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LONG LIVE: We remember Luis V. Teodoro's 83rd birthday today even if he's not with us anymore. Given the state of journalism in the country, we celebrate by re-reading his works and promising to keep the torch of press freedom burning. Fighting is the highest form of remembering.

To quote from the CMFR journalism review: "It cited UP journalism professor Danilo Arao who said: 'Family feuds are hardly public interest issues unless these involve governance and public funds [...].'" cmfr-phil.org/media-ethics-r…

TEACH HACK: (1) Avoid slide presentations. (2) Write only key words on the whiteboard. (3) Encourage student participation (even if unrelated, incoherent or ungrammatical). (4) Include critical analysis of current events, especially in showbiz and politics. (5) Start on time!

CLARIFICATION: As regards an obvious lie about a UP CMC graduate, there used to be a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication (major in Journalism) program which is now replaced by the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism program. UP IMC/CMC alumni in the 80s and 90s can attest to this.

CMC HISTORY: Since its establishment (then as an institute) in 1965, we've never had a BAMC program. Decades ago, there used to be a BA Mass Comm-Journ program offered at UP Baguio. Lesson: Fact-checking a viral lie entails both factual and contextual accuracy, including history.

PERSONAL: Should the viral lie about a fake UP CMC graduate offend us too much? No. After fact-checking this lie, may we focus more on the biggest lies perpetrated by the rich and powerful. Let's avoid elitist (even if factual) remarks like "I'm a UP graduate and you're not!"

KONTEKSTO: Para sa kolum ngayong linggo, pagnilayan ang trending na bagong salita. Shiminet! storage.googleapis.com/qurium/pinoywe…

PUP VERDICT: My 50 BAJ 1-1D students in News Literacy last semester gave me a rating of 97.3520 (Outstanding). Our final lesson is best summed up in a student's comment (sino kaya siya?) on my teaching effectiveness: Kita-kita sa lansangan (see screenshot).

SUNDAY NATAL: Today is all about her as she turns nine. Enjoying Manila Ocean Park and IKEA, she ends the day watching a cartoon series about good versus bad. Tonight she sleeps, tomorrow she studies and in the future she makes birthdays memorable to the currently downtrodden.

DEAR UPD STUDENTS ENROLLED IN J 117 TRV, COMM 140 WRV AND J 201 HZZ: Just sent a message via our LMS. Are you okay? Hope you have time to reply. For now, stay safe and dry amid the onslaught of strong rains (not to mention the tragedy of government inefficiency).

LISTEN/WATCH: I was interviewed live this morning (September 3) on Oras Na Pilipinas (DZAS 702 kHz AM) regarding "fake news" and media literacy especially in the wake of TS Enteng. youtube.com/live/bm-IimCjr… (starts at 59:00 mark)

To quote from the news feature: "'[P]eople in power have a lot to answer for [...] but let’s not make fun of people’s mother tongue,' journalist Danilo Arao wrote in Filipino, adding that Duterte’s supporters may use 'shimenet' for her to gain sympathy." rappler.com/philippines/sh…

NOCTURNAL THOUGHTS: Abolish the MTRCB as it enters its 40th year in 2025. MTRCB's establishment is supposed to be temporary as the objective is self-regulation in TV and film. Expanding MTRCB's powers to include streaming sites means more censorship via review and classification.

SUNDAY PRE-PRESSCON THOUGHTS: (1) Why is a haircut absolutely necessary? (2) Is it okay to drink hot tea at a Kapihan? (3) How can that controversial logo be semiotically analyzed? (4) Do I look 55 turning 86 or 96 in 13 days?

To quote from the UP release: "Prof. Danilo Arao, a seasoned academic from the UP Diliman Department of Journalism, a media expert affiliated with Pinoy Weekly, Bulatlat [...], and convenor of Kontra Daya, provided the media perspective on the project." up.edu.ph/up-project-to-…

LISTEN/WATCH: I was interviewed live via phone patch this afternoon (September 13) on Serbisyo Radyo Uno (DZME) regarding state-sponsored disinformation and the government media's lack of editorial independence, among other issues. youtube.com/live/82ZzWHz9_… (starts at 31:25 mark)

KONTEKSTO: Sa aking nalalapit na ika-56 na kaarawan, mainam na pagnilayan ang personal na saya at politikal na pag-alala. Ito ang "sumpa" ng Setyembre 21. storage.googleapis.com/qurium/pinoywe…

AFTER-DINNER THOUGHTS: Some typos are understandable and even acceptable. A burning example is the UP-AFP Declaration of Cooptation, all in the name of horror and pestilence (or in Filipino, hangal at kisay).