After thoughts from an exposition of #8thSdP media related research papers

The 8^th Sining del Pilar, an exposition of mass communication related research papers, audio and audio-visual works of the undergraduates, masteral and doctoral scholars of the UP College of Mass Communication held March 2018 at the UP Diliman Media Center TV Studio sparked the desire for more learning.

Research papers are clustered in 11 paper blocks sorted according to subject matter. 3 to 5 papers are presented by the researchers themselves to a body composed of a critic deemed an academic expert in the field, to the College of Mass Communication faculty and to the registered participants. At end of the presentation, the critic criticizes and presents inputs that can broaden the perspective of the study from their field of expertise. Outputs are captured on Facebook #8thSdP, Twitter and on AM radio DZUP 1602 MHz.

For a sampling on the approach, I expound on the last paper block tagged as "Dutertismo: Dead Bodies, The Simularca and the Real". 3 papers tackle the use of non-traditional forms of media such as blogs, photos and video games that promote the platform of current president RRD.

A research investigates on the messaging of a blog “For the Motherland” owned by Sass Rogando Sasot by an undergraduate Kim Jem D.L. Muana. Against the theoretical framework of Encoding/Decoding Theory of Stuart Hall (1980), Kim Muana provides an analysis on how Sassot understands and disseminates information about the concept of federalism and how her followers react to, comment on.

Grabbed from UP CMC Sining Del Pilar FB

Perspective given by Cleve Arguelles, a populist and an Assistant Professor and Chair of Political Science Program University of the Philippines Manila encourages researchers to broaden discussion points.

I paraphrase the professor’s response. Tatay Digong is a welcome interruption to our elite-dominated politics. His approach is innovative (and pervasive) which opens researchers to find alternative channels of politics. Critic challenges researchers to be innovative, challenging disciplinary boundaries and questioning shared assumptions, to go beyond the known.

He offers 3 points in response to the papers presented: 1. Use of entertainment e.g. video games 2. Beyond 3G. Guns. Goons. Gold. Add the 4th G-Gigabytes such as social media e.g. blogs, digital spheres 3. Dead bodies in photos as political symbols. Avoid looking. Talk differently which begs for more studies on how the people engage with the visuals. Prof. Cleve poses the question “what is voyeurism, what is empathy?” Relating to “tokhang” he offers the idea of Judith Butler defining which lives are “grievable”, and which are not.

He ends stating there is much “broader context that made the rise of such a controversial leader possible.” He implies exploring other discussion points as what gave rise to the Duterte presidency and reflect on the emerging Philippines under his presidency.

Research is about proving a central argument. In the light of exciting times in Philippine politics where we now exist in a highly polarized society, forums such as Sining Del Pilar provide us with extreme positions fairly and force us to make a stand. Did we understand better federalism? Are we voyeurs or do we empathize with the victims of dead bodies? Do we become criminals when we play Fighting Crimes 2? Through the researchers’ studies, their expertise and the disciplined critique, we are objectively enlightened and challenged. This opens up more arguments to prove and more researches to conduct.

Sparked by the #8thSDP

The 8^th Sining del Pilar, an exposition of mass communication related research papers, audio and audio-visual works of the undergraduates, masteral and doctoral scholars of the UP College of Mass Communication held 20-22 March 2018 at the UP Diliman Media Center TV Studio sparked the desire for more learnings.

Now on its 8^th year, the college presents to the academic community pre-selected works of students to a body for further “refereeing” and enhancement. Screened initially by the professors from the current and past semester classes, then further refereed at the college level by a committee, the venue serves as an avenue to further criticize the works to an open body. Criticism as endorsed by Professor Eulalio R. Guieb III, head convenor of the #8thSDP is an interrogation, asking to celebrate and "a challenge to the silences."

35 papers grouped into 11 paper blocks, 13 audio-visual works and 15 audio productions were presented in the 3-day annual conference, staged, managed, hosted and executed by UP CMC students with the guidance of the faculty.

At the end of the paper block presentations, an invited critic who is deemed as an academic authority on the field reacts and provides inputs giving a more solid broader perspective to the study strengthening the researchers’ arguments.

Papers presented mainly from the master and doctoral classes use the structure of a research paper from objectives, theoretical framework, methodology, findings and implications, researches based on the current decades’ socio and political phenomenal gaining traction from the millennial leading to the evolution of new forms and use of media.

Topics like fandom, digital age, war and video games, social media transhuman, morphing, sogies, social boxing, wedding videography, porno currencies, social media as satisfiers, transnational channels, current political milieu among others whetted the appetite triggering a move for further exploration.

Grabbed from the UP CMC Facebook wall

Critics added depth to the studies by providing logical, philosophical, political, historical references setting a pattern that threads the studies together. Starting with a prevailing or emerging sociological observation, an applicable social science theoretical framework, the resulting media development seen in the use of technology or social media, the studies, the faculty and critics’ inputs further showed how the chosen topics satisfy man’s need for social interaction and their implication to man’s journey to perfection. While a number of the studies are partial studies and works in progress, the promise of contributing to a wealth of academic studies on emerging research developments have been jump-started.

The organized staging of the conference provided a set-up to chew the number and diversity of topics into digestible form. Abstract of the papers issued in advance, credible and inquisitive faculty members, expertise of the critics and the availability of various social media touchpoints as Facebook, Twitter, DZUP made the learning experience dynamic, light and productive.

Sining del Pilar is treasure available for free to anyone hungry for knowledge. The ideas the conference sparked could be the game changers for the forthcoming media scholars.

2018 theme of “Ituloy ang Kwento” is the college’s assurance that this institutionalized learning experience will continue to satisfy the sparked mind.

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Yuzuru internalizing Seimei 2015. Yuzu commenting on 2015 ISU Grand Prix

#Yuzuruhanyu leaves nothing to chance with an extraordinary determination to learn his new program Seimei to perfection. He controls most of the elements and internalizes with passion.

To perform Seimei, an Astrology legend in the Heinan era, he visited the shrine in Kyoto at age 20, talked with an Onmologist and actor Nomura Mansai, master of Kyogen and listened to inputs on simplicity and meaning of movements (Docu 15.11.15).

To get into the spirit of Seimei he worked on the choreography with Shae-Lyn Bourne, costume inspired by the habit of the character, music meticulously to pace and to highlight the drama and lastly, the artistry and technical of the movement to convey the story.

Photo from the Washington Post

Watching him perform the 2015 and 2018 Free Skate program, I appreciate Yuzuru’s winning performance with a Japanese heritage even more. As Yuruzu mentions in his interview, adopting a Japanese material to his program will give him a winning edge.

On the day he performed in PyeongChang, even with an injury, he won. The Gods must be with him. Inputs on the shrine visit and talks from the docu https://youtu.be/4phoKS2IL98

Amidst the foot ligament injury, the clean performance of Javi who preceded before him at the 2017 ISU Grand Prix in Barcelona , and the jeering crowd who would not pay attention to him, #Yuzuruhanyu faced the hurdles and overcame himself. Through control and a mental calculation on how to score to beat his own record. Yuzuru shares with us generously his insights revealing to us what makes a champion. View it here at https://vimeo.com/235626067 a docu last 2017 Sept, with Yuzu comments on 2015 SEIMEI:(subbed in English by Gladi)

"I’ll definitely win!" Yuzuru Hanyu’s challenge to himself A 45 minute Documentary NTV 2018.01.14

Behind the victory of the 2nd consecutive Olympic gold of #YuzuruHanyu is this story. A clear dream, a plan to do it, discipline and the drive to always challenge himself.

Even with setbacks of injuries, he stands up. With the support and everything that Hanyu has, he worked hard with all his strength to be the "best that Yuzuru Hanyu can be!"

Yuzuru Hanzu is a young Japanese figure skater who at the age of 19 won gold at the 2014 Sochi Games and at 23 won another gold at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. Since he was 11 years, he already dreamt of winning a gold. His plans are clear but derailed with physical injury on his ankle and ligaments. Yet his dream of winning gold did not diminish. He has both the artistry and athleticism of a champion figure skater. Passionate with the sports, he enjoys training. Hanzu continues to outperform himself with a clear vision of No. 1 all the time. Recently in a 2017 interview, he declared a mantra of "Go beyond the ideal" raising the bar on his own performance. Hanzu is adorable as he is childlike with the purity and innocence of a child yet with the strength, stamina, competitiveness and determination of a winning athlete. 

Applying the principles of the 4Ds of Appreciative Inquiry, Hanyu Discovered his love for skating. He Dreamt of winning an Olympic Gold at 20 when he was 11 years old in 2006 and consequently 2 consecutive golds (2014 and 2018). He Designed a plan to make it happen with training, studying techniques, enhancing artistry, technical skills and competitiveness against other improving and growing young skaters. He says though his greatest competitor is his own self. Backed by discipline and his obsession to always be organized, he designed his strategy detailing every element of the program. Physically, he is conscious of his body taking care of it well particularly his ankle. Even his academic background supports his passion for skating, Human Informatics, Human Engineering and Cognitive Science at the Waseda University.

On the rink in a performance, he is focused, passionate about his artistry, body language, movement, expression and the strength, energy and stamina for his technicals. He has a keen listening ear conscious of the matching sounds with sights. He pays attention to details even the nuances of his costume. The target for gold is clear in his mind. He is so focused that when he falls, he rises quickly to recover.

Yuzuru Destined to make it happen praying to Gods, acknowledging the support of fans and followers incorporating their good tidings with his own strengths. He is particular about giving thanks and recognition to his support groups. He wears bracelets, amulets believed to protect him from harm. He has Winnie the Pooh, a Disney mascot as his good luck charm. Even his name Yuzuru sets up his life for him, which means a bowstring symbolizing confidence, strength, and straightness.

On Destiny the 4th D of Appreciative Inquiry, Yuzuru Hanyu continues to dream anew preparing how to outperform himself.

At the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, he not only broke records, he broke our hearts too!

Watch to 45 minute Japanese documentary (with English subtitles) to learn the story behind the champion. (Docu on Youtube not mine. Catch it before it is removed.)

https://youtu.be/KhKvqS5gOq4

https://youtu.be/KhKvqS5gOq4