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Psychiatry

One lesson that I related to so quickly and deeply was our topic on characterization/profiling. As a former thespian, I had to construct character sketches for each of the roles I have ever played. I’m currently working on a BS Psychology undergraduate degree, and my major classes have been centered on studying and understanding individual differences. This helps me create a picture of an individual with the facts given to me, without even meeting the persona. My undergraduate degree will hopefully take me to med school, where I will be studying Psychiatry. 

Perhaps it is quite obvious that I am passionate and/or completely obsessed about understanding the lives of other people. Why they do the things they do, why certain things make them tick, why their goals are formed as such, and these all come from the initial profile that I create about them. It is a guide that I can turn to whenever I get faced with a situation that I cannot navigate all at once. If everybody just knew how to do characterization or profiling, we would all have a deeper understanding of each other, thus promoting universal empathy.

Empathy is the most valuable trait of all. Without it, wars would rule, then ruin - the world. 

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Ang Pag-uusig

Theatre is my first love. As I’ve said in my previous entries, I’ve undergone training in the field for 8 years. With that being said, Ang Pag-uusig (The Crucible by Arthur Miller), directed by the brilliant Dennis Marasigan was jaw-dropping. I would like to focus on the Logistics of the play first and foremost. When I stepped in the room, a strong sense of nostalgia filled me as I remembered being part of an improvisation workshop there a few years back. The place was intimate, with the main focus being on the tilted stage that had a single improvised bed, which I really liked. As soon as the show started, I was drawn to the costumes of the two actors at the beginning of the first scene. They were very simple, yet they already said plenty about the setting of the story that I was about to see. Throughout the play, the costumes were consistent, and the lighting and the music gave each scene a huge impact. The set and the props were minimal, each of them relevant to whatever point the director wanted to get across. 

The actors were amazing, with skill and years of training evident as they showcased what they worked on for months on end. One moment that extremely moved me was when one young actress took her top off, revealing her breasts, to tell the story that happened in the forest. It was maybe about 10 minutes into the play and that moment already told me that the show was going to be one for the books. Another favorite of mine was when the girls were acting possessed when they were in court. They were perfectly synchronized and the impact of that scene gave me intense goosebumps. That was raw talent, and easily one of the most awesome things I’ve ever seen. 

The story itself really struck a nerve and pulled at my heart-strings. It was compelling, engaging, and there was never a dull moment the entire time. JV Ibate made an excellent John Proctor, with passion and fury that was impossible not to feel. Toni Go as Abigail Williams made the perfect villain, the mistress, that we all loved to hate. Aldo Vencilao as Giles Corey was a character that was hilarious and so easy to empathize with, and personally, his acting was just pristine. The play showcased many things, such as the lengths people will go to to attain power, the unfair extrajudicial killings haunting the country today, even the family values that the Filipino society holds on to very tightly. 

Overall, it was a show that I’d love to watch over and over again. I’m so grateful that this was introduced to me by professor, as it reminded me very much of why I love the art of theatre. It was definitely a mature play, one that leaves you thinking about it for days. 

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The first photo is of me and my childhood theatre crush, Nel Gomez, who enjoyed the play as well.

The second photo is of me and my boyfriend after watching the show.

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Awakening

Dear Self,

When you were three, your parents brought home a pink little baby girl, your first baby sister. She had big, dark brown eyes, porcelain skin, and curly hair. She was like your own living, breathing doll. She was very quiet and curious. You immediately loved her and she quickly became your best friend. Two years later, your parents brought home another pink little baby girl, your second baby sister. You were five then, and you quickly learned that you were to take very good care of this new baby. She never became your best friend, just your little sister. 

Years went by, probably 3 or 4, and now that both your sisters could play with your toys, you got into a whole lot of fights and arguments. Your parents, who were then only just a few years short of 30, went out with their friends a lot at night, and you were tasked to watch over your little sisters. In the day time, you would be enemies, but in the night time, when you were alone with them, you’d turn into their protector. Those were the nights wherein you’d make them milk, change their diapers, give them baths, and so on. Those were also the nights that you’d kiss them when they were asleep, all the while realizing that you were going to be their protector and their big sister forever. 

You were terrified, yet excited, being the authority figure. The one that would influence them in ways that nobody could. You were so ecstatic to grow up already so you could show them someone they could look up to.

You, my young self, are now 20 years old. Your sisters are 17 and 15, and you all have changed drastically. You still get into fights, although mostly verbal now, rarely physical. You have made something of yourself. You are studying to become a doctor, and is generally a good daughter. Your sisters are very affectionate, but you know that they admire you. You see their eyes glitter when you share your achievements with them, although they never intentionally express it. The surprising thing is, as much as they admire you, you admire them too. You admire that they both have different outlooks of the world, different personalities, different goals-- all of which they can so easily achieve because they are so, so intelligent. Much more intelligent than you are, even. They have become your best friends. You have matured very, very much; they have, too. Yet, you’re still their protector, their big sister, and that will never change.

Love, 

Keisha, BS Psychology, DLSU,

20 years old

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What Awakening?

Dear Self, 

When you were three, your parents brought home an ugly, ugly piece of human, that was sadly, your little sister. She cried all the time and always drew attention to herself. You hated her and wanted her to disappear. Two years later, your parents brought home another ugly piece of human, your second baby sister. You were five then, and with age, you were increasingly frustrated with your parents for bringing home babies. You hated this second one as much as you hated the first, if not even more.

Years went by, probably 3 or 4 very long ones, and now that both your sisters could break your toys, you got into a whole lot of very physical fights. You’d scratch and bite each other, you even left a Harry Potter scar on one of their foreheads. Your parents, those party animals, went out with their friends some nights and you had to watch over those little devils. In the day time, you would be enemies, but in the night time, you’d want to kill them. Those were the nights wherein you’d make them milk, change their diapers, give them baths, when all you really wanted was to watch TV without anyone telling you to stop. Those were also the nights that you’d glare at them when they were asleep, all the while realizing that you had to tolerate them forever.

You were terrified, and very angry, that you had to be their older sister forever. The one that would have to be good or else your parents would blame everything on you. 

You, my young self, are now 20 years old. Your sisters are 17 and 15, and you all have changed drastically. Your fights are mostly verbal now, and they are very, very emotionally abusive. You have made something of yourself. You are studying to be a doctor, and is generally an okay daughter. Your sisters show no affection at all, only pure hatred, but that’s fine because you hate them too. They both have the same rotten personalities. They have become your worst enemies. That will never change.

Love,

Keisha, BS Psychology, DLSU

20 years old

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Journal Entry #2

The main commonality that I’ve noticed in our lessons on Oral/Folk Literature, The Mythical Imagination, The Myth of Tungkung Langit and Alunsina and the epics of Panay-Bukidnon, is that they are all ingrained in archetypes. They also have stories of love, strong creatures, and the temper of the gods. When we talked about the Creation of the World, the yin ang yang was very evident. In most of the stories, two gods had conflict therefore creating the world. In The Myth of Tungkung Langit and Alunsina, their lover’s quarrel made Tungkung Langit sad and desperate to get Alunsina back. Thus, he created the world in order to impress her. The epics Tikum Kadlum, Amburukay and Tarangban all had similar themes as well. An epic hero going on a journey to find something greater than himself, and in the end, finding love. All the stories revolved around the power of love and sorrow.

My favorite out of all the stories is The Myth of Tungkung Langit and Alunsina. It is in this narrative that we see how strong the archetypes of man and woman are. The two characters were equal, as they were gods, yet jealousy still got the best of them. In my opinion, it was through this jealousy that we, readers, can see these indestructible gods as human. Tungkung Langit was guilty that he banished Alunsina, and it was through his pain and suffering that the world came to be. It was through this act that Alunsina can be seen as a powerful woman. Perhaps it is similar to our everyday struggles as well. In order to become something great, we must learn how to work hard and suffer for our greatest dreams and ambitions.

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Our house in Binan, Laguna

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MAPPING EXERCISE

On a peaceful Friday morning on the 15th of August, 1997, I was born in the Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Sta. Mesa, Manila. My parents, Jerold and Donna, gave me the name Francine Keisha Liann Y. King. Francine came from my father’s mother, Francisca; and Liann came from my mother’s mother, Marian. For about a year, I resided with my mother’s family in Binan, Laguna, as she and my father were not married yet. Our ancestral home there has a special place in my heart. It is a Bahay na Bato made of wooden floors, capiz windows and the most beautiful hand-painted portraits of our predecessors. It has a large garden that rabbits and cats call their home, and it was where I learned to walk. Whenever my family and I visit Binan, a strong warm feeling of nostalgia fills my heart and soul. 

When my parents got married on the 22nd of August, 1998, I moved in with my father’s family in Sta. Mesa, Manila. Because my father’s parents are of Chinese blood, the house was adorned with red and traditional Chinese furniture, a stark contrast to our home in Binan. I live in this residence until today, and I have spent practically my whole life here. 

When I was in the 5th grade, 10 years of age, I decided to enter an acting workshop. It took all summer and I thought long and hard about it. Alas, I found my home in musical theatre. I enjoyed taking on archetypes and characters that had their stories and emotions of their own, I found fun in singing and belting out tunes far greater than myself. This continued until I was in my 4th year of High School, where I joined the Dramatics Guild. I spent a total of 8 years training for my chosen craft. Musical theatre built and formed who I am today. It was in this field wherein I found my home, my place of joy, the stage.

On a hectic April day in 2016, I had a major presentation, as well as a busy schedule as I was set to take two finals the following day. I did my usual routine of going to the chapel, getting a bible verse from the fishbowl, and getting my coffee. The bible verse I had gotten was particularly beautiful that day, and I texted it to my grandmother. An hour later, I was in Starbucks reviewing my upcoming presentation, I got a text from my grandmother saying that her mother, my great grandmother just passed away. I was in shock and had no idea what to do. I had 15 minutes until my presentation, so I went to class. I told my professor I would have to leave right after it because of the circumstances. In the middle of my presentation, I broke down and left the room. It did not sink in until I was presenting, until I was pretending that everything was normal. If I had a place of sorrow, it would be that day. 

Ever since I entered De La Salle University, I promised myself that in order to spiritually grow, I would go to the chapel every school day. I would go there to thank God for another day, to ask for guidance in all of my activities for the day, to ask for His healing for my family members, to perhaps ask for something that I really, really want, and to just stay there with Him. I have done this every single day I have been a college student and it was helped my soul and my mental health a great deal. It’s where I get to reflect and think about where I am in my life. The chapel is my place of solace. Another vital part of my life has been my boyfriend. We have been officially together for two years now, and he has infinitely changed me for the better. He is my greatest confidante, and above our romantic relationship, we are the best of friends. I have never met anybody who knows me more than I know myself, except for him. He motivates me to be better every single day. He points out my flaws so that I could improve, as well as my strengths, as to help me believe in myself. I love him very much and I do pray everyday that I get to spend the rest of my life helping him fulfill his dreams. He is my refuge.

My dream is to become a psychiatrist. I am working extremely hard right now in University so I am able to get into a great med school, and afterwards, become a brilliant doctor. My college years are coming to an end relatively soon, and De La Salle University has really molded me. I came in a girl, and I am certain that I will leave a woman. My heart bleeds green, and my place of dream is our beloved De La Salle University in the bustling and hustling Taft Avenue.

Whenever I think about who I am as a person, I think of the past mistakes I’ve made, and how they formed me into who I am. A person’s personality crystallizes at about 18 years of age, and from there, it remains relatively constant throughout the lifespan. I think of the great maturity I have earned from my experiences and how I am much kinder and empathetic to people I meet now. I think about how I’ve grown, and learned, and continue to progress as an individual. During the recent years, I found out that I am nationalistic, that my heart bleeds for the Filipino people. Our culture is so rich and so diverse, our islands so pristine, and our people so resilient, it is hard to not fall in love with our nation. Yes, we face several difficulties, some that indeed make it hard to love our country sometimes, but the reason we are so affected by these challenges is because we love our nation. The Philippines is my place of identity.