I am a Demigod Librarian

Bye-bye textbooks!

2012-02-03T14:54:00.000+08:00

The Challenge

2011-07-06T14:11:00.000+08:00

It is quite appalling that sometimes, even librarians do not know how to pick up and read a book just for leisure and pleasure. Yes, it is quite understandable that everyone is busy with his/her own work, which his/her job description requires. But isn't it also challenging that despite those loads of work, one could still find the time to read and really see its importance ESPECIALLY in our profession?

We are so much overwhelmed with the advances and new trends in technology e.g. Library 2.0, automations, and the likes, that sometimes we forget that we, as information professionals, should also take part in the advocacy for the love of literacy -- learning and reading. I have nothing against these new ideas for a more efficient delivery of services, I just want to stress out that -- Isn't it because of these technologies that sometimes we find our work routinary or mechanical? Isn't it because machines nowadays could almost do everything and what-have-yous that sometimes one feels insignificant?

I guess this is a challenge for us librarians, that in this era, we cannot just live with what is just being offered to us. We should find different avenues where we could show our clients that we have much to contribute.

That we are not just "robots" who check library materials in-and-out.

That we don't just stamp books the whole day.

That WE. ARE. SIGNIFICANT. AND. VALUABLE. MEMBERS. OF. THE. COMMUNITY.

Hence, my advocacy and challenge for all librarians --especially school librarians -- to go back to basics.

START READING A BOOK TODAY.

/dmarco

A Quick Note

2011-06-27T15:41:00.000+08:00

Just recently, I received an e-mail from Ms. Z, inviting me to answer a letter from a school librarian of Marist School Marikina. The letter was an inquiry about continuing education e.g. trainings, workshops, specifically for school librarians. I'll try to answer the letter as short and simple and as best as I can. :)

Dear Ms. Angelic Baustista,

Good day!

As a colleague in the field of school librarianship, honestly, I believe that we are short of trainings and workshops geared towards the development of our field. On a lighter note, the range of our field is broad, it is not limited to school librarianship per se.

As a practice, we in De La Salle Zobel, try to attend different fora, workshops and trainings geared not only in the development of school librarianship but of the field of library and information science, at large.

While I may not be able to suggest and recommend to you particular and specific upcoming trainings and workshops, may I suggest that you join the mailing lists or Yahoo groups of the following:

-- Philippine Association of School Librarians, Inc. (PASLI)
-- Philippine Association of Academic and Research Librarians, Inc. (PAARL)
-- PLAI - National Capital Region (PLAI-NCR)
-- PLAI - Southern Tagalog Regional Librarians Council (PLAI-STRLC)
-- Philippine Board on Books for Young People (PBBY)
-- Children's Literature Association of the Philippines

The good thing about these mailing lists and websites is that these professional groups try to update their members and other colleagues in the profession of the latest and upcoming events, e.g. trainings, workshops, etc., which most of the time are open for all to attend (charges and fees apply, of course).

Another venue where you could find upcoming events is through Alumni Associations of different LIS Schools like UP-LSAA, PNU-LISAA, etc. And even student-hosted activities of different LIS schools like UP FLIPP.

And lastly, you may also want to join different mailing groups of International LIS Organizations like International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) and Your School Library (YSL).

I hope that somehow, at the least, I was able to help you with your query. As I've said, we may not limit our vision to school librarianship per se because our field continues to grow and develop.

Best,
dmarco

/dmarco

My Reading Journey ♥

2011-06-24T15:26:00.001+08:00

**Finally! I get to blog again! After a 2-month long vacation staying inside a cave, preparations for the opening of classes, getting ready again for my MLIS classes and 2 tropical storms [sent by Poseidon?] and there's still one at my back, I am once again writing. Well, I am doing this partly for my EDR210 class and partly to relieve me of the stress I feel because of the gloomy weather.

Wordle.net

So, if I were to use our EDR201's "definition" of what is reading, I would say that I started reading when I was three years old. That was the time that my attention and curiosity was aroused because of a stimulus -- my baby sister.

I'd say that when I was young, I was never really a favorite. I say that because I noticed the gestures that my gramps and grannies extended to my older brother while there I was, seated on a corner, drawing and sketching. My parents were appreciative of what I did but there was a different twinkle in their eyes when my younger sister arrived to this world. Even our other relatives were very fond of her. It was because she's the only little girl in our clan. Most of us were boys.

It was also the time that I wondered, when watching something on TV especially news or mass, what that person enclosed in an oval found on the lower left hand of the screen was trying to do or express. I even tried to mimic those gestures and found it worthless, back then.

Well, fast-forward to formal schooling. I could still remember it was my mom who patiently taught us how to read the ABC, since our dad was away. Our aids were the yellow ABAKADA/ABC book and my favorite storybook back then, Run Bantay Run. We were then enrolled to a Chinese school. During that time, I really found reading of books too tasking and too brain-draining. Aside from the new way of reading materials: top to bottom, right to left instead of the conventional left to right, line-by-line, we were also coerced to memorize new sets of alphabet: Fookien and Mandarin.

I was then bombarded with Chinese stories in Chinese language, which, honestly, I vaguely understood if not for the help of accompanying pictures. Until eventually, I got familiarized with the languages and the rest is history.

Came high school, I was transferred to a public school. Given our situation here in the Philippines, you wouldn't really expect tons of storybooks in your high school libraries. Although fortunately, our library was quite big and full of reading materials. The thing is, I thought that not all of those reading materials were suited for our age. Our librarian then explained to us that they were just all donations, that since the library did not have enough budget, they relied on things that have been donated.

Honestly, I really lost interest in reading books during high school. Probably because of the limited number of interesting materials, or probably because it was also the onset of puberty, where one finds it more fun to socialize rather than seclude yourself. I really don't know.

Then college came and I was back to reading. I was once again flooded with much reading materials which are parts of our course requirements but I wasn't really going back to reading storybooks yet. The time that I started reading storybooks again was when I was in my third year, when I wanted some diversions from my on-the-job-training.

It was further reinforced when I started working as a school librarian. I realized that there is so much to learn from my library's collection that I could share with my users. That as a librarian, I should be more equipped and be ready to provide my users with the knowledge, facts, stories that they want.

Well, my "reading" did not of course stop and was not limited to reading materials. Eventually, I also learned how to read body language, simple gestures, symbols, I even tried to learn the sign language. I now understand what the person in oval was trying to express. I also learned to read and express different emotions, try to predict how the weather will be (just like now), and exchange information using different languages.

And I guess reading does not stop here, or it does not stop at all. In fact, just now, I am re-reading my homework and the color of the sky if there will be class on Saturday.

/dmarco

Two cents ☺☺

2011-03-31T08:18:00.000+08:00

Just a thought ...

Since it's Summer and everyone's enjoying vacation, some colleagues in the LIS field may want to enroll in John Robert Powers International.

"Don't let Bad Grammar get in your way!"

Photo credit: stavspol.jendro.sk

/dmarco

UP FLIPP's LibSpeak 2011: Evolve. Engage. Energize.

2011-02-24T16:12:00.001+08:00

Click here for more details :)

Something beyond

2011-02-17T10:13:00.001+08:00

Do you know the feeling that when you meet another person, it feels that you've known each other for a very long time? Well, that's how I felt yesterday while having ham&cheese croissant and [hot] white choco mocha with Ces, Iya and Patria.

As new members of the faculty [P1 (pee-wan), or Probationary 1] as the senior faculty members call us, it is but natural that we group together. We undergo trainings together. We get [almost] the same compensations. We all share the same sentiments because we are what they call neophytes or newbies, in our generation. While having coffee last night, though, I felt that there is something beyond. There is this connection that is beyond being "schoolmates" [that's because we work in a school :P].

I could still remember that it was just the last week of May last year that we got acquainted. Patria, actually, was the first that I got along with. Exchange of conversations, of school graduated from, until we found out that we graduated from the same University and we have [a lot of] common friends. So, we got along fine.

Ces, on the other hand, is Patria's closest buddy back then. I was even aloof with her way way back because Ces is not really the chummy type [if you don't know her] and she just prefers to stay silent. Until I discovered that we both belong to the Lower Grades family and she also graduated from the same University that Patria and I came from and we also have [some] common friends and I hitch in her car everytime I have a Master's class and she drops me off to the most convenient spot, that I got to know her more. I haven't even thanked her for those nice gestures! Thank you Ces!

Iya [oh the sweet Iya!], even though we are not from the same University and we really don't have common friends, she is one of the easiest faculty members to get along with. We share the same passion for the love of reading and storytelling. She was even the one who introduced Kokology to our group, that's why everytime we go out, we call it Kokology session [although we didn't have it last night because last night was unplanned and I now believe that unplanned businesses are the ones that materialize. Ha Ha!].

[medyo] standing: Ces, Patria; seated: iya, me (photo credit:iya benjamin)

I guess [and I hope] that this friendship will last. And gals, remember that I will never get tired of listening to your rants and hang-ups and to your inspiring lablayps! :D Until our next Kokology session [Ces' birthday party, that is!].

/dmarco

Book[Shop]aholic! ♥

2011-02-15T09:22:00.001+08:00

YESTERDAY

Time to go home. Some chitchats with a fellow demigoddess, Gracia, over a plate of pork inasal. Decided to head to one of the favorite places to hang out: a bookstore! Transformed yet to a bookworm again. Totally absorbed by the book that was being read : The Magician [2nd book, The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series]. Suddenly noticed the big red banner:

Eyes went wide open. Mind boggled. Closed the book and kept it in the bag. Toured around the bookstore. Picked up a book. Asked for its price.

WHOPPING PHP 598.00!!!

Checked wallet. No money [that much!]. Customer service approached, "Sir, it's 40% off!" Eyes went totally wide. Asked the cashier to compute.

NOW ONLY PHP 359.00!!!

Mouth gaped. Couldn't believe. Asked the customer service, "Until when?". Mr. Customer Service replied, "February 28, sir!". Decided to go home first and then go back and buy the book.

TODAY

Well, knowing that Gracia is a fellow book[shop]aholic, I immediately texted her about the promo. And we'll be checking some books later. Oooooh! I couldn't wait to get my hands to touch a new book that I would soon purchase.

**I will be blogging about THE book when I've already laid my hands upon it :)

/dmarco

Why I choose to stay (...)

2011-02-11T09:37:00.002+08:00

**My entry for Ms. Z's Valentine's month bonanza

Although THE Valentine's Day is just around the corner, this post is not really meant for the God of Romantic [or Erotic] Love, Eros, but for the Goddess [or Spirit] of Friendship, Philetos.

Philetos, the winged spirit of friendship

As I have mentioned in some of my posts, I never really dreamed of becoming a librarian and honestly, I was never really a fan of books. They were just a waste of time for me. I'd rather be watching a movie or sleeping than straining my eyes with those lines which I did not appreciate. BUT. That was way before. I've changed [I think!]. And this pivotal event in my life took place when I was still in college, trying to enjoy the best of both worlds: studying and partying [in the sense of having fun, enjoying extra-curricular activities, non-acad stuff and the likes].

(Photo credit: awonderfulblog)

[Don't worry, I would not elaborate much on the "studying" part because I know, I know, it seems a boring topic]. Studying means complying with all the academic requirements, the tedious jobs of researching [when in reality I was just surfing the Net for Mangas] and then submitting a one-page paper [well, that was what I remember as far as abstracting is concerned. Accuracy. Brevity. Clarity. Peace. Serenity (and I sounded like Fergie)]. I could still remember the nights of cramming. Attending classes in just cargo shorts and flops. Treading the campus from end to end just to realize that you didn't have a class. Well, that was how my life as a plain college student went. But I was never a just-a-plain college student.

What made my life in college worthwhile and what made me stay in LIS and eventually pursue a career as a librarian, as far as I could say and as honestly as I could explain, is being part of an organization: UP FLIPP, or the University of the Philippines Future Library and Information Professional of the Philippines.

http://upflipp.org

I could still remember when ate LC Fernandez [in her jumper and thick glasses] and Veronica Silagpo [the girl with a boyish attitude, which scared me] approached me along the then UP ILIS corridors asking me if I have some time for an orientation. I declined the invitation because I said [as an excuse] that I still have a next class. Those were the days that I was still totally doubtful of my course. The usual scenario in a General Education [GE] class went like:

Classmate: What's your course?

Me: (with hesitations) LIS

Classmate: What's that?

Me: Library and Information Science

Classmates: Ooooh. So you love reading?

Me: (...)

I thought to myself that it would have been a hell lot easier if I told them that my course is BA or Eng'g or ComSci!!! That was why I conditioned myself that I would soon get out of that college [ILIS] and shift to a better-sounding course [BA or something engineering]. But since ate LC and Veron were too eager, they tried to invite me once again for an orientation of what their organization is all about. And this time, I gave in.

Veron, Me, Ate LC (Photo credit: Veron Silagpo)

Of course, I underwent the usual application process before one is admitted to the organization: number of tambay hours, sigsheets, activities, etc. But I guess what made UPFLIPP different was the fact that one would not feel alone in the course of application. More so, one is not left alone in the crusade of uplifting the field of Library and Information Science and upholding our rights to be called as professionals. I suddenly realized that we all come from a common ground and are directed to a common goal: the fact that we want to change the view of people towards librarianship and to break the bad stereotypes that have been associated with librarians.

The Angry Librarian (Photo credit:kdkbooklove)

The contemporary librarian (Photo credit: http://www.easygirlgames.com)

I think that is why up until now I choose to stay in the LIS profession. Aside from the fact that being a library and information professional is not a dead-end job, and the law of supply and demand dictates that if there is a high demand [for librarians] and low supply [of licensed librarians], unemployment would not be a problem, the field of library and information science continues to pose challenges. As information continues to evolve and develop, the role of librarians continues to adapt to changes as well. [Wait, why am I being so serious? Ha Ha] Likewise, aside from the fact that I am enjoying my work with my "kids" around is the reality that my friends and orgmates are and will always be there, upholding the same principles we share and continue uplifting our course and our profession.

(Photo credit: eliterate librarian)

Nowadays, if people ask me what I do for a living, I proudly and humbly say that:

I am a [Demigod] Librarian *wink*

/dmarco

PS: Ate LC wears contacts now and dropped her jumpers for a skirt and stilettos, while Veron has turned kikay and girly (a little) :P

Dear Dinosaur ...

2011-01-24T21:18:00.003+08:00

It's been a long while.

My kids are definitely missing you :)

Just last month, one of my students was left by his dad whose life was already decided upon by the Fates. He told me that he misses his dad so much and that you, Dinosaur, are his only company when he's alone at night. So, everytime he gets inside the library, he runs towards the shelves where books about you are located and borrow some of them. There are even times that he would return a book about you and borrow it again at the same time. I just want to thank you first, for keeping him company, and second, for helping me develop this child's imagination. He even told me that he would soon be an archaeologist or paleontologist so he could know more about you. But for now, he would love to stay inside the library and talk with me to know more about you.

Admittedly, you never fail to get the attention of my dear students. Whenever I hold classes for my Prep students and I bring them to the library, the first thing they would look for are dinosaurs. Girls and boys alike. Pokemons, robots, princesses just come after you. I really don't know what this charisma you have that make children so interested in you [even I, in my youngest years, loved and still love to read about you]. Maybe because your life is so mysterious that people would want to know more about you. I remember one of my students even asked me:

"Why did God create the dinosaurs before?"

I was surprised and left puzzled and I just told him that that's the way things are supposed to be. Imagine you, Dinosaur, living with us?!? That would be a hell of a survival of the fittest. You may intimidate us with your humongous sizes, trembling roars, sharp claws and grinding teeth but we human, would never back down. Unless you want to be a stuffed roasted Dino, you better stay out of our way. [Especially from Filipinos who are having drinking sessions, you might end up as their pulutan]. Maybe that was why we never existed in the same place and at the same time. You already had your time, give us our chance.

Thank you for imparting knowledge to my kids. Thank you for helping me develop their imaginations. Thank you for making them more curious and never letting them stop asking "Why?". You may not be with us here but I'd say Kudos for a lot of help.

Lotsa' love,

/dmarco

PS: If you're going to ask me what my most messed up shelf is, that would be shelf no. 5 because that is where the dinosaurs are [figuratively].

**DISCLAIMER: All pictures are from Google.com

After all, I still prefer the printed form ...

2011-01-12T11:53:00.001+08:00

Enrolling in a Master's class, really, is not something you just take for granted. You have to think twice before putting both of your feet into that pit. All the while it may scare you but heck, it is just education, after all, nobody should be afraid of it -- education and learning.

Apart from the usual 3-hour long discussions with my professors and my classmates, I have to endure readings and not just like simple undergrad readings [where I could activate my petix-mediocre-pwede na mode] this time it's a lot different -- tons of readings! Hundreds of pages of PDF files. Web forums that I have to navigate through in order to realize the importance of Information Systems Analysis and Design. Database! Database! Database! ProQuest, EBSCO, Emerald, ScienceDirect, et al.

Oh! And so I thought I graduated from reading readings, and so I thought ...

Fortunately, I have access to the Internet and to various databases. I don't have to fly the Alabang-QC route just to borrow some RESERVED books, which need to be returned overnight. [Even my demigod powers cannot handle that much activity!]. On the other hand, I am not really an e-bookworm. Reading long articles from the computer screen for a long time makes me anxious. I am not even a fan of e-books so don't expect me to buy a Kindle soon.

I still prefer the printed form of reading materials. Be it books, articles, chapters from textbooks, even web forums, I print them out and then, and only then, I will be comfortable and feel that I am really reading and get to appreciate what I am reading. I do not know if it's only me but I really cannot appreciate reading materials in electronic format [For now, I guess]. Although, in fact, they tend to be more recent and undoubtedly informational, my brain does not totally absorb everything that I read from the computer. [Call me a caveman, I won't mind :)]. Even when reading long e-mails, I lose patience and interest. [So, please, shorten those messages].

Nevertheless, this is just my personal viewpoint and preference. I do not intend to discourage you from trying out e-books and other Web 2.0 applications. Choose what suits you and just keep on reading!

**DISCLAIMER: All pictures are from Google.com

/dmarco

New Books for New Year! ♥

2011-01-08T21:25:00.001+08:00

While Mariah Carey may have wished for YOU last Christmas and Kelly Clarkson prepared a shopping list of wishes which she called her Grown Up Christmas List, I decided that I should also make a "wish" list -- a booklist that is [which I may be uploading soonest] -- of the books that I have read and wish to read [just like Shelfari]. I just feel that if I do my own list, it would have more of a personal touch rather than having it template-ready just like Shelfari's.

Well to start off, here's a little heart-warming story [Ha Ha!]:

Last Christmas season, while everybody was busy shopping and wrapping gifts for their loved ones, I, of course, joined the flow -- the celebration I mean. I did not want to miss that out. So, I went to different malls and stores to look for gifts for each member of our family. After buying everyone his/her own gift, I realized that I missed someone out ... ME! And so, as I have mentioned in my previous post, I decided to buy a book for myself.

It was a good start I think because honestly, I was never really a fan of books, I never even imagined myself being a librarian. The habit of reading just introduced itself to me while I was in college. I never really bought books. If I wanted to read a book, I would just borrow [or have someone borrow] from a friend. And in fact, the books that I've got now [at home, my personal ones] are all gifts and prizes. The habit of reading was just developed in me while studying college and intensified now that I am already working as a librarian. So, I guess I am still a young bookworm. More pages to go!

And with the start of 2011, I made a promise to myself that, aside from allotting a lot to food, I would a lot a part of my income to buying books and I plan to buy a book, if not every payday, at least every month.

I really wish that I could soon have my own library composed of the books that I have read and wish to read. That would take a lifetime of course!

**DISCLAIMER: All pictures are from Google.com

/dmarco

♫♪ 525,600 minutes ... ♫♪♪

2010-12-23T11:29:00.001+08:00

[... altogether] ♫♪ LOOOOOOOVE... remember the LOOOOOOVE ...♫♪♪

Seasons of love, eh? Yeah, I think so too. Well, everything's all set for my trip to Jamaica (Gumaca), Quezon. In just a few hours time, gladly, I would be with my family again and Mama promised that we'll attend the Simbang Gabi together. And so much so for the drama.

[... altogether] ♫♪ LOOOOOOOVE... remember the LOOOOOOVE ...♫♪♪

I remember that I still have a task to accomplish. It has come to my attention that a fellow [senior] librarian is doing a study on different library buildings in the Philippines and fortunately [or unfortunately for me, Ha Ha], he asked me if I could get some details of the library of my very own alma mater, Gumaca National High School [GNHS or Gi-Na-Ha-Sa, Ha Ha!]. Well, kidding aside, I accepted the mission and hopefully, I could contribute to his study before the year ends. Yet another act of spreading

[... altogether] ♫♪ LOOOOOOOVE... remember the LOOOOOOVE ...♫♪♪

And oh yeah, speaking of love, [as a gift for miself] I recently bought my own copy of a book I love from the author I love, The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan. Will most probably be munching on it this yuletide season, aside from the parties and what-have-yous with my friends and family and relatives and neighbors and lovers ... Ha Ha!

Well, that's it for now. I just thought of blogging so I could wish you all a merry christmas [because I do not think I could gain access to the Net this Christmas, I'm from Mt. Olympus remember?]. I will just send you Iris messages, ching!

[... altogether] ♫♪ LOOOOOOOVE... remember the LOOOOOOVE ...♫♪♪

/dmarco

My Grown Up Christmas List ♥

2010-12-14T17:50:00.004+08:00

I hope that this yuletide season, more than the material things, we value the importance of intangible gifts -- knowledge, hope, peace and love.

I decided to do a "wish list", which is composed of wishes not just for me but for you as well :

1. This Christmas break, I wish that you bring down all the books and munch on them as much as you munch on all those festive dishes your mom or dad or yaya or whoever, will prepare for you! [Just refrain from eating while reading, some crumbs might fall on your pages].

2. I wish that you try to share the blessings that you have -- even if they're non-material things -- they say that "It's the thought that counts." [I suddenly thought of you, does that count?]

3. I wish that you try to read some books while waiting for Santa [or whoever it is that you will be waiting for].

4. I wish that I could read stories to young kids. You can try doing so too, with your younger cousins or siblings or neighbors. I wish that I could reach out especially to kids who cannot afford to buy their own books.

5. I wish that I could attend the Misa de Gallo , or the Simbang Gabi again to meet my old friends and to hear Christmas Carols being sung by the choirs [and not simply to go boy-hunting! Ha Ha!].

6. I wish that I could finish a book or two within the break.

7. I wish that everyone would see the coming year 2011 as a sign of new hope and learning and the year 2010, which we will be leaving or will be leaving us soon, as a year of good and bad experiences that help us become better.

8. I wish I could catch some long hours of sleep during the vacation [I'm quite deprived yet I'm happy because I know that despite the lack of sleep, I am doing something good] :)

9. I wish everyone would have a Merry Christmas! [with or without a special someone].

10. I wish that everybody would be happy. 'Tis the season to be jolly!!! ♪♫ Fa-la-la-la-la-la-laaaa ... ♫♪

My Grown Up Christmas List

Kelly Clarkson

Do you remember me
I sat upon your knee
I wrote to you
With childhood fantasies

Well, I'm all grown up now
And still need help somehow
I'm not a child
But my heart still can dream

So here's my lifelong wish
My grown up christmas list
Not for myself
But for a world in need

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
and wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up christmas list

As children we believed
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely
Wrapped beneath our tree

Well heaven only knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal
A hurting human soul

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end
This is my grown up christmas list

What is this illusion called the innocence of youth
Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth
(there'd be)

No more lives torn apart
That wars would never start
And time would heal all hearts
And everyone would have a friend
And right would always win
And love would never end, oh
This is my grown up christmas list
This is my only life long wish
This is my grown up christmas list

/dmarco

Tale as old as time ...

2010-12-10T11:25:00.005+08:00

"Tale as old as time

True as it can be

Barely even friends

Then somebody bends

Unexpectedly ..."

There is more in this classic fairy tale than the usual damsel in distress and happily ever after.

Originally written by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve, this Disney animated classic is [should] definitely [be] a part of everyone's childhood.

Belle is more than a beautiful lady with the kindest of heart. She may not have been born with a golden spoon and a tiara but Belle definitely deserves to be a princess. More than her demure and finesse manner, her captivating beauty, her undying love for her father, and her ability to see the goodness in everyone, Belle is notable because of her love for knowledge. Belle is a bibliophile!

Unlike Cinderella, Aurora or Snow White, [who could afford to have the Library of Congress inside their castles -- with the dwarfs and fairy godmothers helping them], Belle is just a common villager. Living her life within her means. So, she just usually borrows books from the local bookstore just around the corner.

Gotta love reading

And when the time came that his father left home and never came back and she needed to look for him, she found this majestic but dark castle where she found her father locked inside a room. There she also found the beast, whom she eventually learned to like and love and, the beast, in return, gave her a surprise.

Which of course, is a big big library [aside from the happily ever after, of course]!

There may not be so much magic in the whole story, but the love story is a magic in itself. It captivates every audience. It is a good family entertainment. It is a spectacular story. A classic that one will always remember and would love to reminisce. And that's for sure!

"Tale as old as time,

Song as old as rhyme,

Beauty and the Beast"

**DISCLAIMER: Pictures taken from Google.com. I don't own any of them.

/dmarco

The New York Times: Notable Children's Books of 2010

2010-12-09T14:14:00.005+08:00

**What's with New York and why does it seem that everytime I try to search for Children's Books, I am directed to it?

After posting NYPL's notable books of 2010, here is another list of Notable Children's Books of 2010. This time, it is published by The New York Times in their Sunday Book Review dated December 3, 2010.

Some titles that you may be familiar with:

The Little Prince, illustrated

Originally written by Antoine De Saint-Exupery, this childhood classic about one's philosophy and ideals in life is adapted and illustrated by Joan Sfar through a graphic novel. I personally love this book because it seems easier to digest than the original one but nevertheless, both books are of great adventures and learning.

"But the eyes are blind. One must look with the heart..."

---------------------------------

Mockingjay

The third book in the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. She definitely created another world. After finishing the second book, Catching Fire, I suddenly wanted to be a part of the game, the Quarter Quell in particular, where Victors compete with each other. But that would be impossible since I am not a Hunger Games' Victor and that there really is no Hunger Games. You wouldn't dare to wish. But I wish I could look like someone from the Capitol -- Lady Gaga-like. Ha Ha!

And oh yeah! Suzanne Collins is among the 15 Entertainers of the Year by Entertainment Weekly.

"May the odds be always in your favor."

/dmarco

The Reading Habit ♥

2010-12-09T10:41:00.010+08:00

Last night, while watching TV [again], I was glad to find a commercial by one of the biggest bookstores here in the Philippines. [Although unfortunately I could not find the commercial on the Net yet, so I could post it here, I used their banner instead].

Ciara, a 4-year old girl was reading with her mom at the start of the commercial. After a while, Ciara was already reading to and lulling her mom to sleep.

Such a short yet sweet commercial, which conveys that the love for reading should start young. Though sadly, the keyword here, in my opinion, is not really simply reading but commercial. It would be a better campaign, I guess, if an organization of librarians, reading advocates and even the Department of Education would also develop TV ads to advocate life-long reading and learning. It is true that we should start them young, and it is also true that reading needs to be sustained. Therefore, a need for more developed libraries and library collections is required. So that aspiring readers would not just remain reading in bookstores, they would also appreciate the existence of libraries, which do not only support their reading interests but also serve as places for comfort and relaxation.

I know it really is a big challenge, but I believe that there are many of us who are willing to face that challenge.

**DISCLAIMER: Picture taken from NBS' Homepage

/dmarco

NYPL's Children's Books 2010: 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing

2010-12-06T14:04:00.003+08:00

The New York Public Library released its Children's Books 2010, an annual list consisting of 100 titles that are notable within a year [obviously, it's 2010 this time].

Among the list are two creations of a friend, George O' Connor. Ever since I saw his blog, I never got tired of reading his articles and I always anticipate for new entries and new books that he would soon illustrate. [My own blog is also inspired by this Greek-themed stories.] Here are the two books he illustrated that got into the list:

Zeus: King of the Gods

Athena: Grey-Eyed Goddess

Congratulations mate!

**Both books are already available in the Philippines.

Another notable title is Sharon Draper's Out of my Mind.

I remember my friend Bee and I were just talking about this book and she promised me that she'll borrow this book for me as a present this Yuletide Season. Here's the synopsis of the book:

Eleven-year-old Melody has a photographic memory. Her head is like a video camera that is always recording. Always. And there’s no delete button. She’s the smartest kid in her whole school—but NO ONE knows it... Being stuck inside her head is making Melody go out of her mind—that is, until she discovers something that will allow her to speak for the first time ever. At last Melody has a voice . . . but not everyone around her is ready to hear it.

Thank you Bee! *big hugs*

Click here for the complete list of NYPL's Children's Books 2010: 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing, in PDF. Enjoy! ☺

**DISCLAIMER: Photos taken from Amazon.com

/dmarco

because book addiction is never a problem!

2010-12-06T09:42:00.003+08:00

While doing my homeworks [yes, that's with an S] last night and watching The West Side Story, and surfing the Net [multi-tasking much!], I came across one of my friends' wall photo in Facebook, which I found not-so-funny at all. You'll know what I mean by looking at the picture below:

Book Fiend

I'd say that the introduction was fine, so-so as Koreans would say it. But come to think of it, book addiction is never really a problem. In fact, I would be so glad seeing that people are getting hooked to reading up to the point of addiction, there really is nothing wrong about that. As long as readers are not inflicting any harm to other people [and that's a universal rule!] and they continue to learn and share what they, ugh, learned.

As a reading advocate, I guess it would have been better if the ending [or the plot!] was more of encouraging people to read rather than showing them the "negative" effects of reading. Well, after all, it's entitled as "Book Fiend" but still, it really would, could have been better.

I may not be a bored heiress or a child genius, but I still love reading. My heart for spreading the love for reading would not falter [despite the existence of Book Fiends] up until the last page of the last book that would ever be published!

/dmarco

what my Inbox contains ...

2010-12-02T16:13:00.002+08:00

Even before graduating as an undergrad student, I decided to join a professional group of librarians. And that time, the easiest way [I guess] to gain access was to join its mailing group. So, without hesitation and second thought, I sent a request to the then moderator and gave him my profile [which was needed to confirm one's eligibility to be part of the group].

As the young student I was, who was excited to get out of school and be exposed to the "real" world, my view of a "professional" mailing group was nearly ideal: every correspondence is formally-written, queries and questions are of significance and essential to one's professional growth, no text colors that are eye-damaging and even text size and font that are comical, etc. But then, I was proved wrong. My idea of a professional group was devastated, I was proved otherwise: spam mails everywhere, NOT error-free sentences, some are even asking questions which I think, we, as Information Professionals can answer on our own thru proper research. I can also recall during the advent of those Jejemons, some would even cross-post messages that are of no relevance to the profession. Worse, some even wrote their sentences using Jejemon language.

The Jejebhet, Jejemon's Alphabet

Up until now, I remain to be a spectator, a mute witness that once channeled these concerns to the organization's incumbent president, personally. And guess what he told me? "It's just like PDI [Philippine Daily Inquirer -- the online version] where people publish their comments, we cannot control what they want to say."

And I felt disappointed.

/dmarco

Prue Theroux: The Cool Librarian

2010-11-30T15:51:00.002+08:00

...Who can jump like a kangaroo?

Who can squawk like a cockatoo?...

Who? Who? Who?

Miss Prue that's who,

Miss Prue Theroux, the school librarian.

It may all sound trivial, absurd and at the same time, mundane, but upon reading the whole book, I think I got the message that it wanted to convey: That Librarians, although they do not possess super powers, are extra cool because they tend to know almost everything [well, at least, their collection] and know the appropriate users of these knowledge. And that's Miss Prue, your cool school librarian.

The only drawback, I think, is how the book depicted Miss Prue. In spite the know-it-all attitude as evidently seen in this line:

When you don't know what to do,
When you haven't got a clue,
Go and talk to Miss Theroux.

Sadly, Miss Prue still remained as an old-fashioned librarian. She's still an old maiden [I assume] wearing glasses covered in a bunch of overcoats. I guess it would have been more cool if she was wearing a more modern attire like a corporate-looking attire or she could have been depicted as a hot chick or a hot dude [which I would have preferred more].


Barbie as a sexy librarian

I would have preferred Conan the Librarian, though

Yet all in all, I'd say that the book is a good read because it shows what we, librarians do. Although it deals mostly on the "Reference" aspect of a librarian's job, it somehow highlights our role in schools, especially as advocates for the love of reading. After all, it is what we do that defines us. Right?

**Prue Theroux: the cool librarian is written by Gillian Rubinstein and illustrated by David Mackintosh

/dmarco

Where is GeroMINO Stilton?

2010-11-25T16:16:00.002+08:00

My adorable students would approach me and most of the time, ask this question:

Where is GeroMINO Stilton?

It must be because they are too young or too tongue-tied to pronounce it properly, but all the while, it makes me giggle a little whenever I hear the way they pronounce it. So, what I would do is tell them to pronounce it properly:

GE-RO-NI-MO S-TIL-TON (Again)

GE-RO-NI-MO S-TIL-TON (Good!)

And we would all laugh heartily. Now, more than the "where" part is "who" really is Geronimo Stilton and what makes him so popular with my kids?

So, around November last year [which has been a year already], I decided that I would try reading one of Geronimo Stilton's adventures particularly the "Cheese-colored Camper" title. I really enjoyed the story, it was very colorful and all the while hilarious. Of course, one could also NOT deny the guide in proper writing that this book is conveying. I read it in my room, in the bus, in the MRT, even in the bathroom. I just can't put it down, it's definitely a page turner, a must-read. After munching up the Cheese-colored Camper thing, I decided that I should give all the other titles [that are available in my library] a try, and admittedly, I got hooked. Nevertheless, Geronimo Stilton or Geromino Stilton or however way you want to pronounce it, has been a part of my librarianhood [if there's such a word :D].

And oh by the way, Geronimo's Sister, Thea, has also started her own adventures through her series entitled [what else, of course] Thea Stilton.

Now, where is Geronimo Stilton again? Ugh! Shelf No. 3, Left hand side, Letter S beside Goosebumps!

/dmarco

explaining the unexplainable :)

2010-11-25T11:50:00.006+08:00

The Library and Information Services Month is celebrated every month of November. Libraries in the Philippines, especially school and academic ones, celebrate it through different activities geared towards the promotion of reading and literacy. So what?

Honestly, upon seeing this year's theme "Pandaigdigang Pakikipag-ugnayan sa Pamamagitan ng mga Aklat at Impormasyong Teknolohiya at Komunikasyon", which was then translated into English as "Global Linkages Through Books and Information Technology", I was kinda confused and left asking:

How am I going to explain this to my dear students?

For one, I work in a school library that caters to LOWER GRADES students, meaning Junior Prep to Grade 3. And second, my students don't understand Filipino that much [and oh yeah, you've given it the translation and still ...]. How do you think am I going to convey the message in a manner that they would easily understand [which even I don't get the total message that we really want to convey]? I mean, when you were in Junior Prep, have you ever heard or have you ever been taught of the word LINKAGES and its meaning? I daresay NOT.

So, our planned activities commenced which included on-the-spot poster making contest, essay writing contest, and costume parade, which were dubbed iDraw, iWrite and iDress, respectively, among others. Almost all my participants chose to draw. There were about 50 of them asking me what the theme was and so I gave it to them, and their next question was "What was that? We don't really understand." So, I explained that [correct me, if I am wrong] it is all about connections across the globe through the use of books, ICTs such as computers, e-mails, blogs, cell phones, IMs, etc. and cooperation of libraries across countries. And that is how I understand it.

Given that situation, I want to pose this question directly to the Philippine Librarians' Association, Inc. (PLAI), [because I know that they are the ones who conceptualize our annual themes]:

What do you think is the main purpose of a theme?

(a) Is it merely to tell the world that we are also celebrating?

(b) Is it to brandish or brag your lexicographer's side?

(c) Is it to make people realize our role as librarians, the importance of libraries, networks, ICTs, in the simplest way we can and the easiest way that they would understand it?

(d) AOTA

(e) None of the Above

I suddenly recalled what my thesis adviser used to tell me during my undergrad years, "Always assume that your readers know nothing, so use simple, non-complex words." I just hope that the theme next year would be more simple and easier to understand yet so hard to forget.

despite everything, I still manage to smile :)

2010-11-25T09:42:00.004+08:00

"But I knew too where Voldemort was weak. And so I made my decision. You would be protected by an ancient magic of which he knows, which he despises, and which he has always, therefore, underestimated – to his cost. I am speaking, of course, of the fact that your mother died to save you. She gave you a lingering protection he never expected, a protection that flows in your veins to this day (...)"

-- Dumbledore to Harry

In times of disappointments and frustrations, I try to think of happy thoughts. Whenever I am down, I always call my mom, which sometimes makes me realize that I am being unfair to her. After all of these storms, I know a rainbow will spring and show its glory even just for a minute; yet I know that despite that short span of time, it will never fail to make me smile.

Iris, Goddess of Rainbows

Since Tuesday, my life has already been full of quite saddening experiences, which undoubtedly left me in frustrations, disappointments and a heavy heart. I really would have wanted to vent it all out last night through blogging but decided that I better rest instead. So, I grabbed my HP5 book and read until I fell asleep. Reading never fails to give me comfort. It adapts to the way that I am feeling. I was glad that while reading the fifth book of the HP series, and listening to a heartfelt playlist of mellow songs, the excerpt above popped out and somehow made me shed tears. I was grateful because it made my heart feel lighter.

So, upon waking up this morning, I realized that there really is no point in being down and depressed [I would just attract bad vibes]. I got up and sang my heart out to KP's Firework ... and of course, I smiled :)

/dmarco

What makes a librarian cool?

2010-11-21T22:30:00.011+08:00

"Hey Sir! Why are you so cool?" -- that's what most of my days are made up of. Students would first ask you trivial questions, then the quizzical and then this -- and I would answer with just a SMILE :)

Recently, I have been meeting friends of friends and colleagues, and everytime they ask me what I am up to, I would say that I am a LIBRARIAN and you wouldn't [even I cannot] imagine the looks of surprise in their faces. Of course I would affirm that I am one by saying that "Yes, I am a librarian." and then they would usually say, "No way! You are so cool!" Which would of course make me think and ask,

WHY are you people saying this?

WHAT do you think of us librarians?

Not surprisingly, they would instantly enumerate the typical characteristics of a librarian: grumpy-old-maiden-with-a-bun-for-a-hair-and-eyeglasses-as-thick-as-the-iceberg-that-made-the-Titanic-sink, et al. And then, I would imagine myself looking like one and would realize that NO WAY! [Ha Ha!]

So, last Thursday night when I was having my evening routine before bed, I noticed the label of my shampoo, which goes like "... makes your hair dandruff-free and leaves it cool". And I now realized [aside from being a demigod] what makes a librarian cool : MENTHOL

Make sure you are updated. Be it in the field of librarianship, news and current affairs, entertainment, or fashion, make sure you have something to say. We are information professionals, remember? Try reading newspapers, magazines, or journals. Just don't be stagnant and idle.

Enjoy what you are doing. You can never go wrong when you know what you are doing, especially when you are having fun.

Never ever doubt your profession. Of course, there will come a time that you will feel down and helpless because inevitably, people will look down your profession. What you should do is stand up straight and show them what a librarian can do. It is us, in the end, who will uphold our profession.

Teach people around you about the importance of your profession. Some may have a twisted view of librarians because of their past experiences, while some may have skewed perceptions of our profession because of what they see on social media. It is therefore our goal to enlighten them of our role.

Have an open mind. People would usually approach and ask you even of the most trivial, non-sense, absurd questions to even some of the profound, high-fallooting, even offensive questions, the key is to be open-minded. Be open to different ideas. Be receptive to changes. Be appreciative of different personalities. Get out of the four corners of the library.

Optimism is a key to success. Think happy thoughts. Dump nega/ bad vibes. Always see the brighter side of life. Never get down easily because of critics and negative comments. Always hold your head up high.

Love. Love. Love. Love your profession. Love reading. Love yourself. It is of course a shame if a librarian doesn't read. I also believe that there is a great difference between JUST reading and LOVINg reading. I tell you, the love for reading, it's infectious.

I just want to round it up with a last letter [I know I know! It wouldn't be MENTHOL anymore]. Just this one! :D

Smile. Don't forget that your smile can really brighten up someone else's day. It makes you look more approachable. More warm. And more COOL!

Some notable librarians:


Shirley Jones as Marian the Librarian in The Music Man


Barbara Gordon, AKA Batgirl is a librarian in Gotham City

And the most recent:

Ben Stiller as the voice of Bernard the Librarian.

**Sadly, I googled for a single picture of Bernard but not even one appeared. Bernard played an important role in this animated film yet he was not given enough credits. *sigh*

/dmarco

Fully Booked and why professionalism matters

2010-11-19T09:10:00.005+08:00

The word professionalism should not just be enclosed in the sense that you have a professional license. A professional needs to practice behaviors which are deemed professional by the society's moral standards, licensed or unlicensed. Why am I bringing this up? It's because of an untoward incident I experienced last November 16, 2010 and it is because of that rude experience, I wrote a letter directly to the management of Fully Booked.

Here's a part of my letter I sent the day after:

... I went into one of your branches yesterday, particularly the Gateway branch, to do some book evaluation. As I was in the Graphic Novels section, I found one book, Wonder Woman in title, which has its cover ripped. So, I decided that I might as well open it, since I know that it is allowed in the store. Nevertheless, one of your staff members approached me and snatched the book away from me and told me that browsing Graphic Novels is not allowed. I would have understood it easier if he has not grabbed the book away from me and just told me about your policy and that would have been so simple. So, I called the attention of the store manager, who unfortunately was not in the store that time. They decided to let me talk with their OIC instead, Ms. Alele. I approached her courteously and told her that I am doing a book evaluation. Sadly, her tone when she answered me was insinuating. I did not even see a smile from her all the while we were conversing. There was even this instance when the staff called her and she shouted “Sandali lang!”

And I stressed that:

I would have given them the benefit of the doubt just so to rest my case but I believe that in this type of profession, or in any other profession, one has to practice mutual respect, courteousness and politeness. I hope you could do the necessary actions, especially because you are in a service-oriented institution.

After sending the letter, my heart easily lightened up. Although I believe that I was humiliated in front of other people during that scene, I was able to muster my courage and send my concern to Fully Booked's higher-ups. So, last night, upon checking my e-mail account, I got an e-mail from Fully Booked's Social Media and Public Relations Manager, [she's also the EIC of Fully Booked Zine, by the way]. And I quote parts of her reply:

... Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. You are correct on all counts, Sir, as you are well familiar with our policies being a longtime customer of Fully Booked. The staff should always treat customers with courteousness and in this case, this policy was not followed. Rest assured that action is already being taken by upper management. The staff members in question will be sanctioned accordingly, specifically Aleli and the book specialist.

And with that, I rest my case [which reminds me that I have to still reply to this letter]. Although I don't really love to see the concerned personnel being sanctioned, I believe that we are all aware that our negative actions will have repercussions. As Newton said, "For every reaction, there is an equal but opposite reaction."

And to Ms. Aleli and Mr. Book Specialist, you may have offended me with your insinuating tones and stares, but I still feel sorry for the both of you, because you have forgotten your good morals at home. Next time, write them down on your planners or better yet, engrave them in your hearts so you will bring them all the time.

Remember what my aunt, the Goddess Athena did to Arachne. She turned Arachne into a spider because she was too insinuating and didn't know how to respect others. And as I told Mennie and Eli after that particular incident, "Don't mess with the Mega Bitch [that's capital M & B]."

Athena transforming Arachne into a spider

** But don't you worry guys, I am already minimizing my bitchiness, it's just that I have to get this out of my chest :)

/dmarco

For you will always be my Primrose

2010-11-17T11:43:00.008+08:00

"It was a waste of a trip. She's not here," I tell him. Buttercup hisses again. "She's not here. You can hiss all you like. You won't find Prim." At her name, he perks up. Raises his flattened ears. Begins to meow hopefully. "Get out!" He dodges the pillow I throw at him. "Go away! There's nothing left for you here!" I start to shake, furious with him. "She's not coming back! She's never ever coming back again!" I grab another pillow and get to my feet to improve my aim. Out of nowhere, the tears begin to pour down my cheeks. "She's dead." I clutch my middle to dull the pain. Sink down my heels, rocking the pillow, crying. "She's dead, you stupid cat. She's dead."

This is an excerpt from Suzanne Collin's Mockingjay, the third book of the Hunger Games Trilogy. I know someone would definitely die because it was all genocide that particular time but I was caught off guard on how this one was delivered. It made me pour buckets while listening to Rue's Lullaby from the Hunger Games.

/dmarco

Time to laugh your hearts out ♥

2010-11-17T08:57:00.005+08:00

As we were aboard the bus last Monday afternoon headed home, I decided that I once again deliver my crack up jokes [which I think up until now would still be sellable -- in short, benta. Ha Ha!]. As per Malu's and Sir Emong's requests [and because you're close to my heart, Ha Ha], I made a list that you can look for whenever you're down or in trouble [or in need of a helping hand, Ha Ha!] or whenever you feel like it.

Here are some of those one-liners [or two] I collected from different sites:

In a game show, where everything is spontaneous and instantaneous:

Q: "Saan binaril si Jose Rizal?"

A: "Sa likod!"

Q: "Fill in the blanks - Beauty is in the eye of the ____."
A: "Tiger?"

Q: "Kumpletuhin - Little Red."

A: "Ribbon!"

Q: "Saan nakukuha ang sakit na AIDS?"

A: "Sa motel?"

Q: "Kung ang H2O ay water, ano naman ang CO2?"

A: "Cold water!"

Q: "Heto na si kaka, bubuka-bukaka."

A: "Operadang bakla?"

Q: "Ang mga Hindu ay galing sa aling bansa?"

A: "Hindunesia?"
Q: "Saang bansa matatagpuan ang mga Canadians?"

A: ..."Canadia!"

Q: "Kung vegetarian ang tawag sa kumakain ng gulay, ano ang tawag sa kumakain ng tao?

A: "Humanitarian? "

Q: "Sina MichaelANGELO at Raphael ay mga."
A: "Ninja?"

Q: "Magbigay ng sikat na Willie."

A: "Willie da pooh!"

Q: "Sinong higanteng G ang tinalo ni David?"

A: "Godzilla?"

Q: "Ano ang kinakain ng monkey-eating eagle?"

A: "Saging!"

Q: "Anong tawag mo sa babaeng kapatid ng nanay mo?"

A: "Kamag-anak! "

Q: "Ano ang mas malaki, itlog ng ibon o sanggol ng tao?"
A: "Itlog ng tao!"

Q: "Ano ang tinatanggal sa itlog bago ito kainin?"

A: "Buhok?"

**This is just the first part of the series, more LOL moments coming your way! :))

/dmarco

•♂ Greetings from Mt. Olympus ♀•

2010-11-15T23:15:00.008+08:00

After some Boys' Night Out in Alabang Town Center with Mark, Symbol, Raymark and Abet [with Harmony on the side]. After all the gastronomic activity we did and the ice cream bar eating contest, I immediately logged on to my Facebook account and found out that my Newsfeed was already flooded with greetings of congratulation to my dear [now-Librarian] friends who just passed a while ago.

My uncles and aunts from Mt. Olympus and our other relatives were all so delighted upon hearing this news. Hermes through the help of Iris, delivered me this messages for you:

The Goddess of Wisdom, Athena would like to extend her aegis to Kelvin Samson for edging the exam and claiming his place among the stars [no. 10 it is].

The Goddess of Fertility and Agriculture, Ceres would like to share her bountiful harvests with the ever-lovable Kriz Mae Amante, I know you can do it gurl!

The God of Music and Arts, Apollo would love to share rays of his Sun to Grace Ann Buenaventura. Continue inspiring others to love their talents and hone them better.

The Goddess of Love and Beauty, Aphrodite would like to gracefully congratulate ate Chiara Tolentino for a well-deserved achievement.

The God of Festivities, Dionysus laughed heartily upon hearing Pinyong Cadiz' laughter when he passed the exam. He would like to extend his cheers.

The God of the Forge and Smithing, Hephaestus would like to extend his hammer and anvil to Mic Cabugao. Strike it on!

The Goddess of Family and Marriage, Hera would like to extend her Blessings to Mags Juan. [Masusundan na si Mat-Mat! Ha ha!]

The God of the Sea and Horses, Poseidon extends the powers of his Trident to Ryan Abrigo for doing his best shot.

The Goddess of the Hearth, Hestia extends her warmth and gentleness to Sheryl Melgar for acing the test.

And of course, Zeus clapped an apprecative thunder-lightning combination to Anj Odilao for topnotching the exam.

All were having fun in Mt. Olympus, even the nymphs, satyrs, centaurs, the Muses, the Fates and even in the Underworld. Congratulations my fellow demigods!

And then I woke up, and realized that everything was just a dream, but when I checked my Facebook, it was all so real. Congratulations guys! You deserve all of it! It's Gilbey's and Double Dewn Dewn Dewn time!!!

♪♫ Baby are you dewn ... dewn ... dewn ... dewn ... Deeeewwwn ... Deeeewwwn ... ♪♫

DISCLAIMER: picture lifted from Google.com

/dmarco

Weekends. New Friends. Happy Birthday! ♥

2010-11-15T16:33:00.004+08:00

Friday, November 12, 2010 was birthday bash day [or night would be more appropriate].

6:00 PM. After schoolworks [since I work in a school, ha ha!], Mitch celebrated her Nth Birthday. Fatima and I were first to be at ATC. We, then met with Mitch and Mother Ge, together with [my new friends], Ms. Ardel, Ms. Czar and Ms. Ria. Afterwards, we headed to Dampa, located somewhere in Parañaque, near the Airport. I'm telling you, it was helluva ride.

7:30 PM. Everybody was so hungry when we approached the market site. The jist: Dampa really is a street of cookeries and not really restos. So, one has to buy his/her desired menu first from the market adjacent to the street then have them cooked in one of those cooking stores.

I really had fun eating calamares, [pink] salmon sinigang, liempo, and buttered hipon. Waaah! That was gastronomic. And of course, it was so nice meeting my new found friends, Ms. Ardel, Ms. Czar and Ms. Ria. I used to see them in campus but we really were not that acquainted. Now, it's time for more parteh-parteh!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHIKO!!!

9:00 PM. Sadly, I needed to go ahead of them since Ella was already calling me. We were also headed to another party, Eli's, this time at NiChe Bar in Quezon City. While aboard the MRT, Ella was really skeptical whether we would still have a party to attend to, since it was already late but the lot proved us wrong.

10:30 PM. I was so happy to see that the room Eli has reserved was still jam-packed. Beers. Booze. Food. Cake. And Friends. Kelvin was there having his emo-ments. Joy, who I really miss, was also there eating. Buddeeeh Jill was there singing with DarGeelicious buddy Gee and his BF, papa pi, papa pi, Pinyong. Of course my ever-dearest gurl was also there, Menniebelles. Martin, who was having so much fun. Katrin, who had yet another party to attend to. Marky was also there, looking good [as Kat said] in his red-white-striped shirt. :) Everybody had fun singing, drinking, cam-whoring, and Martin had fun dancing! ♥

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELIBORDS!!!

2:00 AM. The "party" has ended. Ella went ahead, as well as Gee and Pinyong. Some of us who were left decided to head to Starbucks Quezon Ave. Before we could get inside the shop, Kelvin also bade [a tearful] goodbye. Ha ha! So, there were 5 of us left standing [coz I can't find a more appropriate word. Ha ha!] After some Frappes and crack up jokes, everyone was already sleepy. So, we agreed to go home because Marky still has his work 8am in the morning.

4:00 AM. Bye-bye time. Everybody went ♫♪ Dewn ... Dewn ... Dewn ... Dewn ... Dewn ... ♫♪♫

**Although it was very tiring and draining, I enjoyed that night. Seeing you guys is such an energizer just like Tonkat Ali! :))

**And I hope Ami and I would be together in a picture ... soon. Ha ha! ♥
/dmarco

Grade 4, I miss ♥

2010-11-11T16:33:00.003+08:00

Our LRC Head, the Goddess Ms. Hermie asked me if I could take over the Library Instruction Program of the Grade 4, since one of the Deities, Ms. Ann has gone to some faraway land [Belgium, it is] to seek her fortune [in love, if there's any]. Well anyway, upon starting our lesson about Reference Books and as part of the motivation process, I asked my Grade 4's to close their eyes, and then raise their hands if they feel that it should be their [most honest] answer for a question I am going to pose. And the question went, or the phrase rather:

"Whenever I do research, I ... "

And followed suit with these choices [one can raise hand as many times as one wants, this is an honesty game, remember?]

A. Ask my mom or my tutor

B. Always go to the library and check some reference books

C. Sometimes go to the library and check some reference books

D. Never go to the library

E. Use the Internet

With an average number of 38 students per class, the result was astounding and alarming!!! [wait, why do I write like it's my thesis?]

A. 5-7 students on the average raised their hands. Quite surprising because I thought that on the first instance that they were given something to research on, they would ask their mom/tutor just like what I do when I was a youngster [well, time has changed].

B.1-2 students. Sadly, it is the [sad] fact. One of the students even said that "Sir ******* said that whenever we have a research go directly to Choice No. 5". Quite shocking that this imperatives come from our fellow teachers.

C. 9-11 students. On a lighter note, at least a third of the class are sometimes utilizing the library's resources for research, and I asked to them to answer as honestly as they can.

D. 20-25 students. And yet, sadly, so sadly again, a lot of students never use or have used the library's resources for their research, which brings me to choice no. 5.

E. 30-38 students. From almost all to entirely all, as in all of the students raised their hands when choice no. 5 was given. Sadly and not surprisingly, when I asked what source they immediately resort to, they answered "Wikipedia."

My insights and views on these realities:

First, change the attitude of the librarian and library staff. Be cool. Go and be where our clients are. Some students commented that the persons in the library are so timid and so slow that's why they are not motivated to go to the library. Some even said that the librarians don't even know the proper source of their research, which is really shameful. A cool attitude enlightens one's personality which attracts and encourages more users to get inside and utilize the resources of the library.

Second, in relation with the first, is to know and love your library's collection. Treat it as your own baby so you'll know what it needs. You'll at least have a grasp of its condition whether it's bad or good. And of course, you'll know which part of your collection will help what your users need.

Third, place your library in a strategic area as much as possible. In reality, our Upper Grades and High School libraries are located in the basement. Honestly, even students call it the dungeon because it's dark down there. During our class, some of the students even complained that it is so tiring to go down the library so they stay in their classrooms instead. I guess if the libraries are placed in a more strategic area, it would attract more users.

And last, don't be afraid of change. Technology is so fast-paced. Yesterday we have printed resources, today we have e-resources. And tomorrow, we'll have Z-resources [as in Zero resources. haha!]. Change is there to make us better, to make our lives faster [and die even faster. haha!] Grab the opportunity as much as we can, we may not know, our users are much better than us. Have that competitive attitude.

With that, I am very grateful that I had the chance to once again be with my former students who introduced me to the world of teaching [because they were the first batch where I substituted as a teacher]. I feel like I am following Chiron's paths and soon, heroes will rise.
/dmarco

Time to stretch those bones

2010-11-08T09:39:00.001+08:00

After a week-long of Internet Hiatus, it's time to round up my adventures again. I just spent a week-long vacation on Mt. Olympus to visit my fellow deities and demigods whose threads had already been cut by the Fates.

And Oh By the Way! Mt. Olympus sits atop Jamaica, Quezon! *grins*

DISCLAIMER: All photos were lifted from Google.com

/dmarco

I will miss you ♥

2010-10-28T14:17:00.003+08:00

It has been more than a year since I got my ever-reliable Nokia6303 as part of my Globe plan and now, it's gone. Just like that!

It all started last year. I still had a Nokia6260 back then [you know, the old-fashioned flip type, but I so love it]. I went to UP 2 days before my 21st birthday. I can't remember what was the event that time, but anyway, as I got off the train [since I take the MRT from Ayala Station to Q.Ave] and checked my pocket, I only found my iPod all alone. So, I bade my Autobot Ice Crasher goodbye and decided to get a new one since it would be my birthday soon and that I wanted to receive greetings thru texts from my friends [aside from the Facebook wall posts because I'm a sentimentalist].

And so, today, I also bade goodbye to a friend who's been with me for more than a year now. It all happened this morning [I think]. As I was on my way to school-office, I noticed that one of the pockets of my bag was open [my bag has only one pocket, stupid! and that's the pocket where I keep my phone]. Anyway, I didn't really give a fuss because I thought that I'd just forgotten to zip it close. So, I proceeded to my usual morning routine without bothering to check my phone. Until the time that I realize that I should check the whereabouts of my younger sister that it all started to dawn on me. It's gone, lost, na-da!

I don't want to blame anyone for it's no one's fault except mine. I didn't take much care of my things. I just hope that it's in good hands now and I'm just thankful because I know that THEY need more than I do and I can replace it anytime. Oh October! ♥


Achilles bade goodbye to Phtia

DISCLAIMER: all pictures were lifted from Google.com

/dmarco

I strike First Blood

2010-10-27T08:47:00.004+08:00

As most of my friends know, I am currently enrolled in the Masters of Library and Information Science (MLIS) Program of the UP School of Library and Information Studies (UP SLIS). I would literally fly from Alabang to Diliman every Thursday just to make it on time [5:30 it is] for my LIS 222 class --Collection Management, under Prof. Elvira Lapuz; and every Saturday, I need to wake up early for my LIS 260--Introduction to Information Science, where Prof. Igor Cabbab was our teacher.

Well today, I am happy to get my first-ever grade in my life as a Master's student and I'm glad to say that I fair quite well. I didn't really expect this much because I somehow procrastinated with our projects and requirements [and I was not the only one, right my fellow alumni? Haha.]. I guess all the sleepless nights and haggard days paid off. Thanks to Ma'am Elvie for selflessly sharing her knowledge on this matter [just like what Chiron had done for Perseus and Hercules].

You said before that I should not take this subject and get another instead because I may already know what you would be teaching us. But I guess it was quite a different experience, unlike what I had expected. As I also told you, "I guess this time, it's different because we now see what you're teaching us and they are not merely concepts and theories anymore, we already put them into practice."


I really faired quite well

Now, I am still waiting for my grade in my second subject and next week, will be gearing up again for the long queue of enrollees. I hope I could get more subjects as worthwhile as my LIS 222. Thank you Ma'am Elvie!

Friday, I'm in Love ... ♫♪

2010-10-26T08:52:00.006+08:00

♫♪ I don't care if Monday's blue ... Tuesday's gray and Wednesday too... ♪♫

I guess The Cure's Song would definitely encapsulate what I felt last Friday, Oct 22. Well, it may seem I didn't have the chance to blog it immediately, [because I went to the mountains, not Mt. Olympus], nevertheless, I am giving it a shot today.

First stop, as everyone anticipates for it, Friday is of course the end of the week and everyone [not] looks forward to Monday because Monday this time is a holiday. Thanks to the Barangay/SK elections, I could sleep all day and so I thought.

5:15 PM. After school-works since I work in a school, or school hours rather, I took the 5pm bus en route to ATC, where Mitch, Gerald and I had the chance to munch in Pho Hoa's egg noodles and do some catching ups, you know, the usual chikka with the barkada. I didn't eat much because my family was waiting for me at the Festival Mall.

6:30 PM. I arrived at Festival Mall. Paid my bills, yes, I paid my phone bills and electric bills first before meeting with my family. Mama, Papa, Tina and Kuya We were there, together with our cousins, Jai and Mat and their dad, our Tito Ric. And yet another gastronomic event awaited my tummy at Pizza Hut Bistro. While having our family dinner, I was already texting my friend, Herson, on what time we were going to meet up.

10:00 PM. Herson and I were supposed to meet up at Rob Galle but due to inevitable circumstances, I met with Jemz instead, or rather Jemz fetched me from Mega since I really didn't know how to go to Strata. There I met Yan-Yan. Then, we waited for Jomz. Ef just dropped by since he needed to get to work. Yan-Yan even joked that he [Ef], should just time-in first and then get back to us so he wouldn't miss the fun. But it was really I, who missed the fun. My dream of going to Banchetto with the FSR family was suddenly shattered. Aaaaww. But still, I looked forward to meeting more of my friends that night.

12:30 PM. I took a cab and headed to Cubao Ex, where Mennie and Migz were patiently waiting for me. There we had our minds loosened up a bit, we had booze, we helped Migz with his 199 papers, we had small chats, we had the best night of our lives. After Cubao Ex, we headed for McDo as always. Twister Fries. Hot choco. And then snooze.

I realized after all that I really am not a loner. I have so may friends yet I have so little time and that's just SOME of my friends. I just feel guilty sometimes that I couldn't give much time to my family compared to my friends and that's why I really grabbed that opportunity last Friday where I would meet my family, finally, COMPLETE.

That Friday really was so fun not simply because I had the chance to have a night-out or because I know I have a lot of friends, but that night made me realize that I, too, can get out of my comfort zones. That I may not forever always stay as an introverted, home-buddy bitch waiting to be unleashed.

I am a librarian who teaches at day and I am a librarian who parties at [Friday] night!

Friday, I'm in Love

The Cure

I don't care if Monday's blue
Tuesday's gray and Wednesday too
Thursday I don't care about you
It's Friday, I'm in love

Monday you can fall apart
Tuesday, Wednesday break my heart
Oh, Thursday doesn't even start
It's Friday I'm in love

Saturday, wait
And Sunday always comes too late
But Friday, never hesitate...

I don't care if Mondays black
Tuesday, Wednesday - heart attack
Thursday, never looking back
It's Friday, I'm in love

Monday, you can hold your head
Tuesday, Wednesday stay in bed
Or Thursday - watch the walls instead
It's Friday, I'm in love

Saturday, wait
And Sunday always comes too late
But Friday, never hesitate...

Dressed up to the eyes
It's a wonderful surprise
To see your shoes and your spirits rise
Throwing out your frown
And just smiling at the sound
And as sleek as a sheik
Spinning round and round
Always take a big bite
It's such a gorgeous sight
To see you eat in the middle of the night
You can never get enough
Enough of this stuff
It's Friday, I'm in love

I don't care if Monday's blue
Tuesday's gray and Wednesday too
Thursday I don't care about you
It's Friday, I'm in love

Monday you can fall apart
Tuesday, Wednesday break my heart
Thursday doesn't even start
It's Friday I'm in love

DISCLAIMER: pictures and lyrics were lifted from Google.com

Word of the Day: Lorem Ipsum

2010-10-22T15:50:00.003+08:00

Starting today, I would be posting here in my blog words that I [we] stumble upon in everyday life. Some of us maybe already familiar with them, while some are not. Some may have already encountered and used them, the others, otherwise. Words that may be quizzical, trivial, radical, out-of-this-world, or typical words that captured my attention would definitely get into this list.

To start off, I would like to present to you this [these] words or phrase rather:

If you are into blogging and you are doing some tweaking and tinkering of the designs and templates for your blog but cannot manage to because of those hard-to-decipher HTML/XML files, you might already have searched thru Google.com some ready-made, customized, copy-then-paste template formats [just like this one]. Then, you might also have encountered our friends LOREM and IPSUM, and wondered, why are they always present in every template?

At first, I thought it as some messages from my relatives (I'm a demigod, remember?) and then I tried researching for it and everyone was saying "it was too Greek-ish!", which means that they really don't understand it or know what the real meaning of it is.

Well, according to Cecil of Straight Dope, and I quote, "Lorem ipsum is the same deal--one of those inscrutable phrases that just keeps turning up. Surely it means something. Surely it's invested with, you know, mysto power. Lorem ipsum, my children. So mote it be." unquote and I didn't get it! *grins*.

For that matter, I also consulted Eco Rubber Solutions, where they said that "Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum." So, thanks to Aldus for making it clear-er.

Actually, the term Lorem Ipsum really was derived from the original texts of Cicero about ethics in 45BC, which reads "Neque porro quisquam est qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit . . ." , which means "There is no one who loves pain itself, who seeks after it and wants to have it, simply because it is pain . . ."

Cicero (45 BC), the father of Lorem and Ipsum

Honestly, searching for the meaning of Lorem Ipsum is really painful, eh? :))

DISCLAIMER: all photos are lifted from Google.com, I don't own any of them

Words Without Borders: My MIBF 2010 experience

2010-10-21T09:29:00.007+08:00

Last September 14, I accompanied Ms. Mimi De La Cruz and Ms. Soc Diesta, our Foreign Program Principal and Instructional & Performance Assessment Office Head, respectively, together with Sir Myk Francisco, our Technical Librarian for High School, to the 32nd Manila International Book Fair at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

The experience left me in awe as in awesome library resources, awe-verwhelming volumes of reference and reading materials, and awe-stonishing advancements and innovations. No rooms left for the awe-bsolete and awe-ld-fashioned.

There were so many selections of books and other printed materials ranging from fiction to the Sciences to UBDs to Psychology and Personality [obviously because it was a Book Fair after all, and an International one]. Other exhibitors also took time to introduce attendees of the book fair to the world of e-resources. All the staff were very accommodating [because they needed to be] and what made the event fun, fun, fun was the lot of freebies! Never-ending supply of candies, canvas/tote bags, bookmarks, and raffles! I wish I could have won a laptop [in my dreams].

Of course, what made my attendance to the 32nd MIBF memorable [aside from the never-ending, supposed-to-be-tireless walk and a gastronomic lunch treat from a publisher] were the two great books I got for free:

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Book no. 7 of the series :)

Ooooh, Mockingjay! The third book in the Hunger Games trilogy :)

My heartfelt gratitude to the publishers who were so nice to me and also to Ms. Soc, Ms. Mimi and Sir Myk for the happy company and to Mang Puring, our driver that time.

When I was a teenager ...

2010-10-20T13:00:00.003+08:00

**this is my entry for Ms. Zara Gagatiga's Teen Read Week feature, I was invited as one of her guest bloggers

I used to love these books. Some of them were suggested by my friends, some are of sentimental values, while some are just pieces to satisfy my curiosity.

1. The Little Prince -- I really got curious about this book not because of the title but because of the author, I really didn't know how to pronounce his last name! That's why I tried to read the book, and then I realized that, oh!, I'm nearly done and I enjoyed the story. Fantastic. Profound. Antoine de Saint-Exupery really had me going not just because of his last name but because of his captivating way in writing the story.

2. The Da Vinci Code -- yes, I am still young and I was like 18 when I read this phenomenal book. Shocking. Intriguing. Revealing. If you don't have a strong foundation on your belief (and some ounces of sweat for researching), you might as well be convinced, that somehow, these revelations might have really happened or might have truth in them. I give three cheers for Dan Brown for creating this fictional book which stirred the confidence of the "Christian" world.

3. The Five People You Meet in Heaven -- This was the first book I bought from my first attendance in the Manila International Book Fair (2005). Very inspirational. Once my mom was shocked when she saw me reading this book because of the title. She thought that it was all about deaths, killings, and the likes. But then, the young reader I was, I eventually convinced her to try reading it, and she told me that she cried after reading it.

4. Tuesdays with Morrie -- Yet another inspirational book by Mitch Albom. As my college classmates and I were having some small chats on the book that we were reading that time, some of them highly suggested that I should give this one a shot. Nevertheless, I loved this book. Read this for four times and it never failed to make me pour buckets. I guess this is also one of my inspirations why I love being a teacher-librarian.

5. Pride and Prejudice -- My college bestfriend, Ella, loves the classics. So, I thought, what's with them and what makes you hooked with them? They're boring and too dragging. She lent me one of her books, I tried Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and I was proved otherwise. I loved the Bennet sisters ever since. Then came the movie with Kiera Knightly and the rest is history. Now, I am trying to read the new edition, "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies"

6. Alamat ng Gubat -- Got curious because my high school classmates were all passing it around. Thought it was just some graphic novel book by Bob Ong, where a naughty crab was the main protagonist. But I was wrong, it was totally a book of social relevance once you tried reading between the lines. Since then, I read all the other books written by Bob Ong.

7. Love Story/ Oliver's Story -- My former housemate, Nomer, is a fan of Erich Segal books. Those were the "hell week" times that I asked him if he could give me some diversions from my acads and he suggested that I read books by Erich Segal. I picked the thinnest book, Love Story, among his collections. And Viola! I was hooked. The story is not your typical love story and what makes it more fun is the wit of the characters, Jenny and Oliver. Then, of course, I was also hooked with the sequel, Oliver's Story. This made me realize that love after all is not just all about love.

8. Acts of Faith -- The Trinoma Mall in Quezon City was still newly established then, and the Powerbooks store there was the place where I munched this book. Everytime I'd go to that store, I would really look for this particular title and continue reading it until I'm finally done. I finished this book for about five times of visiting the store within one week. This is another book by Erich Segal where love dared to transcend even the extremes of the opposites.

9. Catcher in the Rye/ To Kill a Mockingbird -- In my freshman year, I was assigned to do a report on censorship in the library. While researching for my topic, I stumbled upon these two titles which were deemed censored. So the curious cat in me wondered why. Nomer, once again, lent me his Catcher while another friend of mine, Gel, let me borrow To Kill in exchange of my Da Vinci. Both books were profoundly written. I guess that's why they're censored. Hehe. Kidding aside, Catcher has some tinge of racism in it while To Kill has
aspects of violence which I guess are not suitable for the target market, Juveniles.

10. Harry Potter series -- One word: FANTASTIC! I hate that it is being compared to the Twilight series. HP is legendary. The plot thickens along the way. The struggles become harder and tougher but in the end, our victor would still emerge, of course, victorious! It's children's literature for the whole family. Now, I am re-reading the whole series and I really want more!

May I also suggest some of the books that I love to read in my post-teenager years? Here are some:

1. Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins -- never thought I'd love this series. I want more!

2. Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan -- who wouldn't want to be a demi-god/goddess?
3. Geronimo Stilton series by Geronimo Stilton -- Yeah, blame it on my babies! They love the series and I got infected. The humor is infectious and the lessons as well as guide in good writing is incomparable

4. His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman -- The first movie, Golden Compass might not have given it a good justification but the series is really good.
5. Lord of the Rings trilogy -- I started reading it when I was 20, not a teenager anymore. :P Epic saga. Very nice.

6. Books by Eric Carle -- yeah, I'm going back to my childhood years

7. Books by Dr. Seuss

8. The Polar Express -- Can't help but cry everytime I read this. Very touching.
9. Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull -- fairies, nyphs, satyrs and every magical creatures

10. Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony DiTerlizzi

I also hope that we read more Filipiniana books and enrich our Filipiniana literature by contributing more creative Filipino stories. Such creative books are:

1. Tuwing Sabado

2. Asan na ang sundo ko
3. Ang pambihirang buhok ni raquel
4. Half and Half
5. Tight times
6. The yellow paperclip and it's bright purple spots
7. bruhahaha - bruhihihi
8. filemon mamon
9. barumbadong bus
10. bisikleta ni mon mon
11. pilandok series

I hope that as you read this article, you are now considering to try to read at least one of the titles. Or any titles for all I care, just so as long as you keep reading, you love learning and you never stop sharing what you've learned to the world. Start with one page at a time, and soon you'll find out that there really is no harm in reading.

DISCLAIMER: all pictures were lifted from Amazon.com and Google

from the ashes, I shall rise

2010-10-20T11:38:00.003+08:00

Last Thursday, as we were on our way home riding our school service, Sir Cloyd Uyson asked me if I'm into blogging. I said "I was", after a long pause, " ... a long time ago."

Then, Friday came and I received an e-mail thru Facebook from Ms. Zara Gagatiga. She was inviting me as one of her guest bloggers for the Teen Read Week, where I will enumerate a list of my favorite books that I loved reading when I was a teenager.

After these two encounters, I realized that if they have time to do their own blogs given their jam-packed schedules, then, why can't I?

So, now I am starting to re-write my life because I want to be published and I want my legacy (haha) to be retained. I would definitely write more about my experiences as a librarian, the books that I love, and everything, even the most non-sensical, absurd experiences that I may encounter.

DISCLAIMER: picture lifted from Google.com