Hostin', Dancin' Baby!

I just had another exciting weekend! Saturday was the Parents’ Day of our school. I was told by Sir Bert only Friday afternoon that I shall be one of emcees for the activity. I find it a bit amusing that a college school would hold a Parents’ Day; it was indeed the first time for our school. It isn’t corny at all though. As I later learned, it served as the school’s gratitude to parents and at the same time a good chance for the guardians to see the environment where their children or dependents are most of the time.

I managed to tug along dad and my sister. Mom could have filed leave from work only if the announcement came earlier. When we came to the school, there were just few people; those who joined the motorcade hadn’t arrived yet. The wait wasn’t long though. Breakfast was served before the program started and while everybody was busy roaming about, I caught some of the faculty members passing by and made a quick introduction with my family. “This is Miss…, my former instructor in… and Miss…, head of the so department…; my dad and my sister” They welcomed them warmly especially our department Coordinator (acting Dean) who, once in a while, would ask me whether my companions were done eating or had found convenient seats.

My co-emcee didn’t make it on time so Sir Bert had to fill-in. The night before, he told me to make it casual and relaxed – as much as possible, do not speak English. Guess what, it was harder for both of us to think of appropriate Filipino words! Luckily, our verbal blunders consequently contributed to the fun. We shared a good chat in between the messages and intermission numbers and the school officials commended the witty ad-libs.

The Hotel Restaurant Management (HRM) students did most of the preparations for the activity. They skirted the tables, cooked and served the meals, and prepared cocktails. Two of their students rendered interesting numbers. They were the champion and the second placer for the recent City competition for bartending (which, if I’m not mistaken, is what they also call “flaring”). Echo, who was my classmate in a minor subject, really did great with his exhibition. Widel and Genevie, who were our champions for vocal duet (featured in my post "Where Speaking Brought Me" ), did a repeat of their performance.

All in all, the activity was a success although only few parents attended. I guess the school should disseminate the information earlier so more could attend next time.

The next day, I wasn’t able to attend Sunday worship. There was an invitation by the Freeport Recreation Committee to dance sport lessons and I went with 2 workmates. The training was held in my high school and facilitated by Mr. Stanley Alexander, CEO of the Philippine Professional Dance Sport Association. That training I guess was secondary to his actual purpose of training the students of the Olongapo Special Program for the Arts who are also the Philippine delegation to an International Dance Sport Tournament to be held in Australia. The dancers came home victorious from another competition held last year in Taiwan I think and they are really good! Read: their ages are between 12 and 14 and there are two imports who are just about 4th graders!

Stanley was a patient instructor and really gave the participants significant pointers on dos and don’ts when performing. It’s been both a good privilege and a little embarrassing that he had to dance with me twice because I had a hard time executing 4 consecutive spot turns and he also noticed that I wasn’t able to make a strong lead for my partner. He said I would eventually learn the spot turns by watching the videos he gave our group.

That day, we learned the basics of waltz, foxtrot, rumba and cha-cha; the most amusing for me are foxtrot and cha-cha. When I had my PE2 during my first year in college, I was among the good dancers. This time, I learned that the waltz has prescribed facings to the walls as you glide across the floor and being conscious of that makes footwork confusing. It’s harder than I thought!

Before the training ended, we were taught a little of jive which is a very energetic dance and the competitors performed by pair, their beautiful and stunning routines dressed in their striking costumes as well.

A tiring day that was but fun and exciting nonetheless. Well, I wish I would be able to dance better soon! I’ll let you know.

"To the beat of the rhythm of the night

dance until the morning light

Forget about the worries on your mind

we can leave them all behind"

Valeria, The Rhythm of the Night

Finals Week - SY 2006-07

The semester is on its final week. I’ve taken all my exams and am just accomplishing my clearance. This term also concludes the school year hence I anticipated the excruciating requirements poured upon us.

I remember being told that when the talahib (a tall, wild grass) flowers, it is the season when snakes are most venomous. I haven’t verified yet its truthfulness and have no plan of researching on snake matters but it just hit me that perhaps, the final grading period especially of the second semester could be for some professors, a comparable “hunting season”. You see, the final grading is critical to know who’ll be marching up the stage and shaking hands with the school officials. Optimistically, let’s just say that some instructors had grown very fond of their students and what soothes their pain of letting go is to see our eye bags drooping and skin pale due to lack of sleep and only then shall they be fulfilled saying, “Awww…I’ve played a significant role into molding the youth into hardworking citizens”

A couple of weeks ago, I found a feature in Yahoo! News bearing the title “It's true – stress makes teens break out”. The article writes about a research by a professor of dermatology and his colleagues. Their respondents/subjects for the research were students from Singapore where the researchers considered the climate stable and the study revealed that the acne of students worsened after taking an assessment exam for college. They found therefore that stress is a stronger factor rather than grease and diet. So much with these facts, all I wanted to say is that I had been a living proof. My two-week struggle to beat deadlines gave me a pimple below my lips. I come home very late at night with stomach grumbling and eyes tired from staring on the monitor.

I had to make a Powerpoint presentation and a research paper for General Chemistry. I am even thinking that our instructor had this idea of requiring a research just because of me for I learned from his previous students that he never required them one. He was a long-time acquaintance since I was in grade school but it was only this year that he became my teacher. No he didn’t require the paper because we had a conflict but perhaps he just wanted to see whether I learned how to write a research paper which was among the core programs of our curriculum in high school where he was the department head for Science. His subject could really get tough sometimes but it was a challenge I took positively. My high school chemistry got me entangled with the 1s2-2s2-2p6 electronic configuration. Thankfully this time, I understood something more than the definitions of Chemistry and matter.

Another paper which drained me was the comparative study on the Preamble and first 5 articles of the 1973 and 1987 constitution. I had no choice but do this really well because this is the sole basis of my grade for the semester. This is an alternative requirement for my Philippine Constitution subject because this class had been moved to noontime since pre-finals which of course I cannot attend because of my job.

As for my Rizal class, I had to study 12 chapters of Noli Me Tangere to make up for 2 quizzes I missed due to being occupied with the two aforementioned subjects. I thought I wouldn’t be this busy because I have no major subjects enrolled for the semester but… *sigh* thank God though it’s over. I’m just waiting for the release of grades.

I’m hoping I did well in my Chemistry exam; anyway it’s easier than pre-finals. As for Rizal, I was overjoyed to receive a text message from my teacher saying that I have been exempted because the autobiography (mine) I submitted was “impressive”. Last week, I had also been pulled on-the-spot to be a panelist for the oral defense of 2nd year students graduating from Associate in Computer Technology. I felt flattered of having been invited because I think, as a current student myself, I don’t deserve the honor yet. It has been a nice experience.

After several “no-TV” weeks, I enjoyed watching “Big Momma’s House 2”, “My Super Ex-Girlfriend”, and “You, Me and Dupree” over the weekend.

Although I won’t be able to enjoy an indulgent summer vacation as lax as students because of my job, I’m enjoying the same feeling of fulfillment nonetheless and I’m still looking forward for a meaningful summer.

I’m sure to miss my many friends who graduated as well as the instructors who resigned but I share their gladness for their achievements. I wish you the best!

A Weekend of Beauty Pageants

I was invited by my alma mater to be a judge for this year’s Search for Mr. and Ms. ACLC which was held last Saturday, March 3, as part of their 10th anniversary.

AMA Computer Learning Center Olongapo was my first school for tertiary education (but is rightfully a technical school rather than a college) from where I earned my Associate in Computer Programming.

I myself had been a contestant in several pageants but it was my first time to be invited to judge such event and I was so excited about it. The first thing I did after being informed of it by Ma’am Shan was to text my instructor for a subject where I was supposed to have an oral defense on about the same time as the show. I asked whether I may have my defense on an earlier schedule which thankfully he agreed to squeeze me in his other class slated 2PM.

The call time was 6PM, I showered at about 5. I did my make-up and got dressed but did not wear my barong yet. I rode a tricycle to the venue which is just two streets from ours carrying the garment in a hanger and covered with a clear plastic. There were just few people in the park when I arrived; most are the staff still busy setting up the computers, projector, lights and other stuff while the candidates are being prepped up in the dressing booth. I greeted Ma’am Vanz, the school director, and some others including Ma’am Rose, who was our college dean in another school and was also invited as juror. We exchanged some hellos and waited until the show started at about quarter to 8.

This year’s theme was wedding and for the first part of the show, the candidates did not wear bridal gowns but rather dresses likely worn by the entourage. I must say that despite several blunders due to short preparation, the candidates did an amusing opening number. Even during the production, we had to keep a keen eye to the contestants because scores shall be tabulated immediately after to determine the “Best Performers”.

Another highlight and perhaps the most cheered portion of the event was the “Stag Party/Bridal Shower Costume”. I find this a good shift from the typical swimwear portion. The ladies wore their respective interpretations ranging from sadistic cowgirl costume to lacy lingerie while the men are ruggedly shirtless. The girls did a sexy stint in the horizontal steel bar on the stage while the guys, although some are already shirtless, did some striptease on chairs.

During the formal wear and Q&A, I was most attentive to details. Believe me! I might have been very meticulous but I did stretch my neck just to catch a glimpse whether the men are wearing the right color of dress socks with their formals! (Simon Cowell must have been my friend. HaHa)

All in all, the whole program turned out successfully and we had a great time although we experienced drizzles thrice and had to cover our heads with the folder for our score sheets. It rained lightly during the final photo ops.

More than having been invited, I am glad that the event served as a reunion with my former mentors and friends in ACLC. Andrea, my fellow winner during our pageant in 2002 also came as a judge and I must say that this lady has sustained her admirable traits since our reign and eventually gets prettier each time. Sir Hodge’s warmth has never ceased since our old times as mentor and student; he truly deserves all the success he now has. I was also surprised to see again our curriculum adviser in high school, Dr. Roger Nuqui, who did a marvelous job in hosting the event keeping it interesting from start to end.

I must also thank Erwin Gonzales and his staff, Jessa and Rona, who always sponsor the stunning barongs I wear in my events. This time, they lent me a brown jusi barong embroidered with bamboo design. (It’s a funny coincidence that all three of us, judges, wore brown that night)

The rain had died down. The program was over by about 11PM. I haven’t spotted a tricycle around the area and I walked the damp way home which I didn’t really mind because it’s dark and only very few people are on the streets; I can hardly be recognized.

When I got home, I had my dinner while watching another pageant – the Binibining Pilipinas 2007 coronation. I only stayed up until the Q&A for the semi-finalists.

True, I may have graduated from ACLC Olongapo 4 years ago but I never was completely separated. Whatever I may have achieved now, ACLC has significantly contributed to my professional and personal growth. My humble beginning in the Mr. ACLC pageant in 2002, has been more than a victory already won. A petty school pageant it might have been but it’s the springboard that made me confident and competent in my succeeding competitions. I had relinquished the title last year, but the Mr. ACLC in me lives on.

More and more computer schools enter the arena as the years go by. I believe that ACLC Olongapo could skillfully keep pace, “a decade and beyond”…

My English instructors then - Ma'am Nitz and Ma'am Shan

Receiving the token of appreciation from Ma'am Vangie and Sir Hodge

Where Speaking Brought Me (My experience in the YMCA Regional Academic Olympics 2007)

Last week, I went on leave from work for 3 days to prepare for the YMCA Northern Luzon Regional Academic Olympics. This is the next level after my victory in the city competition last November, which was my first ever bid in extemporaneous speech. My former instructor in Psychology and friend was the one who gave me the push to compete despite my skepticism; I know I’m good at oration or declamation but the thought of delivering impromptu speech made me shiver. Eventually, it turned out a success.

Other than shopping and packing my clothes, my preparations included reading a week span of back issues of the newspaper to grasp some facts on current events. I had a heavy dose of controversies between GO (Genuine Opposition) and Team Unity Senatorial Bills for the upcoming elections as well as the stuff on carbon-offsetting ignited by Al Gore’s infamous documentary “An Inconvenient Truth”.

I was at our meeting place (Olongapo City Hall) by 12:40AM. The agreed departure time was slightly delayed to wait for other delegates who reside far from the city proper. If I’m not mistaken, the whole delegation (elementary to college) comprised 5 vans and 1 mini bus.

As I have expected, travel to Vigan was long; roughly 12 hours. But still, I think our trip was shorter compared when I first traveled there with my family back in 2004.
We made 3 stopovers this time. During the trip, we alternated sleeping and eating, and had a great fun chatting and sightseeing. It didn’t take long for us to be at ease with the 3 competitors for Team Quiz Bee from another school. They’re just as hilarious!

Subic Bay itself is among the most popular in the country but Ilocos’ is really amazing! Although the shore is rocky, the water is a cool hue of green that fades to blue along the coast which arched splendidly. Those who had cameras or camera phones tried their best to get good snapshots of it as well as of the steel bridge somewhere in the boundary of Ilocos Sur I guess.
Our awe of the place only intensified when we got in the city plaza renowned for its old architecture. It is where all the brick-paved streets of the “heritage village” converge. Kalesas (tall horse-driven carts) rush about. We were amused to find that even modern establishments such as a bank, a shopping mall, and fast food stores like McDonald’s, has exteriors resembling the old houses.

After some asking for directions, we arrived at our accommodation before 2PM. We stayed in the University of Northern Philippines where the competitions were also held. Our building was right beside the auditorium and school library. We settled in classrooms which they furnished with beddings.

After having lunch, my schoolmates, our coach, and I took a kalesa ride to the plaza to buy some snacks, bread and bottled water and to scout for what may be bought for pasalubong (treats). We inquired in the market, the price of the “bagnet” (marinated and dried pork thigh) and the “Ilocano longganisa” (sausages made by filling pork intestine with ground meat and spices, and tied in sections). These are Vigan’s specialties other than the “Chicha-corn” and empanada. We took pictures of some buildings and it was interesting to learn that their city mayor have the same family name as mine.

There was an opening/welcome program during dusk and all competitions shall be held the following day.

After dinner, I went with two co-delegates to the plaza again to buy a mosquito-repellent lotion and have a better dinner because the food they served at the cafeteria was oily and mostly meat (I’m a vegetarian). Although it’s just past 8:00, the drugstores and groceries at the plaza are already closed. We therefore supposed that Vigan might have been considered a “city” just because of its modern establishments but urban-living and “nightlife” isn’t actually as prevalent as in Olongapo and other metros. A kind tricycle driver took us to a drugstore near the hospital which seems as far as from the university to the plaza, only take the opposite direction from the campus. He also said the Governor’s famous baluarte is not too far from that hospital.

Saturday morning, most of us woke at around 5AM. We have no certainty whether breakfast would be provided hence we dashed to the plaza again and had some hot drinks. Most of the fast food stores aren’t open yet so we just got our drinks from a thrift stall. There were residents participating in the exercise program and not far from there, a marathon is assembling.

We sped back to the school, had a quick breakfast and got dressed for our respective competitions. Extemporaneous speech and oratorical contests were held in a hall which I think is the school’s laboratory for Hotel and Restaurant Management.

I entered the hall clutching a bottle of water and sat at the last row but we were later asked to occupy the two front rows; grouped into oratorical and extempo, high school and college respectively. Should I say I felt a bit “out of place” when I saw the other competitors in full formal wear – one is wearing a barong, another a suit, and a lady is even wearing a fully-sequined red filipiniana gown! As for me, I was just wearing a pale yellow short sleeved polo with embroidery on the front and brown slacks. We drew our numbers and I was second. However, the facilitators decided to hold the oratorical contest first. I must say that all the orators did great; no more than 3 seem novice hence I guess the stiff part of the competition wasn’t delivery anymore but rather, mastery.

I got the chance to get acquainted with my two seatmates while the oratorical was ongoing. Judith and Dennis are great people; warm and smart. Judith is an AB English student and is competing in the same event for the third time I guess. Dennis is equally interesting being an Education student major in English and has a good sense of humor. I later learned that of 6 competitors, only 2 of us are not in a communication-related field. Oh! I forgot! I am in communications too – Information Communication Technology. *lol*

After the oratorical contest, most of the audience already left which somehow helped lessen our uneasiness. We got to watch the high school competitors and I must say that they are better than us. The assertive juices of youth are obvious. They got to extend a little beyond the allotted 3 minutes and they have rich vocabulary that some of their words, I didn’t understand. There was this pretty young lady competing for Baguio who seems really smart and she did her talk almost without pausing to think and yet still made sense. I learned that she’s very active with such public speaking contests especially in debates.

Finally, it's our turn. We were led to a room in the second floor of the building and were instructed to shut off our cellphones. I was later isolated into another room and was given two minutes to think on the topic and after which, was led back to the hall to deliver my speech.

I believe I made a good connection with the judges while delivering my speech for I could see them nod in agreement in points I stress. I was also told by few that I made a good delivery. The only problem perhaps was that I really don’t know very well the topic neither did I anticipate it might be given thus I haven’t discussed much on it. The question was about the mission and objectives of YMCA and its relevance to protecting the world. I simply talked about very practical observations to make sense.

After the Skilled Folk Dance event, we strode off to the plaza again to shop for souvenirs and pasalubong and get the last chance to take pictures. (I’ll upload these as soon as I got copies from our coach). We strolled around the old streets hopping from one shop to another. The prices of goods are usually 3 for 100 pesos and only few would allow tawad (discount) for no more than 10 pesos. At the end of the day, my purchases include chicha-corn, woven bag and purses for giveaways, key chains, shirt, slippers for my grandma, and some cacao tablets with a very rich aroma. We spent an hour shopping and had admired the serene glow of lamps lining the old streets at dusk.

The awarding ceremony was held in the evening. Eventually, I didn’t win; Dennis emerged as champion while Judith came third. For the college level, Olongapo’s only gold was won by our representatives for Vocal Duet but overall, Olongapo delegation ranked third.

My defeat wasn’t very hard for me. I had witnessed Dennis’ delivery and I’m convinced he would win. I fully support him for I know he fought fair and square. I guess it isn’t very hard to admit defeat to someone deserving and I guess it’s rewarding enough to get to represent the city and compete with the region’s best speakers. I intended to approach him at the auditorium to congratulate him before setting for home. As for Judith, I had gotten her number earlier and sent her a text message.

There was a tour for everybody scheduled the next day but for some reason, we have to return home on Saturday night. We had packed our belongings before the awarding program and are set to go home by 11PM. There was no traffic and our driver seems very familiar with the ins and outs of the area hence I was surprised that our travel took no more than 8 hours. I slept almost all the way home.

The experience was really rewarding, both academically and for leisure. I’m not sure whether I’ll be blessed with another chance to enter the regional competitions. I might try another event; perhaps in Oratorical. I’ll forever cherish the sense of pride of having represented the city and more especially, the chance to be with these bright and friendly people.

The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.
Pierre de Coubertin, "The Olympic Creed"

University of Northern Philippines grounds

Lyceum delegates with Olongapo delegates for Vocal Duet -

High School Level (2nd and 3rd from right)

Kalesa ride to the plaza with Widel and Sir Bert

Plaza

A street of the Heritage Village

Shopping for pasalubong

Soft Sweet Thoughts (An open letter)

Dear sweetie,

Seldom am I able to tell you how grateful I am for you being around; probably I never had. Now I hope that through this letter, I’ll be able to do so.

I am guilty of having taken you for granted during the early times when you just came in to my life but believe me, I did not mean to. It’s just that maybe, it took me quite a while to realize your worth. I am sorry for that and yet I am grateful you never left me despite my insensitivity.

My busy life restricts us to be together most of the time but no matter how late I return, you would always patiently wait for me. Even if I still have to do a lot of things when at home, you would just lie beside me and stay up until I finish my task. You don’t actually have to do that but you insist that it’s your only way to show me support while I bury my nose on my books or homework.

You have been a good friend more than simply a companion to me. Even without words, your mere presence is a great relief when I am sad or lonely. You shared me yourself to cry on and you don’t mind getting damp with tears.

My actions or words may sometimes conceal my feelings making you think that perhaps I ignore your efforts but I do know that you express your love to me mainly by providing me comfort. You would always offer me rest whenever I’m exhausted. Moreover when I am sick, you stay by my side all the time. Your dedication is invaluable.

You’re always there when all my other friends seem to be too busy with some things and for a long time haven’t dropped me a ‘hi’. Such may be a reason for you to be jealous because I desire someone else’s attention while you were there for me all the time yet you never made a big deal out of it.

You always keep me warm and make sure I have sound sleep at nights. It seems you find simple pleasure in watching me sleep peacefully and I must say that that is sweet of you.

I feel guilty though that I could not reciprocate all these. I confess there were few times that I had not been loyal to you. I simply can’t have you along and I gave in to others. I am sorry. With all your kindness, I know you deserve better things. I’m sorry I cannot afford a bigger room for us neither could I keep our place tidy all the time. Everyday I would wake up and rush to start my day leaving the mess to you. And when was the last time I bought you some clothes for a gift? I cannot remember if I really did even once.

You are very patient yet I know I owe you apologies for my shortcomings. I’m always trying to be better and eventually make up for those. Thank you for never leaving me and serving me unselfishly. No matter what, I’ll always cherish snuggling beside you… my darling pillow.

mggm