Points of View Episode #12: Happy New Year once again! This is the first Point of View episode for the year 2008. And since the first “cycle of departments” here in Rowjielogy deals more on New Year, the topic for this episode of POV is somehow related to New Year… a chance to change.

It is very common for us to promise to ourselves that we will change our negative attitudes whenever a new year comes. There’s nothing wrong if we want to change, just as long it’s for the better.

But it’s really hard to erase others’ impressions on us, most especially, when it is a negative one, as a famous saying goes, “first impressions last”. But let’s do admit the fact that there are some people who are willing to change for the better. The negative impressions about a person might be really hard to erase, but why don’t we give others a chance to change?

We learn from our experiences. We come to a point in our lives where we realized where we have went wrong. That’s why we try to stand up again from our mistakes, and try to correct it. God will be very happy to give us a chance to change for the better, so why can’t we also?

Points of View Ep.9: I am sure that most of the people who will read this was caught by the title of this entry. I do admit, that even I will read this kind of blog entry because of the title. It’s because of the word “sex”.

Are you one of those who once believed that a baby in a woman’s womb is formed when that woman had “lips to lips” with a man?

I managed to watch a portion of Unang Hirit yesterday morning. They have a portion there called “Boses Ng Masa” where viewers can share their opinions by sending an SMS. Yesterday’s topic was about sex education.

It’s very alarming that there is an unwanted pregnancy of a 12 year old girl, according to the news. She’s not yet even in her teenage years. She has to face a big responsibility, instead of just worrying about her studies. What should we do to lessen, if not eliminate, this problem?

Should sex education already be a part of the curriculum in our schools? If yes, in what level should it be introduced to the students? Or should parents be the first one to enlightened their sons and daughters about sex?

For me, sex is sacred. It is an act being done by two individuals who are in-love with each other. I would say that it is a natural thing for human. That’s why I prefer calling it “to make love” rather than “to have sex”. But still, it would be a matter of choice for us… “Are you ready for the consequences of having sex with your partner?”, “Are you doing it because of love or just because you are really horny?”.

It might really be uneasy talking about sex, but just like I said, it’s natural. It’s like talking about the reproductive system in an elementary class. Some would shout, laugh, or feel uneasy with the topic, but it’s really a part of our human bodies. But I think it would be just fine if sex education be taught to the students. What teachers should really focus on is guiding students in making right decisions about sex – when is the right time to do it, and with whom.

Some countries are much more open about sex compared here in the Philippines. Some would say that Philippines is a conservative country, but why are there a lot of incidents of unwanted pregnancy?

Anyway, just like what others say, you only have sex with the one you love. Whether we admit it or not, there are people who have special feelings for someone with the same sex as them. Is this wrong? If love is a feeling which you naturally felt, how can it be wrong? And with this, is having sex with the same gender wrong? Oh well, this is another topic! Hehe.

Episode #8: Recently, we heard the news about National Press Club’s altering of a mural painting made by artists from Angono, Rizal. You can read the news by clicking here.

The question now is, does NPC has the right to alter the said painting?

Well, like what most people say, it is NPC who is promoting press freedom. Any artist would practice freedom of expression. Journalists are artists in their own way, as well as bloggers can also be considered artists.

What would you feel if you did something then you’ll see that someone has altered it without permission? Wouldn’t you feel insulted?

I’m not sure if they have some copyright issues about that artwork. Did the Angono artists gave NPC the right to alter their work? Or they did not expect that NPC would try to alter their work? Why would someone who is promoting press freedom suddenly censored a piece of art made by artists who are like them, just practicing press freedom?