Define the Essence of Christmas

Blog # 10

Informal Theme # 10

   Christmas vacation had just arrived and everyone just like to have an enjoying break. I am one of those students that when vacation starts, my attitude of being unproductive starts as well. Enjoying too much, I sleep so late and of course, I woke up late as well. I find myself enjoying in front of the computer and surfing the net for like more than an hour. Well, that's obviously unproductive. In contrast to this, I was involved into something worthwhile to do - an outreach program. I know it sounds so odd because of my vacation habits. True, my Christmas this year was one of the best in my entire life.

   December 23, 2010 to be exact. Interact Club and Youth for Christ (High school - based, Community-based, etc) joined forces to share the essence of Christmas to Bahay San Jose, a small institution for the mentally-impaired people. It was located at the cold breeze of Tagaytay City. Upon entering, we saw the patience quietly lying on their own beds. I felt suddenly sad. I can somewhat see the pain destiny brought to them. Their eyes were longing for warmth. Meanwhile, we introduced ourselves and made some presentations  to entertain them. Such fulfillment I gulped when some of them joined along with us, sending their witty faces. Udang, having cerebral palsy, tried to mimic our dance presentations. It seems that we are all welcome for them. 

Yolanda Del Carmen

Birth July 7, 1978

Cerebral Palsy

   We fed them food for lunch. Each patient have their two facilitators for that day. Kyla, my partner, was assigned to take care of Gracia, one of the patients that has cerebral palsy. In the middle of lunch, she suddenly cried and longs for something. Both of us don't know what to do so we called the helpers. Later on, the helper said she just wants coffee. Maybe trying to express what she wants but she couldn't do so, she just ended up crying. I felt really blessed.

Gracia Tubang

Birth Date Unknown

Cerebral Palsy

   Waves of farewell traveled across Bahay San Jose as we left. It was a great experience for me seeing those people contented having simple clothes and food and not hoping for extravagant things. We are all lucky to be born normal. We are so lucky, so lucky that we can do all things that we want. I wish everyone would value the things that we have because others were longing for those things far beyond their reach.

   Christmas is for everyone. For me, Service equates the essence of Christmas. For what we serve for others, is what we serve to the Lord. God is good.

I can feel it!

Blog # 9

Informal Theme # 9

December 17, 2010

   It's nearly Christmas break and there's one last day to face - CHRISTMAS PARTY!  I can feel during the night before December 17 on Facebook how we, students, are excited for the Christmas party. Maybe, after almost half a year of studies, projects, homeworks, and seatworks, everyone would be excited to have some fun. As a CavSci student, I don't want to miss this day. 

   It was 4:50am when I woke up that day and I started to prepare for today's happenings. I was very excited, seriously, for the fun that awaits at school. I arrived at school late, as usual. Good thing there were no CAT officers to check for late students. I guess they were excited for this day too. Goodness, I can't stop typing the word 'excited'. My other classmates, I think, were more excited than me because of their clothes. Oh I just can't hide the happiness.

   This day, I need to burn my shyness. After all those fresh eye bags produced for every flash flood of school works, who wouldn't like to enjoy even just for a day? School life in our school is tough. Well that's my opinion. That is the way I see it. Moving on, the morning started with year level party and I joined for the game 'Trip to Jerusalem with a twist". Having Celine as my partner for the 'twist', I said to myself, "I must enjoy it." We almost won that game. Argh. Considering we are both skinny, the opponent's had the advantage. If you analyze, we really won the game. You know why? Because of all those juniors who joined, we are the thinest. Every single bone, I have contributed to the weight of my partner. WE did the most effort. Oh come on, it was easy for them. Okay, now let's stop it. I'm overreacting.

   Inside the room, there were laser lights. While eating, those lights traveled the room like crazy. I really had fun, obviously. Later on. other juniors ended up singing in front of the rented videoke machine.

   That afternoon, my mood changed a bit/lot. The Christmas program, organized by the SSG, was later on replaced by our principal. With our costumes, specially the freshmen, I want to express what I feel. "Welcome to Cavite National Science Elem. School!" I just find it too childish. Maybe that was the theme but we are now high school students. Lessen things like this, I think. Well, I don't want the day to end like this and I don't want to be a killjoy. Let's set the mood right. I talked a lot with my friends to enjoy the rest of the afternoon and didn't mind the program. I'm so sorry for that.

   Well. I think I shared a lot. That day was awesome. Even though there were some mood destroyer, it was a pleasant party together with my friends. Advance Merry Christmas!

Beneath Pepe's dreams

Blog # 8

Informal Theme # 8

December 10, 2010

   Arriving at University of the Philippines - Diliman (UPD), I was a little excited for the play to be watched entitled "Isang Panaginip na Fili". It was made by Dulaang UP, the official theatrical organization of UPD. Having cozy seats inside the auditorium, there were no distractions as we watch the whole play. Some of my classmates including me were far from the others because seats were numbered and our designated seats were way too far from the others. Anyway, the accommodation was good.

   Isang Panaginip na Fili was superb! I thought that the play Ibong Adarna was fantastic but after seeing this play, I was more amazed. It impressed me a lot. Let's review in slight detail the play. Let's start with the actors and actresses and how did they portray their characters. For me, the relived the play very well. I really liked Doña Victorina because of her witty and colorful personality. But in terms of depth and professionalism, I prefer Tunying. Shifting from one role into another, I can say it was two thumbs up. Bringing up the emotion Simon felt in the novel and the lighthearted personality of Tunying was difficult, I believe.

   Furthermore, being a musical play, it was vibrant and bizarre. The voices of each character who sang was warm and very good. There were no dull moments for each song they sang was well done and totally incredible.

  The ticket price was so much worth it till its last centavo. Dulaang UP made a musical play that never fails the audience to applause. It ended with a standing ovation and left a smile to everyone. It maybe not seen from their lips, but in their minds, it was worth their every single bliss.

Ibong Adarna: Reliving Philippine's Vast Literature

Blog # 7

Informal Theme # 7

  Corrido are long verse narratives on chivalric-heroic, religious, legendary and folkoric themes. Others define it as a metrical story, usually sung to the accompaniment of a guitar, in fandango style. Gantimpala Theater Foundation made a mark to Filipinos as they give live theater for the past 32 years. I am glad and lucky indeed that I watched one, which is Ibong Adarna.

   Considering the location, it was difficult to set the stage since the place for the live theater was a gymnasium rather than an auditorium. Inside an auditorium, all lights can be controlled. But because of the gymnasium windows, still letting the light pass through, the focus of the audience to the play itself was not that good. Personally, this was only the major flaw yet not of the play, but of the desired location.

   Artists portraying and acting-out their characters were excellent. One thing that really impressed me is that the dialogs were retained almost in its whole corrido form. Rhymes amazed me a lot. Adding more artistry, the characters were set to be in the Muslim kingdom. Ibong Adarna's setting is more European but through this, it gave a Filipino touch. Adding musical numbers from the narrator made the play so fantastic, putting more color into it. From Don Fernando to Haring Salermo, all of them made my thumbs go up. Obvious to the audience's reaction, Aaron Villaflor, being the main protagonist, garnered much attention and made a good job entertaining them.

  

   A vibrant presentation indeed! Every scene remained colorful and artistic. Props and backgrounds were detailed and it contributed a lot for the play to be not dull. From the beaded umbrellas and embroidered costumes, to the sparkling bath scene of Maria Blanca and the creative shadow figures of the seven-headed serpent. Every decorative ornaments can be inferred to be carefully selected and underwent series of selection before finalizing them.

   Filipinos are talents. Proving once again our skills in performing arts, pride for Gantimpala Theater Foundation was engraved in my mind and heart. Ibong Adarna showed so much uniqueness and style as the play flows gracefully with talented artists.

   Ibong Adarna cast after the play (from other venue of performance).

Don Juan, Don Pedro, and Don Diego

Cast having great time after the play. :)