iskoltura-blog

[iskoltura-blog]

5 Questions U.P. Fratmen Commonly Hear From Their Friends

In U.P. fraternities are recognized by the university as legitimate organizations that play active roles on campus. In U.P. Diliman alone, there are about fifteen to twenty recognized, active fraternities whose tambayans are scattered all over campus. Having said so, frat life in U.P. is not seen as something taboo or unusual. Chances are, you have already encountered a fratman in one of your classes proudly wearing his fraternity’s seal shirt, or you already have friends who are members of different fraternities. I myself am a proud member of a fraternity. And I must say that the knowledge of my membership by friends and family drew their attention to ask some interesting, funny, and sometimes even misinformed questions often linked to the stigma about fraternities – which I am certain other fratmen were also asked about. Here are five of the most common questions we encounter.

1) Fratman ka?? So tumatakbo kang nakahubad???

While this is the funniest question ever asked to us fratmen, this is also surprisingly the most commonly asked. It gets me thinking “is this how other people view frats nowadays – a bunch of dudes running around naked in campus?” Without a doubt, the Oblation Run is one of the most popular events held annually in U.P. However this is not representative of the whole fraternity community since only one fraternity is responsible for joining and conducting it. So to answer this question – No, I have never ran around naked in campus although it seems quite fun to do. Isang frat lang po gumagawa nun. Hindi po kami yun.

2) May hazing ba? Pinalo ka ba?

This is perhaps one of the most intriguing questions friends and family ask about joining fraternities because of the long-standing notion that frats have ridiculously brutal initiation rites that neophytes have to submit themselves to upon joining a frat. Personally, I will not be able to speak for the entirety of the frat community, but I know for a fact that there are a number of fraternities in U.P. that no longer have a physical aspect in their initiation rites. This may come out as a surprise, and perhaps may even be too difficult to believe, but this is the truth. Fraternities in U.P. are evolving, and it is good to see that they are slowly turning away from barbaric acts that may endanger the lives of their recruits. This question however is very tricky to answer because each frat’s initiation rites are sacred to its members. So when a fratman answers you with “No, wala namang paluan,” that may be the most you’ll get out of his initiation process… unless of course you’re willing to undergo through it yourself.

3) Nainvolve ka na ba sa frat rumble??

This question stems from the stigma of fraternities being hostile to each other as projected by the media. While it is true that there are frat rumbles within the university, it is quite safe to say that the frat community in U.P. has been generally peaceful. Yes, there may be some petty quarrels, but they never explode into full-blown rumbles. Like my answer in number two, I can definitely say that the times are changing and so do the way frats treat each other. There are conscious efforts toward maintaining peace within the Greek community like the Frat Week wherein frats play different sports or even go hand in hand in community outreach. Hindi na uso ang gulo ngayon. Fratmen are realizing that there are no real victors in war.

(Here’s a picture from Frat Week 2015)

4) Pano kung may friend kang sumali ng ibang frat, di na ba kayo pwedeng maging friends?

Pwedeng pwede! U.P. fratmen are way beyond that mentality and we will not allow our petty differences ruin our friendship with others. Some of us even hang out during breaks or go out occasionally to have drinks. In fact, after graduation U.P. fratmen become really close with each other because of the U.P. Barkada, an alumni group comprised of the various U.P. frats. Astig diba?

5) Eh di ano ba talagang ginagawa niyo?

Now that the intriguing questions have been cleared and the stigma on frats have somewhat been broken, this question is next on the list. To answer this question very bluntly, frats focus on its members’ personal growth and development, helping them transition from boyhood into manhood through the teaching of the frat’s beliefs, tenets, and values all of which anchored in fraternal doctrines. Aside from this, I believe that the frats in U.P. all aim towards social relevance in the university, in the country, and even in the world. In campus, frats are most active during student council elections since a handful of them are politically affiliated. While outside campus, frats organize socio-civic activities to help out less fortunate communities. In all honesty, U.P. fratmen are busy with these types of work, hindi lang binabalita ng media.

[iskoltura-blog]

How LOVE Is Comparable To Being A Student-Athlete

Contrary to popular belief being a student athlete is not a walk in the park. Studying and engaging in sports has a lot of demands and requires a lot of effort, much like love…

Here are 4 similarities of being a student athlete and being in love..

  Sa simula madaming kalaban (try outs) pero yung pursigido ang nanalo

Getting in to the VAAS (Varsity Athletic Admission System) program is not as easy as it seems. I had to compete with 50 or more  athletes who wants to study in UP as much as I do—and that’s just for swimming. So I really gave my best effort and showed them how much I wanted to be part of the team.

Parang love kung may gusto kang tao at alam mong magkakaroon ka ng maraming karibal. Gagawin mo ang lahat bago ka maging karapat dapat para sa tao na pinopormahan mo.

 Kahit akala mo okay na, hindi pa pala

Try outs take up to almost three months before being accepted and the further you get, the higher the chance of you getting in but yet there is still no assurance that you’re officially part of the team unless the team says so. The risky part for me is that I actually did not apply for any other school other than UP and my former school.

Parang love. habang tumatagal ang panliligaw mo aakalain mo talaga na mataas na yung chance mo na sasagutin ka. Yun nga lang merong iba na kahit sobrang tagal mo na nag hintay at nag effort ay hanggang kaibigan lang pala talaga. Pero mayroon din naman mga manliligaw na successful sakanilang efforts na mapansin ng kanilang minamahal.

 Kahit pagod ka na hindi ka dapat agad bibitaw  

My daily routine is that I wake up at 5:30 am to prepare for my 6:00 am training then class from 8:30-4:00 (with some breaks in between of course) then training from 4:30 pm until 7:30 or 8:00 depending on the workout set.  To say that I’m tired after a regular day is an understatement. Just writing my schedule exhausts me. However, despite this I still show up the next day to do it all over again.

Parang love. Pag nasa dating stage ka pa for sure mas maraming dates ang hindi okay to the point na mapapagod ka na. pero go pa rin naman sa mga susunod na dates kasi alam mo eventually mamimeet mo din si The One.

Kailangan marunong mag balance. Hindi pwedeng mas angat yung isa,

Not everyone knows but if you are a VAAS awardee you have a contract to follow which includes you agreeing with your team’s terms in training and other team related tasks plus making sure your grades meet the required cutoff grade written in the contract. Sacrificing even just one of those would jeopardize my stay in the university. Fortunately, I’m already in my third year and I am still in the university meaning I’m able to balance both school and sports. YAAAYYY!!

Parang love. Hindi naman pwedeng puro nalang si boyfriend/girlfriend inaatupag mo eh. Dapat meron ka pa ring time para sa friends mo kasi kung meron man kahit isa dun na di mo mabigyan na sapat na halaga panigurado magiging cold yun sayo at baka mawala pa yung isa sa buhay mo.

Despite all of these hardships I would still choose this lifestyle over anything in any given day just like we all still choose to love despite being hurt. Indeed, being a student athlete is tedious and exhausting; however with the right mix of utak and puso it will give rise to good results and opportunities just like when we take a chance at love. The journey is definitely an exciting one!

[iskoltura-blog]

Ganito ako Mag-tanggal ng Stress.

Sa lahat ng nangyayari sa akin sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas, isa lang ang sigurado. Stressed akong babangon. Bilang isang Junior, sanay na ako (Actually, hindi pa, pero sinusubukan ko naman tanggapin).

Ibabahagi ko yung mga kakaibaing ritwal na ginagawa ko para makahinga ako. Baka makatulong din sa inyo. Kung freshman ka, baka matawa ka. Ito yung mga kakaibang ginagawa ko para hindi mabaliw kapag over na ang stress ko.

Una (Culture Fan):

Tumatambay ako sa Faculty Center kapag gabi. Saan sikat ang Faculty Center kapag gabi?

-Multo

Pero….. hindi yun ang dahilan nang pagtambay ko sa Faculty Center.

Ito:

“Tong-tili-lang-lang-tong-tili-lang-lang” sigurado ako naririnig niyo yan kapag dumadaan kayo sa gilid ng FC [Faculty Center] ng mga 6:30pm onward. Alam ko na naiintriga din kayo sa kanila kapag naririnig niyo na tumutugtog sila, talagang nagmamadali lang siguro kayo para makauwi at simulan yung mga kailangan niyong gawin.

Dahil medyo lutang ako sa pagod habang sinusulat ko ‘to, ito ata yung mga dahilan kung bakit pinipili ko na manood sa practice nila. Una, kakaiba yung epekto ng mga kulintang nila, mga bro at sis. Bawat hampas ng kulintang at “Ting-ting” na maririnig mo nakaka-gising ng diwa. Pangalawa, nakakamangha yung mga dance moves nila to the point na maiinspire ka na-refine lahat ng skills na meron  ka.

(I know, ironic na nagpapahinga sila sa picture, pero ito na yung pinaka-malinaw ko na kuha sa kanila kasi hindi kaya ng kamera ko na kumuha ng malinaw na litrato kung gumagalaw sila)

Ikalawa (Chill):

Pumupunta ako ng Choc-Kiss, at nag-oorder ng bottomless iced tea. Tapos tumatambay ako doon ng mga dalawa hanggang apat na oras. Dito ako nagtatanggal ng tensyon lalo na kapag may presentation ako. Paano ka naman hindi kakalma, dalawang oras kang iinom ng totoong tea na may honey. Hindi yung mga iced tea na artificial na nasa mga sachet. Legitimate, totoong tsaa na mayroong honey bilang pampalasa. Parang biyayang pinadala ng langit para sabihing “Kumalma ka. Kasing sarap niyan yung pakiramdam kapag nagawa mo ng maayos yang trabaho mo”

(Ayaw ko ‘to picturan. Kasama sa experience na nakakatanggal ng stress yung unang beses na makikita mo yung lalagyan nito. Enjoyin mo din ‘to).

Ikatlo (Pa-deep):

Naglalakad ako sa Acad Oval ng paikot-ikot hanggang maintindihan ko ang bakit ako binibigyan ng buhay ng mga problema. Hahaha.

Ito yung huli kong sinabi kasi ito yung pinakapaborito kong pampatanggal ng stress. Kasi naman, walking alone provides me the opportunity for introspection (yung tinitingnan mo kung okay pa yung mga pinaggagawa mo sa buhay).

At saka sa dami ba naman ng mga bagay sa Acad Oval ang daming pwedeng magtrigger ng mga deeper reasons kung bakit dumadating mga stress sa buhay natin. Makakakita ka ng mga seryoso magjogging, magjowa na sweet, si Zorro (Oo, may lalaking nakacostume na naglalakad sa Acad Oval), mga luxury car na hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit meron sa UP, in short mga bagay na magbubukas ng mga mata natin sa iba’t-ibang nangyayari sa buhay ng mga tao. Pwede na ma-inggit ka at pwede din naman na ma-inspire ka na pagisipan mo ang purpose mo sa life.

Kung titingnan ang wika na ginamit sa post na ito, mapapansin na mayroong tatlong lebel ng pormalidad: Ang Culture Fan, pang-chill, at medyo pa-deep (Oo, yung mga nakalagay sa tabi nung segment markers) . Katulad lamang ako ng iba pang mga mag-aaral na namomroblema sa mga sari-saring bagay na mayroon iba’t-ibang lebel na pinanghuhugutan ng stress sa kanilang buhay.

Sa UP lahat ng lebel na nagbibigay sa akin ng stress nabibigyan ko ng solusyon. Pero, nakakatawa. Kasi, kadalasan UP din ang nagbibigay ng stress sa akin. Pero, pinipilit ko pa rin naman kayanin.

Kung tutuusin, kaya naman talaga natin gawin yung mga pinapagawa sa atin. Kadalasan, nahihirapan lang tayo kasi iniisip natin na hindi natin kaya. Inuunahan natin ng takot. Siguro hindi lang talaga tayo sanay sa mga binabato ng buhay, pero kaya naman natin matutunan kung paano balansehin ang mga bagay.

Ano man iyang ikinalulugmok mo ngayon maniwala ka sa akin, kaya yan. Malalampasan mo din yan. Ang kailangan mo lang gawin maniwala sa sarili mo, gustuhin na malamapsan yang pasanin na yan, at siyempre huwag ka magpapakain sa stress mo.

[iskoltura-blog]

A letter to my pre-UP self

Dear Sierra,

I’m sending you this letter just before the preparations for college start. I know you’re afraid. You’re thinking if it’s a good idea to enter the university where you’ll be separated from all of your friends. Although you don’t have much choice considering the fact that you only took the UPCAT.

Yes, I’m still impressed with how you pulled off the UP-or-nothing plan. And as a thank you and congratulations, here are some things I figured you’d love to know.

Being in UP is not as easy as you think. It’s also definitely not as hard.

No matter how many UP alumni and students you talk to, no matter how many UP-related articles you read–nothing will ever prepare you for what’s to come.

No one will be able to describe the roller coaster ride that is your UP life. You are going to have to experience the ride yourself. And let me tell you, it is as exciting as it is scary. But I want you to keep in mind that letting fear take over won’t really help. If you choose to take the ride, you can’t stop halfway. (I think you’ll die if you do. Really.)

You will be alone.

But not all the time.

I know how much you hate being alone. I know that ever since you had a sense of “friendship circles,” you’ve been afraid of being left out. Of being seen alone in public. Of sitting in a table, eating by yourself. Well, you better get used to that.

DUE TO YOUR INATTENTIVENESS, YOU WILL MISS YOUR FIRST ONLINE SUBJECT PRE-ENLISTMENT AND YOU WILL BE BLOCKLESS.

You will hate yourself for it. You will ask “why, God, why am I this stupid*?”

But of course, you’ll soon realize that it’s not really that bad.

You will learn to be independent. You’ll get to know yourself more. And, you’ll learn the importance of being with yourself.

Prepare yourself for really intense sabaw moments.

Sure, you’re no stranger to what-the-hell-did-I-just-do moments, but here in UP, you’ll outdo yourself.

One day, you’ll be asked to go Vinzons Hall. Oh, you don’t know where that is? Don’t worry—you’ll find out soon because YOU WILL RIDE THE JEEPNEY FROM VINZONS TO VINZONS.

Yes. After asking for directions, you will walk towards the building. You will get tired and decide to ride the Ikot. After what will seem to be the longest jeepney ride of your life, you’ll ask the driver to drop you off Vinzons.  Brace yourself for the amount of frustration when he drops you off exactly where you took the ride.

Of course, you’ll also enter the wrong classrooms; spend really awkward moments talking to people with names you can’t even remember; putting nonsensical answers on exams; and so much more.

You will meet a lot of people. Not just pass by or see around, but actually talk to.

I know that’s no big deal for other people, but since you suck at interacting with humans, this will scare you.

You’ll be classmates with a varsity player. She’s really nice, don’t worry. Actually, you’ll be so comfortable the first time you talk to her that you already do something stupid. She’ll ask you if you know this volleyball player who also went to your high school and you’ll respond with “OO NAMAN, CRUSH KO NGA ‘YUN E.”

Loud and proud.

Needless to say, this will forever ruin whatever relationship you *think you* have with your crush because he and your classmate are apparently close friends, and, yeah, he’ll know about your revelation.

Please slap yourself now. NOW.

You’ll also meet the coolest professor ever ( the one with the boots), a girl you’ll often ride the same jeep with (who will blow you mind the first time you realize there are actually two of her. Yes, twins), and a spoken word poetry artist who will make you fall in love with hugots (he’s pretty famous now).

Lastly, since you’ll have had about 345 classmates by the first semester of your second year, you will create a game you like to call “In Which Subject Have We Been Classmates Before?” Believe me, it will give you headaches every time you see a familiar face around the campus.

You will be a master of all-nighters.

The most incredible thing that you’ll learn in UP is probably how to master the art of procrastination.

You know that cliché “I put the pro in procrastination” quote? Well, YOU do. Hands down.

5 reflection papers in less than two hours? CHECK.

A 16-page research paper in one day? You will cry, but CHECK.

Big persuasive speech written the night before you deliver? CHECK.

Midterms paper written an hour before the deadline? You’ll actually forget about the paper and that’s why you’ll have to cram it, but CHECK.

Okay. I know you have this rule where it’s okay to cram just as long as your output does not reflect that, but seriously, please try to work on your diligence now.

Lastly, you will be amazed with UP every single day you’re there.

It does not matter if you spend the whole day in school or your travel time is longer than your stay, you are sure to experience something or meet someone who will make you stop and think, “I am so blessed to be here.”

Your professor in Philo 1 will get you questioning who you really are and if you really exist on your first meeting. It will mess with your head, and that’s kind of your prof’s goal. You will take it by heart and this will be one of the key encounters that will make you appreciate everything. And you really will.

Sounds cheesy? Just wait ‘til you first set foot in the university.

Now, you might think that it would be better if you don’t commit those mistakes. You might think that it would be awesome if you avoided all of the cringe-worthy moments.

But I’m not writing you this letter so that you could change your fate. I just want you to prepare. This ride is going to be filled with ups and downs that will make your head spin, of loops that will make your stomach turn. At times, it will make you sick. But, it will be worth it.

Go on. Beat the deadline. Observe people. Eat alone. Miss that enlistment. Get lost.

Only then will you find your way to the person who is writing this now.

Love, Sierra.

*you’re not so stupid after all

(GIFs and photos from Google images)

[iskoltura-blog]

UP: through the freshie glass

My mentor once told me: “If you survive UP, you’ll survive anything life throws at you.”

My happiness was short lived when I received my acceptance letters from UP and Ateneo, because then I was faced with an impossible task: choosing between the two. This is where my mentor’s words became a key factor in the decision that would significantly impact my vanilla life. So now here’s a little glimpse of UP through the eyes of my unconfident, sedentary, and sometimes overly-dramatic promdi freshie self. 😊

Goodbye self-esteem.

Getting into UP is no easy feat. But that still doesn’t come close to what students go through. Being in the top university in the country, it’s not that hard to find someone who’s better at you in, well, anything. When I got there, feeling ko ang tanga-tanga ko. I used to feel good about my writing skills but Eng 10 just made me cringe at my own work, I felt like a caveman. Oh and apparently, I’m not “that smart” because I’m in "Speech Comm lang” and it’s not “that hard”.

But instead of being disheartened, I was humbled. Instead of giving up on Speech Comm, it made me love it more. All these just inspired me to constantly improve. Because there is only one person you should aspire to beat: you.

The (physical) struggle is real.

If you think raising red cups is the most physical college could get, you’re dead wrong. Especially if you’re studying in UP. The biggest physical challenge? Getting to class. Although there are jeepneys inside the campus, getting to class is still a pain in the a**. Most students would just opt for the sprint since the jeep would take too long. Imagine a 1.4 km sprint from Math to the 4th floor of AS (a.k.a. a collection or saunas) and then to 5th floor CAL. I’m not making this up, ito talaga schedule ko last sem. Yung totoo school ba to or isang malaking gym?? But in spite of the inconvenience of navigating through the campus, it’s still a great way to immerse yourself in the university. Tsaka ang saya kaya 'pag natatalo mo yung previous record mo! And hey, you never know who you might bump into *wink*

http://www.onegreenplanet.org/

The financial struggle is real too (Okay this is for the big city in general but I’m including this because it’s very important)

Coming from the very chill city of Davao, the hustle and bustle of Manila was a little too overwhelming for me. You know what else was overwhelming? The prices. Imagine my surprise upon realizing what would cost me a few bucks back home costs twice, even thrice as much here in the metro. After living for more than a year in Manila, my idea of what’s expensive and what’s cheap has been completely altered. Here’s a very simple graph of my expenses.

Obviously, I spend way too much on food and way too little on everything else. 

But I’ve been working on my budgeting skills, and I can say that I’m well on my way to becoming a financially responsible adult 👌👍👊

Pixar / via www.breakingnews.ie

It’s just emotions. No biggie.

I wasn’t prepared for the roller coaster ride of emotions. I was homesick. I missed home cooked food and longed for the comfort of home every single day. I was unhappy. I wanted to shift to Geology, and then to Physics, then to Film, then Music, then Industrial Design, then Speech Pathology then Architecture then BASTA ANG DAMI KONG GUSTONG GAWIN SA BUHAY (Holaaaa fellow Multipotentialites!). But I was being unrealistic and overdramatic. Fortunately, UP was there to slap me in the face with reality and tell me “Tumigil ka. ‘Wag kang mag inarte.” Which is exactly what I needed.

ehrmahger.tumblr.com

Iskolar ng Bayan Para sa Bayan.

I was never that much of a patriot, pero shet narealize ko kung gaano ko kamahal yung Pilipinas dahil sa UP. Bearing the weight of being an Iskolar Ng Bayan is a lot of pressure, but it’s a title I’ve come to embrace. Because UP gave me a purpose. To use my knowledge to give back to the community. Education used only for self-gain is an education wasted.

I’m not about to join any rallies soon, but I’m trying to earn and be worthy of that badge of honor.

Teresa Barrozo / flickr.com

So here’s the biggest takeaway from my first year in UP in a nutshell: embracing change. Do I ever wonder how I would’ve turned out if I chose Ateneo, my dream school? All the time. Do I regret choosing UP? Not. One. Bit. Because now I’m starting to see just what my mentor was talking about. I have no idea what’s in store for the next few years to come, but one thing’s for sure: I most definitely will not back down. Ganyan kaming mga taga-UP!

[iskoltura-blog]

3 WORLDS IN 3 YEARS; AN UNPLANNED EXPERIENCE

 The thing about coming from an all girls’ school is that graduation did not mean just receiving a diploma in nice black pump heels. 

Hair fixed, 

maybe a little blush on the cheeks, 

teary eyes 

and a handful of promises made stating:

“We’ll see each other in the summer.” 

 No, my high school graduation was more than that. It was like a sock given to Dobby because Dobby is freeeeee! Free from the strict rules when it comes to folding your sleeves, to the color of your hair clips, to the way you line up and walk and speak, from the socks that you wore and what you wore underneath- free was all I could be! Next step? College, baby! 

 So I got into UP Manila but I studied in UP Baguio instead (LOOOOOOONG STORY) and what I experienced was like flicking the lights off and flicking them on again. It was all happening too fast! 

 I lived in three different worlds in a span of three years; not knowing it would happen and that I’d be where I am right now. Crazy as it is, U.P. has not only molded me into becoming an academic-oriented person, but it has also given me experiences that only time can take away from me. 

 I want to share with you guys an overview of the 3 worlds in my 3 years and how in 3 blinks of an eye, my life has totally changed. 

 World 1 (2012): 

 2012-2013 was my last school year in Holy Spirit School, a school where I spent 11 years of my life. The foundation of who I am today basically came from this institution, and so I owe my alma mater with all that I know and all that I will accomplish. Here I found my friends for life, did crazy things like the free-spirited high school student that I was, found love and lost it, studied my hardest, and dreamed like dreaming was breathing. 

World 2 (2013): 

 From an all-girls convent school, I packed my bags and hopped on a 6-hour journey to Baguio City, a place I never thought would be that amazing and liberated. Like what I’d always tell my high school friends: “UP na nga, Baguio pa!” Here I met new people from all walks of life (cliché, I know) and these people introduced me to a kind of UP life that I’d never forget. I took History as a course, joined many orgs, went out with my blocmates, strolled the Burnham Park at 2am watching stars and boats gently floating, walked A LOT, cried a lot, had crushes on guys (“finally!” said my mom), and made friends with them too! God, was that hell of a ride. Mistakes made, lessons learned, memories forever treasured.

World 3 (2014):

  But living in Manila meant that my parents saw it practical to just move to UP Diliman, and like the obedient daughter that I am, I fixed my transfer papers with a heavy heart, started schooling in UP Diliman, and without realizing it I found another home. I met greater enthusiasts in History, experienced a higher level of social awareness and academic responsibility, broadened my career possibilities and met one of the best people who I know will be successful someday.

  LIFE as I’ve come to realize is indeed an ongoing spiral of events; up and down, left and right, there then gone, straight and bent. One day you’re this person and the next you’re another! U.P. has changed me. From a sheltered perspective centered on the only world I knew, I got to explore and live like I’ve never done. Entering this university (in two campuses, I might add) has opened my eyes to more opportunities for self-discovery and excellence. Padayon, UP!

[iskoltura-blog]

Top 5 Reasons Why Supporting Your School Athletes Would Make You Love Your University and College Life More

I was exposed to the UAAP for the first time this semester. I’m currently taking up PE2 Cheerleading and a Public Relations class where we serve as media staff in UAAP Men’s Basketball games. I’m hitting 2 birds with one stone this semester!

I wasn’t immersed in the school’s athletics before because I (honestly) only went to school to study and socialize. I celebrate when our athletes win, rant when they lose, then I forget. I was indifferent about “school spirit”; I was proud of being an Iskolar Ng Bayan, but I didn’t feel the passion in being one -yet.

This semester gave me a great shift in perspective, and because of this, I highly encourage every student to give your school’s athletics a chance and immerse yourself in it as well, as I promise you that it would make you love your college experience even more!

Here are my Top 5 reasons why supporting your school athletes would make you love your school more:  

1. It gives you a better understanding of what your University is about

You have to memorize the cheers because you kind of don’t have a choice!

In between the lines of each cheer, you'd see what being a student of your school is about, you’d understand what the school fights for, and you’d get a glimpse of the school culture by how the cheers are constructed. 

Here’s the most common UP cheer that I think every Isko has memorized:

“ U-nibersidad ng Pilipinas (8x)

Matatapang, matatalino

Walang takot kahit kanino

Hinding-hindi magpapahuli

Ganyan kaming mga taga-UP!

Unibersidad ng Philipinas (4x)

U!”

2. You’d love the internal chills or “kilabot” when you hear other supporters cheer in unison

This definitely makes me LOVE the UAAP and UP! There’s beauty in unity during games and it’s so fun to be a part of it. Whenever you’d encounter this, I’m sure you’d feel at awe and surely tell yourself “Ang sarap maging taga-[insert school here]”.

3. You’d have a better understanding of different people in the University

Universities are home to some of the most diverse set of people. You’d appreciate this kind of diversity in your University during games because of how the diversity magically turns into unity. 

You’d also understand the lives of student athletes and you’d surely admire them for their hard work #UtakPuso

4. You’ll love showing off your school pride and buy University merchandise

I bought a lot recently because I was required to wear UP shirts to games. Although this seems burdensome to many, they’re pretty handy and wearing them makes you feel empowered. You’re also helping out students/staff by buying from fundraisers! Talk about school pride and unity! ;)

(Na-uto pa akong mag model para sa UP Merch......)

5. Finally, it teaches you how to be one with your school –seeing the process of how your athletes work for a win (or even a loss) would make you understand the saying “Win or lose, it’s the school we choose”

This enhances the overall experience. Sometimes you win, sometimes you don’t -and that’s okay. What’s important is the fun, sportsmanship, unity, and school pride that come along with any kind of competition our school athletes join in.

This season, the UP Women’s Basketball team had 0 wins during the UAAP’s first round. In the 2nd round, they amazingly bounced back and are (as of this writing) holding a 4-win streak. We never lost hope and cheered them on whether they’re about to win or lose a game. 

They had an unprecedented win against UE last October, and seeing them win is just a priceless moment for the iskos. Check this out!

(Caution: Sorry for the poor handling of the camera -goes to show how excited we all were! It’s an impromptu video since we won by 1 POINT!!)

There are PLENTY of ways to enrich your college life, but I hope this post enlightened you somehow on why you should include being active in your school’s athletics in your list! :)

[iskoltura-blog]

Theater Actors Stage Managers Love to Hate

If you are an aspiring stage actor, you will be working with stage managers. In case you are not familiar with them and what they do, they are the ones who organize the entire rehearsal and show. Many would agree that being a stage manager in theater productions is not an easy job.

I personally had the pleasure of working with great professional actors, musicians and designers. Just the same, we can’t avoid these particular stereo-types. Here’s a list of what you should avoid becoming, should you aspire a career in theater productions.

THE LATE COMER

7:00 pm show, 6:30 open house, 5:00 call time for the musicians.

My message at 5:00—“Hi, kuya, where are you? “

5:30—“Hello, everyone’s here already, waiting for you for the musician’s sound check. Where are you?”

5:45—“Location check please. Sound check in 5 minutes.”

5:50 – “Location check please!!!”

6:00—“Sound check’s done. Where are you? Please respond or I will contact another drummer.”

6:03—I finally got a response: “Sorry got stuck in traffic and low bat. Still in Q. Ave.””

Whether you’re an actor, musician, designer, or crew, NEVER BE LATE FOR A CALL TIME! There’s a reason why you’re required to be present at a specific time and it is meant to be followed. The stage manager spends hours preparing the schedule for the entire production and as a sign of respect, we must follow this said schedule.  Should your lateness be the cause of delay?  No sir, unacceptable.

THE LOVER

One conversation with a particular actor went:

“Reminding you of your 5:00 call time at the theater. Thank you and see you tomorrow.” “Thanks. What time will you be there?” “Will be there at 4, sir. You may arrive early to review lines and blockings.” “Okay, so does that mean I can ask you out to lunch? My treat, don’t worry. I can pick you up from your place.”

There’s nothing wrong with being friendly. But please, DO NOT FLIRT WITH THE STAGE MANAGER! Production romances do happen, with the high stress levels stage manager experience during productions, do you think they still have time for romance? None. So hands off the stage manager.

THE FORGETTER

We had a 10 o’clock show once, wherein the call time was at eight in the morning for the actors. At around 7:30, as I was setting-up the sounds board, I received a message from one of the ensemble actors. “Char, I lost my bahag (his costume) in the laundry.”

Imagine the horror! We had used up all our extra costumes, so we didn’t know where to buy a bahag at 7 am on a Sunday! Some of the costume team members rushed to the costume shop trying to look for alternatives, while another was hurriedly attempting to make a new bahag out of extra cloth. While this was happening, I decided to check his dressing room. There it was. His costume. All hung and dry.

Please be mindful and take extra care of your costumes and props to avoid causing panic and stress for the crew. Their job is to pre-set your props and costumes, clean the backstage and when needed, rehearse you personally before show. So please, never forget a prop, a costume, a cue or a line, for the sake of the gods of theater!

THE DIVA

“My costume smells like downy, I hate that! Have the staff wash them again. Also, my underwear was so itchy, ask them to wash that too.” “Tell the designer I can’t wear his fur, it looks so fake! Wouldn’t be caught dead wearing it! Just tell him I’m allergic to fur.” “I need a hotel booked for me for the morning shows. Charge it to the production.” “I asked my dresser to buy me cigarettes and coffee, you don’t mind naman diba?

We are all too familiar with this one, the star, the diva! Nothing’s ever worse than being called at seven in the morning being asked to run for coffee or wash underwear. The stage hands weren’t hired to be your personal assistant. Most of all, the stage manager is not your personal yaya!

Actors, if you ever find your selves in these situations, please be a little but more considerate if the people who work behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly on stage. By following the schedule and keeping personal errands to yourself, you are immensely helping the production.

[iskoltura-blog]

What to Expect When You’re Having a Conversation with a UP Student

I’ve heard quite a few notions from other people about starting a conversation with UP students and surprisingly, there are some who get intimidated since they think that we might just be into intellectual discussions. So I think it’s time to erase those notions and reveal what to expect when you’re having a conversation with a UP student. For starters, I think we could agree that UP students are naturally expressive. No matter what the topic is, we sure have things to say about it and it’s not because we are all know-it-alls, it is just in our nature to want to learn from (or with you) and share our thoughts on that matter.

1.      Conversations might be a liiiittle too… pilosopo.

           I think that generally most (if not all) UP students are born philosophers, and not just the “what is the meaning of life and existence” kind; I’m talking about full on pilosopo. You might want to expect that we’d give you the EXACT (and probably complicated) answer. This is probably because we answer you by how we exactly think of something or how we really feel towards the question you’re asking us about. And well, sometimes answering in a really precise manner might just give you all the more reasons to be confused than you actually were in the first place.

Let me put it this way, here’s a fact: Questions answerable by yes or no... isn’t really answerable by a yes or no to UP students. If someone asks, “OTWOLista ka ba?” that is a simple yes or no question; a UP student’s answer might be phrased like, “Panong OTWOLista ba? As in nanonood ako dahil gusto ko yung story kahit di ako JaDine fan o JaDine fan ako kaya ako nanonood? Or both?” Yes, we might make it a bit more complicated, but at least we’re getting the ball rolling right?

2.      When we get a bit too curious? The conversation can jump mountains long.

           Another thing you should expect is that a simple topic will go a long way. We might just be talking about your summer vacation in Palawan and the next thing you know we’re already talking about finding the lost city of Atlantis. Given this fact, you should expect that even the tiniest detail of our previous conversation would start another one. The conversation might go like, “Ang ganda nung dagat nung nag snorkeling kami, ang daming isdang lumalangoy kasama ko. Feeling kotuloy  mermaid ako.Tingin momermaids really exist? Nasaan kaya sila nagtatago? Baka nasa Atlantis talaga sila. Try kaya natin hanapin yung lost city of Atlantis?” Whew. That really escalated quickly.

3.      Never miss the Bato-bato-sa-langit jokes

Photo from Google Images

            UP students enjoy jokes too, but jokes can be as diverse as our minds, and sometimes what’s funny for us might not be funny for others, For example, the jokes in the Facebook group, Overheard at UP may have posted jokes that are hilarious for us but offending for some. There are also UP jokes that have jargons exclusive to UP that’s why other people might not get the joke but that’s okay because we’ll still love you anyway! 

4.      Love Life? Dear, we take the #Hugot to the next level.

         Photo from Facebook

      #UtakPuso isn’t just our CDC cheer, it basically describes UP students so expect that our love life and acads might intertwine.. For instance someone might say, “Lahat naman ng minamahal mo nawawala eh.” and we might answer, “Mamahalin ko na rin yung singko ko para mawala rin.”

5.      Expect that whatever it is you wanna share with us, we won't judge you.

         Yes, we might be very expressive and vocal about our insights and beliefs, but know that we’ll listen to yours too with respect and understanding, without judgment and without question. After all, we have our own reasons right?

       So if you ask me, is it hard to start a conversation with a UP student? Depende.

[iskoltura-blog]

Lupa Kainin Mo Na Ako, please?: Pinaka malulupet na karanasan sa aking buhay Teatro.

Iharap niyo saakin kung sino ang nagsabi na madali ang buhay ng isang stage actor, at masabunutan nga. Ang dami dami mong kailangan gawin at matutunan, kumanta ng mas malinis kay Lea Salonga, mas elegante sa mga sayaw  ni Liza Macuja- Elizalde at higit na mas magaling sa “comic timing” ni Eugene Domingo. Bukod pa sa mga nabanggit ko, kailangan mo din matutunan na makisalimuha sa iba’t – ibang ugali ng mga tao lalo na kapag parte ka ng isang theatre production. Paminsan –minsan hindi mo rin maiiwasan sa isang produksyon ang mapahiya ka sa harap ng maraming tao, pero dapat kaya mo tanggapin lahat ng pang – aasar nila at kahit ano pa sabihin nila patungkol saiyo, ika nga nila” pasok - labas lang sa tenga”. Pero mayroon lang talagang mga pangyayari na sasabihin mo sa sarili mo, “ LUPA!!! KAININ MO NA KO!!!” Hayaan niyong kwentuhan ko kayo ng pinagsama samang mga karanasan ko sa buhay teatro ko at talaga nga namang mapapasabi ka ng, “Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!”

Photo by : Paulina Maxine Ignacio

1.) Mukha kang “Chwelb!” (twelve) – o mas bata pa!

Baliktad po, ako ay 21 years old na, at sa katagal tagal ko dito sa programang ito sa Theatre Arts, ang hula nila sa edad ko ay parating 12 years old, kasalanan ko bang forever young ako? At sobrang ganda lang talaga ng kutis ng balat ko? Majority nang ibinibigay saakin na role ay kung hindi batang pulubi, ay batang naapi, minsan naman batang kapatid ni bonifacio, o kaya batang waiter sa bahay. Masaya siguro sa pakiramdam na makaganap ka ng ibat – ibang mga roles, tulad ng kontrabida, Bida, Hari, Matandang uugod ugod, Diwata, Engkanto at marami pang iba, pero wala eh, ang liit mo kasi! At opo Lactose Intolerant po ako, ibig sabihin hindi kayang I-tolerate ng katawan ko ang gatas, kaya hindi ko na po tinatanggap ang mga advice na “ uminom ka lang ng gatas, tatangkad ka din!” Mahirap na ma “typecast” ang isang aktor dahil nalilimit nito sa mga posibilidad nang kanyang mga kakayahan, ngunit kailangan mo ito maintindihan at matanggap para sa ikabubuti ng iyong kalooban at career.  Yes Fritz, you are Beautiful!

Photos by : Sir Vlad Gonzales, Dino Dmar & Jessette Namin

2.) Ang “Battle of the Brainless”

Sa pagkakaalam ko sa palakasan ang tawag “ Battle of the Fittest” parang Natural Selection ni Charles Darwin pero sa theatre arts ang tawag saamin ay “Battle of the Brainless”. Madalas ma “stereotype” ang mga theatre students kapag dating sa patalinuhan. “ Bobo!” “Estupido!” “Tonto!”  yup apparently kami daw yun. Parte ng buhay theatre student ang mapagalitan, at masermonan. Masakit para sa aming saloobin mapagalitan ng direktor mo, lalo na kapag may katangahan kang ginagawa. For example, pagdating sa Marketing team, sila ang nangangalaga sa pag benta ng mga tickets sa isang show, mala accounting ito, syempre may math! Minsan po mahirap talagang umintindi ng digits at numbers at PEMDAS. Madalas na biruan saamin na kaya nga kami nag theatre dahil ayaw namin ng math, unfortunately ang theatre course ay may math. O kaya ikaw talaga yung tipong “lutang” aba hindi pe pwede sa teatro ang nag “bu-buffering” dapat parating alert, double-time, agile at relax lang para di mapagalitan. More or less, lahat kami nasa sama sa umbrella term na “Battle of the Brainless.” Excuse me, ang hirap po kayang mag analyze ng script at himayin isa isa ang linya para ma portray mo nang mabuti yung character.  Mahirap din po mag aaral sa umaga at rehearsal sa gabi. Biruin mo papasok ka sa school ng 8:30 am at mag rerehearse ka hangang chwelb? ( twelve midnight) or minsan lampas pa. Asaran nga saamin na wag ka magpapa gabi, mag pa umaga ka nalang!  Isipin ninyo acads all day, and rehearsals all night, sa umaga libro at teacher ang kaharap mo sa gabi script at direkto ang katapat mo! Parating itinuturo saamin na isa sa pinakamahalagang maituturo saiyo ng teatro ay ang Balance ng inyong buhay at dito nakukuha ang disiplina at respeto para sa sarili, so masasabi mo pa ba na “brainless” kami?

3.) Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!! Wanna Swing from the Chandelier!!!

Kapag theatre actor ka isa sa pinaka wag na wag mong magagawa on stage, ay ang magkamali. Kaming mga actors ay sinanay na “saluhin” ang anumang mangyayari sa entablado. Kumbaga diyan nakikita yung dynamics ng dalawang artista sa galing ng batuhan at saluhan ng kanilang mga linya at galaw sa entablado. Kapag may nakalimutang linya, nagkamali sa sayaw at iba pa, lahat ng ito ay dapat magawang salbahin ng actor. Umaaraw, Umuulan Kinakasal ang TIkbalang taong 2013,

Photo by: Sir Vlad Gonzales

nangyari ang pinaka malalang pwedeng mangyari sa akin sa entablado. Sumabit ako sa isang “set piece” at nahila ko ang buong entablado habang sumasayaw, ay Diyos ko po! Sumabit at pumulupot ang helmet ko na gawa sa mga Divisoria Toys sa strands ng Abacca Fiber na kasama sa set design ng stage mula sa theatre battens o sabitan ng ilaw hangang sa stage floor at muntik na gumuho ang buong entablado kasama ko. Buti nalang kamo nahugot ko yung nakapolupot na abacca fiber. “Lord, Bakit ako pa?” Gumuho ang buong mundo ko nun, at feeling ko nasira ang lahat ng artista bubbles and dreams ko sa pagkakataong yun. Sobrang bilid ng tibok ng puso ko feeling ko di ako karapat dat na maging theatre actor. Pero sabi ng aking mga teacher ( hindi ko alam kung pinapagaan lang nila ang loob ko ha)  lahat naman ng aktor sa buong mundo kesyo sina Lea Salonga pa yan oh kaya si Lea Michele pa yan o Tom Cruz at Angelina Jolie pa yan, lahat sila ay dumaan sa mga bagay na katulad ng naranasan ko at ito ang mga nagiging “stepping stones” nila patungo sa kanilang success! (Pero di ko parin alam kung bakit ako pa yung sumabit! ) Kapag naalala ko talaga ang mga bagay na ito, hindi maiwan ng puso ko na maa skip ng isang heart beat. Minsan nga hinihiling ko na sana hindi nalang ako nag teatro, dapat talaga tinaggap ko nalang yung architecture course ko ehh. Pero maraming nagsasabi “there’s a rainbow always after the rain.” Hindi ka magiging mas mabuting tao kung hindi mo pagdaraanan ang mabibigat na hamon ni Lord para sayo. At malakas ang paniniwala ko siyan dahil tuwing nag peperform ako, grabe yung “adrenaline rush” na inaabot ko. Napaka sarap sa feeling mag perform, at kahit gaano karami pa yang mga pagkakamali ko, tatangapin ko ng buong buo at matututo mula sa pangyayaring yun at bakit tao lang po ako hindi ako perpekto , nagkakamali rin po.

[iskoltura-blog]

STUDENT MUSICIANS

By Yani Arguelles

Being a student musician is not easy.

To most students, music is simply a hobby. It is something they do or listen to when they have free time on their hands. However there are several, like me, to whom music is a passion, and not just something for recreation. To us, music requires love, dedication, and time. We even go as far as giving more time to our music than our studies.

Huh? Music over acads? That’s absurd! At first, yes, it does sound weird. However, if we really think about it, other people put their own passions over their academics too. Student athletes would spend more time in the gym than in the library. Aspiring dancers would work on their choreography until midnight. Budding writers edit their blog rather than their thesis.

So what’s the difference between you all and these other “passionate” people? Well, I cannot speak for these people from other crafts, as I also do not want to misjudge. However, we feel that with us student musicians, there are certain misconceptions that people have, misconceptions that they seem to only have with us and not with other people.

1) Rehearsals are All Fun and Games

Photo from Google Images

Many people think that when we rehearse, it’s just like jamming with your friends at your org’s tambayan or that we are magically able to create music together. Yes, music is fun, but definitely not all the time. 

Just scheduling rehearsal is an incredible hassle as we are also students and we have to study. It is absolutely essential that when you practice, you are complete, and getting to be complete isn’t that easy when you and your bandmates have exams, plates, papers, and deadlines to deal with. 

When we do get to be complete and rehearse we always end up physically, emotionally, and mentally drained because, just like any other kind of rehearsal, practicing music is hard work. Just getting a song right (not even perfect, just right) takes hours and hours of constant grinding until everyone of you is satisfied with the sound coming of your amps and drums.

2) Bandmates = Friends

No, this should not equate. Yes we play music together and yes get together a lot for practices and gigs but no, just because we are bandmates doesn’t mean we are friends. It sounds sad but it is the reality. 

I’m not saying that there aren’t bands who are also good pals, there are many of them. What I’m saying is being in band with other musicians is like being in a relationship, but with three to four other people (sometimes more).

 You have to understand one another, compromise your preferences in playing music, make difficult decisions, and, somehow, find chemistry among all of you. If these things cause heated arguments with a couple, imagine having all these troubles in a 5-man relationship.

3) “Exposure” Is a Completely Valid Form of Payment

A free gig? We are a band from UP and you want us to go all the way to Alabang to play a free gig? You say it will be great exposure? TO HELL WITH YOU!

Of course, many musicians play free gigs but definitely not just for exposure. We play free gigs for friends, school events, and most importantly, because we love playing music for people. 

However, do not expect us to do big things like play a 13 song set or go to extremely far places when all you offer us is exposure. On a monetary level, many people do not realize how much it costs to become a decent musician. 

Rehearsal studios cost money. Equipment costs money. Transportation costs money. But also, think about how long it has taken us to become the musicians that we are. Here’s a hint: years. It takes years and years of blood, sweat, and tears to become a decent musician. And here you are, offering us exposure.

I love music. It is a wonderful way to escape. Through music I am able experience an entirely different world. I love playing music. When I play my guitar or I write a new song, it’s like I am controlling or creating a world of my own. I am happy being a student musician. Being a student musician is amazingly enjoyable and incredibly fulfilling. However, it’s definitely not easy.

[iskoltura-blog]

5 things I love about the UP Student Org Application Process

In my over 3 years in UP, I have noticed that iskos and iskas have always had unique ways of dealing with situations I have personally brought a pillow everywhere because of lack of sleep and I have performed in front of over 50 people just to get a slot in a PE class.

Some of the highlights of my life in UP are my orgs, better known as orgs, which are microcosms of the diversity in UP. Uniqueness is shown even from the application process, which I have definitely loved. Here are 5 things that I have loved about UP org application processes:

1.) The Home Away from Home

The tambayan is the home of the org. The tambayan, from its name, is a bonding place where members and applicants could hang out and bond. The tambayan serves as the org’s territory and they vary in look, size, and place in the campus. Tambayans range from being simple concrete circular benches, which are the tambayans of Maroon FM (MFM), UP Babaylan, and UP Christian Brotherhood International, to assigned rooms in a specific college, such as the tambayan of the UP Advertising Core (UP AdCore). The tambayan is where I spent most of my time as an applicant because of the “tambay hours”, which are basically the required number of hours an applicant spends in the tambayan to get to know the members and applicants of the org. This is where I learned to play over 10 card and board games, including poker and bridge.

Different Tambayans. These are the tambayans of the different orgs in UP namely [from left to right] Maroon FM (left), UP Advertising Core (UP AdCore), and the other provincial and university-wide organizations that form the Tambayan Complex.

2.) Costume Week

This is one of the most awaited moments in an org’s application process. Not all of the orgs include this is their application processes yet this is one of the reasons why a lot of people think that UP students are crazy. A stranger who is walking inside the campus one day might just see a zombie asking other strangers if they are open-minded for business or Cat Woman barking around the campus, and we have UP’s orgs such as the UP DOST Scholar’s Association (UP DOST SA), UP Junior Philippine Association (UP JPIA), UP Harong, and the UP Speech Communication Association (UP SPECA) to thank for these wonderful phenomena. I personally love this week because it showcases the applicants’ creativity and confidence.

Pose like you’re in a teleserye. The applicants of the UP DOST Scholars’ Association pose with their costumes as part of their Gimmick Week (GimWeek).

3.) Buddy Tasks

           With the difficult application process, the org assigns a member or members to their applicants to serve as their buddies. Most if not all of the student orgs have buddies or buddy families. These buddies serve as guardians, best friends, and mentors. The buddies are assigned various activities that they should do, which strengthen the bond between or among the buddies. Of course, the creation of the buddy tasks does not fall short in creativity. Buddy tasks could also range from the simple buddy dates, where sometimes bonds that are more than friendship are formed… if you know what I mean, to posing like a cheerleader at the middle of the school parking lot.

4.) Out-of-this-world SigSheets

               Of course, no org can ever forget the sigsheet. This is also one of the essentials in every student org application process. The sigsheet is usually a booklet, which contains various org information such as its history, preamble and some information about the committees and its members, that applicants bring every time they go to the tambayan. Sigsheets require signatures from the members of the org thus the name Sigsheet from the words Signature and Sheet! What’s even more amazing is that the applicants could design them according to their imagination. This is actually one of my proudest moments as an applicant because I was able to create a wonderful sigsheet for UP AdCore that resembled a cake. Of course, it took me days to do it with the help of my friends but it was definitely worth it.

Extraordinary cake for an extraordinary org. This was my sighseet when I applied for the UP Advertising Core.

5.) Internships

This is usually the more serious part of a UP students application process. This is when the applicant learns about the different departments that fuels the org. The departments, of course,  could vary per organization. For example, one of my organizations, UP AdCore, has 5 departments, which are  Creatives (CRT), Public Relations and Promotions (PRP), Human Resources (HR), Finance and Corporate Affairs (FCA), and Special Events and Logistics (SEaL).  My provincial organization, UP Kadugong Bol-anon, which I am the president of, also has 5 departments. These departments are the Committee on Internal Affairs (CIA), Committee on External Affairs (Exte), Committee on Finance (Fin), Committee on (Acads), and Committee on Logistics, Sports, and Recreation (LSR). I got to work under different departments from my different orgs. The internship is also a sneak peek into the life as a member of the org. After all, UP isn’t just about play but also work.

 Honestly, org application processes, especially in UP, are not easy. My UP life, just like the UP life of other iskos and iskas, does not merely end in burning the midnight candle for exams and reports. I have toiled hard to get into my orgs and even worked harder until I became the president of one. Orgs conduct application processes to screen their applicants and see if they are worthy to be in the org but the moments like these are essential and they definitely help the individual prepare for life after finally getting their most awaited sablay.  

[iskoltura-blog]

The Ultimate Waiting Game: How I got into UP Diliman after failing the UPCAT

“Okay lang kahit hindi ka sa UP mag-aral.”

My mom would always tell me this when we start talking about my future school. Of course she was only trying to make me feel better just in case I don’t actually get into the UP. Honestly, it wasn’t much help, because you can’t just erase years of brainwashing that “The University of the Philippines is the best school ever”.

My mom graduated from UP, and two of my siblings are currently in UP. This is why when I found out that I didn’t pass the UPCAT, the entrance exam for UP, I was really broken-hearted. I kept on pressing the refresh button of the results page hoping that somehow, the list would magically contain a “Pasamba” on it. I was really sad, yet I was also going full-on beast mode.

“Whatever it takes,” I told myself, “I have to get into UP.”

At that time, there were two dance majors from the UP College of Music in my dance studio. This gave me the idea that “Yeah, maybe I could do the same thing!” However, this idea was short-lived as my parents didn’t want me to make a career out of dancing. They wanted a “real” course for me.

Ouch.

So I had to look for other options. A girl from my high school got into the Sports Science program because of basketball. Again, I thought “Oh yeah I could totally do that with dancing!” I am a trained dancer after all. It seemed like a good plan, until I realized I didn’t want to study Sports Science. I hate science. So that’s another option off my list.

Ok, so if I hated science and math, why don’t I go for the arts? Theatre arts! Perfect! I’ve always loved theatre. Thinking about it now, I’m pretty sure I’d fail the auditions. Back then though, my only concern was that if I got in, I will surely grab the opportunity. But that also meant bidding my ballerina dreams goodbye. So to get that sacrifice out of the way, I turned to my final and least expected solution.

I applied for a reconsideration in UP Manila. I’ve waited a long time for them to post their results. In fact, there was a point that I almost gave up on UP. Months passed and June came. Classes in some schools have already begun.

Photo from Quick Meme

By then, I have already attended my first day at the University of Sto. Tomas. I had no uniform, no books, no school supplies, no nothing. I’ve never been more unprepared for something in my life. Ok fine, I was nowhere near ready to give up on my UP dream. I spent the entire day in UST thinking that this will pass. If I don’t get into UP Manila, I can always transfer a year later. “This is only temporary,” I told myself.

I went home. There was a text. It was my mom. I was trembling. I read it and—

I GOT INTO UP MANILA!

That was one of the happiest moments of my life. I can’t describe how happy, confused and thankful I was. It was like finally getting to poop after holding it in for a week. Or a month. Actually no, it was even better than that.

I spent my first year of college in UP Manila. I had a lot of fun, but I knew in my heart that I wanted to transfer to Diliman. I worked hard to keep my grades up, and a year later, I was able to make the shift. How I wish it was that easy.

I had to run from one department to another, making people sign my transfer papers. The never-ending cycle of waiting and running around went on and on. Yes, it was tiring to run after people and make them sign your papers, but I’ll take that any day over waiting for the results. Before I found out that I got accepted into BA Speech Communication, I had to take an exam, an interview, and wait some more.

The scary part was that it was the only program I applied for. If I didn’t get in, I would have to go back to UP Manila, swallow my pride, and beg my department to take me back. I pushed my luck bigtime, but it was all worth it.

I’d like to think that God didn’t allow me to pass the UPCAT for a reason. Maybe if I passed the UPCAT, I would be going down a very different road. I guess I’ll never know what would’ve happened if I saw my name on that list, but one thing’s for sure—I’m right where I’ve always wanted to be.

[iskoltura-blog]

Delving into the Ocean of Indecision

(A Story of a Student Who Didn't Know What to Do With His Life, and What He Finally Did With It)

Once upon a time there was high school student who was sure about every decision he made: what to watch, what to eat, what to wear, where to go. He carried this confidence into his 4th year, when they finally chose what course to take up in college. Like most of his decisions, he were very sure when they settled on Biology in UP Diliman, with the thought that he would take up medicine after graduating. For some reason I couldn't be happy in Biology. It wasn't that he didn't enjoy the subject, or that he didn't like the people he was with, but he was unhappy anyway. So after his first year, he decided to shift courses.

This is my story. Well, change the pronouns, and it’s my story. But it could be your story. Anyone’s story. Everyone’s story.

The story about shifting could take up another blog post, but it involved lots of paperwork, signature runs, MBB, Psychology, Math 54 and crying. Lots of crying.

Because for the first time in my life, I was confronted by the overwhelming truth that my future hung on a decision I could not make. The sheer number of options available made me question my initial, and every subsequent decision. Every option came with an unnerving thought: “what if…?”, and each “what if” sprung up one or two or more in its wake, like a hydra forever growing heads.

What if I’m not meant for med? What if I can't graduate? What if I end up stuck for the rest of my life? What if I-

Familiar?

Those thoughts were constant, and what happened after didn’t help at all. I didn't shift to a different course after my first year. …I couldn't. My grades didn't make the cut to any of the courses I wanted, and it was past the deadline for shifting for most other courses. Doors were shutting left and right. It seemed like a nightmare.

One option was still open. I applied for non-major status. Interestingly, it turned out to be just what I needed.

It gave me a break. The lack of a particular curriculum gave me a good amount of freedom to choose the classes they wanted to take. I discovered my current course through the people I met while I took those subjects. I was especially active in my theatre class, and met people from many different courses. When the time for shifting came, I told my parents I wanted to apply for either a pre-med course, or theatre. Of course, they advised me to take up pre-med.

Then, I bumped into my friends from the theatre class. A lot of them were shifting.

I didn't tell my interviewer this (Hi Ma’am Ginny), but I applied for Speech Communication on a whim. I remember running to CAL 101 on the deadline of the forms, handing over my papers just in the nick of time. I have no regrets. So here I am, typing this blog entry at an unspecified ungodly hour to give a few pieces of advice to the next student confronted by the crossroads with too many paths. The ocean of indecision.

(If you skipped most of my story, shame on you, but have some advice anyway.)

Your crossroads (or ocean, choose your metaphor) doesn’t necessarily have to be a course choice or a career decision, but whatever form it takes, give yourself a break. Study or make a paper? Family, friends, or love life? Passion or function? Take a step back if you can. You don’t always have to make a snap decision. Give yourself time to take it in, to let the overwhelming feeling pass.

Being unsure about yourself at this point is normal. We were as young as 15 or 16 when we decided what course to take. We weren’t exactly at the height of maturity. Don’t blame yourself for what your past self didn’t know. Growing up is part of college life, and college life is part of growing up.

Don’t let your decisions limit your future. You can always take up another class or course. Or you can always go for the road not taken. Cliche, I know, but “If there’s a will, there’s a way”. Note that this is coming from a highly ambitious 19-year old who dreams of becoming both a Broadway actor and a forensic pathologist, so take it with a grain of salt.

Keep going. The universe works in amazing ways. You’ll be okay. It’ll get better.

Sooner or later, you can look back and thank me at the decisions you’ve made and smile. Maybe write advice for the next lost soul, who knows?

[iskoltura-blog]

Tamang Hugot

“Ang Mga Lugar Ay Pawang Mga Lugar Lamang” ni Juan Miguel Severo

Ang mga parke ay pasyalan. Ang mga kalsada ay para sa mga sasakyan. Ang mga puno, para sa lilim. Ang mga poste ng ilaw, tanglaw sa dilim. Sabihin mo sa sarili mo: Ang mga lugar ay pawang mga lugar lamang.

Huwag kang magkakamaling hanapin maski anino niya sa tabi mo o ang mga hakbang ng mga paa niyang dati’y sumasabay sa’yo. Walang kinalaman ang paglubog ng araw sa init ng kanyang mga kamay o ang simoy ng hangin sa ginhawa ng kanyang mga akbay, ang huni ng mga ibon sa iyong tuwa.

Wala na siya. Ito ang napatunayan ko: Kaya mong makabisa ang bawat liko ng isang siyudad nang hindi ito itinuturing na tahanan.

Ang mga lugar ay pawang mga lugar lamang hanggang mag kasama niyong namasdan ang mga ito. Ang sementong sahig ay mananatiling tahimik kung hindi niyo sinulat dito ang inyong kwento -ang inyong kwento, mga pangako, mga problemang binuo- paulit-ulit, paulit-ulit ipapaalala ko sa sarili ko ang bawat kanto na pinalampas, bawat sulok na wala mo pang bakas, ang iyong mukha, ang iyong ulo sa aking dibdib. Maglalaboy ako hanggang maligaw sa siyudad itong nakasanayan kong pag-ibig. Maglalaboy ako hanggang matanggap ko Itong mga lugar na pawang mga lugar lamang at hindi tahanan ng mga ala-ala mo.

Sigurado ako na isang araw, mapupunta ka sa isang sitwasyon na kailangan mo i-express yung sarili mo sa harap ng mga tao. Pwedeng sobrang chill lang ng okasyon na ‘yon example ay kailangan mong magbigay ng birthday message kasi debut ng kaibigan mo. Pwede ding sobrang formal kunwari kung may presentation ka sa school. Pero kahit ano pa yung sitwasyon na ‘yan, ang importante alam mo kung paano ma-eexpress yung sarili mo. Yung moment sa buhay ko kung kelan kinailangan ko gawin yun ay nung nagkaroon ako ng Oral Interpretation class. Sa class na yun, pumipili kami ng mga tula o kaya istorya na kailangan naming basahin sa klase nang may tamang emotions pati facial expressions (in short, #hugot hahaha). Para siyang yung sumisikat ngayon na Spoken Word.

Naalala ko tuloy yung isang episode ng OTWOL nung nagperform si JM Severo ng Spoken Word piece niya (yung nakasulat sa taas). Grabe, kakaiba talaga yung tama nung tula na yun, ang tumagos talaga sa akin ay kung paano niya binitawan yung bawat salita na parang sobrang sakit talaga. Napa-wow ako e. Swear, sobrang lakas ng impact na kaya gawin ng Spoken Word as in sobrang umiyak ako nung part na yun, tapos dun ko napag-isip-isip na yung mga natutunan ko  pala sa Oral Interpretation class ko ay applicable din sa Spoken Word. 

Meron akong 5 tips na gusto ishare ngayon para makatulong sa’yo na maging kalevel si JM Severo sa Spoken Word:

Wala na siya

Na-introduce sa atin na dumaan sa break-up yung character ni JM sa OTWOL, so makikita natin kung paano rerelated yung pinagdadaanan niya sa piece niya. Mas madali kasing magperform nang merong hugot kung alam mo talaga yung feels na kailangan para sa tula mo. So sa mismong tula, dapat clear na agad yung idea na gusto mong maging basis nang paghuhugutan.

Walang kinalaman ang paglubog ng araw sa init ng kanyang mga kamay

Pag pinakinggan mo yung linya na to at kung paano siya sinabi ni JM, mararamdaman mo talaga kung paano niya nakikita yung tao as part ng isang pangyayaring normal lang. Sobrang expressive dapat yung pagperform mo na kahit yung mga simpleng bagay lang na tulad ng sunset, maipaparating mo na significant kapag na-associate na dun sa taong mahal mo.

Paulit-ulit, paulit-ulit, ipapaalala ko sa sarili ko. 

Important sa Spoken Word na alam mo yung piece mo by heart, kasi sobrang masisira talaga yung moment kung nandun ka na sa climax kaso… oops, biglang nakalimutan yung next line. Pati sa pamamagitan kasi ng pag-practice mas maiintindihan mo in a deeper level yung laman ng poem mo, so mas mapag-iisipan mo din kung ano yung mga tamang emotions na dapat mong ilapat.

Ang sementong sahig ay mananatiling tahimik kung hindi niyo sinulat dito ang inyong kwento

So what kung napapasigaw ka na? O kaya naman naiiyak na? Ilabas mo lang yun, kasi performance mo yan eh. Dapat habang nagtatanghal ka hayaan mo lang dumaloy yung emotions and feelings mo, wag ka maging conscious na baka isipin na ng iba na OA ka or something. Ang importante, maibuhos mo na lahat ng hugot na meron ka kasi yun yung foundation ng maganda Spoken Word performance.

Maglalaboy ako hanggang maligaw sa siyudad itong nakasanayan kong pag-ibig

Kalimutan mo na may mga nanonood sayo, sabi ko nga kanina, ibuhos mo lang yung emotions mo. Wag mo masyado isipin kung ano yung tatanggapin ng audience, ipakita mo lang na genuine yung pinagmumulan ng emotions mo at na ginagamit mo yung pagtula para ipakita kung sino ka at kung anong nararamdaman mo.

So yun yung 5 na bagay na sa tingin ko sobrang makakatulong sayo maging Spoken Word poet, at dahil nga sa palagay ko malakas talaga yung dating ng Spoken Word ngayon, maganda na gamitin natin to para mailabas yung mga hugot na tinatago natin. Para magets mo kung gaano talaga ka-moving yung performance ni JM at para din iwan kang inspired, eto yung kopya ng video ng pagtula niya sa OTWOL:

[iskoltura-blog]

3 in 3 (Lessons Learned in Designing Sound)

“Isa sa mga mahalagang elemento sa isang produksyon sa teatro ay ang tunog. Tunog ang nagdadala sa mga manonood ng pakiramdam ng bawat eksena. Tunog minsan ang nagsasabi ng panahon o oras kung kalian nangyayari ang dula. At tunog din ang nagdadala sa mga manonood na iba na ang eksena sa isa pang eksena. Lahat ng ito ay ang malaking responsibilidad ng isang sound designer.”—Mula sa aking special project thesis para sa aking CTA (Certificate in Theatre Arts) course.

2012 noong na-assign ako bilang sounds boardman para sa The Seagull/Ang Tagak ng Dulaang UP. Ang pagtrabaho sa produksyon ay kasama sa requirements ng Theatre Practicum class namin. Napakasaya ng experience kasi never sa buong buhay ko na nakapagkontrol ako ng audio system lalo na sa isang live performance.. Bilang sounds boardman, responsibilidad ko ang lahat ng sound cues na maririnig ng mga audience. Naging mahirap ito noong una kasi wala talaga akong alam sa ganoong work.  To make matters worse, iniwan ako ng sounds head namin kung kailan hell week na yung mga rehearsals. Pero buti na lang, marami akong naging experiences at mga taong naencounter na nagturo sa akin ng maraming bagay at naging foundation ko. So, now, I will share 3 lessons na natututunan ko in my 3 years dabbling in sound design. 

Photo by Dino Dimar

1)   Collab with Love!

Mahal na mahal ko ang pagdidesenyo ng tunog. Kaya naman, you should be open to any possibilities.Natutunan ko ‘to noong first time ko maging sounds apprentice sa Duchess of Malfi/Dukesa ng Malfi (2013). At this time kasi, nahihirapan ako makipag-collab sa co-sounds apprentice ko (na hindi ko na babanggitin ang pangalan) at lahat ng iniisip ko ay palaging ideas ko lang. Medyo naging mayabang nga ako sa part na yun kasi “feeling” ko hindi mag-wowork ang opinions niya, but, nung one time nakapag-usap kami ng masinsinan, sobrang talino and napakalawak ng kaalaman niya regarding sounds engineering! Edi napahiya naman ako, haha.—never ever mong i-judge yung ka work mo based sa mga sinasabi ng ibang tao (ito kasing co-sounds apprentice ko, siya yung laging sinasabihang tamad, chill, at di maaasahang ka-work.)  

 Teatro Porvenir (2013)

2) Designers will leave the work to you because they trust you!

Right after The Duchess of Malfi/Dukesa ng Malfi, sumunod ang Teatro Porvenir (2013) at muli, naging sounds apprentice ako rito ngunit ang kinaibahan ay ako na lang mag-isa. Si Sir Jethro Joaquin (Isa sa mga kilalang theatre and film sound & music designer / scorer at aking mentor) ang naging sounds desiginer ng produksyong ito at dito ako unang nakatikim ng mas mabigat na responsibilidad bilang isang theatre practitioner. Mayroong mga panahon kasi na pinauubaya na lang sa akin ni Sir Jethro ang mga ibang designs at minsan, oo, inaamin ko na nakakafrustrate ito dahil natatakot pa ako na mag step-up at sabihing “ginawa ko po ‘yan” sa direktor at sa mga ibang taong bahagi ng produksyon. Nafufrustrate din ako minsan, dahil may mga ibang disenyo ako  na ayaw ng direktor at ako na lang mag-isa nag fifigure-out kung paano ito mapapaganda.

Pero lahat ng frustrations na ito ay nawala nung natapos na ang buong produksyon. Ngayon nakakaproud sabihin na “gawa ko yang music na yan!” at ito rin ang mismong nag-drive sa aking upang magpursige pa sa pagdidisenyo ng tunog. Alam kong hindi naman talaga ako iniwan ng mentor ko, pinadama lang  nya sa akin kung anong hirap  ang pinagdadaanan at gayun na rin ang saya matapos ang produksyon.

3)    Maging humble, seryoso!

Well, I think natutunan ko na maging humble since bata pa (haha, okay hindi na ako humble nito). Pero ang ibig sabihin ng maging humble rito ay maging humble ka sa work or sa profession na pinagkakatiwala ng mga tao sa iyo. May kilala kasi akong mga tao na kilala sila, kunwari sa pagiging Production Manager or pagiging Stage Manager at ginagamit nila ito para sabihin na “ay magaling ako rito, etc.” na nakakairita. For me, gusto kong ibang tao ang nagsasabi na magaling ka at may future ka for this hindi yung ikaw yung nag fa-flaunt sa mga tao na magaling ka sa isang bagay! 

[iskoltura-blog]

EXPLICIT CONTENT: DO NOT TRY THESE IN CLASSES

4 THINGS NOT TO DO WHILE TAKING THEATER CLASSES

Warning: this article may contain materials that may trigger intense recollection of past and present events of one’s college life (which may be unsuitable for children), elicit vivid memories of surviving hell semesters, terror professors, long hand-written examinations, unrequited love interests, emotional and social breakdowns (which may be unpleasant for adults) and contain scenes that are of liberal-arts in nature (which may be unrecognizable for science, math and non-arts majors). Hazards may not be suitable for everyone as they were tailored from the author’s personal experiences. Reader discretion is advised.

 TERMS AND CONDITIONS

This material encourages any college student going through or had gone through varied school terms and conditions to carefully read the warning hazards. The hazards stated below might really be useful for that moment, or, that semester when one would get or be required to take performance/theater classes and have zero clue of what not to do before, during and after these classes.

Here are the warning hazards a.k.a my personal tips based on my personal experiences (embarrassments) as a theater major about what NOT to do during theater classes that might I say, I have learned in the most unsuitable ways:

GENERAL WARNING HAZARDS

1. Never break up with anyone (before performing), it might also break your performance.

I believe performers, especially actors, need emotional preparation, making themselves willing to feel sadness, fear, love or silliness before doing a performance that is subject only to the demands of the character and the need for audience excitement.  But sometimes, uncontrollable emotions make, or in my case, break the performance.

I had a Musical Theater class before and our activities include performing a song from any musical in front of our professor and classmates (and sit-ins). While we sang, our prof would do on-the-spot workshops and improvisations; she would give situations and we would sing and act within the given character and/or context. A day before our class time, I decided to break up with someone. I somehow had forgotten that I would be singing the next day because of my emotional indulgence. Performance day came and surprisingly I sang okay the first time. But it was not done yet. My professor asked me to sing again and except “this time,” she told me, “Imagine your ex. Imagine iniwan ka ng ex mo”. And just imagine what happened to me next. Hello salty fluid flowing from my eyes. I barely finished the bridge of the song. So…don’t let emotions arise until necessary!

(from www.vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net)

2. Don’t fart if you are gonna play a part…ner.

During theater classes expect to be working real close, and I mean that in the most figurative and literal sense. Despite flatulence being a normal and common thing, and considerably, the average person creates one to four pints of gas daily and releases it 14 times a day, sometimes these “musical emissions” send people running away from you.

In a stage movement rehearsal (class), we were tasked to create a movement piece inspired by Kamasutra positions with a partner. I was doing a choreography with a male partner and he was ‘carrying’ me with my hands on the floor as I propped myself up and my legs wrapped around his waist and buttocks near his stomach. Can you picture that? Lol. As we were holding the position so that others could check if the movement would be possible, a nuclear gas bomb accidentally exploded. And it was from me.  He was nice enough to not run away. Yeah, farting is not a form art. So, avoid taking: (i) large amounts of grains, (ii) whole wheat,  (iii) certain veggies like onions carrots, (iv) fruits like bananas and (v) legumes ESPECIALLY beans before rehearsing or performing. Do it, for your classmate’s or friendship’s sake but don’t make a habit of holding it in, of course! Live musically, but cautiously!

3.  Dress comfortably but not too, comfortably.

One cardinal rule in performance classes is that: always wear “work clothes” (not the corporate “work” attire). These are I. a) casual, b) non-binding, c) loose fitting but not excessively baggy clothes in which one can move freely; II. a) no tight pants, b) pajamas, c) skirts, d) fitted dresses, e) midriffs and the like. And another rule for a performance especially if it involves movement, one should do stretching and warm-up to avoid injuries. But then one lazy rehearsal day, I decided to wear black leggings and my favorite comfy rainbow underwear. And while stretching my legs on the floor, (was doing a split position), everybody saw how “colorful” my life was. Apparently, leggings are too stretchable and have the largest potential to be “see-through”. Yup, art, especially theater classes, really prove that irritatingly catchy tagline: makulay ang buhay.  

(from www.popsugar-assets.com)

4. Never let any opportunity pass. Ever. May forever.

Have you ever had that secret dream of being able to have the spotlight on you and showcase the hidden talents that you have kept for so long behind all the numbers and scientific figures and theories in all your other classes but are too afraid to actually act on it? One of the best things you could ever get in theater classes are opportunities. No matter how well your performance could go, there would always be the applause waiting at the end of the day. Because these classes appreciate you for stepping out of the box and grabbing that opportunity to sing that song that you thought you could never sing or act that dream you always wanted or dance feeling like Beyonce’. Whether it be an ensemble or lead part, there are no small roles in the theater.

I was asked to act for a directing class that I was not enrolled in. I gladly accepted even though there are no material incentives in return. It was an opportunity to experience acting and working with young and upcoming student-directors. A student just like myself would be directing me—it could be an outburst of creative development and learning for both of us. And of course, performing would always be my one true love. My forever.  I could not ever let it pass. Who knows, taking that role would lead you to your forever?

(from www.gigphy.com)

LICENSE AGREEMENT

These not so general terms and conditions as well as the hazards provided with backing personal information shall now be liable to the readers: those who had been constrained by their respective departments and colleges to take theater classes as a requirement, those who would dangerously cross the boundaries from the analytical math and sciences to the vast creative world of the arts and especially those with perpetual affinity and commitment to the arts without any demand for compensations.

Should any provision of these not so general terms and conditions and warning hazards be found unenforceable or null under specific circumstances and personal experiences, then it’s totally fine because the experiences acquired in taking theater classes can never be reproduced and never be found elsewhere. Such lack of enforceability or nullity of my “tips” shall not render theater classes as something any less. It is probable that Theater Classes could give students the shortest yet greatest time to discover what liberal arts education and the world has to offer. Using and considering these hazards means that you have read and accepted the varying school terms and conditions of a student’s life. Or you know, could always close the window or quit/cancel the operation.

(from www.wikia.nocookie.net)

Scholarly Advisory : Do try this at school.