Linggo, Pebrero 2, 2014

Exploring Niches





        Everyone who uses the popular social networking sites of course wants to interact. But our need to interact with other users doesn’t mean that we have to sacrifice our privacy. Even we are in Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites, it doesn’t mean that we want everyone to know about every move we make. But these sites giveaway information about our activities, so much hassle that we have to endure until niches came into picture.

        The blog will start on showing the things that exhaust people in the usual social networking sites, the hassle of annoying posts and the lack of privacy among its users.  It will show the need for private space even in the world of internet.

         It will introduce the idea of niches in social media through its advantages and disadvantages. First, it will deal on the privileges niches can bring. Then will latter show the downsides. After the character learned about these new things in the internet, she’ll leave the all-techno adventure. She will explore the world outside the web and will see that she can turn the virtual world into reality.


---Joyce Velasco


Biyernes, Disyembre 6, 2013

The Allicat Experience



My fangirling for Allison Elizabeth Harvard has finally paid-off since I didn’t only get a chance to see the gorgeous international model, but was also able to talk with, hug and take a picture with her. Ugh, the feels!
I and Allison Harvard, dubbed as "Allicat", striking a pose


                Good thing, the meet and greet happened on a holiday. I got to be with her without thinking about my Saturday class. Thanks, Bonifacio! However, this event wasn’t really an easy access for me. I still had to beg for my parents’ approval to go there. And well, after a bunch of please’s and puppy eyes, they finally said yes. Thanks, mom and dad!
Another problem was, I didn’t know how travel to that far,far away land of Mall of Asia. Fortunately, my friend Joyce came with me. Thanks, men!

                On the event, you have to buy an item of Loreal Paris for a VIP pass. I bought a conditioner that's worth, uhm, more or less 10 cheeseburgers. Don’t get me wrong there really were cheaper products, however my excitement gave me too much adrenaline rush which led me to buy the thing that my hands first grabbed. Nevertheless, the money I spent surely can’t compare my priceless moment with Allicat.
While waiting for Allison, teams from MEGA FASHION CREW did a challenge.  They have to style a lady from the audience and transform them into a Parisian chic. The make-overs were later judged by Ms. Harvard and her fellow critics.

                And then Allison has finally arrived! The crowd went nuts and wild! Everyone was screaming her name from our place to the upper floors. As for me, I borrowed the host’s microphone and shouted these words like lunatic:


“Hi, Allison! I love you so much! Can I have a hug?”


a bit embarrassing isn’t it? But hey, she hugged me anyway, hihi :)
Just can't stop taking pictures of her stunning face

                After some time, VIPs were asked to fall in line. This was the part where you can now meet Allison up-close and take a picture with her. Many fans gave her personalized souvenirs. I gave her my painting and wreath of flowers. I felt her genuine appreciation for the gifts I made (plus! she posted my painting on her instagram, how cool is that!?!) She hugged me again and had a little chitchat until my time with her was finally over. Awww, back to reality.


In case you don’t know, Allison Harvard was a fan favorite and runner-up of America’s Next Top Model Cycle 12 and 17 (all stars).  Moreover, before she joined the competition, she’s already known on the internet as an eerie yet cute girl, screen named as creepy chan. (Credits to the owners of these photos)

            It’s really heartwarming when someone special  made you feel special, especially if you're a fan and your idol did something a little like this.  You really just can’t contain that happiness in your heart. 





Linggo, Nobyembre 24, 2013

Hashtag: OnlineJourn

          I remember reading in an article that ‘laziness’ is killing Journalism and apparently, that laziness pertains to Online Journ. Funny it may seem but a lot have been nodding their heads in the comment box below that article while I deliberately shake my head and raise a placard with a huge, bold, underlined ‘NO’. A lot of people think online journalists are laid-back story tellers who earn their cash by lying on their couches and type, type and type whatever they want. But let me tell you something: they’re not. They are online JOURNALISTS; just the same as your traditional news makers, only online. Still don’t get it? Take a look at these set of pictures and see what fills an online journalist’s normal day.





          To be an Online Journalist, you have to welcome deadlines, surprise interviews, on-the-spot news coverage, headache-generating digital codes, too much coffee, maybe even a sulky boss, and more deadlines with open arms. Yeah, you got to love your deadlines for in the world of online journalists, being first if the best. It is not like that of the newspaper which is published only every day. Being online means you got to be fast. You got to be the first to post that flaming news. You got to be the source. Which is why every tick from that intimidating little wall clock can scare you. I don’t know about you but I can’t see any laziness there.

          Online Journalism is not a martyr’s job though. It also got some extra fun stuff to keep you fueled up. It can make you ride an airplane to anywhere, give you gadgets, free tickets, movie passes and VIP concert seats! Plus, more friend requests from strangers on facebook, which may also be considered as fans in some ways. You can also get instant feedback on your articles through that comment box that can make you feel important or lift you up like a flying cheerleader. Well, yes, you can also receive bashes but you got to think positive, right?


          Being an Online Journalist is a fun and exciting job. As a responsible online journalist, you can be certain to keep journalism alive, in control and smile while riding the flow of each change you have to absorb. So why would an online journalist change career? Besides, since 2008, he/she may just also win a Pulitzer Prize.


---Jolina Landicho
(c) photos by Jerryca Dolon and the awesome world wide web