Ecosoc Month 2018 by Echoes

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Grand Tradition by JV Corpus

GAH by Jego Agabin

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16 Signs You're An Ecosocer by Josh Quimbo

Ecosoc on Film by Bianca Rañola

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Ecosoc Sports by Dindo Ramos

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College Musical: Launch by the Hour by Ann Geron

Life After Ecosoc by Jem Gemzontan

Fifteen Reasons Why by Erin Cheng

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Lessons & Farewells by Etnap Pante

Ecosoc 2049 by Bianca Rañola

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ECHOE S 60B PUBLICATION

E DITOR -IN-CHIEF AS S OCIATE EDITOR STAFF A

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Echoes is the official publication of the UP Economics Society (UP Ecosoc), a nonstock, non-profit, student organization based in the University of the Philippines Diliman School of Economics. Echoes is released two to four times a semester and six times in a year on the months of March, April, August, September, October, and November. It draws its funding from a subsidy from UP Ecosoc, subscription revenue, and small fundraisers. For this semester, 35 subscription copies are produced. This publication is printed by Yza Copy Systems and Trading, located at Katipunan, Quezon City. contact us

upecosoc@gmail.com ecosoc.echoes@gmail.com tweet us

@echoesph for more information, visit:

echoes.ph issuu.com/echoes

All errors are corrected when uploaded on issuu.com/echoes. If you spot an error, please email us. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT PERMISSION.

Bianca Rañola Meira de Luna Andrew Banaag Carlos Barreiro Mari Ferrer Jolo Zagala Alyanna Basbas Joaquin de Guzman Pita Ochave Javi Vilchez

COMMUNICATIONS E DITO RI AL ASSISTANT STAFF

Maxine Capili Jego Agabin Lawrence Chu Gail Gibe Glenn Guy Patrick Santos

EVENTS M ANAGING EDITOR STAFF

Franzze Milag Katie Abrenica Bianca Cacnio Kelsey Mariano

CONTRIBUTORS Ky l a B a l i t a Miguel Rodriguez R a m o n Te n a Jeremy Gemzontan Erin Cheng Isabel Cuevas Christina Llana Bianca Rañola Jad Castillo C a r i n a Ta n b i o Eryel Benitez Josh Quimbo Rella Gloria Ann Geron Dindo Ramos Betina Sales

MJ Orosco Alexia Gordo JV Corpus Jego Agabin Sheena Dy Olivia Solomon Lisanne Gaborni Johanna Almaida Katie Abrenica Aries Carlos Ayla Reyes Nathan Pico Etnap Pante Raymond Zabala

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EDI TOR’S LE T T ER E C O S O C

This year, for the first time in a long time, the EM issue does not have the EM co-chairs on the cover. In their place is a mirror (or if you're extra enough, your face), so that when you look at it you'll remember that ECOSOC MONTH is all about you. Remembering September is all about remembering you.

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Ecosoc introduced me to a whole new world, but out of all the things I’ve learned - pubbing, using InDesign, fundraising, leading, to name a few - the most important things Ecosoc has taught me are intangible. It taught me what it feels like to do something I’m wildly passionate about (and I’m actually good at!). It taught me the joy of creating, of sharing, of reaching heights I didn’t know existed. It taught me what it feels like to dream, to work for it, and to have it come true.

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From there I’d like to think I started to become a staple in Ecosoc. Or at least, Ecosoc started to become a staple in my life. I started believing in myself more, I began seeing what I could do. I became VC again the next sem, and then NYC CorpRel Director the sem after that. You know how people always tell you, “You’re so full of untapped potential”? Well, this is where I tapped my potential. Ecosoc didn’t just teach me how to make waves, it gave me all the opportunities to do so. It showed me my power and it encouraged me to use it.

The ECOSOC MONTH issue has the same purpose every year: to capture the reasons we celebrate September. This issue is made even more special because it includes snippets of Ecosoc's past, tales of its present, and musings about the future. You'll see what the EM issue 10 years ago looked like, what Ecosocers of 1996 looked for during Scav Hunt, and more. Plus, I got the whole Execomm to write an article for this!

When I apped for Ecosoc, I was a shy 15-year old who didn’t want to make waves. And even if I wanted to, I couldn’t, because I didn’t know how. I was very used to being overlooked and I didn’t have very high expectations for myself. So imagine my shock when in my first sem as a member, Sel Yao asked me to consider being her VC. I was thinking, “Bakit ako?” The even greater shock was, I said, “What the heck.” I had no idea how many doors that would open for me. That sem, I became Most Outstanding Member Nominee for reasons I still wonder about. I was just so new to the idea that people actually saw me.

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Everyone’s Ecosoc journey is special, and in this space, I hope you’ll allow me to borrow some words from my campaign speech and share mine. (I mean, you don’t have a choice.)

The key to it all is to take a chance on Ecosoc, because then it will take a chance on you. Then you will be creating things far greater than waves. Tsunamis, love, and other natural phenomena.

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J E R E M Y G E M Z O N TA N ECOSOC MONTH HELLO ECOSOC LOL!!!! It’s been a wild ride this past month and a half. You’ve been with us every step in the way towards having an anniversary month worth remembering. 60 years of service, excellence and tradition yet all that will really matter are the different memories and moments we’ve made with Ecosoc. So for that, I just want to say thank you to everyone who joined us in the most colorful month of the year and reminded themselves of why we fell in love with the org in the first place. Huge shoutout to my co-chairs, BOD and organizing body. Without you guys this whole month wouldn’t have been possible. From scrambling through deadlines, dealing with bad weather and crazy event ideas, you’ve proven to be the best of the best and I can’t be prouder of all that you’ve accomplished. This Ecosoc Month is the way it is because of you. Never forget that. Another shoutout to the execomm (#260 whuuut)!! You guys kept me sane throughout the whole semester (and year lol) and without you I’d have lost my mind for sure HAHAHA thank you to Jad, Tina, Ann, Rella and Josh for championing it out with their respective EM events. Thank you to Bianca, Isa, Erin, Dindo, Eryel and Carina for rounding out the execomm and always keeping everyday light and fun. Ecosoc wouldn’t have made it this far without you guys :( And finally thank you to Godofredo Bamba because without you wala ‘tong org na minamahal nating lahat.

ERIN CHENG SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE Hawoo Ecosoc! It’s been a crazy past two months of us celebrating Ecosoc Month(s?), and I’m glad that you all seemed to be enjoying yourselves all throughout the 6-event line up! A big congratulations to the EM organizing body for making this a great celebration of our 60 years!!!!! Some things may not have gone as planned but you all worked immensely hard to overcome the odds -- I don’t think any EM has had two major events in one day, but you guys showed nothing but resilience (!!) and made it work regardless. Cheers to 60 years! Now that we’re smack in the middle of the sem, I hope you’ve all been doing okay with hell week and midterms upon us. There are still many things to look forward to towards the end of the semester -- game night in a couple of weeks, the last few ACDCs for the semester, NYC in November, Roots preps underway -- and we hope you can make the most out of all the learning opportunities Ecosoc has to offer! Excited to spend the rest of the sem with you all uwu :3

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I S A B E L C U E VA S ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

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HAPPY ECOSOC MONTH!! I’m so happy that I get to be a part of Ecosoc’s 60th year celebration. I could say that I loved the org more and more during the past years. My journey in Ecosoc has been such an unexpected one. Nevertheless, I feel like I’m exactly where I was meant to be. Acad, UPFront and NYC will always be special to me, but most of all, the people and beneficiaries of this org motivate me to continue doing my best. It’s just so heartwarming to see how Ecosoc is a home for its members. Thank you to my Acad mems, the NYC OB and Execomm for believing in me and being my family in this org. I hope everyone has a memorable Ecosoc Month and will always find love in Ecosoc. ILY ALL!!

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CHRISTINA LLANA

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COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

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Hey Ecosoc!!! We’re almost done celebrating our 60th year as an organization! amazeballs!! I hope you’re all excited for what the next 60 ++ years will bring to Ecosoc!!! What got me hooked to Ecosoc from day one is its socio civic nature. CDC has always been the highlight of Ecosoc for me (sorry acad I still luv u a bunch swear!!). Saturday ACDCs with the kids, helping the ates and kuyas in the kiosks, and, in general, making the world a better place for everyone are things you can sign me up for anytime. No matter how tiring and difficult the work may be, I always find myself wanting more. It can be pretty stressful yes but once you see the smiles of those you’ve helped- just wow. That feeling is simply incomparable. To my co-Giffybabes, you guys rock. What we do in the committee isn’t easy but I hope you find fulfilment in them. In our 60th year (and to the many more years to come!), I hope we all find ourselves living the core values and thrusts that Ecosoc has taught us-- Service, Excellence, and Tradition in our hearts and everything we do always.

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BIANCA RAÑOLA ECHOES Hello, mellow fellows! Our month is upon us once more. For me and 10 other Execommers, it will be our last time officially celebrating it, and this makes me very sad. Ecosoc has been a huge (H U G E) part of my college life, a crucial material of what cocooned me when I transitioned from Wormy to Giffy (labooo). But this is no time for melancholy! First of all, I want to welcome all my Echoes babies: Ramon, Orallo, Kyla, Johanna, Miguel, Mario, Colleen, and Charyzah! Soak in the culture, apps! Soak in the love. We never seem to run out of it here. Also, to celebrate this glorious season, we have been releasing Echoes Archives every Monday, and of course, this issue exists! There is always always more in store for you. As I once said, everything we do is always always to make an Ecosocer laugh or cry or smile. I hope we achieve that goal this month especially.

JAD CASTILLO EXTERNAL AFFAIRS Hieee Ecosoc! It’s my favorite month already, not only because of EM, because it is also my birth month! #AllAboutMe. I make this kwento to people na NES 2016 was my turning point why I fell in love with Ecosoc (of course because of Exte talaga and LIV!). The first time I saw Chesca delivered her opening remarks when I was an app, I was determined to be the one delivering that speech, to becoming Prog Direk to its Chair! People might not know how much I love this event, but I sincerely do 100%! Every time I get to interact with delegates, I really feel the impact it gives to them and the fact that this is organized by my super love comm and people, Externals, makes me more proud about it. And I couldn’t thank my exte family and of course by super hardworking BOD Evette, Maui, Yana, Heather, Daphne, Kim and Martin. From the first time I interviewed them, up to now, I am so proud of what they all have achieved I fucking swear. And aside from Ecosoc events and initiatives, the people make me fall in love with the org more :((( Anyway, happy Ecosoc Month! I LOVE YOU ECOSOC SOBRAAAAAAA.

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C A R I N A TA N B I O FINANCE

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Hi Ecosoc! One of the first teams I joined as an app was EM’s Corpar Team. My friends were joining, it sounded fun, and our President at that time promised us extra points in our app grade HAHA But who knew that one small team would make my love for Ecosoc grow to the love I have for it today? Now I am down to the last Ecosoc Month I will ever be experiencing in UP. It’s been a crazy journey and I’m beyond grateful for the crazy sponsors we had to deal with, the equally crazy people we had to take care of in LIV, the friends I met, and the experiences I made. I hope that Ecosoc Month will make you love or remember your love for Ecosoc just as it did for me. Please continue to support Team Fundraisers in their initiatives, Finance Project’s Kaizen: A Lifestyle Bazaar, and Management! Thank you also to all my mems and apps for all your effort and hard work hehe We’re halfway through the semester! Good luck, everybody!

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ERYEL BENITEZ LIAISON

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Hello!!! My VCs and officers are regularly posting pubmats for opportunities, monthly infographics, alumni birthday greetings, and Humans of Ecosoc for the past 2 months. Since the start of the sem, we’ve been receiving emails for Privcard partnership renewals and we’ve been replying to them since (galling diba?). This just proves how Ecosoc is a well-supported and respected organization to many partners!!! Ecosoc has come a long way since 1958 and this makes me realize that I’ve also come a long way since 2016! From a Liai app to a Liai officer to a Liai vice chairperson and now, I am the Liaison Chairperson. And because of this, I would like to thank Ecosoc for shaping me to the person I am now. For the past 60 years, I bet Ecosoc has molded simple individuals into great professionals, and I hope that Ecosoc will continue to do so in the coming years. Ecosoc is so much more than just an org. Ecosoc gave me long-lasting friendships, breathtaking moments and a home to always go back to. This is how I will always remember Ecosoc. This is how I will always #RememberSeptember. Happy 60 years, Ecosoc!!! <3 9

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JOSH QUIMBO MEMBERSHIP Hi Ecosoc! It’s Ecosoc Month!!!!! Anyways, I want to use this time to hype up Grand Tradition! This year, we’re taking up a notch! GT is back and hotter this year! Before we go and hype the entire event, I just want to thank the entire Memcomm for doing a great job so far. Everyone has been active. Everyone has been doing their part. Everyone has been great in general. Now, Memcomm is as ready as ever for the grandest, hottest and best Grand Tradition in the history of Ecosoc!! This year, we will be celebrating the drag queen community. We wanted to highlight the importance of recognizing the rights and celebrating the drag community. Grand Tradition will be a night of celebration, and not a mockery to the community of drag queens. In the end, let us all #RememberSeptember and make sure that GT 2018 will be one of the best GTs in the history of Ecosoc.

RELLA GLORIA SECRETARIAT Hey Ecosoc!!! Hope you guys are doing well despite the crazy schedule!! I also hope you guys enjoyed Ecosoc Month as much as I did hahah. EM has always been one of my favorite things about Ecosoc. It’s a time to celebrate being an Ecosocer, it’s the time you take pride in being part of this amazing organization. What I love the most about Ecosoc is definitely the people, no matter how cliché it sounds. HAHAHAH the members give life to the org and it’s the members that make Ecosoc what it is. The bonds I’ve built throughout my stay in Ecosoc will always be treasured. Joining Ecosoc remains, to this day, the best decision I made in college. I’d also like to thank my gallery team for making it happen!!!! Sheena, Jano, Hazel, you guys are the best talaga huhu and to the rest of Seccom ( Jabby, Mia, Kara, Miggy, Sam, Ruth, Corinne, Harvey, Nica) for helping out <3 Ecosoc, I love you with all my heart!!!

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ANN GERON SPECIAL EVENTS

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Do you remember your first day of college? Was it relaxed, anxiety-ridden, unremarkable, kiliginducing, happy, or a big flop? I don’t. It was as if class ended, I tucked myself in bed, and I woke up clueless three years later. Where did the time go? Through that whirlwind, I recall the stress, the boredom, the adrenaline, the attractive morenos, and the blunders... my drunken confessions, leadership mishaps, and stupidity. I remember Ecosoc... victories, breakthroughs, broken furniture, fatigue, unruly dancing, the blinding spotlight, the arguments, and the butterflies – good and bad. I remember the high stakes, tedious egress, unexecuted vision, laughter, the success, the support, the neglect, and the sheer joy. I remember the members, all the warm bodies and warmer personalities that made Ecosoc home. Through the chilly, unpredictable days they were there. In bliss and in woe, they stayed. Even when they seek greener pastures or shift with the seasons, they linger. Like me, they remember. As rusty as my memory is, I have learned to cherish feelings and people. Soon I will leave to water the grass and find the butterflies a place to roam. No matter what, I will come home, and gah will it be grand.

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SPORTS Happy 60th Ecosoc Month ecosocers!! Wow. It’s my last ecosoc month and I can’t believe how time’s passed. How’s your sem going? Mine? Sobrang stressful :) Anyways sports has been doing fine lately. We’ve continued our bimonthly health information releases, and I hope you appreciate them, kasi the pubs have been efforted on and the information is for your own good naman. Don’t overlook these information especially panahon nang tagsakit <3 Please also remember to take care of your bodies because your academics may be important, but your personal well-being comes first. Okay, so what’s next for sports? MEMBERS BERSUS APPS (MBA)!!! We’re still currently on the planning process but I guarantee you that it’s gonna be fun and will get you to know the apps better. That’s all Ecosoc!

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Pride Week. Tambay Week. Ecosoc by the Numbers. Gallery. Service Project: Going Back to Our Roots. Grand Tradition. National Economics Summit. Grand Alumni Homecoming.

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PRIDE WEEK by ALEXIA GORDO

Last September 12-14, 2018, The University of the Philippines celebrated UP Pride week. It is an annual celebration of equality, diversity and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community. UP Pride week was initiated by UP Babaylan back in 2008. This year marked its 11th year and is still one of the most highly-anticipated events in the university. Every year, different organizations of the University show support and wholeheartedly celebrate with the LGBTQ+ community through releasing unity statements and being involved in the events initiatives. The initiatives for this year’s Pride Week include the SOGIE (Sexual orientation, gender, identity and expression) Caravan, which discussed on what is SOGIE and its applications in society which is a wonderful talk to enlighten our fellow students on what the LGBTQ+ community is. The forum on LGBTQ+ Activism and Allyship which has guest speakers by the names of Giney Villar, Percival Cendana,and Senator Risa Hontiveros. An initiative entitled “Breaking the Stigma: A Free and Confidential HIV Screening”, a movement to extinguish the bad strings that is attached to sexual transmitted disease and to encourage awareness in the campus about keeping a healthy lifestyle. Of course, the stars of the pride week, which are the UP Pride Concert and UP Pride March.

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fight for equal privileges and human rights. Despite the yearly protest however, the continuous attack and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community is still prevalent in our society. The SOGIE Equality Bill for instance, is still in the interpellation period for almost two years and is yet to be an official law in our country. Other gender related laws are still in need to be fully recognized and strengthened.

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This annual celebration created an avenue for the LGBTQ+ community together with the students to protest and

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Unfortunately, however, due to the Typhoon Ompong (Mangkhut), both the pride march and concert was moved to a later date to avoid any discomfort that may come to the attenders of the said events. Nevertheless, this will not stop the celebration of the pride week and the support and campaign for Pride shall be indefinitely continued by our fellow students. All the events, from the SOGIE caravan to the UP Pride March, were in mind to advocate the LGBTQ+ community and to encourage equality among our peers.

As students of the University and as Iskolars ng Bayan, we recognize the need to change our heteropatriarchal society and end the marginalization of the LGBTQ+ community. Together as one community, we stand and wave the rainbow flag.

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T A M B AY W E E K by BETINA SALES

The Tambayan has always been a safe space for Ecosocers to play card games, make kwento, and kill time in between classes (or even cut classes due to an intense set of bridge games or general katamaran). One who tambays regularly will come to notice frequent faces, and others who merely peek at who’s there then shy away and leave. For this year’s tambay week, we aimed to give every Ecosocer a reason to come back to our humble abode with the surprises we had lined up for each day. Tambay Week warmly welcomed everyone with “Tuesday Treats” where Ecosocers could make their own sandwiches, be it grilled cheese, chocolate, or peanut butter. Mats and blankets were set on the floor to allow more people to sit together and enjoy each other’s companies with more snacks on this side like Stik-O, cookies, and wafers. It was heart-warming to see how many people decided to stay and bond with each other given how much more inviting the Tambayan looked that day. To tambay is something that has become pretty mundane if you have been around for quite some time. However, in the future, once you have graduated and no longer have the opportunity to tambay, you’ll cherish the times you got to play cards, and laugh with mems and apps. For the second day of Tambay Week, we wanted to help Ecosocers cherish their Tambay Week memories by setting up a ready-to-print photobooth. This way, just about anyone could keep their memories at the back of their phones or in their wallets so they could look back at it every now and then with some fondness. If there’s one thing that can break the ice in any tambayan situation, it’s games. Thursday’s “Games? G.” had a Nintendo Switch and TV set up at our very own tambayan for any Ecosocers to play Mario Kart. The day was filled with a series of banter and friendly (?) competition between mems and even apps. The race didn’t end until the tambayan was empty at around 6pm, but the day was definitely filled with entertainment for both players and spectators. The past three days seemed to have created a momentum when it came to the number of Ecosocers in the Tambayan. Since the initiatives so far focused on giving the mems and apps treats and surprises, we thought it would be nice for them to pay it forward. It was their turn to give each other simple treats or reasons to smile through a list of tasks such as giving someone a motivational note and even recreating a meme together. 2 boxes of pizza and cheeseburgers were up for grabs to those who finished all the tasks first: the first box went to Karla and Bel’s GW fam while the second box went to Jano, Jego and Jiggy. This year, Memcom hopes that it was able to bring more life to the tambayan and more people together through the Tambay Week initiatives. However, be it Tambay Week or not, we hope that every Ecosocer feels at-home at our tambayan as it remains a vital part of our lives in Ecosoc.

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ECOSOC BY THE NUMBERS BY: CARINA TANBIO

220

members of the Executive Committee

Ecosoc members

years of Ecosoc

1,300

2 ,665

200

Ecosoc alumni

likes on the UP Ecosoc Facebook page

Ecosoc Month attendees

15 years of the National Youth Congress

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years Foodgasm was held

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15 scholars supported by Ecosoc

47 ACDC kids this semester

25 years helping Pook Ricarte

300

Foodgasm attendees

Roots attendees

NYC attendees

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300

800

Rundown attendees

Musikapella attendees

UPFront attendees

14,000

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100

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GALLERY by SHEENA DY

Over the past years, splashes of purple, blue, green, orange, pink, fuchsia, and yellow ushered Ecosocers to the most awaited month of the year: September. Different committees became busy as they worked towards the final touches of their events alongside the EM team. And for Seccom, that meant creating a new Gallery for the year. This year, however, the splashes of colors retreat to the background as a more minimalist EM marches forward with our 60th year. Turning the EM logo from its colorful state to a metallic silver-gray color and adding a geometric 60 logo, this year’s EM has truly marked a new era. And with that, a reminder that simplicity is beauty. From this, we drew inspiration for the EM 60 Gallery. The Gallery is simply a threepanelled structure connected into a T. On the flat side, we put the iconic EM logo and “Remember September”. On the other sides, we put “EM: Celebrating Service, Excellence, Tradition” and the 60 logo. As the main icons of the Ecosoc Month, these three became our focal elements. The color scheme was drawn from the color palette of the EM Creatives Team, with emphasis on the metallic silver-gray. Originally, the panels were supposed to be silver-gray, while the elements were colorful. However, as we worked on the Gallery, we recognized that it was still more beautiful to emphasize the minimalist feature

past and the future another adventure. Along the journey of designing, redesigning, and actually creating the Gallery, I have learned that though it is the 60th year of this beloved organization, the extravagance I expected for the Gallery is not necessary. Rather, it is the meaning, the message, and the reminder of what has come and what is to come on Ecosoc’s 60th year. Though it is simple, a far comparison from last year’s, there is also beauty in knowing that behind its uncomplicated design are the stories and memories that were created in the past and the ones yet to be created in the coming weeks, months, years. After all, we will always #RememberSeptember.

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of this year’s EM. In the end, we painted the EM logo, “EM,” and the 60 logo silver as adherence to the original aesthetic. Last but not the least are the triangles at the bottom. If you are familiar with last year’s EM Gallery, the focal element was EM and random geometric elements. We chose to add the triangles at the bottom this year as an ode to the past gallery and to serve as a reminder that this year is a new beginning. EM 60 welcomes a new era in the Ecosoc history, and with its innovative aesthetics, we wanted to show that this year is only that point-only that beginning--in history that is about to tell more stories. We wanted to show that there is continuity in time, but also a point where the present becomes

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SERVICE PROJECT:

G OING BAC K TO OU R R OOTS by MJ OROSCO

the country being vulnerable to typhoons. For the planting proper, Ecosocers were tasked to plant Narra seedlings. A 10 minute boat ride on motorized bangkas brought Ecosocers across the clear waters of the reservoir to the start of a short hike trail. The hiking trail was muddy and slippery due to heavy rains from the nights before. This made it a challenge for Ecosocers to hike up the mountain with many slipping and tripping along the way. During the planting itself, Narra seedlings in soil-packed packaging were scattered across the forest. Ecosocers had to find these seedlings, remove the packaging, and plant the seedlings in their designated spots.

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After planting as many trees as they could, the volunteers hiked back down the forest, which proved to be much more difficult than the hike up, and then rode the bangkas back to the loading bay. Although the entire hike and tree-planting activity was much more tiring than expected, overall it was a very fulfilling and worthwhile experience. Ecosocers got to plant numerous seedlings which would hopefully help maintain the watershed and at the same time experience the raw beauty of the Ipo Dam Reserve.

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Last September 10, The UP Economics Society held a Tree-Planting activity in Ipo Dam as part of its annual Ecosoc Month Service Project. It has long been a tradition for Ecosoc to undergo environmental initiatives for its Service Project. Just last year, in a project entitled Cast-A-Waste, Ecosocers cleaned up the seaside of Naic, Cavite to take part in the celebration of International Coastal Cleanup Day. This year, UP Ecosoc, in partnership with Maynilad, brought its members to Ipo Dam for a tree-planting activity. Volunteers met up at as early as 6 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock in the morning before driving all the way to the damâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s location in Norzagaray, Bulacan. Once they got there, the members were greeted by the stunning view of the reservoir and a cool breeze of air that was refreshing from the usual pollution in the city. The Maynilad crew were all-smiles as they welcomed the volunteers to Ipo Dam. They went on to introduce the Maynilad tree-planting project and even shared that their goal for the year to plant as much as 115,000 new seedlings. Furthermore, they explained the mechanics of the activity and finished by reminding the members of the long-lasting effect of their actions on the environment especially with

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According to Rappler, the Ipo Dam reserve currently has a maximum capacity of 7.5 million cubic metres, serving as both a haven for wildlife and a means of flood-control. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the watershed also provides 98% of Metro Manilaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water supply, servicing over 12 million people. Unfortunately, it is far from the virginal Eden its locals dream for it to be. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reports that 70% of this land has been denuded through activities like illegal logging, kaingin (slashand-burn farming), and charcoal production. As such it is important that measures be taken to rehabilitate the natural resources of this reserve.

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G R A N D TRADITION

by JV CORPUS

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Everyone knows Lance Cheng, our resident chinito next door, EJ, Ecosoc’s personal macho dancer, Pags the good boy fuck boy, and of course Jand who never fails to grace us with his long, flawless legs. But get this, last September 28, Ecosoc Month’s Grand Tradition eleganza extravagana transformed these cuties into their alter-drag queen selves. Instead of Lance, Ej, Pags, and Jand, we got Phoo Keh the BDSM crazed chinita, Ariana Grindr who blessed us with a peek-a-boo gown and a notable dry humper, Lizzie Ya Dic, Britney spears fangirl, and Pussy Liu who wants us to lick her xxx and her crack.

In all seriousness, for this year’s Grand Tradition, the committees were tasked to create a drag queen character that embodies the qualities and beliefs of their committees. The teams this year were Sports-Externals, CDC-Liaison, Finance-Echoes, and SecAcads-Spev. Grand Tradition started with darkness with the luminescent crown lighting up to signal the start of the program. We had Julia Lagman and Gab Rivera to host the night. They did a great job as they entertained us and grilled the contestants and audience with x rated questions. The night went on with videos prepared by the teams to showcase their contestants, a runway walk with their long gowns, very explicit and entertaining lip sync performances, and a question and answer portion to test their ability to think on their feet and answer elegantly. The whole program went on without any difficulties, and the audience was definitely in for a treat. We all know we had a break last year from the explicit content for Grand Tradition, and this year memcomm brought it back stronger and better.

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As Ecosocers, we must remember the importance of tradition, the very reason why we annually hold this event. It is an avenue created to ensure strong bonds and creativity within committees and at the same time bring the organization together for a fun night. At the end of the day, we have the whole Membership committee and the EM organizing body to thank for a fun, solid, and eventful life.

GRAND A LU MN I HOMECOMING by JEGO AGABIN

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the organization. Someone who has done more than living out the 3 thrusts of the org. He was the one who planted the seeds of the organization and was one of the few who started it all. The award was given to Godofredo Bamba, the first ever president of Ecosoc. It was a very pleasant surprise to have him there in the event, and we were all very fortunate to have had in our presence that night. The night ended with an open dance floor, where the dancing was led by the alumni. Everyone joined in dancing to old songs like September, Footloose, and Dancing Queen. Ecosoc has and will always be a home to the members of the org. Countless days spent doing org or school work, playing cards, or just wasting time with the people from the org made it feel like it. It became a place to meet new people, start friendships, and create memories that will last a lifetime. These are the things that we will look back to in time and appreciate the time that we spent there with the people and the org we all love. We are all one Ecosoc and it is through these memories that we share our bond and show our love for the org. Ecosoc is a home for many people, and hopefully it remains that way for a long time.

Table, and Barkada Award were chosen over dinner and awarded to alumni and members the people voted for. We also gave time to acknowledge those whom have been able to live out the values Ecosoc tries to instill in us: Service, Excellence, and Tradition. The Public Servant Award was given to Johannes Benjamin R. Bernabe for his service to the country as the Philippine Competition Commission Chairman. The Corporate Excellence Award went to Gigette de Luna for being able to exemplify dedication in and perseverance in her chosen corporate field. Sarah Lynne DawayDucanes, although not being able to attend the event, was recognized as the recipient for the Academic Excellence Award for being able to exemplify her intellectual prowess and share her knowledge to the younger generations. Marte Caronoñgan received the Alumni Service Award for still being able to participate in the different org activities despite being an alumnus. Batch ’77 Execomm was awarded the Innovator Award for starting the Community Development Committee. Finally the Ecosoc Award was given to someone very special to

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We all have that constant longing in our life to go back “home”. Back to that place or people where we had our happiest of moments, and proudest of victories. That place where you can be yourself with the people whom you love and share precious memories with in life. Ecosoc has been and is a home for many people, and the main goal of homecoming was to bring the people back to this home of theirs and make them fall in love with it again. The night was filled with games that kept people on the edge of their seats. Whether you were a participant in the game or someone just watching from their seat, it became an avenue for the alumni and current members to get to know each other more. Games like the last man standing, pinaka, and who knows your partner best gave everyone at glimpse of the different characteristic of the different members of Ecosoc; showing us the diversity of its members through time. It was fun to watch as the alumni didn’t let their age stop them from being competitive and challenging the current members in the different games. There were Special Awards for those who were deemed worthy by the people who joined the event, such as Best Dressed, Best

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N E S by JAD CASTILLO

NES has played a big part in my Ecosoc journey. I always tell people that NES 2016 was my first event as an app, and was Operations Intern back then. Daphne and I were co-apps, and I remember I said that time that I want to be same as Chesca Alba some time. And now we are here, being BOD of our own NES, and I am here chairing my most loved and favorite event. Aside from the people of Ecosoc that makes me fall in love with the org, celebrating our identity and talents during Launch and GT, dancing with different people during LIV or GAH, forwarding our advocacies through Service Project, NES is something that makes me more proud as an Ecosocer because of the impact it gives to different college students I have met from the past three NESes I have attended. NES is more than being the three-day overnight economics conference outside UP Diliman. But rather, NES, for the past 8 years, have provided opportunities for learning and discussion of issues in our country, and I believe has started to create doors for other organizations to hold such conferences. And this is true! During NES 2017, after being its Programs Director, a school organization reached out to us if they can hold an extension of NES in their school, or create the same event. And now, this NES 2018, when I was fixing the transaction of Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) with Sequoia Hotel (after a year of break, we are back 34

again with Sequoia!), a professor delegate beside me asked the hotel of their rates and packages for holding such event. And it warms my heart hearing these as they get inspired to do the same. From the past three NESes I have organized, from being an intern, to a director, to its chairperson, I have seen its growth (and downfalls) as a legitimate summit, as an event. For NES 2018, my BOD were able to pull of a new set of program which I believe made NES bigger and better. There was an Organization Fair together with NEDA Recruitment Booth during Day 1, welcoming each delegate to doors of opportunities for them, and an Advocacy Talk segment to immerse the delegates of the different advocacies of invited organizations - World Youth Alliance Asia Pacific, 2030 Youth Force Philippines, Project Management Institute and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). In addition, three plenary talks from Commissioner Stella Quimbo, Commissioner Johannes Bernabe, Mr. Edgardo Jopson from Mergers and Acquisition and Mr. Carlos Tolentino from Economics Office, Market Definition Case Assessment, and Case Presentation were hosted by PCC discussing Benefits of Competition, Role of Economics, and Mergers and Acquisition, and they really did play a big part in the success of NES as they co-organized the

summit with us. On Day 3, NES was closed by NEDA Chief David Faustino de Castro explaining the National Issues concerning Competition Economics and the Role of Youth. To cap off their learnings, the staple small group discussions, summit statement making and convening of leaders were held. Set of questions were provided to the chosen leaders to craft a statement consolidating all ideas from every delegate. The summit statement aims to call for an advocacy the delegates are fighting for depending on the theme of NES, and for this year, it was the up and coming field of Competition Economics. Personally, this is my favorite part of NES as it really shows how collaborative and driven these delegates are for learning and improving our economy and our country. Part of their summit statement says: "As future leaders of our country, we have the responsibility to engage with and educate as many people as we can and encourage them to join us in the advocacy of promoting healthy competition in our country...Makakamit lamang natin ito kung tayo'y sama-sama't tulong-tulong." I could not be any prouder as I hear the delegates pledge to this statement they have created. As what I always say, NES 2018 already has a special place in my heart. This rare opportunity of being able to chair your favorite and most loved event is unforgettable.

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Unspoken Promises: What Made Us Choose Ecosoc. New Home: Looking Through Ecosoc in the Eyes of an Applicant. Fifteen Reasons Why. Ecosoc Pubs Through the Years. Most Likely To... EM BOD Edition. College Musical: Launch by the Hour. Sixteen Signs You're An Ecosocer. Where Are They Now? How Four Years of Ecosoc Changed My Life. Life After Ecosoc.

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UNSPOKEN PROMISES: W H AT M A D E U S C H O O S E E C O S O C LISANNE GABORNI & OLIVIA SOLOMON We all have a reason why we are applying (or have applied) for Ecosoc. When Timi (Olivia) and I passed by the Ecosoc booth during last semester’s org fair, Timi inquired to the members about what they do in the org. They just asked, “Mahilig ba kayo sa mga lalaking nagcocrossdress?” and proceeded to show a picture of a guy in a Sailormoon costume. After a few moments of contemplation (about the org and/or the crossdressing, we could never really tell), Timi signed up. But maybe for the rest of you, there’s something more to your application. Maybe for the previous semester, you’ve been listening to your friends’ endless 38

stories about their app process and their really cool events. It could also be that some of you have Ecosoc alumni parents who’d tell you how they had a great time back then (“and kids, that’s how I met your mother”) and therefore you should be part of it too. In the end, they were able to coax you into joining the really awesome org that is Ecosoc. From their stories you were able to form this if-Ibecome-an-Ecosocer scenario up in your head. According to them, “Mag-apply ka na next sem. Masaya, promise.” So we asked our fellow apps the question: What do you think does Ecosoc promise you?

ONE: “ECOSOC CHARACTER”

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That’s basically what everyone has been saying. Ecosoc is a wellrounded org with its numerous committees ranging from Academics to Sports. You will be exposed to a diverse population so you can be developed in every possible aspect. Apps also believe that with Ecosoc’s socio-civic consciousness and CDC, they’d find a way to impact society in a positive way (naks). If you applied for Ecosoc thinking you’re not capable of doing anything, you’d find your niche eventually.

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Also, Lyon Leus (and firmly believes), Ecosoc will show me the true essence of being a woman.”

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TWO: “YOU WILL LEARN TO LOVE ECON AND THE PEOPLE IN IT”

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We’ll be spending about four years (more or less) of our lives in Econ and it’s great to have a place to meet and befriend the people whom you see in the hallways every day. You will be hanging out with these people in the tambayan for the most of your college life, and you will love these people – whether you like it or not (we kid). But surely you will gain some solid friendship, you can find your thesis partner, or you might meet that person you’ll marry someday (Vito Catsañeda’s parents are both Ecosocers, how cool.)

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THREE: “WORK HARD, PARTY HARDER” A lot of us actually had this impression that Ecosoc is the org who loves to party. In reality, the org’s events are produced by long hours of hard work and planning. After all the effort, a good party is definitely well deserved. Many would think that the app process is challenging. Some apps would need to scrape a few minutes off their busy schedules just so they could meet the 50-hour tambay requirement. They’d ditch previous plans to attend required events and CDCs. Aside from that, we all have jobs to accomplish for our respective committees. But sometime during the app process, we will come to realize that all the work has been rewarding – and we have the liberty to celebrate the success of whatever we had just accomplished. Time will come that you will do things not because you have to, but because you want to.

This article was originally published in the February 2013 issue of Echoes.

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NEW HOME

Looking Through Ecosoc in the Eyes of an Applicant

JOHANNA ALMAIDA

College is scary, they say. Upperclassmen are snob and conceited, they say. Orgs are such a big hassle, they say. Yet, Ecosoc broke such kind of stereotype in one snap. With big smiles and warm welcome, it is undeniably true how Ecosoc made each applicant feel like they are greatly valued. Starting a new chapter in life—college, for most freshies, transferees and shiftees alike, is an anxious thing to do. Getting through tons of acads workload, adjusting to a new learning environment, and finding new buddies worry applicants, including me, the most. Amidst the worries that clouded my judgment, one of the greatest decisions I’ve made in my few months of stay in UP is to apply for Ecosoc. Filled with greater purpose, Ecosoc is not merely an UPSE org that holds solid walwalan nights and fun ROOTs lineup as what others say about it—it is an organization that breaks so much barriers to not only cater the growth of its members and applicants but the community itself. Upon knowing how dynamic this org with its programs and activities like the ESFF, ACDC, NES, NYC, UPFront, its members and applicants but the community itself. Upon knowing how dynamic this org with its programs and activities like the ESFF, ACDC, NES, NYC, UPFront, ROOTS, fundraising projects, sports events, talks and symposia, and the like, I have so much respect to its members as they strive to keep the org burning with passion to serve. It is safe to say that so far, choosing Ecosoc to apply for is a great choice as it molds its applicants to become better versions of themselves—who are selfless and vigorous. In line with that, thanks to Ecosoc’s CDC, getting to teach young kids from Pook Ricarte helped me realize that making the most of my freshman year isn’t only about balancing late-night fun with friends and acads, but it is also about lending my hand to the unfortunate people. Being an ACDC tutor gave me this feeling that I have a greater purpose—to become a (wo)man for others. Oozing with great sense of belongingness that extends to applicants through its various activities 40

and programs like the EM launch, Ecosoc made each applicant feel like they are not different and that they’re already part of the family. The urge of staying at the Tambayan itself and playing card games like bridge and go-fish after a mentally and physically draining class is strong as spending time with other members and applicants is so fun and stress-relieving. In just a span of few months, witnessing the exchange of laughters, secrets, and dramas (especially at the Tambayan) between the applicants and members that eventually blossomed into friendship is a heart-warming sight. True enough, it is amazing how Ecosoc has become a new home and it will always feel like home to applicants–it broke the notion that college is scary (because the mems always ready to help especially in acads), upperclassmen are snob and conceited (because the mems are always approachable and fun to be with) and orgs are a big hassle (because there may be too many events but all are done for greater purpose and it is truly fulfilling).

FIFTEEN REASONS WHY ERIN CHENG

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ADIE SASOT

One of the 11 new additions to the UP Ecosoc Scholarship Program, Adie is currently a Grade 12 student taking up

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Like Micha, Andrea entered the scholarship program back when she was in Grade 10 (2014). The partners-in-crime went on to take separate tracks when Micha took up STEM and Andrea - ABM in the following year. Andrea, generally considered as the baby of the bunch, looks more like a grade schooler than

D E R R I C K TA N

Derrick Quejada, now known as Derrick Tan, entered the UP Ecosoc Scholarship Program in 2015, a year after the first three. Initially very quiet and reserved, he has grown to be one of the most hardworking Ecosocers I have ever met, having been instrumental -- pun intended -- to the success of Roots 2018 and past Task Force initiatives. Being the only guy in the OG crew, Derrick has also acted as a kuya of sorts to the three girls, withstanding their kakulitans and also acting as a Scholcom member. Currently a fourth year student taking up BS Economics in UP Diliman, Derrick dreams of becoming a diplomat someday, and is a regular presence in the weekly PCED talks held by the School.

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TRISHA EDONGAN

Trisha was one of our original 4 - having entered the UP Ecosoc Scholarship Program way back in 2014. This dynamic girl is the youngest of the OG crew, but she carries herself with a reservedness and a maturity that belies her age. Currently, she is a Grade 12 student taking up Humanities and Social Sciences, and while she will most likely go on to take Psychology in PUP, her real passion is in the art of make up design. She dreams

MICHA BORROMEO

Another member of our OG crew, Micha has been with the Ecosoc Scholarship Program since she entered Grade 10 in PUP (2014). Born to an OFW mother working as a caretaker in UAE, this ever-reliable girl has had to stand in as pseudo-parent for her younger siblings for most of their lives. Possessing more spunk and kengkoy I would’ve thought possible in an 18-year old, this little firecracker of a girl is always up and about, constantly looking for new ways to help the people around her. A member of the Ateneo Human Rights Center, she has also gone to various parts of the country facilitating inquiries and informational campaigns touching on children’s rights. She is currently a first year student in Philippine Normal University taking up Early Education, and is planning to be a public school teacher in the future.

a freshman in college. She’s one of the best epitomizations of the saying “small but terrible”, given her kakulitans and her asarans of her fellow scholars. She is currently taking Human Resource Management in PUP, but her long-held dream was always to become a successful chef, having been inspired by the picnics her dad used to take their family on in the Sunken Garden.

In celebration of our 60 years, here is a glimpse into the lives of our fifteen kids - our fifteen reasons why.

of being able to create and sell her own make up in the future.

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It’s been a good eight months since I’ve last written about the scholars, and much has changed since then. From our original family of four, we are now a group of 15, and we've welcomed 11 new kids - 4 high school and 7 college - to the growing family. Amidst all this are the many different stories of loss and unbelievable difficulty that our new kids have had to fight through, stories that put harsh realities and the worst of circumstances in the limelight. However, these kids remain living proof of what the human heart can will itself to achieve, and the stories of hope and resilience - against each difficult, unreasonable, unbelieveable odd - still outwin them regardless.

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Accountancy, Business, and Management at Santa Isabel College of Manila, a private school she was able to attend because of the K-12 voucher program. The daughter of a tricycle driver stricken with gout and hypertension, Adie has had to contend with making ends meet and her older sisterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s medical school expenses at a young age. Despite all this, this young go-getter seems to excel in everything she does, juggling being the president of the theater arts org in her school and a member of the student council with her academic load. More than any of her past achievements, however, Adie

only wants to be able to give back to her parents for all of their sacrifices, and starting her own social enterprise is on the top of her list to achieve that goal.

KRIZZIE BESA

Another one of our new high schoolers, Krizzie is currently a Grade 11 student taking up the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics strand at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. Krizzieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father left her family when she was very young, and her mom has since worked to support her and her younger sister by subleasing boarding house rooms. In her spare time, Krizzie also helps to make ends meet, having learned the art of creating and selling explosion boxes and starting a very small business for herself. She uses the money to treat her mom and younger sister to Jollibee, one of the rarest guilty pleasures that the family allows themselves to enjoy. Krizzie dreams of one day becoming a doctor or nurse and to set up her own clinics in far-away barrios. She also dreams of being able to pay for her momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s college education one day, as her mom stopped her undergraduate degree in Accountancy when she was in third year.

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Val, one of our 4 new high schoolers, is currently a Grade 12 student taking up the Humanities and Social Sciences Strand in North Fairview High School. The second of four children, Val is the son of a service crew worker in a canteen, with his dad making just enough to cover the living expenses of the family. 42

Despite these minor setbacks, Val actively extends himself in all forms of academic and extracurricular activities, with him having been valedictorian of junior high school, the president of the supreme student government, and now, running for valedictorian once more for senior high school. His passion is in public speaking, and because of this, he has actively joined impromptu speaking and extemporaneous speech competitions. He has also won awards in campus journalism, having represented his alma mater in various local and regional-level competitions. He dreams of taking up Political Science or Economics as his undergraduate degree in UP Diliman, and ultimately, pursuing law in the future.

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Pam is our youngest scholar by far, with her only being in Grade 10 when she entered the program this year. This, however, has not stopped the little genius from excelling in her own right. Her love for the sciences was instilled at a young age by her father,

CARLODELOSSANTOS

JENEVIEVE GUDIN

Another new scholar is Michelle Bandibad, a first year student in the Polytechnic University of the Philippines taking up BA Sociology. Michelle’s dad works as a

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MICHELLE BANDIBAD

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Another one of our new college scholars is Jen Gudin, currently a first year AB Communications major in Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina. Like the rest, Jen has had to overcome a lot of adversity in order to be able to pursue a college degree. Because of the financial difficulties her family has experienced due to her mom’s sickness, she was initially planning to postpone her college studies so that she could work. The lack of a steady stream of income from her father, who worked as a contractual truck driver, also caused her high school life to be a rough one. She has had to endure walking from Rizal to Marikina just to go to school, going for months at a time without electricity because of their inability to pay the bills, and many other unreasonable realities. Generous friends, however, have made life a little more bearable, with a lot of people stepping up to temporarily shoulder the different school expenses she has had to meet. Jen has proven to be resilient in the face of life’s worst challenges, and prides herself in being raised up on the shoulders of the people around her. Her dream is to become a successful book author in the future.

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MELANIE CARNAJE

Another of our newly minted

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Roxan, a new face in our college scholarship program, is currently a freshman taking up BS Accountancy in Far Eastern University Diliman. She also stands in as the primary breadwinner of her family despite being the youngest, because her dad had to stop his job as a taxi driver due to poor eyesight, and her two older brothers were, in her words, “rebels”. Looking at her, one would not expect this shy and reserved girl to be capable of working at such a young age, but Roxan has proven to be both extremely charming and very ma-diskarte. She has been in and out of multiple jobs, having worked as a maid together with her mom when she was in grade school, and now as a call center agent during the summer break. She dreams of finishing her degree in Accountancy and

continuing on to get her license as a Certified Public Accountant.

One of our 7 new additions to the college scholarship program, Carlo is the third child out of 4, and is currently a first year BS Chemistry student in the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. His dad, an oncall electrician, works to support this immediate family, along with 5 of his grandchildren from both Carlo’s kuya and ate. Because of this, it has been immensely hard for Carlo’s family to make ends meet, and he has consistently relocated from one home to another, currently living in a relocation site in Antipolo. Despite all of this, Carlo still manages to excel in school, having joined intercollegiate debate competitions while juggling his academic workload as a student. He is also an activist, and spends most of his spare time seeking out avenues to engage himself within the communities he is a part of. Carlo dreams of completing is Chemistry degree and earning his license in Chem one day, then possibly going on to practice it or pursue law.

college scholars, Melanie is a freshman taking up BS Biology the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. Her dad, a security guard for over 10-20 years, works to support her family, including her and her two younger siblings. Similar to Pam, she has had a healthy love for the sciences instilled in her at an early age, having written for many scientific journal competitions since she was a child. Taking up Biology is just another of the many ways that love is manifested. She dreams of becoming a doctor in the future, and has exhibited a lot of initiative and effort in making that happen. In her spare time, she does laundry for the people in her community in order to earn extra baon for laboratory expenses in school.

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who worked as a civil engineer before passing away due to cancer when she was 12. She started to join math, science, and journalism competitions at an early age, and has been a consistent winner of various local and regional level ones ever since. Despite all this, Pam is all you can expect from a normal 16-year old and a true academicat-heart. Owing to her love of the sciences, she hopes one day to be able to take up chemical engineering in UP Diliman.

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contractual truck pahinante, often moving from one company to another. This inconsistent source of income is supplemented by her mother, who does laundry for the Brothers House, a convent housing the group of priests who run the Marist School for Boys. It is for this reason that Michelle was able to get a full scholarship throughout high school, as Marist runs a generous night class scholarship program that is also open to girls. Throughout her high school years, Michelle has also served as a cleaner of Maristâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s laboratory supplies, as well as a short stint in Bataan serving as an altar caretaker for the shrine of Mary Magdalene. Michelle dreams of finishing her Sociology degree and becoming a professor in Sociology.

JULIUS GARDE

Julius, one of the newest additions to the UP Ecosoc Scholarship Program, is a first year BS Information Technology major in the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. He graduated high school from STI College Fairview through the K-12 voucher program, and chose to take IT because of his long held interest in computer science and software design. His mother has gone through a number of different jobs in order to support them ever since their abusive and alcoholic father left their family when he was 8. This included being a kasambahay, running a small karinderia in their community, and now, doing laundry services on the side in order to make ends meet. Even at a young age, gradeschooler Julius and his kuya have also tried to supplement the meager family income, spending 44

long days going through trash in their hometown of Pasig for food. Despite all the hardships he has experienced in his young life, Julius is one of the most cheerful people youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ever meet, and he has remarkably high hopes for the future. He dreams of pursuing a law degree and someday being the president of the Philippines -- because, in his words, the country needs a president who has been poor, who knows what it feels like to have nothing. Only then can he be able to empathize with the masses and work towards their welfare.

MARK CRUZET

Mark, the last of our 7 new college scholars, is a freshman taking up BA Journalism in The Manila Times College, a private university run by the newspaper company of the same name. He is primarily raised by his tita as both of his parents have new families of their own. However, his tita, who wanted him to pursue Education, was not in favor of him choosing Journalism, and has since refused to support his college tuition. In desperation, Mark took a huge gamble, as the results of our program had not yet been released and the first term for The Manila Times College was already about to begin. He enrolled himself in this private university with no clue as to how he was going to pay for the tuition fee and other miscellaneous costs. Fortunately for him, the Scholarship Committee did end up choosing him, on account of his willingness to find means to achieve his dreams. Mark dreams of one day making his mark in the film and print industry, and hopes to become a successful book author someday.

While the years 2009-2011 didn’t have a lot of pubs, mostly just posts, the following years definitely saw an increase in the number of pubs posted in the group. Specific for 2012, a lot of the pubs were patterned after memes which made me laugh so much while looking at them. In 2013, the number of pubs probably doubled from what they were in 2012 and a lot of them were still memes but the rest of the pubs look more like what they do now.

We’ve all probably seen tons of Ecosoc pubs by now, each with its own style. It’s really hard to compare the pubs because of course, standards and taste are dynamic and constantly fluctuating. But what they all have in common is that they are the fruits of someone’s hard work. And for that, we should always appreciate what our pub persons make. Never take them for granted and always always make them feel appreciated.

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Back then in 2009, there were only a small number of pubs. Not all posts were accompanied by a pub. There wasn’t even a pub calendar system in place yet! There was also a time when Ecosoc pubs on the Facebook group were just random photos of the members. Compare that to now where we have 7-9 posts a day, all with pubs! Looking back on the different pubs from years back, it is amazing to see how they developed into what they are now.

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Publicity materials take a lot of time to make. From the conception to the actual execution, it costs the maker’s time and sometimes, tears.

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ECOSOC PUBS THROUGH THE YEARS

I was also surprised to see that Ecosoc implemented a color palette system for the different committees way back in 2012! Not just that, they also assigned specific fonts in the hopes of unifying the identity of the pubs. One thing that was consistently kept throughout the years are the small greeting posts to congratulate and empower members. This certainly means so much to members who are currently having a hard time or in need of a push or deserving of recognition! Aside from these, there were also posts for the sick and confined members to give them a get well soon.

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Looking at the past pubs, I had a glimpse of what it was like to be in Ecosoc during those times. Wormy wasn’t even called Wormy but Bookworm. Birthday greetings weren’t a thing yet. Pubs were memes. They probably used memes because of the impact it would have to the viewers. Maybe they thought the members would be more enticed if the pub gave them a good laugh? Now, we try to make pubs look really nice as a way to entice the members.

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M O S T L I K E LY T O . . . EM BOD EDITION C om piled by KATI E ABRE N ICA

GET WASTED AT LAUNCH Gab. S e lf-e xp la na to r y.

MOMOL AN APP AT LAUNCH 4 - w a y t i e betw een Kim , Gab, Lia an d m e . M ost m aru pok Ec o s o c B OD n a ba???

DROWN IN SERVICE PROJECT Kim . S he ca n't s wim.

BECOME A GRAND TRADITION WINNER J e g o. Sh ou tou t also to J em aka M ariko.

FALL ASLEEP IN A NES LECTURE Je m

EE CC H HO O EE SS

LANDI AN ALUMNI THEY JUST MET IN GAH L i a . I w on der wh ic h alu m ni th is is.

|| EE CC O O SS O O CC M MO ON N TT H H

SKIP A GA TO MOMOL Ga b o .

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BREAK DOWN BECAUSE OF EM L A.

F E A T U R E S

“Hindi naman ako pangit. Bakit hindi niya ako mahal?” cried an Ecosocer. Thirty (or something) minutes later, the floor was covered with tears and suspicious rice meals.

At 8 pm, the imaginary gates to alcohol heaven were set to open. All you needed was some P80 to make it past St. Finance. Right ahead of you were tables for liquid pong (yeah, we don’t discriminate) and further, the drink sponsors. Yes, free-flowing blessings. That is Ecosoc paying it forward. Yeah, you are welcome. ;) If you were like the expected characteristic of an attendee, you would be there at 9. Maybe 9:06 just to be safe. The music was mellow (I think), and people were still talking! Take that, 21st century socializing! At 9:33, you would have spotted a kinky (-haired) morena floating on a flamingo. That was an angel. You might think such creatures are in control of their movements. No. I, the angel, was stuck there for ten minutes. Once you get past that sight, you get pulled into a crowd of dancing sophies and... is that Marte? 9:50. Miggy Villamor was getting low. The devil works fast. I thought there were angels 48

ANN GERON

keeping him surrounded? All of the sudden... woo wap da bam. 10:03. We’re going down, down in an earlier round. Man down. No, women down! DAMMIT ECOSOC! 10:29. Someone’s dancing to Pony in the little pool. No, not EJ. 10:30. Keep your eyes locked on mine, EJ. My last few moments with him before he was taken by the bathroom. 10:32. I unknowingly record the entire song with my phone in my shorts. That’s some documentation right there. You can even hear my screams as EJ swayed some ladies. What a man. Oh, of course I scream momol, momol, momol. For the record, Ecosocers like singing “what we have is worth fighting for” together. It truly is, dear org. It truly is. 10:44. EJ is still alive. Franz... yeah, he was circling the border of the little pool. 10:58. It was storming in here. People were jumping in the pool, pushing some angel-wannabes in. The flamingo was deflating.

LAUNCH BY THE HOUR

As avid Ecosoc-inuman goers would know, it is always a good time with the org. Really, we don’t need alcohol to enjoy. It only takes free time, a car, and excitable teenagers to turn the f up – anywhere. After all, the different interests mingle to create magic whether athletic, Godofredo-y, altruistic, or liver-piercing. When you reach September, things are a bit different. The pressure is on. Ecosoc Month. EM. Read: Launch had to be a blast. We can’t achieve literal explosions (and that isn’t environment friendly!), so let’s stick with getting #lit for now.

COLLEGE MUSICAL

12:35. What did I do for an hour? Momol, momol, momol! Just kidding. SPEV gets together for a picture but gets bombed by 7 others. SANDALI LANG! May pasabog dapat noong hatinggabi ah. “Patay na sila, mehn.” “Ok.” 12:54.

The

rain

was

determined. Rella was, too. 1:00. Egress na, huy! 4 am was a weird time... and before the roosters clucked, everyone was back to their houses. You may have had a different experience. I hope you had fun, whatever you

did. If you liked the piña coladas (and getting caught in the rain) or mocked by the Tiger, played by whiskey, whiskey, whiskey, or were sober, may you remember the night as heavenly. Had it been hellish, know there are angels flying by to lift you up. After all, you will find the peaceful (Corinthian) hills. Just take our hands, take a breath.

The night’s attendance reached 143 people. You read that right. I. Love. You. Sa taong hindi pangit at hindi ibinabalik ang pagmamahal, iniibig ka namin. Happy Ecosoc Month!

F E A T U R E S

S I X T E E N S I G N S YO U â&#x20AC;&#x2122; R E A N ECOSOCER JOSH QUIMBO

1. Empi at inumans. Bridge

the

3. You play Go Fish at the tambayan.

8. “Kung Wala Ka”

13. Godofredo Bamba. 14. You know Giffy is sexually frustrated. 15. You get called out for having a dirty tambayan.

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7. You ship Jem and Erin.

12. You know Nanay Alice.

M MO ON N TT H H

6. Martin Belmonte/Teo Tolentino get you drunk.

11. You know September is the best month of the year.

EE CC O O SS O O CC

5. “TF” means something else to you.

10. You have at least three Ecosocrelated DPs every semester.

4. You don’t sing the Ecosoc song at Genmeet, but you sing it at parties.

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2. You play tambayan.

9. You know Wormy is a hoe.

16. You know almost everyone in Econ.

From Seccom Chairperson to Concept Artist at Lego.

ERYEL BENITEZ

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

F E A T U R E S

"[Ecosoc] helped me figure out where my passions were. I really enjoyed the visual communication side of things, from planning to execution. I learned Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator because I wanted to be able to use those skills to make good and engaging themes and visuals for Ecosoc. Can I have two [favorite memories]? A serious one: When we won a party/event-organizing competition against other student orgs from both UP and around Metro Manila. Tough battle and we truly felt like underdogs, but we triumphed, and it was a fun and memorable party for everyone. And a light one: Making ridiculous but hilarious promo posters and videos for Spev scavenger hunts! Those were so much fun!"

ANDREA PUA

From Liaison Chairperson Manager at Procter & Gamble.

ADRIEL ARGUELLES

Unit

"Ecosoc was instrumental in developing the foundation of the skills I needed for my career and adult life; such as communication or how to work well with people or in teams, management or how to lead teams effectively, and being resourceful or street-smart. These are stuff they barely teach in classrooms but are way more used in my everyday work and life! My favorite Ecosoc memory was witnessing that beat drop, with foam and fireworks coming out of machines, during the midnight reveal of LIV 2014. I was drenched in the rain on the middle of a field, surrounded by random people, and most of all a fulfilled Ecosoc Month team for a successful anniversary party!"

From Vice President and SPEV Chairperson to Founder of SatisFIND.

E C H O E S | E C O S O C

MICHELLE P E R E Z PAT E L

"When your college life practically revolved around Ecosoc, it’s difficult to have a favorite memory but one beautiful day in 1998, we had a time capsule buried and inside the DIY-capsule contained letters we wrote each other. It was to be opened in 2008, but back then, we did not know if after 10 years we would still be friends so before sealing our handwritten letters, my friends and I read them to each other and there were lots of happy, sentimental tears that day. Aside from that, what I remember more would be what it felt like to enter the tambayan where there would always be happy faces welcoming you, the birthday cards posted on the board waiting to be signed, the logbook that had our “status updates”, that old blue leather couch that was so worn-out and yet it was the most comfortable place to be in all of UP. The Ecosoc tambayan was my safe place. It was home for me and the other kids I met there who eventually grew up with me and became my life-long friends.

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"I co-conceptualized (with Reg Reinoso and Reuel Realin) the 1st NES as part of the Ecosoc Month events when I was president. It was also during that Ecosoc Month when we conceptualized the logo used until today and a major anniversary service event. These innovations notwithstanding, we planned a celebration that was also very respectful of our traditions. Ecosoc also taught me how to lead with a vision by accommodating and building on the ideas and opinions of a very diverse membership. My favorite Ecosoc memory is the daily tambay, where we would discuss wild academic theories, watch key UAAP games on the old Ecosoc TV, and play pusoy dos and bridge. While we found pride in being part of an org that did a lot, Ecosoc was, for me, ultimately a group of friends with varied interests but shared ideals."

M O N T H

From President and Echoes Editor-in-Chief to Associate in Cruz Marcelo & Tenefrancia and Lecturer at UP College of Law.

PAO LO TA M A S E

F E A T U R E S

HOW FOUR YEARS OF ECOSOC CHANGED MY LIFE Up there, 21 floors above me, lies my dream. I enter the elevator, squeeze through the crowd of suits and stilettos, screen out the weary voices speaking corporate jargon, and hear nothing but the steady whirring of my ascent. A few exchanges of mandatory pleasantries and I find myself waiting. A confused psychological melee manifested by a ten-minute bout of fierce knuckle-cracking, fast murmurings and heavy breathing culminates to a dull, anti-climatic denouement. Some guy approaches me in the reception area, asks for my name, consults a list, counter checks 54

ARIES CARLOS

and bluntly utters, “You’re next.” Question something

1: So about

tell me yourself.

A: I am Aris S. Carlos, graduating senior from the UP School of Economics taking up BS Business Economics. One thing about me that you might not have learned through my resume is that I am a probinsyano. I grew up in Bulacan, attended high school there, and lived a very simple life before I went to college. Four years after, I am proud to say that I have grown a lot and I have transformed into an individual who can be really value-adding to the company if given a chance.

Question 2: Can you share with me a time when you have to work with different kinds of people? A: I joined the UP Economics Society during my freshman. One year after becoming a member, I ran as the Membership committee chairperson of the said organization. This experience taught me how to deal and work with different kinds of people. After my term, I have acquired a vantage point that enabled me to see things from perspectives and to appreciate the diversity of the people working for a team. In the organization, I met lifetime friends, but at the same time, I crossed paths with people

I would not normally opt to rub shoulders with. My experience as a Memcom chair taught me that leadership, more than anything else, is the capability to influence people and goad them to work towards a unified vision in spite of their differences. Question 3: Can you relate to me the most difficult situation you have encountered so far?

EE CC O O SS O O CC M MO ON N TT H H

A: Like what I have said before, four years ago, I was just a plain probinsyano. Back then, my lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s radius of activity was confined to about 10-15 kilometers away from home. Now, the learnings that I have

A handshake, a nod, a parting smile. I leave the interview room, thankful for everything that the UP Economics Society has contributed to my development as an individual over the years. The friendships, the experience, the learnings, the immutable tradition of service and excellence that this organization has inculcated and forever leave in me lead towards the realization of my lifelong goals. So, for the last time, I would like to thank you, and tell you that I love you so much, Ecosoc.

Question 4: What do you think sets you apart from the rest of the candidates?

acquired through the years of my services to the UP Economics Society make me feel confident that I can take on whatever that comes my way. The lessons that belonging to this organization brought to me far outweigh anything that I have learned in any subject I have taken in the past. In hindsight, it seems to me that my academic learnings complement the lessons I have learned in Ecosoc, not the other way around. I believe I was able to realize my full potential as an individual through EcoSoc.

EE CC H HO O EE SS

A: I could not have been the Ecosoc president at a more inopportune time in my life. My family started disintegrating at almost exactly the same time I was ushered into the position. Our family business was in shambles. Family properties were being foreclosed left and right. My father was ill during the first months of my term, forcing him out of work and leaving the family essentially helpless. In a nutshell, my term as the president saw the advent of life-changing circumstances that tested my strength both as a leader and as an individual. I was scrounging money for Ecosoc when in fact

I was struggling to make ends meet for my family and for myself. I was endeavoring on keeping an entire organization together when my own life was in a state of mess, so to speak. My term as the president taught me two things primarily. First, I learned that the reason why I was working really hard for my organization in spite of my own personal difficulties was that I genuinely love the UP Economics Society and I firmly believe in what it stands for as an organization. Second, I learned the value of resilience. I experienced firsthand what transcending seemingly insurmountable challenges really entail.

66 00 This article was originally published in the March 2009 issue of Echoes.

F E A T U R E S

LIFE AFTER ECOSOC JEREMY GEMZONTAN

As the calendar year draws to a close, I begin to realize that slowly but surely my stay as a student in the university is coming to a close. Along with the conclusion of this chapter of my life is the different goodbyes I will eventually have to make. Goodbye to the halls of the college that I’ve walked for the better part of four years. Goodbye to the different members of the faculty and staff that have given me both hell and high praises over my stay here. And finally, goodbye to the organization that has given and taken so much from over the past four years. And admittedly, it scares me to think that I’ll have to say farewell to the places, people and environment that I have become so accustomed to. It scares me that I will need to adjust once again, acclimating myself to life after Ecosoc. In an attempt to better prepare myself for this eventual reality, I took to interviewing some past presidents of the organization to hear about what stories and advice they have to tell me and the rest of the organization.

T H I R DY S A N TO S ( 5 9 ) Thirdy is currently working as a Management Trainee at the Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company (Metrobank). "What I miss most about Ecosoc is definitely the people. I made most of my friends in college in Ecosoc and I’m glad that until now, Ecosoc continues to form great friendships and molds its members to be good at what they do. Ecosoc taught me 56

that the best way to deliver good results is by loving what you do. Work will always be tiring, but knowing that your work serves a greater purpose will keep you going."

C H A S U R DA R L I N GA M ( 5 8 ) "Learn to really know the org - its purpose and its people. Yes, Ecosoc does A LOOOOOT of events and initiatives but this is what makes us unique and valueadding to the society we live in. Accept opportunities but don't push yourself too hard. Also, don't apply for positions and not show up for meetings or not do any work."

ZO CA N A R I A ( 57) Zo is currently working as a manger at Unilever Philippines. He was also the champion of the 2015 Globe Game Changer competition, which led to him being a part of the pioneering batch of the Globe Game Changer Marketing Trainee program. "[The most difficult thing I faced] was being too ambitious - because it took a lot of courage, grit, actual work to get to the vision I wanted. It was a vision that tried to encompass the culture, the output, the fun all in one. Convincing people of the feasibility of that vision was even harder after I won. To overcome it, I powered through. I believed in the first few people who believed in me, acknowledged that it wasn’t a perfect plan and listened to the apps, new mems, inactive mems and leaders on their opinions, and fed off the passion for the org that exuded as they were

commenting on the org and my vision. To be honest, most of my work ethic and my principles on leadership up to now were sharpened and validated during my term."

GIGETTE (34)

LUNA

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Mark is one of the founders of 88storey Films, one of the country’s premier production

M MO ON N TT H H

MARK QUERUBIN (30)

[I learned] to have fun and focus on the good memories. 10, 20, 30 years from now you won’t remember how many people attended this event or how much this fundraiser made. No, instead you’ll remember the fun times and laughs that you shared with your orgmates. You will all the lighthearted and ridiculous moments and those are the things that you should cherish.

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How did I overcome it? Simple: I overcame it with the help of others, most especially the Execomm. It taught me that even best laid out plans may not turn out exactly the way we want them. But there should always be a Plan B, and a Plan C, and everything else in between. One thing that I wish we HAD instead of did during the term was for mobile phones and the internet to have been invented already. Makes all the work so much easier (Oh, you have no idea!)."

"It’s funny because there were simple problems but a whole bunch of them. UPSE was raising the room rental for the tambayan, there was low turnout during genmeets, no transportation for an outreach to Pinatubo, experiencing a brownout in a disco fundraiser...

"I miss the tambayan. It was essentially a second home for me and I made the best of memories with the best of people in that place. We used to have a table tennis table there, and it was because of that past time that I began to find my place in the organization whilst also making friendships and relationships that will last a lifetime.

EE CC H HO O EE SS

Gigette is currently the President of the Marikina Valley San Mateo Bank (MSVM), a rural bank based in Marikina. The company is currently celebrating its 65th year anniversary.

houses that consistently produces award-winning commercials and advertisements for its different clients. He is currently one of their most distinguished directors.

Be proud of the organization. Ecosoc has seen 60 years of excellence where it has continually thrived as one of the best organizations in the entire country. Do your best to immerse yourself in what we stand for and the things we live by. And finally, never forget to sit back and enjoy the ride. Your stay in UP goes by like a blur and sometimes it pays to bask in the moments and memories that will stay with you forever."

C C U LT U R E

A Conversation Between Wormy & Giffy. Ecosoc Sports: The Definitive Guide. On the Other Side. The Best Days of Our Lives. Staff Picks. Ecosoc on Film. A Letter to the Future Ecosocers. Tweetable Tweets. Lessons & Farewells. Ecosoc 2049.

E C H O E S

E C O S O C

M O N T H

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C U L T U R E

A C O N V E R S AT I O N B E T W E E N WORMY AND GIFFY

ISA CUEVAS & CHRISTINA LLANA

WORMY: Hey girl! GIFFY: Hey, Wormy! :) WORMY: What’s up? Anything interesting happening in your life? GIFFY: hmmmm none naman! Been busy lately with preps for acdc and GT but nothing extraordinary naman. How about you? EE CC H HO O EE SS

WORMY: That seems boring… I’ve been studying and drinking a lot in Walrus! GIFFY: Oh darn! That sounds fun! Too bad I don’t drink :< Invite me next time I can accompany you hihi WORMY: I’m sorry, but you’re not my type. I just wanna have hot guys around me!

|| EE CC O O SS O O CC

GIFFY: Oh wormy! You got me all wrong! I’ll be there as your friend and to make sure you don’t make decisions you’ll regret! WORMY: I’ll think about it.. I feel like you’re one of those boring dudes. GIFFY: I’m not! I won’t be!! Btw, Wormy, have you been seeing someone lately? I’ve been hearing rumors about you :O

M MO ON N TT H H

WORMY: Um I’ve been seeing a few people.. GIFFY: omg.. Not just one? But a few? Like who? Anyone in econ? :O WORMY: Joergen’s kinda hot!

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GIFFY: ooooo so he’s your type! Have you been talking? WORMY: Well yeah, but I don’t think I want to exclusively date him. I’m not into those things. GIFFY: ohhhh okay! You do you, Wormy! Sometimes I wonder what it feels like to have a love life :< WORMY: The only thing I can assure you is that it’s a wild wild ride! GIFFY: W-wild?! o.o Do you think I can handle that? WORMY: Fine! I can offer you some private tutorials if I have extra time. GIFFY: Yay! That would be great! Luv you, Wormy! You’re such a great friend hihi WORMY: I’m not sure if you got what I said, but I’ll surely give you an experience ;)

C U L T U R E

P U S OY D O S If you’re an app and don’t know how to play bridge, chances are you would be playing pusoy dos in the tambayan. This game is already knowledge to most of us. However, the challenging aspect of pusoy is the sequencing of techniques because one wrong combination and you might cause your chances of winning.

S P O T- I T OHMYGOD WHAT A REVELATION THIS GAME. As in grabeng tangina ng game na ‘to. This card game has been introduced by Jego Agabin to Ecosoc just this semester. And it is driving people nuts kasi! Ang! Hirap! Mag! Spot!!!! Sometimes we swear the tiles don’t have anything in common.

BRIDGE Undoubtedly the most famous card game in the tambayan. Years have gone by, members have come and go, yet bridge still lingers in the tambayan. When I was an app, “‘Di ka papasa hangga’t di ka natuto mag bridge.” was a commonly heard phrase around the tambayan. People may have passed without learning how to play the card game, but they certainly don’t pass not knowing of it. The rules are complex to teach, but gets easier as you play it. Highly advanced players, such as Anton Manotok, even use math to analyze the situations and probabilities.

ECOSOC THE DEF GUI

WRIT T E N b y D ART b y M

E GY P T I A N P O K P O K

|| EE CC O O SS O O CC

This game requires INTENSE speed of the mind and of the hand!! It requires swift mathematical skills and sharp eyes for patterns because if you don’t have these, you’re sure to lose. TIP: Don’t event dare to play against Jand Magpantay. He has never lost a single game of Egyptian Pokpok, as a pokpok himself.

M MO ON N TT H H

DINDO R AMOS MI A C RU Z

Erin Cheng’s only liked card game. Actually, I’ve only learned to play this game early in this sem, but it’s really intense. One, it requires good memorization skills in order to know which one has which cards. Second, you need to be good at bullshitting opponents. This takes up their chance to get your cards, and at the same time it extracts information on what cards they possess. EE CC H HO O EE SS

SPORTS: FINITIVE IDE

GO FISH

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K E N DA M A The once signature sport of Ecosoc may not be visible anymore today, but us old mems do remember of its legacy. The tambayan up to E-back used to be filled with ecosoc kendama players with their beloved kendamas of choice. Showcasing their tricks and abilities, non-players are often amazed by their control of the kendama. Names commonly associated with this game would be our alumni: Emil Apostol, Benjie Gana, Brothers Ryan and Timmy Jacob, and so on.

C U L T U R E

O N T H Eby O THER SIDE AYLA REYES Someone once told me the grass is much greener on the other side. With ten committees in Ecosoc, you’ve probably felt the desire to change committees at least once. Looking at the other committees with all their smiling faces – as if they don’t have as much work as you do – you start to imagine, “Will I be happier there?” What makes it more difficult to decide is that members are so multifaceted: they have to choose which of their

interests they like more. Even during the Applicants’ Orientation you’re already lures into the idea that you can do everything you want in Ecosoc because you get to rank the committees you want to join. You were basically given the idea that you will get to do those things in the committee you like but in the end be limited to just one. With a general maximum of eight semesters, how do you decide which committees you want to work in? You have to

weigh out your options by considering the two factors to consider when choosing a committee, the first being the work. The work in each committee is usually the same every semester: prodwork, release new issues of Echoes, recruit applicants, plan CDCs, make money etc., so it is easy to figure out what to expect. Work makes a big difference because you want to balance your Ecosoc load and your academic load as week and so you tend to choose something easy for you to do while still giving

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This article was originally published in the October 2012 issue of Echoes.

M MO ON N TT H H

Work in Ecosoc regardless of what committee is still work for Ecosoc. No matter how simple or complicated your events are, you’re still working for one purpose. You can be happy in any committee if you just choose to let yourself be happy.

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I thought I would’ve stayed in one committee forever. I already loved the work and it was simple for me to do. The committee I joined when I was an applicant was more of a work-based decision. I knew that I wouldn’t have had to work as hard because the work would be easy for me to do. As sems passed, I started using the free time I had with that committee into working for another committee as an extra. I ended up loving the work in that other committee even though it was more time-consuming than my actual committee work. What made the difference was the committee interaction that the work involved and so the people helped make the work easier. And every semester I wanted to change to that other

committee, but I never made the leap. Should I have changed committees back then? Yes, but I was too scared to go out of my confort zone and try something new. And when I finally tried something new after a year, it was one of the best things to come out of a bad situation. I hated marketing and when I found out that my job needed me to market for Echoes. I could’ve left and decided to change committees after that, but it was the people that made me stay. It was the people that made me forget about how difficult the work actually is. The work was a lot more challenging and it never stopped but I learned to love a committee that was my second choice when I was an applicant.

So which of the factors is more important? Well, that’s up to you. The truth is, you will never know if you would’ve liked work more in another committee because the times will be incomparable. There will always be different commheads, vice-chairs, comembers, and events in every sem so a committee is never the same. The only thing that stays constant is you and what you plan to do in your semester in Ecosoc. There will be times when you will hate the work you’ve been

assigned or aren’t close with the people that you have to work with, but your happiness will still depend on your approach to everything. Whether you chose to be in that committee or not, you can still make the most of each situation. If you think you’ve already found the work you love, then strive to make it the committee you love as well; interact with your co-members so you’ll never have any doubts about your committee.

EE CC H HO O EE SS

the most impact. You choose the committee because you know you can do the work and as long as you love the work that you’re doing, chances are, you’ll always be happy in that committee for the rest of your Ecosoc life. Then there is the people factor. This doesn’t mean to immediately go to the committee where your friends are. It means that you should just enjoy the working relationships you would have with those people; after all it is the people that bring a committee to life. The people who you work with and the committee head that you work for do matter in the way you approach your work. Those people can push you to do more than you thought you could actually do.

E C H O E S C OV E R S

EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the piece of cardboard that gets passed down to the current EIC, along with two huge boxes full of old Echoes issues. One day I'll get to sign this too!

S I G S H E E T

E C H O E S

E C O S O C

M O N T H

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C U L T U R E

T H E B E S T D AY S O F O U R L I V E S NATHAN PICO

On the eve when you first get the chance to read this, we will be on our way. You will be here with us as we relive the past four years in flashes in our minds, and maybe, pictures in a presentation. You will be here with us as some of us offer words of wisdom and gratitude while others find only silence on their lips. You will be here with us as some smile and embrace you while others fail to hold back torrents of tears that they are probably crying right now. For most of us, we were blessed to have four years, others three, others maybe less. But the matter of time spent is beside the point when the matter of lifetimes is taken into thought and to heart. And with you, with others who came before us, and with the oarganization we’ve all come to learn and love in some way or another, we have spent a lifetime’s worth of happiness, memories, and experiences. We trace our footsteps to the point in time when we first tread down this road. We were you once-- young, new, green, excited. We all still are actually, but just a little bit older, a little bit widers. We may have started in different places and in different ways, gone through our own unique hardships and obstacles, but in the end, we all still walked

this same way. For the applicants, congratulations. It’s one one of the most joyous things for us to see you become our fellow members. For the new members, we hope your first semester as members was everything you’d hoped it to be. For the older ones, don’t rush; savor every moment you have, every single step of the way. We know we did. Four years may be a long time, but here where we are, believe me when I say that it’ll go by so fast, even when you live every moment as hard as you can. So take every opportunity, jump at the chance to do everything you can, be everything you want to be and believe you can be, and at the end of it all, regret nothing. There won’t be any if you lived it, loved it, in the way you wanted to with every fiber of yourself that you could muster. And then you’ll get to look back just like us, at your own footsteps, your own contributions, a trinket here and there, an afterthought or a choice of words introduced. They may just be memories, a scratch you placed on the table, good times you’ll look back on, a picture you stuck on the wall, little traditions that bloomed, families you may have created. But they will be your memories, your scratch on the table, your crazy Grand Tradition exhibition, your picture stuck on the wall, your little after-MBA Grill Queen lunch tradition, your family. Your Ecosoc. So go crazy. Stay with one committee or go through every sin-

They say paradise can only be found in retrospect. And looking back, these will probably be some of the best days of our lives. 69

66 00

Thanks for letting us sign your sig sheets. Thanks for working alongside us on different teams. Thanks for all those evenings out along Katipunan, and those Adhocs and Vice-Nights we’d stay up late at night to watch the stars and do push-ups on sidewalks. Thanks for being part of our lives and simply-- thank you.

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and done so much and yet we can’t walk back. We can only hope that what we’ve left behind, no matter how great or small, be something that you find meaningful at one point or another down this path you too will take. Hope that someway, somehow, we touched your lives and we’ll forever be in a part of your memory of College life and the UP Economics Society.

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This article was originally published in the March 2009 issue of Echoes.

They say that the journey is always greater than the destination. Right about now, most of us have no idea where we’re going and all we can do is look back over our shoulders at where we came from. We’ve come so far

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gle one of them. Join Adhoc, be Taskforce. Try out the life of a Vice-Chair, run for Execom. Sleep on the couch, sit on the floor, be the one to first approach an app, drink in the Tambayan. Have a crush, fall in love, get your heart broken, pick yourself up. Make mistakes, apologize, be a brat, tell a bitch off. Write in the logbook, tear a page (kahit bawal), pour your heart out, crack a joke. Donate your skateboard, bring a gaming console, play some cards, catch a Killer. Be a Guardian, get yourself bid for, guide some apps, get up with them on stage when they pass. Take some pictures, upload them on Multiply, look back in a year and hold back that tear… or not.

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STAFF PICKS c om piled by M EI RA DE LU N A

ECHOES MILESTONES Saying there are too many to mention is cliche (even though it’s true), but my top 3 are memories that revolve around Echoes: organizing Litnight (my favorite Ecosoc event) this year, crying when I found out I was the new EIC, and of course, going to YZA and printing every issue. Zero regrets making the commitment to make Echoes my life these past four years. - Bianca Rañola

Backstage in Roots when you can see all flashlights on, the last LIV when the night was sort of winding down na, every time I see “for stitching” sa echoes masterfile HAHAHA - Maxine Capili

R O O T S , L I V, A N D S T I T C H I N G

CDC introduced me to Virlanie Foundation’s Aime Home. There are few things as heartwarming as seeing the innocent smiles of kids who just want to spend time with you. - Carlos Barrerio

CDC

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N YC

NYC is always one of the highlights of every year for me. This upcoming one will be my third and there’s nothing more fulfilling than knowing the work you put in for it has the potential to impact the thoughts and habits of our country’s next generation of future leaders. - Javi Vilchez

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My first LIV was probably my favorite and most memorable of Ecosoc events! I think mostly because it was an intro to how fun college could be plus the whole meeting my batchmates and the rest of Ecosoc was extremely enjoyable. Anyone who’s even remotely close to me also knows that night was also medj slightly special for me BAHAHAHA JK CHZ Andrew Banaag

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LIV N YC I N T E R N S H I P Another would be hosting (as an app) NYC! It was a different sort of experience as I had never hosted anything before, but I guess my loud and outgoing personality really fit the role and helped me get through the day hehehe. - Andrew Banaag

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SHOT by BIANCA RAÑOLA Minolta SRT Super • Konica C35 EF Fuji C200 • Fuji YKL 100 • Agfa Vista 200 & 400 • Kodak Colorplus 200 73

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Singing “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys.

Ok pa daw si Gabo. Eh pano si Tina? 74

S2pid luuuuuuv.

What's happening.

DP SHOOT

L I T N I G H T

GT S H O OT

Pussy Liu is too good for you.

Alexa, play "Blow Your Mind (Mwah)" by Dua Lipa.

GRAND ALUMNI

HOMECOMING 78

S E R V I C E

E C H O E S

E C O S O C

M O N T H

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P R O J E C T

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A LET TER TO FUTURE ECOSOCERS: 51st YEAR IN A CAPSULE RAYMOND ZABALA

An Open Letter to the FUTUUUURE

perfect time to concentrate on the socio-civic causes of our organization.

Hello Future Ecosocers! It’s me. The president of this great organization way back in 2009. I’d like to immortalize the 51st year of Ecosoc by putting this inside the Time Capsule. I hope that with this, you can get a glimpse of how it was to be an Ecosocer back when the year was 2009. Did you know that there has been evidence to support that Ecosoc was not established in 1958? Lucy Lopez, a former Echoes Editor-In-Chief, found a logo of the organization in one of the yearbooks dated 1956! Although a simple logo inclusion cannot conclude that UP Ecosoc existed before 1958; during this time our knowledge that Ecosoc was established in September 1958 and the first president was Godofredo Bamba. The 51st year. If you think about it, the whole year that we have spent is actually the organization’s 50th year. Since the 50th year has been celebrated already, the Execom decided that it is the

At the start of our term, our goal was to lay the path which we hope Ecosoc will grow into. We decided to focus more on the fact that our beloved organization is first and foremost a sociocivic organization. We have envisioned ourselves to be the prime movers of youth dynamism. With this in mind, we began with ourselves. We started by evaluating ourselves so we’d know where we should improve more in terms of our leadership and work ethics. During this year, we have increased the budget of the Monday CDC’s. Since we consider the children’s learning to be the top priority, changes were made regarding the manner in which Monday tutorials were conducted. Aside from intensifying our socio-civic nature, the organization also upheld its excellence. During this year, Ecosoc had an ACLE, and if anything but ordinary; our guest was Senator Kiko Pangilinan. We also made a campaign to empower the youth and promote

nationalist, not only to Ecosocers, but around the University as well. This was the driving force of Juan Republic, and to cap-off the campaign, we had a culminating party entitled Manila! Manila For the whole year also, the organization organized three movie screenings, to raise funds for the Ecosoc Fund. This funds all the internal committees of Ecosoc. This was also the year when we have developed close ties with friends from the different Econ organizations. We have spearheaded the Friendship week, the week where the three organizations literally expressed a sense of unity by removing all the borders of the tambayan and sharing one big SE room. This year, we were able to witness an upsurge in the number of applicants, something that Ecosoc hasn’t seen in recent years. September brought a lot of Ecosoc month events-- to name a few we had the Grand Tradition and the CDC Caravan. And to culminate the month in which Ecosoc was established, we made the

Ecosoc Adhoc, Zero Hour, FREE! That’s something you don’t see everyday.

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This year ended with the introduction of the new Execom and the new members. I am proud to say that after the elections, only one position was left vacant (better than last year) and despite the fact that a lot fought for a position (though this is still good since more people are willing to commit themselves to a year’s worth of selfless service), our elections were clean, efficient, and peaceful. Also, it is to be noted that a large number of applicants resulted to a large number of new members, bringing our total number of members to roughly 200! This is how we did it back in 2009. Our year connected the first fifty years of Ecosoc to the next. I can say definitely, we made history.

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This article was originally published in the October 2009 issue of Echoes. 81

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T W E E TA B L E T W E E T S compiled by MEIRA DE LUNA

@JanoDelena: Was scrolling through past posts and I saw this again HAHAHAHA, FML!

@celinapacana: So my 1/3/1 prof writes this longass definition of something on the board and proceeds to ask us if we understand

Remember this? @_dreynz “Di ko rin naiintindihan eh” Ayos toh kampante ako sa thesis nice

@ramielanude: if u work hard enough you can replace depression with exhaustion @eriincheng: best part of the job @jermracela: Pancit cantons from UP kiosks will never taste the same as the ones you cook at home kasi the water you used to cook your noodles at home wasn’t used as much HAHAHAHA @ ivanasnchz: To All The....... Days We Wasted Not Doing What We Were Supposed To Do @jabbyaurelio: you inspire my progress

@seanthakur: watched “to all the boys I’ve loved before” during my sanity break welp nawala lalo sanity ko @dindoramoose: Super unpopular opinion but studying is really relaxing as long as its not forced and/or rushed. @espiritujcm: you can be hurt as a friend, be jealous as a friend, and get disappointed as a friend friendship is also a relationship, let’s not take it for granted

@kelseymariano_: So today @Javiercrombie bought me food from uptc, but got hit by a trike, and fell in a puddle... And all he was worried about was that the milk tea didn’t make it !!! if this isn’t love idk what is !!!

“freshman year is being sad because ur crush isn’t replying

yes??? 100 something lang dapat yan??? hair strand ba ni Beyoncé ginamit niyo pang-thread bakit ang mahal ugh i hate capitalism @jemzontan: It’s pretty cold being alone @jmr59n: Nothing ruins a great song like a bad memory. @booyanca: omg

she reluctantly nods

@CHUcolatebar: Can I finally add “Latte Artist” in my résumé?

@JustVillas: Yung mga naka full diagonal ang upo sa jeep - yes po, hypoteneuse na po ang pwet niyo, longest length covered @CABATObatopik: me: ok kids so today we’re gonna talk about a story called the ant and the grasshopper

But I will never understand the apathetic. @anngrron: idk what i did to deserve a friend who’d sing me to sleep BUT TY ILY JENNUS KAHIT DI MO TO MAKIKITA

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“tangina nitong gagong [duterte] to napaka-bobo”

@Javiercrombie: I see the desperation of those who support him. I sympathize with those enraged against him.

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@maizconcielo: me as a cute child, watching the news with my parents: “ma, pwede magmura? isa lang?”

“Under the policy of social justice, the law bends over backward to accommodate the interests of the working class on the humane justification that those with less privilege in life should have more in law.”

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@alegaspi: milk tea sa umaga, alak sa gabi

@_solball: Maybe the best thing I’ve read in a case so far:

senior year is being sad because ur thesis adviser and professors aren’t replying”

@_martyrDOM:

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@spidagala: senior year could be both

@jandmagpantay: *about to pay for getting brows threaded* “sir that’s 320 po”

student: sir ganito ba grasshopper? *brings out a live cricket from her pencil case* WHY HAHAHAHA

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L E S S O N S & FA R EW E L L S ETNAP PANTE

I have skipped one night’s sleep, for Ecosoc, for the last time, to write this farewell piece. I have always wanted to write for Echoes, but I just never found it in me to be a writer. Sure, I’ve had my share of writing commnews (at sobrang hirap kaya!) but that is nothing compared to having to write something to say goodbye. And so I write from my heart… I have been with Ecosoc for three years and I tell you, this has been the best three years of my life. So what will I miss about it- everything. I have learned to eat, drink, and breath ecosoc. I have loved Ecosoc, and it has loved me back. During the last genmeet, when I saw Russel cry, I said that Ecosoc would not be the same without him. And I realized I wouldn’t be around anymore to see what Ecosocless-Russel would really be like , and so I cried with him. Ecosoc is where I have found the truest, most sincere, most real people I will ever encounter my life. I always thought that Ecosoc would be where I would find my first romance, but well, I didn’t (Could it be that I have found it somewhere else na? Hehe!). And no regrets here either. Because Ecosoc is where I have felt most loved, most appreciated. And for that, I owe you all a debt of gratitude. I have always been fond of jotting down quotes I pick up from books, people, and lately,

from text messaging. I put them all in one notebook and make them a part of my creed to live by. These are lessons in life which I have learned and have yet to learn. And it was during my stay in Ecosoc that I have come to realize the true meaning of most of them. I would like to share some to you. Forty sounds like a nice round number, doesn’t it? I’ve learned that… 1. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. 2. Sometimes, even music cannot substitute for tears. 3. There are things in our life that we don’t expect. They may be good or bad. One thing is for sure though. Everything happens for a reason. 4. In life and in love, it is okay to stop holding back and let yourself go, as long as you know that you are in control and that you can get yourself back. 5. You shouldn’t be too eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever. 6. It takes years to build trust and only a second to destroy it. 7. The universe is made of stories, not atoms. 8. You cannot make someone love you. All you can do is to be someone who can be loved. The rest is up to them. 9. When you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you’ll find the strength to help. 10. Happiness is an attitude. Whether we make ourselves

miserable , or happy, and strong. The amount of work is the same. 11. No matter what you think you have achieved on your own, you still owe your parents the gift of you. So every once in a while, tell your parents you love them. 12. Writing, as well as talking, can ease emotional pain. 13. We should be careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence you can reach for; perfection is God’s business. 14. It is hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people’s feelings, and standing up for what you believe in. 15. You shouldn’t compare yourself to the best others can do. Remember that the best you can give is all that people can expect you to offer. 16. The minute you settle for less than you deserve, you get even less than you settled for. 17. There are people who come into your life, and you are never, ever the same. 18. It is a lot easier to react than it is to think. 19. You can’t stay mad at somebody who makes you laugh. 20. You can keep going long after you think you can’t. 21. We are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel. 22. The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal to him his own.

I feel horizones Close in on me. But if the path Set before my feet was to be narrow I know in my heart That flowers of great happiness And treasured memories Would bloom among it. The joys of unfeigned work And noble aspiration And welcome aspirations Are to be mine.

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God’s in his heaven, All ‘s right with the world.

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And so, Ecosoc, this is my proper goodbye. It is really hard to let go. Specially with the thought of what the future holds for me. I’m really scared. But I know I’ll manage. Ecosoc has taught me that, too.

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23. Sometimes, I just need to be held. 24. Money is a lousy way of keeping score. 25. You should always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else. 26. It isn’t always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself. 27. There are people who love you dearly but just don’t know how to show it. 28. In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary. 29. No matter how much I care, some people just don’t care back. But that doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t care no more. 30. Sometimes, the people you expect to kick you when you when you’re down will be the ones to help you get back up. 31. Mistakes are a fact of life: It is the response to the error that counts. 32. Just because two people argue, it doesn’t mean that they don’t love each other; and just because they don’t argue, it doesn’t mean they do. 33. No matter how good a friend someone is, they are going to hurt you every once in

a while, and you must forgive them for that. 34. Among those you like or admire, I can find no common denominator, but among those I love, I can-- all of them can make me laugh. 35. It’s not what happens to people that’s important but what they do about it. 36. It’s always helpful to learn from your mistakes because then your mistakes seem worthwhile. 37. The people who make a difference are not the ones with credentials, but the one with concern. 38. Comfort and luxury are not the chief requirements in life. All that we need to make us really happy is something to be enthusiastic about. 39. Life is not a laughing matter, but I can’t imagine having to live life without laughing. 40. We could never say hello to the rest of our lives if we don’t say a proper goodbye to the part that is already over.

I have always been content with being the reader, never the writer. But this time is different. And so I close this farewell bid with an attempt at poetry which I think is most appropriate. Everthing is still. I sit in hushed contemplation,

This article was originally published in the October 1998 issue of Echoes. 85

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ECOSOC 2049 BIANCA RAÃ&#x2018;OLA

An imagined projection of the org’s 91st year.

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It is the year 2049. The grass is green with artificial vibrancy, and the air is a mixture of Lysol Crisp Linen Disinfectant Spray, burnt something, and, since this is UP, pee. I am back in Econ for my granddaughter’s graduation. Magna cum laude and smarter than me, for am I too lazy to compute if it’s possible for me to have a college graduate for a granddaughter at 50 years old. She is Echoes’ 85th Editor-in-Chief, and this time, I know I have my math right.

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Econ is different, but surprisingly, still the same. It’s got the same hallowed halls, the same ugly back parking, the same number of cats, both three-legged and rabies-infected. I feel like I’m 19 again. My granddaughter Topanga takes me to the tambayan, located in the same spot but covered in glass and air-conditioned, complete with automatic doors and big, flat screen monitors for each org. There are about six people hanging around, all dressed in clothes that look like they’re from the 2000s; apparently, skirts worn over leggings are making a comeback. Topanga tells me this is the EM 91 BOD and that they’re thinking of creating a party event with paint and water guns and foam bubbles, but they couldn’t think of a name for it. 87

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home. “How about LIV?” I butt in. They all look at me. Topanga introduces me and they’re all suddenly frantic, each one wanting to make my acquaintance. (I’m imagining myself as a really cool lola looking thirty and flirty and thriving.) One girl introduces herself as Siri, and one girl—I kid you not—is named Erin Cheng. I tell them about LIV and Musikapella and Foodgasm and the good ol’ days, and they listen to me wide-eyed. They’re so fascinated and so inspired, and I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of events these crazy kids have been cooking up these past few decades. “Oh, the usual staples: Silent Concerts, Fingertip Sports, Digital Campfires,” Erin Cheng says. My mind’s going “??????” until she says “Blind Bridge” and then I sigh in relief and familiarity. But then she adds, “But of course we only support the vegan version, so the Vigan children who cross over them won’t get allergies,” and then I realize she means

Ecosoc now builds bridges with vegan materials for blind children from Vigan and nothing makes sense. I ask to see the latest issue of Echoes, and Topanga hands me a rectangular glass block. “What’s this?” I say, utterly confused. She taps it with her finger and the front cover of Echoes’ April 2049 issue appears out of nowhere, and I almost want to throw up looking at it because everything’s moving and I get dizzy easily now. I muster the strength to let her flip through it for me, and everything is just different. Apparently, subscriptions cost like a thousand pesos now and each subscriber gets one of these glass blocks every month. I don’t understand anything and I can feel these children thinking to themselves, “Lol my lola’s like that too.”

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It doesn’t take a genius to figure out where I’m going with this. No

matter what changes Ecosoc experiences in the future—the resurrection of old events, the birth of new ones, and everything in between— it’s always going to be the same socio-civic org that generations of brilliant people know and love. No matter how lowkey or how active you are in Ecosoc, there’s always that small thing about it that grows on each person who makes it their home. There’s always that sense of community when it comes to playing bridge at the tambayan, or going to ACDC, or putting up an event. And that’s what I know it’ll be like, coming back after 30 or so years. It’ll be like how I feel every time I step into the tambayan now and make a connection with whoever it is that’s there. The spirit of Ecosoc will be upon me, and it’ll be like coming back home.

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I decide I’ve had enough of this because everything’s getting too much to handle. The lights are too bright and the motions are too fast and at 50 I am no longer allowed to drink as much coffee as I like so the caffeine withdrawal reverberates through me to remind me how old I’m getting. But just as I’m about to stand up, an influx of people enters the small space and Topanga tells me these are current members coming in to tambay. They smile at me, and next thing I know I’m beating them at bridge (real Ecosoc bridge this time) with these digital cards that are surprisingly easy to use. One of them introduces himself as the son of Jalen, my ACDC kid from way way back, and I swear I almost cry.