Deep in the Forest

A documentary about the issues in Yggdrasil.

Sinulog: Exhaustion Towards Devotion

            The striking heat of the sun, the head-erupting traffic and the highly irresistible aroma of every soul along the crowded streets of Cebu City—these are what we have to go through when joining the celebration for Sinulog.

 photo by: Cyril Camporedondo, Philstar.com

            Even at the eve of celebration for the patron Senor St. Nino, devotees look like sardines in a small tin can indulging theirselves in a hundred-kilometer solemn procession. Though sometimes they bathe under the heat of the sun or shower in the freezing rain, people are still on the lane. The fast-changing climate is not a hindrance towards showing their faith and devotion to Sr. St. Nino.

photo from: info.exist.com

            Furthermore, devotees wave their hands to the tune of the famous song Bato Balani sa Gugma. Some admits that such song is very heart-moving and makes those who sings and hears teary-eyed. Noticeably, hankies seem to be sponges as absorber to those who cry like river. Umbrellas, caps, sun visors and other "multi-climatic paraphernalia"-- the must-haves  that people take refuge on when having the procession. Occasionally,  it takes almost half of the day. Even if their soles seem to be weary and drained, they still continue marching and taking the long path however the circumstances may bar their course.   Indeed, Cebuanos are really pious.

photo from: atonibay.blogspot.com

            Moving forward to the day where more feet become dusty and muddy, many of our fellow Cebuanos prefer to take a long walk just to witness the Sinulog Mardi Gras where spectra of different costumes are very much evident. Voices from different directions could be heard up roaring the famous shout out ''Viva Señor Sto. Niño! Pit Señor'' as dancers from various contingents scream and sway to the tune of spectacular strums and hums.


           As early as possible, people congest in different streets of Cebu to take a glimpse to the world's most awaited festival. During the event, punctuality is a must even if it results to exhaustion,however, the only key towards showing your great devotion.

Viva Señor Sto. Niño! Pit Señor!

My First Foreign Interface

How does it feel having a conversation with someone you just have met? It’s quite awkward, isn’t it? How about telling your life to someone you just rubbed elbows with?  It must be very captivating. Indeed, there is always a first time for everybody.

One wonderful morning, together with my classmates and my instructor, I had some brisk walk in our school grounds. We were meeting some Korean students to converse and interview with. Everyone of us was paired with one Korean student. Then I met Oh Yun Jeong or Bella, a very shy and one of a kind lady from Korea who knows nothing but to smile and giggle even to the people she just met. I brought her to a bench where we could share our thoughts and dreams. Having an innocent aura, she really had my very young soul fascinated. We easily got along. It was like we were really friends. It seemed that we had almost broken such barriers in communication. Though we speak different languages, I thought, we had the most boisterous laughter in the whole neighborhood. We really had the great time most bestfriends have had. At the age of 20, taking up a degree in Environmental Engineering, Bella was so straightforward that she's preparing for her future. 

Even if her teacher sent her in the Philippines to study and learn English, she told me that she badly wanted to learn the language for it is very important for her future. I even asked her why did she choose our country and she said that it is a very cool place to study English. 

After having a half an hour chatting with my friend, we were summoned to a room where we could spit out some information we got from each other. In front of the class, I was introduced by my friend, Bella. Though she had some hard time having me commenced, she still did her best for me to get exposed. The time we had our conversation, I knew she would get slower than I thought in coping with me especially in communication. That was maybe the reason why she had me introduced insufficiently. At first, I would want to stretch my cheeks for the way she talked to me. But I remember one thing when I was a grader that we should always adapt not adopt to our environment. We should be respecting other's point of view and ways of living. If adapting would not be possible, try adjusting your belts. It might be very loose or tight. Through such ways, communication could still be effective and more efficient no matter how many language barriers may block your way.

 Moreover, an instructor gave his speech that Bella and I would be together for a month as well as the other pairings to adhere in a sport fest. Surprisingly, my heartbeat rates suddenly rose to a new level I could ever imagine. I didn't know how I would call this feeling. But I knew it was excitement. At the end of the day, we had our unforgettable memoirs be captured.