Love, Respect and Family: Lucid Dance Troupe.

De La Salle Canlubang was dead last in my option to go to when I was choosing a school in my freshmen year and when I learned that I'll be transferring from CSB to DLSC, it was like "Bahala na nga".

Since I didn't want to go there, the drive to dance kept me going to school. I looked for the dance troupe which is Lucid Dance Troupe. With some of my batchmates already part of the group, I auditioned and I got in! As a freshmen, they accepted me like I was not a transferee. They believed in me and chose me to join them already in a competition. That was Rock Dancelebration at DLSU-M hosted by LSDC-Contemporary.

Rock Dancelebration

It was really something special. I can still remember the chills and the nervousness. My whole body was having cramps! But I got high hopes for this group, the underdog feeling. Someone asked me, I forgot if it was Kuya Nin or Ate Johna... They asked me how was I doing. What am I feeling that time.

I said (not exact), "Masaya. Maka-sayaw kasama yung mga malulupit na grupo. Feeling ko mananalo tayo. Parang underdogs."

Yabang no. I believed that we have a high chance of winning. We placed 5th. No one expected us to be in line with the best college dance groups ADMU, UP-D, St. Scho, UPLB. We got recognized at school and it was just the beginning for me. Slowly, I started to appreciate my stay at DLSC.

It was my 2nd year, 2nd term. We were preparing for Skechers 7. At that time, my family, we were having a tough time with resources. We can afford to have other expenses because were limited. As much as I want to join and represent... I decided not to.

I told the group about my problem but they're still insisting that I should join. I said, I can't. I can't remember clearly what happened that time but when they were getting the sizes for the costume,

Tin approached me, "Mon, sagot na kita." 

Diba durog. Hahahaha! I really didn't want to. Nakakahiya. I cried. My first time to cry in Lucid. I didn't know what to do, but there was the opportunity. I took it. It solidified my loyalty to the group and that's just one of the incidents that you'll really feel that everyone's family.

Lucid Dance Troupe at SM MOA Music Hall

Lucid Dance Troupe took me to one of the most prestigious dance competition in the country. We didn't qualify for the finals but only few are given the opportunity to dance on the Skechers Stage. I'll be forever grateful Lucid for giving me the chance and opportunity.

We took a hard fall after that... members gone inactive. To the point that Lucid was almost about to be dissolved. I'm guilt. I took a leave that time. Puso kasi. 

I came back, 3rd term. There was only 2 of us boys left. Me and Kuya Nin... but that didn't stop us to join, Silver Dancelebration: Athletes of God. I think this is one of the hardest theme that was given by LSDC-Contemp. At the first general assembly for Silver Danceleb, there was a funny moment when they were flashing Rock Danceleb's photos. They remembered our "flintstones" costume and said it was really unique.

Silver Dancelebration: Athletes of God

We didn't placed. We were at the lower part of the standing. But something to look forward to, we got high on audience impact. A lot of supporters from DLSC came to watch us perform and compete. It was heart warming. =)

With limited number of dancers, we were more intact, we became more close, we were there for each other... like a family.

Prior to my 3rd year, Kuya Nin asked me, if I can be the next president. I was surprised! I wasn't even an officer and there are other more capable than me. Others that were with the group before me...

I'll think about it.

I didn't said no because I wanted the position also. I think that I can bring change and improvement. I already have plans for Lucid. Haha. I envisioned Lucid to be the best in my term. So I consulted my Dad. He just said that as long as I can balance my academics and org.

I took it. =)

It was hard to lead an organization. You're the overall seer of everything. Your decisions have to base to what's best for the org and the members. I tried to keep everyone intact. Everyone close.
To a 30+ freshmen who auditioned, only 4 were left and I'm damn proud of those 4. Margie, Igi, JJ and Lisa.

We had different workshops. We were able to perform at De La Salle Philippine's Centennial Closing Ceremony: Cultura Verde, DLSU-M's Business Management Association: Time Square Fashion Bazaar. We were able to make new friends in the community. We had a choreographer for Skechers 8 and had a real shot in the finals, but fell short. That didn't stop us for doing great.

You've taught me to be patient and think before making a decision. You've taught me to adjust and compromise on a given situation. We've created a family who's always there for each other. The ones that we can run to if we have problems. You guys didn't give up on me. And I never doubt on each and everyone of you.

To Lisa, Margie, Alex, Igi, JJ, Maria, Hannah, Nikka, Lois, PJ, Kurt, Dom, Keisha, Tin, Kat, Kuya Nin, Neo, Ate Marianne, Ate Johna, Kuya Aldrin, Kuya Erick, Kuya Paeng and the rest of the alumni and founders of Lucid... I'm thankful to each and everyone of you. You've been part of something special and if not the best, one of the best organization at De La Salle Canlubang.

This is not just me, we've all made this year possible.  It's been a week since #CurtainCall. I miss Lucid.

#CurtainCall Video Shoot

Cultura Verde, DLSU Centennial Closing, 2012

Skechers Street Dance Battle 8, SM San Lazaro, Oct 2012

Animofest, DLSU UnivWeek, Feb 2013

#CurtainCall, Lucid's Final Dance Concert

I love you guys.

MONG

Photo credit goes to proper owners. Thank you guys!

When is the right time?

It's been a week since Lucid's dance concert #CurtainCall but I'll be blogging about it later.

#CurtainCall - Huling Sayaw

When do you know that it's the right time? I think you don't wait for the right time. You create it. There is no point in waiting for the if you're not doing your part to get it. But what if... all this time, after all that have happened to me for the past months (accepting Lucid, sacrifices, relationships), all that I've done, all this time I've prepared myself to tell you everything, as I don't want to hold back anymore... It's just not happening right now. You know me, I will if I could but suddenly a lot of factors again to consider.

I've always considered everybody's feelings. What's the best decision for the org. Serving others. The best interest for my family. To the point that I'll be the one adjusting and making the sacrifice. Don't get me wrong. I don't regret anything that I've done and I would love to still serve at any given opportunity. but now, when everything is about to end... That it's my turn to make myself happy, why do I still need to make that sacrifice? 

If I could just laugh it all out. I would. Well, I've been try to. But sometimes I just can't help myself not to stop, stare and look far away thinking...

"Start appreciating the memories you have and stop begrudging the ones you never got to make." - The Lucky One

For my past posts, I've just been grateful for everything. Successful dance concert, heart warming feed backs and compliments, supportive friends and family. I appreciate every one of them, every single memory, every single experience that I've learned...

I think I can still make this one. I didn't say I won't do it but just when is the right time?

MONG

Pao's rainy birthday celebration

It was my brother's early birthday celebration. After raining hard, my dad wanted to have a family picture. 

I miss my long hair. Almost 4 months of no hair cut. But it all ended. Hahahahaha! Now I have to wait for 3 more months for it to grow like that. =)

My brother is getting bigger and bigger by the moment. Haha! He has the same height as my sister and almost there with Dad! 

With cousins! We were called The Voltes V when we were kids. We fit exactly with the characters in the Anime. Hahaha! And we're all fans!

And when you have birthday celebrations you eat...eat...and eat... Ate for the whole afternoon - evening. And that will be my last "house" meal. =)))

MONG

Somewhere at DLSU-STC

I'm a frustrated photographer. I'm not really that good with my camera. Or don't believe much in my shots. When I shoot I usually prefer "still" objects and candid shots. I still have a lot to learn. I have good friends who're good and they're not shy to share their outputs and insights.

We were having a photo shoot near Locsin park. This is just a random shot but it made me realize that there is more to DLSU-STC and there is more to life. When we feel that we know everything, no. 

Life is big to dwell on something sad. Even if we're experiencing hardships in our life. We can be frustrated but at one point in our lives we have to move forward and see the bigger picture. Prove to other people that we can be the better person.

I want to leave a mark or somehow spark a change in other people. I don't know how. I have my flaws but I try to improve myself in ways that I can.

MONG

Appreciate

I believe that I've been very blessed with what I have right now. I couldn't ask for more. My family, friends, and a little bit in my academics? Hehe.

It's been one of those hectic weeks.

Last week, the University Student Government Campaign officially started. I've been blessed that I've been part of the Santugon Family. At first I really don't want to get involved with political parties, but Santugon believed in what I can do and believed that I can be someone aside from the Ramon that the people usually see. I've met new friends from DLSU and from STC as well who I didn't thought that I could be close to.

Room to room campaign. Flag bearer!

I have the best set of friends in the world! Vanda boys and girl & MANTHTERTH! Like I said, transferring to DLSC was the best decision that I've made. You guys made me feel at home. =)

 MANTHTERTH

Vanda Boys @ Talent Quest X

  And how can I forget my CSB blockmates! This photo was taken last November. Even though we don't get to hang out much, I still feel that I've been part of FMA9 ID 110. You guys made me want to go to school everyday kasi kapag nasa klase, masaya lang tayo lahat .

FMA9 ID 110

  Living on a dorm and going home once a week or every two weeks makes me miss my family so much. I always wanted to see my sis and brother grow. I want to be there always for them. I want to let them feel even though I don't speak much at home that I care for them. Especially to my parents. I want to give back.

 Lastly, to Lucid Dance Troupe. We'll be having our LAST dance concert on March 22. Lucid is my family at DLSC. I think Lucid is the best thing that happened to my College life. If it wasn't for Lucid I won't be able to appreciate and be grateful. I've been to places that I thought I wouldn't be able to go to, I've experienced workshops and seminars that honed my skills as a dancer and as an individual because of the opportunities Lucid gave me. I was able to lead an organization because my Kuya's and Ate's believed in me.

I'll be forever grateful to this organization. Thank you.

MONG