Author: juanmarcusayap

In today’s episode of Sinsay, Tara! we featured some responses of students in practice of the course Development Communication in answering what for them is DevCom and what differentiates the course from other communication courses. This is brought to you by Maria Sophia Legion, Cherry Marie Baguilat, Pamela Hornilla and John Mark Ayap sa mas ekslusibo, hindi magpapatalo at masayang kwentuhan sa Sinsay, Tara!

Witness the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony of UPLB. The much awaited celebration of the UP Campus made more special by the live performances and the vibe of the crowd. Brought to you by Maria Sophia Legion, Pamela Hornilla, Cherry Marie Baguilat and John Mark Ayap in another episode of Sinsay, Tara!

“Reality changes; in order to represent it, modes of representation must change.”– Bertolt Brecht

           I felt ecstatic during the first few weeks. Knowing that entering UP is a dream come true, make it seems so surreal. It’s just too good to be true. Nonetheless, the excitement lasted so soon, I felt nervous, anxious, became oblivious and hesitant that made me lose my track. However, just like what the quotation above says, this is now my reality and to be able to keep up with this reality, there will be a change, and I should ready myself with these transitions to move smoothly forward. 

Looking back to my very first semester (and hoping not to be the last) I see lots of things I can change for the better. But let me highlight the top 5 most useful pieces of advice I can share. 

1. OPTIMISM IS THE KEY

The moment I land my feet at UPLB, I always ask myself, am I good enough for this university? Do I have what it takes to be one of the well-known Iskolar ng Bayan? Will I fail? Should I pursue it? Lots of questions but hey! Take a deep breath and listen; YOU DESERVE THIS. You worked hard for it and you earned it, so you are deserving of this chance. I don’t want you to go in your first semester like me that has so many doubts, buts, and what-ifs which greatly affects my perception of things. The worst-case scenario is that you lose your self-confidence. To be able to receive good results, one must have a positive mindset. This will boost you up to be eager in studying and discovering new ideas unfamiliar to you. 

2. BUILD CONNECTION

Being too shy to approach, I couldn’t make a lot of friends. It was very hard to cope with the changing environment when you know very little about those who surround you. I am not saying that you make it your goal to befriend every one of them, I am just saying that maybe a little smile, a short hi and a wave of a hand will greatly help you to be familiar and comfortable around them. Through this, you’ll feel company, you’ll have a feeling of belongingness that will motivate you to keep pursuing the course, to have someone to go to when you have questions and colleagues that might someday be your friend to conquer and overcome the semester with. Good thing as I start my semester, UPLB gave me a bunch of amazing peeps, my block CD2, to laugh, cram and do things together. 

3. ALWAYS TARGET EXCELLENCE

Full of hesitations I started the semester wrong by believing that it’s okay to settle for the least when it is not. Always remember to open your college life with a positive outlook with lots of opportunities and triumphs. Whenever there are things that you needed to accomplish always see to it that you do your 100% so you won’t regret the result afterward. When it comes to your exams always aim for the highest, set your standards high enough so if the results didn’t go exactly the way you wanted it to be, and more likely a little lower than that you can still smile and say that a little room for improvement is not bad, you just need to work harder the next time. Do not be sad and give yourself a tap in the back with the realization that you worked hard for it and that there’s always a next time to do better. 

4. RELAX

Do not think too much, keep calm, relax and focus your attention on things approaching ahead of you. I should have advised myself before to do this. I should have not become so worried about everything if I learned how to be calm and to relax. Nevertheless, being too worried about requirements, tasks, and examinations coming doesn’t bring me a hundred percent disaster because it alarmed me in a good way to finish everything, to use my time efficiently and to organize my schedule so I can make sure everything is taken care of and that I left nothing behind. It somehow helped me to accomplish everything. But I believe it could have been less stressful if I manage to do it calmly.

5. KNOW THAT YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Always keep in mind that you are not unaccompanied in your journey. You just need to look around you to see that there are lots of persons willing to walk the path with you and each one of them has stories to share, has values and life principles you can learn to. You just need sometimes to believe in them and show yourself, bits of it. And when you can assure that they are genuine and true to you let them guide you, and always show them as well of the right things. It is a two-way process you know; you give and take. And finally, overcome the semester together with a dream of a young UP aspirant wearing the sought-after sablay walking down the aisle after 4 years with a diploma in hand. 

Indeed, college is not easy, but it will always be upon your decisions and ways on how you’ll make the best out of it. Just like one of my favorite teachers used to tell me back then: DUC IN ALTUM; draw into the deep. Sail to the deep and go into the horizon, find yourself and seek the purpose that will bring you excellence. Do your best and never falter, there’s a long way ahead and the journey is just about to start. 

Being here is one great achievement already. So, keep sailing my friend and I wish you nothing but excellence as you travel your way Isko and Iska.

Dala ang adbokasiyang ilapit sa mga mag-aaral ang siyensiya, teknolohiya at matematika, maging ang pagpapakilala ng STEM strand at mga scholarship ng DOST, isang linggong namalagi ang DOST NULAB BUS: STEM in MOTION and Science Explorer sa University of the Philippines Los Banos. Narito ang ilan sa mga kaganapan sa nasabing pagdalaw na hatid nina Pamela Hornilla, Maria Roliza Sophia Legion, Cherry Marie Baguilat at John Mark Ayap sa Unang Episode ng mas ekslusibo, hindi magpapatalo at masayang kuwentuhan sa SINSAY, TARA!

Narito ang ilan sa mga kaganapan sa CDCiklaban 2019 ng Kolehiyo ng Komunikasyong Pangkaunlaran na hatid nina Pamela Hornilla, Maria Roliza Sophia Legion, Cherry Marie Baguilat at John Mark Ayap sa Episode 2 ng mas ekslusibo, ‘di magpapatalo at masayang kuwentuhan sa SINSAY, TARA!

           A night filled with music, alcoholic beverages, dancing lights and sweaty blurry figures everywhere. You will see the bartender switching cups and twirling containers as he dances along with the music. The wild and fun gazes of the crowd to one another. This is how they let go, this is how some relax, this is how they find peace and satisfaction after a long tiring day of stress caused by studying. How ironic how they say it is a night to remember when they can’t even recall sometimes every detail of the momentous event since they’re too wasted with headache and hangover the day after. While many enjoy the company of strangers, I prefer something else because this is not the way John Mark De Castro Ayap sees a day of relaxation and serenity. 

           If you’re a colleague or a close friend of mine, you surely had been surprised by my introduction. Not that I hate drinking, I just don’t. Being quite introverted, I will be the last person you might see mingling in the dancefloor at a party. There is a possibility that you might not even see me there (I don’t want to gatecrash; I receive minimal invitations anyway). I always believe that something that makes us unique is how we as people decide on our own; of the things that make us who we are, and I think the way we unwind is something that only us can decide for ourselves. 

           So, to know more of me and my little ways on how I manage to cope up with the busy and tiring schedule of a Development Communication freshie, let me cite to you the things that I prefer. These are simple things that enable me to leave Earth for a while and let loose in a world that has only me inside it. 

 1.     I PREFER MUSIC –  

Music has been my escape to the real world ever since first grade. I can still remember losing grasp of my teacher’s lesson as I hum to the tune of ‘Isang Lahi’. It has been my constant confidant at times of sorrow and happiness. I find God with my music and he blesses me with the songs. I always find the peace that my heart needs whenever I hear acapella singing or the harmony of instruments that are heavenly to hear. I found friends through music. Whenever I feel tired, I always sing, because I might not have the most angelic voice there is, but music has been an avenue for me to express my feelings, to voice out my emotions and I think that is beautiful. 

 2.     I PREFER POETRY – 

While some express disgust with the rhythmic artistry of poetry, I find a home in its arms. Ever since my high school years I’ve been very addicted and inspired by poetry — specifically spoken word. The mastery of weaving metaphors and ideas into one literary peace gives too much joy in my heart. That feeling of having the capability of stating whatever it that you wanted to say poetically is something that I find priceless and worthy of time. 

I always find time to listen with spoken word artist because it has been a way for me to know different stories coming from different artistic tongues which aims to inspire many newbie writers like me. I will always love the craft of poetry. This might not be as structural and formal as Shakespearean Sonnets but isn’t the main point of these literary pieces is to send the message across. 

So, I encourage you to join me in streaming and appreciating these amazing artists that will surely touch your heart, to name a few, there’s Jonel Revistual, Carlo Hornilla, artists of the Button Poetry, and my favorites Juan Miguel Severo and the tandem of Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye. Let us get lost to their words and see our real identities within the lines of their works.  

 3.     I PREFER SIMPLE TALKS – 

We cannot deny the fact that being alone sometimes is lonely, and because of this I keep myself engaged with the persons I trust in the University. Mostly, these are my dorm mates. Before going to UP, I always wonder what experiences my first dorm will offer me. Being introverted and most of the time mistaken to be ‘suplado at masungit’ I didn’t expect that things will go smooth inside the room where I will be staying for the first semester. Never that I thought that my assumptions are all wrong since it goes exactly opposite of what I expected. 

Too generous and fun to be with, these are James, Neil, and Luther for me. They had become my source of encouragement and motivation ever since the first week. They had provided me the company that I need to be able to adjust quickly to the campus. These boys had given me the casual talks I needed every night to calm down and re-evaluate my whole day. Setting some time to talk to them every night had been a habit already before going to sleep. Some might find it weird how come this had been a way for me to relax, but I can just say that having someone (a friend, or a family) willing to listen to whatever nonsense you wanted to say makes all the difference. 

 4.     I PREFER QUALITY TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY –  

This I think is the most fun and relaxing way to chill. Going home after 3 consecutive weeks in UPLB is something that allows me to see my old self even just occasionally. It reminds me of my purpose on why I am here today. Also, with my newfound friends whom I share my dreams with now. Eating together with them every after classes is a way for me to remind myself that this is not a journey of graduating alone but also meeting people along the way that shares the same aspirations in life with you. And are willing to go along with your stupidity. 

5.     I PREFER WHAT MAKES ME HAPPY – 

I prefer what keeps me alive. 

         The end of the semester is coming nearer yet the pressure is just about to start. With a tetra pack of chocolate mix coffee on my hand and a piece of “pinagong” bread in the other, I am now equipped into facing the reality of another sleepless night I need to endure and overcome in UP. Facing my laptop, I am ready to zone out of this world and decide whether I’ll finish my requirements tonight or not. 

            Nonetheless, never forget that college is not just about academics and studying alone. Find time to relax, find things that will satisfy your sometimes weary and needy mind and heart. Find rest. 

Many are invited but only few were chosen. This maybe is the harsh truth behind the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) conducted every year. Many Iskolar ng Bayan aspirants filled UPCAT testing centers last October 5 and October 6 with the aim to enter the university and be a certified Isko and Iska.

As students gather at the Oblation Park of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, I felt the need to know how their experience in UPCAT 2019 was. Here are some of responses I was able to gather.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1N6EXpZhKIkh40udGZXIaw9BUbEkQ_Do1

Friends of three, that was build since Junior High School chose to take the exam together. Hopefuls from Tiaong, Quezon: Kathleen Arellano who is still undecided of her course, James Sarmiento who wants to pursue Communication or Agriculture and Mark Calabia who wants to be a dentist someday chose to take the UPCAT together.

Some among them had similar reasons as to why they wanted UPLB as their collegiate university. James Sarmiento took UPCAT with the influence of his friends, while Mark took UPCAT for the opportunities that awaits its graduates in the future. The notion of everyone about the University of the Philippines as one of the most famous, competitive, and extraordinary university upholding its call for honor and excellence as “Iskolar ng Bayan, para sa Bayan” put pressure to Kathleen Arellano as an aspirant. She says her parents always have the phrase “UP yan!” and so they wanted her to pass the exam and be an Iska someday. On the other hand, James Sarmiento believes his parents doesn’t have any idea about how UPCAT works. Nonetheless, his parents showed their support financially.

Mark has a different story, he says his parents never intended to give him burden with regards taking UPCAT yet he was sure that even they don’t tell him directly they are still expecting him to pass the exam which according to him adds pressure and uneasiness as he took the entrance exam.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=18zf1xkB2QUOhgBSRryPX8LzHLejb6JGo

Also, I spotted two aspirants arguing along Oblation Park. They shared to us their points and views about the recently conducted UPLB UPCAT. Denise Castillon and Mark Ñusco are hopefuls from Cavite.

Denise took UPCAT because of opportunities his dad would always tell her. “Maraming oportunidad kapag nag-UP ka,” he would say. While Mr. Ñusco had the exam for conformity with his friends who also took the exam. For Denise, the UPCAT entrance exam was a battle of reminding the lessons she had ever since elementary and that if you won’t remember the most basic concepts, ideas, theories and/or philosophies it will be a very tough exam for you. “Yung mga nireview mo talaga (before UPCAT) parang plus points na lang yun, ang mahalaga talaganaintindihan mo yung bawat topic tapos ia-apply mo sa bawat questions.” Says Mark during the interview. Initially, Denise has no intention of taking the UPCAT exam, but her family encouraged her to show up for the one of the biggest college admission tests nationwide. They would tell her to keep going forward, “go lang.” she phrased. While Mark felt the overwhelming support of her parents who took care of everything he needs before the exam, with a bit of influence by his cousins whom some already graduated in the university. And so, he pursued to someday walk with a sablay.

Prayers since day 1. This is the greatest weapon Denise had in her before going to UPCAT. Along with your perseverance and courage. On the other hand, Mark appreciated his former teachers better, realizing that their eagerness to teach him different things is worth it for he benefitted a lot from it.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1EONkeKtA523lVUGEo6d6jySe4Wu6aPAi

When asked about the final question: Sa pagpasok mo sa unibersidad, naniniwala ka bang isa kang Iskolar ng Bayan para sa Bayan? They responded:

Yes! Yes! Yes!

Denise Castillon

Yes! Isang-daang porsyento. Yes!

Mark Ñusco

It’s never bad to dream. But you must claim it in yourself. Abecause when you already passed UPCAT, fate has destined you for a selfless journey, and there is no turning back. Believe that you can, and nothing is impossible. I can still remember fresh in my mind how mind-boggling and mind-blowing UPCAT was. And yet I survived, and now I am surviving. I hope to hear you scream Iskolar ng Bayan para sa Bayan as well. Soon.