Kuwentong Bangtan: JK's Seven and 3D

 

Just like in Seven, JK sings about consent in 3D. I have to thank Zoe for pointing this out.

However, the rendition of consent is different in each song. In Seven, He remains sweet and charming while Latto aggressively raps about physical intimacy. Even in the explicit version, he is endearingly funny. The music video amplifies this persona. Paired with Han So Hee, ARMYs and casual listeners/viewers are treated to a “mini-movie” of epic proportions. JK witnesses So Hee’s internal and external battles. He is always there for her no matter how far she goes or wanders away. He waits for So Hee’s approval. In the end, they walk hand in hand in the midst of a raging typhoon. Don’t we all want a love like this?

In 3D, JK is once again asking and wooing. Take note of these lyrics, “so if you’re ready and if you let me…” He is offering what he can — just imagine, ok?

He is bolder and more assertive in 3D. And this is a good thing. We are seeing a hot Asian guy dance and strut his way up the stairs to heaven. What a scintillating invitation! As for Jack Harlow, he is the contradiction.

Now we have a tension of the opposites. The hot Asian guy is offering, asking and waiting for a yes. It is the grubby white man who is beyond annoying. There is a lot going on there that is worthy of discussion, but controversy is at hand.

Some ARMYs say it’s a trashy piece of work. There are those who believe otherwise staying true and loyal to JK and BTS’ ethos; siding up with BHM’s business agenda. And it’s a well thought out model considering the diversity of the fandom. There are several versions of the song out there in varied streaming platforms.

We, ARMYs, actually have a choice.

Reading Without Walls Challenge 2023: Work in Progress

RRW Challenge_2023 by zarah gagatiga

BookTok: Books on Writing

@titazeeh7 Library work today is preparing a reading list and recommended reads for our grades 9-12 students. #IBSchoolLibrary #booktok #writing ♬ Joyful Mood - HD Studio

BookTok: New Books for Our Readers

 

@titazeeh7 Books to add on our shelves #mibf2023 #bookhaul #booktok ♬ Book Shelf - Amanda Rosa

Book Blog Tour of The Unshakeable Road to Love: A Chapter Review

I joined another book blog tour by WOW! Women On Writing for the book The Unshakeable Road to Love. Before I share my thoughts on chapter 4, here are information about the book.

The Unshakeable Road to Love (Value Centered Relationships) is based upon Eternal Principles from all world scriptures, including Zen. These tried and true Eternal Principles, the Pillars of Love, show how to build foundations for relationships where happiness and well-being are inevitable. And where pain and conflict can dissolve on the spot.

A radically different approach to love and psychology, the book offers a completely new perspective on fulfillment and what is truly needed to thrive. 

This is a book of practice, filled with Turning Points, Pillars of Love, Interventions, and many enjoyable exercises so the reader can practice these principles in all their relationships and in their everyday lives.

Written by a psychologist, Interfaith Counselor, and long-term Zen practitioner, the book combines the practices and principles of both East and West, helping us to discover and celebrate the best in ourselves and others.

Publisher: Brenda Shoshanna (October 2022)
ISBN-10: 1094378046
ISBN-13: 978-1094378046
Print length: 208 pages

Now for my chapter review.

Chapter 4 resonated to me the most as I am currently going through a phase of understanding my relationships. Growing up Catholic and practicing Ignatian Spirituality for more than three decades now, I read this chapter from the lens of the doctrines and the teachings of St. Ignatius. On the level of ideas and philosophy, the book's approach to present love in its truest and purest forms does not wander far from my own learned beliefs and practices of faith.

I appreciate the presentation of the different religions' beliefs on relations. The Zen, Juddaism, Buddhism, Christianity and the teachings of the Torah in this chapter are attributed when relationships are experienced as Spiritual Encounters. The chapter explores the attachments that prevent us from being free. Relations when perceived as Divine Appointments allow us to examine the ego-centered rationality when we are hurt and offended by others, especially those we love.

The chapter ends with strategies and recommendations to become at peace and more loving to oneself and that of others. I do agree on many of the points presented, but I remain aware of the challenges and how tough this can be. 

My rating: 4 Bookmarks over 5

On Creativity

 This is for my Creative Writing Class at St. Paul's University Manila. 

Watch the following videos in this order:

1. What Creativity is Trying to Tell You - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMOqIJ9V_K4

2. The Art of Creativity by Taika Waititi - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pL71KhNmnls

3. Creative Genius: YOU -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTZjAk6yqfY

Read this article and create a Heart Map following the instructions:

Maps help us locate places we have never been to before and aid us in finding directions to places we wish to go to. There are geographical maps, political maps, economic maps and maps in mobile apps programmed with GPRS like Google Map and Waze. In school, teachers often ask you to create mind maps.

A mind map, like the maps mentioned above, functions as a tool and a strategy to keep your thinking focused on a specific concept or topic of study. It also helps you monitor your understanding of the concept or topic. Using a mind map allows you to see connections of sub-topics and factors that are related to a concept or may have effects on it. It shows you the bigger picture and the details affecting it. 

Click the link for examples of mind maps made by kids and teens.  After viewing the samples, move on to the next part of the activity. Today, we will learn another kind of map, the Heart Map.

Writer and poet Georgia Heard collaborated with LitWorld.org to introduce Heart Mapping to as many kids, teens and young people all over the world. Because LitWorld.org is a global non-government organization that promotes literacy through storytelling and language arts activities, Heart Mapping is a core activity for its members and patrons who use it as a way to understand one's self. Furthermore, heart maps have become springboards for storytelling, story and poetry writing.

According to Heard, mapping your heart is one way of figuring yourself out against the physical world you journey and traverse in every day. Through mapping the heart, you come to an understanding of who you are. When you are aware of your feelings, you can make decisions. When you have knowledge of your emotions, you can take an action that is proactive when faced with challenges, conflicts and crises. Heard believes that when we map our hearts, we find a pathway into what we know is true and what we believe in.

Many young people like you, even adults like me benefit from heart maps. Watch this short video of those who have made heart maps and listen to their story.

 

Before I give you the specific instructions for creating or mapping your heart today, what questions do you have so far? Write them on your journal.

How to Make a Heart Map

1.Draw a large heart shape on a piece of paper or drawing app.

2. Inside the heart, draw or write about the ideas, the feelings, and the things that are most important to you at this time.

3. Take a photo of your heart map and send it to my email address: zarah.gagatiga@gmail.com on or before Saturday, September 30, 2023.

 

See you next Saturday!  ~ Ms. Zarah

 

PS - No need for crayons for the heart map. Pen or pencil and paper are enough.

Book Preview: BTS Icons of Kpop: The Unofficial Biography

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Book Review: What the Sun Says to the Moon

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Aklatan Ko'y Kanlungan: Top Ten Tips in Developing an Inclusive and Diverse Collection

 

AKK_Safe_Space_library by zarah gagatiga

Wild Song Book Blog Tour: A Reading Guide for Readers, Teachers and Parents

ReadingPlan_WildSong by zarah gagatiga

Kuwentong Bangtan: Strange by RM and Suga

When NamGi performed Strange for the very first time on D Day Final Day 3, I was flooded with emotions. NamGi started out as competitors, and in the process, they became friends; they shared dreams and fights; and they collaborated on numerous songs and albums that defined Bangtan into the artists they are today. There is a lot of history going on in that performance. A treat for fans, old and new. A nostalgic look back at what they were and an assertion of what they can be in the coming years.

As a spectator, I was in awe. As an army, I felt special.

In Strange, NamGi questions the illusions that society imposes upon us as accepted norms. They prompt us to reflect on the masks we all wear, either for protection or deception. Strange has the sarcasm of a twentysomething brave enough to ridicule the cliques, the "barkadahan," and challenge the hegemony along the way. It is an intelligent and nuanced commentary on a system that may prove efficient but is too controlling for creativity to flourish.

This is RM’s verse that hits close to home:

"You think you have taste?

Oh, babe, how do you know?

I mean for God's sake

Everything's under control.

The choices you’ve been given

Are all preferences controlled by the capital?"

I admit. Reading the lyrics, even to this day, is like taking a dose of my own medicine. I have been part of a system that aims to control. I have circles of friendships that may turn into cliques if we fail to examine ourselves constantly. I belong to a hegemony that NamGi sings about.

But I love Bangtan too much to take offense. NamGi are like my good friends who are decades younger but wiser than this ahjumma is still learning how to be. With their music, they are asking if I can have a second look at society in general and at my life in particular. And they do it in a caring and constructive manner. It is up to me now to decide what to do.

Just be, Joonie. Serve well, Yoongi! ApoBangPo!

Wild Song Book Blog Tour: Introducing the Book Bloggers

We are wild about reading! We can't wait to sing Wild Song's beautifully tragic tunes and themes of change, greed, endurance and growing up! The Wild Song Book Blog Tour begins on Wednesday, September 20, 2023!

Here are are three simple steps:

1. Read the book.

2. *Post on your blog or socmed account/site:

1. a chapter review

2. an interview of the author; publisher; editor; illustrator or book designer**

3. a character sketch in visual or written form

4. a full on book review

5. a readers/teacher-parent guide

3. Use the hashtags: #wildsong #wildsongbook #childrenslitPH and tag @candygourlay and @anvilpublishing on TwtX and/or IG

Book Blog Tour Schedule: The Book Blog Tour will begin on September 20,  2023 with an announcement on School Librarian In Action. A blog round up will be posted September 25 and October 10, 2023. The blog tour ends on October 15, 2023.

Meet the Book Bloggers Who are Wild About Reading!

Reader	Email address Socmed Handle	Book Blog Post
Zarah	http://lovealibrarian @zarahgeeh IG @thecoffeegoddes TwtX @titazee TikTok	A reader’s/teacher-parent guide
Raissa (and Chescat)	riverfalgui@gmail.com @RiverFalgui Twitter @raissaclairef IG	character sketch  Full book review
Cris Santos	@criseldamariii @missimogenreads https://www.averychiclife.wordpress.com	Chapter reviews, Interview with the author (pref by email)
Mocs Javier	@mocsjavier IG	Full Book Review Interview with the author
Xi Zuq	@xizuq (IG)	Full book review

Takeaways from the PBBY x PASLI's Panel Aklatan Ko'y Kanlungan: Libraries as Safe Space

 

AKLATAN KO’Y KANLUNGAN: The Campaign for Diverse, Inclusive and Safe Spaces in School and Public Libraries

 AKLATAN KO’Y KANLUNGAN: A Campaign to Promote the Diverse, Inclusive, and Safe Space Programming in School and Public Libraries

Proponents: Zarah Gagatiga, PASLI PRO and PBBY Board Member;

Brian Aljer B. Coballes, Educational Media Center Coordinator,Ateneo de Manila University;

Alistair Troy B. Lacsamana, Librarian, Quezon City Public Library 

How the AKK Campaign Works

1. Register your name and school library. (Google Form)
2. Identify an area of library service and/or program of focus
    - Collection Development Program
    - Readers Services
    - Library Admin and Management; Policy Making 
    - Community and Civic Outreach by the Library              

    - Research on Inclusion and Diversity in the School Library

3. Upload a two-page description of the service or program including tools of assessment and evaluation (rubric, anecdotes, journals, survey, etc.)
4. Share an update of your progress on the PASLI Facebook Page  

and/or on your library’s social media page or site (FB, IG, TwtX, YT, TikTok)
5. Use the hashtags: #AKKCampaign2324; #safespaceLibrary; #LibraryForAll

 

Updates are done every two months - a total of six posts.

 

Stories of your AKK Campaign journey can include successes, victories and triumphs  

in big and small ways as well as mistakes and failures and the ways it helped you learn  

or derive insights from the experience.

 

The finished product will be presented in the first quarter of 2025. 

Updated: Aklatan Ko'y Kanlungan Resource Page

 

Embed Code

AKK: Safe Spaces and Inclusive and Diverse Library Collection

AKK_Safe_Space_library by zarah gagatiga

Kuwentong Bangtan: Happy Birthday Joon!

Dear Joon,

When I posted a video of Butter on my FB page, the one where you guys were dressed casually in hues of blue, cream, white and yellow, a friend asked who my bias is. My reply was, “the one who reads.” And she said, “of course!”

Your love for books and literature was my gateway to know you and Bangtan during the lockdown years – a frightening and beautiful time to be alive. What made it an amazing experience was when my daughter, who is ARMY since she was 15 years old, became my mentor in understanding the ecosystem of the fandom, its culture with the unspoken and spoken rules that exist between and among ARMYs from all over the world, as well as the mysterious but accessible appeal, charisma and authentic stories you and the members share with  each other and with ARMY. Needless to say, my daughter and I were able to see aspects of our conflicted relationship through BTS' art, music and genuine friendship.

When I was ready to go beyond Dynamite, she asked me “What do you want to know about BTS, because there are many ways of doing so. Like, their songs and discography; performance videos; their personalities since each one has his own admirable and funny characteristics.” 

I said, “For starters, what is one song you recommend I listen to?”   

I still remember the mischievous glint in her eyes when she replied, “Spring Day. Watch the music video!”

I did as was told. In no time, I found myself entering the purple rabbit hole in awe and with reckless joy at a traumatic time in human history.

Joon, your art and music allowed me to enter many doors while peering out and through so many windows since then. And always, I come out of these journeys inspired and rejuvenated despite the fact that I shed tears and dealt with my own regrets and heart aches. Joon, the manner in which you and the members tell your stories is unlike any Kpop group or boy band I knew from my teenage years and in recent years. 

Maybe, at this age, I am more cognizant of the layers of messages and the intertextuality that are crafted into your music. Who in his right mind would put Ursula Le Guin’s The Ones Who Walked Away from Omelas alongside visual metaphors taken from the Snow Piercer and begin a song with bogoshipda. You have created a queen that cannot be dethroned. 

You guys did not end there. You continued baring your souls that grappled with the lights and shadows of the Self. You gave us Map of the Soul 7, Persona and MOTS The Journey. Indeed, we walk in this journey of being and becoming together. ApoBangPo!

As you and the members navigate Chapter 2, you all endure by singing about paradoxes and opposites existing side by side in equal measure. Only this time, there is the resolve to finally embrace the darks and the lights. I came to realize that these contradictions must be accepted. A duality that has been around since the beginning of time. A universal truth that must be sought, unpacked and reflected upon constantly.

Thank you Joon. Thank you BTS. I can now comfortably stay in the gray areas and look at the non-binaries of this age and time with more kindness; keeping judgement at bay. Believing that love, when it is true will always find a way.

Should I fail in being a good human, I promise to always enter the Magic Shop to bask in the beauty of galaxies big and small reminding myself that we are all stars. I will do my best to come out from it an ARMY you will be proud of. Happy birthday Joon! Borahae!

😊 Tita Zee 😊 091123

The PASLI Board 2023 - 2025

 

The Lighthouse Diary #50: Library Matters

For the first time in ages, we have students in the library at study hall, free period and dismissal who are reading, studying and just hanging around with friends. Everyone is respectful of the shared space.

More flex worthy news:

- A Grade 10 student discovered how helpful the book, Writing Winning Reports and Essays in her writing task;

- A Grade 9 asked help in using a dictionary and an encyclopedia to define and explain a science concept;

- Our Filipino teacher brought her class to the library twice last week to select texts for a task in writing a comparative essay;

- I had meaningful conversations with my supervisees in the PP and EE on setting directions and being brave;

- My library staff reported that we have 63 titles lent out last month;

- The BASC President hinted on the proposal of the library’s reading challenge that BASC shall approve;

- Preparing a book list for acquisition in the MIBF informed by students’ recommendations.

We are off to a good start! Go Griffins!

Love for Reading: Librarian's Role in Creating Readers

 

Reading Plan: Wild Song (1 of 4)

 

PBBY x PASLI Panel on Safe Space and Libraries

PBBY X PASLI PANEL: AKLATAN KO’Y KANLUNGAN

Manila International Book Fair, September 15, 2023

Friday, 10AM - 12NN SMX 5

The PBBY and PASLI panel on Safe Space in Libraries with the title Aklatan Ko’y Kanlungan is inspired by the stories of children and young people growing up in the post COVID19 era. It is a time when changes happen so fast; when advancements in technology are at an accelerating speed; when the quest to balance wellbeing and health are at a threat of uncertain phenomena like plagues, natural disasters caused by climate change as well as human fallacies and frailties. What a bleak way to begin life after lockdown in this outlook. This only goes to show that PBBY and PASLI are aware of the realities that impede the continued growth of children and young people. A conversation about safe spaces for children and young people in the provision of diverse and inclusive programs for them can be an opportunity to identify ways and means to manage and mitigate in the midst of change and chaos.

The panel has topics on policies and white papers on inclusion and diversity; as well as best practices in the pursuit of the rights of all human beings and their consequent development in the context of children’s books, literature and media, reading programs and library services for children. Specifically, the Invited panelists, librarian Alistair Troy B. Lacsamana of the Quezon City Public Library and Brian Aljer B. Coballes, Ateneo de Manila University's Educational Media Center coordinator will present best practices of safe space in the school and public library. PASLI PRO and PBBY Board Member, Zarah Gagatiga will provide seven discussion points on growing a diverse and inclusive school library collection