thoughts of a student mama

it has been raining here in manila for several days and what's weird is- it's supposed to be summer time in the philippines, sun should be shining brightly and everyone should be wearing summer light summer clothes...now, everyone looks gloomy, covered, irritated and confused. ahay! climate change...climate change indeed!

when it is this cold, i either need a hot choco or a very warm hug...i could not just hug anybody. i am a student in a catholic university and it happens that this university is quite far from home (1 hour and 50 minute-plane ride). i am a mother too, and i'm missing my son wowa a lot (and the husband jovit too of course). we used to snuggle and just play lazy on days like this...amp!

Substance Over Form?

Summer classes have started and what choice do I have but to go on and try as much as I can to finish what I already started - you see, there's no use in giving up when you can go on eh...My first nightmare is an essay on how to critique a paper. I thought at first that it was an easy task but later I learned otherwise.

In trying to learn about critiquing a research article in a scholarly journal, it is important that I should understand that the task in writing a critique is to convert the critical examination of a research article into a systematic evaluation. Among other things, I must be interested in determining what the author says or what he wants to achieve, how well the points are made- from the statement of the problem to the recommendations or policy implications, what assumptions underlie the argument, what issues are overlooked, and what implications can be drawn from such an analysis. Sort of like going to Conspiracy Cafe and digesting every word the artists say (sometimes they do have better sense than what I read sssshhh) hahaha.

Since next week we will be asked to critique at least 5 reasearch articles, it is good that the essay was given as a starter (talk about irony). Now I have a guide- yipi! Critiques, positive or negative, should include a fair and accurate summary of the text and a statement of the critic’s own assumptions. Stated or not, these assumptions underlie every evaluative comment made. Therefore, I have an obligation, both to the reader and to myself, to clarify my opinions. I know that in the process of writing a critical assessment, I will be somewhat forced to examine my own knowledge, beliefs and assumptions. Ultimately, the critique is my way of learning about the author and myself. What a way to read a material! What a way to live a life! Oh well...

there's always hope for the philippines

Here is a good article sent by Dr. Arsenio Martin of Fort Arthur , Texas ...Enjoy reading.

THE DIFFERENCE The difference between the poor countries and the rich ones is not the age of the country:This can be shown by countries like India & Egypt , that are more than 2000 years old, but are poor. On the other hand, Canada , Australia & New Zealand , that 150 years ago were inexpressive, today are developed countries, and are rich. The difference between poor & rich countries does not reside in the available natural resources.Japan has a limited territory, 80% mountainous, inadequate for agriculture & cattle raising, but it is the second world economy. The country is like an immense floating factory, importing raw materials from the whole world and exporting manufactured products.

Another example is Switzerland , which does not plant cocoa but has the best chocolate in the world. In its little territory they raise animals and plant the soil during 4 months per year. Not enough, they produce dairy products of the best quality! It is a small country that transmits an image of security, order & labor, which made it the world's strongest, safest place.Executives from rich countries who communicate with their counterparts in poor countries show that there is no significant intellectual difference.

Race or skin color are also not important: immigrants labeled lazy in their countries of origin are the productive power in rich European countries.What is the difference then? The difference is the attitude of the people, framed along the years by the education & the culture & flawed tradition.

On analyzing the behavior of the people in rich & developed countries, we find that the great majority follow the following principles in their lives:1. Ethics, as a basic principle.2. Integrity.3. Responsibility.4. Respect to the laws & rules.5. Respect to the rights of other citizens.6. Work loving.7. Strive for savings & investment.8. Will of super action.9. Punctuality.10. and of course...Discipline.

In poor countries, only a minority follow these basic principles in their daily life..The Philippines is not poor because we lack natural resources or because nature was cruel to us. In fact, we are supposedly rich in natural resources.We are poor because we lack the correct attitude. We lack the will to comply with and teach these functional principles of rich & developed societies.

in search of alfie girl

i recently celebrated my 32nd birth anniversary (march 22nd). even though i was away from home i tried to have a "happy" birthday. march 21st, i went with friends at bistro 70s (anonas, quezon city) and listen to RJ and noel c sing their version of songs of U2 and the police. there til 2am over tomato pizza, veggie chicharon, sisig sibintis and well, oh, beer... then music 21 til about 5am-whew!...unforgettable eh??? well, yes... but not as unforgettable as the day after.

23rd, i was excited to go home for a short school break. doing the 1st batch of my laundry, i got a call...and text messages...and all...made me so weak and confused. a father is looking for her daughter alfie girl (supposed to be me?) and is about to die of colon cancer and wanting to seek forgiveness for having abandoned me? ayayay! the maudlin, the hysterical, the insane in me was driven crazy!!! why? why me? why now?the recent happening brought too many questions, i resist to seek for the answers.why? i don't know...yet. :(

fools i saw in the scriptures (hala!)

Maybe this will answer the question: WHAT KIND OF FOOL AM I???

The Simple Fool (opens his mind to any passing thought and opens his arms to any passing stranger, lacks discernment, has an over-simplified view of life and fails to recognize the cause-and-effect sequences that affect every area of life) .

The Silly Fool (the mouth of a silly fool often gets him in trouble, when things go wrong for a silly fool, he becomes angry, resulting in more damage, believes that his own way of thinking is right).

The Sensual Fool (one who rejects the correction of parents or other authorities, a person who seems determined to make wrong choices. He does not have a mental deficiency, but rather rejects the wisdom of God, he focus is on that which brings him immediate pleasure).

The Scorning Fool (facial expressions communicate the disdain and contempt he has in his heart toward his authorities, including parents, civil authorities, and God, the type of fool not only has rejected truth; he also has embraced that which is abominable to God).

The Steadfast Fool (most dangerous type, self-confident and close-minded, his goal to draw as many others as possible into his evil ways and attempts to reprove him will be futile and bring frustration to the one who tries to influence him).

jumbled-5 papers on the loose

so many thoughts in so little time, how will i manage? i have come across this article of fools in aquinas' analysis. i have thought it's a good read 'coz its not that common. imagine a discussion about fools and remedy for fooolishness (if any), i might end up remedying my own foolish-me :) then there's this paper that is due in a couple of weeks. i chose soul. why? well, why not? it's one of the biggest mysteries of humanity. on international economics, there's this debate paper on whether it is sensible to join economic (trade and/or financial) cooperation. my side is on the negative. my concentration is on globalization. the world is getting smaller. how will i prove otherwise? i'd also look into indonesia and it's labor policies. have i started going through it, to the moon and back yes! that? no! add up our problem sets and discussions on quantitative techniques...oh why oh why have i chosen this rugged thorny path when there's a simple life on the side. well, if i must sacrifice boredom - it's not an easy sacrifice.

new year?

another year went by, another came in...what is in store? will there be change? im sure there will be. we should change, live anew! but keep whatever it is that made us happy--- keep whatever and whoever that gave our lives more meaning...happy new year everyone!