VIDEO: Compet Feels

This was the closest thing I could go as far as competing. The UAAP Street Dance Competition this term got canceled and has to be move to another date. Most likely a new team will be formed and by that time I've graduated from college.

It was a surreal feeling to be part of the team even though I was an understudy. I had a great time during the UAAP trainings. I know God has plans. Well, to be part of the team was truly a blessing.

With that I just thought that our competition suite dance during #DanzDish9 was the actual competition. :)

Here is the full video of the Compet "Mega-mega Crew" Suite Part 1 & 2:



Thank you DanceManila.com for covering #DanzDish9! To watch the whole concert click here!

Happy watching!!

MONG

Photo by Gerard Del Mundo

This is my Manifesto. #DanzDish9

My story? 

Last year, I was a mere fan and audience. Screaming my lungs out just to cheer everyone all the the way from 7B. Dancing to DD8's harlem shake video. I didn't know that the feeling of being inspired will bring me to where I am today, a member of LSDC-Street!

I want is to inspire STC students that they can do what we do. I want to be that example. What we do, STC Artists, is not easy. But with #DanzDish9, barriers were broken. We did it. I hope we were able to let people understand that because what we do is all for the love for the art, for the love of dance.

Impossible is something possible that you didn't try doing.

I was assigned as this year's props head. For a newbie to be assigned to this task was a challenge because my classes are still in Laguna. I was scared. I was scared to fail. There were trials, there were things that didn't go as planned but I got all the help I needed. Thank you, Kuya Pao and Ate Ikat for believing in me. 

Thank you for sharing your experiences Ate Aisne, Ate Steffi, Kuya Logs, DD8 props head Tim, and Dan! I wouldn't be able to do it if it wasn't for your help! To my assistant Franz, you've been a big help! We did it bro! 

I'm blessed to have an understanding and supportive family. Thank you Mom and Dad, Therese, Pao and Lola who never fails to bring me up whenever I feel like quitting. Thank you for the hugs and the motivations! I love you! 

My Bro and Dad

From the bottom of my hear, I want to thank Coach Mycs and Coach Kev for the opportunity, the EB, DMs, Alumni members, and the rest of LSDC-Street who never fails to push everyone to be better. Thank you for constantly asking me how I'm doing. Those casual talks really means a lot. :)

To my fellow Street-STC, Ate Johna, Li, Hannah and Adrian. We did it guys! We made it this far. Many are called but few are chosen. From 15+, now down to 5. It wasn't easy. It was never easy. All the stress of commuting, expenses, the uncertainties, the feeling of almost quitting but we did it. I'm really proud of you guys! Thank you for hanging on.

LSDC-STREET x GMG x SBRDC x UP STREET

#ATB, thank you batchmates for all the kulitan! Sabi nga ni Ate Ally, umiingay na tayo! This is my first and last Danz Dish as a member. I'll be graduating (HOPEFULLY) this October. But I want to spend more bonding times with you guys. I'm really proud of each and everyone of you. Everyone improved so much!

#ATB

QTPIES

To the cast, the Families, to GMG (you da best GMG!), LSDC-Folk and Contemporary, Sir Peter, Sir Oman, Ms. Chiqui, Ms. Gill, to the Ates and Kuyas who helped clean TYA, and to everyone who helped in the production of Danz Dish 9, thank you for helping us in the whole production! It wouldn't be possible without everyone's help! Thank you!!!

To my Student Affairs STC family, Ms. Jaymee, Ms. Edna, Ms. Maleth, thank you for the never ending support. We won't be here without you. We're blessed to be guided by your leadership and care. Mahal po namin kayo. :)

To my STC family, thank you for your never ending support. Lucid Fam, thank you for watching!!  Wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you guys.

STC Reppin'

With Ate Marianne

#TF, thank you for supporting me! You've come all the way from work/classes/gigs but you went to DLSU just to watch. Thank you <3

To our front acts, and to SBRDC and UP Street, thank you for your time! Thank you for sharing your talents with us! To more collabs!

And to everyone who watched and supported #DanzDish9, THANK YOU! Two sold out shows won't be successful if it wasn't for you guys! You've made DD9 possible! We hoped we inspired you! Maraming salamat po!

I left my heart on that stage. I was Michael Jackson's back up, I got to share the stage with famous Icons. I was able to dance with the best in the country.

This post isn't enough to thank everybody. So if you're reading this, thank you!

I'll be forever grateful with this opportunity. Thank you Lord. Thank You!

MONG

To watch the whole #DanzDish9Manifesto:
DanceManila.com Coverage

Official Photos:
#DanzDish9 Album

Danz Dish 9 Official Partners:

Official Sponsors Link

Photos on this blog are from The Lasallian, Gerard Del Mundo, Ate Marianne Sigue, Claud Inocencio 

LSDC-STREET - 1st Term

This term has been very exciting. Personally, wherein now I'm part of LSDC-Street! For almost 3 months now I'm blessed to part of my new family. Training with them and to be able to perform is really a blessing!

The first time I trained at the Rehearsal Hall for our first company training with the rest of the team I was so scared and nervous but at the same time excited!

I met new friends! The people behind the championship teams of Street. The incredible coaches, alumni, and just all the wonderful people of Street.

Even with all their accomplishments they're all humble and easy to be with. :)

My first performance with LSDC was at A-Team's The Demo Vol. 2 at SM Skydome. It'll be my first time to perform there and first time to meet A-Team.

It will be the first performance request of the Non-Worlds Team composed of trainees and the non-worlds competing members, we call ourselves the Mega2! (Hindi ako ang nag isip non. Haha!)

It was also my first time again to perform with so many people and the pressure was so high. Of course, who wouldn't be pressured not to screw up? But we nailed that performance and it was just the start of greater things :)

Then we had a tour for HAIL!: A fundraising concert for the Megacrew team who'll be competing at Las Vegas for the Hip Hop International. I was able to go to Batangas and CSA Makati for the tour! It was a great opportunity to know more about the team and to be able to inspire and to be inspired with one another.

HAIL! A Fundraising Concert @ St. Bridget, Batangas

Student Media Congress

 But aside from the performances, I always look forward to just bond with the team!

After a long morning from training!

LSDC-STREET, STC

The team never fails to always remind us to appreciate and motivate others especially one another. Our talents are not ours but is given by God and it's just right to always be reminded of that. As achievers for God and country, our daily devotions always gives us the importance of us reflecting with our daily lives and are we living to He's teaching...

Devotion. (c) Dan Alday

Haven't trained with Street because of the bad weather but I'm excited for the next training! Till then!

MONG

 Photos from Adrian Manansala via FB, Coach Kevin Intal, Ryel Medina, Dan Alday

The Return : Once On This Island

This blog is entitled "The Return" because for mostly of my time this year my priority was Lucid, unlike last year when I got the chance to perform with Animo Teatro for Threesome 2012. I missed performing  on stage! Theater has always been my first love! My first performance in front of an audience was when I was 5 years old at Montessori Children's House at Los Banos under Teacher/Direk Edward. 

Theater gives me another form of satisfaction of expressing myself. They say that theater gives you another perspective of life. You get the chance to play a role that's very different from your personality and there comes the challenge to do deliver it effectively for the audience to understand.

Theater also gave me the opportunity to dance and sing (trying hard) =))

Our Performance Literature during the 1st term was unique because the approach was different. But never the less, I'm back again on stage with Theater!

After 2 shows, I still have to redeem myself from PERFLIT's performance when I lost my voice and did the Dumbledore. :3

Agwe, Asaka, Erzuli, Papa Ge

So please watch and support INTROTA (Introduction to Theater Arts 2013) as we perform Once On This Island. When people ask me what's the story about, I answer "Basically, Little Mermaid with out the mermaid." Hehehehehehe!

Ti Moune and Daniel

Thank you to those who've watched already and watched again. Each and everyone of us gave our full effort on trying to give you a very good and entertaining show.

By Neo Rivera
"We tell the story!"

I'm now strongly considering to have my OJT on a theater company or anything related to theater. One last show today, wish us luck! 

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

Beating Monday's deadline!

I have 4 final projects that are due Monday.

•  3D Anmimation: 30 seconds Environmental Advocacy Commercial
• JPRIZAL: Position paper, is Rizal worthy to be our National Hero
• Media Management: Final Inquiry Paper
• Physics - Lecture : Written finals on Vector, Projectile, Forces and Energy

2:33 am

I am doing my Media Management paper while waiting for our animation to finish rendering. Multi-tasking till 4am. Good thing I had a good power nap from 3pm - 8pm. Hope I can pull everything off! 

Back track.

As I randomly click links while browsing my blog. 

I came across the days when we were about to perform at Kultura Verde and at the same time our newly recruited "babies"/trainees at Lucid Dance Troupe will be performing at the acquaintance party. I just remembered when the days before were so hectic.

We're practicing two groups, practice at the same time for 2 different events. Although the freshmen's numbers before were 15+ and can create a whole routine that is similar to the routine that we were about to perform. Unlike what we experienced at Skechers where from that 15+ freshmen only a handful remains. This event is one for the keeps. Everyone were enjoying. Everyone's excited to get back on stage and give it all our best knowing that we're part of the Centennial Closing Ceremony.

 

When I though that we can retain that number to be active members. There I was thinking about the future for Lucid. But I'm not saying that we won't have something to look forward to. Whatever thought I was thinking for the group before and to with the experiences that I encountered until now, I can say there is something really to look forward to. :)

  

The Journey to Skechers Street Dance Battle 8! Part 1: The Beginning.

The road to Skechers Street Dance Battle 8 for Lucid Dance Troupe was not easy, especially for me (If you were reading some of my past blog posts). 

Dating back to last term where we were still in search for our competing team. I had my own problems, as a son, a student, a dancer and the president of the group. I went from someone who was hyped up and really excited to lead, to someone who's indecisive. I felt that I lost my passion for dancing with all the school works, the pressure on me and the fatigue was catching up on me. I was feeling sick. In 1 week, I had 2 check ups in the hospital, got a massage from a "managhihilot" and drank all sorts of medicines. I was weak, physically and mentally. I felt that I was the only one moving in the group. I felt that I was alone. 

So to Ate Marianne I go! The Ate of the group and consider my older sis. ;)

She's been here. She was our former president. Somehow in her journey, she felt what I was feeling but she didn't quit. Stayed strong especially to the group she loves the most. I'm very thankful to all the seniors especially her for her undying support even though she's on her internship. (But more on that later :D ) 

One rainy day (first term) when heavy rains were pouring and classes were suspended, me and my friends went to school to help in repacking dry goods to be donated. Ms. Jaymee was there and we had a little talk. I told her because of the sudden suspension of classes and trainings canceled that we were lacking time for our preparations. Our target date was September 22 - Kick-Off (before we knew that all the HS Leg will be on the 22th and we will be on the last day of eliminations, October 13).

With all that said, she replied "Your call Mr. President." 

Yes, it was still my call. One wrong decision and I might have ended my members dream to compete in one of the most competitive competition in the country. That pride to represent the school. I know how it feels to compete and give your all. The trust and that confidence that Ms. Jaymee has given me because she believed in my potential. I just have to push through the competitions...but not for me, still.

For the first time in Lucid Dance Troupe that we have members auditioning for spots to compete. In my past experiences, we just got dancers who are available to compete. This is a new experience for us, particularly on how we'll handle this situation. 

I didn't hide what I felt, especially to the group. I said, while I was watching their audition pieces I was searching for something. Searching that passion and drive from my members for me to compete and stay strong. I didn't think that they didn't do a great job, but thought that they improved so much that I was lacking the determination to improve also. I was about to not to join the competition because in myself I'm having second thoughts and I felt that I was weak. The audition went trough. I had my name written with all the doubts and was hoping everything goes well.

1) Agbisit, Ramon Emmanuel

2) Albano, Katherine Rose

3) Cortez, Hannah Alayssa

4) Galang, Dominique

5) Garica, Keisha Erika

6) Lazarte, Kurt

7) Macandog, Fianne Miguel

8) Magsaysay, Marian

9) Ortega, Mary Angela

10) Ramos, Nikka Elia Kim

11) Santos, Alexandra

12) Santos, Jhustine Lois

Four (4) freshmen, five (5) sophomores and three (3) juniors (senior members) were selected about to make Lucid Dance Troupe's Skechers Team. It was one of the most difficult decisions I had to make. There were a lot of improved members and it was hard enough to choose. 

With all the doubts in my mind that time, who would have thought in a month of straight trainings and adversaries of each and everyone in the group that we could come up to something like this.

One of our last full routine training before the competition. Photo (c) Marianne Sigue

Thanks to Dom Galang, that we had a great choreographer who wasn't just there to teach us but was also our Kuya who stood up and gave us encouragement when every one was feeling down because of the strong competition.

Coach/Choreographer/Kuya Mav Simangin

I'm thankful also to my members, namely Lisa, Margie, Igi, Jhomar and Maria who still went to training's and didn't leave the group despite the times when I can't focus on you guys.

To be continued...

Photos c/o Lois, Marianne

MONG

Computer Art Exhibit.

Our Computer Art or COMPART class had an exhibit last August 28, 2012.

The exhibit featured computer generated art works like video productions, photo manipulation, music, installation art works and so on. Each student were given themes to work on :

• Justice/Balance 
• Love/Passion 
• Chaos/Change 
• Sorrow/Pain 
• Fantasy/Fiction

Here are some of my works. Mostly my works were videos.

Some of my classmates art work!

Every one really putting their effort on their art works.

MONG

Starting out 2nd term.

With all the stressful days gone for the first term eventually I passed all my subjects (if not all) with good grades! Although my grades didn't get the cut off for Dean's list this term, at least I know that I gave my effort to all my work. I could have done better but that's just how it is.

I'm glad that I didn't failed any course. My Economics class gave me a flat 1 which caused and dragged my grades down for me not to be able to be a Dean's list. Now that the 1st term is over, I could focus more now with my organization as we compete for Skechers 8.

But before the training marathon started. CSA Office with La Sallian Missions Office gave us a once in a life time experience to have an immersion with a barangay at Lemery, Batangas. This is an eye opener for some because it's not the usual get to know the community with the structure type of outreach but more on how you will know the community more intimate. We were luck to get to know one of the oldest citizen of the sitio, Mang Romy. He was there for 40 years now and he's shared the simple life living there and the struggles that they have faced as a community.

We also planted Mangrove seedlings. This kind of exposures doesn't come often. It was a great opportunity to experience something like this and a way to spend a short term break before classes start again.

I'm thankful I was part of this activity. Even though we don't have the finances but still God provided and things eventually came accordingly.

Photos C/O Ms. Malet

MONG

Starting the term with a bang!

CULTURA VERDE

Photography from Green Media Group and The Lasallian of De La Salle University-Manila.




MONG

Windang Week

WHAT A WEEK 

 June 18 (Monday) 

 I don't have classes on Mondays. It was a good day because I was able to just rest and relax for the whole day. For the past few weeks, it was all about dance and the stress and pressures on our bodies for Cultura Verde. 

 June 19 (Tuesday) 

 Happy birthday, Jose Rizal! No classes! Super long weekend for me! Extended rest day but went back to the Sta. Rosa. Went to Keisha's place with Pau, Shar, Kat and Denz. Chill day before classes starts again. Dorm cleaning in the evening then took some shots of Red Horse later that night. ;) 

 June 20 (Wednesday) 

 PERFLIT class and was game 4 of the Miami-OKC Finals series. Was trying to get updates during class hour, good thing Denz has a laptop. Our script c/o Sir Micko for the class was awesome. It was kinda text heavy, having different scenes from different literature and put it into one script but all having sense. For COMPART class, we were taught how to do vector imaging on Inkscape.

 That awkward moment when this photo has more likes than the original. It was fun cartooning myself. Hahahaha! Had our auditions again for Lucid! 6 new members auditioned. They were the people who signed up during the Recruitment Fair. Tho we have our auditions proper before the Fair. I have high expectations for this batch coz I can see a lot of talent with this kids. I envy them because when I was at their age, wasn't that good at dancing. 

Ate dinner at Big 30 at Paseo c/o Ate Marianne! Happy birthday tooooo youuuuu! 

June 21 (Thursday) 

 Ordinary day at school. I still don't want to go back to the dorm because it's still early and I have nothing to do because we don't have training for Lucid so I went with Tin and Kat to her place to do our RESPREP assignments. Ate dinner at Tin's. Tita's buffalo wings are the best + brown rice and salad! Btw, funny day coz Kat's voice was paos. Hehe 

 June 22 (Friday)

 Overslept! Woke up 8:40am for my 8am class. I didn't hear my alarm on my cellphone. Was really frustrated! Though I still went to class and I think our professor didn't marked me absent for the day. Hehe. Was participating naman e. :) After class, first time this term that I ate at Zaide. Sulit. Went to Keisha's place with Rhozan. At 3pm, had my auditions for Animo Teatro. Serenitea with Kay and Neo. Cool app for iTouch, cartooning again with pictures. Hehe. Patch followed afterwards ate at Hen Lin! Created pick up jokes to anything we see. :) 

Went to Paseo to meet up with Dann and Ryan, had a couple of drinks, funny how Ryan was already tipsy with one bottle of GPS! I remember myself back in the days when even at one San Mig light I go tipsy. Then overnight at Dann's place. 

  Congrats Miami Heat! 2012 NBA Champion! Never lost that faith!

 I miss dancing! 1 week without training feels so long! Though for the next few weeks we're having our training again. Body conditioning, workshops and other preparation for Skechers Dance Competition on the 2nd term. I don't know if people are actually reading my posts but hope you enjoyed reading. :) 

MONG

To the next 100 years!

June 16, 2012

To creating the next great idea! The DLSU-DLSC integration has arrived! Another milestone for the Lasallian community as DLSU shares faith, service and communion for the next 100 years.
Student leaders from DLSC got their hands full as we prepare and wait for the arrival of the motorcade of DLSU-M all the way from Manila.
It was so hot that everyone was bearing the heat while waiting. As the motorcade arrivedeveryone was chanting D-L-S-U ANIMO LA SALLE!

I can officially say that we're
De La Salle University-Science and Technology Complex, Leandro V. Locsin Campus

I'm part of the next great idea!

DLSC's student leaders

With our CSA Director, Miss Jaymee Pantaleon

Dr. Julius Maridable, Chancellor of DLSC giving his opening remarks.

Honored that I met Br. Ricky Laguda FSC in person.

Student Leaders from DLSU-M

Met great people from DLSU. Very humble and appreciative.

 

To the next 100 years! Animo La Salle!

MONG

Cultura Verde experience!

The end is just the beginning!
June 15, 2012 marked the centennial closing celebration of the Lasallian presence in the Philippines. Lucid Dance Troupe is fortunate enough to be part of it. We were invited to perform at Cultura Verde, showcase of talents from different La Salle schools all over the country. It's a dream to perform in front of the Lasallian brothers and for the community. It's really a blessing and a great experience! Also, we performed on the new Henry Sy, Sr. Hall, how cool is that?

Lucid Dance Troupe, June 14 for the blocking day.

With Koro Lasalyano of the Integrated School of DLSC, represent!

Sir Brad of CAO of DLSU giving instructions.

Henry Sy Sr. Hall

St. Joseph School La Salle doing their blockings.

With our DLSL friends, Salindayaw Dance Company!

Margie, Alex, Lisa and Mayuki to support LUCID at Bonchon!

Dabarkads, dinner at Bonchon, UMall.

It was really a night to remember. It's not just about performing but also making new friends and strengthening old ones. I'm really grateful to all the Canlubangers who went to DLSU-M to support and watch us. Heard good comments about our performance and I think we can do it this year. Very inspiring because our new members also did a great job in their performance in DLSC. 

MONG