1st Semester Portfolio

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KC3 Final Essay: The Merrie Monarch Festival

            Hawaii is home to many beautiful beaches and different tourist sites. It is mostly known for its tourism and vacation perks. But there are much more than just the beaches, the tropical warmth, and even the other stereotypical ideas people think Hawaii still has, such as grass skirts, huts, and even coconuts as bras. Hawaii has culture, history, and a story that made Hawaii how it is today and still manages to keep its traditions. Many may not know, but Hawaii has many different competitions like no other place in the U.S. Competitions such as paddling contests, singing contests, hula contest, and of course surfing contests. Hawaii is home to ancient cultures, such as hula. It is blinded by the many tourist sites around the island, but is brought back through the Merrie Monarch Festival, which displays the skills and knowledge of ancient and modern hula.

            Although many movies or commercials make it look like hula is just a form of dance, it is an authentic form of dance. The chants that give reason to the dance and the music are the oral history of Hawaii’s people. Passed down from one teacher to another, the stories have survived western contact, early missionary censure, U.S. takeover and statehood. It is known to be an extension of their culture and is an art to the Hawaiians. Many people that live in Hawaii respects the form of dance hula is, but is overlooked when it comes to the tourists, which should be one of the many things the rest of the other states should be learning about Hawaii due to the fact mainlanders don’t know much about the culture of Hawaiians. Hula is divided into two general categories: Kahiko, which is ancient hula, and Auana, which is contemporary hula. Hula Kahiko is typically preformed more with percussion instruments, sticks, and other wind instruments. Hula Auana is usually preformed with ukuleles, acoustics, and other guitars. Hula is a very expressive dance and should be respected as a form of art as well as dance too. Hula is the most powerful expression of indigenous Hawaiian culture that exists.

            The Merrie Monarch Festival honors King David La’amea Kalakaua, who was Hawaii’s last king from the years 1874 and 1891. Kalakaua who was nicknamed “Merrie Monarch” is credited with reviving Hawaiian cultural practices and arts that has been suppressed for many years by missionary teachings. It was wrong for the foreigners to forbid the Hawaiians to dance hula because it was a very important way of expression. During Kalakaua’s reign, more than 300 ancient hulas were recovered, and Kalakaua supported the public performance of hula and advocated for a renew sense of pride in everything Hawaiian, from medicine to chant and dance. It was a very good thing for Kalakaua to bring back hula because it gave the Hawaiians some of their culture back after being taken away by the foreigners. Because ancient Hawaiians had no written language, Hawaiian genealogy, religion, culture and history were passed down through hula and chant. In Hawaii there is no way you cannot take hula away from Hawaiians. It is their own way to keep them different from the rest of the world, which should be kept the way it today.

            The Merrie Monarch Festival is a domestic non- profitable organization registered with the State of Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Begun in 1963, the festival’s considered the world’s premier forum for people of all ages to display their skills and knowledge of the art of ancient and modern hula. The annual presentation of The Merrie Monarch Festival has led to the renaissance of the Hawaiian culture that is being passed on from one festival to another. The weeklong festival includes art exhibits, demonstrations, performances, a parade that emphasizes the cultures of Hawaii, and a three-day long hula competition that has received worldwide recognition for its historic and cultural significance. Through the celebration of the Merrie Monarch Festival, people believe that thousands of people in Hawaii and even around the world are learning about the history and culture of Hawaii. In preparation for the festival, hula studios and instructors in Hawaii and in even in the mainland hold classes, workshops, and seminars throughout the year to teach the art of hula, the meaning of Hawaiian chants and songs, the Hawaiian language, and the history of the Hawaiian people. It is known to be a very exciting week for many who have a passion for hula. Proceeds from the festival support educational scholarships, workshops, and other educational purposes to help others. The Merrie Monarch Festival is the focal point to many hula teachers, students, studios, and people of all ages who are committed to the preparation and advancements of the Hawaiian history and culture.

           The Merrie monarch festival has been going on for many years now and has been growing very successful throughout those years. Hula and Hawaii’s culture is the main point of this festival. But even if it’s said to be a competition, it is more of a performance to bring back the history and culture of Hawaii. Hula has been a major role in the culture of Hawaii. But even though it is only known as a regular form of dance, the meaning of hula is brought back through the Merrie Monarch Festival. Hawaii is a very strong and proud state and even before it was a state, the kingdom of Hawaii was one of the most culture filled and colorful place to be in and is making its way to become known than just a tropical resort but a place where history, culture, dance, and language is home to.

The Merrie Monarch Festival

Hawaii is home to many beautiful beaches and different tourist sites. Hawaii is mostly known for its tourism and vacation perks. But there are much more than just the beaches, the tropical warmth, and even the other stereotypical ideas people think Hawaii still has such as grass skirts, huts, and even coconuts as bras. But there are more than just those ridiculous ideas. Hawaii has culture, history, and a story that made Hawaii how it is today and still manages to keep its traditions. Hawaii is home to ancient cultures, such as hula. It is blinded by the many tourist sites around the island, but is brought back through the Merrie Monarch Festival, which displays the skills and knowledge of ancient and modern hula.

            Although many movies or commercials make it look like hula is just a form of dance, it is an authentic form of dance. The chants that give reason to the dance and the music are the oral history of Hawaii’s people. Passed down from one teacher to another, the stories have survived western contact, early missionary censure, U.S. takeover and statehood. It is known to be an extension of their culture and is an art to the Hawaiians. Many people that live in Hawaii respects the form of dance hula is, but is overlooked when it comes to the tourists, which should be one of the many things the rest of the other states should be learning about Hawaii due to the fact mainlanders don’t know much about the culture of Hawaiians. Hula is divided into two general categories: Kahiko, which is ancient hula, and Auana, which is contemporary hula. Hula Kahiko is typically preformed more with percussion instruments, sticks, and other wind instruments. Hula Auana is usually preformed with ukuleles, acoustics, and other guitars. Hula is a very expressive dance and should be respected as a form of art as well as dance too. Hula is the most powerful expression of indigenous Hawaiian culture that exists.

            The Merrie Monarch Festival honors King David La’amea Kalakaua, who was Hawaii’s last king from the years 1874 and 1891. Kalakaua who was nicknamed “Merrie Monarch” is credited with reviving Hawaiian cultural practices and arts that has been suppressed for many years by missionary teachings. It was wrong for the foreigners to forbid the Hawaiians to dance hula because it was a very important way of expression. During Kalakaua’s reign, more than 300 ancient hulas were recovered, and Kalakaua supported the public performance of hula and advocated for a renew sense of pride in everything Hawaiian, from medicine to chant and dance. It was a very good thing for Kalakaua to bring back hula because it gave the Hawaiians some of their culture back after being taken away by the foreigners. Because ancient Hawaiians had no written language, Hawaiian genealogy, religion, culture and history were passed down through hula and chant. In Hawaii there is no way you cannot take hula away from Hawaiians. It is their own way to keep them different from the rest of the world, which should be kept the way it today.

            The Merrie Monarch Festival is a domestic non- profitable organization registered with the State of Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Begun in 1963, the festival’s considered the world’s premier forum for people of all ages to display their skills and knowledge of the art of ancient and modern hula. The annual presentation of The Merrie Monarch Festival has led to the renaissance of the Hawaiian culture that is being passed on from one festival to another. The weeklong festival includes art exhibits, demonstrations, performances, a parade that emphasizes the cultures of Hawaii, and a three-day long hula competition that has received worldwide recognition for its historic and cultural significance. Through the celebration of the Merrie Monarch Festival, people believe that thousands of people in Hawaii and even around the world are learning about the history and culture of Hawaii. In preparation for the festival, hula studios and instructors in Hawaii and in even in the mainland hold classes, workshops, and seminars throughout the year to teach the art of hula, the meaning of Hawaiian chants and songs, the Hawaiian language, and the history of the Hawaiian people. It is known to be a very exciting week for many who have a passion for hula. Proceeds from the festival support educational scholarships, workshops, and other educational purposes to help others. The Merrie Monarch Festival is the focal point to many hula teachers, students, studios, and people of all ages who are committed to the preparation and advancements of the Hawaiian history and culture.
           The Merrie monarch festival has been going on for many years now and has been growing very successful throughout those years. Hula and Hawaii’s culture is the main point of this festival. But even if it’s said to be a competition, it is more of a performance to bring back the history and culture of Hawaii. Hula has been a major role in the culture of Hawaii. But even though it is only known as a regular form of dance, the meaning of hula is brought back through the Merrie Monarch Festival. Hawaii is a very strong and proud state and even before it was a state, the kingdom of Hawaii was one of the most culture filled and colorful place to be in and is making its way to become known than just a tropical resort but a place where history, culture, dance, and language is home to.

Oceans of Nothing

          Over time fish has become a popular to many people of different cultures around the world. But now, the amount of fish in the ocean makes it harder to get the certain type of fish you would like to eat at the price you would want. Back in the day the fishermen only had to worry about the unexpected storms that would happen while they’re fishing. But, with the present day fishermen, they would have to worry about if the amount of fish they catch would be as much as they expected. Most favorite fishes haven’t been around because about 90% of the oceans big predators like cod and tuna have been fishes out of existence. Up to half the marine life caught by fishers is discarded, and often found dead. Over fishing has become a problem, which has affected many people.

            Companies have turning more to sustainable harvest seafood, in other words fake fish. Since 1999 the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program has been giving out information alternative seafood. The Marine Stewardship Council has partnered with corporations to similarly certify wild and farm raise seafood. Big name brands such as Walmart and Red Lobster, among others, have made the choice to sell sustainable harvest seafood. Seafood is a good alternative to satisfy many people but is not the healthiest compared to the fish caught in the ocean. Over the past 3 decades the fish export trade has grown to produce 30 million tons of fish. The fish value has increased to $71 billion.  As far as the amount of too much fish caught, wasting it has also become an issue.
         As much as people love their fresh fish we have to start transitioning into sustainable harvest seafood to help. The amount of fish around the world has been decreasing due to overfishing and the amount of fish people waste. Overfishing has been a problem for many years and if we start limiting the amount of fish we catch, we might start saving the population of fish in the ocean.

Querencia Final Draft

            I hopped off of the car feeling the humid weather of the Philippines touch my skin, which I ignore because I have just arrived at my grandmother’s house. Just seeing the place where I took my first few steps, the place where I use to go every year to visit my dad, the place where I call my second home, made me want to stay there forever. As I opened the tall red gates, hearing the squeaking sound of it opening, the butterflies started rushing through my stomach. I then see my uncle’s dogs running towards me as if I was a brand new dog toy. I remember as a child, every time I visit this place, my love for animals grew stronger and stronger. Rushing into my grandmother’s house to greet her with a big hug after not seeing her for a couple of years was very heart warming. And seeing my previous nannies brought back memories on how we would always walk in the blazing sun to get some food and drinks just for fun. As the days go on, my mind would start to clear almost as if nothing were to ever bother me. Being with my family is one the few things that relieves my stress. Unlike all the other places, not being in the Philippines all the time makes it an even more special place for me to be in the right state of mind.

            I could smell the food cooking in my grandmother’s kitchen the minute I walk in. My sister and I would help her prepare the table by placing a scoop or two of rice on each place. But even though my sister’s scoops were way better than mine, my grandmother would just smile at me, letting me know that im doing a good job. I could hear the sound of my parents and relatives enjoying their selves as they tell stories on how they have been throughout the time they haven’t seen each other. But I stay in the living room, which is one of my favorite rooms in the entire house. I go there to watch some television, to talk with my aunts and uncles, or even just to play around with my sister’s dog. Little things like these makes up for a lot of the insignificant problems back home. But even though im here for only a short period of time, I try my best to refresh myself through my time in this house. I felt the feeling of being completely free around my family. I wouldn’t have to worry about my appearance around them, Im not expected to be the person society wants me to be, I wouldn’t have to worry about school, but most importantly in this place, I am myself.

            I would walk into my grandmother’s room seeing her all her nick-nacks and pictures of each and everyone of her grandchildren. The soothing feeling of being in this room send out good vibes all around her house unlike any where else I have ever been. Being addicted to eating candy I stand on my toes quickly noticing her favorite sweets, which were tootsie rolls and strawberry sour belts. But sadly it wasn’t for any of us and every once in a while, if we were good, she would reward us with some of it. I then walk towards my cousin’s room where a lot of foolishness takes place. My sister, cousins, and I would get in tons trouble for doing the most ridiculous things. And every day I spend in that place I had absolutely cleared my mind of any negative thoughts and I owe it all to this special place, which was to me, Querencia.  

Graphic Card

Querencia Draft

          I hopped off of the car feeling the humid weather touch my skin, which I ignore because I have just arrived at my grandmother’s house. Just seeing the place where I took my first few steps, the place where I use to go every year to visit my dad, the place where I call my second home, makes me want to stay there forever. As I open the tall red gates, hearing the squeaking sound of it opening, the butterflies start rushing through my stomach. I then see my uncle’s dogs running towards my as if I was a brand new dog toy. I remember as a child, every time I visit this place, my love for animals grew stronger and stronger. Rushing into my grandmother’s house to greet her with a big hug after not seeing her for a couple of years was very heart warming. And seeing my previous nannies brings back memories on how we would always walk in the blazing sun to get some food and drinks. As the days go on, my mind starts to clear almost as if nothing would every bother me. Being with my family is one the few things that relieves my stress. And not being there all the time makes it an even more special place for me.

            I can smell the food cooking in my grandmother’s kitchen the minute I walk in. My sister and I would help her prepare the table by placing a scoop or two of rice on each place. But even though my sister’s scoops were way better than mine, my grandmother would just smile at me, letting me know that im doing a good job. I can hear the sound of my parents and relatives enjoying their selves as they tell stories on how they have been throughout the time they haven’t seen each other. But I stay in the living room, which is one of my favorite rooms in the entire house.

            I walk into my grandmother’s room seeing her all her nick-nacks and pictures of each and everyone of her grandchildren. Being addicted to eating candy I stand on my toes quickly noticing her favorite sweets, which were tootsie rolls and strawberry sour belts. But sadly it wasn’t for any of us and every once in a while, if we were good, she would reward us with some of it. I then walk towards my cousin’s room where a lot of foolishness takes place. My sister, cousins, and I would get in tons trouble for doing the most ridiculous things. And every day I spend in that place I had absolutely cleared my mind of any negative thoughts and I owe it all to this special place, which was to me, Querencia. 

Vocabulary Words: Jubilant & Melancholy

Roots and Recipes: Pork Lumpia Final Essay

            It’s another one of my family gatherings, and one of the first things I would look for would be my mother’s pork lumpia, but of course there would be no surprise if there were any.  I made my plate and sat down on the table enjoying my food. Minute by minute my plate slowly became empty. Swallowing my last piece of my mother’s scrumptious pork lumpia, everything froze and with a blink of an eye I could see myself in my old, blue, teddy bear decorated room. I quickly got up and searched the house trying to find the rest of my family members, but no one was home. Living in a house, which is 10 steps away from my grandmother’s house, I go there to search for my parents. As I opened the door, I see my sister, my mother, and my grandmother sitting together on a table preparing to make lunch for the entire family. Curiously, I asked them what they were making. My mom replied saying that they were cooking pork lumpia as one of the dishes for our family lunch.  I had no idea what this “fork lumpi” was but still being half asleep I head to the couch to watch some television.

            Watching my favorite television show “Tom & Jerry” was my perfect way of spending my Christmas vacation in the Philippines. But then it stopped; my grandmother’s frying pan was making all these ticks and oil popping sounds that distracted me from my show! Irritably walking towards the kitchen I asked her why there were so much noise. “How do you think we’re gonna cook lumpia with out making noise, Nash!”  Without caring, I walked away, but stopped as I smelt the most heavenly smell of my grandmother’s cooking. My mother called me and my other family members to the table and said our grace and began to eat. My dad prepared my plate with rice and passed it to me. My mother on the other hand, asked my what I wanted to eat. Seeing all the different types of food on the big, round, wooden table I would see foods like pancit, spaghetti, soup, and steak, I asked my mom for whatever grandma was cooking, since that was the dish that caught my attention. She agreed and placed four pieces of lumpia on my plate and on the side she added some sweet chili sauce.  I thanked her and began to eat. At the first bite, I froze; I just remembered it was really hot. But as it got cooler, the flavor started to get to me. It tasted marvelous; it’s golden brown wrap containing the perfectly spiced meat, dipped in the sweet chili sauce made me take bigger bites until I finished my plate. I quickly asked my mother the name of this dish again. “I knew you would like it Jonas! It’s called pork lumpia!” “Why is it called lumpia?” I asked her. “ Since the original dish is Lumpia Shanghai, my grandfather’s mother was Chinese, who passed down the recipe all the way to us.”
             But back to present day, I sat on my seat and asked my mom why this dish so special to our family. “Well, besides the flavor and mouth watering taste, it makes a great finger food, it’s easy to make, and it’s perfect for bringing to celebrations. Also, even before you were born my dad use to cook this for me as a child, so I decided I should cook it for my kids too!” “Do you know how old you were when you first tried this food?” “I believe I was pretty young, I think I was 6 or 7 when I first tried it.” As we were cleaning up the table, I asked my mother when she would make this spectacular dish again. Laughing with a big smile on her face, she told me that since this dish is so simple to make, she would surprise me with it.

Pork Lumpia Rough Draft

            My eyes opened seeing myself in my old, blue, teddy bear decorated room. I quickly got up and searched the house trying to find the rest of my family members, but no one was home. Living in a house, which is 10 steps away from my grandmother’s house, I go there to search for my parents. As I opened the door, there I see my sister, my mother and my grandmother sitting together on a table preparing to make lunch for the entire family. Curiously I asked them what it was. My mom replied saying that they were cooking pork lumpia as one of the dishes for our family lunch”.  I had no idea what this “fork lumpi” was but still being half asleep I head to the couch to watch some television.

            Watching my favorite television show “Tom&Jerry” was my perfect way of spending my Christmas vacation in the Philippines. But then it stopped, my grandmother’s frying pan was making all these ticks and oil popping sounds that distracted me from my show! Irritably walking towards the kitchen I asked her why there were so much noise. “How do you think we’re gonna cook lumpia with out making noise, Nash!”  Without caring I walked away, but stopped as a smelt the most heavenly smell of my grandmother’s cooking. My mother called me and my other family members to the table and said our grace and began to eat. My dad prepared my plate with rice and passed it to me. My mother on the other hand, asked my what I wanted to eat. Seeing all the different types of food on the big, round, wooden table I would see foods like pancit, spaghetti, soup, and steak, I asked my mom for whatever grandma was cooking. She agreed and placed four pieces of lumpia on my plate and on the side she added some sweet chili sauce.  I thanked her and began to eat. At the first bite, I froze, I just remembered it was really hot causing me to burn my tongue. But as it got cooler, the flavor started to get to me. It tasted marvelous, it’s golden brown wrap containing perfectly spiced meat, dipped in the sweet chili sauce made me savor the flavor and to take bigger bites until I finished the food on my plate.

            But back to present day, I interviewed my mother, which was the absolute best at making pork lumpia. “Okay mom, first question. Why is this dish so important to our family?” “Well, besides the flavor and mouth watering taste, it makes a great finger food, it’s easy to make, and it’s perfect for bringing to celebrations.”  After that question I asked her if she knew any history about this food that has to do with our family. “ Since the original dish is Lumpia Shanghai, my grandfather’s mother was Chinese, which passed down the recipe all the way to today.” “Do you know how old you were when you first tried this food?” “I believe I was pretty young, I think I was 6 or 7 when I first tried it.” “Last question mom, when will you cook this spectacular dish again?!” Laughing with a big smile on her face, she told me that since this dish is so simple and easy to make, she would surprise me with it.