Hodge-Podge I

Hodge-Podge I (8 Aug 2007)

With the global environmental changes that we are experiencing, mere presence of climactic disturbances never fails to frighten me these days. It is as though there will readily be great losses of lives and properties – as such without question – as evidenced by the past calamities at least in this part of the world. There is downpour since yesterday and that forced the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to announce the same delayed suspension of classes. Good thing though I really don’t have classes today. Well, not for my younger siblings who had gone earlier to school but to no avail.

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I already met two of the nine Indonesian exchange students yesterday who will be staying in the Philippines for a month. Yauw Sian Nie Angelia (Petra Christian University, Surabaya, Indonesia) and Citra Pratiwi (Brawijaya University, Malang, East Java, Indonesia) will be seating in some of my major classes until the 30^th. They are both taking up English Literature from different universities. I have been overwhelmed introducing them our country, and of course, the Far Eastern University. I will be meeting with the rest of the exchange students this 22^nd since Sir Jo Faustino assigned Tamaraw Volunteers with the community service involvement of these visiting students. I just hope the typhoon would not spoil their sojourn.

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We had our 6^th Executive Board Meeting in the FEU Tamaraw Volunteers yesterday at OSACS. I am glad my paradigm shift seemed to work this time. We are still concerned with pressing matters (read: this would be year-long). Nonetheless, I am proud to say that Team TAMVOL is doing great so far. I just hope every organization in FEU is equally empowered as ours. What a good way to celebrate our 80^th Founding Anniversary!

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I spent the weekend at the FEUCSO Teambuilding in Tagaytay. I was with R.A., Dino and Ianne as part of the TAMVOL delegation. Meanwhile, Marga, Tony, HH, Mona, Josh, and Chai were part of the CYC and ORADEC delegations. I missed the first two FEUCSO LTS where I was also a participant – Kuya Jan’s term was held at Caliraya while Kuya Mike at Rizal. I could say I am growing as a leader. FEU Theater Guild was not with us this time. Just the same, the three day event had been insightful. Prof. Chi-Chi Robles of the Ateneo, Prof. Joeven Castro and Dr. Adeaida C. Fronda were instrumental in addressing the theme, “Initiating Values Re-Integration”.

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I bumped with high school friend Mark Hernandez the other day at SM Fairview and without second thought, grabbed the chance to chitchat with him. At first, I wasn’t able to recognize him because of the new hair he is sporting. (Well, haven’t seen him for quite some time, 3 years at least.) I have learned that he is pursuing the course which I should be taking up from the same university. He is a Mass Communication major in Journalism senior at the University of the Philippines. I shared to him though how I have come to love my school among other existing schools. =) (that’s Tamaraw Pride)

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Speaking of Tamaraw Pride, Team FEU is very persistent in promoting FEU’s core values: Fortitude, Excellence and Uprightness. I am thinking how we can include the promotion of these values in my two well-loved organizations. Meanwhile, FEU’s at the 3^rd spot in the UAAP League. Despite the demanding schedule, I was able to shout for the team during FEU-Ateneo Game. We won.

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To overcome my gripes with the publication I founded, I tried inquiring if I can be part of the Advocate. Sadly enough, screening period is over. Seeing JC Almazan’s name in the Advo’s masthead makes me smile though. Ms. Almazan’s one of my most industrious writers in the Paragon.

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We had our general assembly in the English Language Circle last July 27. We called it “Elcians and Proud: The 5^th ELC General Assembly and Teambuilding Activity”. It was very successful. Immediate past two prexies were present – Michael Pamular and Mark Infante. We also received the support of the English faculty. For photos during the said event, you may visit: www.feuelc.multiply.com.

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Prelim period is over. While I am able to joggle well ELC and TAMVOL with my hands, my academics are imperiled. I have to revert the situation as early as now. I cannot afford to lose my scholarship.

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It is barely seven months to go and I will soon be leaving the green and gold portals. Carpe diem! =)

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I want to hear from you. e-mail me at umingajc@feumail.feu.edu.ph.