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Day 7: The Power of Praying Together
2 days ago
Showing posts with label events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label events. Show all posts
**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.
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.
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| 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].
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| (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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| The Angry Librarian (Photo credit:kdkbooklove) |
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| The contemporary librarian (Photo credit: http://www.easygirlgames.com) |
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| (Photo credit: eliterate librarian) |
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
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:
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| Zeus: King of the Gods |
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| 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
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.
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]."
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| Athena transforming Arachne into a spider |
/dmarco
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 ... ♪♫
/dmarco
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
**And I hope Ami and I would be together in a picture ... soon. Ha ha! ♥
/dmarco
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| ♫♪ 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.
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:
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| Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Book no. 7 of the series :) |
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| 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.
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