Christmas in the Philippines

Informal Theme #10

Blog #10



            After celebrating my last two years of Christmas with my family overseas, I finally get to taste the local celebration here in our country! I may not be able to receive gifts or money this Christmas, but hey, Christmas is all about giving and I’m fine with that. Christmas in the Philippines is quite different from the other countries of the world. With our rich tradition in this festivity, this might be the best Christmas in the planet. It is the most awaited celebration and happiest event in our country and also the time of the year when families get together, especially when family members from overseas come home with lots of gifts, exchanging gifts and the family feast highlight the most loved celebration.

            I have to say, Christmas abroad is not fun at all! Besides not having the rest of the clan around, other countries usually don’t celebrate Christmas that much compared to our country. We hopped in our car, get to see the Hundred Islands in Pangasinan, tour around Baguio for one more time, visit my relatives (which I last saw when I was 7 years old) in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur (my mother’s hometown), and have a short but memorable trip to Paoay Church and Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. The best part of my Christmas vacation is when I got to celebrate it with my relatives from my mother’s side.  I got to see my grandpa, aunts, cousins and folks.

            The clan from my mother’s side is quite poor compared to the state of my family, so I was very happy when we parted P 10, 000 among our relatives. It is a great feeling for me, and also for my family, to help them have blissful lives. My grandpa and Tita Edith’s family also promised to visit Cavite probably during the summer, and that really had my hopes up. I really enjoyed this Christmas vacation since I learned so much. We may celebrate Christmas in other countries these coming years, but as of now, I would never be able to forget the Christmas I had this 2010.

Christmas Party with CavSci Community

Informal Theme #9

Blog #9



            Christmas is a busy time of year for everyone. One thing is for sure, though, everybody loves a Christmas party. Gatherings are a lot of fun when we celebrate it with our classmates, batch mates and the whole student body.  Considering the close gap in age (or no gap at all), students tend to enjoy more in such undertaking. The whole CavSci community threw this awesome Christmas bash on December 17, 2010.

            Morning started with our batch level party, all wearing their casual clothes. The food and the games all put smiles on our faces. The following afternoon came with the school level party, wherein everyone put on their best hero/character/artist costumes. Every section walked around the school basketball court (the venue of the party) and showed the whole school their costumes. I prefer the party held by our batch more since I really enjoyed it.

                                                   

            By evening, we had our exchange gift. I received a very cute mug which I now use for my purposes. Christmas may come only once a year, but I’m glad this turned out to be a pretty good party. Although, we should bear in mind that no matter how much food or how expensive the gifts were, it doesn’t really matter. Christmas should be felt by the heart through helping one another.

'Isang Panaginip na Fili' Takes the Stage

Informal Theme #8

Blog #8





After “Orosman at Zafira” and “Shock Value”, Dulaang UP continues its 35th Theatre Season with Isang Panaginip na Fili. This production is Dulaang UP’s prelude to the 150th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, and is written by Floy Quintos and with original music composed by Ceejay Manuel Javier. Floy Quintos made sure that he chose the right people to play the lead roles in Dulaang UP’s musical, “Isang Panaginip na Fili.” The play was first staged in 2009 and was then well-received by its audiences. Quintos, however, shares that what sets this year’s production apart from the previous one is the inclusion of a truly powerful vocal cast. “More than actors who can sing, I have singers who can act,” says the director.

            Isang Panaginip na Fili is a radical reworking of Rizal’s El Filibusterismo. For one, Jose Rizal himself is a central character in the musical. Set in 1891, Rizal is writing El Filibusterismo in a seedy hotel room in Paris. His roommate is Tunying Ibañez, an Ilustrado who is living a profligate life in the said city. Little by little, Tunying is drawn into the mystery of Rizal’s novel, as well as into Rizal’s haunted dreams. The play is about the idea of transformation: Ibarra’s transformation from reformist to filibustero is the very crux of the novel, and is echoed by Kabesang Tales’ morphing into Matang Lawin, Basilio into a disillusioned rebel, and Juli, from a faithful lass to a sexual plaything. Even Maria Clara transforms from the chaste inamorata to Salvi’s secret whore. The new libretto makes explicitly clear the transformations only hinted at in Rizal’s novel.

            The play absolutely amazed me, and even the people around me. The performers were flowing with talent, whether it be singing, acting or dancing. The actors and actresses were fantastic for they portrayed their characters very well. We also must not forget the props and lights that gave the play a much deserved look from the audience. Dulaang UP, through Isang Panaginip na Fili, brings these questions back to the forefront of our imagination.

Ibong Adarna: One Bird to Lure Them All!

Informal Theme #7

Blog #7



            A nightmare that causes a monarchs slow death, royal brothers scheming the demise of their youngest kin, a mystical princess from a faraway land made of crystals, and a mythical bird whose singing lures its captors to sleep all these elements and more are in Ibong Adarna, the third major production offering of Gantimpala Theater as the celebration of its much heralded pearl anniversary continues.

Under the direction of Roobak Valle (who also serves as its production designer), this Filipino corrido made into a play appropriates the rich, colorful pageantry of the Maranao culture as its enchanting setting with glittering costumes, fantabulous scenery, spirited performers and fantastic choreography. The original tale of Ibong Adarna is a popular folk tale all over the Philippines and told vocally probably centuries before it was anonymously printed in Tagalog in the 1860s. This story of three brothers, Prince Pedro, Diego and Juan, have been tasked to capture the supernatural bird to cure their king father's illness. The one who brings home the bird becomes the heir to the throne.

            Through the people’s anticipation, Ibong Adarna soared. A completely magnificent aura was held through the whole stadium atmosphere. Everyone watched the performance in great awe. A great way to educate the students of the story of Ibong Adarna! At the same time, the audience enjoyed themselves and would probably bring back the essence of plays in the course of entertainment.



Guilty Pleasures

Informal Theme #6

Blog #6

            “Short is the joy that guilty pleasure brings.” Guilty pleasure is something one enjoys and considers pleasurable despite feeling guilt for enjoying it. Often, the “guilt” involved is simply fear of others discovering one’s lowbrow or otherwise embarrassing tastes, rather than actual moral guilt. It is almost alike with Schadenfreude which means pleasure derived from the misfortunes of others. Ever experienced someone take you for granted just to gratify themselves?

            Of all the virtues, this ranked second in my list, the first one being the Golden Rule. I sense this almost every day, from a classmate or two. Do you know how aggravating it is when someone pleads you to treat them when they think you are rich? Or maybe how provoking it is when you stay up all night for a project that was supposedly by group. You work so hard and all they do is take advantage of you on purpose, isn’t it irritating?

            Guilty pleasures even exist in fashion, music and food. We choose to eat unhealthy foods high in sugar or fat for the pleasure of our taste even though we know how bad it is for our health. Guilt is on our minds but we do not hinder from doing so. In every action you do, righteousness must exist. Don’t even bother let these pleasures prevail over your mind.

Building Vital Health

Informal Theme #5

Blog #5

          It is probably true that Life begins at forty. But the life that begins there is generally Not what is desired to be, for it is more of the kind of life that is beset with annoying bodily discomforts like back aches, chest pains, stomach aches, palpitations, leg and joint pains, nervousness, hypertension and many, many others. There is just no end to the list of indispositions which plague the human race today. Many people spend their HEALTH to gain WEALTH, and then later on, spend all their WEALTH in a desperate effort to regain HEALTH. We have rather observed that the Life that starts at forty is no other than the so-called "Sickly life."

          For one discovers after working like a dog and saving like an ant for 25 years that he must, in all probability, retire with all his precious time and money in the local hospital, in a mental institution, or worse, in the funeral parlor. This is really too high a price to pay ... for nothing. And for those who manage to prolong their lives (and misery) by feeding on suppressing remedies, they come to the point, eventually, of becoming too sick of being sick! We wish to understand Health by studying about disease, its nature, causes, and most of all, its "wonderful effects" on the human anatomy. We think this is a perfect procedure since almost everyone has his own idea already about Health - but disease continues to be least understood by all.

          The value of Health is appreciated only when it is already lost, and this fact makes our approach more dramatic, if not realistic. The health of the country is far from what it is thought to be and what it could be. In a nationwide health survey conducted by the Ministry of Health of this country very recently, 15 chronic diseases were identified to be causing more prevalence among the population, than before. It tells us that the nation's medical bill will be approaching astronomical proportions in the days to come. Let us act now and value our health before it is too late!

How Dante's Epic Words Stroke Me for the Better

Informal Theme #4

Blog #4

            A literary classic. A book to read before you die. That is how I describe “The Divine Comedy”. The Divine Comedy is without question the greatest work of literature the medieval world ever produced. Ever wondered why this is so-called a ‘masterpiece’?

                                        

            You've probably heard of The Divine Comedy from its first section, Dante's Inferno. But the original classic goes much further. You have to guide Dante through Hell, to Purgatory, then Paradise, and through the heavens to finally see the face of God. Along the way you learn more about the nature of faith, the real inhabitants of this planet, and the great danger that faces all reality. The poem's imaginative and allegorical vision of the Christian afterlife is a culmination of the medieval world-view as it had developed in the Western Church.

            “A great flame follows a little spark.” This short quotation from the piece gave meaning to my thoughts, that a sin you’ve done here on Earth corresponds to a much greater punishment, which, however, takes longs from how much your sin weighs to forever. I can assure you that I have become a better person when I read this book (much lesser commitment of sins, seriously asking for forgiveness for my wrong doings every night when I pray, etc.), that’s how it influenced me. Others who have known the story behind this are somehow affected by Dante’s words, no matter how large or small the impact may be. I totally recommend everyone to read this and pass the words on!

An Insight on Scout Life

Informal Theme #3

Blog #3

            The influence of Scouting appears mostly in the goal that Josefa Llanes Escoda, the founder of the movement, has stated its mission is “to help girls and young women realize the ideals of womanhood and prepare themselves for their responsibilities in the home, and to the nation, and the world community.” Youth is trained in responsible citizenship. God is discovered through nature. Meeting new peers and discovering new horizons are also essential constituents of this fantastic event. Since the dawn of civilization, several movements were created in order to collaborate in the education of youth.

            Scouting is indeed a method, a way of life. The activity was never fun for me until this year arrived. It was also not a piece of cake, to be honest. But every particular detail is advantageous, all satisfying my stay well enough for me to enjoy myself. From the start until finish, the atmosphere maintained its emancipation though it may be a little tiring.

I express my deepest gratitude to the GSP staff for making this undertaking fortuitous. Learning from this enterprise gave arousal to fortitude for every GSP member. The most integral thing I learned from this experience is that a house divided against itself cannot stand. Everyone involved must unify and function together or it will not work out. Right as rain, there is no doubt that everybody appreciated the Girl Scout of the Philippines School-Based Camp 2010!

Sembreak: A Week of Rapture!

Informal Theme #2

Blog #2

            Fun time is here again! After being trapped with school activities for months, now is the time to break free and bask in anywhere. There’s a burst of activities everywhere. Sembreak definitely brings with itself unhurried mornings, restful afternoons and leisurely evenings. That’s got to be the best thing about a one-week-long vacation!

            Splendid daybreaks welcomed me with no school to wake up to! It seemed as if nothing could go wrong and that I just reigned over time. It is the time when one sheds one’s tensions with one’s clothes and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit. A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all’s right with the world. Who could ask for more?

            Though assignments and projects tend to bring frown to my face, golf, shopping, badminton and other fun activities made me beam with joy. We are much more likely to experience a sense of plenty when we are relaxed. There’s no ignoring sembreaks! It is definitely a strong and commanding week, where it leaves many traces of its presence. Enjoy the freedom while it lasts!

Ethic of Reciprocity

Informal Theme #1

 Blog #1

            The golden rule is endorsed by all the great world religions. Jesus, Hillel, and Confucius used it to summarize their ethical teachings. And for many centuries the idea has been influential among people of very diverse cultures. These facts suggest that the golden rule may be an important moral truth. It is best interpreted as saying: "Treat others only as you consent to being treated in the same situation."

                                                      

To apply the golden rule, you'd imagine yourself on the receiving end of the action in the exact place of the other person (which includes having the other person's likes and dislikes). If you act in a given way toward another, and yet are unwilling to be treated that way in the same circumstances, then you violate the rule. To apply the golden rule adequately, we need knowledge and imagination. We need to know what effect our actions have on the lives of others. And we need to be able to imagine ourselves, vividly and accurately, in the other person's place on the receiving end of the action.

With knowledge, imagination, and the ethic of reciprocity, we can progress far in our moral thinking. The golden rule, with roots in a wide range of world cultures, is well suited to be a standard that different cultures can appeal to in resolving conflicts. As the world becomes more and more a single interacting global community, the need for such a common standard is becoming more urgent. If everybody would ensure justice for others, there’d be no doubt that Earth would be one happy planet. Change should start from deep within us.

Keeping Up Appearances

Informal Theme #8

Blog #8

            We are all beautiful because God made us. He only intends to make the most beautiful beings out of things. Make-up or whatnot are unnecessary. Yet, why are there some people who try hard to keep up their appearances? For instance, most girls freak out when they see themselves unattractive in front of a crush or whatsoever. Some, even Korean artists, undergo plastic surgery just to hide imperfections. Remember that these imperfections are creations of God. We’d later realize that these are somewhat useful because He did not tend to give us anything that would destroy our image. He wants what’s best for us. But what do we do? Why can’t we rely on our natural beauties? Why does the word “ugly” even exist in our vocabulary? No matter how much make-up you put on or how many of your body parts pass through surgery, your real appearance still lies beneath that skin. Genuine beauty lies in our hearts and how pure it may be.

The World Ends in 2012..?

Informal Theme #7

Blog #7

            “It ain’t the end of the world.” That’s just one of the lines from the lyrics of the song of Jay Sean titled “2012”. I must say, it has a really catchy tune that it’d get you dance along with its beat. In fact, it is one of my favorite songs up to this moment. It’s funny how songs like this make me think ahead of the future. Watched the movie 2012? Ever wonder if it would actually happen? I’m one of those people who fear easily that I’d rather die now than see the actual scene myself where the roads would enormously crack, buildings would rush falling and see the water flow to its extent. If you had the time to watch the movie, then you probably have the time to hinder the roots of this almost inevitable crisis, too. All of us, even in our smallest ways, can take part in saving the Earth. Mother Nature calls! Remember that the world keeps spinning around!

Failure

Informal Theme #6

Blog #6

            A man’s errors are his portals of discovery. Experiencing failure makes us more confident and self-sufficient. Though depriving success from us, understanding the mistakes we make builds life. Thrill wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the errors we ought not to make but rather tend to excite life as we know it. It’s our choice to choose what path to take. And in every decision, it’s not surprising to fail. We all have ups and downs. Nobody’s perfect. Take everything as it comes. You would not want to miss a great opportunity. And if you fail, it’s alright. You’d later realize that it’d be an investment for the future rather than a pain in the neck that all you can do is crumble in the corner and suffer the outcome. It’s all in our hands and God will guide us. Even though sometimes we wish to cripple to death, hope exists somewhere so there’s nothing to worry about. Live like there’s no tomorrow!

Thank You Note

Informal Theme #5

Blog #5

Dearest Teachers,

Words are not enough to express my thanks to all of you.

For making the person I am today.

For imparting your wisdom which still remains vivid in our juvenile minds.

For inspiring us to learn new things and to innovate.

Through our days of pain and ecstasy, I owe you my knowledge, as well as my deepest gratitude.

Godspeed for the triumph in your every journey and every venture!

With great enthusiasm,

Your student

My Teacher, My Hero

Informal Theme #4

Blog #4

You had me up ‘til 2 in the morning

“I don’t get much sleep,” my parents’ warning;

And yet you wake me up at an early time

Tell me, teacher, why do you make me whine?

No doubt that you’re someone full of wisdom

I’m sorry, teacher, for my sarcasm

Though defying, I have no choice but to study

One reason I go to school is because you change me.

From spoiled and ill-mannered, you teach me life’s words

Comparing to music, I slowly learn the chords

Now I cannot be frightened of how my future could be,

As long as you are there, giving me a dose daily.

So much words to describe you, I can’t choose the best one

I’ve decided to end this, the poem is done;

But before you take your eyes off and glimpse on another

“My teacher, my hero,” hope you listened as I utter.

Interpretation of Sonnet XLIII by Elizabeth Barrett Browning (How Do I Love Thee?)

Informal Theme #3

Blog #3

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints,—I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life!—and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

Interpretation:

            This sonnet analysis explores mainly the artful way in which Elizabeth Browning blends the subtlety of poetic technique and spirituality with the more unbridled passion of romantic love, for this sonnet XLIII is one of the most famous love poems of all time. Her pretty little sonnet belies the strength of its poetic accomplishments in combining the two so seamlessly.  The delicate and seductive theme of romantic  poetry caused this to be one of the most loved love sonnets in the world and was written partly to express the poet's profound love for her husband, Robert Browning, who rescued her from her tyrant of a father. Sonnet XLIII also expresses Elizabeth's deep spiritual love for God and her desire that they will both cross the threshold of heaven together. Elizabeth's poetic techniques have been carefully employed. She has chosen to express her  love in sonnet form. Sonnet XLIII is a good example of how poets such as Elizabeth Barrett Browning, have to employ discipline in constricting their ideas by a set structure.

            In the opening eight lines of this Petrarchan sonnet, Portuguese sonnet XLIII (the octave) the poet presents the theme of love and the degree of the fundamental depth of love felt by Elizabeth for Robert Browning, her sweetheart and  husband. She likens her deep feelings to religious, spiritual, emotional and even political aspiration and goes on to employ repetition, the metaphor of Christian religious faith and a musical metrical and rhyme scheme to develop and convey her ideas beautifully. She addresses her sweetheart with simplicity, charm and a refreshing innocence It 

is deceptively simple and will be repeated many times in different ways - the poet must express wild and free feelings in a very restricted sonnet form, she will use repetition often to help her fit in with the stresses and unstresses of the sonnet pattern. The iambic metre dictates strict adherence. Moving on, the word 'freely' not only evokes ideas of freedom in love, but also in the egalitarian principles of French politics, and also a reference to her own lack of it in a prison-like home. Freedom could also apply to feminist principles.

            The last six lines compare the feelings she has at the moment to those emotions of love she experienced as a girl. These lines are particularly beautiful and lyrical as Elizabeth Browning skillfully employs the poetic technique of undulating stresses and pauses. This gives Sonnet XLIII the atmosphere of a love song. The subtle cadences appear as a lightly conversational melody. The mono-syllabic nouns however in her choice of language, add a beat of authority. She juxtaposes romantic love with religious love, as she expresses her feelings in terms of adoration and devotion. She uses the symbolism and imagery of the heights of heaven to express the sheer dimensions of the romantic love she feels. She also hints that she would like it to be as infinite as the eternal love of God. Concluding the poem, she hopes that she will go on to love her husband even more in the future if God permits. If not, then there is always Heaven! Hopefully, they will cross the threshold together. Elizabeth Browning's Sonnet XLIII analysis could go on for ever in terms of poetry criticism - there is so much there for love poem enthusiast and poetry expert alike to enjoy.

Who Is Responsible?

Informal Theme #2

Blog #2

After a series of finger pointing and inconclusive investigation being conducted, President Noynoy Aquino admits responsibility for the Manila bus hostage taking which claimed the lives of 10 Hong Kong nationals. “At the end of the day, I am responsible for everything that has transpired,” he said. He also explained the roles of DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo and Undersecretary Rico Puno. The two are being grilled in an ongoing investigation regarding the incident. Robredo, however, is part of the investigating panel headed by DOJ Secretary Leila Delima.

The president said that Robredo was tasked with strengthening the Local Government Units (LGUs) while Puno is tasked with handling the police and security. With this pronouncement, the blame is effectively transferred to Puno who is tasked and responsible for incidents like this. It would be a courageous act for the President of the Philippines to take responsibility. However, Chinese and Hong Kong officials are demanding far more than that. They wanted a public apology from the Philippine government.

One of the latest show of discontent by Hong Kong and Chinese officials is the eventual exclusion of Filipinos from the Miss Asia Beauty Pageant 2010. As for the current investigation, some irresponsible actions were identified like the transfer of the command center to a nearby restaurant and ordered by Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim. I have watched the investigation and his reason on why the command center was transferred was really lame at best. An investigator of the crime scene also slipped by saying that at least four of the hostages were killed during the assault and probably by friendly fire.

Why Hong Kong Nationals?

Informal Theme #1

Blog #1

            The hostage taking of mostly Hong Kong nationals in a Manila tourist bus was done only by one disgruntled Filipino ex-policeman. He may have intentionally taken foreign nationals as his victims to attract international attention. He was suspended without benefits from his position as chief inspector or senior inspector in the police force. It is equivalent to a captain in the military. It seems that accusations against him were valid and had proof, resulting to the suspension.

            
            Events during negotiations and the eventual assault were the ones questionable. Had the hostages been locals, it might not have drawn that much international attention. This could also be true and applicable to any third world country. The point here is authorities in charge of the crisis based their conclusions on mere assumptions and lack of coordination. This is aside from their being ill-equipped. Sometimes this is the defect of the saying, "it is better to make a wrong decision than to have made no decision at all". Authorities wanted to end the situation as soon as possible without having considered all possibilities.


            Had the hostages been all locals, debriefing of hostages would have been a lot simpler for authorities because they would know they are and are within "arms reach", if they make a mistake. This is easily understood in many third world countries. There are only some authorities like them in many good under-developed nations that experience similar situations. The people of the nation where this event occurred request the world not to judge them as a nation as such. The media helped a lot for people to see where things went wrong. They maybe misinterpreted but based on the circumstances, they had to make do of what was going on.