not-kxthln

[not-kxthln]

Si Nanay (2019): A Mother’s Day Short Film

Directed and Produced by Kathleen Basence and Kristine Mahusay Script and Screenplay by Kathleen Basence Audio Tech by Kristine Mahusay

[not-kxthln]

Likhang Liberal Merch design by Kathleen Basence

[not-kxthln]

Art Portfolio (2018)

[not-kxthln]

Fashionably Comfortable (2017)

Dress fashionably comfortable amidst the heat for aun this summer! Learn how with these tips.

[not-kxthln]

020419| Binondo at Night

[not-kxthln]

020419| Binondo at Daylight

[not-kxthln]

020419|Binondo

[not-kxthln]

Binondo's Chinese New Year: A First Binondo Experience

In my younger years of 11 and 14, February has always been a concept of love, relationships, courtships, dating, and things a like. However, growing up and being more conscious to my surroundings, February also became a festivity of dragon dances, lucky charms, horoscopes, and a lot of color reds as the celebration of Chinese New Year becomes evident to me. This year, as part of a class output, I immersed myself in my first celebration of Chinese New Year, and there is no perfect place to celebrate this festivity other than at the oldest China town in the world, Binondo, Manila.

Celebration of Chinese New Year in Binondo is hell, long waiting queue, loud rhythmical banging from here and there, and a vast sea of people even at the corners of Binondo. Recognizing those scenarios from the previous and other occasions, the perfect time to witness the celebration is the day before the exact Chinese New Year (February 4), so we did. On the day of the trip, we were welcomed by a heavy traffic upon entering Binondo, literally as we enter the arc of Chinatown. It is said that one way to witness the beauty of a place is through walking without knowing the right way to the destination and again, so we did. We walked without certainty if the path we’re talking is leading towards the heart of Chinatown which is the Ongpin Street and truly, the beauty lies in the eyes of those who wanted to see beauty.

Binondo at Daylight

(click here for more photos)

The journey towards the destination should not always be rushed to be able to appreciate the beauty of what is in front rather than what is yet to come. From a perspective of the latter, the town is crowded by people, infrastructures, stores, and electrical wires, the sunlight only passes through the cracks of high rising buildings surrounding the streets of Binondo, Manila making it dark and gray, and the unsynchronized cries from vendors of all races; Filipino or Chinese. However, looking beyond what is evident a beauty from within is revealed. People of different culture and purpose as to why they are there expressed the same goal for that day, to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The crowd is usually large at daylight and it is harder to immerse on what is happening, however, the crowd is unusually smaller than expected, there is a place for us to stay and the cold breeze of Amihan could still be felt. Smartphones and cameras are all set for the tourist to capture that picture perfect and Instagramable moment, it may be a video of the traditional dragon dance, selfies, or a photo of an unusual scene. I took a chance of taking photos using my phone camera even if there is a great possibility that it will be snatched from me; taking risk is what makes an adventure fun and exciting. I stopped at the time and places where the beauty of Binondo is revealed to me, at the center of a crossroad, at the corner of the street, while walking, and even while crossing the road. But despite all these, one still has its own negative polar.

Background of the Celebration

Traditionally, Chinese New Year is a Chinese festival that celebrates the beginning of the year on their traditional Chinese calendar. According to a Chinese myth, this festivity started as a form of defeating Nian, a mythical beast who was said to be eating villagers, through setting off fireworks and putting up red papers to scare off the beast, and because it works according to its purpose, the Chinese continued the practice making it a tradition. Today, Nian is believed to be the dragon dancing during today’s Chinese New Year and in Binondo,dragon dances can be seen in different forms, giant dragons controlled by people holding poles, people wearing dragon costumes, and even street children who have improvised their costumes using pieces of cloth and a box. It has become a form of performance in exchange for a money nowadays which defy the true essence of the celebration. Which also remind me if the celebration still carries the true essence of the celebration even in other places? Should its essence be taught in the public during the celebration or is the public and the Chinese community are able to accept that the true essence of the celebration can no longer be recognized?

Philippines vs China

Since the advent of the Philippine’s right towards the Scarborough Shoal, there has been a dispute between the Philippines and China as they also claim their right at the shoal. With this, a feud between Filipinos and Chinese became evident especially in the internet and the gaming community as the terms “chingchong” and “peenoise” became a racism terms for the Chinese and Filipinos. The feud developed into something more than the internet and gaming when the Chinese coastguards deprived the rights of Filipino fishermen to fish at the shoal which locals call Panatag Shoal, Bajo De Masinloc, or Huangyan Islets despite its inclusion to the Philippine’s exclusive economic zone.

In the internet, the Filipinos rage towards how the Chinese treat them has become a clash between nations however, it is also evident that during our trip to Binondo, Filipinos are the number one “tourist” at the celebration. Does this feud of nations be forgotten when a celebration occurs? I mean if Filipinos are patriarchal enough then why would such celebration is being patronized by Filipinos? The Lucky Chinatown Mall exhibits a huge sculpture of Budai or the Laughing Buddha where people could light an incense and practice a worship to Budai, bowing to Budai with an incense between a praying hand. But what struck me is that all of the people practicing this are mostly Filipinos who are most likely non-Buddhist. So, why worship a religion that you don’t practice, also given that the people teaching these are Chinese that are having a feud with.

Again, why would a Filipino patronize such celebration if there is hatred towards the people who owns the celebration? To be in? For Instagramable pictures?

Binondo as Producers

(click here for more photos)

The Chinese are also known for their belief in luck as a form of a lot of things, charms, home decors, arrangement of things, food, and etc, and since their stay in the Philippines a practice of trading, Filipinos were also influenced in these beliefs. Binondo, as a Chinatown, is known for different Chinese charm stores and it is a normal scene for a Chinese to sell these products, bracelets that acquires different purpose according to its color or design, home decors which have special instruction as where it should be placed, and foods that are said to obtain luck when eaten during the celebration. Moreover, Filipinos are also involved in the practice of selling these products with also the same purpose but with a cheaper price.

Concept of Charms

Wanting to be more involved in the celebration, I decided to buy charms, specially a bracelet, that would serve a certain purpose to my life, it may be for studying, good health, protection, family, and well-being, stores with these charms are all over Binondo, same products but different prices. Upon entering store after store, I noticed that they were selling real stone gems of different colors and arrangement as a bracelet depending on the luck that it is said to bring. These stores are Chinese owned, and their products ranges from 700 pesos to 2000 pesos, according to the store’s I went to so, I decided to see if those charms from Filipino vendors also serve the same products and prices. It can easily be noticed that Filipino vendors can be seen immediately because they do not have a certain store, instead, they are in kariton, the prices are evidently different because they sell the same bracelets for 50 pesos, however, the quality are also far different because it is obvious that they use cheap materials and a cheap bead work. Analyzing these differences, I came to a conclusion that maybe this celebration is also a venue for business men and “business men” to gain lots of money because they know that most Filipinos will engage in this event. Moreover, upon asking Filipino vendors about the purpose of a certain bracelet, they could not answer directly, or they would just say “hindi ko po alam” (I don’t know).

Binondo at Night

(click here for more photos) 

Roaming around the streets of Binondo, trying out different food, observing people, and just witnessing the whole celebration, I’ve observed that the darker it gets the crowd grows bigger and more foreigners can be seen with the crowd, this may be because of the count down that will be happening at midnight or because Binondo is more beautiful at night. I’ve personally experienced Binondo at daylight and I would say that there is beauty beyond what is explicit to they eye but Binondo at night elicit a different kind of beauty despite of a huge crowd of people, store signs from left and right, lanterns hanging along the streets, and street lights. The nice photos I got also added to my productive day and spending the day with my friends in Binondo too. It was calming but mostly exhausting to witness Binondo from daylight to night but realizing and learning a lot of things from this trip is what really made it worth it. Happy Chinese New Year, Gong Xi Fa Cai!

[not-kxthln]

MIKTINIG publicity material

[not-kxthln]

Publicity posters for College of Liberal Arts and Communication Student Council events

[not-kxthln]

Publicity material for 95.9 Green FM

[not-kxthln]

THE ART OF LOVE

By Kathleen Basence & Hannah Sanchez

Life entices us with simple choices that are hard to choose like art or science, coffee or tea, or even simplest things as yes or no, but combined with the challenges and obstacles we face, life is indeed tough as it looks. Engineering and art were not always in the same boat but take it from Genesis Aala, or Gini for short, who seemly combined both, an engineer by profession and artist by heart.

“Sometimes I incorporate art with engineering and vice versa. And, in daytime, I work as an engineer, at night if I am not tired, I do some of my artworks and painting.” Says Gini as she clearly explains what his routine like. When we asked her if there are difficulties of balancing her career as an engineer and an artist she said that it is a matter of managing schedule plus it is fun for her to collaborate engineering and art, in addition she also said that it is the best combination of skills if you are a visual artist.

There are difficulties in life and as for Genesis there are days when balancing both responsibilities becomes difficult to her, “I had a dilemma whether I should continue being an engineer or to continue my passion. I felt like I don’t have a role in my recent work as an engineer, sometimes I feel down because I can’t do my works like before. And pursue just being an artist.” She said, but sometimes choosing one is not enough she also realized that she can do both.

The wheel of life turned once again for Gini and that time it was a call for help. On June 2015, her 47-year old mother, Emma, was diagnosed to have an ovarian cyst and was advised to undergo operation before things get worse. Although Gini was an engineer by profession and her mother was an elementary teacher, financing the hospital bill would still be a big problem for their family given that her younger brother died months before, and so, Emma refused to undergo operation and just took medication. But soon, it gets worse. The family rushed to the Korea-Philippines Friendship Hospital in Trece Martires City, Cavite, “her doctor told her that she needs to undergo surgical operation immediately or we will lose her” as Gini emotionally reminisce those moment, but the operation would cost up to a hundred thousand pesos. She then realized that selling her artworks was her last resort because it is her mother’s life what is more important.

Collecting all her artworks from year 2015, Gini, with the support of her fellow The Bet Sins Community, head to the iconic Luneta Park to sell her artworks and help her raise funds for her mother. “I didn’t have that second thought when I decided to sell my artworks. Yes, it was hard for me because I know I can’t make similar paintings again, each piece tells a story. But I know I can make more in the future.” As she explains emotionally. With the help of the people who’ve bought her artworks and other beneficiaries who noticed her and her goal, they raised more than a hundred thousand, enough to support her mother’s operation and other hospital bills.

Giving up the things that are most valuable to our hearts are like giving up a part of our self but in the name of love, we can suffice all things. The wheel of life continues to turn and after the rain there will always be a rainbow. “It was all worth it. Nothing compares to my mother’s life than those paintings.” As she concluded her heart-warming story. Genesis Aala is truly an inspiration to a lot of people especially to local independent artist, a woman of brains and talents and a great epitome of what love is truly being. Love is sacrifice and giving a part of yourself is nothing compared to giving away someone you love.

“To all the aspiring artists, continue creating things. Never let any hindrance to block your passion and dreams. And in each pieces you create, make them with all your heart. Let each piece tell a story about what is happening in your mind and in your life. Let them speak without you speaking out aloud. Let them fly. And learn to let go. Some things are meant to go.” – Gini.

[not-kxthln]

(Perceptions of Senior Highschool Students) K-12 Implementation: Supported by the Senior Highschool Students or not?

 By Louise Talabis, Kathleen Basence, & Michelou Blancaflor

In this fascinatingly frustrating world with predictably unpredictable happenings that requires literacy, numeracy and being techy, quality education is not only vital in every generation but is also critical because it is the determinant of a nation’s success. Furthermore, amidst the government’s different methods on schemes, the environment’s varying mishaps, and the rampant social issues in our dear country, each person, whether white or black, regardless of their status can be one of the rays of hope and the key to better and more developed society as long as they’re given opportunities to attain quality education. Also, because of sufficient and great knowledge due to having quality education, anyone can sagely give their two cents about a particular topic. Be it about politics, economics, environment, one will always have a stand regarding any of the current issues specifically depending on his or her personal belief, religious belief, political belief and culture. In spite of such diversity in voices, beliefs and tradition, we wanted to hear these people out specifically students regarding the very timely implementation of the K-12 program. Don’t we all notice the abrupt shift of our educational system or curriculum? Don’t we have to hear others’ opinion? Bear in mind that a person, especially if exposed to different opinions and ideas and has also learned to look at the world through different eyeglasses, will be more educated.

It was a very a cloudless day and as strong as the hot topics and trending issues nowadays, we felt the scorching heat from the bright rays of the sun, affecting the voluminous students passing inside and outside the campus, audaciously beating the shifting weather, we indefatigably walk in search of different views of people since we wanted to hear diverse point of views of some of the first batch of senior high school students regarding the implementation of the K-12 program because we believe that opinions are varying and that everyone has a right to vent out their thoughts specifically to let the authorities be informed as well of the side of the student about the said implementation. But first, for others who do not know what really is K-12 about, the K to 12 Programs is mandated by R.A 10533, or otherwise known as “Basic Education Act of 2013”. The curriculum of Department of Education covers Kindergarten and another 12 years of education, and aims to provide appropriate time for mastery, development, and preparation for tertiary education and employment which obviously means that the years of studying will be longer than before. Moreover, the student will be required to finish senior year first before he or she can enter college and will only get a certificate when he accomplished his or her junior year. However, if he or she finished senior year he or she can now apply and have a job.

As we all know, there are hundreds of books, movies, and television shows that portray senior year as a time of independence and growth. It is true that once you hit senior year, you are no longer a small fish in a big pond. As a senior, you are a campus leader—it is your responsibility to show underclassmen the ropes. Four years of high school have made you an expert on all things in secondary education, but you may not know what to expect on that first day of senior year and yes, one of our interviewee, Mr. Joseph Paul Roxas, a Senior High School student from De La Salle University-Dasmariñas experienced a lot of dilemma during his Senior Year. Well, the pressure and the stress that he is encountering today doubled compared to other senior high students because he is also an athlete, a Volleyball player to be exact. According to him, the additional 2 years of K-12 is good for them and it is beneficial because, it can help them to be more prepared to the enter college years. He also said that it will help them to gain new knowledge in different things. But for him, there are also some disadvantages of being an athlete. He told us that there are a lot of tasks, homework to be passed and because of that he cannot longer play his sport, volleyball. During the last part of our interview, JP also shared to us that K-12 does not help him to develop his skills in terms of volleyball because according to him, their Physical Education in K-12 offers only the basic skills. Upon hearing this, we were surprised since we didn’t know until now that it’s only the basics being taught. Come to think of it though, maybe the reason is that these sports were already taught during the high school years and maybe they think that senior year should be more focused on career- development and academics but it is safe to say that students should really be the ones to adjust in situations and changes like this and that time management is a significant trait that a student should possess.

Life is a balance as most people believe. Most of the time balancing can be an easy, like putting fewer things on the bag the better. But sometimes the idea of putting more in the bag can bring great satisfaction when achieving it all. Another student-athlete, Earl Vergara, knew this but at the same time he knew that balancing it with his academic responsibilities could bring him a hard time. He is from the University of Perpetual Help-Jonelta senior high school basketball team and in his four years in the game, Earl Vergara plays a big role in the team. He also brought a lot of praise and respect to his school. During the interview we learned that, since his first year, it is really his choice to pursue his talent in basketball not only to satisfy himself but also to lessen the amount of his tuition fee but now that he is experiencing the new curriculum of the Department of Education called K to 12 program and it was hard for him to swallow the reality of an additional 2 years in high school.  “Beneficial naman ang program na yun para sa mga student na di na tutuntong sa college at ang goal ay makapagtrabaho na agad” said Vergara when asked if he thinks that the program is beneficial. Also according to him, his plans in college didn’t really change despite the amendment of their curriculum. He believes that he will be more equipped and capable to balance his career in basketball and responsibilities as a student when he enters college.

“Ang tanging sagot lang is you should know what to put at the top of your list. Prioritize academics above all. Hindi naman kailangan na nasa top 10, ang mahalaga ay yung alam mong may natututunan ka kasabay ng pag gawa mo ng kung ano yung gusto mo.”  Hearing that first hand is a good thing to know from student athletes like him- prioritizing academics above all since as we all know, student athletes are sometimes being generalized as students who chooses sports over academics. However, by reason of him, we can see the bigger picture that there are indeed students who still know how to set and handle their priorities right. Also, we were amazed that passion really is an agent in pursuing your other goals in life. As for him, basketball helped him get discounts in his tuition. Showing that there will always be a way to achieve quality education no matter what the hindrance is. As other people would say, “If there’s a will, there’s a way”.

Education is possible regardless of the circumstance- that is what this student made us remember. She is Clarisse Banasihan, a consistent honor student from Tungtungin Putho Integrated National Highschool. “Nung una po, siyempre, parang ang inisip namin agad ay yung negative part na may two years na naman so parang inisip naming lahat na matagal pa pero nung inexplain kung ano talaga yung pinaka purpose ng K-12 naging panatag na naman tsaka okay na” Banasihan said when asked about her thoughts about the program’s implementation. “For cons po kasi don sa mga di naman nakakaangat angat, ang iniisip nila kasi nung nalaman nila, iniisip nila na gastos, gastos na naman pero nung pinaliwanag na yung 2 years na yun kahit wag na magcollege and ready ka na rin naman magtrabaho after non” she said when asked about the cons of the K-12 program. We also found out that her mother is the only one who provides for their family after her father who was a pedicab driver died about two years ago. She shared that she is really motivated to finish her studies but as she has mentioned earlier, because of financial problem, instead of choosing the academic track or strand Humanities and Social Sciences or HUMSS, she chose the strand General Academic Strand or GAS instead since it is cheaper in terms of expenses and it is for those who still can’t decide what particular strand to take. “Okay naman po kasi nakatulong po sa pagpili ko ng gusto ko talaga, madami lang po talagang activities na pinapagawa compared nung junior high po ako”. The first thing that came up to our minds upon hearing this is that requirements and deadlines are certainly what a student life is in a nutshell then again all of us should consider this as a stepping stone towards our goals in life.

Besides, all dreams whether whimsical or practical, realistic or idealistic are attainable nonetheless. The process, however, may be arduous but consider it as a boundless marathon wherein you can reach the finish line despite the number of pitfalls you will encounter in pursuit of that dream. Notwithstanding the diversity in perceptions, we were satisfied by the fact that the senior high students we interviewed are optimistic and passionate. They’re all goal-orientated, focused and determined to attain quality education that showed in their support in the implementation of the K-12 program. Overall, we are delighted to know that the positive feedbacks are more than the negative thoughts about the K-12 program.

[not-kxthln]

K to 12 is for the Benefit of Filipino Learners.

By Michelou Blancaflor, Kathleen Basence, & Louise Talabis

According to the Department of Education, on the 2nd National K to 12 Conference, the K to 12 education program is not only for our international neighbors but instead, for ourselves.

Department of Education maintained that the implementation of the program was not only because of the advice of the international community nor as the requirement of the ASEAN, but because the Filipino learners should know the advantage of the new curriculum. Making the youth more competitive and productive.

The Education Secretary, Leonor Briones said that the curriculum equips the youth with skills, creativity, and intelligence, enabling the youth to compete for the country.

The K to 12 Programs is mandated by R.A 10533, or otherwise known as “Basic Education Act of 2013”. The curriculum of Department of Education covers Kindergarten and another 12 years of education, and aims to provide appropriate time for mastery, development, and preparation for tertiary education and employment.