ECHOES March 2009

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Editorial Commnews Monday and Saturday CDC Culminating Activities by Hannah Manalili Manila! Manila! Takes Off by Myra Olaso Ecosoc Shouts, “Manila! Manila!” by Therese Joson Med Mission: Make It Possible by Hannah Manalili Ecosoc Gives Back by Mica de Jesus Save the Cheerleader, Save Ecosoc! by Noreen Apuhin EMAs Awarded During Challenge Night by Paolo Tamase Part Two of Photoshop Workshop Held by Selena Ortiga Applicants Undergo Last Test in Final Interview by Paolo Tamase Stylista: Ambition Is In Fashion by Geoffrey Bautista Mini-TBS: The Nutty Professor by Reuel Realin The Ecosoc Ball: Induction Ball and Seniors’ Send-Off A Stellar Night for Ecosoc by Dean Dulay Advertisements the Jwillian Code by the Jwill Struggles of a Tsinoy Teen by Carlo Go Salt & Pepper Hot Stuff by Joshua Coquia Man from Manila by Raffy Fulgar Summer Break From It All by Inna Morillo Q&A with Q&A do the FI!! by Angelo Quintos and Aaron Aw Guess Who? by Karen Orticio New Kids on the Block by Cheenie Quirante and Angelo Calabio Big Feet means Big Shoes by Chase Suguitan and Mrs. X Class of 2009 by the Daily E. Alcohol and Adhocs: the Throw ups and the Hook ups Best Days of Our Lives by Nathan Pico Signal 3.5 by Reuel Realin and Jau Azis How Four Years of Ecosoc Changed My Life by Aries Carlos How the Ecosoc App Process Changed My Life by Paolo Tamase How Not To Be Hot by Triszh Hermogenes and Geoff Bautista Black/white eyed by Kimchi and Sisieg Untitled by Jamoy Jampac Voicebox: What is your sacrifice this Lenten Season? by Kash Salvador Caption this!

Staffbox Ecrossocword Comics

**Echoes would like to apologize for not including Kenna Barit’s name in our Features staff.

What's inside?

EDITORIA EDITORIAL

Before March finally takes its final bow, and April brings in summer fumes, we have to acknowledge first the culmination of all our academic endeavors throughout the year. Yes, it’s graduation time again! And some may be finishing the school year as University or College Scholars; some may have sighed deeply in regret for what they have or have not done to make the school year productive; some may have just breathed out all their panics; some may have just started their hell week as of this time, while some might have went home to their provinces already; some may be happy because they were able to complete their first year; for another few, a feeling of nostalgia arises about completing their first year.

Imagine yourself in an utterly dark tunnel. You have traveled far and long enough, encountered potholes and marshes as you go. You toil, get wounded, yet stand up and walk again. Then after some time you see a little white light weakly illuminating before your eyes. Your eyes are just overwhelmed to see a growing but fragile light against the existing darkness. And little as it may be, this light motivates you to move on, recognizing that you are in the middle of nowhere, that your life in the most prestigious university in the Philippines is at all bleak in itself, that you have to manage to get out of there and move on eventually, and the only way to that is the light at the end of the tunnel.

Such scenario is experienced by all of us Ecosocers, and all of us, UP students. If you surmised the analogy right, this light at the end of the tunnel is the most sought after time for a student – graduation. Everyone of us walks through this tunnel, with our own sight of the light at the end. Depending on how long you have stayed in UP, this light may be feeble and unnoticeable; for others, conspicuous. For our seniors, the light has grown near, glowing brighter than ever.

It is this time when Shakespeare’s “parting is such a sweet sorrow” is most applicable. It is definitely hard to say goodbye to Aries, Czar, Minay, Lia, Peachy, Cherish, Nathan, Ida and Yla, among others. Yet, we cannot repress them to stay. UP has nurtured them enough that they are ready to go on their own. On the other hand, Ecosoc shouldn’t feel empty because the new members will definitely introduce new experiences, new marks to etch.

We say that change is inevitable, but the way we look at this change is definitely controllable.

It is in our own way of handling the truth that we see the drive to accept and move forward.

It is in our acceptance of weakness that we become brave. And it is in this bravery to conquer our fear of darkness that we reach the light at the end of the tunnel.

Everyone of us walks through this tunnel, with our own sight of the light at the end

Raymond Zabala for Adhoc committee

Hello ECOSOC! As you read my commnews, alam ko na ang iniisip niyo.. Ang laki ng pinag-iba ko since HS grad no? Hahaha. Alam niyo ba na kayo ang isa sa mga pinaka-unang taong nakakita ng grad pic ko? Grabe ah, things I do for the love of~ Anyway, back to the commnews. First, Let me thank everyone who made Ecosoc: Truly Ecosoc this semester. Thank you to those who helped in achieving our three goals: commitment to excellence, empowerment of members and the strengthening of our socio-civic nature. We are just laying the groundwork here; I, together with the Execom, will continue next semester to lead Ecosoc: the socio-civic organization as it approaches its 51st year.

To all those who have passed our application process, welcome! Welcome new members! This is the start of your life in Ecosoc. Although your learning experience has started during the application process, it does not end there.

In fact, you’ll learn a lot more as you grow in Ecosoc. I hope that soon, you’ll learn to love this organization.

To Karlo, Chase, Jholo, Kar, Jo, Pat, Yka, and the rest of the Adhoc-Taskforce Committee,

Thank you for this sem! Congratulations!

I’ll miss our late night meetings. Next semester, Adhoc and Taskforce will be a separate committee. Just approach Karlo or me if you are interested in joining Adhoc or Taskforce.

To my graduating friends, Congratulations!

In behalf of the whole organization, I would like to thank you in the countless efforts you have done for Ecosoc. I, as well as the members of the organization have learned a lot from you guys and I think that that is the legacy that you have imparted to us.

You have given us a piece of yourselves.

You will be missed by most of us. (And for me, that would be an understatement!)

Visit us next semester as much as you can.

You are still Ecosocers, and you are still welcome to stay in the tambayan! (forever, hehe) About the summer plansem: We are having difficulty scheduling it, due to the final exams, Holy Week, summer enlistment and summer classes. You will be hearing from your respective committee heads with regard to the details of the plansem. All are invited to join, especially the graduating members as well as the new members.

Most LikeLy to Be roDa’s HairDresser First of all, I would like to congratulate the new members of our beloved organization. All the time and effort they spent over the application process has finally paid of now that they are part of the organization. I cannot wait to see how they will grow to love ECOSOC even more. Most of all, I look forward to their contributions and achievements in the future as we continue to steam ahead into even greater things for ECOSOC. Next, I would like to extend my greatest appreciation to the seniors who will soon be graduating and moving on to their careers. It is without a doubt that ECOSOC will not be where it is today without the leadership of our graduates. The organization will forever be indebted to what they have done for us. In this regard, the organization will always be here and so should they feel welcome anytime to come by and visit. I am certain everything will be the same in the future as when they leave, except of course, they will now be signing at the back of the sigsheet.

On another note, I would like to thank everyone who supported the Ad Hoc – Task Force Committee and our projects for this semester. The money that we have raised from this successful campaign will be well spent again on our scholars and in preparation of our 51st year. Service, Excellence and Tradition are again lived to its full potential because of our undying passion the community and to the organization.

Karlo Patron

for Taskforce committee

Truly ECOSOC has been truly successful. Our socio-civic causes have been extended to its fullest potential.

The members are rejuvenated and empowered. And the organization remains upheld in all of its endeavors.

There is no turning back now as we power into bigger and more exciting things.

Watch out!

Most LikeLy to Be a soccer DaD

Triszh Hermogenes for Secretariat committee

OMG!!! I can’t believe it’s the end of the semester already. It seems just like yesterday when I was just planning the whole sem with the Execom. Wow. This sem was a super kaduper fun roller coaster ride! I wouldn’t have experienced it if it weren’t for all of you, so I want to say thank you: Mom, Dad and siblings Thank you for supporting me and my org work. I know that sometimes, it’s a hassle for you to fetch me late (since you won’t let me drive) and wait for me before you eat dinner, but you still do. I love you!

Seccom Sparkle Fairies Thank you for picking Seccom and working so hard for all of our events. They wouldn’t be as spectacular if it weren’t for you. I look forward to working with you again next sem! [Congrats Lia and Jau for passing the application process!]

Sel and Chrissa You have been my extended right and left hands for the whole semester. I couldn’t have done wonderful things without you.

Thank you for being my vice chairs and I hope you’ll still be my VCs next sem. (Say YES okay?)

Most LikeLy to aDopt a cHiLD March na! Now, we are all busy with our acads, cramming for exams and paperwork, but let us not forget to pause and evaluate ourselves and what we have done this semester. In this light, I would like to recognize the ones who made valuable contributions.

First, I would like to thank all the sponsors – BSX, Nissin Cup Noodles, C2, Nova, Dover Construction, Leyte Lumber Yard, Kynar Decorative Panel Phil., Taboan Concrete Products, E.P. Suiza and New Real Shell.

Archie – for being active from Twilight till March.

Kester – for Bingo sponsor, your 1st scav hunt, etc.

Mashee & Lianne – for contributing in all Fin events + A/R. Nikko, Marianne, Bea – you were not visible but able to be felt in Finance and in Ecosoc.

Pinay – di ka masyadong nagpakita. pero ok lang.

New Members: Car, Andre, Reg, Dom and Horace – Congratulations!

To my VCs Kenna and Niki – thanks! From Twilight till March, you helped a lot. Collect more A/Rs. :)

Execom, “good job” I think isn’t enough.

We are ASTONISHING! Thank you so much!

Love you guys!

I would like to thank all my members for being active this sem – from late October up to now.

Jenny – for being super active esp in Twilight and Bingo.

Reg – for tree planting venue and collecting A/R. Gilbert – for bringing fun and being SUPER active in finance.

Lia and Pat – You’ve grown a lot. Sa lahat ng events ng finance, you were present and able to contribute much.

To the Seniors, congratulations! you’ve made it. *Ate Lia, thanks for having me in Finance during your term.* Thanks to you all.

Ecosocers Thank you for participating in the super stunning Seccom events! I hope you enjoyed them. I’m so happy that you’re doing your part in keeping our tambayan clean.

Team Patriszhia Pat, Ray, Jorell, Trixie and Reine! I super miss you and our guardian-ward bondings.

I know I’ve been busy this sem and I didn’t have time to bond with you so I’m gonna make up for it big time. Sa 25 okay? :D Mean Girls Hey bitches! Thank you for always being there for me. I know that you bully me because you love me so much but you’re just too bitchy to show it. I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me.

Sexycom Hello Execom! If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t be where I am right now. Thanks for choosing me to be the Sexytary of Ecosoc. I hope I surpassed your expectations. I have learned a lot from you and am glad that I was given the opportunity to work with you.

R <3 Thank you for making me happy :) ILY.

CJ Villanueva for Finance committee

To YOU, for reading this and for simply being an Ecosocer. Btw, if you want to see the statement of cash flows of our org this semester, just approach me. See you all next semester!

P.S. Revenge is coming this June.

Most LikeLy to Be a FuLL-tiMe GaMBLer

Maui Rabucco for External Affairs committee

Hello Ecosocers! One sem has passed, yet again. I sure enjoyed serving you this sem. Iba talaga ang ecosoc love eh. You get pulled in without even noticing it. The work doesn’t seem like work anymore, it’s something I do out of habit. Grabe talaga what one sem can do. Of course, this sem would not be as successful without the help of my super vice-chairs: Ella and WilJ. Ella, for super putting effort in all the tasks that I’ve assigned to you and for always doing things more that what I’ve expected of you, super thank you! WilJ, for forever being the person I can talk to about anything and for being the source of brilliant ideas, thank you so much. You both have been the best support group ever!

TEAM EXTERNALS! Thank you sharing this sem with me, never wished for a better team than you guys! Looking forward to working with you again next sem! To my dear seniors: Yla, Lia and Bhadz thank you for choosing to spend your last sem in externals. Yla, I wish I could have gotten to know you better, but nonetheless, thanks for everything. Lia, sobrang colorful ng life mo! Kahit busy ka, thanks for helping out parin sa lahat ng event ng externals. Super galing mo lia! Bhadz, don’t leave me… haha. I’m

Most LikeLy to Be tHe First to Get MarrieD Time flies really fast! Two years ago, I am one in the bunch of newbies to be inducted sa org. Half a year ago, normal member lang din naman ako. Then a month after that, naging Execomm ako, attempting to make a difference for myself. Then months after that, nag-enroll, nag-aral, nag-papers, nag-cases, nag-exams, nag-events, nagcommeets, nag-genmeets…nag-ecosoc.

Kaya pala!

Una, thank you sa lahat ng people na umattend ng Alay-sa-Personnel last March 19. Sana ay naappreciate ng mga personnel ung ginawa ng mga orgs. Next time, I will make more people involved dito. Ayt! This semester won’t be complete without the best team that I have worked with ever – Academic Affairs Committee! Dean, Ria, thank you for being my greatest VC and supporters na laging game sa lahat ng tasks! Cathy, Sam S., Inna, thank you for being there when I need help kahit busy kayo with council works. Anjo, Cheyence, Cocoy, Rachel, salamat sa pagiging attentive, keep up the very good work!

Aira, Sam A., magpaka-active pa next sem ah! Reuel, Steven, Nads, thank you for sharing your skills during the app process and of course, welcome to ecosoc! To my

graduating members, congrats and good luck! Nica, Elvie, Pat, it’s good knowing and working with you. Michelle, thanks for inspiring and teaching me to become better ecosocer! I am really happy na kayong lahat ung nakawork ko this sem. Super thank you!

gonna miss you! Thank you for taking care of JPES, I know super love mo yung ginagawa mo and I’m so thankful that you’re part of this team.

Audrey, BJ, Cheska, Crisan, Janica, Jasper, Josteen, Kimmie, Len, Mocca, Raffy, Ray, Sarah, super nag-enjoy ako working with all of you. Special shout out to KIMMIE, CHESKA and RAY, thank you for bringing your best foot forward!

Ang galing niyo super. Kimmie, I love you! I know you have so much to offer ecosoc and I’ve proved it this sem, ang galing mo. Thank you for the wonderful ideas and the beautiful pubmats. Cheska, the forever bibo kid! Galing mo magbenta ng stick-o. haha. Ray, I’m glad I got to know you better this sem. Keep up the good work, ang dami mo pang potential.

Leila, Marian, Menay, Myra and Ryan!

Welcome to ecosoc! I hope you enjoyed the app process and sana madami kayong natutunan. Love ecosoc and it will love you back. As members, a whole lot of doors will open for you so grab every opportunity you can get.

EXECOM, wow! One sem down, one more to go. Ang dami kong natutunan from and with you guys. It’s been a blast. : )

Nandz Roxas

for Academic Affairs committee

To all members, sana ay nag-enjoy kayo sa lahat ng activities of our org this semester.

I hope all of us were able to live up the truly ecosoc way. Congrats to all newly inducted mems! Execomm, one sem wellaccomplished! I wish there were more space to express my appreciation and joy for all the things that we’ve been through.

Thanks sa family ko na I know silently supports me too!

I am writing this chain of words overwhelmed of all the things that has just happened. I realize, nasa middle na pala ko bigla of my term. And grabe, kinaya ko nga! But I know there’s more to come next semester. More exams, more cases, and more ecosoc! More fun and more learnings!

I really enjoyed and learned a lot from all of these! Kayang-kaya pa! ^_^

Most LikeLy to Make soMetHinG out oF notHinG

Gel Fernandez

for Communit Dev’t. committee

I can’t believe that another semester is oveeer. My first sem as execom is oveer, ang bilis laaaang. Maybe mabilis lang kasi talaga ang second sem, or maybeee, I’m just really having fun. Haha. Seriously, kahit super stressful minsan, the happiness and enjoyment I get from this org can really compensate for it.

This semester we tried a new Monday CDC scheme, which was designed to address the problems of the previous systems. We really want to improve the program’s efficiency, not only to of course, better achieve our objectives for the tutorials, but also for us all to enjoy what we’re doing. I takes effort to tutor kids and take care of them, kaya dapat walang effort na nasasayang. The new scheme still has its flaws though. We’ll continue to look for ways for the Monday CDC to be really efficient. : ) Ayan start na ng thanks kooooo. Ayan for all those who took the time to really get to know the kids, do something for them..

Thank you! Sa aking frieeends, you know who you are, thanks sa lahat. To my family too, I love you. Sa apps na NEW MEMS NA

NGAYON! Congraaats! Faye, Hannah, Carole and Gelo! Looking forward to bonding with you guys moore. Sa buong CDC! Kat, Matel, Totoy, Reine, Terry, Iyam, Demet, Mel, Gen, Ate Sherri, Ate Goldy, Kim, Ate Czarthaaanks sa lahat ng bonding time, and sa lahat ng help. Syempre si Ate Cherish special mention. Grabe mamimiss kita. : ( To my VCs- Darrel, wag na tayo mag-away hahaha, thaaanks sa lahat, and Jaaay, super thanks sa lahat lahat ng help.

SEXYCOM - aww, para tayong family, and I love it. : ) One more seeeem!

I hope all of you learned a little something from attending the CDC events. Yung buhay ng mga ibang taong tinutulungan natin, super layo sa mga buhay natin. We should know how lucky we areee. Sana talaga may natutunan kayo from the CDC events, maging patient, understanding- kahit ano basta meron okaaay?

Enjoy your summer guys! Punta kayong planseeeeem. Yey see you next sem!

Most LikeLy to Live HappiLy ever aFter Wow last Echoes release for this sem. I can’t express how relieved I am na natapos namin ‘to. Echoes vs. acads. Ang hirap kalabanin nun lalo na’t hell week ngayon. Finals left and right.

Papers here and there. Not to mention the group projects on the side. So, before anything else, I’d like to say a big, big THANK YOU to all the writers, layout artists and photographers who have helped us in materializing this issue (and the past two Echoes na din). Each release was made possible due to your hard work and support. Medyo nakakainis na hindi ko kayo pwedeng i-mention lahat dito pero promise, natetempt nako ng sobra haha. Thank you from the bottom of my heart :) SENIORS. I will miss you, you and you. You also. And your friend. And of course, how could I forget you. In short, ka-you-ng lahat :P Minay, my Memcom chair, thank you for instilling in me, through your amazing work ethics, the importance of consistency. I disagree with Chase. Walang makakapalit sayo hahaha.

Aries, my Adhoc leader and Papi, ang galing mong magmotivate ng tao. Goodluck sa bright future ahead! Sagot mo pa rin yung 60th Adhoc party ah. Anday, my pub head for 2 semesters, wag maging conscious sa weight okay. You are beautiful :) AOS mastermiiind awoo, awoo.

Czar, you have become more than an EIC to me. Hahaha. Thank you for understanding the weird stuff, both good and bad. Avenue Q, don’t forget.

To the best editors I could ever ask for: Accountant Tin, Sabaw Kim, Reyneil Daga, Bad Mica, Baby Mia, Patrick Payat and Sexy Bianca, we surviiived :) Ang galing natin. Ang ganda din ng album cover natin. I’m so proud of each and every one of you. And I’m more proud of what we have accomplished as a team this semester. Lumevel up ang Echoes because of your artistic vision and mission. Thank you and I love you! It’s a very nice feeling knowing that we’ll be working again together next semester, forced or not.

Leslie Octaviano for Echoes committee

Echoes apps, Paolo and Therese, WELCOME TO ECOSOC! Mehn, look how much you innocent kids have grown. It has been my pleasure working with you throughout your app process (why am I so luckyyy?). Goodluck with your future plans. I’m here if you need someone to photoshop your blemishes (and sige, other stuff na din :P).

EXECOM. My home committee. Parang kelan lang wala pa si Triszh at Ogie. Hahaha. One more sem to go! Thank you for making Execom life as fun as possile. Our diverse personalities amuse me more than it should.

ECOSOCER. Love Ecosoc because seriously, the grass is greener on this side. Just look at the wonderful people around you~ I hope you enjoy the articles. I shall see you again next year :)

Most LikeLy to Be tHe presiDentiaL spokesperson anD press secretary

Rodanel Cris for Liaison committee

Hello! WOW Grand Ball! Congrats to the new mems (especially Sushi!!) and welcome to the new alumni. Lol. Kidding aside, I’m super happy to see all of you tonight (weh) to welcome the future members of Ecosoc and to pay tribute to the seniors who molded Ecosoc to our now super beloved organization. Thank you for the guidance, leadership, laughter, and friendship. Sobrang mammiss ko kayooooo!. Kaya naman ngayon palang iniinvite ko na kayong lahat sa CDC with Alumni next sem (details to follow) Kuya Micoy, hindi mo lang alam kung gano kita inaadmire at nillook-up.. hehe; Ate Sab, kaw pa din girl crush ng madaming ecosocers including maiko and jes..haha; Ate Jopee, thank you kasi palagi ka pa ding anjan kahit andami mo nang ginagawa. stay pretty : ) ; Ate Pen, super happy ako na nagkasama tayo sa TF at Liai :P ; Ate Karen, LIAI forever! :D ; Ate Chevy, hindi tayo masyadong nagkikita pero thank you sa mga short notice (artsyfarty) stuff ; Ate Diane, I’m

super happy to have worked with you (sana noon pa).

Ang nostalgic ng feeling. HAHA! Not because of the memories, but the fact that we’ll go next.

Execomers, 1 sem na tayong magkakasama! Ang bilis ng oras kaya sulitin natin lahat ng oras na magkakasama tayo. <3 Sushi, congrats sa app process. Ecosocer ka na! sana Liai ka pdn next sem :D Jes and Maiko, super thank you for everything. I love you both!

I hope to see you all in Plansem :p Have a great summer, don’t forget your sunscreens.

Most LikeLy to Be a HousewiFe I have really nothing to say but thank you. (So you can stop reading now!)

I could’ve died this sem without the two of you. Thank you so much.

Ecosocers, thank you for accepting a radical person to head the Membership Committee. I know you wouldn’t really have. I still think it’s a joke lay upon to me by the heavens. But it sure was a great joke; one of the best jokes in my life. And don’t get me wrong, I love spending my time in service to Ecosoc.

Always is and always will be.

To my family and friends (even if the chance that you’ll be able to read this is 1 in 9564213), thank you for trying to understand why I choose this over being too engrossed in academics or going to the streets with the uring manggagawa and uring magsasaka. You do know it’s not my cup of tea.

Memcomgoodness team, thank you for choosing to work with me—a person with mood swings worse than an African-American model wannabe in ANTM. Thank you Madel, Dennis, Chesca, Jogan, Carlo, Regi, Katz, Jholo, Anday, Noel, Mykel, Yka, Chase, Donna.

Thank you for all the help you choose to extend.

To the best VCs in the world, thank you for stepping up Janna and Laur. I would never find VCs like you even if I searched the whole planet. Jesus knows

Siegfried Alegado for Membership committee

To the (Sex)execom of UP Ecosoc, I really enjoyed working with you guys.

And for whatever reason there is… thank you.

To my commheads, Raymond and Karlo thank you for merely understanding and loving what I have and what I lack.

And oh, sorry if I got drunk on your event, I wouldn’t have if I didn’t choose to! Charot. But really, thank you for everything.

Ich liebe dich du sehr. Stay perky everyone!

Most LikeLy to Be a coLuMnist in MaGazines Like cosMopoLitan or FHM anD Be tHe Most renowneD sex Guru aLL over tHe worLD

Marianne Rosario

for Special Events committee

Hello Ecosocers! :) Whoa, ang bilis ng panahon no? Halfway na kami sa term namin.

This semester was full of fun and challenging experiences and I hope everyone enjoyed this semester.

Before anything else, for the nth time, congratulations to ECHOES-CDCEXTERNALS for being the HEROES of this year’s SCAVENGER HUNT. Runner-ups, prepare for next sem--Treasure Hunt would be at least as fun as this year’s scavenger hunt.

Unfortunately, SPEV’s last event with Externals, the Charity Bazaar, didn’t push through but the funds raised will still be given to Kanlungan ni Maria at the end of the school year.

Since the semester is coming to an end, I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank all of the seniors of Ecosoc, especially SPEV’s SENIORS. I am so glad and proud that I’ve got the chance to learn and work with you. I apologize for being “sabog” at the start of the semester.

Ida, thank you for everything—sa mga naituro mo sa akin sa iba pang SPEVER. I appreciate your presence and guidance in SPEV. I hope you enjoyed your last sem in Ecosoc and in SPEV. Good luck and be happy. :) Nathan,

thanks for helping me out since app pa lang ako. Super hands-on na guardian mo and kahit di na ako app, super tinutulungan mo pa rin ako. Thank you so much. Congratulations for passing LAE. Good luck. :) Aries, I’ve learned a lot from you in AdHoc. I wish we had more time to bond in SPEV. I wish you all the best and thank you for everything. :) Minay, I am so proud of you and good luck sa career mo. I hope you’ll enjoy your work and sana we also had more time to bond. :) Raya, good luck sa future career mo. Enjoy lang! :) Ranna, sayang hindi ka namin masyadong nakasama sa SPEV. Good luck na lang and congratulations! :) Moppet, sana kahit papano na-enjoy mo yung last sem mo sa Ecosoc. :) I’d like to welcome the new mems of Ecosoc, especially the SPEV APPS:)--Aaron, Noreen and Jana. Great job guys, sana may natutunan kayo sa SPEV at sana magamit nyo sya in the future. Congratulations to the three of you! I commend all of you for every contribution you have given not only to SPEV but to Ecosoc as well.

SPEV, especially to my vice chairs, I am so sorry for being too pushy and bossy. I just want to encourage everyone to participate in all of our activities. I hope, somehow, you had fun in SPEV. See you! :) PS. HELLO VINA! =P

Most LikeLy to Be tHe perFect corporate wiFe In beaches and oceans, soak up the sun, Movies and series to watch for fun, Leave behind all your worries Don’t have to hurry cause we have time to slow down and see All the possibilities that summer can be

WEEE! SUMMER NA! First of all I would like to commend all the members who made this past semester such a success! Ang galing talaga ng ecosoc! Wooo! At also congratulations sa lahat ng apps na pumasa! Welcome I hope you guys learn to love ecosoc cause surely ecosoc will love you back if you do.

I would also like to thank all those who supported the slow-pitch team! May bagong trophy sa tamabayan!!! WEE!!

Hahahaha!!

Amidst all the celebration of a successful and fulfilling semester, there is also a feeling of sadness. Sadness because a lot of the talents, persona, that has made my ecosoc experience truly ecosoc won’t be around. To all the seniors, first,

I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for guiding all of us through the years. Each of us having unique experiences with each of you, experiences that have left their mark on us. Thank you for helping shape most, if not all, our own personal ecosoc experiences.

I wish all of you the best. Because you have given so much for the organization all of you deserve the best. Rest assured we will continue the legacy of service excellence and tradition that has been invigorated and refuelled by everything you have shared and sacrificed for the organization.

Ogie Enriquez for Sports committee

To my committee, I love you! Woooo!

Best committee ever! I am so blessed and privileged to have had the chance to work with all of you! Especially to those who have been the backbone of sports.

You guys rock my world! Wooo! I can’t say enough about how easy my job has been because of all of you. I love you! I love sports!

Thank you so much Ecosoc! I’m looking forward to next semester! Take care and God bless this summer!

Most LikeLy to Go to tHe Moon

10 MONDAY AND SATURDAY CDC CULMINATING ACTIVITIES

By Hannah Manalili

Development Committee chair Angelica Fernandez.

The second semester of AY 2008-2009 is soon reaching its end.

Summer vacation is not just an awaited moment for the UP students but also for the beloved CDC kids, both the Saturday day care kids and the Monday tutorials kids. To cap off the activities that were offered to them throughout the semester, the Community Development Committee conducted culminating activities.

The Culminating Activity for the Saturday day care kids was held last March 14, 2009 at the UP School of Economics back parking lot. This event was organized by the Truly Apps with the theme “Kids at Heart.” The back parking lot was filled with fun and excitement as it was decorated with pin wheels that moved to the rhythm of the wind. The opening prayer was led by Reuel Realin and was followed by the opening remarks given by the Community

As part of the program proper, the kids bonded with the applicants and members through the games “Newspaper Dance” and “Mother goes to the Market.” The kids also had the chance to showcase their talents through their dance numbers.

The Truly Apps also danced to the tune of “All for One” for the kids. To recognize the efforts and active participation of the Saturday kids in the weekly activities prepared by the CDC, an awarding ceremony was made as a part of the program. The most punctual, most stylish, most behaved, and neatest kids were recognized.

The highlight of the culminating activity was a very inspiring song and dance number by the kids entitled “Put A Little Love in Your Heart” which was performed by the end of the program. They’ve been practicing the song for several weeks before the culminating activity. It served as their way of thanking Ecosoc. It was also an opportunity for the kids to offer a rose to their parents, ates and kuyas as a sign of warm gratitude.

The Culminating Activity for the Monday tutorials kids was held last March 23, 2009 at the UP School of Economics back parking lot. The opening prayer was led by Hannah Manalili followed by the opening remarks given by the Community Development Committee chair Angelica Fernandez. This day served as a Recognition Day for the Monday tutorials kids who’ve been taught values and have been aided in solving mathematical problems by the applicants and members during this semester.

Apart from all the studies and usual learning sessions, the kids filled the day with fun and enjoyment as they bonded with the applicants and members through the games “Newspaper Dance” and “Caterpillar.” Emil was recognized for his unfailing effort to attend the Monday tutorial sessions. Eliza was recognized as the most behaved kid and Patricia as the friendliest of all. The “Best in Math” award was received by Jana, while Shaira received two awards for being the Neatest and the Most Participative Kid. Each and every kid received a certificate of recognition for being able to fulfill and accomplish the tutorials program offered by the CDC. The closing remarks for the culminating activity were given by the Vice-President Karlo Patron.

Goodbyes must be filled with happy moments and memories. These culminating activities did not only mean recognizing the efforts of the kids but also meant parting with them – the kids whom the applicants and members have shared the rest of the semester with. Quoting a few words from the closing remarks of Karlo Patron during the Monday culminating activity, “The most important part of the program is that not only were the applicants and members able to share a piece of learning to the kids but the kids themselves have also taught the applicants and members something in return: Patience.”

11 MANILA! MANILA! TAKES OFF

By Myra Olaso

This semester, the Adhoc-Taskforce Committee brings you Juan Republic, a campaign that aims to raise awareness on Filipino pop culture. On the 13th of March, Manila! Manila!, one of the precluding events of the campaign, was officially launched at the SE Atrium.

The launch began at around 12 noon with emcees Jasper Chua and Cathy Alcantara welcoming the student body. The launch showcased various Filipino games with a twist, which were enthusiastically played by the audience. There was the “Pabitin”, where the tall guys were the only ones allowed to participate—instead of the usual stand up stance the guys were asked to sit down to catch them the pabitins. The winners of the games were given free tickets for the main event to be held in Attica, A.Venue. The launch also featured a staple in every Filipino fiesta, the “Palayok”, where Gilbert Bueno, Sel Ortiga, Janna Ong and Paolo Tamase tried their best to hit the clay pot containing candies.

Karlo Patron, head of the Taskforce Committee, delivered a speech inviting the audience to attend Manila! Manila! Raymond Zabala, head of the Adhoc Committee, closed the launch with his parting remarks. After the exciting opening for Manila! Manila!, a signboard was also opened to the student body where they can write the reasons why they are proud to be a Filipino.

Best beaches, best beer, and being “baduy” and “jologs” are only few of the seven thousand and one hundred seven reasons why it is so great to be a Filipino.

Manila!”

Be Juan with every Juan as they proudly shout, “Manila!

ECOSOC SHOUTS, “MANILA! MANILA!”

By Therese Joson

What better way is there to celebrate Pinoy pride than to hold a culminating party that caps-off the endeavors of the UP Economics Society’s event entitled Juan Republic, which seeks to promote the Filipino culture? None. That is why on March 20, 2009, members of the Society as well as other proud Filipinos flocked to Attica Bar and Lounge to celebrate their being Filipinos.

To start the party, a fashion show was held wherein instead of clothes being shown off, the models sported various statements showing off the greatness of the Philippines and the Filipino people as well as fragments of the Philippine flag (written and drawn with body paint). The fashion show got everybody hyped up for the rest of the night but the game that soon followed made everything even more exciting. Here, a wrapped box was passed around with dares under each wrapper for the participants to carry out. Indeed, the dares were daring enough to get the party started.

The DJ began to play the party sounds while free-flowing drinks were available at the bar and in the booth located at the balcony. Though the place was small, no one seemed to mind because of the good company and the fun that was happening all around. From the couches to the dance floor to those on the balcony and even those who decided to hang out outside the venue, not a face of dissatisfaction was seen. The success of Manila! Manila! just goes to show that we Filipinos know how to have a good time and show our Filipino pride.

To all proud Filipinos out there, stand up and shout, “Manila! Manila!”

12 MED MISSION: MAKE IT POSSIBLE

By Hannah Manalili

The medical mission was held last February 21, 2009 at Pook Amorsolo. Those who came to the medical mission were composed of people from all ages aiming to avail of the services to monitor their health conditions. They were given free check-ups by volunteer doctors and medical interns from UP Manila. The applicants and members assisted in distributing the medicines that were prescribed by the doctors to the people.

The volunteer doctors were given tokens of appreciation for providing free medical service and for giving the applicants and members an opportunity to reach out to the needs of the community. The excess medicines were donated to the center for the benefit of the community.

One of the major events facilitated by the Community Development Committee is its semestral medical mission. The applicants and members, through participating in this event, have once again uplifted the Society’s cause in accordance to this semester’s theme: Truly Ecosoc, Living the Cause Since 1958. By reaching out to the community and finding ways to help them satisfy their basic health needs, the applicants and members have exemplified their dedication not just to the UP Economics Society but most especially to the whole in which it is a part of, the Philippine society.

ECOSOC GIVES BACK

By Mica de Jesus

Last February 19, 2009, Tita Connie sat up front and smiled with a mouthful of spaghetti as Kuya Mario drummed his fingers to an old Beatles jingle. The semester is nearly at its end but it’s never too late to spend an hour with several friendly faces that are all too familiar. The UP Economics Society, under the Academic Committee led by Nandz Roxas, along with the UP School of Economics Student Council (UPSESC) and the Organization of Business Economics Majors (OBEM) organized the Alay sa Personnel at SE 105 from 12-1 pm.

Beginning with the Opening Remarks presented by Noel Reyes and Ella Javier, the event started with several musical presentations from talented Econ musicians and singers such as Ecosoc applicants Steven Hotchkiss and Car Sta. Maria. UP Ecosoc and OBEM brought food and drinks, which were served to the staff as orchestral flutes serenaded them, along with the tunes of the OBEM band. The room was overflowing with energy as the ates stifled their giggles and the kuyas roared with laughter as Jasper Chua kept the crowd alive. Games were played and gift packages were handed out, signifying the end of a successful, cheery event.

13 SAVE THE CHEERLEADER, SAVE ECOSOC!

By Noreen Apuhin

Nothing can stop the Ecosocers when the fate of the cheerleader and the tambayan are at stake. That is why on the 28th of February, the Special Events Committee spearheaded yet another awesome event, the mostawaited annual Scavenger Hunt and Vice Night!

This year SPEV decided to make the popular television series “Heroes” its basis for the challenges’ story line. With that the Society’s committees were grouped into four: ECE (Externals-CDC-Echoes), ARF (AcadsRaymond-Finance), Liai-Mem-Karlo, and SecCom-Sports.

Each group was given a chance to have a special power like the genuine heroes in “Heroes.” These powers include flight and speed, which made their challenge faster; space-time manipulation, where the committee could yield another group or bypass one station; precognition, which allows a group to know beforehand the stations’ location; and the Haitian, which allows the group to possess the power to “inhibit others from using their power.” Each power can only be used once in the entire race. SPEV organized pre-challenges before the actual scavenger hunt to determine who gets what power. ECE got the Haitian, ARF got the Flight/Speed power, SecCom-Sports got Space-Time Manipulation while Liai-Mem-Karlo got Precognition.

So how does one save the cheerleader? The team that reaches the final destination first gets to save the cheerleader, Ida Bennett, and will have her coolest power. which is spontaneous regeneration! They had to pass a number of stations before they could save her. First, they had to pass through the Eastwood station where teams were tasked to change into a mummy and ballerina costumes and earn a couple of money from the passersby. Second, there was TechnoHub station where they had to pass a cylindrical ice cube using their mouth with their hands tied together. Next came the Brewing Point station where they had to do mental problems while their teammate tries his/her best to hoola-hoop and jump rope. Lastly, there was a station in Joshua Coquia’s house where they had to play charades under the piercing heat of the sun while the guesser’s feet was submerged in vinegar and the other teammates had to insert a needle through a thread after drinking a number of shots. Team ECE successfully arrived first at the finish line and accumulated a certain number of points in order to help them be the overall champion.

How does one save the tambayan from the danger of exploding? BY SCAVENGING! Minay Petrelli can’t control her newly acquired radiation manipulation power and only Mohinder Suresh knows the exact formula that can alter Minay’s DNA. The goal is to scavenge for all the things needed for Mohinder’s formula, which is hidden all over Metro Manila! The team with the most number of scavenged items in the scavenger list wins the most number of points and this will be added to their challenge points. The teams had to go to their houses to collect these items; others went to Tiendesitas, while some acquired items from sari-sari stores. Among the items they brought back were a 1998 old issue of Tiktik tabloid and a strange ‘titi’ wooden carving team SecComSports found in Tiendesitas. Overall, team ECE won the scavenge part.

Adding up all the points each group accumulated, the winner of the 2009 Scavenger Hunt was team Externals-CDC-Echoes, garnering a total of 1, 745, 000 points! Second place goes to team Acad-Raymond-Finance with a total of 1,000,000 points.

Liai-Mem-Karlo ranked third place and SecCom-Sports came in last garnering 860,000 points and 775,000 points respectively.

The organization finished the night with vices of all sorts at Steven Hotchkiss’s house in Teacher’s Village. The SPEV applicants did a great job in preparing the food and the drinks. It was a night for celebrating victory and accepting defeat. Maybe the much waited vice night kept the committees going throughout those stressful stations?

So congratulations to SPEV and ECE! Watch out for next year’s Scavenger Hunt!

14 EMAS AWARDED DURING CHALLENGE NIGHT

By Paolo Tamase

February 27, 2009 was a night of presentations, awards, and cross-dressing, as this semester’s Ecosoc applicants held their awards-show-themed Challenge Night at SE 125.

The Challenge Night, entitled “EMAs: The Ecosoc M Awards,” featured honors for members and applicants in eleven different categories, as well as seven performances and presentations in between awarding ceremonies.

The eleven categories and their nominees were formally announced by then-applicant Dom Garcia during the General Meeting of February 25, 2009. Ballots were randomly distributed among sixty members and applicants a day ahead of the formal announcement.

During the Challenge Night itself, guests were greeted by a red carpet and a photo wall before entering an SE 125, reconfigured into an awards show venue complete with multi-colored lights and smoke machines.

The ceremonies began with an opening prayer sung a capella by sophomore trio Leila Rahnema, Menay Manalo, and Steven Hotchkiss, followed by host Andre Sarmiento’s opening spiel. Paolo Tamase gave the welcome remarks in behalf of his co-applicants, where he mentioned that the two goals of their Challenge Night were to showcase their individual and collective talents, and to honor and thank the Society’s members through the awards they were to hand out that night.

The awards for eleven categories were presented by applicants.

The EMAs were in the form of gold-painted fiberglass sculptures specially designed and created by Faye Ferrer’s father. Carl Asiddao bagged Sportsperson of the Semester; Maiko Okada was named Best Performer; Q Quintos won Hottest Applicant; and Aaron Aw was honored by his App Officers with the Totoy Bibo Award for most enthusiastic co-applicant.

Trizsh Hermogenes was named Fiercest-Dressed Member, while Totoy Lilagan was given the Greenest Mind award. Excellence in Chichi went to Jorell Garcia, while Erik Eleazar bagged the Mr. Choco Lava Award. Karlo Patron and Cocoy Licaros were both named Hottest Male Members. The Hottest Female Member award went to Mela Sison, and Karlo Patron and Peachy Pizarro accepted the night’s top honor, Best Love Team.

Throughout the night, applicants also showcased their talents via presentations and performances, which included a love songs medley by Myra Olaso, Hannah Manalili, Issay Villanueva, Horace Cimafranca, Reg Reinoso, Paolo Tamase, and Jana David; a “Mr. Suave” dance number by Aaron Aw, Gelo Calabio, Q Quintos, and Ryan Villanueva; a classical number by Marian Trespeses, Reuel Realin, Car Sta. Maria, and Steven Hotchkiss; and a “Single Ladies” dance number by Andre Sarmiento (in high heels), Jau Azis, JM Galves, Faye Ferrer, Sushi Rivera, Noreen Apuhin, and Race Cimafranca. Chiara Cokieng, Lia Lontoc, Carole Nisperos, JM Galvez, Therese Joson, and Kris Esgana also prepared a commercial number that was played during the awards ceremony.

The applicants also presented two batch numbers: a song number, “Stand by Me”; and a finale dance number, “All For One”, in High School Musical fashion.

The two-hour program ended early at 8:30 in the evening to allow the members and applicants to have a good night’s sleep before the Scav Hunt, which took place the day after the EMAs.

15 PART TWO OF PHOTOSHOP WORKSHOP HELD

By Selena Ortiga

Just when you think it was over, Seccom returned with the second installment of the Photoshop Workshop. Once again, applicants and members gathered in SE 105 after class ready to learn more about the photo-editing software.

Anday Pua, Econ’s very own National Artist, returned with brand new lessons now more on the topic of layout and text. After learning the basic tools from the first workshop, the audience was put to the test on the application of these tools. Anday delved more into the proper use of fonts and brushes especially on pubmats. She showed that even with the many features of the Photoshop software, Even if a few technical difficulties were encountered during the sesit does not mean that one is required to use everything all at the same sion, the audience left the second part of the Photoshop Workshop time. Sometimes less is more and this is all that matters when making contented with the new lessons they absorbed from Econ’s National an effective pubmat.

Artist, Anday Pua.

Other than lessons on making effective pubmats, Anday also showed part of her creative portfolio. Her countless prolific pubmats served as inspiration to the audience, hopefully allowing them to be inspired in making their own pubmats soon.

APPLICANTS UNDERGO LAST TEST IN FINAL INTERVIEW

By Paolo Tamase

Pubmats are necessary especially when it comes to events in Ecosoc. Hopefully, through the two Photoshop Workshop sessions, making pubmats will not just be a necessity but a hobby for everyone as well.

18% of each applicant’s overall grade.

All 31 remaining applicants went through the interviews, although the Execom initially offered 32 interview slots. Sophomore Elora Bandiola deferred her application during the week of the final interview.

The applicants granted membership were announced on Tuesday, 17 March 2009, only a day after the Execom deliberations.

The 28 new members include (in alphabetical order) Noreen Apuhin, Aaron Aw, Jau Azis, Gelo Calabio, Race Cimafranca, Chiara Cokieng, Jana David, Faye Ferrer, Dom Garcia, Steven Hotchkiss, Therese Joson, Lia Lontoc, Hannah Manalili, Menay Manalo, Carole Nisperos, Myra Olaso, Q Quintos, Cheenie Quirante, Leila Rahnema, Reuel Realin, Reg Reinoso, Sushi Rivera, Andre Sarmineto, Carissa Sta. Maria, Paolo Tamase, Nads Tongco, Marian Trespeses, and Ryan Villanueva.

Aaron Aw topped this semester’s final interview with a score of 97.33, while Therese Joson came in second with 96.34.

This semester’s Ecosoc applicants completed their semester-long application process by undergoing their respective final interviews, held from March 9-14, 2009 at the Ecosoc Tambayan.

As in previous semesters, the interviews were conducted by the members of the Executive Committee, who quizzed the applicants on the Society’s recently revised Constitution and their overall application process, among others.

Unlike previous semesters, the Final Interview constituted

16 STYLISTA: AMBITION IS IN FASHION

By Geoffrey Bautista

ness the members’ fondness in the discipline while developing teamwork. “It’s time to put the members’ stylistic innovation and competitiveness in line with being trendy,” says Stylista co-director and host Selena Monica Ortiga.

Appropriating timeliness with the nationalistic theme of the Adhoc-Taskforce for the semester, Seccom Chair Triszh Hermogenes directed that the creative output of the mini-TBS be an Ecosoc superhero. The catch was to make use only of the materials to be given by the Secretariat Committee, such as trash bags and newspapers.

Four groups of eight to ten members, each including a ramp model they chose, worked hand-in-hand to create the quintessential model of an Ecosoc member. Challenging as it already was, the groups had to finish dressing up their own model within fifteen minutes only. As a result, models Lia Veneracion, Andre Sarmiento, Kris Esgana, and Marian Trespeses all had at least one flaw subject to the scrutiny of judges Youtube star Jamoy Jampac, and co-organizers Siegfried Alegado and Triszh Hermogenes.

Each of the models’ “powers” and its group’s symbolisms were all showcased before the judges and the rest of the participants.

A few of the judges’ resonating comments were, “Grotesque and utterly incomprehensible,” “You look more of a villain,” and “This is not a beauty pageant.”

On the afternoon of March 6, 2009, several members of the organiza The afternoon’s endeavors ended with the triumph of the tion participated in the fourth episode of Gossip Go by the Membership group of Marian Trespeses. Although some of the participants suffered and Secretariat Committees. This Friday was a day to remember for a loss due to their apparent lack of experience in designing persons, Ecosoc’s fashion endeavors. the spirit of teamwork and competition nevertheless was successfully evident.

Entitled “Stylista: Ambition is in Fashion”, it aimed to har-

MINI-TBS: THE NUTTY PROFESSOR

By Reuel Realin

It was a perfect afternoon for another episode of the mini-TBS series, the Nutty Professor, this time sponsored by the Academic Affairs committee. In this part of the series, each group tried to outwit each other in a two-round, mind-boggling escapade.

The first round tested each of the groups’ knowledge on wines, cheeses, and vegetables as they tried to correctly classify each item into their assigned “food groups.” Each group struggled to collect as many items as possible and attach it to one of their group members.

In fact, the names were stated in such a way that only a true food aficionado can precisely identify each piece. After the first round was over, the groups walked toward the next round with a new perspective on cuisine.

The second round involved each group to work and think together as they tried to cross the “river of knowledge.” They were each given two pieces of paper which served as their “bridge” to get to the other side. The catch: on the “river”, different questions ranging

from solving Sudoku puzzles to basic arithmetic equations were scattered, and in order to proceed, they must answer each question correctly.

This did not only test their knowledge on different fields, but it also challenged how they were able to efficiently cross the river given the constraints imposed on them.

The miniTBS ended with no known “official” winner, yet the nuttiness and the nerdiness in the air made its mark as each Ecosocer walked away, truly bonded from this part of the mini-TBS series.

17 THE ECOSOC BALL: INDUCTION BALL AND SENIORS’ SENDOFF

By Janna Ong

Do you remember the excitement you felt during the most special night of your high school life? Of course you do! I bet your prom memories are still fresh in your mind. Members, old and new, it’s high time we all relive the magical days of prom at the Ecosoc Ball.

As another semester comes to an end, the UP Economics Society celebrates one of its much-awaited events, the Induction Ball. The Ecosoc Ball, which will be on March 24 at Greenmeadows Clubhouse Cabaña, is not only this semester’s Induction Ball but also the Senior’s Sendoff. The Membership Committee chose a theme that is based on prom so attendees are highly encouraged to bring dates and to wear semi-formal attire.

This event traditionally takes place a few weeks after the Final Interview of the semester’s applicants. The deserving applicants who showed dedication during the application process are required to attend this event. This is also an opportunity to formally welcome the new members of the organization as they recite the preamble and pledge to the Society.

The induction ball is the final leg of their race where the applicants’ hard work and efforts are recognized through the awards that will be given by the Executive committee. Those who have exemplified outstanding performance in the course of the process as seen through their committee evaluation, interviews, sigsheet, event participation and other tasks shall be part of the ten Outstanding Applicants awardees. To top it all off is the award given to the Most Oustanding Applicant, carefully screened and chosen by the Executive Committee.

The second part of this event is the Seniors’ Sendoff. A tribute shall take place to celebrate the memories throughout the stay of the beloved seniors. This is a time to express the gratitude of the organization to the seniors, who served the UP Economics Society wholeheartedly. They were not only role models to the younger members of the UP Economics Society but also became the best friends people can run to. Like the new members, this is also the final leg of the Seniors. The only difference is that this is their last event in Ecosoc as college students.

As they bid farewell to their college lives, this does not mean that it is time to wave goodbye to Ecosoc. Of course, it’s not just the door of the Tambayan that will remain open to them. The UP Economics Society will always and forever be the home the seniors will come back to.

Let us all welcome the new members of the organization and wish the seniors good luck as another chapter of their lives unfold. There are no goodbyes, just “see you laters.”

A STELLAR NIGHT FOR ECOSOC

By Dean Dulay

The Junior Philippine Economics Society celebrated the JPES Excellence Night last March 21, 2009 at the School of Economics Atrium.

The UP Economics Society took home several awards that night. Firstly, for the JPES Sportsfest, Ecosoc was awarded trophies for their championships in basketball and futsal, and medals for winning both the badminton singles and badminton doubles tournaments.

Ecosoc also won 2nd runner-up for Best Organizational Activity, for the National Youth Congress held last year. The incoming National Council also had its oath-taking that night which included Ms. Jeanne May Jampac, the newly-elected Vice-President for Administrative Affairs. The representatives of Ecosoc to the said event were Raymond Zabala, Karlo Patron, Maui Rabuco, Inna Morillo and Jeanne May Jampac.

The Finance Committee would like to thank:

The Finance Committee would like to thank:

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21

Summer Spice It was a dark and chilly night. The cold holiday breeze beckons your spirit along the corridors of Econ, down to Room 121, toward the black tallboy Sweltering heat takes its toll closet. Inside, a silent chatter can be heard. It was a murmur between two, unlike any other of their kind.They have stayed in the Ecosoc tambayan their None of the rain’s pitter-patter whole lives. Here lies a transcript, of Salt & Pepper’s year-end discussion.

Summer resounds in the hall As we hear Salt & Pepper’s silent chatter P: How was your Christmas, Salt?

S: I think I atethe too weather’s much ham. getting hot already. I feel like being sautéed in a pan with garlic and S: Ugh, P: Saltless ham I suppose? Else you’d be eating yourself HA HA HA. onions. ... *tumbleweed* P: With sizzling vegetable oil.

S: Errr.

S: Over high heat!

P: Anyway.

I ate Haha. too much (pepperless) well.my Youcousin can’t be toomade nourished this P: Youch.

Reminds me offood theas time was intoatground pepper and sprinkled time of the year. over a steak on a hot skillet.

S: Wine got ame all sauna. peppered up, if you know what I mean.

S: Or hot P: Corny mo.

Well, I tasted BEST leche flanunder yesterday

by Lola.

P: Or bikini-clad hotthe women tanning thebaked scorching sun?

S: I love leche flan. This had me reminiscing on those little snacks I used to buy at the Ecosoc tambayan. Sugus, Nova, oh S: You can say that again. Summer is damn hot! and you know what the best was?

P: So how will you spend your summer—salt? (Get it, summersalt? SOMERSAULT?) P: MANTOU!!! Who could forget all the hard work former Adhoc Sales put into it? *ahem Bhadz* Or the hot mozzarella S: Hypothetically, we’ll be propped up on restaurant tables next to a bottle of hot sauce, waiting cheese that melts inside your mouth after stretching into a luscious stringed heaven from the bread to your mouth each bite. to be grabbed by famished customers.

M-mhnmmmm.

P: ButAh hypothetical is boring (and a bit scary).

S: *drools* oo, as I remember, It had a discount promo with the Ecosoc Gold Card (a mean feat also in itself).

S: Card!

Okay,Yes, fine.

Soused UNhypothetically, I’d beofinthe the beach P: Gold I’ve it before and availed free Iced tea sa Wham! burgers. Wow, the card works pala with a couple of friends. talaga.

P: Tracing yourGold salty origins?events were good!

P: Alam mo, all those “ECO50C” S:nandyan Yeah, Ina love being oneSisfire... with the sea! *dreamy look* S: Oo, yung Solstice, P: Have you tried the banana boat?

P: ---WAIT. Wait wait. We can’t let this go by. SOLSTICE: When the day met the night.

S: Nope.

S: When the sun rose at 8 pm.

P: Beach Ultimate Frisbee?

S&P: Congratulations Ecosoc. :) S: Nope. *moment of silent appreciation* P: I don’t believe you! How about floating in the water?

S: And as you said, Valentines day 2008, Sisfire.

S: Oh, I remember that.

P: SISFIRE 6—The first ever UP Fair sponsored by Ecosoc. We couldn’t have done it P: Those, along with stargazing, skinny-dipping, without Sigma Beta, of course. building sandcastles, and sand-in-hair games are the S: Oh yeah, galing nga ni usher… este ng mga usher. greatest. *points to self* S: Okay, okay. Take it easy. I can’t wait to try those P: Ecosoc bagged the P150,000 from Astring-O-sol, and it sponsored a UP Fair night out. for the first time, all in the year 2008. Would you believe?

P: You could show a little more enthusiasm you know.

S: May Dark Knight screening pa!

S: :D P: You complete me.

P: Also try swimming at night: you’ll see sparkling S: But what about Iron man, it was one of the best movies as well! planktons drifting along the shores.

P: Eh, Twilight? Were you able to watch it? Daming sponsors na nakuha ng EcoS: Planktons glitter? As in like Triszh glitter / sparkle? soc. (I can feel CJ and Lia beaming proud at this statement haha) P: Yes, and they look like fallen stars from the sky. :) S: Sa Trinoma din yun diba? I’ve got to say. Trinoma is literally the biggest thing S: Okay. I’ll be on the lookout! How about you, Pep? Do you have any big summer plans?

2008 gave to us.

P: Nah. Just good ole bumming in the house, torrenting all the movies and series I missed during P: Haha oo, mall of the year! –Where everyone crammed their Kris Kringle shopthe school year. ping.

S: I heard Big Bang Theory’s nice ah!

P: Sige na nga. Bigay ko USB ko sa ‘yo bukas. Hehe. But I’ll finish How I Met Your Mother Season

3 first!

S: Favorite tambayan ng legen—wait mga Ecosocers onlyyou’re next to ourlactose real tamS: It’s gonna be fordin it,yun. andWell, I hope not intolerant—dairy! bayan,P: of Catching course. up on those literary readings would be a nice summer activity too.

P: YouS: know made myDorian day one time?

Rockband in the tambayan.

Youwhat gotta read Gray and Time Traveler’s Wife. IRemember heard they’re releasing adapted when Triszh brought this her Guitar screenplays year. Hero and Ecosocers star powered like mad!

S: Pro S: face-off!

Oh and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince!!!

P: Woohoo!

P: Transformers 2! Star Trek! OMG!

S: Ehh Pepper, we were talking about novels made into movies ‘di ba?

P: Well uhmm. Movies are movies… And it’s not as if those awesome TV shows didn’t have written counterparts.

S: Well YOUR FACE doesn’t have written counterparts!

P: Wha? S: Speaking of the tambayan, do Ifriends hear Best of up the summer Year? New couches, S: Anyway.

Some of my willMakeover be taking classes. new wall, new tiles, new trophy rack.

P: PI? P: Technically not new wall… newly PAINTED wall. And a vivid green at that.

S: 3.1416?

S: According to C2,3.14159. green is in ;) P: No, it’s P: I love feel. also PE (without any numerical equivalent).

S: the Oh“jungle” sorry. And S: We P: alsoThus, had the bulky platform and bulletin board before. Now it’s gone!

PIPE? P: Probably to make more space for people who tambay.

S: Okay whatever.

S: AndP: more spaceface* for the bags! *smug S: Don’t forget MSTs and StatP:101!

What’s your favorite Ecosoc moment that P: Oy, some are also into their internships.we still have yet to mention?

S: Internships in the tambayan?

S: Ah NBA Finals Boston - LA! P: Yeah, madaming nagkakadevelopan summer.

P: When alldiyan, the boys were glued to the TV. S: I’ve witnessed some. *winks Toot* S: Isaatlang masasabi ko: Grabeeeeeeeeeeee.

P: Hay summer, summer flings and summer romance…

P: Uso pa ba yun? Hahaha. Kasabay S: Summer loving niya yung Scrabble phase!

P: Had me a blast S: Jamoy the self-proclaimed scrabble S: Summer loving queen.

P: Happened so fast Patrick, the Martyr, who willingly sacS: Well technically, it still hasn’t P: happened. rificed hissummers very own you’ve scrabblespent piecesintoschool?

P: Nonetheless, how about the previous the savages of the tambayan.

S: What about it?

P: How were your andTekkensoc, summersclassic stuck tambayan here in the room?

S: Ano pasemesters ba? Pusoy dos, moments!

S: …Time sure flies by, huh?

P: Oo. Yun hindi nawawala sa uso!

P: Yeah, is it really time to move on?

S: Parang Ecosoc.

S: Nah, my theory is that when you love someone something, you don’t really ever fall out of S&P: or Truly the best org. it.

P: And it will always hold a fond memory and a special place in your heart.

S: I atguess we’re talking the same After arriving a pleasant conclusion, Saltabout & Pepper went back thing. to enjoy the weather.They can be seen spotted moving around the tambayan throughout the sem trying to get the best seats in the house to get a better view of you. *dun dun dun* The best of year 2008 may have shown us the spice of Spicing youryear, summer up, the up tandem’s hurrah gave you awesome summer alternatives to Ecosoc life.

This coming get your chef-skills as you cooklast up your own spice! being boring. They will now be shipped elsewhere to spread good spices, unbeknown to what is to come. Salt & Pepper wistfully stare into the abyss that is outside room 121.

The summer heat is here and I’m sure that everyone is excited to go to the beach and soak up the sun. But don’t you feel that this summer is hotter than the one we had last year?

Or even the year before? Is it because of global warming?

Or is it because of the subliminal messages sent to us by the global warming hype that leads us to think that this summer is hotter than the last one?

There were a lot of documentaries, TV shows, advertisements, campaigns, arguments, and counter arguments, etc. about the global warming hype which sparked a few years back. There were even some controversies saying that this hype was just a hoax, and that it was a political move

by Al Gore (who in fact does not practice what he preaches. He drives a gas-guzzling car, which he used in his documentary, and according to certain reports, his house consumes twice as much energy as the average American household does).

All of these flooded our minds with mixed information. My geology class even made things worse. During class hours, I learned that global warming was not really a big issue since it was a natural phenomenon and the contribution made by the humans through the industrialization process was only a minute relative to what the other forces of nature provide. It was a controversy, and that rumours spread out, saying that it was an issue that was created in order to garner profits.

How? Well, if this issue became a hit, then funds would flow to the research and development in this field. And just as a candle attracts moths, funds, specifically millions of dollars, would attract corrupt minds.

What really is global warming? The earth is rotating. We all know that. This rotation, plus the natural cycles of other heavenly bodies, may cause the differences in the earth’s exposure to the sun’s rays. Thus, there is climate change. Let me point this out. Climate change includes global warming and global cooling. There is a common misconception that only global warming is hazardous. Global cooling is lethal as well. Remember the dinosaurs and the Ice Age? The big issue sparked when it was found that changes in global temperature were occurring rapidly. Normally, a climate change would take about a few hundred thousand years to occur. What reportedly alarmed the scientists behind this finding was the fact that drastic climate change was occurring within the hundred year period. This is relatively short in terms of geologic time scales.

What was causing this rapid warming? Your average 6th grader will tell you that it’s the greenhouse gasses.

The greenhouse effect, in a nutshell, traps the sun’s heat within the earth’s atmosphere, thus causing the warming effect. In the worst scenario, there would be the first ice-free summer by 2040 or earlier. If this occurs, the consequences would be drastic. If the ice caps melt, the salinity in the oceans would be affected, causing imbalance in the marine structure. This would cause a chain reaction; a lot of species would go extinct, heat waves would occur frequently, cities would sink, drought would occur. In short, numerous creatures, including people, are going to die.

t S t o

So, what now? Who do we believe in? A lot of people doubt the research that has been conducted. Many people still believe that the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) is nonsense. Who do we listen to? Should we wait and see what would happen next?

f uf

H

The big issue sparked when it was found that changes in global temperature were occurring rapidly. Normally, a climate change would take about a few hundred thousand years to occur.

by joshua coquia

umanggi “I am the man from Manila, Kami ang tinig na kay ng lahi.”

I am the man from Manila, Buhayin natin ang himig There once was a breakdancer of little fame in the 90’s. He had an asset of a tongue, a wardrobe of extra large shirts and quite a lot of things to say.

“Yo!” It was simply titled, his first album. It was a simple shout out, the first holler in the then-silent void of the Philippine rap scene.

Today millions wail in grief at his passing. Today he is hailed a legend, a pioneer, a significant influence. He is awarded a presidential merit of award for musical excellence, for national pride. Suddenly people push for his anointing as a national artist.

His shout has borne echoes.

But this article is not a shrine for his glory. It is not here, to capitalize on his death, to ride the bandwagon of people crying “ohhh he was a good man”, “damn francis m is the best artist evarrrrr” just because he’s no longer here. This was not written to add to the fawning he gets just because it’s the popular thing today to look like we have actual sympathy.

We already have the fake tribute concerts in Dubai and Canada for that. No, this is about his brand of nationalism.

Most of you should have seen one variant or another of the flag law-breaching shirt designs by Francis M going around. Most of you should have heard “Mga Kababayan Ko”, “Man From Manila”, “Mga Praning”, or at the least “Kaleidoscope World”.

Makabayang rap was the label, a theme centered on society, national issues, identity, pride; ironic as it may be to denounce colonial mentality in an American hiphop style song.

Many people call him fake on that point, referring to the hype and fads induced by the pinoy hiphop genre he inadvertently spawned as further products of colonialism, of Filipinos trying hard to be American. Admittedly, quite a number of our people adopted such a trend, jologs or otherwise, subscribing to oversized jerseys and random bling, caps, sneakers and basketball obsession.

“What is truly Filipino about Filipino Rap?” They ask. Then again, we could say the same of all our other “Original Pinoy Music”.

Nevertheless, it was his passion, and he was a pioneer; two criterion of being a national artist. Whether he had genius, let the people contend. It may just be the absence of utter ingenuity that throws in the ambiguity against his being a national figure.

Does sheer passion outweigh this perceived shortcoming?

He after all, went down to the grave a fighting man, refusing to stay silent, to die with inactivity.

Francis recorded every stage of his fight against acute myeloid leukemia at a site called happybattle.net. He did so for the benefit of others, so that others who are also inflicted with disease can find company in their struggle, to pick up what wisdom could be gleaned.

Whenever he could get discharged, he performed. He created music, he produced.

They say life is only a preparation so we can die properly.

It is in this light that Francis’ true quality shines.

He may not have had Levi Celerio’s 4000 compositions,

or Nicanor Abelardo’s institutions, or Antonio Molina’s milestones in folk music. But it would be unfair to discount the roads he blazed, his struggles with his self and the dedication he put in a societal scene that was once both unfriendly and unwilling to listen.

Francis set an example, showed us there are better things we can live and die in the pursuit of, than shallow subjects like crushes, worldly desires and rehashed foreign sentiments. That there are issues in this country, to write about, to sing and shout about, to do something about.

It would be unfair to not see that unto his deathbed he was in love with this c o u n t r y.

That until his last breath he was planting seeds, showing us all what we can be, what we can achieve despite of ourselves, despite our own versions of illnesses, handicaps, shortcomings and circumstances in life.

Raffy Man from Manila By Fulgar

Summer Break

Top Summer Beach Spots from a Bona fide *Isla Girl*

When I was asked to write a light and summer-y article about my alter ego as an island girl, I was all up for it and made sure to find time amidst meetings here and there to get to pass this in our org’s level-up Echoes.

I love the beach--and busy modes from acads, council duties and other extracurricular activities don’t necessarily have to dampen the bright summer days ahead if you just manage your workload well and find time to relax, spread out a funky mat on the white sand wearing a two-piece and… open your laptop to send out meeting minutes and work (hahaha).

So for everyone out there who feel they’re busy but are committed to find time to go to the perfect chill spot for the summer, here are some of the top beaches in the country and my own verdict (with coconut marks, out of 5) for a sunny beach day ahead!

Boracay Fast Facts: Boracay is set on the northwestern tip of Malay, Aklan in the island

of Panay, Western Visayas. It is famous for its 4-km white sand beach divided into three stations, and welcomes around 30,000 visitors each month.

Island Girl’s Verdict: 5 Coconuts What makes Boracay the perfect summer spot isn’t because of the hype but because of the undeniable charm it casts on all people who go there. On a global scale, foreigners know Boracay more than they know that it is part of the Philippines. Island activities are limitless—from kite-boarding, windsurfing, jet skiing and the tourist-friendly banana boat or flying fish to inland sports like ATV rides, horseback riding or simple chill areas around the island. Overflowing doses of night happenings cater to your kind of crowd and idea of fun so long as you know the right place to go to. But at the end of the day, part of my best to-do-list in the island still involves a good swim and jog in the morning, a nice stroll in the beach in the afternoon checking out the local stores for the beach accessory trends this season and a boost of island night fun with friends.

Palawan Fast Facts: Palawan is a long island situated in the MIMAROPA region, between the South China Sea and the north of Sulu Sea. It is famous for its Underground River and spectacular rock formations, as well as priced tourist destinations like El Nido, Coron and Puerto Princesa. sland Girl’s Verdict: 4 Coconuts Palawan remains the country’s largest and arguably most preserved destination. I give it 4 Coconuts because of the varied activities that it has in store for tourists. It caters mostly to those out to have a relaxing break and enjoy the serenity away from the hustle and bustle – so Palawan’s peace and quite may not be very appealing to the till-dawn-party goers. It can also get quite costly as regards with transportation costs and accommodations in secluded resorts and marine archeological sites.

Anilao Fast Facts: Anilao is in Mabini, Batangas and roughly 2 hours from Manila. It is famous for its coral reefs and diverse marine life good for scuba diving and snorkeling activities.

Island Girl’s Verdict: 4 Coconuts Anilao is famous among barkadas and families especially when they’re out to find economical and near enough beach outings. The best part about it is it blends exciting snorkeling and diving activities with laidback kwentuhans among friends, while still keeping within the set budget. It is ideal for those who have a weekend to spare and just want to unwind without going overboard.

From It All!

by Inna Morillo

Batanes Fast Facts: Batanes is a group of islands in the northern tip of the Philippines.

Island Girl’s Verdict: 5 Coconuts Batanes offers a one-of-a-kind experience of complete relaxation and unique break from it all. The whole experience will really take you away from the concerns of everyday as you become exposed to a very basic lifestyle and atmosphere where the Ivatans themselves stick to the basics of life—the positive vibes will just be infectious! Planning for the activity takes time, however, and expenses have to be considered and set aside before hand.

Puerto Galera Fast Facts: Puerto Galera is located in Oriental Mindoro and considered by

UNESCO as having one of the most diverse diving areas in Asia. It is conveniently 3 hours away from the Metro.

Island Girl’s Verdict: 3 Coconuts I give Puerto Galera 3 Coconuts because of its accessibility and because it is relatively tourist-friendly. It offers a lot of day beach activities for tourists as well as a bustling nightlife. Its hotels also cater to tourist strata, so the hotel amenities and services are diverse enough to bring the needs of the tourists.

However, the beach itself could improve on proper monitoring and preservation efforts to ensure that it continues to be a top tourist spot.

Pamalican Island Fast Facts: Pamalican Island is situated in the Cuyo group of islands in the

Sulu Sea and is within the 7-km coral reef stretch. Amanpulo is located in this pristine island in the Visayas.

Island Girl’s Verdict: 4 Coconuts Pamalican Island is a very quiet and serene destination, perfect for honeymoon getaways. It can be a bit costly and very exclusive, but the service, amenities and the whole relaxing experience are satisfyingly part of the package.

Bohol Fast Facts: Bohol is at the heart of Central Visayas beside Cebu. It is famous for the Chocolate Hills and the wide-eyed Tarsier among other things.

Island Girl’s Verdict: 4 Coconuts Bohol is also home to white-sand beaches that are excellent quiet hideaways especially for nature trippers. The over-all relaxing environment may not be perfectly targeted for party goers out to have a good time.

These are only some of the island getaways that my feature article spacing permits. There are so many beaches and spots to explore without even going out of the country. So for further tips and ideas on planning that perfect beach getaway, feel free to forward questions to the email ad of Echoes and I’d gladly answer them.

Enjoy the sun, sea and sand! Have a great summer, Ecosocers!

Xoxo, *!sland Girl*

First of all, a big congratulations to all our (hesitating to use our batch name) co-applicants! We’ve gotten to the end of our application process. But, do we still remember what it took to get there? Do we remember the part that almost shook us? You know what I’m talking about.

F.I., baby!

Looking back, there were those tough questions, and then there were those that defined us. We at Q&A with Q&A, however, believe that there are far more suitable questions to ask in order to successfully evaluate an applicant’s capability to be Truly Ecosoc.

Which is why in this edition of Q&A with Q&A, we have decided to provide 100% serious questions that will no doubt gauge a person’s ability to be Ecosoc material. We have enlisted the help of a former Memcom chair (Minay Martinez) and a co-app (Ryan Villanueva) to show the answers that make an Ecosocer! The first part of the interview focuses on how well the applicants know the constitution. The second part aims to check how familiar the applicants are with the organization and it’s members. The third part focuses on how well the applicants handle simple day-to-day situations in the tambayan. The last part is the most important part. This will truly measure if the applicants are indeed ECOSOC material.

Minay Martinez Part 1 – The Constitution Q&A: Recite the preamble from the word PROVIDENCE Minay: Oooohh no! Ang daya!

Q&A: Is that 6 o’s?

M: Blah blah blah… Best org in the world!

Q&A: What is the name of your app batch?

M: Ecosoc Classics. We embody Ecosoc at its best. Wait, di pala kami Classics pala.

Branded pala! (shocked) Q&A: So in your opinion, what would be a more awesome name for your app batch?

M: Can’t get over pa rin ako sa branded!

Lahat the best. Binigyan namin ng bagong brand yung Ecosoc.

Q&A: SO, ano na yung name na gusto mo?

M: Branded pa rin [corny]

Part 2 - All about ECOSOC Q&A: Fill in the blanks. Cool guys, those *blank* and *blank*!

M: Q&A. I’m not trying to be sipsip, pero bagsak ako nung first part eh.

Q&A: Good answer!

Q&A: Provide an alternative meaning for the acronym ECOSOC M: Hahahahahaha!

Q&A: That’s a lot of Ha’s!

M: Everybody is Cool Oh Snap Oh Sexy!

Q&A: Ok! ECOSOS! Part 3 – Tambayan Situations Q&A: If the tambayan were on fire, what item would you save?

M: Nandoon pa ba yung picture ni Anday?

Q&A: Why? M: Di nyo ba nakita yung energy eminating from it?

Q&A: If you were stuck in the tambayan for one whole day, san ka pupwesto? Dun ka lang the whole day.

M: Sa tapat ng electricfan.

Q&A: Sino sasama mo?

M: *wink wink* Q&A: Kailangan mo mag choose.

M: (looking around) Si Anday! Wait, wait, wait… erase, erase! Si Czar para mag-ppoupee girl kami!

Q&A: Sobrang init sa tambayan. Nakita mong pawis na pawis si Sieg (Memcom chair) at iisa nalang ang electric fan, hindi umiikot, ano gagawin mo?

M: Half kami. Mag-gaganito nalang kami (pendulum-like motion).

Part 4 - 100% awesomely SERIOUS Ecosoc questions

Q&A: If you were to choose a best friend among ANYONE in Ecosoc, who would it be? Erik or Nathan? Why? M: (laughing uncontrollably with hands on mouth. blushing and pointing vigorously)

Q&A: Give 3 Francis M. songs.

M: (whispering) Text mo nalang ako Ida. Super proxy! (crying) This is so stressful! I’m so sorry!

Q&A: If you could be any committee, what would it be? Why? M: Best committee ever. Joke! Cutest committee, sexiest committee... joke!

Q&A: Boxers or briefs? Why? M: Briefs. Because my daddy wears briefs.

Q&A: If you could be “under” any execom, who would it be? Why? M: This is so mean and eewie! Lahat ng Ecosoc men ay the best!

Q&A: Who is the longest running dean in the School of Economics?

M: Dean Fab. Q&A: Sorry, pero the longest running dean is Dean Gerard Claire Dulay.

He has been dean his whole life.

[Editor’s n ote: But Dean Encarnacion was the dean for 20 years. Dean is not yet 20.] Q&A: But Dean is incumbent.

Q&A: What about the women?

M: They’re the best rin. This sem I was “under” Marianne, and I didn’t mind at all!

Q&A: So, next question. Can we solicit for your best unsolicited advice?

What is it?

M: (stops clapping) Nasstress ang aking brain. Alam niyo nag thesis ako kanina.

Tapos kakatapos ko lang… (3 minutes of rambling) Q&A: Tell us something we don’t know.

M: Meron akong Facebook Q&A: We know. Friend ka namin eh.

M: Mag Pet Society kayo. I’d like to thank… Bigyan niyo ako ng… (5 minutes of rambling)

Q&A: Why? R: Item eh. Bawal tao?

Q&A: Sino if ever?

R: Ako, Q&A, yung mga laptop.

Q&A: Cool guys those laptops ha!

Q&A: If you were stuck in the tambayan for one whole day, san ka pupwesto? Dun ka lang the whole day.

R: Sa cooooouuuucchh! (10 vowels) Q&A: Sino sasama mo? We recommend Calabs.

R: NO thanks! Ikaw nalang or kung gusto niyo, kayo.

Ryan Villanueva Part 1 – The Constitution Q&A: Recite the preamble from the word THEREFORE. Ryan: (with conviction) Therefore, we promulgate this constitution!

Q&A: Verbatim yun ah!

Q&A: What is the name of your app batch? (whispering) Truly…?

R: TRULY!! Ecosoc since 1983!

Q&A: ’58 bro. Kaka-50 lang last year diba?

R: ’58 pala..

Q&A: So in your opinion what would be a more awesome name for your app batch?

R: The bro code. Trip lang.

Q&A: Sobrang init sa tambayan. Nakita mong pawis na pawis si Sieg (Memcom chair) at iisa nalang ang electric fan, hindi umiikot, ano gagawin mo?

R: Shet! Sheeeeet! Bigay ko nalang sa kanya kaysa maghubad siya.

Q&A: (laughs) Part 4 - 100% awesomely SERIOUS Ecosoc questions Q&A: Give 3 Francis M. songs.

R: Kaleidoscope world, Cold Summer Night, Mga Kababayan Ko… yun ba yung title? Nasa lyrics yun eh!

Part 2 - All bout ECOSOC Q&A: Fill in the blanks. Cool guys, those *blank* and *blank*!

R: Kuya Calabs and Nate!

Q&A:No, yung blanks pang isang letter lang R: So… Q and A Q&A: Good answer!

R: Bawal kasama yung R? Q&A: Grabe ka ah! We’ll deliberate on that.

Q&A: If you were to choose a best friend among ANYONE in Ecosoc, who would it be? Erik or Nathan? Why? R: Hardest question so far! I’ll go with Nate. Ladies man eh!

Q&A: Eh paano si Erik??

Q&A: If you could be any committee, what would it be? Why? R: Seccom na ako.

Q&A: Why? R: Security ba yan?

Q&A: Ewan ko, ikaw nagsasabi eh!Labo mo eh!

Q&A: If you could be “under” any execom, who would it be? Why? R: (laughs) I wanna be on top!

Q&A: Nice one!!!! Pero I wonder if that means “on top” of everyone.

Q&A: Provide an alternative meaning for the contraction/acronym ECOSOC. R: Mahina ako dyan eh…Pass…Wait lang…

Q&A: Kahit ano na!

R: Entertainment…Covered…Oblong…Sex…Oh my God. Q&A: Ayos! ECOSOG! Part 3 – Tambayan Situations Q&A: If the tambayan were on fire, what item would you save?

R: TV!

Q&A: Boxers or briefs? Why? R: Boxers! Presko eh. I can go free!!

Q&A: Like a prisoner?

R: I can be free!!!

Q&A: Who is the longest running dean in the School of Economics?

R: Dean Gerard Claire….

Q&A: Dulay. You missed Dulay. (points for his broad knowledge on the topic) Q&A: So, next question. Can we solicit for your best unsolicited advice?

What is it?

R: Follow the Bro Code.

Q&A: Tell us something we don’t know.

R: Nothing (patented taray face)

We, at Q&A with Q&A, would like to thank the subjects of our F.I. edition of Q&A with Q&A. Even if there were weak moments, I’m sure that you tried your best. We know it takes a special kind of person to be 100% awesomely serious for this interview. We would like to ask you not to divulge the contents of this interview for it might replace the original Ecosoc F.I. ™ altogether. In the event that we accept you as awesome, please attend the Induction Ball on March 24 when this issue will be released.

SPORTS

MEMCOM

SPORTS

SPORTS

LIAI

APP

ACAD

SPORTS

GUESS WHO? APP

by Kim Orticio

Do you have good eyes? Below are pictures of current Ecosocers when they were still very young. Let’s see if you can recognize them.

EXTERNALS

ACAD CDC

MEMCOM MEMCOM

ECHOES

ACAD APP

ECHOES

SECCOM

FINANCE

and Angelo Calabio

NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK

By Cheenie Quirante

As the school year winds up at a frantic pace, along with it goes a long and arduous yet enjoyable and memorable application process in the U.P. Economics Society. To say the least, it has been a roller-coaster ride for each and every one of us applicants, from the lows of useless arguing and misunderstanding regarding terms of various events to the soaring highs of events that really wielded a strong bond between all of us (the Challenge Night being the highlight, I presume). We would never forget the memories that have been left to each and every one of us by this application process. Of course, we were very pleased to know that most of us made it through, although we are also saddened by the fact that we left some others behind.

Apart from that, we are truly looking forward to a bright and enjoyable future ahead with our fellow (pwede na atang sabihing ganyan ngayon) members.

However, before anything else, we wondered if we could share a few tidbits and statistics about our lovely and talented app batch. Of course, after months of gradually integrating ourselves with the other members, most of you are already familiar with our batch’s Papa Bear in Paolo Tamase. You have probably heard of the excellent voice of our Steven Hotchkiss or have seen the basketball skills of Anjelo “Q” Quintos. Well, elaborating the whole lot would take up five pages here in Echoes, so apologies to those I missed (don’t worry, kasama din naman kami doon eh… hehehe). Going back to the topic, enough talk perhaps, all that we want to do here is share some interesting tidbits about us.

1 3

got a blood transfusion – Marian has 20 pairs of Branded shoes – Aaron can’t wink both eyes – Cheenie certified diver – Steven Coffee “Prince” look-alike – Jana plays golf – Noreen great impersonator – Q has a job – Carole kalbo – Q laughs out loud – Car PMA exam passer – Calabs was in a serious gay relationship – Andre got stranded at España – Reuel sorority member – Leila underweight – Reuel, Marian windsurfer – Therese got an UNO at Math 17 – Chiara, Ryan valedictorians – Jau, Reg 2 lefties – Horace, Cheenie walked from Katipunan to Sta. Lucia – Faye, Myra are already taken – Calabs, Sushi full Chinese – Aaron, Chiara

2

AAs – Car, Faye, Noreen Augustinians – Leila, Menay, Steven batch representatives – Horace, Nadaine, Noreen Holy girls – Cheenie, Nadaine, Marian

4

bears – Aaron, Andre, Paolo, Ryan almost taken – Regina, Jana, Therese, Dom Blue Eagles – Horace, Paolo, Q, Reuel

5 12 13

underage – Hannah, Myra, Cheenie, Andre, Marian can’t whistle – Steve, Myra, Reuel, Car, Marian

have had an ex/es – Jana, Hannah, Carole, Myra, Q, Cheenie, Leila, Reuel, Reg, Sushi, Andre, Nadaine

drive – Aaron, Calabs, Horace, Chiara, Dom, Lia, Q, Leila, Reg, Reuel, Paolo, Marian, Ryan

App Stats: Truly Apps in Numbers

Remember those awards they put in yearbooks given to graduating students?

Here in Echoes, we now have our own version. Introducing: The Class of 2009!

What better way to reminisce the school year ending, along with the departure of our dear seniors, than to hand out awards as recognition to some of our graduating members in Ecosoc.

These titles are only mere impressions of what we are reminded of from their unique personalities. But of course, the wonderful talents and precious moments they have shared with Ecosoc are what we will truly remember forever in our hearts.

So without further ado, we give you The Class of 2009.

• The Teacher’s Pet - Ranna Hao

• Future President of the Philippines - Katz Manzano

• Secretly a Rocker - Yla Paras

• Fashionista Award - Peachy Pizarro

• The Jock - Ace Lopez

• Head of the Prom Committee - Jopee Pelagio

• The Bully - Aries Carlos

• Future Grand Slam Title Holder - Sab Soriano

• Most Likely to win Wowowee - Pam Canada

• Homecoming Queen - Lia Veneracion

• Most Talkative - Nathan Pico

• Small but Terrible - Carla Badi

• The Artist - Anday Pua

• The Social Butterfly - Minay Martinez

• The Rebel - Erik Eleazar

• Miss Understood - Ida Metiam

• The Grand Chess Master - Hannah Lasco

• Drama Queen - Lucy Lopez

• The Sweetheart - Billie Cabal

• Top of the Cclass - Michelle Sanchez

• The Street Smart - Paul Feliciano

• Golden Heart Award - Cherish Olanda

• The Cheerleader - Raya Bienvenida

• The Preppy - Vem Bautista

• The Politician - Noel Reyes

• Most Likely to Win Wowowee - Pam Canada

• Best Dressed - Mykel Sampan

• The Party Girl - Faith Santos

• Future CEO - Mico Anabo

• The Bookworm - Chevy Morales

• The Muse - Kate Cruz

• The Makata - Karen Capacia

• The Class Clown - Dennis Chua

• The Treehugger - Pinay Bundoc

• Best in Physics - Czar Carbonel

• The Hot Tomboy - Moppet Claravall

The Best Best The Days of of Days * Our Lives Our Lives On the eve when you first get the chance to read this, we will be on our way.

we have spent a lifetime’s worth of happiness, memories and experiences.

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.

We trace our footsteps to the point in time where we first tread down this road. We were like you once—young, new, green, excited. We all still are actually, but just a little bit older, a little bit wiser. 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 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.

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.

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 organization we’ve all come to learn and love in some way or another,

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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

By Nathan Pico

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 single 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

37

40

How 4 Years of Ecosoc Changed My Life

By Aries Carlos

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, anticlimactic denouement. Some guy approaches me in the reception area, asks my name, consults a list, counterchecks and bluntly utters, “You’re next.”

Question 1: So, tell me something about yourself.

A: I am Aries S. Carlos, a 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 year.

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 different 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 the 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?

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 a 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.

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

A: Like what I have said before, four years ago, I was just a plain probinsyano. Back then, my life’s radius of activity was confined to about 10-15 kilometers away from home. Now, the learnings that I have acquired through the years of my service 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.

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.

My Ecosoc application process has already ended, and I now realize that I’ve learned so much from it. I became a more compassionate leader, a better listener, and a more attentive and active member of my committee. I learned how to market for sponsorships (despite not bagging any sponsorships for Adhoc-Taskforce), and I was able to sharpen my events-organizing skills. But of the many lessons I’ve acquired from the semester-long application process, one will change my life forever.

Through my app process, I learned to cherish every experience of my life, good or bad, especially the people I shared them with.

my app experience had in store for me. While my co-apps may not have fully noticed this “new approach,” I tried my best to have a more positive outlook on everything we did.

Instead of looking at app meetings and GAs as occasions for debates on our plans, I saw them as a chance to cherish the company of my co-apps, as well as an opportunity to learn more from their ideas. While I could have chosen to look at my dressing-up as cupid (for the Echoessponsored Genmeet) as a necessary embarrassment, I instead chose to revel in the chance to show people that I had a fun-loving side, despite it being buried miles deep inside of me.

During the first weeks of my application process, I was always so concerned with our app While I had to assume a more serious ot only n as w ss ce requirements and activities outlook for the Challenge Night (it was, ro “our app p ive after all, one-tenth of our app grade), ct u d ro p to to the point that I failed to in t forming us also I decided to savor every difficulty it enjoy these experiences. The abou ers, but it was Ecosoc memb y had in store for us applicants. I was turning point, however, came en us how to jo during our Acquaintance Party, about teaching in crankier and more impatient that usual, ill experience w e w s g when, upon seeing that I was but beneath the more uptight façade, in th the unreasonably stressed, a senior I was silently enjoying working with the Society” told me, “Enjoy life, Pao.” my co-applicants, who, I discovered, were more talented, gifted, and committed than everyone It was then that I realized that, by stressing over every expected. little detail of our app process, I failed to see the bigger picture – that our app process was not only about And so, as I move on from being an applicant to a full forming us into productive Ecosoc members, but it was Ecosoc member, I carry not only the new skills I’ve also about teaching us how to enjoy the things we will acquired from my app process, but I also live out this experience in the Society, even if were not part of it great lesson that I’ve learned from Ecosoc. At the end of yet. Moreover, I realized that while being an app head my stay in this Society three years from now, I know that entailed heavier responsibilities and higher expectations, I will learn much more lessons on life (and maybe even they should not stop me from finding joy in my Ecosoc love) to add to those I’ve learned this semester. application.

However, I also know that, more than new skills, I will And so I decided to approach my app process in a bring with me the many happy and sad, important and different manner – one where I remained responsible for trivial experiences I will have in Ecosoc, because, as I my app batch, but at the same time, open to the joys that have learned, these are great lessons in themselves.

How the Ecosoc App Process Changed My Life

by Paolo Tamase

zh

How not to be hot

Hello there Upper West Siders. This is your most fabulously reliable source for what’s hot and what’s not in Ecosoc.

Last month, we had too much of a gay time strolling around the UP campus with Princess Triszh and Geoff. All the hotness of the love-month has now gone high along with Ecosoc Love. This week, it’s time to gear up and lie low, because it’s the Fire Protection Month! So, take off those charms and slough off all those aphrodisiacs; get ready to put some protection on (or take some things off).

After creating all the fuzz and the buzz about love, we’ve got to appropriate our fashion transition with the necessary changes for this season. We do want to create some friction, but only the beaches and poolsides are resistant to overlyflammable and daring people. Summer is not the season to shamelessly commit faux pas, although we would sincerely want to criticize some perverse displays of dearth tastes.

While in the malls, in another house, or out on the streets, we have got to be in a cautious fashion, or the people’s prying eyes would burn our outfits.

• •

•

seem, it’s hard to look at them when there’s nothing else brighter. Is there a need to say more?

Camouflaging. Wearing a lime green top with a lavender purse spells eggplant.

Hidden Revelations. This season’s scorching hotness can sure make you wear gossamer apparels, but when the underwear or lingerie start to share TMI, aim to make some changes.

Ignoring Gas Leaks. If your handkerchief is stuffed with so much unwanted fluids, then grab something else to wipe off the bodily fluids racing down on your face.

To avoid the early Halloween in during the Fire Protection Month, take a few steps of precaution: •

Be carefree, but be careful—here are a few of Fire Protection Month’s don’ts: •

•

Wearing Pretty Slippers and Sandals on Maltreated Feet. The next time you thought you’re seeing someone staring at the floor, think again—that someone might be staring at your feet.

The Belly vs. the Cleavage. Who gets to be the princess: Bell or Cleo? Cute or seductive as they may

•

Pamper Your Feet.

As Daphne Merkin wrote in Elle, “A pedicure is a luxury.” But in this equatorial country, it won’t cost more than a two hundred.

You wouldn’t want to be the Lovely Girl with Dirty Feet!

Freeze the Assets.

You may have pondered on the imminence of Halloween

• •

during summer. It’s not because everyone clothed themselves horribly, but because they were just horribly unclothed.

Spelling Skin. Being naked doesn’t call for being blatantly nude. Try looking fresh while wearing some bright colors of the flesh.

Body-Setting. Disturbing glares of the black, wet lights oozing from the body only signifies that it’s time to refresh and settle for a while. Whether it’s because of the heat or of the nervous breakdown you’re about to have, you wouldn’t want anyone to witness the development of corporeal liquids anywhere on yourself.

Of course, this ultimately urgent precaution must be disseminated to everyone (any of the proponents of the don’ts must be oriented about these basic rules on fire protection). Should anyone be caught on fire, discreetly remind her that she’s burning, and that it’s not at all hot.

• •

Since the heavens sent us to guide you, here are foolproof ways to not feel scorching hot this season: • Wear light clothes. Summer’s the perfect excuse to wear little clothing on. The lighter your clothes, the cooler (and sexier) you’ll feel. Cotton clothing is the chillest fabric this season and light colors scream, “Go away, heat!”

• Cut you hair short. Short hair is oh so hot, but it’ll help in reducing the heat you’re feeling. If you don’t wanna cut your long hair, then keep it tied up in a ponytail. Guys, try shaving your head :)

•

•

•

•

Eat ice cream! It’s one of the sweetest ways to keep yourself cool. Popsicles are fun too (and they’re weight-friendlier than ice cream)!

Go swimming. Nothing will keep you cooler than jumping into a pool! Or, why not run along the fountains at Techno Hub? Hahaha :) You could also start a water war and play with water bombs and water guns!

Refresh yourself. Drink lots of water. Slurping smoothies will also keep you chilled. For yummy recipes, check out http://allrecipes.com/Recipes/ Drinks/Smoothies. Avoid caffeinated drinks and alcohol! :P Be ready with your weapons. Fill a spray bottle with water and ice and keep it with you when you go outdoors so you can spray yourself with cool water when you feel super hot. Mini electric fans are also cute (although they won’t really keep you as cool as using a fan) so be like Geoff and bring a big fan with you wherever you go. Turn off the lights. Light bulbs generate heat so if you don’t really need it, turn it off. And lastly, Shun sexy time. If you don’t want to experience extreme hotness, this is what you should avoid.

Hahaha. Joke :P

Wear sun block. Even if you’re not going to the beach, you can still get sunburned so it’s always important to wear sun block to protect your skin. Sunburns are oh so hot, but in a painful way :|

“

Wearing a lime green top with a lavender purse spells eggplant.

Stay freezing hot this summer!

The short story is a very popular genre of writing in the Philippines. In fact, it was said that it is only in the Philippines that we can label a writer as a short story writer. Maybe we Filipinos really don’t like a long read. Whatever the reason, Kim and I decided to share to you guys our top three favorite short stories of all time.

Sieg Says:

Kim Says:

The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas

by Ursula K LeGuin One of the most widely read stories in the genre of speculative fiction, The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas challenges how people perceive their own lives. LeGuin, through her great grasp of fiction, leaves readers to believe that the courage and ability to break free from our utopias is very much admirable.

The Summer Solstice

by Nick Joaquin One of his most celebrated short stories, Nick Joaquin played the festivities from St. John’s Day and the post-Victorian ideologies into one story that ends with the ritual named Tatarin.

A story showing the power and failures of femininity in the early 90’s, this short story is the basis for the 2001 movie Tatarin.

We Won’t Cry About This

by Socorro Villanueva Villanueva’s Palanca Award-winning short story strikes the balance between wit and drama. The predominant image of pain was never used so brilliantly in different images by this Pinay writer. And even if it’s a “petit bourgeoisie lit”, it’s definitely a must -read.

Portents

by Jessica Zafra The eyeglasses-clad and cat-loving writer behind the Twisted series is not all parody and pun in non-fiction. She can also write fiction and be good really good at it. One proof of this is Zafra’s Palanca Award-winning short story Portents. Go and read it!

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

by F. Scott Fitzgerald Before it even came into the silver screen, Benjamin Button has already wowed a lot of readers through its simple words. It would be utterly rubbish to give a summary of the story, but believe me, just like any novelturned-movie, the original piece has some more magic to offer - more than Button’s reversed life cycle in this case.

A Lamb to Slaughter

by Roald Dahl He may be famous with his children’s novels, but Dahl’s fascination with dark comedy has always been evident in all his works. In A Lamb to Slaughter, he will show you what it takes to make a wife kill her husband and baffle all the clues and come up with a flawless crime of passion.

Clockwise from Top: F. Scott Fitzgerald; Jessica Zafra; Nick Joaquin; Ursuala Le Guin

45

There are 6.76 billion hearts beating today. . . .

A literary piece by Jamoy Jampac

There are 6.76 billion hearts beating today.

There are 6.76 billion hearts fearlessly taking a shot at love.

Some succeed. Some fail. Some try again.

And some never give up.

I sat like a ghost next to an ever divine Patty on the last day of our Physics class. Needless to say, it was our final examination and I was weak and sleepless. I crammed everything the night before, dumping my brain with laws and theories from Einstein, Newton and Galileo. To make things worse, as if things weren’t already bad enough, I came in late and had to be glared at by our professor.

The exam was a disaster like Physics, only that it was really Physics that was making a disaster out of this exam. I forgot half of the things I studied. And only half of the things I studied were a part of it. The rest had to be fished out from my common sense— like fishing from an empty bowl.

“Excuse me,” I heard someone say as he made his way toward our professor to submit his exam. It was still 20 minutes before the time.

He was the first to pass and everyone in class looked at him with awe— everyone except me.

He was John Benedict Lopez and he was on his way out of the room and out of my life. It would be the last time that I would ever see him— the last time. And I haven’t even said “Hi” yet! Unwittingly, it caused a sudden parade in my heart. But why did I have to feel that way? He didn’t want me. He didn’t like me. Not even after we had that dinner last 14th of February where everything happened so fast that there wasn’t really time to say “Hi” anymore. We just talked but after that, he never greeted me in class. And I never really saved enough guts to do it myself.

I sulked on my seat and waited for more people to submit before I would. I was eyeing Patty at the same time. The exam should be easy for her. She’s like best friends with Einstein, Newton and Galileo! But what was taking her long? I grew impatient as time ticked away.

She finally stood up a minute or two before time. I followed and com-

plained as we walked out of the classroom but I ended up losing the protest and asking her to eat dinner with me instead!

“Yeah later, I have to do some errands first. Bye Lucia!” Patty kissed goodbye and left in a haste, as the rest of the class emptied the room.

“So you’re Cinderella now?” I teased but she had gone too far to hear.

I smiled and looked at my best friend as she gracefully ran away to the opposite direction. Patty had done a lot of things for me that involved JB, knowing it would make my heart smile. And even if it didn’t work out with him, not even close, I thank Patty. I thank her for everything.

I stood for a moment there, smiled and then… “Oh shoot, my notebook!” Yeah, what a way to end a Kodak moment right there! It was so Lucia, ruining moments for petty stuff like forgetting a notebook for instance.

I quickly turned around to get it only to bump into someone. And of all the “physicists” to bump into, it was John Benedict Lopez that I had to collide with.

“Oh.” I looked at him stunned and speechless.

But he just smiled at me and said, “Hi.” “Hi,” I replied unwittingly as I walked past him and headed for my notebook. I was too bedazzled to actually talk to him and so I had to sort of run away. It took me a couple of seconds to break free from the spell and look back at him but he was already walking away.

And as if my resident Iceman were back again, every molecule in my body iced up in a flash and I stood there frozen right in front of the chair where I left my notebook. I stood there realizing, a little too late, that I, Lucia, on our possible last day together, just said “Hi” to John Benedict Lopez. Yes, I said “Hi” without stuttering or worse…

Right there, a new chapter of my life began and all of a sudden 6.76 billion people on earth became one.

What is your sacrifice this Lenten Season?

Compiled by Kash Salvador

Jaymie Reyes: “I resolve to read the Bible more and have more lengthy reflection time. And of course, no alcohol or excessive burger purchases.”

Cheenie Quirante: “I'm trying to be selfless. Everytime I feel I'm leaning towards jealousy or hurt, I pray to God to renew my heart.”

Billie Cabal: “Literally staying away from tv, internet and other distractions.”

Vem Bautista: “More patience. Di na ako magiging madaling ma-high blood.”

Katz Manzano: “Hindi ako gumagamit ng cellphone during holy week.”

Pat Garcia: “Hindi ako kumakain ng mcdo.”

Anonymous: “I go to mass more often, as in weekdays.”

Jamoy Jampac: “Wala! I’m sorry but the only thing I practice is flirting.”

Kimmie Lazo: “No YouTube.”

Leslie Octaviano: “I’ll try not to curse as much.”

Pam Canada: “No meat every Wednesday and Friday.”

Bea Burgos: “Less internet and I don’t touch my phone during holy week.”

Lia Veneracion: “Wala.”

Czar Carbonel: “Agnostic ako.”

Aaron Aw: “Binabawasan ko yung studies ko. Pwede ba ‘yun? Kasi wala na talaga eh.”

Dennis Chua: “None.”

Michelle Sanchez: “Less pagmall and visit sa church.”

Raymond Zabala: “No meat kapag Good Friday and Ash Wednesday.”

Mico Anabo: “Promise to do my best sa work for God’s and my future’s sake.”

Jopee Pelagio: “My savings. Haha.”

Chesca dela Cruz: “Less shopping, impulsive buying, and unnecessary expenses.”

Lucy Lopez: “No meat on Friday.”

Annika Dadivas: “None.”

Ranna Hao: “Wala ata eh.”

Minay Martinez: “More of promising myself to eat more vegetables.”

Pen Penaflor: “I don’t eat chocolates.”

Sel Ortiga: “No softdrinks.”

Car Sta. Maria: “I lessen the meals I take, don’t drink softdrinks and i don’t eat meat during friday. I also lessen my time using the computer.”

Mel Quintos: “Go diet.”

Gel Fernandez: “Di ko pa naiisip pero nagaabstain ako every friday haha.”

Reyneil Go: “No drinking.”

Janna Ong: “I won’t eat stick-o dapat pero I broke it so, gummy candies!”

Ace Lopez, Jay Tolentino, Cocoy Licaros, Van Valdez, Karlo Patron, Jorel Garcia, Cole Diomampo, Archie Bez, RJ Huang, and Josh Baquiran: “THE GREATEST SACRIFICE”

Caption This!

As we say goodbye to school and stress and enjoy 3 months of freedom, we leave you with something sizzling that will surely heat up your senses. Frewell cold lonely nights. Hello summer, my lover.

Winner of last issue’s Caption This: “Wasted at 8 AM” and “Kiko naman, hininga mo.” all care of Dom Garcia :)

staffbox Leslie Anne O. Octaviano Editor-in-Chief Kristine Joy D. Cunanan Associate Editor Karen S. Orticio Managing Editor John Reyneil U. Go News Editor Ma. Carmela M. De Jesus Features Editor Ma. Carmela Astudillo Layout Editor Patrick Allen Santos Photo Editor Andrea Bianca Alvaro Webmaster

Karen S. Orticio Hannah Manalili Dean Gerard Dulay Janna Ong Paolo Emmanuel Tamase Ella Parel Geoffrey Archangel Bautista Therese Joson Myra Olaso Selena Monica Y. Ortiga Mica de Jesus Noreen Apuhin Reuel Realin News Staff and Contributors Czarina F. Carbonel Andrea Julienne D. Pua Leslie Anne O. Octaviano Paolo Emmanuel Tamase Selena Monica Y. Ortiga Layout Staff Czarina F. Carbonel Francis William T. Lopez Willie Sarmiento Jr. Nathan Michael Pico

Geoffrey Archangel Bautista Patricia Mae I. Hermogenes Jeanne May P. Jampac Antonio Siegfrid O. Alegado Florian Kim P. Dayag Cheenie Quirante Angelo Calabio Reuel Realin Jau Azis Jes Manipon Ida Metiam Chase Suguitan Inna Morillo Kash Salvador Raphael Fulgar Angelo Quintos Aaron Aw Features Staff and Contributors Jerico Ray Francisco Jessica Joy Yra Karen S. Orticio Joshua Coquia Patricia Mae I. Hermogenes Gilbert Bueno Jr. Ma. Angela Kristina I. Ame Leslie Anne O. Octaviano Andrea Bianca Alvaro Photograpers

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