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 

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

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

InstaTREND

I joined Instagram last month just to follow my celebrity crush, Sam Pinto. :> I searched for a program that can run android apps on my laptop, I found BlueStack which is sometimes crappy because of our slow internet connection but never the less, yup, I can use Instagram!

One of the things I noticed on Istagram than on Facebook is when you post pictures of  your food and the "selfies" wherein you take a picture of yourself. Of course let's not forget the #OOTD (Outfit Of The Day). And since I don't have an android/apple phone, maximized the use my hand dandy, digicam!

So I tried to do my own version of, hashtag instafood (#Instafood) on the buffet of Margie's 18th debut celebration (next blog post).

Is this close enough? Am I doing it right?

And since I just got to use our digicam just now because bringing my SLR is such a hassle. Not much of a vain person. I consulted the experts of The Art of Taking a Selfie, Igi and Neo on how to do it right.

You mean like this?

And since I'm a newbie I let Igi do the picture taking. Hahaha! Thanks Igi!

Good laugh guys! Good times! :)

MONG

Choices

I chose what I believe in. What I believe is right. What I believe will make me happy. A friend said,

sometimes we have to be selfish to experience honest happiness.

I chose to be selfish and chose myself. I gave up.

Does that count to make myself a quitter? For the past 6 months, I've always been bothered with that idea. Is that why at some point, I'm afraid to even try... try to talk to you, ask how you are doing, if I could help, if you even want to talk bout it.

I'm afraid that I what I might say is wrong. I'm scared of screwing up things again.

#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

The Heroes Journey - MYTH and POPULAR MEDIA Final Creative Output

DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN ANY OF THE PICTURES. WHAT I HAVE DONE HERE IS THE COMIC LAYOUT. COPYRIGHTS TO THE PROPER OWNER OF THESE IMAGES.

Click the image to view the whole picture.

What I want to share with this blog post is my final creative output for out class "Myth and Popular Media". 

In MYTHPOP, we've been talking about archetypes from myth stories and relate it to modern and popular media.

Basically, we have to compare "The Heroes Journey" of a MYTH and a CONTEMPORARY Movie.

I've chosen the story of "Orpheus and Eurydice" as my myth story and "Hancock" starring Will Smith for my contemporary movie.

First up is my myth story. The one who aren't in the rectangle texts are the STAGES of the Heroes Journey.

STAGES: Call to Adventure to Crossing of the First Threshold

In this stage, after Eurydice died, Orpheus went to the underworld to try an take his love back. With his music that no one can refuse, Hades then approved Eurydice going back to the land of the living with one condition.

The road to trial is where Orpheus agrees to the condition of Hades, but at the last moment he looked back causing Eurydice to be pulled back to the underworld.

Although the story didn't went well for Orpheus. I choose to categorize it to the "Ultimate Boon" because now he's experiencing what for me is the experience after he's travel to the underworld. The crossing of the return threshold at this point, he knows what the underworld seems to be.

My contemporary movie will be Hancock of Will Smith. 

At this point, Hancock already do hero duties but to the typical hero. He maybe an anti-hero in this sense because he isn't the typical hero. He's always drunk and causes a lot of damage.

Hancock experienced a lot of trials. He discovered his origin and what really happened to him. Here he then will accept the hero that he should be.

There was not really a "father". The atonement of the father here describes for me is when Hancock lowered his pride with his conflict with May. He then overcome the trials by defeating the robbers and Red. 

Hancock didn't end up with May but he realize that he has different responsibilities and that is being a hero.

I hope that you've learned or somehow entertained with my output. Thank you for reading. If you have time, you can also read my other blog posts. Appreciate it!

MONG

SOURCES:
http://www.vcu.edu/engweb/webtexts/eurydice/eurydicemyth.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hancock_(film)#Sequel
http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/religionmyth/ig/Greek-Mythology/The-Greek-Hero-Orpheus.-_RX.htm
Google Images for the picture

Go for it!

Two things. All or nothing.

MONG

rights to proper owner

One Sunday at UPLB (Late Post)

University of the Philippines - Los Banos was the first choice ever since. Having both parents coming from the prestigious State University, my uncles and grandfather are professors at UPLB. And since it's near our house, it will be more convenient to study there. Well, unfortunately I didn't pass the UPCAT. Hehe.

One Sunday, while I was at home. It was 1st term of my 3rd year, July. I need to take shots for my Computer Art subject. Since UPLB was near and I really like the nature vibe of the campus (like DLSU-STC) I decided to take my camera and do random photo shoots within the campus.

Here are some of my photography.

Oblation, UPLB

Carillion Tower, UPLB

Fertility Tree, UPLB

As what I said in my past blogs, I love taking nature and landscape photography. It gives me the satisfaction that I've captured a landmark that one day I can look back to.

I'm more comfortable in taking still images than people. Maybe that's the area I need to improve in. But never the less, each photography expresses their own story and history. 

How do you tell your story?

MONG

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

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

Love at First Sight

When I was in High School (Caritas Don Bosco) I remembered that we did Les Miserables on our 4th year. I don't remember much but the first song of Les Mis was the most familiar song because I played one of the workers. After that I can't remember how the play finished. =))

As the Les Mis movie was delayed almost a month because of the MMFF here in the Philippines. Everyone was psyched to watch the movie version, All-Star Cast of Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russel Crowe, Amanda Seyfried to name a few, epic trailer and lots of sneak peak to the movie. You just have to be excited to watch it on the big screen!

If you're not appreciative of musicals or not a fan, I think you'll have a hard time understanding but I think anyone would really appreciate it. I hope so! It's a great movie! Well of course there will be flaws but if you just want to enjoy it, you won't bother!

Marius and Cosette

I would not stop saying this. If you believe in love at first sight then Marius and Cosette is the perfect example! After just seeing each other, you just know... it's love! I wonder if it really exist...love at first sight. And there is Eponine, she really loved Marius but he didn't noticed.

I'm hooked with the music. I just want to listen to it! My favorites are "One Day More, "Drink with Me" and "Empty Chairs and Empty Tables".

Even you're not a fan, at least try to watch it! =)

MONG