Speech Choir and Ignite Competition

Base on my observation Asia Pacific College value performing arts, so much.  They organized a lot of events. Most of this are speech choir contest like what happen a while ago. Actually that was the last Speech Choir and Ignite Contest that ERC launched because next year there would be no English Term anymore.

So, this is how it goes, there was alternate presentation for the ignite contestants and speech choir contestants. The given piece for the speech choir is The Caged Bird by Maya Angelou while the ignite contestants was given a chance to choose their own topic.

For the speech choir, everyone did great but my main focus was on our presentation. The moment that I’ve watched the presentation of the first contestants I already admit that “oh. This one is really good.” I was very nervous during that time. On our presentation, all I know is we did our best. And to tell you, my arms, legs and neck are still aching because of our entrance. Even though we did our best it seems that our best was not enough. One thing that keeps popping into my mind is that they were all saying that our presentation was really good and our professors are proud but how come we still lose? There are some points that I doubt if our presentation was really good or people were just fooling us around :( Honestly? I really want to know the answer. (Yes, I know past is past. But how can we learn if no one will allow us to know what was wrong.)

On the other hand, each ignite contestants prepare a very interesting topic or I should say very relatable topic. I like the topic about curly hair, K pop fan, signs to know if someone has a crush on you (very interesting for young adults). But what I like the most is our representative’s topic which talks about being a cool kid. I like this topic because it really talks about loving, accepting and forgiving yourself for being who you are. Why am I interested with it? It is because I am guilty for being one of those who can’t love themselves. I actually end up bullying myself for being not as good as them; for being weak and for being a burden to others.

The contest ends, and our block’s ignite representative won. Everyone focus on our last blog. Everything goes back to normal. But me, I was left with a hanging question … Anyway not all story has its end, some was left with an open plot. And we were the one who will find a good ending.  :) 

Public Speaking Competition

Many people are afraid to speak specially in public. We all know that speaking can be a good asset in the industry that we’re going to choose. But how can we do that, if we are afraid in speaking? This question is the reason why APC launched several competitions which hones public speaking skills.

The public speaking competition was held yesterday (April 20, 2016) at the APC Auditorium. The contestants are grouped and took the elimination round at various rooms in APC. On the other hand, audience stay at the auditorium and played some games (something which are related with public speaking and debate)

I’m the one who supposed to join the debate but I was being substitute by my classmate. At first, I was very nervous and excited at the same time. But, then my classmates seems to lose their trust. I get their point, maybe I wasn’t look comfortable during that time. That moment I realized something and came up with a question “If you’re not going to trust yourself, then how can they trust you?”

After the games the participant in our block came back to the auditorium. Sad to say but they’ve been eliminated. As I listened to those contestants who passed the elimination round, I was able to understand the pressure that my classmate had been through. I also admit that those contestants are really good.

Anyway, there will always be a room for improvements. And tomorrow is another chance for us to bloom. Just like segregation, you should know the things which belong to past and the things which need focus for the present.

Creative Storytelling and Confession of a Book-A-Holic

Creative Storytelling and Confession of a Book-A-Holic --- They are different but being joined in a single program.

Creative storytelling is a competition. The title itself tells that this competition have a lot of stories to tell, but it focus on the legends. Every group have their own style in telling their stories. They are nice but for me the one who used shadow puppets are the most creative among all the contestants because it appears to be different from the others.

We were interested in confession of book-a-holic because we were doing ignite. Though they have the same topic they manage to have different trademarks. We noticed that some of the speakers were so nervous that’s why they commit several ahhs and ahhms, mispronounced words and have long awkward pauses. (Yeah, I know we were being a fault finder but we used to it so sorry if you think that’s mean.) We also noticed that they delivered their speech quickly and we know it’s because of the time limit for each slide.

One word to describe this program?

-FUNCTIONAL.

Benjamin Alves Celebrate His Birthday with RAMS

March 18, 2016

Our PubSpe 1 class was canceled. All of us was instructed to proceed to Multipurpose Hall 1. I asked my block mate what’s going on, because it seems that they are having a party. Then the host called someone and his name sounds familiar. Everyone were looking slowly to the main door. There, he walked. He walked slowly. The cameras flashed on his face and every eyes was following his gestures. This is how famous Benjamin Alves is.

Yes, Benjamin Alves (one of GMA’s actor and the one who played the role of Andrew in Sana Dati, a film I blogged before) visit and celebrate his birthday (in advance) with us. It’s not new for us to saw an actor or an actress because we’ve seen a lot before. Some students in our school is actually part of show business.

3 Groups delivered a slam poetry and as a return he also delivered his. I didn’t heard it clearly but I think it’s good because it seems to be appealing to the audience. They reacted as if they can relate. If you don’t know his educational background you may not be surprised why he’s good in writing. He graduated Suma Cum Laude in English Literature at University of Guam.

APCians were willing to cooperate with the games they prepared, most especially in talking Benjamin face to face (with matching hugs), eating foods and taking a selfie or a groupie with him.

Time drives so fast and everything backs to normal. But before he say goodbye he gave as a souvenir that might make us remember that day. 

Artist Talk

Note: Photos are from google.



Usually artist have their own art style but it not bad to get ideas from other artist as long as you’re doing it in your own style. (To avoid plagiarism).

One of the College’s week program is the Artist Talk featuring film and animation. The beginner animators and film makers show their works in “ABMA nood tayo” after that is a speech delivered by a well-known animator, Tito Romero.

When it comes to film. It was good actually is impressive. They showed me another genre which suits with our generation. I think APC students aim to be unique.

Animation?

I’m not into this but know someone (actually he is my friend) who is into this. Sad to say his not present on the artist talk. Well at first I don’t get it why he likes animation, for me it’s too difficult.

And “yes, it is” that’s what they said. Although I’m not into animation I still appreciate their works because, with my stock knowledge, I think I can’t be as good as them. Besides, I’m not in the position to bash their works because I know nothing about the struggles they faced just to make it.

To be honest, I just heard a half of Tito Romero’s speech because I was late. But then I was amazed by his accomplishments considering that he took different course from animation. He has this passion and advocacy to bring the Philippine animation industry, to the next level, where Filipinos can be globally competitive. I think this is one of a good reason why we have to support animation industry here in the Philippines.

While looking on western animation pictures, my friend once said “ Balang araw, gagawa rin ako niyan.”

I smiled...

And told to myself

 “I can’t wait for that time :)...”

Who Wants to be a Millionaire, APC edition

Boring,

For others

Thrilling,

For some

For me?

It really seems “boring”

But thrilling in some point :)

To be honest, I never liked this kind of game because it reminds me of one of the most stressful part of being a student: EXAM, the battle between you and a mighty piece of paper. Being equip you’re your ballpen is not enough. You will be needing a powerful machinery called brain (-__- of course with a stock knowledge with in it) and this magical thing called luck (you really need this to guess all of the answers up to the last... )

Anyway, what I mean is that “Why do I have to stress out myself when in fact I wasn’t the player?” – And this what makes it good :)...

Last March 8, 2016 the English Department of Asia Pacific College held another version of the game show “Who wants to be a millionaire?” This one is different because there’s no life lines but you’ll going to work as team. Each team consist of 3 members. We have our representatives...And they made it up to the last level. They save our pride (as a block)... And I’m so proud of them (I’m just too shy to show them :)..)

 On the first round which is easy round, I noticed that everyone seems to be bored... Some are just playing color switch on their phone while some are just texting. Only few are paying attention. You might not believe me if I will tell you that I’m one of those few because I already told you that it’s boring. But to tell you, being bored is far different from disrespecting. :)

So, shall we continue? :) …

On the second round the tension and excitement increase, when they stepped up on the stage. For us? It’s exciting because our block mates will also be competing on the second round.

As I said they made it up to the last. The game was so close that’s why everyone seems to be alive on the final round. The excitement rise to its peak when they had a tie breaker.

That was a good game. Other block became the champion and my block mates get the runner up. However, they are still the pride of our block :)…

Paddington the Bear

Note: The photos are from google :)

Add caption

HOME is not just a shelter nor a house. Home is more than that. It keeps, support and protect you. It’s the place where you BELONG. It is where everyday story start, like the story of Paddington. In spite of feeling unwanted, Paddington find a true home in the presence of Brown family.

The first time they met Paddington Mrs. Brown decided to offer him a shelter just for a night. Even though Mr. Brown wasn’t in favor, he still approved his wife’s request. “Night” became “nights” and “day” became weeks. Until they’ve learn to live their daily lives with Paddington.

They realize their love for Paddington when he left them, to find Montgomery Clyde by himself. The feeling of being unwanted provoke him to do so; never knowing danger is waiting for him. Millicent Clyde (Montgomery Clyde’s daughter) almost stuff him to win back their legacy but the Brown family save him.

Starting that night they decided to adopt Paddington. At last he feel wanted and part of family he dreamed to have.  It might not the perfect home at least, it is where he belongs.

Sana Dati: Story of A Failed Romance

source: google

Love is a very cliché thing but we can’t escape the fact that it is the only thing which anyone can relate. Most ideal love stories tend to end with a happy ending or a happy ever after, that’s what make it cliché. But as I said “most” not “all”. A film directed by Jerrold Tarog entitled “Sana Dati” is the best example of a story which quite different to those stories that we know. This is very much impressive for it has its own unique way to convey the other faces of love, which are very much realistic.

We all know that there is no room for romantic ‘fantasies’ in our era. I mean let’s just accept that not all stories have a happy ending. Some are already finish before it is about to start. It’s so hard to wait or hope for a continuation. That’s why there are some people who are bitter. They believe that they’re not envy or jealous. They are just being awaken to the fact that nothing last forever. But there are some of them who still believes that “Feelings can fade, but memories stays.”

This one is quite the same with the movie SanaDati, where in you can see a lot of flashback that can unlock all the mysteries. The story is all about a bride, Andrea, who suddenly reminisce her past because of this guy, Dennis, who came up to the picture during her wedding day. Of course I’m not going to tell you the story, you are the one who should discover. But to give you some hints, this story tells about: one sided love, deceased love, battle between their happiness and yours, facing and accepting the fact, starting a new life, learning to leave the pain … and to let go. To make the long story short, they are victims of fate.

I would like to recommend this story to those who are in a relationship, mutual understanding, single, broken hearted, busted, secretly admiring, missing someone, being missed, trying to forget someone, being forgotten,  used to be the second option, friendzoned  etc. In short, I would like to recommend this for everyone who knows and wants to know more about love. This movie will make you feel and realize something. I’ sure you’ll enjoy this because everything has a hidden message to be solve. That’s what make it good.

source:google

Sana Dati is a two hours film that can tell a lot of love’s different angles. It also tells that not all story has its happy ending, but its up to you how are you going to see things. The least thing we can do is to appreciate every chapter because happy or not, it is still unique and once in a lifetime. 

APC Smoking Campaign

Source: Google Images

Not all lights are good in our lives. Most especially if it is in your mouth creating a smoke and a pinch of fire. Obviously the one I am talking about is the cigarette. Some may think that it was just a stick. That’s right! It was just a cheap stick of cigarette (looks harmless) where you can find peace and forever.

Cigarette is cheap, yes it is. That’s why many people, (even the young ones) can afford to buy some. But it seems that life is cheaper than this piece of stick because just like what they said, lighting up a cigarette is like saying that your life is no worth living. This is quiet true because were still doing the same routine even though we are aware of what might happen on our lives.

This piece of stick can also bring you to a more peaceful world, the afterlife. A world where you can rest in peace, permanently. 2-3 MILLION dies every year because of Tabaco. Who knows, you might be the 3,000,001 st smokers that would die this year.

Credits; Carl Taupa

Forever? For me, “smoking” is where you can find forever. As we can see it has been an issue since long time ago up until now, but nothing happens. It was the same health issues that our community facing, nowadays.

An endless issue not only in our community but also in some university and campuses just like Asia Pacific College. It’s good to be true and that’s what APC did. For me, it’s effective that they post what are the worst things look like. They will never be afraid unless they could see what would likely to happen. Good Job for that. I hope there would be more campaigns to follow until our school are totally smoking free.

Once again all of this are caused by a cheap stick of cigarette, where you can find peace and forever. A kind of peace and forever that you doesn’t want to have. Quit as long as you can. Don’t wait, until it’s too late.

When Destiny Plays

 Source: Google Images

Have you ever fall in love? (I hate asking this question but…) If yes, then I’m sure you already know the feeling when you witness a real life magic. Not a literal magic on a magic show, where in a bunny suddenly appears from a magician’s hat. I’m talking about the magic made by fate, also called “destiny”. It is the same thing that plays a great role to the Hong Kong - Singaporean movie, Turn Left, Turn Right.

This movie is all about a two person that are destined for each other but being parted by the playful fate. Just like a typical hopeless romantic person, John and Eve wants to find their destiny and there, they found each other. Funny, because they met before, even when they are young but because of some circumstance they never get in touch, same as in present. There is no easy happy after and it seems that fate is having fun of them. They even meet this two crazy persons that make the situation even worse, Ruby (a waitress/delivery girl who likes John) and Dr. Hu (Eve’s creepy stalker). As I said, fate is the reason why they are apart but it is also the reason why they meet again at the end. 

Its kind a tricky, so let me tell you some cliché scenario that might be quiet similar to this story. Because, honestly, I think it is somehow unrealistic. I mean there is a less possibility that it happens in real life. (So here is it...)

Have you experienced that moment when you always find each other in a random time and place, then every time you see him, it feels like everything drives so slow. You can’t help to wonder why on earth you always meet. Then, as the time pass, you get attach to him. You are starting to love his presence, to enjoy your moments and to realize that you are falling.

What if the saddest part come? Where in, he's gone for no reason. Then you just have nothing to do but to cry; wishing him to come back knowing he won’t and escaping the fact that the following days aren’t the same just like before. It’s like every time you miss him is equivalent to every wounds that you gain. As if you are being stub by the memories that supposed to make you smile and being killed by the reality that make you cry. 

I can’t blame you if you start asking “Why do I have to meet him, if in the end, he’s not going to stay?” or “What’s the point of having this feeling, if at the first place , we’re not meant to be?” Sooner or later, you’ll get tired and numb of pain, until you are finally ready to let go.

But, what if he comes back, bringing all the memories and the feelings from the past that you try to forget. What would you do if you feel the “same” feeling you used to have before, when once again, everything drives so slow?

That’s how it goes in real life situation. But if I were you I would prefer the one which in the movie because it has a touch of comedy and a sudden twist. We don’t have to take all things seriously. I’m not going to say that “Let the fate works on it,” for I believe the other way around, that’s why I leave a hanging question in the scenario…It is because, you’re the one who creates your destiny, it is not the destiny who creates you.

source:google