My Twelve Significant Events in 2007

The year 2007, to date, is probably the busiest year within the span of my existence. Events had continually challenged and inspired me which nonetheless contributed to my growth as a tao. Academic concerns, family-related affairs, and personal matters provided the colorful hues serving as magnificent leaves in my life. People, who passed and who have chosen to stay have thought me significant learning. To sum it all up, below is my list of: TWELVE SIGNIFICANT EVENTS which contributed to who I am now: (not in order)

JOSE RIZAL MODEL STUDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES (JRMSP) FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY’S OFFICIAL NOMINEE

I was FEU Manila’s official nominee to the Knights of Rizal’s Search for the Jose Rizal Model Students of the Philippines. I am glad that after my long journey of student leadership (which is yet to end), I could say that I have already grown into a very socially responsible, patriotic and mature young man whose aspirations go beyond self encompassing national and global concerns. In the university setting, one need not be the CSO President in order to serve and be able to make a difference.

YOUTH SPEAKER IN DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES' WORLD EARTh'S DAY MULTI-SECTORAL PLEDGE OF COMMITMENT

Being one of the founders/pioneers of the Clean Air Youth Alliance (CAYA), a loose ensemble of student organizations including: FEU Tamaraw Volunteers (TAMVOL), Ateneo Environmental Science Society (Ateneo-ESS), University of the Philippines Student Association of Valuers of Energy Resources (UP-SAVER), De La Salle College of St. Benilde Greenergy, Couples for Christ-Oikos, among others), I was privileged to be a resource speaker during the Multi-Sectoral Pledge of Commitment: Let’s Beat the Heat organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as part of the World Earth’s Day celebration. It fueled the living environmentalist in my veins and inspire me to pursue graduate studies in environmental planning and management in the future.

(For a copy of the speech, visit: www.groups.yahoo.com/group/tamvol [File Section])

BOLINAO, PANGASINAN SOJOURN

After seven long years or so, I was able to join with my family in the 2007 All Saint’s Day vacation in Bolinao, Pangasinan where my mom hailed. Being a self-confessed mama’s boy myself, I enjoyed the five-day vacation in the province of the miraculous Señor Santiago despite concerns that were pressing me that time. I loved the food, the sea and its people.

REAL WORLD SNEAK PEAK: E-PLDT VENTUS JOB | TELEFLORA

Encouraged by the FEU Department of English, I together with my colleagues experienced our first real job at E-PLDT Ventus in Ortigas. While the duration was brief it still was able to give us practical training as future linguists and language/communication practitioner. Not to mention, it provided us orientation about the widely-known outsourcing industry which many of us would opt to pursue career with.

GAWAD KALINGA [GK] BAYANI CHALLENGE IN LEGASPI, BICOL

Together with three other Tamaraw Volunteers (Tony Ramos, RM Luna and Ren Alincastre), I joined this year’s Gawad Kalinga Bayani Challege in Anislag, Legaspi City, Bicol. Kuya Ralph Reuben Morales of Ayala Young Leaders Alumni extended the invitation to me; we were with Ayala Corporation delegation. Aside from experiencing real life bayanihan, I was happy to have met Ayala Young Leaders of my batch (Marvs, MR, Rap) and other students from Miriam College, Obi Montessori, Claret School, among others. It was also my furthest travel down south.

[To know more about Gawad Kalinga, visit: www.gawadkalinga.org]

SIBLINGS LEFT FOR ABROAD

Ate Yhen, my eldest sister, after finishing her undergraduate and post-baccalaureate degrees from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines Manila left to work abroad [Middle East]. She will be flying to California soon. Meanwhile, Kuya Ryan, my brother-in-law, after a month, also left for Taiwan. I want them home already.

45^{TH NATIONAL RIZAL YOUNG LEADERS INSTITUTE [NRYLI]}

This five-day conference in Baguio City stands out as among the best conferences which has influenced my being a leader. Not only did it teach its participants the value of patriotism in these times of national despair, it also succeeded in initiating values reintegration in the most insightful, comprehensive and moving manner. In response, I am inspired to establish a KAPARIZ Chapter in Manila with other delegates from the city. Moreover, for the very first time in my life, I felt uber-inspired by someone who mad me feel special [cheesy].

FIRST FEU VOLUNTEERS WEEK [A.K.A. NATION BUILDING WEEK]

Team TAMVOL 2007-2008 succeeded in organizing the 1st FEU Volunteers Week, otherwise known as the Nation Building Week, just in time for the celebration of the University's Community Service Month. Much credit is to be given to earlier batches of Executive Board headed by Mark Dean Itaralde SY 2004-2005], Kares Salendrez [SY 2005-2006] and Danilo Cortes [SY 2006-2007] for furnishing the project proposal. Expectedly, this will be an annual event to serve as celebration of youth volunteers who are contriubutors to today's society.

COKE PLANET PROJECT: A RACE TO SAVE THE EARTH 2007

Grueling with 126 registered student organizations, FEU Tamaraw Volunteers occupied one of the top ten spots for this year's Coke Planet Project. Leading Team TAMVOL, I was with RA Guillermo, Jam Molintas, Jane Tolentino, Josh Baling, Tony Ramos and RJ Jariol in a race held at SM Mall of Asia last October 20. It has been very tiring yet fully rewarding. We are planning to host our version at FEU before the school year ends and continue promoting Environmental Protection as a pressing advocacy.

[To learn more about CPP, visit: www.cokebarkada.com]

FEU INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES CAMPAIGN FOR PRESIDENCY

Inspired by the desire to bring about deep-level changes in the FEU-IAS, I ran for Presidency under the political party which has been instrumental in molding effective and efficient Tamaraw Leaders. The experience exposed me to the loopholes of a democaratic system contextulaized in the FEU setting as well as to the weakening values of people involved in that depressing system which calls, nonetheless, for one's strength in character. The loss is actually a victory to me as I have been privileged to head the most dynamic student organization in FEU today, the Tamaraw Volunteers. Moreover, the experience granted me my beloved ponkan family.

DREAM TEAM: SANDIGAN IAS STUDENT COUNCIL 0708

THE PONKANS

BIRTH OF THE FEU-IAS PARAGON

If there would be someone who would be so happy with the release of the Paragon's maiden issue last November 27, that would definitely be me. While we were not able to come out with an issue during my batch as founding Editor-in-Chief because of organizational financial constraints (blueprints were all ready), it elated me just well that the name Paragon (which I personally chose together with my co-officers and adviser in the IAS SC 2006-2007) is still preferred. Coming along with the birth is a controversy beset upon me via a Letter to the Editor written by an SC Officer. While the contents are deceitful, speculative and uncalled for, causing initial headaches on my part, I am appreciative that it made me realize that I have a lot of faculty mentors around me (from whom I asked guidance on my course of action) and that I must not worry watchful detractors as long as I am not doing anything bad or evil. Nevertheless, I am happy, really, to have 'brainchilded' the Paragon to serve as an instrument of change and inspiration of excellence and hope in our Institute and the entire university - a legacy which I will always cherish and look back.

IAS STUDENT COUNCIL BATCH WHICH GAVE THE NAME 'PARAGON'

PARAGON'S PIONEER STAFF

33RD YOUNG MEN'S CHRSITIAN ASSOCIATION NATIONAL CONGRESS FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS ACCOLADES

Just in time with the culmination of my student leadership life, I was awarded Outstading Delegate in the national congress for student leaders held in Baguio, plus another medal for a gabfest. YMCA has been one the more effective training grounds to me as a leader. Aside from the rare opportunity to inspire intercultural friendships with other students across the nation, this year's speakers have been perfectly responsive to the Congress theme: That All May Be One. Resolution-making, in general, has also been insightful and less brain-racking. (related blog could be found in www.jpcuminga.multiply.com entitled Charging Tams, The Blue Berries and Golds: On the 33rd YMCA National Congress for College Students: A Personal Account)

What it is to Hug a Moon

What it is to Hug a Moon

Just barely a week before the Christmas Eve, the moon could be seen carved to its fullest. It was as though the heavens prepared for it as a sort of exhibit for the viewing public whose heads were lifted up high. It awed me looking at the sight as its bright light ushered my eyes. I was gazing through the window then. Instantly feeling blue (the moon may have powers to make people sad), I thought it would be very comforting to have the moon to hug. It seemed so inviting, uniquely ethereal, magnificently real…

“But what really does it mean to hug the moon?”, I asked myself. As my eyes probed the sky, where that cosmic circle lied, I realized:

“To hug a moon requires no physical contact – at all. It is a state of mind, a silent fleeting of emotions, a feeling. To hug the moon means to dream of and pray for the impossible. For some, it is an escape, a temporal relief, a silent whisper of hope, an interminable curse. Nevertheless, it is still a choice.”

These very thoughts wet my cheeks. I know I have been hugging the moon, not just once nor twice, but several times already. In fact, at that very moment, the moon was even sitting in my lap…

-By: John Paul C. Uminga

Just a Pre-Christmas Scribbles

It is two days before Christmas. I almost haven’t noticed it. Ganun talaga siguro pag tumatanda na. After spending nine days in Baguio, I am back to reality. Thanks for NRYLI for making me a new total person (totally new means different). It is definitely the best conference I have ever attended: very transformational; thus, highly recommended. I laboured myself with my undergrad thesis for the past couple of days. It is final. I am working on a pioneer study on reflective approach using learning journals with no other than Ms. Vivian Estacio, FEU Center for English Language Studies as my adviser. Aside from the thesis, I also have to work on TAMVOL and ELC matters. I am but too happy that my two organizations, even during my absence, were still able to conduct two projects. Call it empowerment.

***

Christmas is different this year. Two of my siblings would not be home since they just left for abroad to work. Nakakamiss. =’(

***

Well, as things differ depending on how we look at it, I pledge to enjoy Yuletide. My aunt her family will be home for a vacation. I plan to spend the 26^th and 27^th at Kuya Ago for the TAMVOL-VfCHANGE Reunion and the 29^th with my 33^rd YMCA-NCCS friends in Laguna. More sked to fill in the remaining leaves of my organizer. Any time now, I will be posting my list of: TWELVE MOST SIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN 2007.

Charging Tams, The Blue Berries and Golds: On the 33rd YMCA National Congress for College Students

Charging Tams, The Blue Berries and Golds: On the 33^rd YMCA National Congress for College Students

A Personal Account

I just came home from a nine day- sojourn in Baguio City. Despite not being able to take my exam in the scheduled date and having missed important requirements (thesis included), such a decision dawned no regret on my part.

I spent the first five days for the 33^rd YMCA National Congress for College Students which was actually my third, if not the last. The cold weather of the City immediately as I went down the bus. At a moment, I missed Marga, Joma, and Ghe, even Ira and Sir Rog (who were both with me), my student council family, who were with me last year. Likewise, colleagues Vanj and Jill who were the first few persons I was with when I first laid foot in the Summer Capital. Jill, sadly enough, is already studying in Italy.

After boarding the unusually long jeepney and finally arriving at the Teachers' Camp, I, together with the FEU delegation waited for another four as we billeted in the venue. Surrounded by young student leaders, I realized how time passed quickly; almost unknowingly esp. for someone who is juggling several balls of responsibilities. Faces of Angela, Maverick, Daryl, Aileen and Lance were conscious reminders that time, indeed has only one direction: forward, that is. As a leader it must be paralleled with maturity or growth, if not absolute self-transformation.

TEAM FEU

Generally speaking, the Conference is aloud cry; far better than the previous year. The FEU, surprisingly enough due to the obvious decline of delegation, still performed very well managing to maintain its untarnished record in the YMCA Congress. Personally, it has been a dream come true to me having, finally, brought hiome honor to my university. It is enough reasons to forget my frustrations in SIFE National Expositions 2004 and 2005, Ayala Young Leaders (where I was a national finalist), Search for Jose Rizal Model Student of the Philippines (being FEU's official nominee) and National Scrabble Championships 2006. indeed, it has been God's calling since I really did not have plans of joining, if not for winning the CYC- and ELC-sponsored gabfest.

More notable than winning two medals, perhaps, are the stock of wisdom gained from the speakers and the invisible thread of friendship created during that short span. Below were my commission-mates who deserved, nevertheless, to be treasured:

Perlsan Gardoque (NIPSC)
Raychel Krishna Canon (University of the East Manila)

Myrthylle Karen Rey (Central Philippine University-Ilo-Ilo)
John Albert Banasa (Nueva Viscaya State University)
Joseph Potestades (Southern Luzon State University)
Freddie Caday (ISCAF)
Jessica Biasca (Bicol University)
Felipa Oliquino (Bicol University)
Bethany Magno (University of Baguio)
Ericson Valdez (University of Baguio)
Jessica Bioasca (Bicol University)
Jenyca Maravilla (Bicol University)
Mark Valladolid (Bicol University)
Aja Sagala (MPCF-LC)
Abegail Claravall (Bicol University)
Claudio Meniable (Eastern Visayas State University)
Micheelle Sy Juco (University of the East Caloocan)
Raul Durante (LSPU)
Daryl Pauline Patubo (Far Eastern University Manila)

I enjoyed very much the company of Albert (NVSU) who was with me in the Tuklas Talino where we almost bagged the gold if not for occasional mental lapses. Karen, a very sweet girl from CPU-Ilo-Ilo (an AYLA), modern Krishna from UE Manila and simple Beth, an Igorot folk, and the rest of the guys, were part of the reasons why I loved the congress more than the 31^st and the 32^nd.

THE OUTSTANDING DELEGATES

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At the end of the congress, FEU remained victorious havibng bagged tewn Outstanding Delegates awards, a gold medal for extemporaneous, Best Debater individual title, and a bronze in essay writing. It just proves to show that FEU delegation does not only rely on quantity but on quality of its leaders. Afterall, it is not the achievements that count, but the development of one's leadership skills and the opportunity to widen one's sphere of influence that matter most.

***

as a tradition, FEU hosted a culminating party for all the delegates. After munching a couple of chicken breasts, I went back to the cottage and pampered myself with a good night sleep. Well, it had just been timely enough to help me re-energize for the next conference: the 45^th National Rizal Youth Leadership Institute.

***

Special mention to Arvin, Aran and Erik, my roommates (salamat sa pananakot sa kin!), Angela, Jane, Aileen, Daryl (mga bunso na nakitulog sa room namin dahil sa takot), Sir Gene, Maam Ala, Sir Joey and Sir Rog (for taking care of the FEU delegation and for the food), CYC Officers headed by Chubby (for ensuring everything was smooth), the entire delegation (who know who you are) and the FEU Community whom we dedicate this achievement. =)