XVI - The Fear Onstage

I remember seeing an article about the list of things people fear the most. You may think that the first one is death, right? Well, you're wrong. Death is only at the second place. Public speaking is the number one fear of humans.

Standing on a stage, facing a large audience with cold hands and a prepared speech on mind that might be forgotten later—I may just rather melt on that spot. Or maybe just die rather than humiliate myself in front of people who will judge my every word. It takes a huge effort and bravery to give a speech to a large crowd.

But on November 27, 2015, the Asia Pacific College Speaks held Speak Sense 2, a public speaking competition with high school students from within Metro Manila as the participants in the contest. The theme was “Whether it’s the best of times or worst of times, it’s the only time we’ve got” and it was guaranteed that those students have lots of ideas to say.

It was my first time attending a competition like this, and I would be lying if I said I was not nervous for the contestant. I was a little afraid for them if they messed up or had a mental block. I couldn't imagine myself as a speaker on that stage and I was having a lot of questions on my mind on what would happen throughout the entire time.

The contestants' speeches were all wonderful, although there were some that left me bored. Some were entertaining, like that one boy who gave a speech on how hotdogs and sandwiches injured him and that one boy who had a rather attractive voice. But there were two presentations that caught my attention. The champion of the contest, Phoebe Stacey Almario from Las Piñas East National High School, talked about her experience of living in a broken family, with nothing but thoughts of suicide and a deranged mother. It was very emotional for me and also for the audience. There was one line in her speech that I really liked: "Life is a beautiful nightmare."

Phoebe Stacy Almario

The first-runner up (I forgot his name, forgive me) shared his story of his relationship with his best friend. He said that he asked her to prom, and she said yes. Eventually, their relationship bloomed into something more than best friends. But after some time. she broke up with him. Most of the audience can relate to his experience. I cannot really relate that much to his speech but I found it cute and kind of hilarious when the judges were asking him about his feelings afterwards.

First-runner up

Each and everyone of the contestants did well and they all inspired me to face my fears when it comes to public speaking, even though I really struggle with doing speeches in our public speaking classes. This event helped not just the speakers, but the audience with conquering our fear onstage. It also proved that public speaking can be the very instrument to express ourselves and make our voice be heard.

XV - No Homo, Bro

You've heard of zombies and gays, but putting them together in a movie? Kinda confusing, right? What could be more outrageous than a film about gay zombies? Zombadings: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington is an indie suspense comedy film starring Martin Escudero. The movie revolves around the life of Remington, who,when he was young, mocked an old gay man. The gay man cursed him to be a gay on his 21st birthday, leaving him at shock.

Remington seemed to grew up in a community where a lot of gay people live, yet they are still mocked and hated by most of the society. That is what makes the movie subversive. The movie somehow depicted the feminism slant. Remington's mother was a police officer so is her gay friend, while Remington's dad just managed their business. Hannah, Remington's girlfriend, became the dominant one in their relationship, with her making her own decisions for their relationship.

The title is funny enough, but if you'll take the time of watching the entire movie, you'll be dying from too much laughter. There were a lot of ridiculous things in the story that made the movie so funny. When Mrs. Montano roller skating inside her house and when the gay characters used gay lingo and matched it with excessive body language were just too much for me.

Martin Escudero played the role of Remington very well, even though I think it isn't easy for a straight actor to play a gay character, let alone doing a make-out scene with another guy (Remington's bestfriend played by Kerbie Zamora). It seems that he really exerted a lot of effort on understanding the character of Remington. Lauren Young's role as a strong-headed and cheerful girl gave the story more color.

Just as other films, Zombadings portrayed the gay community as people who can withstand the insults, even though sometimes they are below the belt. Making fun of the gender roles in the movie was entertaining, but at the same time it shows that they are ridiculous and everyone with different genders can do things they want to do. Maybe the film's message is to not discriminate gays, or else you could turn gay by a gay witch. There are too many gays it's gives me a headache.

But in all seriousness, I really liked this movie even though it's kind of weird. It's entertaining and a must-watch for everyone who's looking for a daily dose of laughter.