The Last Hoorah!

CEBU, Philippines - Here are ideas that one may try before the summer vacation ends:

Dress away

Wearing clothes that go against the times sounds silly, of course.  Dressing up differently can be a head-turner act. For those with the "YOLO" (You Only Live Once) attitude, this might just be it - crazy and fun! Doing something different is the way to standout from the rest; it's a good technique for boosting assertiveness and, yes, self-confidence, too. Experimenting on the unusual might seem a little off - but it can actually lead to self-discovery.

Gadgets Off-Limits

Cellphones, computers, and tablets are some of the gadgets that people nowadays almost cannot live without. Not using gadgets even just for a day is already a big sacrifice. But giving it a try may bring up some surprise: aside from the savings (energy and money) it can bring, the self-deprivation may also reveal the range of one's perseverance and self-control. Well, keeping the addictive gadgets away also means having more time lead to do more helpful things.

Beat the expert

For those who are good at any sport or game, looking around for someone who's known to be equally good in a particular game is a great challenge. Having another expert as opponent in a game is a way both to test and enhance their skills and techniques. Not only is the match going to be more fun and exciting, but will also be a good learning opportunity for the parties.

Eat Street

Eating street foods may not be a comfortable thing to do. But it could be quite a discovery to taste these various inexpensive foods once in a while. It's a good way of knowing the grass-root culture, and such an adventure too. Something unfamiliar might just become a new favorite.

Pick 'n Drop

One hundred pesos in the wallet doesn't go far nowadays. Especially in going to the mall. It's surely a tough challenge for those who are used in going to malls with a fat wad of cash. For example, placing every desired item in the supermarket cart and then later choosing only the most necessary to fit the 100-peso budget can be mind-breaking indeed. All the more if the allotted money is also to cover the trip to the mall itself. While it may sound impossible, the aim is to learn how to prioritize in spending, as well as how wasteful too much money can be.

Go the distance

Those used to taking a ride in going around even on short distances might want to try the exact opposite. Walking to a destination might be such an ordeal, considering the fierce summer sun and the high surrounding temperatures. But taking it as a form of exercise for keeping the body in shape as well as of saving on transportation cost can be a good motivation for pursuing the idea. The savings, though, might just go to additional bottle of drinking water to stay hydrated. But the benefit of exercise is always there.

Booked the book

Those who find reading a boring thing to do will surely go crazy with the idea of reading several books for a day. But considering that reading is a better alternative to playing video games, or to sleeping, or to partying, it might just be worth the try. Getting oneself to read is particularly good preparation for students, to condition their minds for the coming school year. It allows them to get used to this standard school activity and, at the same time, get to learn something before school even begins.

Any of those out-of-the-ordinary ideas will surely help in ending summer with a bang! (FREEMAN)