GOOD DAY, LOVELY PEOPLE OF HIVE COMMUNITY! HI, IT'S ME AGAIN MKYZXNA. IT'S BEEN DAYS SINCE I GOT BACK IN TRACK. HOW ARE YOU ALL?? I missed sharing my unforgettable moments with you guys. So here's a new blast experience. Set back and enjoy this blog!
( Photo credits to SCUAA Official Page)
The lighting of torch, sign of start) During the first week of class after our Christmas break, our PE teacher announced that we would be performing at the SCUAA 2025 games. For those unfamiliar,SCUAA stands for State Colleges and University Athletic Association.This association comprises seven institutions from various state universities and colleges: Bohol Island State University (BISU), Negros Oriental State University (NORSU), Siquijor State College (SSC), Philippine State College of Aeronautics (PHILSCA), University of the Philippines Cebu (UP), Cebu Technological University (CTU), and Cebu Normal University (CNU),the host of SCUAA 2025.
At first, we complained about being selected as performers on such short notice, especially since it was the peak of Sinulog in Cebu. Sinulog usually results in class cancellations, and students are still recovering from the festival. Our rest were also extended until January 23rd due to online learning, and meaning rehearsals and prop-making only began on January 23rd. The start was incredibly challenging due to the late notice. We received the necessary materials for the field demonstration on January 22nd as well, forcing us to rush the acquisition of bamboo sticks, styrofoam balls, crepe paper, cartolina, fairy lights, lumber, fabric for the wings and flag and cardboard for the box.
(This is us working late for our props)
Our choreographer and physical education teachers allowed us just two days for practice, leading to a hectic flurry of rehearsals and prop creation. The practice venue, the Abellana Cebu City Complex, resembled a furnace. Positioned in the middle of an oval, we experienced the unyielding midday sun. Even though we used long-sleeved jackets and trousers, and sunscreen, the heat was intolerable; sweat continuously streamed down to our faces.
(This is the stage where we do our rehearsals)
We were concerned about the outcome of our field demonstration. With 1,400 students and a comparatively small stage, the area was extremely packed. It would be almost unfeasible for our choreographer to readily notice errors committed by the dancers and prop handlers. To tackle this issue, they established a two-part training timetable. Initially, the performers practiced their routines. Subsequently, the prop handlers understood their roles and movements, synchronizing their actions with the dancers' performance on the stage.
Even under the blazing sun and constant sweat, we endured. During breaks, we worked on props while attempting to rest, but the heat made genuine relaxation almost impossible. Following two exhausting days of rigorous training, our PE teacher declared a well-deserved break. There will be no practice on Saturday, January 25th, allowing us the opportunity to relax and prepare for the main event scheduled for Sunday, January 26th, 2025. The exhaustion was evident; each muscle ached, and the memory of the heat lingered like an ever-present shadow. Many of us went home with sunburns and heat exhaustion.
(Photo credits from SCUAA Official Page)
After a day of rest, we were ready to showcase our SCUAA opening field demonstration. However, I was apprehensive about the outcome due to a lack of practice and the sheer number of athletes, officials, university presidents, and audience members. Yet, once we were on stage, all I felt was happiness and appreciation.
As the performance ended and beautiful fireworks lit up the sky, I was teary-eyed, overwhelmed by the beauty of college life. I realized how lucky I am to experience these moments, especially at this level. I envision that after graduation, I wouldn't have an opportunity like this again, so I aimed to enjoy every second before my college days concluded. I’m also extremely proud and amazed by my teammates; in a brief period, we succeeded in delivering those astonishing performances.
I'll never forget that magical night, filled with joyous shouts and leaps of excitement. I also collected some new friends because of this.🥰 I don't want to enjoy this memory alone, here's the link of our performance. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/18WJnCga13/?mibextid=qi2Omg
(Photo Credits to SCUAA OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE and to my friend)