That Thing Called Creativity

After reading the article about Pixar, I immediately asked myself, “When and how did I become creative?” Well, I think it started when I was a little girl who had a wide imagination that created vivid pictures of things I visualized. In school, my classmates and I were asked to draw whatever we like and write stories about it. Somehow, those “kiddie” activities that our teachers made us do have developed our creative abilities. As years went by, my creativity blossomed from a bud to a full-grown flower. I think my love for reading also helped foster my creativity because it exercised my imagination and enhanced my vocabulary. It was during my grade school days that I discovered my passion for creative writing. And everyday, I wrote in my journal to practice my craft and prefer reading books in the weekends than going out with my friends. I know some of you might say what a boring girl I am but really, I live and breathe literature. In my opinion, school is really a starting point in encouraging creativity. Teachers have the ability to squeeze the creative juices out of students’ minds that are reflected through reflection papers, Science projects, artworks, and class productions which really require a lot of effort and imagination.

As for work, well, I’m still unemployed at this point but I am a contributing writer for a teen magazine. In my entire stint at the Candy Council of Cool, I learned that in order to produce a magazine that readers will love and enjoy, teamwork is the key essential in unleashing the creativity in a person because it challenges him/her to contribute ideas (lots of them!) that are way beyond ordinary. It really helps if the members of a team are different from each other. My council mates and I are very different in our age and interests. Most of my council mates are teenagers which is really cool because their ideas are really fit for the young generation. We worked on our mini magazine last summer (coming out this October!) and we had a blast brainstorming and pitching great ideas for the theme, features, fashion pages, celebrities to feature, hotspots, and our cover girl. I’m so happy that I worked with such an amazing team! It’s challenging but it was a fun learning experience.

Call me SNOOPy!

The personal space that I snooped at is the room of our house helpers. My family is a food concessionaire of my high school and our house helpers go to the school to serve food to the students, faculty, and staff. So I grabbed the chance to snoop around their room since they were out for a couple of hours. I chose just one side of the room; the side of the house helper that I’m not really close to. Upon entering, the first thing I noticed was how clean the floor is—no dirt at all but slippers and shoes were scattered. I also noticed the soiled clothes on the bed and the closet were not neatly arranged. The basahans, along with the underwear, towels, and clothes were also in the closet. Though the stuff are in separate layers, they are not arranged properly. I looked inside the drawers and found that things are in order; the opposite of the bed, closet, and floor. Jeans are in one drawer, pambahay clothes in another, as well as beauty products.

Since the room has no desk, it has a dresser and a shelf. I saw wallet-sized pictures of our helper and with her sister on display (other-directed). The things on the dresser such as lotion, cologne, powder, ponytail holders, and brush are neatly arranged as well as the bags in the shelf. As for behavioral residue, I observed that every after meal in our house, she washes the dishes right away and arranges the plates, forks, spoons, glasses, and other utensils in their respective places. Feeling regulators are old magazines which I think she and our other helper reads during their free time, and the old radio/cassette player that they listen to all the time. They frequently listen to the radio station, 97.1 or 102.7. Those stations play different kinds of genres—OPM (which they really like), classics, and popular music today. I observed that she really loves music and I hear her sing whenever she cooks or whenever she relaxes.

Based on the results of my observation, I can say that she’s a very busy person. With the kind of work that she does like cooking food for our business, serving food in the school, washing all the dirty plates and utensils as soon as the team comes home, and doing household chores, she doesn’t have the time to fix most of her things especially those that she uses everyday—clothes, underwear, and footwear which are found in the closet, bed, and the floor. I can also say that she’s hardworking, task-focused, dependable, helpful, kind, and cooperative; those qualities in conscientiousness and agreeableness. She’s been with our family for almost 7 years now and she’s someone that we can trust. We truly appreciate everything she has done for our family.

If I were to give her a gift, it would be a big bag that she can use when she goes to work at the school canteen because the one that she uses is already worn-out or movie tickets for her and our other helper so that they can relax after a stressful and busy week.

Hair Scare!

The hair is every girl’s crowning glory. Her ultimate dream is to possess smooth and shiny hair that will make guys turn their heads and take a second look at her when she passes by. But what if one shampoo changes everything and banishes her dream away? That’s what happened to me and here’s my story.

One day, I was grocery shopping with my mom at the supermarket. I went to the shampoo section to get my favorite shampoo. But when I reached the shelf, my favorite Palmolive Naturals Intense Moisture was not available so I got a different variant, Perfect Ends. It’s so ironic because it is for hair prone to split ends and my hair has no split ends. I told myself that I’ll use it for now and also to experience using a new one. Maybe it will be good and I can use it alternately with my favorite.

Palmolive Naturals Perfect Ends turned out to be the exact opposite of what I thought it would be! The smell isn’t as appealing as my favorite. I observed that at the end of the day, my hair smells funny; shampoo fragrance mixed with sweat. Sometimes, the sweat overpowers the shampoo scent which makes me wonder whether my hair smells good or not. The effects on my hair are so not good! My hair became brittle and sticky as well as lots of “tuchang” or standing hair. It is “buhaghag” and looks like a walis tambo. No matter what I do to my hair like brush a hundred times or apply hair products to tame it, it’s still frizzy and chaotic.

From now on, I’ll stick to my favorite variant. I’m using it again and my hair is back to normal (Thank God!). I will no longer sport the “mahangin-sa-labas” look and the worst: “hey-look-at-me-I’m-the-wicked-witch-of-the-west” look minus the green face and the black dress! Goodbye bad hair days!

Mind Mapping

Brain Power

The article about Cognitive Fitness may have a scientific approach and honestly speaking, I’m not fond of reading scientific texts. Reading the article reminded me of my high school days when I studied The Nervous System. Surprisingly, I enjoyed reading the article and learned a lot from it. It’s really different and helpful especially now that I’m still in the middle of nowhere; no work yet and still a student. With the Cognitive Fitness article, I learned some tips on how I can do well as I step into the real world. So here are the five things that I learned from the article:

Learning is not only by experience. The most common notion of learning is that people learn through experience. But after reading the article, I realized that observation can also bring new knowledge to our system. And I can say that teachers justify learning through observation. For example, a teacher teaches Geometry to the students and demonstrates how to solve problems by explaining the lesson step by step. Afterwards, she will give an exercise to the students to test if they understood what she taught. In effect, the students will answer the quiz just like what the teacher explained to them.

Adults need to play too. Playing for kids is a lot fun because it enables them to imagine and discover things beyond ordinary. When I was a kid, I loved to play with my cousins. Playing is a good way to interact with others and it was also challenging because it exercised my abilities to be inventive when it comes to strategies for challenging games like patintero and creative in games like bahay-bahayan. As for adults, they have a different playground because their games have something to do with fields of expertise and in building good relationships with the people in their workplace through seminars, workshops, or team building activities.

It’s okay to take risks. This is something that struck me especially the words “you must have a stake in the game you play if you are to really engage in it.” These words made me realize that I have to take a big leap from my comfort zone. I’m an only child and my parents are very protective of me. There are some things that I haven’t done yet on my own but I am eager to learn and take a risk because in taking a risk, I can determine the things that I can and not do.

Too much of something is not good. Too much stake brings about stress which is not a good thing. During my college days, my stress level was at its peak when I was doing my thesis. I was so into the game that I barely had time to relax. I guess I was too hard on myself that there was a time that I broke down because I was so stressed, tired, and desperate to finish my thesis. I am a self-confessed ambitious person; I sometimes push myself too hard to the point that I want everything to be perfect. So now I learned my lesson: I should not push myself to something that is beyond my limits.

Learning makes one better. According to the article, when a person learns more, he/she becomes better at learning and it enhances the brain’s performance. I love learning new things because it broadens my knowledge. I love to read books and watch informative and educational TV shows on the Discovery Channel, National Geographic, and History Channel. I like solving puzzles and I also have a habit of researching topics that caught my interest or those that I am curious about. I have a yearning to learn new things because I know that knowledge and education are things that no one can ever take away from me.

Ay, Phone!

Scenario 1: “The Encounter”
One of my friends was holding a device unfamiliar to me. I thought it was just some kind of new MP3 player available in the market.

Me: Uy, ano yan? Ganda ah! ‘Yan ba yung bagong iPod? Yung touch screen?
Friend: Hindi. iPhone ‘to. iPod and cellphone in one.
Me: Ay, phone yan?! Cool! Patingin nga!

My friend let me hold it and it was love at first touch! But the first batch of iPhones (3G) were really expensive that time so I told myself, “hanggang tingin na lang ako.” Anyway, my phone was still okay and I don’t need a high-tech phone.

Scenario 2: “The Gift”
A year after my first encounter with the iPhone, I finally had my own. It was my parents’ college graduation gift to me. I was ecstatic! I couldn’t believe I have my own iPhone! And the best part is, it’s a newer one (3GS)! I really wanted to have one ever since that first encounter!

All I want to say is that I love my iPhone! Why? I’ll give you a breakdown. First is the appearance. It’s very sleek and elegant looking! Some say it’s big but for me, the size is just right. Its LCD screen is good enough to watch movies, music videos, and play games. I also like the fact that it’s touch screen; something really different from what I was used to! My fingers don’t hurt anymore when I text for a long time! Second category is messaging. I like the messaging function of the iPhone because it’s like instant messaging! It’s organized because my text conversations with a certain person are in one message box. It’s easy to see where you left off. You just have to scroll up or scroll down to see who said what. Unlike in a regular cellphone, you have to scroll your entire inbox or sent items to look for messages. Plus, messages are in “speech bubbles” which makes it so cute! Next category is the camera and video function. With my iPhone, I can take crystal clear photos and videos during daytime! So amazing! Last but not the least, is the entertainment category.

The iPhone is the best when it comes to giving mobile entertainment. In fact, it is my instant companion when I kill time! I can listen to music with the iPod feature, play games that I downloaded from the App Store, and watch my favorite TV shows, movies, and music videos! And the best thing is: it’s like a pocket computer! Its built-in Wi-Fi enables me to check and send e-mails, update my Twitter and Facebook accounts, and surf the Internet even when I’m on the go! At a glance, a person would think that an iPhone is complicated. What they don’t know is that it makes life less complicated! And I can say that it’s a perfect example of a mobile phone. You can do everything with just one device even if you’re out of the boundaries of your home or workplace. iPhone is definitely two thumbs up, 5 stars, and a perfect 10 for me!

Photo courtesy of http://www.letsgodigital.org/images/artikelen/64/apple-iphone-3gs.jpg

The Ultimate Guide to Develop Five Minds

The future may be tomorrow, next week, next month, next year, or in the coming generations. It is also unexpected because we don’t know what will happen and the best thing that we can do is prepare for what lies ahead. Professor Howard Gardner’s Five Minds are helpful factors for today’s young people in preparing for their future as well as the rest of the world. My previous blog entry was kind of a bit serious so this time, I’d like to have a lighter approach since the reading we’re assigned to was deep and very insightful. I made this entry like a teen magazine article. So, how can the five minds be developed? Here are some tips on how to develop every kind of mind. Read on and find out.

Discipline means that there is something or someone in control as well as in authority. To develop a disciplined mind, here’s what you can do: 1) Don’t stick to the facts. Facts are boring! They are dull, and well, no connection to discipline. 2) Set your own rules. At home, parents set rules for children to obey while in school, there is a curriculum that has to be complied with, rules to abide, as well as lessons to be learned and memorize. Everything is set and all you have to do is follow. What if you set your own rules for a change? In that way, you can practice self-control and know your limits. 3) Have an inspiration. To keep your system alive and kicking, how about having an inspiration? Be it a person you look up to like your mom or your favorite author, he/she will keep you motivated to do well in everything. 4) Practice makes perfect. The age old saying still works every time. Part of discipline is actually doing. If you have determination to do great, then you will be.

Synthesizing is like cutting information to bits but the essence is still there making it more understandable. To develop a synthesized mind, there’s only one thing that you have to keep in mind. And that is, to KISS. Keep It Short and Simple! Always remember, less is more. Too much information can be annoying. Recall your high school days and the plentiful terms and definitions that you have to memorize. Information overload, right? Make sure that when you link all the information, the essence is still there and most importantly, they go well together.

Creativity doesn’t measure how good you are in the arts or in just one aspect. Creativity can be applied anywhere. Here are two ways on how you can develop a creative mind: 1) Imagine. Having a wide imagination is a plus in being creative. Imagination can take you anywhere even in places you haven’t been to. It generates vivid pictures of different kinds of things that will play in our minds like a movie. So be imaginative and who knows? Maybe the next big thing in world history might be your creation. 2) Dare to be different. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Your idea is your own and no one can take that away from you. Being different is a good thing because it will make you stand out from the crowd.

Our world is a diverse set of people, beliefs, and values. It would be so tedious if every person is alike. Everybody is different from each other and that makes the world interesting. Since everyone is different, we should have respect for each other. How can you have a respectful mind? There’s only one thing to consider and that is: to understand. Appreciate each other’s differences to have a harmonious relationship.

The last mind in Howard Gardner’s Five Minds for the Future is the ethical mind. What does it mean to be ethical? As I understood it, being ethical is not just by recognizing your responsibilities but also your part in doing those responsibilities. To have an ethical mind, you should live within the principles on how to carry out the roles of your responsibilities. Rewards shouldn’t be the center of your attention. Instead, divert into what you want to be and work on that to have a significant life for your future.

After reading Howard Gardner’s article, I agree with what he said that “we do not need more of the best and the brightest, but we need more of those who have good character.” No matter how good a person was in school, (always at the top of class and graduated with honors), sometimes, he/she ends up having no job. Employers nowadays look for people who have good character and attitude because it’s important for them that their employees can work well with others and can handle the pressure in the workplace. Of course, good credentials are important but what matters most is the person’s approach in doing his/her responsibilities.

So there you have it, some concrete ways to develop the five minds that will be your “helpful tools” in the years or even decades to come. Remember, the future lies in your hands. It’s up to you on how you make the most of it.

Creativity: Making Things Extraordinary

When I hear the word creativity, the next thing that comes to my mind is uniqueness. Creativity as I may describe it is the ability to think out of the box and making things out of the ordinary. Having distinctive ideas is what sets a person apart from the rest as well as his exceptional creations which are truly genuine and unique. Just like in Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligence, human beings are said to be unique in every way. They may not be good in everything but they are good at something. And that is what makes them stand out. I believe that creativity comes from within because people all have special abilities. They just do not know how to nourish them and use them properly. A perfect example is the creativity of the Filipino people. Creativity is innate in the Filipino culture. Filipinos are fond of inventing out of this world things that no one can ever think is possible. Just like the invention of the hydrogen powered car. It was such an amazing idea and with that, I can say that Filipinos are really good in making the impossible, possible.

Because of the rapid globalization happening in all parts of the world, there is a tendency that countries become alike in terms of fast food chains, clothing lines, and lifestyle. In the taste of music and the arts, everything is multi-cultural and countries have the tendency to lose their identity. A concrete example is the Philippine entertainment industry. I think the country’s entertainment scene has become Americanized. In variety shows, the artists sing and dance to the tunes of international music artists more than our local artists. One of my balikbayan relatives commented on a musical variety show and said, “How come Filipinos sing international songs more than their own music?” It is heartbreaking because I believe that Filipinos are very good performers and are great creators of music. Filipinos should be proud to perform their original compositions because it is something they can call their own.

After reading Sir Ken Robinson’s “The Arts and Education: Changing Track,” I also realized that the arts are not given importance in education and in the economy. In my opinion, the arts is just as significant as mathematics, languages, and the sciences because it will pulsate life to the learning of students as it makes learning twice as fun. Students also need a breather from the serious topics that math, language, and science have. The arts will make them recognize that there is a world outside of math, language, and science and it can also be something they can look forward to every time they go to school. It will help them hone their talents and abilities, learn how to express themselves, and teach them how to be creative and innovative in their own ways. Same goes for the economy. The economy just focuses on the technical aspect of economic growth and the arts is again inconsiderable.

The arts is a huge element of a nation’s culture because it brings in flavor and makes culture interesting. If the arts is not part of culture, the economy will not be progressive. It would be very serious if an economy will only have scientists, technologists, and mathematicians. Where then is the color and spice of the economy? If the cultural diversity of the nation is rich, it will be globally competitive. People in the arts breathe life into the nation and makes it a more fascinating place to live in. And yes, more tourists will be attracted to visit the country. The result: a progressive economy.

Being a contributing writer for a teen magazine like Candy really does encourage creativity. Of course, how can readers all over the country appreciate its content if the articles, features, and layout are not worth appreciating and worth every penny? We really make use of our creativity to make the readers happy, entertained, satisfied, and most of all, learn from every issue. As for my home, it also does encourage creativity! I have always loved writing. Ever since I was little, I’d write short stories or poems and my parents would compile all my works so I am very thankful to my parents who supported me all the way!

Creativity can bring about a big change in the world. It is just a matter of waking up our creative juices from the trance that they were in and make use of them. Having a wide imagination is a big help in being creative. Visualizing what you want to create can motivate you to make it happen. It is never too late to make a difference. So dream…with your eyes open.

Me, Myself, and I

I’m Jesselou H. Villegas. A.K.A. Jesselle or Jess. Twenty years old and graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Communication Major in Media Production at Assumption College Makati last March 26, 2010. I love writing, photography, television, and music and those are the reasons why I took up Media Production. Back in college, I was very active in the school newspaper where I was a news writer and eventually became a features editor. It was a really great experience because I got to share my passion for writing as well as my thoughts and ideas in the articles I wrote and in my column. I was also into theater and was constantly an ensemble or a supporting character. But what I liked about theater the most is being backstage. It’s actually more fun than being onstage because it is where all the action is! You know all the cues and the flow of the whole production. In one of my organization’s productions, I was head of the props committee and an assistant stage manager. I really enjoyed being a Media Production student. I got a taste of what it was like in the print, radio, and television industries. During class productions, I was always the scriptwriter, musical director, or the casting director. I also experienced being a floor director during our studio shoots and a segment producer for our school television channel.

I am currently a member of the Candy Council of Cool, a group of young writers for Candy Magazine. I feel very blessed to have been given this opportunity. In fact, it was the sweetest thing that happened to me. Ever since I was in grade school, I have always wanted to write for the magazine and when I became a COC member, I have fulfilled my wish. Being in the Council of Cool is a lot of fun! I get to meet new people, work with an amazing team, and of course, write for the magazine that I grew up with.

So that wraps it up! I hope to know you all better and I’m looking forward to having a great and enriching semester with you. :)

Feel free to visit my Candy Council of Cool blog! Here's the link: http://www.candymag.com/coc/author/jesselle/