# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
An old photo of me. I barely use my camera; even my gallery isn't filled. So I resorted to attaching an old picture because I looked cuter when I was young.

# data[].attributes.body
Hi, it's me. I am Jude Ray C. Encabo, a HUMSS student from Gr. 11 - Kisai. I'm from the town of Toril, and in that town, you'd see me frequently in church. I dedicated my life in service to the Lord, following the footsteps of my father. I may apply this characteristic of mine in the university. Regarding my other aspects, I'd prefer to let others define me rather than express myself. If I do so, I tend to be tempted to be arrogant or spread baseless lies, so I pretty much avoid it.

# data[].attributes.body
I tend to use these apps frequently. The most frequent is Facebook. If I manage to procrastinate, Facebook is guilty of making me do so. I can't help but scroll and scroll and scroll until I recall the tasks I still need to do. It's a guilty pleasure that I cannot resist. Still, at this time, I'm trying my best to stop myself from overconsumption, and I'm trying to reclaim that focus, especially now that I am studying at a university.

# data[].attributes.body
I also watch television, particularly the news. While I eat, I listen to or look at the headlines to be aware of what is happening in the country. If not the information, I use the television to watch YouTube videos. I watch videos that interest me, such as gaming, religious, and historical videos. Some might say it's not a good mix, but it's me, I guess. It's my interest, and it is where I am happy. It defines me and builds me up.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Image credit: Shutterstock / Vantage_DS, from the techradar.com website

# data[].attributes.body
I rarely watch movies or series. But when I can do so, I resort to Netflix. I have no interest in the series because I prefer to watch it all at once. Also, I consider time as valuable as gold. I love the rom-com genre because it gives me that hoity-toity feeling. Sometimes, I wish I was that man holding that pretty woman's hand, expressing all of his love with his actions and words. Maybe this is the result of being an "NGSB" type, but I'm still happy being single; at least I have no additional worries in my head. If rom-coms are out of the list, I will resort to the genres of comedy, spiritual, and historical. I also admire Filipino movies; they make me proud of my identity and open my mind to the ability of our fellow Filipinos.

# data[].attributes.body
I already uninstalled TikTok for a long time. The reason was that I was not too fond of its adverse effects. It made my attention span relatively minor, and it was very counterproductive for me. When I am on the verge of finishing an activity, one TikTok will change my mind and scroll a wasted amount of three hours. I thought, "If only I could bring back those hours I lost." Then, it must start now. So, I vowed to refuse the influence of TikTok because I want to uphold continuity, consistency, and productivity in my life. So, I believe TikTok delivers more adverse than positive effects. I can apply this to short-form media types like YouTube Shorts and Facebook Reels. (which is relatively the same)

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Alexander Serebryakov, reading a book by Zinaida Serebriakova

# data[].attributes.body
I still read some books, and most are either spiritual or fictitious. Recently, I encountered a book entitled "The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything" by Fr. James Martin, SJ. It broadened my perception of the Society of Jesus, and I became more interested in their ideas, concepts, and spirituality. I read many spiritual books that deepened my understanding of religiosity, such as "Consoling the Heart of Jesus" and "33 Days to Morning Glory" by Fr. Michael Gaitley, MIC. On the fictitious side, when I was young, I was fond of the Geronimo Stilton series, where this flaw-filled mouse is constantly bombarded with exciting experiences and extraordinary adventures. It molded my childhood, exceptionally to be more creative and imaginative.

# data[].attributes.body
If I haven't emphasized this enough, I love OPM. It's either the lyrics, the choice of words, or the melody, but it's good for me. I also grew up in a house where OPM is highly appreciated. I share the same place with my father, who is a great singer, by the way. I guess I passed down his talent because I was a frequent contender or performer in my former school when I was young. There was a considerable decline, but it sharply returned when the pandemic started to die. I had the chance to serve at the church as a psalmist and a part of the liturgical choir at our former school. So, I can say that music did have an impact on my life. It shaped me into who I am today: striving to be strong, resilient, and kind. I still listen to OPM, and I am open to listening to other forms of music. If I had the free time, I'd listen to music all day. Lastly, before I forget, my favorite OPM song is Bakit Ba Ikaw by Michael Pangilinan.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
"Ignatius writes his Spiritual Exercises at Manresa," Carlos Saenz De Tejada (1958)

# data[].attributes.body
–Why do I like these media?

I like these forms of media because these are my interests. To expand, my interests define me; it molds me to be who I am and who I will be in the future. It assures me that I have control over myself because I can omit things I deem unhealthy and keep or add something that benefits me.

–How are these media influencing or affecting me? (my lifestyle, aspirations, attitudes, behavior). Is this healthy? If yes, how come? If not, what steps should you take to change it?

As I've said, different forms of media are shaping me to be who I am. I'll cite an example from my experience with music. I've grown a fascination with music due to my father's influence. Through its complex nature, music also helped me cultivate intelligence, and through its opportunities, it aided me in socializing. It influenced my aspirations to pursue a greater purpose and a more extraordinary vocation through my service in the house of the Lord. Yet, like the TikTok experience that I shared, we must quickly identify if media is starting to eat us up and produce harmful effects on us. When it is beginning, don't be afraid to cut it off. Think of yourself before other things because the only person that can help you is yourself.

AMDG