Sajed S. Ingilan

Pointers for the Midterm Exam

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 05 Sep 2013 09:57:00 +0000

1. Grammar
1.1 Synonyms and Antonyms
1.2 Morphemes
1.3 Verb Tenses
2. Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusion
3. Outlining
4. Paraphrasing and Summarizing

Online Quiz 5 for AB Literature and BIT Students

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 25 Aug 2013 10:59:00 +0000

Good day, students. You have just finished taking the Prelim Exam and you are now ready to proceed to the next lesson, Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions.With this, I want you to do these tasks:

1. Read the following travel articles :

A. http://bit.ly/16PdWT1

b.http://bit.ly/16PdZOJ

c. http://bit.ly/14FykjR

d. http://bit.ly/14FyoA3

e. http://bit.ly/16PeoAC

f. http://bit.ly/1dfm2rx

g. http://bit.ly/16PftbC

2. Choose one article. Make an inference about the title. What does it imply?

3. Please go over with the content of the chosen article, and then arrive at a conclusion as to the overall experience of the traveler.

Please post your answer below on or before August 30, 2013, Friday, 9 p.m.

Online Quiz 5 for BSBA and BS Geo Students

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 12:20:00 +0000

Good day, students. You have just finished taking the Prelim Exam and you are now ready to proceed to the next lesson, Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions.With this, I want you to do these tasks:

1. Read the following travel articles :

a. http://bit.ly/16PdWT1

b. http://bit.ly/16PdZOJ

c. http://bit.ly/14FykjR

d. http://bit.ly/14FyoA3

e. http://bit.ly/16Pekku

f. http://bit.ly/16PeoAC

2. Choose one article. Make an inference about the title. What does it imply?

3. Please go over with the content of the chosen article, and then arrive at a conclusion as to the overall experience of the traveler.

Please post your answer below on or before August 26, 2013,Monday, 6 p.m.

Online Quiz 5 for BS ECE Students

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 19 Aug 2013 15:45:00 +0000

1. Read the following travel articles :

(a.) http://bit.ly/16PdWT1

(b.) http://bit.ly/16PdZOJ

(c.) http://bit.ly/14FykjR

(d.) http://bit.ly/14FyoA3

(e.) http://bit.ly/14FzdZE

(f.) http://bit.ly/16Pekku

(g.) http://bit.ly/16PftbC

2. Choose one article. Make an inference about the title. What does it imply?

3. Please go over with the content of the chosen article, and then arrive at a conclusion as to the overall experience of the traveler.

Please post your answer below on or before August 22, 2013,Thursday, 9 p.m.

The Unplanned Travel in Cavite

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 19 Aug 2013 14:35:00 +0000

The thoughts and jokes of the doctors during our sojourn in Cavite are still fresh in my mind. It was an unplanned trip which started when we had our sudden visit at Dr. Rodney’s residence in Penaplata, Island Garden City of Samal, Philippines.

The green green grass in Penaplata, Island Garden of Samal gives a sense of contentment to the people here.

Dr. Rodney, head of the Filipino Studies Program at the University of Hawaii in Hilo, invited us to have a dinner at his home before he would go back to his new home : University of Hawaii in Hilo, United States of America. While Cocoy was serenading the group ( We were with the cousins of Dr. Rodney) at Moonstar Mountain Resort in Penaplata, Dr. Rodney told me that his flight to Manila would be on August 14, 2013, Wednesday, 11:40 a.m. via Philippine Airlines. “Sir, August 16 is a local holiday here in Davao.”, I replied. “Oh! Why not join us in our talk at De La Salle Dasmarinas, Cavite. Then, we will go to Tagaytay and Manila.” , Dr. Rodney suggested. Oh, it sounds inviting!

Wandering at Moonstar Mountain Resort.

“Kapatid, let us join them in Manila.”

“Huh? How about my work?”, Cocoy responded.

“ Unsay work? Holiday man sa Friday. Sige raka work. Relax-relax pud”.

“Wala koy kwrta kapatid.”

Instantly, we got tickets. Thanks to the online purchase of tickets!

Waiting for the fight bound to Manila.

While everyone was busy celebrating the Kadayawan Festival, Cocoy and I went to Manila last August 16, 2013 and we went directly to the place of Dr. Francis Dumanig at Tierra Nevada, General Trias, Cavite. Dr. Francis is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

From the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Dr. Francis rented a taxi for Php 1,200. “Sosyal talaga itong si Francis.”, Dr. Rodney commented as we entered the subdivision owned by politician Manuel Villar. “Alam niyo yung mga pinamimigay ni Willie Revillame sa kanyang programa, andito yung mga bahay. Andun o. Tingnan niyo.”, Dr. Francis said as he toured us in his place. “ Magkano ba ang bahay dito Frans? Bibili ako. Masarap ang hangin dito.” , Dr. Rodney asked.

Feel at home at Tierra Nevada, Gen. Trias, Cavite.

After having our dinner at around 10 p.m., Dr. Rodney wanted to walk around the subdivision. “I need to burn calories.” As we walked, we ate a penoy ( duck egg which is not fully developed similar to hard-boiled egg). That was my first time to eat it. “Ayos man diay ang Cavite Sir. Lami kaayo ang hangin diri ba.”, Cocoy shared. “ Kuha diri Saj.”

The two professors shared their pieces of advice while we were having our midnight snacks in a convenience store inside the Tierra Nevada. “You are still young. Work abroad lah. Once you are there, you can travel the world. “, Dr. Rodney enlightened us. “Eat healthy foods. Do not abuse yourself.” Though we slept around 3 a.m., I and Cocoy did not regret because we got brilliant words from these two professors.

On August 17, Saturday, we went to De La Salle University Dasmarinas, Cavite and it was a blast because we had a chance to talk to the faculty of the College of Liberal Arts and Communication during our lunch and attended a seminar on Language, Culture, and Identity.

The National Book Store inside DLSU Dasma.

“Ayos kaayo ilang school Saj. Mas ayos pa sa USEP. Naa silay National Bookstore sa sulod, museum, dako kaayo ang library, luag ang oval, daghan mini-hotels. Then ang architecture sa ilang building panahon pa ng mga Kastila. Naa pay Aklatang Emilio Aguinaldo o! “, Cocoy realized. “Siyempre Cavite eto kapatid. Very historical.”,I answered.

The Tourism students of DLSU Dasma toured us in the museum. “Sir eto po yung mga kababaihan noon. Sabi po nila kapag di po nakangiti, ibig sabihin noon mga birhen pa.”, a male tourist guide described the picture on the wall. “ Aba si Lola nakangiti, ibig sabihin di na siya birhen.”, Dr. Rodney commented as he laughed out loud. “Sir huwag ninyo pong tawanan yung mga larawan diyan na nakasabit.Magagalit po sila.” “Mayroon din po talagang nagpapakita dito sa museum na ito. Totoo po yun. “

“Akala ko hindi ganito ang DLSU Dasma. Mas maganda pa sa DLSU Manila, sa totoo lang.”, Dr. Francis said during our tour in the campus. Dr. Francis spent some years for his Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics in DLSU Manila. Thanks to the young and active Dean Christian C. Francisco of the College of Liberal Arts and Communication for driving us.

After listening to the talk of the professors who are connected with the different universities outside the Philippines, we stayed for a while at SM Dasma and had bibingka for our snacks. “Dili man diay ni made of rice Sir. Harina man diay. Mas lami pa ang bingka sa Comval.”, I uttered these words as I tasted the bibingka in Cavite. “Mas lami pa ang bingka sa Digos Sir.”, Cocoy continued. We then proceeded to Robinsons and we saw there the church of Cocoy. “Uy, naa man diay diri ang simbahan sa mga sosyal, Ang Victory. “ , Dr. Rodney commented. “ Mao ni ang relihiyon nina Piolo Pascual ug Sam Milby. Alive, alive jud.”

On August 18, Sunday, Dr. Francis brought us to Tagaytay and we were with Dr. Daisy Orcullo, a professor in Malaysia, her husband Billy, and her nephew Ibrahim, who are all Balik Islam or Muslim converts. Allahu Akbar!

Ibrahim, Billy, and Dr. Daisy bought some items in Memory Lane.

Actually, this is my second time to visit Tagaytay. I first admired the sceneries way back in November 2010 with my fellow Language teachers at USEP. This time, the admiration still remains as I visited the Memory Lane, a store owned by Filipina actress Jolina Magdangal. “Wow.Ang ganda..parang castle…Ito talag yung nakikita ko sa tv at nababasa sa magazine.”, Dr. Daisy praised the establishment of Ate Jolina.

At Jolina Magdangal's store "Memory Lane".

It sells memorabilia that Jolina bought during her travel around the world. “Mao ra ni? Wa may wi-fi diri kay Jolina. Kapobre.”, Dr. Rodney commented.

The newly constructed Skyranch for leisure .

And it was so cold in Tagaytay because it was raining but still, we enjoyed the place as we were enchanted by the Skyranch. “It looks like Genting Highlands in Malaysia. Malamig talaga. Maganda pa ito kaysa sa Baguio.”, Dr. Daisy appreciated the place. “This is my first time here. Maganda talaga dito kami nagcelebrate ng anniversary namin.” Dr. Orcullo treated us a coffee since it was raining. We had a good dine at Max’s Restaurant and thanks to Dr. Rodney for treating us. “I just talked for 30 minutes and DLSU Dasma gave me Php 5, 000. Let us celebrate!”

The active Taal volcano.

Enjoying the fresh air in Tagaytay City.

“ Mubuto lagi ng Taal Volcano lagi diri. Sige rata katawa.” We were so happy during our stay in Tagaytay. “Tigbason” is the big word. Dr. Rodney shared that when his brother went to Marawi City in the Philippines, he was forced to buy 12 pairs of slippers. “ Ang akong igsoon nagpili-pili ug tsinelas didto sa tindahan sa Maranao sa Marawi. Sige man ug sukud-sukud sa tsinelas ug giingnan sa Maranao, “Kung dili ka mupalit sa tsinelas, TIGBASON!” . We all laughed. Muslims are known to be harsh but Ibrahim, whose parents are Boholono who are now Balik Islam, said, “Di naman po siguru ganun Sir.”

Dr. Francis, Dr. Daisy, and Dr. Rodney are relaxing in Tagaytay.

The foods that we had for our lunch were all halal, because if someone orders a non-halal food, tigbason!

When we were going back to Cavite, a truck with loads of pigs passed by, “Hala naay baboy!”, Dr. Rodney noticed, and Dr. Orcullo said, “Hala Tigbason!”. And we all laughed again inside the private car rented by Dr. Francis.

Danny sent us from Cavite to Ermita, Manila. “Danny, ihatid mo kami sa Maynila kasi kung hindi, tigbason!”. Danny now knows the meaning of the Cebuano term , “tigbason”.

Cocoy, my college barkada, my travel buddy.

We stayed in a hotel in Ermita. We had a coffee session and dinner in the hotel since it was raining because of typhoon Maring. “Kuy, naa mi Ermita”, my text to a friend who is staying near UP Diliman. “Nah. Party2 diay inyo tirada diha Kuy.”, he replied. That was my first time to visit Ermita and I heard a lot of stories about this place. “Manila: Gates of Hell”. This was the comment of Dan Brown in his intriguing novel, Inferno. “Why kapatid?”, I asked my friend Cocoy. “Look at those prosti. They are few of the reasons why Manila is tagged like that. “, he pointed his mouth to the prosti inside and outside the hotel. “Sana magdamit naman ng maayos itong mga prosti nato para hindi nakakahiya.”, my remark after witnessing an Arab who ignored two prosti. “I don’t like. Sorry.”, an Arab strongly said. “Kapatid, hindi yun chicks. Bayot to.”, Cocoy discovered. “Tan-awa ang totoy. Fake mana.” While staying in the hotel, I witnessed also other international tourists like Japanese, Koreans, and Chinese along the street of Ermita. “Hadluka diri uy. Tan awa to Saj o murag kanang hudas gani kanang sindikato sa pelikula. Nakaalahas. Opaw. Naa mga bodyguard.”

If you want to have sex, just visit this place. I was just shocked because these foreigners were with prosti who were not that pretty. In my view, these foreigners were only after of sex or maybe because our perspective really varies. Though it was raining, still the negotiation continued. Business as usual. “Pero wa japun makapildi sa Silom sa Thailand. Grabe ang boom-boom didto.”

“Tara na! Manguli nata sa Davao!”. We arrived safely in Davao just this morning at around 10:05 amidst the typhoon Maring.

Relaxing at Britannia Group of Islands ( Part One)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 16 Aug 2013 02:01:00 +0000

I have been handling classes every summer in my university, but this would not hinder me to enjoy what is due to my body. When Jared, my friend working at Wyeth who was based in Butuan City, invited us to visit Britannia Group of Islands, I immediately replied, “ Sure. We will be there.” And Jared assured us that he would take care of our stay in Butuan and Surigao.

The Britannia Group of Islands

“Ayos kaayo ang Britannia Jed. Cool lagi kaayo ang place. Lami pajud ang food. Presko. Mura lang.” Jared often texted these lines to me. “Oh? Ayos pa sa Camiguin? Kuyaw! Adtuon nato na!” I dismissed my English Bridge Program class at 3 p.m. since that was our 10^th day. English Bridge Program is a course designed to incoming freshmen to enrich their communication skills and prepare them to college life. “ Tara na! Idismiss na nah imung klase! Naghulat na ang Britannia sa atoa! , Lex messaged me.

On May 25, 2012, Lex and I took a Bachelor Tour bus bound to Butuan City since our friend, Jared, was in Butuan City waiting for our arrival. It took around eight hours before we reached the pad of Jared and he welcomed us with his car. We arrived at 12 midnight and immediately hit the sack to prepare for our travel to Britannia Islands. But Jared did not sleep with us. “ Kuy, wala diri natulog si Jared. Gibiyaan ta. Delikado ni.”, Lex said when he woke up. “ Didto ko natulog sa hotel uy. Sayang kaayo kay nilakaw na akong boss. Sayang ang bayad sa hotel if walay matulog.”, Jared replied. “Pastilan. Didto na lang unta mi nimu gipatulog Ja.”, I continued.

“Ja, guapa lagi imung kauban sa haus. Uyab nimu na?”, Lex interestingly asked.

“ Buang. Dili uy. Friend ko mana si Daphne. “

“Ipaila ila ko ana beh. Chix kaau bai.”.

“Kaligo namu uy. Taas taas pa atung biyahe. Ako baya inung driver. Paita”, Jared said.

“Okay! Joyride ta ani ron!”

“Sweet dreams in a beautiful nightmare.” This was the line that we often heard while we were in the car. “ Kuyawa nimu ug sound trip Ja uy. Jessica Sanchez man kaayo.”, Lex commented. “ Chix kaau ug sounds si Jared”, I laughed. Jared thanked us because we joined him. He was not bored with the travel because Lex and I were there. Lex and I were Jared’s good friends not because Jared has the car and the money, but because we are his true barkada. Yes, Jared has the money but he is so “kuripot”. All his friends knew that.

We stopped at Jollibee San Frans in Agusan del Sur. “ Diri rata para tipid. Makabusog man japun.”

“OK. Payts!”, Lex uttered. “ Mamili pamu. Libre na baya inung sakay. Ambi inung kwrta beh mamalit for breakfast.” , Jared said. “ Atay. Abi ba nako libre ni.”, I commented.

On our way to Britannia, we had a glimpse of some islets. “ Jed , mao na nah. Mao na atung adtuan.”

“ Bulag bulag jud diay Ja oh”.

Britannia Group of Islands is the paradise of Surigao del Sur situated in Barangay Britannia, San Agustin. It is composed of 24 islets scattered in the open sea.

“Tara! Ligo na ta! Asa man atung sakyan?”, Lex excitingly remarked to Jared.

“Hulat. Order sah ta pagkaon para after the island hopping maniudto nata. Dugay2 baya ta sa isla.”, Jared replied.

Jared is enjoying the sun and the sand.

“Atay. Gigutom na bya ko. Sige lang makaya ra. Laag sah ta.”, Sajed uttered.

We rented a boat to tour the Britannia Group of Islands. Cool waters. White beaches. This is what I love. This is what relaxation means. This is an escape indeed from a busy life in Davao City.

I could not memorize anymore the names of the islets that we visited. What I have in mind are the swimming sessions and sun bathing that we had. In one island, a group of ladies was asking our names and I said to Lex, “Kuy, makatira jud ka diri. “ And as went on, we discovered that the ladies were from Bangkal, Davao City. What a small world! There was one lady also who get interested with Jared, but Jared ignored. It is not his type.

Lex: " I am now a good swimmer."

Lex was not a good swimmer, but when we were in Britannia, he had learned how to swim. “Kabalo nako Kuy. Kabalo nako mulangoy.”

“Ja, praktis ug langoy ba. Naunsa.”

Life is cool in Britannia.

“Jed, akong heart. Di makaya.”

Online Quiz 5 for BSEcon and BS Entrep Students

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 15 Aug 2013 14:27:00 +0000

Good day, students. You have just finished taking the Prelim Exam and you are now ready to proceed to the next lesson, Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions. I will be at De La Salle Manila this weekend to attend a seminar , and I will be back on Monday morning, thus I cannot attend in our class. With this, I want you to do these tasks:

1. Read the following travel articles :

( a.) http://sajedsingilan.blogspot.com/2013/08/a-summer-to-remember-in-boracay-part-two.html ;

( b.) http://sajedsingilan.blogspot.com/2013/08/a-summer-to-remember-in-boracay-part-one.html;

( c ) http://sajedsingilan.blogspot.com/2013/07/malaysia-my-new-home.html;

( d ) http://sajedsingilan.blogspot.com/2013/07/malaysia-my-new-home-part-two.html;

(e ) http://sajedsingilan.blogspot.com/2013/07/malaysia-my-new-home-part-three_28.html;

( f) http://sajedsingilan.blogspot.com/2013/07/exploring-city-of-angels.html

2. Choose one article. Make an inference about the title. What does it imply?

3. Please go over with the content of the chosen article, and then arrive at a conclusion as to the overall experience of the traveler.

Please post your answer on or before August 19, 2013,Monday, 9 p.m.

P.S. You may answer this during our time. Just go to the virtual library of USEP.

Online Quiz 5 for BSME Students

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 15 Aug 2013 14:19:00 +0000

Pointers for the Prelim Exam in English 1

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 12 Aug 2013 08:14:00 +0000

1. Familiarize the terms: UNIVERSAL GRAMMAR, LEXICON, PHONETICS, MORPHOLOGY, SYNTAX, SEMANTICS, EXPLETIVE, AUXILIARY
2. Context Clues
3. Reading Comprehension

Your instructor will provide the booklet.

A Summer to Remember in Boracay (Part Two)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 11 Aug 2013 02:37:00 +0000

Life was cool in Boracay as I enjoyed the White Beach which has three sections: Station 1 dubbed as the most expensive station because of its luxurious hotels and establishments located in the northernmost part ; Station 2, the place where we stayed, is the center of White Beach and the best place to shop, eat, and party; and Station 3 is the southernmost section and the most peaceful place.

Mango shake in the morning at White Beach, Boracay.

Night life was so hyper in Boracay. One of the attractions was the fire dancing,, and La Carmela de Boracay has this in their pool. Many tourists, local and foreign, were busy watching the fire dancers exhibiting their talents. And I was one of them who was mesmerized with their performance. Your night life in Bora would not be complete if you would not go on partying at the famous and elegant Epic Bar where tourists, and the artists were spending their precious moments with friends and family. I joined the party at Epic Bar with friends from Manila, Makati, Cebu, and even from Norway, India, Japan, and Russia.

I am with Kenny, an economist, a friend from Russia.

Beautiful ladies, handsome men, pretty gays, gentle lesbians were gathered together to dance with the music. The loud music plus the noise from the tourists made the experience worth remembering. As I roamed around, I happily witnessed also the dancing chefs. They cooked at the same time danced. The night life started at 6 p.m. and ended in the morning, and people just enjoyed partying without considering the expenses and of course the effects of the alcohol.

Fire dancing at La Carmela de Boracay.

I did not have the grand time enjoying the water adventures in Boracay since my primary purpose was to present a paper in the international conference. Though the schedule was so hectic, I found time for island hopping with friends from India, Norway, and Manila. At least, I had a panoramic view of the beautiful and world-class Boracay. Bora is Bora indeed. While we were in the middle of the sea, there was this man in his 40s who asked for a tax. “Sir, bayad po.” My friend from Manila answered, “ Ha? May bayad ba pati rito? Dagat na to ah.” Another man was also busy selling ice cream in the middle of the sea. “Ice cream po. 50 pesos.” My friend reacted, “Bat ang mahal manong? 30 pesos lang yan sa Convenience Store ah”. We all laughed.

My swimming buddies in Bora.

And we reached also the island where the bats are resting. We wanted to visit the island but we needed to pay again so we just decided to stay in the sea and glanced at the bats. We had a stop over at Puka Beach. We visited already the Puka Beach during the Day 2 of the conference prior to the island hopping. Puka is a virgin beach as what they say and it was so relaxing so stay here. Only few, most of them were foreigners, were there swimming and sun bathing.

The cool atmosphere at Puka Beach.

“Bora is full of haram.” This was the statement of my Malaysian friend. Sexy ladies and men were sprouting. You cannot afford to close your eyes because you will miss the chances, the chances of watching these bodies. If you want to feel heaven, just stay in Bora and you will have a grand time enjoying what has life to offer.

Nurul Jannah, my good friend from Malaysia.

After the conference? Swimming in the conference pool.

A Summer to Remember in Boracay (Part One)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 10 Aug 2013 02:17:00 +0000

Boracay beats Santorini, Greece and Bali, Indonesia as World’s Best Island. This amazed me so I decided that I would go for paper presentation at the First International Young Scholars Conference hosted by De La Salle University Manila on May 17-19, 2013.

Boracay, the world's best island!

I really wanted to visit Boracay. I have often read and heard comments that Bora is famous for its white sand , luxurious hotels, bars, relaxing spas, and challenging water adventures. Sound exciting indeed! Bora is often featured in television and magazines and I just could not wait when would I spend my summer in Bora. And when I received a letter of acceptance from DLSU Manila that my paper on Tausug and Kagan legends was accepted for paper presentation, I said to myself, “ This is now the time to be in the world’s best island”. A colleague of mine also sent her abstract, but unfortunately, she did not receive a letter of acceptance. I invited also some of my colleagues to join me in the conference but due to financial constraint, they did not make it.

Coffee break with the keynote speaker, Dr. James Franklin from the University of New South Wales, Australia.

I have been a beach lover since time immemorial ( just kidding. Our house is near the beach. The bay is my playground and I am not exaggerating.) I have enjoyed the beaches in Davao del Sur, Samal Island, Saranggani, Surigao, and Camiguin. And this time, I would invade Bora!

My summer in Bora was not boring. The energy from my colleagues in USEP Obrero and Tagum kept me burning plus my international friends from Australia, Norway, Malaysia, Japan, India, Indonesia were always there to complete the crowd.

Enjoying the sumptuous lunch with colleagues from USEP Tagum.

The Boracay Eco-village Convention Center accommodated the paper presenters and researchers all over the world. It is a 20-minute ride from our hotel in Station 2. We stay in a hotel located at the back of the famous La Carmela de Boracay. Our co-participants often asked, “Where are you staying?” And I replied, “La Carmela.. at the back of La Carmela.” We only paid Php 1, 500 a night and it is an air-conditioned room, has two beds, and toilet. Not bad for a traveller. Thanks to Dr. Yee, a colleague from USEP Obrero, for booking this hotel. I really had a hard time where to stay and I always asked my friend, Lex who went to Bora last March 2012, on where to stay but Lex just said to me, “ Sa Station 2 kuy. Mura didto. Station 2.”

Expensive. Luxurious. These were the adjectives that I often heard from my friends who just spent their vacation. And yes, I was shocked when we were about to ride a tricycle from La Carmela de Boracay to the highway ( it is a just a five-minute walk) and the driver asked us to pay Php 50. What on earth are they thinking! "Bat ang mahal? Ganyan ba kamahal ang sipa ang mga driver sa Bora?", Iko asked. Iko and I decided to walk. Iko wanted to ride a tricycle because he wore a formal attire ( very formal : long sleeve, pants, coat and tie) while I had just my polo shirt and pants. “ Sir, ang daya mo. Bat ka naka ganyan lang? “ I smiled and replied, “ Comfortable ako rito Sir eh.” From the highway, we took a tricycle to the venue and the driver asked us to pay Php 100. That’s Bora anyway.

USEP holds Applied Linguistics Seminar

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 18:13:00 +0000

The Language Department of the University of the Southeastern Philippines (USeP) holds a two-day seminar on Applied Linguistics on August 1-2, 2013 at the Social Hall of the university.

The working committee headed by Dr. Roble, takes a pose with the speakers.

The seminar aims to actively contribute to the development of all subject areas in Applied Linguistics; to promote the exchange of linguistic knowledge and best practices in the language classrooms; to stimulate cooperation among educators and researchers in the field of Applied Linguistics; to foster understanding regarding linguistic issues and collaborate with other organizations/institutions with related objectives and goals.

The LSM members with Dr. Milagros Villas, President and Sajed S. Ingilan. Treasurer.

Speakers were : (1) Dr. Rodney C. Jubilado, an Assistant Professor at the Humanities Division of the University of Hawaii, United States of America, and specializes in Theoretical Linguistics; (2) Dr. Mabel Victoria, a faculty member of Mahidol University in Nakon Pathom, Thailand, and a holder of Doctor of Philosophy n Applied Sociolinguistics and Intercultural Communication; (3) Dr. Francisco Perlas Dumanig, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and his research interests are in language teaching, World Englishes, and discourse analysis; and (4) Dr. Leorisyl Siarot, a faculty member of the Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology, Davao Oriental, Philippines and a holder of Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Linguistics.

The speakers shared their expertise during the curriculum revision of AB English and Master of English in Applied Linguistics. USEP was recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) as the Center of Development in English.

Dr. Dumanig suggests some subjects to be included in the curriculum while Mr. Ingilan, deputy Program Coordinator listens intently to the discussion.

Dr. Jubilado talked about the language documentation of indigenous languages in Mindanao, and language learning, identity , and culture of Filipinos in Hawaii ; Dr. Victoria on Applied Linguistics according to KERMIT, the frog; Dr. Dumanig on language choice and language policies in multilingual families; and Dr. Siarot on the interface of Mandaya language and culture.

The seminar was participated by researchers, experts, instructors, and learners of Applied Linguistics from Davao Region, North Cotabato, Bukidnon, Agusan, and other places in Mindanao.

Eid'l Fitr

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 17:06:00 +0000

Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar. La ilaha illallah hu allahu akbar. Allahu akbar walillahilhamd.

Takbir! Takbir! This is the takbir ( remembrance of greatness of Allah) that I always hear every six in the morning in the Eid’l Fitr (Feast of Breaking the Fast). This serves as the alarm that wakes me up and signals that it is indeed the end of ramadhan, the end of one month fasting of Muslims all over the world.

Inah Hadji Hadija was busy preparing the food. My aunt Tasmera helped her in accomplishing the task. This time, my mother would no longer wake up at 2 a.m. to prepare our sahur ( morning meal). This time, my mother would no longer prepare the food for our iftar ( evening meal). This time, my mother would go back to her usual routine of preparing our meals.

Sahur!

Inah Hadji then checked our clothes for this big event. Every Eid’l Fitr, a Muslim wears his best attire, his best scent, his best smile. This is a time to celebrate, a time to enjoy that at last, Muslims have surpassed the one month fasting. Subhanallah walhamdulillah hiwalailaha illallah allahu akbar!

Inah Hadji, wearing her badju Malayu, happily carries her grand daughter Indah Ashley.

I then immediately performed the ablution. My brother also prepared his polo shirt. My father looked for his best upper dress and his “habul”, lower dress. Habul malingkat or beautiful lower dress is always worn to mark that it is indeed a special occasion. My aunt wore the badju Melayu or Malayu dress that I bought in Kuala Lumpur. My mother also wore the hijab and badju Melayu that I gave. My cousins and other relatives have their abaya or long dress designed for prayer.

And yes, we were ready to go to the masjid. As expected, many worshippers were already there. And the prayer started with the takbir, and continued with the sunnah, and the khutbah. Some were crying because of the greatness of Allah. Some were just sitting in one corner and reflected that another life has been given by Allah, a life that needs to be cherished and cultivated with faith in Allah. Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar. Allahu Akbar.

Imam Hadji Usman Indanan, the imam or priest who gave the khutbah or sermon emphasized that iman or faith must be in our hearts as this will guide us in every activity that we will undertake. Some internalized the message of the khutbah. Some just took it just a word, yes a word only. A clear indication is that they do not fast because of lack of iman. Or they do not fast because they cannot sustain, or the common answer is , “ we don’t have enough money”. “Jed, makaya nimu magfasting? Di ba 3 a.m. mo mukaun den 6 p.m. pud? Daghan kaayo ka kaunun ana eh.” These have been the common questions of my colleagues and even my students. If you have iman, you can sustain the one month fasting though you are working. “ Makaya uy. Salig lang gud sa Ginoo. Faith ba. Ana ra mana. Makaya lagi ng magklase. Magdiskas pa gud ko. Salig lang.”

Pajamu!

Tiyula itum, the famous Tausug food.

In my case, I want that every month is ramadhan because I only break my fast at 6 p.m., and then have my sahur at 3 a.m. Sometimes, I do not wake up at 3 a.m. I like ramadhan because I do not need to have my lunch, and my breakfast which means that I do not have to buy and prepare foods. I like ramadhan because my mother prepares good foods, yes delicious foods. It is always a festival if it is ramadhan. Every after taraweeh ( a series of prayer done after Salatul Isha), there is a pajamu or foods in the masjid. Muslim foods are prepared such as the baulu, pullu pullu, panganan, ja, apam, juwalan, pasung and other Tausug delicacies.

The Tausugs take a pose after the prayer in Eid'l Fitr.

Ramadhan is meant for cleansing, not just of the body but of the soul also. Allah is so good because he designs this for mankind. Allahu Akbar. During Ramadhan, Muslims are so busy worshipping the greatness of Allah. Aside from performing the daily prayer, Muslims also perform the tarawaeeh ( after salahtul isa, 8 p.m.) and tahadjud ( midnight prayer, 12 mn to 2:30 a.m.).

The Tausugs, young and old, stay at the bay watching the boat racing.

Eid’ Fitr is a time for love and reconciliation. It is the best time to express your love to your family, relatives, and friends. Muslims usually visit their family during Eid’l Fitr. They dine together and share the best moments of their lives. Tausug kids usually love Eidl’ Fitr because they usually receive gifts. Eid’l Fit is a time for sharing with what you have. Playing volleyball and basketball , running, boat racing are just few of the games that Tausugs are enjoying every Eid’l Fitr. Young and old are very happy and contented with what they have. Eid’l Fitr is a time for reconciliation also. This is the time to put an end to hatred and forget the past and bad memories.

My place - Tacub, Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur

Online Quiz 4 for Literature and Technology Students

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 15:20:00 +0000

Choose a difficult word that starts with the first letter of your first name. Give its lexical category, its synonyms and antonyms, and use it in a sentence. Post your answer on or before August 12, 2013, 1 p.m. AVOID PLAGIARISM.

Follow this format :

Difficult Word : SOPHISTICATED
Lexical Category : adjective.
Synonyms: cosmopolitan, smart
Antonyms : innocent, naive
Sentence : His crush is a sophisticated English lady.

Online Quiz 4 for BSEE and BSECE Students

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 15:11:00 +0000

Choose a difficult word that starts with the first letter of your first name. Give its lexical category, its synonyms and antonyms, and use it in a sentence. Post your answer on or before August 10, 2013, 9 p.m. AVOID PLAGIARISM.

Follow this format :

Difficult Word : SOPHISTICATED
Lexical Category : adjective.
Synonyms: cosmopolitan, smart
Antonyms : innocent, naive
Sentence : His crush is a sophisticated English lady.

Online Quiz 4 for BSME and BSGeo Students

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 09:14:00 +0000

I will be on leave on August 7, 2013. With this, answer this task: Choose a difficult word that starts with the first letter of your first name. Give its lexical category, its synonyms and antonyms, and use it in a sentence. Post your answer on or before August 8, 2013, 1 p.m. AVOID PLAGIARISM.

Follow this format :

Difficult Word : SOPHISTICATED
Lexical Category : adjective.
Synonyms: cosmopolitan, smart
Antonyms : innocent, naive
Sentence : His crush is a sophisticated English lady.

Online Quiz 4 for SAEc and CGB Students

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 09:12:00 +0000

I will be on leave on August 7, 2013. With this, answer this task: Choose a difficult word that starts with the first letter of your first name. Give its lexical category, its synonyms and antonyms, and use it in a sentence. Post your answer on or before August 7, 2013, 10 p.m. AVOID PLAGIARISM.

Follow this format :

Difficult Word :SOPHISTICATED
Lexical Category : adjective.
Synonyms: cosmopolitan, smart
Antonyms : innocent, naive
Sentence : His crush is a sophisticated English lady

SINGAPORE : The Lion City

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 04 Aug 2013 07:26:00 +0000

October 24-26, 2011. After our conference in Bali, Indonesia, we immediately went to Singapore, the lion city. We landed at the famous Changi International Airport.

I was amazed of the facilities and the establishments inside the airport. “Walang ganito sa Pinas. Ibang klase..World-class!” I noticed also that the janitors there were old Malays, Chinese, and Indians. “Kahit matanda na nagwo-work pa rin pala. Sila yung makikita mo na naglilinis ng sahig na salamin, yung mga nasa banyo na naglilinis ng dumi ng mga tao mula sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo. Kumakayod pa rin pala ang mga matatanda. Sa Changi airport, malulula ka sa elevator. Naku ang taas, ang haba. Ang mga mamahaling damit, bag, pagkain ay nasa loob. At nung kumain kami sa Changi, naku ang mahal ng food pero ok lang yun paminsan-minsan kelangan mong maranasan to. Walang ganito sa Pinas. Nakakapanibago talaga. At ang LRT nila ay konektado sa airport. Kaya mula airport diretso na kami sa LRT para makarating doon sa condominium ng friend ni Mam Rowena Nuera. Kasamahan ko pala sa Language Department ng USEP si Ma’am Nuera. Doon kami tatambay at magpapakasasa sa condo ni Ma’am Lyra. Si Ma’am Lyra ay co-teacher ni Ma’am Weng sa University of Mindanao. Siya rin ay isang USEPian, AB Language and Literature yung kurso niya. Ngayon, sa SG na sila nakatira kasama ang kanyang pamilya. Sa National University of Singapore na pala siya nagtratrabaho.

Nagtataasang mga gusali ang panay nakikita ko. Di ganito ang Davao, ang nakalakihan kong siyudad. Ibang-iba ang SG. At ang linis! Totoo nga pala yung sinabi ng estudyante kong si Zyril Roque. “Bro, limpyo kaayo ang SG. Maulaw ka maghugaw-hugaw. Ayaw pagpataka ug luwa didto”. Totoong-toto nga. Nakapunta na si Zyril sa SG dahil doon nagwowork yung sister niya. Sa LRT, samut-saring tao ang makakasalamuha mo. Oo, tama ka. Samut saring amoy din ang malalanghap mo. Amoy ng Malayu, Chinese, at ang panalo sa lahat ay ang amoy ng mga Indian. Di talaga maikakaila na amoy ng Indian. Ang tapang-tapang.

Nung nasa Bali pa kami, binigyan na kami ng sketch ni Ma’am Lyra about sa condo nila. Di kami mawawala ,sure na sure ako. Ask lang talaga ng ask. Dito talaga matetest yung English mo. Mga isang oras din ata yung travel naming mula Changi papunta sa Condo. Di ko na matandaan kung ano yung pangalan ng condo. Pasensya na po. Tagal na kasi noon eh. Basta ang matatandaan ko maraming Chinese doon. Mataas ang building. At di close ang mga tao. Di nila kilala kung sino yung kapitbahay nila. Walang pakialaman unlike sa Pinas, pulutan ka palagi ng kapitbahay mo. Kabisadong-kabisado ko nina Manang at Manong!

Muslim friendly si Ma’am Lyra. Maranao siya pero Christian na siya ngayon. So alam niya na di ako kumakain ng pork kaya no pork yung pagkain namin. Salamat Ma’am Lyra. Si Ma’am Weng au tulog agad pagdating naming sa Condo. Lantang-lanta. Kinabukasan, pumunta ako sa Universal Studios. Si Ma’am Weng tulog pa rin kaya sabi ko sa sarili ko na ako na lang mag-isa magliliwaliw sa SG. At kayang-kaya ko to! Di naman ako maliligaw siguro.At ang sarap ng stay ko sa condo. Libre lahat sa food. Movie marathon. Kain. Tulog. Malling. Chatting.

LRT. LRT. Ito yung means of transportation doon. May card ka lang, ok ka na! Makakatravel ka na! Sentosa, Universal Studios, at mga mall. Bawat istasyon may mga mall. Kasabay ko nga pala sa LRT si Ma'am Lyra. Papuntang work siya sa NUS, isa mga bigating university sa SG, sa Asya at maging sa mundo. Hanep nga ang SG! Ito lang yung napuntahan ko doon. At ikli-ikli naman kasi ng panahon. Buti na lang nakatagpo ng mga kaibigan sa USS. At ang dami-dami mga Pinoy doon. Namamasyal at nagtatrabaho. Sa isang mall, Pinay ang saleslady sa Giordano kung saan ako bumili ng I LOVE SG shirts. At doon naman sa Merlion statue, Pinoy din yung photographer doon. Kahit saan nga ang mga Pinoy sa ngalan ng pakikipagsapalaran. “Ganito lang yung trabaho naming dito pero malaki na ang sahod kung ikukumpara mo sa Pinas. “ Sa Universal Studios of Singapore ko talaga naenjoy ang mga araw ko. Sarap bumalik sa SG. Sarap magbakasyon sa SG lalo na pag may maraming pera! Mahal sa SG mga parekuy! Dollars!

MALAYSIA : My New Home ( Part Four)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 04 Aug 2013 02:39:00 +0000

“ Jed, you tour Malaysia alone so that you get to familiarize the places. You will not be lost as long as you know how to read, and ask. ” This was a piece of advice from Dr. Rodney. “Oh if that is the case Sir, I will stop first writing this research about Muslims in Malaysia. You know I went here to tour this place. Hahaha.”

Masjid India. Central Market. Bukit Bintang. Petronas Towers. These are on my list. These are the places that would tell the cultures in Malaysia. And I immediately bought my card for LRT.

Here I am exploring Masjid India! Alhamdulillah!

Masjid India. “ Sir, I want to buy pasalubongs for my family : kopiah, badju Melayu, hijab, etc. .” And Masjid India is the right place. And yes, here in Masjid India you can buy all things you want for your Muslim brothers and sisters. Cheaper, affordable, and you can ask discount if you want! Just speak in Bahasa or greet them in Arabic, “Assalamu alaykum”. Masjid India is the oldest masjid in KL. It was built over a century ago my Indian Muslim merchants. About 3,500 Muslims perform the salahtul Jum-ah in Masjid India. In Masjid India, I came to know different people : Malaysians, Indonesians, Iranians, Indians, and many others. And my Indonesian friend took me a picture infront of Masjid India. Terima kasih Masjid India, and I got three badju Melayu, seven hijab, four kopiah for my family and friends.

Sharina, an Ilokana balik-Islam, gave me a discount when I bought shirts in Central Market.

Central Market. Housed in an Art Deco building near Petaling Street, Central Market is one of the famous landmarks in KL. This is one of the most visited shopping centers where you can buy handicrafts, jewellery, clothes and many others. And to my surprise, there were lots of Filipino vendors. I met Sharina, an Ilokano balik-Islam. She married a Melayu and now enjoying the life in KL. She gave me a discount when I bought three shirts in her store. I met also a Samal Filipina saleslady who knows a little of Tausug, and Cebuano. She shared that she has a sister in Buhangin, Davao City that is why she knows Cebuano. I bought stuffs in her store and I got a discount!

I am roaming around the busy Jalan Bukit Bintang.

Bukit Bintang. “Go to Bukit Bintang. And you will enjoy there”, a friend from Norway once said this to me when I was in Puka Beach, Boracay. “ Nice place lah Sajed.”, Nurul Jannah, my Malaysian friend also related how nice to be in Bukit Bintang.” And so I walked and saw the beautiful and busy Jalan Bukit Bintang. Bukit Bintang is one of the shopping centers . It houses the Berjaya Times Square, Bukit Bintang Plaza, Imbi Plaza, Fahrenheit 88, Low Yat Plaza, Starhill Gallery, Sungei Wang Plaza, and Pavillion Plaza. And there were many people here..people from all over the world. I toured the luxurious mall in KL, the Starhill Galllery. Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Fendi, Valentino can all be found here. I was told my my friends that it is indeed cool to stay here at night. Night life is very night life. Massage, bars, foods.. They are all here.

The elegant KLCC located at the base of Petronas Towers.

Petronas Towers. Your stay in KL would not be complete if you do not visit the Petronas Towers, a pair of skyscraper office buildings, that are among the world’s tallest buildings. The Twin Towers, built to house the headquarters of Petronas, the national petroleum company of Malaysia, were designed by the famous Argentine born American architect Cesar Pelli. These were completed in 1998. The plan for each tower is identical : an eight-lobed circular structure that contains 88 stories of occupiable space and a pyramid-shaped pinnacle surmounted by a slender steel spire. At the base of the Petronas Tower is the elegant Suria KLCC, Malaysia’s premier shopping center. It houses over 400 stores. Many foreign nationals stay and enjoy the scenic beauty of Petronas Towers. It was nice sitting here and talking to different people. I happened to meet two Indonesian ladies while I was roaming around, and they were in KL just to travel. How beautiful life is!

Life in KL is as cool as the fountain in this park outside KLCC.

When I was in the park in KLCC, I noticed a group of Cebuano young men enjoying each other’s company. They were talking loud and sharing their experiences in KL. “Ayusa diri bay uy. KL najud ni.”, one of Cebuano boys exclaimed. I came across also of a Tagalog family having their group picture at the fountain in KLCC. “Jumpshot tayo. Jumpshot!” “ Saan po kayo sa Pilipinas”, I asked. “Laguna po kami. Pasyal pasyal lang kami dito.” Lovers, friends, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives: they all gathered here to have an iconic experience in Malaysia.

Good evening, Malaysia!

If I would define home, I will simply put in one word, and that is MALAYSIA.

Online Quiz 3 for Technology and Literature Students (Reading for Information and Details)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 02:13:00 +0000

Read the article in this site http://sajedsingilan.blogspot.com/2013/07/some-issues-in-english-language-teaching.html . In your perspective, what skill should be given emphasis in English 1 and how should it be taught? Write your views in the comment box below on or before Aug. 4, 2013, Sunday, 9 p.m.

Online Quiz 3 for SAEc and CGB Students ( Reading for Information and Details)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 02:08:00 +0000

Read the article entitled "Language and Power" in this site http://sajedsingilan.blogspot.com/2013/07/language-and-power.html . Based on your experience, cite a scenario that would show the relationship between language and power. Write your views in the comment box below on or before August 3,2013, Saturday, 9 p.m.

Online Quiz 3 for Engineering Students ( Reading for Information and Details

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 02:00:00 +0000

Read the text entitled " How should one teach grammar?" in this site http://sajedsingilan.blogspot.com/2013/07/how-should-one-teach-grammar.html . In your perspective, how should a professor teach grammar to Engineering students? Write your views in the comment box below on or before August 1, 2013, Thursday, 10 p.m.

MALAYSIA : My New Home (Part Three)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 10:59:00 +0000

I took a glance at the golf course of the National University of Malaysia before enjoying the sumptuous lunch treat of Dr. Siti.

Ooops.. In previous articles, I kept on mentioning swimming, malling, and chatting in Kuala Lumpur . “ Sajed, tomorrow we will go to the University of Malaya. I will ask things about our research.”, Dr. Francis reminded me. “Sure ,Sir.” I almost forgot that research consultancy was my major reason why I was in Malaysia. And this is it! Research. Research. “But you do not need to exert effort. I will just let you do some things about the study entitled , “ Religious and Cultural Identities of Filipino Muslims in Malaysia”, Dr. Francis reminded me.

I woke up early and had my breakfast with Dr. Rodney, Dr. Francis, Aries and his wife . Thanks for the hospitality since June 2 up to June 9, 2013. I immediately took a bath and prepared myself for this day’s intellectual battle. Dr. Francis, and I took a ride in Aries’ car and they toured me around the University of Malaya situated on a 750 acre (309 hectare) campus in the southwest of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. This is the oldest university in Malaysia.

Dr. Francis brought me to his faculty room, and I was just amazed because Dr. Francis has his own room. “Ganito sa UM Sajed. May kanya-kanyang room ang mga professor. Di kagaya sa Pinas. Kayo sa USEP, may room ba kayo?”, Dr. Francis asked. “ Nah. Wala Sir uy. Nagtapok mi sa isa ka room . Guot gani kaayo. Hahha.”, I responded. “Ito yung mga publication ko Sajed. Napublish sa Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia. Kasi dito sa UM dapat may mapublish ka every year. Requirement yan. Kaya si Aries sinasabihan ko na magpublish. Eto yun kay Aries. Same kami ng thesis supervisor. Ikaw may napublish ka na ba?”

I paused for a while. “Meron na Sir pero local lang yun. “

“Dapat magpublish ka Sajed”, Dr. Francis continued. “Anyway, eto pa lang yun research ko. Gusto ko sanang malaman kung ano yung practices ng mga Muslim sa Mindanao. Saan ka ba sa Mindanao?”

“Davao del Sur Sir pero Sulu po yung origin ng parents ko. Tapul yung ama ko while Lugus naman yung ina ko.”

“Ah so pure Tausug ka pala.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“So ano yung mga practice ng mga Muslim sa Mindanao, Sajed?”

And our discussion about Dr. Francis’ research went on. “Bibigyan kita ng honorarium dito Sajed. May budget ito. Half million ang budget nito.”

“What? Dakua Sir uy.”

“Ganito kami sa UM, Sajed.”

“Parang si Binay rin. Ganito kami sa Makati. Hahhaah”

And in the middle of our conversation, Rami, an Iraqi research assistant of Dr. Francis arrived. Dr. Francis accompanied Rami to the cafeteria because Rami had not taken his lunch yet and I stayed in the office and continued my task until afternoon.

The next day, Dr. Rodney and I went to another university in Malaysia, the National University of Malaysia or Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. We took a cab from Pantai Panorama to Selangor, Malaysia. That was an hour travel and I had a glimpse of how beautiful Malaysia is. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia is one of top research universities in the country.

Dr. Rodney introduced me Dr. Siti , former Chair of Linguistics and Language Department at UKM . Dr. Siti treated us a sumptuous lunch in the restaurant located in the Kelab Golf Danau at UKM. For how many years of studying in UKM, Dr. Jubilado has not played in the Kelab Golf. Dr. Rodney finished his Ph.D in Linguistics at UKM.

I am on my way to the office of Dr. Siti.

#Shift Davao Social Media Conference (Part Two)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 02:39:00 +0000

iamsuperbianca shared her tips on building a strong social media community.

“Puno kaayo ang utok. Di mahutdan. ”, Wilfred shared after the talk of Maria Ressa. And Juliet Vasay approached us and said, “Hi. Luoy kaayo ang USEP. Way banner. Nagpaila lang jud. Ahaha.”

“Pobre kaayo lagi. Paita. hahah”. I responded. A writer from The Collegiate Headlight replied, “Wala mi kabalo Ma’am/Sir na naa diay banner parade. Hahaha”. And the conversation continued while we were busy taking group pictures. USEP Delegates .And we were around 9 in the crowd.

I introduced Juliet to Wilfred. “ Juliet, this is Wilfred, the one that I told you the other day who would register me to this conference. Siya nagbuhat sa akong blog.”

“Hello. Taga – USEP ka? Gusto ko magblog pero the problem is I don’t know how to start a blog”, Juliet lamented.

“ Yes. IC… I can make one for you. Just e-mail me the contents”, the proud blogger Wilfred replied.

“Really? Wow. Sige sige excited nako. Kay Sajed lang sah ko mag-ask about blog. I really love to write…”, Juliet continued.

“Sure. Just give me your number and we will talk. What are your interests, Ma’am?, Wilfred asked.

“Food. Food. Fashion. Travel.“ , Juliet answered .

“ Ganahan kaayo na magsulat si Juliet, Kuy. Sige ra na laag. Kaon diri. Kaon didto. Coffee diri. Coffee didto. Sige ra na magpost sa twitter ug facebook. Daghan jud na siya traffic ba. UIC ug USEP na.”

And the bloggers’ discussion went on. Connections. Connections. And we are now starting a strong social media community!

And thank God because Bianca Gonzalez, yes Bianca Gonzales, was about to start a talk on “Building a Community in Social Media” and she is the right person to talk about this since she is one of the Philippines’ most-number of Twitter followers and known for her strong charisma in print, TV, and social media. No doubt she has one of the biggest and strongest community online.

“Who you are online should be who you are in real life.” Bianca stressed out this in building a community in social media. She went on by saying what you can say online, you can say in real life. She added that if your enemy has no profile picture , neglect him as if he does not exist in your virtual and real world. She related also that bullying is rampant in social media and you need to deal with it. Face it. She has been bullied also in social media. “It hurts. Tao rin ako. Noon nga, binubully rin ako. Negra. Negra. Pero ngayon….”, she laughed. Her friends would just say to her, “ Wag mo na silang intindihin. Importante may pamilya ka.”

“ Guwapaha jud ni Bianca uy. “ Bright pa jud. Kana! ” And the crowd was still mesmerized with the beauty of this celebrity.

Bianca shared 10 tips on how to build a community in social media:

1. Pick a fitting (username and photo).

2. Start STRONG.

3. Start a CONVERSATION.

4. Content is KING.

5. Write your IDOLS.

6. Use relatable HASHTAGS.

7. Use catchy images.

8. Go multi-platform.

9. Grow your network.

10. Follow with action.

Bianca ended the talk with this, “ There is Annabel Rama in some of us. There is Sarah Geronimo in some of us. “ True, so we must be ready to face and stand on what we post.

The members of the social media community gather in this conference.

#Shift Davao Social Media Conference (Part One)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 27 Jul 2013 13:59:00 +0000

I am with the brilliant Maria Ressa.

“Maria Ressa. Bianca Gonzales. Yes, and they will be here in Davao City to talk about Social Media on July 27, 2013, Saturday at Ateneo de Davao University. Social Media? Like facebook, twitter, instagram? Oh, what about these social media? Sound interesting… But, wait.. There is a Php450 registration fee.”

These were my thoughts as I read the post at the College of Governance and Business, University of Southeastern Philippines. I love to attend this conference and Wilfred, my new found friend because of social media, urged me to go with him to this seminar. “ I know Kuy you will just go there because of Bianca Gonzalez. Alam na”. And Wilfred replied, “ No, it is because of Maria Ressa, a famous Filipino journalist. “ Still, I am not convinced. And Wilfred registered me to the conference on Thursday, July 25, and he paid me for the meantime because I went home and I was not able to give my payment to him. And maybe because I am not that interested, but Wilfred insisted, “ Adto ta didto kay blogger baya ta. Manguha tag tips ba. Connections. Connections.”

And yes, it is July 27, 2013. My iphone4s beeped at around 7:10 a.m. and I knew where that text came from. “Kuy asa naka? Naa nami ADDU.” I immediately took a bath and charged my iphone ( because I know my iphone will be useful for pictorials. LOL) Wilfred was with his teammate, yes teammate according to him. She is Joan from the Institute of Computing, USEP. “ Lagi. Lami pa unta matulog. Padulung nako. Chill!”, I replied hastily. “Dalaa imung student ID.LOL, “ he continued.

#SHIFTDAVAO, here I come. “Puro mani students diri kuy. Atay.”, my immediate line to Wilfred. “Hulat lang. Naa man professionals. Si Clark muapas rato”, Wilfred responded. Clark is also a blogger. He was my student before in English 2. We stood for 20 minutes and I could see the excitement and interest of the participants, and most of them were students. And it was just amazing because there were participants not just from Davao City, but also from Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Samal Island, Panabo City, Bukidnon, and Cagayan de Oro City. While waiting, the aroma of coffee from Coffee Bean was so tempting, but we could not ask for a cup since Wilfred and I are on fasting. And at around 8:25 a.m., we entered the Finster Auditorium. We sat in front to have a clear glimpse of the distinguished speakers. The three writers from The Collegiate Headlight, the official publication of USEP, were also there. Ms. Juliet Vasay and Mr. Arjay Arcena, my co-teachers in the Language Department were in the crowd also. Juliet was with her fellows from University of the Immaculate Conception, while Arjay with his students from San Pedro College. These two instructors are super heroes, shall I say. USEP, ADDU, SPC, UIC, DMSF. These are their kingdoms.

And here you go. MARIA RESSA was the first speaker who shared her brilliance about the power of social media. The audience was in awe. Oh. Maria Ressa was talking before us. We could not believe this. “Amazing”, Wilfred exclaimed. Maria Ressa has been a journalist in Asia for more than 25 years, most of them as CNN’s bureau chief in Manila then Jakarta. She has worked for every television network in the Philippines and was one of the founders of independent production company, Probe. In 2005, she took the helm of ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs. Maria Ressa is now the head of Rappler, a social news network.

“We need to be authentic. We need to be who we are in the social media.” These were the lines that Maria Ressa emphasized during her talk. Majority of the Filipinos are now hooked into social media, in fact, we are now tagged as the “Social media capital of the world”. In social media, it revealed that most of the Filipinos are happy as reflected in their posts on facebook, twitter, instagram, etc.

The point of Maria Ressa is that anything you post in social media, make sure you know it, you mean it, and you can act on it. Do not post a stuff that you can’t stand in the real world. If you tweet that she is ugly or pretty, make sure that you can say this to her offline. One participant asked this question to Ressa: How do you lead the team? And Ressa directly responded, “ I set the direction. I am a cheerleader. I give them the freedom.”