P 18,000 isn't enough

Editorial cartoon  is credited to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, June 26, 2013 

Recently the governemennt plans to give a Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) amounting to P18,000 to every family living near esteros. This is in order for them to move out of the squatters area and rent an apartment in the city. The goals of the CCT are relevant: for the safety of the squatters and to help the government solve the squatting issue that has taken  them so long to accomplish. However, 18K isn't enough to solve these problems.

Financially speaking, 18,000 pesos cannot cover the family for a year to rent an apartment. Here in Tondo Manila, a small two-floor apartment that my family owns, costs around P7000 per month to rent. The CCT is barely enough for three months! And we are talking about a small apartment. Considering that most estero families consist of six members, they can't possibly fit in a small apartment. With the money the are given, they've no choice but to rent a substandard apartment to get the most out of the 18K.

There is also no certainty that the entirety of the CCT will be actually used in finding a suitable home. Other than shelter, food and water are also vital needs. With the small income estero families earn, it come to no surprise that the moment they receive the 18k subsidy they'll spend it not in apartments but for food. Therefore not fulfilling the goal of the CCT.

If the P18K CCT is not enough to rent a suitable home and that it isn't really used for its real purpose. They'll still end up in the esteros once again, one way or another.

We need to invest in a long-term solution. Building houses will help but won't completely solve the squatting issue. The government also need to provide stable employment for these families so they won't rely anymore on government aid. Failure to give jobs to these families led to the failure of the Arroyo Administration to solve this issue, this is why the problem still persists.

The CCT doesn't solve the squatting issue. This is just a quick-fix, eventually the dilemma will spring back,. A permanent solution is required. The squatters need houses and employment, not P18,000. Because 18K isn't enough.

Please do follow me on twitter  @adrianastorga26

And like my facebook page : Adrian James Astorga

Also please do subscribe to my blog, and add me on your google plus circles. 

The greatest victim of bullying

bul·ly·ing [bllee ing] noun intimidation of weaker person: the process of intimidating or mistreating somebody weaker or in a more vulnerable situation Microsoft® Encarta® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. cdn2.kimkcdn.celebuzz.com Bullying stands out as a global problem, especially to the youth. It has victimized millions. And the need to solve and address this is imminent. If the bully is the one who is bullying, then does it follow that we should prosecute the bully? Should we corporately punish, expel, suspend, and to a great extent, send bullies to jail?  No, a clear no, we should not do these. Not known by many, the greatest victims of bullying are the bullies themselves. The bullies are not at fault for becoming the person they are. There are several factors that come into play, the media, the social upbringing, peers. These all play a part. Notice that the media in a variety of forms, either movies, TV shows, novels, and even video games, take violence as a part of society. Violence in the form of action movies like the Bourne Legacy, Wrestling shows like WWE and video games like Halo, and the Warriors. In fact, they don’t just accept violence, they revere it. Only in these times have bringing a gun, joining gangs, and beating people to a pulp have never been so cool! And at the flick of the remote, access to these contents can easily get into the minds of the youth. Another thing that makes the media even more powerful is the parents who do not guide or supervise their children. The parents should be able to teach their children the borders between right and wrong. How a child is brought up to this world defines his personality. So if the media is not at fault, then maybe this person, whom we call the bully didn’t have a great childhood. Maybe he was neglected, perhaps he was beaten, and maybe just maybe he never felt loved or affection. It’s no surprise that because the bullies doesn’t feel good about themselves that their thoughts about themselves are so low, that in order to gain happiness, satisfaction and pleasure, they have the need to degrade others lower than they are.

Finally, more often than not, bullies don’t start as bullies. Usually, they might have gotten into the wrong crowd or met the wrong friends. Peers, friends, whatever you call them, can make or break you. And if you spend time with people who hurt, discriminate, intimidate, and prank others just for the fun of it, chances are, you’ll become one of them.

It can be safely concluded that the bullies are not at fault. There are several factors that come into play. Bullying is simply a manifestation of the effects of the media, social upbringing, and peers.

Scolding the bully repeatedly, over and over again, suspending, expulsing, and if all comes to jailing, does not in any way solve the problem of bullying, it makes it even worse. You have gotten rid of the bully, but not the bullying.

http://www.bcgeu.ca/sites/default/files/bullying-logo.JPG

Bullies are people like us, human beings. They’re just a little confused, maybe misguided. So let’s not blame them, but help them. Lets help them, lets bring them to the light. Change them to the person who will accept and love others for the way they are, just as much as they love and accept themselves.

After all, the biggest victim of bullying are not the bullied, but the bullies themselves. 

Please do follow me on twitter  @adrianastorga26

And like my facebook page : Adrian James Astorga

Also please do subscribe to my blog, and add me on your google plus circles. 

The Basketball Phenomenon

Eric Spoelstra, NBA Heat Coach, visits Torres High School
-photo credits to PHILSTAR

IT is simply amazing when millions of people from across the globe, cheer to one, single, game-winning, basketball shot.  

The feeling is indescribable when the game is at its last seconds, all the tension building up, only to be relieved with that last fateful shot. Basketball has reached unprecedented popularity that most people know of the sport. Apart from the technicalities that come with Basketball, what makes it stand out is the drama.

Only in Basketball  can you see the lives of the players so close. In the NBA, the most publicized Basketball association in the world, players, coaches and even the owners of the teams, are as popular as the game itself.

As you watch the game, whatever is at stake-- ego, pride, championships-- feels personal. That though you might not lose anything if your team didn't win, you feel the tension. It is as if, you're actually there, that you feel like you're the player, or the coach.

People get so attached to Basketball, that the whole world seems to revolve around it. From fashion statements, to video games, and outright everyday small talk, Basketball is seen, heard, and talked about everywhere.

In fact, the little kids look up to Bryant, James, Nowitzki, Parker, Duncan, and a lot more, as idols. I see a lot of kids outside who emulate the moves of these superstars. This only proves how big an influence Basketball has on the youth.

It is therefore, imperative that Basketball be used not just a tool for marketing, but also a tool for change. And NBA has not failed. Players from the sport have been known to donate to charities. The NBA in fact has a health fitness program that runs across the world. Eric Spoelstra last year visited my alma mater last year to promote this advocacy.

Through Basketball, hopefully, will not be just a sport where you shoot hoops, but a game that also touches hearts.

I Believe in the Philippines

 

http://images.gmanews.tv/v3/webpics/v3/2013/06/320_2013_06_11_17_20_11.jpg

I believe in the Philippines, a developing country in Southeast Asia, made up of 7,100 islands, and populated by more than 90 million Filipinos, which celebrates its 115^th year of independence today, June 12, in its endeavors to become a bright and shining country. This is not a dream, nor a fantasy; this is a belief, a fact, and a truth.

I believe in the Filipino people, that one of these days that they too may believe in their country. And strive to take a part to make it better.

I believe in the Filipino family that will remain strong and firm, in spite of the many hardships in life. I hope that our values as a family oriented people will not change. That through thick and thin a family will get through all trials and challenges.

http://www.pinoy-ofw.com/news
/wp-content
/uploads/2011/03
/filipino-workers-libya.jpg

I believe that the millions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) and the many more who have taken root abroad, may find their way back to their motherland, that they will no longer be separated from their families that they work hard to feed. That they may find greener pastures here to finally settle down here, permanently.

https://encrypted-
tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=
tbn:ANd9GcQekwWU5qXCxVNznpX2Awkgog
7uXDMrqsZ-
nLYwWjmPjnV9Uqw-

I believe in a Philippines where food is made available to all, where food that was worked hard for will not simply be shipped to another country, but to be delivered to the plates of every hungry Filipino.

http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lclgzd3XGk1qbyfdio1_500.jpg

  

I  believe in a Philippines that will have enough houses for everyone to have a roof above their heads, a Philippines that will not sell its land to build large extravagant malls, but will instead build homes for the poor.

I believe in the Philippines potential to become a competitive economy. The country is one of the most 

blessed nations in the world, for it has a vast array of both human and natural resources waiting to be explored. In fact, the country is one of the fastest growing economies, proven  by its 7.8% growth, besting its neighbors.

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj108XATV4MLgI669ye6DKX30RVPgDmPS_8a1rutBew0cintJ6EDifXMhdM4sMdRhVkGUjcD83F5fMP_DV5pSJrQaC22sIyYn2Gr0u6w4udzFEcImH7YxpzePm2biYhkJgXS9HuG1GRcNs/s1600/1.jpg

I also believe in a people, who will carefully manage these resources carefully. I believe that they will not abuse Mother Nature who has blessed them so much. I believe that they will only take what they need and preserve the rest for the next generations.

I believe in a country where everyone can enjoy a comfortable life, a country where no one will steal from another, but instead help each other.  No longer will the poor get poorer and the rich richer, but we will all live a prosperous life, together.

I believe in the endeavors of the Philippine government in thwarting corruption which has plagued and crippled the country for so long. I also believe that those who steal from the country may find in their hearts to turn away from their ways and serve the nation that way they should.

I believe in a country that thrives in diversity. A nation where differences are accepted that whoever you are, you can find a place in society.

http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/files/2011/11/t1114dayaw_feat8_2.jpg

I believe in a harmonious Philippines, where war between people of different opinion, sect and faction is nonexistent. I believe that no blood must be shed, that conflicts may never occur, through mutual understanding and respect for each other.

I believe in the Philippines’ convictions in claiming its territorial rights, that it should not be intimidated by any giant. I believe that through diplomacy and multilateral talks, that it may get its rightful property, without ever firing a single bullet.

I believe that through free quality education, made accessible to every Filipino, will produce and mold the bright minds of our country. I believe that six percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) should be invested in education. Through education people will be brought out of the darkness of ignorance and be brought into the light of wisdom.

http://harveykeh.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/we-heart.jpg

I strongly, firmly, and, with all my heart believe, that the people who will pave the way to a better Philippines are the youth. It’s through these young optimistic people that the Philippines may achieve its goals. I believe that they’re determination and tenacity will pay off. The youth are the catalyst to change. It is they who will lead us to a brighter tomorrow.

I believe in a Philippines that will get better, and I believe it will be, soon.

Please do follow me on twitter  @adrianastorga26

And like my facebook page : Adrian James Astorga

Also please do subscribe to my blog, and add me on your google plus circles. 

THIS is College

De La Salle College of Saint Benilde celebrates its silver year 

College life, unanimous with wild parties, a liberated life, and lots of beautiful coeds. (The first two were partly true, but the last is an accepted fact.) Compared to high school, college gives high school a run for its money. College, a new beginning, a new environment and a new lifestyle.

Close friends from my block

Take a peek at my first few week at De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde. THIS is College, a whole new different experience.

The Beginning of an entirely new chapter

A week prior our first day the frosh students of De La Salle - College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB) participated in InterAktiv 2013, an orientation program for froshies.

CSB Pep Squad welcomes the Froshies by performing a routine 

There the upperclassmen gave us an heads up on college life, giving us insights on how exciting our next few years would be. 

Professor Rogelio Delcano, also gave his time to give advice and tips for the froshmen, and the do's and don's of college life.

Professor Rogelio Delcano discusses college life in Benilde

One of the points that Professor Delcano made was, college life is a new beginning. In college we are given the chance to remain who we are, or change it. He stressed that in college all of us start on the same page, whatever our accomplishments were in the past, it wouldn't matter, we all start in square one. College is a fresh start, a world of possibilities. 

He encourages us to study hard and excel, for this is our time to shine. Professor Delcano recalled a number of students who didn't excel in high school but were able to succeed in college. Proving that no matter how bad your high school experience was, college is a time to redeem yourself. If you were the cream of the crop, now is a time to build yourself up even more. 

Adapting to the new environment and social climate

College is a melting pot, here you'll meet people from all walks of life. In fact, I have blockmates that come from various places, different schools, neighboring cities, to far off countries. One of my classmates came all the way from Abu Dhabi! Communication skills are a must here!

Not only that, in Saint Benilde, a number of students are blind and deaf! These students, under the School of Deaf and Applied Studies (SDEAS), do not suffer from any social discrimination, they are well respected. Everyone in Saint Benilde is accepted for their individuality, erasing stereotypes that being different is bad.

I can bet my name that people in CSB do not discriminate people based on their social status. My blockmates come from the upper class, yet not once have I heard them bad mouthing me and the scholars. They're warm and friendly, and I enjoy every moment I'm with them.

Student Trainers (STrains) get ready to welcome the Frosh

The upperclassmen are also congenial, kuya Gene and ate Krissa volunteered to show us around, and we from my block thank them so much, for their efforts. People from Student Trainers (STrains) welcomed us by shouting "WELCOME FROSH!" numerous times. The welcome might be deafening, but you can feel how warm their welcome was. The upperclassmen accepted us with open arms, which makes adjusting to college life easier.

TFCA1 poses with Kuya Gene (guy holding placard) and Ate Krissa (top left with white tee)
Photo credits to INTERAKTIV Documentation staff (both pictures) 

On the other hand, college professors interact like our age, they go beyond he simple teacher-student relationship. The way they teach, or pedagogy, is extremely different from high school teachers. Their methods are more interactive focusing on us students because DLS-CSB is a learner-centered institution.

The new lifestyle 

College is not simply an educational institution to get a degree from. College is a way of life. 

The class schedules in college are  manageable, no longer are you held for 10 hours. The schedules makes the workload easier to get through, since we have more time to do assignments without rushing.

However, a considerable portion of time of students' time is allotted to commuting, especially if your from far off. Now our parents no longer chauffeur us we have to rely on ourselves to get from point A to B. 

And quite frankly , things can get a 'lil messy. 

The LRT Hunger Games! 

Commuting to CSB can be difficult, you have to beat the morning rush, if you don't you'll find yourself competing in the Hunger Games, against people who all want to get on the train first. Also, in public trains, you  have to be carefull since considerable number of thief cases happen. 

STARWeek At CSB

College also opens doors for interaction outside the classroom thorugh student organizations. During the Student Associations Recruitment Week or STARWeek, Plaza Villarosa became flooded with booths of organizations waiting to recruit new members. 

The culmination of my first week happened during  UNITE, the kickoff party for the year long celebration of CSB's 25th anniversary. The night was simply, amazing, celebrating it with my friends. And it ended spectacularly.

So THIS is College, a whole new different experience, I think I might like it here, so wish me luck, I'll be writing more soon!   

Please do follow me on twitter  @adrianastorga26

And like my facebook page : Adrian James Astorga

Also please do subscribe to my blog, and add me on your google plus circles. 

Thinking about 'us'

Me thinking about that special person 

During NATSCI, though it was disrespectful, i didn't pay attention to class, since i was missing someone so badly, and on a piece of yellow paper I wrote:

I think about you all the time, not a minute goes by that a thought of you comes by. Your kisses, your tight embrace, your sweet alluring smell, your very presence. 

Its saddening that I can't see you as much as I want to, but I do all I can tomake you see how much I really want to spend time with you, in spite of our very tight schedules, like how I text you "good morning," like how I always post on your wall, saying how much I miss you, or sometimes how I just go crazy when I don't do those things.

But I don't always show what I feel, sometimes I just keep quiet and thank God for every moment we are together, and how I pray, and heed that we'll meet again soon.

Its quite obvious how much I love you, and how I'm dying deep inside every minute we're apart. But keep your chin up baby, I'm always with you, in both heart and soul.