YOUNG FILIPINAS FROM CWC ARE ON THE LEAD OF THE RACE

M.I.S.S Mag Asst. Editor-in-Chief’s Scribble:

Who says there can be unity amidst diversity?

That’s what M.I.S.S Magazine promises you. This CWC-connived slash sem-ender women’s magazine brings the latest, hippest and hottest news and information about the pursuit of young Filipinas from Assumption College, College of the Holy Spirit, St. Scholastica’s College Manila, and Miriam College.

To help you out and to make aware of the realities outside the four walls of Miriam College, this one-time big-time issue will showcase right in front of your eyes the positive comparison between female college students from exclusive and coed schools, the freshest events and gatherings in the schools constituting CWC, face-to-face interviews with college students, the newest fashion trends of CWC students, from tomboyish to girlish makeovers and many more.

This magazine wouldn’t be successful without the combined efforts of the group, the Big Blind Crew photographers plus the unceasing support and guidance of our dear Journalism professor, Miss Cathy S. Guballa. In behalf of our team, we’d like to extend our gratitude to everyone and we do hope you’ll enjoy this magazine we prepared especially for you.

Margie “Marg” Brazal Tuibeo, 19 years old

III- AB Communication, Miriam College

Do, Re, Mi, Fa, SOL: A Sound of the Philippine Literature

By: Garcia, Puig, Samelin, Salmo, Tanedo and Tuibeo

“I write because I want to explore the things that have been ignored.” – Soledad Sarmiento Reyes Ph.D.

This principle makes Dr. Soledad S. Reyes different from other writers, critics, and editors.

Dr. Soledad Sarmiento Reyes was born on March 5, 1946. At a young age, she dreamt of becoming a teacher. To further pursue her dreams, young Soledad strived to finish her studies. In 1966, she obtained her BA from Miriam College which is formerly known as Maryknoll College and her MA from Ateneo de Manila University (1971). Dr. Sol Reyes received her Ph.D. in Philippine Studies from the University of the Philippines (UP) in 1976. But it didn’t end there; in 1981 Dr. Sol Reyes finished her MA in Sociology of Literature from the Essex University in 1981.

Looking back on her college years, Dr. Sol Reyes was exposed to a lot of literary works and most of them were western works which she finds very interesting. She enjoyed classical works by Homer, Dante (Alighieri), and Shakespeare. When she was still in high school, she was already interested in reading old novels such as the Harvard Classics (a 51-volume anthology of classical works) although she knew at that time; she didn’t fully understand that novel in particular. Furthermore, she would opt to read novels written by famous English writers even though they were not required by their high school teachers. These are to name but a few of the instances illustrating how Dr. Sol Reyes has been hooked in reading and reading unceasingly.

She’s an example of a Filipino writer who doesn’t just take life sitting down but living out each day fulfilling her dreams by means of writing. Her college days consist of reading, writing, teaching and criticizing. Back then, she had to write and submit papers to her professors.

Unevidently it may seem, she speaks with a distinct aura and a certain passion in her voice. Nevertheless, Dr. Soledad S. Reyes fondly shared the people and things that motivated her to become the person she is at the present. “I read a lot,” uttered Dr. Sol. “There was a paper I had to write for Ms. Reggie Garcia. It was my attempt to understand the works of Quijano de Manila who is Nick Joaquin. So, I wrote a paper on his essays in the Philippines Free Press and this teacher of mine said it’s one of the best papers. I was really a shy person, so I really felt good that my teacher liked the paper I wrote. Then later on, after teaching for two year I decided that I want to pursue a graduate program in Literature,” she added.

The award-winning essayist and critic Dr. Sol Reyes has published over a hundred literary works on popular culture and literature. She received numerous recognitions and awards in her entire career as a writer, critic, and editor. Some of her awards are Manila Critic’s Circles Awards for Outstanding Achievements in Theory and Criticism (1984, 1991, 1993) and Writer’s Union of the Philippines Awards for Criticism (2000). Dr. Sol Reyes is also a National Commission for Culture and the Arts awardees. Despite having numerous awards and recognitions, Dr. Soledad S. Reyes remains humble. She continues to write not for the sake of receiving awards and selling books but because she wants to explore the things that for her have been ignored. She is thankful that she received these but they don’t limit her purpose in writing. For her whether she will receive an award or not, she will continue to write and produce commendable literary works.

Dr. Reyes has done lots of novels, books, and essays in her entire career. Among all her works, what she personally like very much is the biography of a marginalized woman writer, Rosario de Guzman Lingat. “This is a literary biography of a woman who led a very difficult life,” she said. “Then I contextualized the work that she did against her own biography: the courtship, the marriage, the children, the betrayal, the separation which are reflected, I think, and mirrored in the variety of works that she wrote. It is very contemporary so that is a favourite of mine because there were echoes of my own family life in the life of this woman,” Dr. Reyes fondly elaborated.

“The shock of realizing that very few people are interested in Philippine literature and comics... They have difficulties on working on our own in a colonial context wherein people who is down on their own language and their own culture, it is very difficult to go against the tide.” Working on Philippine literature and text back in the 1930’s and 1940’s was really very difficult for her because there were few books written by Filipino authors. When she wanted to read a particular work, she had to locate for it in national libraries, in the University of the Philippines and Lopez Museums. Confronting this kind of task was no easy because at that time she was also teaching part-time at Ateneo and Maryknoll. These difficulties are some of Dr. Sol Reyes’ unforgettable experiences.

“Ang kelangan readers eh, Readers to appreciate what our writers are writing.” This line summarizes her perspective on Philippine Literature’s status today. She even stated that people especially the Y-generation would rather patronize and read foreign works such as Twilight, The Dawn, Harry Potter, etc. rather than to consume and read our own. The colonial influence affects the interests of the people .She has been going against the tide for forty years trying to scribble pieces that will embody love for one’s culture, pride and nationality.

Her college years in Miriam served as her preparation to her fulfilled career in the world of Philippine literature today. Those years were her first tentative steps in moulding her mind. She even recalls that the presence of the nuns during her college years who were also teachers. “They [nuns] were very good teachers,” Dr. Reyes shared. Her college years in Miriam expanded her world. Her first formal course in Philippine literature was under Ms. Reggie Garcia. This shaped the trajectory which she eventually followed. Her Miriam education did several things for her, it opened her eyes to the fact that the world is much bigger and that there is a still a lot more to discover, much more to learn.

Dr. Soledad S. Reyes’ advice to everyone especially to the aspiring writers is to, “I think they have to read a lot. You have to read, read, read and write, write, write,” she emphasized. “You cannot write without knowing. And you have to develop your craft of writing. You have to be very careful with words you use, the phrases, the style. Your work should reflect your deep insights into facets of our experience both personal and social. You can write about the death of your father and about the poverty in Sapang Palay. There’s got to be fusion of the experiences which are raw and the experiences must be process through the craft of writing. Hindi mo makukuha yan kung tamad. You have to have discipline and must strive to improve the way you use language and the way you view reality,” added Dr. Sol.

***

The Tipping Point of Man-Made Beauty: The Cosmetic Surgery

“ALTERING MY BODY IS IN THE SAME WAY DELETING GOD’S LIKENESS ON ME”

Almost everyday, I do put on minimal make-up just to add color to my pale facade. Whenever I dance, perform and go to parties, it’s a different volume of make-up, somewhat thicker and darker. But I’ve never undergone such cosmetic and plastic surgeries rampant in the beauty and fashion world today and I’ll never will. Yeah, it’s true that no pain, no gain. But, with the pain that people who have undergone such experienced, there has been no “gain” in return but only sin in God’s name.

I personally know a young lady who had her nose lifted and bridged. I don’t know exactly how the process is called but it’s somewhat similar to that. Randomly, I asked her why she had a surgery and she replied that she wanna be more beautiful and gain more self-confidence. I don’t get the point. I think we can be beautiful in our own little ways without spending and sacrificing a lot.

We are created in the image and likeness of God. As I say my own quote in the beginning of this paper, whatever that we do in our own body, is like doing it to God since we are created in His image and likeness. We are His lovely children so we really hurt God’s feelings whenever we do something wrong like this. We break the covenant and relationship we have with God.

Another virtue that cosmetic surgery violates is the virtue of contentment. How we look like, it’s what God has given to us and we should be thankful for there is really no reason why we exist right? But He has destined us to have an eternal and moral life with Him. In return, we are deemed responsible for being stewards toward our own body. And remember, God didn’t make ugly and unappealing creatures. The materialistic society today is the one that dictates what is beautiful and what is not.

Personally, I don’t like the way my family defines what beauty is. For them, beautiful means having long-rebonded shiny and smooth black hair, unblemished-white skin, high-bridged nose, long and slender legs, towering height of 5’7 and above, coca-cola shaped and curved body, red and rosy cheeks and lips, blue or brown eyes, long curly eyelashes- all these descriptions almost depicting the features of Barbie dolls and mannequins in the West.

God teaches us guiding moral principles and then we must try and do the most prudent thing while following our own conscience. It’s either we do it or we don’t but of course, we shouldn’t.

I understand that there are people who need to undergo such. I think that is alright it if it will not serve just the purpose of beautifying themselves but rather, making them look as normal as possible. They do it without any intention of violating their faith to Him. There are others who have their faces and body done when there’s no immediate need for it.

Cosmetic surgery performed out of undue concern for appearance could proceed from or lead to the sin of pride and vanity. It is only my opinion, but it would seem that unless there is some serious and valid reason -- and I am not sure that wishing to change one's appearance simply for its own sake is a valid reason or that such a reason is not prompted by pride or an undue concern for how we look rather than who we are -- one should tamper with that with which one has been blessed by God. It is another thing to undergo such procedures simply for the sake of "cosmetics" or to gain more "self esteem," something with which our culture is obsessed and yet which would appear as taking our focus off of God and placing undue attention on the self.

DREAMS DON’T DIE AND SO AS MEMORIES J: PIXAR’S UP 2009 Movie Review

Isn’t it amazing how inspirations and memories work that even when they’re gone, the spell still manages to make our dreams come true? Well, that’s the best realization I got after watching Pixar’s cutest yet very inspring animated movie of the year. Most of us might think that it’s a kiddie flick. However, it gives a very deep realization that even people who remained kid and young-at-heart can relate to.

Here’s a brief summary of the film. Carl and Ellie Fredricksen were lovely couples. They both share the same interest in explorations and adventures just like their idol, Charles Muntz. Carl is a toy balloon vendor while Ellie is a zoo keeper. Ellie has long been dreaming to move her house to Paradise Falls in South America. They grew old together until one day when they finally are able to move the house, Ellie died of old age.

Carl was left with nothing but the house which caused him to missed Ellie so bad. Few years passed, Carl was asked to move somewhere but he refused. He tied thousands of balloons to their house and he flew with it together with the cute little boy Russell who is a Wilderness Explorer who needs to earn his final merit badge for “Assisting the Elderly”.

Then, the two of them found themselves near Paradise falls. As they walk to reach their destination, they’ve found Kevin, a colorful tropical female bird and Dug, a dog with a collar that lets him speak. Dug’s owner is Muntz who will find a large colorful tropical bird species like that of Kevin to bring back his honor for not giving the real evidences. Carl saved Kevin as well as Dug and Russel from Muntz and his villain dogs. Muntz tried to burn the the house of Carl. They all fought each other bringing with them their own concerns and intentions. Then finally Muntz fell down while Carl’s house also fell on the clouds. That’s the hardest yet very fulfilling possession he ever had to let go. Afterwhich, they all went back to their normal lives. Russell’s dad didn’t want to put the final badge. Carl gave Russelle the grape soda badge that Ellie showed him when they first met. The story ended with Carl being active in community service and their house was now situated exactly where the coupled wanted it.

There are details in our lives that are very much important. It can be an unforgetable person, a sentimental memorabilia, a sacred place, special date, etc. And what’s great is that even when theye’re gone, the power to make us move and fulfill what has been uncosciously neglected and unattained seem to be strengthened by the thought of it being gone. It may be ironic but it is true for most of us, really.

There is also no difference in keeping and making true of promises and pledges. I really love the lesson of keeping promises no matter what. Carl never gave up in fulfilling the dream of his wife, Ellie. I think it wasn’t to prove anything to anyone but just to make Ellie very happy and satisfied even when she’s gone. Promises are not meant to be broken, whether we love or we don’t love the people we make promises with.

Let me just mention the similarities I’ve seen in Carl and Ellie Fredricksen with that of late Ninoy and Cory Aquino. When Ninoy was assassined, Cory also didn’t just shut up but rather continued the principles her late husband is fighting for. Just like Carl, when Ellie died, he didn’t cease in achieving her wife’s ambitions. What are loved ones for right? We’re here for each one, to complement one another and complete each others’ life.

Life is too short. Aim high! Dream on! Always aim to be “UP” there. Let’s all try our best to keep promises and continue to be inspired by the people around us whether they’re dead or alive, good or bad and true friends or not.

US Girls August Awards

This is a night life event where we don’t just simply enjoy every beat of the music and every sway of the hips but we keenly observe how advertising creatively works for an event.

This event partly became our benchmark as we apply the principles and particulars we’ve learned inside the classroom regarding the flourishing advertising industry. It was my first time to attend an event like this yet I was not surprised by how advertising works for the event. Like most of the attendees, I actually enjoyed the event not just because there were famous local showbiz celebrities and models but because there were a lot of freebies and sponsors.

In terms of effectively promoting a product or a new born service in an event like this, the pertinence of advertising should never be underestimated. In the long run, almost every event has to use funds to advertise and events also make a deal with sponsors as to what they can offer in return.

The question the advertisers need to answer before splurging their budgets is in what kind of media is the market most drawn. In the event, there are more choices than ever before. First stop, the registration booth. Zen Zest gave out perfumes I think but I was not able to get one unfortunately. There were free taste test of The Bar, Sober Club and other alcoholic beverages. Junior adverts got tipsy and drunk after drinking almost all the flavors of cocktails. Blow-Up Babies even set up a photo booth for those hippies who’d like to have their picture taken as a memorabilia of that one special night. I actually get one for me. This is very usual that before any event starts, the V.O or the hosts thank the sponsors of their event. Actually, as much as possible they always mention that in between the event, in the beginning and as the event/ show ends. Great! It only means that an event/show and advertising are also soul mates just like magazine and advertising. An event isn’t that possible and successful without the sponsors.

Foods were served to guests. There was also a fashion show presenting the fabulous clothing sketches of our own local fashion designers. Even that is also part of advertising even though it is a blunt type of one. Posters, tarpaulins and other advertising materials and collaterals of every sponsor were set up all over the venue. There was this big wide screen that in the beginning flashed the company names of the sponsors. Our picture above also shows a big tarpaulin of sponsors at our back (HP, L’Oreal Paris, Shu Eumura, etc). Different advertising strategies were used with only one main goal and that is to advertise and sell.

Nevertheless, the advertising part of the event really made us enjoyed the event itself. Of course, with the combined effort of good event management and effective advertising, the US Girls 1^st August Awards Night became a success.

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