I should write my own article soon

Volunteerism in the age of Facebook, Twitter

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by Anna Bueno, Newsbreak contributor | 09/28/2009 8:38 PM

MANILA - If you entered the Ateneo de Manila University's covered courts on September 28, Monday -- barely two days after typhoon Ondoy flooded Manila -- you would think there was a concert or a grand general assembly going on.

There wasn't.

The multitude of people present was this university's version of Filipino bayanihan, one borne out of repeated pleas for donations and volunteers through Twitter, Plurk, and Facebook, and one that broke our so-called culture of apathy.

It was difficult not to get involved. Two days before, on Saturday, those of us online received word of stranded friends in Ateneo after Katipunan Avenue succumbed to a deluge, rendering the road impassable.

Ondoy then was starting to flood the metro, at a rate that would soon be marked as one of the fastest in Philippine history.

Friends stranded in Ateneo, and even we who were safe at home, lost their cellphone signals, and resorted to posting status messages on our Plurk, Twitter, and Facebook accounts.

In my case, my Facebook was flooded with messages and status updates of friends requesting that we contact their families to see if they were safe, and vice versa.

While I feared for my friends who were stranded, and those who had family members missing, I was equally thankful for those kind souls who offered help on the Web.

Before I knew it, Facebook became a live, updated stream not of quiz results or game updates, but rather of Ateneans -- and non-Ateneans, too -- helping each other contact family members, sending calls for rescue, or soliciting donations for the relief operations that were immediately established in our student leadership center.

This is the same building where our stranded schoolmates slept for the night.

If you compiled all the updates on Facebook, you would not even need to read the news websites. Everything was there: everyone was posting snippets of information; everyone was telling each other where a person could be found; everyone was recommending what would be the best way to help, or otherwise searching for a way.

A friend who's now a reporter for TV posted in his Facebook that it was a great time to be a journalist at this time of crisis, when there are a lot of people that can't immediately be reached by the government and would thus need media intervention.

How to help victims of Ondoy Ateneo de Manila University's Task Force Ondoy: Info on how to help Other ways to help (via abs-cbnNEWS.com) More photos of the Ateneo effort from Kevin Tatco's Multiply page

I say, it is a great time not only to be a journalist, a student, or an Atenean even: it is a great time to be a Filipino. Personal interests are forgotten. Help is enthusiastically offered. And what was important was that people were brought to safety no matter who they were, or whatever background they came from.

The flurry of updates, calls for help, responses to calls for help, carried on in Facebook well into the night. It was hard to sleep with news of block mates whose houses were submerged, or professors whose families are still stranded on the roofs of their houses. But the updates went on.

There were sad stories, as I mentioned. There were happy ones, too: a friend safe and sound in another friend's house, a family rescued by an army truck, news of volunteers gladly helping relief operations in school. The call to participate and do something concrete was not only strong or irresistible. It was what my conscience was pushing me to do.

While posting and reposting updates on Facebook helped in dissemination of information, my hands would be put to better use if I actually helped along with the whole school. I'm sure a lot of us felt the same way, which explained the scene that greeted me today in school this Monday.

The sun was up and shining by the time I arrived in school to volunteer. Students, alumni, personnel -- a whole lot of people -- already were in two lines, each passing a bag of goods to be loaded to a truck.

Most were in blue shirts, in response to the call in Facebook for those who would volunteer. There was a registration booth for all the volunteers. Goods were organized in the different sections of the courts, and one gate was wide open for cars that would bring in donations, and for vans that would be used to transport goods.

Manang's, a cafeteria near Ateneo's covered courts, offered free food for volunteers. Personnel and some students I know who belonged to one school organization cooked lunch for the volunteers. The food and drinks for the volunteers themselves came from donations.

Even after the amazing concern I witnessed online two days before, I was pleasantly surprised to see the love played out before my very eyes. Never before had I encountered so many students willing to lend a hand: to pack instant noodles, help sort out underwear, and lift boxes of goods off to Montalban.

Never before have I seen my classmates, blockmates, friends, raise their hands so enthusiastically when our Sanggunian president asked for volunteers who would clean up the GK villages affected by the flood.

My companions were so eager to be deployed in the areas that they took the initiative to ask those in-charge where they can be deployed in advance, since many volunteers also wanted to go to the affected areas.

Every section of the covered courts -- from the food repacking section, the holding section, the clothes sorting section -- was milling with students who were helping out, and having fun. In the clothes section, for example, some students were enjoying “shopping” clothes for the families who would receive the clothes they were packing.

The food section never ran out of students willing to go around the “conveyor belt” several times to pack food. The students at the “assembly line” -- those who loaded the packed goods to the trucks and vans -- cheered and applauded each other on after each truck had been filled to the brim.

We never ran out of volunteers. You could even say there were too many of us already, that it was advised that some of us transfer to nearby relief centers, or text our companions to bring more relief goods instead, since we were running out.

It was amazing to be part of that crowd working together as one for those in need, and heartwarming to realize that my schoolmates used this day not to make up for class work that was due, but to help.

I have never seen the school like this before.

Two days I ago, I was watching television and was feeling hopeless after seeing a video of a family being carried away by a huge wave of the flood. I still fear for that family. But seeing everyone's energy and generosity today was encouraging. It was something that I would be proud of in years to come, something that changed how I see every person in school, or even those outside it.

Acts of love -- like the one I just saw in full bloom today, in the very community I thought was “apathetic” -- makes me hope, and makes me believe that we can get through this.

About the Author

Anna Bueno is in her fourth year taking up AB Communication at the Ateneo De Manila University in Quezon CIty.

Logic in Chemistry

When a University of Washington Chemistry professor supposedly asked on a midterm examination whether Hell was exothermic or endothermic, what was the most interesting response (involving an unwitting woman named Teresa) that he received?


First, we postulate that if souls exist, then they must have some mass. If they do, then a mole of souls can also have a mass. So, at what rate are souls moving into hell and at what rate are souls leaving?

I think that we can safely assume that once a soul gets to hell, it will not leave. Therefore, no souls are leaving. As for souls entering hell, let's look at the different religions that exist in the world today. Some of these religions state that if you are not a member of their religion, you will go to hell. Since there are more than one of these religions and people do not belong to more than one religion, we can project that all people and all souls go to hell. With birth and death rates as they are, we can expect the number of souls in hell to increase exponentially.

Now, we look at the rate of change in volume in hell. Boyle's Law states that in order for the temperature and pressure in hell to stay the same, the ratio of the mass of souls and volume needs to stay constant.

1. So, if hell is expanding at a slower rate than the rate at which souls enter hell, then the temperature and pressure in hell will increase until all hell breaks loose.

2. Of course, if hell is expanding at a rate faster than the increase of souls in hell, then the temperature and pressure will drop until hell freezes over.
"If we accept the postulate given to me by Teresa during my Freshman year that, "It will be a cold day in Hell before I sleep with you," and take into account the fact that I slept with her last night, then number two must be true, and thus I am sure that Hell is exothermic and has already frozen over. The corollary of this theory is that since Hell has frozen over, it follows that it is not accepting any more souls and is therefore extinct ... leaving only Hraven, thereby proving the existence of a divine being which explains why, last night, Teresa kept shouting "Oh my God."

Thus, hell is exothermic.

Taken from: http://www.funtrivia.com/askft/Question71239.html

Respect for Koreans

I find this article very interesting. It is written by a Korean who has a great admiration for the Philippine nation. I must say: I respect Koreans even more given their patriotism.

MY SHORT ESSAY ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES
Jaeyoun Kim

Filipinos always complain about the corruption in the Philippines . Do you really think the corruption
is the problem of the Philippines ? I do not think so. I strongly believe that the problem is the lack of love for the Philippines .

Let me first talk about my country, Korea . It might help you understand my point.
After the Korean War, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world. Koreans
had to start from scratch because entire country was destroyed after the Korean War, and we had no
natural resources.

Koreans used to talk about the Philippines , for Filipinos were very rich in Asia . We envy Filipinos.
Koreans really wanted to be well off like Filipinos. Many Koreans died of famine.
My father & brother also died because of famine. Korean government was very corrupt and is still very
corrupt beyond your imagination, but Korea was able to develop dramatically because Koreans really
did their best for the common good with their heart burning with patriotism.

Koreans did not work just for themselves but also for their neighborhood and country. Education inspired young men with the spirit of patriotism.

40 years ago, President Park took over the government to reform Korea . He tried to borrow money
from other countries, but it was not possible to get a loan and attract a foreign investment because the
economic situation of South Korea was so bad. Korea had only three factories. So, President Park sent many mine workers and nurses to Germany so that they could send money to Korea to build a factory.
They had to go through horrible experience.

In 1964, President Park visited Germany to borrow money. Hundred of Koreans in Germany came to the airport to welcome him and cried there as they saw the President Park . They asked to him, ‘President, when can we be well off?’ That was the only question everyone asked to him. President Park cried with them and promised them that Korea would be well off if everyone works hard for Korea , and the President of Germany got the strong impression on them and lent money to Korea . So, President Park was able to build many factories in Korea . He always asked Koreans to love their country from their heart.

Many Korean scientists and engineers in the USA came back to Korea to help developing country
because they wanted their country to be well off. Though they received very small salary, they did their
best for Korea . They always hoped that their children would live in well off country.

My parents always brought me to the places where poor and physically handicapped people live. They
wanted me to understand their life and help them. I also worked for Catholic Church when I was in the army. The only thing I learned from Catholic Church was that we have to love our neighborhood. And, I have loved my neighborhood. Have you cried for the Philippines ? I have cried for my country several
times. I also cried for the Philippines because of so many poor people. I have been to the New Bilibid
prison. What made me sad in the prison were the prisoners who do not have any love for their country.
They go to mass and work for Church. They pray everyday.

However, they do not love the Philippines . I talked to two prisoners at the maximum-security compound, and both of them said that they would leave the Philippines right after they are released from the prison. They said that they would start a new life in other countries and never come back to the Philippines .

Many Koreans have a great love for Korea so that we were able to share our wealth with our neighborhood. The owners of factory and company were distributed their profit to their employees fairly so that employees could buy what they needed and saved money for the
future and their children.

When I was in Korea , I had a very strong faith and wanted to be a priest. However, when I came to the Philippines , I completely lost my faith. I was very confused when I saw many unbelievable
situations in the Philippines . Street kids always make me sad, and I see them everyday. The Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia , but there are too many poor people here.
People go to church every Sunday to pray, but nothing has been changed.

My parents came to the Philippines last week and saw this situation. They told me that Korea was much poorer than the present Philippines when they were young. They are so sorry that there are so
many beggars and street kids. When we went to Pasangjan, I forced my parents to take a boat because
it would fun. However, they were not happy after taking a boat. They said that they would not take the boat a gain because they were sympathized the boatmen, for the boatmen were very poor and had a
small frame. Most of people just took a boat and enjoyed it. But, my parents did not enjoy it because of love for them.

My mother who has been working for Catholic Church since I was very young told me that if we just go to mass without changing ourselves, we are not Catholic indeed. Faith should come with action.
She added that I have to love Filipinos and do good things for them because all of us are same and have received a great love from God. I want Filipinos to love their neighborhood and country as much as they love God so that the Philippines will be well off.

I am sure that love is the keyword, which Filipinos should remember. We cannot change the sinful structure at once. It should start from person. Love must start in everybody,
in a s mall scale and have to grow. A lot of things happen if we open up to love. Let’s put away
our prejudices and look at our worries with our new eyes.

I discover that every person is worthy to be loved. Trust in love, because it makes changes possible.
Love changes you and me. It changes people, contexts and relationships. It changes the world. Please love your neighborhood and country.

Jesus Christ said that whatever we do to others we do to Him. In the Philippines , there is God for people who are abused and abandoned. There is God who is crying for love. If you have a child, teach them how to love the Philippines . Teach them why they have to love their neighborhood and country.
You already know that God also will be very happy if you love others.

That’s all I really want to ask you Filipinos.

Taken from:

http://blog.codesignstudios.com/love-of-country-from-an-outsiders-perspective/

Anger is the worst medicine

I am well aware that anger is a part of human nature. Every human person exhibits anger over the simplest of things such as the loss of a certain personal belonging or when engaged in a competition, one person exhibits great displeasure when losing consecutively.

However, what I do not like is the fact that humans tend to get angry out of character. These are the kind of people who would simply shout at you just to send the message across. Unfortunately, such an act of negative demeanor would scar the emotional aspect of the one who receives the bitter end of the stick. This holds true for children and it's because of how parents are given the duty to discipline their kids, regardless of how they will actually do it. I, myself, find it a difficulty whenever someone would suddenly shout in front of me. My fundamental point is that there is always an easier or better way to say things without harming the emotions of the other person. Unfortunately, that is not a principle that everyone holds. My parents, for one, are exactly like that. I would call it trigger happy temper. They would go ballistic whenever things are going haywire and what makes things worse is that my siblings are also affected. Principle-wise, i vow to never shout in front of a woman or a child, though the latter part I have to admit is very difficult to do given their potential inattentive nature. Though I am proud that I've never shouted to a woman around my age simply because I simply cannot. Let them shout to me if they would want to, but I would just take it all and just move on. Really, my basic question is, "what is the point of shouting at another person?" Is there a positive outcome when someone shouts at you? The answer is definitely a no! There is absolutely no beneficial result when a conversation or dialogue begins or ends with words of anger. Anger, for me, is man's worst enemy. It turns man into an animal that lacks the rational component in dealing with others appropriately. Somehow, someday, I hope to exhibit such a character to people and show them the value of eliminating anger in their character.

I dare you, reader to do this: In one week, do not be angry at anything. Do not complain, do not rant, do not think of ill feelings towards others. I tell you, it will be a peaceful and stress-less week.

Signing out.

Teacher perk number 1

Teacher perk number 1:

This is the only job wherein we enjoy holidays as much as students do. :D

Recalling a past incident

When I was still a senior at my high school, most of my classmates did whatever it takes to achieve academic awards since it's the last year before college. With that, I truthfully admitted that i had to resort to cheating in some quizzes that I wasn't able to prepare for due to certain circumstances that were not academically related. Regardless, I still did the usual drills of being a good student; i never cheated in a Mathematics exam hence I was proud of my exemption back then. I never asked help when a project needs to be attended to ASAP, to the point that in one computer project my classmate hardly did anything, thereby resorting to me being a one-man army. What made the experience worse was that we got the same grade in computer o_0. More or less, I had my fair share of stressful nights and bickerings among some of my classmates for the sake of reaching top honors.

But the main point of this blog is something I want to share to my soon to be students. I had a batchmate who was notoriously known to visit our class e before their quiz time (I will not tell here what subject it was but I am very certain my classmates then would recall this conceited batchmate). For two to three gradings worth, he was persistent in asking my classmate (who belong to the top 5 of the batch) questions related to the quiz since our class takes the quiz first followed by the notorious student's section (i'll call him NS from this point on). This was a very bothering behavior, to the point that I asked why don't you stop giving him the answers to the test. I cannot remember my friend's response but regardless, the persistent leakage continued.
Come graduation, quite a number of my batchmates got top honors and that was a great sight to behold. However, when NS went up the stage to receive his silver medal, silence occupied the gym. Apparently, it wasn't only our section that were knowledgeable of his acts of dishonesty. Surely he got a silver medal, but he did not earn the respect of the batch. I, for one, do not respect him and if ever I do see him again in one way or another, I will greet him with proper diligence for the sake of cordiality but deep inside, I know that I cannot trust this cheater.

Students would find it tempting to cheat to achieve top honors and this is because a lot of students are afraid to make mistakes. Opinion-wise, however, It's better to do one's very best and get average grades than to be dishonest towards being a top student. Why? It's simply because of respect. What's the point of getting high grades if there's an attitude problem? There are children like these and I do hope to help these kids realize that. This will be my responsibility at least for the next 10 months.

My job, my duty. Give it your all or don't give anything at all.

I should start working...

They say the perk of being a teacher is you get to have extended vacation compared to other professions. We, teachers, get to experience quite a mouthful of vacations (think about it, sembreak, Christmas vacation, and summer vacation). Oh and by the way, these are paid vacation folks. Isn't it great to become a teacher?

Well, not really.

June 15 is taking longer than expected, with each passing day taking forever to finish! I've been doing some paperwork because quite frankly, I am excited to teach this coming June. Being a bum isn't exactly a preference because I'd rather be busy than be bored. In any case, I'm almost done preparing for my lessons for the first two weeks...

Ok, now that I remember...

The primary reason why I want to work is because it distracts me from the problems that I face elsewhere aside from school. To be frank, I really do not look forward to going home. Actually I wouldn't call it a home... rather it's only a house for me. A home is where you're supposed to be comfortable at but due to unforeseen circumstances, I'm at a position to say that things are not turning out so well. I cannot divulge in full detail what the problem is exactly but whatever the case, I'm going to support my family for the next 3 weeks. My parents did something wrong, but i will do my very best to support them in their current endeavors.