Sincerely Deprived

At this time, you may have to excuse me for writing a post that is totally not related to my children-themed blog. I have every good reason to write this so I can share what had just happened.

I warmed up my lunch of yummy rice topping (more like a Malaysian dish to me) and started off eating. At the same time, my head was hurting so badly. There was this annoying throbbing similar to when I get migraine attacks once in a while. But right after finishing my food in a jiffy, (so hopefully I can take some rest), I was sure that something wasn’t going right with my schedule.

Later did I find out that I missed the symposium! I felt terrible ‘cause it didn’t dawn on me that at 11:00, right after my advertising class, we are to proceed downstairs for an exciting session with a guest speaker. That I surely missed today all because of my terrible headache due to my early morning sleep of 5:00 am. Yes, I slept at 5 this morning to finish-off my journalism news assignment.

It’s a wonder why I slept so early—I mean, so ‘late’. Yesterday, my class along with the other class sections in our journalism course, went to City Hall to attend the council meeting. It was a good experience for me. Dressed for ‘field assignment’, I managed to scrum with the rest of my batch mates to talk to several councilors and even with Mayor Sam Katz. It was a fairly short council meeting which ran from 9:30 to 11:00 in the morning. I made sure that I was prepared for it by reading through the online documents posted in the City of Winnipeg website the night before.

To make the story short (out of a very long story) regarding my experience, I interviewed several people from the streets and at the airport. I even went to the office of an activist group and waited for a very long time---only to be stood up. It was a tiring yet fulfilling day. At the most part, I knew then that I have a good story to write about. But when evening came, I just can’t seem to write anything on paper. I mean, nothing’s coming out from my head! At that very instance, I realized that I had what we call ‘writer’s block’. Whatever caused it, I wasn’t sure. But maybe, my late night sleeps could have contributed to it.

For several hours, I tried to pound on my head to help me at least start on my news lead. Don’t get me wrong—I prepared myself for the task. I finished my interviews during the day, checked on some periodicals and transcribed my interviews. Plus, I have an ‘idea’ on how I’m going to write my news story—but the big problem was, I just can’t seem to start writing.

For 5 long hours, I was there sitting in front of my worktable; skimming through my notes and listening to my interviews. I even pinched myself on the arm a couple of times, thinking that it could be of any help—but it didn’t. Finally at past 1am, my thought process seemed to have started working. So for the next four hours after that, I finally finished my assignment. It was so stressful yet exhilarating!

When I got to school this morning at 7:30 am to drop-off my paper at the security (where a box was specifically placed to collect our assignments), I even double-checked with the security whether I did hand over my assignment to him. As expected, he said “Yes”. When the box was taken and brought up by Duncan (the other journalism instructor) to the CreComm office, I approached him and asked politely if I can double-check and make sure that I had passed my paper. He checked and yes, my paper was there.

So what was going on with me today? I didn’t like the fact that I missed the symposium this morning (it’s the first ever ‘class’ I missed) since I started school here at Red River College. I am basically the type of person who peeves on missing classes. And of course, if my kids found out that I missed even the half-time of my class, that wouldn’t be a good example. No, mom can’t afford to miss classes!

And so, here I am blogging about what’s been happening since I slept at 5 this morning and woke up at 6. Yes, an hour’s sleep—it’s not good. I have been trying to think hard about that. Maybe, I am just anxious of having my in-laws from L.A. staying with us for the next few weeks (they’ll be arriving tonight).

I really don’t know what happened—but one thing is for sure. Although I got only an hour’s sleep- had a long and terrific field work yesterday (despite of the person who stood me up)- missing my time in the symposium (Kenton, guess you’re taking note of this now)- I have succeeded in finishing and submitting my journalism news assignment. I believe the highs and lows of CreComm life are getting into me. Although I’m tired, I’m still happy!

Freedom in Blogging

First impressions are not always right; that I learned when I was asked to set-up my own blog--now, here's what I have to say about this esciting way of communicating.

Sharing my thoughts and experiences to others has always been a big part of my life. At the very moment I entered the Creative Communications program here at Red River College, my life (in both ways) got simpler and more complicated at the same time.

I am a mother to two wonderful children, who demand my attention most of the time. But since they know that their mom goes to school everyday, they try to understand with their young minds that mom needs to do her homework most of the time especially in the evenings (and even weekends). It’s very comforting to know that as young as they are, they truly understand the situation we’re all in. I would also credit my husband for doing such a marvelous job for his unwavering support, and for looking after our kids most or all of the time.

My situation may not ring a bell to a lot of people, but I am pretty sure that the feelings of excitement and anticipation are common to those who have focused themselves to achieving a larger goal in life.

I am definitely a bona-fide student; tasked to do assignments, projects, and even meet deadlines. At the start of the term, my instructors in advertising and public relations encouraged us to start our own blogs and choose a theme of our own choice. I was quite intimidated at first because I had a negative impression about blogging.

First, I didn’t like the idea of posting my commentaries or thoughts towards a subject online, knowing that people who I don’t know, would read my posts and associate it to my name. It may be a state of paranoia, thinking that some people would find their way to find out more about me without my consent.

Secondly, I thought that blogging was just a waste of my time. Having a family to look after, part-time work and other commitments in the community, I just concluded that blogging was not my cup of tea--but I was wrong.

Right after my instructors told us the potential benefits of having our own personal blogs, I ventured out and did my research--I read other people's blogs, visited websites that talk about the subject and learned what makes a good blog. After I had done my 'homework', I realized that having a blog could do more good things and simply outweigh the bad ones--so long as I know where my blog is headed.

Another negative impression I had towards blogging is the possibility of making mistakes whether that be typographical in nature or simply a misinterpretation of a certain issue. I have been trained to go over my written works not just a few times, but a dozen times at least. I worked as a copywriter for over five years and in that position, I learned to be my best critic. But now since I put up my own blog, I learned to be more forgiving of myself whenever I make a mistake. I believe that since blogging is more of a personal journal, it’s not primarily meant to be judged by others although, correct spelling of words is still a must.

I believe that having a focus on one's blog is also essential. Although blogs are regarded as personal online journals, one should know where to draw the line between what is acceptable and not; one can share her views on a wide array of topics but that doesn't mean to say that one can talk whatever and however she wants; professionalism is still very important as well as good judgment.

In the midst of my busy and hurried life, I find blogging to be a good outlet for my thoughts especially on things that I am passionate about. And so, Heartstrings Winnipeg came about, to serve as a fulfillment to a requirement in school and most importantly, a medium to voice out my thoughts about certain issues.

My life may be more complicated now, having to balance between my studies and family, but blogging has certainly provided me a simpler way to share my thoughts and views to others--that I think is liberating!

Want to start blogging? Click here!

The 'Wired' Generation

Have you heard of Generation M? If you haven’t, it simply refers to today’s kids and teens who are the first totally ‘wired’ generation. They are the generation that is changing the world of marketing, technology, and communications as we knew it.


Look around and you will see kids and teens walking by with ear buds sticking to their ears; Or in the bus, pressing the keys of their mobile phones to send text messages; Or even see them sliding their fingers on the touch screens of their iPhones viewing on some cool pictures. These are just a few of those scenarios where you see kids and teens ‘connected’ to today’s technology.

Today’s kids are not just surrounded by today’s media and technology—they live and breathe it everyday.

Generation M is totally immersed in technology. An independent study from the Kaiser Family Foundation explored the daily media usage of over 2,000 children ages 8 to 18. The results show that children are engaged with media for an average of 6.5 hours a day. Because they multi-task, many are cramming 8.5 hours of media usage into those 6.5 hours.

Today’s kids and teens are not replacing “old” media; they are simply adding more media usage to their daily lives. Kevin Marks, software engineer and founding member of the Social Software Alliance, said it best: “My generation draws the Internet as a cloud that connect everyone; the younger generation experiences it as oxygen that supports their digital lives.”

It’s doubtful or even wishful thinking that media and technology will lessen as time passes by. I believe we will see the emergence of more technology to lure and capture every attention left with us. For sure, technology is moving at the speed of light (much faster than superman!) and carrying children along with it. The increase in world knowledge simply doubles each time around. This I think has a great advantage as well as a downside to it, especially when it comes to children’s learning.

We see the many benefits of today’s technology, making learning even more interesting and engaging. Growing up (I wouldn’t say when!), teachers from the private school where I attended used the reliable Betamax and VHS recorders to aid in the students’ learning. During those times, OHPs (or overhead projectors) were the ‘in’ thing for presentations. For the benefit of those who don’t know what OHPs are, this is an equipment that typically has a large box containing a very bright light and fan to cool it. Teachers would draw or photocopy their materials on transparency sheets, which they would place on the glass platform of the unit. The mirror above the lens of the overhead projector would then reflect the image. The use of such equipment saves teachers a lot of class time. But still, most of them would still resort to writing the lectures on the blackboards, wherein the students in the class would have to copy them in their notebooks (defined here as, ‘writing pads’ or ‘books made of paper’—surely, this isn’t the type of notebook you’re using now).

The good ol' overhead projector

Nowadays, I believe that there are a few schools which use OHPs. Once a fixture in classrooms, it is now replaced by large computer monitors, dedicated computer projection systems, and interactive whiteboards.

Adding to the difference that we see these days, kids and teens are taught in their schools with the use of multimedia which includes information  content processing devices like computerized and electronic devices which can also be part of a live performance. Oftentimes, multimedia also describes electronic media.

Our kids’ education and learning are not only limited to the four walls of the school. Since the advent of the internet, learning has become dependent on what information can be drawn from different website content. Kids and teens these days can easily access information via mobile phones, notebooks or through the public library’s computers which have Internet access. The information drawn from all these devices makes learning accessible anytime, anywhere.

But how about the downside? In as much as kids and teens can access any kind of information, they might come across certain content that are inappropriate for their age, or things that require the supervision and guidance of adults. The Internet is a fun and enjoyable place to visit and draw all kinds of information from (and can be a great teacher, too!) but with improper use and handling, it can lead a child or teen to destructive behaviour and unhealthy practices.

All the other tech stuff we have (and enjoy) these days, can be great tools if we know how to use them properly. Still it is us who dictate how to use such technology, and not the other way around. I could discuss at great lengths regarding media and technology responsibility (and its many uses, functions and benefits). But there is one thing that I’d like everyone to know—such technology increases our knowledge. Now it is up to us, how we can responsibly use these things to serve its purpose and contribute to the betterment of our lives, especially the lives of our children.

Buyer Beware Project: H1N1 and Higher Education—how prepared are we?

(Just for this time, we will sidetrack a bit and discuss a prevalent issue that captures the attention of almost everyone. This particular blog post is based on our project that we had presented in our advertising class. I have also included some of my insights regarding the issue. After reading, please feel free to share your comments and feedbacks on the subject. )


The H1N1 influenza virus is really a hot topic. Newspapers everywhere generally have an article on the issue, especially that the cold and flu season has begun. Sickness is a reality and everyone should be concerned including students.

There are about 87,000 post-secondary students in Manitoba or about 7 per cent of the province’s population. It is surprising to know that there are rarely any reports on the management of H1N1 influenza virus in post-secondary institutions. As a result, our team set-off to close the gap.

We did a research on five major post-secondary institutions namely, University of Manitoba, The University of Winnipeg, Red River College, Brandon University and Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface, by getting available information on H1N1. We searched each institution’s website and found a pandemic preparedness plan. We then put all the information in a comparison chart showing the different plans and policies set in place and made available to the public. The comparison chart is meant to show how much information each pandemic preparedness plan has, from background information to recovery. Here is rating of the five institutions, where `five stars′ means having the most information.

Our chart shows that all five post-secondary institutions have at least, a basic background information on H1N1.

University of Manitoba -5 stars
The University of Winnipeg -4 stars
Red River College -5 stars
Brandon University -4 stars
Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface -5 stars

The chart also shows that University of Manitoba, The University of Winnipeg and Red River College have information on the impact of employee and student absenteeism. Out of the five, only University of Manitoba and Red River College touch on the possibility of supply shortage and facility closure. The University of Manitoba is the only institution that anticipates financial setbacks.

University of Manitoba -5 stars
The University of Winnipeg -2.5 stars
Red River College -4.5stars
Brandon University
University and Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface

Also referring to the chart, an outline of roles and responsibilities from each institution in the event of an outbreak is included except for Brandon University. Only University of Manitoba and Red River College mentioned about the existence of a Pandemic Planning Committee and an Emergency Operations Centre. The University of Manitoba is the only one in the group that gives details on the roles and responsibilities of the president, vice-chancellor, deans, directors and department heads.

University of Manitoba -5 stars
The University of Winnipeg -2.5 stars
Red River College -4.5 stars
Brandon University
University and Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface -1.5 stars

Since problems are anticipated to happen in the event of a pandemic outbreak, information on how to deal with a specific problem will be helpful. All five post-secondary institutions except Brandon University have specified guidelines on how to handle human resources, facilities, and information technology infrastructures. Only University of Manitoba gives information to students living in residence and housing facilities. Also, it’s the only institution that talks about making provisions for public safety, financial services, food services and issues on legalities.

University of Manitoba -4.5 stars
The University of Winnipeg -1 star
Red River College -3 stars
Brandon University
University and Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface -1 star

In the event of a pandemic, University of Manitoba and Red River College have information on recovery in case of a pandemic. Both post-secondary institutions focus on making psychological support to students and staff. Also, both indicate the possibility of replacing staff due to an illness. The University of Manitoba also mentions a plan in place for writing up post-pandemic reports.

University of Manitoba -5 stars
The University of Winnipeg
Red River College -4.5 stars
Brandon University
University and Collège universitaire de Saint-Boniface

The comparison chart is not meant to criticize any institution, but to simply show the amount of information made available to students.

Part of our research was to consult two public relations experts in crisis communications, namely, Melanie Lee Lockhart and Therese Mickelson. According to them, a good crisis plan should aim to prepare for any situation; be short and simple in the event that a non-crisis committee member can read and act out the plan; be flexible for a changing situation; be well thought out that the institution can respond to the crisis immediately through every media outlet possible; anticipate its audiences′ needs; be prepared to help its team and audience deal with the emotional and physical aspects of a crisis; make everyone’s role in the team clear, and be portable and easily accessible so that each crisis team member can carry the plan with him or her at all times.

This study is a big discovery in itself. As students, we just want to be fully informed about the H1N1 influenza virus and what the post-secondary institutions have planned to address the problem. We found out that—
• A communication plan is different from a crisis plan. A communication plan tells how information is going to be disseminated to staff and students. A crisis plan on the other hand describes how to deal with the problem.
• Every plan is custom-fit to suit an institution′s priorities and values.
• A pandemic plan is not entirely made public. This is because of the possibility that if the plan was entirely revealed, it could change people’s behaviour. If it’s in the wrong hands, it may cause paranoia and fear mongering.
• Assuming each institution would have some sort of plan in place.


I have said earlier that our report was not intended to criticize each institution′s H1N1 pandemic preparedness plan. It is simply meant to create awareness among students that a larger plan is set in place.

Students have little knowledge about their institutions′ crisis plan. As what our experts had said, a crisis communication plan is released in small portions, and when time demands for it. At the present, the most we can do is to continue on with our daily lives as normally as possible. We are to stay up-to-date with H1N1 in our institutions by visiting our schools′ websites. If we have any questions, we are also encouraged to address them to relevant school officials. Both students and staff are to follow preventative measures, and crisis team members and instructors should reassure students that a bigger plan is set in place.

This project opened my eyes to the fact that, there is only so much we can do and absorb at one time. I am eager to know what specific plans have been set in place by my school, to address the potential outbreak of H1N1 influenza virus especially during and after the outbreak. This project raised my curiosity even more on how the people in the pandemic committee will handle the situation, should there be an eventual outbreak. But after learning from our two public relations experts that a communication crisis plan is normally set in place, even without the audience knowing about it, that somehow gives me peace of mind that there are plans prepared beforehand. It is true that if the communication crisis plan was in the wrong hands, it could cause more fear mongering than help calm down the situation.

The most we can do at this time is to remind ourselves the importance of hand washing and to follow the preventative measures used for a typical flu. Here is a video that will show you simple steps to prevent yourself from getting the flu.

With A Little Help From My Friends

Oh, aren't we all thankful that we have friends to lean on?...I am!

In the midst of our busy lives and the mundane time we spend on trivial things, the listening ear and comforting words of a friend makes all the difference. Friendship brings back memories of times spent on the beach, at the playground or at the first school you went to. You recall the first person who came up to you and said, "What's your name?" or that somebody who shared her toy with you, 'though she only had one.

Over the years, I have collected dozens of letters from friends near and far. I have this big carton box, full of letters and cards from special people, who either remembered my birthday or simply dropped me a note to find out how I was doing. That big carton box is still in my parents' house, where I am sure it will be kept safe.

Growing up, I collected different kinds of  stationeries. Most were perfumed and fancy-looking. I used to swap stationeries with friends from school and around the neighbourhood. Collecting it was the coolest thing to do. I would normally end up with stacks of decorated papers, and try to figure out how I am going to store them. Collecting stationeries was the 'in' thing to do. But if I were to look at the difference between then and now, my girls would rather swap their DS game cards with their friends. I observe that friendship takes a whole new meaning these days--little girls don't swap stationeries anymore but rather, they exchange virtual names of characters they created, so they can invite one another in their own make-believe world on the internet. Still, my girls would love to have their friends over at home, so they can play, watch a really good movie and do some crafts.

Two nights ago, I watched a video featuring Prime Minister Stephen Harper belting out the song, "With A Little Help From My Friends," by the Beatles. It was a surprise appearance at a National Arts Centre gala, where the elite, prominent movers and shakers in the society were present. I think he's 'cool' and his rendition of the song is amazing. I am wondering now whether Harper sings on a regular basis.  I mean, does he sing in front of his friends? Well, he sang quite well in the video. He was confident and so relaxed. He even poked fun at himself, wryly singing, “I need somebody to love.” To add some colour and bring  some warm sunshine to my blog, I chose to post his video. By the way, here are the lyrics of the song for your reading. Enjoy!


With A Little Help From My Friends

What would you think if I sang out of tune,
would you stand up and walk out on me?
Lend me your ears and I'll sing you a song,
and I'll try not to sing out of key.

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends.
Mm, I get high with a little help from my friends.
Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends.

What do I do when my love is away?
(Does it worry you to be alone?)
How do I feel by the end of the day?
(Are you sad because you're on your own?)

No, I get by with a little help from my friends
Mm, I get high with a little help from my friends.
Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends.

Do you need anybody?
I need somebody to love.
Could it be anybody?
I want somebody to love.

Would you believe in a love at first sight?
Yes, I'm certain that it happens all the time.
What do you see when you turn out the light?
I can't tell you but I know it's mine.

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends.
Mm, I get high with a little help from my friends.
Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends.

Do you need anybody?
I just need someone to love.
Could it be anybody?
I want somebody to love.

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends.
Mm, I get high with a little help from my friends.
Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends.
...with a little help from my friends.

Hit Hard by Typhoon "Ondoy"

September 26, 2009 is a date to remember for many Filipinos who were hit hard by “Bagyong Ondoy” or known as Typhoon Ketsana (international designation). “Ondoy” brought the worst rainfall in Metro Manila among recorded typhoons. Flood water levels reached 20 feet high in rural areas. This typhoon poured down a month’s rain in just 12 hours.

Five days after “Ondoy” hit Metro Manila, many residents are still struggling with the aftermath of the storm’s fury. Many people were displaced and the number of dead bodies found is still increasing. Most establishments are still closed; hospitals are still buried in mud; schools are still used as evacuation centres and many families, including my closest friends, are picking up the pieces of what’s left behind.

I can’t help but be overwhelmed and be sympathetic to those people who are devastated by this typhoon. Floodwaters reached the homes of almost everyone I know, including friends, former colleagues and classmates from high school. Our house in Marikina was not spared from the flood, too. I can imagine the thick mud clinging onto the walls; photo albums, appliances and garbage all strewn, all over the floor.

A very close friend of mine, shares her “Ondoy” experience. When she woke up that Saturday morning, it was raining very hard and the sky was dark. Later on, she was surprised to see floodwater seeping into her house. Her instinct tells her to rush to the kitchen and grab whatever food she can find. Since the water was already knee-high deep at that time and was rising very fast, there was no other option left but to leave the house. Her husband carried their child, and came back to help her. At that moment, my friend was not able to bring anything with her. It was a time that one has to think how to survive, and save the people you love. My friend recounted that the flood level was almost chest-high, when she left the house.

Early this week, I tried calling my parents who live in the suburbs near Metro Manila and find out how they’re doing. But the phone lines were dead as it was the case with hundreds of residents. I checked my email and read my sister’s letter and was relieved to know that my parents are alright ‘though my mom can’t help but cry for the fate of many other families. I am hoping that I can get in touch with them the soonest possible time.

Although typhoon “Ondoy” had already left the country, the aftermath of the typhoon is a huge problem to face. Not only did the local officials admitted that they were not ready for such a magnitude in terms of their preparedness to address the problem, but the many lives of many Filipinos, both rich and poor, are scarred forever. As what my friend said,” it’s like starting anew”—picking up the pieces from where you’ve left. You’re fortunate if you’re still able to retrieve some of your possessions but the truth is, many of their possessions were literally washed-out...tainted...destroyed by the floodwaters. It’s an indescribable situation. The loss was too much bear. But as one friend said, she’s happy that no one got hurt in her family.

The flood had affected a quarter of metropolitan Manila and some 24 provinces around the country. The typhoon “Ondoy” was one of the worst seen in recent history. The people described it as if a tsunami came and brought immeasurable havoc. People most affected by the typhoon and flood were those who lived in slum areas where houses were just made of cardboards and old roofing materials. They are the poorest among the poor. Those people have no one to depend on, except for the help and support coming from the government and non-government agencies. Although the floodwaters have subsided in most areas, they are left with debris and mud in their wake.

At this time, emergency relief efforts are underway providing healthcare, food supplies and clothing. Many organizations have stepped in to lend a helping hand and UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund), is providing hygiene kits, water purification tablets, essential medicines, portable toilets and family kits containing soaps and blankets. Emergency relief efforts are coming from all directions including the government, other communities not hit by the flood and various humanitarian organizations.

In calamities like this, the most affected in the society are the children. They are vulnerable to different kinds of waterborne diseases and even malnutrition. Not only is their physical well-being affected but as well as their psychosocial health. I am very much aware of the different organizations working very hard to reach this segment of the society such as the Philippine National Red Cross and World Vision to name a few. I am also amazed at the compassion shown by other people from other countries, which extend their support at this time of need. My graduating class, St. Scholastica’s Academy of Marikina batch 1990, has organized a committee to help out fellow alumni who were affected by typhoon “Ondoy”. If you are interested to help, please click here—S t. Scholastica’s Academy of Marikina batch 1990 and your support will be used directly to the flood victims in Marikina City, which is one of the hardest hit by typhoon “Ondoy”. A peso/dollar account is made available to pool funds to help the families directly.

If you prefer to course through your donation to buy medical supplies, food, hygiene kits and others, please visit UNICEF Canada Prairie Region at http://www.unicef.ca/. Another way for you to help is to send your donations to World Vision Philippines. I know the director personally, and his team is doing a great job in helping a lot of displaced families. Please visit them at http://www.worldvision.org.ph/.

For your information, we are also organizing a relief mission project to help victims in the Philippines. We will be collecting clothes and other donations to be sent directly to the areas, hardest hit by typhoon “Ondoy”. I will be working hand-in-hand with other Filipinos in the community and with a team of pastors in a big church organization here in Winnipeg. If you are interested in donating clothes, shoes, etc. to this effort, please reply to this blog and I will do my best to answer back.

For updates on the aftermath of typhoon “Ondoy,” please click on this link http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/.