TOSP 2009: Call for Nomination

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TOSP 2009: Call for Nomination

Mabuhay!

We would like to inform you that the 2009 Search for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) has officially started through the support of our partners, most especially the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)

TOSP is an annual search which honors Outstanding Filipino Students in Malacañang started in 1961. In recognizing the best students, the annual TOSP search looks for graduating college students who not only have excelled academically, but have dedicated their talents and leadership abilities in making a difference and becoming socially involved in their respective communities, organizations and fields of interest, for the greater good of their constituents and members.

Colleges and universities in Regions II, III, V, VI, VII, CAR, and NCR are under
Regionalized Areas. Those situated in Regions I, IV-A, IV-B, VIII, IX, X and CARAGA, XI, XII, XIII, and ARMM are under Non-Regionalized.

For Regionalized Areas, all duly accomplished nomination forms and supporting documents (bid books) should be submitted to their CHED Regional Office for Regional Screening; for Non-Regionalized Areas, to the 2009 TOSP National Secretariat, c/o RFM Foundation, Inc., through their CHED Regional Office.

For NCR, the deadline is on 3 April 2009, Friday. Further details are mentioned in the Awards Rules, page vi.

The entire nomination kit can be downloaded through the PLDT MyPad website,

http://www.mypad.net/tosp/index.aspx.

In starting the year, we hope to contribute to an optimistic environment, which we trust will infect the rest of the country. Submitting your nominees is enough reason to be positive and be hopeful. We can only imagine the rays of hope that emanate from all institutions that submit to our regional and directly to our national search.

To know more about the Search for 2009 Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines, you may also contact the TOSP National Secretariat in these numbers: (Telephone Number) (02) 6318101 local 7802 or 7806 or (Fax) (02) 6318101 local 7673 and look for Raffy Ortega, TOSP National Program Coordinator. You may also email us at tospnatsec@gmail.com.

We look forward with much anticipation in receiving your school nominations.

THE TOSP NATIONAL SECRETARIAT

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TOSP is a commitment of RFM Foundation, Inc., RFM Corporation, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company, The Outstanding Students of the Philippines Alumni Community, National Bookstore, and regional partners & sponsors.

Attribution: www.tospncr.blogspot.com

GREEN + GOLD SURVEY

GREEN + GOLD SURVEY

1. What's your ID number? -- 2004293581

2. Passed or waitlisted? -- passed

3. How did you know about the FEU-CAT results? -- forgot! I was sent a letter ata.

4. Was FEU your first choice? -- nope, UP. Buti na lang sa FEU ako! J

5. Do you know your FEU-CAT score? -- yes, it’s revealed naman e.

6. What course was your first choice? -- Nursing, cuz of mom.

7. Second choice? -- Chem/ Bio/ English

8. Ano course mo ngayon? – ABEL grad

9. Did you have any plans of shifting? -- I did shift.

10. San ka nag-HS? -- Mystical Rose School of Caloocan, Inc.

11. Did you graduate with honors (HS)? -- Mmm.. I had my speech :)

12. What are your orgs? -- dami e. First love ko TAMVOL & Paragon. I was also with IASSC, CYC, SIFE, ELC, ORADEC

13. Sandigan o Samasa? -- I’m from the orange league: the home of achievers and servant leaders J

13. Saang gate ka pumasok nung first day? -- gate 4 ba yun? In front of Jolibee, along Nicanor Reyes St.

14. Are you staying in a dorm? -- experienced staying in a flat with friends.

15. Ever had a 3.00 in your class card? -- luckily, no.

16. How about a flat 1? -- yeah

17. Highest grade? – 1.00

18. Lowest grade? -- 2 ata.

19. Worst experience in FEU? -- every event was a learning experience. Choz!

20. Do you always attend class? -- yup. Had to absent though for some very important extracus

21. Favorite building? -- AB (our home), THB (though I was rarely there), EB (frosh home)
22. How many units have you passed? -- all the units required for graduation

23. Nangangarap ka bang maglaude? -- yeah. Pressured.

24. When will you graduate? -- I’m a full-fledged Tamaraw!

25. Fave subject/s? -- Applied Linguistics, Argumentation & Debate, Creative Writing (really?), Sociolinguistics, Research (!)

26. Worst subject/s? -- in what terms? none

27. Fave landmark sa FEU? -- Freedom Park, the Quad

28. Fave kainan? -- Tayuman’s friendly during busy times; FEU Foodcourt

29. How do you get to school? -- Fx
30. Are you always at the lib? -- as much as I needed to/had the time

31. Ever gone to the clinic when you were sick? -- yeah, just ONCE

32. Do you have a crush on campus? -- that’s normal!

33. May balak kang mag-MS/MA, PhD? -- yes

34. Have you ever watched a graduation ceremony? -- watched?

35. Do you know the "FEU Hymn" by heart? -- OF COURSE!

36. Memorize mo ba ang Trasher (FEU Cheer)? -- oo naman. Let’s go! : )

37. ...ang Arise (G-R-double E-N)? -- Arise? Yeah. I even knew the step before.Haha.

38. ...ang Recca? -- yeah

39. Are you registered at tamarawbayan.com? -- yup!

40. E sa www.tamarawbayan.com/forum? – yes.

41. Who's your fave UAAP basketball player? – A. Santos/ J. Villanueva

42. Dream school? -- Ivy League!

43. Ever had a perfect score in an exam? -- oo yata.

44. What do you like about our school? -- clean and green environment, active student life, excellent professors, school spirit, good people

45. Ano ang ayaw mo? -- loose entrance exam

46. Have you ever bought anything at the Coop? -- yeah, scantron, test booklet, FEU jacket, etc.

47. Do you regularly read the Advo? – yeah..

48. Maganda ba ID pic mo? -- in my second ID, I guess

49. Fave professors?—Dr. Bantugan, Dr. Soberano, Dr. Medina, Ms. Mau, Ms. Estacio, Mr. Pizaro, Mr. Villanueva, etc..

50. Proud Tamaraw ka ba? – I bleed GREEN & GOLD.

Be a Tamaraw Volunteer!

Tamaraw Volunteers 2nd Semester Recruitment

November 10 to 15, 2008: Submission of Application Forms and Requirements

November 17 to 21, 2008: Interviews

You may get and submit your application forms (with the requirements upon submission) at your respective Institute Student Council Offices, at the NSTP Office or at the Office of Student Affairs and Community Services (OSACS).

For queries, kindly contact Raynerius Goze 09156907279 or Thermina Akram 09162284505. Visit: www.feutamvol.multiply.com

"Do the right thing. Volunteer."

A Saturday Morning

I once heard that the best time to start the day is to have a short moment of reflection. Seated in front of the monitor, the clock ticking down to 800, I deem it best to write down thoughts which I might be forgetting.

Career: Today is our scheduled phone simulation and final interview at IBM. I am hoping that the job offer will also be given should we pass the aforementioned processes. Marki e-mailed me a job opportunity from the JobsDB which I would like to consider even at this point of partial certainty as to where I would be spending at least my six months.

TeamTAM: The newly-elected officers of FEU Tamaraw Volunteers, my home for three years while I was still in college, are having their Boot Camp: Leadership Training in Tagaytay since last night. Being the former prexy, my attendance was anticipated. I however chose not to be there for some reasons which require deep introspection. I am hopeful still that the TAMFAM I have known three years back is the same TAMFAM today & the years to come.

The IBM job interview coinciding to the Boot Camp is just secondary for my not attending the training. It honestly pains me. I think I will just focus my attention completely to my new life and be optimistic and hopeful that they will be doing good even without my guidance. I still believe batch 0708 prepared them well.

Mothers' Day: Sunday will be Mothers' Day. I will be going home tomorrow. Flowers and cake would be enough [for now. hehe]

FEU Online Forum Moderator: I was chosen as one of the two new moderators of the online FEU Students and Alumni Forum. If you are a Tamaraw and would like to be part of our online community, log in now to: www.feuadvocate.com/forum.

A Chat with Danilo Cortez:

Just a while ago, I had a short chitchat with college pal Danilo Cortez. For the information of everybody reading this blog, Ilo and I have a lot of common. Haha. We both served TAMVOL as Presidents in 2006-2007 & 2007-2008 and both loyal Sandigan leaders. He was among the few people with whom I used to discuss the most sensitive issues you could think of: school politics, issues/concerns of FEU students, student leaders circle, love. The list is long. After his short stint in a call center, he is now working with the Presidential Taskforce for Education. Definitely, there is really something I could learn from him now that I am tracing my career path. Flow of Conversation Friday, May 9, 2008

Danilo Cortez (12:36 PM): eow

John (12:36 PM): yo!

Danilo Cortez (12:36 PM): may work n u?

John (12:37 PM): contract signing na ko for SITEL, kaso mababa nga

John (12:37 PM): final interview ko sa IBM tom..

John (12:37 PM): hay

Danilo Cortez (12:37 PM): wow

Danilo Cortez (12:38 PM): break a leg

Danilo Cortez (12:38 PM): kaya mo yan

John (12:38 PM): hay.. hirap pala.. hehe

Danilo Cortez (12:38 PM): di nman

John (12:38 PM): peoplesupport ka dati>?

Danilo Cortez (12:38 PM): kaw pa... magna, toss, nicanor

Danilo Cortez (12:38 PM): nope ibm me

John (12:39 PM): un nga.. tingin ko im failing expectations pag nagcallcenter ako

Danilo Cortez (12:39 PM): kamusta pla tosp?

John (12:39 PM): havent heard any news.. fingers crossed

Danilo Cortez (12:39 PM): soso...

Danilo Cortez (12:39 PM): dpat sau wag k magcolcenter...

Danilo Cortez (12:40 PM): kc dat minial for u

John (12:40 PM): im applying as english specialist. pero ok lng naman csr as a start

Danilo Cortez (12:40 PM): if posible try 2 luk for better job... teaching is also ok

John (12:41 PM): i will definitely teach in the future. in fact, pwede na now sa hs alma mater ko.

Danilo Cortez (12:41 PM): ok nga kso d b iba din presure ng mga achievements during college

John (12:41 PM): pero i wanna be equipped b4 fielding myself.

John (12:42 PM): yep, esp. that we had been so exposed to a lot of opportunities

Danilo Cortez (12:42 PM): i dont think colcenter would equip u dat much...

Danilo Cortez (12:42 PM): :\

Danilo Cortez (12:42 PM): nakakabobo kya mag colcenter

John (12:43 PM): i know.. however, the financial reward i can get would be helpful in my future plans of entering grad school.

Danilo Cortez (12:43 PM): its mainly bec. of salary kya me nagwork dun

John (12:43 PM): same

Danilo Cortez (12:43 PM): exactly

Danilo Cortez (12:43 PM): kaw bhala

Danilo Cortez (12:44 PM): that is decision making u nid to do...

John (12:44 PM): i dont wanna say i wont stay long..

John (12:44 PM): alam mu naman ako, once i become a part of the team, i will really stay

Danilo Cortez (12:44 PM): its up to u

John (12:44 PM): unless, some circumstances would push me to leave

Danilo Cortez (12:45 PM): ok

John (12:45 PM): yeah.. call it transition period. we just have to be guided by those who underwent the stage ahead of us

Danilo Cortez (12:45 PM): basta werever u r be hapi, and if ur not u may leave

John (12:46 PM): i definitely will

John (12:46 PM): where were u assigned in IBM

John (12:51 PM): lost again? haha

Convergys failed me.

April will be ending in seven (7) hours. The month that I gave to myself, at least after graduation, is ending soon. I can hear the clock ticking down as I write this entry. Just so I'll be re-oriented on how I spent the days after that big day in PICC, I am browsing through my planner [yes, now]. Let me see:

April 2: Baccalaureate Mass. FEU Ten Outstanding Senior Students 2008 also met with Dr. Lydia Echauz, Dr. Marcon Espino, Dr. Elizabeth Melchor and Dr. Marcon Espino, in the morning. It was immediately followed by a photo session.
April 3: I shopped for things I would be using the following day. Slept at Aunt Mau with mom.
April 4: Graduation day. The culmination of my life as a college undergrad. I received three medals which, without second thoughts, are gladly offered to my Mom. Tokens of gratitude are also offered to my dearest friends and organizations: Tamaraw Volunteers, Sandigan, IASSC 2006-2007, IAS Paragon Pioneers, Oradec Batch 2005, & College Y Club.
April 5: Grad Party. with neighborhood friends. I proceeded to the Ponkan's flat afterwards.
April 5-16: Sojourn at RM's flat with the Ponkans.
April 17: Bikini Open at Common Ground. Spent the night with FEU friends. A reunion of sort for the presidents of FEU university-wide organizations: Henz (FEU Theatre Guild), Bryan Angeles (FEU CYC) & I (FEU TAMVOL). We had fun night though I did not have a glimpse of the bikini open. Haha. Thanks to Samu, Tina, Kimpoin, Soul, Jam, Majo, Chie, Chub.
April 18-21: Bolinao, Pangasinan. After tossing a one-peso-coin, I finally decided to join with my family in my mom's provincial town, Bolinao. I enjoyed the company of my relatives, the seafoods, the sea, clean air. I don't, however, particularly like the attention given to me. Hehe.
April 22-23: at Aunt's house in Malabon.
April 23-24: I was alone in the house. Mom and sibs were still in the province. I had a general cleaning of both the physical and personal spaces [lol], worked on Annual Reports, and kept myself busy to be able to forget something. [ako na ang maarte!]
April 25-26: at Kuya Ago's. with Tony, Ren, Nerrie and Jophel. We planned for the TAMVOL Boot Camp 2008, the training for the newly-elected officers of the FEU TAMVOL, completed the line up of Team TAMVOL 0809, watched flicks, surfed the net.
April 27: A day with Ren, Tony and Nerrie. We attended mass at UST, watched Nike Summer League at the FEU Gymnasium
April 28: Ponkan Gimmick. Chumie Marga, Bunso RM, Chie, Nak Keiji & I watched 'Superheroes' at Trinoma, after NOT enjoying dinner at Pizza Hut [hehe, I abhor myself]. We had coffee after, my first time at SB-Tinoma. We slept over at RM's flat.
April 29: Applied at Convergys, and failed. Will elaborate on this later =)
April 30: TODAY. Still at RM's flat. Haven't left the place since morning (I usually don't). Just listened to American Idol playlist esp to David Archuleta's (I'm hearing a boo from Chie. Haha). Will's coming.

Well, to assess things, I could say that I just practically bummed through the April calendar. Nothing productive, except for the fact that we have been planning for the TAMVOL Leaders Boot Camp for May 9 to 11. Oh well, it's summer. I know, it's a lame excuse though.

***

CAREER UPDATE: Marga & I applied for Convergys yesterday. Guess what, we both failed. Hehe. Seriously. Overqualified daw kami. It's just sad coz I actually want to work na. Maybe, BPO is not just for us. Hay. I sent an application to the League of Corporate Foundation but I am still waiting for an e-mail or a call. I also learned that the Ateneo School of Government has a job opening suit for college student leaders-graduates. Might as well try it. Speaking of job hunting, I had a chat with good friend Ilo. I am happy knowing that he is now with the Presidential Taskforce for Education. I hope I could also found a job similar to that.

***

TOSP UPDATE: I have not heard anything about the TOSP NCR results. I went to OSACS the other day but I have not heard a word from Dr. Marcon. My hopes are low. Might as well forget about it. Hehe. My friend from Notredame in Mindanao told me that he is already a national finalist. I'm happy for him.

*A Fresh Grad Notes*

Even at this moment, I am still confused about what career paths shall I be taking. The first two weeks after graduation were spent just playing lazy and enjoying every moment with my closest friends. Well, I spent some moments browsing jobstreet.com and other portals hoping I could sneak out possible career opportunities of my desire.

The message is clear: I could not escape from the fact that, sooner or later, I will be a part of a new world.

***

I received a number of job offers lately mostly from BPO companies. I would at times get fed up by repeated calls of contact centers encouraging and luring (‘forcing’ may be a better term) me to be part of their ‘team’. I must admit though that working in a BPO is still something I consider. (Sir Jo Faustino, one of my most influential mentors, has been very vocal in discouraging me about this though)

***

Do I have choice? How I wish I could just enroll to graduate/law school as early as now.

***

As of the moment, without hearing from ‘older people’, the following are some of the career paths I am considering (at least on the verge of what they call the ‘real world’):

1. Work as a trainer for a BPO (this would I think require me to work in the entry level).

2. Apply as an English teacher overseas (which is an ‘in’ thing now; my education and crosscultural linguistics units will surely be handy,)

3. Teach in my high school Alma Mater (call it ‘paying back’; this would be a good venue for self-training while reminiscing high school memories. lol]

4. Work as a University Professor.

***

The 5^th Choice: Fly to California

Another option I was given was to work with my uncle abroad. This will definitely be a big decision to make. I will have to leave everybody behind: my family, my friends, my organizations, my passion, the country, my life (cheesy me)…

I do not know if I will be ready to handle homesickness. This will entail introspection, indeed. *Sigh*

____

BTW, I read from Yahoo! that a major earthquake will be hitting California. What does it want to tell me?

***

I want to hear from you. Please hit me back. J

Academic Plans

I always think that I will be a student for life. Thanks to my excellent mentors who taught me to embrace life-long learning! After finishing my undergraduate degree from one of the best liberal arts schools in the country today, I plan to pursue any of the following degree:

1. Bachelor of Laws (Far Eastern University, University of the Philippines, San Beda College)
2. Master of Arts in English Language and Literature Teaching (Ateneo de Manila University)

3. Master of Arts in Language and Literature major in Literature (De La Salle University)

4. Master of Arts in Teaching English Language (De La Salle University)

5. Master of Arts in English Language Education with specialization in English for Specific Purposes (De La Salle University)

6. Master of Arts in English Language Education with specialization in Second Language Teaching (De La Salle University)

7. Master of Arts in English Studies (University of the Philippines)

Options numbers 2 to 7 would basically strengthen the educator in me. Option 1, on the other hand, would require serious introspection as it will definitely be demanding (talking about time and financial resources, and oh, even mental and physical). I don’t particularly see myself ranting in courtrooms. It is but another dimension of addressing my social responsibility as a Filipino citizen: cognitive about the laws of the Land.

Meanwhile, should I be taking another bachelor degree, I will pick from this pool:

1. BS Biology (major in Genetics/Botany/Zoology)

2. BS Environmental Planning and Management

3. AB Journalism

4. BS Accountancy

5. BS Secondary Education (major in General Science/English/Math)

6. BS Advertising Arts

7. BS Chemistry

*** This is just a sneak peek of where I shall be and what I will do in the future. As of the moment though, I would have to CHOOSE a good job, carefully selecting, without compromising my personal choices and values and showcasing to the rest of the world all that I have learned from the School of Nicanor Reyes.

Nevertheless, I AM READY.

TOSP Nominee Evaluation

The entry below is by Prof. Jose Faustino, NSTP/Bisig Tamaraw Coordinator, one of the few people I considered mentor. I was just touched by his evaluation.

FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY

Office of Student Affairs and Community Services

Nicanor Reyes Sr. St. Sampaloc, Manila

Summarize the reasons why you believe your nominee should be selected.

I believe Mr. Uminga has got what it takes to be one of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines. For one, he possesses all the qualifications that a proud TOSP should be.

He has an excellent academic performance basing from his grade evaluation and feedback from his professors and peers. As a student, he adheres to the school’s rules of conduct. When it comes to his academics, he gives it his utmost priority. I guess one of his best traits is his sense of time management. He was able to blend his academics with that of the co-curricular and comes out triumphant.

He is a dynamic, active, but compassionate leader having been the moving spirit behind the Tamaraw Volunteers, an FEU accredited student organization that gained the prestige of one of the most respected and active group of students who prey on volunteerism. He rallied the FEU students towards community involvement by coming up with various outreach programs. In fact, he is my partner in running the university’s outreach program.

As a person, he is most congenial, a charm of him that attracted membership in his organization. He is most helpful to the person in need of his assistance, a character of him that makes him one of the more popular figures in the campus and yet he remains unaffected. He is most selfless when it comes to sharing his expertise and two cents worth. He is most effective in solving problems during the organization’s most trying times.

He has an excellent command of English language and can express himself in any given scenario. I always commission him to do write-ups for the outreach programs I am holding and I am very pleased with the result.

Only once in a great while that a student of his caliber will grace a learning institution and I am happy that Japi comes during my time when Bisig Tamaraw, the outreach program of FEU, is soaring high.

Prof. Jose V. Faustino

Nominator

University Coordinator, Bisig Tamaraw

(the community service arm of Far Eastern University)

Senior Adviser, FEU Tamaraw Volunteers

EL0441 is not a broken glass.

EL0441 is not a broken glass.

The final semester of the senior BA English Language students at FEU is entirely different. To compare it to a roller coaster ride is an understatement. Sadly, I unconsciously drove the coaster towards the end, and brought it to the cliff where it was heading from the very beginning. It was almost a nightmare which I would not want to have again.

Just when the academic year neared to its end, we were all put into a trial, testing our endurance and patience, even our friendship which we nurtured for three years. The life of an Elcian could even be compared to life in hell as depicted in “The Lift that Went Down to Hell”, where the devils were depicted as ordinary sapiens.

It was a modern day drama where every character played a role, whether he liked it or not. Tears were shed, relationships were tested, faith was questioned. Nevertheless, I still believe that EL0441 is not a broken glass. There might be cracks on its surface, but we can always choose to be a new glass: clean and firm. Everyone became victims of circumstances. No one is to be blamed. At the end of the line, I still see a bright horizon. Relationships may not be restored, but a glimpse of the past would still make me smile, with the thought that it had been a very wonderful learning experience.

Now, I could not wait to whisper: Thank God, finally, it’s over. EL0441 may not be perfect, but at least, we are real.