Philouise’s Weblog

Changing hues of utilizing time and space

By Philian Louise Weygan (published in Cordillera Today Aug 2, 2009)

Escape from boredom or dullness of life at times dictate the utilization of time and space. Alternatives are available where some of these are purposively beneficial while other alternatives seemingly lead to greater ills of society.

Last summer the YMCA Baguio, headed by Eliral Refuerzo, launched the Cordillera Cultural project  of what he says  “It’s in answer to the common yearning of people who trace their roots to the Cordillera to know part of their heritage.”   The first batch was composed of children and college students trained by three trainers. Based on the updates from Ramon Dacawi, the chairperson of the program committee, the first batch was able to present the “tayaw” and “bendian” dances of Benguet at the closing of the annual Youth Summer Camp and the closing of the summer frolics this summer.

The YMCA Baguio Cordillera Cultural  training classes is moved to Saturdays as the attendees find it difficult to make it on the daily schedules. Classes are now handled from 9:00 to 12:00 am and from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Anyone who is interested in learning Cordillera Dances, Gong and other instrument playing, Chants are encouraged to register and attend the classes. Performances are scheduled  where lessons learned are presented.

Years ago, amusement to kick boredom to us was playing with siblings, classmates and relatives.  Some summer breaks we would follow the Balili river then to the Malvar up to Brooks point where Uncle Pedro and our cousins live. Along the way we would be catching mudfish (jojo), together with the boys we will catch spiders and put them in match boxes, get lantana seeds for our sulbatana, pick flowers for our flower vases or child made graves of dead spiders. Games with classmates would be jumping rope, jack stones, patentero and other team games. There seem to be no end on how kids entertain themselves under the wide blue sky. During some summers my mother would send us to Besao and join climbing the trees, trekking mountains, crossing rivers, wading brooks and playing at the church yard until the moon rises above and cast dark sinister shadows on the ground. There were thousand ways to amuse children.

Today, amusement is  becoming equated to theme parks and indoor facilities. A few months ago we were in Genting City of Entertainment in Malaysia. The First World Plaza houses a casino, indoor theme park , shopping complex features a series of fun rides and six theme areas named after famous cities and landmarks – France’s Champs Elysees, England’s London, Italy’s Venice, America’s Times Square and Universal Walk, Switzerland’s Swiss Alps and Malaysia’s Genting Walk.

Other attractions are Genting Sky Venture, the only free-fall skydiving simulator in Asia, and Genting X-pedition Wall, an international-standard rock-climbing wall stretching to 15 meters in height, with a 6-meter overhang. There is also bowling, a video arcade, a Cineplex and many more fun rides. The Genting Theme Park is a playground with over 40 rides.

Macau as the Las Vegas of Asia is no different. Accessed through the airport, jetfoil or by the land borders, visitors are treated to free shuttle buses to the gambling facilities. Last June, the City of Dreams was opened with a focus on mass gaming market adding 516 gaming tables and 1,350 gaming machines. This raised Macau’s number of casinos to 32.

A few days ago we found ourselves taking bus no. 12 going to the Macau Fisherman’s Wharf, one of those awarded with the “2009 Macau and Hong Kong Integrity Marks” for its outstanding products and services. There is a convention and Exhibition Center and the schedule then was from July 10 to 14 is the Science and Technology Week 2000 and on July 23 to 26 is the ACG Creative Industries Festival. Landmark Macau houses several restaurants including the Kawato Japanese Restaurant, Petrus, Royal Orchid Chinese Restaurant, Varanda. Several  establishments have special offers like Landmark Bakery with moon cakes for the season;  Crazy Fun amusement with a MOP 1000 package of several games rides and a gift and Rocks Hotel had a 3-night Dine and Stay Promotion package HKD/MOP 2,670 for two persons.

After dinner we walked around we chanced on “the Fishers” a group of talented musicians packing up their instruments after performing along the wharf. At a distance we saw Filipino band members, but unfortunately had no chance to talk to them before they departed. The place was of various structures showing architectural accomplishments fitted for photographs and performance, specially because the lights impacted against the dark night. We took photos at the Gondolier Terrace and we were told that it is utilized for various functions.

However, Macau has several parks and historical places where a visitor may explore and enjoy. Early mornings and afternoons Guia Hill will be inhabited by walkers and joggers around the cemented jogging path which runs around the side of the hill. The hill is devoted for sports and wellness. Aside from the running/jogging paths they have exercise machines, tennis courts and other ball courts, a tram and other facilities. Cameos garden and grotto beside the Anglican and Protestant cemetery is where one would find groups of men and women playing cards or board games, rendering musicals, or simply sitting around while the children play or find themselves in the library. Going to most of the parks and gardens removes the dullness of the days.

Our changing cultures also result in changing interpretations of using time and space to dispel boredom and the dullness of days and nights. Learning a dance, skill, enjoying nature seems becoming more remote as urban facilities take center stage. Unfortunately, simulated amusement facilities are sometimes interpreted as a source of propagating social ill and problems.