GATSBY STYLING DANCE COMPETITION 2012

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Gatsby Styling Dance Competition
10 November 2012 - 4PM Market! Market!

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The champions of Gatsby Styling Dance Competition 2012 are none other than... our kids, the resident competing team of UPLB Street Jazz Dance Company. Woohoo!

1st runner-up: Next 2 Innocence
2nd runner-up: ICI Dance Company

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I'm one proud alumnus.

During our time (yes, I had my share of the limelight back in college) UPLB Street Jazz is not that known. There were a lot of other good crews in the Metro. So all we ever wanted then was to get noticed. And yes, get noticed we did.

We introduced a different style of hiphop here in the Philippines back in 2006. We called it LA Style or laidback hiphop. It was a trending genre in the US (you know GenTwo or Kaba Modern?). But the local hiphop was quite different. So it was a gamble for us. Good thing the hiphop community welcomed our style well. And thus, Erik Javier and Louie Canaria, and even Thea Baraquio (our main choreographers) were born. They created some noise in the Philippine hiphop scene.

YAY!

We were so unique back then that people always watch out for our performance. Or so we felt. (Haha... feeling!)

So that was then. we only aimed to get noticed, to create an impression. And now? We're aiming for the win (No, I'm not part of the team anymore). In the past few years we've been aggressively aiming for that. Until Gatsby. CHAMPIONS, baby!!! I couldn't be any more proud.

I know this will just be the start. Tonight our kids will again battle their hearts out at Skechers Year 8. And every molecule in my body is ecstatic. It's on hyper mode, dying to get to MOA Arena and cheer for our kids.

Woohoo!

Good Luck TEAM!

WHOEVER WINS, I will be proud of you. I mean whoever wins 2nd or 3rd place, I will be proud of you... Champions. :-)

Go for gold!



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P.S.
I'm having issues with uploading photos in blogger, i.e. data storage limit :-(. I will update this post for the photos as soon as I resolve the issue. Ciao.

BLV T R NT

Before I start this entry, let me just make a (belated) congratulatory shoutout to my two brods in UPLB Street Jazz, Louie Canaria and Erik Javier. Yeah, I know I have already done this in Facebook but I just want to make this moment a part of my blog. :-)

Both Louie & Erik were part of the Megacrew entry of the UP Streetdance Club which won 3^rd place in World Hiphop International (Megacrew Division). Erik is also part of The Crew, a subset of UP Streetdance Club which competed in the Adult Division of the same event. They bested all the other entries... GOLD baby!

with Louie and his Bronze

Erik's Bronze and Gold

Great job, you guys!

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Okay, since I am now in a roll, and since I’m still on vacation, let me squeeze in this entry posts that I missed writing about due to my uber impossible work-school routine.

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First up, I want to congratulate my friend Jaja (Pooja Sujanani). She recently got married.

If you’re wondering if that’s her in the image, yes, you’re right. She is a pure blooded Indian who grew up in Bohol.

THAT JOYFUL OCCASION

I wanted to entitle this “The Wedding” but realized I already used that HERE. I thought of using “Dale Weds Aya” instead, but it sounded a little too dry. So, I ultimately decided to use “That Joyful Occasion”. Simply because... it was!

the handsome Groom

the beautiful Bride

Dale Satur & Malaya Manalang

I would like to tell a thousand stories about this day, but my mind is crapped out at the moment. So I’ll just tell you two things:

ONE, the event was EPIC! It was very dreamy that I felt like being part of a fairy tale story, watching the main characters swaying from one moment to another, so deeply in love, enjoying every second of their day.

And TWO, I was so haggard on this day due to the following reasons:

THE WEDDING

Okay, so I’m in a bit of a panic now that I finally received this.

It’s the official wedding invitation from Dale John Satur and Malaya Manalang. Say whuuut? This is real now. I mean, I learned about this happy occasion was that more than a year ago(?), but now that the invite is in my hands, I felt like, yeah, this is really happening. And I’m not yet prepared.

 

 

JUST SPREADING THE "WORD"

Are you a dance enthusiast? Or simply into watching stage acts?
Have nothing to do this Friday night?

I urge you, watch the latest installment of the Street Fuzion series, SF 12. Brought to you by the amazing dancers of UP Streetdance Club. I'm sure you'll have the funnest fun!

Read more below for the details, as posted in clickthecity.com.

WE JUST GOT HEAVIER!

Not one, but TWO Anvil Awards!

One for the Libreng Sakay program where we gave 75,000 commuters free MRT rides on our 15th Anniversary. And another one for our unique financial literacy program (for kids!) in the form of an animated show on Cartoon Network. It's called "Cha-Ching!".


Can I just say that I'm so proud of this company I currently work for? Yay! Another milestone for Pru Life UK. By the way, if you've read this certain blog entry, you'd know that I took part in one of the award-winning initiatives. Kacha! *wide grin*

BEHIND LIES

I would just like to share with you these two videos of my latest performances. Both of which happened in the same event, Verve 3.

 

VERVE is a dance concert series being staged by the UPLB Street Jazz Dance Company (my college hiphop group). If you’re familiar with other school’s dance concerts, Verve can be likened to UP Manila Indayog’s SAYAW MANILA, UP Streetdance Club’s STREET FUZION, or LaSalle Street Dance Company’s DANZ DISH. I’m sure the Company of Ateneo Dancers also has one but I’m not sure what it’s called.

SWEATING IN FRONT OF A MOB NEVER FELT THIS GOOD

For months, I've been dying to post this vid but I can't find a good reason to turn it into a blog entry. Finally, I managed to find an opportunity. That's because this entry is going to be all about dancing. :)

If you didn't know it yet, I dance. It is a passion I have since I was a kid. I danced while I was struggling with my strenuous high school curriculum in Pisay. I danced while completing my baccalaureate degree in Los Baños. And even now while I'm learning the ropes in the corporate world, I still dance. Heck, a handful of my friends ONLY know me as "that guy who dances". They don't even know I have a day job.

PRU LIFE UK TURNS 15

Our company, Pru Life UK, is now celebrating its 15th anniversary; it means that Prudential has been in the Philippines for 15 years. :)

And with that, we treat the public with a Libreng Sakay campaign last Friday, where we gave away 75,000 MRT tickets for the commuters to enjoy. We distributed in SM North, Cubao, Shaw, Ayala, and Taft stations.

Our newsletter cover featuring some of my officemates

AM A PROUD ISKO!

UP alumna Shamcey Supsup has just won the title Binibining Pilipinas 2011 Universe. She impressed the Araneta crowd not just with her grace and beauty, but also with her brains! She eloquently answered her question by telling everyone how she values education because that's something that cannot be taken away from her. I totally agree!

After much googling, I learned that this pretty lass hails from General Santos City (Go Team Bisdak!), is a magna cum laude architecture graduate of UP Diliman (Go Team Peyups!), and had /*according to this site*/ topnotched the 2010 Architecture Board Exam. Whew! Too many cranial achievements for a beauty queen. *applause*

In a few months, she will be competing in Sao Paolo, Brazil for the much-coveted title MISS UNIVERSE 2011.

Well, best of luck to you, Shamcey! Make us proud.

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Photo credits:
As the watermark screams, the pictures are officially owned by the Bb. Pilipinas organization. However, I actually took them from FB.

URBAN ELITE MARCH 2011 GIG

 

This is a video of our (Urban Elite) performance last 11 March 2011 at PCU GUIDance (GOD U and I Dance). Apologies for the quality, I lowered the pixel counts so I can upload it here. Enjoy!

Choreo Credits:

Never Ever - Athea Baraquio
You Belong With Me - Athea Baraquio
G is for Girl - Isa Lexie Martinez
Get Buck in Here - Louie Canaria / Erik Javier
Bleeding Love - Erik Javier
We Need You - John Roy Deimoy

Dancers:

Me!
Erik Javier
Louie Canaria
Jude Eco
Xan Yee
AJ Tapia
Tope Peregrino
Lexie Martinez
Joie Gabriel
Sabrina Marin
Charm Ubalde
Mariel Ortega

URBAN ELITE AT PCU'S GUIDANCE (BENEFIT CONCERT)

Last Friday (11 March 2011), the Junior Marketing Association (JMA) of Philippine Christian University (PCU) brought us GUIDANCE: GOD, U and I DANCE - a Benefit Concert. Held at the PCU Gymnasium, Taft, Manila, the concert was a montage of all styles of hiphop dancing, delivered by various dance groups in Manila. My group Urban Elite (alumni members of UPLB Street Jazz Dance Company) was one of the crews that performed that night.

5/6 of the Urban Elite line-up

I was unusually anxious with that performance because it was the first performance of Urban Elite in the presence of the hiphop community. I felt pressured, to be honest, because I want our group to be recognized or at least be remembered after that performance. And what's adding more pressure is being juxtaposed to Jay Mastah, Unschooled, Musiqality, Indayog, etc.

forerunner of Philippine breakdancing, Jay Mastah, with his kid

Urban Elite and Believe Dance Company

my two beautiful daughters in glitzy costumes

 
The performers:


1. Jay Mastah
2. Pep Squad (PCU, EAC, UDM, JRU, Lyceum)
3. FNC Dance Crew
4. UA1
5. Believe Dance Company
6. PUP Common Class
7. Musiqality
8. UP Manila Indayog Dance Varsity
9. Unschooled
10. PH Crew
11. Krumpinoy
12. Pinoy Funkin' Styles
13. LPU Wildstyle Crew
14. Philippine House Dance Community
15. Fligh
16. Urban Elite
17. Collab Crew
18. PCU Street Dance Crew

our certification

Louie

Us kidding that the event was a competion and that we won

Crazy

Anyhow, the night ended nicely. What I like about the hiphop community is that everyone is in good terms with each other. No competitions, no disgust, no superiority complexes. It's good to be a part of this movement. All good vibes. All for the love of dancing.

At this point, I would like to thank JMA-PCU for inviting us to peform. More power to you and to your aims! I hope we somehow gave the audience a good show.

And I hope there will be more invites for Urban Elite. :)

WHY DO YOU HIDE YOUR FACE FROM ME?

Many weeks ago I marked today’s date in my planner. I tried to save up for this night but the bills just won't stop. I tried to borrow cash from my friends, however, more urgent debts were also due. And now, the date has come.

Tonight is the big night.

Anberlin: Live in Manila.

8:00pm, 9 March 2011

A.Venue Hall, Makati City

Okay, so I give up. No matter how much I talk about it, no matter how much I tell people how I lily-lily-lily want to watch the show, it won't happen. I feel extremely bad because I'm just a thousand bucks away from the show. And I really don’t have it now. Bad timing? Perhaps it’s fate. *frown*

For the whole day (well, ALMOST the whole day) I had my ears watch the radio closely, waiting for my chance to get me some free tickets. Jam 88.3 is giving away six(!) “meet-and-greet(!)-the-band” passes, for your information. So I charged my phone (my radio), pre-loaded my mobile with a hundred bucks, listened to Jam, and waited for my chance to pounce. And by the way, I wasn’t even looking forward to the “meet and greet” part. I’d be happy just seeing them play live and getting to sing along with them and the rest of the fans.

Luck really likes me though. I missed Hilary and Scottie’s Schizo game because I was away preparing my tea. I missed the whole Eric and Miggs Show because I was in a forum. When I turned the radio back on, I just missed Lana’s game in her show, Jaminator. All I heard was her announcing the correct answers in her game, and naming the ugly winner who won the tickets. And that ugly winner had already purchased tickets even before she won the game. Bitch.

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At that point I gave up. As I was listening to Roanna's show though, a good turn of events happened. I knew by then that I wouldn't have the chance to watch the concert. However, Roanna featured a guest in her show. It was none other than Stephen Christian, the band's vocalist. Yay! They just flew in the Metro and Christian decided to show up in the radio station to invite the listeners to watch. Yay!

I think that was good enough for me. For now. As for those who have the time and resources, go watch the band tonight at A.Venue Hall, Makati. Trust me, the music is good. You may get your tickets from Ticketworld.

Have a good time!

SUGARFREE'S LAST NOTE

PAALAM PILIPINAS.

That was the event title of Sugarfree's farewell concert, held last night (1 March 2011) at Eastwood Central Plaza.

Despite my lack of finances, my bad cough, the bad weather, and the venue's proximity, I hurried myself after work and fought the really bad traffic. After all, it will be the last concert of Sugarfree, and I sure can't miss it for the world.

The poster

 
A little past 7:00, I found myself skipping through the thick Megamall crowd. I have to meet Ate Charm and TJ first. You know, companions meant lower cab fare. *grin* Also, I know that these guys would like the music, if they're not yet familiar with the band's discography.

While having dinner at Yellow Cab, I couldn't help but fidget on my seat. I've been listening to the live broadcast of the show on the radio. Thank you, Jam 88.3! It was Quark Henares speaking, he was tasked to introduce the band. I learned that the young director was a good friend of Ebe's and that he directed most of their music videos. I wonder if he was behind that cute music video of "Kung Ayaw Mo Na Sa Akin".

Anyhow, the band had started while we were still in the cab. I can hear the crowd going crazy as Ebe sang Kung Ayaw Mo Na Sa Akin. I felt like the "envy" monster is eating me up from the inside. Hey! That was my favorite song. So while in cab, I crooned in between coughs, together with the rest of Eastwood.

Ate Charm and TJ

the crowd to my right

the crowd to my left

When we arrived at the venue, I was surprised at how big the crowd was. I mean, I already expected that a lot of people will come as this is Sugarfree's last night. But boy, what we saw was a rebellion! Even the ala frescos around weren't able to operate since all the spaces between tables were swarmed with fans. Even the exits and the walkways were full.

Despite the non-stop rain, the crowd prevailed. And I was one with them. We were there to show support to our favorite local band, the geniuses who crafted the songs that defined our happiness, our heartaches, or whatever it was that we went through. It was good to sing with everyone the lines that I remember in Dear Kuya, Makita Kang Muli, Hari ng Sablay, Huwag Ka Nang Umiyak, Kwarto, Mariposa, Hay Buhay, and of course my favorite, Tulog Na. In between segments, the band members get to say their individual farewells. And it was really sad. Ebe cried, Haha.

Also, I would like to mention that I learned a few things that night. First, the band members were Ebe Dancel (Guitars and Vocals), Jal Taguibao (Bass), Kaka Quisumbing (Drums, 2006 onwards), and Mitch Singson (Drums, 1999-2006). Second, I learned that Jal is a professor in UP Diliman and UP Manila. If I'm not mistaken, he teaches Political Science. Another learning is that, there were a lot of great Sugarfree songs that I wasn't aware of. So I hope someone will give me a copy of their albums. *grin* Or at least the following, Burnout, Nangangawit, Taguan, and Telepono.

Lastly, I realized (or maybe I'm just speculating) that, based on their general appearance, body language, and overall attitude as audience, most of the people in the crowd belongs to Class A or B. And since I'm part of that crowd, I guess that makes me someone with a superior taste in music. Kidding! But really, I encourage everyone to start (or continue) to listen to Sugarfree. Theirs is good music.

I RUN FOR LIFE

A couple of weeks ago I learned that my ex-officemate in Citi, BJ Borja, was diagnosed with leukemia. I don't know what stage he is in (are there stages in this illness?). All I know is that it is a type of cancer that has something to do with the amount of white blood cells in your body. Mrs. Tenchavez will kill me for forgetting her lessons. *grin* I am not sure but I think I remember that this illness is terminal. I hope I remember wrong. *frown*

Anyhow, I heard that he is confined currently in St. Luke's hospital, undergoing necessary chemotheraphy sessions. His weakening immune system allows no one to go near him, much less enter his room. It was that bad. Also, his medical bills are skyrocketing, way beyond his health cover.

And so with this, my ex-officemates (ex-teammates at Citi), initiated an event that would help him cover his expenses. It is a run at BGC called, I RUN FOR LIFE. I urge you all to please join the run. it will not just promote a healthy lifestyle, it will also let you help a brother in need. See poster below for details. If you are interested, please contact me at +639279747659.

NEW YEAR, BUT NOT NEW PRACTICES

I don’t know about you guys but we sure have our family practices every New Year’s Eve. My mom told me when I was young that those things might be just superstitions to some, but it wouldn’t hurt if we try to bring in good luck. Especially as we welcome a new year.

Let me enumerate them to you as you might want to employ some :

1.       Wearing polka dots. Every year-end my mother dons a clothing spangled with dots. May it be a dress, a blouse, or a duster like the one below, Mama always wears one; and I notice it’s always red and white. It is believed that these dots symbolize wealth as they resemble coins.

Apologies for the blurry images. It was hard to keep Mama still.

 2.    Jingling coins. Mama said jiggling two dozens of a kind of coin would bring abundance in the coming year. I used to jiggle one-peso coins. Now I jiggle ten-peso coins. Maybe mom thought that since I’m a grown up now, I should use coins of higher worth.

3.       Being loud. Since using fireworks is not too big in Davao in the last decade, we don’t have them at home. Although, I heard that the firecrackers ban was lifted in our city this year. The last time I saw Papa lit a Judas’ belt was when I was twelve-ish. I kinda missed it, to be honest, however it is always wiser to use safer methods of making noise. You can blow horns (“torotot”) or rev up your cars just like what we did. I believe being loud is a way to ward off evil spirits.

4.       Having round fruits on the table. I remember Mama arguing with a friend on whether there should be twelve or thirteen, but I don’t remember which one they followed in the end. I also forgot to ask Mama about this last week. I believe the round shape of the fruits symbolizes eternity and longevity.

5.       Drinking water with roses. Mama submerges exactly three rose petals in a glass of water. Then at the stroke of midnight, each member of the household will have a drink from it. Mama said it keeps us all together and intact as a family, no matter what happens. This practice is pretty rare. Aside from our family the only other people I know who practice this is... no one.

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     Here are other pictures I took that night.

 

Tagum City Christmas tree. This was once the tallest in the country. I don't know if it still is.

I saw quite cheap but tasty chicken downtown and bought them right away

my poisons

Mama, Nanay, ang Uncle Mek-mek

Shaolan, Bryan, and Christine

Alejandro with his girlfriend

Co cousins

My entire family

My parents