Author: Uriel Ian Coronel

It’s the most beautiful time of the year. It is yet again the season of love and giving. We celebrate Christmas in our different ways. Our family never misses a mass when it’s Christmas because we believe that the reason for this season is Jesus Christ. We also buy gifts for our relatives and friends. After attending mass, we will feast on different dishes prepared by my uncle and desserts with love by my mother. I love Christmas because it reminds me of Jesus Christ being born to save us from our sins and it is a season wherein families gather and bond together after a long time.

Everybody knows the power Christmas holds. The season is like full of optimism, forgiveness, giving, and love. It’s like problems suddenly vanish when Christmas comes. I think Christmas has the same effect as Jesus Christ. When he was born in this world, he proclaimed happiness, forgiveness, and giving in our world. He did not give us blessings, He is the blessing. When Christmas comes, we should use our time wisely because it’s not everyday that our loved ones have spare time. We should give willingly because it is better to give than to receive after all. We should spread good vibes all around the world but most especially, we should not forget the reason for this season.

Merry Christmas!

BALITANG ISKO

Dane Christian Morena

Alvin James Magno

Ysobelle Denise Lopez

Desiree Mindanao

Cyber Gem Biasbas

Uriel Ian Coronel

Kent Blanco

How do you know that you have improved? After every task, we reflect on how well did we performed. We try to identify our mistakes and take note of the good things we have done. It is important to reflect on our performance to make room for improvements. As this semester finally comes to an end, I think about the things I’ve done to finish this semester successfully. I also take note of the bad habits I had on the past semester so that I won’t do it again on the next semester. Sometimes I think to myself, “Did I change for the better this year?”

Back when I was in high school, I wasn’t the ideal student. Although I am an honor student, my mother would always tell me that I could’ve done better only if I wasn’t that lazy. She was right because I only study when there’s an upcoming quiz or exam and sometimes I do my homework when in class the day of the deadline. As soon as I knew that I will be studying in UP, my dream school, I told myself that I wouldn’t mess up this chance. I promised myself that I will put more effort into studying because cramming and being lazy won’t work in the university.

At the beginning of the past semester, I admit that I don’t have a huge attention span when it comes to reading. As a development communicator in training or as a student in general, I must love reading because there’s a lot to learn for a student like me. I was beyond shocked when we were given readings that are too long for me. As expected, I don’t have that willingness to read. I told myself that I wouldn’t pass my subjects if I don’t wake up and start being industrious in reading all those readings. Being in UP inspired me to improve myself and I can say that my willingness to read for learning has become better even just a little bit. Back then, you won’t see me holding textbooks. I’d rather read novels, still with much difficulty, than textbooks and hand outs. Today, although I still won’t read during my free time if it’s not required, I started teaching myself to read a lot by starting with long novels.

Starting the past semester, I remember being confident with my skills in operating communication tools/devices. Being millennial really has its perks because we can easily learn how to operate gadgets that are new to us. I can say that I enjoyed learning about different communication tools/devices. I learned techniques on how to use camera in different kinds of audio visual media we wish to make. I also learned how to use Adobe Photoshop with the help of my sister and YouTube. I can say that I am more than willing to learn about different communication tools/devices because I really enjoy learning a lot about this kind of stuff.

We’ve written a lot of papers this semester. I cannot imagine how I managed to finish all those papers and how I still have words left to write. One thing I realized after writing a lot of papers is that validating and clarifying information is the most crucial part. Writing is easy, but writing effectively can be difficult. Effectively – meaning stating facts that are clear and validated and writing with these facts in a manner that anyone can easily understand. We don’t just write to finish an assignment, we always write with a purpose.

I did well this semester but I can do better. There’s always room for improvement and I believe that everyone should move forward. As an Iskolar ng Bayan, we should seize this privilege given to us by giving our best every day we spend in UP. Remember that the only permanent thing in this world is change. We should change but it must always be for the better.

UP is not just a university for me – it is my home that I should fight for. STRASUC was a great experience for me because I did not just witnessed the beauty of Odiongan, Romblon, I was also given a chance to show how proud and honored I am to represent UP. To know more about my trip to Odiongan, Romblon with other UPLB delegates, visit my blog site. Be prepared to be amazed by the beauty of Odiongan and be proud of our fellow Isko/Iska.

https://udcoronel.wixsite.com/strasuc2019

LOOK: Proyekto ng DOST dinala sa UPLB upang magbigay kaalaman sa mga estudyante

BALITANG ISKO

Dane Christian Morena – News Anchor

Alvin James Magno – Reporter

Ysobelle Denise Lopez – Reporter

Desiree Mindanao – Reporter

Uriel Ian Coronel – Videographer

Kent Blanco – Videographer

Cyber Gem Biasbas – Editor/Director

As I go back to my home in Calamba, I was surprised to see a lot of people inside the house. When I got inside, I saw my relatives having a good time. My mother acknowledged my presence, “This is my daughter, Uan. She’s studying in UPLB.” You can clearly see the pride in her face. One of my relatives asked me, “Anong course mo?” “Development Communication po,” I replied. But then she asked, “Ano yun?”

An infomercial about the questions asked to a Development Communicator in training. Having a course that is not that familiar to most people, does it affect you?

Created by:

Kent Blanco

Uriel Ian Coronel

Cyber Gem Biasbas

Dane Christian Morena

Alvin James Magno

Ysobelle Denise Lopez

Desiree Mindanao

View this post on Instagram

Bahagyang naka-survive, pero at least we made it.

A post shared by Uriel Ian Coronel (@urieliancoronel) on Dec 5, 2019 at 10:00pm PST

The greatest feeling of all time is finishing my first ever semester in my dream school. I wouldn’t say that I finished first semester with flying colors because I know that I didn’t. First semester wasn’t easy at all –  it was full of downs and … just downs. Kidding aside, first semester was stressful but I sure had plenty of fun because no matter how hard it is, I always remind myself that I’m in UP and that’s the greatest feeling ever.

I can say that this semester is successful but I can help but go back to things I’ve done. As I look back, there are realizations that I should’ve done this or that. Well, I can’t go back in time and correct my mistakes but I can do better next semester. Listed below are the tips I should’ve given myself.

1. Believe in yourself – Since DevCom wasn’t my first choice, the tasks we did in our DevCom subjects like: reporting, script writing, etc. were all new to me. The first task that I doubted myself is when we were asked to write a straight news. I know in myself that I’ve never done this before and there’s a big chance that I might screw this up. But all is well because I never thought I could learn to write a straight news. You always have to believe in yourself that you can do all things as long as you are determined. “Kapag gusto, may paraan.” I was scared at first because I thought that I’m the least skilled in my class but I kept reminding myself that I’m here to learn. I am willing to learn and will always be. I always tell myself that I should believe that I can, because courage is all it takes to complete the most difficult task.
2.  Learn to explore – Never in my life that I imagined myself in front of a camera reporting for an event. Of course, we all have to experience different firsts. I am not complaining though, because if I wouldn’t have experienced it, I wouldn’t know that I find it fun. You should never be afraid to try new things because you’ll be amazed on what you might discover. I realized that exploring your potentials is very important when I found out I wasn’t qualified for Veterinary Medicine. It has always been my dream to become a veterinarian like my parents, but my dream to study in UP is greater. We don’t have to close our doors to other opportunities because we don’t know which one is really meant for us. There are lost of opportunities out there, we just have to choose the right one to be happy.
3. Live in the moment -I always tell myself that I wanted to have that sablay immediately. My family and relatives always tell me that I don’t have to rush because success is never a race. My cousin even told me that, “Kapag nagtatrabaho ka na, hihilingin mo n asana nag-aaral ka nalang ulit.” That made me think that I shouldn’t pressure myself to finish college as soon as possible. I should live in the moment, enjoy, and take time to learn many things. Besides, UPLB is like the happiest community I’ve ever been to and I don’t think it will be easy to leave the place. My mother always reminds me and my sister that success takes time to be achieved. Beautiful things are meant to be hard to get. I should not worry about the future, but instead work on my present.
4. Work hard – As I’ve said, beautiful things are achieved when you worked hard for it. We must remind ourselves that if you got it easily, there’s something wrong. Just like in math problems, if the solution was too easy, maybe you did something wrong. I am the kind of person who dreams big and I remind myself that I must work extra hard to achieve them. Besides, the more you work hard for something, the more satisfying it is when you achieve it. Like when you finally bought that shoes you’ve been eyeing for a long time with your own money that you saved for almost a year. You take good care of that shoes because you worked hard for it. Remember that a person who works hard is the most successful, because they’ve overcome a lot of challenges that made them stronger.
5. Work hard for other people – Isn’t it more satisfying to be successful because you’ve helped a lot of people? Success is not about the money you earn, it’s about how many people you’ve helped and inspired in your own ways. I always dedicate every success to my family and to God. I always think that every challenges are worth it because I am doing it for them. It is always my goal to make them proud. As a Development Communicator in training, we must work for other people. We must be the voice for those who are unheard. The most successful person is the one who’s willing to help other people without asking anything in return.

Life in UP can be very difficult that you might think that passing the UPCAT is a course. But think about it, you are meant to face those challenges because you have the whole Philippines waiting for your outstanding service. You are not in UP just because you wanted to be rich, you are in UP for a reason. You are meant to serve our country, and that is when you become successful. A little sacrifice for your country won’t hurt right?

Calamba, Laguna: The home of Jose Rizal. It is the city with cleanest air in Southeast Asia. It is where the nationalistic and brave characteristics of a hero ignites. We are one, We are Calamba. Buhayani!

Calamba is located in the east by Laguna de Bay, in the north by Cabuyao, in the south by Los Baños and in the west by Sto. Tomas and Tanauan in Batangas.  It is only 54 kilometers away from Metro Manila, the city is rich in industries, hence the influx of migrants.  Considered as the heart of CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) due to the numerous number of companies housed in its area, Calamba is the premier industrial hub outside of Metro Manila. (calambacity.gov.ph)

‘Tis the season to be jolly because the first semester is about to end. Ofcourse, before ending a semester there will be a whole lot of requirements, exams, and the most dreaded releasing of grades. Before you enjoy the very festive Yuletide season in your own hometown, you will go through the hell week. Don’t worry, because you can give yourself a “me time” after all the hard work. You deserve to chill.

My version of chill

1. Bond with my family

• My family gives me comfort that nobody else can give. They are the people who will listen to my rants and to my never ending stories of my life in UPLB. If you are a coffee-addict, you belong to our family! We love to go to coffee shops, drink our coffee, and talk about anything under the sun. I try my best to give time for my family because they always make me feel that I am not alone in my journey here in UPLB. They are the best encouragement for me.

1. Play badminton

• Badminton is a sport I started learing when I was in 7th grade. At first, I didn’t like the sport but I reached a point where I can play badminton all day. It is my passion and it gives me a great satisfaction whenever I play. Badminton is like my vent out buddy too. No matter what emotion I feel, to play badminton is the right thing to do.

1. Sleep

• I am the kind of person who can sleep anywhere, anytime I want. I can easily fall asleep and I truly love sleeping. Whenever I feel sad or disappointed, I sleep. It’s like when I wake up, I already forgot what happened and I’m ready for action again. I really love my sleep, it’s sad that you can’t do it any time you want.

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26 years ago, Dr. Melencia Rosario D. Coronel graduated in University of the Philippines Los Baños with a degree of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. As soon as she graduated, she became a Technical Assistant in UNIVET (Animal Health Department of UNILAB). After she aced the board exam, she was promoted as the Technical Manager assigned in the Marketing Department. After several years, she transfered to Vitarich Co. because of the company’s offer of better benefits. She worked as the Exntension Veterinarian of the Company who visits farms to provide medical program for the poultry. Unfortunately, Vitarich Co. was forced into bankruptcy which lead her to Eli Lilly Philippines Inc. She worked as the Area Manager in charge of explaining the use of medicine for animals to the farm owners. During her stay in Eli Lilly Philippines Inc., she became pregnant with her youngest daughter. After a year, she worked for Vet Specialist Inc. as the Technical Manager.

According to her, working in the industry can be tough. She barely had time to bond with her two daughters and her husband who’s also a veterinarian. “Aalis ako tulog pa sila, tapos pagdating ko tulog na sila. Plus, lagi akong nasa daan, driving.” This lead them to a decision that she should quit her job to take care of their daughters. She figured that she should try teaching, and she’s thankfully that she tried. She is currently teaching Senior High School students in a public school in Camp Vicente Lim Mayapa Calamba City. Even though some people say that she wasted work in the industry, she’s very happy and contented teaching young people of what she learned in UPLB. Today, she’s teaching and at the same time she provides medical assistance to pets. What’s amazing about it? She helps these pets for free!

What are the key lessons you learned in the University?

1.) “I learned that if you do not fail, you won’t succeed.” If you did not fail, it means you never tried. Opportunities come and go, we might want to get out of our comfort zones, take risk, and learn form our mistakes. If you fail, we should take that as a motivation to be better. Dr. Coronel also has bunch of stories wherein she failed, but look at her now. Those failures doesn’t make her any less successful. Courage is one of the necessary traits to achieve success. Your true capacities can be revealed if you have the courage to try. It’s better to try then fail, than do nothing at all and forever ask yourself, “What if?”

2.) “There is no concept of fall back. Instead, fall forward.” Always remember that your nation is waiting for you. If you quit, they lose a possible hope. You are in UP because the nation believes that you will make our country a better place. If you let all the hardships and disappointment win, it’s not just you who lost the battle, you lose together with your country. You are Iskolar ng Bayan para sa Bayan: never quit, never surrender. Padayon Iskolar, keep moving forward.

3.) “Success is not measured with how much you earn.” We all have different standards on how successful a person is. But the most accurate definition of success is if you have served our country selflessly. You are an Iskolar for a reason. Success is valued by how you achieved it and how much you have done for other people. Remember, “Walang sino man ang nabubuhay para sa sarili lamang.” So, it doesn’t matter how much you earn. It is the satisfaction of lending a helping hand, and touching their hearts as you selflessly serve your country.

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Thousands of dreams are expecting to be achieved that day. You can see young people who are obviously nervous, some are just relaxed, and some are reading their reviewers even though the doors of the exam halls are about to open. Every year, UPCAT testing centers are packed. Aside from this, there’s always a long line every single day of UPCAT applicaton. This year, it has been much harder for applicants because they can only submit their documents in UP Diliman. On the last day of appliction, it was like a zombie apocalypse. A lot of students flock to UP Diliman campus that day.

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Joven, 17, when asked if the exam was hard said, “As expected, it was hard. What saddens me more is the fact that I reviewed much in the past few months yet what I have reviewed wasn’t there.” But for a student who has a great dream, nothing can hinder him from achieving it. “As long as you put your heart on it,” Joven added.

Free tuition fee is one of the reasons why students want to pass the UPCAT. Getting quality education for free is a privilege, that’s why you must work hard for it. Joven belongs to a family who can’t afford tuition fee for private universities. He wanted to study in his dream university and at the same time help his family by getting free education.

Joven enrolled in a review center as a preparation for the UPCAT. He thought that he was not ready for the exam because of not having enough knowledge, but he believes that “no one is ready for anything, it’s just a matter of courage in fighting along the battle.” He also said that he did all the rituals that are believed to be effective for UPCAT takers. He asked other people to sharpen his pencil and even sharpened his pencil in front of the Oblation, leaving the pencil shavings there. With a little bit of cramming and a whole lot of prayers, Joven was brave enough to take the exam.

Joven is really determined to achieve his UP dream. If in case he won’t pass the UPCAT, he will apply for reconsideration or he will enroll in other university or college then apply for transfer. For Joven, UP is beyond a dream. He believes that UP is “where I want to be, where I belong, and where I want to grow.” Joven is really hopeful that he will be an Isolar para sa Bayan.

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Leinard is a 17-year-old UPCAT aspirant who has relatives who are UP alumi. His relatives advised him to take the exam. According to him, “Even though you had exerted effort in reviewing the things that are said to be ‘included’ in the exam, you cannot tell if you really are ready for the test.” Nonetheless, Leinard took the exam hoping for the best.

Free tuition fee is also one of the reasons why Leinard chose UP. He also said that people in UP are very open-minded when it comes to unconventional things and ideas. He wanted to immerse himself in an environment wherein he can improve his skills and at the same time meet people who are motivated to learn just like him.

UP is beyond a place for good quality education/excellent professors. Leinard is fascinated of how people in UP see things. He believes that UP can transform him into a person with new news perspective in life. One of the reasons why UP is one of the greatest schools in the Philippines is because we don’t just read books and listen to lectures, we become Filipinos not just by blood but by heart. UP aims for holistic development for the Hope of the Nation.

UPCAT might be the reason why some are walking out of exam halls with tears in their eyes, but I can assure you that all will be worth it when you can finally say that you are an Iskolar ng Bayan. Reach for your dreams and don’t give up on them. Remember that those things that we had a hard time achieving are those that we value the most.