The Princesses' Diaries: Rise of the Bloggers
Danielle Ann F. Gabriel
The Journalese
In this technology-driven age, sharing your deepest thoughts through writing is seemingly one click away. The youth who constantly need venting outlets and means to communicate, find the Internet realm as a suitable breathing ground. And these social networking sites and blogging websites offer fast-tracked fame as well.
A sneak peek into the lives of blogger-cum-journalism students from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) proves that they have almost transcended papers marked with red ink. Entries of all sorts, from a UAAP basketball leading scorer, a boutique in Greenbelt, and to random everyday experiences fill these girls’ blogs.
The Journalese
In this technology-driven age, sharing your deepest thoughts through writing is seemingly one click away. The youth who constantly need venting outlets and means to communicate, find the Internet realm as a suitable breathing ground. And these social networking sites and blogging websites offer fast-tracked fame as well.
A sneak peek into the lives of blogger-cum-journalism students from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) proves that they have almost transcended papers marked with red ink. Entries of all sorts, from a UAAP basketball leading scorer, a boutique in Greenbelt, and to random everyday experiences fill these girls’ blogs.
Clara Murallos, 2JRN2
With a whopping 20,000 followers and counting, this girl might just be the next big thing in the blogging universe. Eight years of writing about her life and things that caught her attention led her to pursue Journalism, a course she describes as very versatile. For her, being a Journalism student opens a lot of opportunities and provides a lot of action. While journalism is a bit restrictive, blogging lets her express herself to the fullest. Aside from making a constant effort to update at least two to three days a week, Clara also enjoys photography, drawing and, unexpected to most, basketball! |
This talented girl shares how blogging can be a good venue for practice now that she is on her way to being a full-fledged journalist. And just when you thought her best qualities end there, think again. When asked about her edge over other bloggers, she keeps her feet on the ground and responds, "Actually, I cannot compare myself to others. Parang I'm judging them right away without even knowing them yet. Pero, ang ma-ooffer ko as Lara Murallos? My life... I have stories that are unique, and if people do can relate to them... Super nakakatuwa, at least you know there's someone na nakakaintindi sa pinagdadaanan mo.”
This blogger not only has looks to die for, she also has a quirky side, as she confesses to looking up to Bianca Gonzales as her blogger role model and to engaging in pre-blogging rituals. She first checks her favorite blogs, Tweets and re-sizes her photos.
Aside from considering blogging as means to practice writing, Clara sees it as a time machine. Each post is unique and unforgettable for her. Blog entries range from a random classroom conversation to an inspiring article on chasing your dreams to an opinion column on the latest national issue. Clara adds that being a journalism student is enough an edge and that there is nothing more to ask for.
Since taking up the course, she focused on making her writing more journalistic to improve herself and her craft. Though she has been critcized because of the changea in her blogging style, Clara stands firm and sees it all as a learning experience. She stays gracious, sweet and humble in replying to her followers. So if you want to catch more of her and her stories on being a typical college girl, be sure to stop by at http://www.deepfriedjupiter.com.
This blogger not only has looks to die for, she also has a quirky side, as she confesses to looking up to Bianca Gonzales as her blogger role model and to engaging in pre-blogging rituals. She first checks her favorite blogs, Tweets and re-sizes her photos.
Aside from considering blogging as means to practice writing, Clara sees it as a time machine. Each post is unique and unforgettable for her. Blog entries range from a random classroom conversation to an inspiring article on chasing your dreams to an opinion column on the latest national issue. Clara adds that being a journalism student is enough an edge and that there is nothing more to ask for.
Since taking up the course, she focused on making her writing more journalistic to improve herself and her craft. Though she has been critcized because of the changea in her blogging style, Clara stands firm and sees it all as a learning experience. She stays gracious, sweet and humble in replying to her followers. So if you want to catch more of her and her stories on being a typical college girl, be sure to stop by at http://www.deepfriedjupiter.com.
Andressa Flores (6000 views in 5 months!), 2JRN1
If you're looking for a blog that’s easy on the eyes and which do not require you to follow every other update, Andressa’s blog is the perfect find. Music and book lovers will have a feast viewing http://www.innocentwild.blogspot.com. She is into fashion, Harry Potter and snail mails. Given the chance to blog about someone all her life, Andi, as she is fondly called, immediately chose author J.K Rowling of the Harry Potter. Andi describes Harry as an interesting and inspiring figure for the young and old. Keeping the magic of wizardry alive in her while riding the broomstick of college life, she handles regular essay deadlines and ensures that her entries are still published and sentiments heard. |
Writing the voices of imagination lets the blogger share herself with the world, something writer live for. Andi initially had her eyes set on Creative Writing but has no regrets that she is in Journalism, because it is still a course where she could pursue writing.
She admits, harsh comments is one of the downsides of blogging but she puts on her fearless self and continues to do what she does best. She is an epitome of liberty: She makes it clear that letting her thoughts out as they are is more fulfilling than getting praises.
Andi shares that putting out words for the world's eyes to see is “like ripping a large rock off her shoulders,” a huge relief, in other words. She does not ignore the people who shower her with positive feedbacks though. This is what keeps her going.
Fearless Flores instills within herself the core values that UST has always been proud of. Integrating the values of commitment, competence and compassion in her entries is what sets her apart.
Before hitting 28,000 views last August 6, she gushed over All Free Beaded Jewelry, a bead jewelry site, which asked her permission to use a DIY project she worked and blogged on. It was for an e-book which they eventually published this May. These were “Luna Lovegood Raddish Earrings” that made a hit, proving that healthy Potter obsession and writing skills can come in handy. No wonder, this Tigress has hit it big time.
She admits, harsh comments is one of the downsides of blogging but she puts on her fearless self and continues to do what she does best. She is an epitome of liberty: She makes it clear that letting her thoughts out as they are is more fulfilling than getting praises.
Andi shares that putting out words for the world's eyes to see is “like ripping a large rock off her shoulders,” a huge relief, in other words. She does not ignore the people who shower her with positive feedbacks though. This is what keeps her going.
Fearless Flores instills within herself the core values that UST has always been proud of. Integrating the values of commitment, competence and compassion in her entries is what sets her apart.
Before hitting 28,000 views last August 6, she gushed over All Free Beaded Jewelry, a bead jewelry site, which asked her permission to use a DIY project she worked and blogged on. It was for an e-book which they eventually published this May. These were “Luna Lovegood Raddish Earrings” that made a hit, proving that healthy Potter obsession and writing skills can come in handy. No wonder, this Tigress has hit it big time.
Arnielaine Jill Alberto, 4JRN1
After several failed attempts, the interview managed to squeeze into Arnielaine's hectic schedule. This girl-on-the-go balances school, poetry and blogging. Like the previous blog princesses bent on turning cyberspace into their own kingdom, Arj, as her friends call her, recalls being introduced to the blogging world way back to elementary. Just when social networking sites were starting to make its way to the lives of the young ones and the “young once,” Arj was already exploring sites such as Multiply and Blogspot in order to have a place where she can pour out her feelings and thoughts. |
Her posts do not exactly have a theme and mostly revolve on daily events and some let-loose views of issues. But this did not stop Arj from gaining 10,000+ blog hits on her Wordpress and nearly 350 followers on Tumblr.
Blogging plays a huge part on her soon Journalism career. Arj shares that while blogging may be one of the reasons that led her to Journalism, her course enhances her blogging. In a way, they complement each other and make her career choice even more exciting.
While following the footsteps of her mother who was also a Journalism graduate, Arj plays up with hobbies like reading and poetry. She quotes from Inkblots 2011, “hindi ka marunong magsulat kung hindi ka marunong magbasa.”
She is also an example of a modern young woman, always ready to express how she feels and relay them to society using the most modern way possible, the Internet. As for having two blogs, she explains that Tumblr can overwhelm with “re-blogs” and Wordpress offers a more personalized way to write once you get the hang of it.
Nowadays, Arj's posts still stay true to its flower-adorned theme by giving its viewers a dose of personal accounts, which set a sentimental and romantic aura whenever you read one. And unlike most bloggers who try to veer away from being too showy with their feelings online, Arj embraces all the drama life has to offer and makes a way to amaze and inspire readers.
She explains “I don't just write to express my thoughts, I write rin para maka-connect sa tao.” She adds that it makes her happy how people approach her and say that they are waiting for her next blog entry.
While this senior battles with thesis demands and academic pressure, she makes time for blogging. Arj visualizes it as a program offered in schools, perhaps as electives, in the near future so while we wait for that forecast, we can settle for a cup of pure, sincere and unpredictable posts on http://www.lettersbyarnielainejill.tumblr.com and http://www.arnielainejill.wordpress.com.
Who run the world?
These girls of the Journalism Society belong to an era marked with what some say as “too much technology.” But this isn’t always a bad thing. Their journey does not only show blogs as personal creative outlets but also something which allows them to tap their inner geniuses, training them to become better writers while still connecting with other people.
At the end of the day, while maintaining impeccable academic standings, dealing with boys and keeping their hair frizz free from the wet-prone Universidad de Santo Tomas, girls just wanna have fun and wear their hearts out not only on their sleeves but also online. J
Blogging plays a huge part on her soon Journalism career. Arj shares that while blogging may be one of the reasons that led her to Journalism, her course enhances her blogging. In a way, they complement each other and make her career choice even more exciting.
While following the footsteps of her mother who was also a Journalism graduate, Arj plays up with hobbies like reading and poetry. She quotes from Inkblots 2011, “hindi ka marunong magsulat kung hindi ka marunong magbasa.”
She is also an example of a modern young woman, always ready to express how she feels and relay them to society using the most modern way possible, the Internet. As for having two blogs, she explains that Tumblr can overwhelm with “re-blogs” and Wordpress offers a more personalized way to write once you get the hang of it.
Nowadays, Arj's posts still stay true to its flower-adorned theme by giving its viewers a dose of personal accounts, which set a sentimental and romantic aura whenever you read one. And unlike most bloggers who try to veer away from being too showy with their feelings online, Arj embraces all the drama life has to offer and makes a way to amaze and inspire readers.
She explains “I don't just write to express my thoughts, I write rin para maka-connect sa tao.” She adds that it makes her happy how people approach her and say that they are waiting for her next blog entry.
While this senior battles with thesis demands and academic pressure, she makes time for blogging. Arj visualizes it as a program offered in schools, perhaps as electives, in the near future so while we wait for that forecast, we can settle for a cup of pure, sincere and unpredictable posts on http://www.lettersbyarnielainejill.tumblr.com and http://www.arnielainejill.wordpress.com.
Who run the world?
These girls of the Journalism Society belong to an era marked with what some say as “too much technology.” But this isn’t always a bad thing. Their journey does not only show blogs as personal creative outlets but also something which allows them to tap their inner geniuses, training them to become better writers while still connecting with other people.
At the end of the day, while maintaining impeccable academic standings, dealing with boys and keeping their hair frizz free from the wet-prone Universidad de Santo Tomas, girls just wanna have fun and wear their hearts out not only on their sleeves but also online. J