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!

Who said that kings and queens rule without brains?

In UA&P, we are taught of Christian Civilizations and culture of nations in Asia. But we never are taught about Egyptian or Mesopotamian civilizations (we're suppose to have taken them up in high school). So, just to refresh your memory, I thought of sharing something about renowned ruler of Egypt who was for so long misinterpreted.

Many movies and paintings depict Queen Cleopatra VII of Egypt as seductive and romantic. We had been told that she captivated great Roman leaders by her indescribable beauty. But who is the real Cleopatra? Why did she become one of the famous queens of Egypt and in the world?
Let's change our view of the queen and see the REAL Cleopatra...
It must be first clarified that Cleopatra was not Egyptian by blood! She was of Macedonian descent. Her roots can be traced as far as the conquest of Alexander the Great in Egypt. When Alexander died with no heir to take over the vast empire, different generals and officials who served Alexander divided the empire among them and ruled separately. Egypt fell to the leadership of Ptolemy, a Greek, whose descendants would later on rule the kingdom and end with the reign of the famous Cleopatra VII. It is interesting to know that she came from a family with an unlikable background, including murderous and irresponsible ruling ancestors. Well, Cleopatra proved to be different.
So what makes Cleopatra a scholarly queen? You see, she was raised in a kingdom and in an
age where there was a mix of Egyptian, Roman and Greek culture. If you were heir to the throne of such kingdom, you would be wise enough to learn these culture and their languages, and Cleopatra was competent enough to do so. She was well-versed in philosophic writing and quite a mathematician. She had a taste for politics which led to her unending claim for the throne of Egypt against her brother Ptolemy. Cleopatra valued learning and loved books. Egypt during her time housed the Great Library of Alexandria and was the learning capital in the world. Sadly, when part of library got burned when the Romans fought within the city, many manuscripts were destroyed. Some included Plato's works and manuscripts that may hold answers to many biblical questions about the Old Testaments. The burning of the great library was a terrible event for Cleopatra.
What about her lovers? Was she really a beauty? Look at the bust of her head. (this is the closest image of Cleopatra that we can refer to) She wears a simple Greek head band with not much designs. Her hair is simply tied at the back with no dangling locks to show seduction. Her hair is wavy and not straight; not the kind of style you'd likely fall in love with. Sources say her hair is reddish. She is not wearing any jewelries, and no earrings are even carved on her ears. Her nose is a bit hooked at the end and her lips are not attractive at all. This is not the portrait of a seductive goddess. Ancient sources say that Cleopatra was witty, a linguist and a great political thinker. It was her intelligence that made Roman leaders fall in love with her. It was not her beauty!
Julius Caesar was very impressed at Cleopatra's intelligence that the queen promised that she will bear the son that Caesar longed for. As an aside, How did Caesar and Cleopatra meet? Cleopatra was exiled from Alexandria and was at war with her brother, Ptolemy, when Caesar came to Egypt to reconcile them with his role as Rome, the Guardian of Egypt. For fear that Ptolemy would kill Cleopatra whenever she would show herself in the palace, Cleopatra sent her servant to Caesar to present him a rolled carpet as a gift, and which was to be presented in the presence of Caesar alone. Alone in the room with Cleopatra's servant, Caesar unrolled the rug and behold! Cleopatra emerged and was lying on the floor while the servant proclaimed to Caesar her divinity and her title as rightful queen of Egypt.
After the birth of the son of Caesar, Cleopatra and Julius had great plans for their heir that they vowed to make an empire greater than that of Alexander. With the disagreement of the Roman senate to make Caesar a dictator and the assassination of the latter, Cleopatra dared to claim part of the Roman empire since she was the mother of Caesar's heir. Marc Anthony, now in love with Cleopatra, gave her 1/3 of the Roman territories which enraged Rome. Marc Anthony, a Roman and now a follower of Cleopatra, was an enemy of Rome. War broke out between Egypt and Rome where the former lost the war at sea.

Here is something to think about - scholar or not scholar!
May gusto kang UA&P tshirt, ito ay
nagkakahalagang Php 97.00 (kunwari hehe).
Wala kang Pera, humiram ka
sa nanay mo ng Php 50.00 at sa tatay mo ng Php 50.00.
Magkano na pera mo? (ans: Php 100.00)
Binili mo ang UA&P t-Shirt na gusto mo,
Magkano sukli mo?(ans: Php 3.00)

Binalik mo ung piso sa nanay mo
(sabay kiss at hug na pinautang ka nya para mabili mo ang UA&P tshirt na gusto mo),
magkano nalang ang utang mo sa nanay mo?(ans:Php 49.00)
Binalik mo ung isa pang piso sa tatay mo,
(sabay kiss at hug na pinautang ka nya para mabili mo ang UA&P tshirt na gusto mo),
magkano na lang utang mo sa tatay mo?(ans: Php 49.00)
Ung isang piso na sa iyo.
Ito na ang pang-gulo... ) 49 + 49 ?(ans: 98)+ piso na
nasa iyo? (ans: 99) Asan na yong isa pang piso?

eto naman ang isang kalkulasyon:
49 Php ang utang mo kay nanay plus yong binayad mong
piso equals to 50; 49 Php ang utang mo kay tatay plus
yoong binayad mong piso equals to 50.
50 + 50? (ans.100)
plus yoong piso na nasa iyo (ans. 101)
bakit sobra ng piso? Tumubo pa ng piso!

Sige nga.. alam namin kaya niyo yan! post your answers and comments!

Watch the heartbreaks of a ZERO and a ONE.

This is one of the comments posted by this blog's readers. I believe it is very much enlightening, at the same time encouraging that it deserves to be on the spotlight in this blog.
""A mind is a terrible thing to waste." And every person is given one. It is individually our role, if not responsibility, not to waste it. Instead, we need to nurture and enrich it with learning and education. Knowing that there are those who may not be as fortunate as us to receive a proper education, it is also our role, if not again our responsibility, to help them in attaining the same goal. By doing this, we are not only doing a good deed for our neighbours but also helping make our society a better one."
Kudos Charlene for these words of wisdom. :) You see, studying in UA&P not only hones our skills and feeds our minds with intelligence. NO. That is not the UA&P opportunity. We've all heard about it: HOLISTIC education. Being in UA&P is not just about studying. It's not just about making friends, being in the varsity or other co-curriculars. It's about being able to know what you are capable of as a student and individual. In UA&P you discover what you are made of, do what you can do, and develop society with your full capacity.
This is the UA&P opportunity: affecting change in society... changing lives... MAKING A DIFFERENCE.
Why not start now? :)
-Raiza Revilla

Do you know that there is a total of 62 (CAS only) scholars in UA&P?
Some of them come from the provinces and some live along Metro Manila.
They are my schoolmates who will do their best just to maintain a grade that would help them retain their scholarship program in UA&P
Some of my scholar batch mates are currently taking their majors in their respective programs in UA&P.
They have been part of ISKO when they were in CAS.
Are you aware of what they think about the scholarship program that UA&P offers?
Do you know what's their dream/goal in life? Or what's their plan for their future?
I want you to meet Ayn Vincent Castellano, my batch mate, and here are his thoughts...
Name: Ayn Vincent Castellano
Nick name: Ayan
Year: 4th
Course: Industrial Economic Program (IEP)
how's your experience with isko?
"It was worth while. I got to bond and share experiences with fellow scholars. It was also a good avenue to ask for help from upper class men (scholars as well) regarding maintaining good academic habits, coping up with the pressure of maintaining an average, and other things as well. Moreover, I also received some privileges which i am thankful for such as photocopy subsidies and increase in the number of allowable book borrowings."
how long have you been a member of isko?
"I've been a member of ISKO for three years."
how do you give back to society the benefits you reap from being a scholar?
"At present, i might not be able to financially repay the school for the scholarship that i have received. however, i deem that by doing my part in maintaining a good academic standing is already a way of repayment in such a way that i can serve as a model to other students. furthermore, i also engage myself in volunteer activities such as working under Kultura and doing some work for the Admission office since i can also repay the school in this manner. More than the previous ways aforementioned of giving back the benefits of being a scholar, i think that by being of service and helping my schoolmates (batch mates or lower class men) is still the best way of giving back to society the benefits i received."
what are your dreams/goals in life?
"Its part of my goal in life to acquire a stable and high-paying job. However, it has always been my dream to experience Japanese culture at its finest and in lieu of this, i am really hoping to live and work in japan someday."
I bet that some of you have the same dream/goal just like what ayan said.
I'm wondering, what are your dreams/goals in life?
And, how are you going to bring back to UA&P the benefits that it offers you?
Share your thoughts so that UA&P community know what's your dream/goal...
-My Eugenio

This post is dedicated to all the readers and will be readers of this blog. Part of the UA&P community or not, UA&P scholar or not. You see, when you pursue with something like this, a blog that actually aims for something, you need to find inspiration - you need to have inspiration. Otherwise, you stop and think and question yourself, why on earth are you still pursuing with this? You find inspiration from yourself, from your beliefs, from others and other's beliefs, or from just anywhere you can dig it up from! But i want to say that PROJECT ISKO has found it in you! YES YOU! The one reading this right now! With your readrship views and comments, we found that this challenge is not impossible after all. It may be hard, but nobody said it's going to be easy. We just have to keep on going and going and going. Til we make it. So i guess, the point of this is just to thank all of you, and ask for your continuing support. You have inspired us... We hope we've inspired you too. Continue reading us up and continue expressing your views and opinions... Let's all work together for the cause of this blog. Because it's NO LONGER JUST US, now, it's ALL OF US. Let's keep the UA&P Inspiration alive! :)
- Raiza Revilla

WARNING: This is a pretty long post, but please read through it. It will enlighten and uplift the UA&P student in you. You would wish to hug UAPPY after!

I was rummaging through my very cluttered inbox of email messages and found a very interesting email that was sent to me more than a year ago by a classmate. I think it's going to strike you the same way it struck me.

- Although education does allow us to earn, it is there to help us discover ourselves, to perfect us as persons. Moreover, it is there to promote the common good, to create a society where everyone can perfect and fulfill themselves.

3. We should trash this common perception “Kaya sila mahirap, kasi di sila nagtapos ng pag-aaral.”

- Back when I was still a kid, my mother used to tell me, “kaya sila mahirap kasi yung mga magulang nila di nagtapos ng pag-aaral (the reason why they’re poor is because their parents didn’t finish school).” In reality, this is not the case.

- “Many families have remained poor not because the parents or the children did not get a chance to get higher education. It is most likely that their poverty has blocked any access to higher education… Indeed, the rich tend to be better educated, but their wealth was not a result of their better education. Their wealth rather allowed them to send their children to better, more expensive schools, to get them special tutors, to buy them books and other materials, to let them travel; etc…”

Let us promote real education and support isko. Remember education is a right, not a privilege.

I hope this article of gives you something to think about. These realizations for me are both enlightening and haunting.

* Those inside the quotation marks are direct phrases or sentences lifted from Randolf David’s article.

by Check Odulio :)

What's your New Year's resolution this 2008? Want to help out your schoolmates? Why not help the university's scholars in their projects through the ISKO organization of the University of Asia & the Pacific? Start this year with thoughts and actions about helping others. In that way, this year might just be better than the previous one.

'Help people become motivated by guiding them to the source of their own power.'
- Paul G. Thomas
'Help others get ahead. You will always stand taller with someone else on your shoulder.'
- Bob Moawad
Source:http://quotations.about.com/cs/inspirationquotes/a/Helping5.htm
use the term 'help', a kind of egocentric idea enters into us. If we help someone, that means we are in a superior position. When we help, we feel that we are one step ahead or one step higher than the ones that we are helping. But if we serve someone, then we offer our capacity with humility, on the strength of our loving concern and oneness. So let us use the proper term, 'service'.
- Sri Chinmoy
Source: Flame-Waves, by Sri Chinmoy
The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others.
- Albert Schweitzer (1875 - 1965)
Source: http://www.famous-quotes-and-inspirational-quotes.com/quotations/albert-schweitzer-quotes.htm
This knowledge would be of vlaue to me in my ministry. The more I knew about my fellowman, the better I could understand and help him. This was my mission in life: to help each man and woman know his real self and how to express his true potential. This journey had helped me realize how much work there was for me to do and how much I had to learn myself before I could proceed with my life work.
- Jesus
Source: Jesus and mastership: The gospel according to Jesus of Nazareth as dictated through James Coyle Morgan, page 5

As we've said, we're UA&P students who desire to help the ISKO organization of UA&P in their civic projects. This is basically the objective for putting up this blog...
helping scholars help others.

We want to be an instrument to ISKO to enact their projects. They have projects in line for the next year, which they hope will be implemented. This can be done if they have the funding for the projects. Thus, you too can help them!

You can also be an instrument in helping other people.
Find out more on how to help ISKO in your next visit! :)

Here are some of our thoughts...

“Different universities and colleges should allocate more funds for their scholarship programs because that is the only way for them to help those less fortunate high school graduates. Let’s take good care of our YOUTH!”
-My Eugenio

“Today, college education is a privilege. We, who can afford to go to prestigious universities, should be thankful and we should make the most out of it. At the same time, we should also think about those who stop short at high school education only. Scholarship programs within the different universities should be well-funded and supported. Let us share our blessing to the less fortunate youth.”
–Patricia David

Make not education a commodity. Not even luxury or necessity. It’s a right… and it should remain that way… whatever it takes.
-Raiza Revilla

Education is a right Not a privilege! Advocate learning! Advocate UA&P! Woooh!
-Check Odulio

Education is our life. We should support scholars to give them life. Support UA&P scholars!
-Jundel Faraon

College in the Philippines has always been valued by families. That’s what keeps the young Filipinos yearn to graduate with a degree. Everybody should be given that opportunity.
-JR Monsale

The University of Asia and the Pacific shares the same sentiment as the students. Make education available and attainable for all. Thus, the UA&P Scholarship Program. Many are granted the right and given the opportunity to study in such a prestigious academe because of the said program.

The Fund Development Office of the university is directly responsible for gathering funds for the scholarship of its current students and prospective students. The Office was constituted on November 8, 2007, headed by Javier J. Calero, as Director and who is also the Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University. Through this office, more students are able to study in UA&P, as they gain wisdom and develop their skills… to chase their dreams. And be who they can be.

Through the UA&P Scholarship Program, dreams are granted. And now you can be part of making these dreams come true. Join Project ISKO and be an instrument to other student’s dreams. Let us help them be who they can be.