VSU: Sharing footprints with excellence

Since I just live stone throw away from the Visayas State University (VSU), I am not a tourist there anymore.  I strolled there, I climb those trees, I laughed there. Simply put VSU has been a part of my childhood.

Thus when I went to college, I was not so excited knowing that same scenario would face me again. All memories resurfaced until I just found myself knowing VSU beyond what I experienced before. The premier university in the country made me strive for excellence in any endeavor I take.

With my newfound friends, I never imagined I would have plenty of memories to cherish. It was a good hodgepodge of school works, free time, laughter, and causeries. I had enough yet I know that my quota of nostalgic moments is not yet filled up. I am still open for more.

Who would forget that IT Building where I had my enrollment? It was an endless agony from the long line, heated pressures from those who are on the last, hot environ, many paper works, and the “Pasingita ko be kay nagdali ko.” Nonetheless, it was all fun and the best part is when I get hold of my Certificate of Recognition (COR).

The gazebo, the eco-park, the classrooms, everywhere—those had best memories in there. I chatted with friends there. I had fun there. I copied assignments sometimes there.

Moreover, I had another fair share of memories as an education student. The classrooms in the college of education had been a standing testament of how I went through the ups and downs of a college life.

I would say an education student’s life is so mundane like any other. I had to do my lesson plans. I had to write my assignment. I had to participate in class discussions. I had to deal with teachers. Though most of the times I am at the acme of boredom, I just think of it like I am in an ordeal to determine my future.

 Thus to break free from this dreary routine, I make sure that I create something new from my classes. It is like I bend up the ordinary moments to extraordinary. What do I mean? I complicate simple assignments. I scribble some stuff on my notebook while the instructor is giving lecture, among others. These things are what other students do, I guess but for me they are good ways to free up stress.

VSU, particularly my department in the College of Education (CE), is not only the “knowledge-ground” for me. It served as the soil where I anchored my roots that I may bear fruits. It served as haven of different memories worth treasuring. And the experiences I had with it would be a friendly reminder that once I was a stupid yet amazing student who passed through its portal of excellence; and now ready to change the world.

I will be proud to shout to the world that I shared with the footprints of the great in the country.

Kuting Reef: the perfect getaway in Southern Leyte

Woops! It was still 5:00 in the morning but my heart was beating so loud. I did not know why. Was it because I am afraid because I still had so many assignments to leave behind, or I was too excited to go to a field trip. Either of it, I am fixed. Later did I realize that I am dragging my feet off the bus to Kuting Reef Resort and Spa.

Before I left home, my mom asked me to call her upon arrival in Kuting Reef. So I got my phone out and dialed her number when woaah, unable to connect; and my phone registered “No Service”. Few futile attempts and I approached their front desk officer. “Sorry sir, we have less cell phone signal and no internet connection here. You can stay on the boardwalk, there’s a signal there.” Well you are right, I am definitely detached from the world I am used to. No internet connection plus less use of cell phone equals a wonderful stay in this little piece of heaven in Southern Leyte.

Don’t get me wrong. I love field trips, in fact, that is the best part of the class. Then true enough, I had another best time of my life. The beach, the pool, the food…everything sufficed my human cravings.

It was more than a field trip for me—it was an adventure. It was my first time going with my classmates in an out of town activity. Aside from the trainings we had there, I had my fair share of the sand and the sun.

It was my first time in Kuting Reef Resort and Spa. Yet I heard about the place from friends and acquaintances long before. So I preconditioned myself that grandeur, elegance, and true worthwhile relaxation awaits me there. True enough, I was not mistaken. The cozy ambience of the resort and accommodating usherettes greeted me with a smile. All my tiredness from the three-hour trip was well paid off.

The beach—I am not privy with beach engagements but the Kuting experience is a sure difference. The sand, though not so grainy, are mesmerizing. The fun of swimming, snorkeling, and gazing at the wonderful undersea are worth the contribution.

And here came the pool. Wacky jumps, photo ops, etc.—the pool had been a testament of my childishness. More than a story, it was a nice place to go sentimental.

Satisfying my gastronomic craving, I munched a handful of their dishes. I was a good combination of meat, seafood, grains, veggies, and dessert. I was so full when I stood up from the table. If only I could stretch my stomach and intestines more, I would just to munch more.

Other things I love about Kuting were:

1.      Native-inspired affordable rooms. Look for a resort accredited as Class A by the Department of Tourism and inquire on their room rates. You’ll definitely get high just like how high their rates are. In Kuting, it’s different. For as low as P950.00 per day, you get a bed in their Premier Casa (fully air-conditioned, complete toilet and bathroom amenities, and mini bar).

2.      Water Sports. The feel of rowing the kayak is ultimately a good experience (unfortunately, my friend and I could not move towards our destination because both of us do not know how to row. Whoah!). Plus any resort guest could avail of it for free. Aside from kayak, you don’t have to go to Boracay to experience banana boating or riding in donut boats, and even riding a motor boat. It’s here in Kuting Reef. Though you have to pay for them, still they are at minimal amount. Banana boating for example is only P250.00 for 15 minutes. How could you deal with your adrenaline then?

3.      The seas, the infinity pool, the landscape. Clear waters, serene, blue—how else could I describe the perfect combination of the seas, the infinity pool and the whole landscape creating relaxing scenery. I was just one of them who went swimming on the pool waiting for the sun to rise (yeah, so early that there was still a little fog. Yet mind you, it was not cold. It was a good lukewarm). At the same time, the seas are like the naiads calling us. Its calmness was so alluring that one companion from Baybay said in vernacular, “their sea is good.”

Kuting at night is a dancing light. What awed me were the little lights illuminating the pathways. It seemed that I was walking on an aisle with lights along my path and flowers all around me. Well you call it fantastic, I call it romantic!

4.       The food. They are buffet and so yummylicious. Imagine a sumptuous meal waiting on the buffet table after using up all your energy under the sun. Yeah, I was like any other. I recharge myself by eating a lot (oops, not gluttony at all. Just eating in moderation.) Pork, soup, dessert, everything. Just choose your pick and definitely you’ll go getting for more. You just can’t concentrate eating with the many handsome and beautiful service crews attending to your needs. Well, looking at them also make the food more delicious. J

5.      Excellent service. My friend told me that he like how the usherettes treated us. “They are not braggarts,” he remarked. True. Anywhere you look at you will be greeted with a smile. I just then asked myself, “Aren’t they tired of smiling?” They were really impressive. The front desk is just a call away, and whenever I approach them I feel the “at-home” feeling.

Are they beautiful and handsome? Of course they are . My friend and I went gago over a hottie-doddie service crew.

If given the chance, I would return to where I left a little portion of my college days. When the sunset goes golden, my experiences in Kuting Reef would always be the same.

Limiting the Limitless: Knowing Who I am

Tranquility roots to knowing yourself. Knowing what you want. Defining the chart you want to follow. It is tracking the important events to get in to the reality which would spice up determination along the way.

There was solemn stillness in the air. People were queuing for flowers and candles. Definitely, they were not for me then. They’ll be visiting their loved ones. Nonetheless, while, they were out there spending time on graveyards, mama was aching in pain too. That was when I was born—a bouncing baby boy who would be the cherry among the bushes. November 1 was not only a trick or treat affair since that time. This day marks the first moment I saw the first light too.

 Archelis Valencia Serano—that’s me. Born to be the joy of my mama, Elisa Valencia and papa, Arturo Serano, I share the equal love with my siblings—Veronica, Alfie, Alchiever, and Arthur. From my native abode in Gabas, Baybay City in Leyte, I began my journey with a simple but peculiar childhood along with my big circle of friends. Now that I am 17, I began to discover the real me. The real Archelis shaped by trials, safeguard by love, cushioned by my family and friends.

I consider my childhood as one of the bests. I was happy-go-lucky. I experienced same things like an every child must experience—playing out door with friends, get scolded by my parents among others. It was like every day was a surprise to behold. I do not know what awaits me. I do not know why it happened. I do not care for the things around me. What was important then was that I play, eat, and sleep. No desires, no caprices. It was just me and the realm of childhood that struck me most. Above all, my family loves me.

At an early age of six, I went to primary school at Gabas Central School. School then for me sucks. I hate the lessons, the teachers, and other school stuffs. I cried whenever my mom leaves me. Nonetheless, there’s one thing that I really loved and will always be—recess. Yet at this time, I found my passion for dancing too. Boasting aside, you can spot me onstage every time we have dance presentations.

Yet as I gained more friends, I discovered another side of me. I learned to mingle. Elementary became not-so-boring then. Until such time that I have to grow up for I was in high school already. My elementary then became my training ground to enjoy the limelight as I go up the academic ladder.

Whoa! High school was indeed fun. Arts got me this time as I found myself forced to screen for the Special Program in the Arts (SPA) curriculum of the Baybay National High School—my alma mater. I screened for Dance, Creative Writing, Visual Arts, and Music; and fortunately, I got the hook for Music and Dance. Yet I chose Music as I only have to pick one. High school at the SPA curriculum taught me discipline as I have to deal with a terror music instructor. He changed me a lot, or shall I say I was able to adapt to the rigors attached in it. When before I was coy and bashful, SPA struck me on my feet to get out of my old crane and show the world what I got. That was the start of my marriage with music on the center stage. I began to learn playing instruments like flute, organ, and guitar among others. Then on, I began to appreciate music at its best.

Though I spent my high school in a public school, it was still a best one. There were my friends to hang out. Much more, I got crushes (and admirers too). This time, I explored the feeling of having someone to be called a girlfriend.

My love for music went on as I joined the Baybay National High School SPA Chorale. Here I experienced firsthand butterflies in my belly while performing onstage with my fellow members. It was exhilarating along with the jeers and cheers of the crowd. Of course it was not my first onstage performance but the thought of it still shivers through my spine. It was fun indeed. This became my foundation to join the chorale this time in college here at Visayas State University. Though my academics require so much attention and the rigors get tougher, I still find enough time for this caprice—no it’s actually passion. As always, it feels like first time performing onstage with those butterflies in my belly and the cold air blowing off my spine.

As I became more aware of the things around me, I began questioning my future. What do I want? What shall I do? Shall I go to college? Many questions came and in every question, I do not know the answer.

The same love for art, with emphasis on music and dance, fueled me to major in Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health (MAPEH). Many queried why I chose it but one thing comes into my mind, that is: “This is my passion and I am happy in it.” I want to learn more about the field I am into. I want to delve further into the realm I am passionate of; to share my talent. This may not skyrocket me to stardom but the mere fact that I enjoy it so much is already a consolation.

Now that I am in college and mature enough of minding the things around me, I am faced by so many questions of the real me. Why I am like this? Why does he hate me? Why is this like this? As I lay down on my bed, I ponder on many things that happened for the day. There are also times that I become confuse and want to give up. Thus I seek the company of my friends. I just while the time away with them so I would not think much of the problems along my way.

My perspective of love also changed a bit. Though I admit I have girlfriends, there are still times that I never want to be with them. I just want to be who I am without someone nagging me and telling me of what to do. Maybe I am afraid of commitment.

Bragging aside, I would say that I have this terpsichorean gift. I never expected that my passion for dancing since my childhood would find me again this time that I am almost at the center of my timeline. Dancing has been one of my pastimes. Along with my barkadas, I dance and join dance contests anywhere (whenever my time and schedule permit me to). Just lately, I learned that it was not only a means of enjoyment; it was a means of expression. Since there are things that are hard to explain through words, I use dancing to elaborate it and eventually freeing myself from all thoughts in the process.

There are also times that my wits for dancing and singing dries up. Whenever I don’t feel like doing them, I get my notebook or any piece of paper and my pencil. I scribble down anything, any idea that comes into my mind.

They say I am friendly. Yeah, maybe they are on their ground to say that as I am congenial to people around me. I am this type who would always wear a smile though the world around me is crushed and broken. Expressive? In other ways. I express my emotions in ways far from what an ordinary man on the street imagines. There are times that I am introvert and withdrawing but deep inside I anchor on an irrevocable confidence no one can shatter.

My best friend always tells me that I have it all—wide array of talents, good family, lots of friends. I just laugh at the idea. There are really things that people do not know no matter how close they are to you. I am not perfect, like everybody else. I have wants, I have guilt, I have caprices more that people around me imagines.

I am also a person filled with dreams and goals in life which I want to attain someday, or maybe later. However, it is better not to divulge it here as I want to keep it to myself and to my best friends only inasmuch as I want to surprise my love ones, or save my face, if otherwise.

A man could never be an island no matter how much he tries to. I too need a company to share my sentiments, grievances, joy, and sorrow with. Someone who would smiles with me, laughs with me, and cries with me. Like anybody else, no one is on the right ground to judge me as I am unique, gifted with talents, engulfed by confidence and nourished by pain and love of the true people surrounding me.

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