i. SnowJams2003
ii. Spring Semester 2003
iii. Tapioca Express Tuesday/Thursdays
iv. PCN2003 "The Ninang"
v. Pil-Grad Commencement
I finally got Edcay to come with us to the snow, moreover, anywhere. It was freshmen year when Edcay went on an Akbayan outing. And look now, nearly five years later, he's in the driver's seat. I was excited to go up to the snow mainly because it might be the last time going with Akbayan, or its because I was with someone to share the snowy hills with. Inside Edcay's vehicle was Aivy and I with our snowboards stretched across the backseat and trunk. When we finally got to our destination, the snow was not that bad. We didn't need chains for the ride up, but the snow looked beautiful. When we arrived that late Friday, some of the folks were already comfortable in the cabin. The group of snowbayans were comfortable in the cabin that we had used once before. Later in the day, the rest of roomies arrived and we had a pretty late dinner. But, of course, we had no problems with the amount of noise made. The Saturday morning, I woke early assuming we would get to the slopes by 10 or 11, unusually, we were arriving at Northstar about 1am. I wasn't disappointed. We only paid for half day. The first few hours, I got to teach Aivy the basics of snowboarding. I failed as a teacher. She hurt herself and I went off to go on some of the other downhills. Sorry Babble. That Saturday night, some of us decided to play 10 Fingers. I found out some interesting skeletons about a handful of people. But, no worries, confidentiality is what I'm used to. Sunday was short, we all went out ways after eating Sushi on the way home. As for most visits to the snow, I've enjoyed this one in its own crazy way. For one thing, I got to play in the snow with Aivy, watch my friend freak a broom and walk the runway, and discover interesting stuff about people.
The month of January 2003 was the beginning of the end of my own era. I started my last couple of major classes with the motivation that I would get or attempt a gpa of 4.0. The list of classes that I took were Stats 115, Tech 20, Tech 162, Tech 168, and Tech 169. Fortunately, I was able to finish the Industrial Technology, ECT, Program without taking all those extra courses that they've implemented. Beside that, I had found my rightful educational plan of action. I was ready to become a San Jose State University alumni, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in the previously named course. Although, I do not believe that my focus is based on the Engineering name. If we were part of the Engineering, why doesn't the end of my major end with Engineering. Unless, the name of my major is Industrial Technology Engineering, but then, in the pamphlet for incoming Frosh, there's a list of all types of Engineering, except IT. The last time I saw, IT was a branch off of one of the original Engineering categories, like Electrical. I find myself in a hopeless future, wondering if my current job is where I'll be for the next fifty years. But with much determination, I will and shall become better.
One should not stop where one has finished, but succeed in the goals that come from accomplishing a previous dream. When I finished my last semester, my education had become a priority in my life. And for once, I was proud to say what my gpa was...a 3.0. From my Fall 1997 semester, I thought that achieving anywhere near an honors grade point average was impossible, especially when there are females around. In high school, the only female influences in my choice of education were the teachers, coaches, and administration; all which were not worth a second look at. My first few classes were general education classes that accounted for my new class settings involving the female gender. This new style of education lowered my grade point average significantly. You can also say that college wasn't as easy, nor was it harder than expected. My final semester determined my growth of adulthood and responsiblity.
That semester was the most relaxing because I already knew it would be the last. I wasn't going to accept a failing grade in any of my classes. I succeeded in a B+ in 20, A- in 168, C+ in 115, B- in 162, and B in 169.
Some of the other events that had happened that semester was the coming together of the Tapioca Express people, mainly Raina, Kat, Gwen, and myself, among others that could be named, but I shall not. You know who you are. There is a list that we made together, along with a few others, maybe this may spark a memory..."You Go To S.J.S.U. if..." We made a list of 47 possibilities. I'm pretty sure any one of us can come up with a few. On Tuesday and/or Thursdays, I would exit my AutoCad class and find outside in front of the Student Union, a select, but certain few that would always be interested in going to Tapioca Express. My drink of choice was and will always be Mocha Snowbubble with Brown Balls. I found an interest in taking a walk to the nearby liquid vendor because there was a wanting to be. A need to be in a temporary longing that had a particular yet shallow goal - to get to the destination and buy a drink...with BROWN BALLS.
Writing the script took many stages. During the summer, I was manually writing line-by-line each scene that went with the plot. Although some of the scenes were deleted, I was able to write up a decent script for this year's Pilipino Cultural Night...ahem...Philippine Cultural Showcase. I encouraged the change of the name, but then I found out the significance that changing the name isn't the answer. The storyline had become into effect when having dinner with some friends when we were mentioning different types of stories that we can use. And then, boom, The Ninang idea gave birth, almost one and a half to two years before it was showed on stage. The only disappointment was the fact that my story was severely edited by the coordinators. I've been writing scripts since 1998. I don't think I'm the best script-writer, but I do know that my imagination hasn't been torn from its place. I own a notebook with dozens of short stories that only a few have read. These stories were made when Akbayan decided to do skits for PCN, instead of a main story. The skits were successful, unfortunately, none of my skits were used. Were they too profound, were they too confusing?
In
The Ninang, I opened up all my emotions because this PCN would be my last, well, at least performance-wise. After this show, I will always be back to support this organization. From the very start, I considered Akbayan some type of family figure. There's no mother or father, but siblings, brothers and sisters that have always been there for me in amazing and astonishing ways. I will never forget any of the cabinets that I've participated in, or any of the people I've met from the organization itself. According to this semester, I was able to meet particular individuals that I was able to get to know even more. Can you guess who these people are? One individual was my Chacha partner, Alexis, and seems to be a very good friend. During practices, we would make sure we got the moves down. Obviously, she was like the assistant teacher to Aldrich. She was a fun dance partner and she was always willing to put up with my grief. You're the bestest! I guess Alexis couldn't get enough of me, so she had me as her Tango partner. That's for you Alexis, since you keep asking me why I don't write about ya'll.
I finally achieved Prince for Singkil. I attempted to make my own sword and shield for the dance. Unfortunately, the significance of the shield and sword had nothing to do with the dance. They were too flamboyent. Nearly a week before the show, I was working on the shaping and sanding of the pieces. Some of the nights where I wasn't at practice, I was stressing on getting my pieces finished. I was scared a few nights because the tools weren't responding with what I wanted. I spend so much time on the sword and shield, I never learned the whole routine. The first night was better than the second night because Kat and I ran into each other during the second show. I'm not really sure if people noticed. Teaching the fangirls was the beginning of my feminine experiences of gracefulness. In past PCN's, some of my friends told me that their parents thought I was gay. I'm a hetero, but I like to dance with grace and like liquid.
Everyone in the show, the veterans, the freshmen, the newby's, and the kids that just like to hang around, they all made that night special. Thank you Akbayan PCN'ers of 2003. Oh! And sorry for messing up during my solo.
Pil-Grad Commencement was a success, but not entirely what I expected. It was my last big job to do as an Akbayan leader, and I feel I've screwed it all up. Yeah, the event was another memory in the Akbayan yearbook. I was expecting to gather a group of twenty graduates and have a big Pilipino Graduation. Instead, I put on an intimate family type of get together. My fellow graduates all helped me out with putting the event come together. Sacha, Kat, Mike, and RJ all helped in their own ways. Sometimes I wish there were more participants, but I must accept what was given to me. I admit that I was a bit lazy, but mainly because PCS was my main priority during the semester. I didn't multitask. In short, Pil-Grad was great!
College was a great experience. The many friends that I've met kept me motivated to keep on moving forward with my goals. From my friends from the very beginning to the very end of the ordeal, I made what I could with my life possible. Remembering those who dropped in and then out of my life will never be forgotten. Each individual has played a very significant role in my life. Along with the movies and shows that had entered my life, they all mean something. There isn't a friendship that I took for granted. Some of the major friendships that I've considered greatly in my life are Edison, Leighton, Ted, Paulo, Alexis, Tawny, Liza, Tricia, and Mike.
For the reader's, I don't expect any of what I write to inspire you, or even motivate you, but I want to make my life known. The fact that I've managed to get through a stage in my life that some think is pointless at times. We all change our majors from time to time. We all stress over the frustrating. My life was how it was, and now I must take what I've learned, store the memories, and make room for what is to be determined by life.
note: I'm still working on these chapters. They aren't concrete. More to come.