Roella Marcelle Bautista, Kaye Galler, Cedric Katigbak, Kristina Perez, and Karen Vargas, freshmen of the College of Development Communication, showcase the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute’s nuLab or the new mobile science learning facility in UPLB as the 3rd episode of UPdates.

It has been 4 months since I entered University of the Philippines Los Banos and now, 1st semester is about to end. But if I could go back to my first day here, here are my five tips to my old self I shoud’ve done before.

Finish everything right away if you have time. To avoid cramming, it’s best to do all the things you have to do because it is you, yourself, will suffer. Learn to prioritize the things what’s more important before anything else. Self, every second in college is precious, so make the most out of it.

Don’t let negativity affects you. In college, negativities are unavoidable. But you should not let yourself get affected by those. Instead, always look on the brighter side and let the negativities go away.

It’s okay to cry. You can’t let yourself to smile everytime even though you’re having a hard time. All of us here in university are having difficulties and it is your choice to enter UPLB, so you must endure the consequences. Crying is good for the soul, so cry out and let go all your worries.

Don’t hesitate on the things you want to do. Never doubt your capabilities because I know you can do it as long as it is what you want. Do all the things you love the most, the things which makes you happy. Don’t let someone or something hinder you from doing what you want. If you know that you are good on something, do it and trust yourself.

Love yourself more. No one will love you more than yourself. Yes, you are flawed but it is what makes you Catherine. You may not be as good as others, it’s okay because you can still try and do your best in everything you do.

Even though I had a hard time in my first semester here in university, the people I met made it worth remembering for and pushed me to strive more and survive the college life until the end.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5kGw-QJ_GH/

To my old self,

I wish you would have been able to see what I have become right now, after experiencing a semester here in UPLB. Maybe you have still been clinging to that tiny hope of getting into your dream school and never would have thought that you would be studying here, but here I am, and I gained a lot of learnings.

I know that entering a new university is scary, with being far away from home, but eventually, you will get used to it. Sure, you’ll shed a few tears or so, but always remind yourself that you will meet a lot of people who you will consider as family. You’ll get into an organization that will make you feel at home and meet friends and super classmates who will always be there for you.

Although you might feel small at times, pressured to do well because you are in a top university, and you feel like you’re the dumbest person in the room, it’s okay. There will always be people who are going to be better than you and more experienced than you because this course was really their passion. Sometimes, the ones who don’t know the most learn the best.

You might feel discouraged, because you literally have no idea how to write news, edit videos, and you don’t really have a choice with this course. But you’ll learn to love it eventually, especially when you realize how broad and diverse this course is even after you graduate. Those things you don’t know how to do now might become an asset for you later on, and you’ll thank yourself.

You would even experience heartbreaks of almost failing your exams. But I wanted to remind you to take that as a motivation to do better. It’s still the first few weeks of the semester girl, you still have plenty of time to get up back to your feet and try again.

Lastly, be open to opportunities along the way. Meet more people, get out of your comfort zone! I wish you would be able to go out more and have more time with your friends instead of just going back straight to your dorm. Always make time for your friends and family, and never forget to always pray. Always go back to Him whenever you feel tired and weary, and He will give you all the rest that you need.

But no matter how hard the semester was, I’m still proud of you. I know you worked hard, and this journey isn’t over yet. Can’t wait for the next few years we would go through this roller coaster of a ride called college.

With much love,
Kristine

Isn’t it weird to think that it’s already the end of the semester? If you come to think of that, you have endured a lot in the process just within four months. But nevertheless, it was a journey that you were able to survive.

Even though the first semester has ended, you have about eight (0r so) more to go. For you to be motivated in your dream, always remember these ideas whenever a semester starts anew.

Focus on what you dreamed of. Ever remember that time at the middle of the night when you received an e-mail telling you that you were admitted to the University? Do you still remember that time when you only had three days to accomplish your needed papers for enrollment, find a suitable dorm, and pack your things up before you leave home? Do you still remember why you chose to study in UP? It is all because you were on focus. No matter what challenged was placed in you at the start, don’t ever stop. Just keep on working and focus in achieving that dream of yours.

Work together, not against each other. The University may be threatening at first glance; seeing people coming from different backgrounds especially with high and greatly recognized achievements. The people you meet may seem hard to socialize with, but try to do it anyways. In this battlefield of ours, it is not good to fight rather help each other. Everyone of us are fighting the dream so we should work hand-in-hand in achieving that dream. No man is an island.

Procrastinate, only if you can. Yes, some habits must be removed in order for you to become productive, but by modulating that habit, you may be able to work productively and have some ample time for your leisure. Procrastinating may sound bad but if you are able to work against the clock, then it would be okay. Just don’t make it a regular habit.

Explore beyond your horizons. The community in the University is very different compared to where you came from. Don’t be bothered by that but take that as an opportunity to explore. The people you meet in UP are the ones who can help you to grow. Make connections and explore out into the world of a supportive society.

Be happy and proud. No matter what the challenge comes to you in college, you will be able to surpass it. Always remember to be positive whatever thing may come and be proud that you are an Isko; a future public servant to the Nation.

You have a long way to go, but no matter what happens, you will be able to reach that dream and mark that goal.

Devcom students and professor showcased their athletic ability in CDCiklaban 2019

In line with the College of Development Communication’s goal to hone the holistic aspect of the students, CDCiklaban was held at Baker Hall last Nov 9 and 16, 2019. Students and Professors were highly encourgaed to join in the sports category they desire by signing up an online form. This event also aims to develop sportsmanship among the students and givethem an opportunity to unwind from the stress of acads.

The CDC Student Council, in the leadership of Aaron Paul Landicho, organized this annual sports event to cater the ability of the students in the field of sports. The winners of CDCiklaban will have the chance to compete in the University-wide Sports Competition called Palarong UPLB.

In dama, the third place was bagged by Mark Vincent Mercene, Aaron James as the second placer and Erica Silang as the champion.

Rainielle Kyle Guison and Ruben Piomena was hailed as the champion in Scrabble.

In the physical sports category, Mikaela Marie Dumaraga, Kay Justin Laayaka, Justin Be-et, Jason Rodriguez, Julius Villaray, Darla Penaflor and Mark Angelo Bakay championed the Tamaang tao contest.

In the Men’s Badminton, Reinier Gaspar got second place while Prof. Edward Centeno got the first place. Reyes and Penaflor got the second and first place in the Women’s Badminton respectively.

In the men’s volleyball category, the group of William Esund won as the champion. Dane Christian Morena was awarded as the Best Server, Reinier Gaspar as the Best Blocker, Mark Baccay as the Best Spiker, Aaron Landicho as the Best Rigger and Gabriel Dolot as the Best Setter.

The group of Claudine Batimana and Ryzza Accuzar won as the champion in the women’s volleyball category.

CDCiklaban fostered the unity of the college and paved way to a healthy and friendly competition among peers.

Mr. and Ms. CDCIKLABAN 2019

The College of Development Communication (CDC) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), held its first coronation of Ginoo and Binibining CDCiklaban 2019 on Saturday, November 16. 

The event, held at the UPLB Baker Hall, featured four males and females competing for the crown for 2019.

 

Female Contestants:

KRISZIA PROLOGO, Batch 2019

QUINZHY JIMENEZ, Batch 2019

GLORIA EUSEBIO, Batch 2019

NEISEL LYCA PETIZA, Batch 2018

Male Contestants:

DAVID CLEMENTE ALCALA, Batch 2018

DALE JOHN CABALLERO, Batch 2019

MARK ANGELO BACCAY, Batch 2018

RUDY PAREL JR., Batch 2019

The judges for the pageant included the Binibining Los Baños 2019. (pa-insert name ng judges)

During the pageant, contestants competed in a production number, sports attire, casual wear, and question and answer segment. 

The winners and awards for Ginoo and Binibining CDCiklaban 2019 were voted upon by the CDC students and the panel of judges.

Mr. and Ms. Photogenic were won by David Alcala and Kriszia Prologo, respectively.  The People’s Choice Award was won by Mark Baccay and Neisel Petiza. This award was voted on by the CDC students before the pageant.

Mark Baccay and Kriszia Prologo were again awarded Best in Production Number. Best in Sports Attire was awarded to Rudy Parel and Neisel Petiza. Once again, Rudy Parel and Kriszia Prologo were awarded Best in Casual Wear of CDCiklaban 2019.

The third runner-up went to Dale Caballero and Quinzhy Jimenez, and the second runner-up went to David Alcala and Neisel Petiza. The first runner-up went to Mark Baccay and Gloria Eusebio.

Rudy Parel and Kriszia Prologo were crowned Ginoo and Binibini CDCiklaban 2019.

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Group (BINHI):

Kate Abulad
Marian Illinon
Louisse Parado
Shann Elyse Pasion
Mark Genesis Topinio
Maria Thresha Ursolino

It’s so great to think that I have stayed in the University for a whole semester now. Knowing myself how I endured those four months of doing constant reviews, tasks, and activities, there are things that have changed within me.

Specifically as a development communicator in training, I could say that I have really developed a part of me for such a small span of time. With working on papers and essays, it has build my skills to communicate and it has developed some of the qualities which a devcom practitioner should inherit.

In comparison to a past self-review, there are certain qualities and skills which I think has improved in me.

When working upon my delegated tasks, it has always come to a point in me to become more curious on the different things presented. My subjects have taught me to question topics not only in its surface but ask to it what lies beyond it.

Besides being curious, it is okay to become imaginative; seeing different perspectives upon a certain idea. Having a broad but vivid imagination helps to understand the problem and see to it how certain factors affect it. Being imaginative also helps to present thoughts into ways that people can be able to understand.

The last quality that has greatly improved within me is my interest to serve and love people. Being able to take the footsteps of those who are deprived of basic needs and rights, you are able to see how life is upon their lens. Becoming one of them has made me realize that in any action that I do, I must serve it with a purpose for the people.

When we talk about skills, I think that I have greatly improved in my ways to gather data as well as writing clearly and effectively. These skills which are the pre and post writing processes for me are the skills that really developed making me present information that are relatable and can be easily consumed by any person.

In summary, this semester has made me break certain barriers that hindered me once in reaching my full potential. Now that I have reached the end of my first-ever semester, I think that I am prepared much more for the coming days of my college life. I still have a lot of challenges to come, but I am not afraid to break those barriers.

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/my-drive

-My default devcom team

In my early days in Development Communication, I somehow withdrawn myself from the others. I felt so unprepared and unskilled in all honesty. Now, I realized that I was just being anxious and being doubtful of myself which is a not- so- good- way to start the semester. It has been almost 4 months now since I have that negative aura around me. The semester has come to an end and happily, before I go home to my hometown, devcom imparted so many lessons that I could use in my whole stay in UPLB.

Being a development communicator requires a set of qualities and skills to be able to be effective and efficient. The first time I assessed myself, I still do not know what I am capable of. My assessment turned out to have average results because I know that I still have a lot to explore and to improve.

Last time, the lowest I got was three [3] for Loves to Read and Resourcefulness, and the rest was two [2] except for the quality that Puts a premium on accuracy and truth which is one [1]. I admit that sometimes, I get super lazy when it comes to reading academic resources. I prefer reading fictions and stuff that I find enjoyment with. Also, it is hard for me to be resourceful when it comes to data gathering. On the other hand, I gave myself a score of 1 in (Puts a premium on accuracy and truth) because I believe that it is important to write an article that is right and to cater your intended audience with factual information.  

Now, after a number of activities, interviews, exercises, and stuff, I can say that I have made progress. I will now improve my rating in Loves to Read and Resourcefulness from three [3] to two [2]. This is also because I got used in reading such long handouts from other subjects but overall, it was my devcom major subjects which pursued me in reading academic resources. I also realized that I got more resourceful when it comes to field works. I am not that hesitant compared before to approach people to have an interview (formal/ informal) with me when I could not find anyone to interview. I would like to maintain my ratings on the rest of my qualities since there is still a whole spacious room for me to improve each of them.

Moreover, I gave myself a low rating of four [4] in Proficiency in the operation of communication tools/devices. I admit that I am not that skillful when it comes to editing photos and videos. I got two [2] in Gathering Data and in Organizing Information, and three [3] in Validating and Clarifying Information, and in Writing Clearly and Effectively.

Since we practiced these media writer skills more often, I could now improve my skill in the operation of communication in tools to two [2]. I am now more knowledgeable when it comes to editing photos and videos. I will still stick to my previous rating for the rest of the skills.

Bottom line: Not all start is a good start, what matters most is that you finish a good race. I have learned so much since I entered devcom; good communication, dealing with anxiety, interacting with other people, reading and writing, and many more. The most precious thing I learned is that in devcom, you will never be alone. My block mates and professors helped me realized that life, despite the problems, is fascinating.

• 

• 

I can’t believe I survived the first semester here in UPLB. I’ve experienced a lot of things, good and bad. But both have molded me into something better. Being a development communicator-in-training, I have been exposed to a lot of things, events, people and their stories. So, how was my experience? Did I improve? What are the things that I picked up from those encounters?

For my Week 2 Entry, we were tasked to grade or assess ourselves and I mostly gave myself a grade of 2 for my qualities as a media writer. However, my skill in the gathering of data is by far the lowest score I gave, which was a grade of 3. I’m aware that I could be a bit lazy on the gathering of information but five (5) months after, I’ve realized how important that information is. As a communication student, we are responsible to deliver or diminish messages and information to our specific audience. If by any chance, I missed one information, it could have a big impact or change to my story. That is why I now give importance to the process of gathering data. Gathering of data helps us build the story that we are making. Those facts and information that we’ve collected serve a big purpose which is to support our news stories.

Moreover, during the first semester, my lab teacher, Ma’am Trina Mendoza, really helped me know my strengths and weaknesses when it comes to my qualities and skills as a media writer. With the help of our lab exercises, we were able to identify the things that we still lack, the things that we still need to improve and things that make our stories reliable. Every exercise/activity, she always makes sure that she gets to ask us about our experiences after making the exercise which is very thoughtful and considerate. All in all, I can say that this subject helped me know myself more as a media writer. I’m already excited to know what’s next in line for me and how it could also bring a big change in my life.

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/my-drive

This is gonna be your support system 🙂

Sis,

In the course of four months, you had your best laughs, your heavy tears, and your untrue smiles. There are many instances that you felt less confident and more pressured. Sometimes, the best kinds of people cannot fill the emptiness in your heart. And most of the times, you were overly happy that you forget about your responsibilities as a student. Now, your first semester in UPLB is about to come to an end, you have regrets that bother you every night. Regrets that taught you lessons about college life and LIFE itself.

Though you are about to survive this semester, I still want to talk to you about what you should have been done four months ago.

• Do. Not. Ever. Procrastinate. Pls.

That is the RULE. You think about your paper works and activities every single time to the point that it stresses you out but you don’t even work to get it done. Procrastination is a total waste of time and a delay of progress. And girl, you don’t want a delay especially in college. Also, you don’t want to miss any deadlines just because you postponed your activity thinking that it can be accomplished after some time, but in real life, that time won’t come. Be mindful of your schedule and take the opportunity to lessen your drawbacks in life through doing everything AHEAD OF TIME.

• Unplug and Reconnect

The UPLB wifi and your apartment wifi will surely distract you from studying, that is a fact. So, limiting your time scrolling on your phone and minimizing your surfing hours on the internet is one of the best advices I could give you to be able to focus primarily on academics. If you have a lot of work in your hands, feel free to unplug the distractions. On the other hand, there are times that you need to get data from the internet then, you reconnect again. Just remember, do not abuse your use of social media since it will definitely affect your performance at school.

• Do not be afraid to seek for help

There will be annoying people around. There will be stressful days that you think you can’t handle. You might have a problem with your physical, emotional, or mental health. There will be lazy days and some unexpected sad events. These problems might emerge during your first four months in college, so ask for help when you need it. If you can’t deal with someone so annoying, talk to your other friends and ask advice on what is the right thing to do. If you are really stressed out, call your family to boost your energy. If you don’t know what to do, ask your classmates nicely and they will help you figure things out. If you are experiencing a physical ailment, immediately go to the UHS and see a physician. If you are feeling anxious, schedule a consultation with a health professional and go out with your friends more often. Bottom line: You can’t live alone in UP. You will always ask for help and so, choose to help others as well.

• Stay Healthy

In college, you will be offered a variety of unhealthy foods in your table. But mind you, there are better options! You have to realize that there are plenty of not only healthy but also delicious foods out there. Also, engage in physical activities for you to not get stressed out easily. Eat more fruits and vegetables every day and stay away from too much processed foods. Your health is important for college survival. Do not take it for granted, ever.

• Take a break!

Every class- hours your brain will continue to function and at the end of the day, it will ask for a rest. Sis, grant your brain’s wish and it will give you your peace of mind. The human body needs a time- out after an exhausting day so why don’t you take a break for yourself. It is important that you survive your first semester in college with your sanity still intact. Reward yourself if you want and rest if you must.

The fact that you got into college in the first place is already an achievement. I would like to congratulate you for that.