The year that was....

Ah, we've come to the last day of the year. So much has happened for the past months. I had my best and my worst. Let's take a look at my 2011.




JANUARY
After seven years of courtship, they got married. I got to be a bridesmaid together with my two best friends. Walking down the aisle was a piece of cake. But watching our mentor and motherly friend take every step closer to her groom, tears fell to our eyes.













FEBRUARY
Cheered and screamed for a classmate to win. Supported her campaign and I swear to God she should have made it. Congratulations, she was still our Miss UP Cebu.





MARCH
Experienced my first ever recognition for college. One of my firsts in UP. This certificate is all my hard work.

APRIL
Summeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeer! Enrolled myself in voice lessons and had a part time job teaching kids violin at a local music school. Had fun with friends, first and ONLY free summer for my college life. Did I mention that I survived a year in UP? Well, you bet I did!

MAY
Recitals were everywhere left and right. There was my own recital and the recital of my students.










JUNE
Classes resume and I was busy as ever. Elected as the Vice-Chairperson for external affairs meant taking care of CAMS. It was tedious and heartbreaking, yet fun.  Here's a photo of me and the first years with Rachelle Dangin from ABS-CBN.

JULY
My first time to be in a benefit gala. I didn't just eat, but performed and was the photographer of the night. I owe so much to my CMLC family. It was on that night that I felt so close to my students and to my mentors. This picture over here is me with Mr. Anthony Saligue before he left for Europe. One of my mentors in playing the violin.




AUGUST

I am just proud of Pinoy Talent! One of the concerts I have attended this year is "Tayo'y Mga Pinoy", a thanksgiving performance of the Mandaune Children's Youth and Children's choir and the Asian Troubadours. Here's Kuya Jake Gacang, one of my friends in the music industry. He is now a show violinist, touring the world. :)









SEPTEMBER
Turned legal! Finally an adult. But in this world today, 18 is still too young for living a life on our own. Still, I'm thankful for the many things that I have happened to me in my childhood. I didn't have a debut. So what? I was with the people I love. Its another chapter in my life to start.

OCTOBER
Sembreak = fun. Of those days where I just want to spend time with my girls, fall off a huge stuffed toy animal and laugh while getting up. Priceless memories.








NOVEMBER
Changed my hair color. Yes, from black to red brown. And no, I didn't convert myself into a badjiao. I just felt like I needed to change my look. I cut my hair short, didn't style it and dyed it. A big leap for untouched hair.










DECEMBER
I was able to get inside the Cebu Cultural Center and see the Cebu Symphony Orchestra! It was a hell of a night. Don't get me started on the place, it's full of you-know-whats government scandals.






Well, what a year. What's there to look forward? 2012, can you hear me? Let's go!

Orchestrating Symphony

Who would have thought our own place would house an orchestra just like what we see in movies? For the past decades, Cebu has been an avenue for the culture and the arts to flourish in a way that it has placed itself on the map for a lot of things.

From 7 to 87

 In the field of music, we have so much innate talent within us that Rey Abellana together with his other colleagues formed the Cebu Symphony Orchestra or CSO.

Cebu used to have big orchestras like the Peace Philharmonic Philippines (PPP) and the Cebu Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO) which disbanded themselves because of unstable support and the need of the members to transfer for studies in their personal choice of instrument. Yet, some institutions offered music lessons to those interested.

It took Rey Abellana, a former member of the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra; Francis Balo, a member of the same orchestra; Marc Hamlet Mercado from PPP; Professor Roberto Del Rosario, a renowned conductor and arranger;  and Renato Kintanar to build an 87 member orchestra.

                

“At first there were only 7 members who joined the practices every week,” says Abellana. “Yet, week after week, more Cebuano instrumentalists joined and committed themselves to the orchestra.” He said that the members are those who used to play for PPP and the CYSO. There are also some who used to be on-call members of the said group and advanced music students.

                

They started during March of this year bringing the original name of Cebu Classical Orchestra. The group later decided to change its name to Cebu Symphonic Orchestra during the month of July.

                

According to Leigh Cellano, who used to be the concert master of a certain junior youth ensemble says that being part of an orchestra is such a dream come true. “It was such an honor when  sir Rey said I could still join the group,” Cellano narrates. “It is hard to manage and build an orchestra but those men (Abellana and colleagues) were able to make it!” he added noting his inspiration to music.

                

For Marie Yntel Beltran, a classical singer and violinist, being part of CSO is a privilege for her. “I’m working with professional musicians and they are helping me to become a better violinist.” She also said that there are new pieces to learn and appreciate.

                 

Abellana said CSO’s goal is to develop local talents in music. They are trying to have a high standard that in a few years time, they will reach the same level as those musicians in Manila. As of now CSO is still starting as they will have their debut concert next month at the Cebu Cultural Center, Lahug.

                

“Cebu will definitely be expecting two to three major concerts in a year from us,” says Abellana. As a group they would want to showcase their type of music in a way that they would be able to bring back the appreciation of classical music.

                

As of now, CSO is being supported by various businessmen , the Cebu City government and the Cebu Provincial government. They practice once a week every Sunday in the halls of the City Hall.

               
In no time, this musical group composed of violins, clarinets, oboes, and more will be the pride of Cebu. Maybe it’s time for us Cebuanos to support our own talent by appreciating the type of music they are playing. Like CSO member Daniel Go wants to put it, “It made me love classical music again.” Maybe we can too, and believe in the talent of Cebuanos.

**Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on December 27, 2011

Singing Carols

I have never forgotten what it was like to sing in front of an unknown doorstep. Hand in hand with my best friends, we were aiming for big coins like the 5s and the 10s. As we stood in front, we would stun ourselves and take time to study the residents' personality then sing. Oftentimes we weren't allowed to finish our songs, probably because we've ruined their peaceful evening. There are some of course, who loved our songs and compliment us for the mini-blending we've come up with our little voices. The best part was the end of the night. We'd gather outside our porch and pour all the coins (and sometimes bills!) we've collected. After the final count, we'd divide them according to our number while my mom and dad brings out hot chocolate and pastries.

As I grew old, the excitement for caroling faded away. We were grown ups, busy with school and coping up with life. I still got to be invited by some of the people who knew my inclination for music. They'd sometimes request for my violin to be brought along,  I didn't mind. It wasn't more of a choice, just a duty to fulfill so they could reach the desired amount of money. The residents this time were different. They'd often give us a cold shoulder whenever the white envelope was handed to them. The thought of solicitation during the season of the Christmas scared them but the stakes were high, bringing the name of an association. There was no excitement at the end of the night, no thrill, no fancies, just plain singing.

Today, I'm confronted with little children who happily sing in front of our house. Some make singing carols a living, while others do it for the spirit of Christmas. I used to imagine what it was like a decade ago. My coins make up for those who sing with a heart, not for those who come back to our house night after night. Dear children, Merry Christmas. Giving it is, as the Lord gave. This is not a job, it's for the hearts of the people to be open. I hope you know the message of the songs, and not think its oh what far it is to wide on a wane horse open sleigh, hey. Happy Holidays!

In the eye of the storm

Nobody knew how it felt to be in the middle of a ravaging tornado nor a super typhoon blazing in the tropics. Not even a slightest feeling of how it is to be in deepest hole in world or in the highest cloud in the atmosphere. Simply put, there are just some feelings that cannot be defined by words.

However, visualization has changed the course of feeling. Crumpled paper can now be established by the brain but not with the senses. 3D images has changed the paradigm of visual communication, at least for now. But being in the eye of the storm? Great, a daily feeling I've been in for over three months.

Being in the center of attention, the barbecue of their grill and the chicken to their frying pan, God knows how it felt. As the outer wind turns and turns, I spin myself around too to go with the flow. Little did I know it was a hard time going out.

But yes, I wanted to be in there for some time. All the perks, the glam and the glitter. The eye made me happy for an achievement without hard work. I thought I could control the storm, but it was overtaking me. I fought my way yet it has been so good at putting me down. The storm has been deceiving the whole community with an aim of ravaging it to their own favor.

Sooner or later, the truth will come out and all winds would calm down. As of now, I'm climbing up the tall walls of the storm seeking to destroy the eye and run for my own life.

** The writer is talking about a real life situation.

Been around the world

I guess it's every woman's dream to go and travel the world. Maybe not just for women only. Our Asian History class even wanted to travel around Asia just to get a feel of what we will be talking about for the whole semester. Sadly, it seems just so impossible with this age (^^) and time. 

However, we have resorted to an option of going around the Philippines, or if not, then we'll settle for the least - taking a tour around Cebu City and it's different temples. I've been told there's a Tibetan temple uptown and I've been taking frequent visits to a Buddhist temple back when I was still a part of an orchestra. I don't find it bad at all. In fact, it'll be a great idea. Less hassle plus less expenditure. Yet, there is also one way of taking a "feel" being around Asia or for my case, the world. It's no other than the number one resort for the happy, depressed and mad - FOOD.

Yes, food! The actual things you eat and shove into your mouth can let you experience a flavor of a foreign land. Last Saturday, I was one of the privileged few who understood what it meant when the world flattened. With this, food became easier for everyone to share. Our common food isn't really ours.

UNITED STATES - Casa Verde's BIG BIG BIG burger and fries.

ITALY - Alberto's Pizza

PHILIPPINES - Budbud Kabog and Sikwate

MEXICO - Nachos and Salsa

CHINA - Pancit Canton

\

SINGAPORE - Nasi Goren

I've even been to Iran but I wasn't able to take a picture of the Dal Curry and Pita bread from Persian Palate. Point is, with the flattening of the world we have been exposed to another country's cuisine without even us noticing. Still thinking of traveling? I'll let my stomach do the journey. I'm game for restaurant hopping in my own homeland.

Justice for Leftys

I've been a Left-handed or a "lefty" since I was born, I'm so sure of that. I recall my family members positioning a big crayon on my right hand and I'd secretly transfer it to the left. Over and again, we'd repeat the same process until they finally gave up and knew my fate was to be a lefty.

It was hard growing up being branded as a lefty. In elementary school, it was weird me just using my left hand to write and raise my hand. I received scornful looks from my classmates. When I moved up to the intermediate level, I had a hard time writing on an armchair until I reached high school. My friends complained at how our elbows bumped during meal times, and even was not accepted at the most unimaginable places to the point of being labelled as abnormal. I just shrug if all off convincing myself I was normal.

Writing with my left hand

Well, I was, at the very least. Born by a mother, having two hands and feet, and a brain that could count in 5 languages! According to an article entitled left handedness, some cultures find using the left hand as improper. Yet, it IS normal. Sciencedaily.com said that, "Left handedness is not a disease nor an illness." So?

Studies show that hand orientation is developed during the early stage of being a fetus. It is also possible that a gene handed down the line may cause such. Oops, it looks like there is nothing to blame but your own bloodline. No, not the environment, not the influence but your own body birthed by your parents. Actually, a lot people made names being left handed and there weren't abnormal either. Say, like, USA President Barack Obama and the man before him George W. Bush, even Bill Clinton. Don't get me wrong, even Manny Pacquiao does power punches with his left knuckle.

We aren't meant to be treated as the other way just like LGBT's don't. They are just hands for crying out loud and mind that sees things in reverse. It wasn't our fault, forgive us. I wouldn't trade my hands for a normal one and give up my ambidexterity and all the other perks of being a lefty. I'm creative enough to let loose. Who's with me? Raise your left hands up, Leftys!

Badjao Conversion

Girls are self-conscious, or so they say. I guess we've caught them (or us) staring at them mirror for a million times wondering what and which fits us the most. Who can tell better on what looks good on you? For some its the hair that's been the object of attack.

Some opt for hair straightening treatments such as relax, rebond, reborn and what "re"s the salon could think of.  Others may want a new hair cut, believing in faith that old hair throws off the bitter past that was left behind. But for this season, many of us stepped forward to saying goodbye to brown black dark asian hair. New hair color, come to mama.

Badjao family in the water

When a fellow of mine walked the hallway of the school with her new hair color, someone asked her, "Nag pa convert lagi kag Badjao? (You converted yourself to being a Badjao?)". 

You see, this ethnic group known for its excellent diving skills are also known for its signature orange to yellow colored hair. Their longer exposure to the sun makes their hair lose the melanin ending up their hair colour in such.

Badjaos are originally from Mindanao and according to studies, they have reached big cities such as Cebu to try their luck so they would breathe out of poverty. Yet, nothing happens. They still roam the streets carrying an infant to provoke pity amongst street people or sit by the pier and amuse tourists on how they can swim into deep stretches of waters. Even their babies can dive into the dangerous waters of the ocean. They leave their own ethnic culture and living just to gamble their lives with nothing in return.

New hair color, no need for stereotyping

I really don't know what is there in return with an almost orange head, aside from the Ammonia overload that's been on mine for days. As a woman, there is nothing with changing hair color. It may be a metaphoric message being conveyed for some but hair will still be hair, no need for stereotyping.

That's entertainment

THE MAASINHON TRIO has been trending over all local networking sites since Sunday night during the Pilipinas Got Talent finals night. A lot of people have been ranting over twitter and facebook such as "It's Pilipinas Got Singing Talent" and "Season 1 - One voice, Season 2 - Two voices, Season 3 -Three Voices. To win the fourth season, form a quartet." The pattern has been observed. It may be cooked or in vernacular luto kind of judging, or maybe... It's just reality.

The Maasinhon Trio

Reality TV shows started around the early part of the millenium when the hit reality TV series of placing a number of people on an island, Survivor, broke out. Since then, there have been a lot of choices ranging from reality cooking, to singing, to dancing, to modeling and even reality living. However, the big question still rings out. Is there such thing as reality in television? Maybe no, maybe yes. What we see is really real but producers and editors choose what to show. The like resemble patterns such as the element of drama, fighting, jealousy, etc. Emotions which are relevant to humans.

Talent is even an issue. A million people audition for one title yet there are still some who manage to make fun in front of the camera. Personal choice or production team's choice? A chuckle can buy, a hysterical laughter sells. Bingo, dollars on their pockets for high ratings. The truth with television. A big box full of business.

Not that I'm against the industry as I am planning to go into such field but there might be really something wrong with entertainment these days. Where are variety shows which showcased pure talent, and late night talk shows that sprung out fun? That's Entertainment, sure I remember.

Photo borrowed from entervrexworld.wordpress.com

A Smile, Laugh, Anyone?

Initiative and resourcefulness - most of the simple traits in life gone unnoticed. We guess this generation is so engrossed with the what-not's of technology that we rely too much on tekkie's ability. I for one, have taken on tekkie's toll by abusing it day and night, night and day. From school papers to career work to leisure and communication. You name it, the computer does it and so does my awesome windows phone. Go figure.

However, there are simple things in life that has taken for granted; needs appreciation. Take this, a dalmatian spotted car found running through the North Highway. Neat. Fascinating.

How about the initiative to use adhesive tape such as to make a single music stand for two instruments. Isn't that just wonderful?

Never would I thought that I'd end up smiling at the simple things that makes us smile, or laugh in hysteria. Say "aye" when your just as guilty as I am. Take a break dear, say "aye" still. I'm sure we've just had enough of bloody news, care to have fun for awhile, mate?


Photos by Annie Fe G. Perez

Saving Today's Children

During the first half of this year, Cebu has been daunted with a lot of cases on child cyber sex pornography – the act of forcing children to be photographed naked or asked to take off their clothes in front of the camera where the material will be circulated online.

CLB Staff campaigning on Child Abuse

                The Children’s Legal Bureau (CLB), a non-stock, non-government organization has been always in action towards giving legal assistance to children eighteen years old and below who are victims of such cases and many others that defy children’s rights. For the past years that CLB has been active in its advocacy of putting a stop to cyber sex pornography, they have encountered a lot of challenges on the way.

Laban Bata Paralegal Training

                CLB has two programs laid out for the different cases against children’s rights which include anti cyber sex pornography in it. The Children’s Rights Protection Unit (CRPU) and Laban Bata have been working hand in hand in empowering and providing legal assistance. However, the good intention of CLB to help young children out of their misery is sometimes returned with a result which they never anticipated.
                According to Lawyer Joan Saniel, executive director of the organization, there are cases of cyber child pornography where the parents are the one who force their children to go with foreigners so they will be potential sources of the pornography business. “They (children) don’t do anything about it because they are scared of their own parents, or they think it is just a way of life,” she added.

                Lawyer Noemi Abarientos narrated, “As soon as they (children) are rescued from this (cyber sex pornography), they escape out of the children’s room or the pink room just to go back to their lifestyle.”  “Some even do not want to be rescued by our organization. Parents are very hard on this because they claim to have custody on their children yet they don’t realize they are wrong,” added Saniel.

                When this happens, the organization cannot anymore coerce citizens to stop such acts. “Wala na gyud mi mabuhat ana (We cannot do anything about it). Besides, dili namo sila ma blame kay (we cannot blame them because) these foreigners provide for them not only with a huge amount of money but with groceries and expensive clothes,” explained Abarientos.

                The organization though has tried suing the parents of the children.  But to no avail they still do the same with an explanation that this can only do no good and cannot provide for their day to day needs. Even training and seminars cannot get through their heads; information dissemination can only do so much.

                “The ultimate solution is to resolve the issue of poverty,” says Abarientos. “If jobs are available for these parents to earn decent wages, it will help alleviate the problem of sex tourism and cyber sex pornography,” she added. True enough the parents where areas of sex tourism and cyber sex pornography are prevalent do not have decent jobs nor have jobs at all. These areas include Cordova, Lapu-Lapu and Talisay.

CLB Workers

                Despite these challenges, CLB is glad to help victims and families. “We still conduct trainings and seminars,” says Yowee Gonzales, CLB’s Sustainability coordinator. CLB gives discussion whenever they are invited to speak by the government or private entities. So far there are have been good results with the Anti Sex Tourism project of this organization. “Even if all cases have not yet been given a decision by the court, we are on the winning side are such foreigners have no fight against us,” says Saniel who represents the children in court.

                There are also some parents who are reformed after much discussion with the organization and social workers. “They realize their shortcomings and would like to change despite the poverty they are facing,” Abarientos gladly reports.

                The challenge to put this issue to a stop relies on so many factors. CLB and the government working hand in hand plus the citizen’s initiative can save these children giving them a brighter future.

**Published in the Sun.Star Cebu paper on October 17, 2011

Digital content, heed of the times

I have always been a digital baby even if social networking sites have not yet emerged when I was born. It makes sense to say that my father was updated in the latest trend with technology.

My personal computer at 10 years old

          Growing up, I came to know the internet so well. I had amateur blogs and social networking profiles put up on the web without parental guidance. Content wasn’t my issue, I only wanted to be in the trend.

            The forum last September 21, 2011 at Cebu Normal University was an eye-opener for teens and campus journalists who went through the same story as mine. Ervin Oliva, Yahoo! Country editor for the Philippines clarified casual blogging from being a citizen journalist online. He said that Citizen Journalism online is a form of social responsibility by informing the public but it is easier, faster and reactions can come in at anytime. He even emphasized it as being real time and accessible defeating traditional media such as print, TV or radio.

            As a student taking up Mass Communication, it seems to me that the media industry is in turmoil trying to keep up with the digital age and its competition. New websites being put up here and mobile services introduced there. However, can online journalism be a substitute for traditional journalism? This question has been going on since I could remember. For me though, it can never be such. The threshold of online media does not reach all areas in the country. Not everybody is literate enough to know how to use a computer. Mobile devices are almost in everybody’s hands but content is sacrificed to a mere 160 character news bite with space. But, we cannot just simply eradicate online journalism. It is a form of convenience for those who can access the web and for those who are always on the go. One of its great advantages is the feedback that is received real time. Yet, as I have pointed out, it is a form of responsibility. I’d have to agree with Mr. Oliva that we all need to be careful with what we post online. It may be just easy for us to start a conversation with someone but with the internet, privacy is close to nothing. It is too public to start with, controversies may spark at anytime.

            It is even so amazing how Mr. Bong Secuya, was able to turn a fan site into a hit website. He explained what he did and how he started. To me, his talk made me realize that nothing is impossible yet there are always risks involved. He narrated his story of being in jail for saying something against Pacman’s manager. Again, it all boils down to responsibility.

            Online Journalism the big thing in the industry yet it cannot replace traditional forms of media. It also carries with it the issue of being a responsible journalist/citizen journalist considering that it is very public and audience feedback can be made in an instant. A story’s content is the meat that sells, online journalism can get the content to places but what it has used to be of will still remain.

Making it Legal

Just a few days back, I turned a year older. Not just any other year old but I was on my 18th year. According to our ever trusted wikipedia (pun intended), it is a coming of age of any Filipina Women. In simple terms, it was the borderline where childhood and being an adult met. Hello, welcome to a great big life.

For some women, they prefer having a big grand debut complete with the grand cotillion, 18 roses, candles, treasures, shots and what have you 18 somethings. There are dances, surprise numbers and a whole lot of things that could only happen in one night. As for me, I preferred making it simple and intimate.

The advantages of having a one night debut is an issue I cannot speak for myself since I didn't throw one. Yet, as an outsider looking from where my sight leads me, it is a night of being served. It's all about you and nothing else. For one night you get to wear the best dress, sit in a high throne above everyone else and think that you are really in control. I'd beg to disagree.

On the contrary, a birthday is a birthday. Just a day intended to celebrate thank the Lord for a great life. An art professor from the university that I am admitted to said that it's useless spending a lot on a night. "Parang weird nga," she added. Perhaps right, it is a memory for one night but the true test of being mature lies beyond what your party music tells you to do. 

I may not have had my grand debut with my guests wearing long dresses and thick make-up underneath their faces but I had the best day of my life sharing it with the people who has stood through me for better or worse. I'm happy my life has been simple as it has even been. No fancies, just plain love. Isn't that a hard basis to say that I'm legal?

Student Models, Ideal Nurses

Exams are the hardest part of a student’s life.  All the endless preparations, sleepless nights and on the spot nervous breakdowns, it sure is a roller coaster ride. Yet, for these two students who topped the nursing board exam, they are sure glad the exams are over.

           

            The Nursing Licensure Exam, a 500-item multiple choice exam which tests a nursing student if he or she is worthy the license, was conducted last July 2 and 3 of this year. Out of almost 80, 000 takers, Jacob Reyes and Lowel Andrew Batomalaque who were from Cebu Normal University, landed on the top.

            Reyes who was an active student got the top 6 spot and Batomalaque was in the 8th place. Both went to the same review center after graduation but had different strategies in mind.

            For Reyes, he scheduled his readings for every subject. He turned away from parties, outings, and barkada trips. “After every review, I immediately went home and continued reading my books so as not to get behind my target dates,” he added.

Lowell Batomalaque, top 8

 Batomalaque on the other hand, added the factor of emotionally preparing himself. “I admired the words of encouragement I got from our Dean and the review center staff before the exam date. It was really helpful.” He also emphasized on spiritual preparation since he is a devout catholic. “Having strong faith in God can make wonders.”

       There were a lot of things that pushed them to give their best. Like most of us do, the family always comes on top of the list. To become a competent nurse was a motivation for them. Reyes even recalls, “I missed the Cum Laude spot by a painstaking decimal of 0.01!” Even so, achieving things were their natural drives.

            However, nursing has become a trend upon college degree programs. A lot of discussions stirred up about it not being an ideal course for fresh high school graduates. But for two determined individuals, this wasn’t a problem for them upon taking the board.

            “Nursing is a really noble and heartwarming profession,” says Reyes. “If the only aim of taking up nursing is for financial security, then they might as well give up his hope for nursing is not profitable. Yet, if someone takes up nursing with the aim of serving the people, then congratulations!, he/she just found a very ideal degree program,” added Batomalaque.

Jacob Reyes, top 6

            It is passion that makes these two individuals stand out among the rest. “Sincere Thank yous and warm smiles from the patients are priceless, it gives me a sense of purpose and happiness,” says Reyes as he recounts his student nurse days.

            Despite success, they are still willing to share a message to those who are currently enrolled in the course. “On duty days, just be there for your patients and you will feel the authentic joy of serving others”, says Reyes. “Don’t be taunted with the current situation for only those nurses who lack in passion and creativity are surely bound to fail,” added Batomalaque. 

            They do not fear unemployment for their passion and determination will get them far. What is there when one gives up? For Jacob and Lowell, they only know that giving up isn’t an option and that the Lord always answers prayers.

            Their four years in the academe was full-packed with lectures, discussions, hospital duties and of course exams. The board exam finalized their status as registered nurses. As some nurses would choose to go abroad, both would rather serve their people here. Truly, Lowell and Jacob are student models and nursing examples.

Published in the Sun.Star Newspaper last Sept. 5, 2011.

Arrival

When a good old friend lands from the land of milk and honey, the pack comes in as if trying to suffice a grand reunion. “Hi, Hello! How have you been?” and “Golly, you’ve gone so thin! What have you been up to?” were simple phrases I could not miss. Of course, I wasn’t present at all times this cluster would meet. I was in demand for school and more so, my competition in trying to get into the media industry.

We shared giggles and laughter as we dug in to our late afternoon snack. Flashbacks came and more stories surfaced. Who wouldn’t want to talk about more than year of absence from the city of birth? The endless chatter seemed to have flown off the window as time passed.

Looking at these individuals who are now posing to become professionals, I tell myself what a shame it has been. Being so privileged to be in the same city, we barely meet. We tell ourselves we’re busy or it’s time to move on. Now that a colleague arrived we all gather as if we were still in the same room where we used to sit.

True, I have missed sitting with these guys. But what is more chatter than spending moments together. We should have, but we didn’t. The reality of being busy scares me into forgetting where we got hold of each other. Give me five years more and we’ll be landing on different ports, missing each other. When we all come back for our own arrivals, the pack will meet again. Privileged abused, shame.

Buwan ng Wika and the Filipino Language

August is the month for honouring our national language, Filipino. It’s the time of the month where we celebrate the “Buwan ng Wika” or for some “Linggo ng Wika”. This is accompanied with songs, dances, stage plays and poems that are all in Filipino.

But why do we have to learn Filipino?

For eight year old, Ram Cosmo from Maria Montessori International School, he says “So that we (children) will be able to know how to speak our national language”. Yet, just like all other children, he finds it difficult to learn.

According to Teacher Ryan Jore, Filipino Elementary and High School Teacher from Benedicto College, “Most of the students are really having a hard time learning Filipino, given the fact that most of them are required to speak English now that more schools are adopting the “English Only Policy” or EOP.” He also added that, “Our own dialect is also a factor”.

Whether or not it has been difficult from the start, as Filipinos and as the children of today, we must open our options to learning our national language. Quit thinking that it is hard to master! It’s a matter of practice and appreciation. That is why we set aside a month just for this.

Buwan ng Wika is a month long celebration of our national language. It is more than the songs, dances, and presentations on stage – it is about learning to love Filipino and the Philippines. Surely our school has laid out different activities and programs for this month. Don’t hesitate to join! Be part of this celebration and take to heart all that you’ll be doing. Then you’ll learn to love Filipino as it is.

Our national language is a very colourful one and indeed isn’t very hard to learn. Filipino can easily be learned if we have fun! So let’s celebrate August with a “Masigarbong palakpakan!” as we make way for Buwan ng Wika.

First published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper, August 7, 2011

Subtle Visions

WHAT does it take to convey a message without having to shake the world?

For visual artist Patricia Mendoza, “subtle choice of colors” would best answer this question. “Subtle” is also the name of her second solo painting exhibit, which was held at the Chiye Mori Library at the 856 G Gallery, AS Fortuna St. in June this year.

When asked about why she used this title, Mendoza, a teacher by profession, explained: “I want my colors to be just that: subtle. The subject matter can be only a micro expression or a gesture, things that don’t really shake the world.”

Mendoza is currently teaching animation and art courses in the University of Cebu while pursuing her love for painting.

Attended by her colleagues from the art industry and by aspiring young artists, “Subtle” gave viewers a glimpse into the artist’s train of thought. One of her former students from the University of Cebu, Farrah Tunacao, said, “Ms. Pat is an easy teacher to be with. When it comes to painting she’s good. She has her own signature strokes.”                                             

True enough, award-winning graphic designer Saul Sander Martinez also said the same thing. “There is an unusual colour combination which makes it all interesting. She has her own signature style, [and has] continuity.”

This professional artist, who graduated from the University of the Philippines–Cebu with a degree in fine arts, used acrylic for her medium. She had a neutral colour scheme such as brown, beige, peach, and powder blue.

“People tend to judge paintings by their colors,” Mendoza said. “For them, when it’s bright, it (brings with it) a heavy message; when it’s a bit cool, it’s laid back. My choice of using these colors is a form of establishing communication when they look at it.”

When asked about her best painting in the set, she pointed out two of them. One was titled “He Wants to be that Guy” and the other was “Landscapes.”

The first painting has for its subject a cousin of hers who screwed up his face, creating a facial expression hard to describe. Is it fear, disbelief, surprise, or disgust?

This work also speaks of life, when we don’t really know what to do, and there is no need for us to pretend we are someone else, or someone we want to be but never will.

The second one is a subtle reference to the female figure but it can also be seen as on the literal level, a picturesque scene, hence the name, landscape. It can even refer to Mother Nature.

There were other interesting paintings in the exhibit that were titled as simple nuggets of wisdom to life, such as “It’s not what it seems,” “You can’t bridge some gaps,” “Learn to deal with it,” and “Don’t be a jerk.”

Simple yet hard to grasp, and for the painter it took a couple of colors on each canvas to convey what her thoughts were.

It takes a viewer a few moments in front of each work to go beyond the paint, to understand the artist’s message. Beauty is truly more than skin deep. 

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on August 23, 2011.

Experience of design

Opportunities for experience seldom come especially in a student’s life. Thus, it’s best to grab every opportunity. Axel Que, a junior taking up Bachelor in Fine Arts, major in Product Design at the University of the Philippines Cebu did and deemed the experience as worth it.

                His journey with art started when he was young. It has been Axel’s first love even before college. He used to design costumes for events like festivals, programs and the like. Even in his childhood, he would sketch a lot and stack his works. After finishing high school, he was bound to follow his dreams of enrolling in a university that offered a bachelor degree in fine arts, a promise that he used to tell himself. He enrolled at the University of the Philippines even though he didn’t have theories to back him up, only experience.

                Several months into his degree program, he began to understand slowly the basics of design. With this knowledge and his experience, he easily ranked top of his class. “Axel is very diligent in class,” says his classmate Kenneth Gallardo. “Even if our projects are hard, he always does his best to come up with the most outstanding design.”

                Last summer, he was invited by world-renowned designer Mr. Kenneth Coponbue to work for him for two months. Not for allowance nor for grades but for the worthwhile experience. “I got to glimpse the real world and how designers really work,” he commented.

                It all started during their second semestral exhibit of school year 2010-2011 at the University of the Philippines - Cebu. Coponbue, a critic of the said event, scrutinized his works on his table and invited him for a two-month internship in his office at the Interior Crafts of the Islands with a group of professional designers. He said yes, of course, without hesitation. Yet, he didn’t know what to expect in mind.

                His stay inside the office wasn’t easy as a design course. “This was a totally different world,” he said. “There were deadlines to meet and the entire process of designing a product was very tedious. It would take the company weeks and even months to finish one. I was really pressured.” However, all his efforts paid off when he was able to spearhead a design of a cabinet and a planter’s box.

                On the other hand, he was able to learn a lot from it and he wouldn’t trade that for anything else. He said that all the things he learned in school prepared him to face the two-month experience. “Inside, I knew how to innovate, to think out of the box and to make variations of a simple sketch.”

                 He dreams of being a top fashion designer in a few years from now, adding that his background on product design would take his career up a notch. For the past three years, he has designed gowns for school fashion shows and has spoken to design students from other universities. To date, he is still designing gowns for fashion shows (both in and out of the campus) apart from being a student.

                His field of expertise may be a bit difficult. But for Axel, nothing is impossible. As UP Fine Arts students would say, “Imadyina ang Impossible” (Imagine the impossible). His secrets are to keep on hanging to the inspiration of continuing his art and researching what’s the latest. “At times we want to give up but I’m telling you don’t. Saying ‘I can’t go on’ are just words but your actions can still go further,” he said as an advice to students like him.

                So if there are opportunities knocking on you right now, go for it. You might be in for the experience of a lifetime.