:: Absolute Insanity ::

UIC BSIT1A A.Y. 2006-2007

Well, what do we have here? Oh nothing… Really… It’s just something that I found while I was browsing my folder in my hard drives. If you are wondering what the image above is all about then let me share it to you.

Way back my first semester on UIC, on our theology class, I was tasked by our mentor Sister Julie to make a seat plan. So I did what she told me and I saved it on my hard drive. As you can see on it, most of the students on the seat plan are still on the school, some have departed their ways, shifted for another course and some maybe just got bored and decided to break out. Nostalgic as it seems, I kind of miss those times when I was like a stranger in the school, it was these people whom I first shared myself with. It was a memorable one because like we all were, we were just a bunch of newbies who barely know each other, yet time passed by and bonds started to take place.

For those who reminisce this class, kudos! Anyways, the BSIT Class A has now turned into a happier class with new moments to cherish! weeeh!

Manobo

SOCIAL ORGANIZATION AND CUSTOMS (summarized)

The traditional social structure consists of four classes: the bagani, the baylan, commoner, and slave. The bagani class, now gone, defended the community and went to battle. The baylan, who can still be found, is a male or female priest and healer. The commoners were farmers; and the slaves, who had been seized in raids, belonged to the ruler and were usually given away as part of the bridewealth. Village members could also become enslaved if they could not pay the penalty for a crime they had committed, such as thievery, destruction of property, adultery, or verbal offense. Slaves however could win their freedom through diligence in the fulfillment of their duties, faithfulness to their master, or payment of their debt through servitude. Slaves who were treated like members of the family although still in servitude are bilew, and it was considered an insult if they were referred to as slaves. One who did so was committing tempela, ridiculing someone for their low status physical handicap.

Intervillage relationship is based on upakat or reciprocity. Village members, usually belonging to kinship group or groups allied by marriage, expect assistance from each other in matters of subsistent labor, defense, and support in crises.

Marriage is traditionally by parental arrangement, which begins when each of two families chooses a spokesperson, preferably a datu or bai, who is known for eloquence and knowledge of custom law. Marriage is an alliance system in which reciprocity and mutual obligation between the groom’s and bride’s kinship groups are expected. It is, therefore, a means of maintaining peace and order, for the Manobo’s practice of retaliation does not extend to one’s kindred or allies. Incest taboo is strictly followed up to a common great-great-great grandparent on both the mother’s and father’s side.

Polygamy, although rarely practiced, was allowed. A datu might resort to it, usually for economic and political reasons. Several wives allowed for more fields that could be cultivated, since the Manobo women did all the work in the fields. Polygyny also multiplied one’s alliances and expanded them to several communities. However, the man could take another wife only if the first wife and her parents consented. The first wife remained the head wife.

Illness may be caused by the person’s gimukod (soul) wandering away from the body. Or, the gimukod of the sick person has been captured by the gimukod of the dead person and carried away to the latter’s new home.

Trivia: I made this just this morning as instructed by our mentor in Sociology =)

Reaction:

The Manobo culture has prominent differences compared to the Christians. Though they also have the concept of having classes in the society, we don’t have the slavery system. I was just wondering why their healers and priests are women and not men. It was also sad to say that they have lost the class of defenders, making them more vulnerable for attacks and invasions of foreign groups. Their slaves I think sometimes receive special treatments because they can become part of the family and get defended from mockeries. Their way of punishment for those who committed crimes is unusual for me because keeping them as slaves might give them a chance to murder you to their hearts content. Social relationship existing in their society is remarkable because they go hand in hand on their obligations and protect each other. That relationship could be established through arranged marriage which is also evident on the Maranao Muslims. They also have small scope when it comes to enemy and never avenge to those on the allies. Practicing polygamy as their culture for me is considered a practical way of civilization and industrialization. They also believe in superstitions which I found bizarre.

National Treasures 2: Book Of Secrets

Yesterday, I’ve finished downloading this movie from isohunt and of course I watched it right away. As you know, the movie features Nicolas cage, a man of great level of logic, analysis, and transcript skills. The movie was based on the story of the assassination of President Lincoln, by which Gates, the great great grandfather of Nicolas was accused as the one who plotted the murderous intent. Nicolas’ aim was to prove the innocence and heroicness of his grandfather and to clean their names, so to say. Their reputation was smudged because of the issue and the truth was veiled. Along with Nicolas is a computer geek and a hot archeologist chick I think (I’m not really sure). They teamed up to and undergone marvelous and exciting adventures. Translating different figures, traveling fro place to place guided with deciphered codes, spying, running away from the villain, kissing and deceiving somebody, kidnapping the President, car chase, and many more. The highlight of the events was when they had their way to the absolute desk, a desk of a queen and a president where they find a tablet and a seal which guided them to the city of gold. As they go to their way to the deadly city of gold, the villain caught up with them and found themselves in a conspiracy, for proving, the credits of discovering the gold, and of course the gold itself. Along their ways are lethal traps that put their lives in jeopardy. They were trapped inside and they had to find their way out through translating ancient scripts. There was a sudden twist in the movie when Nicolas was supposed to die because of forced sacrifice but all of a sudden, the villain became their hero!

Well the movie was really great and it gave me the suspense and comedy I was longing. It was so darn awesome! I suggest you watch it coz you’ll really enjoy it!

Trivia: I wrote this last January on my First Blog. Unfortunately, I supposed that somebody (who envies me) must have hacked on it and totally deleted my account including all the original posts (including movie reviews of Blockbuster hit movies).

An Open Source Operating System has the same concepts to a proprietary OS when it comes to security and protection. Both have the components of cryptography, authentication and the like to provide efficient defense against possible threats & attacks. However, the process of developing security procedures is likely to be faster and more reliable in an open source. Since the source code is open to the public, more expert people can find/spot and fix security problems, which only means that the higher the number of the collaborating debuggers, the faster the process is and the higher the possibility of developing a more efficient defense against security breach. In terms of exposure to hackers, taking into account their population is small versus the enormous number of developers, threat is minimal while security and protection of the open source OS has higher chance of formulating the best solutions against vulnerabilities. Compared to a proprietary OS, it is opposite. Security problems takes much time to get resolved because of limited resources (the debuggers) and it costs much.

An alarming issue on rapid growth of juvenile delinquency is now striking our society. Youths of today are much influenced by the mass media. Cases of premarital case, unwanted pregnancy, & abortion are just some evidences. God has given us the power to fight any kind of temptation, the intellect. Through this, we can discern right and wrong. But because Satan is wise, he tempts us to do a thing by introducing it to us in very interesting, satisfying & hypnotizing. And as a result, we face grave consequences, physical, mental & spiritual prices to pay often for a lifetime, like heavy responsibilities, humiliation, diseases, bad memories, & unwanted pregnancies. Thus after committing those acts, we realize that having premarital sex or fornication, as what the dictionary says, is a sin, mocking God’s plan for a secure marriage, that we should not be easily tempted by what we see, what we hear, & what we feel.

Is Christian sex education the answer to these? Well, according to the columnist, “We believe that a good Christian sex education should be bible-based and Qu’ran-based for the Muslims.” I agree w/ him. The dep-ed should give emphasis on the proper execution of this operation because a wrong information or misunderstanding may result into confusion which may lead into a grave problem, particularly sexual immorality.

I do believe that a person’s future is handed at him in his teens, during the times that he has the knowledge & wisdom that comes from experience to guide him in his choices and decisions. A youth is entrusted w/ care, not just physically but also with development of his character and personality. And as he goes on, he will seek the counsel of parents, friends, and especially the teachings that a teacher can give. And to fulfill the goal(to fight this struggle), like anyone else, we must have the stamina to stay with the battle we are facing and wrestle with the tides of life. Through the department of education, this can be attained. I suggest that they should consider the way the teenagers would respond and make a remedy for it in order to stay in the guide & avoid them to put their minds in the uncertain way. It should be planned, well-organized, and properly prepared so that everything would go on smoothly, harmoniously, and effectively. They should bring with them the bible and the moral teaching about sex, of what God meant on “sex as his given gift,” the law of chastity, and the fruit that they will bear whatever prohibited acts made so that they will have a deeper & better understanding about this issue, to surpass & overcome satanic attacks or whatever act that may bring them into patterns of destroying health & character.

The issue also tackles about committing adultery. In the commandments of

God. It is clearly stated that “Thou shall not commit adultery(6th),” and

“Thou shall not covet your neighbor’s wife(9th).” Monogamy or having married only once is endorsed by god. It is therefore a sin to commit adultery & covet a neighbor’s wife. During the holy matrimony also, the words “for better & worse, ‘till death do us part & etc…” are faithfully spoken inside the church & in front the altar. By then, where is the essence of marriage there if you disobey the said commandments? Most of the results of those said acts are divorce/ marriage annulment, breaking of families, troubles & etc… Therefore, this case is graver than juvenile delinquency in the way that it is more complex and many aspects can be affected. Thus Christian sex education, marriage & it’s responsibilities should be thought more vividly & firmly to the couples.

And lastly, to do those plans well & successful, the department of education should be accompanied by the church for such purpose that it could fulfill the role they play as mentors of mental & spiritual dimensions.

Trivia: I made this essay as a term paper on my Theology Class in the University of the Immaculate Conception.

Love for one’s country is indeed a very much requirement that every single Filipino, as young as a child, even from different races should have. But the thing is, can we still find nationalistic Filipinos today? Yes but rarely and that’s a big deal! Being nationalistic seems a very crucial act today especially to the youth. Even I, myself, can say that I do many things that oppose and contradict on what we call “nationalism.” Take for example are the things that we bought from the market. It’s no wonder and it can’t be denied that we Filipinos yearn for imported products and even reject our very own. We even shout “Wow! Imported… Let’s prioritize this!” the worse is when we say “Made in Philippines? I demand for an imported, branded one!” What an undeniable truth…

We are just making an impediment and barrier to the progress, industrialization and countryside development. One more thing is that we no longer lend free service for our nation, it must have payment. We enjoy life neglecting our responsibilities in our environment. Throwing garbage anywhere is common. It is an aggravation to our present situation, isn’t it? Where are the realizations that our past heroes who endured pain and fought till death taught us? Do their accomplishments and sacrifices still have worth & essence? Maybe yes but is deteriorating in no time. We seldom participate in the programs raised by the government for national purposes. On and on we go, destroying the government, demanding the president to step down instead supporting hand in hand for economic growth and development. We want a better Philippines and a better life, but think about it, we are the ones who ruined and messed it.

But beside the dark side of ours, lies the brilliant one. Nationalism is shown in many ways. The OFWs work hard not just for their families but also for their beloved Philippines. They are the ambassadors of a real Filipino with real hearts for their country. They represent and uphold Filipinos as hardworking, hospitable, and trustworthy. They also strengthen the peso value and boost economic progress. In fact they can be treated as heroes of our age. There are also youths of today that are very aggressive to unfold, nurture, and make use of their talents they posses and compete with other countries, with excellence in different fields garnering awards and pride to our country. We also have the patriotic, the armed forces, ready to defend the nation at all cost, wrestling with bullets and missiles, risking their lives. There are many things about nationalism and it’s splendid to say that they illuminate our dark sides.

But the question is, “do we really love and care for Philippines?” well, ours is the answer. All we need to do is make wise decisions and hope for a better country!

Trivia: This was an essay I made on my History 1 Class at the University of the Immaculate Conception

What we see is not what really that thing is. We may observe and see the outer image of a thing but it doesn’t mean what is seen in him/her is the real he/she. “Don’t judge the book by its cover,” the saying goes… When we see something about a thing, it may just be a matter of perception. Sometimes, it appears to be very pleasant physically, but we don’t know that behind those gorgeous, exquisite and charming stuff lies the terrible and horrifying clandestine or secret… Often times, we meet people by chance and hastily make friends with them, not knowing their true identity. Even in ourselves, sometimes we pretend to be someone just to earn fame, reputation, and respect. But what is important is what our heart tells, what it feels, the things that cannot be seen by our naked eyes, the things that are more worthy, more valuable, more precious than that of the things that glitter, spark, and lure our luxurious eyes and not the he/she that we see. For the essence and the vitality of a thing is found on its deepest part, the part where our eyes can no longer penetrate. The intangible things that ooze and make it unique and satisfy the one who approaches it. All we can say is that pretension is not a good thing. And we’d rather be hated for what we are than to be loved for what we’re not…

Trivia: I made this essay on my English Class