Tag: Crash Course

Obviously what can put you off any kind of program for fitness would be yourself. May it be you think its too late or that it hurts your body or even how much time it consumes, you really have to treat every one of those concerns as excuses. Trying to be fit isn’t a waste of time nor is it too late for anyone, people who have been labeled as ‘fat’ have often found the motivation to turn things around. Take for example Adam Richman most known for his TV show “Man vs Food” in which over the course of 2 seasons, his weight gain has been evident through the fit of his shirt. Ever since he went off the show and laid off the competitive eating, he lost a considerable amount of weight. Take it into consideration that staying fit you would have to work on and is really more of an investment in your health rather than an investment in your looks, the latter just comes along with it.

 

Energy in

Good food is not hard to come by along campus. Good for you food is another story. Depending on your level of commitment and discipline, there are a number of options to explore. Prepare food at home to avoid having to stuff yourself with the fried everythings of La Salle. If you are going to end up buying something in school, simply watch your portions. Eat half and take out the other for later.

There are numerous tips and tricks that will help in attaining your goals. One is to never skip breakfast. Put something edible in your mouth within thirty minutes of walking up. Another is to always hydrate yourself. The only liquid you should be drinking is water. Avoid soda and even juices as they are too much sugar and calories for a drink. Save these nutrition values for your food and for that beer you would rather have at the end of the week. The last tip is more of an understanding of what you put in your mouth. The salad option is not always the best option. What normally sounds healthy may not really be all that good for you. Be smart and know what’s in your food before it’s in your body.

 

Energy out

You can lose weight by actually just moving around a bit more, but what if you get bored by just running an oval for a week or two? Challenge yourself, and no we don’t mean just push yourself harder until you ‘feel the burn’. No, its more simple than that because unless you never really go to the Sports Complex you would realize that there are certain times that courts are being used or just a lot of people who play better than you are owning every challenger that comes.

One way you could do better is practicing your sport, for example the most accessible one would be basketball. Try hitting 3 free throws in a row and if ever you miss one in between, run a lap around the court. Afterwards, just simple go back to the same spot and try hitting them again. It may not be the same feeling as running around and shooting in a five on five situation but you somehow get the same amount of physical movement. This gamification of health and fitness is what will help you stick to your plan and attain those goals.

Also it is important to remember that life is all about movement and people shouldn’t steer clear of it. Enroll in consecutive classes with one in La Salle Hall and the other in Andrew Building. Challenge yourself to brace the distance and wake up your body for the course of the day. When it comes to eating, try places far from school. The walk is a quick cardio before and after the meal. It will make you appreciate the meal more and feel light right after.

School asks you to be sane individuals. Fitness is going to ask from you the exact opposite. You have to be a little mad to pick running around in a circle over a cookie dough cheesecake. But life rewards the crazy people, not those who hide between a couch and a bag of chips.

But at the end of the day it is about preference. If you have a passion to be fit then go out and test your body. And if you have a passion for food, don’t just eat it – make it, because fitness is, most importantly, as mental as it is physical.

In previous years, when students searched for a nice, cool place where they could research their latest academic topics, do a project or two, or just sit down and relax they would head for the library located behind St. Joseph Hall. Spanning four floors, stocked full with books, and even decked out with a coffee shop, the old library was one of the most common places to be in. All that changed though, with the arrival of the Learning Commons. Taking up twice the number of floors and located in the Henry Sy building, the Learning Commons is much more than just a regular library; it has several new features designed to help students in a variety of ways and also some old features you might have missed. However, some students may have difficulty navigating the several vast floors that constitute the Learning Commons. As such, here is a convenient guide on the newest, coolest place to be around campus.

 

Heartwood & Chill @ the 5th

The entrance to the Learning Commons is located on the 6^th floor of the Henry Sy building. Besides serving as the actual gateway into the Learning Commons, the 6^th floor – also named Heartwood – is also home to a large network of computers, also known as the Cafe. The Cafe is designed to assist students in online enrolment, research, and other similar matters. Furthermore, a large area of the 6^th floor is designated for special exhibits and events that students are always free to check out.

If in need of a quiet place to lie down and rest, the 5^th floor is the place to be; taking a flight of stairs down from the 6^th floor will lead students to the area amply titled as ‘Chill @ the 5^th’. Here, students will find a large array of cozy beanbags and benches. This is the ideal place to simply drop down and catch up on some much needed hours of sleep.

 

Main meat & Mezzanines

Going up from these floors will lead students to the main ‘meat’ of the library. The 7^th and 8^th floors in particular host a wide variety of resources. Being a library first and foremost, the Learning Commons is expected to have an extensive collection of books, and in this aspect, it does not disappoint. The 7th floor to the 8th floor mezzanine hold the Circulation Collection which makes up the majority of the library’s index. Besides the actual books, there are plenty of new services and features to be found on these floors. The 7^th floor holds even more computers for student use, while the 8^th floor holds a specially indicated ‘quiet room’ where students can work at maximum concentration. The 8^th floor is also home to photocopying services which prove useful when in need of certain chapters and sections of a book. Finally, both these floors contain discussion rooms or “Nests”, closed-off rooms which can be rented and can allow groups of students to discuss projects, participate in group study sessions, and other similar tasks. Reservation for discussion rooms are made online at the library’s website (libcal.dlsu.edu.ph), students can occupy discussion rooms to a maximum time of two hours.

 

Archives & Filipiniana

Going up even further brings students to the 9^th and 10^th floors, which offer several services as well. The 9^th floor similar to the 8^th floor holds several photocopying services, while the 10^th floor also has a set of quiet rooms of its own. Also, similar to the two floors below them the 9^th and 10^th floors also have several discussion rooms, each equipped with a whiteboard, chairs, and a table perfect for discussions, meetings, and other similar activities. A defining feature of the 9^th floor is the Periodical Collection, along with the Filipiniana Collection on the mezzanine. The 10^th floor, on the other hand, boasts about its Archive Collection and even more computers. These computers, though, are specifically designed for viewing thesis projects of older students in order to help students, especially those graduating, with their dreaded thesis project. Of course, it goes without saying that both these floors are also filled to the brim with books.

 

Soon to come & Special Collections

While currently the 6th to 10th and 13th floors of the Learning Commons are what are open to students, there are plans being made regarding the opening of the 11^th and 12^th floor. The 11^th floor will hold  more of the university archives, an extremely important and fascinating set of documents, while the 12^th floor will soon house the La Salliana Collection which will showcase publications, artworks, and other theses accomplished by students and faculty. All these sections are yet to be featured, although it can be assured that the staff of the Learning Commons are hard at work to make sure that these interesting collections will be released to the public as soon as possible.

The 13th floor features the American Studies Resource Center (ASRC), the European Documentation Center (EDC), as well as other collections. The 13th floor is also home to the Special Collections which consists of materials donated by the friends and faculty of the University, majority of which are for room use only.

 

Fresh Air

Probably one of the most defining features of the new Learning Commons is its open air reading balconies located on 5th, 6th, 7th, 9th and 11th floors. They are called Summerwood and Springwood, these balconies feature small gardens and trees that bend with the breeze. Also with some tables and chairs, this is an ideal place to just sit and catch up on some reading, meditation or a meaningful talk with someone, your choice.

The entire Learning Commons, as a whole, is air-conditioned and filled with several benches, tables, and chairs (a lot of chairs), to complement all the aforementioned services and features. Three elevators connect the multiple floors with one another and provide easier access for both students and staff. Finally, the entire library has an online service that allows students to search for, reserve, and borrow books all through the internet, meaning they can do these things at the comfort of their own home. All these things are meant to maximize the students’ learning, and convenience.

Although still relatively new, the Learning Commons has quickly established itself as one of the most popular places to be around on campus, whether students are looking to get some studying done, hoping to do a little research, or simply want to get some rest. Hopefully, this quick, handy guide will be of service to you as you go around and browse through the multiple floors that make up the Learning Commons. Enjoy the new library!

“What is sleep?” Many students often utter these words followed by a half hearted laugh, when sleep evades their grasp. Students staying up until the break of dawn accomplishing requirements announced weeks before or studying for important exams is nothing new to us. Cramming is a common lifestyle among students in modern society. We’ve all been there, and heck, for all you know this article was done last minute (I assure you that it wasn’t).

The all nighter is the premiere way of handling those pesky papers and projects you were too lax to do earlier. Who needs sleep right? Well, Mr. all talk, this is easier said than done. Often times, people fall asleep earlier than usual without finishing their work. Presented below (on a silver platter) are just some tips in order for you to stay up all night.

1. Turn away from social media sites before it is too late!

            Much like the Bermuda triangle, a similar triumvirate in cyberspace which composes of Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr mysteriously sucks out all the productivity in anyone without warning and without a trace. Only after you’ve been sucked into this triangle will you realize how much irretrievable time you’ve squandered and by then, it would have been too late. Before time is squandered and tears are shed, log out your accounts in these and gracefully open your Microsoft Word, your book or anything you have to deal with and focus on it. If it helps and if internet is unnecessary, turn off your wifi. This is a sure way to guarantee focus.

 

2. Do not study on your bed. EVER.

The bed to the student is like a flame to a moth. It is highly attractive but what happens to the moth when it gets too close? It gets burned. The same goes with the bed. It is true that studying in bed is much better than studying on one’s desk. The advantage of being able to lie down while reading or being able to sit on something as comfortable as the mattress is just heaven. However, the metaphorical burn will, without fail, get to us especially during an all nighter. We fall asleep, which really doesn’t achieve the purpose.

 

3. Room Temperature is just….. riiiiight

If one can easily fall asleep in the comforts of a classroom while the professor is rambling in front, you may virtually doze off anywhere comfortable and cold or temperate enough to make you drowsy. Before an all nighter, aside from making sure that you are at a good mental state, make sure the room temperature is just right and not cold enough to make you grab a blanket and curl by yourself. This is surely one way to make you fall asleep. A right temperature will not guarantee a night without drowsiness, but having a cold room is surely going to drain the living daylight out of you. So stay safe, set the thermostat right and you’ll be able to work right.
4. Beverages

Coffee acts as a double-edged sword in some circumstances because its efficacy is conditional on how a person reacts towards coffee. Coffee can either perk you up or make you crash. However, one thing you do need to successfully pull off an all nighter is a good drink or a good meal. This, of course, is dependent on your personal taste and preference. Surely, you would eventually need a boost and this boost would most likely come from anything you ingest. If you feel like it, eat a hearty meal with vegetables to perk you up. Afterwards, while reading or typing, you may take sips of English tea or any coffee. In any case, the desired outcome is a revitalized, lively and energetic you after a meal or a drink. This is dependent on your personal tastes and you should know which food turns you up or down. If you are to get a meal however, avoid getting too full because this will surely make you fall asleep. We are all aware of how hard it is to stay up during 1 PM classes right after having lunch and how we inappropriately use this as our siesta period.
5. Have a Break!

            Let’s face it, people are not machines; they cannot do things continuously without respite. Even machines have to rest before they overheat that can reduce their capacity to work or worse, destroy itself completely. Here’s some advice brought to you by a popular chocolate wafer brand: take a break! A break as short as five minutes will do to keep yourself sane. We all know it’s going to be a gruelling night, so it’s best to keep yourself from burning out before accomplishing the task at hand. A helpful reminder: be wary of games and practices you know are addictive to avoid losing focus. Play some Minesweeper or Pinball for a couple of rounds, finish one chapter on that book you’re reading, just something light and easy to give yourself that quick rest.
6. Shower, Shower, Shower!

            Water believed to be the most basic substance of the universe is known as a purifier and a cleansing agent. After a long study session, showering can make you feel like all your worries and exhaustion are being washed away by the good ol’ H2O. Take your shower, preferably in cold water, to freshen and perk up the body before going back to studying. Also, if you start to drift off from what you are supposed to be doing, spray yourself with cold water like what you’d do when you are training a cat. Like a cat, train yourself to refrain from distractions.
7. Mellow Music = No-No

            When you search through your playlist, forego your mellow tunes. Listening to it is like singing a lullaby to an infant so that it could rest easy. Perhaps its calming notes can help one relax a bit while working but it could also down the pace of doing your work. Like at parties, upbeat music can pump up the atmosphere and possibly get you hyped to study. However, when it comes to doing something very complexing or requires a large amount of concentration, then maybe silence is the way to go. Maybe some music without lyrics or play some of your favorite songs in instrumental or some classical tunes from Bach. Lyrics tend to distract the mind especially when the words are repetitive and catchy.

            These are just some of the many tips a student could use on a night when sleep really isn’t an option. There are millions more out there; they may be conventional to downright unusual. Friends and family who are self-proclaimed experts on the craft of not sleeping may even share tricks of the trade. One thing’s for sure though, the feeling after a night of sleep deprivation and productivity sure can feel good during the day as it can give an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment, as if a badge has been bestowed upon you.

P.S. There is one last piece of important advice that needs to be shared. The optimal way to survive an all nighter is to not have do it! Those requirements should have been finished much earlier because they were given early. It is time to end this culture of laziness.

 

“What is sleep?” Many students often utter these words followed by a half hearted laugh, when sleep evades their grasp. Students staying up until the break of dawn accomplishing requirements announced weeks before or studying for important exams is nothing new to us. Cramming is a common lifestyle among students in modern society. We’ve all been there, and heck, for all you know this article was done last minute (I assure you that it wasn’t).

The all nighter is the premiere way of handling those pesky papers and projects you were too lax to do earlier. Who needs sleep right? Well, Mr. all talk,  this is easier said than done. Often times, people fall asleep earlier than usual without finishing their work. Presented below (on a silver platter) are just some tips in order for you to stay up all night.

 

1. Turn away from social media sites before it is too late

Much like the Bermuda triangle, a similar triumvirate in cyberspace which composes of Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr mysteriously sucks out all the productivity in anyone without warning and without a trace. Only after you’ve been sucked into this triangle will you realize how much irretrievable time you’ve squandered and by then, it would have been too late. Before time is squandered and tears are shed, log out your accounts in these and gracefully open your Microsoft Word, your book or anything you have to deal with and focus on it. If it helps and if internet is unnecessary, turn off your wifi. This is a sure way to guarantee focus.

 

2. Do not study on your bed. EVER.

The bed to the student is like a flame to a moth. It is highly attractive but what happens to the moth when it gets too close? It gets burned. The same goes with the bed. It is true that studying in bed is much better than studying on one’s desk. The advantage of being able to lie down while reading or being able to sit on something as comfortable as the mattress is just heaven. However, the metaphorical burn will, without fail, get to us especially during an all nighter. We fall asleep, which really doesn’t achieve the purpose.

 

3. Room temperature is just….. riiiiight

If one can easily fall asleep in the comforts of a classroom while the professor is rambling in front, you may virtually doze off anywhere comfortable and cold or temperate enough to make you drowsy. Before an all nighter, aside from making sure that you are at a good mental state, make sure the room temperature is just right and not cold enough to make you grab a blanket and curl by yourself. This is surely one way to make you fall asleep. A right temperature will not guarantee a night without drowsiness, but having a cold room is surely going to drain the living daylight out of you. So stay safe, set the thermostat right and you’ll be able to work right.

 

4. Beverages

Coffee acts as a double-edged sword in some circumstances because its efficacy is conditional on how a person reacts towards coffee. Coffee can either perk you up or make you crash. However, one thing you do need to successfully pull off an all nighter is a good drink or a good meal. This, of course, is dependent on your personal taste and preference. Surely, you would eventually need a boost and this boost would most likely come from anything you ingest. If you feel like it, eat a hearty meal with vegetables to perk you up. Afterwards, while reading or typing, you may take sips of English tea or any coffee. In any case, the desired outcome is a revitalized, lively and energetic you after a meal or a drink. This is dependent on your personal tastes and you should know which food turns you up or down. If you are to get a meal however, avoid getting too full because this will surely make you fall asleep. We are all aware of how hard it is to stay up during 1 PM classes right after having lunch and how we inappropriately use this as our siesta period.

 

5. Have a break!

Let’s face it, people are not machines; they cannot do things continuously without respite. Even machines have to rest before they overheat that can reduce their capacity to work or worse, destroy itself completely. Here’s some advice brought to you by a popular chocolate wafer brand: take a break! A break as short as five minutes will do to keep yourself sane. We all know it’s going to be a gruelling night, so it’s best to keep yourself from burning out before accomplishing the task at hand. A helpful reminder: be wary of games and practices you know are addictive to avoid losing focus. Play some Minesweeper or Pinball for a couple of rounds, finish one chapter on that book you’re reading, just something light and easy to give yourself that quick rest.

 

6. Shower, shower, shower!

Water believed to be the most basic substance of the universe is known as a purifier and a cleansing agent. After a long study session, showering can make you feel like all your worries and exhaustion are being washed away by the good ol’ H2O. Take your shower, preferably in cold water, to freshen and perk up the body before going back to studying. Also, if you start to drift off from what you are supposed to be doing, spray yourself with cold water like what you’d do when you are training a cat. Like a cat, train yourself to refrain from distractions.

 

7. Mellow music = No-No

When you search through your playlist, forego your mellow tunes. Listening to it is like singing a lullaby to an infant so that it could rest easy. Perhaps its calming notes can help one relax a bit while working but it could also down the pace of doing your work. Like at parties, upbeat music can pump up the atmosphere and possibly get you hyped to study. However, when it comes to doing something very complexing or requires a large amount of concentration, then maybe silence is the way to go. Maybe some music without lyrics or play some of your favorite songs in instrumental or some classical tunes from Bach. Lyrics tend to distract the mind especially when the words are repetitive and catchy.

These are just some of the many tips a student could use on a night when sleep really isn’t an option. There are millions more out there; they may be conventional to downright unusual. Friends and family who are self-proclaimed experts on the craft of not sleeping may even share tricks of the trade. One thing’s for sure though, the feeling after a night of sleep deprivation and productivity sure can feel good during the day as it can give an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment, as if a badge has been bestowed upon you.

P.S.

There is one last piece of important advice that needs to be shared. The optimal way to survive an all nighter is not to have to do it! Those requirements should have been finished much earlier because they were given early. It is time to end this culture of laziness.

Weird food. What constitutes weird? What kind of food will it take to make the average Joe’s stomach churn? Certainly not all foods are considered unusual or quirky but, through time, plugging in man’s natural curiosity to the equation of culinary oddities, the human race has experimented with combinations of ingredients and such in order to make the food we know and love today.

As such, why not try a combination of foods that could someday be a Filipino staple? Whether combining the savory with the sweet, the salty with the sour, maybe even just increasing the intensity of each taste or any possible combination one’s brain could think of, the possibilities are endless. Now, as to whether they actually taste good or are even remotely edible, that is up to man’s taste buds and unusual preferences to decide.

They might sound a tad disgusting, adventurous, heck some might even consider them to be the start of a new era in cuisine. Whatever way one might look at it, everyone is invited to the party to taste these delightfully eccentric delicacies.

 

Banana wrapped in bacon

That sweet potassium filled fruit can go to greater heights on the taste buds when mixed with the ever-glorious savory flavor of bacon. Slice up some bananas into lengths about twice the width of the bacon strips. Afterwards, wrap one bacon strip around each slice of banana, making sure to wrap the entire banana slice. Place the wrapped bananas on a tray and place them in a conventional oven preheated to 180 °C and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the bacon is cooked to a golden brown color. Take out and leave out until cool (watch out for flies!) or eat them nice and hot right out of the oven. Be careful though, the banana collects a lot heat while in the oven. Enjoy this fiber enriched, fat induced treat with friends or alone, your choice.

Rating: 2.5

 

Spake (Spam and cake)

Everyone likes cake and almost everyone likes Spam so why not combine them to form the Spake, the spawn of the two treats. The thing with this mixture that is different from the others is that one overpowers the other. When the cake has too much sweetness in it, it tends to cover the saltiness of the spam, which doesn’t do it much good. When the spam could be tasted however, it does some pseudo-magical spell on one’s tongue. It isn’t restaurant worthy, but hey, it is good.

Rating: 2.5

 

Bacon and chocolate (because bacon is just that good)

Now this trend has been growing a lot in restaurants but making it yourself makes it all the more fulfilling. After pan-frying those glossy strips of bacon, melt some chocolate bars over medium heat in a bain-marie. Chance be it that a bain-marie is unattainable or even out of your vocabulary, alternatively, you can just break the chocolate bar into a bowl and microwave it for about 1-2 minutes. When the chocolate is fully melted, drizzle it all over that juicy, juicy bacon. If you find yourself exhausted after attempting this recipe, rest for a while if you feel like it; but best to eat those chocolate covered bacon now before someone else gets a hold of them. This mix of sweet and salty will surely have you guessing and craving for more.

Rating: 3.0

 

Vanilla ice cream and chili oil

Now this can be a bit odd at first but it’s worth trying at least once. A few scoops of rich vanilla ice cream in a bowl and drizzle a few teaspoons of chili oil over it, the burst of cold sweetness and spicy goodness in the mouth will surely give a kick worthy of a second spoonful of this chilling combination.

Rating: 3.0

 

Apple Slices and Instant Noodles

A red fruit and MSG-filled soup, what an unusual combination! Yet, this turns out to be a (surprisingly) good dish. The way the flavors compliment each other is what made it bearable, to say the least. The taste of the apple greatly counteracted the saltiness of the instant noodles. Certainly a dish to try, when bored at home and you have nothing better to do than to try queer recipes.

Rating: 3.0

 

Nutella and Barbeque

Everyone’s favorite Hazelnut spread plus a classic Pinoy delicacy, the Nutella-Barbeque combo is one to try. People may react negatively to the notion of something that is predominantly slathered on cakes and other delectable pastries smeared on pork on a stick. The combination works! The Nutella complements in a way that heightens the sweetness of the barbeque making it taste better. Don’t knock it till you try it, they say.

Rating: 3.5

 

From the white cliffs of Dover to the Rice Terraces in Manila, more recipes wait to be discovered; wilder combinations, weirder ingredients and crazier flavors. Some may be so revolting that they may induce hospitalization, yet some could actually…. well… work. This list may not be the only one of its kind, probably more is to come one day, but for now these recipes may be enough to have you trying them out and raving over their quirky yet delicious tastes.

The days of May have come and gone by too quickly, but one could still remember the Mother’s Day escapade that had struck everyone with jitters of finding the perfect present. Piggy banks were crushed to avail her of a treat to the spa, a bottle of floral perfume, or pair of Jimmy Choo stilettos (or perhaps all three) while others made self- made handicrafts imbued with love. These were efforts to reciprocate the love that only a mother could offer (although we all know that it cannot be paralleled by such gifts). Mission accomplished. Better think of something better for next year

But is it all over? This month, valiant fathers all over the world will have their turn basking in the spotlight for an entire day because fatherhood is a difficult job, you have to admit. Unlike the Mother’s Day escapade, this one seems much simpler but it can still be tricky finding a present for father. A World’s Greatest Dad coffee mug? A Papemelroti paper scroll embossed with a Father’s day haiku? Why not give dad the traditional Father’s Day gift?

 

 

It’s a tie

The necktie is such a popular gift for dads that it has unofficially been declared as the traditional Father’s Day gift. Still, most fathers cringe at the idea of having a “useless” piece of cloth dangling down their shirt collar like a noose or even a leashed dog collar. The few neckties that they own only see bright daylight during occasions like weddings, funerals, and job interviews. Because these events are filled with boredom, grief, and apprehension, dads unconsciously associate having to wear a necktie with these negative emotions. As they get home, the tie is hurriedly taken off, nonchalantly thrown in the back drawer, and left to rot until the next occasion.

One doesn’t have to be dressed to the nines to pull off a necktie. Depending on its style and other garments that go with it, a tie can now serve as an accessory for a casual ensemble. Worn correctly, it adds splashes of color to an otherwise plain- looking collared shirt. This is important because most individuals unfortunately formulate extravagant judgments based on what one wears. However, not all ties are right for your dad. Remember, fathers have their own styles and personalities like any other person.

Tie one on

One doesn’t have to rummage deep into dad’s closet to find a black silk necktie. It is a wardrobe staple that fathers repeatedly wear to any formal event, especially when they’ve exceeded the boundaries of Filipino time and urgently need to grab a play- safe necktie to match their ensemble. And while we are playing safe, why not play around with other “safe” colors as well? With a diversity of colors that greatly exceeds those found in a box of 124 Crayola crayons, there’s definitely one that perfectly matches your dad’s occupation and personality.

Red is the ultimate “power tie”.  A man draped with a bright crimson tie exudes power and promptly commands all eyes on him. If your dad enjoys being the center of attention, this is the perfect color to add to his repository. Red is also used as a symbol of authority and determination, which definitely helps if your dad works as a high- ranking authority.

Not far from the red family is pink, which is perceived as more gentle and friendly. Kudos to whoever came up with “Real men wear pink” for not excluding the pink necktie. Only the most audacious men can pull off the pink necktie look with a certain degree of panache. Your dad would be surprised at how many compliments he would receive for wearing one. Meanwhile, blue is for stability and confidence, which is perfect for fathers who have to deal with cumbersome employees or the pressures of public speaking for their profession.

The old school tie

Pay homage to the British gentry’s school uniform with a diagonal-striped tie (also known as repp or regimental tie). One would picture a striped fabric donned by an erudite man in a navy blue blazer and gray trousers who walks around the halls of a prestigious university. Just stay away from very narrow lines arranged close each other because they tire the eyes easily.

Polka-dots and graphic ties patterned with superheroes or sports teams can help bring out your dad’s friendly and light- hearted side, but he must opt to minimize its use during formal events.

Finding the right patterned necktie can be quite complicated, even for an aficionado. The rule of the thumb is unpatterned ties go with patterned shirts, while patterned ties go in pairs with a plain- colored shirt.

Clipped ties

Zipper neckties are acceptable for dads- on- the- go, but clip-on ties should be thrown out of the closet. They are only to be worn by fathers who work as police enforcers or security guards to avoid criminals from pulling them hard in an act of resistance and causing suffocation to the wearer.

The necktie clip

Now that you have finally presented your dad with the perfect necktie, it is important to always keep it straight when he finally wears it with confidence. You don’t want to catch him incessantly straightening his tie every five minutes because you forgot about the tie clip. Much more than an inexpensive accessory that can pass for a faux fountain pen, it prevents the tie from fluttering around too much even on the slightest breeze, or when it accidentally gets in the way of your dad’s restroom business. Just keep in mind that the clip should never go wider than the necktie itself.

Family ties that bind

Some of us have trouble feeding our wallets straight from the baon-less days of summer,  so it’s practical to go for the affordable. One does not have to traverse miles for the nearest haberdashery; the men’s accessories section in any local department store offers a wide array of inexpensive yet wild sartorial statements that range from the simple skinny to the outrageous paisley neckties for any occasion. And for Father’s Day, make sure to tie the right one!

 

Feeling lethargic as you wake, or just can’t find the right way to start your summer morning? Was your usual school day rush habit kicking in, only you had the rest of the day to do anything? Is your energizing playlist full of Avicii or Zedd and yet you find that coffee is not enough to jumpstart your lousy limbs? Why not take out those new sneakers from last Christmas, strap that player on your armband and let the wind and sun flow through you.

 

This summer, The LaSallian will give you the top places to spend the morning, with friends or none, just feeling the wind and expelling good ol’ sweat. Just maybe you’ll find that new track for your summer morn.

 

SM Mall of Asia

Travel tips: From EDSA, go straight to the end, crossing Taft Avenue and Roxas Boulevard, until you reach the huge globe of SM Mall of Asia at the end.

 

Along with the morning ocean breeze, the long and nicely cemented open road can be suitable for your jogging. Run freely and inhale plenty of that fresh air on every lap. Another thing that could be a plus is the huge mall beside this particular track, which surely has your needs or wants. After your run, why not pick up your groceries or do your morning shopping here, and hit two birds with one stone? There are also different fitness classes that can be found along the route of your jog. Feel free to join these along with new acquaintances. Different activities such as biking, and other recreational sports can also be availed of in the mall complex.

 

Bonifacio Global City

Travel tips: From C5, turn right into the service road going to Fort Bonifacio. From EDSA southbound, turn left to McKinley Road, and go straight till you reach the Fort.

 

BGC welcomes runners of different levels, may you be new or experienced to running.  For starters, you could take Bonifacio High Street for a lap or two, but if you’re really in for a challenge then add McKinley Hill to your route and exert that hidden energy as you go uphill (Just be careful as you go downhill and make sure you bend your knees). With very light traffic and wide, long roads and towering structures, the experience is like having a tour in Utopia. Running events are also frequently hosted here. Try them out: you may just be the next holder of the victor’s cup.

 

Ayala Triangle

Travel tips: This is the meeting point of Ayala Avenue, Makati Avenue, and Paseo De Roxas. Any route – be it through EDSA or some other route – that ends in an intersection of the two out of three roads mentioned would be a good starting point.

 

At the heart of the Metro, you can find serenity and solace in the Ayala Triangle. If you live in the Metro, you can take any means of transportation to get there, may it be bus or jeep. Amidst the great pollution and clutter in the rest of the city, you’ll be surprised with the verdant grove that can be found in the place. The huge trees in the area not only provide a refreshing dash of green for everyone, but also serve as shade for weary runners to rest in. If the day is too full for a jog, a night tread wouldn’t be bad as well, because of the countless lamps among the path. Plus you might even get a chance to see the lights and sound show in the afternoon.

 

La Mesa Eco Park

Travel Tips: From Commonwealth Avenue, turn right at East Fairview Subdivision’s Winston Street. Turn left at Dunhill Street and go straight until you reach the entrance to the park.

 

Up north of Manila, with just 50 pesos, you can enjoy the beauty of a lush green environment and get to avoid the rigid concrete lines and angles of the city, for once. Here in La Mesa Eco Park you have different running options, such as running around to enjoy the sights, or the biker’s path for a more off-trail run. But if you’re really in for more thrill, why not climb down the hundred steps to the watershed? There are also different attractions around the park, such as the butterfly garden and the lake view in the morning. Feel the oneness of you and nature in this really Earthy place in the Metro.

 

 

Roxas Boulevard

Travel Tips: From Monumento or Baclaran, look for any ride and don’t get down until you can see the sea.

 

If there is such a running center in Manila, this would be the place. With a road that stretches kilometers in length, it is indeed a runner’s place to be. Enjoy the sight of Manila bay on one side, and the towering skyscrapers and structures on the other.  You can also have a spot at kilometer zero, or the starting point of the kilometer system in our country, on one end, and maybe you can start marking your own personal best record for yours truly to beat.

 

In truth, running has always been part of our lifestyle, may it be because of rush or recreation. This summer, let us spend time doing something that could not only benefit our body, but could also give us that extra edge of exercise in our daily activities. Hopefully these routes can add a dash of color to our summer routines.

Now let’s take a look at your experience so far with the mean machines of travel: the road with a jeepney? The sea with a boat? That is some impressive practical knowledge you have there, but we cannot let you finish the course just yet.

Never proclaim the party over without the rock star: this is a plane we’re talking about! By meme-speak, we invite you to “Get in, loser. We’re going flying!”

 

Who is a pilot? To spot them is easy. It’s the exclusive garb. Whether it’s the army green flight suit or the captain’s white button-down, it is always paired perfectly with aviator’s shades. They look cool, breathing in the air of admiration. Appearance tells us what they do but it does not, however, tell us how they came to be qualified to do it.

Everyone can become a pilot, but not everyone is one. To be considered successful is to be in the sky flying, as a result of perseverance and hard work. By its demand for intelligence, attitude, and experience, the dream is kicked off by an education that itself requires a college degree.

The Philippines has, as a matter of fact, a profusion of competent flying schools all over the country, from Cagayan down to Davao, attracting aspirants all over the world for the schools’ quality training and decent fees. Since the 1 to 3 million peso tuition fee of budget establishments and high-end aviation schools are still a lot for most people, alternatives include directly entering the workforce, securing “fly now, pay later” programs of some carriers, and enlistment with the Philippine Air Force, where government funds make air education possible.

Regardless of the institution, flyers start in the classroom to study the science of flight, which includes physics, meteorology, and navigation, as well as a crucial understanding of air traffic – all of which are prerequisites to glorious flying time. After 150 to 200 hours in the air, graduation and licensing will bring you closer to joining the sky fleet where safety is their business.

That is exactly why the transition to a larger reality can harass you. Both the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines or the CAAP and your prospective employer will check on your suitability as long as you plan to stay in the flying game, possibly dismissing you and a handful of other dreamers for health technicalities.

The airline industry owes its generous compensation and rewards of a dual E nature – that is, ‘economic’ and ‘exciting.’ Airlines pay their pilots a pretty penny so that they will fly their planes, while also giving them the perks of free seating, hotel-quality accommodations, and allowances. Aside from the obvious thrill of flying a 105-ton bird, they get to visit different countries on a regular basis, experiencing the culture of the location, even if only for a short time.

(After that welcome diversion, we get on to the main article!)

Now that you had a glimpse of the industry and occupational aviation, does the vivacity of flying interest you? The Menagerie, with the help of Captain Franco C. Mendoza of Philippine Airlines, brings you a session in flying meant to satisfy your imagination. Ready, set, take off!

 

The Lesson

Before we start, let’s give you a general idea of what a plane looks like, or more specifically the parts that make it operate. A typical jetliner like the 747 would have four jet engines on the wings. The rudder, a dorsal fin-like flap located at the tail of the plane, steers the aircraft left and right. Now, at the back of each wing are these flaps that would extend; they bank the jet left or right.  Other key parts are inside the cockpit, such as the yoke, side stick and tiller that all act as the steering wheel of the aircraft. The yoke is what makes the plane go up or down, the side stick moves the flaps, while the tiller moves the rudder.

Now, let us join Capt. Mendoza as he goes on a typical flight:

 

1.5 hours before scheduled flight

Before boarding the plane, the pilots meet with their airline dispatchers in an office in the airport, called the dispatch area, to receive instructions. During this procedural meeting, they discuss the flight plan as pilots are given information regarding the destination (such as the state of the other airport’s runway), weather (always different, therefore specific in management), and airplane condition (determining how long it will take to fix the problem), which are unique to all journeys that subject the flight to delay or cancellation.

 

1 hour before actual flight

It is time for the pilots to get inside the aircraft and report to the cockpit, either through the tube the same way as passengers usually do or via the airport shuttle, to start the plane check procedure. Invariably, they go through a checklist that serves as their review prior to actually flying the plane.  Other things should be on hand, such as the certificates of the aircraft issued by the CAAP deeming the jet worthy to fly, along with the worthy pilot with a license and medical certificate. A reference manual should be available throughout the flight, and scanned for revisions from previous pilots, while the captain (or by his or her delegation), as the one primarily accountable for the plane, inspects the physical condition of the aircraft for necessary redundancy with the more technical ground maintenance, with whom the plane crew coordinates with using those cool headsets.

 

Sitting down

Inside the cockpit there would usually be four pilots (if not two; if flight time is more than eight hours, they need relievers to allow them rest), the captain, co-captain or first officer(s) and the second officer(s), each of them distinct by rank in accountability, experience, and pay rate – though all are addressable as “captain.” At the start, actual captains would be seated in front, and the rest of the officers would be behind them.

 

Take off

At this point, all passengers are seated and the doors are shut. The captain fires the Engine Selector that marks the beginning of the “engine start sequence.” By the grace of technology, the computer would be the one to do most of the work, like ignition and fuel control. The jet is then taken to the runway by a tram and is lined up for their turn upon taking off, all the while the first officer coordinates with air traffic control (as they would do throughout the trip for joint judgments). Once given the go signal, the captain pushes the thrust lever forward, and the plane starts to move. It starts to taxi and it gains speed as it rocket forwards in the runway. When the appropriate speed is achieved, the captain pulls the yoke, and the plane starts to climb. Woohoo!

 

Climb and Cruise

As the plane ascends, once it is above a certain level, the wheels of the plane are retracted. The aircraft has to reach a certain altitude before it reaches flight level to which a plane cruises (flies straight). Once it is at this state, the captains, who usually take turns during the flight would turn on the autopilot, which is actually not a joystick with a big red button like in the cartoons but an inconspicuous toggle among the many knobs in the flight deck.

 

Descend, Land, and Park

At the appropriate distance or as advised by the control tower, the pilots now proceed to descend. They would use the three-part steering wheel to bring the aircraft to a certain height in order for them to land the plane. When near the landing strip or runway, the landing gear (the wheels! the wheels!) would unfold from the jet’s belly and the yoke would be pulled back, and after a speedy landing, the plane is now on the ground taxiing to the end of the runway and to its designated terminal.

***

Congratulations, Captain Lasallian! You just flew your first airliner.

Indeed, the life of a pilot is a dangerous one. Flying over huge bodies of water, deserts, and other uninhabited places at heights of fifty thousand feet at high speeds, it is no walk in the park. It is, however, highly rewarding especially for airline pilots and for those who yearn for adventure and matchless sights. These men and women arm themselves with their alert wit, their calm, and their resoluteness every time they fly one of man’s greatest creations, the airplane.

 

When the astronauts in space look back down on our planet, they see blue. Seventy percent of our world is made up of salt-water oceans and we are living in the remaining minority – land.
This is common knowledge to anyone who had to draw and color the globe back in grade school. It was always the blue crayon that came back to the box shortest. Our world at a glance may be green with the grass and the trees, but this is only a small part of it. To really call earth our home, we must live in its biggest part, the blue part. To do this, we will need a few things.

 

A captain and his ship

“He needed a crew for his monthly races so I joined him.”

Diego Garcia (III, CAM-MKT) is referring to his father, who brought him to the Taal Lake Yacht Club. TLYC is sometimes referred to as the sailing mecca of the Philippines, which isn’t a bad place to learn the figurative and literal ropes of sailing. It was here where Garcia was taught the basics. The rest he would learn by observing his father during races, and also through firsthand experiences. One of these experiences was his involvement in a five-day rally that would bring him to the beautiful islands of the Philippines by way of the seas that surround them.

“I’ve twice joined a weeklong race with my dad, called the Philippine Hobie Challenge,” he shares.

The Philippine Inter-Island Foundation is an advocate of the saying ‘By the people, for the people’, as it is made up of local and international sailors with the goal of promoting the sport of sailing in the Philippines. They require for this challenge a specific ship, the Hobie 16. Hence, the Fourteen years ago, the PHINSAF created the Philippine Hobie Challenge. They held their first race in 2000.

This beach catamaran was introduced back in 1972 and today is the second largest boat fleet in existence. It is known for its banana shaped body, which resembles a curved surfboard. It is with this boat, Garcia and his father sailed through the Philippines. They got from point to point along the archipelago’s western coast as part of the Philippine Hobie Challenge. But before we even think about sailing through the Sulu Sea, we first need to learn the basics.

 

Getting your Sea Legs

First piece of advice? “Always wear a life jacket!”

This was first thing taught to Garcia when he was getting his sea legs, and he relays this as the first thing to take note of for any newcomer to sailing. Beginners can initially dismiss this for being something so basic and seemingly commonsensical, an unimportant detail; far from true.

Even someone with decades of experience in sailing and the most advanced equipment will sink in the water without a life jacket. Try not to outsmart the water by taking even this simplest precautionary measure, and ensure that when you need to float, you will.

Besides this imperative first lesson, there is an importance of mastering more than just fundamentals when sailing. Unlike when driving a car, one sees only a few things. These are the wheel, the transmission and the pedal. Everything else was almost secondary as a need and didn’t seem too important to get familiar with: sailing will not be as forgiving.

One needs to learn about all the parts of the boat, starting with basics such as the hull – the body of the boat – and the rudder, the device for steering. One also becomes familiar with the concepts of up-wind and down-wind, the directions of the sources of wind, which is your vehicle’s fuel. Without it, you will not move, and sometimes, it will move you the wrong way.

And just like you can’t wear your shoes without tying your laces, you need to learn the different knots. These knots are applied to tie the boat to the dock, or to tie the rope to one of the stanchions or bars onboard. This is to keep everything where you need it, lest the waters have too much fun with you and the boat.

Now that you know a scant bit of what it takes to commandeer this boat, let us talk about getting it to move.

It might not be a question of what is the first thing, or the most important thing one has to do to sail the yacht. Rather, starting to sail is a question of what newcomers find most difficult.

Garcia explains that without understanding the basics such as the direction of the wind, the boat ceases to move. Oftentimes it can be frustrating, to the point you just want to jump off the boat and swim and push. These difficulties do not vanish anytime soon.

Although this can definitely sound disheartening, it is actually motivating for some; for instance, Garcia has met old men who have yet to master sailing. Even these supposed veterans are always learning something new, on how to better read the wind or control the boat. This very fact, that age has caught up on them but not total mastery, of course does not stop them, but drives them further to become better sailors. And to become a good sailor, one needs more than just years.

“A good eye, and a good touch,” says Garcia on the characteristics he says that are needed to become an ideal sailor. One must be observant of what is happening, at sea and otherwise. This is not limited to sight, as one must have a feel of the wind, and other delicate conditions like direction and a sense of the aquatic terrain.

A good touch is also needed to properly treat the boat; understanding how much power one has will help in maneuvering the yacht. Garcia says that a good sailor is gentle with the boat. Being patient does this, without forcing the boat to do something it cannot. This means having to be familiar with what it can do, such as how far it can go and how long it will last, just like a good car driver knows what speed his or her car can sustain and what turns it can make.

With knowledge and intimacy of this vessel, a sailor can do the right things, like minimize water friction and maintain momentum when sailing. It is these rare abilities that separate the good sailors from the simply capable ones.

 

Open Waters

“All you can hear is the wind blowing and you can’t see land anywhere.”

Garcia is slightly nostalgic. His favorite memories are of the long hours spent on the Philippine Hobie Challenge. As he leans against the waters of a non in particular sea, he appreciates what is there, and that he is part of it. He is one with his family and friends, some sailors and some land people, with the beauty of the open water. When at sea he isn’t submerged in urban noise or the congestion of people in the city. With no sign of land, there seems to be no sign of problems.

There is an enigma to be found in the sea. Despite the waters being vast in size, it is also so simple. There is no business or politics here. There is just a sailor, and the sea. And this sailor is learning and experiencing more of life than can be assumed when trapped at land.

It will always be the blue crayon that comes back to the box shortest.