of the luzon intervarsity tourney.

Representing UP Diliman in a tournament felt so good. Parang, [insert expletive] UP Diliman ‘to, pare. Except that I don’t really say ‘pare’ in real life. Pero gets? You’ll get so pumped up that you’ll feel you can do anything at that point (of course, except for that seemingly impossible take home exam you brought as a symbolism of your dedication as a student).

Looking back, we did a lot of weird things. Say for example, upon arriving at the convening room, we hugged each other. Then when the first motion was given, we all hugged for good luck. After the round, we hugged again either for a) the success b) for the fucked up round. Then when teams forwarded to the next round, we hugged. And when a team falls, we hugged too. The cycle went on and on. Dumating nga sa point na “pwede wag na muna mag-hug?” Kasi naman. Sa sobrang hug, parang hindi ko na ma-appreciate. Simple desensitization. Sorry na, k?

People got frustrated, some felt good about themselves, issues grew for whatever reasons, but hell, who cares? We were out there to kill and the moment we joined that tourney, we knew we can be casualties of our own contingent. It was all worth it.

It’s amazing that you have friends as the Best Rookie Team (JC girl and Trixia), your org’s applicants performing really well compared to other institutions (JC boy and Ben), and whole contingent who did its best for a full contingent break for a shot at championship (Sabi nga ni AnaRod, “this is becoming a trend.” Sana nga maging trend na forevah.).

I’m happy for myself (parang ang pathetic pakinggan) and for Mikee too. People can always say that we got eliminated eventually and that’s sad. But being eliminated in the Octos isn’t that bad – that’s a round away from the Semis. 

The whole tourney was really a “learning experience” (Arcellana, Infinity). I just “loooooove it” (Avila, 2008). Say hello to Tin from UPLB, to Toni, Paula, Kaiyze (?), and Morris from UST, to Clarissa and Keith from UPM, to our Argumentum friends from UPB, to Victor from DLSU, and so on and on. I love the debate community. And yes that includes *toooot* and *straight* who probably *straight* needs chemical castration [does the ever funny arm-torso movement].

I’m looking for more tourneys ahead. I want to reach the Finals. CHOS, hindi naman masama. Sabi nga ni Emily Shakelton at David Cook, “if you don’t dream big, what’s the use of dreaming?” We all need to reach out for something more. 

But for now, I’m back to being a simple student trying to finish each and every requirement (yes, I did manage to finish the take home exam I brought to the tourney). Watch out for us, Marc Siapno (probably plus, Mikee Sevilla again) or [insert name here]. But for each and every tourney ahead, sabi nga ni Michael Jackson, “where there is love, I’ll be there.” Promise.

missing pi ay di si*.

I woke up early today to write about PIDC 2009. But I feel so bleh. My first sentence was really disgusting. So this is what you have now – random thoughts to fill the urge to create an entry.

This sounds really chaka (as we put it), but I think I miss it. I miss the people. I just enjoyed seeing everyone. Judge me, but kebs. I’ll say it anyways. I miss the Ateneo presence. I also miss seeing people from UP Manila, from STC Cebu, and one or two from UP Baguio.

I miss the issues, the drama, the burst of ego masked by each team’s “institution pride”. I miss the everyday UP Diliman huddle, the prayer addressed to no one in particular but to the Higher Being (yes, we know how to pray), ended every time with a roaring “UP Fight”. I miss carrying stuff – huge boxes, coolers, and bundled papers alike – for making me realize that I’m really a strong person. Chosss lang!

I’m really proud of UP Diliman for the full break and for the championship. Other institutions will refute, but our Higher Being knows that we were also competing with the guidance of the “Saint of Fair Play”. I’m proud of Teenahips, of Paolo, of Maan, of Angelo Kalaw, of Marc Batac, and especially of Mikee (first time to compete and yet, grabbed the 10th Best Adjudicator recognition). I’m proud of UPD B, C, D, E, F, especially of Team A (PIDC 09 Champion). I’m proud of the PIDC 2009BOD. I’m proud of the support staff. And yes, I’m proud of me for reasons I don’t even know. Chosss take two!

Now that PIDC over, I’m forced to face my readings on Rizal and Shakespeare, to attend classes, to take exams, and to deliver reports, and be partially deprived of social life due to acads. I wish it was PIDC allover again because I feel “emptiness” (Batac, 2009). But I’ll stop at that. Baka ma-guest pa ako sa bagong show sa Channel N – Paki-realize with Jowee and Sam.

I miss PIDC. I miss a lot of things about it. But, I’ll end here. I have class in a couple of hours and I still need to read.

Cheers for Love! (huh?)

*PIDC, Philippine Inter-Collegiate Debating Championship.

pidc 2009.

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It's the Philippine Inter-Collegiate Debating Championship 2009!

up debate society alumni homecoming.

sept 9 is a special day.

I feel that the day was cursed. Because even though how much I tried to uplift my spirit, circumstances pulled me down. The fact that the day was cursed made it special. Special not because it is Pom’s or Jacques’ birthday, special not because it was another fun day with DebSoc, special not because of the free cuts, but special because…

I woke up early feeling well. Credits to the generous sleeping time. Left the house by 9 a.m. hoping not to be late for my 10 o’clock class. Somebody is trying to change. But ended up being caught in traffic for [drumrolls] TWO HOURS. So I had my first absent for that class rather than being usually late. Thanks to the nonsensical fiesta called Kakanin Festival by the Municipality of San Mateo. The municipality doesn’t even produce a considerable about of rice delicacies to have a Kakanin Festival! The nerve to have a parade celebrating stupidity. I am always tempted to text Mayor through the equally nonsensical project in collaboration with Talk n’ Text called “Basta kay Mayor, Bida ka!”. I just want to applaud them for a job well done, for a decision well thought of. To overemphasize the stellar intellectual level of the San Mateo Admin, let me just say that for a two-lane road running within the municipality, they even allowed bazaars beside the road – leading to a total, major, freaking traffic.

Add the fact that things were more special because I was having a major headache. A headache made worse by the sight of light, abrupt changes in position, and noise. Interestingly enough, the same headache that goes away whenever I’m in front of the PC surfing the net.

Then come night time. Let the heavy rain pour down and piss me more. I had no choice but to force the transformation of my shoes to fit the rain. Instant rain boots sans the waterproof feature. I also felt that my pants turned into rug when rain water started creeping up and up. That was one of the times I wished I had a motorcycle so spare my jeepney seatmates from getting wet. The FX wasn’t even an option, unless I wanted to die cold.

I finally touched the grounds of home. I attempted to feel better by soliciting sympathize from my mother; telling her how unfortunate I am for the traffic and all the shitnitz. But, no. I had to be screamed at because I was charged of “slacking off” and I should have “anticipated” the horrible traffic because I “knew” it all along. Two words: not true. So as a good child with a good day and a throbbing head, I had to engage in a shout fest. Nobody won.

The day ended with a bitter sleep. Come the next day, I felt dumb during my Creative Nonfiction class. Actually, I felt dumb the whole day.

And oh, the day is also special because Philip from high school said so. Thanks for the free ride.

Late post.

kevjumba got that right.

The other night I was so tired that the moment my body touched the bed, I just fell asleep. Take note, still in my undershirt and slacks. Mama told me when I woke up in the afternoon that I was sleep talking. Something about a practice and some gibberish things on the side that I don’t remember dreaming about. I asked her what she did and she just blinked and smiled and continued eating. Well, if I saw someone sleep talking, I’ll hurry and call everybody. Why? I’ll tell them that that person is possessed and we can cure you! Whatever.

Moving on. Yesterday, I was happy to sit all day and enjoy the Internet. I thought I would be just drooling all the way due to intense boredom. I remember Customer Support telling my brother that they’ll fix something that would kill the influx of the much-loved and appreciated Internet connection. But no, fourth led light on the modem blinking. Tada!

Yesterday, I also met KevJumba through Christine Gambito also known as HappySlip from Youtube.com. You should watch their ‘Put it in Purse’ vid. I just can’t stop laughing. Then, I watched another one and another one and another. I got addicted an ended up subscribing. We can call him an Internet supahstar. Did I mention he challenged Jessica Alba to a staring contest? Little Miss Alba responded and won.

Let me just share the vids that I love watching. Because shared philosophy rocks and I want everybody to be enlightened. The first one is a short rant about how society is too focused on looks and being pretty.

While this one, tells everybody to be happy.

I was fortunate enough to have Jason Mraz’s new album the other day. It's called We Sing, We Dance, and We Steal Things. I have to thank Annel for this one. The new album is molten hot. Check it out dawg, check it out. I’m totally digging Butterfly. The lines are poetically dirty, the beat is so funky.

And oh. Maybe one of the reasons why Elfermin from the other side of the blogsphere isn’t getting any “dramaturgical emo blog posts lately” is because we all suddenly have turned into sloths. Besides, the day was so magical. We just can’t express it in words, friggin' hard. Cheers to the new UPDS mems!

First GA later. How exciting.

THANKS: we all played the game, let's all hope for the best.

The UPDS application period is a lot like drag racing. It was fast, exhilarating, and fulfilling. The past two months made me realize the higher value of friends more than their value that I already know – they made me faster, higher, stronger (tieback to Olympics since it’s closing as of typing time). Anyways, I’m taking this chance to thank everybody.

TO MY UPDS CO-APP 2008
I love you all. You made hard things enjoyable. You’re all stimulating and refreshing. I wish us all good luck!


Maan: Partner. Thank you so much for staying by my side. I know I’ve been bitchy at times. Sorry. We can do this. Think positive.

Angelo: For some odd reasons, your message on my sigsheet was a memorable one. It says: Thisizit. I hope it is. Thanks!

Katherine Calderon: Math major ka ba talaga? Kidding. Thank you talaga. You were always there when I needed someone to tolerate my crazy moments.

Pearl: You’re a great driver! I’m awed with your generosity and OCness. I enjoyed our chitchats while driving around and around and around. Two thumbs up!

Nica: You’re great! Your future is so bright. Don’t be hard on yourself. Believe in THE SECRET and good things will happen. Always think positive.

Trix: I believe that you can be a great accountant. You’re great as a debater, but more importantly as a person. Stay humble and nice.

Ayze: Mini-mock best speaker! Stay perky and you must realize that at some point you need to eat pork. Try Monterey! Their pigs doesn’t eat poop.

Joy: Thanks for the pictures. Take care of your heart (as in the heart that pumps blood). I envy your violin. You’re one of the nicest people in the batch.

Kat: Same goes to you. Stay kind, humble, and nice. You’re great. Believe in yourself.

Alex Cao: You’re classic. I love your soft smile and bright spirit. Deep inside I know how competitive you are. Stay safe and try to look stronger (especially at night).

Bea: I wish I had the chance to bond with you more. I find you interesting (walang malisya) Hahaha.

Jacques: YOU TOO! I know you’re a fun guy to be with. I remember the time you supported my jokes (remember Jabu and Ateng?). You don clothes in a sleek kind of way. I just realized that we always win when we’re together – boycott Beijing and unisex CRs debate. Stay good.

JC: You’ve been always strong. Keep it up and send me chocolates. Joke lang.

Riley: You never failed to make a scene. You’re a good person. You’re competitive. You always make tambay interesting.

Aman the Third: Isa ka pa! Thanks for always laughing at my jokes. I enjoy every smile you share. Competitive ka rin eh! Parati nga kayong my coaching moments ni Alex F eh.

Elferbitch: I believe that you’re a good guy. I appreciate the frankness – it makes you bitchier. [Riley] Palanca Awardee? Kidding. Thanks.

Mikee: THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for being a suki. Benta parati jokes ko sayo. Never fails. Hope to joke around you more.

Migz: Migz high five! I appreciate the fact that you always keep a high spirit. Stay good and happy.

MarkSolis: [bows] You’re a good friend. You’re always fun to be with. You’re a good guy. You’re the best, simply the best. Speechless. MARKSOLIS!

To the rest: Michael, Tranz, Franz, Laura, Tina, Alex F, and to you that I unintentionally forgot, Thanks to the wonderful moment. Good luck to all of us.


TO RAYMUND
Thank you for infecting us with your competitiveness. Thanks for being a good buddy. Again, it’s not that we didn’t have a choice. We had and it’s really you.


TO THE UPDS MEMS
Walang halong ka-plastikan. You’re one of the best groups I knew and I hope will continue to know more. Thanks to everybody! You’re all loved.


TO EPISTAXIS
My dear friends you’ve been always there for me. I just love you. Thank you so much for understanding me especially when I had to opt out during our usual food trips, gimiks, or whatever. Thanks for supporting me in your own little ways. You’re the support system that I needed. You kept me burning and positive. Thank you. I’ll remember all of this. Thank you.

We’re all waiting for Tuesday. The best of luck guys! Remember that it is not whether we win or lose. It is how we played the game.


Much love. Thanks.

it is time to ... TAKE A STAND!

Stand out this centennial: attend TAKE A STAND, the UP Debate Society's free debate seminar for college students. Drop by on July 25, from 2:30 to 5:30 PM at SE 125, UP School of Economics to learn the basics of the art of debate.

Text Marc at 09183132806 or email 'updseacom@gmail.com' to get sure seats. Or reply to this post ASAP to make you arrangements.

For more information on UPDS and its other debate education programs, visit http://updebatesociety.org/seminar.html



P.S.: Take A Stand is a program for beginning debaters on the basics of the British and Asian Parliamentary formats. UPDS has brought T.A.S. to Ilocos, Romblon, Banuar, Pamgpanga and Sorsogon. T.A.S. seminars are held for free upon the request of interested institutions/organizations.

The program covers: rules of the British and Asian Parliamentary debate formats, speaker roles, speech types, points of information, rebutting techniques, basic argumentation & adjudication.