“And I promise that you’ll never find another like me. – Taylor Swift, ME!”
A night filled with music, alcoholic beverages, dancing lights and sweaty blurry figures everywhere. You will see the bartender switching cups and twirling containers as he dances along with the music. The wild and fun gazes of the crowd to one another. This is how they let go, this is how some relax, this is how they find peace and satisfaction after a long tiring day of stress caused by studying. How ironic how they say it is a night to remember when they can’t even recall sometimes every detail of the momentous event since they’re too wasted with headache and hangover the day after. While many enjoy the company of strangers, I prefer something else because this is not the way John Mark De Castro Ayap sees a day of relaxation and serenity.
If you’re a colleague or a close friend of mine, you surely had been surprised by my introduction. Not that I hate drinking, I just don’t. Being quite introverted, I will be the last person you might see mingling in the dancefloor at a party. There is a possibility that you might not even see me there (I don’t want to gatecrash; I receive minimal invitations anyway). I always believe that something that makes us unique is how we as people decide on our own; of the things that make us who we are, and I think the way we unwind is something that only us can decide for ourselves.
So, to know more of me and my little ways on how I manage to cope up with the busy and tiring schedule of a Development Communication freshie, let me cite to you the things that I prefer. These are simple things that enable me to leave Earth for a while and let loose in a world that has only me inside it.
1. I PREFER MUSIC –
Music has been my escape to the real world ever since first grade. I can still remember losing grasp of my teacher’s lesson as I hum to the tune of ‘Isang Lahi’. It has been my constant confidant at times of sorrow and happiness. I find God with my music and he blesses me with the songs. I always find the peace that my heart needs whenever I hear acapella singing or the harmony of instruments that are heavenly to hear. I found friends through music. Whenever I feel tired, I always sing, because I might not have the most angelic voice there is, but music has been an avenue for me to express my feelings, to voice out my emotions and I think that is beautiful.
2. I PREFER POETRY –
While some express disgust with the rhythmic artistry of poetry, I find a home in its arms. Ever since my high school years I’ve been very addicted and inspired by poetry — specifically spoken word. The mastery of weaving metaphors and ideas into one literary peace gives too much joy in my heart. That feeling of having the capability of stating whatever it that you wanted to say poetically is something that I find priceless and worthy of time.
I always find time to listen with spoken word artist because it has been a way for me to know different stories coming from different artistic tongues which aims to inspire many newbie writers like me. I will always love the craft of poetry. This might not be as structural and formal as Shakespearean Sonnets but isn’t the main point of these literary pieces is to send the message across.
So, I encourage you to join me in streaming and appreciating these amazing artists that will surely touch your heart, to name a few, there’s Jonel Revistual, Carlo Hornilla, artists of the Button Poetry, and my favorites Juan Miguel Severo and the tandem of Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye. Let us get lost to their words and see our real identities within the lines of their works.
3. I PREFER SIMPLE TALKS –
We cannot deny the fact that being alone sometimes is lonely, and because of this I keep myself engaged with the persons I trust in the University. Mostly, these are my dorm mates. Before going to UP, I always wonder what experiences my first dorm will offer me. Being introverted and most of the time mistaken to be ‘suplado at masungit’ I didn’t expect that things will go smooth inside the room where I will be staying for the first semester. Never that I thought that my assumptions are all wrong since it goes exactly opposite of what I expected.
Too generous and fun to be with, these are James, Neil, and Luther for me. They had become my source of encouragement and motivation ever since the first week. They had provided me the company that I need to be able to adjust quickly to the campus. These boys had given me the casual talks I needed every night to calm down and re-evaluate my whole day. Setting some time to talk to them every night had been a habit already before going to sleep. Some might find it weird how come this had been a way for me to relax, but I can just say that having someone (a friend, or a family) willing to listen to whatever nonsense you wanted to say makes all the difference.
4. I PREFER QUALITY TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY –
This I think is the most fun and relaxing way to chill. Going home after 3 consecutive weeks in UPLB is something that allows me to see my old self even just occasionally. It reminds me of my purpose on why I am here today. Also, with my newfound friends whom I share my dreams with now. Eating together with them every after classes is a way for me to remind myself that this is not a journey of graduating alone but also meeting people along the way that shares the same aspirations in life with you. And are willing to go along with your stupidity.
5. I PREFER WHAT MAKES ME HAPPY –
I prefer what keeps me alive.
The end of the semester is coming nearer yet the pressure is just about to start. With a tetra pack of chocolate mix coffee on my hand and a piece of “pinagong” bread in the other, I am now equipped into facing the reality of another sleepless night I need to endure and overcome in UP. Facing my laptop, I am ready to zone out of this world and decide whether I’ll finish my requirements tonight or not.
Nonetheless, never forget that college is not just about academics and studying alone. Find time to relax, find things that will satisfy your sometimes weary and needy mind and heart. Find rest.
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