and i'm still alive! although barely. my new beat/assignment is killing me physically and psychologically (and emotionally). but after two weeks of being there i've kind of proven to myself (and to them) i can do it (well, not really).
more than two weeks ago, i was told i would be assigned to courts (of all assignments!) i was dreading it, i didn't know they had the nerve to punish me that way. i did not do anything wrong and anything right. ffff! they still pushed it even with my shock and my silent but obvious displease with the news. hello courts! i'm not into lawyering or anything related to it. court beat is actually considered a dead beat coz there's practically no story there, i mean good stories worthy of publication. and that's aside from really being there; sitting in courtrooms listening to alien terms and practically alien people!
i was thinking of resigning then but the maldita in me said i could do it. 2 days before my first day i went to my new assignment to get a glimpse of it and be oriented by a fellow reporter whom i would be taking over after his 4 years of being assigned there. i was apprehensive but i still felt challenged.
then on to my first day...guess what! i gathered 5 stories and all were published. sigh. but i went home past 10pm that day, and asked at least 3 people with legal knowledge for my stories. think: contempt.
the problem does not actually end after getting and writing every damn court story. i always include in my prayers (yeah i also pray) i have not twisted my stories (and face contempt the next day) grrr!
well anyways, the past days went by with a handful of outscoops, 2 banner stories :P and a number of scoops.
but even that i still want to be reassigned. i hate attending boring hearings. the longest hearing was 5 hours! God! i wanted to shout at that stupid lawyer for always asking objectionable questions. and that 5 hours went to nothing as the witness' testimony was closed to being stricken off coz this stupid lawyer failed to connect the incident (the massacre of the accused's wife's family of which the former was the alleged mastermind) to another one (the murder of his wife. yeah he was the murderer) which could be basis enough to pin down the accused (this refers to the big-time cult leader/the accused).
however, there were still few consolations in this dead beat aside from meeting famous characters-lawyers and accused alike. i've attended a few "lively" (even funny with one lawyer who acted like he was a judge) ones, and even controversial trials (involving, again, the big-time cult leader who allegedly killed his wife; and his member allegedly killing his wife's lawyer).
newayz, i'm still thinking of quitting. aside from not having time to write a blog i already sound like a lawyer, a stupid lawyer (yikes!). yeah, i still consult my lawyer/co-reporter/friend for most of my stories especially the sensitive ones. just tonight i was only writing 2 simple decisions and finished them in 4 hours. bravo me!
i'm out of words. tomorrow is monday and there's no hearing to attend to. might as well curse mondays. and that means i'll have no story too. good luck to me and to The Freeman!
Monday, May 30, 2005
Sunday, May 15, 2005
When the editor is having lunch...
i'm so bored today. i arrived at almost 12 noon and still have no news. yeah, i'm already hungry but that's the least of my problem now. i need to have at least 2 news stories today. i had none yesterday and i felt inefficient. not that i did not go on field. i actually arrived at the office at past 3 in the afternoon after attending a 2-hour press conference, and prior to that i was at my new beat (at the Palace of Justice) trying to get a glimpse of it. i submitted 2 stories and they were all killed. well, i was kind of expecting it after all my other story was about the killing of an activist-pastor and our paper is not that "supportive' of rebelious groups (wait, the killing story was killed! tsk.tsk.). and the other one was just a follow-up to my previous police story.
today, i'm kind of apprehesive. what if my stories would be killed again, i don't have big ones here (i've actually hoarded some during the past days). well, the brighter side would be..it's weekend and if i would have none to write then off i'd go to SM..MTV's hosting a concert there. he-he-he
today, i'm kind of apprehesive. what if my stories would be killed again, i don't have big ones here (i've actually hoarded some during the past days). well, the brighter side would be..it's weekend and if i would have none to write then off i'd go to SM..MTV's hosting a concert there. he-he-he
Monday, May 09, 2005
Mother's Day rambling
My phone’s beeping roused me this morning only to find out it was only a message from a friend letting me know today is Mother’s day.
The message reads: “Can u do me a li’l favor?/ Can u thank ur mom 2day 4 me?/ For w/o her I won’t be able to meet a great person like u! Happy Mother’s Day to ur mom!”
After reading it, I went back to sleep. Outside my room I could hear my mom giving instructions to my sister, they were probably doing something in the kitchen. Honestly, occasions like today have no meaning to me. I know, without anyone reminding me, it’s Mom’s day today, but I was glad my friend sent me that message, it only showed she found me great although I received the same message twice (forwarded message!).
When I finally woke up I did not see my mother but I heard her voice somewhere just outside our house. I was already in the kitchen when I saw her when she came. Then when I was heading to my room I heard her reprimanding my brother for closing the fridge, which was being defrosted. My brother did not do it, I did. Of course, I told her I closed it because I did not know she was letting the ice melt. But actually I pushed the ref’s door close because it was blocking my way (our kitchen was so small there’s no room for two). I didn’t tell her that.
After 20 minutes, I left the house without even saying “Happy Mother’s Day Mom!” I knew it would have made her the happiest person on earth to hear me say it. But she’s a got an insensitive daughter here.
Reminiscing….
When I was a bit younger mom used to send me notes when she could not get home the usual time. Being the eldest, she’d task me to cook, for example (I was never a good cook though, but that’s another story)
… or she would just simply say she could not be home for dinner.
In short, I was used to reading notes taped on the fridge door or being sent by mom’s workmate. Her working most of the time was probably the reason why we were not close, even up to this day.
Before I also gave her cards… but I’m a grown-up now; actions are better than words. Almost everyone published his /her message for his/her mother. I did not, and there’s no more time. But there’s still another of that, next year…
The message reads: “Can u do me a li’l favor?/ Can u thank ur mom 2day 4 me?/ For w/o her I won’t be able to meet a great person like u! Happy Mother’s Day to ur mom!”
After reading it, I went back to sleep. Outside my room I could hear my mom giving instructions to my sister, they were probably doing something in the kitchen. Honestly, occasions like today have no meaning to me. I know, without anyone reminding me, it’s Mom’s day today, but I was glad my friend sent me that message, it only showed she found me great although I received the same message twice (forwarded message!).
When I finally woke up I did not see my mother but I heard her voice somewhere just outside our house. I was already in the kitchen when I saw her when she came. Then when I was heading to my room I heard her reprimanding my brother for closing the fridge, which was being defrosted. My brother did not do it, I did. Of course, I told her I closed it because I did not know she was letting the ice melt. But actually I pushed the ref’s door close because it was blocking my way (our kitchen was so small there’s no room for two). I didn’t tell her that.
After 20 minutes, I left the house without even saying “Happy Mother’s Day Mom!” I knew it would have made her the happiest person on earth to hear me say it. But she’s a got an insensitive daughter here.
Reminiscing….
When I was a bit younger mom used to send me notes when she could not get home the usual time. Being the eldest, she’d task me to cook, for example (I was never a good cook though, but that’s another story)
… or she would just simply say she could not be home for dinner.
In short, I was used to reading notes taped on the fridge door or being sent by mom’s workmate. Her working most of the time was probably the reason why we were not close, even up to this day.
Before I also gave her cards… but I’m a grown-up now; actions are better than words. Almost everyone published his /her message for his/her mother. I did not, and there’s no more time. But there’s still another of that, next year…
Sunday, May 08, 2005
Soul thing.
Your soul is caring.
Other people are your concern, even if you
don't know them. If you see a person trip you
worry is he is okay. You put your loved ones
first and you're very mature. When someones
sick you're nurturing and always try to help
family and friends when failure strikes them.
You can be called the motherly one, if you are
in a group of people, which doesn't have to be
bad. Love is something that's already in you
and you have a lot to give whether you believe
it or not. Your friends probably love you very
much and come to when they need help since
you're reliable. People can feel secure with
you and generally like you.
How is your soul?(pics)
brought to you by Quizilla
You are what you are!
Your connection with darkness is through your
depression. Hated, sad and often feeling
lonely, there is only a few that appreciate the
real you. You tend to keep to yourself and away
from the world since you don't want to be hurt
and betrayed again. Music gives you the
understanding you need to get through, it's
your "therapy". Or you express
yourself through art or writing. Chances are
you're also an anti-social person, who only
likes being with close friends, if even that.
The world has finally showed it's true face for
you and you wish life wasn't this miserable to
live through. Maybe you'll find happiness in
the future, but right now you're just hiding
away from the world. Who needs people anyway?
What is your connection with darkness? (pics)
brought to you by Quizilla
What is your element chuchu...
Your element is Water.
You have a calm aura around
you and are in tune with the world around. You
observe it but rarely interfere. Because of
your shy and timid nature you will not have so
many friends in your life. But then again,
large crowds aren't your thing anyway. You are
comfortable on your own and are reserved to
others who you don't know or know very little
of. You know everyone out there does not want
to be your friend, and knowing that is good.
However, people who don't know you that well
thinks that you are cold and distant since you
don't want to talk to them. Although you mean
no harm, you can't always be perfectly
understood in the world. No one can. Life in
general are you quite serene with even if there
are some things you don't like. Your love-life
is not so full of boys/girls, but if you
flirted more with the ones you were interested
in I'm sure something would happen. The hobbies
you choose are calmer ones, you are no party
girl that likes to drink and make-out with
three or more guys/girls in one night. Reading
a book or swimming is more your thing. Rate and
message!
What is your element? [with pics + 7 outcomes + detailed answeres!]
brought to you by Quizilla
You have a calm aura around
you and are in tune with the world around. You
observe it but rarely interfere. Because of
your shy and timid nature you will not have so
many friends in your life. But then again,
large crowds aren't your thing anyway. You are
comfortable on your own and are reserved to
others who you don't know or know very little
of. You know everyone out there does not want
to be your friend, and knowing that is good.
However, people who don't know you that well
thinks that you are cold and distant since you
don't want to talk to them. Although you mean
no harm, you can't always be perfectly
understood in the world. No one can. Life in
general are you quite serene with even if there
are some things you don't like. Your love-life
is not so full of boys/girls, but if you
flirted more with the ones you were interested
in I'm sure something would happen. The hobbies
you choose are calmer ones, you are no party
girl that likes to drink and make-out with
three or more guys/girls in one night. Reading
a book or swimming is more your thing. Rate and
message!
What is your element? [with pics + 7 outcomes + detailed answeres!]
brought to you by Quizilla
What Type of Killer Are You?
You are a
protector.
Yes, you don't like to kill people. That goes
against everything you belive in. It's not that
you are a coward, but your ideals and morals
wouldn't allow it. You are the typical hero, do
the righteous things, get the bad guys and do
it all legally. But just because you don't kill
doesn't mean you can't kick ass. And that is
what you do. You use your brain and your
strenght to do honourable deeds and protect
people you know and love. If an evil guy is
going to take over the world soon, it's you who
will get involved. You hate watching innocents
suffer, and love seeing bad people getting what
they deserve. You are probably also happy and
optimistic and work pretty good in groups. And
the friends you usually make are true ones.
Main weapon: Anything at all
Quote: "You only live once, but if
you do it right, once is enough" -Joe
Lewis
Facial expression: Smile
What Type of Killer Are You? [cool pictures]
brought to you by Quizilla
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
just one of those
Tomorrow is Wednesday, my day off. I’m planning to watch Miss Congeniality 2, which I missed when it was shown here. Pirated copy is cheaper than having to watch it in theaters, so I’m off to my suking videohouse tonight.
After watching it or another one if there’s any, I’m going to spend the rest of the day sleeping (it’s only on Wednesdays where I could really get some real rest). I just hope it won’t be too hot.
This is the hottest summer in a million years! Just today, I’ve probably drunk more than 3 bottles of water and been to the CR for a thousand times. Gosh! I’ve never wanted to live in America or any other "cold" country, but I may change my mind because of this. My decision would probably be ready after tomorrow. Whew!
After watching it or another one if there’s any, I’m going to spend the rest of the day sleeping (it’s only on Wednesdays where I could really get some real rest). I just hope it won’t be too hot.
This is the hottest summer in a million years! Just today, I’ve probably drunk more than 3 bottles of water and been to the CR for a thousand times. Gosh! I’ve never wanted to live in America or any other "cold" country, but I may change my mind because of this. My decision would probably be ready after tomorrow. Whew!
Monday, May 02, 2005
Holiday at last!
I feel so sleepy today. It’s Sunday and a regular holiday, it’s Labor Day here and despite all that I’m still here at the office, working (or at least trying to).
I just got back from our outing. Some of us spent the night in one of the resorts here.
As planned, we spent most of the night at the white sand beach watching the moon and its reflection in the sea (When I was a kid I thought the moon hid underneath the ocean, and that there was a dead-end, somewhere out there, where the ocean touched the heaven).
Anyway, the moon last night was so huge even if it was not full…and so bright. We even took pictures with it as our background.
Before arriving at the place, we planned to lie down in a grassy area for a night of stargazing. But our opinion editor wanted to go swimming in the sea “while watching the heavenly bodies above.” The sea was located farther down the place, and we were really surprised to see that there was no water in “it.” It was low tide…the water was 20 or so meters away from the shoreline. It was funny to see some motorized boats anchored nearby “standing” in a waterless sea.
Amazed, our group including our general manager walked through the length of the surface where seawater, a few hours ago, was a meter deep. We picked some shells on the way. We talked, laughed…being awed by the hugeness of the moon…the falling stars…and then decided to go back to the cottage when it was almost 2 in the morning. If we had no work the next day we should have stayed to see the sun rose. But hey we only had a night.
We were not even supposed to stay overnight. The original plan was for us, only those in the editorial department, to have the whole morning yesterday at that resort then back to the newsroom before 1pm to write our stories. Some of us, after an hour of swimming, had to rush to the city to cover the president’s visit (we still missed it). Then after writing our stories we went back to the resort, an hour away from our office. It was like—beach to office then office to beach. But we liked it anyway (it is sooo good to be away from work, even for a few hours).
Going back to last night’s activities…after spending almost 4 hours in the beach we went to our respective cottages. And we, 3 of us, wasted another hour or so talking about just anything until we were so sleepy to understand what one was talking about.
The next day we woke up at past 8, after a workmate from another room incessantly knocked at our door. Although too sleepy to rise, we had to coz we only had less than 2 hours to enjoy the pool.
And we did, even if I could not swim very far as my left leg was still painful from the previous day’s muscle cramps (the pain’s still here now…I walk horribly). It was not my first time to have muscle cramps especially when swimming but it was the most painful.. I was glad the pool’s edge was so close or I would have disgraced myself shouting for help.
Anyway, I got here at past 12, after we had lunch somewhere. Still tired and sleepy, but I have no more time to do that. I need to go out to the streets to cover a protest rally. I can’t imagine myself walking there with my present situation—my horrible walk, and my attire (jogging pants and my flip flops)… well heck!
I still have a few minutes left…have to stretch my legs to ease out the pain. Ciao.
I just got back from our outing. Some of us spent the night in one of the resorts here.
As planned, we spent most of the night at the white sand beach watching the moon and its reflection in the sea (When I was a kid I thought the moon hid underneath the ocean, and that there was a dead-end, somewhere out there, where the ocean touched the heaven).
Anyway, the moon last night was so huge even if it was not full…and so bright. We even took pictures with it as our background.
Before arriving at the place, we planned to lie down in a grassy area for a night of stargazing. But our opinion editor wanted to go swimming in the sea “while watching the heavenly bodies above.” The sea was located farther down the place, and we were really surprised to see that there was no water in “it.” It was low tide…the water was 20 or so meters away from the shoreline. It was funny to see some motorized boats anchored nearby “standing” in a waterless sea.
Amazed, our group including our general manager walked through the length of the surface where seawater, a few hours ago, was a meter deep. We picked some shells on the way. We talked, laughed…being awed by the hugeness of the moon…the falling stars…and then decided to go back to the cottage when it was almost 2 in the morning. If we had no work the next day we should have stayed to see the sun rose. But hey we only had a night.
We were not even supposed to stay overnight. The original plan was for us, only those in the editorial department, to have the whole morning yesterday at that resort then back to the newsroom before 1pm to write our stories. Some of us, after an hour of swimming, had to rush to the city to cover the president’s visit (we still missed it). Then after writing our stories we went back to the resort, an hour away from our office. It was like—beach to office then office to beach. But we liked it anyway (it is sooo good to be away from work, even for a few hours).
Going back to last night’s activities…after spending almost 4 hours in the beach we went to our respective cottages. And we, 3 of us, wasted another hour or so talking about just anything until we were so sleepy to understand what one was talking about.
The next day we woke up at past 8, after a workmate from another room incessantly knocked at our door. Although too sleepy to rise, we had to coz we only had less than 2 hours to enjoy the pool.
And we did, even if I could not swim very far as my left leg was still painful from the previous day’s muscle cramps (the pain’s still here now…I walk horribly). It was not my first time to have muscle cramps especially when swimming but it was the most painful.. I was glad the pool’s edge was so close or I would have disgraced myself shouting for help.
Anyway, I got here at past 12, after we had lunch somewhere. Still tired and sleepy, but I have no more time to do that. I need to go out to the streets to cover a protest rally. I can’t imagine myself walking there with my present situation—my horrible walk, and my attire (jogging pants and my flip flops)… well heck!
I still have a few minutes left…have to stretch my legs to ease out the pain. Ciao.
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