Crowded NYC Times Square is the classic example of a boisterous world. Photo by Michael McDononough.

"The vast majority of teachers believe that the ideal student is an extrovert, even though, by the way, introverted students get better grades. Studies tell us the introverts are routinely passed over for leadership positions even though (according to another study), introverted people often deliver better outcomes than extroverts do," said Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, in a talk for Leading@Google talk series.

Hardbound version of Cain's book. TIME Magazine misinterpreted Cain's study. Shyness is NOT the same as introversion. Cropped photo from Lavin Blog.

At least one-third of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking, reading to partying; who innovate and create but dislike self-promotion; who favor working on their own over brainstorming in teams. Although they are often labeled "quiet," it is to introverts that we owe many of the great contributions to society--from van Gogh's sunflowers to the invention of the personal computer.

Because these have been slow blogging days, I'll post two this week just so you know this blogger hasn't been wiped from the face of the earth.


Today, I'm sharing a presentation embedded from my trusty Slideshare account since I've received several inquiries lately from friends on how to create an effective Powerpoint and deliver an engaging talk.

I prepared this deck for teachers in a media literacy seminar in Batangas a couple of weeks ago. It pegs on the visual, gustatory and relatable experience of a feast or a meal in teaching others how to organize content for Powerpoint presentations.

It also touches on how to address students of different learning styles using technology, especially online tools. But, of course, the slides don't communicate this sub-topic to viewers. You'll need a speaker for that. Hah! #

Difficulty viewing the slides? Please proceed to the Slideshare page.

You saw the photos in the major dailies today, but here are a couple of shots editors didn't publish.
Military guys in full battle gear were among those who marched at the opening parade of this year's Panagbenga Festival. Gnawing at Skittles for breakfast and trying to quit blaming myself for not having brought a proper camera, I overheard the reactions of my fellow spectators:

"Bakit may Abu Sayyaf d'yan?" "Hala, magkakagulo ba?" "Grabe, may kanyon pa yatang dala-dala." I also wondered at first, and then it hit me. It's simple. Those soldiers, subjects of endless prejudices, were parading with other sectors of the community because they are part of it.

After all, every Filipino festival is by the collective effort of members of the community. Baguio City's Flower Festival, though obviously a tourism scheme, didn't just draw tourists and crowds, but also local folks who labored to put on a nifty show for a shared goal.


Every child who marched down the city roads has a story to tell. The hours of practice. The determined and creative school teachers who directed every dance step and every gimmick. The colorful attires and props that cost families some hard-earned income. The draining heat despite the cool breeze and the hours-long smile to keep.

These were unsaid, leaving the rest of us to watch in fascination from our comfortable spots under the trees' shades, flashing our cameras at the uncanny characters marching past us.


The Panagbenga is a great reminder of the requisite sportive attitude amid adversity. A massive earthquake hit the Cordillera region and neighboring towns in 1990, causing the untimely deaths of over a thousand people. Several non-for-profit organizations then started an event to celebrate the year's blooms.


Turning their attention to the brighter things in life rather than dwell on the memory of nature's atrocity, the people of Baguio eventually developed it into a full blown, month-long festival of flowers--a major product of the city's economy.

A solid example of the festival's spirit is this young boy who kept that smile even after having repeated the same routine while marching under the scorch, serving as an inspiration to his companions who were getting tired of flashing those whites for wire photographers and viewers.


This adorable little girl, too, who's probably no more than 3 feet tall kept the native Benguet moves throughout the duration of the parade, heroically scaling the lengthy streets like a sturdy athlete.


Sure I didn't bring a nice enough camera with pricey lenses to take better photographs, but my eyes luckily captured worthy lessons of cooperation, solidarity and dedication from the town's communities to take home to chaotic Manila. #

All photos by Camille Diola. Please cite Creative Commons license for use.