The Barbie Doll

Type: Auto Biography
Category: Unpublished

"The Barbie Doll"
by Charito Chua

I would like to believe that I am a Barbie doll - A Barbie girl in a Barbie world.

Why so?

It’s not because of the perfect physique, nor the blond hair. I see myself like Barbie because she is always getting better and better every time. Ever since then, more and more different versions of this pretty doll are being made, only developing and varying for improvement. Barbie changes its features and character to satisfy the needs of different favors of consumers.

That is how I see myself. I try to keep myself developing for the sake of the people around me. I like to see myself as a people pleaser, in a good way. I always want to meet the expectations of everyone, even if it means I have to do certain things and sacrifice my own sake for others. I try to adopt to change based on what the environment wants me to portray.

Despite the metaphor, I age unlike Barbie. I am 18 years old as of the moment, born and raised here in Manila, Philippines. I have a pure Chinese father and a pure Filipina mother. I’m the youngest among five siblings.

With regards to my Barbie world, I grew up studying in a Chinese school, Hope Christian High School to be exact. I’m proud of my high school. Though we may not be one of the big Chinese schools popular around the Metro, I can definitely say that I have learned so many things that were probably not taught in other schools, like the value of faith, trust and morality. Though I’m not really fluent in the language of Mandarin, I was able to graduate understanding what my Chinese teachers were discussing in class, and able to have a simple conversation with fellow Chinese people.

Without the help of Hope, I could not have been given opportunities as big as what I have in the present. And now, I fortunately got in De La Salle University – Manila. I’m taking up two courses, specifically Communication Arts and Legal Management. Currently a sophomore taking up my majors in CLA, I have a first-hand testimony on how difficult Communication Arts really is. So to those who say that my course has no future because it’s as easy as pie, well I would most definitely like to see you try and go through the same hardships my batchmates and I are currently going through.

I just love my course. I would rather die in front of a computer doing my editorial articles than have a balance sheet in front of me as I account my revenues and liabilities. Definitely there is always something new to learn here, from different experiences in different places with different people. Hopefully, I would pursue the path of media after I graduate. Sure, it might be interesting to try out an acting career, but I have learned from this course that working off the screen is where the adventure is.

In the future, I would still like to see myself as a Barbie doll. Just like her, I would like to over go a series of changes for my own evolution. I would like to become better and better each time. I wish that I might be able to involve myself in different aspects and excel in those different aspects in life. I do hope that Barbie dolls do not become obsolete soon. Well, no matter what happens, I would still like to be like her, who has already left a mark in the world.

And oh, my name is Charito Chua. But call me Chat.

lawonline.com

Type: Essay
Category: Unpublished

"lawonline.com"
by Charito Chua

Writing about anyone and anything is as easy as a click of a button. That is how the Internet has made our modern world much easier. It has been crafted to make our communication faster, easier and more convenient for everyone around the globe. However, the Internet is too wide and free for everyone and everything that it has already been causing damage. If it were to be considered written, many civilians have already been sued for libel for a simple Facebook status. But that is exactly the problem, should we consider online journalism as print media, and apply the same laws as they have?

Up until now, laws have still not been clear with regards to online publishing. More and more things posted in the Internet should be considered libelous acts. But that is the main problem of this all, it makes it difficult for those who are defamed to obtain such rightful justice when justice cannot reach cyberspace. How would the people protect their rights, reputation and image in the virtual reality given to the entire world? The laws still cannot be applied in terms of the Internet.

In my opinion, media laws should definitely be implemented for online journalism. But then of course, our current libel laws cannot be acted upon online publishing. There should be a specific set of laws created to cater for online writers and journalists. That way, these rules and guidelines can fully match the characteristics of online journalism.

First off, I think that there should be laws implemented for online. This set of rules and regulations should be followed and known worldwide. Since the internet is accessed anywhere around the globe, and anyone can write about anyone from the other side of the world, the laws for online publications and other forms of journalism should be acted for global use and implications as well. Ethical values should also be given importance and significance for the online writers to realize how values are also applied in the Internet, like all the other forms of media.

Website hosting should also be responsible in terms of their users. Like the laws set for the television industry, the website host should also be held accountable for any of the unlawful things stated by anyone who posted in the website. The website host would also take part in the case, unless there has been an agreement between the website host and the users that the host would not be held accountable for any circumstances or posts created by a user.

Next, I think that there should be, if possible, an international sector that caters to the Internet needs and demands. This association should also be in charge of the implemented rules and regulations in terms of online journalism. They have to make sure that the internet world is regulated and handled carefully in order to maintain the peace and conformity of the websites, website hosts, writers, bloggers, etc. That way, everything that is posted would be maintained to be under the rules officially and universally accepted and strictly followed.

Technology is shaping the Internet fast, and our laws should quicken the steps to catch up. Hopefully, there would be a world pact in order to maintain the order not only the physical world, but also on the extension we call the Internet.

Just Political Ads

Type: Editorial
Category: Unpublished

“Just Political Ads”
By Charito Chua

“Nakaligo ka na ba sa dagat ng basura?”, “Galing at talino”, “Ipagpapatuloy ko ang laban”. Here are most of the lines we hear from our radio programs, in between our favorite television shows, beside our Facebook wall posts, and probably even on the walls of our own homes. Politicians consider advertisement as a very crucial and critical instrument in terms of their political campaign for the upcoming elections this May 2010.

There have been several expose’s on television and on newspapers regarding the various political ads by all sorts of people vying for government positions. It has been stated that there are numerous politicians disregarding the rules implemented by the Commissions on Elections with the Republic Act No. 9006 or the “Fair Election Practices Act” which was implemented last February 4. In this act it states the different rules and regulations in terms of political advertisements, limitations, sponsorships, etc. The most controversial part is with regards to the allowed budget. According to section 5 of the said act. According to this, the total amount of a candidate running for the positions of President and Vice President is P10.00 per voter. Those running with the support of a political party have an amount of P3.00 per voter, while those without have an amount of P5.00.

Villar remains to be the candidate with the highest expenses. According to Inquirer’s sources, Villar has already spent an estimation of P120 million in his political campaign. He is still questioned as he is assumed to have spent P250 million more, which would mean he exceeded the given budget limitation.

Aside from the expenses limitation, there is also a limit with regards to the campaigning period. According to the code, anything before February 9 (and March 26 for the other government positions) is considered premature campaigning. But stating the obvious, television has been full of political ads released by various candidates before the said campaigning period. Well, it is because the Supreme Court has released a statement beforehand that, “The effective date when partisan political acts become unlawful as to a candidate is when the campaign period starts. Before the start of the campaign period, the same partisan political acts are lawful.” And so in conclusion, all those political ads are legal, as well as all of the tarpaulins that bombarded our communities for our fiestas, Christmas, and even our Valentine’s, with huge names and faces of the corresponding politicians who want to “greet” us for every occasion. Now, then what is the point of the campaigning period if these candidates already started beforehand? Instead of putting up all those posters and releasing all those TV commercials to get exposure, why don’t the politicians simply do their job by governing our country? It feels as if they are not contented with having a position in the government; they want to be part of the showbiz industry as well. Wouldn’t it be better if the Filipinos would recognize them as people who have helped develop the nation and its citizens, rather than the younger brother of Kris Aquino? Or the man in orange with the catchy tune?

R.A. 9006 also dedicated its section eight (Lawful Election Propaganda) to state the size limits of the advertising posters, pamphlets and such. And yet, we still see several political ads that are big enough to say that it does not follow the rules stated in the Fair Election Practices Act. I can also remember this billboard I see when I am on my way to school, a billboard of a big picture of Eddie Villanueva. Though I really am not sure if the billboard is for his church organization, or for his presidential campaign, but still it is not allowed. But then again, on second thought, the act never said anything about not using billboards for the campaign. The Comelec should really be stricter and more specific with regards to their rules and regulations.

One thing I really want to ask all these candidates is, Why? They would spend millions and millions of their “own hard-earned money” for a position that would not even give half of the quantity spent for his or her campaign. If they do claim that they are not corrupt, then what is the reason behind all this? What is the motivation for all these candidates to spend this much of money for something that would not even give them as much as they had lost. There is only one possible way to do so, and that is if these future leaders of our country do take the country’s funds illegally for their own benefits.


So what is the Comelec doing with the candidates with ads not under the standards nationally set for all the candidates? They have assigned election officers to handle such illegal posters and advertisements. “This is why we will be strict in enforcing campaign rules, especially rules on the posting of campaign materials,” said Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez. Well apparently, not strict enough. Why do we still see some oversized posters and steamers all over Metro Manila? And why is the Comelec doing the dirty job? Those particular politicians who violated the rule should be the ones to remove it. Candidates like those should be given a sanction or stricter limitations regarding the political campaign.

I just hope the voters for this coming election would see these candidates as more than just good advertisers. Let the rest of the world see that aside from these politicians’ photogenic and most likely well-edited ads, they have what it takes to lead our country globally. Aside from all the flashy commercials, catchy taglines and last-song-syndrome jingles, let all these candidates show what they can really do for the betterment of the Philippines. One more important thing we have to ask ourselves Filipinos who are voting for our next future leader, “Would you follow a law implemented by someone who does not follow rules themselves?”

Taste The Rainbows

Type: Profile Feature

Category: Unpublished

"Taste The Rainbows"

by Charito Chua

"Dancing is a journey of a group of people whose moves are in their hearts and whose music are in their souls - that's what we have. We aim to inspire. And to show others how dancing and family can be used to glorify God", shared Chynna. Do you have the same passion as she does? So why don't you join Skittlez?

The Skittlez Crew started in the year 2007. Some dancers who auditioned for La Salle Dance Company - Street unfortunately did not make it through. But driven with the passion to continue dancing, they decided to form their own dance group. Thus, the Skittlez Crew was born! Until now, more people from DLSU and DLSU-CSB who share the same passion join the dance crew.

They don't run with a crew captain, or an official coach, because they consider themselves as family. They are all equal. They are well known for doing their own choreography, with some help from their friends outside the crew whom they call The Skittlez Community. When asked if they hold auditions for aspiring members, Chynna answered, "Who are we to do that? We are founded on the basis that anyone can dance as long as there is the passion to do so."

Innah, a Skittlez member since 2008, shared a little secret, "I didn't tell my parents at first that I joined Skittlez. They only knew when I told them I entered the competition. My dad kept telling me how tiring and troublesome it was for both of us during rehearsals. So, even until now, I would always tell him I would hitch a ride with a friend while I was actually commuting home, just so I could practice with Skittlez."

The Skittlez Crew has been a consisten finalist for the LSDC - Street annual dance competition "Remix". Not only that, they also brought home the gold last 2008. So how do they prepare for competitions? "We always say bawal chillax," told Innah. She shared that they work hard rehearsing late at night. "Even though we didn't win this 2009, the feeling was so good because we knew we worked hard for it."

Their genres and styles differ from krump to house, from street to ballet. They adjust to different personalities and attitude towards one another. But they all have one thing in common - the desire to dance. When not dancing on stage or practicing at the Yuchengco lobby, you can find them watching dance concerts, clubbing or simply having a good time at GP. As they said, they are not just a crew, they are also a family.

37 various people with one mutual passion. So what do the Skittlez get for being part of the Skittlez Crew? God. Family. Dancing. And more dancing. Now, wouldn't you like to taste the rainbows?

Taking Notes: How to Know if a Student is Crushing on You

Type: Feature
Target Market: Teachers
Category: Unpublished

"Taking Notes: How to Know if a Student is Crushing on You"

By Charito Chua

"It was the first day of class, and she was late. Imagine a room full of boys very loud, rowdy and naughty, then suddenly the whole class fell quiet. It wasn't because the teacher finally arrived, but because a cute young Chinita was gonna be our homeroom for the entire year," shared Rey, who graduated from LSGH crushing on a teacher.

It may be the cute looks, the hot-bod, the supportiveness and encouragement, or the impressive intelligence and teaching skills. Whatever it is that these teachers have, it appeals to some students which results to a teacher-crush. So how do you know if a student is already crushing on you? Here are some clues and hints to find out.

Miss, miss! I know! Pick me!

"She noticed me because I was making papansin in class. I would recite all through the day," Emir shared while he was crushing on his 3rd year English teacher. Now I'm not saying you should think all the active kids in your class have a crush on you. Just take note of those who appear to just want to get too much of your attention during class. Apparently, teacher-crushes make the student pay more attention in discussions. Franz, a DLSU student, also shared to me, "Of course I was KSP in her class. Recite lang ng recite. That's how we became friends." A person would of course want to impress the person he or she likes, or at least not humiliate himself in front of the crush. However, it's not the same case scenario for everyone. Charm, who was crushing on her two-week substitute professor recounted, "I was nodding during his entire class. For those two weeks, I did not learn a thing because he was just too gwapo. But heck, at least he thought I was attentive!" So having a teacher as a crush might serve as inspiration for the student, but it might be a bit too distracting as well for some.

I would like to join the glee club!

Your student never showed interest before, but now that's all he is busying about. Maybe it's because of you! Kamila shared, "I joined the English club reasoning that my friend was part of it, But actually, my teacher that I was crushing on became the club moderator. I got to spend the entire English week together with him!" It's nice that students gain more interest because of you, but wouldn't it be nicer if they gained interest on the subject itself and not on the teacher?

Hi miss! Good morning! How was your day? Where are you going?

Have you ever had a student talk to you about nonsense things, which might not even be related to your class? It's normal to talk to professors outside the classroom walls. However, some students might actally want more than just "Hi miss" greetings. A story Justin shared to us was that he would go early to class, just so he could talk to the teacher before any of his classmates were there. Gilen, a student from Letran, also shared her techniques to simply get to talk to her professor she was crushing on, "If i see him in the hallways, I'd greet him all the time. Being the friendly prof that he is, he would greet me back. I'd be asking more questions like Anong gagawin ngayon sir? May quiz ba? Saan po kayo papunta? (What are we going to do today sir? Is there a quiz? Where are you heading to?) And even until now that he isn't my prof anymore, and luckily my friends have him for their majors, I'd grab the chance to talk to him when my friends talk to him around campus."

Uuuyyyyyy............

All high school girls pass by this stage. Now this applies to all crushes, not only to the teachers. It works just the same if the campus crush passes by, the football hunk, or the cute professor. Gilen shared, "I remember this sweet smelling perfume, and when I turned to check who passed by, my friends quickly teased Uuuyyyy...."

Teachers' day = Valentine's day

Giving gifts to teacher is quite a trend back in grade school and high school. This was one sure way to get on the good side of the teacher. Maybe even get better grades! But that's not all the reason there is to spend some cash for the day of beloved mentors. Danelle remembered some of her classmates giving a cake for the professor they were crushing on. Emir also shared what he did during high school, "Every teachers' day, we'd have a couple of gifts for our teachers, mostly generic gifts for all of them. But for Ms. Pena, I'd really give her hand-picked gifts. Even if she wasn't my teacher anymore, I'd still go to the faculty office to greet her."

These hints and clues students crushing on teahcer are simple to understand. It's normal to have crushes, right? Even on a teacher. However, when it becomes more than just a crush, now that's a different story. Maybe it's time to have a little talk with your students, and have an honest confrontation to set things straight.

And Man Created Plastic

Beat: Business
Type: News Feature
Category: Unpublished

"And Man Created Plastic"

By Tricia Cacho and Charito Chua

"And man created the plastic bag.And soon the earth was covered with plastic bags and aluminum cans and paper plates and disposable bottles and there was nowhere to sit down or walk, and Man shook his head and cried: "Look at this Godawful mess." -Art Buchwald

The eco-friendly product or packaging is the new business trend for the year 2010. It is time for the business world to not just think about the global economy, but to also ponder upon the best interests in terms of the global environment. More and more companies are using biodegradable packaging in order to do their part and encourage consumers to also do their role for Mother Earth; to reuse, reduce and recycle.

One of the pioneers of this trend, SM Supermalls, turned to using biodegradable plastic bags in their Department Stores and Supermarkets in 2008. And ever since then, more and more companies are utilizing biodegradable plastic bags for packaging their products. However, this does not necessarily mean these companies have the desire to make the world a greener place. Using eco-friendly packaging is one way to simply attract customers and keep up with the competition in the business world. "Some companies are actually doing it just because SM is doing it. They don't really understand how it is biodegradable," said Mr. John Clifford Tan, Executive Vice President of JTA Packaging Corp, a large national provider of plastic and polyester bags.

He shared to us that most companies do not understand that the biodegradable plastic bags are not more environment-friendly than the usual plastic bags being used before. Apparently, the only difference between the two plastic bags is the added material for the biodegradable plastics to make it faster to decompose. This particular additive to the biodegradable plastics creates the effect that makes the plastics easier to deteriorate more easily than ordinary plastic, with it having a life span of six months compared to the 100 - year life span of nonbiodegradable ones. This is what makes majority of the society believe that such kind of plastics make it healthier for our environment. However, this makes the plastic more brittle, making it easier to be destroyed, therefore less chances to be used. "If the normal plastic bags were only taught to be properly used and disposed, everyone would realize that it's even more eco-friendly than the biodegradable ones. Consumers should use these bags more than once, which make it more recyclable than the biodegradable plastics since it last longer," shared Mr. Tan.

Aside from the fact that these supposedly eco-friendly plastics are not eco-friendly after all, it does not actually benefit the company with regards to its cost production. It was also explained that biodegradables actually costs 12 percent more than the normal plastic bags used before, due to the additive to make it faster to decompose in land. Melbert Villanueva, assistant store manager of SM Supermakret stated in defense, "This additional cost does not affect the customers, but instead shouldered by the company itself."

Plastic, whether biodegradable or not, does not have a good effect to our environment. The 'biodegradable' plastics could only lessen the guilt that the shoppers might have, but it return it could make them think that it is tolerable to shop for more things from such stores that are now using 'eco-friendly' plastic bags. It is time that consumers should also stop and look at everything else around in their house and realize that majority of our products today are also made of plastic. As how Mr. Tan explained, "I don't get why everyone is attacking just the plastic bags, when actually, everything is already made out of plastic. The TV frames, PSP's, even the cellphones are made out of plastic. Why aren't they doing anything to prevent these kinds of products to destroy the world?" Not only are the plastic bags pose the only dangerous threat to the environment - it is basically all plastic products.

So before you leave a store with a biodegradable plastic bag in your hands, imagine if God were to take a look of what is inside your bag. Would He evaluate man's creation and say, "And it was good"?

HCHS Wins Over Uno 74 - 63

Beat: Sports
Type: News
Category: Unpublished

"HCHS Wins Over Uno 74 - 63"
By Charito Chua

Hope Christian High School (HCHS)'s basketball team won against Uno High School with a final score of 74 - 63 last Friday February 5 at the Chiang Kai Shek gym, for the 40th season of Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association league.

"It was a blow out game during the first game with Uno. We stomped them with 40 points. Although that was without Isaac in their team, so this one should be more exciting for everyone", explained HCHS player, Parkson Young. He said that the Hope basketball team was confident with their present standing of four wins and two losses for the entire season.

Janrey Garrido, Hope's point guard, started the game off with a two-point shot. Both teams took turns making baskets for the first and second quarters. However, Uno had difficulties with Hope's strong defense, ending the first half with the score of 31 - 23 with Hope in the lead. After the halftime break, Isaac Lim of Uno made the first shot. But he also got heated up as he was about to make a fight in the court with Hope's point guard Joshua Go, after Go making a defensive foul. The third quarter ended with a nine-point lead of Hope over Uno. The audience cheered louder during the last three minutes of the fourth quarter as the scores of both teams became closer. During the game's peak, Villar, Hope's center, was hurt due to a wrong pass. In the end, Hope won 74 - 63 over Uno, not even making Uno lead once during the game.