The Lighthouse Diary #62: Gratitude Week at the Academy: Learning for Life

 

The Lighthouse Diary #61: Gratitude Week at the Academy: Grateful for the support of leadership and external partners

UPDATE On our BA Library management System (LMS aka KOHA) 

In our meeting with our LMS partner, Mr. Tamayo, this morning we were able to add new features in the BA Library LMS such as: 

1. the extension and renewal of borrowed books; 

2. identifying the reference of books to weed out and to whom these old books will be donated; 

3. and polishing a reporting system for auditing of existing book collections versus the ones deselected from the recent inventory. 

All library admin stuff. 

We continue tomorrow to discuss HTML Coding for our BA Library Web Page updates and use of Google Drive into the database for access of ebooks and digital resources. 

It can be overwhelming, but we're still smiling!

Kuwentong Bangtan: The Gift Economy, Reciprocity and Kim Seokjin of BTS

In a gift economy*, goods and services are freely given without any explicit agreement for immediate or future rewards, unlike in a market economy where exchanges are transactional. This form of economy values social bonds, generosity, and mutual support over profit, often strengthening relationships within communities. In fandoms, the gift economy fosters a unique reciprocity between fans and artists, where each side continually gives and receives, enhancing their connection.

An example of this reciprocity is seen with Jin of BTS. Following his military discharge, Jin immediately returned to releasing content, including a new single, TV appearances, interviews, the Olympics, fashion events and a variety show. Although he could have taken a well-deserved break, his decision to actively create and share with ARMYs can be viewed as a generous gift, demonstrating his appreciation and commitment. This choice to work hard, even without obligation, highlights the value he places on his relationship with fans.

In return, ARMYs show their gratitude by promoting his work, streaming his music, purchasing his merchandise, and organizing fan support events. These fan-driven efforts reflect a desire to reciprocate Jin’s dedication, not out of obligation but out of appreciation. By investing their time, resources, and creativity, ARMYs boost Jin’s visibility and success, enriching the bond between him and his fans.

In this ongoing cycle of giving, the lines between giver and receiver blur. Jin’s offerings are gifts that resonate on a personal level, while ARMYs’ reciprocal support embodies gratitude and loyalty. Through this shared exchange in the gift economy, both artist and fans continuously deepen their mutual connection, reinforcing a sense of community that values emotional depth over transactional interaction.

* The gift economy, as introduced by anthropologist Marcel Mauss in The Gift (1925), describes a system where goods and services are exchanged to foster social bonds rather than for profit. Unlike market transactions, gift exchanges create a sense of obligation and reciprocity that strengthens community relationships. In artistic and fan communities, this dynamic is especially pronounced; artists offer “gifts” like content, while fans reciprocate with support, creating a cycle of mutual appreciation. Authors like Lewis Hyde in The Gift (1983) expand on this, exploring how creativity and art function as gifts that inspire connection rather than mere commodities.

Ahjumma Reviews: Edward Lee's Culinary Class Wars

The migrant story of Chef Edward “Kyun” Lee and his creativity to bring this forward into every dish he prepared and cooked won me over my fave chefs in Culinary Class Wars. I was rooting for the Black Spoons being an avid fan of the underdogs. Somewhere in episode 6-8, I was intrigued by Chef Edward’s personal challenges to retrace his roots and regain an identity he can truly call his own. Furthermore, he came into the competition with limited knowledge of the local culture.

By episode 11, I came to the conclusion that Chef Edward was not just competing to win but was on a journey of self-discovery, one dish at a time. Each plate he crafted felt like an expression of his desire to reconnect with his heritage, blending traditional flavors with his own inventive flair. He had transformed significantly — not only as a chef but as a person. His struggles with cultural identity and belonging resonated deeply, making his dishes a true testament to his growth.

In that episode, he presented a dish that was both beautiful and symbolic, showcasing elements from his homeland but reimagined through his experiences as a migrant who achieved success in America, his second home.

It was as though he was weaving his story into every bite, and that authenticity was palpable. Watching him gain confidence in who he was, despite the adversities, I found myself more invested in his journey than in the competition itself. He wasn’t just a chef by then; he was a storyteller.

#CulinaryClassWars #chefEdwardLee

Learning to Paint with Acrylic

 

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Kuwentong Bangtan: Happy 6th Year, Mono!

 Happy 6th year, "Mono"!

RM's second mixtape, "Mono", truly resonated with me. Sonically, I find it diverse, blending genres that diversify my listening experience. Each track invites me to delve into RM's thoughts and emotions, transforming the mixtape into a poignant narrative that reflects his life.

Lyrically, "Mono" speaks of themes of life, love, and loneliness, providing an intimate look into RM's psyche. I appreciate how he shares his struggles and triumphs, creating a relatable narrative that resonates deeply. It feels comforting to connect with someone who articulates those feelings of isolation and yearning so well.

Forever Rain pushed me to accept stoically the realities of being abandoned by a dear friend who left me hanging and used up. It became my theme song for a while as I grappled with issues of loyalty; the risk of being open and vulnerable; giving my best without expecting anything in return, but to be respected as a person and what I am able to contribute, though small and immaterial it may have seemed to others. In everythingoes, I find the courage to move on by pursuing art that I can do and eventually, leading me to my “ARMY Glow Up”. Moonchild remains as one of my favorite anthems especially in times of sorrow and defeat.

"Mono", RM’s art and music, has healed and saved me in more ways I can do and imagine.

Ultimately, RM's talent, skill, and intelligence shine throughout the project. His

ability to weave thought-provoking lyrics with innovative production elevates "Mono" beyond a typical mixtape. It inspires me to explore my own emotions and creativity, reaffirming RM's place as a significant voice in contemporary music.

Stay safe and dry, friends, family and ARMY chingu!

Photo/poster by: @sincityarmy on Threads

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The Lighthouse Diary #60: Gratitude Week at the Academy: I am grateful for being your friend, Ouie (3 of 5)

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The Lighthouse Diary #59: Gratitude Week at the Academy: Collaboration and Teachers Reaching Out (2 of 5)

 

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The Lighthouse Diary # 58: Gratitude Week at the Academy (1 of 5)

We are asked to reflect on gratitude this week in school. This is in part an activity of our Counselling Center for Mental Health Week. Joining in the Gratitude Bandwagon, I wrote to the Community.

Dear BA Community,

We are immensely grateful for the swift response in helping us redirect the energies of our DP students from casual lounging in the library to more purposeful research and study. While we still have some students enjoying their time in the space, we’ve noticed a positive shift as they have begun to observe our library rules and guidelines more closely. This change has not only enhanced the overall atmosphere of the library but has also fostered a more productive environment for all our students.

We also want to extend our thanks for your diligence in following through on the PRS and subscription renewals. Your commitment to ensuring we have access to the latest resources is invaluable and significantly enhances the educational experience for our students. Your efforts in this area make a real difference in our ability to provide quality materials for research and learning.

Additionally, we appreciate your proactive approach in seeking out resources and learning materials. This collaboration helps us understand what to prioritize for the next book fair and purchasing cycle, which will conclude in the first week of December for this quarter. We encourage you to send in your recommendations as soon as possible to ensure we can meet the diverse needs of our students. Lastly, thank you for your attentiveness in observing the entrance and exit passages in the library, contributing to a safer and more organized space for everyone.

Truly, we are grateful!

~The Liberos of the BA Library~

Kuwentong Bangtan: Hope World X 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea

Because Hope is back in our purple world, here’s a review on 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (Jules Verne), Hobi’s inspo and influence for his first album “Hope World” that landed #82 on Billboard back in 2018.

J-Hope’s Hope World, his first full-length album, is a vibrant exploration of optimism, self-reflection, and personal growth. Drawing inspiration from Jules Verne’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, which J-Hope read in high school, the album mirrors the adventurous spirit of Captain Nemo’s underwater journey. Just as Nemo explores the vast unknown, J-Hope dives deep into his psyche, navigating through waves of hope, ambition, and introspection.

Tracks like “Daydream” and “Hope World” convey his dreams and aspirations, reminiscent of Verne’s theme of discovery, while maintaining an upbeat and colorful tone that reflects J-Hope’s own unique worldview.

That narrative of Hobi’s uniqueness continues on in two more albums that were released during BTS’ Military era, namely Jack in the Box and HOTS Vol. 1. We get to see the evolution of our HOPE as artist and lifelong learner.

This is J-HOPE. This is BTS. APOBANGPO!

It's a Good Day for Book Donations

We are welcoming the 2nd Quarter with books donated by a friend of the BA Library, Prof Heidi Eusebio-Abad. She donated books written by Ceres Alabado, the Mother of Philippine Children’s Literature.

@titazeeh7

We’re always happy to recieve book donations!

♬ Good Day - BTS

Kuwentong Bangtan: Han Kang and Bangtan Sonyeondan

At the Intersection of Art, Literature, Music and the On-Going Quest for Peace is BTS and Han Kang

Human Acts by Han Kang is a haunting novel that explores the brutal aftermath of the 1980 Gwangju Uprising in South Korea. Through interconnected narratives, the book delves into the trauma, grief, and resistance of those who experienced and survived the violent suppression of the pro-democracy movement. 

Han Kang's powerful writing exposes the personal and collective scars left behind, reflecting on the cost of fighting for freedom and human dignity. 

BTS' "Ma City" connects to Human Acts through its celebration of hometown pride and history, particularly for members like J-Hope, who hails from Gwangju. The song’s energetic homage to the members’ roots contrasts with the somber history of Gwangju, yet both works emphasize the deep ties between people and their origins. While Ma City focuses on pride and identity, Human Acts highlights the sacrifices made for freedom, reminding us that the history of a place is intertwined with both its joy and its pain. 

Congratulations, Han Kang for winning the 2024 Nobel Prize for Literature! 

Thank you, BTS for creating songs to remind us all that “we are what we were”! HOPE IS COMING!

I Say Thank You Book Blog Tour: 5-Minute Book Talk by Maryanne Mall

 

Books for children aren't that easy to make. You can't just throw a cute story and cute pictures onto a page and call it a children's book. But THIS one IS. Very well-executed. Highly recommended. Congratulations, Zarah Gagatiga, Bleps Dapo, and Lampara Books!

Kuwentong Bangtan: Demian X Wings by BTS

Demian by Hermann Hesse is a coming-of-age novel that explores the inner journey of self-discovery, individuality, and the duality of human nature. Through the protagonist, Emil Sinclair, the story delves into the tension between light and dark, good and evil, and the struggle to embrace one’s true self. Sinclair's relationship with Demian, a mysterious figure who guides him toward a deeper understanding of life’s complexities, mirrors a journey toward enlightenment and self-acceptance.

BTS' "Blood Sweat & Tears" from their 2016 album, Wings, connects deeply with the themes of Demian. The song reflects the intoxicating struggle between temptation and innocence, pleasure and pain—parallels to Sinclair’s internal conflict. The lyrics and visuals in the music video, with its allusions to art and literature, symbolize the painful yet transformative process of growth and breaking free from societal constraints, much like Sinclair’s spiritual awakening in Demian. Both works express how one must face both the darkness and light within to truly find oneself.

Happy 8 Years, Wings! Happy 8 Years, Blood Swear & Tears!

I am grateful for being a storyteller!

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I am grateful for God's gift of life...

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