew it would not do any help, but you just can’t help it when you are doing something for the first time. Research writing is one serious thing in college, and having Dr. Cuevas as a professor is another. Having a reputation as a strict and tough professor, hearing those negative things about him from the former students of Dr. Cuevas, my classmates and I have been really careful in everything that we say and do. Especially that I’m one of the officers in the class, so he expects a lot from us. According to him, first impression doesn’t last, well he’s absolutely right about that. At first, I was afraid of him, and it also came in my thought not to enter his class anymore. But I chose to face the challenge, for I know that these things will give me knowledge and train me to work with pressure. And I am glad I did what I had to, because I learned a lot of things from this subject. And by doing so, my anxiety has been replaced with confidence and I became more eager to work with difficult task and pressure.

Doing this research is like entering a haunted house. Expect the unexpected, as they say. Well at first, I thought research writing isn’t that hard, but I was wrong. I used to cram with my research writing when Dr. Cuevas told us that the officers would be the first one to defend chapters 1 and 2 of our undergraduate research. Well I have no choice but to prove myself and to Dr. Cuevas that I can make it, even if I don’t have my local and foreign literature yet at that time. I still have three days to work on it, but it hasn’t been that easy. I even went to national library to look for some resources, but unfortunately I didn’t find anything that could support my research. Then I decided to look for resources in the Internet, and this time I got my luck. I had a number of related articles and studies that I could use. But I still need some more, so I tried to search again in the school library, and this time I found some books that I could relate with my topic. After I had enough articles and studies, I immediately went in front of my computer to encode and arrange everything, including my interpretation or the explanation about how these articles support my research topic. I spent three sleepless nights just to finish chapters 1 and 2.


The day came when I have to defend my chapters 1 and 2. Unfortunately, I was told to revise the paradigm of the study before the first two part of my research will be approved. I thought I could now take a break until Dr. Cuevas announced the first batch to defend the whole research paper. I am the second to defend this time, and I only have few days left to finish the research paper. I became really anxious this time and I could really feel the pressure in the air. I tried to compose myself and keep my faith up. I finally finished my research up to the last chapter but still uncertain if I am ready to defend. There are a lot more things to memorize and because WOS 1 is not our only subject, I still have to do other things. Especially that it coincided with Videofest where I was a director. Knowing that I am not that prepared yet when the day of my scheduled defense came, I asked Dr. Cuevas if he could still give me more time to prepare and it was very considerate of him that he allowed me to spend more time memorizing. Until the day came, I do not have anymore excuse this time, so I went in front of the class to defend my research paper, and as expected I was told to stop because Dr. Cuevas saw something wrong with my FCR’s, he said that it needs a revision. At first I felt disappointed, but at the bright side, it would mean that I would have more time to prepare and memorize.


I immediately did some revision with my FCR’s and arranged my research paper again to prepare it ahead of time for editing. And then I allotted enough time for me to memorize the new revisions. When I was about to stand in front of the class, which was during Dr. Cuevas’ class in section C, I received a good news from him, it was that I belong to those chosen to spend practicum in ABS-CBN. It was really overwhelming, and because of that, I seem to be distracted with mixed thoughts and feeling of excitement and being worried and scared to make any mistakes. I knew I did not perform at my best during that defense, but at last got through it. I am done. I am really happy that time, because finally my research was done, and I don’t have anymore burden to carry. Now, I can take a rest and sleep on time. At the same time, I am also excited about my practicum in ABS-CBN. I know it is a privilege because not all students are selected, and being recommended is such a fulfillment. The next thing that I did was polishing my research paper for editing, and to complete all the requirements that should be passed on time for my practicum.

One of the best things about research writing under Dr. Cuevas was that we are thought to work under pressure. We have been asked to do a certain thing with only a limited time. We have no other choice but to follow and do what we have been told because we are concerned about our grades. Of course we really had a hard time and thought negative things about his way of doing things. It seems to be unfair at times when he tells us to finish an assignment to be passed at a specified time, until the day came knowing that he is not going to take it. But because of that, we realized that we only have few things to do and still a lot of time left, which means that we have more time to rest. That’s when we realized that he may have asked us to do so because he wants us to learn to value time, which means we have to maximize time by doing everything that we can. Dr. Cuevas may also seem to be unkind when he talks to us, most of the time he is very critical about the way we speak or think, especially about answering his tricky questions. Realizing those things have shown me that I am now more careful with my words and I have learned how to analyze things first before doing something about it. Answering questions is not merely giving answers but putting logic and sense out of it. These things that may seem weird at first makes a real sense now. And it will surely be a big help for us when we meet new people and work with professionals be it in the field of broadcasting.

One of the most difficult parts in research writing was the printing of documents. Since that I don’t have any printer at home, I have to come to school early to have my documents printed. There were unfortunate times when files from my diskettes have been corrupted. In terms of expenses, it is not really that practical since that it really cost a lot to print a number of pages several times after each revision. On the other hand, I am thankful that I have a computer at home because it really saves a lot of money. Without it, I would still have to rent a computer, which costs about twenty-five to thirty pesos an hour. And also, it is more convenient to encode my research at home. But to sum it up, nothing can compensate with what I have learned from research writing. More than anything else, I have learned to discipline my self in terms of managing time, and following strict rules. I have learned to make the most out of my time, and how to be resourceful and practical.

Angel Locsin is the newest Darna

I am so excited about GMA7's newest fantaserye, Darna. Especially that it will star Angel Locsin as Narda or the heroine Darna. Aside from being an original Filipino superhero, I am proud about this because I am sure that GMA has the ability to make this the best ever version of Darna. And yes, Angel Locsin really showed her best in Mulawin and I bet, she'll be surprising us not only with her wit and expertise in acting, but with her fighting skills that she's learned from months of training. I have below an article published on page A2-1 of the March 16, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer by Jocelyn Valle, and Marinel Cruz of Inquirer News Service.

ANGEL Locsin is the newest Darna.

And while people behind the upcoming television series on GMA 7 have known this since December last year, die-hard Angel fans are getting their confirmation only now, here in Inquirer Entertainment.

"There were many others who auditioned for the role of Darna," explained director Dominic Zapata during a break in the first shoot for the show's teaser. "I'm not saying no one else looked the part, but Angel was the unanimous choice."

The "others" included Karylle, Diana Zubiri, Jennylyn Mercado, Nadine Samonte, Iza Calzado, Rica Peralejo and Ara Mina.

Zapata said Angel's Darna would be "as sexy as possible." He said the heroine's reworked red-gold costume was made of latex -a mixture of waxes used for such products as balloons and medical gloves-skin-tight and sturdy.

"At the same time we made sure she'd be comfortable in it even when she did her stunts," the director said. "The action sequences in the series will be nothing like those in Hong Kong movies. 'Darna' is very Filipino. We culled influences from traditional dances, like the tinikling. We owe it to our culture. Tatak Pinoy dapat."

Ding, Darna's sidekick and brother, will be portrayed by "StarStruck" ultimate survivor CJ Muere. Playing the young Ding is child actor Renz Valerio.

Alessandra "Alex" de Rossi plays the villain Valentina. Unlike Darna who's clad in a sexy two-piece, Valentina wears a snakeskin bodysuit with holes. "She doesn't have a hairpiece made of snakes," Alex volunteered. "There's only one cobra on her head. She has two snakes that she uses as whips."

"There is no bigger Pinoy character than Darna," Zapanta stressed. "And while the series will feature 'staples' like Valentina and Ding, new characters will be introduced as well. Darna will not be just a do-gooder. She will have a higher mission. This story is more compelling. Our goal is to live up to the expectations of fans and make this interesting to generations of viewers that have only heard of Darna."

The late Mars Ravelo created the superheroine in the 1950s. "Darna" was first serialized in Pilipino comics. In May 1951, the character was brought to the big screen for the first time, with Rosa del Rosario in the lead.

Other actresses who have portrayed the role are Liza Moreno, Eva Montes, Gina Pare¤o, Vilma Santos, Rio Locsin, Sharon Cuneta, Anjanette Abayari and Regine Velasquez.

Last year, GMA Network Inc. bought the rights to produce "Darna: The TV Series." The pilot episode will air next month. Another "Darna" film is reportedly in the making.

Inquirer Entertainment visited the "Darna" set one Sunday afternoon and had a chat with the cast members.
Here's what the stars had to say about their characters.

Angel Locsin
"The GMA 7 bosses informed me about the show last January, but I didn't think much about it because I was still in 'Mulawin.' This show will be more advanced, compared to 'Mulawin.' There will be more special effects, more flying and more stunts."

"People will see a different Narda-no longer a crybaby, palaban na (a fighter). She goes through a lot of trials, which makes her stronger. She is the family's breadwinner. She sells fish and vegetables in the public market in the morning and works as a janitress at night.

"Conflict arises when she acquires her power and starts helping people as Darna. She fails to get to work on time, nababawasan ang sweldo niya (she gets pay cuts). Her brother Ding, who needs his allowance to go to school, gets suspicious.

"In the beginning, Narda's relationship with Ding is very unstable. They love each other but fight a lot about money. This is because Ding does not understand why his sister suddenly disappears or fails to make it to work on time.

"Valentina is Narda's cousin and childhood friend. Their rift starts when, while exploring the forest, Valentina gets swallowed by a giant anaconda. Valentina gets angry because she thought Narda left her behind. In fact, Narda left to look for help. But of course, when the anaconda releases Valentina, she has changed. She's become scheming and vengeful."

Alessandra de Rossi
"Initially, I was reluctant to take on the villain role, my first, because I didn't want viewers to hate me. I've heard of TV villains being hit by fans with umbrellas in the mall. But I think people are more mature now. They already know that what they see on TV is not real life.

"The TV adaptation delves into Valentina's anger, which dates back to her childhood with Narda. Even after years of not seeing her cousin, Valentina remains bitter and furious. She lures Darna's love interest away. Whoever comes to Darna's life, I will steal from her-kasi nga maganda ako!

"I'm studying how to deal with my vertigo [non-existent sense of balance]. 'Di ba kailangan flat kapag lumilipad? I can't do that! But getting on a harness is not a problem to me. I've done it before but this is the first time that I'll do stunts while flying. It helps that I took up karate-do before and I'm so hyper."

Sandy Andolong
"I play the role of Prospera-Valentina's mother and Narda's wicked aunt. Narda's father, Manolo, and I have the same father, but I don't like him. I am rich, he is really poor. I maltreat Narda and her brother Ding.

Karen de los Reyes
"I'm Alice, Narda's best friend. Like Narda, I sell fish and vegetables in the public market. My character is very funny and kikay. It's very different from my kontrabida role in 'Mulawin.' I'm very pleased. Very few people know that I enjoy making people laugh. Now, I finally get the chance."

Caridad Sanchez
"I accepted the role of Aio only after the producers explained to me how powerful the character is. She is the only remaining living being from the planet Andranika. She comes to Earth to pass on the power of the queen of that planet to a human being who can continue the queen's mission. For now, that's all I can tell you about her." (Maureen Larrazabal plays the role of the younger Aio.)

Tonton Gutierrez
"I am Manolo, father of Narda and Ding and Prospera's half-brother. I'm a farmer and I spend most of my time in the field. My family is very poor. We are indebted to Prospera because we live on one of her properties.

"Later in the series, viewers will see me transform into Nosforamus, Pinoy version of the Grim Reaper. He feeds on people's dreams and good memories. Manolo turns into a villain when the evil Braguda possesses him."

Jeremy Marquez
"I'm June, Narda's friend and secret admirer. My character likes Narda so much, but her heart beats for someone else.

"Angel is the perfect Darna for me because she's beautiful and she can do both action and drama. Alex is also the best choice for Valentina. Natural ang pagkataklesa n'ya (She's naturally tactless)."

Thumbs up to GMA7 and the cast and crew of Darna!

The Pacifier

Last monday, I really don't have anything to do and I'm kind of bored just sittin' in my room, watching tv. And it's nice that it turned out that it's Mike's off that day. So we ended up in a movie, "The Pacifier".

Initially our plan was just to stroll around, but when I saw the movie post, I told Mike it might be a cool movie since that it stars Vin and it's from Disney. And I'm glad I made the right choice. It's funny, wholesome, and not that dumb ol' flick.

Out of 5 popcorn buckets, I'd give it 4 3/4. Cool!

I miss RJ badly!

It's been almost two weeks since my cute nephew left the house for a vacation at his dad's province in Bicol. I really couldn't help but cry when he left that day. I admit he's really makulit and that's what I like about him, 'coz he's not that typical boy who would annoy you of his kakulitan. Rjay's kakulitan is with sense. He talks like he's my age, and he really can communicate well at his very young age. He is only turning two this April.

Oh, just incase you don't have any idea what to give him for his birthday, owell, he loves all kinds of musical instruments particularly drums and guitars. Or maybe you have the money to buy him a violin, 'coz he's been into it lately. He was also the one who gave me the name "Yayan", 'coz he use to call me tito Yayan, not becasue he is bulol, but it's how he makes lambing to me, he's really sweet, isn't he.

I could say millions of things about my cute nephew, but I don't want to say much about him today since that I would only miss him more. I miss him so much, and I can't hardly wait to see him again. For sure he'll get lotsa kisses and tight hugs from me, I love him so much. He, he, he.

KBP, TV Networks, and Ad

One of the missions and goals of the Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster ng Pilipinas is to elevate the standards of the broadcast media, which includes promotion of economic viability and equal opportunities for growth. Aside from strictly implementing the code of ethics through its members, the KBP regularly monitors broadcast activities including commercial ads received by television and radio stations. Monitoring commercial ads’ airtime and frequency within a program helps in maintaining the quality programming that is enforced through a system of fines, suspension, and expulsion of its members.


We all know that media networks earn through commercials. As they produce quality programs that are patronized by a large audience or listeners, these programs become viable to commercial agencies. And because this serves as an opportunity for a media station or network to gain profit, they take advantage and tend to accept large volume of commercial ads which is more that the maximum number required for a specific program. Members of KBP are not tolerated by the said organization, and they strictly conduct periodic inspection. This is one of the reasons why media networks cancel their affiliation or membership with KBP. They wanted to fully utilize their programs and accept as much commercial ads that seek their service.


KBP is a self-regulated media organization, and its mission and objective is reasonable and does not only benefit their members but specially their audiences and listeners. It can be observed particularly on television programs that as they gain more audience share, they tend to have more airtime for commercials in between gaps. And during these instances, audiences are not getting desirable experience watching these programs. Without a body that could monitor and regulate policies and standards, there wouldn’t be anyone to correct these mistakes committed by television networks.


Television programming is an important task that should be studied and systematized with deep understanding and analysis; this can make or break a station. Granted that it plays an important role in the success of a television network, but it should not be taken for granted because there are audiences that should be considered. It may be a rude remark but it seems that out of greed, television networks tend to favor for profit more than what the audiences or listeners.


There are other issues involving media regulations, and without a governing body, it seems difficult to ensure the quality of media networks performance. For those non-KBP members, their answer is a self-regulating committee. But I do not think this is as efficient and effective as KBP. We could not disqualify the fact that it can be possible for self-regulated media to favor their side once in a while. And because they are monitoring their own programs, it may follow that they would be lenient and less strict. Also, the effect of being regulated by an outside committee seems to create more awareness and strict care not to violate any rules and standard as not to take the name of their program or network in a red remark.


Upon scanning the rules and objectives of KBP, I cannot see any unfavorable and unfair points that may be a turn off for media bodies regarding membership. In fact, KBP even encourages fair competition among its members.


I may not have done enough research and should have interviewed persons in authority with regard the said issue. But from what I have read, it seems that there are no other reason for a media station to withdraw or not to enroll for KBP membership but their abidance and tolerance with “discipline” and “professionalism.” KBP with its desirable objectives comes not only with the observance of the constitutional right but most with media’s responsibility. Media stations that are not in favor of KBP’s effectiveness may have just felt too restricted or controlled regarding professionalism that is partnered with discipline over profit.

This is my own composition which I wrote for our Media Business Paper (Paper 2) under Mrs. Mel Estonilo.

You did great Joan!

Joanna Rafbel Serrano, or simply Joan did really well during the pageant night of Bb. Pilipinas 2005. I am proud to say that I know this young woman since I was a kid. I call her ate Joan. And we used to kid around and play quiz bee. Our family were really close since that my mom and her mom are bestfriends. And it's really weird since that my mom named all her children after her bestfriends children. Joan, Joy, and me Ryan. It's just that their eldest is Joan, while ours is my ate Joy. Oh well, so much about history.

Going back to the pageant, I admit I have been expecting she would land on one of the titles because she's given one of the best answers among the rest of the candidates. It was a fair competition though, and I know she would still keep on striving to become better next time. This is actually her second time competing for the title, and she still have one more chance to join. Afterall, she's proven herself well already, her beauty, wit, and charm dazzled the Filipinos. Being one of the top ten candidates is already a prestige to be proud of. For that, congratulations ate Joan! Keep the fire burning!

Karen Davila: Trying Hard?

Being a part of News and Current Affairs department in a broadcasting company, one must always be aware not only about the policies and guidelines of the company, but most with the codes and ethics of broadcasting. As a part of the management, I am going to ensure that all of the talents and staff will help in protecting the image of the company and become responsible in maintaining the credibility of the said department.


Credibility is the first and most important aspect that makes a news program effective. This credibility is not just a sugarcoating but must and should be up to the core of any news program and department as well, because people – the masses are sensitive individuals who can perceive beyond what is being shown.


The issue regarding Karen Davila on her interview with Susan Roces during the wake of the late Fernando Poe Jr. is an absurd incident in terms of Davila’s performance as a broadcast journalist. I would, without any second thought suspend Ms. Davila immediately for doing so. And I am going to make sure that a press release would come out the next day from my department stating the corrective action and reasons for suspension. The statement from Ms. Susan Roces clearly expresses her perception towards TV Patrol about its unfair treatment about FPJ’s campaign and candidacy last May 2004 election. According to Ms. Roces, TV Patrol intentionally edits their video clips to show a situation in accordance to what they would like the people to believe, that only few supporters attended FPJ’s campaign rallies. Another accusation was that the reason why people do not patronize TV Patrol is because they are always late in terms of airing fresh news.


The accusations being uttered by Ms. Susan Roces are serious. "People don't want to watch your news coverage because you capitalize on personal hurt," she told a startled Karen Davila. And yet Ms. Davila, being an anchorwoman of TV Patrol, did not only receive the accusations without any explanation or attempt to redeem the said news program, but also gave apology in behalf of ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs. Ms. Davila should have realized that doing so is like telling their viewers that TV Patrol is biased and guilty of doing rude actions in terms of editing out video clips in order to violate or destroy other people’s image. In other words, Davila accepted all the accusations from Ms. Susan Roces. And the worst thing is that she asked an apology not only from her name but also for ABS-CBN.


Karen Davila already made an irreversible mistake on that incident. And as part of management, I could not think of a better way to save the department and the station, than terminating Davila not only from TV Patrol but from the station as well. What has been said on national television by Ms. Susan Roces is one serious thing, and Davila’s acceptance is another. As a broadcast journalist, what you say on air cannot be taken back anymore; a proverb says “one cannot step on the same river twice.” Not suspending or terminating Davila would mean that the management committed another mistake, and it would mean that they also accepted the accusations from Ms. Roces. That corrective action would be the last card of the station to redeem itself, so that the viewers would realize that the station still values integrity and maintains their stand that they are still credible and is not guilty of the accusations made by Ms.Roces. Not doing so is one big mistake that would destroy their credibility as media.

This is my own composition which I wrote for our Media Business Paper (Paper 4) under Mrs. Mel Estonilo.

Graduation Day at Last!

After spending four (agonizing?) years in college, we'll be marching for our diplomas tomorrow (which will be our key to unlock the door for a bigger world). The world of opportunities and real challenges. Oh well, I shouldn't be thinking about negative things about it, I must be optimistic about things to come. And I feel that I've been well equipped from those trials I've experienced during my college years especially during my practicum days, (whew!), don't wanna go in details 'bout it.

Tomorrow (March 17, 2005 3 PM) will be the big day! Centro Escolar University will be holding the Graduation ceremonies at the infamous Manila Hotel, at the grandious Fiesta Pavillion. More than anything else, the most memorable thing I assume I'd never forget is that I'll be marching before my mom, who's been very supportive with my studies, both financial and moral. I share my diploma to all my friends who never left me even in times of trials. To all my professors who've been very strict, because that has thought me a lot, and has transformed me to become a better and responsible individual. Thank you guys (Anonymous 8) for being true friends. Thanks to you mom for your love and patience, and for being hardworking, providing for all my needs. Thanks to my ate's and to my niece and nephew (Raphael Joseph) who never failed to make me smile even during my most tiring day. Thank you God for all the blessings, for the strength, and for the hope and faith that keeps me going.

Yipee! I'm now a certifide bachelor! (hehehe !)

Congratulations my fellow graduates! Cheers to ABMCB 4A Batch 2005!!!
We did a great job!

The term "Screenager"

You must have met one of these; you may even have one or two sprawled about the house. Screenagers are techno-savvy young people, reared on television and computers. The term was coined in 1997 by Douglas Rushkoff in his book Playing the Future. He argues that young people who have used computers and other microchipped devices since infancy will have effortless advantages over their elders in processing information and coping with change when they reach adulthood. Their short attention spans, now disparaged by educators and parents, may be an advantage in coping with the huge mass of disparate bits of information that will bombard the wired person of the 21st century. Some critics point out that these arguments are not new, that people have long argued that we should learn from our children, and have savaged the book’s thesis as the eternal generation gap dressed up in digital clothes. But the renowned journalistic ability to spot a good catchword means that the term is likely to have a good innings.

Taken from World Wide Words

Mandy Moore : On Stage

Amanda Leigh Moore was born in Nashua, New Hampshire, on April 10, 1984 to Don (an airline pilot) and Stacy (a former news reporter). After seeing the musical "Oklahoma!" she decided that she wanted to pursue a career in singing. As a child, she performed the National Anthem at several athletic events around her hometown of Orlando, Florida, and became known as the "National Anthem girl".

At the ripe age of 14, while she was recording in a studio in Orlando, a Fed-Ex worker who happened to be passing through heard her and was interested in her talent. He happened to know someone at Sony as well. Moore worked on cutting a demo and shortly thereafter signed a record deal with Sony 550 Music. At 15, her first record "So Real" was released. Her first tour was with the Backstreet Boys.

As her touring and recording schedule demanded more of her time, Moore withdrew from Bishop Moore Catholic High School in Orlando and opted for a tutor/correspondence. She has stated that her education is important to her and says that the fact that she wants to go to college motivates her to continue with her schooling.

Though Moore's record sales are not up in the ranks of Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera, she has proved to be a formidable talent both in singing and in acting. She snagged an MTV Movie Award in June 2002 for her first feature film role in A Walk to Remember in 2002. Her biggest dream, though, is to perform on Broadway someday.

Screenagers

Reading the article by David Celdran is like opening a box from the future. It is indeed a possible scenario that is not far from what we have right now. Television technology has really evolved from the typical black and white programs with only music on the background. But as I look into it, there is not much to worry about the path digital technology is taking now. I believe that no matter how advanced and influential television technology is, there would always be someone to balance the scene. Even during the early times, there are already people who during their time are considered a geek, or a techie person, who has these ideas, which seems to be advance and futuristic. And that is why we have these technologies now, because of those geniuses from the past.

Having the screenager generation is like taking care of a new breed of plants. We may be too worried about how to take good care of them, we may be afraid because their stem holds a lot of thorns and we are afraid to touch them; it may seem that we are curious about how their fruit would look like, if we can eat them, or will their fruits harm us with poison. And it is sometimes ironic, because we just don’t realize that we are already part of those breeds, in fact, we are of the same breed of plants. It’s just that some would like to stay under the sun, and some would just prefer to stay in the damp. As they say, different folks, with different strokes.

There is nothing much to worry about the profitability of television. It was mentioned on the article that there would come a time when digital television would change all that and that viewers can just download contents and will be able to skip through commercials which would make the bread and butter of networks and ad agencies inefficient. I certainly do not agree on this statement, because even now the commercial people, because of their ingenuity have made a way for televiewers who use to switch channels avoiding commercial gaps. The solution, they started to put pop-out commercials at the bottom of the television screen even during the program itself, by then, there is no way for televiewers to not to see these advertisements. And who would even dare to skip our advertisements now adays, when they seem to be even more entertaining that the program itself. Television commercials have learned how to survive and evolve as a form of entertainment itself. They have learned how to touch the televiewers hearts, make them laugh, and make them cry, and so on. As the technology advances, so were the ideas and strategies of commercial agencies and the program and station managers. I do believe that we all co-exist and will continue to take part in the advancement of our technology and economy as well.

These screenagers, as they become familiar with these systems as early as now, would be the next geniuses of our society. As for the idealistic and traditional member of the society especially from the early generations, have nothing to worry too. Don’t they know that even today there are still Elvis fanatics, not only those who belong to the same era as Elvis’ but there are younger generations who were influenced by their granddads or fathers. Even Mister Charlie Chaplin would still be proud about our generation having Mr.Bean as his legacy. That is why instead of having to worry too much and entertain paranoia, it would be better to develop positivism towards the future. The article even discusses family ties. That because of these digital technologies, family bonding while watching television would diminish. Why don’t we take a look at dad and children who plays computer games together at home; how about the sing-along games in Philippine television, where families sing along with each other while watching the show. The Philippine game show quizzes where families tend to test each other’s skills in general trivia. After all, these are all on our hands. We can actually take control of these. If we would only be determined to create more television shows and programs that would benefit and encourage the families to watch together. We could continue to create quality program that goes with the culture and jive both with screenagers’ definition of what is “cool” and the parents’ definition of “sense” as well.

This is my own composition which I wrote for our Media Business Paper (Paper 5) under Mrs. Mel Estonilo. To read the reference of this paper read David Celdran's The Screenager Generation.