MEDIA LOG ENTRY #7: Travel, Tourism and the Environment

IS IT REALLY MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES?

By Cham Tibor

To sell the Philippine’s tourists’ spots is a major task of the Department of Tourism. They are to sell, in way, to attract tourists and pay a visit to the Pearl of the Orient Seas. It has been 13 years already when the DOT had the “Wow, Philippines!” catchy tagline. DOT, commanded by Secretary Blah blah, changes its theme and slogan to “It’s more fun in the Philippines!” – As for a change and more eye-catching shibboleth. However, is it really delightful being in the Philippines?

As Filipinos experience tough and hardships in life, they are still able to smile and laugh at serious problems just to forget their problems. Showing how happy they are despite of their challenges in life is a great example of being ‘fun’ of the Philippines. It has been known that Filipinos are very hospitable and

politely accommodate visitors to make them feel at home. Isn't it fun being in the Philippines?

In the video produced by the Department of Tourism, it shows the best of the bests of Philippines. Festivals, natural tourists spots, beaches, recreational activities are given emphasis. As a Filipino, I am deeply inspirited to travel the Philippines because of their catchy, colorful and overwhelming advertisement. I could actually say that Filipinos are not just simply hospitable, strong people, fun or happy-faced people; they are talented and magnificent! And as far as I am concerned, the Philippines had gained tourists almost 4.5 million by the 2012 year end according to Department of Tourism.In addition, the Philippines sees a million of increase of tourists by the year 2013. It is a great vision before this year ends. 

The Philippines, despite of having such political and national problems, still find good ways to hide and overpower unfavorable events and shameful happenings and arguments between people. I am still proud and lucky to be a Filipino no matter what they say about the Philippines. It is my country and it is where I will be helping through my talent and skills. I know, there will be this one day, tourists and other cultures would leave our country happily and say, “It is really more fun in the Philippines!”.

Reference:

Rappler.com. (2012, August 30). Philippines eyes 5.5-M tourists in 2013. Rappler.com. 

   Retrieved from http://www.rappler.com/business/11454-philippines-eyes-5-5-m-tourists-in-2013

MEDIA LOG ENTRY #6: Health and Fitness

FAT TO FITNESS ADVERTISEMENTS

By Cham Tibor

                                  They say, being fat is being healthy. However, if one already exceeded 200 lbs, can we still consider it healthy? Fatness or obesity is one of the problems faced by people who cannot help themselves to stop from staying in the kitchen or those people who got it hereditarily. Fat people were sometimes discriminated especially on public vehicles. They are sometimes required to pay their fare for two people. Some people would laugh at them when they find it hard to move and make an action to what they do. Where’s the justice that humans have?!

Nate Kennedy after 90-day work out.

                              Gladly, there are now commercials about the fitness process – photos showing the sudden change of their bodies after weeks or months of working out. Just like this picture from the internet, it is from the personal blog of Mr. Nate Kennedy, which motivates people who are ‘overly’ healthy. His personal blog talks about how did he resulted to that body after a 90-day of patience. As obese people see this kind of ‘inspirational’ photos, there is a mere fact that they will be motivated to do some fitness actions.

                               

                                    Medical companies that offer fitting pills usually do the same style of advertising. They will compare how fat people would be much better if they try their vitamin supplements. A famous example is the Lesofat commercial in the Philippines with a familiar tag line, “Tinatago ang taba? Mag-Lesofat!”.  It is very appealing to people like them to try this kind of pill just to be thinner. As for gym owners, they usually produce a poster showing people who have finished the training process already and come up with the ‘before and after’ photo. It is a typical type of advertising for gym owners, all the people would have to know if they have really effective instructors.

                                

                                      These types of advertisements should be reinforced and should be more focused on what they really exist for, not just simply to earn money; but also to do their job right and just. If they give more time to brief or talk to people concisely, companies and gyms would make an excellent work and better yet, they will gain more costumers if they would be known as efficient companies. All they have to do is to motivate fat and obese people to join their advocacy in order for them to help themselves and also their fellows.

                                    One should always remember that everything that is definitely worked hard for end up with its best result. Love what you do and what you can do to be more provoked to change for the better. Just never ever forget to ask for the Lord’s guidance for more encouragements to actually complete and reach their goal to fitness.

Resources:

Kennedy, Nate. (2013). How'd you do that?. Nate Kennedy's Blog. Retrieved from http://natekennedy.com/blog.

MEDIA LOG ENTRY #5: Games and Sports Culture

THUNDERSTRUCK (2012)

Link to the YouTube trailer of Thunderstruck[1]

Thunderstruck is a 2012 basketball movie starring Kevin Durant (himself), Oklahoma City Thunder's small forward, and Taylor Gray - who portrays the character of Brian Newall - a frustrated basketball player. The movie is directed by John Whitesell, who also directed the movies Big Momma's House 2 (2006) and Deck the Halls (2006).

A brief summary of the story line: Brian got really bad basketball in him. All he wished was to have the skills of his ultimate hero, Kevin Durant. One time, Brian's dad bought tickets for the NBA game, Oklahoma against Detroit Pistons, live at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City. During the halftime break, Brian was chosen to shoot a half-court shot but he came up missing it and hit the mascot instead. After the shameful skill he just did, Kevin Durant signed the special edition ball he just used at the halftime break. 

Upon meeting his idol, Brian wished to have Durant's talent in playing basketball and Durant replied: "I wish I could give it to you man, but listen, hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard." 

Suddenly, as Durant gave the ball to Brian, a small lightning of energy from Durant was passed to Brian. From there on, Kevin Durant's ability in playing basketball was gone. Durant's talent was passed out to the 16 year-old kid. Brian Newall became famous in his school and, eventually, in Oklahoma City - which led Durant's agent to discover that the player's talent was really passed on to Brian. 

They did everything just to bring KD's talent back. However, that was not the case until after a series of analysis and discoveries on how Brian was able to do basketball successfully. Now, KD was back on the court. But, of course, this time Brian had improved his basketball all the more, due to his association and regular training with Kevin Durant.

The first time I watched this movie was just last summer, May 2013. My cousin, who is an avid fan of basketball, invited me to watch this movie and I started enjoying it, too. I am not really a basketball or NBA fanatic, but I also watch basketball from time to time to know more about the sport. 

I must confess that volleyball is really my thing. But why did I choose this movie for criticism or commentary? 

It is because the movie teaches a good moral lesson to the youth; that a person should work hard to develop his own ability and capability; that one should be contented of what he/she has; and that he/she has to focus on improving everything a person can while stop wasting time on what he/she cannot change.

It should be noted that the movie is not just about playing a certain sport. More importantly, the movie encourages and inspires the viewers how to play fair in life.

Indeed, a great movie for the whole family! Two thumbs up!




References:

MovieClipsCOMING SOON. (8 July 2012). Thunderstruck TRAILER (2012) Kevin Durant Basketball Movie HD. Youtube.
   Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65qyPfZe9Eg.

Unknown Author. (25 July 2013). Thunderstruck (2012 film). Wikipedia. 
   Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thunderstruck_(2012_film)

MEDIA LOG ENTRY #4: Race, Ethnicity and Gender Preferences

MY HUSBAND'S LOVER'S EFFECTS AND CRITICISMS

By: Cham Tibor

Main characters of 'My Husband's Lover'. Dennis Trillo, Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez (L-R)

Being gay is, basically, feeling happy and free, having a unique gender preference and sometimes, being criticized by people. In the photo above, it displays Lally (Carla Abellana) with her 'not perfectly known' husband, Vincent (Tom Rodriguez), and Eric (Dennis Trillo) who had a past relationship with the other guy. 

Well, the photo was taken clearly and objectively. Audience and critics can easily draw to their minds that the program is about gays or having an intimate relationship with the same sex. According to poll surveys, it achieves high ratings from many Filipinos around the globe - maybe because of its uncommon or peculiarity story line. The plot of this program is easy to follow and understand because it contains fruitful lines and actions by the characters. 

For being the only child of Vincent's family, much is expected from him. Vincent started to make his way out of his past with Eric, that is why he courted and married Lally later on. After having two children with Lally, Vincent reunited with Eric, who went home from the states to study and reach his goals he had promised to Vincent. Eric shows that he still have feelings for his ex-boyfriend, Vincent started to get rid of Eric. But, destiny keeps them to meet each other. Lally chose to Eric to be the architect for their family house with Vincent - and that is exactly how Vincent developed his feelings with Eric again. Until one day, Lally caught the gay couple about to make out. 

This kind of media is not suitable for young very young audiences but what is good about it is, it is quite inventive and somehow, persuasive. Persuasive in a way that, what ever gender a person may have, they always have hidden feelings and lack of freedom and happiness. LGBT (Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgenders) group can now be easily understood and it might give them their real goodness by having freedom for who and what they are. 

Job well done, GMA 7! 

A great program that will surely get more supporters as it get deeper and longer. 

References:

Ching, M.A. (22 June 2013). Commentary: My Husband's Lover. Philippine Entertainment Portal. 

   Retrieved from http://www.pep.ph/guide/guide/12113/commentary-my-husband39s-lover.

MEDIA LOG ENTRY #3: Faith and Religion

JOEY VELASCO'S SA KAMBAS NG LIPUNAN
(On the Canvass of Society)

By: Cham Tibor

Click link for the YouTube video

Joey Velasco, also known as "the Heartist", was a local painter in the Philippines. In 2005, he was diagnosed with a kidney ailment that led him to be more prayerful and be fond of making paintings about Jesus. He was also able to help less fortunate young children, who are the main characters of his works. Aside from inspiring people by his work of arts, he also wrote books, made short documentary films and went into sculpture. His famous work is the "Hapag ng Pag-asa", that was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper". In 2006, "Hapag ng Pag-asa" won the Catholic Mass Media Awards. Unfortunately, Velasco died at the age of 43 on July 20, 2010.

The short film is about the true stories of the young children from his famous work, the "Hapag ng Pag-asa". Joey Velasco has taped the daily life of the children and voice over narration. He was able to interview and talk to the children personally and asked them how do they feel about their lives. The film was more of practicality in living in a world that is full of chaos and poverty. The real condition of the society was portrayed in the video, especially in the scenes where homeless kids and abandoned families were shown. I couldn't imagine that such abject human condition is really happening!

In the making of the film, Joey Velasco was the narrator, cameraman, host and, of course, the painter at the same time. He was the only one who worked for the video itself but I think, many people had supported him financially in order to help the children.

The video really caught my attention and I decided to finish watching it though it took my time. It was worth it and my perception about the kids roaming around and begging for alms changed. I have been thinking many times if I should give coins to street children because they might just use it for drugs, such as rugby. However, I have thought of another way to help less fortunate people. I would just give them food rather than money. Simple yet possible, right? 

The "Sa Kambas ng Lipunan" short film was not only able to help street children, but also actually taught the viewers to realize how fortunate and blessed they are. In return for being blessed by God, people should offer their hands to those who are in need. 

Let us all thank Mr. Joey Velasco for his artworks and for this video that woke us up to reality. Sir Velasco, I know that you are now in God's hands, please pray for our society now so that there would be more people like you. May your "heartistic" works continue to give hope to the abandoned and suffering street children and inspire us all to care for one another.

Reference:

Yuniks. (2006 December 20). Joey Velasco - Sa Kambas ng Lipunan - On the Canvas of Society. Youtube. 
   Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=bzYgSJCPEtY

Howard, C. (2010 July 21). 'Heartist' painter Velasco passes away. ABS-CBN news.com. 
   Retrieved from http://www.abs- cbnnews.com/lifestyle/07/20/10/heartist-painter-velasco-passes-away

MEDIA LOG ENTRY #2: Politics and Governance

NANCY BINAY'S CAMPAIGN ADVERTISEMENT (2013 Elections)

By Cham Tibor

Photo screen captured from the youtube video: Click link to redirect to the video

"Kay Binay, gaganda ang buhay!"

This line sounds very intimate, right? Maybe you are familiar with the jingle because it was repeatedly played on the television during the campaign period.

The video is a campaign jingle of Ms. Nancy Binay for the 2013 senatorial elections. She is well-known as the daughter of the Vice President, formerly Makati City Mayor, Jejomar Binay.

In the said campaign ad, Binay shows her willingness to help poor people. She also exhibited being generous to the children by giving them free education and school supplies, feeding programs and free medications. Binay would not forget women, especially those who are pregnant, to have the "Tulong Card" for discounted hospital bills and medicines.

At first, it will really catch your attention because of the jingle that can cause you a "last song syndrome". And when you are able to watch it, I think you will probably believe it because of the actions flaunted in the ad. As a former resident of Makati, it is not my intention to make a bias comment about the campaign ad. Honestly and without being a sycophant, if I were already allowed to vote, Nancy Binay would have been in my list. Not because she is from Makati and daughter of the Vice President, but because she deserves to be given a chance.

In addition, the campaign jingle really helped a lot for people to remember and recognize her in her own way, not just because she is from a political dynasty. As a matter of fact, the clip itself is simple and short yet meaningful and inspiring. This thirty-one second video gladly improved her pathway into her place right now. Finally, Nancy Binay successfully made it to the Senate. I hope that all of what she had said and promoted in her campaign advertisement would not just stay in that video but would become real.




Reference:

2013UNA. Nancy Binay. Youtube. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUOqVeccTNU.

MEDIA LOG ENTRY #1: Science and Technology

ANTI-CYBERCRIME LAW IN THE PHILIPPINES
By Cham Tibor

Photo from the article: Philippine Supreme Court suspends Cybercrime Law - Oliver Teves

  Oliver Teves' October 9, 2012 article (see link above) reports about the Supreme Court's

decision suspending the Anti-Cybercrime Law approved by President Benigno S. Aquino 

III. The law aims to avoid cyber bullying, plagiarism, cybersex, online pornography and identity theft. But, the journalists and other people on the internet totally oppose the law because it violates the freedom of speech and due process. As a protest, social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, replaced their avatars with black screens. However, Aquino declared that he is after the online libel provision and he also agreed in lowering the degree of penalties.

As a Philippine Mass Media student and an active internet user - I, somehow, disagree with Anti-Cybercrime Law's provisions. It is like the government tends to take the freedom away from us. Being young, I honestly do not easily comprehend some of its advantages as a law. But for me, as far as I understand, the law violates the meaning of democracy, the meaning of being free and the freedom to broadcast every little detail we know. 

 I also participated in the protest by changing my profile picture into black  screen. I  stopped commenting and liking other people's post, because maybe,  I might get caught  and accuse me of violating the Anti-Cybercrime Law. But, thank  God. It only lasted for a few  weeks. Thank you for bringing back our freedom  of expression. Thank you, SC!




Reference: 

Teves, O. (2012 October 9). Philippine Supreme Court suspends cybercrime law. Yahoo! News.

   Retrieved from http://news.yahoo.com/philippine-supreme-court-suspends-cybercrime-law-065213452--finance.html.