Author: dxnielmapanoo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4sR-_6eC3M&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR0pmNi1ZvCr539urzaDABPdK-QYCBiiSMUfnFKY4xJIibEPKiMA4c98XcY

This is a group output created with John Gherald Navera (UV-3L), Ray Anne Germia (UV-1L), Alexandra Gesmundo (UV-1L), Lawrence Neil Ebueña (UV-2L) and Daniel Mapanoo (UV-1L).

We had an activity wherein we would rated ourselves based on the qualities and skills of a media writer and four months later, this is my progress:

Looking at the charts, I can say that I improved on some of my qualities and skills, and the rest are retained.

I have a lot of learnings gained as I became a Development Communication student. One thing that I can’t forget is to push myself harder and step out of my comfort zone. Being a student in UP in general, meant that you’ve got a lot of things to do and as an isko/iska, you’ve got a lot to prove. As a past mediocre student, being in UP really pound me to do my absolute all. It taught me to not settle for less but aim for more. And with that learning, I would say that it I overall progress, not as just a DevCom student, but as an isko in general.

Hi Daniel! I know that your first semester here in UPLB feels like eternity, but I am so proud that you’re still here, pushing yourself for this last week! I wish I could go back and tell you these highly important pieces of advice, for you. Nevertheless, use this still for your future endeavors and carry on siz. :)))

Daniel, do not waste any of your spare time and do your requirements needed, as soon and as early as possible! There will always be time for your lazy days and in this time period, it is not for it. Learn to manage your time wisely so that you avoid procrastinating and cramming you works, okay?

Mumsh, in our lives choices are inevitable. You should really think hard on what choices you pick and made. I know that you’ve made the wrong choice which you regret up until now so for the next time, I need you to think intensely on the consequences of your choices and pick the most beneficial for you. There’s countless possibilities with your choices, therefore, pick what is the most righteous thing to do.

Daniel, please do not stress yourself too much and just do what you got to do. Do not overthink and over-analyze everything that’s on your mind. I know that if you stress too much, you’ll just avoid doing those necessary things for you to progress. Sometimes it is better not to think and just move forward on these certain things and do these certain actions, and I want you to do that.

Siz, step out of your shell and surprise yourself on what you can do. Always push yourself not only for the better, but for the absolute best. Don’t be afraid to take risks and let your voice be heard in this crowd that seems the inaudible. Tell yourself that you can be just like one of them, that you are also great, and that you are also worthy to be here. And for that to happen, you need to be brave and step out the comfort zone of yours!

Daniel, I know that failure affects you highly. It just lingers to your mind steadily, affecting all your senses, all your choices, and all your actions. I know that failing gives that feeling of not being enough. Please always know that failure is a part of the learning process. It is also inevitable and its bound to happen to us. Its okay to feel this certain way, but you’ve got to be back on your feet and move forward. Don’t let a failure define who you are. Use it to learn, to grow, and to progress.

Last November 19, 2019, various people visited UPLB’s Annual Christmas Lightning Ceremony with a title, Pasko Sa Elbi: Isang Pasasalamat.

The Campus’ entrance way features radiant and warm decorations such as the gigantic tree embedded with various christmas balls and ornaments, a lifesize Belen, and the bright and colorful pathway that highlights this year’s theme, Paskuhan sa Barrio.

This is a group output created with John Gherald Navera (UV-3L), Ray Anne Germia (UV-1L), Alexandra Gesmundo (UV-1L), Lawrence Neil Ebueña (UV-2L) and Daniel Mapanoo (UV-1L).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obo7CaXEVv0&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR3rqJXQHaVcOizjdfj1jfot0d2mXqwLzP7zUmMDuc9FXhdH60A2RPOY01k

On November 11-15, the Department of Science and Technology-Science and Education Institute (DOST-SEI) had its educational bus called “nuLab” stopped over in UP Los Baños.

Students around the area were able to learn from various professionals about space science, mathematics, entomology, and science communication through interactive discussions and activities. 

Get a glimpse on what the “nuLab” is like in the video.

Gloria Therese Eusebio (or Thea) from Batch 2019 is known among her peers as the epitome of “Beauty and Brains”, and after recently competing in the Southern Tagalog Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges (STRASUC) Olympics in Batangas City last November 6 and 7, where she won 2 silver and 1 bronze medals for the swimming event, she has proven that she is also a skilled athlete. In this video, Gloria will share her story on how she got into the sport, her experiences in competitions, her love and passion for swimming, and more.

As an isko or iska, stress is often common to experience. The loads of school requirements on top of various tests that needs studying, is not a cup of tea and is a handful. It can definitely generate anxieties and an echoing pressure, which can cause a person to have a breakdown.

De-stressing is an important way to cool off those steams produced by these various factors. It can also prevent us from further harm in our physical and mental health. Finding ways to chill is such a necessary action to help an individual cope with stress and balance his/her inner well-being.

Seen below, are my five ways on how I completely de-stress and chill, to let out all those stress and anxieties.

Food is great way to de-stress and fill yourself up with happiness. It honestly brings me joy and it makes me smile to eat my all-time favorite food which is the Black Pepper Burger of Minute Burger topped with my favorite beverage which is an iced coffee. It is good to treat yourself with your favorite food and drink and to experience the undeniable pleasure it gives.

Pampering yourself is one of the best ways to chill and de-stress. You can treat yourself with a relaxing massage or a nice mani/pedi session and even give yourself an entire spa day. Pampering yourself can also be inexpensive that will not empty out your wallet. You can do it at home by executing a refreshing skincare routine consists of sheet masks and moisturizers. Always remember that self-care is highly important!

Watching my favorite movies and tv series is an essential part of my ways of chilling. Watching an episode (or two) of the series I am currently hooked with, serves as my activity when I’m on a study break. It helps me ease my mind while still enjoying knowing what’s about to happen in the story.

My friends are just the best in taking my mind off of things and just helps me let out my stress. Bonding and being with them is enough to take all my anxieties away. I can fully become myself whenever I’m with them and our hours of being together, filled with endless laughter and juicy “kwentos”, is a great way in easing myself up to all those stress and pressures.

Sleep, to me, is by far the most important way to de-stress and chill. It is scientifically proven to be a key of a healthy well-being and is a part of our daily routine that is highly needed in repairing ourselves. Waking up after 8 hours of sleep or even to just an hour of nap is a superbly satisfying feeling. It is just incomparable and tremendously important to each and everyone of us.

I met Kuya Nach in an orientation of the organization that I am currently an associate of. I was shocked when he introduced himself as an alumnus because he looks superbly young to be one.

His UPLB journey is far different from the norm. He did not give a typical answer like the others, focusing on what UPLB taught them academically or professionally. Instead, he shared to me how UPLB opened his eyes to the wider and more complex views of the world. One of the lessons that he gained was how wide and deep, diversity is.

“Mas lumawak ang pananaw ko sa diversity.”

Kuya Nach stated that before entering the university, he got a close-minded view that religious people is superior from the other. It changed when he finally set foot to campus, realizing that religion has nothing to do with a person’s status.

Lastly, he learned his rights as a human and as a student, during his time at the university. He learned about the injustices happening to the community, and he made sure to execute actions in highlighting those issues and combating it.

Hearing his stories, I’ve concluded that his UPLB journey took a huge roll in his personal life. Throughout his journey, he got to have a concrete knowledge of his identity and of who he truly is. It changed his perceptions for the better and it helped him define what he wants to do and what or who to fight for. He embodied the greatness of an “Iskolar Ng Bayan” having both honor and excellence and using it to serve the people.

Cole Nacionales, or what is known by the many as Nach, is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Forestry, Majoring in Social Forestry and Agroforestry. He graduated last 2017. He took the Forester Licensure Exam of the same year and is now a Professional Licensed Forester. Currently, he is planning to take Master’s Degree, later this year or the next.

Last October 5 and 6 of 2019, The grounds of the University of the Philippines Los Baños was filled with numerous UPCAT takers from around the region accompanied by their parents and guardians, who are hopeful to become a part of UP and be called an isko and iska. It is recorded that there are more than 7000 applicants who took their UPCAT in UPLB.

Excitement and nervousness can be seen in their faces as they wait for their tests. I interviewed some of them to get their insights regarding my three questions: why UP, what were their preparations for the exam. and what does it means to them if they become an isko/iska.

Hana is an aspiring UPCAT taker that shared her insights about her whole UPCAT journey. She told me that ever since her elementary days, it is her primary goal to set foot and be a part of the university. Her preparations include a month of intensive review with the help of KAPWA that goes to her school and conduct review sessions every Saturdays. Lastly, she told me that it is a huge privilege to be a part of the university and become one of the Iskolars ng Bayan.

“If UP ka, iba ka.” she stated.

Norlyn is another UP hopeful who was accompanied by her mother Morelyn while waiting for her exam. She told me that she chose the University of the Philippines because for her, it is a well-known prestigious university and to be called an Iskolar ng Bayan is a privilege, not anyone can attain. Her mother explained that they cannot afford to enroll their daughter to review centers so her daughter opted for self-studying as well as studying with her friends & classmates. That became Norlyn’s primary preparation for the exam. Tita Morelyn also explained that it is a proud moment for her as a mother if her daughter passed the exam and become an iska. As for Norlyn, she jokingly says that she will be shocked and it will be unexpected if she passed UPCAT, due to its hard nature.

Even though these applicants are clearly nervous for whats to come, faith and hope can be clearly seen, shining in their eyes. Wishing a good luck to the more than 100 000 hopefuls as they embark their journey to the beginning of their future.

The exam season is finally starting to unravel its wrath to the new Isko and Iska of UPLB. Kidding aside, exams seem inevitable when you’re a college student or a student in general. It is such a pain to study and prepare but exams are important in testing what you’ve learned throughout the first part of the semester. Each one of us has a different way of getting through and surviving an exam. Listed below are some of mine.