Culture is Sometimes an Ouch

HAZARD: Explicit, exotic pictures are exposed. Not advisable to be read while eating, lest one will have to experience an unsettling feeling in the stomach that will later accompany the urge to vomit.

While I was looking for a good show that might kill the boredom I was dealing with during my last vacation, I was stunned and moved in surprise of seeing this lady who is seemingly a part of a tribe somewhere in Africa. She was with stuff in her lower lips, something which caused perplexities in my mind. Later after a light load of research in the net, I found out that this stuff is a lip plate – a traditional practice among the tribes in Africa, which usually catches the fervent attention of the tourists.

Much to my delight and fascination, I’ve read an article regarding this perplexing culture of these tribes.



The Mursi, Chai and Tirma are probably the last groups in Africa amongst whom it is still the norm for women to wear large pottery or wooden discs or ‘plates’ in their lower lips. The lip-plate (dhebi a tugoin) has become the chief visible distinguishing characteristic of the Mursi and made them a prime attraction for tourists. A girl’s lower lip is cut, by her mother or by another woman of her settlement, when she reaches the age of 15 or 16. The cut is held open by a wooden plug until the wound heals. It appears to be up to the individual girl to decide how far to stretch the lip, by inserting progressively larger plugs over a period of several months. Some, but by no means all, girls persevere until their lips can take plates of 12 centimetres or more in diameter.


It is often claimed that the size of the lip plate is correlated with the size of a woman’s bridewealth. This is not born out by the fact that the marriages of many girls have already been arranged, and the amount of bridewealth to be paid by their husbands’ families has already been decided, before their lips are cut. Another common idea is that the practice of cutting and stretching the lower lip originated as a deliberate disfigurement, designed to make women and girls less attractive to slave traders. This ignores the fact that the Mursi themselves do not give such an historical explanation and that the practice is confined neither to Africa nor to women. Amongst the Kayapo of Brazil, for example, senior men wear a saucer-like disc, some six centimetres across, in the lower lip (Turner, 1980). Like other forms of body decoration and alteration found the world over (like ear piercing, tattooing, and circumcision), the lip plate worn by Mursi women is best seen as an expression of social adulthood and reproductive potential. It is a kind of ‘bridge’ between the individual and society - between the biological ‘self’ and the social ‘self’.

Isn’t that painful? Darn it, I guess that’s too much to be considered as part of culture and tradition. Aren’t these people aware of civil disobedience? In my speculation, this odd activity is more nerve-racking than circumcision. Imagine, these people tear their lips and they do not even put a thing which will alleviate the intensity of the pain. Ouch!
Well, I guess that is what the term culture is all about – preserving the norms and practices of one’s heritage, at any extent, even to the matter of life and death.

PAGADUAN, Jesson A.

Bedan Way.

Coming across this article I looked back in my previous years in San Beda College Alabang. The culture there is quite different from DLSU. I always thought that as time goes by and I go through everything in my life, it’s always going to be different. I’ve been studying in SBCA for 11 years and I can clearly tell what it is like to be there. Our high school life was really extraordinary that it can never be forgotten. Speaking for my fellow bedans our hs life is truly wonderful. I can say that even if systems and the culture is changing now, I’m still happy to be part of my other home- San Beda College Alabang


San Beda is truly different from people who study their head off to people who don’t seem to care at all, from people you can’t even hear a single word to people who speak like they have megaphones built in their systems. Students aspiring to be doctors, engineers, architects, accountant, chefs, or whatever it is they want to pursue. Every single one of us is different and it makes up the culture of SBCA.


We are noisy, quiet, studious, lazy, mean, kind and everything you can possibly think of but you will always find a family you think you will belong to. Just be open to new people and to new possibilities that you will encounter in your hs life. Every after test, students go to ATC or where ever their barkada wants to go to. Being late in classes and submission of assignments, projects, we still make up on our test. Sleep in classes and go home at 7. Eat before, during and after classes. Unite during competitions especially cheering. We study hard but we party harder. These are just some of the bedan ways. People might hear stories about us- bad ones or good ones; we are still a family in San Beda.


That is what I love about SBCA. My family is forever engraved in my heart- the lounge kruu and teambene. It feels like I’m home. So you may think we are arrogant, lazy and mean but you will never know what it feels to be a BEDAN.


Jethro Encarnacion
http://www.scribd.com/doc/18047912/a-TheBedan-FINAL

The Best of Japanese Culture...well at least for me =D

        

Two words that best describe Japanese culture is “highly traditional”. This is demonstrated in their practice and etiquettes in tea ceremonies, folk arts such as porcelain Japanese dolls, kimonos, hand-crafted ceramic dishes and beautifully-designed lacquer bowls. Although traces of Chinese and Korean influences may still be seen in some aspects of Japanese culture, the latter was still able to retain its uniqueness and it continues to share with the world their signature contributions.  One of the things that Japan is known for is their food. Japan’s tradition diet of fish, whether raw or cooked, is one of the healthiest in the world.  Furthermore, sushi, tempura, robatayaki and teppanyaki are considered the main representatives of Japanese cuisine. Another part of Japan’s culture would be its traditional music known as Hogaku which is of various styles where the oldest of which is the Gagauku which was performed in courts. The Japanese garden also stands out among the others because it has a Zen-like experience in itself. Other than this, another part of Japan’s culture would be art, architecture and literature. During the 7^th and 8^th century, art was greatly influenced by Buddhism. In writing, however, women writers dominated early Japanese literature. Men were educated in Chinese so their works in literature were predominantly influenced by Chinese language and styles.

            Honestly speaking, I truly admire the beauty of the culture of Japan. In fact, I wanted to travel there last summer but we weren’t able to. Well if It were pushed through, the first thing I’d do is to go shopping. I just love their clothes and I admire their good sense of style. Because I am an avid fan of Hello Kitty, I would really want to visit Sanrio Puroland. Yes, I know, I still have that kid in me and I just can’t ignore it. It would be nice to buy a lot of Hello Kitty things while I am in Japan. Also, I wouldn’t want to miss out Japanese food because despite the fact that it is sumptuous, it is also dished out in small servings so finishing it wouldn’t be a problem for me. Examples would be those mentioned in the first paragraph.   However, what I truly want to have is shabu-shabu since it’s simple yet delectable and you get to cook it by yourself.  So yeah, technically, what I love most about Japan is their food. Hehe!

           Although I haven’t gone last summer, I still believe that there is still a next time. All I can do as of now is to pray and wait for the go signal. 

Source:  Introduction to Japanese Culture by Debbie Salcedo

  ~ Elesia Mae R. Jo ~

Filipino Culture: Be Proud or Be Ashamed?

Culture, this word may seem easy to understand, but it is hard when we are asked to explain the meaning of it. From the way I see it, culture refers to the beliefs and traditions of a certain group of people who, at the same time, share common interest . Compared to other cultures, Filipino cultures are more unique because it has a mixture of the western traditions (Spanish and American period) and the oriental traditions (Chinese and Japanese period).  

Though we maybe unique with our cultures and traditions, we should still think twice whether we should be thankful or not that we have these variety of cultures. True enough that Filipinos just inherited these cultures notwithstanding the negative effects that it can bring to our life. Indeed, we should know by now that these cultures played an important role in the past in helping us to know ourselves better, and, at the same time, created a trademark on how Filipinos like us behave and live in this world.

We should be thankful that we have different and unique cultures that can make other people proud of us. One of the cultures that we have that we should be proud of is our religion. Filipinos like us are regarded as one of the most religious people in the world. Thanks to our ancestors who taught us how to believe in God in all of the things that we do and not to lose hope every time we’re in doubt. During the American era, we learned how to engage in different kinds of sports, which is known as a good form of exercise, because it can make our body stronger and healthier. Aside from that, it was also the Americans who taught us on how to arrive on time or which is better known as the “American Time” in times of important events and traditions yet, we, Filipinos, still follow our very own so called “Filipino Time”. We should also never forget about our Chinese ancestors who taught us how to engage in business for without them we should be having problem right now on how to spend and invest our money wisely. These are just some of the positive cultures we got from our ancestors.

Though majority of our cultures that we got from our ancestors are good for us, there are still a number of cultures that we got from them that we should think twice whether still to follow or not. The “Bahala Na” principle that we learned during the Spanish era is something that we should change as a Filipino. The said principle creates a negative impact towards our personalities because it allows Filipinos to do nothing and just wait what will happen. Instead of trying to solve a certain issues, Filipinos just tend to wait and see, which makes us a lazy and useless person in this society. Another culture we got from our ancestors is being thrifty. Our Chinese ancestors were the ones who taught us to engage ourselves in business, but, at the same time, they were also the ones who taught us on how to be thrifty. This may sound good, but one will not be successful in business if he or she is not willing to spend more money. In today’s generation, money revolves everything. That is why one will not earn much if he or she does not spend much. Just like the theory in finance, the higher you spend in your investments, the higher would be the return. Lastly, we Filipinos tend to believe too much in “pamahiin”, which is said to be affecting already our way of living. We believe in those sayings that older people have been saying without even having enough evidences to prove that all of those things are true. Due to pamahiin, we may have had already lost a lot of opportunities in our life because we tend to avoid this and that due to the sayings of the older people.

Cultures and traditions play an important role in our lifestyle. These things are already considered to be a part of our life. However, we should remember that at the end of the day, it is ourselves who can bring success to our own life. These things should only serve as guidance to us but definitely allow these things to control our life. It is not bad to believe in these things though we should remember that we are the ones who make the path to our success and not these cultures and traditions.

Jackyson B. Sze

11009357

C31 - BSA

Culture in China

        Culture is the beliefs and customs created by one group of people. 

        In their dress and apparel, you would notice that it has no difference with what Americans wear. They also wear jeans and shirts. For those who will get married they also wear bridal clothes that are colored white; bridal gowns that is very common and typical. For their business attire, skirts without ties are also appropriate for all professionals. They only have difference in terms of colors. Black and gray are common to them. Red is a very special color for them, they use it for holidays and for special occasions because it symbolizes happiness. Shorts are not appropriate in china because you’ll find there that few people wear shorts, especially for men.

       “Face” is important for Chinese people, because others tend to suicide when they lose their “face”. Chinese people teach their children with “no” or “wrong” not with “bad girl” or “naughty boy”. We should be sensitive with what we’re saying because it might lead others to lose their “face”. Others cannot enter college or cannot find better college because they don’t have their ‘face” to show. As a child grows the “face” has a great impact to him or her. It also has a great impact in the business world; if you don’t have your “face” to show then you’re done. You would not obtain good results. There is already a change in the face of the planet, in downtown of shanghai you already won’t be able to see the background music and its becoming culturally distinct.

        In the family background of the Chinese people, they are led by the father who is the husband and the head of the family. He is the decision maker, the one who controls the family and he carries all the responsibilities in the family. He has or gives the biggest influence in the family in terms of their children. The father doesn’t make the decision careers of the children but is the one who influences them. For them dating starts when you are in twenties and dating just a few, then make your decision. They first select their partner then arrange wedding then the wedding. Children live with their parents until they get married. Some still live with their parent after their marriage but it is not uncommon. They must abide the law of one child but there is an exemption, the place where there is lack of people. Moving from a place to another is almost non-existing, because most of the married couples live in the neighborhood of their parents. 

       There are also a lot more differences in the culture of China and Western. They don’t recognize Christianity so they don’t say “bless you” or “God bless you” when you sneeze, they would just ignore you. They tap four fingers down on the table to signify saying “thank you”. They always refill you cup of tea or any drink without being asked.

       I’m Chinese but I’m born here that’s why I don’t follow all of the things that are written here. I chose Chinese culture because I’m Chinese. It’s nice to know all of these things in detailed because I only knew them by what my parents say. It’s obvious that different country have different culture, we all know that. Knowing the culture of others is really a great impact in your life, that you would realize that sometimes you’re still very much lucky to be here and have these things.

Here is Charmaine Ngo from C31

Source: http://www.chinaunique.com/educate/culture

Filipinos are Monkeys

       Try typing the word "Filipinos" in the Google Philippines search box. Don't press enter yet and wait for the drop down list. What's the first suggestion in the list? Is it "Filipinos are monkeys?" Actually, I'm very surprised in what I saw. I even tried typing the word "Filipinos" in Google English to check if maybe, the only reason it generated such suggestions is because I'm using the Philippine version. But sadly, it's top results are even worse, "Filipinos are not Asians and Filipinos are annoying!

      The rumor saying that Mariah Carey called Regine Velasquez a "brown monkey that can sing," is  a confirmed  hoax way back in 2003. Yet, one of the country's most respected artist is bringing the issue alive again. Freddie Aguilar, which is best known for his famous song "Anak," is criticizing prominent performers Charice Pempengco and Arnel Pineda. "They only prove Mariah Carey right in calling us monkeys. What monkeys see, monkeys do. They only imitate other artists' songs instead of making their own. She's given a chance to sing in Oprah and what did she sang, a Celine Dion song! What's up with that? She could have sang a Visayan song," said Freddie in an interview.

      I think Freddie Aguilar is just bitter that his career is somewhat DEAD. He can't accept the fact that he's not famous anymore and there are other Filipino artists than can top the billboard hot charts like him. What does he expect Charice to sing in Oprah, Dandansoy? How stupid can he be to suggest a Visayan song. Will the Americans  appreciate Charice's singing if they don't understand a single word she's saying? That would be disrespectful for the Americans. Like the old saying goes, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do," same as "When in America, do as the Americans do." Simple as that! 

      You know what, Freddie Aguilar prove Mariah Carey wrong. Filipinos are not monkeys (stupid Mariah.) We are crabs for Christ sake! Whenever someone is becoming successful, we can't help but to pull that person down. That's just how we are. Mr. Freddie, I've got three words for you,

INGGIT KA LANG!

      

Source: http://blog.cathcath.com/filipinos-are-monkeys-freddie-aguilar-6421.html

Juan Carlos Benedicto

C31

Influence of Other Cultures

Philippines' culture has been greatly affected by other countries' culture. It can't be helped since our country was once under their control. As a result, we developed some of their cultures and applied it as one of our own.

I must admit, I am somewhat thankful that they influenced us. Our country also benefitted from it, but at the same time suffered from it. We learned new things from them but it also started to make us forget our own culture.

We Filipinos are famous for our moral values and respect to the elders and family members. Most Filipinos still have possess and apply it, but there are those who are starting to become the opposite of it. Is it because of the influence of other countries' culture? Maybe yes, maybe no. I don't really know. I don't think I have the right to say anything since I am the type who doesn't seem to care about culture. I do respect other people but I am not updated about our culture. When I say updated, I meant "I don't know our OTHER cultures". It's pretty embarrassing for a Filipino like me to not know much about our OWN culture. Well, at least I am proud to be a Filipino. Also, I don't think I am the only one who doesn't know much about it... :)

- CORRALES, Eleonor M.
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Philippines-Culture&id=411156

Japanese Fashion Sub-culture: GYARU

To inform everyone what exactly is a “gyaru”, let me first start off with its etymology. Gyaru is the Japanese transliteration of the word “gal”. This type of fashion emerged in the mid-1990s and is still widely present today. Although the style has evolved through the years, many young girls are continuing to display their love of the gyaru fashion. If you think that this craze is only applicable to girls, do know that there are also gyaru-o, its counterpart. The “o” in gyaru-o is short for “otoko” which means “guy”. Some of the sub-gyaru styles are the following: ganguro (excessively tanned gyaru), ganjiro (fair-skinned gyaru), hime gyaru (princess gyaru), kigurumin (wears a pajama suit of cartoon characters). Since discussion about the complete history of gyaru will be quite lengthy, I will be discussing its general and modern style.

Gyaru began with the belief that the Japanese were actually surfers and beach bunnies. Thus, young ladies, mostly high school girls, started going to tanning salons and to beauty salons to bleach their hair. During that time, a different style of make-up was also invented. In the late 1990s, gyaru went extreme with ultra-dark skin and hideous make-up. Nowadays, tanning of the skin is not that popular any longer. Because they were educated that over-tanning is cancerous, dark make-up is being used instead. The gyaru follows many clothing trends. We can identify if a person is a gyaru, not by observing her outfit, but by her hair, nails, and make-up,

The most visible type of gyaru people can spot in the streets of Shibuya and Harajuku are the “Ganjiro” or the “Shiroigyaru” (white gyaru). These are girls who follow gyaru fashion trends, yet they pride themselves on their milky white skin. While some have a light tan, others take paleness so seriously that not only do they abstain from tanning, but they also take measures to protect and even whiten their skin. Ganjiro skin color ranges from very pale to lightly tanned, with the latter being more popular. Because white skin represents royalty and wealth in Asia, the Ganjiro choose to keep their skin white. Another major reason for gyaru in Japan to maintain a pale complexion is to keep in line with Japanese beauty standards. This will prevent the girls from becoming outcasts and will give them more opportunities in society.

Due to the early exposure to Japan and its culture, I have been into gyaru fashion since third year high school. In truth, gyaru fashion was not my taste, because I thought that these people look flirty after seeing them during my trip to Japan in 2008. Coming across the gyaru magazine Popteen changed my perspective. As long as you don’t overdo it, then gyaru is A-ok! However, because the style is still unacceptable here in the Philippines, my interest in it cannot be fully applied in my lifestyle. But my passion for gyaru will not stop there. At this time, I am managing a self-created website about promoting the fashion here in the Philippines. Moreover, frequent research and trips to the mall will help me gauge the fashion level in the country. This will aid me to formulate a look that will not only make me gyaru but also as a fashionable Filipina.

Camille Valerie S. Torre

C31

I Hate Jejeculture

So why do I have this topic for my blog entry this week? Aren't we all tired of this issue already? Well, I will never get tired of mocking and hating them. I just can't understand why did they choose to be a Jejemon and what benefits do they get from being one.

There are thousands of reasons why I hate them so so much. First, the way they dress is utterly disgusting and the way they carry themselves is truly puke-inducing. (Hah, that rhymes!) They think they're cool with their so called "jejecaps" and over-sized t-shirts. Well, they need to realize that their imitation of a gangster is one hell of an epic fail and no offense but it's really cheap. Wear decent clothes, people! It won't hurt you guys if you at least try to dress like normal people. :)

Second, one of their reasons why they chose this type of lifestyle is because they find the normal way of typing boring. When I learned about this from Mel and Joey's Jejemon vs. Jejebuster Debate special, I really wanted to ask them a question. What is so cool about the way you type and why does the normal way of typing look lame in comparison? If those Jejemons can provide me an educated answer then I might consider being one of them. AJEJEJEJE (loljk)

Lastly, these cyber monsters are one of the most famous people not only in the Philippines, but in some parts of the globe as well. It's not a good thing though, for they see us as uneducated people. It is very disappointing because I believe that our country is a nation of achievers. We are very smart people and we already proved that a million times already. In my opinion, this is the most offensive thing that the Jejeculture has brought to our country.

The sad thing is, we all went through a Jejemon phase in our lives. We all had our Friendster accounts and we were all hungry for testimonials. There was a certain point in our lives when we thought that tHis tYpe oF wRitiNg was badass. Well, that type of writing is nothing compared to what they can do now. They are using numbers and symbols to substitute the letters and seeing the butchered words in their sentences is just disheartening. What happened to my fellow Filipinos? :(

REYNALD ALENN M. TAN
C31- ENGLCOM

Some cultural sports should be changed!!

"At amateur Bullfights in Colombia, Alcohol and Blood Flow Freely"




1) Red Cross waits for injured people to arrive. 2) It is not shocking to see many injured people going to the Red Cross during this time. 3) "A stream of men arrives with wounds out of a Hieronymus Bosch painting: intestines peeking out of a belly, bone protruding from a fractured skin, blood spurting from a gash in the buttocks." 4) They are all part of a bullfighting ritual in northern Colombia facing against 900 pound bull. 5) Many various people in this capital of Sucre Province are not afraid to be injured or even worse, to die. 6)At 2-6 p.m., people are ready to face the giant bulls with their funny and unique customs. 7) They do not consider this as a serious thing but more likely a festival. 8)When the bull is released, "the bulls were harassed by about two dozen horsemen carrying barbed sticks called banderillas, used to prod them into lunging madly into the throng." 9)The bulls are not killed but they get tired and tripped up by a rope, participants gather around "pelting it with rocks, kicking it, slapping it, spitting on it and pulling its tail." 10) When this happens, cattlemen and rick people from the stands throw 2,000 pesos worth of bottles of alcohol tot he most popular manteros.



11) Bull fighting is a traditional public entertainemnt, popular especially in Spain, in which bulls are fought and usually killed. 12) In my opinion, this does not look like an honorable activity to be called a 'sport' and 'cultural rituals'. 13) Even though this could bring death to the people, they keep on enjoying it. 14) One man was bandaged because he has been accidentally speared by a horesmen but he says it is fun to be part of the game even though his hands feel like burning. 15) He said, "This is about the ecstasy of escaping death. 16) It is part of us as human beings" 17) It is quite sad that torturing an animal is a cultural sport in some of the countries. 18) I hope this will gradually stop so that no bulls will die innocently and meaninglessly. :D

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Source:
Romero, Simon. "At Amateur Bullfights in Colombia, Alcohol and Blood Flows Freely." The New York Times 24 Jan 2008.

Kim, Woolim (Cathy) C31 ENGLCOM

Is the Filipino culture fading away?

Is the Filipino culture fading away?

The truth about “Filipino Culture, Filipino Identity and Philippine History” is most often lost in translation, sad to say, even amongst Filipinos themselves. Most Filipinos do not have a clear grasp of their history, most especially their pre-colonial history. Thus, those who try to explore and explain “who a Filipino is” fall in the pitfalls of false knowledge or maybe insufficient knowledge of Philippine history. In addition, those who may know something about Philippine history sometimes fails to understand its implications and relationship to the current condition of Philippine society.

In trying to learn the truth about “Filipino Culture”, it is a must to explore history, for societies are influenced by the events around them much so is culture. Events, either natural or man-made, then can affect the progress of culture.

Filipino culture is being lost! That is, the native Filipino culture. There is little or no effort to preserve traditional (I mean pre-Spanish) folk music, dances, art, or literature. The culture of the Philippines today is a hodgepodge of consumerist culture appropriated from America and Europe, colonialist influences from Spain, American customs brought over from military personnel, and some influences from Chinese immigrants. The original Malay culture the islands once had is nowhere to be found.

Filipino culture in the Philippines today is dominated by cheesy movies, stupid TV shows and game shows, bad pop music, and an overall pop culture that is tawdry, ugly, materialistic and uninteresting. Same thing is true of America. A "rediscovery" of the Malay heritage of the Filipinos should take place, which will preserve the unique pre-colonial art, music, mythology, and heritage of the islands.

The problem is that nobody in the Philippines themselves is interested in doing this, because they're either too poor and too worried about their next meal to care, or they're professionals and their kids for whom life is about being a doctor, nurse or engineer and making money, and uninterested in cultural things like art and music, beyond the pop culture presented by TV. Filipinos nowadays are by and large members of the doctor/lawyer/professional class, trained in a "hard" science or vocation-driven college field, and totally uninterested in the liberal arts.

Perhaps one reason for the fading culture of the Philippines is technology. People now depend on it. Because of the evolution of technology, Filipino values are dying. For instance, you have hurt the feelings of your friend. Because you are ashamed, you prefer to just send a text to her for apology. Honestly, I do this J. But if we are to analyze the situation carefully, isn’t it more sincere if we apologize personally? Also, part of our culture is chivalry for the gentlemen and conservatism for the ladies. Now, the gentlemen show disrespect for the rights of women and the ladies nowadays are so liberated. The most evident change is the Filipino way of courtship. The traditional way of courtship is that the gentleman starts with the so called “harana”. Then, he courts the lady’s parents and serves them. This shall prove the loyalty and dedication of the gentleman to his loved one. But now, the value of boy-girl relationship declines. Boys court girls nowadays through the internet or through text. Some wants to be in a relationship just to “FIT IN”. Well if I were to pick, I’d choose the “harana” way J. These are just some of the signs showing the fading culture of the Philippines.

"The Modern Courtship"

"The traditional courtship"

Our ancestors have worked so hard just to mold and shape our Philippine culture. In respect for this, we must at least give importance to it. No matter how progressive or developed we are today, we must not forget to turn back to where we came from. A true Filipino loves his culture, his country and shows NATIONALISM.

So, are you a Filipino or not?

Melissa Angelyn R. Pascual

ENGLCOM C31

Source:

http://www.lost-in-philippines.com/commentary-philippine-culture-and-politics-part-2/

A Passion for a Game called Volleyball

Volleyball is my favorite team sport. It is my passion. I would do anything for volleyball. Volleyball is fun and exciting when you already know the basic skills. At first, you see it that it’s so complicated but when you already know about the rules, you would eventually love the game.

I started playing volleyball, when I was in second year high school. We had volleyball as our main sport in P.E. in the 1^st quarter. Unfortunately, I’m not that good in the sport so I failed in our first practicum test. Knowing that I’m running for honors, I realized that it could be a hindrance for not getting an award so I decided to join the trainee’s pool for volleyball. At first, it is really difficult to manage my time but when I started to enjoy volleyball, it became the start of a long journey with volleyball. The good thing is I have passed the final skill test in our P.E. class and it made me feel great. Moreover, I didn’t stop playing the game because I really enjoy it. It became my passion and my bridge to know my real friends are.

Series of trainings have passed, eventually I become a varsity player but still it would not satisfy me because I can’t show off my skills whenever I’m in a game. I never stopped practicing to achieve my main goal of belonging to the First 6. My time came, I was already Fourth year then. I was able to spike the ball downward hitting the opponent who didn’t able to bring it back to the court. My teammates have gone wild and there was a standing ovation. It marked the start of me becoming a first 6. As we compete, we gather medals, certificates and trophies for the school’s pride for aiming for all gold. Fortunately, we are able to make it to the regional level and we landed 4^th placer in the event. It was a great journey with volleyball and I hope I could play in the collegiate games but I need to prioritize my studies first. ;D

-JIOU DESCANZO, C31

The FIFA World Cup

Somebody used to ask me what is FIFA World Cup. I said "Idon't know! How come a girl know that when her boyfriend watching NBA. I guss maybe it is just the bar, the beer and friends. " when I finished my words, the guy who asked me laughted at me.
It was ok, because i really didn't know few year ago. Until now, if you ask me the same question, maybe my answer will still same as befor, but my opinion is different.I have no idea about the name of the famouss football players, I don't know any thing about the rules of football. It's sitll make me exciting because everyone are talking about the scocer, the superstar and the team they like. No one like watching the game alone, everyone walk out their home and get together in the bar, square or any place which has a screen. They laugh, they drink, they yell all the time. If the team which they like won, they will celebrate. If they lose, they will be quiet and walk away, someone even cry. This is a time for happniess, this time just like a world wide festival.
Maybe you still don't love it, but you can not break away from it.

BY Wu,Shell

RAJON RONDO

Before, when I am watching TV, I hate it when my big brother will get the remote and change the channel to Basketball TV. I am so not into basketball. But this last June 14, 2010, Monday and no classes so that means I’m home, I go down to watch TV and I saw my brother watching the 5^th game of NBA Finals 2010. I sit down with them because I have nothing to do. It is so boring but NOT after I saw this very talented and young basketball player from the Boston Celtics that I became interested. Oh! I am so into basketball now. RAJON RONDO!!! I like him the first time I saw him. I called him “papa Rondo” that time! =)) (how crazy!) My brother was teasing me that time and keep telling me that Rondo looks like a cartoon. Whatever! I like him so much! He’s so good in what he’s doing and he’s the only reason why I’m in favor of Boston Celtics. 8D

  Rondo is the best-looking guy for me in the NBA players. :D He’s so professional. The other thing that I love about him is that instead of going in clubs every Friday nights, he’ll be found in a local roller skating rink and enjoying the rhythmic roller skating. In his age, it is a blessing to play with the basketball veterans. But with his talent and passion in basketball, it is not a blessing. It is the right thing to do with people who also play like a veteran. I think he’s the smallest guy in the team with a height of 6’1’’ but he’s the quickest one, I think also. And inspite of his height, he can surely dunk that ring!!!!!

  He’s so an attention-catcher. He’s the reason why for now I agree with my brother to change the channel to Basketball TV and also the reason why I watch the 6^th and 7^th game of the Finals. I’m cheering for the whole team of Boston Celtics but I only care for him. You know what, my wallpaper is Rajon Rondo. J Rajon Rondo also gives me energy in everything I do that’s why I made him my wallpaper so I can finish what am I doing and what I need to do. There’s really something in him that I like so much much much.

 

FYI: I texted my brother and asked when was that time that I watch the 5^th game with him. And the he asked back, “Why?”. I said that I’m doing a blog about it, for assignment, and it’s all about Rondo. He said, “RONDO na naman?”. Hahaha..

 

 source: http://www.rajonrondo9.com/9.html

DE CASTRO, Shanille S.

ENGLCOM-C31

 

 

 

 

My first sport was "Taekwondo"

There is very famous sport in Korea. The very is Taekwondo. Nowadays Taekwondo is not anymore only Korea sport. It's already worldwide sport.

In Korea almost peole have been learned Taekwondo. Also i had experienced Taekwondo. For the first time, Taekwondo was very hard for me. In childhood, actually, i was very shy but Taekwondo academy has many boys. During this time i learned Taekwondo also how i can make friends of other gender. Generally Korea older generation felt our young generation should learn Taekwondo. Therefore almost every young generation have been experiecned Taekwondo.

Taekwondo is a traditional Korean martial art form with a history that goes back thousands of years. Taekwondo is an empty-hand form of excrise that is both physical and mental entails the use of the hands, the feet, and the entire body. It enables the practioner to defend himself against attacks on his body and, through the spiritual aspects of the training, to build moral character. And Taekwondo became an official sport in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Also Taekwondo has the World Taekwondo Federation WTF.

Taekwondo have three base actions. Step1. basic ready stance, riding stance trunk punching, underneath blocking, trunk opposite side punching, front kick. Step2. trunk outer blocking, fist back hitting, side kick, trunk blocking. Step3. hand blade blocking, roundhouse kick, face blocking, hand blade neck hitting, trunk right side punching.

Lately Taekwondo is affected other sport aspect. For example, K-1 which features a mix of several martial arts, as diverse as karate, kickboxing, taedwondo and kung fu.

Section : C31, ENGLCOM, JO EUNA(EUNA)

Swinning is funny!

I can't swim in korea. But after arrived philipines, I learned how to swimming by school life coach and eu na who is same exchange student from korea. I was very hard and difficult at first time. But I can bibles, floating, back-floating as time goes on. I think it was like riding bicycles. Because it was very hard at first. But If you know principle of excercise, you will be good in it.

I am swimming beginner. So i will practice more and more. In order to developed swimming, we have to know various tips. there are 5 tips for good swimming.

1.Do swim frequently
If you don't average about three swims a week you will lose your feel for the water and your technique will begin to deteriorate. No feel, no technique, no speed. If the option is between one or two long workouts or three or four shorter workouts, swimmers seem to do better when they swim more frequently as opposed to only doing a few longer workouts each week.

2.Do swim with good technique
Maintain the best possible technique at all speeds during a workout. If you try to go fast with bad technique, you are wasting energy. If you can teach yourself to go fast while using good technique, you will make bigger gains.

3.Do drills as part of every swimming workout
Early in your workout, in the middle of your workout, or at the end of your workout (or any combination of the three!) do some specific technique work to reinforce good swimming skills. There are many drills you can do to stay tuned up, or to help you develop better technique.

4.Do easy workouts
Depending upon your swimming goals, there may be no reason to do more than one or two tough workout sets a week, as long as you do one or two easier workouts, too. Work hard on the hard things, and easy on the easy things, and each kind of work will give better results.

5.Do ask someone to watch you swim
Better yet, get someone to video you. Getting some eyes to watch what you do (or using your own via a video review) while you are moving through the pool can yield some great feedback on your swimming technique that you may have not realized.

Following 5tips will be helpful to me as beginner. Swimming gave big happiness in my philipine life. So i will practice frequently. In Addition, I hope to will be good body shape.


section : C31
name: Hwan Ho Park (Chloe)