RITES OF PASSAGE

Nacorda, Angeli C. —- AB-MC/ T1 — 8:45-9:45 MWF Schedule – SOCIOLOGY ASSIGNMENT

As I pondered about my answers on the questions for my assignment the first thing that really racked my brain was the ritual my mom did to celebrate my FIRST MENSTRUATION. Oh yeah, this “event of all events” would mark my transition from being a baby to a lady, the emergence of hormones, and uncontrollable mood swings.

Okay, on to the scheme of that rite of passage—I ran out to my mom, wondering whether I’d tell her that I had wounded myself, and embarrassed if ever I found out that “Yeah! DALAGA na nga ako!” When she looked at my undie; Oh yeah! She was like—”NAK! DALAGA NA KA!” and went to the sink, washed that prized memorabilia, approached me— and extended it towards my face and was about to wipe it all over; with all the yuckiness and grossness right on its surface!

I was like “WHOA! What’s this all about?” and she said that it should be done to help prevent the surfacing of heaps upon heaps of pimples into my face; and so I complied (yeah, VANITY!) Next, she told me to jump 3 steps from the stairs, to make sure that I will only have a 3 day long menstruation; and surely it was effective. I then learned, that I was not the only one who gets to experience this, but every woman in my mom’s clan had also undergone through all these to substantiate that they get to stay away from the dreary experiences women might encounter as they grow up (particularly, the pimples!).

However, as I grew up, I realized that this menstruation might symbolize your adolescence and the markings of a real woman, but not totally. For unless, you finally developed those well-shaped boobs, proportioned body, and curvy hips, you’re sexuality would still be in question, particularly in the opposite sex.

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Another rite of passage would be the debut, especially for me who aspires to one day get a hold of a driver’s license of my own! This birthday of all birthdays is kind of differently-similar to that of the first menstruation; because if there was transition of a baby-to-a-lady in it, debut would insinuate the transition from a lady-to-a-woman! When you get to this age (18 years olD), you are expected to be responsible and mature enough in your life. You get to vote for your own, be able to do what you want, and be a citizen of your country officially! The downside: If you commit a sin, it’ll be your responsibility. There would be no protection laws for you or even special treatments, all because—YOU are not a MINOR anymore! @_@

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Oh and before i forgot, let me add the 40th birthday of women. I dunno why, but most woman, already try to plan ahead of time the programme and theme of this certain Birthday of theirs. They try to reason out that 40 years is to women, as to 18 years old to ladies. It kind of represents the opening of a new beginning in their life, new changes in the way they try to live life, and even to how they display their lives. And somehow, it could also be a preparation for their incoming MENOPAUSAL STAGE!

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Then there would be the circumcision for my brother that would be essential to encumber the “PISOT si BRYCE. YAKS” type of insults towards him, and be this badge of his courageousness to undergo under a knife, and allow some stranger (the doctor/nurse) to scrape off some of his skin, and whatever. @_@ Still MACHISMO kind of mentality, I guess.

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Another rite of passage would be the Baptism that would symbolize our membership into the Church, and Confirmation—to further reiterate our membership into it, and be able to make our vows to God personally, and not just through our sometimes generous, sometimes elusive, godparents. As what I had also noticed, each rite of passage has the presence of a lechon in the dining table. Not just that, these lechon would also represent the current economic status of our clan; whether it is still high up there, or slowly depreciating down to the slums. J

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And of course, how could I forget the COLLEGE GRADUATION; my most awaited day of all, oh next to my debut pala! J This passage symbolizes independence for the graduate and freedom from educational fees for the parents, surely an equal reward for both sides. In our family, this event is usually done with the invitation of relatives far and wide, a change of curtains in the house, and new dresses, shoes, and bags for the baccalaureate mass. Oh add up to that, the ever luscious balbacua of my tito, and… all night-long KARAOKE sessions that would surely reverberate all over town. =]

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We still have more rites of passage such as; 50th, 75th 100th Birthdays, Anniversaries, Marriages, Deaths, types of Graduations, and even the manifestation of a suitor in one’s life— and more often than not, each of these is accompanied with the implementation of rituals and superstitions, and be welcomed with either an approval, or myriads of criticisms. However, I don’t want to go into details of it all, for it would take me lots of space; so, I’d just end it here, and let your imaginations whip up some imageries of that entail this events. J

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I am truly proud to say that our family, as simple and rural as it may be—is surely rich with beliefs, rituals, and the like. These events, in a way, mirror the rich culture that we have, and the strong bond we have as a clan. No distance can ever take that from us.

It’s not just about how lavish you prepare for all these proceedings, but more on how symbolic or spirited these passages were celebrated. Did you really live up to the expectations people have for you, after you had undergone this? Or just used these events to conceal your hidden motives and just show your conformity to the greater populace, without really putting into your mind and heart to its real reason and symbolism?

Yeah right, the food, happy times, pasalubongs, and additional allowance, can be added rewards—especially in large gatherings and reunions—but the most rewarding things that one can reap through all these would be the development of one’s identity, acknowledgement of one’s membership into a certain community, and support that one gets from the society where he/she belongs.

my first photo shoot

Reminiscing’ about this certain event that had really marked my utter ignorance, and naïveté, never fails to make me smile and laugh about my stupidity. This event of all events, had mirrored my simplicity amidst my facade of sophistication, and had totally grounded me down to the level of a probinsiyana. Before I move to the details of it all, let me just tell you a background of the situation and sceneries draped around this event.

He was my first boyfriend, Edward Joseph Lao that is, one of the many personalities that is commonly mentioned in my blog– and as sweethearts that had just first tasted the sweetness(and bitterness!) that romance brings; he invited me to go to SM Davao, and just hang out. Look at this imagery for awhile: He was a mestizong Tsinoy; nattily clad in white, pristine designer clothes that just exudes machismo and confidence to the utmost level. While I, an obese Filipina, was clad in an oversized shirt (that highlighted my flabs and gargantuan figure more!), bulky cargo shorts, and a pair of ratty Islander slippers and, with my chaperone tagging along at our side (it was only until later, that I told my ate, to leave us for awhile, and enjoy shopping by herself)! It was really, really utterly humiliating! Moreover, I felt like a peasant walking alongside a prince! I was like these baduy girl trying to stick myself with a metro sexual who’s way, way vainer than me! Heck— I guess that usually happens to girls who haven’t had their eyes opened to the world of fashion, make-up, and the sort.

Anyways, back to the shoot. We went to this “highly-acclaimed” photo place in SM located in the second-floor, and goes by the name of PICTURE CITY. (I only found out later, that he actually chose it over I001 PHOTOGRAPHY and LITO SY—because it was cheaper; typically LAO, typically Chinese).

Now here’s the fun part— and that’s when the photographer called us in to have our pictures taken. Seeing that everything has been taken cared of, the photographer told us to go near it, step on it, and within that big spotlight (or whatever it is called,) and smile our cheesy smiles. Ignorant that I am; pagiging probinsiyana within me stirred. I, in front of my goddamn boyfriend, the photographer, the assistant photographer, and the store’s clerk who went it to give our receipt; and with pride and joy, and downright ignorance and obsessive-compulsiveness— took of my ratty Islander tsinelas, thinking that it might cause dirt in that cursed drapery; and took my place beside my boyfriend, tagging along this bear I got from that cursed photo place.

Moments of silence, questioning glances that seemed like eternity, and mouths gaping, welcomed that act of mine; and after a few seconds, everyone sniggered and hooted. Only later did I realize, what a complete bonkers i looked at that moment. Geez, if only the ground could swallow me up! @__@ Wholly mortifying!

The lesson of the story: Never associate yourself with a boyfriend who can’t fight for you, and would rather share in that moment of embarrassment, instead of laughing at you like you’re a total stranger in his eyes! Definitely a loser! But thank goodness I met that ass, if it weren’t for his deception and unfaithfulness— I’d still be an obese, unconfident girl! J Whoa, that’s just the irony of it all, I guess.

And most importantly, now, I know how to ham it up for the cam— and be the pretty-pretty girl in front of it! WEEEH! J

nostalgic

I know I’d be a hypocrite, if I’d deny the fact—that I don’t feel anything for Enzo anymore. Heck, I’ve loved the guy for almost 7 years, and not seeing him anymore, makes me want to see him more. I know that wherever he is right now, he is happy with his life. I know that wherever he is at this moment, he finally found that somebody he’s happy to be with. I’m happy for everything that happens in his life, for that’s what he has wanted to have since then.

It’s just that, it’s kind of unfair. I learned about his birthday too late—3 weeks late of his birthday; not knowing that all along, I was actually invited. He told someone, to tell it to somebody, but for some reasons, that somebody failed to relay that message to me. I was so perturbed about the situation, that instead of actually bursting into a fit of rage: I just remained calm, all along with mind twirling, and mouth gaping! “WHAT?! ARE YOU FRIGGIN’ TELLIN’ THE TRUTH TO ME NOW?” It all just feels like a dream, a fantasy, an illusion come true. Yet, for all its chimera—everything had been too late.

I just think of it, that maybe- God just doesn’t want me to go back to my past. Maybe he wants me to just move on, and face the life that’s waiting ahead for me. It’s not about the past, but more on how God had allowed that person to shape me then, and leave me once his role on my life has been ended. If everything happens that way, and all the people that are necessary for me to fulfill my life, had already fulfilled their roles in my life; who would then be left to be there for me? Would I just be alone by myself? Or would God again send someone to accompany me?

The gift I had bought for Enzo, I guess, would just have to wait in the corner, at the time when, we’ll again merge ways, see each other, and maybe— have a cup or two of coffee, exchange stories, and just reminisce about times gone by. Maybe by then, I have moved on, and found someone I could love till the end of time. J

dunkin donuts :)

dunkin donuts, dunk-in-donuts–>

Bakit kaya dunkin donuts ang pangalan ng donuts na ito? Hmmm… di naman ito ang pinapakain sa mga basketbolista– eh bakit meh DUNK ang pangalan niya? Di kea.. AHH! na-gets ko na! tingnan niu ang hugis nito: diba, parang ring? Dun sinu-shoot yong bola, di ba?? Ibig sabihin, pag kumakain ka nito, kabaligtaran ng basketball ang nangyayari! dahil imbes na i.shoot mo ang bunganga doon sa butas sa gitna nito, na mukhang ring, eh– yun pang ring, ang ipapasok mo sa bunganga mo!! [err.. masagwa ata pakinggan @_@] skip the topic!

pero.. balik sa paksa: (wala jud ko’y klaro noh?! :p) kumain kami ni best sa Dunkin kanina.. at na-inspire ang aking maniniyot and artsy sides! sinong hindi mainspire? Eh, pagkaganda-ganda nga naman ng interiors nito! wait.. pakita ko ha!

oh diba? aking pinapangarap na one day, balang araw, usa ka adlaw— mapareha ana akong kwarto! huhuhu ah bahala na.. wala pako budget ana. sige na lang, unsaon man sad nako ang circles kung dili man sad ko makakaon ug lunch para lang makapalit ko ug pintura, aber?! wa sila nabuang! @___@ laliman pud ka sa ateneo uie– perting mahala! unsa mi; rich? @__@

and yeah, the other day rin, nalaman namin ni best na ang word na eng-eng pala ay nagmula sa word na tangengot, na mula sa word na tange, na galing naman sa word na tanga, na ang english ay Orange juice-A–> (diyosa! ayeee!) ^_^ grabe talaga ang ebolusyon ng mga salita! hoooooo!! kea tuloy nagkakalito-lito taung lahat eh!

–alam ko: pati utak at ang buong entry na ito: diba, nakakalito rin?! ^___^–

bombarded. @_@

when exams turn into guillotines.. @__@

So.. there it was; the first day of our final exams– either, I make it, or break it.

I just wish and pray — that I’d make it through this tornado not drenched with tears. Better yet, I want to come out like a newly-hatched chick [basang-sisiw, that is]– all fresh, and bursting with enthusiasm to travel and walk the entirety of the world outside my shell [the high school!]. I was pulling an all-nighter just to study for my exams. For all I could say:

I look like a PANDA that is highly-caffeinated, demented, and exanimated.

• Filipino- quite easy. Quite difficult . FAIR ENOUGH.

  • -I was looking forward to a test that would primarily have IDENTIFICATION or MODIFIED TRUE or FALSE questions. But well, it wasn’t what I expected. And my confidence was ebbing, because– I was not sure who Kabesang Tales had killed in Tiani. o_O (note: while I was re-reading chapters 31-39 of EL FILI, I cried. I burst up because Tano had killed Tandang Selo; his own grandfather. Just.. read it. Yeah, it is boring! But.. some scenes– dang! Why do I cry over these stuff easily? HORMONES!)

• Physics three words to sum it up: MIND-BOGGLING. HEAD-DEPRECATING(oo, mas malala pa xa sa guillotine!), and EYE-TWIRLING.

  • First question was average– and I said to myself; “You could make it throught these Anj.” But as I skimmed the pages– my eyes just went from (=_=) to (o_O). the equations, the digits, the words, the terms– heck, my mind is going in circles right now just thinking of it. My head is aching at the thought of it. So, let’s stop this crap, shall we?– and let me move on before I turn into hysterics.

• P.E- hotness. *cough cough* LAWL. XD

  • just right. Just easy. Just simple. And.. well– I pulled it off just fine. no need for further explanation on the reason why PE’s H-O-T– Estorba’s a cool teacher, right-o?! LAWL! ’nuff said. :p

But really, my mind is not yet set with the fact, that we’d be heading forward to a new environment. A handful of anxieties cloud my mind, hundreds of questions just keep on popping out of my brain randomly, and I just can’t help but ask for answers to it all. Still, I guess, life really is just like that– it gives you thousands of reasons to anticipate for what might happen next with its never-ending surprises and flicks.

So whatever this journey holds for me— I’d welcome it with just-sanitized hands, messily-combed hair, lots of cellulite in my legs, and overflowing oil in my face. (minus the zits, please!):) —- to move forward and make it over the horizon; and find out what barriers a “newly-hatched chick” would be willing to face and overcome; all for her great conquest for felicity, clarity, and significance in life..

juy’s bucket list! :)

Ooookay. So I’ve created this blog. Now– what would I do with it?? Heck.. I really don’t know how to make up my mind on even the simplest stuff. I decided to… uhh.. stick to a certain theme for this webbie page of mine; but… but.. I COULD NOT THINK OF WHAT THAT THEME IS!!!

My options:

• Photo Blog
• Music Blog
• Fashion and Entertainment Blog
• Educational Blog
• Vintage Blog
• Ask-me-about anything blog
• diary of my life
• itsy-bitsy-teenie-weenies random posts out of this planet blog!!

—and after much deliberation: the result was not even one of those i actually considered for a theme!! And that was to make my own Bucket List!! but well, being the indecisive and temperament Metal Horse that I am; i still wouldn’t ignore and get rid of those options! heck! :p all of those makes me up on a high!! So, i kept on exploring on the features of WordPress, and really looked for ways that would fully utilize this blog to how i want it to be! And the outcome: THE USE of PAGES!! just navigate on those pages, and surely you’d learn bits[or even lots!] of who I am! and get a glimpse of my too-complicated mind and life! Heck i care! this chaos, it actually made me more revamped to go on… and make my life a bit more colorful and fun!!