Be not afraid of growing slowly.

Rewind to a few months ago, we are tasked to rate our skills as media writes. And among the qualities listed, being industrious is the quality that I need to work on the most. I just realized that now that I’m in college, it is important to choose my spare time activities in a manner that enhances my brain function, instead of reducing it.

After Devcom 10, and Devcom 11, I rate myself as follows:

Curious or Inquisitive-1
Intelligent-2
Industrious-2
Resourceful-1
Persevering-1
Imaginative-1
Puts a premium on accuracy and truth-1
Loves to read-1
Interested in and loves people-1
Service-oriented-1


Given my ratings, there are still obstacles that keep me from developing these qualities. One possible reason is social media lurking because it becomes the most common types of communication for my generation. It’s a challenge to stop scrolling your news feed or story because it never ends.

For the skills a Media Writer should possess, I rate myself as follows:

Gathering data-2
Validating and clarifying information-2
Organizing information-1
Writing clearly and effectively-2
Proficiency in the operation of communication tools/devices-1

Last time, for the skills of the media writer, I needed to work on my way of validating and clarifying information the most. Yes, it’s very easy nowadays to share information on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook, almost anyone can publish their thoughts and share their stories to the world. But I realized that that’s just my excuse to not double-check the source of the material that I view online before I share it.

It hard for me to identify the source of news stories, particularly on the internet because of the growing number of people who spread fake news and alternative facts. But after Devcom 11, I learned some techniques in finding which sources are credible, so I think I made some progress.

It is true that during your college experience, you’re learning new skills. You’re able to listen to lectures and learn inside and outside the classrooms! In my case, my almost super classmates, my professors, and the forums I’ve attended are the ones contributed and helped to get through this semester.

I’ve learned to develop skills, such as organization, and self-discipline. And I began to understand the hows of complex subjects by thinking analytically and communicate them effectively. In order to improve our chances of success at school, we need to continually develop our skills and knowledge through listening to lectures and talks, attending forums, and engaging in several activities.

The people and events in the video above allowed me to grow and develop even further. There’s a lot of hard work involved, but it’s always good to prepare and improve ourselves.

Rewind to a few months ago, I never thought I could do it. But I made it through, and I learned so much. So, if you are struggling in some of the same ways I am, you definitely can do it too!

Just keep in my mind that if it’s knowledge, it can be acquired. If it’s a skill, it can be learned or improved. Nobody knows everything. Everyone needs further training, both in terms of gaining more knowledge and in terms of gaining additional skills. Be not afraid of growing slowly, progress is still progress.

I wish I could

There are lots of challenges and choices to make when we first start College. So, I listed five of the best tips that I wish I could give to my old self during the first day of classes. Because I swear, this can help anyone to prepare for the semester and make their best choices early on! 

FIVE BEST TIPS THAT CAN HELP YOU ENJOY COLLEGE!!

  1. It is OK to be sad. With all the pressure of college, you will probably be lonely at times, and sometimes feel overwhelmed. These are growing experiences that will probably be most valuable to you later.
  2. Don’t be afraid to take time off. You can pursue internships, travel the world, live independently, and do what matters to you. It can help you discover what you want to do, and provide you with some experiences to share. 
  3. Explore your interests. It’s nice to know whether you want a career in them or even if you just want the intellectual satisfaction.
  4. Make good decisions. If something doesn’t seem right or safe, don’t do it. 
  5. Make your college proud to have you.  Contribute to your college campus while you have the chance. Try to be one of those students that your professors and classmates will remember in years to come. People seem to accept that things are the way they are and that they have no power to change them. But that’s a lie. Make an impact. 

Good luck to us! ❤

Striking the right balance between academics and extra-curricular activities

In our fourth adventure, my group, the Devcom Explorers featured the some of the BS Devcom students who participated in the various STRASUC competitions.

Get to know how these students balance their academics and co-curricular activities by watching the video below!

UPLB: What a bright time to explore!

The Christmas season is an opportunity to take a little break after a year of busyness. Christmas break gives us a much longer time to see our family, while also giving us time to visit friends. And there are no other seasons on the calendar where the days are filled with continuous eating and endless food feasts!!

Most of us are looking forward to something every Christmas, maybe the Christmas lights, the caroling, exchanging presents, dressing in costumes, jiving to the Christmas songs, shopping for gifts, baking cookies, and Santa Claus. At this age, I still do love the Christmas season. I mean, it’s the only time my alarm clock and morning routines take a break! What’s not to like about Christmas?

In our third adventure, our group, the Devcom Explorers featured what students look forward to this coming Christmas season. As the annual unveiling of the Christmas decorations in UPLB took place, Devcom Explorers asked a bunch of people what they look forward to this Christmas.

Watch the video below to know what they shared with us!

How about you? What are you looking forward to this Christmas? Share it by commenting below. 😊

“Development Communication? Ano ‘yun?” #exploringdevcom

If you’re a DevCom student, you would know how hard it is to explain to your relatives and friends what you are studying about or what you will do after you graduate.

“Development Communication? Ano ‘yun?” is the most common question we encounter as a Devcom students. The usual answer we Devcom major would give is “it’s similar to mass communication and communication arts, but is focused on the marginalized sector,” it’s more than that, but it’s the easiest answer to understand.

For me, Devcom is looking at your community in a different angle, beyond the norm, beyond things that have been going on, things that no one seems to notice and do anything about.


There are still a lot of questions about Devcom and we made a video about it!

Let’s watch the Episode 2 of the Devcom Explorers as they feature the top 3 most common questions about Devcom from family members, neighbors, high school batchmates, and friends.




Devcom Explorers: Raizza Acuzar, Eunice Algar, Mark Mercene, Lemuel San Gabriel, and Julius Villarey #DevcomExplored

Enjoy! ❤

Learning science, the fun way!

This year, nuLab is introduced to the public. It aims to bring to schools that are under-equipped or have no science laboratories a fun experience in learning science through cool experiments, inspiring them to pursue S&T courses in the future.

In “nuLab”, the audience will have a glimpse of the emerging science careers. They feature topics such as nanotechnology, aerospace engineering, nuclear science, earthquake risk analysis, science media literacy, programming, oceanography, robotics, entomology, and environmental science.

But what exactly is “nuLab”?  Is that an actual laboratory? How does it differ from the Science Explorer Bus of DOST?

Know more about the new mobile science learning facility of the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) by watching the video below!

Know more about the new mobile science learning facility of the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) by watching the video!
By: Raizza Acuzar and Eunice Algar, DEVC 11- UV2L

Proud Mindoreña!

I am from San Jose, the largest municipality in the province of Occidental Mindoro. You can get there by air or by land and sea. It is known as the “Gateway to the South” but it is more than that.

San Jose is gifted with diverse natural resources and is the second biggest producer of rice in the Southern Tagalog region. With our unspoiled white beaches, underwater paradise, and other captivating sights, our town is a promising hub for sustainable tourism.

I am happy to say that through the years, my hometown manages to maintain a laid-back vibe that’s perfect if you’re in the mood for relaxation.

Watch the video below to know more about my hometown!


Song by:
Reyes, V. A. (2019). San Jose Katangi-tangi Official Hymn of San Jose [Recorded by M.-R. L. Chorale]. San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, MIMAROPA: San Jose Municipal Tourism and Community Development Office.

Drone shots and clips by:
Rivera, M. F. (Producer), Rodrigo, R., & Mendenilla, B. (Directors). (2018). San Jose Katangi-tangi [Motion Picture]. MIMAROPA: San Jose Municipal Tourism and Development Office.

Shots and video clips (except the drone clips) by: Raizza Acuzar

Video thumbnail is in courtesy of The Kapampangan Traveller.

De-Stress for Success

As students, we don’t have a choice when it comes to getting stressed. We have different bodies and personalities, so we should try some different stress-reduction techniques to see what works best for us. And what I do to keep my stress in check is I:


There is clear evidence of the harmful effects of stress. So, I think that stress reduction should be part of every school’s curriculum. It’s a skill that can really help improve and maybe even save the lives of students like us. I know I still have so much to learn and experience, but for now, this is how I deal with the pressures and anxieties. These are my ways to de-stress to achieve success.

Loyalty Day, Explored!

In accordance with the celebration of the 100th Loyalty Day of the University of the Philippines, our group, Devcom Explorers, decided to make a vlog to feature the UPCA/UPLB alumni and the key lessons they learned from the University.

In their first adventure, the Devcom Explorers featured the unforgettable memories of different UPLB alumni and their message to the new generations of Iskolar ng Bayan. #ExploreLoyaltyDay

It was nice having the chance to experience the greatness of participating in the UPLB Loyalty Day Parade. was only now that I realized that parades can be a community-based communication channel that can reach people by carefully planning methods and employing plans toward a goal. That it can furthermore be a tool in implementing social marketing and media campaign. Throughs floats, we can organize and conduct parades for disseminating entertainment and educational messages simultaneously, emphasizing the local initiatives set up to adapt the needs of the local community.

Listening to the stories of these respected alumni, I became motivated and I am now looking forward to what I can contribute too. Ten years from now, no matter where I may be living, I hope to be happily enjoying all that I have and all that I will be doing at that time. I expect to look at the world in a positive way, doing good things for the people around me, and having a supportive, agreeable life.

To All the Isko’t Iskas We’re Rooting For

Encouraging the UPCAT-takers to tell me their motivations for taking the exam, their preparations for it, and their reactions was a great experience. I realized that our struggle as high school students aspiring to enter the University of the Philippines begins when we line up to submit our applications to the premier state university.

I can still remember the time when I received my test permit and took the UPCAT. My hands were literally iced the whole time because aside from the freezing room temperature, all I have was stock knowledge I earned during high school. There were many questions in mathematics that we have never encountered in high school. That’s why after the exam, I reminded myself that it’s okay, I did my best. That UP is not the only great school, that it’s only one of many. This was my UPCAT story and there are still a lot of UPCAT stories out there, some are triumphant, some are hopeful, some are bittersweet, but each one told of different experiences and different people.

This year, we have another round of examiners. Let’s take a look at their UPCAT stories!



Though Mariah reviewed a few weeks before UPCAT, there were still topics she couldn’t recall. But she was pretty sure that only if she paid more attention to class, she could answer it and she passes the exam. Aside from not being confident to pass the exam because she left many blanks on her exam sheet, she also complained because she did not have time to eat her snacks. But she is thankful that she has a few stocked knowledge from high school. She then left the exam venue somehow shocked by how hard the exam was.


The Visey family went together as a family to support and be there for Vince as he takes the UPCAT. They arrived at the testing center, UP Los Baños pretty early and they brought their lunch and ate together. Vince was assigned at the afternoon session they plan to wait for him until he finishes the exam. Vince was pretty confident and thinks that he did relatively okay. Having come from a science high school, he witnessed the entire higher batches passing the UPCAT and other entrance exams, so failing was the exception, rather than the rule. He thinks that being with his family before taking the UPCAT helped. He was inspired and eager to do his best knowing that no matter what happens in his exam, his Dad, Mom, and brother are waiting outside to comfort and be there for him.


For Jhari, a part of him was sure he would pass UPCAT. But he thinks that having the chance to experience the greatness of going and taking an exam to UP is a blessing. He thought that he lost the chance of studying in UP when he passed his requirement to UP Diliman at the last minute. So, when he got his test permit, he was really happy and felt like he already won. He planned a lot for the UPCAT and made sure that all the things he needed to bring are prepared the night before. He arrived two hours early at the testing center. He prepared for the exam so he found every part fairly easy to moderate except for the Science part. After the exam he wasn’t sure what to feel, he was just glad that it was over. He just wants to enjoy the breeze and ambiance at UPLB, he wants to relax and leave it all up to faith and God.


For most of us, taking the UPCAT was the first UP memory we had. It was an unforgettable experience. So, to the aspiring Isko at Iska, create your memories and treasure your purpose. Don’t be afraid to fail. Whether you were confident or not in passing the UPCAT, don’t let its results destroy your self-confidence. It doesn’t define who you are or who you will be in the future. If there’s one thing being in UP has taught me, it’s that nothing can stop me from fighting for what I believe in.  Not even the UPCAT.

As my father used to say,

“Sa UP mo mahahanap ang iyong sarili pero mahahanap mo iyan in THE HARD WAY. It’s up to you if you will find and seek fun along the way.”

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