THiNK Journalism

2022: The editorial of a paper from Pangasinan , my beloved province, came out with “People Power Revolution. A Failed Vision” ( Sunday Punch , punch.dagupan.com ). It said, “Ironically, through all the motherhood statements hailing that ‘sacred moment’ in modern Philippine history, there was scant mention of what it was all about, what started it – that it was the deep sense of desperation and frustration of the governed and the masses yearning for meaningful reforms that would uplift their lives.” 2020: Karl Patrick Wilfred M Suyat said , “Overthrowing the US-Marcos dictatorship, and thereby giving people another chance to strive for social change, was and should be People Power’s sole sterling legacy” ( 28 Feb 2020, ( Rappler , rappler.com ). “Social change:” I couldn’t agree with Rappler more. Long, long ago, Rappler did say, “Social Media For Social Change” ( Carmela Fonbuena, 14 Jan 2012, Rappler , rappler.com ). The statement was a follow-up of what Rappler CEO Maria Ressa

Why are Filipinos celebrating a failed People Power Revolution (EDSA Revolution)? 25 Feb 1986, it’s been 38 years and it’s essentially the same story – some people get rich or richer and millions remain poor or poorer! Media, wake up! By “media” I mean Facebook, YouTube, blog, Manila papers, even letters to the Editor. (Media cube from pngwing.com ) Since I am an agriculturist – BSA, UP Los Baños 1965 – my favorite topic is the poor farmer failed by EDSA. I now quote Robyn O’Brien : “We pay the doctor to make us better when we should really be paying the farmer to keep us healthy.” (Farmer quote from bing.com ). I see that Ms Robyn “is on Forbes Impact 50 List for her work at the intersection of agriculture and climate” ( Robyn O’Brien , robynobrien.com ). American or not, she is an intelligent media lady. We media people in agriculture do not have to aspire to be as good as Ms Robyn, but we should be literally mediating for the millions of our farmers who have remained

February 1986. We were watching TV and listening to the still-bravely-broadcasting single radio station. The Philippines’ historic 4-day “EDSA People Power Revolution” in Manila happened 22-25 February 1986. Me, I wasn’t there on EDSA in the first few days because of fear for my life, but on Friday, 24 Feb, listening to the radio I thought that FM’s soldiers were winning – and so I conquered my fear and joined the throng of people walking EDSA. I walked from Guadalupe Bridge to the gate of Camp Crame . When helicopters hovered over the building near the gate, I thought they had come to bombard Crame to kingdom come. No. Yes, they were sympathizers of the leaders of the rebel soldiers: Fidel Ramos and Juan Ponce Enrile .  (“Anniversary EDSA” from bing.com ) I then walked to Channel 4 of the government’s TV station, already captured by EDSA people. I don’t remember what the fellow being interviewed said, but I was happy. When I got out of Channel 4 and returned to the gate of Camp Cra

Facebook must be the most popular single platform for all kinds of people of all colors for all kinds of interests – and reading about the suggestion of last October’s Synod on synodality, it’s time for the Catholic Church to evangelize (and re-evangelize) via the digital world. I’m talking about what I have come across, read and re-reread with favor & fervor Christopher White’ s sharing, “Catholic Digital Leaders Urge Modern-Day Missionaries To Learn The Internet” (22 Feb 2024, National Catholic Reporter , ncronline.org ). Why not – all Catholics on the Internet! (image from pinterest.com ) And why should that be? I give these reasons: (1)    Mr White quotes Mr José Manuel De Urquidi as saying, “Like those earlier missionaries of centuries past, the digital space is ‘a place where we need to be. We need to learn the language and to engage.’" (2)    With FaithBook, you do not have to learn the people’s language and appreciate the local customs and culture – but you

Unhappily, “What Is The Future Of Catholic Journalism?” asks Heidi Schlumpf (05 Feb 2024, National Catholic Reporter , ncronline.org ): “What ‘plays in Peoria’… is already part of a trend unlikely to slow: Bishops are cutting print publications or shuttering operations altogether, only to replace diocesan newspapers with soft-news magazines, websites and public relations content.” Not happy with Catholic print publications going out with digital media coming in!? Miss Heidi says: Catholic media – especially diocesan papers that provide local coverage and often serve as the vehicle for a bishop's regular column – are not exempt from the larger forces affecting journalism, experts say. In addition, they are negatively impacted by the decline in religious affiliation and participation in the US and by competition from new Catholic media… … Bishops are cutting print publications or shuttering operations altogether, only to replace diocesan newspapers with soft-news magazines,

I have a new slogan for my writing: “THiNK First!” I’m 83, and today, Monday, 05 Feb 2024, Manila, I realize one is never too old to learn how to think better! Now then, when I think of any of the following people considering what I know or their acquired reputation, do I get mad? BBM, Benigno Aquino, FM, Imee Marcos, Imelda Marcos, Jose Maria Sison, Leni Robredo, Noynoy Aquino, Rodrigo Duterte, Sara Duterte, Tiu Laurel… No, I don’t get mad – instead, today I get inspired to act better than just be a critic! So, I want to share with you my new mantra: THiNK First! It is what you too should do now – it will change your life forever, I promise. One is never too old to learn something new, or something better. (“Think” from bing.com , “First” from bing.com ) “THiNK First!” It goes like this: True? If True, is it Helpful? If Helpful, is it Inspiring? If Inspiring, is it Necessary? If Necessary, is it Kind? THiNK First! Before you express your dislike or hate, THiNK Fi

I’m 83, a happy blogger among other things, and why should I now be learning “8 Life Lessons I Wish I Knew Earlier” from Brian McEntee, an animation and Art Director known for Ice Age (2002), The Brave Little Toaster (1987, and Beauty And The Beast (1991) (IMDb, imdb.com ), published 24 Jan 2024, source quitandconquer.com )? The list is shared by Ramon Rivera on Facebook (image of “Life Lessons” from bing.com ). And yes, I can identify with all 8! Brian McEntee is an animation art director; here is his list ( Quit & Conquer , quitandconquer.com/ ): 1. Time is your most valuable asset. 2. It’s okay to fail and make mistakes. 3. No one is coming to save you. 4. What you aren’t doing is just as important as you what you are doing. 5. Spend time thinking about what you want your life to look like. 6. If you don’t know what to do, pick something and adjust your plans as you go. 7. Don’t compare yourself to others, compare yourself today to who you were yesterday. 8. D