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[dmikaelamiranda]

Do This Everyday If You Want to Slay the Dance Stage

Written on: September 2021

Get your dancing shoes on and take notes on these routines!

Every person knows that pursuing and getting better at some endeavor will never be easy. It takes years and years for one person to master their crafts which is why it is important to take steps one at a time. As someone who explored the world of dance on my own, it is somehow difficult to start pursuing this field especially if you do not have concrete experiences on the foundations of dance. It is vital to know that aspiring dancers can definitely self-learn some of the basics in dancing in order for them to condition themselves as they go on through their journey of being a great dancer. However, worry no more because in this article, I will provide you of what possibly you can do at-home every day to prepare, improve and self-train if you want to slowly build your pace in pursuing the art of dance. Let us begin! 

To improve your flexibility, you can do a series of stretching every single day in order to help you execute cleaner movements when performing. Flexibility in dancing can also help lessen the risk of having injuries such as back pain and muscle soreness. To help you remember of what particular part of the body should you stretch, start from your upper body going down; stretch your neck, shoulders, arms, hips, legs and feet. Doing this everyday can make your body feel used to range of movements which can result to cleaner and fuller execution of routine. 

Working out or exercising is also another way of building your endurance as a dancer. Conditioning our body will help us create bigger movements but with control, which can again make our dance appear cleaner and fuller. At the same time, aside from dancing, having our daily exercises will overall improve our energy level and boost endurance as well. Lastly, body conditioning will definitely help you to not be worn-out fast when performing and it can increase our ability to give a full-out performance despite giving out energies. 

Another activity you can do everyday without having to move way too much is to listen to music and watch dance videos. Listening to music and paying attention to certain musical elements such as beat and rhythm will certainly help you develop your pace in ‘feeling’ the music you are dancing to. As for watching dance videos, you can learn a lot by simply watching how they execute specific movements and you can draw inspiration from them. Through watching countless dance videos, with different dance genre and routine, you can learn how there are various ways of dancing styles and everybody’s body moves differently. 

 When performing a dance routine, recording yourself will be a great way of identifying what movements of yours should need improvements. Through this method, you will absolutely be able to see how your body moves and grooves which will help you pinpoint movements that are still lacking. Compiling your dance videos is also a good idea of keeping track of your body improvements as well. 

Lastly, the most important activity you can do is to attend dance classes. Now that we are in a new normal setting where almost everything is conducted online, online dance classes are also everywhere. Some are even free! Remember to take beginners class levels only if you are starting to pursue dancing. In taking beginners classes, you will be able to learn the basic moves and be able to force your body to move bigger. Having to learn beginners dance class will lessen the pressure of learning advanced dance steps as well. You will surely enjoy this type of dance level classes. 

We have to keep in mind that being a good dancer will certainly take a lot of time. Some were able to achieve it between months while some have years to train and prepare. It is absolutely not easy and it will be a long ride of chasing improvements. Regardless of the amounts of trainings, sweats and moneys that will be spent by us, let us not forget to actually feel the music as we groove our bodies and enjoy the art of performing.

[dmikaelamiranda]

Thesis SZN Preparation Guides for the Upcoming College Juniors and Seniors

Learn the do’s and don’t’s if you wanna survive your thesis writing season!

Thesis, the most horrifying nightmare that every (or most) undergrad student must face in order to get through college. For most of our ate’s and kuya’s, thesis may be their most despised subject because of the countless complexities and challenges that they need to experience in completing this dreadful requirement. They might have to overcome those sleepless nights, loads of revisions, finding the appropriate RRLs for their studies, and even dealing with uncooperative groupmate/s. Sounds exhausting, isn’t it? For me, as an upcoming Comm senior who just defended their thesis proposal, I’ve started to take down notes on what else me and my thesismates can improve as we are nearing our Communication Thesis 2. So, read carefully, juniors and seniors, as this thesis do’s and don’t’s preparation guide might just save yourselves in successfully getting that A+ of a thesis paper!

Do...

1. Choose a thesis topic that you genuinely would like to study about

It is a no-brainer how selecting a thesis topic that you are really interested about is the most important thesis preparation activity. Thesis topics that you are curious about and close to your personal advocacies will greatly help you! Remember that you’ll research a lot more about this topic, and you’ll have to defend this to a terrifying group of panelists. Alongside choosing a topic that you really would like to study about, it is also important to...

2. Have as many back-up topic proposal as you can

When me and my thesismates were still brainstorming for our thesis topics, I alone was able to propose 3 topics (which I’m genuinely curious about, OFC!) for our group, and all of those 3 got rejected. We ended up having a topic that I have little to no interest with, but along the way, I learned to like it even just for a bit. As early as now, list down the topics that you’d want to have as your main topic. Then from those main topics, try to look for an even more specific subject and areas that you want to focus studying about.

3. Write revisions way ahead of time

One vital thing I learned as I’m taking my Comm Thesis is to set days with your groupmates wherein you can revise your works, and these days should be way ahead of your deadline, either internal or external. Revising your thesis content is no easy especially if it’s a major revision, which is why working on it as early as you can will greatly help. Say no to cramming!

4.  Create a quality teamwork with groupmates

This only applies to those who are required to be in a group when conducting their thesis. Always remember to have a good relationship with your thesismates, as this can be the foundation of producing a great thesis output. Lend help if you can, clarify information with your members, remind things with them, demonstrate honesty, and show initiative. After all, you and your groupmates will be working on this specific requirement for a whole year so make sure to create good teamwork.

5. Find a thesis adviser whose expertise is perfect for your chosen topic's area of field

As you are working on polishing your topic proposal, might as well start finding a thesis adviser who is expert about the topic/s that you have in mind. A thesis adviser will comprehensively guide you on how you should write your paper. They will advise you on the objectives, research problem, sampling techniques, and methods that are appropriate for your paper. Without your thesis advisers, prepare to get lost in the process of finishing your paper.

Don’t...

1. Choose a topic that is too broad or general or outside of your college program

The required study that one should be conducting must be aligned with their college degree program. Additionally, make sure to select a ~very~ specific field or areas that you will be studying, and this focus should be seen or written on your thesis title itself. Keep in mind that you can select any topic so as long as it is related with your college program and has a relevance. 

2. Choose group mates who do not have good work ethics

You might have no idea how important choosing who your groupmates will be, but better treat this as a top-priority! If you’re going to be required to work in a group, do yourself a favor and carefully select people who have good work ethics. Better yet, try talking to some of your blockmates as early as you can and start forming a group already.

3. Let a group member slack

Teamwork with your thesismates is one of the good foundations if y’all want to produce a good thesis paper. Make sure that everyone is helping and doing their tasks. Be mindful that if all of your groupmates are contributing to the content of your thesis, the earlier you will finish it. And if you will finish a chapter way earlier, then you can submit it ahead of time, thus you may have plenty of time revising your paper.

4. Ditch a thesis briefing or discussion/consultation class 

Speaking from my experience, I deem this important because all of the instructions, guides, and appropriate content of your thesis paper will be discussed extensively by your professor, which is why you should attend thesis discussion and consultation classes. Moreover, you may ask questions to your professor real-time if you have clarifications on how to further improve your paper. 

5. Let your group mates feel lost when writing your thesis/thesis proposal

As much as you can and if you don’t have a lot on your plate, assist your groupmates especially when they’re not doing really good on writing your paper. If you think that helping your co-members will lighten the workload of your paper, have the initiative to lend help. By helping them, you are also subconsciously studying other parts or concepts of your paper which can prepare you better for your future defense! 

To all the upcoming college juniors and seniors, best of luck on your thesis! Writing your thesis paper may be the least exciting activity in your college journey but this will be a big part of your upbringing as a student. Consider this as a make it-o- break it college experience, so make sure to give your all for when you’re finally in your thesis szn! 

[dmikaelamiranda]

1 Dress, 5 Different Looks: Here are 5 Ways You Can Re-Wear Your Classic Black Dress

Not enough dresses in your closet? No problem!

The modern fashion trends have never been more open to promoting how building a wardrobe essentials is important in terms of styling clothes. The idea of creating closet staples is to be able to easily but stylishly pair different clothes. One closet essential that we should be getting?  — a black dress that goes with almost everything. A classic black, sleeveless dress can be styled in different ways if paired with the right clothing pieces. If you own this type of staple numerous times already, you can still wear and style them differently. Here are 5 different outfit ideas anyone can rock with a black dress:

1. With button-up sleeves and heels

Complete your night out look with your girlfriends by adding a pair of chunky hoops for that versatile look. If you’re gonna wear this killer outfit at night, the button-up sleeves can be a great cover up for when you’re already feeling chilly as the night deepens.

2. With a basic white tee and platform white sneakers

For those casual brunch dates with your bestie, wearing a basic top underneath your dress can make your overall look modest. Additionally, the chic, platform white sneakers is so comfy to wear that it goes well with the casual and cute outfit idea that we are aiming for! 

3. With a cropped cardigan and baguette bag

Running out of date outfit ideas? With your classic black dress, use your bright-colored cardigan paired with a stunning baguette bag as your museum date outfit. The cropped cardigan that falls on your waist will give off a feminine and graceful look that can make your date fall for you even more! *heart eyes everywhere*

4. With a vintage denim jeans and chunky earrings

You can also turn your dress into a top if you’re in no mood to embody your feminine side. With a platform heels or sandals and a blue denim jeans, channel your inner Kendall Jenner with this OOTD. The model off-duty look has become a fashion trend due to its effortlessly curated look, and that is what we are trying to achieve for this outfit combinations.

5. With a versatile blazer

A blazer top (of any color, OFC!) may seem impractical to wear in a humid weather but this clothing staple can make you look professional but still stylish. If you want to hop on the ‘workleisure’ outfit trend, a blazer top paired with your classic black dress can be a good start for when you want to experiment with the said outfit trend. Don’t forget to accessorize to accentuate the look even more!

Bonus: you can also re-wear your black dress as a skirt if you want to channel your other sides of femininity! Indeed, a classic black dress can be a useful staple because of the endless outfit combinations that we can make out of it. Remember to invest in a good quality black dress because it seems that you will be using them for a long time due to its versatility. 

All photo-inspirations are from Pinterest.

[dmikaelamiranda]

7 Locally-owned and Women-led Brands to Support for Your Lifestyle Wants and Needs

Article for The Scoop Asia

Written on: April 2023

There’s nothing more amazing than women dominating the space of business with innovative, intentional, and sustainable products.

Let’s continue the conversation on women empowerment with these brands who just screams women empowerment!

Looking for sustainable period products? Having some pastry cravings? Or maybe you want to explore new coffee shops around Davao City? If you’re eyeing good-quality and intentional products for these types of lifestyle necessities, then we got everything covered for you! Here are 7 locally owned and women-led brands and shops you will surely love:

1. Aunt Flo Beauty

When in need of sustainable and comfortable menstrual care products, Aunt Flo is there to save your life! Aunt Flo Beauty sells period products such as menstrual cups and reusable pads that are durable, non-toxic, and cost-effective. Period products that are reusable and good for the environment are worth investing for; you are taking care of yourself and the mother earth, too. If you’re one of the girls who are used to using sanitary napkins and would want to try out menstrual cups, run to Aunt Flo Beauty because their menstrual cups are also great for first-timers!

2. Louis Mirielle 

Unique scents for unique personalities is the gist of what Louis Mirielle offers as a fragrance line. Louis Mirielle’s scents are designed to effortlessly blend in with your body scent that will certainly bring out your own fragrance! You can choose from their eight (8) unique scents that range from floral, fruity, sweet, and even musky scents. Aside from body fragrances, Louis Mirielle offers home sprays that can give your homes an extra boost of freshness and homeyness.

3. Lustrous Dvo

Versatile, affordable, and good-quality, what else can you ask for? Lustrous Dvo is a jewelry brand that offers timeless, classic, and quality jewelry accessories that are perfect for all types of women’s styles and occasions! Their jewelry collection is diverse; you may feel overwhelmed (in a good way) when shopping for it! From chunky hoops, statement chained necklaces, to couple bracelets with your besties, Lustrous Dvo has it for you. And the best part is that their products are also non-tarnish and hypoallergenic!

4. Tbrew’s Davao

Are you one of the girlies who can’t start their day without a cup of coffee? If you’re residing in Davao City, you should check out T’Brews Cafe located at Fronting Kuilans Lacson for your daily dose of caffeine boost! They sell various kinds of coffees in hot and iced selections, Thai teas, and a couple of snacks like brownies. Not to mention, their products are budget-friendly which are perfect for students who are looking for a place to chill and study. Keep in mind that T’Brews Cafe is also available for delivery and pick up orders.

5. KandK

This crochet business has all the colorful and flattering crocheted tops that you can wear for when you want to dress up cute! KandK offers handmade crochet products such as clothes, headwears like bonnets, and accessories like tote bags. Their crochet flowers are the prettiest, because one of their products are flower bouquets which can be a lovely gift idea for a friend or a beau who loves flowers! Go and shop for KandK if you want to try their handmade pieces that are beautifully crafted crochet products.

6. Alofa

Dealing with dry and frizzy hair can be a pain sometimes, which means that you might need to add a little few more routines to how you take care of your hair. Alofa Haircare is a brand that sells haircare products and accessories, for all hair types. They are known for their hair oils that are rich in Vitamin E, B, and C and are also infused with oils like castor oil and coconut oil, which will make your hair healthy and shiny. If you’re looking for hair care essentials that will upgrade your haircare gaming, go and check out Alofa’s flagship stores in Shopee and Lazada.

7. Club’s Bakery

Another Davao City-based food business, Club’s Bakery is dedicated in bringing pastries and desserts that will deliciously melt in one’s mouth. Located in NHA Bangkal Cordillera, Club’s Bakery offers puff pastries, sweet pastries, and breads that are great for when you’re craving for some sweets desserts. They also sell sandwiches and coffees if you want some quick brunch that are worth the price. So don’t miss the chance to come across this pastry shop and satisfy your pastry cravings!

All in all, these local and female-owned brands will give us quality, sustainable, and intentionally-curated products that will cater our different lifestyle wants and needs. Whether you are looking for a new addition to your jewelry accessories or want to try new coffee blends, don’t be shy, go check, and support these local businesses. Start browsing through these empowering brands’ social media accounts and flagship stores to get to know their products and services more.

[dmikaelamiranda]

This Local Fragrance Line Will Help You Stay Smelling Fresh and Clean Despite the Hot Weather

Article for The Scoop Asia

Written on: April 2023

Spoiler alert, you will also find your signature scent with this parfum brand!

To live in a tropical country where the heat can be the biggest ick, sweating may be our worst enemy. Of course, it still depends on how well one’s body can handle Philippines’ weather, but no ordinary scents and fragrances can stay in this scorching hot weather. Which is why choosing and investing in great, long-lasting, and high quality perfume brands should be our top priority if we want to stay smelling fresh and elegant while beating this summer heat!

If you’re looking to invest in long-lasting, sustainable, and high-quality perfume brands, we have just the right brand for you. Introducing Louis Mireille (pronounced as /lou-ee meer-yay/), a Davao-based, female-owned fragrance brand that celebrates individuality, beauty, creativity, and women empowerment. Don’t mistake this brand for producing dupes or inspired-fragrances because their scents are carefully crafted to become the scents of their own. Louis Mirielle aims to create unique scents and fragrances that will suit your own personal style!

Each scent of this fragrance line easily blends in with your unique and distinct body scent that will definitely bring out your own fragrance. Retailing at PHP 760.00, this fragrance line is offering eight (8) unique scents which are the following: Limitless, Versailles, Invincible, and Into The Woods, which are scents crafted for the men and Golden Sunrise, Kallie, Chrysalis, and Florence which are scents made for women. Their fragrances range from floral, fruity, musky, sweet, and even fresh. Even greater, most of these scents are said to be perfect for the summer or sweaty season such as the floral, citrus or fruity, and light or fresh scents as stated by several beauty articles.

Aside from fragrances for the body, Louis Mirielle offers sprays for your sweet homes. Using home fragrance sprays can be another way of giving your homes instant freshness and an extra boost of homeyness, especially when unpleasant odors are lingering outside and inside our homes. Louis Mirielle released 4 scents of their room sprays namely The Saint, The Protector, The Dynamo, and The Daydreamer. Two (2) of these scents, The Saint and The Protector are formulated with Mosscover Technology which repels mosquitoes. Meanwhile, the other two (2) scenes, The Dynamo and The Daydreamer are formulated with Scentinel Technology which eliminates foul odors.

Which scent from Louis Mireille do you think best fits you? Can’t decide yet? Browse through @louismireille on Instagram or visit their flagship store in Lazada and Shopee to find your perfect scents.

[dmikaelamiranda]

3 Eye Makeup Ideas To Try for Your Next Concert Makeup Look

Article for: Internship Application

Written on: April 20, 2023

These eye-catching eye makeup ideas will take your concert look into another level!

Concerts are definitely a fun and exciting way for us to practice with our makeup routines and experiment with new makeup looks that are stunning and an absolute head-turner. Attending our favorite idol’s live concert is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so it is of utmost importance that we take our time in planning ahead of what our concert look will be like! 

When I attended the Clark Music Festival in 2022, I dedicated a few days choosing my killer outfit as well as practicing my makeup routine for that coming concert back then. One way you can do for you to slay your concert look is to do your makeup in the best way that you can, and that includes having a flawless and sweat-proof base, long-lasting lippie, and a stunning eye makeup look. Perfecting your makeup look when attending your most-awaited idol’s concert is a must, so here are 3 different eye makeup ideas that you should try for your next concert makeup look:

1.  Add a pop of color on the inner corner of your eyes

One way to play with your eyeshadow palette that will surely elevate your whole look is to add a pop of bright color on the inner corner of your eyes! To achieve this, you can just put on some cute neutral colors on the base of your eyelids and add a little sparkle to your eyes by layering on shimmer eyeshadow as well. Now, for the fun part – make sure to add that bright eyeshadow on the inner corner of your eyes! Remember: the choice of the eyeshadow color for this eye makeup look can depend on the fandom color of the artist's concert you are attending, which can be a great way to show our profound love and support for our idols! Don’t forget that dramatic falsies to complete the look.

2. Incorporate rhinestones and glitters

Have you seen makeup looks that are inspired by the TV show ‘Euphoria’ and wanted to achieve a similar look? You can absolutely rock that trendy style by incorporating rhinestones and lots of glitters on your eyelids. Just make sure to find a great face makeup glue for you to apply those stunning face gems. As for the glitters, you can wear this alongside with your face gems by scattering them all over your eyelids. Alternatively, you can also place your rhinestones in a winged-eyeliner style, which is a look that will surely make you stand out in the crowd!

3. Draw iconic eyeliner looks

The versatility of an eyeliner as a makeup product can do wonders to our whole makeup look. With various eyeliner color choices and eyeliner styles, achieving this look can be done in numerous ways. One eyeliner look you can try is to draw eyeliner strokes that will outline your whole eyelid, and don’t forget to draw a wing that complements your eye shape! You can also do this by using colored eyeliner, such as white and neon colors. Lastly, you can try drawing eyeliner styles with two (2) different eyeliner colors that are beautifully layered with one another!

Overall, these eye makeup ideas can make you look and feel good when you’re about to see the ~love of your life~, aka your favorite idol’s concert. Alongside these stunner makeup looks, ensure to pick a concert outfit that will make you feel confident but comfortable, because it will be a no brainer that you’ll surely scream at the top of your lungs while singing along to the concert jam. Savor the concert feels while slaying your look, Candy Girls!

All photo-inspirations are from Pinterest.

[dmikaelamiranda]

The Ultimate Guide to Looking Put Together in Every Occasion with Lustrous Dvo

Article for The Scoop Asia

Written on: April 18, 2023

Even the most basic and lazy outfit can be transformed with the right amount of bling and Lustrous Dvo is just the perfect jewelry brand that will help guide you through it.

Lustrous Dvo is a local and female-owned jewelry brand in Davao City that offers timeless, classic, quality, and affordable jewelry accessories that suit all women’s styles for all types of occasion. 

From earrings, ear cuffs, rings, bracelets, necklaces, to anklets; their jewelry pieces are well-curated, made in stainless steel, and are non-tarnish, which makes their pieces perfect for everyday use! Their accessories are also hypoallergenic which makes our jewelry styling not only elegant, but also safe.

With Lustrous Dvo, you can never go wrong with accentuating your different everyday looks! Ranging from the prices of P 65.00 to P 650.00, Lustrous has a wide variety of jewelry pieces that you can choose from. Whether you need a chunky earring to pair with your dainty, statement necklace; or a gold-plated chain necklace to elevate your look, name it, Lustrous Dvo has it.

To further guide you in looking effortlessly put together with wearing the right jewelry pieces, here are different ways you can elevate your everyday look on five (5) different occasions with Lustrous Dvo jewelry pieces:

Running late for a meeting?

Pop on a dainty and minimalist gold pendant necklace coupled with a classic and flattering small hoop earrings that are easy to put on, and viola! Your look is complete! Notice how the minimalist pendant necklace will flatter any top you may grab when you’re in a hurry and how the classic hoop earrings will suit any hairstyle that you’ll sport when you’re running late. Lustrous Dvo has a wide variety of necklaces with unique pendant designs that are available in different lengths to fit your preference.

Embodying your main character energy?

Never not a high time to romanticize your everyday embodying your main character era with Lustrous Dvo. Need to add a personal touch to your whole look? Girl, don’t worry, because Lustrous Dvo sure knows how to help you embrace your main character’s energy. Lustrous Dvo customizes jewelries, in which they use laser engraving technology to personalize your chosen accessories. Alternatively, a stunning layered necklace that is eye-catching can be another way to dress up more and be that main character.

Going on a girls night out?

When it comes to choosing the jewelry pieces for this look, you might want to opt using a very ~extra~ earrings such as chunky and asymmetrical hoop earrings! No piercings? No problem! Lustrous Dvo got you covered with their collection of ear cuffs bejeweled with all types of crystals.

Enjoy partying all night even when you’re sweaty without worrying that your sweat might tarnish your jewelry, because it won’t! Lustrous Dvo’s pieces are made of quality stainless steel that are non-tarnish and hypoallergenic. Not even your sweat can take that gold-plating off. So you go, girl! Take that dance floor by the storm!

Running errands?

Ever heard of Heart Evangelista running to the grocery store wearing a complete set of jewelries from gold hoops to a stack of bangles? That’s our inspo for this look. Lustrous Dvo offers earring hoops that come in all shapes and sizes and gold plated bracelets with different chains perfect for stacking. With Lustrous Dvo’s jewelry pieces that are affordable, you can absolutely copy celebrity-inspired looks that’s giving high class and exquisite.

Going on a date?

If there’s one thing couples love, it’s to make every moment spent together romantic and intimate. Capture the sweetest moments with your beau by gifting each other a couple bracelets with each other’s initials or even snuck in a little secret message engraved at the back of your bangles, in which Lustrous Dvo can customize only for you and your lover!

For all budget girlies out there, Lustrous Dvo is definitely your best friend! Their pieces from different collections will surely take your everyday looks to a whole new level without breaking the bank. If you’re eyeing for a locally-made, female-owned, intentional and curated collection of all types of jewelry, go check out Lustrous Dvo on Instagram at @lustrousdvo or visit their official website at lustrousdvo.com.

[dmikaelamiranda]

Bread of Hope officially launched: Classic Pinoy pastries for Tams’ cravings

Article for FEU-Community Extension Services - Bread of HOPE Launch

Written on: October 23, 2022

“…Kami ay nagtitiwala sa inyong kakayahan na gamitin ito na daan tungo sa positibong pagbabago sa inyong buhay…”

These are the exact words that Ms. Luzelle Ann Ormita said when she gave the opening remarks of the launching event of the Bread of Hope. Miss Ormita was pertaining to the persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) of the MCJFD or Manila City Jail Female Dormitory, as they are the ones who prepared the recently launched bread. She is the director of the FEU-Community Extension Services also known as FEU-CES, where she is only one of the many faculty who took lead in pioneering one of the FEU-CES's grand and heartening events, the launch of the Bread of Hope. The FEU Community Extension Services is the bridge that made the said launching event happen, together with the meaningful partnership of FEU-Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management’s Café Alfredo.

The meaningful launching of the Bread of Hope is the result of a year of training the PDLs of the MCJFD to produce breads from scratch, with the supervision of Chef John Lester Tuason or Chef JL of the FEU-ITHM. This milestone of the FEU-CES and Café Alfredo is the product of the long-held community program service of the FEU-CES named Project HOPE, which stands for Harnessing Offenders’ Personal Empowerment. Together with Mr. James Andrew Grasparil, the project head of Project HOPE, the FEU-CES made this possible. These goods that are made with passion and hope will soon be sold at Far Eastern University’s Café Alfredo.

Project HOPE is one of the projects of FEU Community Extension Services that aims to address the needs of the PDLs. The Bread of Hope is one of its activities that seeks to provide for the PDLs a self-sustaining way of living while being inside the dormitory, which is to produce various breads that can be sold inside and outside the dormitory. With the help of Chef JL in training the PDLs, known as the panaderas, they were able to make a profit of 100, 000 as of September 2022. During their early days of production, the panaderas could only distribute their goods inside the dormitory. But with the collaboration of the FEU-CES and Café Alfredo, the MCJFD has now found a partner community inside the FEU campus as the PDLs harness their knowledge and skills in bread-making as well as share it to the FEU community.

To name the breads that the panaderas made in the Bread of Hope launching event, the Café Alfredo will soon sell pandesal, pan de coco, Spanish bread, and kababayan. These breads of hope can be the dawn of success in holistically addressing the needs of the PDLs, which can be achieved through its continuous production and distribution of the bread. Aside from these classic Pinoy pastries, numerous spreads were also softly launched during the said event. The spreads that the palamaneras also made are namely curd jam, pineapple jam, mango jam, and cheese pimiento jam. As Chef JL proudly introduced these spreads of hope, he also stated that they also are in the process of making another spread as they are still in the middle of improving its quality.  

In this period where livelihood can be a big challenge, Project HOPE is present to give continuous support for the persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). As stated by Mr. Grasparil, the goal of the project is to fulfill the needs of the PDLs by providing a way for them to learn new skills. From that, they can use those skills in the future for them to make a living once they get out of the penitentiary. The partnership of FEU-CES and FEU-ITHM is the feature for this event to come to life. It should not end here, as supporting the initiative by purchasing the products would further help the PDLs to make a living. Indeed, the Bread and Spreads of Hope is only the beginning of practicing crucial life-habits such as strengthening social awareness, responsibility, leadership, and even communication skills for the FEU community.

[dmikaelamiranda]

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐀𝐒 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭?

Article for IAS Paragon

Written on: February 12, 2023

Our long New Year’s celebration comes to an end, the month of love and romance has come. February is a busy time for the Tamaraws, with the university's foundation week coming alive together with Valentine's Day, a time that's supposed to be spent with our loved ones. Aside from these celebrations that seemingly eat up most of our schedules, we took the opportunity to ask around the campus grounds a couple of IAS students a question that lets them  flaunt their one-of-a-kind personalities. 

But before diving into our fellow IAS students’ quirky answers, let us first look back and talk about what February and Valentine’s Day is all about. People say that there are different kinds of love that exist in this vast world – there's platonic love, romantic love, and even love for mankind. But among all of these diverse kinds of love, love has no meaning if we do not treat it as a form of art where we exert effort, time, and dedication in showing our love to those around us. For people who are full of love, everyday is Valentine's Day and February may seem to be an ordinary month for them. Simultaneously, there are also people who are just taking advantage of Valentine’s to look for a potential partner, whether it be for the purpose of finding their sure thing or just deciding to go for a casual talking stage and call it a day. With the month of February slowly seizing our time with our loved ones, the students from Institute of Arts and Sciences sincerely and wittily answered the question, “Why should you date an IAS student?”

To begin, there are several IAS students in the FEU campus who were able to give us an answer that flexed their fun-to-be-with personas, incorporating the words IAS to their answers. “Kasi ma-IAS kaming mag picture”, “Dahil IAS na IAS ka sa piling ko”, “Ma-IAS kang mamahalin”, says students from Communication, Psychology, and Language and Literature Studies. Being the most populated institute in the campus, we IAS students will certainly give you the love that you deserve. The way they give playful but genuine statements surely earned the IAS community a plus point for people who are possibly eyeing someone special from our institute. 

For our fellow IAS students, kickstarting the month of February with celebrating one of the most awaited holidays might be an enchanting idea. But to some, not so much. A student from Political Science answered the question with a “Wag” in all capital letters. In this age and period where everyone is busy with their acad work, org work, or any other social activities, dating might not be the biggest priority. As we reach adulthood and as we focus on adulting stuff, this is the perfect time for us to give time and dedication in improving ourselves academically, professionally, and independently. Dating can wait because what is more important than looking after our own selves, right?

A 2nd year-Psychology student gave a response of “Why not?” in answering our question. In the entries of this February and Valentine’s special vox populi series, this specific statement will never be not present within our witty and creative IAS community. Indeed, why should you not date an IAS student? The students in our institute are full of surprises, like what another Psychology student said, “Try it to find out”. You will never know what the students in the IAS community might possibly offer you, which brings us to the assumption that you have no reason to be afraid of devoting your time to get to know us. 

Lastly, we were also able to witness students from Communication, Psychology, Political Science, and International Studies as they responded with such genuine and heartfelt answers. “Because of our smiles”, “Kasi hindi kami gagawa ng kahit na anong bagay na ikakasakit ng puso mo!”, “IAS students (like me) are flexible, reliable and everything you’ll ever need”, and “Kasi ipaglalaban ka” – isn’t it endearing to read all of these affirmations? Aside from being a witty and fun institute, the IAS community proves to be unmatched when it comes to professing their strong characteristics in the field of dating. We can be high-spirited and wholehearted at the same time!

With assurance and confidence, the IAS community is indeed a sea of green flags, with most of us having the determination to become a good partner to someone special in time to come. But despite all of these overwhelming answers, we should instead use this vox pop to remind ourselves to always possess the best standards in all aspects as this is what we all deserve. In the subject of love and romance, aside from setting our standards in the dating scene, it is also important for us to be reminded of how love should be viewed or treated as. Love is more about giving rather than receiving, which is why these IAS students should indeed live up to their affirmations once their destined significant others come into their tranquil lives.

Link for the vox populi: https://www.facebook.com/IASParagon/posts/pfbid02RkaB9evDxB2hMiKk38h4WsTBX4zi8hoBcZ6NA1wcvV53qPuuBa24c9RSLbJ8KNL2l

[dmikaelamiranda]

GIRLS ON TOP: The Face of a Woman as the General Manager of Austroplast Philippines

Article for Integrated Marketing Communication Activity

Written on: March 13, 2023

Mx. Ira Emmanuel Antonio steps up her character as she embraces and champions the role of the General Manager of a corporation called Austroplast Philippines, Inc., a manufacturing company that focuses on profile extrusion and handles production of serial products and several other high-tech solutions that is based in the Philippines.

The role of a marketing supervisor can be tough and challenging as this deals with a whole lot of supervision and management of the overall operations of a company, along with other many tasks. Ira Emmanuel Antonio, who was born in August of 1994, a 28-year-old General Manager of Austroplast Philippines, Inc., gave us the opportunity of conducting an informational interview that discusses her line of work in the marketing industry. She faced the interview with confidence and mastery of her job roles and descriptions and even shared her personal tips with regards to her work as a manager. In this interview, Mx. Ira Emmanuelle Antonio proved that her knowledge and skills in overseeing and supervising daily business activities are worth listening to. 

On explaining her role in the marketing department

As she introduced her responsibilities in this specific jobline, Ira Emmanuelle also carefully remembered her starting years with Austroplast Philippines. “In the previous years, I was the sales manager for a few years for Austroplast Philippines.” 

She was able to state her roles and responsibilities one-by-one. Some examples of her tasks as a manager that she shared with us is that she handles client coordination, service and engineering coordination, as well as marketing. These roles are heavily involved with interacting with an enormous amount of people, in which we see this as something admirable. Additionally, she also explained during the interview that she also assists their clients with regards to what they need, such as their inquiries in spare parts, and she coordinates technical support as well. Her roles are indeed deeply involved with having to speak, assist, and coordinate. “I also attend exhibitions, conferences, and explain products, our machines, and equipment.”

Early times in the marketing industry

In this segment of the interview, Ira Emmanuelle briefly talked about how the company she is working for, Austroplast Philippines, started venturing into the marketing industry. She shared that her bosses started Austroplast twenty (20) years ago back in China and Austria. Afterwards, these bosses then had clients who were based in the Philippines, which made them decide to finally build and establish their own corporation in the aforementioned country.

“First, it was hard to do those government applications like the BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) and things like that [other legal documents]. After that, they absorbed me as a regular employee… but first, as an assistant in the sales in the office”. This is where she started as a sales manager like what she mentioned above. Then from there, she was able to build up her career as a marketing manager little by little. “So later on, my roles got bigger and I got promoted… that is how I started in this industry.”

Getting personal with her most memorable campaign

When Ira Emmanuelle was asked of her most memorable campaign in her field of work, it was evident that she was about to tell us a lot. It was obvious that the story she was about to tell us seemed to have influenced her a lot. She first started explaining to us what products and services her company focuses on selling, which are profile extrusions or also known as the PVC. “We are focused on extruding it – extruding it means… from a compound of materials, for example, a powder. Sometimes, they use regrind which is a compound of different materials. They put it inside an extrusion machine, heat it, and mix some water. It’s something like you make in a clay. And then, we have a mold and the final product is a profile – PVC profile. That is what our company specializes in.” 

She then told us the story of a client who requested them to weld a totally different material from what Austroplast produces, which is called an EPDM product. “EPDM products are something like a gasket seal of your refrigerator or the black seals in your car. It is some sort of a rubber consistency. It is soft unlike the PVC that we usually see in PVC pipes… so PVC is hard and this one is soft, so we have to weld that thing.” With that, she also said that a lot of people are saying that this kind of material cannot be welded. But still, they tried to weld it even after a year and a half. They even bought a machine from China, they tested the parameters, but it turns out that they have no luck on welding it. “So my boss already told me we will spend 2 more months and it's over. We’re not going to push it again. Because it's already a loss of time, loss of manpower and everything.”

Afterwards, she happily told us the solution that she just found on the internet to one of their company’s biggest challenges. “But then, I just googled it, the word EPDM welding – and a lot of things came up. So I looked it one by one and I found an answer, a scientific journal that says there is a method with this EPDM product. The method is called Normic method and it is named after the only company who makes a machine that can weld it.” She expressed her happiness as she was telling us this story and when she found out about this method after a year of researching. That scientific journal that she searched on the internet was even from a research that was made by students. Since they have already learned what they need to know when it comes to welding EPDM products, they immediately brought the machine that they needed and finally, they were able to make it happen! “It’s one of the memorable things that I remembered from working for our company. It’s because you just sit down one night and just read and read and read, and oh here’s the answer, I saw it.”

Ira Emmanuelle on her best practices in planning and implementing marketing program/campaign

One of the best ways to improve one’s skills and talents personally as well as professionally is to accumulate small practices that can contribute to bigger achievements. No doubt, one practice that Ira Emmanuelle has taken into her life as a general manager is to always put customers first. “First of all, I think it’s a little cliche if I say customers first, because a lot of people do that and a lot of people say it. But it is the truth.” By putting the needs of the customers first, this practice can make or break one’s company. She followed, “If you don’t take care of your client, somebody else will.” 

Another practice that Ira Emmanuelle shared with us that helped her be the best in her job is the skill of being honest. “In regards of our marketing programs and campaigns, you just have to be honest. If there are things that you couldn’t do, you just tell them.” Honesty, in Ira Emmanuelle’s language, does not automatically mean being straightforward to say “no” when you cannot accomplish one task. She said that one should be honest but it is important to not say “no” immediately. 

Assessing things first before declining is another practice that we learned from her. “Some people during exhibitions – they will ask you if you can do this thing and this thing… and you don’t have any idea what it is. Sometimes it is a new technology… and things like that. You don’t immediately say “no”. With this information, Ira Emmanuelle then explained that what her team does is to figure things out first, then after some assessments, they get back to their customers. She also highlighted to not say “no” unless you know from yourself that it cannot be done. Nevertheless, providing solutions when saying “no” is also a must.

To conclude the fourth question, she ended with these compelling statements. “If you say no, you will give solutions. So always be honest. Don’t give false promises to the clients. Be realistic but also be optimistic.”

Sharing tips for students who wants to pursue a job in the marketing industry

The very last portion of the interview has indeed shown Ira Emmanuelle’s knowledge and expertise with regards to her profession as this is the part where she enthusiastically shared her tips to students who would like to pursue jobs in the world of marketing and advertising. “Know your products. Read about it.” She gave emphasis that reading and researching plays a big role in this field of work. Aside from endlessly reading research papers, catalogs, and blogs, she also advised to watch videos. “It’s not going to be painful if you’re one step ahead”, she also added.

The general manager gave importance to research and awareness. For example, setting priorities about knowing what the trends and technology are. “Always read everything that is being sent to you. Because sometimes, some people, some clients – they will ask you questions spontaneously.” And with all this advice about reading, researching and knowing everything, Ira Emmanuelle then talked about the not knowing part of her job. Of course, it is impossible to know everything, which is why learning about countermeasures should also be a must in the marketing industry. “If you don’t understand what you are selling, what you are marketing, [then] why do you believe other people will understand it?” In the industry of marketing and advertising, these statements of Mx. Ira Emmanuel only proved that honesty and integrity is also needed in order to be able to produce quality work. “If you could not explain it well ‘cause you didn’t understand it, how can other people understand what you are selling? So you need to read it and you have to know your product and you need to be honest of what it can do and what it can't do.” Lastly, she also highlighted a skill which is optimism. She specifically said as she ended her answer, “You also have to be optimistic. Like I say, [maybe] we could not do this now, but there’s a possibility that someday we can do it, we can research it. We’ll figure it out together… something like that.”

[dmikaelamiranda]

𝐘𝐞𝐬, 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐧: 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐢𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬

Article for IAS Paragon

Written on: March 21, 2022

Picture this – you are a young, little, and innocent girl who is just starting to get curious about what life has to offer. You wanted to try a lot of things, explore different hobbies, and learn about what you really want in life. All of a sudden, people are telling you to be “this” and “that”. One day, an adult tells you, “Ladies like you are suitable for this kind of job,” or “Your way of living is not very womanly”. You were bewildered about these gender stereotypes, and you started to doubt your own choices and interests as a woman striving to become the best version of yourself.

This kind of culture is undeniably prevalent in the society we are living in. We are confident that almost every one of us was able to encounter or experience these stereotypes that society is trying to impose on us. When we talk about women entering a male-dominated society or workplace, people glamorize the idea that women, rather than men, are expected to do the lighter tasks, or women are said to be too emotional to take an office job. Or women are believed to eventually abandon their jobs because their only end-goal is to get married, have kids, and settle down – and the cycle goes on. If you are a woman, how would you feel about these biased perspectives? What would you say if people would suddenly give unsolicited remarks about your ideals and decisions as a woman of your own? The people who view womanhood this way are not even aware that these preconceived notions about gender stereotypes are deeply rooted within them. This kind of thinking is what perpetuates the lies that the patriarchal society stands on. These circumstances are enough reason for us to start, if not continue breaking and challenging what society expects women to become.

As a woman myself, one thing I learned as I reflect on the concept of women empowerment and feminism in my everyday life is that women are allowed to have a choice of their own. It should be as simple as that. For us to understand it better, let us start by abolishing the standardized perceptions about women that we were taught to believe by the patriarchal system. Have you ever heard or encountered the idea that women are there to serve men? Or women are said to be inferior to men? These established ideas are the very reason why gender discrimination and biases are existing. Little do we know, since way back, there are countless different kinds of women who are able to prove these stereotyped notions otherwise. There are women who dominate different lines of work, women who share their passions on different lifestyles, and even women of different orientations and gender identities. The capabilities that every woman possesses are endless. Don’t we all agree? Women can be literally anything they want – and us showing support and standing up for them is the simplest thing we can offer to them.

Today, it is of no doubt that women are exceptional in continuing to break the stereotypes that society viewed them to be – from women becoming lawyers, doctors, journalists, athletes, policewomen, and the list never ends. Of course, included here are also women who chose to pursue the life of becoming a mother, having a family, and even who chose not to abide by the cultural expectations of getting married. Lastly, let us not forget women who came from different gender orientation backgrounds, such as transwomen. Every woman is included in this progressive movement, which is why it is also important for them to have support from us, as their allies, to take part in empowering what they are fighting for and what influence they want to partake in this world.

Acknowledging that there are real struggles, biases, and discrimination all women face, this is how we can say that empowerment begins with us. Recognizing that all genders, including women, have no absolute obligation to conform to what the patriarchal system desires them to be. As we observe and devote the month of March to celebrate the countless achievements of women, let us allow this opportunity to educate ourselves and other people that women can be so much more than what society perceives them to be. Of course, ladies can. Yes, women can! Regardless of a woman’s line of work, way of living, and background, they can definitely astonish us with their own unique power and capabilities.

[dmikaelamiranda]

Duterte’s Drug War and the Security of His Country on a College Student’s Perspective

Article for Filipino in the Contemporary World Activity

Written on: September 29, 2021

It all started with his campaign in 2016, when he said that he will cleanse the country’s drug users and dealers, prompted the Filipinos to question their security in the country.

For nearly five years since President Rodrigo Duterte took the office, his plan to eliminate crime and corruption such as drug users and dealers has been known as his identity as a president of the Philippines. As of 2020, over 357, 000 suspects were arrested and 8, 000 people, mostly from the poor communities, were killed in this drug operation. This deadly drug war is enough of a reason for Filipinos to feel unsafe in their own country and question the current president’s quality as an ideal leader. 

The system that Duterte and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency do in their operations against illegal drugs is often criticized by various organizations locally and internationally, particularly the human rights groups. Several investigations from independent media and journalists have taken place regarding these operatives and most of the arrests made were said to be inhumane and brutal. Suspects who attempt to resist arrests are mercilessly killed by the police and reports about incidents like this are being twisted. The people who are on the police’s “drug watch-list” is on icy ground because of how any time in their lives, they might be arrested or killed even if they may or may not be innocent at all. Even activists and politicians who oppose and criticize Duterte’s drug war policy might also be in danger. It is evident that in the eyes of the current administration, the cost of human life in this anti-narcotic campaign has no worth in exchange for political ambitions. 

In terms of how secured the Filipinos feel when they are living during Duterte’s inauguration should frighten the government itself. This should alert the authorities because of the extrajudicial killings that are being administered everyday in the country. The importance of human security in this predicament is uncertain because of the fact that the state itself is the one delivering insecurity to the people’s lives and welfare. This is no longer the scope of traditional or non-traditional security because this no longer identifies the quality of life of the people. In this situation, various organization are the ones calling out Duterte’s leadership as violations in human rights such as the United Nations Human Rights Office which is known internationally. They urged several countermeasures to put an end to the drug war such as pushing more independent and credible investigations and proposing resolution. Duterte’s administration caught the attention of international organizations like this because of how serious the violations his minions are doing to the people’s security. This proves that organizations like this are able to deliver message to a certain country where the government itself is not properly handling the security that its people must experience. 

The presidency of Duterte has always been associated to his policy combating the debatable war on drugs and as well as the security and welfare of the Filipino citizens. Human rights are always been neglected in his administration and human security is always been at risk because they have no accountability over the arrests and killings that they conduct. The cruel and murderous campaign that he is organizing since 2016 has compromised the security of the Filipinos and made them fear for their lives. At this point, the role of local and global organizations is only some of the approaches to identify the importance of human security in a country.

[dmikaelamiranda]

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐚𝐰: 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐚𝐲𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐞

Article for IAS Paragon

Written on: November 27, 2021

The horrifying stories that we have unraveled in this series of #UntoldStoriesOfMartialLaw has shed light on the fearsome human rights abuses carried out on activists and critical Filipinos against Martial Law at that time. From electrocution, torture, rape, and many more inhumane cases of abuse, the story of today’s series is no different. The third and final part of this series is the story of Fortunato Bayotlang, who has become one of the many victims of the brutality under this regime. However, unlike the previously featured victims, Fortunato was not a political activist during that time. Back in the late 1970’s Fortunato Bayotlang was only 26 years of age. He was a salesman and was working at a pharmaceutical company named Philusa Drug in Davao City. Pondering over this plain yet simple description about Bayotlang than life, it seems that tragedy will not come along to the young man’s life. Fortunato Bayotlang also had two brothers who were both minors, named Fernando, who was 14 years old, and Ruperto, who was only seven years old back then. Even kids like Fernando and Ruperto had to witness and at the same time experience themselves the cruelness of what happened in the late 1970s in the outskirts of Davao City. On the date of August 24, 1979, at 1:00 in the afternoon, the Bayotlang siblings Fortunato, Fernando, and Ruperto were traveling to a place called 'Tagum' to run errands and to deliver pharmaceutical supplies. The younger siblings Fernando and Ruperto accompanied their older brother because they did not have classes at that time, and it was on a Saturday. Little did they know, this day will also be the day they will fall victims to the brutality of Martial Law. On their way to run their errands using Fortunato’s company car, they were stopped by a group of men—roughly around five to six—and arrested the Bayotlang siblings even though they did not carry any warrants. The siblings were forcefully brought to the Fourth Constabulary Unit in Davao, particularly in a place called PC compound, and they were interrogated. Fortunato was the only one who was taken out and was brought to the compound by the group of men, all while Fernando and Ruperto were left inside the car, eventually manhandled by the same men who captured them. According to the younger siblings, their older brother suffered abuse and beatings as they heard his continuous grunts. Fernando also stated that he saw a man holding a '2 by 2' stick, and another man afterward followed who had stains of blood all over his clothes, in his hands, and his pants, as if he bathed on it. The younger siblings also have shared that they saw their brother handcuffed behind his back, covered in blood, and suffering in agony, confirming that Fortunato indeed suffered heavy beatings. Ruperto and Fernando have not been able to do anything back then but obey what they were told to do. It was said that Fernando had to cooperate with the interrogation of the group of men as he was threatened to undergo what his older brother had gone through. As a 14-year-old kid back then, Fernando surely did not understand a thing about what they did for them to be captive and tormented like that. They eventually knew that the group of men was looking for a man named “Dodong” which they merely knew nothing about. Later at 3:00 in the afternoon, it was said the group of men alongside Fernando raided their house, without again, warrants. On August 25, a day after the ruthless event, Fortunato Bayotlang was pronounced dead after he was brought to a hospital in Davao. According to a coroner’s report, Fortunato Bayotlang’s cause of death was “subdural hemorrhage”, which is a buildup of blood outside the brain. It was later on concluded that the men who captured the Bayotlang siblings and murdered Fortunato Bayotlang was a case of “mistaken identity”. What the Bayotlang siblings experienced under this brutal reign was beyond horror nor trauma. It was beyond injustice. Their story should illuminate that the kind of leader our country needs is the one who can create a chronicle where violence ceases to exist. This featured story should also be able to open a new perspective about how it is not acceptable to stay blind and ignorant in these trying times. Thousands of tortures, disappearances, and even deaths in history are enough reasons to abhor and oppose another tyrant to govern us, or perhaps, oppose those who aim to revise our dark history. We have to be conscious that this is possible if we choose the wrong leaders. The people of our country have suffered enough in the past, and we should not let these fears and terrors surface in our nation once more. References: Association of Major Religious Superiors in the Philippines (1976). Political detainees in the Philippines. Anti-martial Law Coalition (Philippines). Mijares, M. The Conjugal Dictatorship of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos (1976). Union Square Publications.