Our group would like to thank all the people who supported us for this project.
We learned a lot of things with you guys, and we hope that you will help and support the future projects of ISKO.
this is Project ISKO, signing off!

FOOD TRIPPER

When I told my cousin I wanted to study in UA&P, she immediately discouraged me. She told me that a friend of hers who she claimed was intelligent once studied in UA&P but got dismissed from the school for failing to reach the GWA. My cousin has done an excellent job in making me feel that her friend was far better than me by tactfully saying, “mas matalino yon sa ‘yo!” Anyway, I pushed for what I wanted, so I enrolled in UA&P despite my parents’ hesitations and my personal fears and insecurities.

My first semester in UA&P was nothing I expected. I bought an entire semester’s reading for a single subject (an APS subject) worth 550 pesos. I knew then at that moment, that I was about to take a plunge into an unknown abyss. Back in high school, I only read portions of EL Fili, Noli, Ibong Adarna and the likes. It was only here in this school that I first finished reading a required book which was This Earth of Mankind. Honestly, if I add up everything I have read from preschool to high school, it still wouldn’t match the amount of books, articles and other research materials I have read in UA&P for four years. So many things to read, so many papers to submit and so many exams to study for- with this, experiencing sleepless nights were inevitable.

These are just some of the things I went through but let me share my 5 worst experiences in UA&P.

5. The first time I cried for a subject.
- This wasn’t really a terrible story, but it was just so memorable. Anyway, the gist is this: I stayed up the whole night doing my part of the presentation for an APS subject. I slept for an hour. Then, little did I know that 2 of my group mates are going to cut class and the other one didn’t do her part. As a result, I must report everything by myself but I failed to do so because I didn’t know the parts and I’m so emotionally unstable then because I didn’t see that situation coming. I cried because I felt that if I hadn’t slept for an hour, I would have done something about the report.

4. GRR! Commute again!
- I commute everyday via public transportation. Most of the time I find it difficult because you never know when an FX with a plackard showing “Tikling Antipolo” or “Junction” is going to show up. It can be for just 5 minutes but it can also take 2 hours before one finally arrives. I normally rant about commuting for three reasons. One is when I need to go home to cram for a school requirement. Second, I simply hate waiting. Third, I have scoliosis and standing up for too long and carrying even just a shoulder bag and even worse when I’m carrying too much stuff, causes me to feel my spinal column stiffen and ache terribly (its like I’m being pierced by one hundred needles). Due to the unpredictable whether, there were many occasions when I bathe in the rain. Most of the time, I choose to just get wet and rush home rather than waiting for it to stop because time is of the essence. One of the worst experiences I had with commuting is when my meeting finished at one or two am and I can’t hitch with my classmates. So, I had to commute but the street was just empty. Hot tears fell from my eyes. I just can’t help but picture myself and the situation I’m in as those Maalaala Mo Kaya scenes. (pretty sentimental, huh? hehe)

3. Not having a laptop
- this is not too big of a problem because it’s not an end all and be all thing. But allow me to say this: my life would’ve been MUCH easier if I had one.

2. Losing a video clip
- We were doing a video presentation for Communication theory and I’m relying on this requirement to pass the subject. We hadn’t slept for days. Minutes before class time, we were all cramming and suddenly the bulk of the presentation got deleted or something. I can’t help but cry. It was such a worse feeling with all the stress, pressure and physical fatigue. And I remember, at that time, crying was physically painful, the tears caused a stingy sensation to my eyes probably because my eyes hadn’t rested for a long time.

1. Not waking up for Dr. K’s presentation
-Dr. K is a legend. I got home really late probably 4 or 5 am to work on our first presentation in Dr. K’s class. I set the alarm on my phone at 630 but failed to inform my mom to wake me up. Anyway, my tired body was probably just too comfortable sleeping on my bed that I didn’t hear nor felt my phone vibrate. When I woke up I saw the clock, it was 10 minutes to 9 and my class begins at 9. I was hysterical! I remember just seating on the floor and crying, I just can’t believe the mess that I was in. This experience was memorable but I never want this to happen again ever!

In know you guys have your worst moments in UA&P. What I cited were just some of the many not so fortunate experiences I had. But if you look at them from a different perspective, all those things I’m ranting about are not really that bad. I may complain about them at the exact moment those things were taking place, but now, as I look back, they were things that made my stay in UA&P precious, rewarding and unforgettable.

Teachers can make our lives difficult as they bombard us with exams, papers, presentations and even boring lectures. But they can also make going to their classes a fun filled learning experience for us. In my entire UA&P life, I have come to dislike and like several teachers. I bet you guys inevitably have also.

Since this semester’s end is fast approaching, although we hardly feel it now due to all the papers and exams we are currently focused on, I would like to thank all the UA&P teachers who made learning what it is- a diverse experience.

Now, I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank a wonderful teacher, Miss Shirin Eugenio. She is a Marketing Management teacher. What I like about her is that she comes to class looking fashionable with her lovely clothes but of course this is such a petty reason to like her but is nevertheless a reason. She gives us well prepared lecture presentations and might I say my blockmates and I still use her PowerPoint as a guide. Through enjoyable activities like the one where she brought candies and chocolates and we got to eat some of it, we were able to fuse learning and laughter. With this, I knew that she has a passion for teaching and seeing this in her makes me appreciate how lucky I am to be in her class. But what I like about her the most is this: she never failed to flash a smile.

I will never forget how she told me never to think of myself so lowly. I can even remember her exact reply when I said, "I'm not that good." “Never think that, sweetie," she said to me as she transfers her power point to my usb. I don't know if she's just being polite but I I felt her sincerity in having said so. And although I never did become a great student or something close to that, what she did was a simple demonstration of kindness that I will always be grateful for. And somehow, I feel like I have the obligation to do well and make her proud. Maybe I'll fail but maybe I'll succeed, but in either case, her words will resonate in my ears.

So this is it. This is the story of my favorite teacher and my way of thanking her. I hope you guys also get and actually grab that chance to let your favorite teacher know you do. Who knows, maybe that simple act of telling him/her will create an impact so huge like, say, a freecut? Hehe. Just kidding.

For those people who demand us to put more videos, here are some of the videos of UA&P Chorale.. we know that the finals week is coming up and we hope that your worries and stress will be put aside by viewing and listening to these videos. happy viewing!!!

Before leaving the school, the graduates would like to reminisce the top 5 memorable things in UA&P that had made a mark in our life during our stay in the University. The following are sentimental to us, even during our first year. Some remind us of the good times, and some are just stuff that will surely be talked about once we have our reunion where they will be endless myths and legends about our university days.

1. Freecuts
- it may be the 15 minute failure of the teacher to appear in class or it may be the announcement on the white board or on a clean piece of bond paper that there is free cut. It may be the ever legendary milenyo typhoon or the declaration of a state of national emergency. Whatever the reason is, the magic word "freecut" just sparks a feeling of relief. Our batch (2009) has Gretchen Que (aka 'Greta') as the first to know about almost any updates in school. Yes, she's the one who announces any freecuts or no-classes news. After the announcements, you'll see students flocking at Starbucks , SM Megamall, Shang or Galle. If not in these places, you'll see the stading outside the campus waiting for a taxi, or at the ALB unloading area waiting for their fetch.

2. The Legendary Tents
- morning, lunchtime, dinner, midnight. Name any time and you'll surely see a UA&P student standing by the tents. Who'll ever forget the savory shawarma rice of Food Channel, the luscious pearls of Zagu and the never ending changing stores around the Big Apple area and beside Paotsin ( I can't even remember their names)? Haha! When the day came of its closing, the whole world of the UA&p students changed. The Caf became crowded during lunchtime, more 7/11s had to open and now, Jollibee and McDonald's will just be walks away from our school. Yup, these two fast food chains will be the new UA&P Caf. Too bad we graduates are leaving while the two just made their entrance. BITTER!

3. Juliet and her the never ending legends
- i guess you all know Juliet? She's the legendary icon around Escriva Drive who wears black clothes and speaks English to everybody and to nobody. Many theories had arisen around this curious person where until now, none of them are proven to be true. One of the theories I heard is that she was a former UP or UA&P teacher whose extensive and uncontrollable intelligence drove her like nuts. Another theory is that she is an undercover observer, observing the way of life of people and taking note of how people treat such outcast. Another theory is that she was left by her boyfriend at a young age. Whatever the theory may be, she will haunt the grounds of Ortigas and speaking words of wisdom...

4. The renowned CAS 301 will remain the university's most haunted classroom
- I guess you all know the famous stories of the opening door of CAS 301? Many eyewitnesses claim that it is not the wind. No. The door opens any time of the day and until now there is no explanation on the phenomena except for the ghost story. Anyway, the whole building is said to be swarmed by spirits, and so is ACB. As of now, all I know is that CAS 3rd & 5th floor, prom A, prom B, and ACB 3rd to up floors are the areas where there are sightings of spirits both by students and staff. Who would not know the famous elevator story and the delivery boy? So.... for those out there, think twice before entering the elevator alone. JOKE!

5. AND finally, UA&P's adorable one and only Queenie, the cat at the caf
- thanks to the controversial and Schizophrenic Queenie, the irritable cat at caf now has a name. Queenie is that orange fur cat with white stripes and a twisted tale at the end. Believe me, you don't want to be near that cat. It has found enemies and fans. I don't know why she's always there. I guess she had become part of the UA&P family. Hopefully a bust or monument will be made of Queenie after she expires in her 9th life.

When I was in 3rd year, my parents found it really difficult to sustain my education in UA&P. Stopping for a sem or two is an option. I told my close friends in school about it and they had several advice. Marose Anatalio, who is a scholar, told me to try applying for scholarship. At that moment, the idea of myself, a mediocre student, applying for such is unthinkable. Little did I know that scholarship wasn't limited to the super intelligent and gifted students. There are different kinds. 

Second step, read your assigned readings in advance. Same as the first step, you should also read the pile of your readings in other subjects at least one week before the class. We all know that whenever our professors gave us plenty and long readings, it means that there’s a graded recitation; and if we can’t answer, then they will give us 3.5 (Failed). Sad but this is the reality guys, if we will not read and comprehend the assigned readings, we will get a failing mark for a particular discussion. Third step, create a timetable of your task to do’s. A timetable contains all of your to do’s for a week, and/or for a month. With this, our tasks are organized, and we will never forget to do them. That’s why I noticed that a lot of my block mates have their own organizer and if you can just read what’s in there, you will be shocked because all of our assigned presentations, paper, assignments, and even the date of our finals in each subject are listed down. In my opinion, a timetable is a must because this will help us to be reminded of the tasks that we are supposed to do and after accomplishing our tasks, it’s a good feeling to underline or put a check mark on the tasks that we have finished.

Fourth step, make friends. I know that UA&P students are “social by nature” because it is easy for us to make friends from different year levels, blocks, and courses. Despite the distress that we encounter in our school, our friends help us emotionally and mentally. With this, it fosters team work and cooperation among students. Reality bite: In the real world or in the work place, we need to have a good interpersonal relationship and skill in order for us to create a pleasant environment for us, for our coworkers, and for the company.
Last step, Rest. Yeah right, why did we include this step? Guys always remember that we need to rest from time to time. Without resting, we will not be productive; instead we will just produce disaster outcomes toward our work. We should have proper rest and diet, which means that we still need to sleep 8 hours a day and eat three times a day. Sounds motherly, but believe me, having a proper rest and diet will help you to be fit and work effectively.
The implication of these steps is that if you will follow them, we believe that, you will achieve a well-balanced life (work and personal), and you will have stress-free college days.


Note: These steps are based on Project ISKO’s experiences throughout their stay in UA&P.
Writer/Creator: My Eugenio
Co-creator: Jundel Faraon

Hey UA&P and non-UA&P students! We've compiled some of the greatest videos made by UA&P students themselves. This is a showcase of the creative talents of UA&P! You are very much at liberty to comment to the best video/performance for you! You can also suggest videos that may be included in this compilation! We will be very happy to feature you.

As the UA&P famous quotation: it's about YOU!

Hey UA&P and non-UA&P students! We've compiled some of the greatest videos made by UA&P students themselves. This is a showcase of the creative talents of UA&P! You are very much at liberty to comment to the best video/performance for you! You can also suggest videos that may be included in this compilation! We will be very happy to feature you.

As the UA&P famous quotation: it's about YOU!

Hey UA&P and non-UA&P students! We've compiled some of the greatest videos made by UA&P students themselves. This is a showcase of the creative talents of UA&P! You are very much at liberty to comment to the best video/performance for you! You can also suggest videos that may be included in this compilation! We will be very happy to feature you.

As the UA&P famous quotation: it's about YOU!

Hey UA&P and non-UA&P students! We've compiled some of the greatest videos made by UA&P students themselves. This is a showcase of the creative talents of UA&P! You are very much at liberty to comment to the best video/performance for you! You can also suggest videos that may be included in this compilation! We will be very happy to feature you.

As the UA&P famous quotation: it's about YOU!

Hey UA&P and non-UA&P students! We've compiled some of the greatest videos made by UA&P students themselves. This is a showcase of the creative talents of UA&P! You are very much at liberty to comment to the best video/performance for you! You can also suggest videos that may be included in this compilation! We will be very happy to feature you.


As the UA&P famous quotation: it's about YOU!

DISCLAIMER:

Posts and entries in this blog, do not in any way, reflect and/or represent the views, opinions and the stand of ISKO, the scholars' organization of UA&P, on any topic that may be aired, posted or discussed in this blog. Thank you.

While I was checking my emails, I was listening to one of my favorite musicals, Hairspray, which was just released last 2007. It's a nice musical and I advise everyone to watch. The songs are lively and witty, and the movie is an all-star cast which makes it a good combination. The cast includes Michelle Pfieffer (Stardust), John Travolta (Grease), Queen Latifah (Chicago), Zac Efron (High School Musical), Amanda Bynes (Big Fat Liar), Christopher Walken (Sleepy Hollow), James Marsden (X-Men) and introducing Nikki Blonsky. All stars have a singing part in the movie which is a great discovery for fans. Anyway, while researching was listening to the song The Nicest Kids in Town, which was sang by Corny Collins (Marsden) in a famous Baltimore teen TV show. The song sounds energetic and contagious that you too would like to tap you feet and move around. It shows the scene of cool kids that teens would naturally want to imitate. But as I listen closely to the lyrics, it has a disturbing message regarding how one is to deal his or her schoolwork. And so i decided to share my reaction to students, parents and actually to everyone! Here's the excerpt from the lyrics (the ones in purple are the alarming lines):

CORNY
Hey there, Teenage Baltimore!
Don't change that channel!
'Cause it's time for the Corny
Collins Show! Brought to you by
Ultra Clutch Hairspray!

CORNY (& COUNCIL MEMBERS)
Ev'ry afternoon
When the clock strikes four
(bop-bee-ba, ba-ba-ba-ba, bee-ba)

A crazy bunch of kids
Crash through that door
(bop-bee-ba, ba-ba-ba-ba, bee-ba)

They throw off their coats
And leave the squares behind
And then they shake it, shake it, shake it
Like they're losing their mind
You'll never see them frown
'Cause they're the nicest kids in town

So every afternoon
Drop everything
(bop-bee-ba, ba-ba-ba-ba, bee-ba)

Who needs to read and write
When you can dance and sing?
(bop-bee-ba, ba-ba-ba-ba, bee-ba)

Forget about your algebra
And calculus
You can always do your homework
On the morning bus
Can't tell a verb from a noun
They're the nicest kids in town

Roll Call!!

COUNCIL MEMBERS
I'm Amber!
Brad!
Tammy!
Fender!
Brenda!
Sketch!
Shelley!
I.Q!
Lou Ann!
Joey!
Mikey!
Nikki!
Beckie!
Nick!
Jesse!
Karla!
Polly!
Noreen!
Doreen!
And I'm...LINK!
(All of the girls scream.)

CORNY (& COUNCIL MEMBERS)
So, if every night you're shaking
As you lie in bed
(corny-corny, ooh, corny-corny)

And the bass and drums
Are pounding in your head
(corny-corny, ooh, corny-corny)
Who cares about sleep
When you can snooze in
School?

They'll never get to college
But they sure look cool
Don't need a cap and a gown
'Cause they're the nicest
Kids in town

They're the nicest. Nicest
They're the nicest, nicest
They're the sugar 'n' spicest,
The nicest kids in...
Kids in town!

As you can see, there are lines that seem to discourage serious learning and proper attitude towards school. I'm not saying that the song is totally bad. For me, it's good if we are critical of what we hear and don't easily make assumptions that what is sang is what is socially acceptable. As for this song, it shows an obsession on TV shows and music where there seems to be no control. Remember, too much of something is bad. So it's important to regulate one's liking for anything. Another point I want to make is that, when coming across such media dilemma we need media literacy in order to make good judgments of the messages that we receive. In IMC, we were taught about this is Communication Theory, Communication and Society, Communication Ethics and all the subjects that have the word 'communication' in them. As far as I can remember from Dr. Molo's class, the Magic Bullet theory or the Hypodermic needle explains that we absorb anything we receive in media. BUT wait! Not all should be taken in automatically, That's why we need to be media literate so that we can determine what messages are good for us and what harms us. And it does not end there. We must also be active receivers of messages in a sense that if messages that are sent to us are harmful, we must act with initiative to stop the spreading of the message. Besides, we live in a world where communication forms the foundation culture. If we allow bad messages to endure, we allow bad culture to endure.

During our 1^st semester in 4rth year, we had a Public Relations class under Mr. Bernie Bagaman as part of our IMC curriculum. It was in this class that we lobbied in congress for Pro-life. Originally, there were 13 of us. One of our classmates, JF Blanco, died in his sleep before we did the actual lobbying. Rest in peace, JF. He was actually supposed to be my partner in our first tasks. After his death, all that I can do is continue the tasks as if he were beside me, helping me too in doing research, and likewise offering up my tasks for his soul. And so, the rest of continued our service for Pro-life. The students involved were the following: Kristia Somera, Chin Taguines, Roanna Catap, Kristen Morados, Check Odulio, Raiza Revilla, Via Reyna, Avvy Hernandez, Tricia Sarabia, Jem Cruz, JR Monsale and Nhorway Salvacion.

The first few meetings were spent in researching issues that affected the family and the individual because of the anti-life methods we have today. These were issues such as divorce, pre-marital sex and affairs, death penalty, pornography and broken families. After several meetings and scrapping out of issues, we ended up lobbying for anti-contraceptive usage. With this, we tackled related issues such as sex education in grade school, population control and premarital sex. We also watched videos of abortion, which was very disturbing. The more we tackled the issues, the more firm our stand for pro-life was. In our research, we concluded that the use contraceptives is not the proper method for population. Besides, population is an asset and not a liability. Governmental funds should be allocated in giving people opportunities to work and sufficient wages.

After studying the issues, we went to congress and lobbied to congressmen and congresswomen against the use of contraceptives. Being there was a tough job. Meeting congressmen who were in contradiction of our proposals was a challenge. There were some who were strong about their own stance while there were some who not yet settled with the issue. The best part was finally finding and gathering names of congressmen and congresswomen who agreed what we were lobbying. Through their insights we were able to gather arguments that we never thought of, and likewise gain encouragement that we had support from them.

The Pro-Life Organization continues to go around schools and look for student volunteers to lobby in congress. I don’t know if the 3^rd year batch of IMC students this year will be given the opportunity. But if ever they are given the chance, I advise that they go for it. It is a chance for them (and for you as well if you want) to stand up for the values that they have. It is also the chance for them to integrate what they have learned in their theology and philosophy subjects in CAS. Aside from that, you can be a pro-life advocate in small things like abhorring condom ads, saying no to premarital sex and abortion, and above all, seeing the people around with Human Dignity!

In high school, we discussed the story of Pygmalion and Galatea in our literature class. The myth tells the story of a sculptor named Pygmalion who made a statue of a woman whom he made so beautiful that he fell in love with it. Day and night, he treated the statue like a human being by offering food before it and clothing it with elegant drapes. Moved with compassion, Aphrodite turned the statue into a real woman and brought her to Pygmalion. The sculptor named her Galatea and made her his companion.
In UA&P, I am lucky to work with the team which is holding a play entitled Pygmalion, starting this Friday, Feb 22. There, I learned that the main character, a woman, was transformed from her low-class personality into a real, elegant lady. Thus, she is compared to Galatea who transforms from a lifeless mass of stone into a graceful and beautiful maiden. The theme of the article? Transformation. I believe this is the reason why we attend school and universities. We want to be transformed from something that is bland to someone who can face the world with character and intellect. Students leave school as transformed persons who carry in their minds the knowledge of their lessons, the culture of their school and the personality that helped shape their learning. I think this also applies to everyone, working or not working, old or young. That is why we keep on searching for information, looking for things to occupy ourselves with, and at the same time improving who we are and developing our skills. This sort of Transformation does not only happen in school but also in other activities where learning happens, either great or small. That is why there is a Galatea inside of us if we only allow ourselves to see what we can develop and make us better persons. In UA&P, we are told that our CAS subjects enable us to become well-rounded persons where we do not only focus our knowledge on a single subject but also traverse the knowledge across different subjects.

And for those who want to watch the play Pygmalion at the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P), here are the details. The Show will start this Friday. Invite your loved ones and literature-fans.