Sparks Camp, After Two Seasons - My Thoughts

So after two seasons (S2 is coming to a close as of this writing), this show has truly captured the interest of people. Ano ba ito (baka may magtanong pa)? Ano pa na ba kundi, SPARKS CAMP - the only reality dating show featuring the lives of males in the LGBTQ community in the Philippines.  Congratulations to the whole team of Black Sheep PH for a successful season! *applause*

*Image from teaser photos in the net*

Eto na nga! Oo na. Wiz na sa pormalan ngunit kung maging pormalan at nasa vernacular ang pagkakasulat mamaya ay intindihin niyo na lang. Char!

Maraming kaganapan ang S2 tulad ng S1. Andoon ang kilig, inis at even pagiging patola ng mga followers. Something na very true sa saying na "if it's not broken, why fix it". Well definitely S1 was not broken but they did one hell of a level-up in terms of the usual spice of kilig and inis.

Comparing the two season is like comparing an apple sauce to an apple butter. Same thing in its basic but one is more finer and thicker in flavor. Kung hindi mo gets ang food reference, sorry but yun ang naisip ko habang sinusulat ito. Sa gets ang reference , congratulations at knows mo ang food mo! 

Parehong season may "I don't like him" character. A mantle not worn by one alone but by a good number of participants this S2. An element that can be easily missed but once napansin ng nanunuod ay mapag-iisip sya. Kasi hindi ba reality show ito. Meaning yung ganap na ayaw mo sa camp ay yun din ang nagaganap sa ginagalawan mo. Either guilty ka or victim ng mga galawan na yun, nagaganap sya talaga. Ikaw ba ang lalaban sa speed dating (free for all dating move) o ang appreciate one?

Usapang red at green flags naman (very new gen LoL). Ang isang noted difference ng S2 from S1 ay ang strong projection ng red flags ng participants. When I say projection, I meant nothing more but the editing done on the raw material. The selection of segments to show a reflection of the gay society is so defined and crafted that the strong green flag holder is ignored due to possible sensual and sexual factors which is actually true! This move made it more relatable, sa totoo lang.

* Image from ABS-CBN *

Mas reflective sa katotohanan ang ginawang season ngayon ng Sparks Camp. Mas heart wrenching to a point that any sensible viewer will pause and reflect.

One thing na maintained ay ang mga lessons that people should cherish. Lessons such as friendships/bonds formed, love is always there one just have to be open to it and when a door closes a window will open (Z & M scenario).

To end this, I will leave you with two quotes, one from a participant of the camp and another from a fantasy writer.

"Hindi ako magiging ganito kalakas ganito katatag kung hindi ako bakla." - Ejay (S2)

"The great love is gone. There are still little loves - friend to friend, brother to sister, student to teacher. Will you deny yourself comfort at the hearthfire of a cottage because you may no longer sit by the fireplace of a palace? Will you deny yourself to those who reach out to you in hopes of warming themselves at your hearthfire?"

Mercedes Lackey, Magic's Pawn (The Last Herald-Mage, #1)

How I met Allianz PNB-SOS-LoavesxFish In One Day

 SOS 

A very known code that depicts grave emergency. This code was initially applied by the Germans and was later adopted by the US after the sinking of the Titanic.

" The Morse code distress signal SOS is not an acronym. The letters S and O were chosen due to their simplicity and distinctiveness. This makes the letters easy to transmit and recognize in an emergency situation. A common misconception is that it stands for Save Our Souls or Save Our Ship."

Jan 20, 2023

(https://study.com › lesson › sos-his...)

This time around it goes into a more positive presentation of the code without losing the essence and purpose. Meet Scholar Of Sustenance (SOS) - The food rescue foundation.

SOS is a non-government organization geared for two distinct things:

1. Save food thus lessening food wastage and;

2. Help community food -providing groups continue their purpose of elevating the lives of others thru healthy food a meal at a time per day.

Operating on a near continuous calendar, SOS is in partner with various non-government organization and private corporationsin helping out save food coming from hotels and restaurants from going into dumpsters and converting it into new dishes for communities that needs assistance. Such was my first encounter with them when I partook in the reach-out community activity with Allianz PNB - SOS & Loaves X Fish. 

A whole morning event that started with a meet & greet in the workplace of Loaves X Fish located at Filinvest City in Alabang. From there, we were encourage to help in the preparation of meals for the recipient communities scheduled that day and the next day. Technically it was all hauling and lifting on most part for me since I was left below while the majority of those invited went upstairs to do some shredding. The exciting part was when the chef of LxF started showing how to plate-up the food to be distributed that day. On this part, I can saw that it paid off staying at the kitchen cause I get to see Chris Cabognason (Allianz) and LxF founder Joseph Yap (former ambassador of the country to Singapore) working together in plating the meals. Along side them are various people from Allianz, SOS and me forming a production line of sort so as to finish the targeted number of food packs for the community.

Travelling time comes next. From Alabang to somewhere in Bicutan/Taguig area, we get to meet the community under the wing of Parokya ng Ina ng mga Dukha. It was fun! The ladies of the parish were gracefully waiting for us (we were a bit delayed) and helped in the distribution and keeping all the kids in order. Besides documenting, I was playing "butler" to some people (kids and adults alike) since it was raining and I have my umbrella with me.

I really appreciate the fact that corporations are helping out and started being part of such activities such as Allianz PNB. They not only help communities thru funding but also encourages those within their group and outside to be part of this beautiful partnership - journey in heart fully aiding people in need.

This reminded me of all the outreach/immersion program I had during highschool in San Beda College (then, now it is a university)plus those I had when I was working . It was a beautiful day.

*Photo highlights of the activity.

The food prep and packing:

FAmb Joseph Yap (Loaves X Fish Foundation) & Chris Cabognason (Allianz PNB)

Distribution Time:

The PEOPLE behind it all:

SOS, LoavesXFish & the parish priest of  Parokya ng Ina ng mga Dukha 

Allianz PNB 

GROUP PICTURE 

(Allianz PNB - SOS - LoavesXFish - invited media)