Month: July 2019

How to Survive Your First Week in PISAY (Philippine Science High School/PSHS)

So, you got in the Philippine Science High School or more commonly known as “Pisay.” Congrats! Getting in Pisay is no easy feat as thousands of students apply each year and give it their best. But, no matter how prepared you think you are, the first week will hit you hard—I speak from experience. Especially if you are an intern, the first week would be really difficult.

During the first day, a few hours after my family left and I was left with my new roommates, I felt very lonely. I diagnosed myself as homesick. I became so cranky and sulky at around 8pm on the first day that I just lied down on the bed and scrolled through my phone. Here’s advice for future interns: call your family before you sleep everyday. It would help you cope with homesickness. And don’t let homesickness get to you that much! Socialize with you new roommates or explore your new dorm—just don’t go to restricted areas and bring one person with you.

On the second day, we got to know each other more. We had team-building activities the whole day. Academic subjects or “acads” usually start on the third day. During the second day, I suggest that you get to know your batch mates. They will be your family away from home for 6 years. Try to talk to everyone you see on this day.

On the third day, Wednesday, the acads start. You will be meeting your grade 7 teachers on this day, and they will give out brochures that state what you will need in their class for this school year. Not only will you be meeting your teachers, but some of you teachers will start discussions already. This will give you the chance to adjust to their classes.

On the fourth and fifth day, it will be full out discussions. There you go! It’s officially the start of the school year!

I know you feel pressured right now, but have fun! I mean, you are going to a school that has high standards and expectation, but always remember to have fun. Be serious about your studies but don’t be too serious. Unwind! Play volleyball with your new friends, or just chat with them. It’s also alright to spend some time alone if you want to. Have a little “me time.”

Good luck on your Pisay journey!

Set a goal and work hard to achieve it.

And always remember to have fun!

*Credit: The photo on top was taken from Pisay CALABARZON’s website.

(Written by: Ate Bubut)

Experiences in an ORCHESTRA

I have been in an orchestra for 5 years. The first two years, I was a clarinetist. Afterwards, I moved to the Soprano Saxophone section. But after five years, the orchestra was disbanded.

During my first few days in the orchestra, I knew no one―except my mentor. I was absolutely silent, and I was afraid that I was going to make a mistake and get called out by the maestro. Our maestro was Jave Willard Quezon. He was my music teacher throughout my elementary years, and he had a “good ear.” So if you made a mistake in the orchestra, he would definitely hear it, and I was absolutely terrified of his “good ear.”

Making a mistake while playing is definitely a “no-no” for me. I was scared that my maestro would call me out if I made a mistake. Once, I made a very noticeable mistake and after the piece, he said, “The clarinet section, let’s practice your line.” I was the only clarinettist present on that day so it was kinda similar to a solo. While I was practicing it with Teacher Jave, I made tons of mistakes. I was only a new member. I was called out a lot. But you know, those “solo sessions” helped me improve a lot. So even though I hated getting called out, it helped me improve, and I am thankful that I was able to learn from my mistakes.

You know, in those five years in LELAC, I learned that you really do learn from your mistakes. Failure is not the opposite of success― it is a step towards it.

Being a part of the orchestra has taken me to lots of places and has given me a lot of opportunities, and I am very thankful for that. I’ve been on many concerts with the orchestra on different places and have met many wonderful people.

Thank you, LELAC orchestra, for helping me hone my music skills.

Thank you for those five years.

(Written by: Ate Bubut)

A Guide to NEW MUSIC ARTISTS

Want to listen to new artists but don’t know who to listen to? Well here is a guide that I hope will prove helpful to you. Recommendations straight out of my playlist

Number 1: Wallows

If you want to listen to an artist that gives of a 80s kind of vibe, then Wallows is the band for you! Wallows is a band consisting of three members- Braeden Lemasters on guitar and vocals, Dylan Minnette on guitar and vocals, and Cole Preston on drums.

The first song that I suggest you listen to is “Are you bored yet?” which feature Clairo, a fellow indie artist.

Number 2: Clairo

Similar to the band Wallows, Clairo is an artist that gives of that 80s vibe. So far she has collaborated with Wallows, Cuco, and a few more indie artists.

The first song that you should listen too? I bet on “Pretty Girl”.

Number 3: Conan Gray

This artist’s music is under the genre of pop. If you liked Lorde’s music then I believe you’ll like Conan Gray’s music! Go on, give him a try!

I recommend that you listen to “Generation Why” first.

Number 4: Rex Orange County

If you’re not yet listening to him then I suggest you do! His music is just art! His music is a mixture of jazz, rock, and pop. And his lyrics are bold and witty while his voice does his lyrics justice. He sings with so much emotion that whoever listens to his music tends to get emotional too.

“Sunflower” and “Loving is Easy” are favourites of mine.

Number 5: Reality Club

Reality Club is an indie band from Indonesia which consists of Fathia Izzati (vocal), Nugi Wicaksono (bass), Iqbal Anggakusumah (guitar), Era Patigo (drum), and Faiz Novascotia Saripudin (vocal and guitar). Their music is under the genre of rock. Their music consists of amazing guitar riffs and intros with amazing harmonization which can usually be found in the chorus and bridge.

I suggest that you listen first to “Is it the answer?”

Number 6: Phum Viphurit

Phum is an singer from Thailand who releases music that can be classified under the genre of alternative R&B- although Phum prefers to call his musical style “Sunshine Music”.

 If you love music with a funky bass line and guitar riff, well I think you’ll love his song “Lover Boy”. He also has acoustic versions of his songs, so go ahead and check it out!

Number 7: Joji

His music has been described as a mix of R&B, Lo-fi, and trip hop. His songs are emotional and the lyrics are well-written. If you love 88rising or Shiloh Dynasty, I suggest you try out his songs.

I recommend his song “Slow dancing in the dark”.

There you go! Those were 7 artists that I recommend. Those artists made music under different genres but their music are all beautifully done and the lyrics were all well-written.

I hope you enjoy listening to their music! I hope this guide has been able to help you!

(Written by: Ate Bubut)

How to start doing MODERN CALLIGRAPHY

Calligraphy, one of the things that people want to try but don’t know where to start. I know that feeling, I’ve been in that position before I started doing calligraphy. Well, thanks to the advices of a friend who knew how to do calligraphy, I was able to start doing it. And just like my friend, I have written this article in hopes that you will be able to start doing calligraphy too.

Step 1: Choosing a good brush pen (Or if you want, you can start with a nib.)

Yep, choosing a brush pen is step one. I mean, you can’t do calligraphy without a brush pen. First decide if you want a brush pen with natural hair, synthetic hair, or a felt brush pen. I would advice you to start with a felt brush pen, since it is easier to use than the other two options. Next, choose if you want a brush pen that is firm, medium, or soft. Again, I would advice you to start with a firm brush pen since it produces predictable strokes. But if you want to start with a more flexible brush pen, then a medium brush pen would be fine.

Step 2: Practice your Stroke

Upward stroke = thin lines, downward strokes = thick lines. Modern calligraphy is just applying a differentiation of line thickness on cursive writing. Before moving on to the alphabet, you must first practice your thin and thick strokes, along with your curved lines

Step 3: Practice calligraphy with the alphabet

Okay, we’re finally on this step. It’s kinda simple, but tricky. But I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it. Practice the cursive alphabet, but apply the differentiation of the line thickness. I suggest you use a 1st grader writing pad.  Keep on practicing until you get it right. Practice both the capital and lower case letters. Don’t stop practicing until you’re satisfied with your work. You can do it!

Step 4: Practice writing words

Yep, you’ve done it. You’ve learned how apply calligraphy on the alphabet. Now, you have to practice with words.

First, practice with short words like “fun”. Keep on practicing until you get the hang of it.

Then, practice with longer words similar to “create”. Keep on practicing, practice and practice. Your hardwork will pay off, trust me.

Well, that’s it!

You can probably take over from here. Experiment! Try using nibs or markers! You could also try out faux (fake) calligraphy, where you can do calligraphy with a normal pen.

No matter how good you think you are, keep on improving your techniques and try out new things! You can apply shading or blending of colors. There are unlimited possibilities, so go on—-explore!

I hope this article was able to help you throughout your experimentation with calligraphy. And remember, don’t be afraid to try out new things, you might find happiness in new things.

(Written by: Ate Bubut)