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ROOM FOR ONE?

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FIGHT OR FLIGHT

Have you ever been stuck in a situation wherein you are completely frozen with fear because a crazy asshole perp chose you as his (or her) target?

Have you ever been held-up? Harassed by a crazy lover turned stalker? Grabbed by a stalker fan? (I know I’ve been…hahaha)

For its How To Series this year, UP MCO invited Emergency Resource Center Inc.’s Mr. Louie Domingo and his assistant Mr. Paeng Cruz to teach basic self-defense moves to both the members and applicants of the organization.

Bottom Left: BAT Director Ana Tan handing over tokens to the instructors Bottom Right: Emcee Sibyl Layag with Sir Louie (right) and assitant Paeng (left)

The members and applicants learned a lot of different techniques on how to escape situations where one is victimized by being grabbed or tightly held. Seemingly simple hand and arm moves, coupled with aditional force coming from the waist and legs, enable victims to effectively free themselves from assailants.

The demonstration emparted valuable knowldege, street-smarts, as well as rich insights to our history. Did you know that many of our native martial arts moves are hidden in our dances. According to Sir Louie the Singkil, Pandanggo sa Ilaw, as well as the Manlalatik all have moves which can be used as martial arts.

The members and applicants all had a smashing time trying out the different moves. Actually some even had too much  fun. But all is good and no one got seriously hurt. In this times of economic hardship and political craziness, it is important to learn how to defend one’s self.

Thanks a lot for all those who attended and made RATT’s event a complete success!

For more information or to avail of their training, visit:http://emergencyresourcecenter.info/index.htm

UP KAROLFEST 2008

Compared to last year’s Karolfest, this year’s is definitely better. Except for the fact that CSSP won third place. I don’t think they should have even won.

So here’s the lowdown on how the different college choirs fared during the night of mixed tones and unreached notes.

BA – The ‘sablay’ costume was soooo not working for them! I think that is the exact reason why their whole presentation was also ‘sablay’. The choreography was so unnecessary, not to mention reminiscent of a high school presentation, because it redirected attention, and it wasn’t well rehearsed. The lanterns they brought for their props were pretty though.

NCPAG – I liked their Spanish-inspired costumes, the color really stands out even from afar. It’s a pity though that I can’t commend their harmony the same way I commended their costumes.

CSSP – The support for the choir was just overwhelming…overwhelmingly overacting that is. The “Ms. Universe” entrance was kind of funny at first, but when they started doing their “Thriller” inspired rendition of the CHRISTMAS carols, the laughs had to die down (well, except for their avid supporters). Their costumes were soooo gay. It was like a cross between what you might see in a Mediterranean gay cruise and a cheesy gay pageant in your local baranggay. I don’t think they even deserve the third place. I guess there’s no accounting for god taste. *sigh

LAW – xoxo…That’s all I could say for the fabulous costumes of the Law Choir. Right from the beginning of their performance, I knew that this choir stood a good chance of winning…and they did! Their second place win is very well deserved. They are definitely tested by time.

SCIENCE – All I could say is…what’s up with the orange theme all night?! The traditional garb costumes were kind of okay…nothing beats time-tested themes I guess. My only negative reaction: what is up with the UP-OBLATION-INSPIRED-LAST-MOVE-WHICH-WAS-CLEARLY-COPIED-FROM-THE-UP-PEP?!?!

ARCHITECTURE – The reggae rainbow colored costumes were very attractive. They had good harmony but unfortunately they also had terrible posture. Their rendition of “Heto Na Naman” was so not working for them.

“Takot sila sa mic” – Cherrie Ongteco

ENGINEERING – The choir looked like they were contestants for “Dancing with the Stars”…

“Shiny, shimmery, splendid” – Kaye “Crissy” Virtusio

“Ang ganda ng dynamics” – Cherrie Ongteco

The group was wonderful, they really sounded like a choir. The solo part for “Payapang Daigdig” was also wonderful. The group was quite pleasing to listen to…no surprise that they won and became the new number one!!

STATISTICS – They had a very cute choreography which did not interfere with the fullness of their voices. The glowsticks crap was also good, I just don’t appreciate being called “ULOL” with a matrix of multicolored sticks…yes Stats people…WE SAW THAT!! But we won’t retort back, because deep in our heart…we know…paCOOL lang kayo! Hahahahahaha!

MASS COMM – Its not fashion…its FASHÖN!! The Mass Comm costume was of course uniquely great and fashionably noteworthy. No question about that…Harmony was impeccable, its too bad that the faulty microphone caused Harry’s plosives to really explode! But other than that, their renditions were all great. Harry’s EB babe giling moves was — in the words of the ancient emcee — bonggang-bongga!

Even though CMC didn’t win…the Karolfest was a lot of fun and the winners — at least ENGG and LAW — really deserved to win…peace out!

DARE TO TAKE THE CHALLENGE