The HIGHLIGHT of my third year or should I say my entire college life. And I guess a lot of UST CTHM students would agree with me. Even though it is quite far from jobs offered in the hospitality industry, it is a great path that we could take after college. Aside from the fact that in this course we are able to be hands on, it has made us mature especially in decision making and dealing with people.
Writing a blog about this event was always been part of my to do lists. There were a lot things that had happened along our journey to PANAHON. We were probably the class that experienced a lot of heartbreaks and mishaps. Cheesy as it sounds, but by the end of every single day, PANAHON was a BLAST.
So because, I was such a busy bee, I wasn't able to sort of document all these ordeals. (And I don't really want this blog to be a diary, this will just be my shock-absorber/secret weapon). But here's an insight that I have been composing in my head since the controversial tragic postponement of our event.
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Our event is entitled "PANAHON: Experience Transistions and Live Beyond Expectations", which focuses on Seasons Tourism: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall. As I was very much in love with our theme, we literally associated everything with FOUR. Every detail in our event should be seasons inpsired or be in four different categories. But the biggest comparison I could make is with our class being divided in the 4 roles they have played.
WINTER - season of snow, coldness, and ice.
One lesson I learned on people's personality is that, it's a faux that one could be opinionated in just a wink of an eye. A timid person will always stay that way even she decides not to and we are not to force them because it's not helping. They will grow and voice out, maybe, on their own ways and means. They are just the type of people who are used to keeping their opinions within theirselves because they are afraid of being criticized, rejected or they just don't care at all. Yeah, these people are just frustrating to deal with. Because this is a class endeavor, not a voluntary act, everyone has to voice out their opinions, but sadly some just wont. Even the most dramatic plea to them won't work. They'll be there sitting and listening and would make just a move when it's already a slap on the face. They are also the same people who just come and go like they don't care. Well who knows what they really feel, at least they were neutral in all the clash.
SPRING - season of bloom, beauty, and color.
There are just people born to be creative and intelligent. Their ideas are just awesome that they should be credited for it. In all the discussions, they'll be silent. But in the process, they're ready for action. No instructions are needed for them to do what is required. They define initiative in an organization. They might not be the people who we have worked hard, but surely their contributions added to the success. What I love about their work ethics- is having no excuses. It's initiative with humility that I admire.
AUTUMN - season of fall, breeze, and gloom.
Arguments are necessary in decision making, it gives you more options and would make the end product diversed. But it is not always healthy - trust me in this one. Backstabbing/front even, disloyalty, dishonesty, break ups - name it! Relationships were put to test in a very, very hard way. It is contradicting when we insist for people to speak up and yet complaining on nonstop arguments. That's the difference - NONSTOP. I don't know why, but there are really those who just open their mouth for senseless things. And after, feeling confident that "hey! I said my piece! Done." It really drowns all your energy and even if you have the best rebuttal, you just shut down. Waving the white flag first is not a lose, but it is recognizing that somethings are not worth it anymore - of time, convincing, and saliva. Learning when and how to shut up comes in maturing. And filtering what to take in and not is professionalism.
SUMMER - season of heat, sunshine, and feast.
And of course, a tale wouldn't be complete without the lead. Shockingly, there are still people who just simply have good hearts, that whenever you recall how things have torn apart but they stood their heads up, full of optimism. Everyone helped in this big project but you can't erase the fact that there those on top of the hardworking list. Their incomparable energy makes you pity yourself for taking those 15 minute power naps. Those smiles after a missed quiz while you complain for having few mistakes because you watched your primetime favorite. They still worry for the unfinished business while you celebrate for the success. I know it is never correct to own a group effort, but it is the due recognition that they deserve. Well in fact they don't ask for anything in return. Wallets have been zeroed and eyes have been circled, still no selfish "I did this on my own." I don't know what's the prope way of describing it, maybe it's total commitment. The thing they'd did not forget when they enrolled in the course alongside 45 blockmates. No mentioning of names, they know who they are, and I salute you guys!
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We've got a year and a semester to take and to make more fond memories. People may still change in that span of time. As we look back on PANAHON, trying to remember all you've been through, sacrificed, and received.. I sure will have lots of awesome reminiscing to make :)
