Observations on Friendship Games 2004

So yeah, I'm a little late for this, since Friendship Games was last week. I actually stayed there the whole time (with exception for the after-party), which is a first; I usually don't go, and when I do, I usually leave at the excruciatingly long halftime (you know, when every single Pilipino modern group in the entire state performs). I had a couple of observations that had been running through my head, but I now have the luxury of putting in writing:

1. Friendship Games is a test of masculinity

In many ways, the competition for the Friendship Games trophy is a competition for the most masculine Pilipino organization. The largest point total goes to those who show the most spirit (i.e. who is the loudest). Giveaways include mini-beach balls that say things to the effect of "we want you to play with our balls." Games include The Nasty and Tidal Wave, two games that ooze sexual innuendo with sticks in between people's legs and wet t-shirts. Images and sounds of war are everywhere, like swords and rallying cries (ironic, isn't it?). If you want any more proof that Friendship Games is a test of masculinity, look at the promoters. The biggest promoter is Events Company, the organizer of the Friendship Games after-party, and a company who consistently uses exploitative female images to attract the male libido.

2. The current form of Friendship Games doesn't exactly promote friendship.

While individual bonds within school teams are strengthened through competition, very little friendship between schools is promoted. Beyond the schools exchanging witty chants and little giveaways, and the already established inter-school friendships and dating relationships, there is very little exchange between schools.

The one major factor that keeps friendship out of Friendship Games is school pride. Schools are consumed with gaining points by practicing for games, which essentially promotes isolation. Even the school exchanges to show "friendship" are based on the idea that showing more "friendship" will get you the Friendship Award which translates to more points.

I don't have all the answers to this problem, but one excellent suggestion I've heard is to mix schools during the competitions. So for one game, a team with an equal mix of UCLA and USC people will compete as one. While this doesn't solve the lust for more points (I think there's a deeper, primal desire for winning), it does force individuals from each school to get to know each other, and forcing to share a common interest. It would also give more opportunities to schools that have less people to participate in the games.

3. In the end, Friendship Games is a great event.

Despite all the problems and criticisms, there are so many great things that come out of Friendship Games. The times that were most special were the times when the points didn't matter. When Samahang got DQ'd for improper form for Tidal Wave, Samahang responded by having a mud party. When all the schools in our heat got DQ'd for The Nasty (as you can tell, we got DQ'd often), we celebrated. And although I was completely wiped by the end of the day, seeing the other Samahang folks there with you, knowing that they are just as exhausted as you, was an awesome sight. As I said, this was the first (and last) time I've stayed at a Friendship Games from beginning to end. And I'm honored to have had the experience.