Cover Letter

To my mentor,
          I found writing a bit of a challenge back then. The first activity we had for our ENGLCOM-Writing class was a diagnostic essay which gave us the freedom to choose our own topic. I had a difficult time selecting my topic back then but in the end, I chose Poverty. My diagnostic essay would probably be the basis for the level of improvement of my skill in writing. It was the best that I could do with a common topic like Poverty and the limited time given, but it reflected my current writing ability before I took the course.

           Back then, I often used the same words over and over again. This is why my essays before  sounded redundant. But over time, I've learned different hook techniques and rhetorical moves to improve my style in writing as well as give me ideas on using synonymous words to replace the terms which I often overused back then. To me, the most helpful lesson which I've learned for this course was the APA Style Guide with which I was able to know the needed guidelines when putting my references and in-text citations in my writings. I stated in my goals that I wanted to be an effective and versatile writer that can motivate the readers by expressing my thoughts and ideas clearly in my work. Through my extended definition essay, I hope that one way or another, I was able to expose my audience to the current state of Philippine film and theater in society today. I also hope that my readers can grasp my ideas and opinions on the LaSallian dress code in my argumentative essay, Clothing and Arrows - that, in their daily lives as students or members of companies which uphold dress codes, they may relate to my insights and opinions more easily.

          As I have written in my Goals in ENGLCOM Essay before, my aspirations for this course are not totally impossible - they are reachable. And within short time, I was able to achieve some of these goals. A chapter to the journey of my writing skill is about to end. But the story goes on as I know that if I were unable to attain some of the goals which I stated in this class, then I believe that in my future works I will be abled to finally reach them. 

          To my mentor, thank you for giving me and my classmates the freedom to express our ideas freely through this e-portfolio. Thank you for teaching us the different lessons that in many ways, contributed to our ability in writing. And most of all, thank you for being considerate to us when it comes to deadlines - for understanding that we, as college students, had various requirements to pass as well as yours. As this term comes to an end, I hope that my e-portfolio can serve to your interest both as my mentor and a reader. 

Sincerely,

Finnick Odair (lefinnick)

Table of Contents

Essays  (4)	Date Submitted	Score/Perfect Score
Cover Letter	Date Saved: August 24, 2012 Date Published: August 26, 2012
1.         Argumentative Essay               (Clothing and Arrows: The LaSallian Dress Code)	Outline: August 16, 2012 First Draft: August 16, 2012 Final: August 24, 2012
2.     Extended Definition Essay      (Film and Theater in the Pearl     of the Orient)	Outline: August 4, 2012 First Draft: August 4, 2012 Second Draft: August 4, 2012 Final: August 10, 2012
3.    Englcom Goals Essay      (My Goals in ENGLCOM)	Outline: June 19, 2012 First Draft: June 24, 2012 Final: June 24, 2012
4.    Diagnostic Essay     (Poverty Today)	Date Published: June 19, 2012
v  Critique of Sample Essays	Date Saved: July 18, 2012 Date Published: August 26, 2012

Critique of Sample Essays

Bayanihan:   
       In terms of structure, the author was able to present the main idea of the essay in the outline. Using a question as the essay's hook, Bayanihan was defined. This rhetorical move is very common in extended definition essay introductions, therefore, I found the style used in essay very common. In the body, although the connection of the cultural value of Bayanihan and the support of Filipinos abroad for the national athletes of the Philippines was established, the concept was not well-explained. The author lacked the use of transitional devices and connecting phrases and jumped directly to the topic of sports making the main idea of first part of the essay's body unclear. 

        The purpose of the essay was clear as to inform but it failed to establish the main idea of the thsesis statement. Rather than showing the connection of Bayanihan to patriotism in terms of sports, the essay showed more sports facts and the achievements of the national teams of the Philippines. The in-text citations did not follow the APA format and the conclusion failed to establish a final stand or idea of the essay.

        In my opinion, rather than focusing on the teams or sport facts, the author should have given examples on how the Filipino sports fans show their support to their national teams who compete in the various competitions held worldwide. 

Of Ink and Needle:

        The topic was presented in the outline. The author followed the basic parts of the essay using an anecdote as a hook, beliefs on peircing & tatoos as backgroud information and the author was able to state the thesis statement in the introduction. The author used Definition in the first part of the essay’s body, stating the dictionary definition of tatoos and piercings. Apart from the dictionary meaning of the topic, the deeper meaning of piercings and tattoos were shown in the essay as they were means to outshine other individuals. The author also used Example as a rhetorical move for the second part of the essay’s body while incorporating various connecting phrases and words to show the sequence of ideas clearly. The essay was able to present the author’s purpose to inform and, in a way, pursuade the ideas of the readers. The conclusion was able to leave an impact on the minds of the audience. And over-all, the essay was well-written, properly constructed and informative.

Clothing and Arrows: The LaSallian Dress Code

Clothing and Arrows: The LaSallian Dress Code

Every school’s goal is to instill their core values to their students. One of the symbolisms of these values is shown in an everyday protocol among educational institutions called dress code. A dress code, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is a formally or socially imposed standard of dressing. In De La Salle University – Manila, the dress code is implemented as a means to sustain the educational character of the University and the sensibility of other members of the academic community (Section 4.2, DLSU Student Handbook). The LaSallian dress code has, for the past few years, been a debatable topic among the LaSallian community as many have criticized its protocols and provisions. Its implementation is often described as unfair or unjust for most students. But before giving judgments on the dress code policy of the University, students must first know it to a greater extent. The LaSallian dress code is just and does not limit the students’ right for self-expression. It recognizes the students’ rights to come to school dressed according to their own individual taste.

The purpose of the LaSallian dress code is to uphold the social norms that observe the values of politeness, etiquette and courtesy for LaSallian community members, guests of the campus and integrity of self at all times (Sec. 4: Social Norms, DLSU Student Handbook). As a practice for acquiring values such as self-respect and decency, the dress code was made for the students.

The dress code is found on Appendix Z of the DLSU Graduate.Undergraduate Student Handbook 2012/2015. The dress code falls under Section 4 in the Social Norms of the university, whereas, the students are to follow standard classroom policies and procedures. The dress code states that appropriate attire should be observed. Students are permitted to dress according to their individual taste with modesty and decency in mind. But the Section 4.2 in the DLSU Student Handbook states wearing of specific clothing such as tube tops, camisoles, sandos, backless tops that expose the back below the bustline, cleavage-bearing tops, see through tops or bottoms where undergarments can be seen, and all tops that exposes midsection while walking or standing are prohibited. The DLSU Student Handbook also states that shorts, skirts and dresses are subject to measurement whereas the hemline should not be above the tip of the student’s finger plus one inch while standing in an upright position.

Sportswears, including P.E. uniforms, are not allowed inside auditorium and theaters. As a sign of respect, hats, bonnets and caps should not be worn inside the classroom. Extreme hair colors like red, pink, blue or neon is not allowed. Slippers are also not allowed unless there is a back strap or at least a one-inch heel. Clothing with statements contrary to the Catholic mission of the university is strictly prohibited and exceptions are given to students when required by faculty for a particular class or session only.

It is, with no doubt, that the LaSallian dress code had covered almost all questions regarding the appropriate and acceptable attire when in campus. But some students find the dress code unfair in various ways. For most girls, problems regarding the length from hemline of their short, skirt or dress to the tip of their middle finger plus one inch continues to spur among the university. Most females state that some girls just have much longer arms than other girls. On the other hand, the confusion whether boys are allowed to wear shorts is not mentioned, as to the fact that the hemline protocol is most applicable to female students. And, the explanation as to why slippers are prohibited in campus, even on rainy days, remains unclear. Most students also perceive the dress code as a limit to their freedom of expression and individuality.

Apart from the security guards in DLSU entrances, the Student Discipline Formation Officers are tasked to guide the students to observe the LaSallian dress code at all time. Most often, the students question the guards and discipline officers of being unfair when it comes to the implementation of the dress code as to the fact that some students are being considered. On the other hand, changes in the dress code are being demanded by many students. Some of these changes include having a specific length from shorts, skirt, and dress hemline to approved dress length. Another change being demanded today is the allowed use of slippers at school especially during flood season. Many students also question the importance of the dress code. Students discuss the matter whether the dress code is still needed or not.

But, of course, the dress code is needed.

The dress code is not only for the sole purpose of sustaining the moral character of the LaSallian community, but it also assures the safety of the students in and out of the campus. Commonly, the way of dressing for most girls attracts the attention of molesters in public places like trains and buses. Therefore, the dress code helps a student be safe both inside and outside of campus when appropriately dressed as it is implemented. De La Salle University – Manila, by its name itself, is expected to be a role model to Catholic societies throughout the Philippines. The values of discipline and decency must always be preserved as it is only two of the semi-core values of university.

Although most students have negative perceptions towards the dress code, some students find it fair and essential. Fair in terms that the dress code still gives students their freedom of expression through their clothing with only very few limitations. It is essential in the sense that it is a contribution to the formation of the student’s character, especially in discipline. The dress code, outside of the university, actually promotes a positive outlook of the LaSallian community in society. But just because people dress well, does not mean they do well. At some point though, having proper attire can reflect on the decency of a community’s character.

Like other policies, the dress code is not perfect. There are still some rules which need further explaining. And it should remain open to changes that would help improve it. As trends change, what is perceived as decent for society may also change. And with that, presently, the LaSallian dress code remains fair to the students as it allows the students their right to express themselves and helps in the formation of their moral values as individuals.

References

Dlsufroshtips.tumblr.com (2011) DLSU Frosh Tips, USG Statement on the   Dress Code.  
       [online] Available at: http://dlsufroshtips.tumblr.com/post/13130856483/usg-statement-on-

       the-dress-code#axzz22vEZ5Oi8 

Thelasallian.com (2010) The dress code matters | The LaSallian. [online] Available at:  

       http://thelasallian.com/2010/11/21/the-dress-code-matters/

Twitpic.com (n.d.) Be informed, Lasallians! The new dress code policy of DLSU-M. on  

       Twitpic. [online] Available at: http://twitpic.com/8e6gr1

Unknown. (2012) [online] Available at:                

       http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/offices/mco/publications/student_handbook/SY0912/AppendixZ.pdf

Clothing and Arrows: The LaSallian Dress Code [draft]

Clothing and Arrows: The LaSallian Dress Code

Every school’s goal is to instill their core values to their students. One of the symbolisms of these values is shown in an everyday protocol among educational institutions called dress code. A dress code, as defined by Merriam-Webbster, is a formally or socially imposed standard of dressing. In De La Salle University – Manila, the dress code is implemented as a to sustain the educational character of the University and the sensibility of other members of the academic community. (Section 4.2, DLSU Student Handbook) The LaSallian dress code has, for the past few years, been a debatable topic among the LaSallian community as many have criticized its protocols and provisions. Its implementation is often described as unfair or unjust for most students. But before giving judgments on the dress code policy of the University, students must first know it to a greater extent. The LaSallian dress code is just and does not limit the students’ right for self-expression. It recognizes the students’ rights to come to school dressed according to their own individual taste.
     The purpose of the LaSallian dress code is to uphold the social norms that observe the values of politeness, etiquette and courtesy for LaSallian community members, guests of the campus and integrity of self at all times. (Sec. 4: Social Norms, DLSU Student Handbook) As a practice for acquiring values such as self-respect and decency, the dress code was made for the students.
    The dress code is found on Appendix Z of the DLSU graduate.undergraduate Student Handbook 2012/2015. The dress code falls under Section 4 in the Social Norms of the university, whereas, the students are to follow standard classroom policies and procedures. The dress code states that appropriate attire should be observed. Students are permitted to dress according to their individual taste with modesty and decency in mind. But wearing of specific clothing such as tube tops, camisoles, sandos, backless tops that expose the back below the bustline, cleavage-bearing tops, see through tops or bottoms where undergarments can be seen, and all tops that exposes midsection while walking or standing are prohibited. Shorts, skirts and dresses are subject to measurement whereas the hemline should not be above the tip of the student’s finger plus one inch while standing in an upright position. (Section 4.2, DLSU Student Handbook)
     Sportswears, including P.E. uniforms, are not allowed inside auditorium and theaters. As a sign of respect, hats, bonnets and caps should not be worn inside the classroom. Extreme hair colors like red, pink, blue or neon is not allowed. Slippers are also not allowed unless there is a back strap or at least a one-inch heel. Clothing with statements contrary to the Catholic mission of the university is strictly prohibited and exceptions are given to students when required by faculty for a particular class or session only.
     It is, with no doubt, that the LaSallian dress code had covered almost all questions regarding the appropriate and acceptable attire when in campus. But some students find the dress code unfair in various ways. For most girls, problems regarding the length from hemline of their short, skirt or dress to the tip of their middle finger plus one inch continues to spur among the university. Most females state that some girls just have much longer arms than other girls. On the other hand, the confusion whether boys are allowed to wear shorts is not mentioned, as to the fact that the hemline protocol is most applicable to female students. And, the explanation as to why slippers are prohibited in campus, even on rainy days, remains unclear. Most students also perceive the dress code as a limit to their freedom of expression and individuality.
     Apart from the security guards in DLSU entrances, the Student Discipline Formation Officers are tasked to guide the students to observe the LaSallian dress code at all time. Most often, the students question the guards and D.O.’s of being unfair when it comes to the implementation of the dress code as to the fact that some students are being considered. On the other hand, changes in the dress code are being demanded by many students. Some of these changes include having a specific length from shorts, skirt, and dress hemline to approved dress length. Another change being demanded today is the allowed use of slippers at school especially during flood season. Many students also question the importance of the dress code. Students discuss the matter whether the dress code is still needed or not.
      But, of course, the dress code is needed.
      The dress code is not only for the sole purpose of sustaining the moral character of the LaSallian community, but it also assures the safety of the students in and out of the campus. Commonly, the way of dressing for most girls attracts the attention of molesters in public places like trains and buses. Therefore, the dress code helps a student be safe both inside and outside of campus when appropriately dressed as it is implemented. De La Salle University – Manila, by its name itself, is expected to be a role model to Catholic societies throughout the Philippines. The values of discipline and decency must always be preserved as it is only two of the semi-core values of university.
       Although most students have negative perceptions towards the dress code, some students find it fair and essential. Fair in terms that the dress code still gives students their freedom of expression through their clothing with only very few limitations. It is essential in the sense that it is a contribution to the formation of the student’s character, especially in discipline. The dress code, outside of the university, actually promotes a positive outlook of the LaSallian community in society. But just because people dress well, doesn’t mean they do well. At some point though, having proper attire can reflect on the decency of a community’s character.
        Like other policies, the dress code is not perfect. There are still some rules which need further explaining. And it should remain open to changes that would help improve it. As trends change, what is perceived as decent for society may also change. Today, the LaSallian dress code is fair to the students. It allows the students their right to express themselves and helps in the formation of their moral values as individuals.

References
Dlsufroshtips.tumblr.com (2011) DLSU Frosh Tips, USG Statement on the Dress Code.   
     [online] Available at: 
     http://dlsufroshtips.tumblr.com/post/13130856483/usg-statement-on-the-dress-
     code#axzz22vEZ5Oi8 

Thelasallian.com (2010) The dress code matters | The LaSallian. [online] Available at:             
     http://thelasallian.com/2010/11/21/the-dress-code-matters/ 

Twitpic.com (n.d.) Be informed, Lasallians! The new dress code policy of DLSU-M. on 
     Twitpic. [online] Available at: http://twitpic.com/8e6gr1 

Unknown. (2012) [online] Available at:         
     http://www.dlsu.edu.ph/offices/mco/publications/student_handbook/SY0912/AppendixZ.pdf

Clothing and Arrows: The LaSallian Dress Code Outline

Clothing and Arrows: The LaSallian Dress Code Outline

Thesis Statement: The LaSallian Dress Code is fair for the students.

I.                    Introduction - the Lasallian Dress Code

a.       Goals of the University in terms of values

b.      The LaSallian Dress Code

c.       The fairness of the LaSallian Dress Code for the students

II.                  Body – the Cons of the Dress Code

a.       Purpose of the LaSallian dress code

b.      Contents of the LaSallian dress code

c.       Perception of students on the dress code

1.       The fairness of the dress code

2.       The dress code over the student’s right of self-expression

d.      The dress code implementation of the Discipline Office

e.      The cons of the dress code

1.       Needed changes in the dress code

2.       Questioning the importance of the dress code

III.                Conclusion – Refuting the Cons

a.       The importance of the dress code

1.       The purpose of safety of the students

2.       The preservation of DLSU’s Catholic values

b.      Positive perceptions of students about the dress code

c.       The pros of the dress code

1.       Promoting a positive outlook on the LaSallian community

2.       Recommendations and suggestions for improvement

EDE: Film and Theater in the Pearl of the Orient [final]

Film and Theater in the Pearl of the Orient

        Everyday life is filled with struggles and challenges; experiences which may lead to an individual’s happiness or demise. Most often, these experiences and emotions are shown and released in various forms of art like music, poetry, dancing, etc. Film and theater are two of the most popular entertainment and cultural genres that are often compared and contrasted by the public as two separate forms of art with the same goals and theme like story-telling and character revelation. Today, film is regarded as one of the biggest-earning industries in the world. In United States, Hollywood is known to house the biggest film productions while Bollywood, India in Western Asia (Stevens, CNN). One of the most famous and longest-operating theatrical plays is the Phantom of the Opera which garnered 7 Drama Desk Awards, 6 Tony Awards and 3 Laurence Olivier Awards on 17 different categories (Laurence Olivier Awards, 2). In the Philippines, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) houses performing companies in dance, music and theater namely Ballet Philippines, Philippine Ballet Theater, Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group and Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company (HISTORY, CCP Website).

            Film and theater have evolved along with the cultures, trends and social backgrounds of the societies within their reach. Theater, in the modern west, was derived from ancient Greek drama, borrowing many of its terminologies, genres and themes, characters and plot elements. It is defined as a form of art that represents real or imagined events in front of a live audience with stage support of lights, sounds and set backgrounds (M. Carlson, 2011). Drama, Comedy, Tragedy and Musicals are some of the major types of theater. The particular place that houses the theater arts is also called “Theatre”.

     Film, on the other hand, is a recorded series of moving images, largely known as motion picture. Like theater, film also depicts either real or fictional experiences from particular events of a character’s life. It is regarded as one of the biggest productions of art that is the most profitable and publicly demanded. The film-making process involves various steps that can take up to years at most. The process includes Development, Pre-production, Production, Post-production and Distribution. 

     In the Philippines, film and theater has contributed largely to the development of art. Jose Nepomuceno’s Dalagang Bukid was the first film produced by a Filipino based on a musical play, marking the start of cinema as an art in the Philippines. Nepomuceno was dubbed as the "Father of Philippine Cinema". Theater, on the other hand, has been one of the cannons shooting out talents from the Philippines to foreign stages around the world. Therefore, allowing public exposure of the Philippine culture and arts in many countries around the world as a base structure for theatrical plays and musicals.

     As two of the most popular entertainment and cultural genres, film and theater are almost always compared to each other. Similarities in the types of art, culture, structure of production and goals are often criticized. Both film and theater are similar in the types of culture they depict, particularly in the Philippines; they often show the early beginnings of Philippine history as well as the present political and economic state of the country and how these affect the people and their daily lives. Like the others, Philippine film and theater have the goals to show and expose the audience to their plot which mostly consists of conflicts that are usually seen in day-to-day life but is interpreted into a much larger and broader perspective.

      But although both genres need actors and actresses in the performances, the requirements for the actors of the two are different. In film, the actors are recorded, requiring them play their roles from the script and view of the screenwriter while theater actors play their parts from a playwright’s script and require stage presence as they act out on a live audience. Stage and theater actors require much training before every performance in order to act, present and relate to their audience in the best way possible. In terms of production, film can be edited and given special effects before distribution unlike theater which requires much time if change or revision occurs before a performance. Because the era of Hollywood has never been forgotten and is known worldwide, film in the Philippines is given much more funds and attention from both the authorities and the public. Philippine theater, in a sense, is underrated today. Although the various structural components that completes the play is well-rehearsed and is close to perfect, the public demand for theater is not as large as that of film.

       For Philippine film and theater, globalization has made the public prefer foreign films and plays over the local ones, resulting to a drastic fall of Philippine film. Misconceptions about Filipino film and theater have also risen during the past decade. Some of these misconceptions say that Philippine theater only showcases the tribes or cultural ethnic groups of the country and is disinteresting; and that films in the Philippines have shallow plots and only try to either make people cry, laugh or scared. These views often affect the public within proximity, having the Filipino masses assume that they are just as shallow as the arts today or that foreigners are more superior to them, even when in the Philippines. But, Philippine film has slowly risen from its fall with inspirational movies like Mga Munting Tinig (Small Voices) by Gil Portes (2002) and Crying Ladies by Mark Meily (2003). Digital movies were also launched in the Philippine media industry in 2006 an 2007. The year 2009 was the highest peak of the Filipino film industry’s esteem when Brillante Mendoza’s film Kinatay (Butchere) dubbed him as Best Director in the Cannes Film Festival, shooting him up to the ranks of international directors Maritn Scorses, Gus Van Sant and other directors whose films were entered for category of Best Director. Mendoza’s victory was acknowledged by many Filipinos, including former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo; marking his success a ray of hope for Filipino filmmakers. (Straight website, 2009)
     With that ray of hope, Philippine film maintains its abilities to adjust to the changes in the demands of the public and yet still show the culture which revolves around the country. Theater, on the other hand, is slowly making a mark upon the hearts of the Filipino masses. In the midst of a changing world, film and theater will remain as two of the rising patrons of not only art, but also the Philippine culture, worldwide.

References

Bollywood Hots Up cnn.com. Retrieved June 23, 2007. M. Carlson, Journal of Dramatic  
         Theory and Criticism,
Culturalcenter.gov.ph (1966) Cultural Center of the Philippines - History. [online] Available at: 
          http://www.culturalcenter.gov.ph/page.php?page_id=30 

Straight.com (2000) Filipino film industry reborn | Vancouver, Canada | Straight.com. [online]    
          Available at: http://www.straight.com/node/161057

Thephantomoftheopera.com (2001) Awards | The Phantom of the Opera. [online] Available at:
          http://www.thephantomoftheopera.com/the-show/awards