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Enjoying free movies

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DOMS PAGLIAWAN

Mondays have taken on a new charm for the senior citizens in many cities nationwide, thanks to a delightful privilege, allowing them to watch movies for free in the local mall’s air-conditioned theaters. All they need is their senior citizen ID, and voilà—instant access to the silver screen! However, as charming as this sounds, a quirky twist prevails, making the experience both amusing and, well, a bit pungent.

But instead of eagerly watching the latest blockbuster, some of our elderly moviegoers have turned the theater into a napping haven. Picture this: rows of seniors, comfortably dozing off in plush seats, blissfully escaping the sweltering heat outside. Who needs an overpriced cooling fan at home when you have a state-of-the-art, darkened, air-conditioned paradise right here? But alas, not all that glitters is gold, and not all that naps is… dry.

The inevitable downside of this siesta phenomenon is the occasional unfortunate incident of in-seat urination. Understandably, the aging bladder is not the most reliable companion, and some seniors have found themselves contributing more than just their presence to the theater’s ambiance. The resulting aroma—a heady mix of urine, medicinal creams, and various ointments—has led to younger folks giving these theaters a wide berth come Tuesday. A matinee viewing suddenly feels like an olfactory assault course.

Even younger senior citizens, who might still retain some bladder control, are voicing their concerns. Their suggestion? Allow only diaper-wearing seniors to partake in this freebie extravaganza. It’s an oddly practical, albeit slightly comical, solution. Diapers or not, the real MVPs here are the janitors. Tasked with cleaning up after these “movie-goers,” they deserve a medal—or at least a significant pay raise.

To maintain the theater’s glory, a robust cleaning regimen is imperative. Industrial-strength disinfectants and powerful air fresheners could work wonders, transforming the theater back into a welcoming space for all patrons. Perhaps the theater management could even consider installing discreet “nap zones” where seniors can snooze without any bladder-related mishaps impacting fellow cinema lovers.

While this privilege is undoubtedly a well-intentioned and much-appreciated gesture toward our elders, its execution requires a tad more finesse. Sanitation and hygiene must be paramount, ensuring that everyone, from the sprightliest youth to the wisest elder, can enjoy their movie-going experience without holding their breath—literally. Perhaps a small fee could be introduced to cover the extra cleaning costs, ensuring the privilege is sustainable and enjoyable for all.

In the end, this scenario exemplifies the creativity and resourcefulness of our senior citizens. Who else would think to turn a free movie perk into a clever way to beat the heat? It’s a humorous twist on senior privileges, and while it brings a smile to our faces, it also highlights the need for better planning and maintenance.

So, here’s to our seniors: may their naps be restful, their movies be entertaining (when they’re awake), and their bladders be… well, manageable. And to the rest of us? Let’s hope the theaters get a thorough clean-up because as much as we love our elderly, no one wants their movie experience to come with a side of Eau de liniment.

Ultimately, this privilege for senior citizens is a wonderful initiative that brings joy and relief from the heat. But like all good things, it needs a bit of tweaking to ensure it remains enjoyable for everyone involved. A touch of humor, a dash of practicality, and a spritz of air freshener might just do the trick.

Sportsfests

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AL ELLEMA
AL ELLEMA

The summer break afforded ample time for the conduct of sports competitions in various localities at all levels, from the barangay, municipali and cities. People would see sports tournaments being held in different communities where fiestas are celebrated. The competitions are giving the youth a good way to develop their physical and mental well-being. It also serves as a good avenue away from vices and drugs.

With the growing population in every community, the youth are challenged to enhance their physical fitness to compete in various sports competitions. The number of young people are more than enough to compose a team, thereby creating more teams as no one would want to be left on the sidelines as mere spectators while their friends are enjoying the games.

It could be observed that players could easily find donors for their team uniforms unlike before where teams could hardly have a complete set of uniform even until the tournament is finished. People talk about the economic difficulties nowadays than years ago but in the field of sports, money seems easy to raise to support a team, much more fund a tournament. It could be that donors believe in the value of sports as a way to promote health and wellness more than just an event for entertainment.

But more than prizes in sports competitions is the intangible cost that athletes save from undue expenses for medical treatment and hospitalization due to illness. The person who is into sports is physically healthy and could resist minor ailments that people without physical exercise suffer with. Athletes undergo physical training in order to be competitive.

With the availability of training videos that they watch as their sports idol does, the young athlete would develop discipline as they aim to rise in the world of sports that goes beyond the ordinary sportsfests.
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Our will needs to unite with God’s will

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FR. ROY CIMAGALA
FR. ROY CIMAGALA

WE need to train our will to always be united with the will of God. That is the proper condition of our will and of our whole life. Outside of that system, the only thing to happen is for us to fall into sin.

This was well illustrated in the readings of the Mass on the 10th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B. (cfr. Gen 8,1-15 / 2 Cor 4,13-5,1 / Mk 3,20-35) In the first reading, we see how our first parents, still in the state of original justice, managed to follow the will of the tempter rather than that of God. And so, they lost the many privileges they enjoyed at that time: immortality, impassibility, integrity, etc.

In the second reading, we are reminded that as long as we follow Christ, no negative and harmful things can affect us. “Though our outward man is corrupted, yet the inward man is renewed day by day,” St. Paul said in his Second Letter to the Corinthians (4,16)
We really have to try to fathom the veracity of this divine wisdom articulated by St. Paul and lived by Christ himself and all the saints and the holy men and women down the ages who tried to follow Christ closely. In this regard, we really need to enter into the spiritual and supernatural level of God by responding actively to the faith, hope and charity that God himself gratuitously shares with us.

The gospel of the day reminds us of training ourselves to protect and defend ourselves from the enemies of God—our own weaknesses, the allurements of the world, and the most deceptive tricks of the devil.

Everyday, we have to find practical ways of how we can unite our will with God’s will. Our will should not just be floating around on its own, thinking that it is how it enjoys its freedom. We need to acknowledge that our will is a creation of God and is meant to be united to God’s will since we have been created in his image and likeness. We need to acknowledge the truth that our real freedom is when our will is united to the will of God.
This, definitely, is not an easy task to do, given the fact that it is precisely in our will where we choose whether we would like to be with God, or to be simply on our own. And given how we handle this issue, starting with our first parents all the way to the present, we always have the strong tendency to think that our will is simply our own.

We therefore have to be strongly wary of this danger and do everything we can to avoid it. I suppose it goes without saying that we need to be frequently reminded that our will needs to be anchored on the will of God. That’s how our will acquires its proper status.
We have to learn to live always by God’s will. This is a basic truth that we need to spread around more widely and abidingly, since it is steadily and even systematically forgotten and, nowadays, even contradicted in many instances.

The ideal condition for us is to be always aware that our will is united with God’s will, and closely and lovingly follows it. The moment we are not aware of it, we need to react immediately and fix the problem.

Effective Strategies for Business Growth and Prosperity

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MARIA JENILEEN CORDERO-ALANO
MARIA JENILEEN CORDERO-ALANO

In the competitive world of business, success is not guaranteed. It requires careful planning, effective execution, and continuous adaptation. To achieve long-term success, businesses need to employ strategic approaches that align with their goals and values. In this article, we will explore key strategies that can pave the way to business success.

Define Your Vision and Goals: Begin by clearly defining your business vision and long-term goals. This will provide a sense of purpose and guide your decision-making. Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that align with your vision. These goals act as a roadmap, keeping you focused and motivated.

Understand Your Target Market: To succeed in business, you must understand your target market inside out. Thoroughly research the market to gain insights into your target customers, including their needs, preferences, and purchasing behavior. This understanding will empower you to customize your products or services to effectively meet their specific demands. Stay attuned to market trends and anticipate changes to stay ahead of the competition.

Develop a Unique Value Proposition: In a competitive marketplace, having a unique value proposition is vital. Identify what differentiates your business from competitors and communicate it effectively to your target audience. Whether it’s exceptional customer service, innovative products, or competitive pricing, highlight the aspects that make your business distinct. This will attract customers and foster brand loyalty.

Build a Strong Team: Your team plays a critical role in the success of your business. Surround yourself with talented, motivated individuals who share your vision and values. Seek diversity in skills and perspectives to bring a range of expertise to your organization. Nurture a work culture that promotes collaboration, creativity, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Invest in your team’s professional development to enhance their skills and keep them engaged.

Develop Effective Marketing Strategies: Marketing is essential for business success. Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy that encompasses various channels, such as digital marketing, social media, content marketing, and traditional advertising. Customize your marketing endeavors to efficiently reach your target marketstay. Monitor and analyze the results of your marketing campaigns to refine your strategies and maximize their impact.

Prioritize Customer Satisfaction: Happy customers are the lifeblood of any successful business. Make customer satisfaction a top priority by delivering exceptional products or services and providing outstanding customer support. Listen actively to customer feedback and use it to continuously improve your offerings. Build strong relationships with your customers, as loyal customers can become brand advocates and help drive business growth.

Embrace Innovation and Adaptability: The business landscape is ever-evolving, and successful businesses embrace innovation and adaptability. Stay updated about the latest industry trends and technological advancements that may have an impact on your business. Foster a culture of innovation within your organization, encouraging employees to explore new ideas and take calculated risks. Continuously evaluate and refine your business strategies to stay ahead of the curve and seize emerging opportunities.

By considering these factors and consistently reviewing and adjusting your approach, you can build a strong foundation for a thriving and successful business. Remember that business success requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to evolve with the changing times. By defining your vision, understanding your target market, developing a unique value proposition, building a strong team, implementing effective marketing strategies, prioritizing customer satisfaction, and embracing innovation, you can pave the way to long-term success for your business. Remember, success is a journey, and with the right strategies in place, you can achieve your goals and thrive in the competitive business world.
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If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts on the column, feel free to send an email to jca.bblueprint@gmail.com. Looking forward to connecting with you!

Dissecting the Oversubscription on Popular College Courses

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CLEMELLE L. MONTALLANA,DM, CESE ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III
CLEMELLE L. MONTALLANA,DM, CESE
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III

The reality that some courses are attracting more takers than others, certain courses attract a disproportionately large number of students. This oversubscription poses challenges for both educational institutions and aspiring learners. The possibility of
In the Eastern Visayas consisting of the Island Province of Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Samar ( Western), Eastern Samar, there are 87 Institutions of Higher Learning it consists of 10 State Universities and Colleges, 28 Satellite Campuses and 46 Private HEIs. Using the AY 2023 Data available in the Commission on Higher Education Website it has a total of 207,599 enrollees.

The most popular course or Program is Bachelor of Criminal Justice Education ,popularly known as BS Criminology and Bachelor of Elementary Education, Bachelor of Secondary Education or Education Courses.

What gives or what would be the reasons of going through into the throngs and lining up towards this program?

For Education students here are a few random thoughts of a few respondents when they were asked why they have chosen the said program?

1. Stability, a few students of BS Elementary Education and BS Secondary Education declared that they see the program as stable, with steady demand of having more teachers because of the constant demand for quality education and the yearly increase of enrollees in basic education.

2. Influence from parents and relatives who are teachers themselves. This reason was the second frequent reply. It is a family influence so to speak.

3.Perceived Government Support. The Constitution provides allocating more to the field of education and it has always been a cornerstone of every politician’s narrative.

Criminology programs, leading to a Bachelor of Science in Criminology (BSCRIM), also witness oversubscription. Here is why:

1. Media Influence: Crime-related TV shows, movies, and news stories romanticize law enforcement and criminal investigation. As a result, young individuals aspire to become police officers, investigators, or forensic experts.

2. Career Opportunities: Criminology graduates can work in various fields, including law enforcement, private security, and corrections. The allure of exciting and impactful careers draws many students to this field.

3. Public Safety Concerns: The Philippines faces security challenges such as crime, terrorism, and drug-related issues. As a result, there is a perceived need for more criminology professionals to maintain public safety.

4. Bigger Pay -undoubtedly the police and other uniformed personnel are enjoying higher pay than most public servants, owing to the risks that they have in their jobs .
The challenge for HEIs is to enact or do major modifications of their ways of doing things to address the oversubscription on the said courses.

Humbly, this public servant forwards the following suggestions.

1. Alternative Career Paths:-Encourage students to explore alternative career options within education and criminology. For example, education graduates can work in curriculum development, educational technology, or school administration.

2. Career Counseling and Awareness:-Educational institutions should provide comprehensive career counseling to help students make informed choices. Highlight lesser known but equally rewarding career paths related to these fields

3. Quality over Quantity: Institutions should focus on maintaining high standards of education rather than accommodating excessive student numbers.

Oversubscription can strain resources and compromise the quality of education. It will also lead to unemployment due to the sheer number of students and graduates of these two programs.

 

Samar mayor issues order to halt any possible ASF spread

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Mayor Red Nacario
Mayor Red Nacario

TACLOBAN CITY – The mayor of Calbiga town in Samar province has issued an executive order (EO) outlining actions that barangays must undertake to address the problem of African Swine Fever (ASF) that hit their town.

Mayor Red Nacario issued EO Number 19 on Tuesday (June 4) following the confirmation of an ASF case from one of the two blood samples taken by the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) from two separate backyard piggeries in Barangay Calingonan.

The samples were sent for laboratory examination at the regional office of the Bureau of Animal Industry on May 29 and one tested positive for the ASF virus.

Under the EO, villages without positive ASF cases are mandated to establish a “barangay border control” supervised by village officials and tanods, with guidance and assistance from the MAO.

The “Bantay ASF” will monitor and regulate the entry of pigs, pork, and pork-based products from villages with suspected and positive cases, as well as the exit of sick animals.

The EO also mandates that all pigs in ASF-affected villages must be culled and disposed of properly, under the supervision of the Provincial Veterinarian Office and MAO, with assistance from the Municipal Police Station, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

Areas within a one-kilometer radius of the positive case will be placed under strict quarantine. In areas with suspected ASF infections, blood samples from pigs must be extracted for laboratory examination, and the pigs must be quarantined until results are released.

Healthy pigs outside the 500-meter radius may be slaughtered and sold at the public market, provided they have the appropriate documentation, such as certification from the village chairman.

Agricultural extension workers on livestock and village officials are ordered to conduct active surveillance for unusual pig mortalities and immediately report them to the MAO for investigation and blood sampling for laboratory tests.

The EO also prohibits the entry of private feed technicians into any village while the locality is affected by ASF.

“All private feed technicians shall not enter any piggeries and render technical health services on livestock in the different barangays of the municipality until such time that the location is declared ASF-free,” the EO states.

Piggery owners affected by the ASF problem are ordered to conduct daily disinfection activities for 30 days. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)

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