Catch the Moment

Annually, the ICF Inc. holds its intramurals. In fact it is one of the most awaited and most exciting school event of the year. Let me share some of my experiences in this year’s 14^th Intramurals.

The first indoor games were held on August 17 at the ground floor of the new building. It was actually the scheduled date for our Mid-term Examination and personally, I felt a little disappointed because I certainly know that I can’t do two things at the same time for the reason that I have to take my exams prior to watching the games which some of our classmates have participated in. It was the next morning when some of our instructors were busy preparing for the table tennis, we were at one corner of the room when early sun rays peeped into when I heard my friend and my classmate said that she was not really prepared to compete. Actually, they were surprised when they learned that they would play on that day. Afternoon on the same day, after taking the exam in one of our subjects, my classmates and I were given the chance to watch badminton. I noticed that my classmate was holding her badminton rocket tightly which made me think that she was strongly determined to win the game. We cheered for her to have more courage and strength. We felt jolly and proud whenever she scores and we can’t resist to shout and applause for her. Well, all I can say, that day was unsatisfying because we were not able to witness most of the games held but it aroused my feeling of excitement to join the formal opening of the Intrams and the following events.

Though not an athlete, I also have felt the pressure of upholding the pride of our department just like some instructors and students showing great pride of joining the Academic-Literary Contests. I’ve seen how they spent their time and efforts running out of time just to fulfill the responsibilities put on their shoulders. Being one of the representatives in the Quiz Bee that was held last August 24, I felt honored yet nervous. I was asking myself how will I perform during the competition, knowing that some of the members in our department expected us that we can make it more than I know myself. I had no choice but exert more efforts and burn my midnight oil for many evenings. And fortunately, those sacrifices we’ve rendered for our department had paid off.

August 25^th, Tuesday, the grand parade was held. I made sure that I will arrive on time to join the parade because I believe that showing myself to the public as a student of ICF is a rare opportunity and that makes me proud. The parade was notably colorful and lively due to the different costumes of the cheer dancers from different departments and also because of the full cooperation of us – the students who proudly worn our respective department shirt during that moment. Thank God! We were blessed to have a fair sunny day of launching our 14^th Intramural Games. Of my several years of staying in ICF I used to witness a wet and flooded Intramural Games. The sun was shinning brightly but we endured the scorching heat. We have to cooperate, I know… to show to the people that our school brings us together for harmony and camaraderie. When we arrived to the gymnasium, full housed it was. I have felt that the energy seemed so high as if the sea of faces was full of laughter and excitement. The crowd raised the roof because crowd’s cheer became louder and trembling when the competition for the Miss Intrams ’09 began. Every department showed their support to their contestants. They were screaming and yelled as if there was no tomorrow.

During the opening ceremony, the guest speaker, Mr. Teddy Joson significantly and meaningfully delivered his inspirational message particularly for the sportsmen. Personally, I don’t used to listen very well in public speeches like an address delivered in an sports event but his striking words struck my attention and listened closely to his message. Addressing to the athletes, he said that the key for victory is having self-discipline, perseverance, optimism, resiliency, and team work. He also pointed out that losing is not always defeating and in my own opinion winning is not always victory. Be a humble winner indeed.

In the afternoon on that day, another highlight of this year’s Intrams was shown at the gymnasium, the most awaited cheerdance competition. All students and teachers prepared for this event as seen in their amazing costumes. Hot and sizzling dance moves and breath taking stunts and tosses were showcased. Everyone gave the best of their best performances. As a result, I observed some were gratified and some were dismayed. Well, that’s a part of a competition, we can’t be all winners at the same time. A winner is always opposed. As the guest speaker have said, “Be optimistic but don’t expect.”

Truly, due to the very fair weather condition and the cooperation of the school officials, teachers and students, the ICF Intramurals 2009 turned to be a success!

- De Zaire