@Mikay

@Mikay 16 February 2021

Aaaack. I miss posting articles and stuff here. I'll be back soon. ❤️

@Mikay 7 November 2020

Run, Lola, Run (Film Analysis) About the Movie: Run, Lola, Run is a 1998 German film written and directed by Tom Tykwer that follows a young woman by the name of “Lola” played by Franka Potente as she struggles to deliver a hundred thousand marks in 20 minutes to her boyfriend who's name is “Manni” played by Moritz Bleibtreu, who decides to rob a grocery store for his lost funds. Three possible scenarios are depending on Lola’s encounters. The repetition of the run as seen in the same scene three times is an example of how Lola's journey is similar to a video game. It aims to highlight the fact that her life can just be restarted and reminded just like video games. It shows that even in real life we cannot travel back in time, the repetition of the run sequence shows mistakes are fixed by going back to the very root of the problem and figuring out what solution would suit well. This film connotes the power of making decisions and how they impact our lives and it reminds us deeply that if we know how to use our potentials and if we come to our senses, we are capable to make lasting positive solutions to the obstacles we are facing. This is also inspiring for it teaches people to live their life in a meaningful way and to make decisions consciously and in a way that they experience their dream results and not their mistakes. Run Lola Run captivates the mind and spirit with beautiful flashes of love, passion, making choices, desperation, anticipation, panic, hesitation and fear that when all combined is quite reinforcing. Analysis Formalist film theory is a theory of film study that is focused on the formal, or technical, elements of a film: i.e., the lighting, scoring, sound and set design, use of colour, shot composition, and editing. In this film, formalism is present where the three alternate narratives with the same duration are repeated thrice and each one has different outcomes which result to affect the plot in a multitude ways. In each scenario, there are a new set of characters which are also affected and they have contributed to the events and are seen through snapshots. The lighting that is natural from indoor and outdoor scenes, specifically when Lola was running and Manni was waiting for her. There’s also this scene where the usage of red lighting is present which signifies Lola’s personality and situation and it also shows their love and passion for each other as seen in the first two narratives. Another is the animation being used in the film as shown where she was running down the stairs and it is only the scene represented in an animated form in the film. Run, Lola, Run also used different sound techniques to hide the tension and keep the film fastening. The same non-diegetic sound is also featured throughout the film specifically upbeat, keeping the continuity with the non-linear structure and plot. This keeps the viewer’s hearts pumping wondering what’s going to happen next or what scene will follow. It keeps the rhythm with what is happening in the clip and stops at just the right moments. The sound effect of the people screaming and the gun firing off allows the viewers to grasp and understand how dangerous the situation that Manny is creating at the grocery store as seen in the first clip. The silence or with no music in the scene where Lola and Manni are honest with each other allows the viewers to capture their conversation. The sound of the clock as it reoccurs in the three narratives and the scream of Lola as seen in the third clip reinforces the idea of Lola being under pressure and therefore builds suspense and tension as what may have been done. Throughout the film, the constant use of colour which is red, includes Lola’s red hair, the tint over the screen while Lola and Manni are lying on the bed and the telephone repetitively was seen. Technically, red represents love, lust and danger in this film. Another element is the shot composition where a lot of angles are used like an aerial shot where Lola is running to her desired destination. A long shot is also seen where she is running to the bank and gives the viewers the idea of where she is going the first time around. Another is when Manni is in the phone booth which shows his anger and fear of what he expects to come at any point in time. Close-ups, extreme close-ups are also seen in some of the scenes in the film. Extreme close up which aims to show the extreme detail of the subject such as Lola’s face while she’s talking to Manni on the phone. The shot shows her eyes, emotion and her worry at that moment. For the editing, there are different cuts used in the film such as quick cut, jump cut and split screens. In the scene where Manni loses the money bag while he was on the train and there are also multiple shots cutting towards it because he’s lost it and he seems to be distraught is considered as an example of a quick cut. It means multiple shots that are cut up together to show some type of chaos or some type of energy being shown. Another cut is the jump cut as shown in the scene where Lola was shot, lying on the ground where she’s about to die and the phone descending almost showing a timer. She then makes a decision right before that she wants to live and says “stop,” this is an example of a jump cut because of the different cuts in between the three shots on that particular scene. The meaning of the film was conveyed at some particular scenes or sequences through the contribution of its lighting, sound, editing and cinematography.

@Mikay 30 October 2020

Isolation it's not an evacuation of reasoning not an isolation of the will to live beyond predetermined distances it's more like an e-vacation not an insolvency of the creative spirit or survival instinct it is a time for the evocation of beautiful memories for we all have some a time for the invocation of the spirits of life's gifts it is an isolation of the self to open widely the channels linking us to our deeper selves an act of becoming more truly who we are

@Mikay 28 October 2020

DANCE by Ida Flores Atega (Short Story Analysis) The story depicts the relationship of the family, particularly describing the relationship that binds between a mother and a daughter. The story as well shows the failure of a family to keep the harmonious relationship between each member specifically the relationship between the pillar of the household and the one who gives light. It broached us to the reality that not all household can uphold a good relationship between each member, there were times that you probably can’t bear the argument anymore and even come up with the realization to just put an end to a relationship you once commit your life with. Like what happened with Dina and her husband. It also shows how an individual pursues her passion in life.   Setting The story’s setting happened at the house of Miss Martha and Dina Segunda. At the onset of the story you will easily spot of where the story took place, and out of that, you can say that it happened in a certain house. Although the story does pinpoint directly the story’s setting. But if you notice it, as Dina made her way downstairs, you can then conclude that it happened in their house, since the narrator revealed in her later narration that they lived in a two-storey house with a red roof and one entire wall paved with mirrors. This is where most scenes in the story take place. In their house there was this photograph that her mother loved, it was her in a grey grass skirt, and her mother used to point it out to her friends that she named her daughter Martha from Martha Graham. There was also this barre, which they used against stretching. Their house served as a training ground in learning ballet, and her teacher was her persistent mother. Plot           The story started with Martha who opened a door for the man who was probably younger than the last who was asking for Dina. On the other hand, Dina was off to go with her make-up and costume on, ready to rock the night but just opted to stay upstairs so she can make a slow entrance down the steps with a one-hand gliding on the bannister. She was then very careful with her steps as she made her way downstairs. As she passed by the room of her granddaughter Dorrie: who at that moment watching television but still favoured her aversion of low two-note whistle and rewarded her an approving look. Her 22-year-old daughter Martha was waiting up for her mother, as she made her way up to the front door. Martha thought her mother was in love again. Then, suddenly Martha remembered about the barre with dread. She reminisces her childhood times. They lived in a two-storey house with a red roof and one entire wall paved with mirror. Those times that her mother was persistent in teaching her ballet. Dina has a blazing passion for dancing and she wants her daughter to have it too the way as she did. But then, Martha thought that learning ballet can be useful though since she used her skills that obtained from her training of ballet in escaping at night, going out to a party. Martha was just sixteen when she met Carlos the father of her six-year-old daughter Isadora. At the party, she dances as if there is no tomorrow. She was having fun with her companion at the party. In the morning her father whips her with a stingray's tail. She remembers not to weep. Isadora wanted to dance in her father’s funeral. Carlos just arrived a month before his death. He never had quality time spent with her daughter Isadora. It was just one time that Martha received a call from Carlos, telling she has nowhere to go without knowing that what Carlos need was a place to die. So, Martha offered Carlos to stay in her place for a few days. She both parents parted ways, but her father never fails to show up in her hardest times.  She was asked by her father if everything is alright? She wanted to ask her dad what went wrong? Why he left and yet keep coming back for those shorts’ awkward visits. When he sees his both parents talking in a porch sometimes for an hour. She wants to ask them, of how to explain death to a child or how one tells one’s mother to grow up. But then, she realized that she quite tired and what she wants for now is to rest her head to her father’s shoulder, nothing more. Outside, her daughter Isadora has stopped dancing and has plopped down on the lawn, probably humming to herself again. His mother moved back to a forgotten Madonna, takes a starched white handkerchief in the pocket wipe the image clean again. One night someone called her about her mom, it was from another club. Telling her that her mother probably got tired and fallen asleep wondering if Martha would send someone to pick her mother up. So, Martha arrived immediately to where her mom is, she met the manager of the club and thanked him. When they arrived home, they both can’t sleep and it both their cue for milk and cookies and she felt she is her daughter again her mother watches her drinking one hand on the hip and she looks like someone on the verge of hootchie-kitschy.  She laughed so hard that she barely falls off the chair. They often catch their selves barely in time, always never quite centred, falling and being caught, like the truest dancers. Characters Dina Segunda  A mother and the same time a grandmother who has a great passion for dancing. She is separated from her husband. She is a liberalist woman, who is fond up going out with a friend for a dance. She likes clubbing and seems like she sees dancing as her escape from her chaotic world.  Martha A daughter and a mother of a six-year-old Isadora. She is a bit impulsive. She has a daughter at the age of 22. A strong woman who did everything to her child, even if it was early that she became a mother but still she did it. She raises her daughter alone with the help of course of her parent. She encountered devastation in life, the father of her child died just a month of stay in their home. She was troubled explained it to her daughter, since how can a child absorbed sadden information at such age. Martha’s Father Martha’s parent separated. But her father truly did sill care for her. She was whip by her father during those times that she escapes at night going out partying. Her father still visited them even to those hardest times in her life. Carlos The father of her daughter Isadora. Who only showed up a month before his death. He has no lengthy memories and time spent with her daughter Isadora since he was bedridden from the time he was at the place of Martha. Isadora The six-year-old daughter of Martha who loves dancing just like her grandmother Dina. She loves bragging her mother to dance. She is innocent and just enjoyed the days of her childhood. Watching television and dancing.  Theme The short story entitled “Dance” by Ida Flores Ortega showed the courage of every woman in our society. It portrays the bravery of every woman no matter what odds they are facing in life but in the end, they still manage on how to face it with grace and smile plastered in each face. As dancers, we all know that performing at the front of the crowd is never been easy to combat with the shaking of sweating of our palms and entire body, the adrenaline rush that may hit directly to one’s veins is inevitable. But in the mind of every dancer and performer is the aim to render entertainment and inspire others to win against nervousness. We honestly, laugh at them whenever they commit mistakes and forget about the steps, but did not know what they been through. How they struggle and retain composure despite how nervous they are. They still manage to showcase their glamour and able to flash their sweetest smiles but doesn’t have any clue what they have inside. Like these two women who were courageous enough to face their battles in life and it's just great to know that in the end they still have each other shoulders to lean on. They still can count on each other. Truly a woman can certainly understand her fellow woman. Two women who encountered failure and devastation in life but still manage to stand despite the obstacles that hinder their ways.

@Mikay 28 October 2020

How to Cut Off Toxic Friends Out of Your Life Do you know how good it feels to finally end a toxic friendship? Is it ever okay to end a friendship? All good things must come to an end. Especially if that thing is no longer “good”. If you can name more downsides to the friendship than benefits, this one is for you. And if by the end of this, you find that you cannot relate, then I have news for you... See the Signs First things first, realize you need to cut someone from your life. If they are only using you for what you can do for them or what you have, that’s an easy red flag to notice. Like, you’re only convenient when they need something from you. If they never listen when you need them to or place effort in the friendship, but constantly demand your attention, they have to go. If they’re always trying to “one-up” you, instead of providing support, or often weasel out of hanging out… I’m pretty sure you can already think of three people who need the talk. Enough with the Negativity You deserve better than this, and you should always be moving forward in life. If they keep bringing up a low point from your past, they are only there to keep your self-esteem low. Trust Issues The key to any relationship, romantic or not, should be based on trust. If you can’t trust them with knowing what you ate for breakfast, it’s a clear sign you have some cutting to do. The Easy Approach Slowly stop responding to them on social media and text messages. Seems harsh, but they should start to notice. In a day and age where we are constantly on our phones, I’m sure they’ll see a pattern. Stick with simple responses with no emotion and shoot down hangout invites. Pick Your Hangouts If that wasn’t obvious enough, go with a more “in-your-face” approach. Start hanging out with mutual friends, but only when you know they aren’t going. It sends a direct message. One-on-One If all these fail to remove fake friend from your tail, a formal conversation might be required. Sit them down and break down the horrible news of how you just don’t need them in your life anymore. Because honestly, your life would be easier that way anyway. Be formal about it. Take them out for some coffee and cookies. Because no one can be mad at cookies and a public place is always nice. Don’t The “I’m busy” bit is just an excuse. You owe it to yourself to be honest. Especially do not end it over text. Have some dignity. Treat it just like any relationship and do what you would want them to do to you. Nip It In the Bud Toxic friendships need to be dealt with immediately. There is not time for fizzle or for a proper conversation. Leave them like nothing happened. No regrets. Take it from experience, once you take notice of these leeches and rid your life of them, you will not only gain confidence in yourself, but you will also feel accomplished in doing so. If you are in a toxic friendship, remember to not feel bad or sorry to end it. You won't miss the negativities and insecurities they give you. You'll see you shine more and they held you back from how you were to feel or be.

@Mikay 27 October 2020

Wisdom of Trees do trees suffer from residual colonialism do they have identity issues do they know their roots as they reach out to the ever-turning sun in search of the light they believe is theirs to hold or are they fulfilled with water that rises in their steadfast trunks all the way to the tips of their outstretched branches that burst into flower and drop swollen fruits into the abiding shade of the humble earth in gratitude for their station in an ever-changing world

@Mikay 26 October 2020

Advertising in the Digital Age Advertisement is seen by some consumers as a nuisance that would only ruin the moment of what they’re watching or listening. Some advertisements are effective and some are like passersby who make their existence out of nowhere—uninvited or unexpected. Some say that some ads do not serve the purpose. But consumers also take advertisements as an advantage to be digitally informed or aware of new products that might be of help to them; ads that promote their sales by underlining the best quality of their products. Advertising industry generates significant economic impacts which forward the over all wealth and resources of the nation. Advertising also determines the inputs of the demand and supply and monitor its specifics. According to Statistica, the majority of media audiences in the Philippines preferred watching ads on television in a survey conducted in 2017. Additionally, video streaming subscriptions among consumers wasn’t that popular locally. They also added social media advertising where Facebook is one way to promote the brands and with the number of internet users increasing to 69.6 million in the Philippines in 2018, turning to social media for advertising may be more effective for B2C e-commerce. They also included data or graph which shows the digital advertising expenditure share of total media ad spending in the country from 2015-2020. From 2015, it amounts to 13. 1 % and have unceasingly increased by a mere 2% up to 2020 with 24.2 % out of 30%. This includes advertising that appears on desktop and laptop computers as well as mobile phones, tablets and other internet-connected devices and various formats of advertising those platforms; excludes SMS and MMS messaging-based advertising, as Statistica has reported. According to iConcept Global Advertising, Inc., big brands are funnelling their advertising budget to digital marketing due to advantages that this mode of advertising offers such as cost, targeted audience, re-marketing and organic reach and post boosting. They also explained that a 30-second TV commercial costs around P500,000.00 to P800,000.00 and a small image ad in a local newspaper would be somewhere around P20,000.00 to P50,000.00 and that, some of the big companies spend 4 to 20 Billion pesos yearly on TV ads alone. Combining these statistics would amount to billions of dollars that advertising companies mostly spend to promote their products not only nationally but also reach people worldwide. Companies and agencies spend a large amount of money to advertise their brands and products on social media sites, TV, billboards and radio because they can capture a larger number of target audiences and they find this as an effective way to generate leads which enables them to achieve their goals in advertising. The growing impact of advertising to the global economy generates other companies to compete and give new products where it also encourages more and more consumers to buy because these products meet the wants of the consumers and not only that it has an increase in the company’s sales. The digitizing of the advertising industry in The Philippines has tremendously changed how people can easily know about these products; traditional form doesn’t reach people that much today. It does not only bring Filipino advertisers and marketers to a certain level of proficiency but it would also help consumers to engage nationally and give them ideas such as destinations that they might visit or products they might try. Moreover, advertisements can be quite persistent and annoying but as engaging with the online world is becoming a routine, I’d like to withdraw my words or my thinking back then as I've come to realize that ads can be very useful too. As a citizen of this country, I like the idea of actually watching advertisements without thinking of skipping it, specifically when it’s about native products which are being introduced to me, who just happened to open a video or scrolled down through my news feed. It's astonishing because Filipino advertisers these days have emerged and their contents are far more interesting and satisfying. Advertising in itself proves that it is an essential tool in the economic growth of the country.

@Mikay 22 October 2020

Fear Piercing, blinding beams of light Scar infinite souls with absolute darkness, A plague of desperate shadows Consume their fate, like a tsunami of paranoia Monstrous, malicious silhouettes devour Fragile dreams and unfurl them into nightmares Eyes full of covering souls Glare unwaveringly into the interminable abyss.

@Mikay 22 October 2020

Stretching the Peso Money isn't everything when it comes to planning tasty nutritious meals. Well-balanced food can be prepared just as well on a small budget as on a lavish one. All that is necessary is some knowledge of how, what, and when to buy. Less money spent on food means more money for other needs. Here are some pointers for saving your food money: 1. Buy food of good quality. Those sour little oranges may be cheap, but if your family refuses to eat all of them, your money was spent uselessly. 2. Use a list drawn up before leaving the house. You may make minor changes when you see what the market offers, but buying by guesswork is merely wasting your own money. 3. Compare prices in different market stalls or grocery stores. There are times when two dealers may be carrying merchandise of equal quality but one might charge less. 4. Meat is an expensive source of protein. Why not use beans, tokwa or eggs instead. Not only are they cheaper but they are also better for the health. You will find that when properly prepared, these foods can be as tasty as meat dishes. 5. It's okay to buy in large quantities if the price is less, provided you have space for proper storage, and you can use the food before it spoils. 6. If you cannot be home for every meal, carry your lunch or "baon" with you. Food at restaurants, carenderias and fast food chains usually costs more than the food you prepared at home. 7. Compare prices in different market stalls or grocery stores. There are times when two dealers may be carrying merchandise of equal quality, but one might charge less. 8. If you have time and space, grow some of the vegetables you need, in a garden. This will ensure you of a fresh supply whenever you need it. 9. Buy perishable foods only as you need them. Buying plenty of fish at one time is just a waste of money if all of the fish cannot be eaten at once. This principle may be modified slightly if you are fortunate enough to own a refrigerator. 10. It is cheaper to buy staples such as rice, salt, and flour in large amounts. Store them in bottles or cans to keep them out of moisture and bugs. 11. Plan meals for several days at one time only. 12. Try to minimize waste in food preparation. For example, you can use the outer dark green leaves of a cabbage. 13. Use margarine instead of butter on bread, etc. It's not only cheaper but it's also way more healthful. 14. In buying vegetables, you must check the color—it should be bright like carrots, it should be a rich orange. 15. Check your supplies on hand while making out your shopping list. Avoid buying luxury items on impulse. Eating healthy foods doesn't really need to be expensive. Minding your expenses and living a thrifty lifestyle is using money and other resources carefully in your everyday life and making sure not to be wasteful in the way you live.

@Mikay 21 October 2020

All The President's Men (Short Analysis) Investigative journalism is one crucial part of reporting the progress of the country under the regime of the elected president and representatives in the government. Investigative reporters or journalists play an essential role by giving news and information every single day. They write good and bad news, for people to be informed and aware of what is happening in the whole country.  The Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward discovers that the man Hunt- mentioned in the belongings of two of the Watergate building burglars- worked for the CIA. As a result of his hard work, he and Carl Bernstein, are given the story (K.M. Weiland, 2015). All the President’s Men talks about the Watergate scandal that leads to President Nixon’s resignation because these two reporters, Woodward and Bernstein, investigated, exposed the details, and uncovered secrets of some political figures involved in the scandal way back 1972. Woodward and Bernstein work doggedly to acquire facts and reliable information from their target sources and in the end, they were able to expose the conspiracy and crack the case. As investigative journalists, they sure are expected to provide the truth and let people understand the truth about people from the government and other entities who keep illegal activities secret or their malpractices. “They show how individual wrongs are part of a larger pattern of negligence or abuse and the systems that make these possible. They examine where the system went wrong and show who suffer from the mistakes” (Coronel, n.d.). These two reporters started from scratch and only had knowledge about what they have heard from someone or somewhere, which driven their curious minds to make an in-depth investigation. Woodward as the first one to make the first step wrote an article which helped them out in finding few names. They made phone calls from several target sources but practically got rejected and denied. To get information, Bernstein even flirted with a personal assistant and tricked a secretary for him to get in the office of the Dade County Clerk. While Woodward, who was able to find an anonymous source, who goes by the name “Deep Throat” and has somehow helped their investigation eventually. This film conveys a theme which is the limitations of investigating and reporting of journalistic practices, which supports an argument where journalist should never reveal their sources even to their fellow writers and to the editors. As seen from the different scenes on the movie, Woodward and Bernstein sometimes have their own way on interviewing and sometimes join forces to interview some of their target sources. Ethically, they made interviews and gained information that they constantly checked what the facts are and for them to, of course maintain their credibility and to avoid conflict. Journalists are being shown here as persistent people, who keep asking questions even if they get denied, they’ll come back and try asking people again and again. And because of that, Woodward and Bernstein were more driven as their interviewees slowly kept on giving them bits of information and also, these sources asked for their anonymity to assure their safety. Aside from their phones being bugged, they even got their lives on the line and received threats from people whom they are investigating. These characters really possess the skills of a great investigative journalist, from having the enough courage to conduct investigation on this phenomenal scandal in the U.S. Their passion, initiative and discretion, their good research skills, team spirit were all felt and seen in the film; the citizenship that they hold and value as people of the United States. Investigative journalism in this film would make people think that through the efforts of journalists like Woodward and Bernstein, even a single act of illegal activity by an individual who is in position in power could really change their views about the government and other entities that may be involved. The Watergate scandal is an example of the future journalists’ endeavour in investigating and solving cases that should be undertaken through an in-depth investigation.  The actors played their role effectively and conveyed strong emotions and brought the script into reality. The musical elements of the film were also effective where some actions were enhanced, like the scene where Woodward kept on minding his way— where should be his direction and he had this feeling like he’s being followed by someone. The background music was intense and has set the mood of the scenario. The visual elements took place in every scenario of the film, knowing that this was filmed in the 1970s, props way back then is simple and technology was just in the developing state. Reporters have these typewriters used for encoding their news and articles and their costumes are appropriate though they were old-fashioned.  Moreover, this just goes to show that anyone can be a criminal and not just those people. Criminals that can be from any group, no matter the color or economic background. Some try to give crime a certain color, but as we see it, it’s not always what we think.

@Mikay 19 October 2020

Appreciating Life and Nature through Photography Hello everyone. I'll be sharing to you some photos I took from the day I got a DSLR. I was dreaming of having one and I thank my brother for providing me with my birthday wish. He the best. Since I love nature and insect photography, I took the chance to wander around the house and our backyard to capture some of my target subjects. These photos were taken last August. I'll be posting my first top 4 pictures. I hope you'll like them. I tried tho I know I'm no professional photographer yet. 😁 P.s. These are raw photos Top 1 - Ants in the Wilderness Top 2 - Water in Motion Top 3 - Red Cotton Stainer's Moment Fact about the red cotton stainer: ***Dysdercus koenigii*** is a species of true bug in the family Pyrrhocoride, commonly known as the red cotton stainer.  Why are they called '**cotton stainer**'? They stain the cotton bolls they feed on – when the bug punctures the cotton boll, a yellow sap seeps out. They are considered an agricultural pest as they damage other plants such as peaches and oranges. :((( Source:https://www.google.com/amp/s/mightymudskippers.wordpress.com/2015/12/28/5-things-about-cotton-stainer-bug/amp/ Top 4 - With Brave Wings, She Flies

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@Mikay 12 October 2020

Quality Education...for a bright tomorrow Education builds and secures our future. It does not only mean success, progress and well-being. It also means developing our spiritual, social, and intellectual being. Today, we are facing a critical condition of economy and peace and order. What we need are highly skilled and disciplined people. To achieve it, quality education for all would surely help. Through quality education, we can acquire further skills in speaking, writing, and thinking. We can develop the ability to react intelligently on some government issues, mass media and other life situations. As a result, we can assure the greatest participation of everyone on the idea and ability to express in a very desirable manner. Strengthening national consciousness and promoting desirable cultural values of law and liberty, justice and truth which may lead to an equitable social structure, is also among the graces of quality education. To sum up, through quality education, we can make an accelerating rate of economic development and social progress. These can only be realized if our education primarily becomes an instrument to educate Filipinos the value of obedience to the Philippine Rule, and if our education is qualitative and is geared towards the demand of producing an equal, just and humane society and economically stable community. :) Hello. I just want to share my thoughts on this one. Hope you'll like it. Stay safe everyone. ❤️