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!

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