Say My Name

This was inspired by my three-second conversation with the barista in Starbucks Megastrip...

EUNICE

Gender: Feminine Usage: Biblical, English, Ancient Greek (Latinized) Pronounced: YOO-nees

Latinized form of the Greek name Ευνικη (Eunike) which meant "good victory". The New Testament mentions her as the mother of Timothy. ZULEIKA Gender: Feminine Usage: Literature Pronounced: zoo-LAY-ka Possibly means "brilliant beauty" in Persian. According to medieval legends this was the name of Potiphar's wife in the Bible. She has been the subject of many poems and tales. Fair or Intelligent Well-born.

Marshall Mi Amour

due to insistent public demand.. haha.
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Law law law law law law
Law law law law law law

Marshall Mi Amour, lovely as a summer's day
Marshall Mi Amour, distant as the Milky Way
Marshall Mi Amour, pretty little one that I adore
You're the only guy my heart beats for
How I wish that you were mine

In a cafe or sometimes on a crowded street
I've been near you, but you never notice me
Marshall Mi Amour, won't you tell me how could you ignore
That behind that little smile I wore
How I wish that you were mine

Maybe someday you'll see my face among the crowd
Maybe someday I'll share your little distant cloud
Oh, Marshall Mi Amour, pretty little one that I adore
You're the only guy my heart beats for
How I wish that you were mine

Law law law law law law
Law law law law law law

Get Real : The media and the lynch-mob mentality

First posted 11:40pm (Mla time) July 22, 2005
By Solita Collas- Monsod
Inquirer News Service

Editor's Note: Published on page A12 of the July 23, 2005 issue of the
Philippine Daily Inquirer

I THINK I may have been one of the fiercest critics of President
gloria Macapagal-Arroyo over the years, with my criticisms
particularly focused on, but not limited to, her economic policy. I
also admit that I may have imposed higher standards on her because she
is an economist. But in any event, I would like to think that these
criticisms were based on solid grounds rather than on conjectures and
speculations. And they were definitely not partisan or ideological in
motivation. The objective was always to look out for national rather
than personal interests.

Which is why I want no part of what has to be called the lynch-mob
mentality that has seemed to grip the nation, fed by, I am sorry to
say, the media, which, more often than I am comfortable with, cannot
seem to distinguish between generating news and reporting it. When
that happens, a vicious cycle occurs: We generate our own excitement,
then we panic because of it, and people get caught up in the hysteria,
which then results in generating more excitement....

Take for example the June 27 nationwide broadcast where the President
apologized for her lapse in judgment. Who was immediately asked to
react? Certainly not the man-on-the-street. Tremendous emphasis was
given to the opposition's reactions, starting with the jailed Joseph
Estrada, which were predictably unfavorable; and much less emphasis
(and I think column-inches or air-time analysis will bear this out) on
the reaction of administration stalwarts, which were predictably
favorable. Even more unfortunate, the "I am sorry" part of the
President's statement was focused on, practically ignoring the rest.

Let's just follow one thread in that reaction pattern: Susan Roces on
the basis of the President's statement and her (Ms Arroyo's) eyes,
accused her of stealing the presidency -- not once, but twice -- and
of insincerity. No one bothered to ask what in the Arroyo statement,
or for that matter the tapes, could possibly have been the basis of
that accusation. But it has caught hold of the public's imagination.
Anecdotal evidence of this phenomenon: My upholsterer in Subic asked
me what should happen now that President Arroyo had admitted that she
cheated in order to win. Is it any wonder that a very large majority
of the population want her to resign or be impeached?

And yet one recalls, the President made no such admission. But the
opposition fanned the flames, repeating the accusation that she stole
the elections with practically every breath they took. This was duly
recorded by the media. And while I may be casting too much blame on a
sector to which I belong, there were at most only feeble attempts to
bring balance to the reporting.

Couldn't there have been at least an attempt to determine whether
those conversations could have indeed resulted in stealing an
election? Because if the attempt had been made, some timing
inconsistencies would be revealed. The conversations took place from
May 27, after all the Certificates of Canvass (COCs) were already in
Congress. With all the security attendant to those COCs, not even a
Houdini (much less a Virgilio Garcillano) would have been able to
alter them to suit his evil purposes. The "dagdagan, dagdagan"
[vote-padding] theory falls apart.

Couldn't there have been a brief review to remind ourselves of what
transpired in the run-up to and the aftermath of the elections?
Because if there had been one, the releases of the poll groups Social
Weather Stations and Pulse Asia at the time would show that Ms Arroyo
had overtaken Fernando Poe Jr. in the polls and as of the week before
the elections, the difference between them was statistically
significant nationwide. While Metro Manila and Luzon and Mindanao
could go either way, the lead in the Visayas was so commanding (57
percent Arroyo, 20 percent Poe) as to ensure her victory. Which is
what happened.

Also, Bill Luz of the election watchdog group Namfrel was quoted as
saying: "We didn't see enough electoral anomalies at the national
level to have a material effect on the national results"-i.e., of
course there was cheating (there always is, and this must be
punished), but nobody stole an election.

And a year later, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines
(CBCP), through Archbishop Fernando Capalla, said: "It is the view of
the bishops that the results of the elections reflected the will of
the Filipino people." Unfortunately, not much attention was given by
the media to this statement.

And finally, amid all the furor over the latest survey results, surely
it would not have been too much to report that in one survey (June
28-30), while 18 percent wanted resignation and 20 percent wanted
status quo, 26 percent of those surveyed wanted more information. This
was totally ignored.

Also ignored is that in the latest Social Weather Stations survey, 62
percent were in favor of a truth commission-which means that whether
they wanted resignation or impeachment, they also wanted the facts.
(Perhaps their cool heads struggling to overcome their warm hearts?
There may be hope yet.)

Am I saying that media are in some way to blame for this lynch-mob
mentality? Another bit of anecdotal evidence here: When asked what
they thought would be the outcome of their demonstrations against Ms
Arroyo, a spokesman said, "It depends -- on the media and the
military." Not necessarily in that order, would be my guess.

But we must also blame ourselves. Surely it cannot have escaped our
notice that most of those making the noise are also-rans and people
with self-serving agendas. We should all refuse to be railroaded by
these people who don't want facts to get in the way of their
conclusions and their ambitions.

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yihee, im so proud.. we "almost" have the same opinion 'bout everything.

Zip it up...

I just realized that i've been frequently forgettin to zip my pants up everytime i go to the washroom to pee. I dunno what subliminal message my brain's trying to tell me but i'm guessin' that it's almost synonymous to.. "hey Eunice, GET A LIFE!". Thanks a lot.

We reported this afternoon for Philo of Law and i was happy 'bout it. Though we were "haggard kung haggard" before Crim, we made it. Yihee, congrats John Marshall group.. (singing Marshall Mi Amour...)

Yesterday, we had a sumptuous (translation: totally delicioso and the Caramel Meringue's a glimpse of what heaven has to offer) meal at "ñ" ["enye", i dunno how to type the letter in capital,argh] and we got to meet my friend Jaye's husband, "The Congressman" Noel.. . We had an interesting political and not-so-political conversation. That's hot.

I decided to not join the Ateneo Law School Choir this sem. It broke my heart but i think i have to stick with my game plan and that is to focus on my studies first. There's always a next sem. Sana...

I got called for Crim today. I'm loving it. Sir Vallente's my official fave law school professor. I think i'm doing kinda so-so in school, have to strive for excellence.

I AM IN NEED OF INSPIRATION. (Silence) Ahh.. Future Income... Harhar.

I have a secret crush. But i wont tell. Un nga ang point ng Secret diba?
My lips are... ZIPPED (pinagpilitan).

Secret!

I stumbled into a blog that moved me.. It's a site that encourages people to mail their postcards with their secrets written on it. here's the link PostSecret..

Araw ng Pagkabusog..

We love Rockwell, especially when we're out the lawschool. haha..



me and Yves "the allergic" at the Chinese Monk..



making the most out of the traffic jam at the Red Light District with Shem, Mel and Haze..


DA GIRLS! haha.


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nalulungkot ako, natalo ang UP for the first time this season. Argh. UE kasi e.

Deus Ex Machina

Why would one appreciate a life of studying, sleep deprivation and romantic depression?

Tricycle Driver: San tayo attorney? Pag nakatapos ka na diyan mas maganda pa ang kotse mo sa daddy mo.

Aww yeah, financial freedom. Let's get it on!

Yesterday, i watched a debate between the Ateneo Lawschool's Freshies and Sophies. I once again relived my passion for debating. It was a clear debate, there was an absence of clash. Oh well.

There are times when i get bothered by the feeling of not being taken seriously. it's partly true that i may have invited the impression that i love to fool around but i wanna be able to make these people understand that i'm as driven and as passionate about lawschool as others are. "Matalino din ako. Seryoso." It pains me to feel that some people look down at me just becayse i dont exude the aura of excessive seriousness. I have long accepted the fact that it's something that i have to live with when i chose to be funny and uhmm, ok. ok.. I'm stopping. Di bagay sa'kin. haha.

I know i said something yesterday 'bout a bumibingo girl and i'm beginnin to accept that i wold have to live my new life without her hypocritical existence. I know that she knows who she is, if not, she will definitely think of herself because she knows how annoying she can be. Dont worry, im still smiling... I hope your attitude wont get in the way of your dreams. God bless.

Whatta Disgrace! (News Tidbits)

I just wanna say that my reachable Mr. Hotness is unreachable after all. HE IS MARRIED and HE HAS A KID. So much for romance... I only have my uber handsome Mr. Hotness One.. i hafta find "The Replacement" before i run out of inspiration.

Last night, I had a drinking session with my friend AM and her officemate/lover Book and his friend. I must admit that i got sorta drunk which means that i'm not "praktisado". When i woke up this morning, i had a headsplitting heachache and i realized that i couldnt live the life i used to live anymore.

Im so happy for my friend 'coz i think she got more than what she was hoping for when she paid for a fortune telling session in Powerplant last night. Her life'll be perfect. Yahoo!

I got na my Ateneo Law ID, woohoo! and the best thing is, my being a "girlscout" paid off. Ang ganda ko kasi un Grad pic ko ang pinass ko na pic. hahaha...

Freecut for Persons and Family Relations today, we indulged ourselves with a more than sumptuous meal.. nakakasuka sa kabusugan! haha. and the more enjoyable part was that we scribbled our hearts out in Burgoo.. acheche.

Im a people person but i have my limitations. Sana magbago siya kasi bumi-BINGO na sya. (smile)

A Call to Strengthen our Public Institutions

PROUD ALUMNAE of THE UP SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS... GOOD JOB GUYS!

The present political crisis has plunged the country into confusion and despair. Several parties have come forth with propositions on how to repair the government’s failures and set things right. Their demands are as multifarious as they are drastic—some want the President to resign, a few desire the overhaul of our Constitution, while others envision a new government. Their only common ground is the longing for genuine change.

Change can be brought about in many ways. In our search for the correct answer to our current problem, we must not overlook the most straightforward solution: reinforcing and relying on the strength of our public institutions.

Our public institutions are the product of years of development; they must not be compromised merely because of the mistakes of a few personalities. Rather, they must serve to probe perceived anomalies in the government and rectify what is proven illegal.

Great governments are not born overnight; they are forged through time by public servants who spurn compromise and by dutiful citizens that stand vigilant. While it is true that our political system is mired by corruption and infested with opportunists, what many forget is that our government is very young and still very fit for renewal and progress.

Only through the repeated practice of due processes can our system of public institutions gain strength and integrity.

The UP School of Economics Student Council rejects all calls for the President’s resignation. We reject the amendment of our Constitution for the sake of addressing our current political predicament. We further reject the notion of abolishing our public institutions in favor of setting up an interim government.

We call upon our lawmakers to immediately file an impeachment case against the President. We implore Congress to administer the impeachment proceedings fairly and speedily. We ask all Filipinos to keep a watchful eye over these proceedings and respect our lawmakers’ final decision.

UP School of Economics Student Council 2005-2006

What Now? [A Reaction]

WHAT NOW?

An Open Forum on

Resolving the Crisis in the Presidency

Opposition
Francis Escudero
Rolex Sulpico
Roilo Golez

Administration

Prospero Nograles

Rolando Andaya
Luis Villafuerte

Speakers

Friday, 15 July 2005

6.00 pm

Ateneo Professional Schools Auditorium

I knew i made the right decision when i attended the forum last night. WHen Koko told me about it last Friday, i couldnt help but be excited [the geekoid side of me i guess] 'coz i wouldnt miss the chance to see a forum with both sides well-represented. It was supposed to start at 6 but as expected, the forum began an hour late.

It startedwith the Opposition missing one "team member", Roilo Golez. The speakers were given the chance to give their opening messages within the one-minute time limit. The administration speakers' opening messages were more entertaining than informational, not that i mind. After all these debates, i must admit that i appreciate their effort to not make it a "dramatic" forum. When it was the time of the opposition, they (specifically, Cis Escudero) were more serious about it, i noticed that a lot of women are actually giggly so i asked Koko.. "Bakit kinikilig un mga tao?"

He nonchalantly replied, "Di mo ba alam na madaming may crush kay Cis?"

With a bewildered look i uttered, "Ah talaga.." The forum went on, with a lot of very witty remarks from both sides. If there's one thing that bothered me, it's the partial treatment of Dean Roy in handling the discussion. He may not be aware of it, but he was obviously favoring the side of the opposition. I didnt take it against the opposition for it's Dean Roy who should be accountable for his actions. I also noticed the "pikon side" of Roilo Golez whom i didnt really appreciate because of his "this is all about me and my achievements" attitude. I rolled my eyes when he actually read aloud a forwarded text message when it was not really related to the particular issue being discussed at that exact moment.

Now, let me talk about Francis Escudero. Besides the fact that a lot of women are apparently so into him, i think i must give credit to his always calm approach on things. Being a fellow UPian, i dont blame him for being so "aktibista" in his thinking, it's really nothing personal but i always find myself opposing the points that he raises. When he said that they will only accept Noli De Castro if his stand on the things that matter to them e.g EVAT will be in accordance to what they think is right, what crossed my mind was the understanding that this definitely will never end. Noli De Castro is (accdg to the constitution) our next president if GMA steps down. This is irregardless of his stand, his future decisions, or his credentials. What is alarming is the scenario that they will still make him step down if he doesnt succumb to their demands. He raised a point which i think it commendable. WHen Villafuerte said "... kung gusto nyo, ibigay na natin kay FPJ un lahat ng boto ng Mindanao, mananalo parin si FPJ, Assuming na nandaya siya sa Mindanao, edi sige ibigay na yan." Escudero pointed out that if someone cheated, may it be getting a few votes from it or a lot, IT IS STILL CHEATING. I agree with him. It is bad logic on the part of Villafuerte to assume that even if GMA cheated, if it didnt really affect the result of the elections then it doesnt matter anymore. I also agree with him when he said that it is our right to freely express our grievances, our opinions, he even quoted someone from "The American President" but what i think should also be pointed out is that every right is limited when it is exercised at the expense of other people's rights. I give it to them that they have the right to question the mandate of the president, but still, they have to be considerate of other people's lives. The implications of all these rallying and all these calls for resignation. It may look unfair that these people who are rallying are stopped by checkpoints. But come to think of it, it is but natural to be "on alert mode" if you know that something out of the ordinary is about to happen. Nonetheless, i salute Escudero for remaining in his "dignified" state, despite and inspite of. We may be different in our opinions but your opinions are always as good as mine. We all are speculating anyway.

My Personal Faves in the Points raised by the Administration:

1. The damage to the economy that these rallies are inflicting is too much for us to handle. - Villafuerte
2. I dont have anything against rallies if the people behind it only want to express themselves, their opinions, their beliefs. But what i oppose is the fact that some of those behind these rallies are doing these to make our economy collapse and in the end, blame the President for its destruction. - Andaya

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fun part... like starstruck fans we decided to take advantage of the Photo ops created by the event.


Feeling close conversation:
Jersee: we loved your arguments sir.
VIllafuerte: thank you. some people are pushing these things to the limit. they even are pretending that they represent everyone, even those in the provinces.
Jersee: i agree sir, the damage that it's causing us is too much.
VIllafuerte: this is the best time to buy stocks..
Jersee: if we hit rock bottom, there's no way but up.. right sir.


Andaya all the way:
Melody (to Andaya): Can we take your picture?
Andaya: SUre, sure.. this is rare coz usually they wanna take pictures of Cis (Escudero)
Jersee: We're a rare breed of women.


Text conversation with Koko Crunch:
Jersee: why dya leave? we're supposed to take pics of your dad with us. Go to starbucks now! hehe, just kiddin.
Koko: we're in oyster bar. daan daw kayo.
Jersee: Seriously?
Koko: yupyup, will wait for you here.
Jersee: were' coming.

May "Labnat"

Hoes does people know if you're blooming?
How does one evolve into a lovesick puppy?
How does a person acquire the infamous LABNAT?

Fr. Ferrer said something about students dropping out because of lovesickness. i have a totally different case. My symptoms are not in accordance with the symptoms of being lovesick. Mine's more tragic, much worse than the usual dreamy eyed, knees-wobbly manifestations and even more lethal than its complications. I am LOVESEEK.

Yep, guessed it right, i SEEK for love. [naks!] The misfortune brought upon me by certain past pseudo-relationships has unconsciously infected me with this common but not-given-that-much-attention ailment. One may ask what the symptoms are.. i say it varies with the personality, genetic makeup and even the people surrounding the victim In my case, i'm occasionally weakened by the now rampant attacks of depression made more rampant by certain catalysts like friends in relationships displaying their affection, the noticeable gaining of weight on my part as a result of acquiring 800 calories from my daily dose of Caramel Macchiato Grande and the emergence of the now returning pimple revolution caused by sleep deprivation, not to mention the cracks on my heels reminding me to go to the SPA every other week.

The manifestations of the symptoms mentioned above are signs of more disheartening complications coming my way. The next obvious inquiry would be, how does one treat "LOVESEEKNESS"? Its therapies and medication will subsequently vary because of the variations in the manifestations of the disease. Therefore, be strong. Love will come your way. [yuck] I should stop now, the bell's ringing (definitely not wedding bells).

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segue:

My John Marshall Contemplations

Favorite food: MARSHALLmallows
Fave Historical Term: MARSHALL law
Fave show: JOHN n MARSHALL
Fave cartoon character: Marvin the MARSHALL
Fave Movie: MARSHALL attacks
Actress: MARSHALL Soriano

NGII!