By: Allyn Villahermosa"Take whoever loves you, no one will care anyway." -From the Palme d’Or award-winning film, Blue is the Warmest Color.
Every individual may encounter a different kind of love as each and everyone unravel his/her given journey. According to the Japanese Myth, there’s this “someone” who is connected from you with a red string: this “someone” is believed to be your soul mate, the one that is destined to be with you. But what if that “someone” is 10 years ahead of you, 15 years or 30 years? Will your age gap with that “someone” matter or not? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, pedophilia is a sexual feeling or activity that involves children or people who are much younger than the other person. People often consider this relationship out of lust but there are those who still believe that these kinds of relationship are out of love. However, in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V), the American Psychological Association (APA) drew a very distinct line between pedophilia and pedophilic disorder. Pedophilia refers to a sexual orientation or profession of sexual preference devoid of consummation, whereas pedophilic disorder is defined as a compulsion and is used in reference to individuals who act on their sexuality. APA’s decision has given rise to numerous pedophilia-advocacy groups, the chief of them being B4U-ACT, a non-profit grassroots organization based in Maryland. Created in 2003 primarily as a means for “minor-attracted persons” to be open about their sexual preferences in a supportive atmosphere, B4U-ACT is now widening the scope of their organization. According to spokesperson and registered sex offender Paul Christiano, the pedophilia-advocacy group is “working towards de-stigmatizing the mental health community.” Christiano explained that negative societal attitudes towards minor-attracted persons “trickle down to policy-making and the mental health community.” We are living in an eccentric-like society which comprises up-to-the-beat individuals whose power is with their freedom to speak, which is also often exercised by the use of the internet. Rants, stories, and everything are shared through different social media sites where an individual has his/her opportunity to gain sympathy or to bash another person. Hence, media sites nowadays are the tool that enables an individual to express his/her freedom and be acknowledged by the community, be accepted of what he/she is and be heard by his/her fellow. Hence, rules and laws can be changed everytime but no one can ever dictate whom you’ll fall and invest your feelings with. In the end, you are a person born with rights-- which is to live, learn, and love… and no one will care anyway.
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Opinion by: Christelle MarambaIn this era, where Social Media practically dictates every aspect of our life, we find ourselves finding value in Likes, Follows, Views and Shares. We think of ourselves as important when we get more than a hundred likes or we find ourselves deleting our posts when it only gets five or so likes because we feel ashamed. Why do we do this?
According to some studies, humans have a big tendency to be “sheep” or follow the herd or follow the trend, and the trend is social media. Humans also have the unending craving for attention and acceptance. Put them together and some people look for self-worth and acceptance on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social apps. I once overheard two friends conversing next to me and they were talking about Facebook likes and how much they got on their latest profile picture. One of them got over 200 likes while the other only had less than a hundred. The one with fewer likes said, “WOW! You have so many likes, you are so popular and you have many friends.” I don’t have a problem with people who have many FB likes, but I do have a problem with people who view them differently just because of the number of thumbs up they got on a picture. Social Media is not a machine used to measure acceptance and self-worth. Social Media is created to connect with other people and to share with the world our talents and uniqueness. Don’t think for one second that your self-worth is measured in Likes, Follows, Views and Shares. Social media is virtual. Likes and Follows won’t get you anywhere in the real world. Look for your self-worth in real friends, family and anywhere but social media, you will find yourself happier. By: Denise Go Since President Duterte released the much-awaited ‘drug matrix’ on Thursday regarding how Senator Leila De Lima is allegedly involved in the drug operations inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), De Lima and the rest of the gang found on the paper is now under the “spotlight.”
Under the “spotlight” are former Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III, Pangasinan Administrator Raffy Baraan, General Franklin Bucayo, De Lima’s driver and said to be boyfriend - Ronnie Dayan, Pangasinan Board Member Raul Sison, and a certain “Ms Cardenosa.” We all know that Duterte has been revealing details about De Lima for the past few days and in defense, De Lima continues to deny those accusations and she even considers the drug matrix to be rubbish because even a 12-year-old can draw it. In a press conference, De Lima said that the drug matrix contained names with descriptions and arrows that points outward from her name which failed to establish her involvement in illegal drugs inside NBP. Even though she didn’t totally admit it, technically she’s already guilty because even if the arrows point outwards from her, she’s still part of the matrix; she had a role there and let us be clear on that. De Lima even said that she’s willing to resign if there’s real evidence that links her to illegal drug trades inside NBP and she also warned Duterte that he’ll lose face if he continues in pointing her out in this drug matrix. No one is perfect in the world but one thing is for sure, Duterte would not release something big like that if he’s not confidently sure about it. In a latest interview, De Lima said that the war against drugs has become war versus De Lima. Nobody can be blamed for this statement because things have been intriguing for De Lima for the past few days since tons of information about her are being revealed. She is currently heading a Senate hearing on extrajudicial killings which is being linked to the Duterte administration campaign against illegal drugs. Judging people is wrong but we simply can’t help it, it is in our nature, but if there’s such evidence present then there’s no need to feel bad about judging. With the drug matrix revealed, life of the people involve will surely not be at peace even though they deny the accusation. It’s just surprising to see those names of certain powerful people on the matrix. People with such reputations are now being exposed with their own dirt. As they say, there are no secrets that time does not reveal. By: Allyn I. Villahermosa During the campaign period last elections, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte promised the whole nation a safer and better Philippines for the first six months of his term, which made the majority of the Filipino voters believe that he is the “savior” of our dying motherland.
Mainly, his administration focuses first on eradicating drugs. Pres. Duterte seeks safer streets at night and a more peaceful home for every Filipino family because he strongly believes that it kills not only the one who abuses it but the user’s home as well. However, massive killings on drug-related scenarios are bothering the community because of its countless victims, both identified and unidentified pushers/users of drugs are being killed on-the-spot. Recently, a jeepney driver was shot and killed by unidentified suspects while driving and fetching passengers at Burgos Street, Dagupan City. The said victim was identified as a user and hence, undeniably was listed for “shoot to kill” among the drug pushers/users. On the other hand, a fourth year Mass Communication Student was reportedly shot and killed and was thrown along the fields of Parian, Manaoag Pangasinan last month. Until now, the victim is still unidentified as a pusher/user yet her life was taken by unknown suspects. Killings nowadays are worsening. You may never know who will be shot and killed any time, or you may be shot and killed accusing you as one of the violators. Streets are quiet now; there are lesser reported crimes (other than the drug-related killings). Students are afraid to stay late outside their houses, all afraid to witness shoot-outs. Yet is this really what a “safe” community depicts? These victims, both identified and unidentified violators were never given a chance to defend themselves. They were given their choices but not the chance to begin and start a change. Is it really a better Philippines with these killings? Who wants to die now and defend later… or never? Opinion by: Christelle MarambaWhat is the true meaning of feminism?--Feminism, by definition, is the social, political and economic equality of the sexes; but is this really how everyone believes it to be?
There is a new law forbidding the catcalling, whistling and harassment of women, however, I wonder why there isn’t a law forbidding the same for men? Women can harass a man the same way. I also wonder why is it that when a man and a woman go on a date and the man asks the woman to split the bill, he is labeled as a cheapskate but when a woman does it, it’s then called women empowerment. I wonder why is it that when a woman rides public transportation and there is no empty seat left, a man is obligated to stand and let the woman have his seat. When he doesn’t do it, women get irritated and call the man “ungentlemanly”. Why, why, why? The answer is simple, Double Standards. Feminism began when women wanted to be treated equally with men. They wanted the same rights as voting, same amount of wage, same amount of respect, but society shaped our minds into thinking that men are superior to women. It has been that way since the beginning of time, even in the Bible, a woman was created through the rib of a man, but does this belief still hold true in today’s generation? Dogma and Stereotyping are the factors that keep Feminism from flourishing. Why? Because as I stated earlier, Society shaped our minds. The backlog of our history is our basis for how we live today, and in that history of events, women are not equal with men. Women nowadays seem confused when they say they fight for “Feminism”. They say they want to be equal with men but they don’t realize that Feminism is not with reservations. If women really want equality, they should also be prepared to lose their “benefits”, such as a man needs to open the door for women, a man is responsible for paying things and all the other stuff I stated as an example earlier. The big question now is “Are women ready to lose these ‘benefits’?”. Think about it please. By: Denise Go People are now afraid to step outside their houses because of the endless and shocking killings. Picture yourself getting home safe and sound and after a couple of minutes you get news that someone from your neighborhood just got shot. Terrifying right? Apparently there have been numerous killings as well here in Pangasinan for the past few weeks. Some of the victims that were shot were just college students; one was a female graduating Mass Communication student and the other one was male student about to finish a Seaman course, there is also this former policeman victim who was suspected to be involved in drugs, there’s also this victim who was shot because it was believed that the victim was involved in drugs but shockingly during the autopsy, he was tested negative for drugs, and another victim even had a signage attached to his chest saying “Wag tularan tulak/mamamatay tao ako susunod na kayo … DDS.” (Do not imitate me. I am a pusher and a killer… you're next… DDS). DDS is actually known as Davao Death Squad. DDS is a vigilante group in Davao City who are allegedly responsible for the killings of certain individuals who are involved in drugs and other crimes. According to a particular consolidated report from 1998 up to the end of 2015, DDS has a total number 1,424 of persons killed, out of that number 57 were female and 1,367 were male and 50 percent of the victims were young at age. Based on that report it is understood that DDS disregards gender and age. Has DDS gone national? Or are these killers just vigilantes using DDS for fun? These questions are bugging everyone’s mind because no one really knows the real answer. Some officials and netizens say that the victims are involved in drugs. On the other hand, are they really guilty of using or selling drugs or are they just the wrong target? Since President Rodrigo Duterte became the president, the police started to do these buy-bust operations all over the country. Yes, changes are clearly seen but after a while it seems like the people who are being killed on the streets are increasing and no one really knows who are behind these events. Whoever may be behind these killings, they’re not into fair justice. Officials should take special actions immediately to resolve and to finally put an end to this madness. It’s not a healthy environment for the people. What is happening to humanity nowadays? It’s like killing a human being is just a sport. Drugs are evil and crimes will always be present, but there is really no need to kill people, who kill other people, to show that killing people is wrong. This isn’t what’s best for the whole society. By: Allyn Villahermosa According to Bill Clinton, a uniform means a set of standard clothing worn by members of an organization while participating in that organization’s activity. It promotes discipline, self-belongingness, and even the feeling of equality to every student who chooses to wear their accredited organizational/school uniform.
Enlisted in the PHINMA EDUCATION NETWORK (PEN) Table of Offenses and Disciplinary Actions, under the column of security and public order: Improper or indecent attire such as tattered pants, sandals, slippers; non wearing of school uniforms and IDs; wearing on earrings and long hair among male students are prohibited inside the grounds of PHINMA—University of Pangasinan. Hence, wearing of prescribed uniforms is a must among the students. However, on the other side of the pond, educators in England are looking at de-uniforming the schools there. Currently, over 90 percent of the students wear jackets, ties and kilts. Although the change in thought about uniforms had originally been based on freedom of expression, those headmasters in England contend uniforms simply do not make the schools better in any way and that uniforms do not create higher achieving students. Ironically speaking, students nowadays tend to contemplate about the essence of wearing uniforms whereas it can never contribute to their thinking and their academic performances. College students usually argue on this matter because individually speaking, it compasses their “freedom” and their “choice of fashion”. Mentors on the other hand, believe that people wearing uniform are more caring for their fellows and colleagues; they care not only for their growth but the growth of their peers as well. According to Tracey Marinelli, uniforms are very important and foster traits which are very necessary for a person as an individual and an organization as a whole to thrive and prosper. by Denise GoIs the Philippines ready for change? Filipinos want change for the country, but are the people really ready for the change envisioned by the new elected officials in the government?
President elect Rodrigo “Rody” Roa Duterte, sometimes called “Digong”, is known for having a sharp mouth and metal fist. During his campaign for presidency, he’s platform was very simple and straight to the point. One of Duterte’s goals is to capture or even kill drug addicts and rapists all over the country for three to six months. Duterte said that he will order the killing of all criminals, but this would be still done in accordance with the law. People loved him; the public enjoyed his humour and vision. After he won the elections, almost every single week there are tons of drug pushers who are being arrested and killed. There are also some drug addicts who surrendered a couple of days ago. Improvements are being seen after Duterte won the election, but then again, six months is not quite enough for a big change. Even if the newly assigned officials by Duterte are somehow perfect for the position and no matter how strict the rules are, there will always be people who will go beyond the line as if there are no laws. Duterte might have over-reacted a little bit with the three to six months. According to the Country Meters the population of the Philippines is 102, 275, 485. With that numbers, who knows how many drug addicts, and rapists are. Maybe Duterte can accomplish his goal in a couple of years, but three to six months seems to be impossible. Just like what Former Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said before, “Once you assume the presidency, you cannot just pull an Armalite rifle and shoot all drug lords, gun down all criminals. That is not how the democratic system works. We have to respect due process.” He also said that this would be a huge task, what with only 150,000 policemen protecting 100 million citizens spread across the country. Duterte‘s victory for the seat of presidency was not a shock for the public since most the voters were in favoured to Duterte because people are all tired of the old system. Davao City is such a wonderful peaceful place handled by Duterte, no one can question that. The challenge for the new administration is: Is this a truth or for dare? Dear EIC, As we all know, enrolling the desired units among the colleges is a natural scenario. We enroll subjects that we may and take it for the whole semester as it is permitted by the respective dean. However, students nowadays seemed to be “captives” by their own curriculum because they aren’t allowed to enroll beyond their required units. Usually, students are allowed to overload their units in order to maximize the time and money that is being consumed for the rest of the semester. But with our scenario, authorities seem to be not in favor of us, students, overloading our required units while students coming from the different department are allowed to do so. Is this a policy that teaches ‘Education for Sale’? Or they’re just showing some racial attitude towards our field? We just can’t understand why they are preventing us from overloading to graduate on time. It is very hard for us to accept the fact that Communication courses nowadays are often mistreated and underestimated. Don’t we have the right to take the units we can get to lessen the burden we carry? I hope I can get a quick response from you. More power, iBrowse! God bless us all. Sincerely, Llyanna BA Communication Student Dear Llyanna, Good day! Thank you for this open letter. In my opinion, all students should be given the chance to overload during the first and second semester of his or her last academic year in order to graduate on time, especially if you only have a couple of subjects left. I guess the authorities have their own reasons why Communication students are given such rules. Nevertheless, I can no longer give any further comments regarding this matter. Thank you for understanding. Enjoy the Mass Communication world, dear. God bless. Respectfully Yours, EIC |
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