Lx: Self-Disclosure

TOSP 2009: Call for Nomination

2009-02-11T17:05:00.000-08:00

Please repost...
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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

______________________________________

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

2008-11-16T21:01:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-11-10T19:31:00.000-08:00

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

2008-05-09T13:27:00.000-07:00

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:

2008-05-08T16:47:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-04-29T22:03:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-14T19:51:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-07T06:24:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-30T03:23:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-03-18T02:47:00.000-07:00

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.

An Open Letter to Advocate Re. the Paragon's Maiden Issue L.E.

2008-03-09T00:04:00.000-08:00

This letter was published in the Student Elections Special of the FEU Advocate. This is written with the hope to clear the issue.

A RESPONSE LETTER TO ERIK MACAPAGAL’S LETTER TO THE EDITOR

PUBLISHED IN THE PARAGON

First and foremost, I would like to thank the Advocate for accommodating my request to publish an open letter as a response to Erik Macapagal’s Letter to the Editor in the maiden issue of the Institute of Arts and Sciences’ the Paragon. Being a campus journalist myself, I understand and would like to remind the readers that this does not in any way mean that the Advocate supports my side. Nevertheless, I view this as an opportunity to clear the dark clouds beset upon me and the pioneer staff of the Paragon.

Before I go further, it is but necessary to inform you all that a couple of days after the release of the Paragon Maiden, I have set a meeting with Renel Tatlonghari, the Editor-in-Chief and informed him how I felt about the deceitful and speculative letter and asked if I could submit a letter of response to the publication to explain my side. My request was immediately granted. However, since Para is an institute-based publication, the funding for the next issue is of no assurance especially that the target date for the second issue is set on March. It is for this reason that this response is coursed through the Advocate.

* * *

Macapagal’s letter necessitates my immediate response as it contained in it lies and forced issues. While my concern for Para as its founding EIC is still burning within me, I have already given my full trust to Renel Tatlonghari, the new EIC and the rest of the editorial staff. I was shocked therefore upon reading Macapagal’s letter, which, aside from being uncalled for, contains in it factual errors which I would not like to believe to have been manipulated outwardly. I recognize from the very beginning that the end of the academic year 2007-2008 would mean the termination of our term in Para. With this though, I had taken necessary steps hopeful of a better leadership transition.

It was uncalled for because there was really no issue at all regarding what he called ‘alleged abrupt replacement’. Alleged is such a weak term. Not to mention, four (4) of my most industrious staff members were able to renew their affiliation and are fielded in the four important departments, which so to speak made me feel at ease and optimistic.

Specifically, I would like to correct and clarify factual errors presented, which in one way or another, made me appear in the negative light.

First, contrary to what Macapagal said, even before the academic year 2007-2008 started, I had already been contacting the Institute of Arts and Sciences Student Council. Since my term in the IASSC already ended (as the Auditor, SY 2006-2007) and the Paragon does not have a charter yet [thus the absence of independence, at least in choosing the Editorial Board and deciding on its recruitment processes], it is needed to coordinate with the mother organization, the IASSC, which would be re-proposing the project to OSACS. That time, I was hopeful that they would be continuing this noble endeavor of having an institute-wide publication which we [IASSC 2006-2007] named the Paragon. As a matter of fact, I was able to talk with Prof. Roger Bingculado, IASSC Adviser and Calvin Cortes, IASSC PRO (via SMS) who I thought will be the one in charge of the publication being the PRO. For the record, I was requesting a meeting with them so that I could officially pass on Paragon to their leadership and possibly discuss arrangements on how we plan to pursue it.

After several attempts, I was informed by Mr. Cortes that it is Macapagal who will be handling the Paragon. I then asked for his number and started contacting him. However, it was only last June 29, 2007 when we finally got the chance to talk. We held our meeting at the mini-conference of the Office of Student Affairs and Community Services, contrary to what Macapagal stated and I quote: during the first regular meeting of all the academic organizations presidents in the IASSC Office last July 21, 2007, I was given the opportunity to finally meet Mr. Uminga. Such a mental lapse concerning the date was condemning, as it may imply irresponsibility on my part. We met first at OSACS before the IASSC meeting which was held almost a month after; and such a meeting was agreed upon as it was the most convenient time for us to meet.

Secondly, I would like to correct Macapagal upon saying that “still after that meeting, none of them showed and so I finally ended the negotiation and concentrated in the new Paragon staff”. This is apparently a wrong claim since four pioneer staff writers were retained namely: Maureen Maquiddang, the News Editor, Donna Mae Catangay (Features Editor), Gabriel Angelo Kawada (Lay-Out Artist) and Jaana Joaquin (Literary Editor). Aside from them, other pioneer staffers namely: Clarice Ureta (II AB Mass Communication), Frauline Fuentes (II AB Literature), Roland Rainier Adriano (IV AB English Language) and Jessica Castro (IV AB Literature) sought for re-affiliation. Disheartening enough and much to my dismay, they were not given the opportunity to continue their service to the publication which they co-founded.

Finally, I would like to make it clear that, from the start of this academic year, I have decided not to continue my being the E-I-C, should I be re-appointed, since I was already heading a university-wide socio-civic organization known to all as the FEU Tamaraw Volunteers.

To end, I believe it is best to reiterate that we founded the Paragon out of the need for the voice of every FEU-IAS student to be heard. It is never and should not be a vehicle to advance any malicious intent or political motives. Journalists write to serve and to empower others. With this, I boldly condemn acts which would satisfy personal benefit to the detriment of what campus journalism stands for: balanced views,

As the founder of the Paragon, I would like to take this opportunity to declare to the FEU Community that while it seems late for us to have the publication, it is more than ready to take on the challenge of empowering not only the students but more significantly, the IAS and FEU administrators, in general, and the other members of our community. Excellence, as one of FEU’s core values, is something that we pursue. Not to mention, Paragon, in its literal sense, would mean model of excellence, an apt description of what the institute has become after 73 years.

Institute of Arts and Sciences is a dynamic community, one that caters to the entire university as a servicing institute. Just like any other system, ours is not perfect. With the Paragon though, rest assured that our collective goal to achieve and maintain excellence will forever be lit as long as it exists.

This letter is not written to humiliate the author of the Letter to the Editor of the Paragon maiden issue. It is, in its most sensible sense, intended as a reminder to everybody that campus journalism is a power granted to students: a power of the pen and the mind which must be paralleled with truth and fairness. I agree, with one dream and as one team, together we can make our community better.

God bless us all!

One in Student Empowerment,

(Signed)

JOHN PAUL C. UMINGA

Founding, Editor-in-Chief, The Institute of Arts and Sciences, The Paragon

2004-293581

(IV AB English Language)

FEU TAMVOL to host 1st Tamaraw Green Convergence: The FEU Student Congress for the Environment

2008-02-13T20:35:00.000-08:00

FEU Tamaraw Volunteers is hosting the 1st Tamaraw Green Convergence: The FEU Student Congress for the Environment, the foremost gathering of student leaders at the Far Eastern University which would aspire to mobilize every member of the community to be stewards of environmental protection and sustainability. Invited speakers are Ms. Pat Gallardo of Ayala Land, Ms. Marie Marciano of the Mother Earth Foudnation, and more.

Discussion and resolution making concerning environmental issues and concerns at FEU will be conducted. For more information, contact 09156400656 or 09156907279. Expected participants are executive board members of university-wide organizations/ institute councils/ academic and non-academic organizations and NSTP Class Mayors.

TGC is to be conducted by FEU TAMVOL in cooperation with the Office of Student Affairs and Community Services.

64 days before the much-awaited march

2008-02-03T21:51:00.000-08:00

I had been sick for almost a week already. Stressed could be a better term. What's new anyway? I couldn't wait to march at the Philippine International Convention Center this April 4. But before that, I have to huddle last minute struggles which include my solo undergraduate thesis, teaching demonstrations in TESL and INTELL and insurmountable tasks in my well-loved organizations:TAMVOL, ELC, and Sandigan.

***

I have been missing writing a blog. The exact reason why I could not help but stole a few minutes while preparing for my research report for tomorrow. Yes, I have a report and [both] fortunately and unfortunately enough, English majors are tasked to do reporting in a research class which is supposed to be a writing laboratory.

Speaking of research, I could not say I am half way done. In fact, I am not finished yet with my data gathering. To be fair enough, I could say I am way contented with the meat of my RRL.

***

This coming February 9, English Language Circle will be sponsoring a national summit for English Language majors. The original Feb 2 sked has been moved to give us more time for preparation. Dr. Plata of DLSU-Department of Languages and Linguistics and Prof. madriaga of FEU-Center for English Language Studies have confirmed their presence already.

***

Meanwhile, FEU TAMVOL is still sponsoring a big project or two before the year ends. the proposal of the 1st FEU Youth Convergence for the Environment is already subjected to OSACS' scrutiny.

***

It's only 64 days before graduation. But before it even happens, I have my filled my schedule with leadership trainings (which we
organize) with the hope of leaving a legacy in the world of Tamaraw Student Leadership before I step out of its portal. I am way too happy that Sandigan members have been very efficient in handling the demands of their responsibilities all the entire academic year.

Weber Amorez (IV BS Architecture), a good friend of mine, will be leaving this Tuesday for the 10th Ayala Young Leaders Congress.

***

Bottomline: There's much to do, responsibilities to fulfill, and expectations to meet before that precious diploma (and medal/s, haha) be handed to me.
Nevertheless, I am ready to handle the pressure. :)

My Twelve Significant Events in 2007

2007-12-29T20:00:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-26T00:29:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-25T21:13:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-22T23:27:00.000-08:00

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

***

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. =)

Give a little love....

2007-11-14T18:19:00.001-08:00

The Coke Planet Project 2007 was finally over. While we were not able to top the race held at SM MOA, I remained contented as indespicably, this was already an achievement for FEU TAMVOL having qualified as one of the ten finalists (there were 126 registered orgs)

The race last Saturday had been fun and insightful. This was the second time that FEU TAMVOL joined in an inter-school competition (First was in SIFE: Regional Exposition and National Expo). I am thinking of conducting our version at FEU. I am pretty sure this would be a creative venue to raise awreness among the tams regarding environmental issues.

Team TAMVOL was composed of Jane, RJ, Tony,

***

A couple of days before the Coke Event, Arvin, Mina, Chai and I spent the night in Malate. I missed orange bonding moments with my co-candidates in IASSC 0708 who I consider family already. In the afternoon, tay Mike and Joma treated me in Yellow Cab Morayta. I must admit I missed these two guys. They were two of my presidents when I was still young as a student leader. Joma’s with UST Law while Mike’s a language trainer.

***

TAMVOL officers who attended a conference in Singapore are back already. I hope they can apply whatever they learned from the international confab. RJ, RG, Sarah, Dino and Ren surely have a lot of stories to tell. Not to mention, aside from the confab, they enjoyed the luxury of an Asian tour.

***

Meanwhile, I attended the launch of the School for School program of ABS-CBN’s E-Media last October 16. I was with Angeli of FEUCSO and Kendi of Theta Kappa Rho. It was my first time there and I immediately enjoyed its physical environment. As someone who has been involved with community service for quite a long time though, I admit I don’t perfectly like the said program. Just the same, I am ready to provide assistance to Bicol through TAMVOL.

The devil in me...

2007-11-14T18:19:00.000-08:00

The devil in me…

7 November 2007 at FEU Library

My mind is clattered like never before. I feel like I will have system breakdown anytime now. If I could just shutdown my system my access to the physical milieu, I would have done it long before. Now I know how it is to be human-mechanical. Ateneo’s Prof. Mau was right when she called me (our demo teaching group) robotic right after our teaching experience. I knew it and I hate it. This has been my comfort zone and I want to get out of it: try another one then leave when I can already sit pretty. I don’t understand you, you might tell me. I care less each day. Afterall, I grew tired pleasing people.

***

Good thing I know how to write. For years, this has been the channel of my emotions, don’t get me wrong. I don’t blog for people to read. I do blog because I have to let go of the little devils inside cursing and tearing me apart each day. I do it for good. Call it writing therapy.

Today:

I already enrolled my 15-unit subjects. For the second time, I felt like a stranger walking through the fabled FEU grounds.

I received an SMS from a contact center. Telling me my interview sked set tomorrow. I will have my first class by then though. Hope they approve on my rescheduling request.

I’ll go to PUP after FEU to get my laptop from tita. I badly need it for organizational academic paper works. My desktop at home is still in the repair shop.

I’m bleeding.

The devil in me...

2007-11-14T18:18:00.000-08:00

The devil in me…

7 November 2007 at FEU Library

***

Today:

I already enrolled my 15-unit subjects. For the second time, I felt like a stranger walking through the fabled FEU grounds.

I received an SMS from a contact center. Telling me my interview sked set tomorrow. I will have my first class by then though. Hope they approve on my rescheduling request.

I’ll go to PUP after FEU to get my laptop from tita. I badly need it for organizational academic paper works. My desktop at home is still in the repair shop.

I’m bleeding.

I'm not attending school.

2007-11-05T21:34:00.000-08:00

It is already November 6 and I have not enrolled yet. I was supposed to go to FEU this morning but due to personal reasons, I opted not to. I will be having four major subjects plus a rhythm and dance class this semester. I have learned that Dr. Soberano will be handling our research class while Prof. Arthur for our Teaching English as a Second Language class. I am just too excited about how my last semester will roll out.

***

In the meantime, I am driven to look for a job this November. I am no insensitive. I know I have to get working for my family. Good thing I will only have 2 class days this time. P.E. sked excluded. I have started floating resumes in (guess where) call centers. Choosy pa ba?

***

With this, I am worried f I can handle efficiently my responsibilies as a student leader. I hope I can enlist higher level of commitment and diligence of my two teams: ELC and TAMVOL.

***

Last Sunday, I was awed by the quotation shared by Pat Evangelista in her PDI column. It is all about reading; I might as well share it: "We read to know we are not alone” -C.S. Lewis.

Well, I must be happy then. (sighs)

Oprah made me cry.

2007-10-20T15:49:00.000-07:00

Oprah featured a rather unsurpriising episode the other day. unsurprising because, knowing O Show, it has always been successful in leaving to the audience an impactful message. it was all about the different faces of mothers around the world. What particularly moved me were stories of African mothers who were effortlessly inspirng. A Sudan mother, for one, is a mom of fifty (50) African children - most, if not all, are HIV positive. Despite personal struggles of poverty, she still took the courage of adopting tese children she calls her own. I just can't imagine how beatiful the Philippines would be as a nation should we all have the same 'emotional mentality'.

***

Speaking of HIV-AIDS, we are cosidering it an advocacy campaign topic for second semester (for FEU Tamaraw Volunteers' Chamber on Health Services). Ate Grace, who is involved with the Victory Christian Fellowship U-Belt, is pushy about the idea. We are yet to discuss though for planning and discussion.

***

The other night, Arvin, Mina and I saw one of our students in the TAMVOL - Kalsadaskwela Project, Kevin, in a very unholy hour in Malate. We could not help but purchase the roses he was selling. It was 4:00am then. I felt a pinch in me which made me consider reviving our tutorial project at Rajah Solayman.

Kevin is the kid in blue
Team Tamaraw Volunteers during one of our Kalsadaskwela Sessions in Rajah Solayman

FEU SchoolText Facility

2007-10-15T19:29:00.000-07:00

For the benefit of every FEU students who are already itching to know their grades, please refer below.

FEU Schooltxt Facility
Students and parents can now avail of the following services using mobile phone texting: (A one-time registration is required to avail of the services, wherein the student number, birthdate and name are required)

FEU REGISTER STUDNO BIRTHDATE (MMDDYYYY) NAME (First & last)

(e.g. FEU REGISTER 2004171441 08311984 JUAN DELA CRUZ)

Send to 2622 for Smart and 2214 for Globe or Sun

School Information-on-demand - parents and/or students' urgent request for school information can now be entertained through the use of SMS-capable cellular phones, by typing in and sending a specific word to the designated SCHOOLTXT access number.

Available keywords:

To get OUTSTANDING TUITION BALANCE:
FEU BALANCE STUDNO PASSWORD

To inquire about PROMISSORY NOTE application status:
FEU PNSTATUS STUDNO PASSWORD

To get OUTSTANDING TUITION BALANCE:
FEU BALANCE STUDNO PASSWORD

To get GRADES:
FEU GRADES STUDNO PASSWORD

To inquire about ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP STATUS:
FEU DEANSLIST STUDNO PASSWORD

To inquire about ENROLLMENT STATUS:
FEU ENROLLMENT STUDNO PASSWORD

To know COURSE, YEAR LEVEL, ACADEMIC and SRP STATUS:
FEU ACADSTATUS STUDNO PASSWORD

To get FEU MAIL username and password:
FEU EMAIL STUDNO PASSWORD

To REGISTER PARENTS and get their access password:
FEU REGPARENT STUDNO PASSWORD

To get current CLASS SCHEDULE:
FEU SCHEDULE STUDNO PASSWORD

To get course-specific SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES:
FEU ACTIVITIES STUDNO PASSWORD

To inquire about SUSPENSION OF CLASSES:
FEU CLASSES
No need to initially register.

(Send inquiries to 2622 for Smart and 2214 for Globe or Sun)

Emotero!

2007-10-15T04:42:00.000-07:00

Words are not enough expressions of what i feel and think at this moment. All I know is that, day after day, I am feeling the burden accorded to me with my being the pseudo-eldest in the family. This was not the first time though, you migh tell me. I know.

God has a purpose, really, when he thought of making those drops called 'tears'. That, I have discovered, not yesterday, nor last week, but several years ago. I love my family. I really do. But I know I am not yet brave enough to sacrifice my 'other dreams'. I hope I could acquire the strength to surrender my other priorities. I love you, ma. I know you know. These are all for you! Unti na lang...

='(

Estudyante pala ako!

2007-10-15T04:11:00.000-07:00

THE FIRST SEMESTER IS OFFICIALLY OVER since Friday. What a great relief on my part, really! For the very first time in my entire college life, I felt that I was indeed a student. I always have in me the thinking that college is no time for *pure study*. I even considered it to be just a fair preparation for a higher degree. This particular belief could have been inspired me, if not, pushed me, to totally immersed myself with student activities. At least I'm being honest, right?

As I have mentioned, for the very first, na-realize ko: "Estudyante pala talaga ako!". I had been bombarded with several requirements towards the end of the semester: translation project kay Dr. Ben Medina (na isang Palanca Hall of Famer), reading portfolio kay Ms. Mau Nivales (na isang Tamaraw na naging Atenista), isa pang portfolio kay Ms. Mary Grace Reoperez (na hindi naniniwala sa written exams as an effective evaluation tool), stage production kay Prof. Arthur Pizaro (na isa sa aking hinahangaang dalubguro ng FEU), position paper sa Expository Writing kay Prof. Vivian Estacio (na siyang direktora ng Center for English Language Studies).

For about a month, I busied myself accomplishing these requirements. Ganito nga talaga siguro pag graduating na. Busy-busy-han, sabi nga ng mga Mass Comm. As regards to our Language and the Performing Arts Production, I was very happy it had been successful! Whooh! Thanks a lot to the entire class (EL0441) for their cooperation (special mention, of course, to Glaiza, for such a great job!). Well, thanks for Ms. Perez for giving our mythology project flat 100%. It was worth all the effort, and the friendship we strengthened (Sarah, VP, Kristal). Three days ba naman kayong mag-overnight for the project e.

After ng puyatan for the brain-racking rekis, I think I deserve a good break. I just pledge for a more memorable second semester (my last). =)

TAMVOL is Cokebarkada Finalist! Thanks for Your Votes! =)

2007-10-12T20:16:00.000-07:00

The votes are in! TAMVOL made it as finalist.
Date posted: Oct 12, 2007 11:59am

Emerging as victors at the end of the Countdown to the Race: Ten Things We Will Do to Save the Earth blogging contest are: UP Kalilayan, UP Sandigan, UST Mountaineering Club, UST Chemical Society, Flickers Photo Society (Asia Pacific College), Rizal Technological University Mountaineers, Far Eastern University Tamaraw Volunteers, Ateneo JMA, International Business & Economics Society (Assumption College) and The Ateneo Lex.

Congratulations to all the teams that participated in the blogging contest! It was a close fight for the top ten slots and all teams were worthy contenders.

Watch these teams sweat it out for the top prize at this year's Grand Gimik - the Coke Planet Project: A Race to Save the Earth - on October 20, 1:00pm at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall. Bring your whole barkada and enjoy the games, exhibits, and live performances by Sleepwalk Circus, Paramita, Up Dharma Down, and Radioactive Sago. Admission is free!

Source: www.cokebarkada.com

Student Leadership in FEU and AYLC 2007

2007-10-09T04:48:00.000-07:00

It's been a year since I qualified as National Finalist for the Ayala Young Leaders Congress 2006. I was called to report at OSACS and after the announcement made personally by Dr. Adelaida C. Fronda, I was asked to prepare for the interview set (I could still remember) on the forth day of the IAS Week 2006.

A year has passed. Much has changed already. I could say that I have matured so much as a leader. Well, two presidential positions really demand a high level of maturity to the leader - not to mention, it rather forces one to be that. While I have not qualified for the AYLC 2006, I cannot help but treasure that rare experience. I cannot blame the four executives of the Ayala Group of Companies for not choosing me - I having requested them personally to rethink their decision.

"It's completely okay for me should I not be one of the Ayala Leaders. I know AYLC could help me a lot to improve my leadership skills. But I would like to honestly tell you that my community,my school, and my family are enough for me to develop holistically."

Though not exact as I have said it, these were my parting words to my interview panel. I left the conference room with a smile, not regretting any of the single words I uttered.

This year, I was able to meet some of the Ayala Young Leaders of my batch. Some times, I would poetically consider myself the 71st AYLC 2007 Leader having acquainted with these people. My first experience with them was during the Gawad Kalinga Bayani Challenge followed by the Starfish Magazine Conference. I was really thankful to Kuya Ralph Morales for all these invitations that facilitated me in welcoming the realization that I am a no less leader (should pessimism dawn on me).

This year, I am hopeful FEU AYLC Qualifiers can make it at least as national finalists as I am (last year) and Danilo Cortez (in 2005). Not to mention, I evaluated: Ira Montecastro, Mina Akram, JC Zoreta and HH Bala. Mina Akram's and HH Bala's TAMVOL-CYC involvements could really help them a lot. JC Zoreta as an AHSE President and INSC VP could also make it. Meanwhile, Ira Montecastro, who I have been encouraging to immerse herself to community service, can, because of her academic excellence, her feat in public speaking and her being the FEUCSO President, positively be in.

Whatever the result may be, it just give the FEU, the Office of Student Affairs and Community Services and the student leader community in particular, something to ponder on. Are we really producing effective student leaders who are contributors of the community? Or, are we just pretending that FEU is a home of responsive and efficient leaders.

A VOTE for TAMVOL is a VOTE for FEU =)

2007-10-02T04:08:00.000-07:00

Fellow Tamaraws, please support our organization, the FEU Tamaraw Volunteers in our attempt to win the Coke Barkada: A Race to Save the Planet Contest against other universities. We are one of the finalists together with:

Adamson ECE (AdU),

Alyansang Tapat sa Lasalista (DLSU),

Ateneo JMA (ADMU),

Flickers Photo Society (APC),

International Business and Economics Society (Assumption),

RTU Mountaineers (RTU),

SPUM JMA (SPU-M),

San Beda JMA (SBC),

UP Kalilayan,

UP Sandigan,

UST Chemical Society,

UST Medical Missions and

UST Mountaineering Club.

All you have to do is to vote for FEU TAMVOL at www.cokebarkada.com. You will have to verify your vote by confirming it via your e-mail. If you want to know more about TAMVOL, visit: www.feutamvol.multiply.com.

A vote for TAMVOL is a vote for FEU. Go Fight Tamaraws!

My Personality (e-test)

2007-09-26T02:56:00.000-07:00

You Are An ESFJ

http://images.blogthings.com/whatsyourpersonalitytypequiz/esfj.jpg" height="100" width="100">
The Caregiver

You are sympathetic and caring, putting friends and family first.
A creature of habit, you prefer routines and have trouble with change.
You love being in groups - whether you're helping people or working on a project.
You are good at listening, laughing, and bringing out the best in people.

In love, you value harmony and mutual understanding.
You will apologize or give someone the benefit of the doubt, if it means getting over a fight sooner.

At work, you are good at building relationships and connecting with people.
You would make a great nurse, social worker, or teacher.

How you see yourself: Organized, dependable, co-operative

When other people don't get you, they see you as: Opinionated, critical, and know-it-all

What's">http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyourpersonalitytypequiz/">What's Your Personality Type?

Saving the world, one blogpost at a time

2007-09-21T04:53:00.000-07:00

Saving the world, one blogpost at a time

Coke Barkada’s Countdown to the Race: 10 Things We Will Do to Save the Earth

“We don’t have to raise our concerns on the streets or promulgate laws to be considered as one [environmentalists]. What we need is change within ourselves and we could be environmentalists in our own simple ways,” says Ronald Jariol of the Far Eastern University—Tamaraw Volunteers.

As the Coke Barkada’s Countdown to the Race: 10 Things We Will Do to Save the Earth blogging competition progresses, more and more young people reveal a genuine depth of understanding on different environmental issues, and on the crucial role they play in making a difference for the planet.

“And the youth are ready to take on the challenge.”

Since mid-July, voice after voice has been raised as different youth and their organizations joined the Coke Barkada community (www.cokebarkada.com), creating an online hub of youth environmental activism. In their own words, members of organizations such as the Rotaract Club, Aiesec, Ecomarts and the Tamaraw Volunteers from schools such as Roosevelt College Marikina, Far Eastern University, De La Salle University Manila and STI College Muñoz shared the different things they know they can do to help save the earth.

From “acting sustainably,” to “sweeping instead of hosing down the driveway,” one need not look far to learn of practical tips to conserve our natural resources and use practical and efficient alternatives to the potentially environmentally harmful conventions we’ve been accustomed to. Instead of browsing through forums about the popular trends and the showbiz gossip that are the staple fare of online portals young people nowadays frequent, one will find anecdotes and stories of youth organization-led activities such as tree-growing, and of the gatherings of student groups in forming alliances for causes such as clean air.

As active young people are in today’s online community, we find that through the Coke Barkada Web site and blogs, they have found a voice through a medium that comes as second nature to them, in a platform that encourages interaction, encouragement and inspiration from their peers.

Posting their insights online not only allows young people to touch base with one another and share realizations and ideas, but the blogs themselves also serve as a platform for involvement, with the different blog posts garnering reactions of additional insights and pledges of support and encouragement. “Oh? Ano na? Hindi pa ba kayo naiinspire sa mga totoong kuwento ng mga kabataang may pagmamahal sa lupaing kanyang tinitirahan?” reads one of the comments on the blog post of the head of one of the student organizations involved.

The youth’s creativity also becomes apparent, not just in thinking up ways of saving the Earth, but also in sharing them with everyone else. One organization came up with a blog post of mythical creatures that protect the environment. Through these characters with matching profiles and illustrations, they were able to relay the different ways in which to protect the air, the Earth, the waters and the forests.

From awareness and conviction is born involvement and interaction. From simple words and insights typed on computer screens can be born a movement of committed and socially conscious young people, coming together, learning from each other, and realizing that as one person, they can make a difference, but as many young people together, their voices resound, and that their convictions are held steadfast by each other.

Changing the world, they say, begins with acts of random kindness. Saving it, would involve heads, hands and hearts fired by youthful energy and enthusiasm. These posts shared online with the rest of the world are testimonials to the potentials that abound in young people. Read, and be inspired.

The Coke Barkada’s Countdown to the Race: 10 Things We Will Do to Save the Earth is a blogging competition that will serve as the first round of eliminations for the student organizations participating in the Coke Planet Project 2007. The winning organizations will get to participate in the eco-adventure race to be held at the SM Mall of Asia on Oct. 20. To read the blogs, visit www.cokebarkada.com.

Coke Barkada’s Countdown to the Race: 10 Things We Will Do to Save the Earth

“And the youth are ready to take on the challenge.”

SOURCE: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=goodLife2_sept19_2007

this piece of writing

2007-09-12T14:07:00.000-07:00

Hodge Podge II: This Piece of Writing

Midterm was officially over having taken my last set of exams yesterday. That would not mean any relief though with the heavy requirements due this final term (21/24): full-blown translation project in translation studies, stage production in English registers/ language and the performing arts, portfolio in Mythology, LPs + portfolio in ACT, newspaper in Journalism and some minor (which seemed to be major) requirements in these courses.

Right now, I feel like I am being passive already in my organizations esp. ELC. I don’t want to take the reason it being a response to the demand of my academics because that would just mean that I have not improved on my time management. (I know I did!). Our free language assistance has not been moving yet.

Speaking of time management, I finally decided to live in a flat near campus. It’s fun being independent though I have been missing my family since (haha, the cheesy in me!).

***

Ateneo won over La Salle last Sunday. As a result, Ms. Mau was wearing blue the following day. See the connection? As of the moment, I still don’t know what to choose among UP, Ateneo, and La Salle for my master studies in Applied Linguistics or ELT. To weigh things, UP is a lot nearer to my residence. Ateneo is not that far though. La Salle can be tolerable. UP and La Salle are equal in Linguistic Studies (as I believe). La Salle and Ateneo have better facilities for instruction. Ateneo’s turf is Literature over Linguistics. I have always wanted to be a UPian. Whatever.

Whichever school I choose in the future, one thing is for sure: I’ll be a teacher, the noblest of all professions.

***

I watched the important FEU-NU game last Saturday. (with a stress on ‘important’). I was with Cath, and classmates Davis and Beverly. It was my first time to watch a game against the National University. To my surprise, I see a pack of FEU reliance team behind me. We were seated in Upper A. We won, anyway.

***

I finished crafting proposal for the First English Language Student Conference in the Philippines. I will have it consulted to the directress of FEU Center for English Language Studies, Ms. E and to Sir Bong, our ELC adviser before the week flies. We hope to have it conducted this first semester. I am wishful BSEd English can help us roll out the project since we will be including pedagogy together with linguistic and language studies.

***

I already have a hand to a ticket for the UAAP Cheering Competition 2007 at the Araneta. I am not sure though if I will be able to watch the game since 15 to 17 is the scheduled FEU IAS teambuilding in Caliraya. I may not be there but still, I have high hopes for our squad. I know they [we] can do it. I am confident. =)

***

Time passes quickly. Before I knew it, I am already leaving the University. I know I am not yet ready to leave each piece of FEU which has been so attached to me, my being. Positively, this exact frame of mind motivates me to enjoy every single day of my remaining University Life. (another cheesy in me!). #

____________________________________

It’s but another blog. You’re free. Comment.

Hodge-Podge I

2007-08-11T03:17:00.000-07:00

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.

***

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.

***

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!

***

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”.

***

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)

***

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.

***

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.

***

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.

***

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.

***

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

***

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

A Preview to Reality: Free Ticket

2007-05-15T01:16:00.000-07:00

While there is still one year left to me as a student, my two-week sojourn to the world they called “reality”, which I was rather forced to face with due to some unconquerable forces, has been able to bring some important realizations to me – an experience worthy to be remembered Tiring as it was, I, together with some fifty college students, had to stay up in the middle of the night listening to the product training lectures, doing role-plays and hands-on, and (yes) taking check up quizzes – at least for the first week. Now, I can affirm to the adage that life is a continuing learning process that never ends in school – if not life itself.

Since I was with my colleagues (Burn, Davis, Glo, Aiza, Abby, Just), adapting to the environment has been easy (not to mention, some FEU friends were also with us). School competition has been apparent since the group was a pack of students from various universities: Far Eastern University, University of the Philippines – Diliman and Los Baños, University of Sto. Tomas, Pamantasan ng Lunsod ng Maynila, among others.

I am just so proud to say that, at this early, Far Eastern University is able to train me to be competitive and adaptive!

Tamaraw Linguists

We had our ‘on calls’ during the second week. Fortunately enough, our schedule was set in the morning (forget about the night differential!). For some reasons, I was requested for an over-time and even offered my bosses voluntary services (haha, I’m really a volunteer at heart and proud of it!). For 32 hours, I experienced talking with various kinds of foreign customers, who are for the most part, Americans – young and old, demanding, tough, pleasing, sweet-sounding, awesome, gentle, Spanish, Chinese, Filipino… At this moment, I just missed my Lawson, Sir Ervs, Ms. Thea, Sir More, Ms. Che, friends, the pantry, Garnet Mini-stop, our customers… in short, TeleFlora :(

Sir Ervs, Ada, Jing, Japi, Ms. Thea, Ms. Che

with Juicy Burn ;)

with Glo

with friend, Jing (of PLM)

with Ada

with Ms. Thea, one of our trainers

my AX91 and soft phone

Realizations:
Graveyard shift means slow death.
Coffee is important.
Every cent counts.
Competition is apparent esp. among UAAP schools
Campus life means comfort.

2007-05-07T02:12:00.000-07:00

heal me.

2007-04-17T03:17:00.000-07:00

It is already vacation time, yet I am still so occupied with various concerns and loads.

We joined Bayani Challenge 2007 last April 9 – 13 at Daraga, Albay. I was with my bunso, Ren and Tony. The experience as a whole was very enjoyable and insightful though, there are several moments when I opted to walk through the dark streets alone, sit by the grass and talk with the star-laden sky. That was then that I realized that I don’t know myself completely.

On the lighter note, I missed the bonding and moments I had with my TAMVOL family and with my newly found friends (Team AYALA). It was fun building houses with YFC, Miriam College, and PUP people. Not to mention, I met some of the delegates of AYLC 2007 (Nikki, Rap, Steff, MR, Marvs, Carlo) and some of the AYLA. Special mention to Kuya Ralph Morales of AYLC Alumni Relations for extending the invitation.
YMCA Congress friend, Karen, who is from B.U. also visited me. I was so moved and realized that I missed my congress (Commission 1 and 12) friends a lot.

***
I will be working soon for e-PLDT Ventus in Ortigas. I am still waiting them to ring my phone though for my interview.

***
I missed a couple of batch get-together already. My best Rain already came home from Singapore for her OJT. I feel I am being negligent with my post as batch prexy. I missed them all though.

***
I joined the most recent immersion in our adopted Dumagat community in Rizal, after a very significant year. Ate Merci missed me a lot.

***
Finally, we are already seniors come June! Feels like it’s just a flick of an hour. Whoah! I am preparing a class petition against a professor-who-need-not-be-named. Just the same, I feel like listing down 10 most significant events that happened during my junior year:

1. served as the Auditor of the IAS Student Council – met my chumies, learned to love the institute and its students, initiated several projects
2. inspired the publication of the Paragon – though we were unable to come out with an issue
3. became a Galing Pilipino Young Leader
4. was FEU’s sole representative in the AYLC 2007 Top 140. (Danilo Cortez was, in his batch)
5. received a flat mark from Cristina Santos (sociolinguistics). Twas such a feat! Mind you.
6. obtained my lowest remark!
7. lost IASSC Presidency and gained a new family (IAS Sandigan Council)
8. elected as Tamaraw Volunteers’ and English Language Circle’s President.
9. continued passion towards community service
10. sold our house

*I'm healing...

Who would I show it to?

2007-04-17T03:10:00.000-07:00

"Who would I show it to?"
-Elegy, M.S. Merwin

I feel so heavily-laden even up to this moment. Just when I thought I completely knew myself, I realized lately that I was so wrong. It is as though I am starting to re-discover my "real self" trying to find answers to such basic questions as: who I am really, what have I become after a year or two, what do I really want to do in life, and the list is long. Sounds mushy. Yes, I know. I have learned that to find answers to these questions is complementary to answering queries like: what am I obliged to do, what pressing matters affect my decision-making, among others.
I reckon this moment of my life as the most arduous. I dunno. Little by little, I am starting to get fascinated with the pain I am entrapped with. I may have been very busy concerning myself with things that need be done [as I see it]; acknowledging at the end that I, myself, am too hollowed to give. That is maybe the real beauty of giving – you can do it even if you don’t have it.

Too much with this "self-disclosure in writing therapy".

***
Today’s the graduation day of the FEU Batch 2007. Oh my, I am surely gonna miss several faces come June. Let me mention some of them:

*Joseph "Posty" Postigo

President of the FEU Theatre Guild; Star Bucks friend; I am gonna miss our SIFE/TAMVOL moments though I know we will still get in touch with each other. Oh my, include his mole, the popularized posty clap, the jokes and flings.

Danilo "Ilo" Cortez

My predecessor in the Tamaraw Volunteers who seemed to pattern my fate with. Haha. We both run as council presidents and lost during the second time; We were both Galing Pilipino Young Leaders; We qualified for AYLC Top 140; We were/are TAMVOL’s Vice-President then President and last but definitely not the least, we are both in love with … volunteerism and youth empowerment.

Grace Pascual

My big sister who never runs out of prayers and sound advices. See you at Volunteers for CHANGE!
*Chumie Ann – You will forever remain as one of my best chumies. I will be around.

Powki

I never really know her real name. It is immaterial though. I am pretty sure a lot of souls will miss her for she never fails to crack a joke. A true friend, indeed.

Gee

the ever tactlessly tactful lady I have come to know. I will miss seeing you debating (or simply chattering!). let’s get in touch still.

Kares/ Kevin/ Rosy

see you in V4!

Marissa

My industrious Associate Editor in the Paragon who have joined me dreaming we could publish an issue (sigh)

Paragon girls (Angel, Charley, Japs!, Rhea, Loraine)

there is never a wasted effort! Thanks for all and see you in the future.

*Victor Vitug/ Rhona/ Fat

FEUCSO friends who have also become close to my heart.

Michael Pamular

my daddy; thanks for the leadership principles I have come to learn from you. ELC’s in good hands. :)

Nursing SC friends (Bryan/Mich)

coffee moments

Randolf

the ever laborious president of the Biology Society. I missed editing BioPhage (really!)

Shiela (BS Bio)

I will treasure our badminton moments.

ELC family

congrats everyone. We’ll see each other sa homecoming.

*and to all those unnamed souls who, in one way or another, became a part of me.

Again, congratulations and good luck. We are truly going to miss you our dear seniors!

Why you should vote straight for IAS-Sandigan Party line up

2007-03-10T08:20:00.000-08:00

Hi everybody, if you are still confused of who to vote for this coming FEU Elections (March 12, 2007), allow me to give you reasons why you should choose SANDIGAN PARTY.

FIRST, IASSC SANDIGAN LINE UP IS COMPOSED OF STUDENT LEADERS WHO HAVE BEEN WELL-TRAINED AND WELL-EXPERIENCED

YOUR IAS STUDENT COUNCIL!

PLANS OF ACTION

SANDIGAN PARTY

JOHN PAUL “JAP” UMINGA (President, AB English Language) – Auditor, IASSC, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, The Paragon, Vice President, Tamaraw Volunteers, Member: Oratorical and Debate Council, College Y Club Awardee, Gawad Tamaraw 2006 (Search for Outstanding Student Leader); Awardee, Golden Tamaraw 2006 (Search for Outstanding Student Volunteer); Finalist (FEU’s sole Top 140 qualifier), 9th Ayala Young Leaders Congress 2007; Nominee, Outstanding Delegate, YMCA National Congress for College Students, Entrance Merit Scholar (Valedictorian), Academic Scholar

ANN MARGARET “ANN” ANTONIO (Vice-President, AB Mass Communication) – PRO, IASSC; Chair, Committee on Promotion and Public Information, IASSC; Chair, Logistics, Tamaraw Volunteers; OIC, Dance Company; Member: IAS Tower (Honor Society), College Y Club, Every Nations Victory Campus Ministries; Academic Scholar

ROSE ANNE “R.A” GUILLERMO (Secretary, BS Psychology) – Treasurer, IASSC; Chair, Committee on Budget and Finance, Business Manager, Psychology Society (SY 2005-2006); Member: Peer Counseling Group, Rotary Club of Makati Jupiter, Tamaraw Volunteers

ROBIN JAMES “RJ” GOROSPE (Treasurer, AB Mass Communication) – Former Chair, Oatorical and Debate Council Committee on Logistics and Documentation, FEUCSO Committee Member, Member: Tamaraw Volunteers, College Y Club, FEU Dance Troupe FEU Nominee for US Scholarship for Film; Finalist (Top 10), FEU-Ayala Young Leaders Congress 2007

REYMART “RM” LUNA (Auditor, AB Political Science) – Champion, Political Science Quiz Bee 2007, Champion, IAS Week Quiz Bowl 2007, President, Supreme Student Council (Holy Cross College), Treasurer, Supreme Student Council (Holy Cross College)

THERMINA ANN “MINA” AKRAM (Business Manager, AB Mass Communication) – Deputy Chair, Committee on Academics, IASSC; Member: FEU Cheering Squad, College Y Club, Students for Christ – U-Belt Chapter; Participant, Young Leaders Summit (DLSU, 2006), 32nd YMCA National Congress for College Students (Baguio, 2006)

JOHN ARVIN “JAM” MOLINTAS (PRO, AB Mass Communication) – Most Outstanding Delegate, 32nd YMCA National Congress for College Students (Baguio, 2006); FEU Nominee for US Scholarship for Film; Finalist (Top 10), FEU-Ayala Young Leaders Congress 2007 Director, Chamber on Children and Youth, Tamaraw Volunteers; Committee Member, Mass Communication Society; Committee Member, College Y Club; Committee Member, OGEC Student Council; Kagawd, Sangguniang Kabataan; Member: IAS Tower, Dance Company, FEU Gawad Kalinga, FEU UNICEF

MARK HERBERT “MAC” TRAJANO (Sergeant at arms, BS Psychology) – Business Manager, Peer Counseling Group; Delegate, English is Cool Camp Hands on Manila; Member: Pambansang Smaahan ng Sikolohiyang Filipino, Psychology Society, Rotary Club Parañaque ChapterJunior Personnel Manager Association of the Philippines, IAS Varsity

PONCIVER “PONCI” CEBREROS (FEUCSO Representative, AB Political Science) – Best Speaker, Zamboanga Inter-Collegiate Debate Tilt, 2nd Place, Extemporaneous Contest (Buwan ng Wika 03), 1st Runner Up, Essay Writing Contest 03

SECOND, OUR TOP THREE OFFICERS ARE PART OF THE INCUMBENT TEAM. (I, John Paul “Jap” Uminga, your Auditor, now your SC President; Ann Margaret “Marga” Antonio”, your PRO, now your SC Vice President and Rose Anne “R.A” Guillermo, your Treasurer, now your Secretary)

Sa loob ng isang taon, maraming mga proyektong naisakatuparan ang inyong IAS Student Council. However, we believe that there are several areas for improvement that we have to implement for the said projects and programs. Nalaman na namin ang mga bagay-bagay na dapat idagdag, pag-ibayuhin, baguhin, at solusyunan! Experiences really taught us a lot and now we are bound to maximize the lessons we have learned in order to better and to strengthen our beloved IAS.

THIRD, IAS-SANDIGAN LINE UP IS ALL SET WITH THE 8TH POINT AGENDA FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR

1. Improvement of projects implemented the previous year
2. Creation of Committee on Students’ Grievances and Committee on Cyber Works
3. Strengthening of the Information Dissemination Campaign (website, newsletter, room-to-room campaign, online communities such as friendster, multiply, e-group)
4. Re-launching of the IAS Tower and IAS Chorale
5. Promotion of financial transparency (through the publication)
6. creation of more sustainable and more responsive community service-oriented programs
7. promotion of inter-organization partnership and project integration
8. Launching of TOTAL STUDENT EMPOWERMENT MECHANISMS (The Paragon, the Official IAS Publication, Suggestion Box, 1st IAS Student Congress, Seminars on Leadership, Administrators- Student [Leaders] Dialogue, different competitions)

If you want our institute to move forward, choose SANDIGAN! Having implemented several projects, this school year is indeed a step forward. We want to continue taking steps forward!

We are done experimenting; we are now bound for IMPROVEMENT AND INNOVATION!
I sincerely hope to get you support to the party DAHIL ANG LABAN NAMIN AY DI LANG LABAN NG SANDIGAN PARTY KUNDI LABAN NG BUONG INSTITUTE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES NAa NAGHAHANGAD NG PATULOY NA BAGBABAGO!

EXPERIENCES TOWARD EXCELLENCE. IAS MOVING FORWARD!

In the service of the FEU-IAS populace,

JOHN PAUL "JAP" C. UMINGA
SANDIGAN PARTY-IASSC PRESIDENT
INCUMBENT SC AUDITOR

Note: supporters, friends, and practically anybody who wants a better IAS in the coming academic year, plese re-post. Thank you.

2007-02-19T16:02:00.001-08:00

The short story I have written as a requirement has already been exposed to the writers’ workshop during our Creative Writing class last Thursday. I rather expected the constructive critiques of my colleagues and professor regarding “Home Sweet Home”. Well, I am not really into fiction writing though I am open for craft development.

Sir Miel, who is a student of the fabled Jess Cruz, appreciated the kind of language I employed with my work. He suggested that I mask my thoughts through immediate characterization and inject a more vivid and specific conflict.

***

I am browsing Paul Dawson’s Creative Writing and the New Humanities (2005) which seeks to answer perennial questions such as ‘can writing be taught’ and ‘should it be taught’. I am the first one to have borrowed the book from the FEU-Library.

***

The same day, we lost our first badminton match against the Institute of Nursing (IN). Joseph and I failed to prepare for the match. My muscles are still aching – it’s essentially de-stressing though.

Meanwhile, we will be running for the 8th Takbo para sa Kalikasan tomorrow at Quirino Grandstand together with other Tams. After, we are planning to go straight the Ateneo Gym for the UAAP Volleyball Championship (Game One).

***

I was invited to join FEU-ORADEC Debate Chamber’s trainings for the upcoming P.I.D.C. While I concede that I have always wanted to debate, my hectic schedules and other commitments just keep on preventing me to do so. As Prof. Annabel Kibanoff-Mercado (FEU ORADEC Adviser, Communications Department) puts it, debate is really a jealous mistress – and I cannot afford to leave student leadership and community service involvement behind.

***

There is still no update as regards to the Paragon funding. Our waiting will finally be over, I know. Meanwhile, I haven’t seen new issues of the Podium (FEU-IABF) or the Lamp (FEU-IN) yet.

2007-02-19T16:01:00.000-08:00

It’s Valentines Day today, certainly one of the most celebrated feasts in honor of a saint. Since I don’t have classes, I had the luxury to snooze around my bed until 10am (I slept 11:30 last night). I realized that I badly missed my pillows already.

***
After an hour of playing Pokemon (yes, the Ruby Version) in my desktop, I finished some SC paper works. I am yet to browse my academic notes though. Right now, I am thinking whether I will join Arvin and friends in an “All Singles Party” tonight, or not.

***
Kuya Ago called earlier relaying some not-so-good news. I am calling an emergency meeting tomorrow regarding some pressing organizational concerns. I am praying for the successful operation of Dino, TAMVOL member and friend who is at UST hospital right now for some reasons I am yet to know.

***

Yesterday, I attended the second leg of the 1st Bi-Annual Research Conference organized by the FEU-English Department. I was with Vanj and Rachelle and the senior block of FEU-AB English Language. Dr. Ramon Bantugan, who is a personal mentor in Linguistics, served as the lecturer discussing his paper on “An Analysis of Film Adaptations of Two Filipino Novels”. His study was a comprehensive one underscoring the triangulation of Literature, Mass Media and Applied Linguistics.

***

We already took our MX last week except for Development Reading. Still, everybody seemed occupied with varied academic concerns - that would mean 2 laptops, 1 PC, and a pile of books at the SC Office. Our class will be joining an inter-block curtain call. We’ll be using the short story of Giovanni Vera entitled The She-Wolf as our piece. Krystal Vergara will be playing the major role.

***

FEU-Athletic League already started. Institute of Arts and Sciences teams won its opening games against the Institute of Education Team for the Volleyball Men’s, Associate in Health and Science Education (AHSE) Team for the Basketball Men’s Team, and against the FEU-East Asia College for the Basketball-Women’s. A long way to go!

My game (badminton-doubles) will already be on Thursday. Joseph and I haven’t had any practice game though (which is supposedly today).

Speaking of Athletic Leagues, hail kudos to FEU Volleyball teams for making it to the UAAP finals! I will be watching the game one of the championship games this Sunday at the Ateneo Gym. I hope I can find someone to go with me.

Men’s – Far Eastern University vs. University of Sto. Of Tomas
Women’s – Far Eastern University vs. University of the Philippines

* It’s gonna be FEU vs. UST and UP

***

I have discovered good books at the FEU-Library recently. I have learned that two books are not enough for take home purposes. I hope FEU will allow students to borrow at least three and extend the allowable duration to at least a week (which means seven days, not five) or two.
***

I am currently reading Michael Agar’s Language Shock: Understanding the Culture of Conversation and Florian Coulmas’s Sociolinguistics: The Study of Speakers’ Choices. Sadly though, I have to return immediately the two books so as to avoid overdue status. I have not even finished half of Michael’s which I found, for the most, interesting, as he recounted his personal linguistic experiences relating to the popularly known concepts of Boas and Saussure.

Dr. Nicanor Reyes woke me up!

2007-01-22T16:25:00.000-08:00

It seemed to me that Dr. Nicanor woke me up this morning since I stirred up 3 o’clock in the morning despite the fact that I slept late the night before. However, still, I wasn’t able to attend the floral offering for the FEU’s founder since I have to accomplish several academic requirements the late day.

Happy 79th Founding Anniversary, FEU!

Go Green and Gold!

***

I watched a play yesterday at Greenbelt One as a requisite to our Literary Criticism class. It was Frank Rich’s Moose Murder. I was with my friends Vanj, Davis, Lhen, Jill, Abby, Gai, Lars and the rest of EL0431 block. I realized that I really missed my ‘complete company’. Young, Rachel and I fed ourselves to death as a protest to the theatre we just viewed while discussing the weak and strong points of Rich.

***

The other weekend, I was at the Ateneo with Kua Ago, Ilo, Grace, Haiyes and Rj for the 4th Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations National Conference 2007 themed: Locating Filipinos in the Globalizing World. I found the conference very insightful.

Favorite sessions (in order):

1. Atty. Enrique V. dela Cruz, Jr. - Students' Rights in the Age of Globalization

Atty. Enrique dela Cruz, Jr.
Senior Associate, Ponce Enrile Reyes & Manalastas Law Office
Master of Laws, London Metropolitan University

2. Dr. Benjamin Tolosa - Introductory Notes on Globalization

Dr. Benjamin Tolosa
Chairperson, Political Science Dep't., Ateneo de Manila University
Ph.D., Political Science, University of Minnesota

3. Mr. Bobby Benedicto - Philippine Sexuality in Transition
4. Dr. Filomeno Aguilar - Migration and Identity

Dr. Filomeno Aguilar
Professor, History Dep't. Ateneo de Manila University
Ph.D., Development Sociology, Cornell University

5. Fr. Jose Magadia - Comparing Philippine Democracy

Fr. Jose Magadia
Assistant Professor, Political Science Dep't,, Ateneo de Manila University
Ph.D., Political Science, Columbia University

6. Fr. Luis David - Postmodern Critiques of American Imperialism

Fr. Luis David
Associate Professor, Philosophy Dep't., Ateneo de Manila University

Ph.D., Philosophy, Boston College

***
I already sent a request for financial subsidy at the OSACS for the Paragon. We are waiting still for the development. Meanwhile, everybody seemed much occupied already for the upcoming FEU elections. Such a headache for me. I dunno still what post I will be running.

***
On the lighter note, I will be joining this year’s FEU-Athletic League for Team IAS – Badminton-Doubles. A very good way to de-stress, I guess. Hope i will find time to practice-play with Joseph (BS Math), my team-mate.

2007-01-10T16:35:00.000-08:00

Prof. Barogga was absent today. We were then left to wonder how we scored in our DevReading exam. I just took the chance to talk with a Korean classmate named Hana and learned a lot of things, such as Korea is divided into two: the North being a communist nation and the South, democratic just like the Philippines. Hence, every single Korean we see in FEU or in any other part of the country comes from the southern border.

Also, I have come to know that the government pays for the expenses (i.e. medical, educational) of the third offspring. Yet, typical Korean family doesn’t risk bearing more than two believing that it is arduous to raise children.

***

Reporting was re-convened in our Cross-Cultural class. Lhen and Vanj, who tackled non-verbal communication and ethnocentrism across cultures, volunteered. We (I and Rain) haven’t delivered our report oral evaluation though because of time deficiency.

Meanwhile, we computed our grade in Technical Writing. I am happy to receive an early flat mark though I did not study for the Px (tough luck!).

***

Despite stress, I had to force myself to attend two meetings after classes. I felt like I had to divide my body into two because of the superimposed schedules.

I couldn’t believe, still, that I became emotional during the Paragon’s meeting. I may be just starting to get tired, with all the efforts I have been exerting for the publication and not receiving the necessary emotional back up I need. But I will never get loose from the grip. Believe me.

***
Immediately after the Paragon meeting, I went straight to the study area for the TAMVOL’s Executive Board meeting. I just sat down listening with the dialogues. My interviewer from the Advocate did not come as it was set the next hour.

***

After all the meetings, I had dinner with friends Ilo, Josef and Arvin. Unplanned, we had coffee at Starbucks – San Lazaro together with Nursing friends (Mitch, Bryan, and Doms). A very good way to end the stressful day. Josef and I slept over Arvin’s place and the following day, I lost the phone given to me by my sister as a pre-Christmas present. Sad.

2007-01-10T16:29:00.000-08:00

Prof. Miel was absent, which made some of my classmates literally jump. Today was supposedly the deadline of the short story we crafted for our Creative Writing class (15-page minimum). I was also happy though, honestly, since it would also give me time to employ minor editing.

The next class, Anglo-American Lit, we viewed ‘First Knight’, a sweeping romantic epic about love, betrayal, and passion in legendary, enchanted kingdom of Camelot featuring Sean Connery (as King Arthur), Richard Gere (as Lancelot), Julia Ormond (Queen Guinevere) and Ben Cross (as Megalant). We haven’t finished it though.

During our Literary Criticism class, we watched another movie: Dr. Seuss’ ‘A Cat in the Hat’ which we will be critiquing using the Psychological approach.

2007-01-04T17:50:00.000-08:00

My celebration of the Yuletide Season had been completely inspiring for me. Days before the Christmas, we threw a gift-giving project for the people of the FEU Village through the Tamaraw Volunteers in cooperation with the Office of Student Affairs and Community Services. It was really moving to see the children smiling upon receiving their present. Equally touching was the music composed by a group of mothers as a sign of their gratitude to us. (How sweet!) A couple of days after that, we went to Montalban, Rizal together with the volunteers of the V4CHANGE for another gift-giving endeavor. This time, for the Dumagats. New members of the FEU Tamaraw Volunteers were exposed to a totally exciting and heart-filling affair.

I organized a batch party last December 27, 2006 and was very glad to see, after a year, some of my batchmates who, unsurprisingly, grown matured already. I missed Rain though who wasn’t able to make it since she is presently in Singapore for a practicum (she called though). Meanwhile, I felt nostalgic seeing similar faces of Zyreen, Kristoffer, Paul, Jarra, Ian (who is also in FEU taking up Financial Accounting), Kath, Mitch, Bob, Morris, Erika, Mae, Elgene, Philip, Erjay and Carmi. I attended a number of parties (V4Change’s, IASSC’s, Arvin’s, TAMVOL-CYC’s) which seemed to drive away the sad thought that I have to finish a lot of things before classes resume on the 4th including a lengthy short story for my creative writing class, the finalization of the Paragon (sighs…), and a number of narratives and project proposals…

umingajc@feumail.feu.edu.ph

2006-12-10T04:11:00.000-08:00

It's almost a month now and i haven't really gotten a good night sleep. 12 days to go and it's christmas. one week to go and it's our semester break. prelim exam is just around the corner, and i haven't really done anything impressive in class except from being the student report evaluator in Cross Cultural Communication.

Galing Pilipino Young Leaders Congress
i qualified for this year's GPYLC organized annually by the Galing Pilipino Movement, Inc. I must admit that i enjoyed the three-day camp despite my being the sole delegation of FEU. I was with the 'happy' Team LakBYKE Mabuhay Tour with Sir Vic (DLSU History professor), Sir James (Colegio de San Juan de Letran professor), Ron (PUP-COABTE), Tin (PUP) and Yas (UP-Political Science)

Team LakBYKE Mabuhay Tour

9th Ayala Young Leaders Congress Interview
Being inside the Ayala Tower brought a sudden gush of excitement and nervousness, a mix of sort, inside me. I wasn't shocked though that my interviewers, who are all CEOs, were very accomodating, so to speak. I was glad meeting fellow student leaders from the Uiversity of Cebu and the Bicol University. T'was such a rare privilege.

32nd YMCA National Congress for College Students
I enjoyed the 32nd YMCA inasmuchas I enjoyed last year's. I really miss my old YMCA friends though Karen (Bicol University), Dexter ((Bicol University), Enver (La Salle-Lipa), te Shiela (Philippine Women's University) and the rest of my commission-mates. FEU brought six (6) trophies for the Best Delegate. Glad I was one of the nominees :-) I am starting to feel nostalgic... I miss Commission One.

32nd YMCA National Congress for College Students Commission One

co-officers in the ias student council with the feucso prexy

The Paragon's Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor ;-)

Rizal National Leadership Institute
I may be leaving again for Baguio come Dev 17 to 21 to represent FEU in this year's RNLI (if I got it right), particularly in the essay writing tilt. The papers are still in OSACS though. I will be with Dwight (Rizal quiz bee), and Mark (extemporaneous). I am praying that Ilo make it to the 10 Outstanding Rizal Model Student. Jan qualified last year.

2006-11-15T17:03:00.000-08:00

i qualified for the interview phase (Top 140). yipee!

random thoughts

2006-11-12T04:04:00.000-08:00

TAMVOL Overnight

I just arrived from an overnight stay at Arvin's place somewhere in Manila (my first). What is different with this is that we did not opt to do it for sheer fun. In fact, we had our organization (Tamaraw Volunteers) so-called project planning for the second semester. Sounds impressive, huh? Likewise, we took the opportunity to tighten the bond among us (haha, though I deem it not needed - for we are already closely knitted! haha, call it poetry!). Though tireless (not to mention, sleepless), I had enjoyed the company of my 'family' (as oweiz): Josef, Addrian, Ilo, Mylene (bunso), Kat, and Chimie (newly appointed as asst. treasurer). The project planning, as I happened to forecast, turned as a houseparty with light drinks (and chips!) on side, with the fabled videoke (must have slept earlier without it though).

Tomorrow, I will be bringing all my things at Arvin's (my 'kapatid' - yes, we are both 'halamang dagat'; ask him why) for I will stay there for a couple of weeks so as to help me manage the seemingly busy hectic sked ahead (ymnca, volunteers week, academics, feucso students summit, etc.). For now, I felt I have to finish reading our photocopy materials in Creative Writing and in Literary Criticism and finish reading 'Beowulf' for Anglo-Americal Literature class tomorrow...

AYLC Update

I received three congratulatory messages (the first one from Kuya Harold, second one from Ilo, and third from Mcoi , through SMS) already regarding the top 140 qualifiers for the 9th Ayala Young Leaders Congress. I REALLY haven't yet confirmed about it though (haven't even received an e-mail of sort and haven't seen my name in the AYLC site when I checked it a couple of days ago). Just the same, I will be very glad if ever the news is true (who wouldn't?) not forgetting the fact that I completely owe to my community involvement. Let's help build our nation, together...

On IASSC

Everyone is already busy for the upcoming IAS Week come third week of the month. So far, everything is flowing smoothly. -> I am very happy that R.A. has finally come back in the council and that Chumie Ann is finally enrolled. Just praying all turns out fine.

PS: BTW, I recently got hooked with an online photo-hosting site called multiply. You might want visit my site at www.jpcuminga.multiply .com.

World Bank Paper

2006-11-05T01:36:00.000-08:00

hi everyone, you might want to read the paper i submitted to the world bank regarding practical and personal approaches to addressing national concerns.

it's in this link: http://wbln0018.worldbank.org/exteu/EssayCompetition.nsf/View%20to%20Link%20Web%20Pages/63007EBDD6CF81A38525714300434C12?opendocument

keeping me busy

2006-10-31T00:06:00.000-08:00

It's barely a week before the start of another semester. i just though that it would be nice to revisit some of the noteworthy events that pre-occupied my first semester (not to mention, even my semester break) schedule.

1. I received another GWA not enough to qualify me for a full scholarship. depressing.
- My mentor in Sociolinguistic gave me the lowest mark (1.75). i'm totally clueless of how my grade was computed.
- I was glad receiving flat marks in Peace Education and Structure of the Filipino Language (though I honestly expected it)
- I was even happier receivIng another flat mark in Afro-Asian Literature. Sir Solmerano must have been impressed with my final exam. - i was sad with my FG in Structure of English (**** it! i should have reviewed for the FX). wasted remark (PG=1.00; MG=1.25; FG=1.5). call it inconsisency!

2. We started working for the Paragon's maiden issue.
- Yes, in fact, I can say that we already completed approximately a quarter of the total work.
- still searching for possible publishers. thanks to FEU Publications Office for the lay-out support
- I'm happy with my hardworking staff. keep it up, guys! - still working for the sponsorship and advertisements.

3. I attended the English camp
- call it a break (haha, still a hyperbole!)
- i'm glad hearing the speeches from Prof. Yvonne Chua of UP-Journalism (Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism) regarding blogging and journaling as well as from Manuel L. Quezon III about youth's voice and responsibilities. truly enlightening!
- special mention to Vincent (of Accountability and Transparency Network) for his substantive tirade.
- i'm happy people appreciated my privilege speech during the youth talk show night. highly appreciated.
- get closer with FEU peeps (Aran, Euf, Nicky, Juliet, Robert, and others) and develop friendship with students from other schools (Ina, Lily, Agatha and others). - i'm starting to miss Nosebleed Group (Cluster I). we're the best!
- had to leave early on the last day for the scrabble championship

4. We joined the National Students Scrabble Championship 2006
- We were totally not informed about the word reference.
-We won 3 out of 18 rounds despite our apparent handicap.
- Ateneo backed out the tourney for the reason already stated.
- Still can't appreciate SOWPODS.

Green and Gold Team

FEU-A John Paul Uminga (III AB English Language)

FEU-B Marissa Hernando (IV AB Mass Communication)

FEU-C James Pestañas (III AB English Language)

FEU-D Michael Gaac (IV AB English Language)

FEU-E Benedict Sarmiento (I AB English Language)

Team Coach - Patrick Corpuz

Not in the Photo: FEU-F Ann Marie Fernando (IV BS Mathematics maj. in IT) and FEU-G Roland Adriano (III AB English Language)

AYLC: Contemplations

2006-08-08T02:25:00.001-07:00

I just attended the FEU-AYLC Orientation at the Nursing Multi-Purpose Hall. Though my attendance in the caucus had caused me to rush academic matters after (since I had to finish my output in Sociolinguistics!), it has, in turn, made me feel a lil excited. Though I've heard a lot about it before, I felt re-oriented as Mr. Fritz of OSACS officially invited us, junior scholars as regards to the matter.

I saw familiar faces in the hall: Ron and Sellicha of the ORADEC, Donna of TAMVOL SIFE, Chumie Marga (who was actually a seatmate) of IASSC, and a number of MassComm scholars (hell yeah, there making a difference so to speak!). Well, my colleagues in the English Language were not with me (since, as i said, we still have to accomplish academic requirement).

The orientation has actually made me sank in deep contemplation, thinking about my status as a student leader. Have I really been making a positive difference (as my line in SIFE competition run)? What may be the things which I can reckon as accomplishments? or maybe even better, how do I concretize 'accomplishments? Along with these are questions like: how do I , now that i'm in my junior year, fare as a campus leader? have I been helping the university with the realization of its mission-vision? These queries and more have silently reflected on the mirror of my thoughts as the orientation a while ago advanced. Nonetheless, these are equally important concerns that are ought to be cleared out so that I will be able to develop a more positive self image as a leader.

(so much with these poetic thoughts!)

Meanwhile, it may be saddening that, for the first time, no one last year was able to make it as an Ayala Young Leader. My friend, Ilo, however, has made it to the top 140 (that's already a feat, mind you!). Just the same, I still believe that FEU is still a genuine haven of effective student leaders!

^_^

Hit and miss!

2006-08-06T00:11:00.000-07:00

I still feel elated with the turn out of events these days. I was bombarded with several concerns (what's new anyway?) and was lucky though being able to transform it into a positive light.

FEUCSO Team Building - This year's FEUCSO LTS was held at Rizal. The place may not be that scenic compared to Caliraya but still I was able to enjoy (hey, that was my goal!) the two-day affair. Well, thanks to my friends from TAMVOL, ORADEC, Theatre Guild and Campus Ministry. The whole experience was really worth remembering.

ELC 1ST General Assembly - I went straight to ELC's 1st General Assembly after attending the FEUCSO LTS (whoah!). Contrary to my expectation, I was more than beleaguered with the unforeseen role I played that made me think I am still a part of the ELC EB. Well, it's just my way of paying off I believe. Thanks God, it turned out successful despite the absence of technical facilities (hey, even Mike and our department chair weren't there)

TAMVOL General Assembly - We just had our GA last Friday, August 4 at the IN Multi-Purpose Hall. I, together with friend Gee, hosted the half-day event with the theme: TAMVOLunteerism: It Starts with Me! I also received the 10 Outstanding Volunteers of the Year (2005-2006) Award with fellow volunteers: Jen, Kares, Ilo, Jane, Josh, Rob, Cis, Royce and Grace. Likewise, we also paid tribute to our senior adviser, Prof. Jose V. faustino (Associate Dean, FEU-OSACS).

The Paragon 1st Meeting - We had our first meeting in the Paragon JUST yesterday. We started distributing tasks with the hope to respond to the needs of a vibrant pub.

IAS Dance Co. GA - Dance Coy. had there general assembly last night. As part of the council, i was invited as guest during the event. It's nice being with good people! After attending the GA, we went to Pogs' house birthday bash.

ORADEC

2006-08-02T17:23:00.000-07:00

Sparing a Moment

2006-07-28T06:38:00.000-07:00

I'm supposed to be going home now. It's already 10:00 pm yet Ilo and I are still here in the cafe. Well, we can't just waste our time away waiting for the van. So instead, we dropped here (the best time to check and respond to our e-mails).

It seemed that it has been decades since i last blogged here. How I envy friends who always have time to spare for this. Well, I'm supposed to be posting my last-week-thoughts but only now I realized that I left my USB at home.

Anyway, we had a meeting with the Cartwheel Foundations, Inc. earlier this evening. Well, it just made me feel a little unhuman since i had to rush in the guardhouse to fetch these people (since I had not ask for the permission from the FEU-Sec.Dept. beforehand), contact Ilo and other members of the EB for the meeting and finally, look for a rendezvouz. it just so happened that I wasn't able to confirm their attendance. Just the same, we had a fruitful dialogue discussing our partnership plans in the future. (TAMVOL). i was oriented with Cartwheel last summer at the Ateneo and I have known by then that their cause primarily focuses on the Indigenous Peoples in the Phils.

Aside from the Cartwheel-TAMVOL meeting we had at the IASSC Office, we officially finanlize TAMVOL EB. We also planned for the General Assembly to be held this coming Friday. (can't wait to meet all the student-volunteers in FEU who undergone ostensibly rigid screening).

Tomorrow, we'll be having our FEUCSO Team Building at Rizal. What I am left to do now is to go home, pack things for tomorrow, ask mom for something to fill in my wallet and have a very short nap.

2006-06-17T23:43:00.000-07:00

John Paul C. Uminga

Talk about being Pseudo-Occupied!

2006-05-29T20:39:00.000-07:00

I let myself be captured in this deserted room instead of lying lazily in my bed at home. Summer will be ending soon and yet, I have not enjoyed so much as far as the word “vacation” is involved. Or haven’t I? I don’t think so. In fact, I let myself be buried with many organizational concerns. Uh-uh, damn right. Talk about being pseudo-occupied!

Yes, despite the sleepless nights, endless drafting of project proposals (and revisions!), board meetings, travels for community services and leadership trainings, volunteer opportunities I have been to, competition and the like, I still reckon my existence as “empty” - too strong a word that it could depict my being sentimental at times.

Empty? Could this be really me talking about emptiness? I surmise classmates and friends would hastily react upon reading my blog. No, pardon me but I just can’t help but to think out loud. Perhaps, my involvement to organizations cannot just fill me in, completely. Not even being in an almost-perfect-family or being surrounded with good people.

Sigh

Abiding by the Faith

2006-04-20T22:43:00.000-07:00

A Catholic by faith as I am, I spent the “holy week” at home with no extraordinary conduct at all. Most of the time, I was seen sitting in front of the monitor encoding things I need come the following weeks. In fact, I have already finished writing the following:

1. Of Good Hearts, Of Mountains, Of Dumagats
Revisiting Volunteers for CHANGE 6th Immersion with the Dumagats

2. Project Proposals (IAS-SC)
a. IAS newsletter
b. Gawad Angel Abaya

3. Student Council House Rules and April 8 Minutes of the Meeting

4. ORADEC news article (about the Golden Stag Quest)

True! How busy I was the week that passed! However, I still made sure that I find time to exercise my being a Christian aside from watching three Barbie Stories: (laughs…)

1. Barbie in the Princess and the Pauper
2. Barbie in the Swan Lake
3. Barbie in Fanta

In fact, during Maundy Thursday, my family together with my aunt, my uncle and my two young cousins, practiced “Visita Iglesia” in Manila. Instead of 12 churches, we had 5:

1. Manila Cathedral
2. San Agustin Church
3. Abbey of Montserrat (San Beda College)
4. St. Jude Archdiocesan Shrine
5. St. Michael and the Archangels Shrine

During Black Saturday, I watched the live telecast of El Shaddai in television and on Easter Sunday, after attending the meeting of TAMVOL, I, with Danilo, attended the Eucharistic celebration in St. Peter Shrine in Commonwealth.

Despite the controversies that faces Christianity, I swear to be faithful, not to anyone else, but to Him whose existence is beyond explanation!

Of Good Hearts, of Mountains, of Dumagats

2006-04-20T22:39:00.000-07:00

"Of Good Hearts, of Mountains, of Dumagats: Revisiting Volunteers for CHANGE 6th Dumagat’s Immersion"

I. Introduction
II. The Philippine Social Milieu
III. Far Eastern University-Tamaraw Volunteers
IV. Volunteers for CHANGE
V. 6th Dumagats Immersion

a. An Invitation
b. Amazing Race
c. Mountain’s Goddesses
d. The Volunteers
e. Capacity to Dream
f. Gift of Dumagats

INTRODUCTION

Quality involvement to community service initiatives has always been a part of my system since I got affiliated with the Tamaraw Volunteers. For more than a year now, I had been continuously making a difference with my actual attachments to numerous cause-oriented endeavors made available by social transformers---the so-called NGOs. Yes, it has been a fruitful year for me to actually grow while, at the same time, contribute a crucial part of me as an asset member of a very essential fraction called the Youth.

THE PHILIPPINE SOCIAL MILIEU

Much has been said about the shrinking ship of Juan dela Cruz. The Philippines has far gone astray economically and politically, they say. Indeed, one does not have to lay his panoramic scrutiny to fully recapitulate the not-so-depressing socio-economic conditions subjugating the country which are already highly evident in the status quo. While our peso is pseudo-recovering against the dollar, the implications are still far more critical to the majority of the Filipinos which comprises mainly of the striving poor. Political bickering, the struggle for power, has long been imbedded in our political system. And that, at times, makes me think: Such is the downside of democracy! (the overindulgence of the freedom of expression) Alarmingly, our environment has already deteriorated, worsen, exacerbated, and degraded. Tsk, tsk. These are understatements!

With the amalgamation of such causative factors, Filipino Diaspora has served as the main vent for survival for these people who search for green pastures; greener perhaps that of the crops sown via the still traditional way of farming in any Philippine soil. With the huge dollar remittances they are literally bringing in the country, somehow, it addresses the slow-paced recovery of the supposedly pearl of the Orient Sea. Their sojourn to foreign territories grants them the Modern Day Heroes title which they deserved.

FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY-TAMARAW VOLUNTEERS

My day-to-day life drama as a student of the Far Eastern University, the Green and Gold University situated in the U-Belt in Manila, exposed me to the aching reality of the Filipino subsistence. On my way to school, the intoxicating atmosphere abruptly greets me as I lay my feet down off the public transportation. Gradually, as I walk through, faces of uncomforted souls seemed to escort me as I traverse the daunting underground passage. Streetchildren, vagabonds, and beggars are the usual scenes that welcome me before I enter the campus premise, as if reminding me of my social responsibility. Good thing though I found the Tamaraw Volunteers, or simply, TAMVOL.

TAMVOL has been a masked blessing to me in many ways. Because of it, I am able to share a part of myself to the people who are in dire need of consolation. I am socially-transformed myself from being a simple scholar to being a social worker! This, it is true, is the miracle of being an altruistic Tamaraw Volunteer.

VOLUNTEERS FOR CHANGE

The Volunteers for Channeling Humanitarian Actions for Nation’s Goodness and Excellence, Inc. or simply called the V4CHANGE, is, just that: living to create a positive change and impact out of the lives of individuals who need compassion and comfort; one of the many NGOs in the country nowadays who seek to extend hands to anyone in need. Interestingly, V4CHANGE is founded with the joint efforts of student leaders from Far Eastern University.

6TH DUMAGAT IMMERSION

An Invitation

Kuya Ago, an alumnus of TAMVOL, was the first one who has invited me and the other members of the Tamaraw Volunteers to join the Volunteers for CHANGE Immersion with the Dumagats. However, with the busy sked prohibiting me from joining, I failed his invitation and wasn’t able to partake in the 5th immersion held sometime in October 2005. After more than four months, the next immersion was scheduled. This time, I prioritized my two-day itinerary in joining the 6th immersion, neglecting the victory party of my political party. Upon arriving home the night of March, I was unsure still as to whether or not shall I come with the V4C. I haven’t compromise yet though that was why I still have second thoughts.

Luckily, my mom, who has always been supportive of me, allowed me without me asking for consent beforehand (before I got all dressed up, that is. I love you, mom!). Hurriedly, I texted Kuya Ago asking for directions because all I know is that the Nook is located near a very strategic place called Pegasus.

I flew swifter than Pegasus the moment I received my big brother’s (.who is sometimes my sire!) response. Unfortunately though, I wasn’t able to catch a van contrary to my expectation, and worst, I was nearly found cold in the verge of Roxas Street because of negligent drivers who knows not how to follow traffic rules. Whoa! Thanks God I am alive!

Amazing Race

The following morning, a mishmash of excitement and fear covered me as I woke up. One by one, volunteers began rousing from bed until we uttered our silent prayers and finally left the place. On the way, it was as if we were contenders of the Amazing Race because of our brisk walks seemingly to the tune of “Follow the Leader”. Hindi kami galit sa lupa, nagmamadali lang talaga kami!

After a jeepney ride, we were again walking towards a totally strange convenience store called 7-11! Members of V4CHANGE were there waiting for us. After consuming all the food we purchased for breakfast, we left the place and rode another vehicle. From a van, we were transferred to tricycles. After hours of public transportation traveling, our real journey began---the journey in mountain trails!

Mountains’ Goddesses

Four members of the Tamaraw Volunteers, who are lovingly called the “Apat na Sang’gres” (“The Four Goddesses”) partook in the so-called “selfless climb for a cause”. Together with me were my immediate contemporaries:

Francis Eric Paro (Pirena, IV AB Mass Communication)
King Love (Danaya, IV BS Nursing)
Danilo Cortez (Amihan, III AB Political Science)

Despite our presence as “Goddesses of Malacia”, the volunteers were still compelled to pass through these mountain trails via their own feet---that is, by walking because teleportation or use of power is prohibited! We allowed reality to fully embrace us upon knowing that we really do have to walk through (as fast as Kuya Celmer if we could) and forget our playful thoughts. Several hours were spent in the climb until we finally arrived at our destination!

The Volunteers

Aside from the members of the Tamaraw Volunteers, ___ other purpose-driven individuals joined the Dumagats Immersion. They were:

Celmer Santos- dotingly called Manong
Armando Orcilla-the sire!
Norman Zafra
Marie Saballegue who are more than welcome in the tribe!
Chequi Resquites-the model/ big sister/ Inang Reyna
RG Concepcion- Cam Pro!
Donnie Sacueza- Ang Dakilang Dokumentarista
Lourdes Feliza Peñaflor
Noel Saguitan mountain’s couple

Living the Dream through Livelihood

Our call is to help elevate the living conditions of the Dumagats by giving them better chances through livelihood. The group, headed by Kuya Celmer Santos, provided the need assessment to the people from the very first immersions, conducted necessary interviews, and undertaken essential steps to know what type of business best fits for the people with their kind of environment.

During the 6th immersion, the group (V4CHANGE) learned that the Dumagats are undergoing an internal pandemonium which somehow affected our goal. However, a meeting, or more appropriately, a consultation was held to actually determine gradual steps in the project. In the end, the people decided to group themselves into 2 (instead of the original 3 by combining the two groups with few members) and upon knowing pros and cons of raising hogs against raising goats, they finally opted to raise the latter.

Meanwhile, I, as the new VP of the Tamaraw Volunteers and Danilo as the new prexy, are in the process of conceptualizing a “project” to be undertaken mainly by our organization which is primarily aimed at supporting V4CHANGE plans for the Dumagats.

Golden Gifts of Dumagats

The whole Dumagat Immersion experience has been etched into my being. No regrets at all, I was happy that I was privileged to actually lay my feet on the land of the still-traditional-people called the Dumagats; that is, far from modernization---away from: the glassed buildings of Makati, luxurious and flashy cars in streets, fully lighted metropolis, sexy models of laptops, cellular phones and the like, to name just a few.

Just the same, a city lad (or lass!) like me, more or less, has come out with some cup full of insights, realization or even discoveries---such, I reckon as the “Golden Gifts of the Dumagats”:

1. I have come to realize that aside from the usual people that we aid in the city thru Tamaraw Volunteers which includes the streetchildren, the poor, and the sick, there are also people, far from the metro, like the Dumagats, who are equally in dire need of assistance, consolation and comfort.

2. I learned that Kaingin System in agricultural setting in the country, the so-called slash-and-burn method of land cultivation, is still widely-practiced as I’ve witnessed in the climb. With that, I become aware that kaingin system is not only a part of the lessons taught in school but more alarmingly, a fact of Filipino subsistence. (Kaingin System)

3. For more than 18 years of my existence on Earth, it is only then that I have seen the genuine splendor of the firmament above me bathing with gleaming stars---countless and unstained. Pollution in Metro Manila seemed to hide the grandeur of the magnificent sky. And hey, trees really make the air clean and breathable. (Pollution)

4. It has given me the rare chance of extending hands to an ethnic group living in the mountains and with the mountains; unaware of any technological advancement.

5. I have come to appreciate the flat surface in the city because of the mountain trails. (Thanks a lot Kuya Ago!)

6. And more notably, the Dumagats instantly bequeathed me big brothers and big sisters in the person of my companions. (Only now I realize that I am the youngest in the pack)!

With these, I vow to continue my mission…

…for a better Philippines
…for a better world
…and for a better me…

I wish to hear your comments. Reverberate it. My e-mail is: jpcuminga@yahoo.com

Living the Dream: Youth Empowerment in the Fulfillment of a Social Vision

2006-04-16T23:48:00.000-07:00

Introduction

Living in today’s world is very much exigent for a youth like me- evil diseases such as the Meningococcemia, SARS, AIDS/HIV, Bird Flu, Tuberculosis, Cancer, among others are widespread, poverty and scarcity in many countries are still prevalent, natural disasters seem to overtake men’s avarice and selfish deeds leading to the lost of many dreamers, grappling for political power may it be in national or global setting is also evident resulting to vote-rigging of public officials, occurrence of countless civil wars, presence of graft and corruption, and the like.

Indeed, these manifestations of man’s experiences, or misfortunes as one may call it, are very much depressing most especially to an eighteen year old man who is rooted from a third world country where more than 60% of the population is living below the poverty line!

Be Sensible. Know the Status Quo

I, however, allowed reality to fully embrace me, and it sink in into my very being. At first, visualizing the vivid picture of hopelessness, the miserable condition of my fellowmen, in the sinking ship where I am standing now, leads me to a very deep feeling of melancholy and despair. Even so, as I received the light of education, which is the greatest present I received from my beloved parents, that is guiding me forward, awareness of the status quo then leads to realization, and that realization gradually empowered me to take a paintbrush and share to the world the colors of a better living.

As Dr. Jose Rizal, our national hero penned his thoughts, “The youth is the fair hope of the fatherland”. With no reservations at all, I completely agree with what he said because we, the youth, are born with vigor and with the passion and fervor that is burning inside us along with the selfless concern to ease the lives of our fellow being, more or less, we CAN directly or indirectly touch those souls which seek for comfort.

The words of the great Mahatma also served as a beacon to me as I envision of a better world. “You are the change that you wish to happen”, he said. Indeed it is true! Improvement really begins with I. Personally speaking; little-by-little improvements with our perspectives in life and manifestations of good actions are great contributing factors in the larger view of development we are aspiring. We must contribute to our vision if we really are sincere with it.

Get Involved. Volunteer

My time in the university has changed me and is continue changing me for the greater good. Sophistication and intelligence are but two of the things that my university has offered me so far. However, the most important of all is that it instilled me a genuine sense of social responsibility that is ought to be fulfilled in any ways possible.

I am already in second year college taking up liberal arts in one of the academic institutions in the heart of a place called the “University Belt”. Before, I was one of those people in the matrix of the intertwined roads of the metropolis who just go with the incontrollable flow of modernization. I usually burn my eyebrows for a long night of study and more often than not, take home with me remarkable grades from school, which, for me, is a mark of a responsible student. At times, I also hang out with friends to watch the latest movie or to gimmick in the nearest places available: internet café, malls, name it! In short, there is no extraordinary about my subsistence aside from being studious and yes, a youth who knows how to have fun occasionally.

All that altered when a good friend of mine invited me to join one of the organizations in campus called the Tamaraw Volunteers (Tamaraw is the mascot of our university), the school’s only socio-civic, student-empowered organization. I was in my first year in college by then. I never had second thoughts in joining, since from the start of the term, I had been actually looking for organizations for me to get affiliate with. I was then exposed to the exciting world of STUDENT VOLUNTEERISM!

The Tamaraw Volunteers actually serves as an eye-opener to me for it uncovered me to life’s realism: the life outside the stunning walls of the prestigious university, the kind of life with which the majority of the people in our country is having. Not only did it ignite my awareness to the social condition subjugating many of my fellowmen, it also gives me the rare opportunity to essentially lend hands to these people in need.

I finally found myself. Ralph Emerson is right when he said that “the best way to find ourselves is to lose it into the service of others.” I indulge myself to volunteer opportunities, an opportunity to make a difference, an opportunity of sharing oneself to others.

February 25, 2005 marked my being a student volunteer. Since it was a commemoration of a very significant national event in the country, the People Power Revolution Anniversary which ousted a famous dictator during the Dark Ages, Tamaraw Volunteers, together with a Christian youth guild named Youth for Christ, sponsored a housebuilding activity (not a rally!) for the benefit of the fire victims in a certain place in the nearby city. Unexpectedly, together with other student volunteers, I was able to do construction works necessary for us to accomplish a single house: transporting sacks of building materials, mixing gravels, sands and cement, painting the houses, among others-the kind of activities I am not originally inclined to do.

After doing the day’s task, I felt completely happy with the sense of accomplishment overflowing inside me ignoring the stirring heat from the sun. That particular housebuilding activity ushered me to more volunteer works which include volunteering as facilitator in a Walk for a Cause (for the street children), in a Music Summit (for HIV/AIDS awareness), in various Children’s Immersions, and as a staff/telemarketer at the UNICEF Office in the country who always need free man power.

Days after being a member of the fulfilling organization, I was lucky being elected a member of the Executive Board as the Director of its Chamber on Humanitarian Aid, the chamber assigned to channeling humanitarian actions (care of the sick, victims of calamities, housebuilding activities, etc.).

Steadily, my social involvement experienced gradual transformation. Being sensible enough, I am able to discern the needs of the people in my society. Transgressing from being a typical student, I am able to get involved in their living by taking part in numerous volunteer opportunities made available by the organization I am affiliated with and also by umpteen civic-oriented non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as the Kythe, Inc. (care of the sick children particularly those with cancer), Hands on Manila (varied areas of volunteerism), UNICEF (concerned with the varied needs of the children in the country), Volunteers for Channeling Humanitarian Actions toward Nation’s Goodness and Excellence (varied areas of volunteerism), EON (environmental protection), among others.

Address a Problem. Conceptualize a Project

Now in my sophomore year in college, I advanced as the organizational Vice-President. Volunteerism still occupies a great portion of my heart. However, given the greater chance to serve the needy and the weak, together with my fellow officers, we conceptualize projects to address the various concerns of my society which focal points are directed towards the following:

1. housing
2. financial literacy
3. livelihood
4. education (basic skills and computer literacy)

Recognizing the very vital role of houses in the development of the society, the Tamaraw Volunteers together with our university administration and our supreme student council, worked hand-in-hand for the building and enhancement (re-building) of the houses in a certain place we now adopted as a University Village. This project is inspired by another project - GK 777 - by an NGO called Gawad Kalinga (means ‘to render care’) which aimed at building or rebuilding houses for the poor and the homeless. Each of the 25, 000 students in campus, alongside with the faculty members, dole out from their pockets a very minimal amount for this very noble endeavor that, when added together, could already build a number of homes for the beneficiaries aside from the contributions of the university alumni and members of the Board of Trustees and other individual entities. The chains of groups involved in this project envision the erection of 30 houses in 3 years.

To transform this vision into reality, the Tamaraw Volunteers contributed precious hours to the manpower in the building process. Whenever necessary, we provide aid in house construction which is made possible by our dedicated member students majoring in diverse fields of study (e.g. political science, architecture, legal management, nursing, physical therapy, mass communication, English language, etc.). Occasionally, to encourage students’ participation in this undertaking and also, to make them cognitive of the status quo, the organization finds ways to invite other student organization to participate in the gratifying housebuilding activities that we are conducting such as the student councils of various university colleges (or ‘institutes’ as we all it).

Another area of concern that we worked to develop is the financial literacy and the livelihood capacity of the people with whom we are extending our hands. Via the help of the University Office of Student Affairs and Community Services (OSACS), we are able to know the need of these people thru the need assessment (who we reckoned as mothers and fathers because of the mutual bond we developed during the housebuilding activities we conducted) even before we constructed houses for them. Surveys tackling the means of their livelihood, post and pre tests were also given to these people aging 30 up, of both genders. With the grant award we received from a tilt sponsored by the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) and Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) amounting to $720 in 3 consecutive years, we were able to sponsor three (3) business-oriented seminars which are aimed at teaching the people means of livelihood, managing of business, budgeting and proper bookkeeping, among others. Moreover, with the same grant, we were able to give these people businesses in the form of an eatery and a mini store.

Another means of livelihood they learned from us and from Gawad Kalinga is craft and candle-making. Again, the university students, through the Institute Student Councils and the Tamaraw Volunteers, provide them the materials needed for this livelihood project in the form of old telephone directories which are usually thrown after being used. The university even allowed them to sell their by-products inside the university premises during the product fair with the us, the members of the Tamaraw Volunteers as facilitators.

In terms of literacy, the OSACS requested for the labor of the students and faculty of education to teach the people and the children the basics skills which include reading, writing, and arithmetic. Just recently, OSACS with the Tamaraw Volunteers, had a dialogue with the representatives from a sister school to sponsor houses as part of their community outreach program. In addition to this, we encouraged them to provide computer literacy since their major discipline covers Information Technology and other computer-related courses. Now, the construction of a multi-purpose hall is in the process where we are to hold teaching activities and probably, the site of the day care center.

These projects are but focused in providing assistance in just one slum in the nearby city. Just like what Mother Theresa shared, “if you cannot feed a hundred people, then feed just one”. With the project we have, I purely believe that we do not only feed these people, we are also able to transform their lives into a better one. What makes it innovative is the impact it has done to the community in general and to the over-all transformation of the site and also, these projects are already replicated in another place we opted, now in the province, benefiting more and more people. The testimonials of these people whose lives we touched, alongside with the surveys and post tests we conducted, are enough reasons to rejoice and to confirm that we got the affirmative by-product of our social vision.

My other involvement covers my affiliation with an NGO called the Volunteers for Change (Channeling Humanitarian Actions toward Nations Goodness and Excellence) whose founders are actually alumni of the Tamaraw Volunteers. We are recently helping a certain tribe called the Dumagats who are living far from civilization and modernization. In order to arrive in their place, one has to walk 6 to 8 hours in its 4 mountain trails. It’s that far, really! But with a cup of determination and willingness to help these indigenous people, nothing can hinder us from doing immersions, not even the absence of electricity where we cannot use our modern gadgets, not even the absence of air-conditioned rooms, comfort rooms, flashy cars, etc. The first project we are conducting is to provide them better means of livelihood. From the early immersions of the members, we learned that the Dumagats still practice the dreaded Kaingin system (clash-and-burn method) in order to survive. The timbers they cut are being sold in the city for a meager price and the empty space of the land is used to planting banana trees and other ‘weak’ trees. ‘Innocence’ may be the right term to depict the over-all condition of the Dumagats. Because of our concern to the environment and to the people, we, in our next immersion, as a product of our consultation and meeting with the tribe members and heads, shall be building the goat pen for the livelihood they opted (goat business).

Much is to be developed in the process. The four mountains we sauntered every time we have immersions cannot block our ways towards our vision for the Dumagats who are all hopefuls with our initiative. Just like what we, in Tamaraw Volunteers, have accomplished in the University Village, we are also to replicate it as projects for the tribe. With the help of the nursing student members of the organization, we are to conduct medical missions in the tribe for we learned that they are still opting for the traditional methods, though they told us that a group of Korean granted them medicines when the latter visited them. Education and literacy shall also be the focused of our immersions which will include the teaching of the basic skills. And aside from the goats that we will grant them, from concerned people whom we reached (university officials, organizational member’s family and friends, etc.), we are also planning to develop their craft making skills since they have the needed materials and to develop their agricultural capacities as means of food and livelihood.

I deemed my involvement in various volunteer works, community building in the University Village and in the tribe of the Dumagats I already mentioned not enough without me responding to the very needs of the people in my OWN village, the place where my body literally resides.

As an offshoot to my personal vision in my community, I co-inspired the establishment of a youth organization in our subdivision in order to address various community problems we have. With the help of a village official by then, who happened to be a family friend, we, with my community friends who are but playmates during the early stage of my existence, are able to organize a youth organization with the hope to be catalysts of change in our place. We called it “North Matrix Youth Organization” (NMYO) coined after the name of our subdivision. Drug addiction is one of the primary problems we have involving the youth. In order to address this, we encouraged membership of all the youth members of the community and we organize activities and projects that would save these youth from the deep crevices of malfunctioning, infectivity and apathy. Such projects, which are jointly coordinated with the barangay government, include sports fest, band competition, art contests, singing and dancing workshop, among others. Furthermore, to Christianize the village, with the help of the community church, we encourage children and youth alike to attend the Vacation Bible School which is usually held during summer to teach them good values of faith, honesty, friendship, etc.

There is really something special about the existence of the youth like me. There may be many problems bombarding the country, or even the world in wider scale, but with one another helping to solve these, truly, impossibility will never find its way.

To end, as I narrated my significant involvement in community building, allow me to reiterate that in order to make a change, one has to be: at first, sensible and knowledgeable about the status quo. Next to this, he has to be personally involved in community development by way of volunteering in various cause-oriented endeavors. Gradually, given or having the opportunity or the greater chance, one may help address a specific problem by conceptualizing effective projects (solutions) which are of long-term goals and effectivity. And last but certainly not the least, INSPIRE or motivate others to do the same because I believe that the more the people are involve in making a positive difference, the greater the chance that the world be transformed for the greater good!

In the end of the day, the usual picture we see where poverty and scarcity are the facts of life, where countless vagabonds continue roaming around the city, where the sick find no comfort, where the homeless feel cold at night, will all be gone in an instant. Now, the masterpiece of life which encapsulated the realism will now be seen hanging painted with hues and excellent combination of colors done by the skillful hands of social dreamers who act us “mirrors who shared his light to the world” (Edith Wharton).

Being in a third world country where the majority of the people (more than 60%) is living below the poverty line, I am equally challenged to work for the social vision I captured picturesque in mind. Stated in my paper, my bone of contention which is based on personal experiences having been actively involved in community improvement develops in the following core:

a. Be sensible. Know the status quo/ need.
b. Get involved. Volunteer!
c. Address a problem. Conceptualize a project.
d. Inspire. Motivate other to make a change.

These four (4) have been my very beacon in making a positive difference to the lives of the people who we touched. Moreover, the following are the specific groups of people benefited from my community involvement and also the areas of concerns we addressed:

a. university village-housing, financial literacy, livelihood, education
b. Dumagat tribe (an indigenous group in the country)- livelihood, health, agriculture, literacy
c. my own village- values development, drug addiction, cleanliness and sanitation

In the end, we will all learn that the role of the youth in social development should never be underestimated. Our vigor and passion, when properly inspired, can be the key ingredients to solving various community problems existing in any given society. Networking and proper channeling are also important exemplified by the presence of cause-oriented NGOs in the country who are also providing venue for transformation. My main conclusion also revolves around the four cores I stated above.

I See Orange!

2006-03-12T14:57:00.000-08:00

Campaign period is on the air! In fact, it is already raining orange and red in campus. As part of the SANDIGAN PARTY, the so-called Vanguards of Students’ Rights and Welfare, I am very much preoccupied with campaign stuffs, speeches, leaflets, ballots, candidates, and all. Heck, even my own room is affected. Past January, I was thinking as to what party I will be running for. Apparently, now, I have chosen the orange banner over the red one because of the following reasons:

Kuya EA (of Sandigan) was the first one to offer me electoral position. (before Kuya Jeff M.)
My ELC co-officers (Mike P. and Mark I.) are already running for SAMASA PARTY (My thinking was that, at least, there would be one who will represent ELC to Sandigan).
Most of my friends are from Sandigan Party (Danilo, Charm, Lionel, Fatz, Arnel, Jan, to name just a few)
God willed it!

We have been attending trainings for more than a couple of times already. Candidates from the party have been trained already on the rudiments of running in school politics. “Avoid acting like trapos”, they never fail to remind us. With the end in mind, I am, more or less, ready to accept whatever the future has to offer.

Win or lose, I am still a servant leader. Mind it!

27 January 2006

2006-03-12T14:49:00.000-08:00

January 27, for some apparent reasons, seemed to be the busiest day of all the days in January month for me. See why.

Dr. Nicanor Reyes Challenge: An Extemporaneous-Speaking Competition-I was part of the organizing committee of this inter-institute tilt. I took my part in facilitating in the preparation with Gee since I have to leave for the Gawad Tamaraw and Sayawit in the Auditorium. Well, friend Arnel Mondejar brought home the bacon. Congrats, Kuya Arnel!

Gawad Tamaraw 2006-I was overwhelmed (though somehow expected), receiving the Outstanding Business Manager of the Year Award by the 1^st Gawad Tamaraw organized by FEUCSO. Meanwhile, the English Language Circle, the academic organization I am affiliated with, was accorded 3^rd place in the Outstanding Academic Organization Category. For some inexplicable reasons, the Tamaraw Volunteers was awarded 3^rd place for the Outstanding University-Wide Organization Category. (sounds bitter, but then, I knew somebody can get a share of the pie!)

Bamboo, Live!-After getting wasted whole day, the sweetest reward I received was a seat, at first, at the front section during the concert of Bamboo. Oh, bad thing it rained though. It did not, however, completely left us in fiasco.

At the end of the day, I looked forward to having a good night sleep in my comfy bed...

Students Leaders and SY 2005-2006

2006-01-12T02:08:00.000-08:00

The first half of SY 2005-2006 has been very tough for FEU student leaders. Though Far Eastern University received insurmountable accolades and acquired umpteen achievements that every Tam would be proud of, it is still undeniable that the academic year, somehow, has been tough for the student leaders. You may ask why. According to my contemporaries, advisers and friends, student organizations' accomplishment this year can far be comparable to the last year's. I also happened to observe it.

Take my institute for instance, the IAS. During Kuya Norman Zafra's term, he was able to come out with a number of ideal projects geared toward students' development. Name it, Mahika ng Kamay (which was originally conceptualize by Kuya Celmer's batch), Sportsfest, Teambuilding, LTS, etc. This year, IAS piloted a Teambuilding (I haven't gotten my certificate yet) and a "Directory" project which I deem unsuccessful. In the given cases, it is very much apparent that the last year's IAS-SC has accomplished much compared to this year's.

During the YMCA Congress, i got to mingle with fellow student leaders from student organizations to which I am not part of. I learned from them one of their problems, which is exactly similar to mine (not in my one organization but in my two. Bet you know it.)

Friendship and alliance among student leaders are very important. However, if exceedingly practiced, this may somehow result to unexpected shortcomings and eventual problems. This, very thing, has been one of the problems seen in a group of student leaders in FEU. Until now, it is producing problems, with which they may not be fully aware.

On Semestral Thoughts

2006-01-12T02:07:00.000-08:00

The previous semester has swiftly passed. After having received a grade not enough to grant me a full scholarship (because of a 0.01 deficiency),I am off to the new level of my academic pursuits. However, I think it may be noteworthy to mention some things related to the fruitful previous semester.

What I Liked to my Previous Subjects:

Term Paper Writing-My natural proclivities to written language inspired me to actually love this subject. Other than that, the excellent professor by the person of Dr. Corazon Soberano seemed to have doubled my appreciation to the writing class.

Advanced Speech Communication-Next to TPW, the performing class under Prof. Mendoza happened to be my second fave subject. Aside from having an inclination in public speaking, the tactful Prof. Mendoza (who resembled my fave HS mentor, Maam Yoggie) made the subject more interactive and insightful.

Logic-Who shall not love Logic subjects who teach a person to be wise? I was a no exception to that especially when the class was handled by a very intelligent and sophisticated young professor, Prof. Maybelle O. Padua. (hey, I even remember her middle initial!) Square of Opposition, Fallacies, Hypothetical Statements among others had been uncomplicated.

Humanities-The immediate contemporary of my sophisticated lady Logic mentor was the comely and gentleman UP alumnus, Prof. James Owen Saguinsin. Everybody in class seemed to have appreciated arts and beauty in any way possible via the presentation of the equally-superb Humanities professor. If Michaelangelo is still alive, will he gladly curve an exquisite sculpture of Sir James just like "David"?

Retorika-Our mentor in this Filipino class is a writer in his own right. Though almost everyone in class learned to loathe him, I still found ways to appreciate the learnings I acquired from him especially whenever he related his stories and experiences as a writer.

Basic Statistics-Albeit I love Mathematics subjects a lot especially during HS which was apparent from the accolades I received, for the first time, I learned to abhor it in asmuchas I hate indolence among the students.

Table Tennis-Born athlethic as I am, I appreciate Table Tennis a lot. No need to elaborate. However, I found my professor (who was also a DLSU-CSB prof by then) totally hilarious with all her DLSU faculty uniforms (include her bag!). Still, I know I deserved the 1.00 she gave me.

Godspeed!

Lx: Self-Disclosure

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