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 (image from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3038496/Is-teenager-addicted-mobile-25-constantly-phones.html­)

Smartphone is one of the daily essentials these days. At least for the netizens, they can’t live without using it. During leisure time (or even not) as long as there is available Wi-Fi connection or mobile data, the next thing to do is to open the social networking sites (SNS) such as Facebook, Twitter, Instragram, Snapchat, etc. Open the app, check notifications, click like, share some posts, comment with emoticons, and skim through news articles (optional), etc. For some young adults who are into SNS, this is their daily routine.  According to Go Globe, users between the ages 15 to 19 spend at least 3 hours a day on average on social media.

How many times in a day do you see someone (or even yourself) glued on phones swiping, tapping away, scrolling up or down? Ironically, an ‘active user’ turns into ‘over-user’, possibly getting addicted to social media. A TV behavior expert, Judy James, describes it as "being unable to stop using it even when you want to." For young netizens who fits in this description, they could be without a doubt diagnosed with scroll down syndrome.

What are the signs and symptoms?

Lack of sleep

Young netizens never mind insomniac as long as they tinker their phones. This distort their sleeping habit making them zombie-like creatures the next morning. They would rather sit up or stay on bed most of the night rather than getting a rest just to check their social media accounts, do a little bit of stalking, and whatnot's.

Anxiety

Dr. Joanne Stephenson, a professor of psychology, says “someone over-using social media might also suffer from increased levels of anxiety.” There’s a need to check emails, tweets, Facebook, VERY frequently, many times a day or even many times an hour. They could also make getting online their main priority, doing it first thing in the morning, during school time, and as soon as they get home after school.

‘Lonely in the crowd’

The more they get connected to the virtual world, the lesser they get along with people in real life particularly their parents, relatives, or even friends. Judy James explains that”this is a new for of loneliness where people have lots of online ‘friends’ rather than the real thing.” Real human relationships are far more important for our well-being she contends.  

(image taken from http://images.onlymyhealth.com/imported/images/2014/August/08_Aug_2014/taknik-aur-social-media-ke-aadi-650x433.jpg)

Privacy problems

Teens find social media a venue for all their feelings, thoughts, rants, angst, and so on. But what more alarming is the too much information about themselves that they don’t care posting on these platforms. Apparently, they become prone to online predators and become victims of cyber-bullying, shaming, harassment, and so on. 

(image taken from http://images.onlymyhealth.com/imported/images/2014/August/08_Aug_2014/taknik-aur-social-media-ke-aadi-650x433.jpg)

 We might be able to cure this illness, just follow the prescriptions below:

#1 Get out of your room, try to see the world in a different way. Discover new places, walk on different roads, you never know who you might bump into the streets. An old friend? A stranger that could be your new friend? Or that someone….. who knows? Try to get out right now and take the challenge.

#2 Health is wealth. 8 hours of sleep is still the ideal and best way to take care of your body. Also, if you have time you could also visit an optometrist; have your eyes checked – a clear eye vision is better than having four eyes.

#3 Time management. We know you’ve probably heard this phrase over and over again but if you would be able to manage your time between studying and using your social media accounts… then there may be the possibility of you having the leisure of time to browse as well as passing your classes with flying colors.

#4 No phone on dinner time! Since we use our time mostly at work or at schools then we only have dinner time to spend with our family. We suggest that phones should be confiscated during dinner time, this does not just improve table manners but also the qaulity of good relationships between family members.

#5 Do other extracurricular activities. If you still can’t stop yourself from using your smartphone, try to visit reading websites such as goodreads, kindle or download ebooks. Since you love reading might as well read classical novels and YA novels that would easily get your attention. There are also different websites that would help you exercise your brain more try brainpickings I dare you.

Social media addiction, just like any other addiction, is not easy to be cured. However, if we try to minimize it by following the tips above, we can live our lives healthier and happier again. Make use of the time well and do more productive things. While technology makes things easier for us, we should find it useful for specific things only to avoid getting so hooked with it. Nothing is more precious than a sound sleep, safety, and happy relationships and self. #

*social media addiction where an individual cannot refrain from using social networking sites and the like

Writers:

Ballesteros, Cielo Faye

Caubat, Joyce D.

Furagganan, Joanah Mae

Pantoja, Lalaine

The Foodstagramming

            Whenever you go to a new restaurant or a food trip, do you often take a picture of your food? Whenever you go online in the social media sites, do you feel like “drooling” whenever a food comes out of your timeline or feed? If yes is your answer, welcome to the #foodporn and #foodgasm.

Selfie. Social media consumers are all aware of its significance to the modern day culture and hashtags are all are part of a larger phenomenon. We will now introduce to   you the food’s very own selfies. And with over a million collective tags on Instagram, #foodporn and #foodgasm have become part of a certifiable thing.

Literature in Social Media: Popular Facebook pages, University Confessions, and Poetry sites.

Illustration by Gaymare "Era" Luna 

        Are you in love? Are you sad, happy, embarrassed, desperate, angry, bored or simply in need of comfort? More often than not, Young Adults find themselves liking and following various Facebook pages that gets their attention such as this.

(Image taken from https://www.facebook.com/PoemsPorn/?ref=br_rs)

Young adults quest in finding Literature on Popular Facebook Pages and University Confessions

        Young adults are establishing and confirming social engagements in the world of social media simply because it has been an outlet for their angst, views and opinions. They can post their stand(s)/opinion(s) about news or issues; comment on particular posts by certain pages they follow; write reviews about a book they’ve recently read or a movie they’ve just watched. Predominantly, if they log in to Facebook, they will find pages, groups and even communities that introduce literature in the millennial generation. Personal poems, letters and status that are created by individuals that spread through Facebook or digitally reproduce lines/quotes by certain FB pages from the works of W. Shakespeare, R.W Emerson, V. Woolf, J. Green, as well as other famous authors from past to present. Though, there are local pages as well, like Word’sAnonymous; betsin-artparasites the local counterpart of berlin-artparasites--that introduces Filipino poems and artworks, if not personal expressions that many young adult netizens find relatable. 

Happy or Sad- Poems are more than food they are lifeline.

        Whether they are healing their wounded hearts caused by lovers, friends and even family or simply in need of company in their solitary confinement, they find solace in poetry for not only does it appeal aesthetically but somehow it channels and magnifies their emotions may it be loneliness or glee. Pages like Poems porn, WordsAnonymous, Button betsin-artparasites, Scream poems are popular simply because Young Adults find their own reflection on the posted poetries.

(Image taken from https://www.facebook.com/PoemsPorn/?ref=br_rs)

        Those kind of words are bound to get their attention. Of course poetry speaks not only of pain and of suffering, sometimes it is the language of entertainment like poems from Poetry Magnets PH which are unconventional and sometimes humorous. Others who are into arts are hooked with berlin-artparasites or The Artidope which features an artwork with messages and poems.

(Image taken from https://https://www.facebook.com/TheArtidope/?fref=ts)

Not too-confidential Confessions

        Young adults especially those in Universities and Colleges are engrossed with following University Pages where they can anonymously send letters of confessions and anecdotes. The letters and confessions encompass messages about love, relationship, views- may it be political or religious, rants and sometimes even sexual passions. While other senders are commendable for their choice of words and manner of storytelling (may it be about love or sex) that has the merit of categorical recognition as a flash fiction (which is very popular nowadays) especially the anecdotes, others are simply rants and self-exaltation like for example…

(Image taken from https://www.facebook.com/updconfessions/?fref=ts)

…this is not even an anecdote and I doubt if all would agree to label this as an open letter, this looks merely a status of a narcissistic being wanting to be famous yet remaining anonymous but we are so hooked up reading these forms of confessions and following these pages. Well… who doesn’t? Only Wilma Doesn’t ;-) follow pages like these when there are commendable comments like…

(Image taken from https://www.facebook.com/updconfessions/?fref=ts)

…that are very entertaining. Really, why do they hit the like button and follow? Is it the humor? Is it the anonymous broken-hearted lines, maybe the letter of angst to specific people or groups that make others want to put their middle fingers up, or do Young Adults find the Showbiz glamour on these posts? Are they 2nd class stalkers and gossip-girls?

(Image taken from https://www.facebook.com/FEUSecrets/?fref=ts)

        Yet sometimes we stumble upon posts with literary merits. This one could pass for a Flash fiction, the conciseness and brevity, if not in line then at least close to Eros Atalia’s Flash Fictions.


Why are Popular Pages so popular, if you know what I mean?

        Popular pages such as Vince & Kath are popular simply because Young adults are hook with stories of love and drama, especially when it is like Wattpad stories turned reality. Who could blame them, Facebook advocates bandwagon and teens easily follow by sharing the page’s post(s) in their timeline. As a result, more people find themselves reading…

(Image taken from https://www.facebook.com/Lsmcheervar/?fref=ts&ref=br_tf)

...and reading

…and reading it until they finish the entire post. What’s good about this is that teens are reading, it may not be the greatest material but it’s a good start. Aside from that, this kind of pages made use of Facebook as a platform to integrate stories and literature, even if it’s an emerging genre like Chiclitt.

(Image taken from https://www.facebook.com/Lsmcheervar/?fref=ts&ref=br_tf)

Is there really Literature in Social Media?

        We believe (the writers) that there is Literature in Social media if only Young adults know what posts to like and what pages to follow. While it is true that some FB pages are made for entertainment like Vince & Kath and others may be skeptical in considering their story as literature, what matters is that those kind of pages are able to appeal to many young adult netizens. It may not be the best material (not just Vince & Kath but all other pages mentioned above) to get acquainted with literature but it is a way to encourage readers to be engage. If they get tired reading from those sites then it is possible that they seek other materials of better quality such as books and other literary websites. 

        We hope that after reading this you are able to generate your own conclusion whether or not our paper really proved that there is Literature in Social Media. If you think there is Literature in Social Media feel free to drop your comments down below. However, if you believe that those pages we mentioned above are simply self-gratification platforms and Literature is nowhere to be seen, then come join us, the squad of Literary Angels who’d like to make Social Media a better and meaningful place where utopian passages of liberating poems and stories that deserves literary merits exist. Yes! Please leave your comment down below too.

Writers:
Garcia, D, Luna G, Morella M.

Evolution of Graphic Literature in the Philippines: The Filipino Komiks/Comics or Ko-Mix

“Ding angbato!”

“Gudmoning, Miss Byutipul.”

“Bondying.”

       Who does not know these lines? I bet if you were reading this for the sake of your interest, you have heard this line over and over again in the television and even been called like that in your town in your daily Filipino life. If you haven’t encountered these lines and comical words, try asking your parents who said these lines and make them tell you where they’ve encountered it. Here’s another bet: they’ll make a “really-kid-who’s-your-mother/father-that-never-told-you-the-magic-of-komiks?-oh-right-it’s-me” face and tell you they’re Darna, Kenkoy, or Bondying –a big kid who is still too much childish. Your parents would probably tell you not just about where they’ve first met the three famous names, they might also tell how Komiks affected their childhood and how much they learned from it— prepare for a long flashback and story-telling there.

    Okay, then, for the sake of those who are interested in the Filipino culture and who are so patronizingly incredible for a foreigner –komiks are comic books in the Filipino language. However, if you are wondering about the American influence, just keep your curiosity and read on.

       Since this article is generally about the E-V-O-L-U-T-I-O-N of Komiks, let’s start first with the first komik artist. Meet Pepe, he’ll tell you the first komiks recognized by the Filipinos:

      See how Pepe’s komiks were influenced by the hardship of the Spanish Era? You really could tell how very popular revolutionary thoughts were that time. This renowned komiks by the great Jose Rizal is just a beginning of other satirical characteristics of Komiks.

       When the Americans came and colonized the Philippines aka the American Era, the iconic character Kenkoy was popularized; this famous character was known for his English Carabao (or a non-native English speaker, specifically a Filipino, who speaks in broken English), and clumsiness, which made his name ‘Kenkoy’ defined as a ‘funny person’. He was a satirical portrait of a Filipino who always tries to be “in” with the Americans; going with the latest fashion, slang, and all the other aspects of American culture that were popular into our society at the time.

       Kenkoy! You’re so kenkoy. Kenkoy you are really kenkoy –funny yet phoniness is relevant of you acting like an American though you know you won’t be one. Haha. But don’t worry it’s okay, you’re still funny. (Really?)

        Kenkoy’s character proved that Filipinos did everything just to fit in the society that the colonizers imposed. Filipinos did not only stop by imitating the fashion, lifestyle, and language, the influence was also evident in the next generation of Komiks. Even when those Americans went away and the Japanese came to invade us, the Americans left us with an inheritance of strength and courage in believing that in the midst of war, there are superheroes that will save the day however fictional they are, these characters still give hope. In 1946 HALAKHAK KOMIKS, a serialized comic book format that displayed American influence, suddenly entered the industry. This new breed of comics released new adventures every week or month included Mars Ravelo’s Darna, our premiere superhero, along with her friends, Flash Bomba, LastikMan, Tiny Tony, Captain Barbell, Dyesebel, and Varga.

      These beloved heroes remained in the Filipino’s young hearts until now. However, their creators stopped making their adventures which hinted the downfall of the Filipino komiks industry. The downfall was caused by the massive exodus of our komik artists, especially the creators of these idolized superheroes of the masses –namely Alfredo Alcala, Nestor Redondo,Erni Chan and many more artists. These artists were invited by the Americans to continue their superlative talents in their country which were not ignored by our komik artists for many reasons. The foremost reason was the Martial law where the main reason for their leaving came up called the Comics Code in 1972. In the Comics Code, local comics companies forbid too much horror, sex and violence in the works of the artists. So, our komik artists had all the reasons to fly off the country because those themes were mostly seen in their works at that time.

      Fast forward after the Martial Law and the Philippine government had gained its stability, our komik artists came back. According to Steve Gan (one of the most celebrated komik artists as the co-creator of Ang Panday before and during Martial Law) to his interview with Malou Mangahas in the documentary special featuring Filipino Komiks, the problem now is technological innovation which made komiks less favored by the new generation of Filipinos because watching cartoons and/or dramas or movies are more engaging and cheaper than buying an expensive 15 pages colored books. So now, how is our Philippine Komiks keeping up? Do you still see komiks in our bookstores today? If you are a Filipino who care about the world and read newspapers, you’d probably say “Yes, I could still see comic strips in the entertainment section of the newspaper I bought from the local bangketa of newspaper stands.” Well you have a point, but what we mean is that, do you still see a real komiks? The answer is probably no. But, maybe you haven’t just seen the changes in our komiks today.

       You would have passed by the Filipino Section in bookstores and came across the series of komiks called Kiko Machine Komix. You got it right, Komix—that’s how Manix Abrera calls his creations. These komix look like the usual komiks published years before, but each volume is composed of more than 80 pages not 15, it usually centers on students and college life. Unfortunately, Kikomachine is not as famous as it ought to be. When you ask students if they know Manix Abrera and his creations, few may answer yes, but a lot would say that they know more about famous mangas, animes and some other graphic novels, because beside the black and white komix, colorful and bigger Japanese inspired graphic novels are placed in the Filipino section. With its art style, these graphic novels are similar with Japanese Mangas. These kinds of novels are in demand in bookstores nowadays. Blackink, the known publisher of this emerging graphic literature, released the list of top ten best sellers last February 2016. Take a look at these covers and see how they were influenced by the foreign Mangas.

      You see, komiks is not yet dead though big changes make it seem so. There are still young artists who are pursuing for its revolutionary revival again. They hold Comic Convention (Komikon) twice a year –one during summer and the other at the end of the year. Young komik artists across the country are encouraged in participating in these Komikon events by making and selling their own works.

       From Jose Rizal’s Pagong at Matsing to Blackink graphic novels, evolution is really evident with our Komiks. And with this evolution we don’t even know whether we’ll call it Komiks or Comics, perhaps we’ll adapt Sir Manix’s word and call it Komix instead. Since its first publication, Filipino Komix were influenced by foreign countries, culture, and ideologies, ergo it’s not just Filipino komiks, but Filipino Ko-Mix; a mixture of different cultures from the creatures and ideologies our invaders told us to embrace. This is how Pop Culture works now here in the Philippines. Some other countries will be proud because they alone hold influence of their Pop Culture, but this country is influenced by foreign Pop Culture. For short, we’re losing the definition of “originality”. But it’s not yet time to lose hope. Pop Culture is still young and we can still save it in the Philippines, as long as there are Filipinos and Filipino artists who are willing to support and patronize our own products, there is still hope.

Writers
Mancilla, Sagal, Catadman, Reyes Z.

Wattpad: Stories for You and Me

Prologue

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How Wattpad Came to Be

         Wattpad started in 2006. Wattpad was a result of collaboration between Allen Lau and Ivan Yuen. Since then it had published stories by undiscovered writers and popular authors alike, allowing them to make a wider audience read their works. In 2007, they included 17,000 books from Project Gutenberg, also developing a mobile application, allowing mobile users in the fun. 

         In the Philippine context, Wattpad has become something for Filipinos who wanted to share whatever their lives bring them, in the form of stories. Wattpad boomed in the Philippines in 2010, and from there, many stories, high-good-low quality stories, and the writers of this article themselves, had been into them for a few years. In fact, one of them had published a story that was viewed for a few thousand times.

         But why were people so into it? And more importantly, why would the Philippine Show business industry even turn them to movies? Let’s find out together in this article.