An interview with the parents of the UPCAT hopefuls
It took much more than sleepless nights, cups of coffee, blood, sweat and tears for thousands of University of The Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) aspirants to prepare for their big day. Senior high school students coming from different schools flocked the UP Los Baños UPCAT testing centers last October 5 and 6, 2019.
The aspiring iskolars came more than two hours before their scheduled exam time and hailed from different areas around Los Baños like San Pablo, Biñan and Batangas. Some of them even brought their parents along with them to support them throughout their UPCAT journey.
We talked to Mr. Nilo Perez and his daughter, Kyla Perez, who was anxiously waiting for her turn to go inside the testing room and take the UPCAT. They came from Sta. Rosa, Laguna and they were already waiting for almost three hours under the shade of the trees in the CEM area. Kyla wanted to take up BS Biology in UP Los Baños and said that she really wanted to study in UP. In order to prepare for the admission test, for months, she has been reviewing for at least 30 minutes per day.
As a parent, Mr. Perez also feels as nervous as his daughter since he has also experienced taking the UPCAT during his time. Though anxious, he also feels excited for his daughter who’ll finally take the exam after months of hard work and preparation and aside from the emotional support, Mr. Perez also helped his daughter by giving her financial support in order for her to buy reviewers. Despite the pressure and the nerve-wracking atmosphere, the father and daughter hope for a positive result regarding UPCAT and are looking forward for the days to come.
Just like the the both of them, thousands of students and their family members hope to attain the privilege and honor of entering the most prestigious and recognized university in the Philippines. Some say that entering UP is difficult, but surviving and leaving is a lot more than that. However, no matter how hard the journey may get, an iskolar should always strive to do his/her best not only for him/herself but also for others, especially for our nation and its people.
Every year, a record breaking number of applicants have overwhelmed the University of the Philippines when the University of the Philippines College Admission Test or the UPCAT season have been commenced. From its long queues, to the mental exhaustion on the exam itself, and the emotional torture when waiting for the results, sweat and tears have shed out by thousands of UP aspirants throughout the history on the first process of becoming a certified Iskolar ng Bayan. Thousands of stories can be derived from the examinees which, in that case, we will know what are their aspirations in life and whom they draw inspiration from. Considering how competitive the exams are these reasons drives them to strive for securing a slot in the university. Here are some of the untold narratives of UPCAT takers with their parents:
Wanting to give back on her parents’ efforts and sacrifices as Overseas Filipino Workers, Marialle Panganiban, a UP aspirant from STI Sta. Cruz, took the UPCAT with outmost preparation and determination to hopefully pass the said exam. She said that nowadays, in order for her to have a bright future ahead as a civil engineer, she need to get to a reputable educational institution to have an advantage for her future employers, and she thinks that UP is the best school for her to get quality education. In order to have the strength and moral support on one of the most important exams for her life, her mother, who recently went back in the country, accompanied her while waiting and after taking the exams.
When I asked Alexandra Niem, an aspiring development communicator from Colegio de Los Baños why she wanted to continue her studies in UP, she just giggled and she said that she just wanted to experience the UPCAT narrative for students and she wanted to become like her Kuya TJ. When I asked who the said person is, she told me that he is the son of the employer of her mother who is working in their household. He became her inspiration to apply for the UPCAT because she wanted to follow the footsteps of him in UP because Alexandra, tearfully speaking, wanted to give a good life for both of her parents, her mother as a house helper and her father as a contactual worker. Her mother Irma, also stated that she supported her throughout the entire UPCAT process because she said that she don’t want her to have the same fate with her husband and to have a great future ahead of her.
An aspiring doctor for the masses, Angeline Grace Moralde from San Pedro Relocation Center National High School came four hours early with her mother in her testing center. Mixed emotions of excitement and anxiety are rushing up into her that gives her butterflies in her stomach while by waiting for her UPCAT. Motivated with her dream to serve the people, she prepared diligently months before the test. UP has been her dream school because she is well aware about the quality of education being given in the university and she said that she might get depressed if she will not pass the UPCAT. As I further clarify about the statement, I found out that she will dedicate and offer this whole UP journey to her late grandfather wherein he became close to her when he was still alive. She said that her lolo gave meaning on what UP can truly offer, especially he wanted to give the best fortune and future for her favotrite apo before he depart from this world.
I clearly understand how they are anxious at that moment because it is uncertain what lies after the UPCAT. It will be a total emotional torture for them when they are waiting for the results. I was indeed one of them a year ago having the same tormenting experiences, so after interviewing them, I gave last minute tips for them to potentially use in the exam and gave them insights on how adventurous my UP journey is. The last thing that I saw before I left them in their testing centers was a smile full of hope to become an Iskolar ng Bayan. I also hope that it will be the first reaction that they might have when the UPCAT results came out in march.
One of the many aspiring iskolars for the coming school year is my sister Jasmine. Jasmine Jade Mapa is the third iska hopeful from our family. She is currently a 12th grade student at De La Salle Lipa under the HUMSS strand. Diliman is her first campus choice where she picks AB History, AB Anthropology, AB Political Science, or AB Sociology as the possible courses. Los Banos is her second campus choice where she picks either AB Sociology or AB Communication Arts. When asked about why she picked UP as her first choice of university, she said ” Nung una talagang reason ay dahil nag-search ako ng magandang school para sa course ko which is history. UP yung unang lumabas. Tapos tamang search lang about UP ganon. Bonus na yung iskolar din kayo ni Ate Christine.”
As a support, my mom and I accompanied my sister to the testing venue. She was scheduled on October 05, the first batch of UPCAT takers. When I asked my sister how she felt, she immediately replied that she was nervous. “Kinakabahan talaga ako. Kasi kasabay ito ng [midterm] exam namin. Hindi ko alam kung uunahin ko gang mag-aral para sa midterms or para sa UPCAT”, she said. “Puro completion ng requirements ngayong week”, she added. In order to prepare for the UPCAT, she took review classes from June 09-July 08, 2019 in Diliman Access.
While the examination was on going, I asked my mom “Ma, bakit UP?”. Just like any parent, she answered, “Kasi free tuition”. She then immediately adds that a state university like UP can help develop a love for the country and the passion to serve the people.
After about 5 long hours of exam, Jasmine said she felt she needed to sleep. “Kulang ako sa tulog. Tapos nakakapagod yung exam so feeling ko talaga, kailangan kong tumulog.”, she said. When asked about the difficulty of the exam, she said, “Kaya naman sagutan. Pero kulang sa oras.” She prays and hopes everything goes well when the results come out next year.
“Ang hirap ng reading comprehension. Kung meron lang control F.”
“Ang dali niyang ibagsak.”
While the first batch scheduled October 05, 2019 at 7 AM vacate the testing center, I overheard students saying these experiences from their UPCAT exam. They were ready to look for other universities. I was reminded of my UPCAT experience back when I was in the same situation as them. I even failed UPCAT two years ago, yet I’m here as a new transferee. UPCAT is just one way of entering UP. If you really dream to become an iskolar ng bayan, work hard and never give your dreams up. Good luck to all future iskolars!
Taon- taon ay marami ang naghahangad na makapasok sa Pamantasang Hirang. Taon-taon din ay ginaganap ang University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) na dinadaluhan ng maraming aspiring Iskolar ng bayan. Narito ang ilang mga karanasan at paghahanda ng mga future Isko at Iska ng bayan.
To dream the impossible dream… To run where the brave dare not go
Andy Williams (The Impossible Dream)
Dream. Everything starts with our vision of the future. We feel. We understand. We strive and we live. Everything that we do, we do because we yearn. We all dedicate our hard work and time for the fulfillment of our dreams but nothing beats a dream shared with family and friends.
Strengthened by the bond of friendship, Christine Mae Gregorio (16), Kathleen Kaye Arevalo (17), and Abraham Paul Dela Cruz (17) braved the onslaught of traffic jams and dismissed clouds of uncertainties as they took the first step of their college journeys. Hand in hand, they entered the University of the Philippines Los Baños to try their fates as they took the University of the Philippines College Admission Test (UPCAT) last October 05.
Even amidst the scorching heat and the staleness of air due to the streaks of nervousness emitted by hundreds of UPCAT examiners, these did not discourage their hearts and instead inspire their spirits to fight for what they believe.
Noong una po, kabado pagkatapos nung naibigay na po yung test paper mas naging kabado. Lalo na po sa yung sa Math… (laughs)
Kathleen Kaye Arevalo
These three students from the Nicholas L. Galvez Memorial Integrated National High School of Bay, Laguna came prepared with the knowledge from their school’s review program namely Project SURE and with their individual and group studies. However, they admitted that the UPCAT caught them off guard and was more than they expected.
Nauna pa po ako nagising, hindi pa po ako nakakain pero go lang. Support-support naman din po sila lalo na sa application…
Christine Mae Gregoria
Though exhaustion after the 6-hour long exam was evident in their faces, their eyes tell a different story for they were brimming with joy and hope. What kept them going even to the most difficult question was the love and support from their families. Though they are not pressured by their parents, they felt obliged to bring the small victory of passing the test as a gift for the sacrifices their parents made for their development.
Laughter drowned the busy street near the UP Gate as friends clasped hands in glee and merriment. Finishing the exam was already a blessing. Passing it is a gift of a lifetime. The hope of the nation once more twinkle in the darkness that looms our country.HONOR and EXCELLENCE. SERVICE and LOYALTY. After conversing with them, I was reminded of my own UPCAT experience and the words that I have kept in me as I waited for the results.
Nothing is ever clear in this world. Fate, destiny, even the future. But the one thing I am certain is that I made the right decision. I chose UP and everything will follow with God’s grace.
Going to college is one of the major decisions a student can choose to partake in or not. It is an integral part, on to where school one would go if he/she chooses to continue studying after High School. That is why every year, thousand of students take the University of the Philippines’ Admission Test or UPCAT, all hoping to get in this “premier” university.
This is Olivia. She is one of the currently Grade 12 students who applied and showed up during the morning exam last October 5 for UPCAT 2019. As someone who is hoping to get in the University of the Philippines, she greeted the campus with a nervous but brave heart that early morning.
Coming from Beacon Academy at the City of Calamba, she shared why she chose to take the risk of UPCAT. Not wanting to take the chance of not getting any choice for college, she ventured into different schools. According to her, UP is only one of the schools she chose to try from both abroad and in the Philippines.
Starting as early as summer to review for her CETs, she hoped that it was enough to get her through the real deal -the actual exams. With the help of her parents, through giving her the resources and review materials she needed, the support surely did help in easing her nerves. It was a pleasure to meet this young lady, especially if we see her around the campus next year!
A year has already passed, the much-awaited judgment day has finally come –University of the Philippines Admission Test (UPCAT) will be held once again. Aspiring iskolars ng bayan will be facing their first battle in the university.
UPCAT 2019 was held last October 7 – 8, 2019 among the different campuses of University of the Philippines. Just like the past examination schedules, it was divided into four batches ̶ two sets per day.
Covering this event brought back waves of memories. The nostalgic intense atmosphere has been felt around the campus of UPLB. Supportive relatives, sweaty palms, and the aspiring UPCAT takers filled the whole university. You could see worried faces all around, and parents patiently waiting and whispering their sincerest prayers.
After the first batch of examinees, I was able to interview a student from Colegio de San Juan de Letran. Despite the pressure and exhaustion, she was still kind enough to answer my questions.
Isaiah May Bautista Aguilar is an aspiring 18 – year old from the City of Cabuyao, Laguna. She mentioned that studying in the university was never her dream, it was her father’s. Nevertheless, she’s very hopeful that she would pass and be able to study in the said university. Unlike others who usually invest in reviewing centers, she self-studied instead by buying a book online. Since July, she makes sure to allot an hour or two in studying. Her father, being supportive, would even play mini-quizzes with her containing the possible questions that may appear.
Her take in the ‘Anong UPCAT story mo?’ is quite different. Having just three hours of sleep, she felt a little bit sick while answering the examination. However the twist in here was, because of her unwell condition, she fell asleep while taking the math examination. She even stated that it was the best 20 – minute nap in her life.
Despite the pressure and the given fact that UPCAT is not your typical entrance examination test, this made her persevere more to study in other upcoming College Entrance Examinations.
“If it’s His will, He will give me a chance to be an Iska.”, she said.
Isaiah Mae Aguilar
Countless prayers and petitions, and all those efforts made in preparing for the UPCAT will be worth it once you’ve seen your name on that list.
Hintay lang, future isko/iska! Ano man ang resulta, lalaban para sa bayan!
“Anong stand ng mga
magulang mo noong nalaman nilang gusto mong pumasok sa UP?”
“Anong course at campus
mo?”
It
was the set of questions the UPCAT takers may have considered before filing their
application, and before setting their goals to be an Iskolar ng Bayan. The
swarming number of students accompanied by their supportive families was
already an expected view as early as three in the morning. The weather was especially
bearable, without the everyday heat of the sun’s rays as the UP aspirants held
in their hands their test permits with either ease or discomfort not knowing
what to expect. Others took their time roaming the campus of Los Banos to find
their respective test centers and many just waited for hours to either cry or
rejoice in succeeding the allegedly every-year-mahirapUniversity of the Philippines College
Admission Test.
“Bakit
UP?” While searching for prospects for this weekly entry for Blog6050, it was
also the question that had me thinking, “Why did I take the UPCAT two years
ago?” Well, as I demanded myself an
answer, an urge to write the words ISKO and ISKA hit me. That was reason behind
the war flashbacks every now and then whenever my UPCAT story is asked of me. It
was a dream of mine to be honored (and burdened) with the title: Iskolar ng Bayan, not just only for the
sake of being a UP student but, Para sa
Bayan. In my search, I present 8 aspirants who dared to take the UPCAT and
embrace the results. At the end of every interview, each was handed a special
calligraphy art (made by me) as a reminder on how they survived the annual
battle for honor and excellence.
While waiting for the right timing, I posted on Twitter about the handmade caligraphy art I made giving it away for free to find myself UPCAT takers willing to be interviewed.
Sadly, there was none.
So, when I encountered a group of friends casually talking about what they reviewed, I immediately approached them. I asked about what they are expecting in this year’s UPCAT as I saw them spending most of their time in front of the CDC building. Atasha Jolie L. Ricon, Liam Rhyss Lim and Renelee C. Jao, 17 year olds from Cabuyao, Laguna had different answers when I asked them why they chose UP.
Atasha from Westbridge Institute of Technology told me, “Parang secure na po ‘yung future kapag dito ka nakagraduate sa UP.” She was, in fact, particular in mentioning how UP is one of the leading universities in the country, and of her dreams. This aspiring Civil Engineer would love to stay in UPLB if given the chance as she mentioned how she was inspired with what engineers usually do with regards to their specific field. Supported by his father especially, she willingly answered she would dedicate her UPCAT success to her family. On the other hand, Liam, also from Westbridge was expecting to see himself in the building of the Institute of Computer Sciences in the future. He didn’t have any reason behind his liking to take the UPCAT as he mentioned a university wherein he would learning and being the best to the fullest of his ability is enough He mentioned he is financially supported by his parents and if granted UPCAT success, he would dedicate it to his family and to the people who helped him, specifically his uncle (for an unspecified reason). Among the three, Renelee was the only one who came from Pamantasan ng Cabuyao and is an aspiring Architecture student, choosing UP Diliman as her desired campus. Just like Liam, she genuinely answered she just wanted to try in UP because a.) It is one of top universities and b.) It was reported UP graduates are prioritized more in job interviews. As they chose a calligraphy art, I asked them for a picture and cheered them on seeing they were nervous despite seeing they brought reviewers and notes. Without further ado, they continued their review session in the small field of the CDC building.
As I roamed the test centers searching for my next prospect, I checked my twitter post and waited for someone who might message me to handpick the design they liked among the ones I posted. Luckily, a schoolmate in the past was staying near SEARCA waiting for his turn to take the UPCAT. Carl Joshua Esponga, 17 years old from STI College Sta. Cruz, is an aspiring chemical engineering student in UPLB.
When I asked him, “Bakit UP?” he mentioned how it is a premier university as they mold their students not only academically but also in improving nationalism of the youth. He wanted to experience that first hand; being a witness to the ills of society, and not pretending to be blind about other national problems. Despite this urge, his mother lovingly smiles at us throughout the interview, supporting CJ any form she can. According to him, his preparation for the UPCAT was simple: prayer, a review of his past notes and an edge as a current STEM student. If granted the UPCAT success, he was firm in saying: “Para sa Bayan.” As we bade each other goodbyes, I cheered him on saying, “See you next year!”
With four more left to distribute, I was again blessed with good luck when a friend of mine accompanied his younger brother in Elbi. Franz Nicolas Naval, 18 years old, is a student from Southbay Montessori School who didn’t also have a specific reason on why he applied for the UPCAT and why is he taking the test.
“I find UP interesting.” He didn’t do much in preparing, too which gave me a shock when he pertained to sleeping as his best preparation yet. He doesn’t also have a course in mind plus admitting he won’t be expecting to pass the said CET. However, despite this, his answers conceal that of his family’s stand with regards to his interest to be an Isko. “At first, ayaw nila, ayaw ni mommy, kasi baka maging aktibista ako or what ganun. Pero parang pinilit ko pa rin para makapagtake ng UPCAT.” His parents and other relatives, according to his sister, are Marcos apologists and are very supportive of Duterte’s picks in the past elections, a big gap already in terms of politics. Family members were also forced to vote for specific people most of them, the administration’s goons. Unlike others, he wished to dedicate his UPCAT success, if ever, to himself. And among the four others I have interviewed who haven’t seen the exam I found his perspective the most amusing assuming he wanted to prove something different to his family without glorifying the UP name.
The previous interviewees haven’t experienced the wrath of the UPCAT yet which led me to approach three more that left the CAS Annex 2 building, the first batch of the UPCAT survivors of the weekend. One of those I was able to meet was JB Lustre, an 18 year old from STI Calamba who mentioned the UPCAT was fairly difficult.
She didn’t make any preparations and her sole reason of taking the exam was the benefit of getting a job easier if a graduate of the university. She aspires to take Computer Science in UPLB, and was a little forced by her family to take the UPCAT. Nonetheless, she still mentioned her parents when I asked her to whom she would dedicate her UPCAT success if granted.
Last, I decided to go for two friends together, almost leaving the campus after they “aced” the exam. The girl piqued my interest the most as she shared how she easily answered the test questions particularly Science, excluding Mathematics. Queenie Serapion, 17 years old shared how her older sister, who passed last year’s, inspired her to take the UPCAT professing she wanted to try it out and be just like her “ate”. When asked about her preparations, she relied mostly on modules and reviewers available on the internet, which are easily accessed and usually free. When asked about her family, she playfully mentioned her mother who doesn’t trust her seeing she doesn’t exert an effort in trying to ace the UPCAT. However, this future Human Ecology student faced the exam head on and even found it easier! If granted the UPCAT success just like her older sibling, she specifically mentioned her uncles and aunts who often give her allowance. Her friend, Meinard, also an aspirant mentioned how UP is the standard for other people which is why a hopeful like him wanted to take the UPCAT. He shared his preparations for the exams as he animatedly told the story on how his twin attended a review center and taught him in return to save money. He carries with him the motto: “What will be, will be” as he confidently left the testing centers with no pressure believing he can make it with the best of his abilities. This aspiring Bs Biology student wanted to return the favor to his father, if he’ll able to pass the test as the sole supporter of his UP journey. All the expenses and efforts, he wanted to willingly give back to his family.
As I wrapped the interviews eating
lunch, I remembered thoughts crossing my mind to warn them, to tell them
besides the respectable title Isko and Iska, is a future you can’t just easily
give up when facing difficulty. UP is not the den for the idle-minded. It is a prison
holding us hostage to witness the bitter realities of the Philippines soon
acknowledging our degree and the education we receive as tools to better the
many faces of the country we have seen beneath the UP premises.
In accepting the UPCAT, its rules, and its reputable name, the only thing I could say, “Congratulations to the UP aspirants who didn’t back down!”
October 5 and 6, 2019 were the days that the third batch of K-12 took the University of the Philippines College Admission Test.
On the last day of UPCAT 2020, I accompanied my friend to send her brother to his examination hall. Seeing students waiting for their exam made me feel nostalgic. I was like them last year, nervous and a little bit happy. Some were just patiently waiting. Some were talking to their family and friends, and some were eating.
While waiting for my friend, I approached a girl with her mother to ask her some questions about UPCAT.
Kimberly Asuncion lives in San Pedro Laguna and is currently studying at Liceo de San Pedro. She chose UP Diliman as her first Campus. Some of her chosen courses are Computer Science and Civil Engineer.
The preparation she did for the UPCAT was reviewing with her friends and classmates. According to her, a week before the examination, all she did was to relax.
I asked her why she chose UP. She said, “Kasi naging basis na rin ng mga companies ang magandang school na pinagtapusan.”
Kimberly Asuncion was accompanied by her mother, Marites Asuncion.
I also asked Mrs. Marites Asuncion about the motivations she gave her daughter before UPCAT. She said, “Relax lang. Kung para sa kanya, para sa kanya.”
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.
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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