A few weeks ago, a video of singer-actress Miley Cyrus “twerking” on stage during this year’s Video Music Awards (VMA) became instantly viral on the World Wide Web – an image very far from what the public had seen six years ago, when she was still sporting a long blonde wig rocking along to the song Best of Both Worlds, “Hannah Montana” style.

The singer-actress’ act served her harsh comments from “idiotic” and “troubled.” One thing that is being expected once you do something ranging from “hilarious” to “extremely hideous.”

Appallingly, Cyrus’ parents seem to tolerate this explicit behavior on stage, with her father who is also a celebrity, laughing it off, supporting her racy feat and saying that he would have done the same thing if he was at the same age as her daughter’s.

Whatever happened to the world?

If ever my father saw me twerking onstage, I am pretty much sure he would slap me in the face and perhaps, would label me as ‘a disgrace to the family.’ Maybe it’s because my father’s perspective might be a whole lot  different to Cyrus’ father, so I don’t know if I shall call her lucky for getting her Dad’s support over her hideous performance.

Of course, many people still came to defend her, stating that their idol is just “growing up” and had every single right to do the things that she wants to do, including twerking in front of millions of audience watching her which consists of almost 75% teenagers.

Sigh.

The very issue that I would like to identify here is that Cyrus cannot just do things as she pleased, especially when she holds huge influence over a humongous number of fans, mostly are ages 15 and below. Mothers, do you really want to see your daughters do the twerking? I do not want my future kids doing the twerk, you know.

It seems to me that people nowadays barely good morals anymore, particularly with all of the things that they have been seeing (and sharing) on social media. Is it still odd to you to encounter 11 year-olds posting inapt content on Twitter and Facebook?

A single click can expose people to information overload of anything under the sun and I understand that our world is ever changing along with our culture, but what saddens me the most is that people seem to be more enthusiastic to bare all their beings without any hint of hesitation, and they don’t seem to sustain the value of privacy any longer. It’s like every single thing has to be published and posted on their walls and timelines, as if everyone has to care.

We are all being blinded by the perks that are being given to us by the social media— too blind that we cannot see the bad effects of it to our daily lives.

I may not be able to change the pace of the changing of the world and culture that I am living in, however, I still do hope that people will comprehend that while we are living in this ever-changing culture where technology is unstoppable, there are still certain things that are so better off to be kept and reserved—including self-worth and integrity.  




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Since 1986, there have already been 146 journalists killed in the Philippines. In 2012, death toll has climbed to 153, still not included on the list is the recent murder of a broadcaster in Cabanatuan City few months ago, and other media related killings that have transpired this 2013.

I remember the last time I was thinking about shifting courses. At that time, all I cared about was the wealth, and on how I am going to be rich by this job. However, I opted to stick with Journalism, a field that doesn’t produce instant big $$$, with only my fortitude to travel from one place to another and my unceasing passion for writing at my fingertips. And now, as I am passing through the halfway of the road to finishing this course, I realize that being a journalist is more than just being an adept writer. It is also all about being determined to put your safety to risk for the sake of a story, and to be alert and factual in order to be the bridge of the people’s message to the administration.

Eight months ago during the 3rd anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre,  I along with other Journalism students, attented a candle-lighting parade in front and beside the Malolos Capitol, in respect and remembrance to the 33 members of the media who was murdered during the infamous massacre last November 23, 2009, and also to those who were executed for the previous years. There were candles forming the digits 153, metaphorically meaning “153 is enough." And among all the speeches and the lines I’ve heard, only one had a huge impact on my head.

"Credibility is our only license."

True enough. Unlike other professions, we aren’t be having licensure or board exams. No titles or licenses for us. How can we prove that we are polished? Only by being credible.

To those journalists who want to disseminate information and truth to his fellow countrymen, to those people of media who would like to be “the first one to know and discover," to those who are willing to put his other leg in hazard just to serve others, my utmost respect goes to you.

And to those students who aspire to join the league, welcome to the club! We all have a lot more to learn and undergo. But if you think, deep down inside you, that you are willing to abuse your fingers, waste your ink, make your forehead bleed and spend countless of hours outside of the box, go ahead.

The media needs you. Your countrymen needs you.


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