I find myself watching iBilib, a show aired by GMA Network every Sunday on 5 PM. Aside from the fact that it is hosted by former Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) basketball player Chris Tiu, I watch it because of the scientific information it imparts to its viewers. Moreover, the concepts in the show are presented in such a way that everyone will understand their ideas. There is even no use of jargons! Or if they do, they give the definition of the terms used.

They conduct simple experiments with the use of everyday objects we have and afterwards, explain the principles behind the phenomena in the experiments.

This is a must-watch not only for students but also for the entire family. There is indeed much to learn from this educational program. A salute to GMA on this project!

The Stepping Stone

(photo source: http://www.gbchurch.co.uk)

The fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Benigno “Noynoy” C Aquino III may be his longest, spanning one hour and 45 minutes, but I believe that there is much more that the President could have said in his speech. I am not particularly dwelling on the low points of his fourth SONA. There is also much that I am glad about, especially with the government’s achievements over the last year: approval of Sin Tax Reform Law, increased number of TESDA graduates, allocation of P 6.2 billion for flood control in Metro Manila, increase in PhilHealth enrollees, and a 7.8% increase in the GDP of the country during the first quarter of 2013, the highest in Southeast Asia. This only proves that the current administration is indeed doing its job to improve the country in various aspects.

However, there will always be low points in the SONA of the president. I agree with what Sen. Nancy Binay pointed out: that P-Noy did not mention ways to improve employment in the country, since the Philippines still has the worst unemployment rate in Asia. I also agree with the opinion of the UP-NCPAG: that P-Noy did not address the issue of the pork barrel scam, which made a lot of noise recently. If he is to lead us to “daang matuwid” (as he said during his campaign in 2010) until 2016, he should have addressed this particular issue or include solid plans on how to fight corruption in the country.

After this address, it is further impressed on me that it is important to know that massive changes cannot happen in a short span of time and that patience and cooperation on the part of the citizens of our country are essential. I remain optimistic regarding the changes brought about by P-Noy’s governance and believe that this is a stepping stone for the Philippines’ future leaders.