Showing posts with label Feature Articles. Show all posts

Getting Sporty with eSports!

Electronic Sports, or eSports, can be defined as “a form of sports where the primary aspects of the sport are facilitated by electronic systems; the input of players and teams as well as the output of the eSports system are mediated by human-computer interfaces.” (Hamari & Sjöblom, 2015)
According to ESPN, there are 89 million eSports audience in 2015 worldwide. Next to music, [eSports] gaming has more YouTube followers than news, education, and movies, with a 79 million number of subscribers.  7.4 million Filipino gamers comprise the Philippine eSports population.
There are at least 25 world famous eSports games. They are subdivided into different eSports categories such as Fighting Games, First-person Shooters, Real-time Strategy, Sports Games, Multiplayer online battle arenas, and more. Data from ESPN shows that the more famous, and high grossing, eSports are League of Legends (LoL), Defense of the Ancients (DotA), DotA 2, Smite, and Call of Duty.
On a personal note, when roaming the streets of Cebu, I would often see computer shops and internet cafes usually full of people, particularly minors, engrossed in their ongoing games. When I go to the mall, I would occasionally witness an ongoing tournament. Even in universities, I would encounter groups of students playing a game or two in between classes.
With all my observations and the statistics mentioned above, I ask myself: Why is eSports becoming a hobby for many Filipinos? And why do they love it so much?
In my quest to satisfy my curiosity, I set myself to interview a fourth year computer science student, who is also the vice chairperson of the University of the Philippines Student Council, who also happened to play eSports as a hobby.
Vince Dingding first learned about eSports when he was a grade three student. He involved himself in playing DotA from grade school to high school. When he entered college, he started playing League of Legends along with his circle of friends.
When I asked why he chose this as his hobby, he said this serves as his stress reliever. It gives him the chance to do something that’s “not in the real world.” Although he can express his creativity through his other hobby, writing, it isn’t always enough—which is why he challenges his creativity in making game strategies in order to win.
Like many other gamers, Vince went through a phase when he would spend almost the whole day just playing eSports. He even remarked that “it already felt like an addiction.” When asked about his opinion on why he got “addicted”, or simply got hooked to playing, he said:
“[It’s] because of the concept of ‘grinding’. You can’t get everything and learn everything in one sitting, [or] one hour. You have to work hard for it every [game].”
That explains why the gamers spend so much time in front of the computer, playing game after game.
From Rookies to Professionals
For some gamers, eSports is more than just a hobby. From simply being a pastime, it is now a career. Just imagine this: in 2014, a team called Newbee from Korea bagged the title of being the champion in Dota 2—and the winning prize of $5.03 Million dollars. That’s more than what a minimum wage earner gets in a year.
As a professional gamer himself, Vince told me that he and his teammates join tournaments to win a cash prize, along with some gaming paraphernalia such as keyboards, mouse, mousepads, and even headphones. His other teammates are even hired by companies to play for them in major events. They would get paid regularly to practice the game, and also receive additional cash prizes if they won the tournament.
In an article by the Business Insider, they listed 15 of the highest paid professional gamers in the world who earned more than $300,000—and that doesn’t even include “the sponsorship deals and income they receive from streaming their practice games.”
On the first spot, earning around $519,086.72 in 52 tournaments, is Lee “Jaedong” Jae Dong from Korea.
Of course, just like any other sport, it takes hours of practice to become better at every game. So hey, if you are interested in playing video games, and you think you’ve got the patience and self-control to practice for hours at a time, then you can start earning from this particular hobby!

 Sources:
http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/13059210/esports-massive-industry-growing/
http://www.businessinsider.com/15-of-the-highest-paid-professional-gamers-2014-5?op=1
http://www.engadget.com/2015/07/31/the-business-of-esports-in-numbers/
Feature Articles
Share:

Kaamulan Festival: Keeping the Unity among the Seven Tribes of Bukidnon


An archipelagic country such as the Philippines has always been a target of different nations because of its wealth. From natural resources to human resources, this country definitely has something to offer. And after decades of being under different colonizers, its already rich culture blossomed as it merged with new traditions.

As years pass by, new festivals emerged and old ones upgraded. But unlike the world-famous festivals like the glittery and glamorous Sinulog, or the frenzied Ati-atihan, one festival remains authentic, and grounded in its very essence—gathering the different tribes of Bukidnon—and it is the Kaamulan festival.

Malaybalay City is the heart of the province of Bukidnon where, every September, the entire province would celebrate its Kaamulan Festival, the only ethnic festival in the country. 

The Seven Tribes

Seven tribes have existed and occupied the mountains of Bukidnon namely the Talaandig, Manobo, Bukidnon, Umayamnon, Higaonon, Matigsalug, and Tigwahonon. The members of these tribes are found all over Bukidnon, from the riversides to the mountainous regions. 

Photo by Bonzeti Panganiban

Just last year, they celebrated their “100 Years of Legacy”, on the 100th Founding Anniversary of Bukidnon. Despite some of the tribes evolving, and adapting to the technological advancement and to Christianity, many of the tribes still remain in their tribal ways. Some of the tribes are still semi-sedentary. Some still speak in their native tongue, that even other tribes couldn’t fully understand. 

One of the Talaandig tribe leaders, a local artist, Waway Saway, gives utmost importance to their culture as he tries to preserve it through his songs and paintings. He goes around Bukidnon with the aid of NGOs, teaching and spreading the Talaandig culture. According to him, their tribe even writes in Baybayin. 

He says the Kaamulan Festival is an effective venue to show the world how Bukidnon’s tribes have preserved their culture despite the advancement of society.


The Festival

“Kaamulan” was coined from the Binukid word “amul” which is “to gather”. Kaamulan is a social gathering that showcases the very rich culture and traditions of the seven tribes of Bukidnon. 

According to TravelTeller, “Participated by cultural groups whose ways of life have remained untouched through the tests of times, Kaamulan is characterized by the authentic rituals and cultural dances based on the customs and traditions of indigenous peoples.”
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/2b/70/47/2b7047d3189ab19a0708d1a2e942c806.jpg

The aforementioned rituals and cultural dances are the Pangampo (general worship), the Tagulambong hu Datu (ritual for the installation of a Chieftain), the Panumanod (a spiriting ceremony), the Panlisig (rite to drive away evil spirits), and the Pamalas (sin atonement ritual). During the street-dancing competition, you will see these different rituals and dances performed by no other than the indigenous people of Bukidnon themselves.

The authenticity of the ethnic cultural festival is further proved with the datus performing a ritual called “pamuhat”, a ritual to ask permission from the Deities in the form of an offering (pigs or chickens are often used as offering). It signals the start of the week-long festivities of the Kaamulan Festival.
On May 15, 1974, the then municipal mayor of Malaybalay City, Edilberto Mamawag, started the Kaamulan festival as a part of the fiesta celebration of the city. From 1978 to 1998, Kaamulan was held every first Friday of September. But on the year 1999, it was moved to the second half of February up to March 10, the Foundation Day celebration of the province.

Many of the tribe leaders, however, contested the moving of the date of the festival. Historically and culturally, the gathering was held every September as a part of their tradition. During this month, they perform their rituals as a form of thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest of the indigenous people of Bukidnon. 

This is why, when the festivities were moved back to the original date last year, many historians and the seven tribes were happy. Their tradition was once again very well-preserved.

But, as many festivals already have, Kaamulan has evolved from a simple gathering and performing the rituals and cultural dances, to a showcasing of the different products and local establishments in the province through the Agri-Fair, Garden Show, Food Fest, Kaamulan Bazaar, and Livestock Show. Other activities also emerged, such as the Motocross, Off-road competition, Rodeo, and many more.

Of course, these days, a festival is never complete without a fireworks display. Despite the culture and tradition-filled festivities of the Kaamulan Festival, it still ends with the grandiose fireworks display which usually lasts ten to fifteen minutes, leaving the audience at awe, and with a mild case of stiff neck.



Sources:
http://thetravelteller.com/kaamulan-festival-2014-one-hundred-years-of-cultural-legacy/
http://www.bukidnon.gov.ph/home/index.php/tourism/kaamulan-festival
http://www.seasite.niu.edu/tagalog/cynthia/festivals/kaamulan_festival.htm
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/2b/70/47/2b7047d3189ab19a0708d1a2e942c806.jpg

(Photos not mine. All rights reserved to the owners of the photos.)
Feature Articles
Share:

A Trek to Remember



 “If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere.” - Frank A. Clark

That being said, a trek to the highest point in Cebu province will definitely lead you somewhere. The entire travel from the city to the cold barangay of Mantalongon in itself is quite an obstacle, given that the trip takes roughly two to three hours. Plus, if the wind’s very strong, the actual hike can be tiring as you try to resist being blown off!

For the traveler who chooses to commute to arrive at the foot of Osmena Peak, also known as O’ Peak, the trip takes two and a half hours of bus ride, and another 30 minutes sitting on a motorcycle—known locally as habal-habal—and it will most likely leave your butt numb. That’s quite another challenge to bear.

But as most people usually say, it’s about the journey, not the destination. You will be left speechless as you travel on the road saddled on the side of the mountains of Dalaguete. Nature at its finest will greet you, and the cool, mountain breeze will welcome you. As you ride the habal-habal, you will definitely feel the temperature drop and your ears pop!

You will only see the different shades of green on the slopes of the nearby mountains, and the road you’ll travel on. And as you see these greens, you will also inhale the freshest air you’ll ever inhale after months spent in the city. It’s nothing like the urban setting you habitually go through every day—the setting filled with traffic, pollution, and noise.

From the drop-off point of the habal-habal, it will only take 20 to 30 minutes to reach the peak itself. On a sunny day, the surroundings will once again leave you breathless—and perhaps the ascent itself would be another huge factor to that—as you’ll pass by vegetable crops and start seeing the view of Dalaguete and the nearby municipalities.

Once you reach the peak itself, you will see the picturesque view of the south of Cebu. 

Tips for the Traveler

1. Keep an eye on the weather and prepare for it.

On a sunny day, you better prepare for the sun to sting your skin because there are no trees on the peak itself to protect you from the sun’s heat. It is highly encouraged to wear clothes that will shield you from the harmful rays. 

On the other hand, if it’s an extremely cloudy day—if there’s a low pressure area, or some other weather disturbance—you should also brace yourself for the coolest breeze you’ll ever feel. Aside from the powerful breeze up on the peak, its coolness will touch your exposed skin, and even leave dew on your lashes.

During the rainy season, the trail might be very slippery. As a trekker, one must wear the right shoes. Do not wear running shoes, or sneakers, or other shoes that has a flat sole because it won’t hold the ground. But on a dry, warm day, it’s not really a big deal.

The weather be sunny, cloudy, or rainy, always be sure to plan your trip well. Check the weather updates and predictions. Anticipate the worst case weather scenario, just in case. It might be sunny down in the city and municipalities, but when you go up, it might change instantly.

2. Prepare trail food and water.

Carry with you some trail food—granola bars, chocolate, or other trail food—because you’ll never know how hungry you’ll be as you hike to the top. But if you want, you could also pack picnic food and have a picnic on the peak—we might just call it a peak-nic! Just remember to leave no trash behind. More importantly, always hydrate yourself. Don’t wait for the thirst to come, because then you’ll drink too much water.

3. For the more adventurous travelers: Exit to Badian.

There’s another trail that will lead you to Badian, the neighboring municipality of Dalaguete. It’s only another two to three hour hike from Osmeña Peak. You will exit to Kawasan Falls, another known tourist spot. After hours of trekking, you can take a refreshing dip in the cool waters of Kawasan Falls. There, you can sit, relax, and rest from all the walking.

Or before actually going to Kawasan, you can go Canyoneering! It will cost around Php 1,500 and it already includes a meal. That will definitely leave you with so much experience in just a day’s trip.

4. Start early.

Whether you’ll exit to Badian, or go back the way you came in, it’s better to start early. In fact, locals suggested to spend the night on the peak ala camper style, and witness the sun rise. Or, as I suggest, just arrive early enough to catch the sunrise.

If you start early, the heat of the sun won’t be bothersome. It will only be enough to warm you up. And if you do plan to exit through Kawasan Falls, starting early will allow you to reach the destination around noon, and you can have lunch there. It’s definitely a win-win!

5. If you want to spend less, invite your whole barkada!

The more, the merrier! Aside from the extra fun you’ll get because the whole squad is with you, you will actually spend less if there are more of you. For example, you can get a discount if you choose to go canyoneering. And when it comes to food, you can chip in. See, you’ll definitely spend less!

6. Enjoy the journey. One. Step. At. A. Time.

Sure, you’d want to document your adventure, but never forget that no camera can capture the beauty of the journey, and of the place, better than our memories captured through our own eyes. 

Make the most of the trip!  
Feature Articles
Share:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)