Ending the Sem with a Grateful Heart

Ah at last, I’ve come to the last part of Blog 6050! When I first started writing here, I was quite reluctant to what type of outputs should I post. However, as the sem goes by, I let my mind and my fingers sync in order to create posts. In the second week of this entry, we were able to assess how we are as writers. With the many lessons I’ve learned from my devcom classses, I must say I improved, maybe not a lot but enough to make me consider myself a better me.

I started the semester with me having a rating of 2 in terms of being curious or inquisitive. I must say that with the things I was exposed to throughout the semester, I developed having to question anything, may it be devcom related or not. As for me being intelligent, I learned quite a lot regarding different topics that made me enhance my way of thinking. I am now quite resourceful and persevering too since the course really demands a development communicator-in-training to be one in order to create outputs that are worthy to be read about.

I was also able to further develop my ability to put a premium on accuracy and truth since our devcom courses put emphasis on this aspect especially when writing sensitive issues. I also develop my habit of imagining things in order to further enhance what I’m doing or going to do. This allows me to think of alternative ways when my initial plan didn’t happen from what I expected.

Aside from these, I also became more service-oriented and my love for others intensify because of the topics that I was exposed to during my devcom classes. I’ve met different kinds of people along the way that made me more interested to devcom. My love for reading also intensifies because I realized that the more I read, the more I can develop the way I write and talk. However, one thing that I didn’t overcome this semester is me being lazy. Procrastinating and cramming requirements seem to be my hobby this semester and I intend to end it in the upcoming semesters, hopefully.

Aside from these, I was also able to enhance my ability in organizing information. At the start of the semester, I said that I found it difficult for me to distinguish which data should be relevant and should be included. Now, I was able to develop my skill in organizing these information through jotting them down in a one notebook and separating them by each categories.

As the semester ends, I want to cherish all the lessons that I’ve learned for they are the reasons why I was able develop into a better person, especially a development communicator one. As another semester begins, I am ready to become a much better individual than I am today.

Elbi Paskuhan 2019

The University of the Philippines held an annual Christmas Lighting ceremony, Pasko sa Elbi: Isang Pasasalamat, on November 19, 2019.

The ceremony, hosted by the Office of Initiatives in Culture and the Arts and Office of the Chancellor, started at 5:30 PM. Different performances from Choral Ensemble, Dr. Antonio Quilloy, UPLB Street Jazz Dance Company, and UPLB Filipiniana Dance Troupe were presented during the program.

Here is a video of the UPLB’s Christmas Lighting Ceremony.

By: Althea Lantican, Aryandhi Almodal, Elysse Bejar, Judica Bisnar, Alexil Fajardo, Jerome Benjamin, Jamil Creado

DepEd Los Baños promotes PH culture in Bañamos 2019

Department of Education (DepEd) Los Baños spearheaded this year’s “KASskwela: Kultura, Awit, Sayaw pampakwela ng mga eskwelahan” to celebrate various cultures in the Bañamos Festival at General Paciano Rizal Park.

Public Schools District Supervisor Dr. Allan Hostalero stated that this cultural show served as a culminating activity as part of DepEd’s curriculum in preserving arts, culture, and literature.

“This event [also] intends to exhibit different talents of our students,” Dr. Hostalero added.

The show started with an opening prayer, followed by the singing of the national anthem and Los Baños hymn by the Los Baños Brass Band. Dr. Hostalero, along with several government officials, then, formally opened the program.

Different talents such as playing rondalla instruments and folk dancing were showcased by participating schools from the municipality.  The schools were as follows along with their respective cultural performances:

  • Tuntungin-Putho Integrated National High School – Piliin mo ang Pilipinas
  • Bagong Silang Elementary School – La Jota Moncadena
  • Bambang ES – Curacha
  • Bayog ES – Pandanggo sa Sta. Clara
  • B.N. Clara ES – Konan
  • Lalakay ES – Sinisiki
  • Lopez ES – Gaway-gaway
  • Los Baños Central ES – Saguin Saguin
  • Maahas ES – Pandanggo Rinconada
  • Malinta ES – Malong Malong
  • Mayondon ES – Alcamfour
  • Paciano Rizal ES – Polkabal
  • San Antonio ES – Lapay Bantique
  • Tadlac ES – Paseo de Iloilo
  • LBNHS Batong Malake – Panderetas
  • LBNHS Poblacion – Pandanggo Wasiwas
  • Mayondon NHS – Singkil
  • B. N. Calara Integrated NHS – Dugso
  • Senior High School – Jota Batangueña

Parents also expressed their support to the event by letting their children take part in the cultural presentations of the schools. “Para madevelop ang kultura natin [at] para malaman din nila yun,” Chona Alcana, parent of a performer, explained.

LGUs, MDRRMO, PNP, and DOH together with DepEd systematized the flow of the program and ensured the safety of the attendees of the cultural show.

Hangga’t nandito ang DepEd, hindi kami lilihis sa pagpromote ng culture and arts,” Dr. Hostalero promised.

In line with their objective, he mentioned that the faculty department will also be displaying Philippine culture in the celebration of the upcoming National Teachers’ Day.

(Kilay on Fleek Girls)(Judica O. Bisnar, Aryandhi A. Almodal, Elysse B. Bejar)

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1cm27GSZI_qgxWuxmiCt1i9o1Rm8eRRbk

Should’ve Beens

When I entered the college, I thought I was ready to face any difficulties that I will encounter. However, I didn’t realize that there’s so much more to know in order to be ready. And right now, I wish I have known these things right from the start so that I was able to achieve my goals earlier.

Set your priorities

When I started the semester, I should’ve set which things to prioritize and which things I should put my time in. I lost so much time doing unnecessary things that I forgot those who needed more time from me. I wasn’t able to achieve the goals that I set beforehand.

Avoid procrastinating and cramming

Laziness will always eat my time. I should’ve told myself to avoid spending time doing nothing and then cram requirement the last minutes before the deadline. If only I overcome procrastinating a lot earlier, I could’ve done much better outputs, however, I still let it consume me. Hopefully, for the next semester, I will be able to set things straight.

Stick with your budget

Part of adulting 101 is managing your finances wisely. When I started the semester, I thought it will be easy, however, it’s not. I should’ve stick with my budget and only spend my money on important things so that I will be able to save up money for the necessary tools needed in my major subjects. I hope in the next semester I would be able to have savings for emergency purposes.

Strive for excellence

When I first started the college life, I told myself that I will study hard so that I will be able to graduate with flying colors. However, along the way I lost my will and eventually settle to just passing my subjects. I should’ve continued striving to achieve my initial goal and not be discouraged. I hope in the next semester I would be able to get back in the track towards my goal.

Expect the unexpected

It may sound cliché, but this phrase is very appropriate for me. I should’ve known that what I hoped for is different for what is for me, that I should not be discouraged if things didn’t come out as what I expected it to be. I should have told myself to be ready for the consequences as it reflects the decisions that I made along the way.

As the semester’s ending, I realized that there are many things that I should’ve known earlier for me to be ready for anything that my course demands from me. However, at this moment, I realized that it’s also important for me to realize these things in order for me to learn from them. After all, experience is the best teacher.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HS1TsxGf6VcVN-c0bBrT727Z-Zu_esH9/view

Relax, Recharge and Reflect

When I entered college, I was consumed with the thought that stress will be a friend of mine. Assignments, quizzes, exams, and other academic things will eat up my time and eventually lead me to stress. Anxiousness of not meeting the deadlines, not passing the exams, or not reaching my desired grades also add up to what I feel. However, I realized that focusing and worrying so much on these things will just lead me to more problems. The idea of taking a break was not an option for me at that time. I thought that it will just consume my time and I would rather focus it on other things.  I realized that sometimes in our college life, we need to take a break to relax and rejuvenate our mind, body and spirit.  Taking a break increases my productivity and release me from the things that I overthink.

The following are the list of things that I do for relaxation and to relieve stress.

Listen to relaxing music.

Whenever I feel down for feeling so helpless doing my studies, I listen to relaxing music in Spotify or Youtube. The soothing melody and tune of the music releases the tension that I feel in my body. The lyrics in some songs like Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, Don’t Stop Believing, and Skyscraper also lifted my mood due to their motivational and inspiring lyrics. One song that will always push me to strive harder is the UP Naming Mahal. Whenever I listen to this song, it reminds me of my purpose in staying and choosing this university.

Go for walk in nature.

There’s nothing more refreshing than looking at the view of UPLB during mornings and afternoon. The luscious green trees and plants relaxes my body and mind. The fresh air calms my senses. Nature surely brings contentment and comfort to me.

Watch my favorite K-Dramas and American Series.

Ever since, watching K-dramas and American series has been helpful for me to unwind. The kilig that I feel whenever I watch romantic K-dramas somehow diverted my mind to focus on other things. The laughter that I make whenever I watch American sitcoms like F.R.I.E.N.D.S also eases my mood. Their healing power surely relieves my stress.

Read a book.

Reading a novel also helps me to reduce the stress that I feel. The words comfort me, and the story brings me to a new world far from what I experience. I prefer reading light and inspiring novels such as of Mitch Albom.

Spending time with my loved ones.

There’s nothing more comforting than spending my time with my loved ones. Since I am far from my hometown, Masbate, Quezon City is the nearest home I can consider since it is my aunt’s residence. I would go there every weekend or when I don’t have any major exams or assignments to do. The bonding with her and my cousin always makes me feel at home.

Connecting with my body can be a deeply relaxing and liberating experience. We live in our minds, lost in the thoughts of many things, that we often forgot how to be free from stress. Chilling out can be so relieving and it can boost our productivity to stay on track.

An Epitome of an Iskolar ng Bayan

“UPLB had been my sanctuary of growth, enlightenment, and self-discovery.”

Peter Je C. Dilao

Everyone has their own person to look up to in terms of academic achievements. As for me, this alumnus whom I interviewed is my forever idol because of his dedication to his studies. He is also my townmate in San Jacinto, Masbate. He grew up in a humble home with his parents, one older sister, and one younger brother. Ever since he was in elementary, he already possessed exceptional intelligence in mathematics and science. He continued to excel in high school and graduated as a salutatorian. He entered University of the Philippines on 2013 with a degree program Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.

Engr. Peter Je Dilao is an epitome of what an iskolar ng bayan should be. He balanced his academics, organization commitments, and many other things while studying in the university. His dedication to his studies paid off when he graduated as a Cum Laude in BS Electrical Engineering, class of 2018. He continued proving his competence in his chosen field when he passed the April 2019 Registered Electrical Engineering (EE) Board Exam, together with the Registered Master Electricians, and achieved a rating of 90.50%.

According to him, among the key-lessons he has internalized over his 5-year stay in the university were the following:

Independence

“I learned to brave solitude and appreciate silence.”

Time Management

“I realized that setting direction and mindfully allotting resources is the key to traverse a dynamic environment.”

Prioritization

“I understood the idea of sacrificing to attain utmost goals.”

Endurance

“I observed that it is human nature to endure and mind-setting is more powerful than we thought.”

Connections and relationships

“I pondered how essential social interaction and relationship building is in fueling consciousness and finding purpose in life.”

Because of these, he is in deep gratitude to his Alma mater. For him, indeed, UPLB hones iskolars to serve their unique purpose and to be at their best in doing so.

picture: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1Cw3Z84cGq0jpTd-UGWQgHjE0qIQIzQvD

Padayon, Iskolar ng Bayan!

One of the most awaited and most sought-after entrance examinations in the country is the UPCAT. Of course, it is because UP is the most prestigious university in the country that produces high-caliber students and professionals. More than 100,000 high-school students from different parts of the country aspired to enter the university but unfortunately only some of them will live the dream. UPLB has one of the greatest number of applicants taking the UPCAT in its testing centers. Many students, with their parents and guardians piled up the grounds of UPLB last October 5 and 6.

One of the UPCAT takers scheduled the afternoon of October 6 is Jerah Mikah Areola. A 17-year-old from San Pedro, Laguna, aspiring to be one of the lucky passers of UPCAT. She was an Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) student during her senior high school at San Pedro College of Business Administration (SPCBA) in San Pedro, Laguna. It was her ultimate dream since she’s in high school to study in UP because of its perks of being a UP student and recognition of being the top school in the country. As an ABM student, she aspired to be an accountant someday that’s why she chose business related courses for her college. Her first college choice was UP Diliman with her top priority course BS Business Administration and Accountancy. She also chose UP Los Baños with a course in BS Agribusiness Management. She reviewed only for three weeks with the help of review materials she retrieved from the internet. She said that she was inspired to pass the examination because of the influence of her friends, one of them graduated at UPLB with a degree in BS Nutrition and the other was currently a freshman taking up BS Physics.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1hrxfSW42rUKfSM8J5z1DepDxReW4lSh5

Being an only child, her parents’ attention was only focused on her that’s why she strives hard to excel in her studies. Her mom, Melanie Areola, was the one who truly pushed her to take the UPCAT since it was her mother’s dream for her to study at UP. All throughout her UPCAT journey, her mother was the one who supported and advised her with words of wisdom.

“Yung heart ko nasa UP talaga. Pag sinabi mo kasing UP, automatic na maiisip ng tao is quality student ka,” her mother stated.

Mrs. Areola stressed that she’s not pressuring her daughter to pass the exam. She just wanted to engrave in her mind the importance of studying at one of the country’s prestigious university, especially now that it has no tuition to be paid. Before the exam, her mother also remind her to pray and ask guidance from the Lord throughout the exam.

After taking the almost 5-hour examination, exhaustion can be seen in Jerah’s face. She stressed her frustrations at herself for not being able to answer some of the questions although she reviewed for it. Comforting her on the sidelines, her mom reminded her that what’s important is that she did her best. They went home with hopes in their hearts that she passes the exam and be one of the iskolars ng bayan.

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