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

After a month.

A lot has happened for the past month. Over all, it was a really good month since my last blog. Things went fine. I'm happy with who I am with. I'm happy with how things are going. I'm just happy with what I have right now. Some happenings were unexpected but all went well. :)

School work is stress. I don't know if I want to have written exams or practical exams. Most of my finals requirements are productions, research papers, ads. Cramming as usual but when I cram I'm more productive than my "productive" state. Meheheh.

Our PERFLIT class will be having a play this August 22. Most of the time we have rehearsals during night and the same time with my Lucid training. So for the past weeks I wasn't able to attend trainings.

Napapabayaan ko na ata ang org ko.

Skechers Street Dance Battle 8 is near. September 22 is the kick off and first elimination day. I'm getting nervous. As much as I want to give my all, the resources and schedule for this term really sucks. I think we just have a month + weeks to prepare and gahd I hope we can pull this one off. I don't want to get embarrassed in front of many people especially we're bringing the name of the school with us. I don't want to let people down.

We don't have classes again today. Last week, we had a long weekend because of class suspensions.

Will make the most out of this break.