8 years ago...

8 years ago at The Learning Place, my school when I was in elementary (wait, that means I was 12 y/o that time?!) it was my first time to "dance". We had a talent showcase and I had a partner, Jophi. As far as I can remember it was just for fun. Wasn't really good at singing, didn't want to make a solo theater performance so there, we danced. Looking back, I really didn't know what I was thinking, what we were thinking!

8 years later, I went back to the school where I first danced. To the school which gave me the confidence, to the school that believed in our talents and saw the best in us.

8 years later, I set foot again to the school that has a special place in my heart.

The day was full of unexpected events. My only plan was just to visit the school. I saw Gelo, Laya, Teacher Lola, Teacher Lolo, Teacher Vicky. Met new teachers also then I met the next generation of TLP dancers, they are now called "Free Movers".

From what was partners back then, somehow a dream became a reality.

8 years ago, I didn't know I will pursue dancing. I was on my 2nd year HS when I danced again and then the rest is history.

I performed for the kids and then taught them some moves. It was a different teaching experience. I made a simple 16 count choreography. They didn't mind if it was easy or hard, they were listening and after teaching them, when the kids were practicing on their own, it was the most fulfilling part, I guess. Seeing them trying to remember and do something I was struggling to do when I was their age. 

"Kuya Ramon, am I doing it right?" one Free Mover approached me. Then another one asked if she was doing it right. 

Ganun pala yung feeling. 

It was somehow different because at Street it's me who do most of the asking. And asking is part of growing, part of learning.

We reviewed the steps, we had a part where in only boys will do the choreo, then all girls. It was a fun experience.

8 years ago, I didn't see myself teaching. 

8 years ago, beside from the "hair crisis" were I continuously joke with Tr. Vicky and Gelo, didn't see myself being this attached to the school, to my roots.

It was a day full of laughter, it was elementary all over again.

As I walk through the corridors, as I feel the walls of the classrooms, I can't help but to be teary eyed. I'll be graduating in a year and how time flies.

8 years later...

Jophi is now part of the Wyre Underground of UPLB. He's part of the competing team that will be heading to the finals of the Skechers Street Dance Battle 9 at the MOA Arena.

As for me, I'm blessed to be part of the La Salle Dance Company - Street. Been blessed to be the last president of Lucid Dance Troupe of De La Salle - Canlubang now DLSU-STC. I've been blessed to be part of the 1st batch of Boscru at Caritas Don Bosco School. I've been blessed to be able to travel to different places, blessed to meet awesome people and friends, bless to just have the opportunity to represent something.

8 years ago, I didn't eve imagine that I'll be a part of any. I didn't see myself being put to this position because of dancing.

8 years ago, if we didn't danced on that floor, will it still be the same?

Before I said good bye to the kids, I was asked to give an advice.

"Trust your teammates, trust your friends. Always compliment one another if they're doing it right. Always help one another if one is in need. Ask because it's part of learning and lastly, enjoy what you're doing."

It won't be the last time for sure.

Till then, Free Movers!

MONG 

Video of the Week: Whip It by MDC's Mateu!

Video of the Week is back!

It's been a while since my last post. I was thinking about past videos that I've watched on Youtube and while I was searching for foreign artists/choreographers, I remembered a friend of mine.

He's Mateu Almodovar of Malayan Dance Crew! He's also part of Fresh Flow, one of the representatives at the Varsity Division of the Philippines at World Hip Hop International last 2011.

I met Mateu because of Lucid Dance Troupe. As far as I know one of he's strength as a dancer is G-Style.  And he's damn good! He's facial expression, the energy, and at times when he's the only male on the routine with the girls of MDC, he really stands out!

One of our routine in our concert (#CurtainCall) we danced to Beyonce's End of Time and while I was dancing I said to myself, "Should-be-good-as-Mateu!".

If you're a dancer who explore other styles of dancing and appreciate learning then high five! :)

I started to appreciate G-style, Voguing, Waacking while we were at De La Salle Lipa's dance concert when I was still in 1st year college. Although those were Kuya Erick's (senior Lucid member) forte of styles, it was still new to me.

So here is one of he's choreo, Whip It!





Check he's Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAROkoZi6ryUKK1tLUWQJsw/videos

One of the unique things about dancing and dancers is that they can inspire people with their movements and choreography. And I believe that hard work is to be appreciated. I want to be that someone one day, to inspire people with my dance. So don't hate, appreciate!

MONG

#CLINGY with Lucid

May  17, 2013

School is about to start in less than 2 weeks. Before some of them goes to their internships, before some of them goes back to works, before we go back to school, before we go on our separate ways with LSDC.

Lucid Dance Troupe or rather how Dom would say it "Lucid Dance Group" had a little get together.

A night of food trippin', a night of laughter and smiles, and more food. :))

I'm gonna miss this group. One thing about this whole integration is that I think that I still haven't moved on with Lucid being dissolved.

Going into this school year the school year will be very different and Lucid not being part of it still difficult to accept. Don't get me wrong, I'm excited being part of LSDC and meeting new people, getting the chance to work with CAO. But being with those guys are one of the best times of my life.

So enough of being #CLINGY (yup, hashtag clinggy). I hope next time we could all be complete. :)

Photos from Neo and Tin

MONG

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!

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

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

Tuesday and Wednesday

Tuesday ( June 26) Quiz day for MICECON (Micro Economics). I don't even know hope I've answered that quiz. Haha! Economics isn't really my thing but I think I did well with that quiz. Next class was VIDPROD (Video Production), looking forward for that class coz that's what I want to do, video angels, shots, concepts, analyzing video. Training with Lucid in the evening. Jogged through the campus, bunny hops going down and up the stairs, then Insanity workout c/o Neo! 40min non-stop workout! Everyone was dying. Hahaha! But no pain, no gain guys. We have to get strong for the 2nd term! I don't know why but the security guards is always angry at us. Especially with reservations that I've reserved for a long time already. Tsk. We follow how the system works with the administration but the guards always think that we're playing them. Wednesday (June 27) Script reading for PERFLIT(Performance Literature). It was a good run for the first time. I can't remember what happened much that time. hehe. At COMPART (Computer Art) Audacity and MuseScore was introduced. They're audio editing programs. Worked on our final project. I'm doing 2 videos, 1 song cover and 2 photo shoots. Good luck with that! Training comes! The painnn! More running and stretching!

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

Lucid on action!

Lucid Dance Troupe at Cultura Verde!

Best performance yet? We can do this!

We walk the road together. One step, one day at a time!

All photos from Regie Hizon

MONG

Something special for "Independence Day"

I'm really not a nationalist or patriotic type of person. I saw free flags and why not make something meaningful since it's independence day (june 12) and I have my camera.

 

Last June 11, 2012 was the start of the recruitment fair of Recognized Student Organizations but will do a different blog post on that.

Hi Ate Marianne! Take a smile! :)

Even Sir Percy wasn't safe from "The Flag"

Keisha workin' out the formation for the routine for our new members.

Kuya Nin just took the flag from me and made his pose,

Really had fun taking random shots with "My Flag". Approaching people I just want to take a photo with the flag. It was also Lucid's training that I was taking shots. Mehehehe.

Please do support our new Lucid members as they perform on DLSUnite : The Integration Kick-Off Party!

Long day today! Will be heading to DLSU-M for blocking adjustments for Kultura Verde on June 15. Jampack events for Lucid! Must get that rest nowww!

MONG

You know the feeling.

"There are things in this world more powerful than words..."

"Movement is the most basic form of communication." 

This video is just what I need for inspiration for the coming days. We have to make a routine and we're still not done or nearly half complete.
 I hope we can make it happen! 

BELIEVE.

I want to share to you my 2nd choreo and 1st video ever made. Just doin' what I feel is right.
I want to make my next one!

And yes,we did it. "Call Me Maybe"

Last May 31 and June 1, we had our auditions. I'm happy on how the it went. 12 new members joined Lucid and I'm hoping that all of them would stay. Hehe ;)

Big events are coming up! I'm very excited and nervous. Hope I can handle all the pressure as a student, dancer and all the paper works.

Lisa and JJ doin' their freestyles!

Now we have a presentation for a big event two weeks from now and this is what we are doing! Hahaha! Let's enjoy the moment because for the following weeks, vigorous training and rehearsals! (Oh good luck to us!)

I look like a fool. Yea. Enjoy, laugh because I did. :))

MONG