Labor Day is not just about having a job

A common misconception about May 1, or more known as Labor Day, is that, it is a celebration of being employed. Quite frankly, Labor Day does not focus about the job or the employment. It is about the laborer, or the employee, the one who has the job.

Labor Day, is a day to acknowledge the state if the people of work, a time to address their concerns on various issues. A few are, a need for a stable job, a sustainable livelihood, and an assurance of rights.

A need for a stable job

With poverty running rampant, crippling our nation, employment is a vital aspect to be taken care of, in order to keep alive. But, a problem our workers face is the threat of a lay-off.

Jobs hardly come by, and when they do, it is even harder to keep.

Especially with the Philippine mid-term elections on May 13, coming up, people are quickly being recruited to join the campaign trail. But as soon as May 13 ends, they’ll lose their jobs.

Though elections do help to give occupations to the masses, what people need are ‘jobs’ they can actually keep.

Jobs, permanent jobs, to be exact, do not simply come out of thin air. To produce jobs we need entrepreneurs, people who venture in the world of business, in need of manpower.

Our government need to create a economic climate that encourages business to spring up. In April 2012, the Philippines had a total of 1,249,000 employers, barely 2% of the labor force. We need more entrepreneurs to produce employment.

Right now, the supply of work does not meet the demand for it. No wonder why 4600 Filipinos travel abroad everyday in search of greener pastures. This amounts 1,664,118 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), don’t forget to factor in the 4,345,000 unemployed people in our country. It is no surprise why we suffer from a braindrain, because a considerable portion of our labor force are either working abroad, or unemployed.

 

A need for sustainable livelihood

After you have a job, and finally you get your paycheck you are disappointed at a realization—the money is not enough to sustain you. Even if you try to make ends meet, you end up starving.

Here in the Philippines, the standard cost of living in the capital for an average family of six, is Php 1022 ($30), and the daily minimum wage is Php 446 ($10). Quite obviously, the wage does not suffice the needs of the family, leaving a 44% wage gap. Even if two people work for a family, it is still not enough.

Now, take into consideration that 12,563,000 people, a quarter of the labor force, are laborers, who receive ‘minimum wage.’ Amazing right? It is a miracle how they can still manage to feed their children.

Even more heartbreaking is that farmers, fishermen, and lumberjacks, all who work under agriculture, a total of 5,563,000 the second largest occupational group, receives wages less than the minimum.

And what it makes it even harder, is the fact that the prices of commodities go up so fast.

A solution to the wage problem lies in a dynamic economy, again, encouraging entrepreneurs to hire people and boost productivity, that leads to even bigger sales and ultimately, bigger paychecks.

A need for an assurance of workers’ rights

It is disappointing how many people complain about job issues, especially in the workplace.

The wages are bad enough, but to the point, that after a hard day’s work, you end up with no money?

 Even if your employer promises to give it to you the following day, this is a clear violation of your rights.

There was even one case brought to T3, a television program on TV5, just today, about a teacher from Samar National High School who is complaining about unpaid dues. This teacher has accumulated a large amount of unpaid money from the school after going overtime all through his career. The school promised to pay for it after he retires. And when he did retire the school replied that “there is no funds.” Imagine waiting for years for money that would never end up being paid.

This is another clear violation of a worker.  He has the right to receive his wage after he completed the prescribed hours of work, and get overtime if they go over the 8 hour minimum.

Workers also need to be assured that the benefits they were promised to will be given. I’ve heard people who do not receive leaves. Some jobs that have occupational hazards do not even have insurance for their workers!

On this Labor Day

It is important that the government along with the private sector to participate in uplifting the state of our workers. We need to hear out the workers. After all, the labor force is a vital ingredient in an economy that is quickly picking up speed, like the Philippines.

Now is the time to take action.

More jobs, bigger paychecks, and workers’ rights.

We need these, today, on this Labor Day.

Happy Labor Day, Philippines! LONG LIVE THE PHILIPPINES.

*all sources from IBON Foundation, National Statistics Office Labor Force Survey, National Wages and Productivity Commission and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines.)

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The Hunger Games of Today

Though Suzanne Collins’ “Hunger Games” takes place in the future, it is evident that there are similarities between the world of today, and the Panem of tomorrow.

We still live in a world where inequality still exists. A world where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. A world where a handful of people hold the power. A world where the wants of the few, outweigh the needs of the many.

Have you ever though of millions of people starving in Africa while you eat your sumptuous meal? Or how about the millions of children uneducated, yet eager to learn, as you waste away in school? Just like in the world of Panem.

The world is imbalanced. It’s amazing how most of the world’s money is in the hands of the 2% of the population. And, this is even worse in the Capitol of Panem.

People blame Capitalism, others the government, and in Panem’s case, an oppressive Capitol.

Whoever or whatever the culprit is, one thing is sure, it is pitting us against each other, much like the Hunger Games. We are forced to battle it out to stay alive, than rather join forces to beat a common enemy.

This is our world, where we try to outsmart each other to gain an edge. All of our efforts are in vain, for in the end, the elite will triumph.

We must work together, all of us. We can get through this, together.

Let us not wait until we are all under one oppressive system where we really do have to kill to survive. Let the human race progress, where equality will finally exist. 

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The Best "Douchebag" I've ever had

taken at Vikings SM The Block, we almost died because we were so FULL! 

“A friend knows all the stupid things you’ve done,

                A true friend is the one that you do stupid things with.”

True friends piss you off. They don’t try to please you or anything. They’re not like your acquaintances, who try all they can to get to your good side. True friends will stop at nothing to make your entire day miserable.

But, when they do go away, you feel sort of empty. It is as if your day isn’t complete. There is that pang in your stomach, searching for something.

This is Rod, and he is a douchebag. He ticks me off. He makes fun of me, in front of a lot of people, even in front of girls I try to hit on. It’s no joke when I say that not a day goes by that he makes a sarcastic comment about you.

We’ve been through a lot. We’ve been friends since grade school, seven years to be exact. In fact we first met, when I came behind him, tapped him on the shoulders and said,

“I hate you,” surprised I was when he replied,

“I hate you too!” And as if by instinct we said in unison,

“What a coincidence!” We’ve been stuck together ever since.

It’s a mystery how we lasted. How such a friendship started out so oddly, perplexes me even today! 

A few weeks ago, Rod left the Philippines to study abroad, did I forget to mention that this guy is a genius? Only that he is too lazy to study.

We spent the entire month before his flight, trying to wrap things up between the two of us, since I won’t be seeing him for a very, very long time.

The night before his flight, we ate a feast, I slept over at his place, well we didn’t actually sleep. But during the wee hours of the morning we said what needed to be said, our last farewells.

The moment came when he, together with his mom and grandmother, drove off. I was content, I didn’t feel sad or anything, actually I feel happy for Rod, and opportunity to study abroad is a rare opportunity indeed. I keep on telling him NOT to SCREW UP.

Then it hit me while I was on my way home, it dawned to me, a sad reality. That there won’t be a person to make fun of you when you do something stupid, a person who text messages you for no apparent reason but to annoy you, a person who makes bad days even worse.

We had our god times, well, mostly because we laugh a lot at my expense. You know, when I trip he laughs, when I stutter in front of a girl I like he laughs even harder, when I’m running across the hallway trying to make to class, he laughs the hardest.

I’m a little sad, sad that we won’t be seeing each other in 8-15 years. But as Richard Bach puts it:

“Never be dismayed at goodbyes,

            A farewell is necessary before you can meet again,

  And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes,

            Are certain,

for those who are friends.”

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I am (finally) a GRADUATE!

I am (finally) a GRADUATE!

Four years of hardwork and perseverance finally pay off as I come up the stage and receive my much coveted diploma.

posing beside me is my mom and my aunt who has helped me a lot to get where I am today. 

A journey four years in the making

Ten, te, te, te, ten, ten, ten, te, te, te, tennnn,nenen, ten ten ten ten ten, ten  tenennen tenenen tenenenennnnnnn!!!

The music is solemn and loud as 870 seniors walk up the aisle not to get married, but to graduate.  

I celebrate graduation with mixed emotions. I am extremely delighted to have graduated as an honor student, yet also saddened by the fact that me and my beloved batchmates, have to part ways. Each and every one of us will pursue our dreams and sadly, we won’t be seeing each other for a long, long time.

Four years seemed to have come so soon. Wasn’t it only yesterday that I entered the doors of F. Torres High School as a freshie? And now, as I bow at the stage, after I have received my diploma, I glance at the oval, staring  at all my classmates, my family, and my teachers, and say to myself:

“This is it.”

That moment when you receive that diploma, is the culmination of all those
sleepless nights, days of empty wallets, and hours of effort. You have to admit, its one helluva feeling.

Four years, so long, yet so short. Up until now, I still wake up early get my towel and my uniform for my shower, and as I go out the shower, I pick up my uniform  then stop short in my tracks, and I do a facepalm:

“Wait a minute, there is no more school.”

I reap the rewards of my effort

My name is spoken, “Adrian James Astorga” I go up the stage once more, not to receive my diploma, but to receive my medals, “First Honorable Mention.” I carry in my left arm, my mom, through hardships and problems have always been there for me. 

the Faculty of FTHS, bestow upon me numerous medals. 

It is a great honor indeed to be an honor student of the 100^th batch of Excellence of Torres High School, yes you read it right, Torres celebrates it’s 100^th commencement exercise.  Also another honor it is, to introduce the guest speaker, none other than, Manila City Mayor Alfredo Lim. 

I introduce the guest speaker, Mayor Alfredo Lim

Hands clap, and my medals are put over my neck. This is a great achievement for me indeed. I am thankful, very very thankful. I would have never gotten this far on my own, there were a lot of people that helped me, my mom, my aunt, teachers, and a lot of friends. 

presenting the honor graduates of the 100th batch of Excellence 

The end of a journey and the beginning of another

my mom and I solemnly sing the Torres March

As we sing the Torres March, together with my mom, who was also a graduate of THS, that feeling of sadness sets in, knowing that this would be the last time you'll sing the Torres March as a student. I try all my might to sing it with fervor, with solemnity, and with dignity.



And now, marching out of the oval, after a few pictures with my friends, I look back. The empty oval, my home for the last 4 years, but, the bird has to leave the nest right?

This journey was an adventure I wished, would've never stop, but it has too. I know the next journey would be even more difficult than the last-- College.

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The love that sacrifices

The love that sacrifices

---

Love has many kinds, it grows into a lot of shapes and sizes. Some kinds of love are shy, others bold and still there is that one kind that is hard to find, the love that sacrifices, it is the love that is true, the love that is pure.

Love isn’t all about you, it is about us. You can’t always get what you want, sometimes you have to let go of the things that you want. It’s about letting go of one thing to make somebody else’s life better. You do not do this simply because somebody tells you to, but rather it’s because it’s the right thing to do.

from  http://wejumptogether.tumblr.com/page/169

When two people really care for each other, they always try to meet halfway. However, there are times when no matter how much they want to reach a compromise they simply can’t. He needs sex, she’s not ready. He wants to pursue his dreams, she’ll never see him for a long time. She loves him, he loves another.

These things hurt, but people choose to let go, even how much they would get hurt, they want the person they love to be happy. They are willing to get hurt in order for someone else not to. These are the loves that sacrifice. He needs sex? She’s not ready, so she decides to let go, because she can’t give what he needs. He wants dreams? But he decides to settle down with the girl, saying that the woman he loves is the biggest dream that has ever come true. She loves a guy that already loves another? She learns to be content with just being friends. People care a lot more for others than they do for themselves, it’s true.

There was one girl that I really love. She is great writer just like me, and we fell for each other from being ordinary acquaintances to the best of friends, until such time that we decided to go into a relationship. The prospects were bright. Chemistry was no question because we really complemented each other. She was sweet, I was sweeter. She was caring, nice and smart, my ideal girl. Our break-up was not the result of a mighty row between us two, but because of someone else’s, her parents. We tried all we can to keep our relationship “hush-hush” but sooner or later her mom found out and we were given a choice:

“Keep the relationship going, but she has to move to another school.”

Or

“End it.”

            The choice was hard to make since I would end up losing her either way. Long distance relationships hardly work out. And I know that in the end neither of us would be happy. But then I remember Anne, and her boyfriend John, who was about to have their first anniversary when John’s parents found out, and they found themselves in the same situation I was in.

            She was given the same choice.

            I made the same decision Anne made that day, I let her go. I still remember what she said that really made an impression on me:

“Our relationship will not only affect the both of us, I have to also consider our friends, I don’t want to be selfish to send John off just to keep our relationship afloat, I would rather end this than see all of us, me, John and our friends happy.”

            When I asked if she still loves him after all this time,

“When someone has been part of your life, they stay that way, so yes, I still love him, even if we are just friends, because we once shared something memorable.”

            And from that day on, me and my former girlfriend are still very close friends, though we still love each other, we are content just that way. I’m happy where she is happy. Because I can still see her, talk to her, and laugh with her. And I know that we can’t love each other that way again, but I know that the memories we shared, the good times, the smiles, the laughter, the tears, will never go away, those memories will forever be in both our hearts.

            We are always faced with choices, choices that hurt us. But even if the choice hurts, we have to make it, just keep in mind that it will all get better. It might not lead to that fairytale ending you imagined, but it’s better than nothing.

           

            Though we are sad, we cry and sob. We know that we did the right thing to do. And that is all that matters, that is the love that sacrifices.


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Three powerful tips to write well

Ever sit down on your table, facing your lappy, Microsoft Word is on, and then you stare at your work…

Guess what?

from http://www.singleblackmale.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/blank-sheet-of-paper.gif

It’s an empty page.

Yep, we all get through that moment. That feeling of you want to write  but you seem to be lacking something, somehow you cant transfer your thoughts to your pen, you can’t get that rush you get when your excited to write about something.

Believe it or not, I was once like you. Glad I took journalism class for three years, it didn’t go to waste. I learned a lot about writing.

Read, read, read, read and read some more

My journalism teacher, Mrs. Adora Delgado, keeps on reminding us to read all the time. Yes, reading is an important factor in writing. Through reading different materials like magazines and newspapers, we read not just content, but, STYLE. We learn how to write our thoughts in a way that is both entertaining, and easy to understand. And what better way to learn style, than to read somebody else’s. We read and see for ourselves, how this writer, who is sure to be a professional, deliver his ideas, and how he/she merges with his story, making us part of it, being part of the story.

And in the words of my mentor in journalism, Kuya Kim Valdez:

“Read to read, not  just to read”

from http://msbsclassblog.files.wordpress.com

 The ultimate reward of reading?  Is developing your own writing style.

And one more thing, have you ever experienced writing a composition but somehow you stop dead, you seemed to hit a writer’s block, why?

You can’t find the right words.
It’s like you want to say something, you move your mouth, but the words won’t come out. You suddenly become mute.

Another thing we can gain from reading different materials?
A wide vocabulary.
A wide vocabulary does not necessarily mean using deep, intelligent, and unheard of words that only people with dictionaries can understand. A wide vocabulary means you have the right words, for the right situation, for the right time, and for the right ideas.

Imagine your vocabulary as sort of a bank, let’s call it the Word Bank. A bank offers deposit and saving transactions, right?
So for a writer that keeps on reading, he deposits words into the bank, and then withdraws them later when he writes, the more he reads, the more he can write.

And then there is another writer, much like the first, but he doesn’t read that often, he doesn’t deposit words into his word account.

The end result? The latter writer, can’t write anything. Since he doesn’t have the words to do so.  It’s impossible to withdraw from an ATM if  your savings is empty!

Mastery of a language is a prerequisite for any writer. You have to be able to write in a variety of styles of languages has, whether it’s slang or formal.

Practice, practice, practice, and even more practice

Yes, practice makes perfect. "Perfect" meaning, you are the best you can be.
A while ago I mentioned that developing your own writing style is the ultimate reward of reading.

from http://oregonchristianwriters.org

Well, you can’t develop your writing style without practicing it.
There are millions of writing styles, but there will always be one, and only ONE, for you, and to find that, we have to keep on honing our skills.
By practicing we get comfortable with our styles.

"Write all the time, when you have the time. "

Writing when you have spare time can do wonders for a writer, especially if that happens often. You'll be surprised how good you'll get, without you even noticing. 

Sure it would take some time before you even see progress, but take my word, it would be worth it. 

Be inspired, if not? Get a reason to be

The last secret ingredient to write well is to be inspired. All of the efforts you put into writing will be in vain without inspiration. Remember that every work you make is a part of you, and doing something without heart, without soul, will result to substandard pieces of work. 

from http://courtneysking.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/inspiration.jpg

Getting inspired means you have a PURPOSE.Every writer should write with a purpose, a mission, an aim.

 Being inspired also means that you enjoy what you do. Inspiration also gives us determination to finish what we started. 

But admit it, sometimes we say to ourselves:

"I'm not in the mood."

Then what you lack is inspiration. If you are not inspired? Get a reason to be inspired. Having trouble writing about something? LOOK AROUND, as a writer, as an artist, you are free to write about everything.

Maybe you can write about the bee getting pollen as a sign of spring. Or maybe a reminiscence of your childhood, The sky is the limit.

To be a great writer, one does not have to write about extraordinary things, but rather a great writer is one who writes about simple things, extraordinarily well. 

Final message? 

Read to extend your knowledge in writing style and vocabulary.

Practice to apply what you learn from reading.

Get inspired to enjoy writing.

So what are you waiting for? Get writing! 

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One last Prom

A Prom Like No Other
JS Prom 2013: ONE LAST TIME

The JS Prom Cotillion

Three words to describe the Juniors’ and Seniors’ Promenade of Florentino Torres High School:
Magic. Elegance. Memories.

After two weeks of delay due to bad weather, finally, we celebrate prom.

Prom, the most awaited and most romantic event of the year, where couples dance the night away, and when kings and queens are crowned. Where love is in the air, and friendships are made even stronger.

 This is my last prom. I’ll miss my friends, everyone I hold so dear. My classmates all looked forward to this event. Our last hurrah. Being the emcee of this event was hard work, but being part of the magic that happened that night makes it even more worth it. So this is it, our last prom.

JS Prom Magic

---

Yes, there was magic when hundreds of Juniors and Seniors of F. Torres High School entered the oval to celebrate Prom. Magic indeed.

You might ask what kind of magic there was that night. It was LOVE. And guess what? The theme for the JS was: When Young Hearts Beat as One.

Shin Maca with his girlfriend Bie Duenas
as they hold each others' hearts.

I can bet that a lot of hearts came in sync and all came together to one slow rhythm.

Nothing beats two people, slow dancing to that oldies love song. It was sweet and romantic.

In the midst of the chaos, the noise, and the glaring lights, there were worlds that were created. Lots of them. I saw a lot of couples, dancing with each other, simply enjoying themselves. Time seemed to slow down between them, this was their moment, just the two of them, not minding anyone else. I felt so happy for those people.

People watched out for the famous couples, some even screamed out of pure delight as they watched.

My very close friend Vin with
Kio Ozawa.
JS magic <3 p="">

And me? Well, my tradition during prom? It was confessing to every crush I had that I like them, making up with old enemies, and dancing the night away with my special friends.

And one more thing, I didn't had a date. I'm not ashamed of it though, since I danced with a lot of women ;) In fact, I cant count how many I danced that night.

Have you heard of JS Prom Magic? Its when you fall in love with someone you dance with during prom, and that person ends up as your boyfriend or girlfriend.

That happened to me last year it became a summer romance, and I saw a lot of people going through the same thing that night. JS Magic, a great thing to see unfolding in front of you.

Elegance

---

Everyone went to prom in their best suits and dresses. Even if the outfits were simple, everyone  looked amazing.

Who knew that the wallflowers of the class ended up to be a stunning vixen. Or maybe that nerd came out as the guy of your dreams.
As for me? Well, see for yourself. ;)


A quick sidenote, our prom was postponed for days and because of this delay, the people who rented clothes ended up spending even more T_T but nonetheless it was worth it. Everyone looked great.

The Prom King And Queen

Of course, the main event of the night was crowning the Prom King and Prom Queen. After weeks of screening and intense deliberation, we were left with ten, yes TEN candidates. (A quick FYI, my mom used to be prom queen, during her JS prom, and one more thing? My mom also graduated from Torres HS.) These ten are the epitome of people with not just irresistible looks, and appeal, but also talent. You have to admit, entering a pageant is hard, I've been there and I've donethat, and I will tell you, that it is HARD.  So congrats to our Prom King and Queen. They really deserved it.    

Kate Naomi Doroja, Prom Queen '13
Photo credited to Mr. Anjoy Galope
of Anjoy Galope Photography

Memories

---

In the end, even if you had a date, even if you danced with a lot of people, even if you received that coveted crown, all of that would be in vain if you didn't make memories .

Seniors from Rizal and Bonifacio
photo credited to Mr. Anjoy Galope

With my bestfriend Rod Malaca

with my Partner Vee Velasco

And to make good memories, you need to have great people, people that made high school the best four years of your life. I'm so happy to spend prom with guys that really became a part of my life, no matter how long, or how short, our times were. Making prom possible was a journey indeed, and working with the people that made it happened was an honor. One of the memories I will cherish was being the Emcee of the event. The work was tiring, but definitely worth it. Prom is about having a good time, making memories, memories that will last a lifetime. 

Dancing the night away with my classmates made this JS prom, special. 
Thank you Por-Wan Rizal for that. 

IV-Rizal

As the night ends, so does the JS Prom end, (and this blog post too!) 

IV-Rizal

The JS prom was a truly memorable experience.
It was a night where everyone was beautiful, 

a night when love was in the air

a night when YOUNG HEARTS BEAT AS ONE. 



A big thank you to Anjoy Galope Photography for his very impressive shots during the JS Prom.

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