ECHOES September 2012 by Echoes

September 2012

Go figure Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ecosoc month and Judithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on the cover.

The Soul of Ecosoc?

27 FEATURED ARTICLE Editors

Committee News

Treasure Hunt From the Eyes of Vito

HORACE CIMAFRANCA Editor-in-Chief

INSIDE ECOSOC

Claim to Fame

DEREK PARREÑAS Associate Editor

FEATURES

A Look Back at Grand Trad

Birds and the 32 The Bees

20 The Perverse Spirits 33 App Stats 22 Hardballin’ 34 To Run for 55 Episode 2 CULTURE Highs 24 Forbidden and Unexpected 37 Shitty Things Lows 38 Tweetable Tweets The Search for 26 Chief Justice 40 On the Concrete 42 Gossip G. And Beyond

That Happened

Contributors:

AYLA REYES Managing Editor BEA BAYUDAN Features Editor JOBY GUERRERO News Editor SAM GONZALES Culture Editor JR NEPOMUCENO Digital Content Editor GJ AGREGADO Photos Editor KENNETH REYES Layout Editor JUDITH PASCUAL Creative Director RALPH DANTES Logistics Director

MAAN ARIATE

LERIZZE TAN

Staff

TIMMY JACOB

JUDE GERON

RAMM ADVINCULA

FLORA PALABRICA

KELVIN TAGNIPEZ

PAULO DAMIAN ARIANE RODILLAS

Cover Photo by GJ Agregado

Previous Issue

Echoes is the official publication of the UP Economics Society (UP Ecosoc), a non-stock, non-profit, student organization based in the University of the Philippines Diliman School of Economics. Since the 2nd semester of the academic year 2010-2011, Echoes is released four times in a sem and eight times in a year, on the months of January, February, March, July, August, September, October, and December. It draws its funding from a subsidy from UP Ecosoc, sponsorships, subscription revenue, and other small funraisers. For this semester, 40 subscription copies, 5 tambayan copies, 1 archive copy, and a complimentary copy for each of our sponsors, featured members, and featured alumni are produced. This publication is printed by Yza Copy Systems and Trading, located at Stall 22 at the Shopping Center, UP Diliman, Quezon City. contact us

upecosoc@gmail.com upecosoc.echoes@gmail.com visit for more information

upecosoc.org Echoes.PH facebook.com/up.economics.society No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission.

From the Editor Another release, another sleepless night. That’s the routine. And just when I thought I’ve laid out the last of the committee news (Kenneth does the layout for Features and Culture), I realize that I have yet to write this editorial. Not that I hate writing it, but I just don’t like the feeling of being obligated to do something when I’m not in the mood to do it. Especially now that it’s almost 5 AM and the only thing I want to do is sleep. But pluck it. Here goes my obligation. Thank you, past EICs. Your legacy has forced me to do this. I am not going to talk about Ecosoc Month. You’re probably sick of reading about it. Nor will I talk about anything relevantly Ecosoc. Frankly, I’m one of the last persons you can strike up a conversation with about our dear organization. I’m just not as expressively passionate about Ecosoc as Kenneth or even JR Nepomuceno (Yes, talk to him about Ecosoc and you’ll realize how much you’ve missed). And again, frankly, I can only dream of relating and understanding the org the way the past two EICs were able to do. Instead, allow me to share with you a question I’ve been asking myself the last six minutes. Why do I find Externals’ Marie Antoinette so funny? Is it because of her la-di-da purple period costume? Why does she have a heartshaped birthmark on her face? How accurate is that? Were bangs in fashion in the 18th century? And why is herTHAT’S hair bleached white? There are too many questions NOW THE SPIRIT! because a lot of her facets Adding in some humor (and lifting the Photoare by questionable. GJ Agregado words out from a critique by a Grand Trad expert), there are just too many wrong things about her that makes her really funny. And I’m not alone in this fascination with Marie Antoinette. The Liaison chair couldn’t help but comment on her last photo. (And believe me, he almost choked with laughter.) “Was she endorsing Kit Kat? It seems like it!” My apologies to Externals. I don’t mean to make a laughfest out of your bet. Mark isn’t Marie Antoinette and I know you’ve been going the extra mile (fine, centimeter) to transform him into that monstrous icon of feudal aristocracy. But really, I can’t help but smirk at the thought of your Marie Antoinette. And I have to thank you for coming up with that hilarious set of photos that helped me get through another sleepless night. Good luck on Friday! As the Peter and Cadness movie saying goes, may the odds be in your favor...sometimes. As for the rest of you Ecosocers, I hope I do not disappoint with this editorial. Notwithstanding, I do hope you find a lot of realizations about this org as you read through our September issue. Happy Ecosoc Month! Horace

COMMITTEE NEWS

COCOY | President

There’s really something about September that makes it such a special month for Ecosoc. As the semester winds down, the incumbent Executive Committee gets ready to turn over the command of the organization a new set of leaders. Around this same time last year, I was prepping myself to face the most daunting task I have ever taken in my whole life, one that would preoccupy for the two succeeding semesters. It wasn’t the fairy tale I had initially hoped it would be, but it was all worth it in the end. My main drive for taking on this Herculean role was sheer love for this organization. It was that which pushed me to carry on even in the most difficult of times (and I’ve had my fair share of those during the past year), and which I held on to when I couldn’t do so anywhere else.

To those who aspire to take on the helm of this great organization, you have a long journey ahead of you. If you have intentions, I want you to run in spite of your fear, in spite of a formidable opponent. The organization needs leaders who are capable of standing up for the organization despite. Be that leader for us. The Ad Hoc Committee has refocused our organization’s anniversary festivities to be more definitive of Ecosoc—that is, Ecosoc Month should be more of Ecosoc than Ad Hoc. Such was the driving force behind the bombardment of “UP Ecosoc Month” in our promotions throughout the semester, as well as the change in our Twitter username (@UPEcosocMonth). It was a move that hopefully reinforced a sense of identity for the organization, that we are defined by our own makings and our own regulations. With four out of a total of seven events already finished by this printing, I can say that it has been a great Ecosoc Month so far. External Affairs, Sports, and Secretariat all have been impeccable in putting out NES, Run for 54, and the Ecosoc Month Gallery. The thirtieth Grand Tradition is another thing to look forward to this coming Friday, as well as the CDC Service Project on the 29th. I really hope everyone takes part in the celebration, because all of it in the end really is for Ecosoc. See you all on September 22 at LIV! Happy Ecosoc Month!

HANNAH | Vice President

Happy 54th Anniversary Ecosoc! That’s 54 years of Service, Excellence and Tradition. Get ready for the upcoming Ecosoc month power events: Grand Trad, CDC Service Project and the Anniversary Party: LIV!!! Hihi You surely wouldn’t want to miss any of those ;) EXCITING!!! And of course, don’t also dare miss Musikapella!!! You can claim your tickets from your respective comm heads next week teehee :) See you, Ecosoc! Now on to the messages haha To the next Grand Trad Champion, Porn!!! Channel your inner Nora as you rise above the competition. I can feel it, this year is TAE’s year. Hihi hi Horace, Cocoy and Echoes :> Renegades, last push!!! It’s been amazing working with you so far :) Thank you for all your support and also be sure to have my support always <3

To the lovely Task Force, this is the last commnews before MUSIKAPELLA!!! I’m so excited! lfjhsalkdgjhaslghjas We have all been working really, really hard for this and come Musikapella, I just know that it’ll be freaking AWESOME. To my lovely interns, Josh, Maan, Paola, Dea, Chelsea, Tanya, Shannon, Adriel, Aileen, Vito, Renzo, Jus, Francine, Toni and Alyssa; I hope I can meet all of you soon!!! As in please!!! Hahaha <3 Bond tayo teehee :”>

HANNAH | Task Force

To the CorpRel team, go lang ng go! Hihi Onting-onti nalang quota na :> Yeee :”> Creatives, thank you yet again for being so patient with all the departments :) Onting deliverables nalang! Hehe Finance, ito na! Ito na nag haggard period niyo! Haha Tracking tickets teehee I know both of you are OC, so kayang kaya niyo yan :> MRP, it’s your time to shine! Haha Last 3 weeks of heightened promotions :”> Logistics, onting push nadin lang! :> Good job on handling all our Aliw transactions properly hihi Programs, yehes! You’re the only complete department last ocular! And may I just say, ang pa-star niyo! =)) And superb job guys! Sales, use all your charm in selling our merchandise! Hihi SchoolRel, good job on building good relationships with the schools :) Forever na yan ah? Hihi Kev! Last 3 weeks! Let’s do this :> Guys, I really am thankful that all of you are part of this semester’s Task Force and I hope you get to love it more after :) This is it!

ANGEL | Secretary

I hope you all went to the Gallery launch today! Keep the tambayan clean! Shout out to my committee! Love you all! XOXO Angel

JESS | Treasurer

First of all, thank you for your overwhelming support! I really appreciate it every time you guys share & like our posts, and actively participate in our facebook promos and gimmicks. Thank you so much for making it a success! I think that the Php 24,000 profit isn’t bad at all for a new event like Foodgasm. (Sorry, it’s not Php 30,000 as reported earlier. There have been some miscalculations!) I know it’s going to earn a lot of money in next semesters! (Hi to whoever the next Fin Chair is! )

MY FIN LOVES. Nakakaiyak, we did it! I can still remember when we started planning for it. A lot of people were skeptic about it yet you guys believed in the event and kept working hard even how difficult it is to do something really new. To my dear Logistics team, Donelle, Geli, Justin, Botan & Aeron, you guys are unbelievable! You amaze me with your passion and determination to make each and every plan possible! Cheers for getting the venue for free! To my sexy marketing team, Tong, JYA, Justine G, Alyssa, Angela, congratulations for getting quality sponsors! I commend you guys for handling them with utmost professionalism! To my amazing Pub & Promo team, Shelly, Janine, Ana, Abby, Kristina, ang daming Facebook likes and bloggers! I’m so sorry for bugging you all the time but I hope you were proud of the results of your hard work! Congratulations for taking the publicity and promotions of Foodgasm to a whole new level! Lastly, to my hardworking External Relations Team, Brian, Jomac, Just, Kamille, Jenina, Francine, you have the most difficult task, I believe. A lot of people thought that it would be impossible for us to get participants but you guys made the impossible possible! Congratulations! All your hardwork (sending 300+ emails, going to JSEC & Mezza Norte just to give away letters, stalking food businesses online) paid off! Like the marketing team, I commend each one of you for handling our participants really well! To my interns Cyvil, Henny, & Coleen, I hope you enjoyed your internship in Finance! Thank you so much for being there always to help! It meant a lot! To all the volunteers and apps who just volunteered on the event itself, thank you so much! You have no idea how much I appreciate it! To the apps who surprised me during Foodgasm, thank you for making me smile at my most stressful moments! RENEGADES. thank you so much for the love and support, for listening to my rants and understanding all my shortcomings! Seriously, you guys made me sane! Von, Chila, Mark, Miguel, Janeen, congratulations on your events! Cocoy, Hannah, Angel, JR, Horace, Carmi, good luck! Final push na! I can’t believe it’s about to end. Ang bilis! MT. OLYMPUS. Thanks for all your support! The lunch and dinner dates before Foodgasm meant a lot! I love you all! ECOSOC. Happy birthday! Thank you for making my college life fun and exciting, for letting me meet the most amazing people in the world, for giving me a chance to grow as a person. I am and will always be proud to be called an Ecosocer. <3 The Goddess

COMMITTEE NEWS

CHILA | PRO

Ecosoc: To everyone who supported and helped out from Start UP, our main fundraising project for this year’s National Economics Summit, to the volunteers and attendees of NES itself, in behalf of the external affairs committee, I extend my deepest gratitude to you. This semester would have not been a success if it were not for your support. Fiesta Apps: Thank you for volunteering and helping out during NES and Congratulations with Challenge Night! J I heard it was great and I would have loved to attend. ALL: TEN Moves will no longer be per committee, let us fill up the bottle assigned for us and be part of a great cause by setting aside just P10 per day! J

Externals: Congratulations to each and every one of us. Though not all of us were able to attend on the day of NES itself, your support throughout the semester cannot go unrecognized. Iso, you started it all with your idea for Game Theory, thank you. Reg, thanks for supporting J Dana T, thank you for lending us your gorgeous dress for GT. Jejemae & Dhiren, thanks for joining NES case study despite all the hassle. God, good job with the catering, mukhang masarap yung food J Jiggy, really loved your enthusiasm for pub, but sorry we didn’t have enough budget. Karla, kahit may thesis ka, super thanks for being super supportive. Miko, salamat sa pagpapahiram mo ng pick-up for log, suuper helpful. Ria, thanks sa pagsalo niyo sa pub. Jo,I know you wanted to work for Log, but super good job w/ ER, hope you liked Marketing too. Dia, good job with handling the case study and judges. Ben, Quek, Red, and Ak, I feel so blessed to have you guys on my team, I apologize if you feel overworked, but I’m proud of all we’ve done for NES J Externals Apps: You all did great and I feel so lucky you chose to be part of Externals J, so sorry I don’t get to give commeet to all of you K Dana, Ria, Pammy , good job with the orgs. Trisha, ang ganda nung shirts kahit medj maliit. Cath, ang galing nung video. Kath, good job with endorsements. Cheska & Himmy good job with log. When you all become mems, please continue being active :D The sem is not yet over, so let’s do well with Grand Trad J and don’t cram your CDCs please! :D Externals Interns: Good job with your internship! J Lerizze, your pub skills are really awesome, ganda nung main poster. Jude & Monty, thank you for taking pictures and for ID and endorsement. Jenina, Adri, & Dustin, thanks for handling orgs. I do hope this internship has been fruitful for you J Renegades: Congrats to all of us who have finished with our respective events already J and good luck to Memcom, Ad Hoc, and TF! J P.S. special thanks to Bods for helping out for NES. Mt. Olympus: Friends J Bond naman tayo soon! P.S. Janeen, if manalo ka ng Maroon 5 tickets :’>

VON | Academic Affairs

Since it is September (and it is OUR month), here’s an account that could compound on the mountain of reasons why we should all be proud to be an Ecosocer! Last August 31 and September 1, was the recently concluded National Youth Congress. It is by far considered as the largest and most inclusive congress in NYC history- having been able to cater to 349 students from all over the Philippines, as far as Davao and South Cotabato. For the first time, NYC was able to live up to its name as the NATIONAL Youth Congress. Not to mention, it is also a first for the congress to move out from the UP School of Economics Auditorium and transfer to the larger and grander GT Toyota Auditorium.

All of these, however, were made possible through the cooperation between our beloved org andUPSE Student Council. Special mention to my partner Issa P: you are an amazing woman! To my Directors and Assistant Directors who were super amazeballs: thank you and we (me and Issa) miss you all! Neil and Nikki: The forever love team (but only possible in my imagination since Neil has a girlfriend haha), thank you for inspiring me to go to our meetings just so I can see you together hihi kidding! Jason and Quek: The unprecedented combo haha! I’m so proud and impressed with the both of you considering that your team faced the most demanding tasks. You are (not only mine, but…) the team’s lifesavers! Pai and Angelica: Aww I already told you about this, but I’d say it again anyway. I’ve never been prouder of NYC and that’s mostly because of your hardwork! Despite all the drama (you know when haha), I love you both! Kenneth and Monina: The pub prodigies! What you’ve both shown were definitely beyond our expectations. Your works did not only highlight the best about NYC, but were the highlights of NYC! Cyril and Cathy: Hello to the sponsor logossss (yun oh, plural na haha!) Thank you for staying put despite all my crazy demands. Cathlyn and Pauline: I know your team was most challenged, but despite that you all delivered! Thank you! To the rest of the team, apps, interns and volunteers: Remember that the success of this event is also attributable to all of your efforts. Be proud that you’re part of NYC 9! To my family (ACAD): Aww last month to go huhu! Let’s relive the ACAD Lazer Tag Bonding Tradition soon! hihi. Love you all! :* Renegades: There’s so much to say to all of you, but for the meantime I’ll spell it in few words: Love you guys! Best of luck to our remaining events! :* PS. Happy Birthday Sweetiepie (Hannah)! I love you a bunch! :* PPS. Special mention to Luis aka soon to be Grand Trad Winner!!!!

CARMI | CDC

Hi Ecosoc! Can you believe that? Just a few commnews ago, we’re welcoming the semester but now we are almost ready to let it go. But before that, we’re at the peak of our celebration as an organization! Watch out for more as we all pour out our best efforts in a showcase of love for our org! Have you all got complete CDCs already? I sure hope so! We still have Vendors and Lounge Electives for you guys and 2 (or more) Saturday CDCs! We’ll also have our biggest Service Project on Sept. 29 and the CDC Culminating Activity in October. We hope to see you and make you realize what the org is all about. Shout out to my Ecosoc BFFs: Renegades, thank you for everything you’ve helped us out so far! Congratulations to each of us for our achieved and also our impending successes!

To my family: CDC, the semester is still long for us. Kapit lang! I know that we have succeeded so far already. I hope that you felt as how I felt being with you guys, being with a family. I’m so proud to be having friends with you guys. To my babies: CDC apps, you know how much I care about each and everyone of you. I hope you would share the same with those people who need them the most. And to the Fiesta apps, I hope we were successful in showing you what we love about the organization! My only wish is for you to stay true and excited about everything happening around us. This is the grandest #RememberSeptember of our lives!

HORACE | Echoes

Let’s be honest. There are two things I always check when I go online. The Echoes and the UP Ecosoc groups on Facebook. Echoes, this has been an amazing semester. I can fill this page up till Janeen’s if I were to list all the stuffs I’m really thankful to you for. But I won’t do that. The next few weeks are going to be our little countdown to relief (and hopefully, little glory). I hope we continue to sustain our drive for doing what we do. I know I should be saving this for the last commnews but what the heck. I have much better things to write there. ;) Execom, it’s our last push. Sounds cliché but sometimes, we just have to remember that the light at the end of the tunnel is more visible than ever. I know half of us are now just sitting pretty and relieved during the Execom meetings but there are a lot more to be done. I say, good tidings and let’s do this, bitch!

I opened my commnews with that statement because that is the most obvious difference between me now and me just before being appointed as EIC and member of the Executive Committee. Forgive me, I can’t think of a better observation. I haven’t slept! But seriously, there is always that constant anticipation in me, that feeling that I want to see a piece of live Ecosoc action even in my room. And I don’t mean just big stuff that happen online. It can simply be Miko Gloria randomly posting a black woman meme in the group or Bea, Judith and Sam doing a triple team on Derek. Whatever it is I’m trying to say, I just want to show that this attitude change, miniscule as it seems within the much wider realm of reality, speaks so much about how this organization and the wonderful people in it turned my platonic feellings for Ecosoc into a genuine concern for its ideals. Yeah, I care now. By the way, the Execom photos are supposed to show their best moments in Ecosoc Month events. Mine is obviously not Grand Trad but I put that, JR and Miguel’s anyway to inspire a future breed of Ecosocers who don’t pussyfoot and are willing to take on any challenge, even if it meant wearing a wig and tutu! Till next issue, our last, enjoy!

COMMITTEE NEWS

MARK | Liaison

It’s September already and it’s our second to the last commnews for the sem…and for our term! Aside from that, it’s Ecosoc’s 54th birth month this September, so make sure to celebrate with the whole org! Two years ago, when I was still a new member of this organization, I was fortunate enough to take roles in Ecosoc: officer for two special committees. Before, these special roles were appointed only to a selected pool of members. I treated them as a blessing, and worked really hard so as not to disappoint the people who gave these opportunities to me. I also took the risk of being a vice chair after being asked by Mads, Liaison’s former chairperson. As I delivered my role as VC, I also served Ecosoc with other functions I assumed. They were definitely challenging, or should I say, a ‘hassle’ to a typical student like me. But whatever, I took these roles, and I should fulfill them WITHOUT whining and leaving the work behind. After all, they had made me love Ecosoc even more. That was my life a year ago, and the same scenario Ecosoc had before.

For the past month, I’ve been pushed to my limits I’ve never even expected ever in my life. If I have to quote one of the former Execom members, “di biro ang pinapasok niyo.” True enough. It actually is not funny when you have to take all the responsibility especially when something’s not working, not only in your committee, but also in the whole of Ecosoc. What kept me sane after those wild moments was my genuine love for the organization. It has been my driving force ever since I became a member of this organization, and the one I particularly hold on to when I am left with practically no one (or nothing for that matter). To the future leaders of this organization, don’t run just because you wanted the position to be in your resume, or just plainly the position. Run, because you love the organization. Thereafter everything will fall into place. To the members, continue loving and finding yourself in the organization. As I’ve always said, don’t just leave Ecosoc behind. To the applicants, I hope you guys have already found your fit in the org. Best of luck in your remaining days as apps! To the Execom, thank you very much for being there as always! Tulungan lang, matatapos na din! J To Aeron, let’s win this! Happy birthday, Ecosoc!

JR| Memcom

Before I start my second to the last commnews, I want to greet the UP Economics Society a happy birthday! 54 years of Service, Excellence and Tradition! Everyone will surely Remember September! No doubt about it! We are nearing the end of the Barrio Ecosoc semester! I can already feel the stress and hardship of everyone but we should all hang in there because in the end, it’s all going to be worth it! This coming Friday, September 14, the grandest of all traditions will come to life! The Miss Grand Tradition 2012 entitled Fame will be held in the Engineering Theatre from 7pm to 11pm. Watch as the candidates of each committee take on the role of female icons in this annual event! Don’t miss your chance on seeing one of the most beloved event of Ecosoc! The Membership Committee worked really hard in organising Miss Grand Tradition 2012! It would mean a lot to us if everyone could attend! We assure you we would not disappoint! So bring your father, mother, brothers, sisters and friends!

To Memcom, it has been one heck of a semester! I will save all the cheese and drama and put it all in my last commnews! For the meantime, I just want to say thank you for giving it your all in making sure our event this coming Friday will be a success! Let us enjoy the remaining days of the semester! We would surely be stress free after Friday because the most challenging event of our committee will be done! Let us hope for the best and wish that our hardwork will pay off come Friday! May Miss Grand Tradition 2012 go smoothly and be a success! And lastly, to our candidate, Matthew! Thank you for always being game and taking on the challenge to be like Lady Gaga! It has been really fun working with you! Now let’s go and try to win that crown! And once again, Happy Ecosoc Month to every Ecosocer! Let us all support the remaining events of September! I hope all the members and applicants are happy! We are this close to ending the semester with a bang! Let us make this semester count and hope that it will go down in history as one of the funnest semester of Ecosoc! Till my next commnews! Thank you for reading! I hope I did not waste 2 minutes of your life! -JR

MIGUEL | SPEV

Happy 54th Anniversary Ecosoc! The month we have all been waiting for is finally here!! HELLO SEPTEMBER! Oh this month really brings me back to the September when I was an applicant. To me, that month was definitely a September worth remembering – there were so many things going around, so many sigsheet requirements to finish, and so much “WOOHOO’s” and “GO ECOSOC!” cheers heard inside the tambayan. The hype, the craziness, the overflowing joys and laughter, the new friends, Grand Trad practices – IT WAS AWESOME! Ecosoc Month is something we can really be proud of as Ecosocers. I hope everyone gets to experience the same fun September this year - we are going to make this one the best Ecosoc Month ever!

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED IN TREASURE HUNT AND VICE NIGHT 2012! SPEV had a lot of fun planning the events and we hope everyone had a great time! Thank you also for hanging out in the tambayan last Tambay Week! The tambayan was a mess, but I hope you guys made new friends haha! Thank you also to our Vice Night host Joc for lending us his beautiful house last Vice Night! I would like to use this opportunity to thank my team for helping me plan all our events this semester. To Pau and Andee, thank you for always being there when I need you! To Cyril, Bruno, Pito, Kelvin, Sol, Noreen, Patmen, Lesley, Jason, Angelica, Jacques, Ryna, Kat, Maika, and Risa – thank you for facilitating a smooth Treasure Hunt and Vice Night, it’s nice to have a team as hardworking as you guys! GRAND TRAD NAMAN! To my interns Mark, Dana and Ria, I hope you learned a thing or two from me HAHA! Good job!! To my ALL STAR APPS Ayi, Hazel, Jude, Cara, Bam, Matthew, Josh, Adriel and Melissa, I’m so proud of you guys! You guys will make fine Ecosocers in the future, I’m sure of it. See you guys around! Happy Ecosoc Month! - Miguel

JANEEN | Sports

Second to the last commnews. It just means that the end is near (not end of the world). First, I would like to thank everyone who attended the SPORTS-CDC event which is Larong Pinoy. I hope everyone enjoyed reminiscing and playing our Philippine games with the CDC kids. :> Also thank you for attending Run for 54 last Tuesday, without your active participation and support it wouldn’t be successful. I hope you enjoyed running around the acad oval while showing the whole UP community the 12 different committees along with our pride us Ecosocers that really embodies our organization.

To my ever supportive members : Ria and Jed thank you for being my vicechairs and for helping me with our events. I know you guys gave your best and put all your efforts for all our events to be successful, Chello and Cheska even though you guys are busy, you guys took time to help me in preparing for Grand Trad, Tracy and Mik I don’t know really what will happen to Sports without you two because you’ve been an asset to the committee, PauBau, CV and Rino thanks for all the help with pubmats (PauBau), Sports Cup Draft (Rino) and attending MBA even you’re injured (CV), Dave, Topy, Joc and Nathan guys I know you are busy and I’m still thankful for your help and I appreciate the “sorry” texts you always sent me whenever you guys can’t attend commeets or genmeets. I hope you won’t be unactive next semester because we’ll definitely need you here. To my chuBIBBO apps : Adri (tall and most outstanding during Treasure Hunt), Boz (the cool guy in town!), Cyvil (my sister/friend/motivator), Dustin (RP team member!), Joseph (the one who always asks if I ever needed any help), Miguel (pogi mo! Please try to win Grand Trad! HAHA), Mike (no. 1 volunteer ever, umuwi ka naman baka hinahanap ka na), Ralph (silent/shy type but always there to help), and Renzo (I’ll still support you in Grand Trad!). Thank you for being there guys and for helping me to spearhead Sports-CDC! Last stretch guys! Hope to see you in the Induction Ball! Just wanted to say sorry for rescheduling of some events and even the cancellation of Sports Cup. I know you guys are excited to these events and we even prepared the best team rosters and pubmats. Unfortunately, the weather is not cooperating with us so we decided to cancel it since there are no available dates left. But still we tried our best and I hope you are still up for some Sports lovin’! Hahahaha! :D To RENEGADES : We are almost there! Last push! Please let’s have more bonding time (photo shoot / photo booth)! <3 P.S. Happy Birthday Hannah bebe! <3

INSIDE ECOSOC “Oh yes, it was this big!” Photo by Ayi Dave

Ecosoc Month launched BY JOBY GUERRERO Love Ecosoc and it will love you back. As publicity materials declare, September is Ecosoc’s month. Last September 1, Ecosoc’s Ad Hoc committee launched, “Remember September: the Ecosoc Month” at the Secret Fresh Gallery in Greenhills, San Juan. The event was attended by the Ecosoc Month ambassadors, partner organizations’ representatives,

members and applicants. The launch was hosted by alumni Ogie Enriquez and Trishka Echiverri. Ecosoc Month was officially kicked off by the Ad Hoc Ambassadors, Ira Georgetti, Ellie Centeno, Miko Carreon, Raleene Cabrera, and Dani Baretto. The first ever Ecosoc ID was also shown in the event. Members beam with pride as the video was played. In marking the legacy happening

this month, Ecosoc Presidents, Raymond Zabala, Ogie Enriquez and Cocoy Vargas unveiled an art piece on which people can write their answer to the question, “What makes you an icon?” The launch was successful in giving the whole organization and its stakeholders the feeling of anticipation for a month they will surely never forget.

Apps host wild night for members BY MAAN ARIATE

Yes, these apps are minors. Photo by Jude Geron

Applicants and members brought out their wild sides at the apps’ Vegasthemed Challenge Night entitled “Wild Card: Are You Feeling Lucky?” held at two venues, SE 111 and SE lounge, last September 7. The Apps opened the night by walking in the runway dressed up as Vegas icons Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, Dita Von Teese, Britney Spears, Hugh Hefner with two lovely playboy bunnies, and Criss Angel. The runway show was followed by a showcase of the apps’ heavenly voices. First off was a duet of “Waking Up in Vegas”, followed by a group rendition of “Marry You”. Then, a bubbly interpretative dance by three pretty ladies to Party in the USA ensued. A

girl group also sang “We Found Love.” “Save Room” was sung accompanied by a guitar and a sax. A group of girls in black showed what they had with a jazz number while another group of girls brought a sultry air onto the dance floor with a burlesque number. The boys didn’t disappoint (or did they?) the crowd with a sexy and daring dance number from the Grand Trad contestants. After the performances, the party moved to the SE lounge where a catered dinner was waiting. The Execom also had their time in the limelight as they danced to Dynamite. The Apps ended the night by singing “We are Young” capped by a resounding thank you to the members in attendance.

NES reaches new heights BY FLORA PALABRICA The National Economics Summit, spearheaded by the External Affairs Committee of the UP Economics Society, was held last September 8 at the College of Science Auditorium. The event brought together more than 200 delegates from universities all over Luzon to promote the use of economics as a tool for national development through a series of talks and a final case study presentation. With this year’s theme of Game Theory, various esteemed speakers at the top of their respective fields discussed this study of strategic VICO UBALDO IS NOT A PRO INin decision making and its application PROCRASTINATION the context of the Philippine economy. See story on the was nextProfessor page. The first speaker Raul Fabella, national scientist and professor Photo by GJ Agregado at the UP School of Economics. He gave

an introduction to game theory and talked about its importance in the fields of trade and public choice. Mr. Anthony Lee, the Marketing Head of the San Miguel Corporation, then followed with a presentation on the use of game theory in market entry and expansion. Two of the top three finalists then presented their case studies regarding the Global Gateway Logistic City in Clark, Pampanga. After their presentations, the main speaker, Francisco G. Dakila Jr., Director of Center for Monetary and Financial Policy of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, gave the final talk on the effect of the euro financial crisis on Filipino spending. Team Tornado was then announced to be the winner of the Case Study Competition and PHP FILLED TO THE BRIM Kids of all ages showed up for NES 15,000 cash prize. Photo by Monty Banta

INSIDE ECOSOC

NYC 9 pushes for progressive development BY FLORA PALABRICA The Academic Affairs Committee of the UP Economic Society, in partnership with the UP School of Economics Student Council, organized the National Youth Congress last September 1 at the GT-Toyota Asian Center Auditorium. The forum was attended by more than 350 student delegates from high schools all over the Philippines, all eager to learn more about the application and power of economics through talks from acclaimed economists and the NYC Economics Quiz Bee. This NYC also marks the first time students from outside Luzon were among the delegates.

This year, NYC focused on Developmental Economics, with the title ‘Pedaling Towards Prosperity’. Dr. Solita Monsod, one of the top economists of the country and a professor at the UP School of Economics, discussed the Millennium Development Goals set by the United Nations as well as the Philippines’ progress in reaching them by 2015. She was followed by Dr. Benjamin Diokno, another top economist of the country and professor at the UP School of Economics. He gave a presentation, entitled ‘Where Do We Go from Here?’ which talked about the roles

of government policies in inducing national development. The different high schools were then divided into groups of twenty for Group Dynamics, where various UP School of Economics undergraduates asked them for their personal inputs on the year’s theme. Following this was the National Youth Congress Economics Quiz Bee, a competition covering high school economics topics as well as current events and talks from the speakers. Philippine Science High School - Main Campus won first place and the PHP 6,000 cash prize.

If you don’t think this is fancy, I don’t know what is! Oh right, a colored photo. This was NYC held at the Toyota Center Photo by GJ Agregado

Sports fires up CDC BY PAULO DAMIAN Members and apps relive their childhood with a Philippine Games – themed Sports CDC, entitled Larong Pinoy, last August 18, 2012. This semester, it was organized by the apps and interns of the Sports Committee. The session started with a prayer and some warm-up exercises to prepare the kids. Then the games for the day

were explained and each Ecosocer was paired with a kid. The children had to play in 4 different stations. The first one was a game of Agawang Panyo, followed by Patintero, then Tumbang Preso and finally, the last station involved random games such as Ice Water, Agawan Base, BEne Uno, Seven Up, etc., depending

on the decision of the facilitator. The day ended with merienda time. Sports CDC is a semestral partnership of the Community Development committee and Sports Committee which aims to instill in the kids the importance of physical and upbeat activities in maintaining a healthy body.

It’s official: Liai is jologs

Vice Night lets Ecosocers indulge in guilty pleasures

BY MAAN ARIATE

A riot broke out at the tambayan as hopefuls battled it out to be the next Jologs Quiz Bee champion last August 15. The quiz bee had three rounds. The first two tested the participants’ knowledge about Jologs trivia with questions ranging from Tagalog movies to bizarre factoids like, “Who is Patrick Star’s father?” Each correct answer of the first round was given 1 point while 3 points were given for the second round. The third round brought out the performers in everyone as the round required not only the completion of the lyrics but also singing with feelings. To make things more exciting, each correct answer entitled the team to opening a numbered block from the treasure hunt board. Behind each block could either be nothing or a treasure worth 10 points. Unfortunately though, no one was lucky enough to find any treasures. The Task Force-Ad Hoc-Echoes team already smelled victory with 14 points backing them but, the Liaison committee easily snagged the win after singing the last song worth 15 points. Liai walked away with a total of 25 points, 2 packs of candies and the coveted Jologs Quiz Bee trophy.

Rules that bounded the Ecosocers disintegrated during Vice Night last August 17 at Joc Tenefrancia’s home in Quezon City. It was a night when mems and apps were able to mingle with little or no inhibition, but Vice Night didn’t stop there. It wouldn’t live up to its name without some naughty vices. There were tequila bottles on each table screaming for takers while Spev interns mixed up drinks to fill everyone’s guilty pleasures. There were also games like

strip to Jerusalem where the guys were made into human chairs and the girls had to strip off a piece of the guys’ clothing before being able to sit down and stay in the game. The committee chairpersons of the winning Treasure Hunt team were thrown into the pool to swim in their victory. It was a night that lived up to its name and a night that can’t be remembered by those who partied hard.

Chamba, says a bitter member from Liaison. Photo by Jude Geron

Ecosoc goes green with Seccom’s Environmental Awareness Month BY RAMM ADVINCULA August was not just Buwan ng Wika, but it was also a green month for the UP Economics Society. The monthlong event was organized by the Secretariat Committee. It was entitled “Getting into the Green Scene: Ecosoc Environmental Awareness Month”. Every week, an advocacy was

presented and Seccom encouraged the Ecosoc Community to apply these advocacies in their regular day to day endeavors. Week one was about things college students can do to help Mother Earth be clean and green. Week two was promoting walking for cleaner air. Week three was all about conserving

water as it was accompanied by its witty tagline “Think outside the sink”. Week four highlighted recycling, one of the effective ways of rehabilitating the environment. Lastly, planting was forwarded as a way of Here’s what chocolates making the Earthcan greener the do tofor you future generationsPhoto by GJ Agregado

INSIDE ECOSOC

Finance whips up Foodgasm BY PAULO DAMIAN The Finance Committee spearheaded “Foodgasm: Indulge Your Tastebuds” last August 25, 2012, at Mercato Centrale, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. Doors opened at 6:00pm and all the hungry foodies began to roam around the room to get a taste of all 17 participating concessionaires, ranging from drinks to different types of desserts. The venue also had a special booth by DC, where people played a game to win a free pair of shoes. A contest called, “It’s time to be wEATy!”,

was also included in the program, where attendees had to formulate pickup lines using food names to win a gift pack from Knorr. Aside from merely savouring the delicious treats, all the foodies were also given a score sheet to determine the winner. Chefs and food bloggers were also judges. In the end, Blue Toque and their pastries took home the title together with P10,000, a trophy, a feature in Appetite Magazine and Breakfast Magazine, and a write-up from all the partner food bloggers. Two

special awards, Most Innovative and the Knorr Excellence award, were also given to Tofud Sweets by de Lite and Flavor Avenue. As presented during the September 5 general meeting, the event was able to raise profits from ticket sales and x-deals liquidation. Foodgasm: Indulge your Tastebuds is a food-tasting competition, a firsttime venture of the UP Economics Society. It was the semestral fundraising event by the Finance Committee for Ecosoc.

NOPE, NOT AD HOC. But Foodgasm app-volunteer Flora Palabrica looks like she’s ready to partaaay! Photo by Horace Cimafranca

It’s ‘cops and robbers’ for Treasure Hunt BY FLORA PALABRICA Treasure Hunt, the most-anticipated culminating event of Tambay Week, was organized last August 17 by the Special Events committee. With the theme, “Jail Break”, competition among the different committee teams only promised to get even more intense. The committees were grouped into: Memcom-Seccom-Finance, Echoes CDC-Cocoy, Liaison-ExternalsHannah and Acad-Sports. Following this semester’s new game system, the groups had to divide themselves into

cops and prisoners, with the prisoners doing the challenges and the cops winning points through stealing other teams’ flags and headbands. Prison maps were distributed, indicating the locations for the different challenges. The teams had until 8pm to finish at least 5 stations before proceeding to the Vice Night venue. Two week-long games held throughout Tambay Week served as the basis for the winners of the two Treasure Hunt incentives. The winners of Battle Royale 2.0, a last-team-standing game

Alumni return Liai holds first for Career Talk Alumni Night BY RAMM ADVINCULA

BY RAMM ADVINCULA

It was mid-August when the Liaison committee held its Ecosoc Career Talk at Room 125 of the School of Economics. It was entitled “Ecosoc and Beyond” and was attended mostly by the Fiesta Applicants and some members of the organization. The program began at 5:30 pm when hosts Jena Fernandez and Jus Nuque welcomed the audience. The alumni speakers for the event were Rona Jasa, Ben Tabios and Noel del Castillo. One by one they talked about what they do now in their respective careers. They also shared their experiences in Ecosoc, which helped them reach what they are now. The event ended with the apps very amazed aboutISthe things they IN will VICO UBALDO NOT A PRO encounter as their journey in Ecosoc PROCRASTINATION continues. alumni on the other See story The on the next page. hand were also happy as they had gotten Photo bythe GJ Agregado to meet new breed of Ecosocers and reminisce their Ecosoc days.

Last September 1 as the “Remember September” celebration began in Greenhills, the Alumni Night was held. The event was organized by the Liaison Committee in partnership with the Ad Hoc Committee. House and Pop music played all over the room as Josh Baquiran does his thing as the DJ for the night. Hosts Ogie Enriquez and Trishka Echiverri welcomed the audience. A wild version of “The Boat is Sinking” hyped the audience up. Then, Bobby Estebanlar, chair of this year’s SE Alumni Homecoming team, talked about what Ecosoc was like before. Cocoy Vargas followed as he presented Ecosoc’s present state and future plans. Socials then proceeded the presentations. Alumni of different batches played beer pong before calling it a night. It was the Liaison Committee’s flagship event foe Ecosoc Month and it was a success.

where the goal was to ‘kill’ or be ‘killed’ with throw pillows, was Echoes-CDCCocoy. They were also the team with the most number of tambay hours, which meant that they won both incentives. The incentives allowed them to either get double points for a station or get full points for skipping one. Their cops were also allowed to ride small vehicles. However, Memcom-SeccomFinance still came away as Treasure Hunt champions and as winners, received VIP treatment in Vice Night.

Partying like your mama in the 70s! Photo by Issa Poco

“Look Pa, I’m old enough for beer pong! -Noreen Apuhin Photo by Horace Cimafranca

NEWS

GK Build now a CDC staple BY PAULO DAMIAN Last August 13, Ecosoc had its first Project Hanan Build Session at a Gawad Kalinga community along Commonwealth Avenue, the same venue for this semester’s Health Mission and the Service Event this September. The first session was exclusive to members and applicants only, attended by a total of 16 Ecosocers. The succeeding build sessions, however, involved the participation of partner organizations. Activities included

painting the houses, transporting sand and gravel, lifting cement blocks and other construction activities. The community nanays prepared the meals for the enjoyable boodle lunch, which serves as the bonding time for Ecosoc and the partner organization. The last part was a synthesis message, usually delivered by Tito Jun, one of the Gawad Kalinga officers handling the community. The only down side of this activity was that only a few members take part. As of the fourth

build session, excluding CDC members, only 11 members have tried to attend the build sessions. Monday make-up class due to the week-long suspension during the Habagat situation was seen as a reason for the dismal attendance. Project Hanan, spearheaded by CDC, is this year’s Service Event for Ecosoc Month. It involves a series of build sessions from August-September, which will be concluded on September 29 with a Grand Build Session/Family Day event.

PSE and BSP joins SESC’s Econ-at-Work BY ARIANE RODILLAS Last August 6, students filled UPSE room 114 for Econ-At-Work II: Financial and Monetary Economics Seminar-Workshop. The seminar’s main objective is to tackle the concepts behind stock trade and the dealings within the country’s central bank. The first speaker was Mr. Mark Valino from the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). He talked about the essentials of stock market in an economy and how it helps in boosting growth. He also mentioned reasons why one should invest in the stock market. On the other hand, the second speaker Dr. Francisco Dakila Jr., the Director of Monetary and Financial Policy of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), discussed about the fundamentals of central banking. He narrated the history of BSP and described how the central bank of the Philippines works. He also talked about inflation targeting as one of BSP’s monetary frameworks.

Matthew Mercado blocks Jus Nuque’s face. Photo by Justin Baniqued

Seniors sweep Schoolympics BY MAAN ARIATE The UPSE Student Council hosted the 22nd annual UPSE Schoolympics last Aug 25 at the Ateneo High School Covered Courts. There were over 13 events and a new point system was implemented for the events. Preliminaries were conducted on two earlier dates, August 13 and 20, both held at the Quezon Memorial Park. Freshies had the highest attendance during the culminating event, followed by the Sophies then the Seniors. Sophies won first place for their cheerdance routine, followed by the Seniors then the Juniors. Sophies

struck two golds winning first in both the men’s and women’s basketball events. They also got first place in the Futsal Event. Juniors won first place for the mixed volleyball, mixed badminton, Game of the General and Chess events. The Seniors won first place in both divisions of table tennis, Sack Race and Ready, SE, Go! They also won first place in Capture the Flag by being able to keep their flag intact and stealing the freshies’ flag. The overall winner was the Seniors with a score of 504, followed by the Sophies with 462 and Freshies come on 3rd with a score of 412.

Tambay Week takes Ecosoc through time BY FLORA PALABRICA Tambay Week got off to a rousing start last August 14 as the Special Events Committee welcomed everyone to join in all the Tambay activities they had in store. As part of their application process, all apps were required to log in at least 10 Tambay Hours as well as take part in at least 2 Tambay Week activities, giving them the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the Tambay Week spirit. Each of the Tambay Week days

had a title: Tabon Tuesday, Medieval Wednesday, Hippie Thursday and Futuristic Friday. Since both members and apps were encouraged to wear costumes related to the day’s theme, the tambayan was filled with people in various period outfits ranging from subtle to elaborate. A game of water-soluble paintball was played to cap off Tabon Tuesday. For Medieval Wednesday, Academic Affairs facilitated the Jologs Quiz Bee

and Liaison committee won first place. An intense speed tournament, won by Cyvil Viloria, and a Career Talk with Alumni, hosted by the Liaison applicants, were the concluding activities for Hippie Thursday. The much-awaited Treasure Hunt and Vice Night, organized by SPEV, was then held on Futuristic Friday as the final Tambay Week event. Tambay Week was capped off by Grand Tradition until last year.

This is not from the relief ops but it probably looked like this. Photo by GJ Agregado

Rain or shine, the bayanihan spirit thrives BY JOBY GUERRERO Suspension of classes up to tertiary level, closed business offices which caused a standstill in the country’s trade and flooding that caused a lot of damage to the agriculture sector. These things are what the monsoon rains brought over Luzon for the first week of August. An average of 472 mm of rainfall was dumped by these rains. The southwest monsoon, enhanced by two storms, left the country with more than 60 casualties and more than P640 Million in damage. Amidst all of this, people have already learned their lesson from Ondoy, making them more prepared this time. When Filipinos see their kababayans encounter adversaries, their spirit to help kindles. People

all around the country were willing to help their fellow countrymen who were severely affected by the rains. The government and civil society helped hand in hand in sending relief to people in need. Rescue operations were not only headed by the government units but by different private organizations as well. Donation drives were set up to facilitate the relief operations. With the aid of social media, reaction to the calamity was quick. The cooperation between the private and public sectors helped largely in reaching those people in need. This sense of camaraderie observed is hoped to be part of people’s hearts not only during calamities but anytime someone asks for help as well.

Vito’s grad pic. His Tambay Week wardrobe was a tad better. Photo by that photo company that did Vito’s graduation pictures

NEWS

NEWS BY

NUMBERS BY JOBY GUERRERO

4,300,000 the cost, in peso, of refurbishing the COMELEC’S Baguio cottages. Chairman Sixto Brillantes argued that the cost, including beds bought at P91,000 each, was not overpriced

2 16 7.6

1,500,000,000 amount, in dollars, of damage caused by the onslaught of Hurricane Isaac on areas near the Gulf of Mexico in the United States

82 21

days it took before the body of DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo was retrieved from the wreckage of a plane that crashed near the coast of Masbate late this August regular and non-working holidays were declared by President Benigno Aquino for the year 2013 strength, in magnitude, of an earthquake that struck the the ocean floor 106 km east of Guiuan, Samar

the age of the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong, when he died due to surgical complications.

number of Samsung products Apple wants withdrawn from the US market citing patent infringments

apple is one big bitter jerk! Sept

alleged release date of Apple’s iPhone 5 after the company released invites to the members of the media

BEAT THIS EAST TIMOR!

65 18

the new rank of the Philippines in the global competitiveness ranking of the Geneva-based World Economic Forum. The Philippines improved 10 notches from being ranked 75th last year

it’s so advanced, you can drink from it.

FEATURES

The Perverse Spirits BY DEREK PARREÑAS

“There was a term the first Ecosocers used to describe their passion for excellence and pride for their school. They called it the Econian Spirit.” Echoes, September 2010

HIS WAS GOING to be celebration of Ecosoc’s members and an ode to all the hard work they did during this semester, yet, from the information gathered, it would not be proper. Generally speaking, while looking at the numbers, we’re supposed to be living in a better age. Despite all protest on how we can do better and such, in black and white, we’re in a better age. More people can eat, more people can sleep in a bed, communication is faster, and almost anything can be bought easily if you have enough money. We’re also living in a better country, according to the numbers of GDP growth and other tales found in the last SONA. But are we living in a better organization? We don’t have the numbers for this semester. Not yet, anyway. But here in the UP Economics Society, we have access to a much more telling form of information: opinions. I asked three general questions that held revealing and, apparently, very riveting answers: 1) Compared to last semester, do you feel that Ecosoc is a better org? Why or why not?, 2) To what factors can you attribute these to?, and 3) Do you feel the members are doing their part now? “It’s better now because the members are trying their best to save the org they love.” There’s nothing uniquely profound about the answer, if the answer was yes to the first question. According to all the members I asked, most of whom opted to be anonymous, this semester is shaping up to be way better than last semester. Why? Well, “the baseline wasn’t really that great, masyadong mababa” according to Neil Ong (one of the brave few who wished to be named). “If you asked me if it was better compared to different times, I probably would have a different answer.” One even said that “Ecosoc is a better org, but that

doesn’t mean I don’t think we can do a lot better.” The other respondents seemed to actually take that fact as commonly understood and went straight to business. “It is, basing on the success of the events, not mem participation,” another stated, a bit aggrieved. Former Echoes Editor-in-Chief Kenneth Reyes attributed the failures of last semester to a “lack of foresight” in the sense that “the things that contributed to the failure of Band in Demand and Rager [the two main financing events during the Outbreak semester] were largely foreseeable.” Others cited the “stronger pub,” “reaping in profits,” “some members stepping up more/ members trying to save the org they love,” and “some stronger events like Foodgasm and NYC, which were all unprecedented in the history of Ecosoc.” People mentioned different answers as to why Ecosoc was better, but for the second question, what factors contributed to these, there were, more or less, the same responses. “…From what they’ve shown us so far, the Execom have learned from their mistakes and are now burning to put Ecosoc back on the map.” Kenneth Reyes “Tiningnan ng Execom yung mga mali nila last sem at inayos nila,” Jomac Conty stated during his interview, which was an answer that appeared more than thrice, worded differently, some being less child-friendly than others. There was one who stated that “[he] thinks it’s the apps. They’re very lively and they’re pumping some lifeblood into EcoSoc”. But hold your horses, ladies and gentlemen, there are more telling answers here. A member cited the reason that “the events/ projects are well planned unlike before that you would only see the committees preparing a week before the event.” Accordingly, Foodgasm, NYC, and the Ecosoc Month Launch were all favorably mentioned as examples of well-prepared events that happened during the semester. Another response to the second question, with much ire, “Probably the 6 figure loss was a real fucking wake up call to every active ecosocer

especially to those who are involved in the decision-making process.” And, well, almost everyone feels that the members do their part better now. But those members only include the active ones, not the “inactive active” members. Most go through the effort of expressing how they feel about how aggrieved they are regarding those “freeriders,” as they are named by one of the respondents. And according to the same person, “I’ve heard of a lot of members saying they want to be inactive ‘cause this isn’t the org they signed up for. I mean the current state is dreadful. It’s just... different from the org I apped for. The people aren’t as active, aren’t as proud,” which is a worry expressed by a few others who shared the same rumor regarding Ecosoc. “I remember a time when committees had better member-oriented events.” A few respondents actually gave their own theories and explanations as to why Ecosoc has deteriorated into an organization lacking heart. Again, Kenneth provides us with his take on things: “I think the generation of the Execom (that is to say, the seniors) were spread too thin. Many were pursuing their extra-curricular dreams in other orgs like CAP, JMA, and the council.” Another member gives her opinion on the matter, using her previous experiences in the organization: “While I get the point of branding/making our brand known outside, we shouldn’t sacrifice internal bonding. Two years ago, the ecosoc experience was described as fun and other things (now it’s more [of a] work/‘I like having a place to put my things’ kind of thing).” There are also detractors from that sentiment, such as former Liaison Chairperson Mads Salazar, who believes that Ecosoc “becoming more involved in competitions and such” will “really help build Ecosoc’s name and it’s a good

thing that the Execom sees it as an important part of the semester.” “I found myself to be out of place, to be irrelevant in Ecosoc. So pardon me for being inactive. But still, I’m thankful for my time in Ecosoc.” Inactive member There’s one inactive member who actually gave time to express his thoughts on why he’s no longer active. He gave feelings of alienation (“I’m not willing to do that. I’m not a big spender”) and intellectual ambition (“I’m the type of guy that prefers discussions of politics, econ and some other relevant stuff”). Nevertheless, he respects Ecosoc for its identity and its demographics. We cannot fault ourselves for those kinds of feelings from inactive members. Ecosoc may not be for everybody, as is Economics. But what we can fault ourselves with are those feelings of disheartenment that some have imbibed. A different spirit may have formed from the failures of the past semester, which drained the life from Ecosoc. And so has that same spirit made this semester just a recompense for all the mistakes made along the way? A final gasp of air before death. Weary and hopeless—is that what Ecosoc has become? “Most of the time, it doesn’t feel fulfilling anymore.” It might be, as of this moment. But take this as counsel, a warning, not as a prophecy. Ecosoc has it within to keep pushing towards the limits of greatness, a view supported by others. “It also doesn’t hurt to recognize that while we commit mistakes, we do great things. We need a more developed culture of appreciation.” Paolo Tamase, former Ecosoc President

“But the younger generation feels different. I say ‘feel’ because I can’t back it up empirically, but the general feeling I get is that more and more of them are sticking with Ecosoc, especially the sophomores now,” Kenneth muses, “Ecosoc has always been fueled by its members.” What we do need, in the words of Paolo Tamase, is a “culture of appreciation” in order to understand that everyone makes mistakes, but beautiful things are born of those mistakes. No one should ever give up because of bumps and bruises that are temporary, because of failures that have already been rectified. Look around you, at Ecosoc, at the members, and recall the moments when you applied for an ideal Ecosoc that was lively as it was prosperous. It’s only you that can bring it to the same, or even greater, heights and it would be of no use, no use at all, if you leave it forlorn as it is. Whatever happened to the Econian Spirit? It seems as if Ecosoc zest for excellence and service have taken to the hills for the time being, tired from carrying the load on its scarred shoulders. But it will come marching back, as shown by the test of time, the hopes of the concerned, and the constant efforts of our vigilant members under the much wiser Execom. And when it comes back, as anticipated by so many others who toil to revive the gleam of the UP Economics Society, it will be together with a culture of appreciation and full of so much vigor, that no apathetic member, active or otherwise, would be able to ignore. So enjoy September, Ecosoc’s anniversary month, and remember the legacy with which you have aligned yourself with, and welcome the Econian Spirit into your hearts. “You are Ecosoc, part of a long line of selfless individuals who’ve made a difference in a world of egotism and greed. Ecosocers, do not disappoint.” Echoes, 1999

FEATURES

E’RE ALREADY IN the middle of the year and that only means one thing: we’re nearing a new season of the NBA. In line with that, fantasy basketball will be much of a buzz as we approach October/November and we can’t help but make our picks from our very own organization. And so, we will select our top picks from Ecosoc and probably give a description why these pick are worthy of our ink :) Author’s Note: We have also included an app, based on his performance in the recently held Schoolympics. We appreciate greatness in the making.

HARDBALLIN’ EP. 2

Ecosoc’s Ballerz

BY THE TRACE FACTOR (@THETRACEFACTOR) CONTRIBUTOR: BRIAN CRUZ

JR Yambao

JM Alcaneses

Henry Tan

Nickname: “The Babyface Assassin” Position: PG/SG Birthday: May 10

Nickname: “Mr. All Around” Position: SF Birthday: March 26

Nickname: “El Capitan” Position: SG/SF Birthday: November 18

This good-looking guy, as we can derive from his nickname, is no doubt the SE Juniors’ go-to-guy. His slashing skills are unmatched in the college and if this man’s got it going, the opponent is in for a long night. His shots from outside should not be ignored, as he can also pose a big threat from a long range. Based from experience, only a box-1 defense can limit this guy. Whew.

One of SE’s most talented big men, this guy can bring an all-around game to your team. From long distance barrages to unstoppable driving lay-ups, this guy can eat your whole team alive when he gets hot. Not to be underestimated is his power and speed, which is really complementing his size. This guy is one of the few people you do not want to be angry.

Henry is nothing short of a leader. He is the captain of the SE basketball team and the title speaks for itself. A lethal shooter from the perimeter, he can light it up from downtown. His size can pretty much deceive anyone, as his speed can go on par with some guards in the college. He has pretty great ballhandling skills and is a really good postplayer. You don’t want him running in the open court, as that would mean an easy 2 points. My captain, my captain.

God Cabrera

Paolo Añonuevo

Rino Lamarca

Nickname: “The Man Mountain” Position: C Birthday: September 19

Nickname: “The Anon”, “Alex Cabagnot” Position: PG Birthday: March 23

Nickname: “The Dark Chocolate” Position: SF/PF/C Birthday: December 28

God is the towering presence of the SE basketball team. His height, complemented by his improving post presence, could easily mean 2 points for his team. Not to be undermined is his power and strength inside. As Adrian Glova said, “that guy is strong”. Off the court, this guy is very kind and can be a really good friend. His nickname, however, can only suggest what he can do on court.

The starting PG of Econ Basketball, Anon’s on-court vision could is an asset to the team. His speed, partnered with Yambao, can be a lethal fastbreak option. Never underestimate his passing skills though, as this guy can find you wherever you are in the court. His tenacity is unmatched in his position. Watch out for this guy, as he can be sneaky at times...on court.

Lance Lim

Adri Glova

Nickname: “The Lance Wrecking Machine” Position: PF Birthday: December 11

Nickname: “The ManChild” Position: PF Birthday: December 8

This guy, when full ahead of steam, is the most unstoppable. His size and speed go very well with his skills and he can be a go-to-guy when you need him. He can bang bodies inside the paint and is not afraid to get the contact. However, his biggest strength is his body control as he can finish and-1 plays after getting the whistle. His rebounding skills go on par with the big men of the team.

The only app in this article, this guy is a beast. His face-up jumpers, combined with some good post moves, could carry a team single-handedly. Nevertheless, his primary asset is his rebounding. He can give a stat-sheet double-doubles in any given day. Never underestimate the toughness this guy brings, albeit he is only a freshie. He loves the competition and, according to him, it’s all about focus.

A versatile big man, Rino is a presence inside the lane. His floaters can arguably be the most unblockable shot in the team due to his long legs and agile body. Don’t just go barraging into the lane, as this guy can block you easily. Nonetheless, he is a team player and you will love to be playing with him. Off the court, he can be Econ Basketball’s team model due to his great sense of fashion. This guy.

So there you have it folks, it’s time you appreciate the effort these guys give for the School of Economics. There are a lot of many names we have yet to mention but sadly, the space allotted for us in this edition cannot cover it all.

Quotations Corner “Basketball is simply a past time for others, for others it is a brotherhood, a way of life” — Brian Cruz

FEATURES

Forbidden Highs and Unexpected Lows BY [NAMES WITHHELD]

The accounts below were, more or less, collated from life experiences. And this was not written under the influence, regardless of what you think. August 22, 2012 ONE UNEVENTFUL MORNING, the Echoes Committee was sitting around, thinking of articles for the September issue. Suddenly, one of them, who we will keep under the alias “Buttercup,” came up with an idea to look for weed (cannabis sativa/indica) for Echoes to get high on during the Ecosoc month launch, in order to, in their own words, “appreciate the art much better.” So Horace, the beloved Editor-in-Chief, decreed a search for juts. This was met with a backlash from two members, who we will place under the aliases “Kitten” and “Peanut” (so that their egos do not blow up since they were proven right, somewhat, eventually), who said that “intoxication of the mind is a grave sin” and “getting high isn’t all that fun.” Regardless of Kitten’s and Peanut’s prostrations, Echoes was sent on a mission in search of the magical herb. August 23, 2012 8:00 am ASSOCIATE EDITOR Derek Parreñas, first thing in the morning, came to see his friend, a renowned hemp connoisseur, who wants to be referred to as LL Cool J. Below is a recount of their interaction in the corridors of the School of

Economics: derek: Uy pare, kumusta na? ll cool j: Okay lang. dp: Kasi, pare, naghahanap ang

Echoes ng juts. Do you know where to get? ll: Ah, p****. Siyempre, magkano bibilhin mo? I have the best s***. dp: I think Horace was expecting a hook up from outside Econ eh. ll: Ganun ba? May kilala ako sa Child Development. Ito number niya: 0921XXXXXXX. Pero dapat sa ‘kin na lang! dp: Dein, dein. Next time na. Derek proceeded to give the number to Bea Bayudan, who did not want to call it, since she was a Globe subscriber. Nevertheless, she did. But no one answered the first two calls. Then on the third ring of the third call, a deep voice answered. Bea immediately put down the phone and screamed. They, instead, texted the number. “Looking for hook up.” They got a quick reply. 10:30 am MEANWHILE, AS Judith and Kenneth were doing NYC pub, they too did some sniffing around near the School of Statistics. They tracked down a short man, who looked very suspicious and high.

judith:

Uy, totoy, may juts ka ba? You know, ganja? Like those Rastafarians! short man: Hindi po kami masamang tao. Wala po akong alam tungkol diyan. judith: Pero nagtatanong lang kami para alam namin kung saan dapat ‘di pumunta. kenneth: We’re trying to bust the drug ring here in UP. short man: Eh, boss, wala po talagang ganyan dito. Janitors lang po kami dito. kenneth: You must know something! short man: Wala po talaga! Tingnan niyo oh, malapit lang po tayo sa simbahan. judith: Sasakalin kita, totoy! Sabihin mo na kung nasaan! kenneth:

And the short man just runs away into the Church. 4:20 pm FURTHER DOWN THE road, two Echoes applicants were following up a lead of their own at the UP Vanguard. While they were initially against the Editorin-Chief’s questionable need for mindaltering drugs, they agreed to help out as soon as somebody mentioned bonus points. Following some mysterious instructions sent to Bea’s cellphone, the apps approached the building, which looked

completely abandoned except for one man in a Pizza Hut shirt playing a flute. The following exchange supposedly took place, with the names of the apps withheld to protect the reputation of their guardians their privacy. 7: Ok, Here we are. Let’s do this. $: What are we supposed to do again? “7” rechecks his message inbox: From: Derek Bea got the pickup info. UP vanguard, top floor. Come after 3pm and wait. Don’t get seen by anyone. Good luck guys! I’m going home! Hahahahhahaha. $: I’m starting to have second thoughts about this. 7: Come on man, it’ll be easy. Think about it, we’ll be doing Horace a favor. We do the mission, get the stuff, and everyone goes home happy. You know, it’s kinda like Treasure Hunt. $: Echoes is making us walk all the way to this building, do some weird things, and hide from other people. And the guy who’s supposed to be helping us just went home. 7: So it’s exactly like Treasure Hunt. Upon reaching the 3rd floor of the vanguard, “7” and “$” sat down and waited for the contact to show up. 5:00 pm ALL THE WAY back in SE, yet another Fiesta app was working toward the goal of helping Echoes get that much needed high. However, instead of finding someone to buy drugs from, she had the “inspired” idea of just making them herself. Equipped with an impressive knowledge of high-school chemistry and various x-deals smuggled out from the tambayan, [NAME REDACTED] got down to business. 5:35 pm — At the Vanguard

7: He’s still not here. $: I’m bored. 7: Got any music on your phone? The flute guy left an hour ago.

“$” checked his phone and saw the following message: no weed from stat. hope you guys are having better luck. 6:30 pm — SE, back parking AS THE LAST members filed out from the tambayan, [NAME REDACTED]’s experiments continued. Instant coffee extract and beer failed to produce anything useful, while the shampoo continued distilling. [NAME REDACTED] made a mental note to try and diffuse hand soap through orange juice. Vanguard, 3rd floor AT THIS POINT, the apps were pretty sure that the plan was a dead end and that the contact was a no-show. While they couldn’t recall everything mentioned during the boring two-hour wait, they were able to share the following excerpts: [...] 7: “No no, Echoes should be the heart of EcoSoc. Echoes, man.” [...] $: “The first Grand Trad must have been awesome.” [...] 7: Dude, the symbol of Phyrexian mana looks like the Greek letter Phi. [...] $: Why does he get to use the folding bike? I want a folding bike. [...] 7: “Seriously though. You can’t even say ‘Ecosoc’ without saying ‘Echoes.’” $: “Can we go home now?” 7:10 pm — SE [NAME REDACTED] was the last person left in the building. Numerous at-

tempts at making homemade narcotics ended predictably. However, her current brew showed promise. Confident that she’d found the winning formula for an amazing high, she mixed in the final batch of extracts. She declined to say what specifically happened afterward. 7:45 pm SOMEWHERE IN Q.C., a cellphone rings. Or rather, it vibrated because someone left it on silent mode. 1 of 5 unread messages: Hello [*****]. Your contact never showed up. $ and I waited as long as we could, but we really have to go now. Sorry about not getting the weed you guys wanted. 2 of 5 unread messages: Hey [*****], “$” and I stayed too long in vanguard. We got locked in. Know anyone who can get us out? Epilogue August 24 IN THE ECOSOC tambayan, the Editorin-Chief sat typing away on his laptop. Overall, his plan to obtain reasonably priced marijuana had failed in every possible way, with no successful buys and a bizarre series of mishaps. A brief commeet, save for one Chinese woman named Girlash (who never really appears), saw everyone agree to never speak of the incident again, although future endeavors of the kind were not ruled out altogether. As for the apps,”$” and “7” were eventually let out of vanguard after 8 hours of isolation. [NAME REDACTED] was nowhere to be found, and the scorch marks in front of SE125 were blamed on faulty wiring. No one bothered to follow-up on the missing x-deals. In the distance, LL Cool J lit up a joint, took a long puff, and walked off into the sunset with his fellow hemp connoisseur, a big black man dressed to the nines named Riri-Dan.

FEATURES

Chief Justice BY SHINICHI ITO

uch is expected of Ma. Lourdes Sereno, whose term will be the longest in the history of Chief Justices in our country. The selection process for the next chief justice was watched critically by the nation, with controversy clouding it. Now, you won’t be reading about some rant nor critique about our government, and how things are run in the country -- we take things to something a little closer to home. With the appointment of our current CJ still fresh as morning siomai at Ate Leony’s, (not to mention that the EcoSoc elections are coming very soon!), it is intellectual and profound to ask ourselves the question: Is there an EcoSocer worthy of becoming a Chief Justice? Because Sereno’s term would last for 18 years, by that time, I’m sure one of us would be by then more than qualified to assume the post of Chief Justice.( Well, not really, because if I’m not mistaken there’re other requirements cited in the constitution besides age. Thank you to my Polsci class!) What qualities would make a good CJ, then, and who of us can you foresee donning those robes in the hallowed halls of the Supreme Court? Who among us are the most judgmental people you know, and most importantly, who of us, would look lovely in a powdered wig?! Certainly not me, and not Derek. Using a very effective time and tested method of obtaining answers which Google sponsored for us students who like to survey our surroundings (do

you see what I did there?), here are the nominees: 1. Queennie Mindanao You said: She is a person of integrity. I say: with Lourdes Sereno setting the trend of becoming the first woman CJ, it would be no surprise that Queennie gets chosen for this job. (Sexist Ito? No. Shinichi Ito. YES) 2. Sam Gonzales You said: Frank and Outspoken. Sensible. I say: Her sense, fashion-sense that is, would definitely make the courts livelier and more colorful during trials..... and that ill-attended commencement speech would instead have been “classy as fuq”. 3. Cocoy Vargas You said: Why not? Our fearless, but sensible leader is a valid option. I say: Cocoy graduated from the same high school as I have. A product of THE Blue School? definitely. Yabang noh? :> Lalo na ngayon! (UPd \m/) My bets: 1. Vico Ubaldo He stands out because of his character and principle. I am aware that “man does not live on bread alone”, but come on, this is a guy who would go to Mass at 12pm even if it meant abandoning

lunch; that’s some commitment. Not to mention principled. No one would accuse Vico of being anything un-Chief Justice like. (This section on our pal Vico is probably the most logical, sensible and realistic assertion in this whole article.) 2. GJ Agregado “Your face”. With just a few words, he encapsulates charisma, intellect and a verdict. Right in your face. ‘Nuff said. 3. Von Benavidez She is known for her uncanny ability to make things happen, and I have to say I have paid witness to her abilities first-hand during my days with the Acads (<3) committee. Nothing escapes her peerless field of vision for slackingoff. If her words of inspiration won’t make you do the job, then be ready for the look. Few survive it and live to tell the tale. Woe to they who do not carry out justice, life-sentences to do prod work will be their demise. With all these candidates for chief justice listed down and presented to you EcoSocers (don’t judge them)...... Perhaps all I really wanted was to find out who looks good in a white wig. (who is it, btw? You decide, you judgemental people!)*this article main purpose is to tickle your humorous side. Seriously. If you were offended in any way, please do go seek me, I will compensate for your worries with (chocolate) kisses and other necessary things.

FEATURES

Ecosoc as Freedom A new way of looking at the nature and purpose of Ecosoc BY KENNETH REYES

T PRESENT, A lot of issues plague Ecosoc: financial sustainability, our image to outsiders, relevance, charter change, members who grow more loyal to other orgs— you’re an Ecosocer, so these should be familiar to you. Though they seem to be overwhelmingly diverse, they can all in fact be linked to the same fundamental question. This question, through various disguises, is basically what our Society has struggled to answer as far back as when I was an applicant, and probably also further back than that. It is this: What is the soul of Ecosoc? The question is deceptively simple, but how you answer it largely determines how you approach Ecosoc’s problems. Should our semestral parties be innovative but risky (like this semester’s), or traditional but safe (like Chrome, if you guys remember that)? Well, is innovation the soul of Ecosoc, or fiscal prudence? Another issue: should committees be allowed to draw funds from the ESSF? Again, are ambitious, capital-

intensive events the soul of Ecosoc, or is it the absolute guarantee of funds for our scholars? Finally, an age-old issue: should certain committees be merged in the interest of overall efficiency? Analogically, should Ecosoc strive for excellence, or maintain its traditions? I want to argue that most if not all of our concerns can be addressed if only we adopt a coherent, unified view of what the soul of Ecosoc should be. This view must apply to all facets of Ecosoc life so that a framework will exist by which to base all Ecosoc activity. Through it, the Execom can justify the tough policies they must impose, while the members will know to what end exactly they throw their energies to. The logic is simple: everyone tends to work better, harder, and smarter when they are all on the same page. This common view will also help us judge each other’s performance. Different takes on Ecosoc’s soul lead to different—and confusing—standards. Those who value fiscal prudence the most will

look down on events that garner a loss, but those who look to the more idealistic goals of the event may see a different picture. Echoes may focus on producing quality issues while ignoring runaway costs, while those at Finance will bite their thumbs at such money-hemorrhaging behavior. We therefore need a vision that aligns the highly varied motivations of the different committees. Immediately, we discard committeespecific visions; the soul of Ecosoc is not just to make money, and neither is it just to achieve the lofty ambitions of artists and dreamers. Another qualification for this unified view is that it must be a trait that Ecosoc is relatively superior at. If the Ecosoc soul is a value that is better exemplified by some rival org, then students who joined Ecosoc for that value will soon realize that they will be happier by migrating to the rival org. A concrete example is the provision of career opportunities and connections to the corporate world. Those who joined Ecosoc looking for

FEATURES

this will eventually flock to CAP, because CAP does corporate life better. Another example is the college party. The leader here, by a mile, is JMA, and if the soul of Ecosoc is centered around the college party, then members who joined Ecosoc for this will end up moving to JMA. To review: we are looking for the soul of Ecosoc that (a) can be consistent in all facets of Ecosoc life; (b) can align everyone’s motivations coherently; and (c) is something Ecosoc is relatively superior at. Can there be more than one soul? We have, after all, our three thrusts of Service, Excellence, and Tradition—Service to society, Excellence in our projects, and the Tradition of developing a family of well-rounded members. The problem with this is that it fails the threepoint criteria I outlined above. First, it doesn’t account for when two or more thrusts contradict each other. Indeed, we can’t hearken to a solid Serviceexcellencetradition all the time. Eliminating certain “redundant” committees may make us more efficient and therefore more Excellent, but at the expense of our Tradition. Barring committees from borrowing from the ESSF speaks of our commitment of Service to our scholars, but we give up the potential Excellence our events can achieve if they have the necessary capital. But okay, let’s ignore the points of contradiction first and look at the areas where the thrust is crystal clear. We all agree, for example, that Memcom is the champion of Tradition, Ad Hoc the vanguard of Excellence, and CDC the heart of Service. This leads to the second problem, which is that the motivations of different committees will not align. Memcom may pursue a very fun, very great, but very costly Ms. Grand Tradition, which puts great pressure on Ad Hoc’s funds and may cause it to settle for a mediocre party. In their pursuit of their respective thrusts, committees become a burden to each other, hence the criticism that each committee tries to become their own mini-Ecosoc, complete with a fundraising arm, a publicity

arm, a logistics arm, etc. This, of course, is a cancer that destroys Ecosoc’s sense of unity. Finally, the tripartite soul is not something we are superior at. With thirty-five scholars and record-breaking party attendees, JMA’s Service and Excellence makes ours look like a child trying on daddy’s business suit. And though I can’t say for sure which org has the more dedicated, well-rounded members, there’s no overwhelming evidence to conclude that it’s Ecosoc. Indeed, the larger problem associated with this is that every self-respecting org strives to be of service to the community, maintain a standard of excellence in their projects, and build a united, holistic membership. SET is not unique to Ecosoc, and if we focus on it, our members, as I explained above, will flock to other orgs. The tripartite view of our soul is not the way to go. I can name other views commonly associated with Ecosoc, but to go through them one at a time would be tedious. But if you’ve been following by line of reasoning so far, it’s easy to surmise why I think Party Org, Bridge to the Corporate World, Creative Outlet, and a Home Away from Home all fail as the ideal soul of Ecosoc. The view I do believe in, foreshadowed by this article’s title, is that Ecosoc is a Human Capital Factory. Or to put it less ominously, Ecosoc is a place where

Members are sick of being told that we are socio-civic, that we want to make the biggest party in the metro

anyone can pursue his or her interests and hone his or her skills in those interests. This might be anticlimactic for the reader. Yeah obviously, Ecosoc trains its members—what org doesn’t? The difference in this view however is that while most orgs train their members for some end, the end of Ecosoc is in the training itself. This is why we have twelve committees, each offering a multitude of different tasks. Anyone can be anything in Ecosoc: an events planner, a graphic designer, a writer, an entrepreneur, a leader, a playmate to underprivileged kids, and indeed, even a tambay. Skills may not even pertain to abilities, but to emotional growth. I have seen shy wallflowers grow into confident leaders, as well as arrogant bulldogs learn the value of cooperation and humility. Ecosoc, by giving us the choice of how to improve ourselves, becomes an org of limitless opportunity. It is an org of Freedom. But that can’t possibly be the whole soul of Ecosoc, you might protest. Can it really be that simple? Let us again refer to the three-point criteria. The first and second are interrelated: can it be consistent with all of Ecosoc life? and are motivations aligned? Isn’t there an inherent contradiction when members are just motivated to develop their skills with no “grander” purpose, like service to the community? That implies that once members obtain the skills they wanted, Ecosoc would no longer mean anything to them and they would fly off to CAP, or the student council! The answer is that Ecosocers don’t just value their own development, but also the ability of Ecosoc to develop people in general. Members who remain here even after they have “grown” are the very ones who value human capital building the most, for they take pleasure in using their expertise to keep the Society successful. They tackle the harder jobs—like leading—so that younger Ecosocers may continue learning, experimenting, and making mistakes. Any Ecosocer who stays in Ecosoc to become an Externals VC, or a Market-

FEATURES

RALPH DANTES He may not always make tambay, but when he does, it’s a party ing Director, or an Ad Hoc co-chair, or an Echoes editor, or even just a really active member with no position—that Ecosocer believes, consciously or not, in the org’s skill-building role, and it is understood that it cannot do this unless it is financially sustainable, has a good name, has good relations with corporate sponsors, etc.—all of which require an expert class of members. As a result, we get this beautiful symphony where all Ecosocers are either honing their skills, doing things that enable others to hone their skills, or both. Usually, it is both. The third point asks, is Ecosoc relatively superior at skill-building than other orgs? I argue that yes, we are, thanks to the vast diversity of our projects. This

was the result of history and fate: for the longest time, Ecosoc was the only org in Econ, so it had to encompass all the extra-curricular needs of its members. Some have argued that the diversity of our endeavors is a weakness, that quantity has been trumping quality. I say that if our soul was to make wildly profitable parties or killer job placement services, then yes, our abundance of committees is a weakness. But that’s not who we are. Ecosoc places the greatest value on being a home base for its members to pursue their passions in the company of friends, under the guidance of the more experienced Ecosocers. Ecosoc is an org of Freedom. It may not immediately strike one as inspiring,

compared to “steward of societal advancement, with a firm commitment to be prime movers of youth dynamism.” It might sound funny to sell our org with the line, “Ecosoc: If You Can Dream It, You Can Be It.” But the usual narratives for what the nature and purpose of Ecosoc is are increasingly facing rejection. Members are sick of being told that we are socio-civic, that we want to make the biggest party in the metro, that we want to change the world when we can’t even manage three scholars. But if we change the narrative into Ecosoc as the great enabler, that all our efforts is towards maintaining a Human Capital Factory, then maybe our org will start making sense of itself.

FEATURES

Treasure Hunt The terror through Vito’s eyes via SMS BY VITO CASTEÑADA COMPILED BY DEREK PARREÑAS

5:56 pm: “Surrounded in Vanguard. Hiding from Gab Sollano like a Jew.” 6:10 pm: “They got Horace and Carmel. They didn’t see us.” 6:21 pm: “Alan got Timmy. Ran him down in a field of mud. He lost his shoes.” 6:22 pm: “We hid in a bathroom. Sollano never thouggt [sic] to look in there. The smell of piss was everywhere. We heard rattling outside the door.” 6:24 pm: “Lerizze found a secret staircase. Old, dark, and creepy. Horace took point. The way was not clear.” 6:26 pm: “We had to help Sol move the table. Vanguard peeps found us too noisy.” 6:33 pm: “Timmy is wiping mud off his feet with a leaf.” 6:35 pm: “We just finished the 1st Challenge. It is now dark. No stars. Ayla got angry when JR took a girl’s headband. The streets are quiet.” 6:37 pm: “Timmy’s shoes are dirty. Horace is standing in the distance. What he is thinking of, I cannot say.” 6:41 pm: “We lost the map. Our guiding light is the glow of Mark Manguera’s neon yellow t-shirt.” 6:43 pm: “Romano Alonzo has gone dark. No contact. I still have his bag.”

6:46 pm: “Heading to Math building. Some of us are trapped there for as long as JR Yambao (the third) lurks in the shadows.” 6:54 pm: “We left the rest behind. They wanted to wait for Carmel. It’s just me, Horace, and Shoeless Timmy.” 6:56 pm: “I have to evade JR soon.” 6:57 pm: “The darkness is not my ally. I was only adopted by the dark. He was born in it, molded by it…” 6:57 pm: “The shadows betray me, because they belong to him.” 7:05 pm: “Horace is scouting by the Math building. I’m hiding by the road. The light of this phone may give away my position.” 7:10 pm: “I heard someone coming, so I slid down an incline into the woods. It was only Horace meeting the rest of the squad that caught up. Romano was with them. Reunited with his bag.” 7:10 pm: “He (Romano) gave it to me 3 hours ago when he had to bike. The cops showed up.” 7:11 pm: “Romano tried to get the flag, but the reds were too many.” 7:12 pm: “Too few for the game. We need reinforcements.” 7:15 pm: “I think a few are here. Approaching the MB now.”

7:16 pm: “There are buckets. Buckets filled with holes.” 7:18 pm: “Someone is blowing smoke into people’s faces.” 7:21 pm: “We must bring water from the river. And plug the holes with ourselves.” 7:24 pm: “The river barely has water. This is an impossible task.” 7:54 pm: “Well that was a strange experience. More on that later. Still have my headband.” 7:57 pm: “Someone took her shirt off, by the way. Too dark and delusional to see who.” 9:04 pm: “About that thing that happened earlier” 9:07 pm: “Horace and I ran back and forth getting river water 2 pails at a time. XP and Cocoy brought it to a bucket on the other side of the road while a dozen people plugged the holes with their hands.” 9:07 pm: “Oh, and the water had worms in it.” 9:11 pm: “Quotes: Cocoy: ‘Guys, there’s a thing in the water’ (probably a worm) XP said Ayla said: ‘Someone’s hole is dripping!’” 9:13 pm: “I think I’m going home man :-j I smell like a sewer and am kinda tired. bv

FEATURES

Claim to Fame BY KELVIN TAGNIPEZ

’M NOT SURE if the grand tradition of cross-dressing pageants excites the rest of the world as it electrifies the UP Economics Society, but I sure am glad you and I were spared from the trauma of my awkward-self dancing and stripping to the latest Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, or Nicki Minaj hit. Today, Miss Grand Tradition stands in the ranks of other cross-dressing pageants like Hiyas ng Arki, Miss Engg, and Binibining G-Clef. And just to keep the pageant grounded, did you know the term ‘Grand Tradition’ was coined by then-Echoes Editor-in-Chief Noli de Pala to describe the “overall sentiment of celebration for the first Ecosoc Month”? Miss Grand Tradition or Grand Trad for short still is one of the most loved events of Ecosoc. To those who aren’t familiar with Grand Trad, the pageant sponsored by Memcom features straight male members outsmarting and outperforming each other as they represent the committees of the Society in drag from head to heels. In 1982, ten Ecosoc mems willingly dressed in drag for a night. Unknowingly, they would be crossdressing for tradition. The prettiest, wittiest, and most talented girl usually bags the crown but those pretty faces and unnatural poise are the result of their stage moms’ hard work, AKA: the committees troop to Divisoria, National Bookstore, and their biological mothers’ closets to come-up with the best costume and props, then

practice Q&A, walking in heels, and hair flips wherever they can. The Septembers of 2011 and 2010 saw Miss Grand Tradition crowned in the School of Economics Auditorium, a departure from the usual venue of the SE’s atrium. But my first Grand Tradition was held in SE 127, also a first, and as a 2009 freshman, I didn’t know what I was getting myself into. I was made to audition as Spev’s candidate for Grand Tradition and I still thank the high heavens for making me extra awkward that day. But though I wasn’t picked, that was the start of my career as an extra of SPEV’s Grand Trad productions. I still remember Liaison’s ‘Palengke Queen’ Enzo Clemente owning the 2009 competition with his contagious and repetitive palengkera cry. Grand Trad was also the start of resident funny guy Gab Sollano’s career, whose crooked extended arm as an “Egyptian Queen” caught everyone off-guard and remains a favorite Ecosoc gesture repeated from time to time when called for. Even Echoes Editor-in-Chief Horace Cimafranca was not spared as he took on Queen Amidala, who probably had the best answers that night. [He really did. — Echoes] I look back at Grand Trad as the highlight of my app process and though my appearance as Queen of the Jungle Coco’s dance partner might not have won my committee the crown that night, Enthroned: The Grand Tradition 2009 was just a prelude to bigger traditions.

Remembering Vengeance in 2010 featured seductive villains competing for the Grand Tradition crown in the School’s auditorium for the first time. In 2011, heroines saved September in Fearless: The Grand Tradition 2011, which was also held in the auditorium. A big jump for the Society, a bigger venue meant it had to get a bigger crowd, and so it did. Packed with members, alumni, and the candidates’ friends, the last two Septembers also saw Spev win the crown back-to-back with Miguel Andres as Ursula and Iso Garrido as Sailor Moon, who both relied on pure talent and a very strong fan base. To the regular UP student, crossdressing isn’t that out of this world anymore. Your classmate, your student leaders, or even your professor might have cross-dressed in your presence; to make sure, you just had to stare long enough. Cross-dressing in silent films was already entertainment in 1910 but society has moved on to viewing crossdressing as self-expression. And selfexpression is what our Ecosoc Ad hoc ambassadors do best, lest we forget the iconic ladies of Grand Tradition 2012. On behalf of the male seniors who missed out on the experience of being a Grand Trad candidate, thank you UP Ecosoc for allowing us to witness the tradition that is the Grand Tradition. This September, we ask ourselves what do we LIV for. Grand Tradition 2012 says it’s the claim to fame.

FEATURES RELIGION Most respondents are Catholic Two are atheists One is an agnostic

The Birds and the Bees BY BEATRIZ BAYUDAN

O… LET’S TALK about sex? Never has it been discussed so openly, until this age of the Reproductive Health Bill. Where before sex was unspeakable, now, a simple look at one’s social media news feed would say otherwise. It’s fascinating how everyone gets worked up over this issue. Everyone’s tuned in to live viewings of Senate and House speeches, firing their opinions in 140-character statements. Hashtags and perhaps a little wit (or stupidity— it goes either way) are now your ticket to fifteen seconds of Internet fame. Senator Tito Sotto has recently borne the brunt of Internet infamy, and subsequently declared that he was a victim of cyberbullying. But enough about that, because really, who wants to hear more about him and his arguably ill-advised statements? On that note, the RH Bill issue is starting to bore everyone because of the non-action on it, and the same arguments that people continually throw at each other. When it comes down to it, are we, Ecosocers, pro or against it? Echoing the stand of the UP School of Economics, most of us are for the bill, as our online survey revealed. On one hand, those who are pro cite mainly an increasing population and decreasing income as their reason for supporting this bill. Interestingly

enough, while most respondents are Catholics, they have also cited that by the passage of this bill, the separation of Church and State would be made clear. The anti-RH Ecosocers, on the other hand, are not totally against the proposed bill—it’s just that they don’t see the need for it, citing other ways to address social issues like poverty. Contraceptives aren’t banned anyway, so it’s definitely available for use. With the case of population control, those against it said that natural family planning is a valid option. Alternatives to the RH Bill suggested were a little extreme: one responded “umiwas sa tukso :>” (yes, with the emoticon), while another went the other end and suggested that abortion be legalized and genocide be done— admittedly a breath of fresh air in this seemingly endless debate. As Ecosocers and students of economics, we have a responsibility to be aware of issues of human development and the use of economics in promoting it, clearly stated in our preamble. We are a diverse organization, and we are and should be critical thinkers. The RH Bill will be the subject of an intense tug of war in the foreseeable future for an indefinite time, and though we are not all on the same sides, we know we’re pulling our weight.

SEX Most respondents are female One identified herself as a bisexual female, another as a straight female The rest are male (of course) FAMILY SIZE More or less, each respondent comes from a family with 4-5 members PARENTS’ EDUCATION All of the respondents’ parents are college graduates, with the exception of one whose father is a high school graduate INCOME BRACKET Respondents belong to the A-B STFAP brackets SEX EDUCATION Most respondents come from private Catholic high schools Most respondents first learned about sex during pre-adolescence, below 12 years old Most respondents’ parents taught them about sex All respondents were taught about at least one of these topics in school: sex, the reproductive system, reproductive health. These were covered in biology, Christian Living, and psychology classes mostly. AWARENESS OF THE RH BILL Most respondents have not read the full text of Edcel Lagman’s House Bill 4244 or Miriam Defensor Santiago’s Senate Bill 2378, but are aware of the bill’s key points (summarized by journalists, special interest groups, etc.) STAND ON THE RH BILL Most respondents are for the bill One is not sure Three are against the bill

FEATURES

Fiesta Apps Statistics BY LERIZZE TAN

IESTA: A SPANISH term that may refer to either a party, a feast, or a festival. A fiesta is one of the colors that define the Philippines’ spectrum of culture. Fiestas elucidate the enthusiastic, creative, and united characteristics of Filipinos. This year, applicants were welcomed by the trademark trait of Filipinos—hospitability. It was no mistake how this semester’s applicants were baptized as the Fiesta batch. After all, the application process was very comparable to a fiesta. It is with enthusiasm that the applicants accomplished their tasks, with creativity that they came up with their twisted vagaries, and with great unity that they made these ideas set sail. Now that the merriment is officially coming to an end, or should I say officially beginning for the soon-to-be members, let’s make sure that you really know the Fiesta app batch.

LANGUAGE 15 English 17 Filipino 13 Taglish

TOP HIGH SCHOOLS 7 Ateneo 4 Miriam 3 Poveda 3 Uno 3 ICA 2 Assumption Antipolo

FUNNIEST APP/MEM 22 Paul Ugalde 4 Jomac Conty 4 Cocoy Vargas 2 Joseph 2 Monty Also mentioned: Angel Espiritu, Arsenio Lukban, Cel Hilario, Ria Zapanta, Tracy Miranda, Van Guno, XP Damian, Me, None, Paul Ubaldo, Jason Tayawa, Ramm Advincula, Mike Saulo, Jus Nuque, Luis Partosa, Bruno Santos

YEAR LEVEL 43 Freshies 6 Sophies AGE 1 15 10 16 24 17 13 18 1 19 SEXUAL ORIENTATION 27 Straight female 22 Straight male 0 Gay, lesbian, bisexual

FAVORITE EXECOMM 8 Miguel Andres 7 Von Benavidez 7 Jess Bodo 5 Mhela Calugay 5 Janeen Cayetano SCARIEST APP/MEM 11 none 8 Hannah Alipio 7 Quek Mindanao 4 Sam Gonzales Also mentioned: Aris Dacanay, Ayla Reyes, Ayi Dave, Boz Digay, Jess Bodo, Ines Pagdanganan, Von Benavidez, Neil Ong, Mark Matibag, JR Yambao, Marte Caronongan, JM Alcaneses, Pito Morales

SMOKING 0 Smoker 6 Tried smoking RH BILL 32 Pro 6 Anti 2 Indifferent 9 Not sure

DRUGS 0 Taking 3 Tried RELATIONSHIP 31 Never had one 6 In a relationship 12 Has been in one before 3 Not virgins 13 Special liking for an App 8 Special liking for a Mem RELIGION 35 Catholic 6 Born Again 3 Protestant 2 Agnostic 2 Atheist 1 Buddhist FIESTA PARTICIPATION 30 None 9 Flores de Mayo 3 Pahiyas 2 Barangay 1 Kadayawan 1 Panagbena 1 Sonto Domingo 1 Sublian 1 Tinagba HOW MANY RICE? 13 1 19 2 8 3 4 4 5 5 or more RACE 33 9 7 3 1 1

Pure Filipino Part Chinese Part Spanish Pure Chinese Part American Part Japanese

*49 out of 72 apps responded

FEATURES

To Run for 55 and Beyond BY AYLA REYES

T’S A QUESTION a lot of members might be asking themselves about this time of year: “Do I know what I’m getting into?” And of course the answer to that will always be the same. No. But it’s not a necessity to be able to predict the future, all that matters is that you’re sure you want to go through it all and the best you can be. Running for a position in any organization is a big task, especially once you aim for the Executive Committee. It’s a two-part job—Committee Chairperson and Executive Committee member—and to succeed as an Execom, one cannot neglect any of the two jobs. It’s for that reason that despite all the teasing and grooming that was bestowed upon Wil-J Sarmiento, he decided not to run for Externals Chair. The intention was there, but he found himself not willing to do anything half-baked and was afraid that he would let people down.. There was also the aspect of being an Execommer that meant having to attend all events that he wasn’t sure he could do. Around that same time, Dean Dulay was confident in his choice to run for Acad Chairperson. Dean had a vision for Acad that he knew he could fulfil only if he ran for Acad Chair. Execom was just a part of the job he felt he was getting into. Yet in another time, Myk Narcisco was sure of the opposite: he wanted to be Execom. At the moment, he was an active

member of the Membership Committee and surprised a lot of members by running for Sports. He knew he could do more for the organization than just being an ordinary member and found Execom as the opportunity for him to make it happen. He considered which committee he would run for and decided to go with Sports because no one else was running there. His goal was to be a member of the Execom and he was willing to do whatever it took to get there. Though all those members had different reasons to run, they had one thing in common: they didn’t regret their decision. Wil-J had occasional moments wherein he would think, that could’ve been me, but once he made his decision he was okay with it because he had faith that the committee was in good hands. Personally, having run twice myself, I don’t have any regrets. It took a while to realize but it wasn’t about winning—it was more on the support that you get not just from your friends but also from people you respect. It means more to others that you did everything you could and lost and not have tried at all. Deciding to run is difficult though, especially when you’re a VC because it’s more expected of you than it is of other people. But that shouldn’t ever be the basis of your decision. Being a VC doesn’t entitle anyone immediate succession. It’s

what you, as a member, plan to change if elected that matters. Don’t let anyone talk you into it if you don’t want it yourself. You have to be sure of what you want and what you want to achieve for the organization or else it will fall once unexpected things turn up. As long as you have that vision, or know how to fix the problems you think the organization has, then take the risk. Waiting around for it to be given to you will never be the same and basing your decision to run on others won’t help you either. You have to know that you aren’t taking anything away from other people by running now or possibly settling for the future. In the past, Ecosoc even had parties that ran

against each other and it was all among friends and they did it because they each had something they wanted for Ecosoc. There is also no excuse for those people who choose not to run because their “Ecosoc age” isn’t that high. If you know you have the vision and ability to achieve it without spreading yourself too thin, then nothing else should be stopping you. It is also important to remember that when you’re running, your plans are not for you to achieve on your own but with the help of your team. Don’t be afraid to take the risk because you don’t believe in yourself—you will have a whole committee who will believe in you.

Sure, running can give you heartbreak and tears. Trust me I know. But if it didn’t hurt, then did it mean anything to you at all? The loss may be great but the gain will be even greater if you get to fulfil what you promised to Ecosoc. It never ends even after the election—win or lose you are still a member of Ecosoc and that’s something no one else can take away from you unless you let them. You may not be able to implement your vision yourself but it can still be done in more ways. Be an outstanding member and hopefully, you will inspire someone enough to make your vision come true. Execom is for a year, Ecosocer is forever.

MESSAGE TO THE MEMBERS

IF YOU REALLY want something, you’d fight for it. Well, in all aspects of life naman talaga. No one enters a battlefield sure of winning the war. If you really care for Ecosoc and you know you can do something for its betterment, then don’t waste the opportunity to run for Execom.

MYK NARCISO SPORTS CHAIR ‘10-’11

RUN. AT LEAST I don’t have any what ifs and it was a great experience for me. For a year I had the chance to shape the Acad Committee the way I felt it should be shaped. Becoming Execom gives you freedom to attain your vision.

DEAN DULAY ACAD CHAIR ‘09-’10

I’VE ALWAYS BEEN in the camp that if you’re thinking about running, then you should run. Because there’s a reason why that thought entered your head in the first place. It’s because you’re good, it’s because you have experience, it’s because you know that people believe in you and it’s because on some level, you know you want it. Only in very special cases should you opt not to run. Those cases when you firmly believe that you can color your life with a whole other tapestry of rich experiences and you’ll come out the better for it. But just remember, the world is always hungry for leaders. Here’s your chance to be one. Take it.

WIL-J SARMIENTO SUPPORTIVE MEMBER ‘07-‘10

CULTURE

Shitty Things That Happened in the Last 30 Days BY SAMANTHA GONZALES

T’S SEPTEMBER ALREADY! With everyone feeling so positive and optimistic about the end of this semester, I thought I’d ruin everyone’s mood by asking Echoes to compile some of The Shitty Things That Happened in The Last 30 Days - in Comic Sans too. Here’s a comprehensive timeline of what’s been going on: ???? — The Ecosoc Baroque Jar mysteriously disappears; Carmel Baquilod suspiciously happy about this. Various envelopes of money (owned by other orgs and maybe even the council) together with projectors go missing; Carmel Baquilod story unrelated to this. 20 Aug — Live cockroach is discovered in the tambayan during clean-up; 5-second shrill scream heard from Tracy

of the RH Bill for the existence of the non-storm XX Aug — Sec. Jesse Robredo’s plane crashes. Anti-RH blame it on his proRH-ness 23 Aug — Romano Alonzo gets a wild sunburn at the Ecosoc ID shoot; you may see his back for evidence. 31 Aug — Mik Singson is missing from the tambayan

25 Aug, late at night — A few of our members discover sketchy beings in an unlocked tambayan, going through our stuff and lockers

3 Sep — sophomores get their exams back for 102 and only 4 people passed; Klaud Moreno’s exam is missing, presumed dead.

2X Aug — Tito Sotto makes stupid arguments that shame us all. Also plagiarism is apparently okay.

Horace Cimafranca dupes Echoes into going to commeet; left to evaluate the semester instead.

XX Aug — A not storm immobilizes many parts of Luzon for a week; DLSCSB loses its term break; a number of anti-RH netizens blame the existence

7.7 earthquake in the east, causes a tsunami 3 Sep — XP Damian shaves off his afro

- global temperatures plummet. Sometime last August — Lerizze Tan thinks “girlash” is a nickname for her, apparently it’s just a word 3 Sep — The sophomores + a few others had to listen to a conceited man talk about how great he is and how big he is in America, Britain, Australia during their CWTS class; Aris Dacanay not fazed. 3 Sep — Miguel Andres finds out that “Malou” is actually a common type of tita name 3 Sep — Monina Sanchez makes provocative advances to a white man through online chat 4 Sep — Barrio apps sell selves to make money for challenge night Resurgence of Comic Sans as a “cool” font; Kenneth Reyes dies slowly inside. Papyrus seen as the next trend.

CULTURE

Tweetable Tweets

Let’s not pretend this thing has a theme and get on with the Tweeting goodness.

@deandulay My hot flatmate refuses to wear a bra under her tank top. I am so offended! @PauloTayawa so, Enzo sent me this link.. hmmm. https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a. akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/5 80134_10150965631001571_14713 04580_n.jpg … @paqllo Enzo: Pat, pano kung ganito creative shot ko? Pat: bakit... RT@ PauloTayawa: so, Enzo sent me this link.. hmmm. https://fbcdnsphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/ hphotos-ak-ash3/580134_101509 65631001571_1471304580_n.jpg … @TongCruise Tweet. O TAPOS? Bango ko @klishling Mataas ba ang discount rate mo? Kasi I value the present more when I’m with you.(Zapanta, 2012) @ria924 HAHA :) @ringMABEL TANGENERS. friendzoned hahaha @Pau13au It’s hard to be the life of the party. #hassle @alanorqui May sariling gravity pull kama ko. #pataytayodyan @PB_andGeli studying econ 131 and realized that the p-value for the probability of me shifting might be close to zero (...did i even do this right?)

CULTURE @bettinaramas Ang hirap pag-isipan ng life. Kakain na lang ako. Haha @xpandiknowit I #LIV to find true love... LOL. #RememberSeptember @Ben_Bismark I may be stressed out like hell and I might be getting 3 hours of sleep on average but at least I still feel beautiful. @TheVargasm Ugh this lechon skin... NFD #noflawsdetected #newfatsdetected @TheVargasm If God is a DJ, religious ang songs... @Shumawarma MAY JABAR SI ROBI [DOMINGO] HAHAHAHAHAHA @romanoalonzo @loicenipa sunkissed? Feel ko, minomol ng sun yung skin mo hahahaha jk @MarteteKoMaliit Mudderfuq there’s a guy in church wearing Crocs. He must be eliminated @MarteteKoMaliit Cockroach tried to crawl to me so I stepped on it. Then I set it on fire with the blowtorch. I left it there to send a message to the others @lancetlim Ang bantot ng katabi ko... Can’t concentrate. :| @celinacrisanto LOL naaamoy mo lang sarili mo. “@ lancetlim: Ang bantot ng katabi ko... Can’t concentrate. :|”

@mmmatibag #UPFought @cescasalao Accidentally zipping your skin... #10worstfeelings Hello #promdressLOL @bingperezz Di pa ako naliligo hahahaha @igotthepauerz This morning,Jesse Robredo appeared in my dream. He was wearing a yellow shirt and told me something. What is FC umakap pa’ko hahaha nubayan @jryambao I’m to hot for everyone. @horacecima Just found out that Maroon 5 has a black member. @MarteteKoMaliit Okay sorry guys medyo constipated ako. Ayaw ko naman tumae kasi feel ko babalik siya sa bahay kapag bumaha sa loob @MarteteKoMaliit What a shitty problem.... literally @ChickenBaquilod My bellybutton needs some special attention plz send some now @ChickenBaquilod I dream about @TheVargasm every night and have his twittername every hour @pau13au my dick #whatmakesyouiconic

@lancetlim Shakin my booteh at the cheerdance practice.

CULTURE

On the Concrete Style profile: Paulo Bautista BY SAMANTHA GONZALES

S STYLE* GOES, Econ people know what to do with themselves (for the most part) as evidenced by the number of people I’ve picked to wear something nice everyday. From now on, this article will present profiles of people who have definite style and have the confidence/effort to dress up regardless of how mundane school is. Let’s jump in. Paulo Bautista is a guy who uses the word “swag.” Now while I may not use the same word (because I am not a twat), I must say that this guy has some unique pieces that stand out when he pairs them with plain clothes. An active member of the Metro-Turned-Weara-Plaid-Shirt Club, he stands out because he does wear ensembles that are not your usual I’m-a-cool-guy outfit. It’s more of I’m-a-coolguy-with-nice-shoes-guy, really. Here’s what he wore for a week.

*socially-accepted style, that is

CULTURE

Gossip G. Because there’s nothing wrong with unverified rumors from unknown sources published by anonymous writers

Spotted! RUMOR HAS IT that S is making the first move on S in the middle of a committee meeting, of which the former S was not even part of! Out of nowhere, former S creepily touches…things and weirds all the witnesses out. Is this love? If it is, it sure has a lot of stalker vibes. If I were you, latter S, I’d get a restraining order right away!

Seen and Heard SENIOR HIGHER-UP sending creepy sexual text messages to everyone he can! I mean… even to the young ones! Ever been texted to go to a certain room to MOMOL? Ever been texted that someone’s loins burn for you? Ever been told to go to Quezon Avenue at 2 in the morning??? It’s probably just him.

Someone We Can’t Mention CAN YOU BELIEVE that Gossip G is censored!? Anyway, this needs to be said: Have you noticed the amount of Ecosoc creepy creeps? This is more than B** taking pictures of sleeping men, people! I’ve heard that someone is making serious moves on the Number 1 Crush and it’s freaking everyone out! I mean, things written for this girl, longing stares, type of creepy. Ah well, I can’t give any more clues unless you want this column to be deleted. And you wouldn’t want that because, who would read Echoes if that happens???

Word on the Street IT SEEMS THAT after the Chinese god of prosperity left the once most happy

and prosperous committee, it was never the same again and its citizens are still bitching and whining after two dynasties. After Emperor Dicktator was replaced with Emperor Leave Everything To Me, the citizens of this wilting committee thought they were free from all the drama but alas, things did not get any better at all. From what I’ve heard, Mr. Dicktator and Mr. Leave Everything To Me aren’t even on speaking terms while the other citizens are seriously considering ousting the failed golden boy because of his failure to plan well and flaky decisions. But maybe, all this power conflict would be all worth it if this committee actually did something not shitty. Then let’s talk about who’s the best emperor.

Cum Election Time HO HO HO, it’s election season and I’ve been doing some serious snooping around to find out the possible candidates and unlike last year, people are actually considering running! • The future Execom might be more

diverse - a certain ChinaMan has his eyes on the Acad prize • Little Miss Kween Diva has her eyes on the X • A certain Alpha Male is planning to lead The Wolf Pack (what his plans are, we aren’t sure) • Big Bushy Bitch is preparing to take care of the kids • Three people are actually planning to Run for 55: Basketball Player namesake, Nelson M and Someone Tense • Two Girlashes are going to have a little catfight over the next dynasty: Miss Endowed and Miss Ateneo Blue ___ • Ass and As will try their hand at cleaning up the tambs • While Cross and Wrong are rumoured to want to make money for Ecosoc. Lastly and interestingly, • A certain Black Man is going for the TOP SPOT. So many people! I have a message for all of you, and I sincerely hope you listen to me: DON’T FUCK IT UP.