Technological Blues

Technology has changed the way we live our lives. I know that most of us possess a gadget or two and that we spend a minimum of six hours a day on the internet, whether to Tweet, make a blog post or watch a viral video on Youtube about a cat that rides a unicycle. Apart from amusement and personal interests and pursuits, modern technology  has given us an easier take on our everyday activities, whether it be simple or complex. In addition, modern technology has introduced us to new possibilities deemed impossible during the simple glory  days of  churning butter and riding horseback to a store just to buy a butter churner. My point is that rapid technological advancement has replaced old habits and introduced new habits fit for this new age of sophistication.  Most of the hassles we endured during the past are now gone, all thanks to the introduction of  sophisticated technology.

As an act of showing to the world that our country can embrace progress, the Philippines for the first time used modern means to deliver safer, more credible and cheat-free elections. The general election last May 10 introduced the nation to a whole new system of democratic suffrage. At first, it seemed that there were a lot of talks about the many flaws that would arise from the use of poll automation. This is usually the reaction that surfaces from the fear of using sophisticated tech. Many of us were wondering, if not pondering, if poll automation could do any good for our future. Our pessimistic senses have taken its toll on us. We could sense only the negative effects of technology, not seeing the true capabilities of it to illicit significant social change. We truly are a nation that expects the worse from technological advancement. It is the pessimists in us that prohibit us to try new things, to shun important change and progress.

But apart from such attitudes, we still expressed our desire to take a stand for our right to choose freely those who we deem fit as leaders. And modern technology can do just that, by letting us vote without the obstructions of unfair political actions. But human intervention has its ways to bend the system.

We couldn't say that the poll automated general election was a success, amidst allegations of fraud, but it gave us an idea that a significant adaptation to the unrelenting progress of technology is nothing to be afraid of. There were scandals concerning the new system, but are we even sure that those allegations are even credible? Most of us may believe that it is the work of an embittered politician, responding to his defeat by taking advantage of the nation's distrust to the new system. These allegations are the workings of dirty politicians who only wanted to cause trouble by pointing out anomalies that do not exist. It will only be perceived as true if anyone from a certain camp submit to the public the needed evidences that were used in the fraud.

I just wanted to say that technology  has given us the blessing of convenience, whether the form of convenience may either be beneficial or destructive, depending on how humans comprehend proper use for the better. The way most Filipinos look at it, because of the emergence of such scandalous allegations, the use of technology only prompted adverse conclusions. Technology, in some other sense, doesn't work that way. If there is something (or better yet, someone) to receive the blame, it is the humans themselves. Technology, like what I said, can either bring good or bad effects. Sure, technology can be subjected to certain limitations and a number of technical faults, but the real score here is that technology didn't have anything to do with the mentioned fraud. It is simply the result of an embittered politician who wanted to compensate for his defeat by making up accusations that he was cheated upon.

To be honest, I'm not much of a techie person, but I could clearly see the effects of sophisticated technology on our society today. I may not possess an iPhone and I am currently using a desktop PC deemed obsolete, but as far as I know, technological advancement is vital for our survival in the coming age.

Carla Bruni

I am officially in love with French music, particularly with Carla Bruni (And may I remind you that she is also the spouse of  the current president of France). I watched a music video of her song, "L'amoureuse" and I really admire her musical prowess. Though my understanding of the French language is very limited, Carla Bruni introduced me to a whole new musical experience worth cherishing forever. I got to hand it to the French, they really know how to reach inside me and twist my soul a little bit with their music.

Basketball!

Yes! After many curious years, I've finally able to play basketball without looking like a malnourished wimp. Well, I do agree I look like a malnourished wimp, but who cares?! I'm already playing basketball and getting the hang of it. Up yours Lebron!! Ha!

To Transfer or Not

I'm stuck with a dilemma. The start of a new academic year is just around the corner. And it got me thinking if I should transfer to a different university or not. I'm not saying that I hate staying at CPU. In fact, I come to love CPU, with all it's wonders and other stuff I'm familiar with. But I have this choice to transfer to WVSU. From private university to state university? Well, since my family's having a rough time budgeting our finances, it came to my mind that transferring to West will be a practical action. During my days as a freshman at Central, I had to ride two jeepneys just to get to the university. Apart from that, budgeting my allowance required critical thinking. I had to save a small amount for myself. but then again, there were projects. So I had to say goodbye to my dream of acquiring an iPhone. Life bites, but hey, at least I met other people. Even the eccentrics.

I'm not saying that CPU is not that good. I believe it's standards are high and it's one of the most prestigious universities in the Visayas. But, I think it's much proper if I transfer to West. Since I'm experiencing a little financial downturn, WVSU can offer me affordable, if not considerable, tuition fees. Also, I can ride only one jeepney towards West's campus, so that means I can save Php14.00 everyday, and perhaps, I can save enough cash for a freakin' sweet iPhone. Yesh!!

But then again, I lack the confidence to transfer. I want to transfer, but I'm too lazy to adjust to a whole new environment. Transferring from one university to another is like venturing to other galaxies. I have thoughts that maybe, West's academic environment is much different from Central's. It will leave me in a state of either shock or awkwardness.

I still have 10 more days to go before making my final decision. Transfer or not to transfer. transfer or not to transfer. Transfer or not to transfer!! Arrghh!! The pressure!!!

Looking for inspiration to write a short story.

As the nation continues to hold its breath for the results of the General Election, I'm going to look for effective ways to write a good short story, to pass the time and kill the political suspense. Problem is, I don't have anything in my noggin to conjure up a story. I can't just suck inspiration out from the net; so I'm going to lie down for a short while and let some nifty ideas pass through my dry cerebrum.

Summer is coming to an end. Goodbye to boring, dull afternoons. Hello again, academic headaches. But before the start of the next school year, I should do something that can make me feel less abhorrent to this summer vacation of mine. So I thought that writing is the answer, and besides, I've never written any compositions before, apart from a few essays and discussions. I want to be more creative and find my inner potential in writing. I can honestly say that I have talent in the field of visual arts, but it is not enough to find a deeper purpose for myself. And besides, visual arts, during my younger years, has been my only field of specialty. Why not add other talents. As the saying goes, "The more, the merrier." Or cooler as I may say.

So, short stories. I say let's have a go for it!

After Almost Ten Years: A New Age

Today, registered Filipino voters are crowding their respective voting centers and precincts to determine the fate of the nation. With our votes, we can make a change after almost a decade of insincere and unfair governance. We have suffered enough under the present administration. It's time for us, as a nation, to take a stand for the better.

We should not be fooled by petty envelopes of cash. Better yet, we need to bear in mind that OUR FUTURE IS NOT FOR SALE.

Election Blues

Just got home from a poll watcher's briefing. Thanks to my brother, who convinced me so much to cooperate, I now have the opportunity to do something significant for tomorrow's National Election. I'm kinda nervous though, by the thought of what if I will not do well in my job. Still, I shall do whatever it takes to maintain a clean and honest election.

For the Filipino voters, please be wise. Don't let yourselves be fooled by soft speech and envelopes of cash. It's time for us to be more sophisticated and dignified. I say, tomorrow, let us go out and exercise our right to vote; ignore bribes and defy antagonisms that would purge the sincerity of the election.

Remember, we are not doing this for the benefit of a single person; we are doing this for the future of the Filipino people.