Pressured

Yesterday, we were told that the AdDU Panthers Pep Squad will join the PNSA (Philippine Nursing Students Association) cheerdance competition which will be held on the sixteenth of this month. You’ve read that right, that would be in less than t-e-n days! Oh nuts, we’ve gone insane. New steps, new routine, and we don’t have a costume yet. How do you think are we going to make that in ten days?

Actually, the squad has already decided not to join the competition because we we’re informed late and the rival schools are already at least halfway on their routine. Magkakalat lang kami doon kung ipupush-through pa namin ang competition. Plus, we don’t have funds to pay for our expensive yet cheap quality costume. Of course, we can’t produce 800php this instant even if we’re considering on sacrificing at least three quarter of our allowance. But the fact that we are the defending champions, we have no choice. Prepared or unprepared, the show must go on.

Some of the squad members shortly after water-break

What makes it even harder for us is that sembreak is over. We have a very hectic schedule. The squad members’ schedules also clash. As a result, we’re always incomplete when we practice. Half of the squad would go on duty for three consecutive days (some would even be out-of-town by that time), while the other half would go on their regular classes and vice versa after three days. We got loads of requirements and homework to keep up. And I’m pretty sure we’ll be having those body-straining and late night rehearsals as well. Here we go again… I just hope our bodies are physically, physiologically, and psychologically prepared for this kind of battle.

The start of the second semester brings stress to the students after a long time of being idle. In our case, we’re not only stressed, but we are damn pressured as well. Double the pressure I reckon.

Muscle-straining, leg-cramping, breath-catching, bone-breaking and stressful practice days

But hey, we are already here, we are pressed but we’ll keep our stride. The squad aims to keep the title, but we are no longer expecting to win. As long as we’ll be able to perform well and give our best shot, we’ll be like winners then. After all, our squad has already established a name. Let’s hit it guys, let’s show them what we got!

Kaya nato ni mga bords! Whew! Win or Lose, heads up guys. I know we can do this (if financial crisis won’t come our way).

Beauty in a bottle

Went out with my friends and friends of friends today at the memorial park. Well, I really hate walking under the scorching heat of the sun. I think everybody does. But even though I would scorn at the sun for being too unforgiving, I do love playing soccer and I can also bask for hours under the sun without complaints as long as I'm at the beach. Yes, I am getting dark day by day.

Speaking about getting dark, while I sit and wait in a coffee shop where I can see a giant skin whitening product billboard a few meters ahead of me, it got me thinking why most of these Filipinos want to whiten their skin? What’s wrong with being a morena?

Most women spend a fortune to attain the “ideal beauty” the media and some various advertisement project: a soft, lustrous, creamy white skin, a long pointed nose, a long and straight hair, and a tight “coca-cola” body (big boobs, small waist and a big bum) to name some. The wonders of bleaching (or skin whitening lotions and whitening pills), liposuction, hair straightening, rhinoplasty, boob job and all other means of attaining “ideal beauty” makes it possible to become “beautiful” as how most people perceive it. It’s as if the flat-chested women, nor the dark-skinned people have no right to beauty.

So what, if you do not have a skin as white as Kris Aquino? So what, if your hair isn’t as straight as KC Concepcion? So what, if your body doesn’t fit for "America’s Next Top Model"? You don’t have to have a pearly white skin, nor a straight hair, nor a pointed nose, nor a “coca-cola” body to be beautiful.

I’m not blessed with a fair skin nor a pointed nose. But I’m very contented how God has created me. And there’s one thing I’m very sure of, I am beautiful no matter how ugly other people would see me. I’ll share this with you… the secret of staying beautiful is believing that YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. *wink*

What I Want for Christmas

September…October…November… December…

Ah, the BER months tell us something… it’s almost Christmas once again. Malls are now getting filled with fancy stars and glittery balls. Christmas lights are almost everywhere. The Christmas carols are playing in my head once more. Godfathers are nowhere to be found . Naughty kids are becoming nice.

I’m pretty sure, everyone wants something for Christmas.

Well, I have my own wishlist too, it’s nothing much.

• Canon EOS 400D
• Sony Play Station Portable Slim
• iMac Mini
• North Face W Plasma XCR BOA Hike Shoes
• Chuck Taylor High Psychedelic Sneakers
• a year supply of Lindt and Godiva chocolates
• Backstage pass for Dashboard Confessional concert  +  Dinner  date with  Chris  Carrabba
• a Saint Bernard pup
• a Royal Caribbean Cruise
• Euro trip
• A day with David Beckham

That’s all I want for Christmas. Hahaha I can always dream on.

I won’t be giving Santa a heart attack, will I?

Mountaineering 101: Tips and lessons that will help you on your first climb

        I simply love outdoor adventures. I love experiencing the thrill, exploring the wilderness, feeling the adrenaline rush, and bestowing myself to be one with nature. It feels great, it feels so wonderful. I am sharing this because I just want to bring you the beauty and rewards of being a mountaineer: the breath-taking sceneries, majestic sunrise, dramatic sunset, and the jaw-dropping views spelled in just three letters: W-O-W!

Beautiful, isn't it? Mt. Apo Sunset taken by my friend Mark Chester O. Pidor

The majestic Tudaya Waterfalls, Davao del Sur. Approximately 150m tall, one of the tallest waterfalls in our country

        Mountain climbing is really fun and exciting. Walking hard-to-trek terrains, crossing the loud and strong gush of rivers and climbing steep rocks is out of your ordinary day-to-day activities. It is tiring and exhausting, yet it truly brings satisfaction to the adventurer. It gives a feeling of amazement in every little thing you see. It makes you stand in awe as you fix your eyes on the vast and beautiful landscapes. It also helps you unwind from your stressful urban life.

see what's behind us? that's the peak! pasensya na sa aming camera,  mahal pa ang digicam at that time. hahaha

My friend Dan and I, camouflaged on the boulders of Mt. Apo, enjoying the moment with the gods.

        I do not consider myself a very experienced mountaineer, not yet. But even though I was only able to climb a few, I have learned a LOT from my outdoor experiences, from the company I had, and from the people I just met during my adventure.

        Mountaineering isn’t just about climbing a mountain, reaching the peak, take pictures, and say “I’ve been there”, and that would make you look ‘cool’. No, it’s not that. Mountain climbing fosters CAMARADERIE, LEADERSHIP, and DEVOTION. Plus, it enables us to be ecologically aware, and promote a cleaner and greener nature.

at Tudaya campsite, despite our differences, we learned how to get along.

at Mt. Apo’s crater. My first climb didn’t went well, hence, the word. But still, it’s a happy and unforgettable one.

That's me standing on the top of Pilipinas!

plaque says, Welcome to the Peak of Mt. Apo :) Adrian looks like a fireman.

            Well, for those of you who haven’t yet experience what I have experienced, it’s time for a new and different twist of outdoor adventure. Leave the city for awhile and take time to breath fresh air. ;)

         This is just a small guide about mountain climbing I made, based from my experience and from the people who taught me the basics of mountaineering. Thanks to Dan, and the stranger I met at the Barrio of Mainit who climbed Mt. Apo for the nth time and talked about anything under the clouds of Mt. Apo. Too bad, I failed to get his name. But his face, I can always remember. I learned a lot from him - I've learned how to survive the cold peak of Mt. Apo, without a tent, a jacket, nor a burner. 1 trek shirt/pants,a knife, and a big plastic bag will do. But I'm not posting it here, not yet.


Getting started

    Everyone who has the opportunity to climb can always climb, BUT you should take note of a few steps and measures before you begin your trekking and climbing adventures.

First, you must be equipped with knowledge on the basics of mountaineering.
-Learn from a book, a magazine, or thru the internet.
-Learn from groups, organization, or mountaineering courses – join a group, organization, or mountaineering courses; they provide you mountaineering guides, techniques, what-to and what-not about mountaineering. (Although, I do not have a group, nor did I join any mountaineering courses)
-Learn from friends and people who are experienced in this adventure – take time to listen and I guarantee, you’d learn so much from them. What you’ve learned, keep them in mind.

Second, STAY IN SHAPE (A must!)
Of course, you should know your physical condition first before venturing yourself for an outdoor adventure. Mountain climbing is strenuous. As much as possible keep yourself physically fit. Check your health status beforehand; we never know what happens there. If you aren’t physically fit, nor your health status is unstable, forget mountain climbing, it would be very dangerous to go mountain climbing because of the risks involved.

Planning
Plan ahead, plan carefully. Plan with your group/team. Be as well-informed about your outdoor adventure (e.g. Where do you plan to climb? What kind of trail are you going to take? For how many days?) Anticipate what lies ahead, always EXPECT FOR THE UNEXPECTED.

Getting Ready
As much as possible, carry a simple and light load; know what are the essential things you need to bring to avoid bringing of any unnecessary paraphernalia.

Essential items for an outdoor survival: (What to bring)

•     Tent/Sleeping bag – of course, where would you sleep if you happen to forget one?
•     Food - self explanatory
•     Extra food – in case you are delayed because bad of whether, or other unexpected circumstances, or simply you got lost
•     Water + water bottles – you need plenty of water, clean water sources are hard to find, when you find one, fill those empty water bottles. We’re at risk for dehydration when out there.
•     Stove/Burner + lighter/matches – I would suggest you bring a burner or stove rather than use a firewood, because it’s at more risk for forest fires.
•     Fuel/Gas + extra
•     Pocket/Camp Knife – make sure it’s not blunt
•     Flashlight/Headlamp + extra bulb and extra batteries
•     First aid kit – a must in all outdoor adventures. For medicines, I would recommend bringing a Paracetamol, Loperamide, and Mefenamic Acid.
•     Sunblock/Lip balm – we don’t want to have skin cancer, do we?
•     Insect repellent lotions – it’s the wild, we don’t know what kind of mosquitoes would bite us
•     Camera – you don’t want to miss capturing the beauty of nature
•     Toiletries (but please don't bring everything from your bathroom) - the important ones are as follows: toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and tissue paper.
•     Bite-sized chocolates (optional) - chocs are energy giving, just make sure they're not so sweet that it makes you thirsty. But really, for personal reasons, I'm a chocoholic that's why there's never a climb wherein I don't bring chocolates.
•     Clothes

           Tips on what type of clothes should you wear/bring:

•     Do not wear cotton clothing -  cotton absorbs more water, when it’s wet it will make you cold.
•     Wear loose fitting comfortable light clothes (Quick dry material is recommended)
•     Jacket (preferably the one that functions as a windbreaker, which shuts out from cold and wind; and warm-up suit that can keep the body heat)
•     Socks (Bring two (2). One for trekking and the other for sleeping-you need this to keep your feet warm during the cold night, preferably thick)
•     Gloves(optional) – but it helps in gripping when climbing steep rocks, or hanging by a bagging, it also helps warming your palms at night)
•     Trek Shoes/Sandals (or any shoe as long as it can withstand the worst terrain conditions)
•     Hat/Cap – it’s your own preference what kind of hat you bring.

    All your equipments/gears must be placed inside a plastic bag (I use a big black garbage bag in my case, clean of course) to keep your things dry when it rains.

        Oh and how can I forget the most essential thing that a mountaineer must bring, COMMON SENSE! Most of the time, it is not a person's gears and equipment that saves them from uncertain conditions. It is their experience, know-how, and good judgment. ;)

There was a sudden flash flood. We were stranded here for the night. We had to sleep on the rocky side of the river since it's impossible to pitch a tent here or anywhere near.

         Double check your list, make sure they’re complete. Then off you go for a happy and unforgettable adventure!

        During your adventure, always bear in mind the following:
          1. Keep your trash with you. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR GARBAGE ANYWHERE. As simple as that.
          2. Do not take anything. Do not bring home plants and/or animals, the mountain is their home don't take that away from them.
          3. When there's a need to answer the call of nature, PLEASE DO NOT do it on any water source or by the rivers/streams/any body of water. Have the initiative to dig up, and cover them afterwards.
          4. RESPECT the people who are living there, be COURTEOUS enough to greet them when you meet them.
          5. RESPECT and CARE for our own Mother Nature.

        Climb your way to the top by the way of a mountaineer, “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, and kill nothing but time”

        Mountain climbing is one way to challenge your physical skills, your guts, your natural instincts and your common sense. Endure all the things that may come your way, and get back to the ground, SAFE AND PROUD.

Ang mountaineer... (bow...)
A pilay a paa Hindi a takbo!
A tusok a paa Hindi a takbo!
A habol a ahas Hindi a takbo!
A habol a NPA Hindi a takbo!
A habol a baboy damo Hindi a takbo!
A habol a bagyo Hindi a takbo!
A punit a short Hindi a takbo!
A lamig a lugar! Hindi a takbo!
A tagay a tanduay, tuba, beer Hindi a suka!
A kain hilaw kanin Hindi a suka!
A kagat limatik hindi a takbo!
A drop a subject Hindi a suko!
A slide sa trail Hindi a suko!
A laglag a bangin Hindi a suko!
A wala a tent Hindi a takbo!
A hiwa a braso Hindi a takbo!
A hiwa a hita Hindi a takbo!
A lula sa taas Hindi a suko!
A wala a gamit Hindi a away!
A hadhad Hindi a suko!
A tama teka-teka Hindi a suko!
A habol baka, kalabaw Hindi a takbo!
A basa gamit, Hindi a suko!
A tulog a basa, Hindi a suko!
A ubos pera, Hindi a suko!
A wala syota, Hindi a takbo!
A wala trabaho, Hindi a takbo!
A pag tripan sa inuman, Hindi a takbo!
A habol away, Hindi a takbo!
(...bow)

I really don’t know who originally wrote this one. It was only forwarded to me. I just want to share this to you because it’s kinda funny.


P.S. If I missed something on this, please do inform me :)

Computers and the Internet, how it affects the children

 Each time the internet connection at home goes down, I usually go to an internet cafe to do some browsing, research, and regular checking of my mails. It would be some sort of a hell when I would log in after class hours because I would usually end up internet-cafe-hopping because there’s always no vacant unit in the shops I went in to. It doesn’t really surprise me, but it does annoy me because almost all of the shops I went in to, the kids dominate the place.

    Just come to think of it, what ever happened to the children nowadays? As you can see, more and more kids are getting hooked with the computer techies. Technology is advancing, and it is true that technology will eventually have control over the lives of the people, and it is starting with the children.

    I have seen a lot of kids, in fact, quite a number of them playing all day in front of the computer. And what complicates the situation more is that, we all know that children doesn’t have an income yet and seldom do parents give them allowance; the question is, where do you think these kids get their money to pay fifteen to twenty pesos per hour for a computer rental fee and they play like there’s no tomorrow? Not only that… I myself have been playing some of these online/LAN computer games, and guess what? I have encountered more kids than adults and young adults of my age (one of the reason why I shifted to other games). And what really bothers me is that most of the kids I meet online, and worst, in real life are potty-mouthed; although I take the blame to the grown-ups because the kids look up on them.

    Can you see how these things influence the children? What ever happened to patintero, taguan, piko, tumbang preso, and all the other childhood games we used to enjoy? Will they just be a mere game that will get buried and forgotten in time?

    Just think about the time we were young, careless, and free. Together with other kids, we play on the streets, laughing under the sun or dancing under the rain. Think about the time, when we became grown ups, and together with the friends we used to play with, we become nostalgic and reminisce the times we enjoyed when we were still young – it’s such a wonderful feeling. Do we want the kids at the present time be deprived of this feeling?

    I’d rather have the kids cry for getting a bruise or a cut after running around, than whine for getting hacked or scammed online. I’d rather have the kids brawl and have the situation resolved in front of the prefect or a parent(s), or someone in authority perhaps, than fight online and have an unending exchange of foul words for getting owned in PVP (Player vs. Player). I’d rather have the kids think of tactics how to win a game when playing patintero, or any childhood games, than type a mere word to enable a cheat and shout to the whole world how they took down an AI.

    The kids will always be kids. Let the kids cherish the time being a kid, because when they grow up, they can never go back. Just remember that a happy childhood is a treasure keeping and a memory worth remembering.