Happy Birthday, UP!

The University of the Philippines, the school that bred many of the nation’s leaders, artists, rebels, and of course – me and my sister, turns 100 years old today.


From the UP Diliman Information Office:

On June 18, the University of the Philippines will be celebrating its centenary with, among other activities, one grand community singing of the “Happy Birthday UP Song” in the university amphitheater to be led by no less than the UP, GHQ and Quezon City Symphonic Band, Dean Ramon Acoymo of the College of Music, the UP Cherubim and Seraphim, and the UP Staff Chorale. But prior to this, a parade by the UP constituents to the amphitheater will be led by the GHQ Band and the Quezon City Symphonic Band.

The celebration actually begins at the break of dawn around 5:30 AM with events that will lead up to the gathering in the amphitheater. The occasion starts off with a photo expedition at the Quezon Hall/Oblation Plaza featuring 100 UP alumni and residents donning fig leaves and emulating the iconic Oblation figure that has served as a monument to the institution’s undying service to the nation and the people. A flag-raising ceremony and a singing of the alma mater hymn UP Naming Mahal around the Academic Oval follows. UP Centennial President Emerlinda R. Román delivers an inspirational message soon after the UP community sings their beloved university happy birthday.

Other activities lined up after the flag-raising ceremonies include the oath taking of the new set of University Student Council (USC) officers and the launching of four commemorative stamps designed by UP College of Fine Arts alumnus Alfred Capiral. Afterward, the UP flag soars with the release of a hundred balloons that carries it into the air. One hundred significant university personalities lead the particular affair and made brighter by the unleashing of a hundred fireworks.

The USC also launches the Vinzons UPgrade renovation project that aims to restore and preserve the architectural heritage of Vinzons Hall. Modern designs are set to further emphasize its historical features and establish the structure as a genuine student center.

The entire day is set out to be an open house. All academic and non-academic units are enjoined to participate in the memorable occasion from beginning to end. The university units are to welcome various visitors and well-wishers into their homes. Everyone is invited to partake in the festivities, in the commemoration of UP’s hundred years of leadership in higher education, and expression of gratitude to an institution’s unflagging service to the country and indebtedness to the people working tirelessly to further propel UP to a hundred more years of significance and excellence.

Cheers to 100!

A Centennial Change

Today marks yet another milestone in the history of the University of the Philippines (UP).


After a 16-year struggle, the University of the Philippines (UP) will have a new charter that signals a new opportunity to arrest the declining quality of education in the country's premier state university. This as the entire UP community anticipates the signing of its new charter today by President Arroyo in Cebu City. The historic event will take place this morning at the Conference Hall, Library Building of UP Visayas Cebu College.

For the whole UP Community, 2008 is a double header – Centennial Year and the new UP Charter. Way to go, UP!

Mini Oble

The Oblation has always been for me the symbol of being a true UP student in which nakedness is not about the lack of clothes but instead the freedom to embrace ANY culture, perspective, race or tradition because in UP, you open your mind and emotion to everything about life and that has taught me very important lessons.

I got my Mini Oble from Gobleth Moulic, a batchmate from UP.


Thanks to Emerson Cuyo for he was the one who facilitated the Baguio-Manila transfer of our precious.

This treasured Mini Oble is beautifully done by Kigao Rosimo of Baguio City. I hope his works will always be a reflection of his creativity and artistry.

From one UP student to another...

Proud to be a UPian

Just in time for the Centennial…

1. Student number?
- 92-0X0XX (hahaha, secret po!)

2. College?
- ILIS

3. Ano ang course mo?
- Library and Information Science

4. Nag-shift ka ba o na-kickout?
- Shiftee, ang layo kasi ng Baguio. Originally from UP College of Baguio, taking up BA Social Sciences.

5. Saan ka kumuha ng UPCAT?
- UP Diliman, School of Economics

6. Favorite GE subject?
- Comm III

7. Favorite PE?
- Social Dance

8. Saan ka nag-aabang ng hot guy sa UP?
- UP Baguio – Tambayan ng Big Family
- UP Diliman – Nawalan na ng gana magabang

9. Favorite prof(s):
- UP Baguio – Chad Castelo
- UP Diliman – Dean Divina Pascua-Cruz

10. Pinaka-ayaw na GE subject?
- Nat. Sci II

11. Kumuha ka ba ng Wed or Sat classes?
- UP Baguio – Morning Classes lang since M-W-F ang schedule
- UP Diliman – Day Off

12. Nakapag-field trip ka ba?
- UP Baguio – Ilocos Trip with Humanities II
- UP Diliman – Los Banos

13. Naging CS ka na ba or US sa UP?
- UP Baguio – Dean’s List
- UP Diliman – US

14. Ano ang Org/Frat/Soro mo?
- UP Baguio – UP Breha at Big Family
- UP Diliman – UPLISSA

15. Saan ka tumatambay palagi?
- No specific place – kapag wala ng gagawin, derecho uwi na.

16. Dorm, Boarding house, o Bahay?
- UP Baguio – UP Breha at Boarding House
- UP Diliman – Bahay

17. Kung walang UPCAT test at malaya kang nakapili ng kurso mo sa UP, ano yun?
- Computer Science

18. Sino ang pinaka-una mong nakilala sa UP?
- UP Baguio – Kuya Menard
- UP Diliman – Mary Ann

19. First play na napanood mo sa UP?
- I can’t remember.

20. Name the 5 most conyo orgs in UP:
- No offense meant here - AISEC and Sigma Delta

21. Name 5 of the coolest orgs/frats/soro in UP:
- I can’t recall the name pero meron… balikan ko kapag natandaan ko.

22. May frat/soro bang nag-recruit sa yo?
- Yap

23. Saan ka madalas mag-lunch?
- UP Baguio – Upper Canteen
- UP Diliman – Casaa/Beach House

24. Masaya ba sa UP?
- Oo naman!

25. Nakasama ka na ba sa rally?
- Hindi. Delicate masyado ang condition ko though nanonood ng mga MOB.

26. Ilang beses ka bumoto sa Student Council?
- Every year.

27. Name at least 5 leftist groups in UP:
- LFS, Tabak, Gabriella.

28. Pinangarap mo rin bang mag-laude nung freshman ka?
- Nope.

29. Kanino ka pinaka-patay sa UP? (hmmm… crushes ba ito?)
- UP Baguio – Rick A.
- UP Diliman – Albert P.

30. Kung di ka UP, anong school ka?
- Ateneo

For most UPians, life in UP is the ultimate. Maligayang Sentenaryo sa ating lahat!

Back to UP

After a few months and a number of “rain-checked get togethers”, I was finally able to meet with Cutie Iyra and Jer, last Saturday, even for just five minutes. It was enough though to make updates and photo-ops. They just had to sneak out during a class that afternoon, hehehe.

Iyra is still a sight to see; still petite but I sense a lot of stress from her eyes. As for Jeremy, he’s still that same jolly person and has not lost his thoughtfulness.

I wish we could have bonded longer but I had errands somewhere else in the campus and the “kids” had a class to finish. Even so, we promised to see each other soon with the rest of the “kids”. This is a PAGING CALL for Sheryl, Mike, Marvin and Ja.


After that, I took a few more rounds around the academic oval and a lot of pictures of my alma mater.


2008 is a big year for us – mga Iskolar ng Bayan, for it’s our Centennial! I missed the opening ceremonies two weeks ago but for sure there will be more events to cap the celebration.

Oops, before I forget, thank you Tuesday for the heads up regarding the Mini Oble. I’ll get my statue next week with Emerson.

Go, UP!