CommNews (p.4) News (p.16) CDC Corner by Nina Castillo (p.16) Applicants Face Remaining App Activities by Anika Gregorio (p.17) Ecosocers bubble up in Tambay Week by Luz Baldueza (p.18) Wilder by the Bottle by Jaymie Reyes (p.20) Musikapella II resonates TF brilliance by kim ovejera (p.20) Treasure Hunt and Vice Night by Ces Laurora (p.21) Ecosoc conducts Eventology 101 by Audrey Austria (p.22) Ecosoc holds annual National Youth Summit by Audrey Austria (p.22) MBABA Hits Ecosoc by Kim Dayag (p.23) Fincom holds Harry Potter by Neil Elpusan (p.23 PhilCES Update by Josteen Vega (p.24) Alay sa Personnel by Ces Laurora (p.24) UP Debaters joins JPES’ Motions-in-Motion by Janica Magat (p.24) Sullied Smoking: the right to health versus a cigarette stick by Inna Morillo (p.25) Acknowledgments (p.26) Features (p.35) Ecosoc’s 12 compiled by Glaiza Villanueva, …(p.35) CDC through the years by Jholo (p.40) An in-depth look at SPEV and CDC by Karen Capacia (p.42) A Grand History of Service, Excellence and Tradition (p.44) A pursuit of the meaning of The Grand Tradition by Justin Batocabe (p.46) 50 reasons why we love Ecosoc by Josh Coquia (p.48) The Little Black Box by Nathan Pico (p.50) Si Kokey at ang Parabula ng Pag-unlad (Unlad Bahagi) by Pink at Fuchsia Zaido (p.52) Phenomenology by Ace Lopez (p.54) My first (p.55) My last (p.56) Set for Fiftieth by Anika Gregorio and Aries Carlos (p.58) P&M (p.60) Of Being Good and Vulnerable by checkedbydave (p.62) Artful Dodger by bleu_director (p.63) Run by bleu_director (p.63) Kikay Machine by Triszh Hermogenes (p. 64) Horoscope by Madame Jaja (p.65) Tambayan Photolog by Raymond Zabala (p.66) Silip sa lumang logbook (p.66) Tsismis Corner (p.67) Ecrossocword (p.68) Comics by Enteng Lopez (p.68)
Table of Contents
There is something about life’s cliché of endings being new beginnings that just fits at this moment. Whether you are a part of the Execom, a regular member, or an applicant, we know what the end of this semester means. THIS is the start of the celebration, the long-awaited occasion that has every Ecosocer, both old and present, looking forward to what comes after the end. It might mean more work, dedication, and commitment but just the same, we all feel the same amount of eagerness and excitement for the grand event that we’ve anticipated for a truly long time. Along with the euphoria comes the feeling of nostalgia. We suddenly remember that before we got that sponsorship, we had to take a hundred trips to the council room. We remember that time when we were wracking our brain, trying to come up with another fundraiser to finance the corkboard for the tambayan. We remember that moment on their graduation when our scholar came up to us, held our hand, and thanked us for helping them out in their education. Then suddenly we realize, everything was worth it. ON the Brim. We’re so close, we can almost taste it. We’ve waited forty-nine years to get to this point. Forty nine years of blood, sweat, and tears. Forty-nine years of laughs, heartaches, and heartbreaks. Forty nine years of service, excellence, and tradition. The wait is over; the time has come. Forty-nine is a test; fifty is seasoned. Greatness is solidified.
{Editorial}
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Adhoc Anika
What’s your favorite moment in your term? SENSATION! Nakapagraise ng money for the 50th anniversary celebration. It’s not really about how much; ang important, alam ko na malaking tulong na un for the 50th year. Yan ang most memorable moment ko sa term ko, at hindi yan mangyayari kung wala ang magagaling at masisipag na Adhoc heads and members ko! Jaymie, Pia, Mariel, Minay, Nandz, Mica, Frances, Janica, Gel, Nathan, Karen, Mocca, Aiko, Pakaye, Monique, Cel, Goldy, Jopee, Chevy, Kim, Maui at Michel: Thank you so much! Hindi magiging masaya at successful ang Adhoc kung wala kayo. Continue being active and hardworking! I super had fun working with all of you! ** I can’t believe it’s almost over… After 2 years, 4 planning sems, madaming masasayang events at hindi mabilang na execommeets, genmeets at commeets, matatapos na ang pagiging Execom ko. For the past 2 years, ito ang naging buhay ko. Nakakalungkot tuloy isipin na malapit na ito matapos. Alam ko na SUPER MAMIMISS KO LAHAT NG ITO. :( Sa isang banda, thankful din naman ako dahil alam ko na sa loob ng 2 years na un ay madami akong natutunan, napagdaanan, nakilala at higit sa lahat, nagawa at natulong para sa Ecosoc. At un ang pinaka importante, dahil ang lahat naman ng ito ay para sa Ecosoc. :) Honestly, at the start of my term, simple lang naman ang goal ko. That is to continue what Execomers before me have started and to make a difference. Ngayon na patapos na ang term ko, alam ko na I’m far from being the best president this org ever had but I hope that I was able to achieve my goal; that I was able to make a difference in Ecosoc just as Ecosoc has made a difference in my life. :) Tel, Anday, Marj, Glai, Fatima, Jared, Czar, Katz, Aries, Ida and Mico: Sa lahat ng napagdaanan natin, I hope that you will treasure all the fun moments we’ve had and the friendship we’ve formed along the way. Palagi nyo tandaan lahat ng mga lessons na natutunan natin from our mistakes, from each other and from all the experiences we’ve been through. Good job guys! Mamimiss ko kayo!
50th year Execom: Congratulations! Execom na kayo! Enjoy the whole experience. Have fun and enjoy every moment ng pagiging Execom nyo. Good luck! Kaya nyo yan! Aries: I’m confident that Ecosoc is in good hands. Gaya nga ng sabi ko sayo before, swerte ang Ecosoc to have you! Mahal ka ng Ecosoc at alam ko na more than enough reason un for you to do your best and to give everything you can for this organization. I know you’ll do great and that you can lead this organization well. I love you Aries! Ecosocers! Thank you for your support and trust sa Execom0607. I hope that you give that same support and trust, or even more, sa 50th year Execom. Guys, the 50th year anniversary is fast approaching! It is very, very important na ngayon pa lang, lahat tayo ay naghahanda na for this momentous event. Naniniwala ako na mahal nating lahat ang Ecosoc; and the best way to show that love is by being active members and by valuing all the things we do for Ecosoc. Tandaan na we are not, and should not be, just members by name. Kaya naman we should all go the extra mile and help each other continue Ecosoc’s legacy of Service, Excellence and Tradition! Kada: Salamat dahil palagi kayong andyan. Mahal ko kayo! >ü< Maraming maraming inyong lahat! I’ll end a former Execomer “Love Ecosoc and it you back.” Promise, ito! Kitakits next sem!
salamat sa this by quoting and TF chair: will surely love totoo
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taskforce tetel
Tandang tanda ko pa ang unang araw na pagtungtong ko sa ecosoc tambayan. Kasama ko noon si cla at gusto naming humabol sa application para sa ecosoc. Lumapit sa amin ang isang execomer na tila kamukha ni jay durias. Pinapasok sa malaking tambayan na punung puno ng mga tao. Pinaupo kami sa tinatawag na execom table. Bingyan ng application kit at kinausap sandali. Hindi ko alam na ang sandaling palang iyon ay hudyat ng pagkakaroon ng: isang makahulugang college at up life, mga tunay na kaibigan at kada, at mga karanasang hindi malilimutan. Mag-aapat na taon nang nakalipas yoon pero parang kalian lang. At ngayon nga, ilang araw na lang at hindi na ako execom. Nakakaexcite? Oo. Dahil pagkatapos ng dalawang taong termino, sa wakas ay mababawasan na aking mga namumugtong eyebags, namumulang mga pimples at malay natin, maaari pang madagdagan ng sampung libra ang aking timbang (hehehe). Malungkot? Oo naman. Mahirap kasing alisin ang isang bagay na nasa sistema mo na lalo na kung napamahal na ng sobra sa iyo. Ika nga nila, BS org daw. Imbes na 15 or 18 units lang, nagiging 30 units dahil sa Ecosoc. Ang lunes ay nakalaan sa execommeet, martes para sa commeet, miyerkules para sa cdc at ‘extra’meetings, huwebes para sa genmeet, biyernes para sa mga ‘extra’ meetings ule, sabado at lingo para sa pag-iisip at pagpaplano ng mga events para sa committee. Nakakapagod? Minsan. Pero sa fulfillment na nakukuha ko sa pagtulong at pagsilbi, hindi mo naman na maiisip yun, hindi dapat. Kung may naitulong at nabigay man ako sa Ecosoc, di hamak na mas malaki ang naitulong at nabigay sa akin ng Ecosoc. Sa pagtatapos ng semestreng ito, nais kong pasalamatan lahat ng taong naging bahagi ng aking termino. Mula sa mga naging aplikante at myembro ko sa externals committee, sa branded gang na sobrang nakakamiss at syempre sa pinakamamahal kong taskforce team at executies. Para sa aking taskforce team. Simula sa mga meetings nuong bakasyon, sa pagdedeliver ng mga survival kits, sa pagbebenta ng mallows , chicharap at Diyes at hanggang sa Musikapella. MARAMING MARAMING SALAMAT! Congrats sa ating lahat! Napakaswerte ko at nakatrabaho ko kayong lahat. Nawa’y hindi dito magtapos ang ating magandang samahan.
E
Sa aking mga directors, CHERISH LIA LUCY MYKEL NEO, hinding hindi ako nagkamali sa pagpili sa inyo. Sa inyong mga bagong execom, proud ako sa inyo. Galingan nyo! Kayang kaya niyo yan.
Sa mga miyembro ng taskforce, ABBY ACE AEL BILLIE BRYLLE CARE CHIMI COLE ENTENG FLOYD INNA JASPER(para sa amin, ikaw talaga ang pinakamagaling na ‘stamper’) JEAN JES JHOLO JOSTEEN KAR(congrats din) KASH KAT KATE KIM LEN LES MARIANNE MIKO NERI NIÑA RAYMOND RODA VINA, sobra sobra pa ang ibinigay nyo sa inaasahan ko. Hindi nyo lang alam kung gaano niyo ako pinasaya. Sa executies, nawa’y hindi dito matapos ang ating pagkakaibigan. Marami mang hamon ang dumating sa ating termino, taas noo nating masasabi na nalagpasan nating lahat ang mga iyon. Natutuwa ako na nakatrabaho ko kayo at nakahanap ng mga kaibigan sa bawat isa sa inyo. Sa ecosocers, ipagpatuloy ang dedikasyon para sa ika-50th na taon ng ecosoc at para sa susunod pang limampung taon. Sa aking kada na nakakamiss na, sa wakas ay magkakaroon na tayo ng oras next sem (hehehe). Nawa’y matuloy na ang ating mga ‘escapades’ at hindi na manatiling ‘drawing’ (hehehe). Mahal ko kayo! Kay Ecosoc, “…ang pagmamahal sayo’y walang hangganan, dahil ang minsan ay magpakailanman…” (hahahaha ayon eh, pinilit talaga… pagbigyan niyo na, last na to eh.).
seccom anday
What’s your favorite moment in your term? My favorite moment was the start of my term, when we fixed up the Tambayan, repainted the lockers, bought new couches, and finished the massive bulletin board design. The theme then was “Ecosoc: Isang Galaw, Todo Hataw!” I was really proud of the bulletin board, especially the detailed work on the skyline, and the praise it elicited meant a lot to me. That being the first major design, I never thought I could pull it off, so its completion was a moment of affirmation that ‘Hey, I’m the Seccom Chairperson! This is my art, and it’s for Ecosoc!” =)
Aww…Writing this final commnews makes me all sentimental. Part of me is glad that it’s done, and part of me wants to hold on. Balancing Execom work with 3rd year acads, there were times when it became almost unbearable. I thought I’d die from the simultaneous mental a nd physical fatigue. Admittedly, there were times I wished it would all end. But no matter how problematic and restless it made me to the point that I wanted to hate it, I could never bring myself to. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. No doubt, we all love Ecosoc because it’s fun and our friends are there. But it’s easy to love if your only bases are the good times. I guess that’s one of the biggest realizations of being an Execom member -- You’ll love Ecosoc even through bad times. So, to the new Execom, if you haven’t felt that as members, then I hope you do, and I hope that that unconditional love for Ecosoc will always motivate you to do your best, just as it did for me. Seccom Squad: Triszh – Most Outstanding member kita, but please stop Yiiii-ing me all the time, haha. Seriously, thanks for everything! Jean – Sorry sa dami ng prodwork, pero ikaw kasi ang pinaka-pulido mag-prodwork. Thank you. =) Jes – sometimes I really feel like you’re a Vice-Chair! Thank you for always being there. Dearest Billie – Sayang umalis na driver niyo, but thank you for all the procurement of stuff na super nakatulong. Jopee – my biggest fan, haha. Thank you for doing log work! BA caf food rules! Jamoy – Better late than never. ;) Ria and Joyjoy – alam kong busy kayo, but I’m glad you still respond to needs. Monica- Good luck sa BAA! Yen - Thank you for always spicing up my day with your funny quips and one-liners, haha. Anne- Oi, I miss you
H
very much! Seccom apps – Madeth, Donna, Gen, Gian, Don, Karen, Kat, Chec, Ladylou, thank you and good luck sa FI! Special mention goes to one app who clinched the 2nd place in the Grand Trad for us – Wil-J (aka Nicole Richie)! Clearly, hindi ka lang sa Math17 magaling, haha! Thank you so much! 7D: Aba, nag-dominate na naman ng positions, hahaha! *proud* I hope we get to have an UBE before next sem’s business starts! As always, Labyu~ My family and friends who’ve been encouraging during the most trying times. You know who you are. Thank you for the chit-chats, hugs, texts, and IMs that helped me de-stress. :) EXECUTIES: Anika, Te’el, Marjie, Gigi, Fatima, Jared, Idababes, Aries, Czar, MicoKatz -- I grew a lot as a person, when I worked with you. Thank you for the friendship, feedback, and support system. Grabe, mami-miss ko tayoooooo!!! :’) Gusto ko mag lie low next sem, pero feeling ko hahanaphanapin ko pa rin ang stress at pagka-busy. Hehe. Now I must turn you over to Czar Carbonel. Go Seccom! Go Ecosoc! Go 50th Year! Stay perky, everbody! --ANDAY—
finance marj
What’s your favorite moment in your term? Paniningil sa mga tao and syempre, Mischief Managed! Nakakaoverwhelm… Ang bilis lumipas ng panahon. Hindi ko namalayan, one year na rin pala ’yun. {♪♫♪ Lumilipas ang panahon, Kabiyak ng ating gunita, ♪♫♪ Ang mga puno’t halaman, Bakit kailangang lumisan? ♪♫♪} Anong connect? wala lang gusto ko lang magsenti, dinamay pa ‘yung mga puno’t halaman…Nakakalungkot kasi…in a few months,ga-graduate na ‘ko... Haay..ganun talaga, lahat ng bagay may ending. Pero natutuwa naman ako kasi, na-enjoy ko ung college life ko. I would like to thank Ecosoc and all her members for it. Aside from my immediate family,dalawang families ung nabuo ko sa Ecosoc: ExecomFamily and my FinanceFamily.
ExecomFamily: We were strangers on a crazy adventure,Never dreaming how our dreams would come true.Now here we stand unafraid of the future,At the beginning with you…♪♫♪ Anika, Tetel, Glai, Fatima, Jared, Mico, Czar, Anday, Aries, Katz, Ida, I’m so glad nakilala at nakatrabaho ko kayo. It has always been my pleasure working with you. CONGRATS SA’TIN!! Yes,nahirapan tayo at maraming criticisms (some,not constructive) ang ipinukol sa atin,pero nalampasan natin lahat un…ang importante, buhay ang PASSION natin for ECOSOC… Ecosoc’s worth all the hardships, after all. I will also take this opportunity para magsorry sa lahat ng pagtataray, pangungulit and paniningil…sorry. Alam n’yo, nalulungkot talaga ko kasi mamimiss ko kayo at ung mga meetings natin… Let’s not cry because it’s over, though. Let’s smile because it happened. I know marami pa tayong pagdadaanan not as execommers, but as friends… Bonding pa rin tayo ha... Alam kong I couldn’t have done all those events/fundraisers without my FinanceFamily. Sa lahat ng Finance members last sem:Lia,Rowell,Neo,CJ,Kim,Kat,Olive,Jane,Ian,Heidi,Step h,Rizelle,Aubrey, thank you sa pagiging mabubuti/cooperative finance members nung first sem ko… Sa mga members ko ngayon: Lia,salamat sa lahat ng tulong..=) congrats! ikaw na ang bagong boss.. I know kaya mo ‘yan. CJ,ang dami ko nang utang sa’yo… promise babayaran kita!=) thanks sa lahat, pasensya na kung pati sa bahay inuutusan kita.. Neo,salamat sa loyalty at sa lahat ng tulong…sana maging mabait ka na sa mga homo, hehe.. Kat dV natutuwa talaga ako sa’yo kasi ang sipag-sipag mo,kahit BAA ka na..keep up! Monique,thank you sa gown tsaka sa lahat ng help lalo na nung mischief managed..=p Kim,super thanks talaga kasi
J
kahit super busy ka,tumutulong ka pa rin sa Finance,lalo na nung grand trad..you’re super!=p the ever bibo Justin,hehe,pasensya na kung natatarayan kita, pero I really appreciate all your effort. Imee and Kat, thanks talaga sa pagtulong sa grand trad..ang galing n’yo, sa pagsayaw, sa pagmakeup, good luck sa thesis! April, at first hindi kita kilala(sooorry..)pero sobrang natuwa talaga ako kasi active ka sa committee natin! Jane,ang fax person namin last sem..thanks sa lahat ng tulong kahit super busy ka.. Pinay,sobrang naappreciate ko ung effort mo nung grand trad.. tsaka nung pagpunta mo sa BID.. Eunice,salamat sa lahat ng help, lalo na ung dress and shoes nung grand trad! Aira,ang sipag mo;you deserve to be part of Ecosoc.. Sa lahat ng naging apps ko: Aira,Monique,Marianne,Pakaye,Mica,Sieg,Pat,Lia,Jerold thank you! Sa aking tunay na family & all my loved ones, thank you talaga sa pag-unawa, paghahatid,paghihintay,pagpapautang sa’kin lalo na ‘pag may events.. Daddy,Mommy,CJ,Vince, I love you all.. TJ, I’m free again,hehe.. My highschool/forever kada:Kaye,Eric,Ben,more bonding time with you… Ecosoc,sana naipakita ko sa’yo kung gaano ka kaimportante sa’kin, sa amin.. Patapos na term ko, but my dedication for you will not cease.
Sabi nga nila, Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending. I hope, somehow, I satisfied, or at least did not disappoint, you mula start hanggang end ng term ko. I’m happy serving Ecosoc and all the Ecosocers..^_^
liaison glai
What’s your favorite moment in your term? Madami! Basahin nyo ang buong CommNews ko para malaman kung anu-ano ang mga ito at kung paano umikot ang buhay ko sa Ecosoc. 1st sem 04-05 1st day of classes: Freshie ako, block e1. Ecosoc ang facilitator namin. 1st impression sa Ecosoc? Masaya. Pero di pa ko sumali. Sabi ni Chimi, buong block daw namin, nagpass ng AppForm. Ako lang ang hindi. Pero kahit ganon, malaki ang naitulong ng Ecosoc sa akin. Sa kanila kasi ako humihiram ng sample exams sa Econ11. 2nd sem 04-05 Sa TOKI: naConvince ako nina Pao at Pia na sumali sa Ecosoc. Go naman ako kahit hindi ko alam kung anong mundo ang papasukin ko. Masaya naman kahit di ako masyadong napapansin. QST(QuietShyType) kasi ako. Sa kabila ng lahat, natanggap ako. 1st sem 05-06 Somewhere in Econ: Sabi ni ate Jill(Acad Chair), “Glaiza, Acad ka ha?” Sabi ko, “ok po.” Hindi ako masyadong tumatambay noon. QST pa rin ako. Makikita lang ako sa tambayan pag may meeting at prodwork ang Acad, at pag gagawin ko na ang Acad Board. Sa isang meeting, sinabi ni ate Jill na ako daw ang Logistics Head ng NYC2005. Kaya sabi ni ate JM(AcadViceChair), “Sya na lang ang gawin mong VC, thesis kasi ako. “ Kahit hindi yun napalitan sa sigsheet, ok lang. 1st time ko na pumunta sa Divisoria ay dahil sa Ecosoc. Bumili kami ni ate Jill ng materials para sa NYC. FastForward. Naghost ako ng Jologs QuizShow. FastForward uli. Alay sa Personnel na! May klase si at jill! Buti na lang, tinulungan ako ni Chimi at Fatima kaya naging masaya at maayos ito. Dun ata ako nadiscover. Hehehe. Pagkatapos ng ilang araw, tinext ako ni ate Jo(new president), “Glaiza, Will you accept the position of Acad Chair?” Reply ko, “Sige po.” 2nd sem 05-06 Acad Chair na pala ako? Sa umpisa, maraming hindi naniwala sa kakayahan ng isang hindi masyadong active na Ecosocer. Okay lang yun, ang mahalaga, ginawa ko ang lahat. Kung may napatunayan ako, bahala na kayong humusga. 1st sem 06-07 Summer pa lang, naghahanda na ako sa NYC2006. Nakakastress. Pero sobrang saya nung makita ko ang bunga aming paghihirap. Masaya din ang Univ-wide Eventology101. Nakainvite ng
K maraming orgs as participants at alumni as speakers. Nakakita ako ng isang Yearbook sa Council Room. Excited akong sinulat ang pangalan ng ilang Ecosocers na nandoon. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ko ginawa yun. Hanggang sa nagsimula na ang filing of candidacy para sa susunod na Execom. Di ko balak tumakbo kahit sabi ni Tetel at Anika pwede daw ako sa Liai. Pero bigla kong naalala ang yearbook na nakita ko sa council room. Tumakbo na ako. Hahaha. Akala ko, hindi ako mananalo kasi alam kong iisipin nilsng hindi ko kaya ang trabaho tapos Vice Chair ng Liai ang kalaban ko. Nagulat na lang ako sa resulta, panalo daw ako. 2nd sem 06-07 Liai Chair na pala ako? Masaya pala ang makipag-usap sa mag alumni at makinig sa kanilang kwento. Lahat sila ay naging masaya at matagumpay sa lahat ng larangan na gusto nila. Lahat sila, natulungan ng Ecosoc sa iba’t ibang paraan. Naalala ko nung magreply si Robina Gokongwei sa email. May smiley pa nga ata. Sobrang saya ko nun. 1st sem 07-08 Summer pa lang naghahanda na ako para sa Career Talk. Medyo nakakastress din pero sobrang saya din dahil maraming nagpunta kahit hindi Ecosocers, nag-attend. Napaka-inspiring pa ng nashare ng alumni na speakers. Sobrang nag-aalala ako para sa Liai sa 50th year kasi walang tumakbo. Ewan ko kung sa oras na mabasa ninyo ito ay may bago ng PRO/Liai Chair. Sa papalit sa kin, sana alagaan Liai at Ecosoc. Hindi ko ang Committee na ito tutulungan kita. Pagbutihan Kaya mo yan! =)
mo ang i i w a n d a h i l mo ha!
acad fatima
What’s your favorite moment in your term? Ang favorite moment ko sa aking term ay nung Speak UP – ang makita na ang mga students at teachers at natuwa at natuto sa workshop namin para sa kanila.
Bago ako mag-file para sa posisyon ng Acad chair, nagpaalam ako sa Mommy ko. Tinext ko siya: “Mommy, ok lng bng tumakbo ako sa Ecosoc?” Nagreply siya: “Wag na. Asikasuhin mo na lang ang pag-aaral mo.” Syempre medyo nalungkot ako pero hindi ako papayag na ganun na lang yun. kaya tinext ko uli si Mommy: “Promise hindi ko po papabayaan pag-aaral ko. 2sems na naman akong VC at never ko naman pinabayaan acads ko.” Nagreply si Mommy: “Bahala ka nga. Nagtanong ka pa.” Yes, mission accomplished. =p At dun na nagsimula ang aking adventure bilang Acad chair at Execomer. (Syempre nanalo pala muna ko.=p) Excited pa ko nung 1st sem ng term ko sa pagplano ng mga events. Yung IN PERSPECTIVE: The 2007 Political-Economic Forecast, suggestion ni Sir Esguerra yun. But then, things happen, at nawala ang Political. Well, at least something good came out from the experience, nagsimula ang texting relationship namin ni Sir Esguerra. Madalas ko na siyang bulabugin from then on (kahit 11 pm na) kapag kelangan ko ng mga contacts ng mga speakers. Madami kasing connection si Sir, at lagi pang nagrereply. Favorite kong event sa term ko ay yung Speak UP: A Debate and Extemporaneous Speech Workshop. Public HS students ang participants nun, at para sa mga mems ko, siguro yun yung araw na sinumpa nila na ako ang naging commhead nila. Pano ba naman, na-late ako ng gising. (SORRY TALAGA.) 7:50 ako nagising. 8 yung start ng program. Stressful yung preps nun, pero all the stress and pagod sa pagcocontact ng schools and other preps paid off kasi andaming students na pumunta, at kitang natuwa naman sila at madami silang natutunan. Nothing beats the feeling of helping other people just for the sake of helping. Which brings me to one of the events na hindi nagegets ng ibang tao kapag sinasabi kong wag nang pag-usapan: NYC. Oo, madaming pumunta, (in fact, parang naging liability pa nga yun). Pero kasi, masyado akong nag-focus sa pagtitipid for the event (medyo scarce na kasi nun ang funds ng Ecosoc) – food, kits, etc. which made the event turn out to be like it was for-profit. At the end of the day, I felt that the participants didn’t get value for their money. I also felt that the staff got stressed and overworked. It wasn’t the nicest feeling and if only I could do it all over again,
I
I’d do it differently.
Dahil last commnews ko na to ever, syempre kelangan kong pasalamatan ang mga dapat pasalamatan. To my family, kayo ang inspiration ko pag gusto ko na mag-give up. To my batchmates and friends, salamat kasi pinapangiti nyo ang mundo ko. Forever kayong nasa puso ko. To the Acad mems, sobrang thankful ako na madalas ay hindi kayo sakit sa ulo. Nakakatuwa na we all went beyond being just a part of Acad to being friends. To the Execom, we had our differences and misunderstandings, pero we made it through naman right? Mahal ko kayo at mamimiss ko kayo. To Ecosoc, the lessons that I learned from you made me a better person. Next sem, wala na kong meeting halos araw-araw. Hindi ko na kelangan magtext-brig halos gabi-gabi. Hindi na kasing-puno ang sked ko, makakaipon na ako, at mas normal na uli ang takbo ng buhay. Oo, maraming magbabago, pero may isang bagay na alam kong kahit kelan ay hindi: ang pagmamahal ko sa Ecosoc. Dahil dabest pa din ang mag-serve through and for Ecosoc: SERVICE. EXCELLENCE. TRADITION.
cdc jared
What’s your favorite moment in your term? Hmm… Actually, madami, lahat ng bonding moments ko with my CDC family, lahat ng masasayang preparation ng events and commeets. At xempre, favorite ko din ang treasure hunt, ROT at Grand Trad, dahil panalo kami! Wohoo! GO CDC! =) Sabi ko nga madami diba? Sa dami ng events ko, lahat yun ginawa ko ng may pagmamahal [hindi lang for the sake na may event] kaya naman lahat yun nakaukit sa puso ko, ang mag batang makukulit [naooverwhelm ako sa bawat ngiti kapag sinusundo ko na sila] at lahat ng beneficiaries ng mga events[mga may nagpacheckup, inmates, special children, mga housemates sa rehab, mga taga GK site, etc] Waaah..hindi ko talaga alam paano simulan ang last commnews na to. Okay, magflashback muna tayo. Malamang hindi lahat may alam na naging controversial app ako(=S). Muntik na akong naggive up nung app ako. And daming challenges bago ko nahanap yung sarili ko sa org na to pero it’s all worth it. Applicant palang ako sa Ecosoc, sobrang mahal ko na ang CDC. Iba talaga ang komiteng ito, isang pamilya, sobrang saya, super hyper, matrabaho pero sobrang fulfilling at napakacompetitive [hahaha]! Masyado akong napamahal sa CDC na simula naging member ako naging parte na ng schedule ko ang pagsundo ng mga bata sa San Vicente tuwing Miyerkules at sa Pook Ricarte tuwing Sabado. Likas lang siguro na kapag CDC member ka, hindi mo iisipin na hassle pumasok ng Wednesday at Saturday para mag-CDC dahil gusto mo talaga yung ginagawa mo. Isa sa pinakamemorable event na napuntahan ko ay ang CDC fieldtrip sa Intramuros na may 5 jeeps [20 kids bawat jeep] at 5 members lang ang nakasama. Iba yung saya na naramdaman ko kasama ng mga bata [nagtatawanan, nagkakantahan, naghihiyawan], hindi ko na napansin ang pagod, init at stress dahil sa konting sakripisyo may mga batang nagenjoy. Minsan naglalakad ako sa philcoa na sobrang nagmamadali tapos may mga bata akong nasalubong at dahil maliliit sila hindi ko nakita ang mga mukha nila. Biglang may narinig nalang akong sumisigaw ng “Ma’am, Ma’am” lumingon ako, ang mga sumigaw pala’y mga dating CDC kids na nakaalala pa. Ang sarap ng feeling na maging parte ng buhay ng mga batang ito.[aaaww…] Hindi pa ako tumatakbo for CDC dati, sinasabi ko na na hindi kailangang may posisyon para maging bibo at pagsilbihan ang CDC. Kahit hindi pa ako naging CDC chair, pantay parin ang pagsuporta, pagtulong, at pagmamahal. Nung naging execom ako, I never thought I would love Ecosoc this much. Sabi nga ng ibang alumni, love Ecosoc and it will surely love you back. =) <3 Go ECOSOC!:-) Hindi magiging buo ang term ko kung wala ang pinakaHYPER
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na committee! Walang iba kundi ang CDC! Wohoo! Solid CDC! Grabe naooverwhelm na ako sa sobrang pagmamahal at pagsuporta ng bawat isa sa inyo. Thank you at Mahal ko kayo: Niña, Brylle, Michel, Golda, Cole, Carlo, Goldy, Sherri, Carla, KP, Darlene, Kris, Gel, Josh, Kim, at Cherish [ang bagong CDC Chair!! Goodluck!!] CDC seniors, sana walang iwanan, 3 sa inyo ay CDC babies din[aawww..]. Che at sa lahat ng maiiwan, panatilihin niyo ang CDC bond!GO CDC FAMILY! Hardcore CDC!wohoo!!! Ang passion for service, sa atin/inyo magsisimula. Kaya niyo yan, basta bigyan ng puso lahat ng ginagawa. Mahal na mahal ko kayo!!! SALAMAT… Sa mga CDC babies ko, Jay, Gene, Darrel, at Regi, wow! I’m so proud of you, guys! Salamat sa pagdagdag kulay sa term ko. Sana makakapagbonding pa tayo next sem..hehe SALAMAT… Special thanks kay Josh Baquiran, para sa paggrandtrad for CDC. Congrats! Ms. Grand Trad 2007!wohoo!go Josh!go CDC! =) Sa paglaki ko sa Ecosoc, madami akong nakatrabahong mga tao na nakatulong sa pag-grow, pagmature ko sa ibang isang Ecosocer. Thank you sa pagalaga sa akin, sa pagtitiwala sa aking mga makakaya at sa pagmamahal sa akin: Ate Cathy Cor, Kuya Lags, Ate Ajean, Ate Angel, Ate My, Kuya Ian, Ate Xillin, Kuya Jules, Ate Jo, Jaymie at Lavinia. Salamat din sa mga anak ko, mga ampon ko, TP/Co-mom [Goodluck sa thesis natin! Go Sicat Award!haha], Marian, FRIENDS, EXECUTIES 2006-2007! =) -_-‘ Whew! Tapos na…haay…No Goodbyes, Just see you again… <3
echoes czar
What is your favorite moment in your term? The unusual silence in the tambayan every after Echoes release. Lahat kasi nagbabasa. :)
++Naaalala ko: genmeet sa SE111, first Echoes release, December ‘06. Anxious letters waiting to be read. 24 pages, cover page in color. 100 copies, wrapped in stubborn brown paper. Maraming nadisappoint nung nakita nila. Masyadong manipis, maraming typos, ganito, ganyan. I took them all in…and promised that I will give Echoes justice. Hindi madaling maging Echoes EIC. Lalo na kapag isang Marian Panganiban ang sinundan mo. Puros high expectations. May mga issue pa. Matagal tagal, at talagang masakit ang birth pain stage. But I overcame it siyempre. Past na siya. :) To my editors, my loves Carmi: Alam ko ang dami dami dami mong inaasikasong ibang bagay (go, Mommy Recto’s steel company!!), kaya malaki ang pasasalamat ko at nakadevote ka pa ng oras (at pera :D) sa Echoes. Please take care, Carmi. ‘Wag pabayaan ang sarili. Magpagaling ka. >:D< Love you! Neil: Ang aking kasangga mapa-Echoes man o acads. Naalala mo pa nung first Sidhi meeting? Hindi ko akalaing magiging ganito tayo ka-solid. Hehe :P Salamat sa lahat, Neil. :) Alam mo namang maswerte ang Echoes sa ‘yo. Good lak sa mga pangarap sa buhay. :) Cristina: Master features editor, who has expertly handled articles for 3 sems!!! Wooohhh. Basta ang alam ko, if I want to get something done, I’d ask Cristina to do it. I wish you luck, happiness and LOVE. :) It was an honor working with you. Hannah: We’ve been through a lot kahit na sabihin mong 1 sem lang. Ganun katindi ang EIC-Layout Editor bond. Thank you for the memories, Hannah, at hello kay Poco! :D Leslie Anne: What I want to say to you won’t fit here. Baka more than 600 words pa nga (which is the commnews limit). I’m just so grateful to have found you. :,( Echoes wouldn’t be Echoes if not for you and your mad laying out skillz. <3 And you’ve become more than an editor to me. Lucia: I turnover to you this one thing I truly love. Alagaan mo ang Echoes, Luce. And don’t let any hurdle discourage you from giving it your all. Kayang kaya mo yan. Basta kung may kailangan ka, andito lang ako lagi. :) We all believe in you. Writers, layoutists, and photographers: Thank you for giving it your best everytime. Let us all support Lucie in her upcoming
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term at magsulat uli sa Echoes next sem! HEHEHE Eds: Again, thank you for a wonderful year. Salamat sa lahat ng effort, suporta at loyalty na ibinigay niyo sa Echoes. I will miss working with all of you. Kung alam niyo lang kung gaano ko kayo kamahal… Haha. :,( I love you. :,( I hate goodbyes.
Ma, Dad and Eunice: baliw na siguro ako ngayon kung wala kayo. Thank you for the unconditional love and support. For aaaaaall the hatids, and late-night sundos. For understanding the nature of my work… And thank you for tolerating my mood swings. Hehe. I love you! Execom: Anika, Tetel, Anday, Marj, Glai, Patis, Jared, Katz, Aries, Ida, Mico. Congrats! Natapos narin ang sleep-deprived nights at pamumulubi at (well, para sa iba hindi pa :p). Mamimiss ko lahat ng bangayan sa meetings natin. Hahaha. Actually, marami akong nadiskubre sa aking pagkatao dahil sa inyo. :p Pareparehas naman tayo ng mga sentimyento eh. Basta sana hindi matapos ang ating mga harutan pagkatapos nito. :) Ecosoc, salamat sa suportang ibinigay niyo sa Ecosoc. WEEEEEHHH. Hahaha. Isang Ecosoc fiscal year nanaman ang natapos. At papalapit papalapit papalapit na ang 50th year. Eto na ang oras upang magpaka-all out, magpaka-bibo, magpakaEcosocer. Kita kits next sem! :D
externals katz
What’s your favorite moment in your term? When Externals became more than just a committee - we became a team. :) Ang bilis ng panahon - sobrang cliché pero totoo. Dalawang mahalagang bagay ang natutunan ko sa dalawang semester na term ko bilang External Affairs Committee Chairperson. Una, may lesson sa likod ng lahat lahat lahat ng nangyayari. At pangalawa, ikaw lamang ang makakaalam kung gaano mo talaga kamahal at pinapahalagahan ang isang bagay kahit feeling ng iba ay alam nila kaya tuloy ka lang dapat. Hindi ko na maaalala lahat lahat ng mga nangyaring nakakatawa, nakakatouch at nakakalungkot sa Ecosoc sa buong term ko. Pero one thing is for sure, I will definitely treasure them all. Ecosoc parin ang number one home ko. More than memories, I cherish all the people na nakatrabaho, naging kaibigan, nakasamaan ng loob, nakapalagayan ng loob, naging adviser, naging kachikahan at lahat na. Sobrang thankful ako na nasa Ecosoc ako dahil sa inyo guys. Mahal ko lahat ng Ecosocer. Ikaw na nagbabasa nito ngayon, diba Ecosocer ka? Kaya oo, mahal kita! Wahaha:) Para sa team Externals, kayo ang number one motivating force ko. Naks. Pero seryoso, kayo ang reason kung bakit proud ako na ako ang Externals Chair. Audrey, through your news, Externals is appreciated and felt in Ecosoc. Gelain, I am happy to see that you are really interested and active this semester. Janica, thank you dahil parati ka paring game pagnahahatak ka as our undying emcee. Jholo, salamat sa parating pagpayag na kurutin ko ang pisngi mo and I really enjoyed our mini-bonding session habang nagkakagulo ang lahat sa grandtrad. Jinky, thank you ng sobra sobra for making Ecosoc one of the most active orgs in JPES (despite your personal struggles XD). Josteen, I’m really proud of you – napataunayan mong hindi ako nagkamali sa pagpili sayo as PhilCES rep. Kate, I’m thankful na nagkaroon ako ng chance makatrabaho ka kahit isang sem lang, super thank you talaga. Len, you’re one of the most promising people na nakilala ko, I can’t thank you enough for all the effort and time that you’ve given Externals. Maui, your beauty glows from within, salamat sa parating pagiging game at pagtulong sakin. Noel, that remark was really sweet (alam mo na kung ano yun) it is really an honor to work with you. Pat,
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saying dahil may class ka kapag commeet pero salamat sa pagpapahirap nung readings mo kahit wala rin akong nasagot sa finals. Wahahaha. Sab, my two semesters as Externals Chair are hell without you. Thank you for being a wonderful vice-chairperson! Superwoman ka talaga! :) Kar, it’s your turn to deeply love and take very good care of Externals. Externals is more than just a committee, it’s a team where nobody should be left behind. Pero I have no worries dahil alam kong kayang kaya mo yan. You have proven your worth to me and to your teammates. Now is your time to prove to the rest of Ecosoc what Externals has to offer; moreover, it is your time to prove to the rest of the world what Ecosoc is made of. (kamusta naman ang pressure noh? Wahaha :)) To my Externals babies, malapit na kayong maging members! It is really an honor for me to be your mother during your first time in Ecosoc. Execom, sa dami dami ng naranasan natin, all I hope for now is to keep the friendship and the good memories. Kung meron mang mga pangit na nangyari, kalimutan nalang natin yun alltogether since we are the Execute Committee. Walang ibang makakaalam kung gaano ko kayo kamahal at kung gaano ako nag grow as a person because of you guys. Anika, Tetel, Anday, Marj, Glai, Fatima, Jared, Czar, Aries, Ida at Mico: Mahal ko kayo ng sobra. I can never thank you enough. Sa susunod na burning. The
Execom, just keep the love rest will follow. :)
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memcom aries
Last Commnews :’(
What’s your favorite moment in your term? Hindi naman talaga moment, pero I guess pinakafulfilling na nakikita ko ngayon nagtransform yung mga bibo apps last sem into passionate mems this sem, yung isa sa kanila magiging execom pa. Hopefully yung mga apps this sem ganun din pag mems na sila. :) Parang parent ka kasi pag Memcom chair ka eh, kaya masarap makita na yung mga anak mo, lumalaking mabubuting bata.:) 600 words max lang kaya sisimulan ko na to. EXECUTIES: Anika – syempre wala akong masabi. Alam mo naman kung ano ka para sakin. Labyu! Tetel – benchmark kita ng efficiency at professionalism. Honor na makatrabaho/maging kaibigan ka. Patis – parang kahapon lang co-app kita, ngayon tapos na term natin sa execom. Aww. Jared – God bless:) Czar – I love you, czar! Gets mo na ang the rest. Katz – Good luck sa lahat ng endeavors kaibigan kita habambuhay:) Marj – sobrang mamimiss kita, marj. Sobra. :( Glai – waa. Naiiyak na ko. *hug* Anday – alam kong di ka naman mawawala, pero masarap pa rin sabihin na mahal na mahal kita! Ida – Sobrang proud ako that you made it! Mico – Labsh! HAHA, salamat sa pagiging totoo mong kaibigan. Best man ka ha?:) MEMCOM: Minay – sobrang mahal kita alam mo naman yun (in a way na di ikakagalit ni miko:)) proud ako sayo sobra. Alam kong itutuloy mo ang memcom dreams natin. Mocca – app ka pa lang alam kong marami ka maibibigay for Ecosoc. Thanks for putting up with me. :) Aiko – accomplishment for me na nakikita kang mas active. Alam kong mahal mo ang ecosoc, tuloy-tuloy na! Den – sabi mo nga nung birthday ko, di na tayo maghihiwalay. Dude, ewan ko kung san ako kung wala ka. Salamat. Ael – siguro kung ikaw ang sumusulat ng commnews for memcom the past year, kampante pa rin ako. Bilib ako sayo. Thanks! Floyd – next sem roommate na kita eh. Dadaramahan na lang kita sa next session haha. Mario – ang inspirasyon ko sa pagiging servant leader. Naks. Ranna – isa ka sa pinakamabubuting kaibigan na nakilala ko sa buhay ko. Salamat sa lahat. :) Angel – Kung gano ko kamahal ang Ecosoc ganun ka din, alam ko yun. Tuloy-tuloy lang ha! Clyn. TinAns.Billie.KimD.April.Belle.Nard.Lucy.Jopee.Pau.Dar – di ko kayo malilimutan ever. Thanks for changing me. :) HATAW APPS: MarianneA.Kris.Audrey.Jean.Jasper.Hazel. Aira.Roda.Mica.Jenny.Gel.Cel.Ace.Janica.Jholo.Inna.Leslie. Maui.Mocca.MarianneR.Nandz.Vina.Jes.Monique.Ria. Pakaye.Josteen.Raymond - Mukha man akong moody, at di namamansin paminsan. At hindi man halata, mahal na mahal ko
kayo. You don’t have to love me back, masaya nakong makita na patuloy niyong mahalin ang Ecosoc. Sobrang proud ako sa inyo. :)
BUBBLING APPS – excited na akong makita kayong magbloom into great members. Buo ang tiwala naming sa inyo. :) 50th EXECOM – congrats! Start ng isang very challenging year, pero alam kong kaya natin. Excited na kayo sa 50th year no?! Best team ever? I bet. ECOSOCERS – ang tunay na lifeblood ng ating beloved org. Steady lang tayong lahat ah. The more I say this, the more it makes sense: Lahat tayo, mahal natin ang Ecosoc. Sigurado. Kung nakikita niyo siguro akong sinusulat tong commnews na to, pagtatawanan niyo ako. Again, pinapaiyak na naman si Aries ni Ecosoc. Dalawang taon na pala mula nung una akong naupo sa SE 127 at nabighani kay Ate Khendy at naaliw sa mga antics ni Lags. Akalain mo. Dalawang taon na pala yun. Looking back, di ko rin alam kung bakit ko piniling maging Ecosocer, at kung bakit hanggang ngayon Ecosocer pa rin ako. Ewan. Mahal ko talaga eh. Siguro it’s the people. The friends I met. Siguro the experiences na rin. The tambayan perhaps. Or how Ecosoc changed my life. O baka lahat. Hindi ako sure kung anong reason, pero mahal na mahal ko tong org na to. At undeniably, Ecosoc is the best thing that ever happened in my life. The same might not hold true for you, pero promise, hahawahan kita:) H i n d i naman mahirap eh. Marealize mo lang kung pano nabago at patuloy na nababago ng Ecosoc ang buhay ng maraming iba pa, madadali ka rin. Thank you at kita-kits sa plansem! 50th year na woo hoo!!!
spev ida
What’s your favorite moment in your term? The only time I ever felt like a god, ang TREASURE HUNT! (evil laugh) - 1 1 1 Ahoy mateys and proud beauties! ‘ere is the list of the fleets that braved it all to save their fellow buccaneer. 4th place – dibidi dibidi pirata (liai – externals – echoes) 3rd place – fins (finance – seccom) 2nd place – pagasa (acad – sports – adhoc) 1st place – s.s. friendsheep (cdc – memcom – taskforce) - 1 1 1 A year ago, I felt like it was probably one of my most favorite moments as an Ecosocer. As a logistics asst. director, I felt fulfilled after Musikapella under Jules. I didn’t expect myself to go further than that. I never thought of being a SPEV chair more so as an Execomer. Who knew that exactly a year after that point in time, I would be writing about how I will miss my beloved committee. Mom – I know that you won’t be able to read this but, I thank you for those 9 months, the hours of long and painful labor, the homecooked meals, our kikay bonding sessions, and the partying. I just wish that we’re together always. I miss you mom. Dad – Same thing with mom, I know you won’t be able to read this unless you go around snooping in my room. Thanks for those dinner talks. Thanks for patiently waiting for me, for driving me to school and for fetching me from those late Ecosoc events. Archie (Chichi) – Thanks for supporting some of our events and for being there when I just need to keep my mind off things that stress me out. Thanks for covering up for me at times, even if you’re sometimes a pain in the neck. :) Fantastic 3 (Kitty, Peachy, Ranna) – Ang tagal ko na ring hindi nagagamit yung term na yun. Thanks for being there to listen to my sometimes never ending rants about everything. Thanks for the rides, the food, the hugs, but most of all for the 3 years of friendship that I would never replace for anything. Kada – Thanks for the happy times, sabaw moments, and study sessions. I will forever value the support you guys gave me during my term. Now I look forward to our future escapades and our sembreak getaway!
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Bro – Thanks for the support when I was just thinking about running for SPEV till now that I’m almost done with my term. Sorry at times when I worry about the smallest of details, can’t help it. Good luck sa Taskforce! I will always be here to hear your rants and to help out whenever I can. Sophieniors – Thank you for giving me the reason to smile when everything felt so heavy. I super miss our sophienior afternoons. Execom – Working with you guys taught me a lot. I surely will miss our execom meetings. Thanks for being there when things go wrong. Your support and friendship are the things that I will always value. SPEVers (VCs, Mems, Babies) – Thank you for making my term really worth every hardship. I will miss our super fun brainstorming and our informal bonding times. Sorry if may pagkukulang ako as a leader. You guys are the reason that I continued the rest of my term and for that I feel indebted to you. Raymond – Good Luck! I know I’m leaving SPEV in good hands. :) Ecosocers (Mems, Apps, Alumni) – Salamat at nagpauto kayo samin. Thanks for fulfilling my evil dreams and for that I love you all. (evil laugh) Last but not the least, UL – The epitome of support what. I know it brought of problems but thanks always being the guy background. Thanks about what’s best times when I forget You’re always when I need an from it all. Ich dich my one only tiddiber. :)
no matter us a lot f o r in the for thinking for me at to do so. t h e r e escape liebe and
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sports mico
What’s your favorite moment in your term? Siguro, ang favorite moment ko sa term ko eh yung time na.. halos complete kami sa commeet :) ang babaw, sorry pero yun talaga yun. Nung 2nd commeet of this sem :) Ayan! Patapos na ang sem at ang aming term! Nakakalungkot. :( Parang ang sandali lang, pero sobrang daming memories.. Ayun, Bago ang lahat, gusto ko pasalamatan ang lahat ng mems at apps ko! Angie: Sa lahat ng pagsasacrifice mo, lalo na nung grand trad, thank you :) grabe, kung wala ka dun.. pano nalang kami.. Thank you sa lahat lahat anj :) Erik: Nakakatuwa :) lahat ng commeet inattendan mo :) grabe.. Thank you sa lahat lahat erik. Lalo na sa presence, at pagiging “devil’s advocate” at times :) sobrang naappreciate ko yun. Pia: Alala ko nung grand trad, ikaw nalang yung cheerer namin kasi lahat kami nasa talent. thankyou sa pagsupport sa sports.. Kahit sobrang dehado tayo sa bilang, nandun parin yung spirit. Thank you :) Rocky: Thankyou kasi kahit sobrang busy mo na, nadedeliver mo padin yung mga pinapagawa ko sayo :) galing mo :) Adi: isa ka paaa! Sobrang busy mo pero nakakadeliver ka padin :) lalo na nung last sem. Thankyou sa lahat ng ginawa mo for the Ecosoc cup. Kung wala siguro yung “convincing” powers mo, ang kaunti siguro sobra nung participants :) thankyou :) Carleen: sorry kasi feel ko.. hindi kita masyado na”reach”. Ewan, baka galit ka sakin, di ka kasi nagrereply eh. Nakakaparanoid tuloy HAHAHA. Anyway, Thanks sa lahat:) Yla: Sorry kung ang dami kong pinadala sayo, mga small things na hassle dalhin.. at dun sa solicitation, sobrang thank you. Nandun ka din halos lagi sa commeets.. :) ang sipag mo.. sobra :) Vem: isa ka pang sobrang nahahassle ko dahil sa mga pinapadala. Mga watermelon, at talong. Thank you vem kasi sobrang sipag mo, lalo na sa pagattend ng mga commeet at cdc. Thankyou :) Cams: Sorry din kasi feel ko nagkulang din ako ng pagreach out sayo. Ewan. Sorry. At sana di ka rin galit sakin, di kadin kasi reply eh HEHEHEHEH joke lang :) ayun thankyou :) Hannah: thankyou Hannah sa pagaattend din ng mga commeets :) thank you sa mga ideas at lahat lahat. Ang galing mo :) thanksyou!
Q Enteng: Sobrang nagpapasalamat ako dahil pumayag kang mag sports. Sobrang salamat sa lahat ng ideas mo, parang ikaw na nga yung head eh HEHEHE. Ayun, ay. Regarding dun sa previous statement ko, sorry din kung ganun. Kasi sobrang nahassle kita. Ang galing mo kasi kaya ganun :) ayun. Thankyou sa lahat enteng! Ang galing galing mo! Pati sa counter HAHAHA Kash: pogi! Sorry kung nadeprive kita ng choice mo magspev. At thankyou kasi sobrang nagenjoy ako sa lahat. Thankyou sa lahat ng ideas, sa lahat ng hirap, sa lahat ng pagiisip na naganap. Thankyou kasi kahit nadedelikado na yung acads mo (delikado sa hindi pag aral ah, pero weh ka, ang taas mo padin eh), tumutulong ka padin. Di ka umuuwi hanggang di tapos. Ayun. Ang sipag sipag mo :) sobrang thankful ako dahil nagging vice chair kita :) Ace: Hahaha , thank you ace :). Sa ideas, sa time, sa pagsasacrifice :) natuwa ako dahil naging vice chair kita :) ay tapos eto pa pala.. good luck next seeeem! galingan mo ah? We all believe in you :) You can do it! go ace go! Sa SportsApps (Annika, Karlo, Kenna, Rj): thank you sa lahat :) sobrang pagbutihin niyo pa ah? Ang galing niyong lahat! Kahit kaunti lang tayo, lalo na nung grandtrad, ang galing galing padin! Karlo thankyou sa pagrepresent sa sports.. para samin, ikaw padin ang panalo.. Ang gagaling niyo! salamat sa lahat lahat :) napasaya niyo ako ng sobra sobra! Anyway, ayun. gusto ko magpasalamat sa lahat ng apps dahil napasaya niyo kami ng sobra. Salamat sa active at sa pagsupport pinakamamahal na org. Labyu~ all HEHE
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i n mems at talaga pagiging sa ating
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ab CDC corner: co Chikiting
Patrol By: Nina Castillo
Art Workshop Once again, CDC kids were given another art workshop activity last August 29, 1:00-2:30pm. Members and apps taught them the process of crystal lamination. Together with the kids, they decorated the stones with colored papers and cut-out pictures. Then, they helped the kids in laminating the stones using crystals. Alumnus Ian enjoy the company of the kids once again
Kids showcase their creativity through stone decoration
CDC with Alumni Alumni are invited every semester for the CDC with Alumni. This semester, the event was held last September 1, Saturday, with the participation of alumni Geonanga (batch ’07) and UL Gallinero (batch ’06). Games such as paper dance, getting to know, and charades were played by the children together with mems, apps or alumni. The kids also showed their talents in dancing through break dance and ballroom. Some of the kids, on the other hand, performed rap and played the lyre. Jared Callueng and Glaiza Villanueva opened the program while Mr. Geonanga gave the inspirational message in behalf of the Ecosoc Alumni. Coke Caravan II On Mama Mary’s birthday, September 8, the Community Development Committee spearheaded the Coke Caravan II. From 8:00am – 7:00pm, Ecosoc members and applicants took part in entertaining and sharing stories with the chosen beneficiaries. The first stop was in the Life Change Recovery Center at Timog Avenue Quezon City . 32 housemates, ages 16-60, were the beneficiaries of a sack of rice, rolls of tissue papers, and boxes of soap and shampoo. Aside from the games that they played with Ecosocers, the housemates also shared some inspirational talks during the program. St. Mary of Providence in BF Homes, Quezon City was the next stop in the Caravan. The 20 special children, ages 5-15, enjoyed their kits containing a pack of Milo, biscuits, soaps and face towels. In return for the gifts, the children entertained the Ecosocers through their splendid performances. The last stop was in the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City. Basic utilities such as soaps, shampoo, toothpastes and coffee were given to the 25 inmates, ages 20-40. Both members and apps were able to gain insights on the life inside the correctional from the sharing and talks given by the inmates. All, on the other hand, were entertained by the performances of the Ecosocers and the inmates. With the experiences gained, Jared Callueng was hopeful that Ecosocers will continue the Coke Caravan. She said that she was very happy with the attendance of 60 members and applicants. She is also encouraging the future CDC chair to coordinate again with Coke to lessen the cost to be carried by Ecosoc and to be able to avail a Minibus for the event. Culminating Activity This semester’s applicants, headed by Pael Supangco, sponsored the culminating activity last September 15. A mini-scav hunt was prepared to challenge the kids. The five stops were (1) spelling challenge, (2) paunahang umiyak, (3) coin searching, (4) water relay using spoon, and (5) shooting the barbeque stick. Recognition Day CDC kids were finally recognized last September 26, Wednesday, 1:00–2:30pm at the Econ Back Parking Lot. Thirty kids were awarded certificates of attendance. Other awards include Best in Math, Best in English, Pinakabibo Kid, and
Pinaka-artisitc Kid were given to few deserving kids who showed enthusiasm and excellent performance during the semester. CDC Fieldtrip The much awaited Ecosoc fieldtrip was attended by 30 kids with perfect CDC attendance last September 29, 2007. The kids were joined by their Ecosoc Ates and Kuyas in their trip to the La Mesa Eco Park from 8:00 am to 12:00 nn. The children experienced biking with the Ecosocers, hiking with their friends and having picnic in the park. The highlights of the trip were their visit to the Orchidarium and the Shell Flower Terraces. n
Coke Caravan 2 provides Ecosocers a chance to give back to the community
17
Applicants Face Remaining App Activities by Anika Gregorio
Challenge Night This semester’s applicants embarked on a different task for their Challenge Night. Unlike the usual talent/variety show theme of the past challenge nights, the applicants were tasked to organize their own fundraising activity. Headed by Pael Supangco, they spearheaded the “Band in Demand”—an amateur band competition. The event was held last September 22 at Freedom Bar on Anonas Road. According to Membership Committee Chairperson Ariel Carlos, the objective of the Challenge Night was to immerse and train the applicants, and to provide them with valuable learning experiences that they can get out of organizing fundraising events. Final Interview The last but definitely not the least of the requirements for the application process was the Final Interview held last October 1-6. Each applicant had to undergo the panel interview conducted by the members of the Executive committee. The final interview aimed to gauge the applicants’ knowledge, integration and commitment to Ecosoc through questions that cover the organization’s constitution, committee events and activities. Induction Ball One of the most awaited events for the semester, the Induction Ball, will be held on October 11 in Kublai’s, Katipunan. Organized by the newly elected Membership Committee Chairperson Minay Martinez, the event will feature the awarding and recognition of outstanding members and applicants as well as the induction of the new members and newly elected members of the Executive committee. The induction ball will close with the DIYES raffle draw of the Taskforce committee. n
Dalandan Soda sweeps the competition with their refreshing performance; Applicants all set for Challenge Night
18
Ecosocers by Luz Baldueza
bubble up in
Tambay Week
The UP Economics Society indeed stayed true to its 49th year theme, “Bubbling Up and Still Rising,” as it fervently celebrated the Tambay Week last September 10-14. With the various activities prepared by the different committees, the Ecosoc members and applicants were able to dip themselves deeper into the Ecosoc pool.
Tambay Talk Grooms Grand Tradders Firing off the chain of events was Externals committee’s Tambay Talk entitled “Grand Trad 101: Beauty Secrets Revealed.” The event aimed to brief the Grand Trad contestants of the dos and don’ts in the much anticipated competition. Contestants lent their ears and minds to speakers Triszh Hermogenes and Jessica Sanchez. Former Grand Tradition winners Michael Garcia and Aries Carlos were also present to give some tips and reminders. In addition to the speakers’ words of wisdom, Team Externals also provided contenders with primers containing more tips and advice. The event was wrapped up by Janica Magat at around 5:20pm. She stressed that the contestants must not feel embarrassed of what they were about to do because it is essentially for Ecosoc’s tradition. Externals Vice Chairperson Kar Nogaliza facilitated the event. All Grand Tradders were present in Grand Tradders listen intently to Triszh and Jes’ the audience. make-up and beauty tips
Jologs Quiz, Bingo Challenge Mems The dynamic duo Academics and Finance committees launched Tambay Tuesday with a bang. At 12nn, the Academic Affairs committee conducted their infamous Jologs Quiz Show Game KNB style. Aiming to reveal every member’s ‘jologs’ persona, they witted out contestants by asking the most ‘jologs’ questions. Triszh Hermogenes from Seccom was crowned Jologs Queen as she beat the other contenders in the final round. On the flipside, Finance committee’s Bingo created a fuzz at around 4:30pm. Many Ecosocers dashed to the tambayan to play Bingo in the hope of winning the pot of gold. Josteen Vega took home the grand prize: P500 cash and P300-worth of Starbucks Gift Certificates.
Bingo cards await punching
Hip Apps Clean App Secretariat committee’s event for the Tambay Week, Clean App, happened last September 12 at around 1pm where the applicants were asked to clean up the tambayan. Many applicants were present so it did not take long to finish the task. Although some had to take off early because of classes, they used shifts so that everyone would be able to get their share of the experience. The event not only achieved its aim of cleaning the tambayan but also bonded the applicants.
Latuja Makes a Comeback in Alumni Talk “It’s a humble org.” This was how former Ecosoc President and Adhoc Chairperson Jo Ann Latuja described Ecosoc when she was interviewed last September 13 for Liaison Committee’s Alumni Talk. Aptly titled “Execom Life 101,” the talk aimed to shed light on an execomer’s life, the ups as well as the downs. Ecosoc applicants Trisha Atanacio and Timmy Capulong enlivened the event as hosts. Since the Ecosoc election was just a few weeks away, Ate Jo was also asked regarding tips she could share to the aspirants for the next batch of execomers. She emphasized that the execomers should always maintain openmindedness, approachability, sensitivity and humility.
19
Race of Thunder Ensues on Tambay Thursday Shortly after the Alumni Talk, Sports committee’s event for the Tambay Week “Race of Thunder” began. All teams got their first clue from Sports Committee Chairperson Mico Anabo. There were four stations which certainly challenged the participants. Each team had to visit all four stations which featured a Boy Bawang-shooting game, a twisted siopao-eating contest, a skateboard sliding down the ramp challenge and a pakwan eating contest. As was in the previous years, Team CDC-Memcom-Tetel brought home the bacon.
Grand Trad Caps Off Tambay Week Hollywood bad girls collided in the recently concluded Grand Tradition 2007. Equipped with their flashy smiles, party dresses, high heels and pounds of confidence, the ten contenders from each of the committees vied for the title of Miss Grand Trad 2007. The following were the contestants of each committee: Vince Bascos – Adhoc/Taskforce/Echoes as Paris Hilton; Nandz Roxas – Acad as Naomi Campbell; Josh Baquiran
– CDC as Tara Reid; Carlo Lazo – Externals as Britney Spears; Josteen Vega – Finance as Victoria Beckham; Kaiser Sy – Liaison as Lindsay Lohan; Pael Supangco – Memcom as Jessica Simpson; Will-J Sarmiento – Seccom as Nicole Richie; Reyneil Go – SPEV as Kate Moss and Karlo Patron – Sports as an Olsen twin. After a series of question-and-answer, talent showcase and other determining factors, the winners were announced: Karlo Patron as 3rd Runner Up, Kaiser Sy as 2nd Runner Up, Will-J Sarmiento as 1st Runner Up and Josh Baquiran as the Ms. Grand Tradition 2007. Special awards were also given to: Karlo Patron as Best Talent, Josh Bacquiran as Best in Evening Gown, and Carlo Lazo as Texter’s Choice. n
Former Ms. Ecosoc Floyd Flores awes the contestansts with “his” winning confidence
20
Wilder
by the
by Jaymie Ann Reyes
Bottle
Bedspace, Greenbelt 3 was the place to be last September 15 as UP Economics Society celebrated its 49th year of excellence, tradition and service. Spearheaded by the Adhoc committee under the leadership of President Anika Faye Gregorio, Sensation was a big hit that night. The open bar started at 7:30 and the program took off at a little past 8pm with a hip-hop performance by dancers from the Air Dance group. The host for the night, Joaquin Valdez, kept the crowd going via drinking games wherein Lia Veneracion and Karlo Patron emerged victorious in the first game, and they, together with Ida Metiam, Jopee Pelagio and Jay Tolentino won the 2nd drinking game. Of course, the night was made Ecosocers do know how to party hard (althouuugh even hotter by couples battling it out at the staple body shots we’re not really a party org) game. Josh and Vina beat other couples. The event was made even more exciting by John Robert Powers and Enchanted Kingdom who set up booths outside the bar, giving out goodies and prizes. A henna booth was also setup to cater for those partygoers who want to have their skin inked. The night was capped off with a whole lotta dancing and drinking and basically happy Ecosocers who proved that they know how to work hard and party harder. n
Musikapella II
resonates
TF
brilliance
by Kim Ovejera Aiming to raise funds to carry on the tradition of service to its five high school scholars, the UP Ecosoc Taskforce committee held the Musikapella II themed Himig ng Pag-ibig Noon at Ngayon last September 23 at the UP Theater. Featuring ten exceptional chorale groups from different schools in the Metro Manila, this event marked an outstanding achievement registering a crowd of more than a thousand. Musikapella II uncovered the talents of the younger generation which mesmerized the crowd by the solemnity and prowess of their voice. Each school chanted their version of “Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin” accompanied by one piece of their choice. Ramon Magsaysay High School-Cubao Chorale exultantly defended their throne after winning for the third time with their unparalleled finesse. St. Anthony was near behind the RMHS who seized the second place for the second year. The voice of the Muntinlupa Science High School, which was first-time to join the contest, prevailed on third. Colegio de San Juan de Letran captivated the crowd and captured the People’s Choice Award. The program also featured the performance of Sugarfree. Hosted by the Ecosoc alumni Arvon Fernandez and AM Gatchalian, the event speared the hit another time in its third year (formerly Soundtrack on its launch year). This mantra of success is the culminating event of the TF team spearheaded by the Ecosoc Vice President Krystle Ramos. n
Taskforce in full force!
Treasure
hunt and vice night by Ces Laurora
Atrium was filled with students huddled into teams distinguished by different colors for the muchawaited event of the semester, Treasure Hunt 2007 entitled “Pirates: The Search for the Lost Buccaneer,” last September 7. Each team was armed with Spevsos needed for each of the 5 stops around the campus. Each Ecosocer used their wit to solve the trivias and braved their way into the time and strength-consuming and tear-jerking challenges. Finally, the teams reached their destination at
Ka Bero’s where they saved their missing team member. Everything was wrapped up with a simple dinner and, of course, overflowing alcoholic drinks plus the announcement of winners. The best team who outwit all other committees is the team composed of CDC, Memcom and Taskforce. Following closely is the team composed of Sports, Acad and Adhoc. Third is the team of Finance and Seccom and lastly, the team of Liai, Externals and Echoes. The event was organized by the Special Events Committee with their head, Ida Metiam. Treasure Hunt was followed by the Vice Night where serious confessions were made by the members. n
22
After a day of “special” tasks, Ecosocers indluge in their vices
Kokey... (continued from page 52) Nagkontribyut ang sektor ng serbisyo ng tumataginting na 8.4% sa pagtaas ng “ratings”. Napakalakas kasi ng konstruksyon sa ikalawang kapat ng taon dala na rin ng magarbong pagtatayo ng Lumeria, ang siyudad ng mga Rounin at ang napakamodernong spaceship na pinangsundo kay Kokey sa Planetang Kokorekok. Marami ring ipinatayong istruktura sa Planetang Harayo (dumayo pa ang mga Kakosa!) bilang paghahanda sa pagdating ni Lastikman. Ngunit ang pinakamalaking salik kung bakit lumago ng ganito ang sektor ng serbisyo ay ang biglaang pag-unlad na nangyari sa unyon ng mga artista. Sa pandaigdigang pamilihan, ang laki ng itinaas ng halaga ng mga Kakosa sa palitan ng mga artista dahil sa paglapag ng isang maningning na anghel sa kanilang bakuran. Ang pagliban ni Darna/ Sabina bilang bagong kakosa, kasama na rin ng kanyang mga kapatid na si Valerie at Megan Young na ngayo’y bagong kapareha ni Zanjoe, ang siyang nagbigay ng bagong mahika ng nagpa-angat sa dating bagsak na halaga ng palitan ng mga Kosa kontra Kauso. Gusto tuloy halikan ni Kokey si Becky: pinagaan niya ang trabahong inilagay sa kanyang mumunting balikat. Sa kabilang banda, isang tumataginting na 8% naman ang kinontribyut ng sektor ng industriya. Dahil sa nakahanda nang produksyon ng bigating mga bagong palabas gaya ng Rounin, Lastikman, One Versus 100, Prinsesa ng Banyera, Margarita, at Super Inggo 1.5, lumakas ang ekspektasyon at pagpasok ng pera sa Kosa Republic. Maganda rin ang naging dulot ng produksyon ng mga pelikulang Cute ng Ina Mo, Paano Kita Iibigin, at Love Story upang mas palakasin ang katayuan ng mga Kosa at mas madagdagan ang yaman ng mga Kakosa. Malaki rin ang naiambag ng produksyon ng musika sa
kalagayan ng sektor: sobrang malakas ang benta ng mga CD gaya ng Adududu Adadada ni Willie, Your Love ni Erik, Every Now and Then (na sobrang nagagandahan si Kokey sa CD cover nito) ni Mark, Kami nAPO Muna Ulit ng maraming bandang di kasama ang Cueshe, at ang pinakaaabangang Supahdance Album ng Ultimate Danz 4. Lakas talaga! Ito lang ang naibulalas ni Kokey habang napapasayaw na siya sa saliw ng Dulce Tira Tira, ang nakaiindak na lead single ng Supahdance, mistulang nalilimot na sa kanyang ginagawang imbestigasyon. Kahit na di gaanong umambag ang sektor ng pananim sa naitala nitong kontribusyon na 3.9% - dala na rin marahil sa di masyadong naipakilala ang bagong sirkulo ng mga bituin – bawing-bawi ang mga kakosa dahil sa pagpasok ng dayuhang mamumuhunan sa napakaconducive na kapaligiran noong ikalawang kapat ng taon. Mula sa bansang VIVAslovakia, pumasok ang pera upang makapagprodyus kasama ng Starkosa Cinema ng de kalibreng mga pelikula – ang Cute ng Ina Mo at Paano Kita Iibigin – na tumabo sa takilya at nagpataas ng “ratings”. Maganda rin ang naidulot ng pakikipagtie-up ng Kosa Republic sa mga bansang White Castle at BENCHina sa paglulunsad nito ng maliliit na halalang nagpapasok pa ng mas maraming pera at panonood. Ani mga dalubhasa, ang penomenong ito – ang pagpasok ng puhunan ng dayuhan - na tinatawag na Basta Parehas (tayo), Olrayt! (BPO!) segment ng produksyon, ay masasabing talagang nakapagpatatag ng Kosa Republic. Idagdag mo pa rito ang mga dollars na bumabaha araw-araw sa Wowowee, at tataas ang tunay na paglago ng “ratings” (sa domestic na manonood lang ang 7.5%) kasama ang manonood ng TFC sa tumataginting na 8.3%. Korekorekok, mukha naming kokey pala ang mga dahilan!, ang nasambit ni Kokey: waring nabubuo na muli ang ilusyon ng tagumpay sa kanyang haraya. Dahil sa kapangyarihan ni Agatom, nadaanan nila
ang pinakamaliit na himaymay na kumakatawan sa hiwaga ng 7.5% paglago. Dito nila natuklasan ang pinakahuling salik kung bakit tumaas na lang ng ganito ang “ratings” ng mga kakosa. Maituturing na isang masidhing internal purge ang ginamit ng mga namumuno upang linisin ang bakuran nito sa mga kakosang di gaanong nag-aambag ng kanilang kontribusyon sa pag-unlad. Tinanggal si Jerome Sala sa ASAP. Binigyan ng mga kasamang Engkantao si Pedro Penduko upang di maluma ang tagumpay na tinamasa ng pag-iibigan nila ni Hiyas. Sinamahan ni Kris si Boy. Ang umaga’y di na tinawag na maganda kundi kayganda. Nilipat ang Love Spell at Abt Ur Luv Ur Lyf 2 sa umaga. Tsinugi kaagad ang Rounin at Go Kada Go!. Wala na ring Litte Big SuperDuperStar na kasunod sa katatapos lamang na patimpalak. At higit sa lahat, nag-ekseperimento ang mga kakosa upang makagawa ng bagong timplang di pa natitikman ng mga manonood sa programang Your Song: halimbawa na lang nito ang tambalang Franzen/ Bea, Zanjoe/Pokwang, at Andrew E./Valerie na talagang kumulit sa isipan ng mga manonood. Wala naman palang masama! May sipa ang mga dahilan. Napangisi ng todo si Kokey. Magandang balita ‘to para kay Bong at Ana. Nariyan muli ang bahaghari, ang nagniningning na luntiang mga mata, ang theme song ni Jang Geum sa kanyang mga tenga. Sasayaw na sana siya ng Adududu Adadada – ng maalala niya so Bentong, at gumuho ang kanyang kastilyo. n (Sundan ang huling dalawang yugto sa logbook) * pasintabi kay MG, mahal kita. Sanggunian: http://philstar.com http://www.inquirer.net G. Ian Vincent M. Lopez At ang TV ni Tita
Ecosoc
conducts
by Audrey Austria
Eventology101
for
ACLE
Entitled “Eventology 101: The Basics of Events Management,” the Alternative Class Learning Experience (ACLE), organized by the Academic Affairs committee and External Affairs committee, was attended by around 50 students, Ecosocers and non-Ecosocers alike last September 4, SE 111. Themed “Accelerate our fight for our rights,” this semester’s ACLE proved to be a successful one with over 100 organizations participating. The ACLE, a semestral program of the University Student Council, aims to offer simple classroom discussions on different recreational activities and vital issues which cater to the various interests of UP Students. Asked on why they chose events management as the org’s ACLE, Katz Manzano, Externals chairperson said, “Because we want to capture the interest of budding event organizers in UP.” Ms. Kathleen Rose Tautjo, a successful events organizer from Innovative Ideas @ ph Inc., served as the speaker for the said event. She shared some tips that one needs to know with regard to the proper handling of events. After the talk, an open forum followed wherein questions from the audience were entertained by Ms. Tautjo together with other people from Innovative Ideas. The ACLE ended by giving a token of appreciation to the speakers. Janica Magat served as the event’s emcee. n
Event experts share their knowledge in the field
Ecosoc holds Youth Summit
annual
National
by Audrey Austria
College students and professionals alike from different prestigious universities and known business establishments gathered at the 4th floor, Bocobo Hall, UP Law Center last September 29 for the annual National Youth Summit (NYS). Now on its 3rd year, NYS is an annual convention of interested members and youth of the society in raising awareness on various significant economic issues. For this year, UP Ecosoc chose microfinance as its main topic for the said convention. The event emphasized on how microfinance can help in alleviating the economic crisis the Philippines is currently experiencing. The convention entitled National Youth Summit on Microfinance started with a registration at about 8 o’clock in the morning. Registered attendees were required to pay Php200 inclusive of lunch, snacks, kits, and giveaways. Walkins, however, were asked to pay Php250. Afterwards, Anika Gregorio, UP Economics Society President, gave a brief welcome remarks.
Speakers for the said event were Dr. Gilberto Llanto, a PhD Economist from the UP School of Economics and former Deputy Director General of NEDA; Director Joselito Almario, Director of the Department of Finance and concurrently holds the position of Deputy Executive Director of the National Credit Council; and Mr. Danilo Sangco, President and CEO of PinoyME Foundation. Mr. Llanto’s talk focused on the basics of microfinance, formal institutions and non-government agencies. On the other hand, Director Almario discussed the role of the government in microfinance. Mr. Danilo Sangco talked about the importance of the provisions of financial services in lessening poverty.
Mini clips were also showed during the said convention. A film from the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) entitled “Microfinance in the Philippines” was shown to the participants of the summit. Another short documentary entitled “Breaking through Poverty with Microfinance” was shown. These short films captured the essence of the said convention. After the lectures of the different speakers, an open forum followed. Various questions regarding microfinance were raised during the forum. Dean Emmanuel de Dios of the UP School of Economics delivered the closing remarks for the event after the open forum. (continue to page 24)
MBABA
hits by Kim Dayag
Let’s get physical!
Fincom
holds
Ecosoc
23
The UP Ecosoc Sports committee used its new format fitting the Members Bersus Apps Bersus Alumni (MBABA) as the annual sports event unfolded last September 22, 2007. The event showcased its members, apps and alumni in various sport events like basketball, dodgeball, futsal and other fun games for the Ecosoc League to enjoy. Headed by Michael Patrick Anabo, Sports committee chairperson, the said innovation from just members against the applicants to including alumni participation is a glimpse of the next year’s 50th anniversary activities. The contest started with parades of the muse and escorts of each competing team. Applicant’s tandem of Kenna Barit and Totoy Lilagan were awarded the muse and escort of the year, after which the games began. The alumni showed their hitting powers in the ‘Hitting up the Eggplant’ game, while the applicants proved that they have the guts to make ilag as they won the dodgeball competition. The applicants regained glory when they defeated the members in the basketball game with just a small margin. Ending the event is the Balloon War game which clenched the gold for the members. Overall, the member’s fighting spirits seized the championship cup leaving the applicants and the alumni on second and third respectively. The MBABA urged to build cooperation and friendly competitiveness among the Ecosoc community. n
Harry Potter
quiz
bee by Neil Elpusan Forty-eight pairs participated in the Harry Potter Quiz Bee dubbed “Mischief Managed,” facilitated by the Finance committee, held last August 7, 4:00-7:00 pm, SE 111. The said activity served as a fundraiser for the organization through the Php 80 registration fee of each pair and through some sponsors. Garnering 55 points, 1st placers were John Paul Tagala of CSSP and Adrian Rivera of SE (pair 30). They brought home Php 2000 and Starbucks gift certificates. Earning 48 points, 2nd placers were Jacqueline Bongalonta and Renz Erni from Educ (pair 40). They were also given Starbucks gift certificates. There were three rounds: easy, average, and difficult. Questions were made by Finance committee members Marj Villanueva, Book 1; April Francisco, Book 2; Lia Veneracion, Book 3; Justin Batocabe, Book 4; CJ Villanueva, Book 6 and Monique Sequito, Book 5 and Book 7. Quiz master was Enteng Lopez. Judges were Brylle Baluyot (head), Anika Gregorio, and Monique Sequito. n
Potter heads prove their fandom in the competition
UP Debaters by Janica Magat
24
joins
JPES’ Motions-in-Motion
The Junior Philippine Economics Society held its annual debate tournament entitled Motions-in-Motion in the University of Sto. Thomas and University of Asia and the Pacific. UP representative debaters were Janica Magat, applicant Vince Bascos, and honorary members, Celeni Guinto, Nikko Briguera, Eris Prado and Pluto Diaz. Joseph Nash, another honorary member, was the adjudicator. The Chief Adjudicator was Jayson Maulit from San Beda, Deputy Chief Adjes BJ Guerrero from UPD and Victor Baguilat from DLSU. Ecosoc 2 (Bascos, Prado, and Diaz) broke in the quarterfinals where DLSU beat them and Ecosoc 1 (Magat, Guinto, and Briguera) were defeated by Ateneo in the semifinals.
The semifinals round was televised in NBN4’s Youth Voice.
All in all, Ecosoc did a great job as four of our pool of debaters made it in the Top Ten Best Speakers List. Magat and Briguera copped 9th place, Prado placed 6th and Guinto was tied with Vinny Tagle from Ateneo at 4th place. The tournament’s best speaker and champion was Dino de Leon from DLSU who beat two-time champion Ateneo. n
Philces Update by Josteen Vega
The Philippine Council of Economics Students held one of its many traditional events last September 23 in the Neptune Pavilion at La Mesa Eco Park—the annual Econverge. True to the unmistakable word play in its title, Econverge is an event that intends to highlight and give importance to the formation of a strong and healthy relationship among the newly-appointed Junior Representatives, conveniently referred to as JAs, of the different member organizations. The JAs, being the individuals upon whom the future of the organization will be entrusted, were subjected to various team-building activities. Games that tested the physical abilities and the creative minds of the young economists were conducted as bright hints of new budding friendships started to show. The event wasn’t all fun and games though; the latter part of the event saw several aspiring Junior representatives file their forms of candidacy for the soon-to-be vacated and highly-
Alay
sa
regarded PhilCES office positions. Candidates for the position of National President, Internals Vice President, Externals Vice President and Finance committee head presented their General Plans of Action for the organization, while the positions from the Academics committee, Publicity Committee, Marketing Committee and Secretariat committee remained open and vacant. The affair ran from 11 o’clock in the morning to 5 o’clock in the afternoon. Despite the uncooperative weather and several transportation and venue related problems, Econverge pushed through as planned and was definitely very successful. Last September 30, PhilCES also had its annual Ecolibrium, a sports fest participated upon by its different member organizations, at the Amoranto Stadium. The games played were basketball, table tennis mixed doubles, badminton doubles and volleyball. Individual prizes were handed out to the players who proved to be the standout in their respective events. n
Personnel
by Ces Laurora
‘It was a day to give back to the personnel their goodness and care to all of us’, thus emphasized by Ecosoc members during the Alay sa Personel executed by the UP Ecosoc Academic committee in cooperation with UPSE Student Council. It was an event to remember as both the students and the personnel enjoyed performances from the Econ Band and Council Chairperson and Ecosocer, Mario Garcia. Games were gladly played and participated by the person. Lastly, as the students rendered a song for the 51 UPSE personnel, tokens were distributed to each one. n
Narional Youth Summit (Continued from) page 22) Marian Panganiban and Ian Vincent Lopez, both members of the UP Economics Society, served as the day’s masters of ceremonies. NYS is a four-way tie up event of the Finance committee, Academic Affairs committee, Externals committee and Echoes headed by Marjorie Villanueva, Fatima Zuniga, Katrina Manzano and Czarina Carbonel respectively. NYS was made possible by Business World, Manila Bulletin SCU, Urban Spa, John Robert Powers, Enchanted Kingdom, Inquirer LIBRE, and ClicktheCity.com. n
25
Sullied Smoking: The
Right to Health Versus A Cigarette Stick by Inna Morillo
Last September 5, 2007, Dr. Emerlinda Roman, UP’s Centennial President, issued an Administrative Order on the controversial Smoking Ban. Administrative Order No. Perr 07-70 states the strict enforcement of the said smoking ban as well as the prohibition to sell and advertise tobacco within the university premises. This Order stems from the declaration in the country’s Constitution of the obligation of government institutionalities, such as UP as a state university, to “protect and promote the right to health of the people and to instill health consciousness among them” (Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, article II, section 15). The Smoking Ban is possibly straightforwardly rooted on the Republic Act No.9211 also known as the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003. This affirms express provisions on prohibiting smoking, sale of tobacco as well as its advertising within school premises. T h e Administrative Order which took effect immediately after board of regents, vice presidents, chancellors, deans and directors, student organizations and other unions have been informed. After which, an inevitable d e b a t e sprung up. Is the smoking ban necessary? Does it curtail a person’s right to smoke in a supposed free university? A n interview with UP School of Economics representative to the University Student Council sheds light on how a common isko feels about the issue. “The Order is valid,” Marian Panganiban says and she further expresses that the respect for the right to smoke leads one to prioritize choice over externalities. She agrees that mixed reactions and views are felt by student from different colleges in the campus and notes that the School of Economics h a v e implemented the Smoking Ban even before. She adds that some faculty members are rather particular when it comes to the negative effects of smoking both to the environment and the individuals, smoking or not smoking. “A good compromise is the smoking pockets,” Marian suggests. These are zones inside the campus where smoking is permitted. Upon close inspection of the said Administrative Order, these smoking areas are allowed with the certain considerations. These must not be inside a building or within academic core zones. They must likewise be far from public areas like parking places, waiting sheds and similar areas. It is perhaps an issue of the right to health not only of the smoker but the other people affected in comparison with the choice to consume a cigarette stick. If quantity is the measure, then perhaps the negative externalities should indeed be given more magnitude. n
Ecosoc month would like to thank:
Ecosoc month would like to thank:
Ecosoc month would like to thank:
Ecosoc month would like to thank:
Musikapella would like to thank:
Musikapella would like to thank:
Musikapella and Adhoc would like to thank:
National Youth Summit would like to thank:
National Youth Summit would like to thank:
National Youth Summit would like to thank:
National Youth Summit would like to thank:
Echoes would like to thank: -Jovencio Navarro Jr. -Antonio Sobrepena -Ernesto and Annie Ladores -Joey de Domos Finance would like to thank: -Alex Castillo -Larry Magbanua -Ana Jimenez -Crisanto Resurreccion -F. Victor Woodworks -Pacific Asia Heavy Equipment Corp. -HRM Construction -Batocabe and Law Associates
Ecosoc’s twelve compiled by Glaiza Villanueva, Daryl Evangelista and Luz Baldueza
PRESIDENT Name: SANTI M. DAPUL Course: BS Business Economics Year Graduated in UPSE: 1977 Positions held in Ecosoc: President 1976-77 Current Position/Occupation: Managing Director Company: First Place, Inc. Describe yourself. Old and Tired Describe your Ecosoc self. Young and restless How was your committee back then? Headed EXCOM as President - very bossy Describe the tambayan during your time. Only the Econ Library. Noisy while eating Melissa’s brownies. What happened to the cats? They were the children of the BA cats, their grandchildren probably moved to Vinzon’s where there were more nutritious snacks. Econ snacks are not tasty anymore. Your metaphor of love is… LOVE is time bound - always better the last time. Favorite Ecosoc memory. When we were singing champions, considered the richest club, always involved in rallies against different “ISMS”, the fabulous nights in Barangay Kalawis when no roads existed then. When ECHOES had the best written articles, better than the Collegian. We started the CDC and asked my VP to run it to keep him busy so he will not plot against me. Do you think Ecosoc still lives up to its thrusts? Whose thrusts should it live up to. Ecosoc belongs to its present members and they have the right to dictate their own mission and vision. Ecosoc Alumni should just be happy with their own memories and not expect the members to follow our fading stars. You can ask us for advice, if you wish to. My advice to you is DON’T listen to us. Just follow your dreams and live them to the fullest. What is your wish for Ecosoc in its 50th birthday? Another 50 years Why Ecosoc? THE one and only during that time lots of pretty women and classy guys.
SECRETARY Name: EMMA FABIAN-EST Course: BS Business Economics Year Graduated in UPSE: 1979 Positions held in Ecosoc: Secretary Current Position/Occupation: Mom, translator, social worker, etc. Company: My family - but for several hours a week, I work for Lufthansa German Airlines at the Munich airport. I am also with in a counseling and information center for non-European women. Describe yourself. I like the simple life. Early on I decided that I didn´t really want to be rich, only happy and comfortable with my family and friends. I have sacrificed a career to be a hands-on Mom to three daughters. But I also work outside the home and have a lot of other activities so I’m good at organizing and multitasking. I wish I was better at delegating but my husband and children do their share of the work, especially when they see I’m about to go ballistic. Describe your Ecosoc self. very idealistic. I loved my work as secretary because I like arts and crafts and working with like-minded Seccom members enabled us to contribute what we could do best to Ecosoc. Besides, our Execom then really bonded well together. However, my barkada in Ecosoc (our Friday Club) used to say I was masungit (and they were right. I still am masungit.) But I felt so at home in Ecosoc. It was what made studying fun. And the friends that I made in Ecosoc are still my friends today. How was your committee back then? I suppose much the same as it is now. Seccom took care of the Genmeet minutes and other Ecosoc papers, did the decorations, set-up exhibits and generally took care of the little things like sending cards to birthday people to help shore up the feeling of belonging to Ecosoc. Describe the tambayan during your time. The building was new and we were quite happy to get the room. We tried to decorate it as best we could, especially for special occasions. I remember we had to be careful not to dirty the place or mar the walls. But I also recall the boys holding races across the room using the chairs with wheels (do you still have them?). There were always groups of
Ecosocers hanging around, chatting, singing, etc. What happened to the cats? Sorry, but I must confess that I don´t quite get the question. Do you mean cats literally as in pets? In my time (how long ago that sounds) cats meant boys. So what about them? Your metaphor of love is… Growing old together. I suppose that statement ages me again. When I was a teenager in Ecosoc, I thought love would always be so giddy with all the fireworks they describe in books. Having been married almost 20 years now, I believe love is so much more than that. Love changes but if it´s real, it grows. And it stays. Favorite Ecosoc memory. I remember the Christmas “tree” we made out of chicken wire and toilet paper for the Tambayan. I asked the Sports Committee to fashion a length of chicken wire into a tall cone and any Ecosocer with spare time was welcome to stuff the holes with sheets of toilet paper. When it was finished it looked great except that it was leaning slightly to one side, rather like a better version of the tower of Pisa. Do you think Ecosoc still lives up to its thrusts? Judging from the objectives and activities listed on your website, I believe so. In your activities and outreach programs, I see a genuine desire to go beyond what you learn in the classroom and search for relevance in the wider Filipino society. What is your wish for Ecosoc in its 50th birthday? To continue living up to its objectives and meeting the challenges of being UP economics students in today’s Filipino society. A good organization should constantly redefine itself while remaining true to its goals. Why Ecosoc? In a university as big as the UP, you need organizations like Ecosoc to give you a sense of belonging, to help you meet friends and expand your horizons beyond your books. I chose Ecosoc because I believed in its objectives and wanted to work with others toward achieving them. Of course, when I was there, that was the only organization at the UPSE (excluding the university-wide organizations of course). How many are there now?
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Name: ANGELINE A. ANTONIO (nickname: Benji) Course: BS Business Economics Year Graduated in UPSE: 1982 Positions held in Ecosoc: Very Active Member Current Position/Occupation: Branch Manager Company: Metro Main Star Asia Corporation (operator of SM Bay City Mall of Asia Department Store) Describe yourself. Funny. Serious. Dedicated. Career person. Good Mom. Devoted Daughter. Loving Sister. Good Friend. Describe your Ecosoc self. Warm. Happy. Fun to be with. Wholesome. Involved. How was your committee back then? I was with Seccom, I think. It was an ok committee. We were mostly girls, thus all we did was talk about other people... Hehehe. Describe the tambayan during your time. SE 103 was a huge tambayan. I think it was the best place for Ecosoc, compared to that cramped room they transferred to later. SE 103 was sooo spacious, it could accommodate almost anybody who wanted to hang out there. It was a venue for table tennis tournaments with Eng’g clubs, it was where Ecosoc members sang to their hearts content, while practicing for our caroling. The tambayan was where you could study (yes, could you believe that??) all by yourself during the finals, because everyone else was in the SE Library, waiting for one of the carrels to be vacated! What happened to the cats? What cats? Your metaphor of love is… ngekk! And corny nyo, ha... Favorite Ecosoc memory. everything that happened during my application and membership periods! Our color-coded Echoes issues, the tri-meets with other Economics Societies from Ateneo, Maryknoll and DLSU; the caroling adventures, among others! Of course, plus the few cute male members... Do you think Ecosoc still lives up to its thrusts? No idea. Cuz I haven’t been in touch with any active member lately. What is your wish for Ecosoc in its 50th birthday? More 50 years to come, and that it should be an org that’s made up of downto-earth, practical and dedicated people, balanced not only when it comes to having fun activities, but also when it comes to standing up for/supporting issues that are relevant to Econ Students and to what’s going on outside UPSE too. Not the ka-buwisit na pa-sosyal type, na mababaw. Why Ecosoc? I think, among the other orgs in UPSE, Ecosoc embodied, in my time, the cross section of the population of students in the UPSE. We were so connected with what was going on in the School (academics wise, and extra-curricular activities wise). We were made up of personalities who knew how to balance studies and lakwatchas, who stood up for issues when needed, and who stuck together as a solid organization.
TREASURER Name: MARIA CORAZON SANTOS- REMO Course: BS Business Economics Year Graduated in UPSE: 1978 Positions held in Ecosoc: Treasurer Current Position/Occupation: Senior Vice President; Division Head-HO and Subsidiaries Centralized Operations Company: Bank of the Philippine Islands Describe yourself. Organized, focused, balanced. Work hard, play hard—I pursue interests outside work-like crafts, sports. Describe your Ecosoc self. I was always with the Finance Committee, and was a very conscientious member—attended all meetings, activities… including the parties of course! My closest friends were all Ecosocers, so that made it more fun. How was your committee back then? Finance Committee—the group wasn’t that large, and doing what I am doing now, the amount of money we were handling wasn’t all that big (though it seemed to be then)... but we tried to make the most of what we had. Describe the tambayan during your time. We were the first batch in the new location - we had SE 101- it was a rather roomy and people streamed in and out between classes. What happened to the cats? Just like Alex Escucha - this may be the generation gap, but I also do not understand the question. Favorite Ecosoc memory. Out of town trips to the beach, going to Calawis (which is probably a subdivision now hehe), caroling through the night and going home after Simbang Gabi. Do you think Ecosoc still lives up to its thrusts? From what I read about its activities, it has continued to be relevant. What is your wish for Ecosoc in its 50th birthday? That it will continue to pursue activities with social relevance. Why Ecosoc? Other than it was the only UPSE organization then, I knew of the activities they were pursuing and wanted to be part of it.
PRO Name: RODOLFO ORLINA REYES Course: BS Business Economics Year Graduated In UPSE: 1982 Positions Held In Ecosoc: PRO-Liaison Officer Current Position/Occupation: Managing Director Company: Knowledge Institute Describe yourself. I love life and appreciate all that God has done for me. Although age is catching up with me, I still love sports, especially baseball Describe your Ecosoc self. I was noisy when I was a student and was always in the Ecosoc tambayan when at the School of Economics. I was very active. How was your committee back then? My committee back then raised some money for Ecosoc because we conducted two (2) betamax movie showings. Describe the tambayan during your time. The tambayan was clean and was always full of fun people. It was always a wholesome and convivial atmosphere. What happened to the cats? What cats? Your metaphor of love is… God and giving of yourself to others. Favorite Ecosoc memory. Frankly, I can’t think of any particular memory that stood out. I guess all my memories of Ecosoc were fun. Do you think Ecosoc still lives up to its thrusts? I don’t know What is your wish for Ecosoc in its 50th birthday? Another 50 years. Why Ecosoc? Because I was an Econ major, I felt that it was just right that I joined an org that housed my peers in the college.
ACAD Name: Lorna F. Morte-Runkle Course: BS Business Economics Year Graduated in UPSE: 1979 Positions held in Ecosoc: Academics Committee Chairperson; UP SESC Chairperson Concurrent Position/Occupation/Company: Business Consultant/Management Coach – New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program Describe yourself. Mother of Joseph (21) and Patrick (20) and wife to Robert. Describe your Ecosoc self. I was the “makibaka” type, more concerned about the social causes, and less “sosyal” causes. Look, I was anti-multinationals and pro-nationalism before, now I live in the US and work for American companies and interests. I haven’t lost the “makibaka” touch as I now give consulting advice and training to manufacturing companies so that they can save jobs and stay in business. I also work in the Advisory Committee of a non-for-profit organization helping special needs children. I still fight for the underdogs, although I now deal with the bigger dogs… How was your committee back then? I headed the Academics Committee so I assume it was the best thing in the world. If my memory does not fail me, we did tutorials back then. Describe the tambayan during your time. The building was new, our batch was the first one to occupy the “new” School Eco building donated by the Japanese. Most I remembered was my time at the Student Council. My term was the first widely elected Council, so we got a SC room up in the second floor. Pretty cool, I can still smell the new furnishings. What happened to the cats? Don’t know. What cats? Your metaphor of love is… Nothing. I was too busy with studies, Ecosoc, Student Council, organizing student activities, etc. Favorite Ecosoc memory. As a newbie, asking the older members for their signature so I can be accepted as a member. Do you think Ecosoc still lives up to its thrusts? Don’t know. I hope so. I see some familiar names in the email distribution list. I hope they are all doing well and living up to the Ecosoc tradition. What is your wish for Ecosoc in its 50th birthday? I wish Ecosoc continue it’s tradition of relevance to the times – combining social causes with the joys of the college experience. Why Ecosoc? Back in our time, at the beginning there was no alternative organization – just Ecosoc. GO ECOSOC!!!
CDC Name: RAMON CABRERA Course: AB Economics Year Graduated in UPSE: 1982 Positions held in Ecosoc: Chairman –Community Development Commitee Current Position/Occupation: Vice President Company: Citi N.A Describe your Ecosoc self. Fun, easy going and, normally or abnormally, as serious as my next drinking buddy. How was your committee back then? - Seriously committed, but not completely at the expense of having some fun. Describe the tambayan during your time. - It was the home away from home. What happened to the cats? They chased mice. Your metaphor of love is… like a battlefield, and is always worth fighting for. Favorite Ecosoc memory. Too many to list. Do you think Ecosoc still lives up to its thrusts? You tell me. What is your wish for Ecosoc in its 50th birthday? That it continues to build on its favorable legacy and reputation in the UP community. Why Ecosoc? Why not?
ECHOES Name: ALEXANDER C. ESCUCHA Course: AB Economics (Cum Laude) Year Graduated In Upse: 1977 Positions Held In Ecosoc: Echoes Editor, 1976-1977 Current Position/Occupation: First Vice President Company: China Banking Corporation Describe yourself. Poor boy from the province (Iloilo) who made good. I went straight to UPSE from UP Iloilo. Describe your Ecosoc self. Serious, introspective, quiet How was your committee back then? We were somehow under the shadow of the great Collegian editors-in-chief, the first two during the martial law era were Manny Esguerra (1974-75) and Diwa Guinigundo (1975-76). In fact, Manny Esguerra was my editorial mentor then. Diwa was quite busy with being the campus leader then, but he joined Ecosoc same time as me. At any rate, managing a group of writers who needed to wait for the inspiration of the literary muse was always a challenge. Describe the tambayan during your time. There was no particular tambayan for Ecosoc as we were still occupying half of the old BA building (between AS and college of education). My tambayan was the library, and the Ecosoc execom would meet in the glass enclosed room inside the library. However, during the construction of the new UPSE building, Ecosoc was at the forefront of negotiating with then college secretary Solita Monsod for the provision of a canteen area and student lounge. At that time, Ecosoc was the only student organization in UPSE. What happened to the cats? Might be a case of generation gap, but I don’t understand this question. Favorite Ecosoc memory. Many: A. The orientation and challenge days. B. Numerous outings, usually in Tagaytay, because one of
our classmates had a nice place in Tagaytay. C. Our Christmas caroling throughout Metro Manila. D. We would always sing the Tagalog song called “Pipit” during our gatherings. That was the de facto theme song of Ecosoc then. Do you think Ecosoc still lives up to its thrusts? UP Ecosoc was the most financially successful student org and at the same time politically active. We were actually subsidizing or supporting other student orgs. What is your wish for Ecosoc in its 50th birthday? To sustain its mission, continue to be relevant. Why Ecosoc? Because it is “the organization.”
Name: ERNESTINE CARMEN JO “BING-BING” DESIDERIO VILLAREAL-FERNANDO Course: AB Economics Year Graduated in UPSE: 1982 Positions held in Ecosoc:Echoes Editor-InChief, Execom Current Position/Occupation : Senior Partner/ Lawyer; Legal Consultant; Director Company:Platon Martinez Flores San Pedro Leano Fernando Panagsagan Bantilan Law Office; other companies Describe yourself. Driven; organized; fair. Describe your Ecosoc self. self. Driven; organized. How was your committee back then? Our issues of Echoes were the first that were professionally published by a printing press. Everyone in Echoes took their assignments to heart - you could see in the pride all took in their work. Robina Gokongwei got her younger sister to draw cartoons that were published in each issue. Chas Jose did many drawings and sketches. Rey Orsolino typed (and fast!). And Arcus Fernando took the most insightful photos when he wasnt drawing and writing as well. Maya Itchon graced the issues with her poetry while Jinky Carlos, Vicky Tanaka Viterbo, Laurie Sychangco, Copper Caparas, Sammy Santiago and so many other willing Ecosocers generously gave of their time. The Echoes ADS helped us buy supplies! Describe the tambayan during your time. Always a welcoming place. What happened to the cats? Didn’t notice any. Your metaphor of love is… a durian. Favorite Ecosoc memory. Andy Maglipon and his interesting SportsCom meetings Do you think Ecosoc still lives up to its thrusts? Can only speak for the alumni I meet up with - I think I have been blessed with being able to keep in touch with driven alumni. What is your wish for Ecosoc in its 50th birthday? Another 50 productive years. Why Ecosoc? Why not?
Name: ALY DE LEON REYES Course: AB Economics Year Graduated in UPSE: 1983 Positions held in Ecosoc: (active) MEMBER, Asst. Editor of Echoes Current Position/Occupation: Chief Information Officer Company: PRUDENTIALIFE GROUP Describe yourself. an advocate of change, open to new technologies (in other words a techno geek). A photographer, badminton player, golfer and I LOVE doing family activities. Describe your Ecosoc self. The chronicler (I think I took after Prof. Amado Castro in taking pictures of our group) and database keeper of our group in Ecosoc. How was your committee back then? All the committees back then were very close. It was my second family. Until now, my batch in Ecosoc still see each other on occasions with our respective families. Describe the tambayan during your time. IT WAS A-LIVE!!!! The busiest place in UPSE where it’s all FUN FUN FUN!!! What happened to the cats? What cats? Your metaphor of love is… .....never having to say you’re sorry. .....a many splendored thing. .....blind. What’s this gotta do with Ecosoc? Favorite Ecosoc memory. The solid camaraderie of its members doing fundraising activities for the school. Do you think Ecosoc still lives up to its thrusts? I really don’t know what Ecosoc is all about now. What is your wish for Ecosoc in its 50th birthday? May it bring back the days when it was the best organization in UP!!! Why Ecosoc? Because for me it was simply the best.
SPEV Name: DENIS SISON Course: BA Econ Year Graduated in UPSE: 1987 Positions held in Ecosoc: Special Events Comm Head 1984; President - 1985 -87 Current Position/Occupation: Sr. Director, Marketing Innovation Strategy Company: The Coca-Cola Co, Atlanta Describe yourself. Curious and living life to the fullest Describe your Ecosoc self. Senti, serious, and competitive (esp. versus AIESEC and JMA) How was your committee back then? Well, ... Ecosoc was voted best org in the UP system for 1985. Describe the tambayan during your time. Much bigger. What happened to the cats? Don’t know.
Your metaphor of love is… a choice Favorite Ecosoc memory. The concerts we had in the Econ lobby… We had major stars come in at the time... Gary V. Rage Band. The Tux... and THE ECOSOC band 8.Do you think Ecosoc still lives up to its thrusts? Why? - Can’t say... have been out of the loop now for years 9.What is your wish for Ecosoc in its 50th birthday? - That it takes a bigger and more prominent role in leading UP and the molding of the leaders of tomorrow Why Ecosoc? Huh?
SPORTS Name: MARK ANTHONY SERRANO Course: BS Business Economics Year Graduated in UPSE: 2001 Positions held in Ecosoc: Sports Committee Chairperson Current Position/Occupation: Senior Associate/ Management Consultant Company: Delta Partners, Dubai UAE Describe yourself. I’m currently working as an advisor to C-level executives of telecom firms in the Middle East & Africa region. I joined my current company after completing my MBA at the London Business School. I’m having a great experience witnessing the growth of the ME region, playing a key role in the setting of the client’s strategies and immersing myself in a new cultural experience. Describe your Ecosoc self. I guess I was someone who you would say is a fixture in the tambayan. Looking back I realized I spent so much more time in Ecosoc than on anything else (studies, girls & other extracurricular activities). How was your committee back then? Magulo. Lots of energy and activity. People were more than willing to participate and contribute, be it in committee events/activities, CDC, or Ecosoc events. I had a good number of active members.
Describe the tambayan during your time. The cats were doing a lot of damage during that time so medyo mabaho. Otherwise, it was mostly packed especially during peak times (class breaks, committee meetings, etc.) The couch was there, trophies, tables and monobloc chairs but despite having the biggest tambayan in UPSE, people still spilled out since the space was not enough for the number of members we had. What happened to the cats? Siopao stuffing Your metaphor of love is… steamed rice (“mainit, masarap, parang kaning isusubo”). Favorite Ecosoc memory. Lots of them but the best one was Grand Trad. I took it seriously but I didn’t win. I guess I look really bad as a lady. Do you think Ecosoc still lives up to its thrusts? I think so. The org has done a good job of passing on the values of Service, Excellence and Tradition from one group of members to another. As long as there’s an effort to make an impact outside of the confines of the tambayan either through CDC, scholars or some other social cause, you have Service. As long as members continue to do their best in all the org’s activities, you exhibit Excellence. Finally, as long as these efforts continue, then Ecosoc continues to uphold Tradition. n
I remember joining Ecosoc because I wanted to belong to an organization based in my college. Honestly, I was hesitant to join because, just as how it is stereotyped by almost everyone, I thought it was a party organization. Little did I know that I would eventually change that perception during my application process. I knew that it has the Community Development Committee (CDC) which is considered the heart of the organization. But for me, it was another committee in Ecosoc, and I never saw myself belonging to that committee. It was not that I did not like CDC nor that I hated kids; only God knows how I would love to render my time on them. It was just that I could not spend use my extra time or days to go to UP just to spend time with kids and teach them the four fundamental operations, fractions, and decimals. And this was the reason why I chose not to participate in the weekly CDCs. However towards the end of the app process, I was forced to participate in it—that was when I started the process of learning what “community development” really is. I say “process of learning” because until I started working on this article, I thought my perception of CDC was already enough. The responses I received from three of the past CDC chairs proved me wrong. As I read through their e-mails, I realized that there was more than the CDC I thought is. Again, my presumption of this meek but big committee betrayed me.
Circa 1980
Fastforward 1999
(when retro was the thing, Labo-Labo sa School of Eco)
(y2k dilemma, Ricarte…chak!)
I believe nobody from our generation existed during this not so distant but very distant era. Yet for the CDC, it was the moment when everything from the usual blues of the college life to the reality of the Martial Law coalesced to live up with service, excellence and tradition in a society we never lived with. It was a time when activism was the language of the youth as their response to the malady of the country’s political set-up. But CDC responded to the calling with the core values that Ecosoc has lived by.
Nineteen years forward, Ms. Giselle dela Cueva shared to me how she was inspired to run as CDC Chairperson. It was during the fieldtrip with the Pook Ricarte toddlers at the Filipinas Heritage Library when she discovered her passion for CDC. She narrated how the fieldtrip came to almost a disaster with the kids vomiting on their way from Quezon City to Makati. There was even one boy who peed in his pants. “Who (would have) imagined Ecosocers wiping away vomit and even washing tiny undies to be worn again?” she recalled. And it was in that very act when I realized what the “Ecosoc love” really is—going the extra mile and doing the necessary sacrifices all for the sake of service.
Although it was not a popular committee at that time with only 8 members (I was surprised to know that), it “strived to make a difference to the lives of the people in some communities outside of (the) School of Economics.” Under the tenure of Mr. Roque Lapuz, CDC was able to accomplish projects within the UP community by holding medical missions with the help of doctor friends and by educating the squatters of “UP-owned properties on equitable way to resolve their issues.” They even helped political prisoners by looking for buyers of the handicrafts they made in prison. They also helped a community in Cavite by helping to build a concrete road leading to the town’s only source of water. While it had a small number of members, it did not hinder CDC from accomplishing its purpose of reaching out to the people outside Ecosoc. In a time when Gawad Kalinga centers never existed yet, it is amazing how a small group of students can reach out to their fellowmen and actually looking for ways on how they an do it. In the end, CDC, together with the Externals Committee, was even able to organize a production entitled “Labo-Labo sa School of Eco” to delight the whole School of Economics.
“What you learn in Ecosoc may be handy in the corporate world. Treasure your Ecosoc days. There are so many lessons to be learned there,” shared Ms dela Cueva. She also shared her experiences when she fetched the Balara Elementary School pupils. She would always pray on her way to BES that CDC would make an impact on the lives of the kids and that Ecosoc could help to alleviate the poverty condition of the country. Besides this, she also learned a lot of things such as the “virtue of signature verification” referring to the incidences of fake signatures made by the pupils in the parent’s permit for the fieldtrips. She realized how courageous Ecosoc was in holding such events as fieldtrips realizing the responsibility they held whenever CDC brings the kids to different places outside UP. Asking for sponsors was another memorable job for our past CDC chair. Her description of her experience can be summarized by her statement: Chak lang ng Chak (chak is an ancient Ecosoc term referring to pambabara and cutting somebody in driving). She really exerted a lot of effort going to
factories and companies in order to gather prizes like chocolates for the kids to enjoy. There were also other fundraising activities like selling coffee at the tambayan and fun runs. It was also during this period when IDs were first worn by Ecosocers during the Wednesday CDC and according to her, it is something called Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the corporate world. More proof that even the simple things we do in Ecosoc and in CDC really apply even in our workplace in the future.
2003
(is more like the present) Being a more established committee, CDC at this point was able to hold regular weekly activities for the kids. Ms. Giancarla Espinosa shared CDC activities that are very much the same as the activities that CDC holds nowadays. They include the Wednesday tutorials for the BES pupils, which at that time were done through a find-your-spot system, and Saturday Daycare for the Pook Ricarte kids, which are held at the tambayan. They were also holding fieldtrips, Christmas parties and the CDC graduations. For Ms Carla, the fieldtrip is the highlight of the CDC for this is when they really do a lot of preparations and marketing. The sheer number of the kids was also another challenge for them. But she considered it the most memorable CDC activity. By seeking more room for improvement, CDC continues to live by its goals of making a difference to the society. It may have changed throughout the years. Yet its evolution happens as a response to the societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ever changing nature while holding firm to Ecosocâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s core values of Service, Excellence, and Tradition. I thank Mr. RJ, Ms. Giselle, and Ms. Carla, for inspiring me with the stories of their experiences in CDC. They did not only improved my perception of CDC, they made me respect CDC as the Heart of the UP Economics Society. n
When I glimpse above the tambayan’s bulletin board, I always wonder how we attained those awards. I look at the Ecosoc calendar of activities, and I wonder how we find the time to plan and attend those activities. I remember that we live for Service, Excellence and Tradition, and I wonder how the old and new Ecosocer lived according to these platforms. Here are glimpses of past activities of two among twelve major committees of Ecosoc. Special Events Committee The function of this committee puzzled me at first. What are the special events that this committee could be handling? As a junior Ecosocer I learned that its function is special; don’t ask me why—I just can feel it. A SPEV committee head in the 1980s, Ms. Natalie Abeleda-Riviello, told us how special their events were back in her time. They had something similar to the Scav/Treasure hunt, but the main activity of this
those who have participated in their events know that the committee hasn’t ceased to be extraordinary. Community Development Committee As applicants, we are all told that the Community Development Committee aka CDC is the heart of Ecosoc. Two CDC’s past committee heads, Giselle Ann de la Cueva (97-98) and RJ Lapuz (78-80), said this committee has always been the heart of our organization. In the late 70’s the CDC was a core group with about eight members, yet the committee managed to accomplish various projects. They reached communities in Manila and the surrounding provinces. They helped a small community in Cavite by building a concrete service road that led to the town’s
t a k o o l h t p e d n I An SPEV and CDC
committee was to organize parties and fundraising activities. Most of which were not connected to other committees, and that is why they were special. They had a lot of fun parties, and the most memorable was the Disco Cruise, in which they rented a ship for the event. Tickets were sold out, and they earned a lot. When I asked her about the cost, she said that she couldn’t remember the rental fee, but she was sure that it was affordable. Today, the Special Events committee is still special. Surely some of their activities now are new, but
s o l e portable water source. The committee did a lot of marketing as well, not just to raise funds for Ecosoc, but to look for potential buyers for the handicrafts made by the prisoners in Bicutan. They also found a way to educate people squatting in UP-owned property for them to be more aware of the issues they were involved in. In this way the committee helped them resolve some of the raging issues then. And like what we are doing now, they also held medical missions with assistance from some doctors. They also gave entertainment to the UPSE community. One activity, a tie-up with the Externals Committee, was a production of a variety show to the delight of the whole school. The show was called “Labo-Labo sa
School of Eco.” As the years progressed the Committee hasn’t ceased showing how Ecosoc provides service to the communities around it. As Ms. Giselle Ann dele Cueva headed the committee in 1997-1998, CDC continued to give service in a traditional and excellent way. They had not one, but three Christmas parties annually. One was for the kids in Ricarte, another for the kids in Balara and the last one as an outside outreach. During her term, they also worked with Kaisang Buhay Foundation. They had fieldtrips to Fort Santiago and Museong Pambata for the Balara Elementary School kids. For the Ricarte Kids, they went to the Filipinas Heritage Library in Makati Avenue and they also went to a park near the Quezon City Memorial Circle (I think she was talking about the wildlife park) where there was a butterfly park. They also had numerous fundraising activities for the committee. They hosted a Fun Run around the acad oval where pledges for cash were solicited from members for each round at the acad oval. CDC also had a tiny coffee shop at the tambayan where hot and cold coffee were served. Finally, they also had tie ups with other committees, like the Sports Fest with the Sports Committee and Scav Hunt with SPEV.
CDC chair 1997-1998 At present, with the regular weekly Wednesday tutorials and Saturday daycare the CDC has never stopped to give love to the community. We have Kiddie Caravans, field trips, medical missions and others. Truly Ecosoc will continue to live because of its heart: the Community Development Committee aka the CDC. One of the notable activities they had before was the Drag Race. This activity was hosted by the Liaison Committee and it was an inter-committee race using tiny bikes/trikes, the ones use by toddlers. According to Ms. Dela Cueva, it was a lot of fun to watch big guys racing using those little bikes. Other fund-raising activities for the different committees were a stand-up comedy competition, a carwash at the Econ parking lot (where Ecosocers washed cars). “All the best to you and all the officers and members! My wish is to see Ecosoc hold a general member-alumni homecoming to commemorate its golden anniversary. I think it would be a lot of fun to spend a day or so mingling with familiar faces and meeting new faces as well. It would also be nice to recognize the people that started this fine association. Sincerely and more power to Ecosoc.” -RJ Lapuz BSBE 1980 Ecosoc Executive Committee, 1978 - 1980
“Overall, CDC strived to make a difference to the lives of people in some communities outside of School of Economics. However, I must say that CDC was not very popular among the members back then. During committee sign-ups, CDC [recruitments] never filled up. CDC’s work was considered too proletariat and members seemed not ready to give up their weekends to do projects in far places. Planning was accomplished through a series of weekly core group meetings. Updates and special announcements were communicated to the general membership once a month.” -MR Rj Lapuz CDC Chair 78-79
“I hope Ecosoc still lives because of this heart, to help the less fortunate. Poverty alleviation is a key to sustained Economic growth, right? All the best to you and all the officers and members!” -Giselle Ann R. de la Cueva CDC chair 1997-1998
“Those are the things I remember. Ü In short, I loved Ecosoc, especially CDC. It really gave Ecosoc a heart.” - Giselle Ann R. de la Cueva
“ Get Alumni! Disseminate information as early as now.... More power!” -Natalie Abeleda- Riviello SPEV Chair 1980 The 50th year is almost here and it is already proven that Ecosoc has always lived for Service, Excellence and Tradition. Fifty years of excellence is not easy to achieve, but because of passionate members and alumni we did not, and will never fail. n
AAA A Grand History
of
Service, Excellence and Tradition
The UP ECONOMICS SOCIETY traces its beginnings to September 1958, when a group of honor students in the College of Business Administration decided to form an organization geared towards the task of tapping and maximizing the potentials of Business Administration, Arts and Sciences students who took Economics as a minor field. They envisioned an erudite elite whose efforts were aimed towards service to the academe and to the community not only through academic excellence but also through socio-civic undertakings.
S
ixties
The years 1966-67 saw the Society make its mark through its many contributions to the University. Cognizant of its role in the academe, ECOSOC spearheaded the drive in raising funds for projects like two fellowship grants and the donation of books to the CBA. The convocations, student-teacher dialogues, then considered eloquent steps, were germane to economics. Those years were indeed productive years for ECOSOC in as much as the Formal Scholarship Fund for Economics majors was founded. In 1967, ECOSOC struggled for “independence” from the CBA. It was the assertion of ECOSOC to break free from CBA’s congestion. Then as ever, it was active in its projects and views on campus politics and issues. Also, its Scholarship Fund was continued. To further realize ECOSOC’s commitment to intellectual upliftment, convocations and lecture series featuring
professors from here and abroad were held to expound on topics relevant to economics like National Economy and Foreign Trade. 1967 also marked the metamorphosis of the Society from a confined group of honor students to one open to all Economics Majors. It was then that ECOSOC received its first Most Outstanding Organization Award. ECOSOC was consistent in furthering academic awareness and excellence through convocations and symposia in the late sixties. One of the most important achievements of the Society was its conception of a consolidation of all Economics student organizations in the country. Thus was born the Junior Philippine Economics Society. It aimed to establish and promote goodwill among economics students and helped create awareness and commitment to improve the economic, political and cultural welfare of the Filipino.
Seventies
In the seventies, ECOSOC became highly politicized and involved in university and national issues. In 1975, it launched Economic Consciousness Week to instill awareness of current economic trends in the country and thus help create an atmosphere conducive to discussion of basic issues. ECOSOC also spearheaded the formation of the Economics Student Council. It was none other than Dean Jose Encarnacion who delegated to the Society the task of organizing the council.
E
ighties
The start of the eighties saw ECOSOC sustain its ideas and renew its commitment. Aside from the symposia, tutorials and convocations that were sponsored, its socio-civic projects were at the heights when visits to Bacoor, Bicutan and the various housing areas in the campus were made. Nurseries and medical clinics were sponsored to reach out to the underprivileged in our society. Company tours, contest and fundraisers were also undertaken. As contribution to the Diamond Jubilee of the University, ECOSOC co-sponsored a socio-cultural activity involving the alumni and the parents of the Economics majors. Aside from this, the Society sponsored an Alumni Homecoming. To cap the Society’s Silver Anniversary, it received the prestigious Wenceslao Vinzon’s Award as the Most Outstanding Organization.
In 1986, ECOSOC received the Presidential Award for Outstanding Organization in the entire UP system nationwide. In 1987, it duplicated this feat. The Society’s secret is, of course, its members. Our chief attraction is the opportunity to meet people and to be with people. People with a common resolve to serve, who, in the process, derive a lot of satisfaction; economists who are firm in the belief that people are the best capital, and service is the best investment. In commemoration of its 30th anniversary, in 1988, it sponsored an Alumni Homecoming held at the Executive House. A Bingo Social was also held to obtain funds for the scholars it supported. It was also during this time that ECOSOC began to grant its members discount privileges by coming out with the official membership cards. In 1989, “Into You”, a trend-setting dance party was held at the Faces Disco. Also on the same year, ECOSOC sponsored a concert of Freddie Aguilar to help build a school in Lagro.
AAAA Reprinted article from Echoes 2006 July Issue
N
ineties
1990 was a reason to celebrate as it once again received the Presidential Award for Most Outstanding Organization in the entire UP system. 1990’s fundraisers were the Pinoy Wrestling and a disco/concert/fashion show held at Faces Disco – “Sari-Sari Night.” The following year, ECOSOC sponsored the movie premiere of “Home Alone” at the Meralco Theater, after which a disco-party was held at Mars Disco. September of 1991, it featured two of the country’s up and coming bands – Artstart and G-steps at the Faces Disco, where our own ECOSOC band pitted talents with them. At the beginning of 1992, ECOSOC introduced the most generous fundraiser ever. “2 Legit 2 Quit” featured the advance screening of two blockbuster movies, “Dead Again” and “Other People’s Money”, both premieres were held at the Meralco Theater. The second night was followed by a concert of the famous Side A Band at the newly
Today, the University of the Philippines Economics Society remains true to the young, idealistic vision that created it and to the collective sense of service and camaraderie that sustains it. One of the organization’s objectives, that of directly contributing as much as the members possibly can to alleviate social problems – has motivated ECOSOC’s establishment of weekend nurseries and day-care activities at nearby Pook Ricarte and weekly tutorials for the sixth graders of San Vicente Elementary School, which are directly supervised by the members themselves. As an academic organization, the Society conducts study groups and tutorials, holds book sales and rentals, publishes a paper, the ECHOES, and even collects sample exams for the benefit of the economic student. With the start of the new millennium, the Society boasts of one of the largest memberships in the entire UP System, now standing at around two hundred. The Society has become known for its various activities, all of which aim for the well being of its members and the achievement of its goals of SERVICE, EXCELLENCE, and TRADITION. These include company tours, talks and symposia, seminars, various sports events, variety shows, semestral fundraisers, etc. ECOSOC continues to conduct weekly day care sessions for younger children from Pook Ricarte, and semestral Free Clinics for various communities. Until the first semester of 2003, the society had been sponsoring weekly tutorials for the Grade Six students of
opened Music Hall. ECOSOC takes pride in its many achievements. The many achievements of UP Ecosoc have not been ignored, as it has received the now defunct Wenceslao Vinzon’s award for Most Outstanding Organization four times. It has also been bestowed the Presidential Award for Most Outstanding Organization, the most coveted award in the entire UP System. Recently, the organization received the Gawad Chancellor for Most Outstanding Organization and the Alpha Phi Omega Oblation Award for Best Organization both in 1999. Its manifold contributions to the UP School of Economics are, namely: the establishment of the Scholarship Funds, the establishment of the Junior Philippine Economics Society, its membership in UNISON, its helping to organize the Alumni Association and spearheading the formation of the Economics Student Council.
Now and Beyond Balara Elementary School, with free art, writing, and sports workshops for selected students of the same school. However, a modification in the class schedules of the sixth grade classes from the afternoon to the morning prompted a major change. At present, the society now sponsors the weekly tutorials of the San Vicente Elementary sixth graders – but with the same passion and commitment that has marked their endeavors. By means of the UP Economics Society Scholarship Fund (ESSF), four deserving students are currently able to go to high school with full scholarships. They are Josephine Aragon, Leonard Bryle Briones, Jackielyn dela Cruz and Abigail Tinio. Every first Saturday of the month, they are treated to a Scholars’ Lunch Out by their appointed Ecosoc ate and/or kuya guardian and other Ecosocers. ECOSOC believes that the study of economics cannot be totally isolated from any other social phenomenon and that the UP student, particularly the ECOSOCer, is inherently responsible to the Filipino people. What the student doesn’t learn inside the classroom is learned in the world called ECOSOC. ECOSOC is a dynamic organization that strives with its motto at hand, “…Paglingkuran ang Diyos, Kapwa at Bayan” – truly a commitment to serve. n
It’s September again and as the UP Economics Society celebrates Ecosoc Month, it gets a year older, and of course, gets much better. The Ecosoc month is highlighted by the Tambay Week wherein you have all these cool and fun activities crammed into one exhilarating week. However, when it comes to hype, excitement, preparation, expectation and a whole lot of other schnazz and pizzaz, nothing compares to the Ecosoc Grand Tradition or “Grand Trad” event. This event has been a staple of Ecosoc since time immemorial, and hence the name Grand Tradition; in fact I had the opportunity to talk to an Ecosoc alumna (batch 1980 if I’m not mistaken) who still remembered the event. However, if it was one of the most anticipated events in Ecosoc, I wondered what the real purpose of Grand Trad is, besides the fact that it is a beauty pageant, its contestants being straight male applicants or members dressed in drag. In fact, no one knows the exact history of this ritual, thus adding more mystique to the origins of Grand Trad. In order to know the purpose of Grand Trad, I embarked on a journey that began a year ago. It all started when Mykel Sampan (then a co-app, now the vice president elect) asked me to represent the Seccom in the Grand Trad. Being the dimwit that I am, I said a flat-out yes. I was very shocked when it turned out to be a pageant where I was expected to dress and act like a woman in a beauty pageant type of setting. It was nerve-wracking. One of my co-apps was even grounded when his parents saw him rehearsing in makeup, a mini-skirt and heels. I also remembered one traumatic incident in the CR where the gown I was fitting got stuck. Needless to say, we had to shave our underarm and leg hair, which for a straight guy was a grueling and distressing ordeal. I bemoaned my fate and my wrong choice of actions. Thankfully, I fitted my gown, got make-up, shaved my man hair and was taught how to dance and walk (which I think I did not do well), all
to be mentally and physically ready for the day of Grand Trad. The day came and after dancing, eating a banana and perhaps flashing a few more talents here and there I wound up, miraculously, as third runner-up. It was quite a fun night and I thoroughly enjoyed it, but still I failed to grasp the essence and importance of Ecosoc’s Grand Tradition. So when I was given an assignment to write about this year’s Grand Trad I decided to immerse myself in it once again. And immerse I did! In Len’s tub with Carlo Lazo, that is. Since Noel Reyes was unavailable for the Externals committee Grand Trad photo shoot, Len Tia chanced upon me and asked if I could be Kevin Federline. Of course I immediately said yes, and we immediately went to work at Len’s house. With Maui, Katz and a very happy non-grand-trader Josteen (however, unbeknownst to him, the cosmic forces had contrived so that he would also eventually be a Grand Trad-er), we helped Lazo through his trial. Katz and Maui did the make-up while Len took pictures of Lazo on top of the billiards table and bar. Josteen was thanking his lucky stars that he wasn’t going through the arduous process of underarm-hair-shaving, as Lazo, in his trauma of shaving his armpits, accidentally wounded his finger (but as I said earlier the cosmic force would contrive against Josteen and he too would soon be doing this). After all the make-up and dressing up, it was time to go to the tub and have a dip—a sensual dip at that—and Lazo and I cavorted while Len took pictures. Ok
that
previous
v
paragraph was probably disturbing, but hello, it is after all Grand Trad and a lot of things will disturb the average person. However, with that very troubling incident done, and my quandary still unanswered, I decided to participate more. What better way to participate than helping my own committee, Finance! It was due to a series of unfortunate events that our original contestant decided to back-out and defer (aww :( ) and so we had to pick a new one. We had to find a replacement and fast. Thankfully, Josteen Vega was willing (or maybe just drunk) and agreed to Grand Trad for Finance. Marj, took care of the make-up, and after fitting the gown, Josteen flashed some of his talents for everyone to see (for those of you who were there, you know what I’m talking about). After that comedic incident we then headed out to my car to take pictures of Josteen a.k.a. Posh Spice and me as David Beckham. There were a lot of other events and photo-shoots but sadly, I only got to see the tip of the iceberg (which was still shocking, to say the least). I saw some pics of Reyneil, which were very, very hot, Vince as a very buff Paris, Nandz getting kinky in the CR, Josh with a very testosterone-driven looking Jay, Pael stroking jumbo sized hotdogs, Will-J whom you could easily confuse with Nicole Richie, Kaiser looking very sultry as Lindsay Lohan and Karlo Patron sipping some Patron as an Olsen twin.
have been easily mistaken for a girl; no doubt he imbibed it from his/her mentor Triszh’s kikaynes. Pael shaved his legs (oh boy did that look agonizing), and perhaps his performance with whipped cream has left an impression on all who witnessed it. Josh was hot and together with Jay they made a great tandem. I thought that their facial expressions were very appropriate as they expressed great passion for each other (nothing like being classmates for 4 years in La Salle, eh, boys?). Vince looked very macho and as I have heard, won many hearts among the female audience because of his big muscles. K-Pats defied the staple Grand Trad formula of a very malaswa dance by performing a wholesome dance instead, and in fairness it worked, as he won best in presentation. Finally during the awards portion, Floyd, last year’s Grand Trad winner catwalked again, and I must say that although a whole year had passed, he/she still looked hot. Next year Josh would be doing the same thing, as he/she bagged first place, with Will-J and Kaiser being 2nd and 3rd respectively. With the lights turned off, the music faded, and the crowd gone, I was left in the Econ lobby thinking. Why is this such a big event? What drives people to perform these crazy things? These are questions that have been in my head for quite a year now. Could it be competition? The drive to win? Well, except for the comm heads I greatly doubt anyone being super competitive to be first (as they say, “basta ‘wag lang kulelat” ).
“Love makes us do crazy stuff, and loving an org is no different.”
On the day itself, there was a lot of hubbub as people busily prepared for the big event. Memcom people were doing production work, cutting colored paper, cartolina, Styrofoam and a whole lot of other art materials to design the Econ lobby. Ael was busy teaching the candidates their group dance and again, I saw an opportunity to get involved. I partnered up with Pael and did a little dance. I decided to, as what some people say, “whore” myself for Grand Trad, and I volunteered my services for anyone who would like to include me in their presentation. Katz contracted my services for a minor role in Lazo’s presentation and Jaymie had me dance with Kaiser. That morning, I admired the participants’ commitment to the event, as most of them cut their classes in order to practice and not to mention shave their armpits. Many of them didn’t even have dinner so that they could practice some more. When it was presentation time I had a lot of fun being very active in the presentations. I remember Reyneil losing his/her wig because of our intense romp during the first dance. I “inspected” Nandz’ rubber thingies to make sure there were no leaks. I carried Lazo around the stage. I danced with Kaiser in his/her performance. Josteen and I pushed the envelope as he/ she got very very low. There were other highlights from that night. I especially liked Will-J, who would
Personally, I think that it is love. Love makes us do crazy stuff, and loving an org is no different. We do this because it is a tradition wherein we cast away our pride, our misconceptions and our reservations, and perhaps give our all to Ecosoc. Whether it be shaving our hair, dressing in drag and making yourself look like a completely gay idiot, we do this because of love. This love (perhaps for non-Grand Traders manifested in other forms such as CDC, going to commeets, and even writing an Echoes article) is what drives this org onward to 50 years and continuing its thrusts for service, excellence and (Grand) tradition. n
Since we are almost at our 50th year, let’s ask people why they love Ecosoc. Syempre, it is because of this love that the Ecosoc fire is still burning and that we are bubbling up to the 50th year! =) Ecosoc?
members members members
apps
apps
Mocca Raymundo: I love Ecosoc because the hottest people are there HAHAHA! Michel Garcia: I love Ecosoc because it gives you one of the best events management training, engages you in socio-civic activities, and enables you to meet new people. Jopee Pelagio: I love Ecosoc because it has wholeheartedly welcomed me when I needed someplace to belong… it is where I found my lifetime friends. Jances Parado: I love Ecosoc not because of a reason but because of the lack of reason not to love it. Ces Laurora: I never said, that I love you… Joke lang… ‘Di ko siya love… Love na love! :) Well, love ko ang Ecosoc dahil dito ako natutong magmahal, masaktan at muling tumayo. Enteng Lopez: Kasi mahal din niya ako! Nathan Pico: I love Ecosoc: Because of what it is and what it stands for. It’s a place where many different lives cross, congregate, and help one another grow. And it’s an organization that exists to serve a higher purpose: the well-being of others. Gel Fernandez: Because I love the people there Rodanel Cris: I love Ecosoc coz its where home is Vina Salonga: I love Ecosoc because it taught me to be responsible for the benefit of a large group before myself. And of course, it’s where I’ve found the people I love too.
Josh Coquia: I love Ecosoc because I’ve learned a lot from the people and from the activities. It’s also in Ecosoc where I met a lot of my friends, tried new stuff, and got inspired to improve myself. :) Karen Nogaliza: Because it’s where I found my happy place in UP. Jasper Chua: Because astig ang mga members at activities! Raymond Zabala: I like the people in it and the purpose from which they are here Lia Veneracion: Because of everything: the people, the activities, the goals, vision-mission. And I learn a lot from being an Ecosocer. Luz Baldueza: I love Ecosoc because... The people here are great. They’re super nice. Also because it’s an org with a heart for everyone, for people from all walks of life. Erik Eleazar: Because of the “s” word…just ask me.*wink* Cole Diomampo: Coz that’s where I met the love of my life... And masarap matulog dito. Marian Panganiban: Coz sa Ecosoc ako nagkaroon ng pamilya sa econ Mario: I love it lang!!
Josh Baquiran: Grand Trad. :) Jay Tolentino: Because it’s like a family Darrel Jimenez: I love Ecosoc because it is able to mix its noble causes with extreme fun. Kaye Pascual: Kasi malaki at mahaba ang tambayan. Mainit pa. Pinoy na Pinoy talaga! Bea Burgos: Because I love the people and the things they do for others, lalo na yung CDC
execomexecom execom Aries: True love is hard to define… Kaya wala akong masabi Anday: Because I am able to sacrifice other priorities for it. Fatima: Why not? Anika: There’s no reason not to. Marj: Coz it’s where I belong Tetel: I just do. Czar: Basta! :P Katz: Because of YOU! Mikoy: Amoy pa lang ng tambayan, panalo na! Jared: Mahal ko ang Ecosoc dahil sa mga masasaya, malulunkot, nakakastress, at nakakaiyak na moments. Kahit na nakakapagod, kahit wala nang tulog, kahit di na nakakakain, worth it naman. Basta, mahal ko siya, hindi naman kailangang may reason pa diba? Basta nafeel kong mahal ko. Ida: Ecosoc helped me grow into a person of substance. Its people along with the memories are those that are closest to my heart. It brings people together. Glai: I don’t know. I just do. Haha.
COUNCIL Ella Javier: First, established org na talaga siya… When you say School of Economics, the first org that comes into your mind is really Ecosoc. Second, I really appreciate the CDC every week Because students like you and me get to help children, and hindi lahat ng orgs may ganun. Also when it comes to people, mas nakakasundo ko yung ibang members niyo. :) Justin Batocabe: I love Ecosoc because of the beautiful girls. Oh make that… I love Ecosoc because of a beautiful girl…
alumni alumni alumni
Jude Galvadores (‘06): Because of the Ecosocers. Ronald Ico: I love Ecosoc because I’m a Kuya every Wednesday and Saturday Bernard Kaibigan (‘06): Friends. Your friends in Ecosoc will be your friends forever. Mina Paz (‘88): I love Ecosoc because it gives its members both intellectual outputs and fun. Its membership is diverse—including the most sosyal, the nerds, the apathetic, and the activists. Good experience to interact with diff kinds of people. Liza Licayan-Ching (‘88): It gave me a sense of pride and belongingness while in college. Pam Seraspe(’88): I love Ecosoc because it’s a cool org. There’s a balanced mix between serious, relevant stuff and socials that bond all types of folks together.
faculty& personnel Kuya Guard (Kuya Fernando) : Pinaka aktibong org kasi sa econ. Ma’am Kraft: Because I was once a member. Ma’am Desierto: Because I’m the adviser…But seriously, because it’s a good org that has proven itself throughout the years. Sir Esguerra: Because I met the love of my life in Ecosoc.
~others Pusa: *Meow* (Translation: Malambot kasi yung couch dito. At lagi akong pinapakain nung isang matangkad na Chinese guy, though palagi naman akong pinapaalis nung isa namang Chinese na girl.) n
by Nathan Pico
The little black box sits at the foot of the TV. It isn’t there as often as it used to be (due to unforeseen events), but its legacy has become timeless and for some, it just feels wrong for it not to be around. It started with an alumnus generous enough to share his own little black box with his fellow Ecosocers, and the act of benevolence has stayed with me ever since. For the longest time, I’ve felt that I should keep this little tradition. Some people find that they like it better when it isn’t around, since the noise level tends to drop exponentially. Yet, at the end of the day, some of these same people express a wistful longing for the noise and the people who make it. They just don’t seem to come together as often when it isn’t around. Things just don’t feel complete when the little black box is absent. What makes it so special? Why keep it around? To attempt to answer that question alone would be to rely too much on my own biases, so I thought it best to get the opinions of others. The question: “What are your thoughts about the PS2 at the tambayan?” The answers: From the veteran players: Noel Reyes: Rocks my socks. Dennis Chua: Masaya siya syempre. It allows a more comfortable and casual interaction between members and apps. But of course nalilimit din ung socializing sa guys since PS2 nga. Limited to guys and boyish girls. Ace Lopez: PS2 builds relationships. Justin Batocabe: It’s great! Miko Tiu: I dont know… All I know is you have to bring it tomorrow. Mag-PS2 na lang ako buong araw, stressful na masyado ang sem. From the new recruits: Karlo Patron: PS2 woohoo! Ok yun. Masaya laruin. Pag wala kang magawa maglaro ka na lang. Pero kung minsan hindi nagpapalaro mga tao eh. Tapos ung iba parang hindi na nagaaral. Ang galing-galing nila mag-Tekken at saka mag-NBA Live. RJ Huang: WE LOVE IIIT!! BONDING SESSION!! How I got to know sila Enteng at Dennis. Vincent Bascos: Hmmm… Fun but Nathan’s too good playing Tekken. From non-players: Jessica Sanchez: I think it’s okay that we have the PS2. Mems and apps get to bond because of it. Well, except dun sa mga nahihiya. Ida: It brought people together... :)) From alumni: Tommy: It was a great way to make friends. Lyra Reyes: Hehe... It’s good kasi bonding moments ng members. It’s bad kasi sometimes nawawala na ung essence ng pagtambay (which is to mingle) kasi PS2 na lang inaatupag. In other words, okay siya kung collective yung pag-enjoy ng PS2 pero not good kung yung mems PS2 na lang at wala ng interaction with other mems.
From the responses, it isn’t difficult to conclude that it’s much more than just a bunch of rowdy kids shouting over a couple of video games. It’s a past-time for those days when you’ve got absolutely nothing better to do with your time, or when you’d much rather have nothing to do with your time. It’s a destressant for those horribly academically loaded days. It’s a social lubricant when it comes to member-applicant acquaintances. It’s a medium to meet new people who in the end become some of your closest friends. It’s what brings people’s crushes around (admit it, most of the guys who play at the PS2 are the crushable ones) and sometimes even initiates a relationship or two started (*coughcough* ehem… *coughcough*). It has its shortcomings in the fact that sometimes it becomes daunting for others to try and join, but people do try to reach out, and sometimes it just takes a little more effort from both parties. If it were nothing more than a noisemaking peoplebarrier, then it probably wouldn’t have become such a staple in the organization. But it has become so much more than bragging rights (“Join Ecosoc cause we’ve got a PS2!”), it’s become more than just an entertainment console, it’s become more than just an additional accessory to the idiot-box. It has become Ecosoc’s very own little black box, which brings people together and brings a certain life to whichever corner it’s stationed at the tambayan at a particular time. n
by Yla Paras It is a recognizable fact that people actually know what Global Warming is. But to some, who have inconspicuous theories about it, Al Gore tried to explain it to them using a conglomeratic device. “The Inconvenient Truth” featured real events and experiences of a man – revered in the political world of the world’s most powerful nation and in his retributions, facets, and life, a new world order is revealed – an issue debated by many experts, that is, global warming. “The Inconvenient Truth” is more than a documentary film. It envisioned something that was realistic but momentary. It was multicultural, scientific, and literary. Events were presented using different visual (auditory) techniques that clearly caught the audience’s eye.
Although, it can be said that, the documentary was all Al Gore. It could be argued that he had used the film to solidify his political image – to further his ambitions, and employed it as a medium to repackage himself. Purposively, it can be thought of as a schematic approach to critique the Bush Administration and the progress of the actual issue at hand. Global warming is not merely the heating up of the Earth’s surface temperature but it protrudes to other issues that are not simply biological or methodical. It contrives to political, economic, and environmental analyses. How it works does not affect just a bunch of people. It reaches out to every concern a person claims and develops situational hazard for each of them – to adapt, navigate, and survive the existing world.
Gore featured The Keeling Curve which measures carbon dioxide from the Mauna Loa Observatory. Glacier retreats were photographed. European physicists work on Ice Coring, temperature records, and scientific articles written by known researchers completed the technical discussions (Wikipedia). It was in sum, educational and compelling. The method of storytelling was excellently intertwined with good graphics, legal discussion, and promotion of environmental concerns. There was an affirmatively touching moment there as well. The tragedy of the narrator’s sister’s death and the near-death of his son brought about by an appealing serve of the audience. Gore related these incidents as tracking movements of his environmental consciousness and debacles.
“The Inconvenient Truth” deserved all its accolades, winning an Academy Award and Sundance Film Festival awards, among many others. However, it is here that the audience evaluates and decides whether to believe everything it says or preclude any disdain that may come with it. n
Si (Unang Kokey at ang Parabula ng Pag-unlad Bahagi)* nina Pink at Fuchsia Zaido
Panimula Mailap. Ito ang tanging naramdaman niya pagkatapos ng kanyang maluwalhati ngunit tila biglaang pagbabalik sa mundo. Matagal na pala siyang nawala. Bago pa man sumaltik ang kanyang maliit na sasakyang pangkalawakan sa lupang ibabaw, tigib na tigib na ang kanyang isipan sa mga alaala sa daigdig halos sampung taon na ang nakararaan. Kamusta na kaya ang dati niyang kaibigang itatago na lang natin sa pangalang Carlo A.? Naaalala pa kaya niya ang panunulay nilang dalawa noon sa mga bahaghari, pati na ang kanilang pagpapaimbulog sa mga dalisdis ng Baguio? Maunlad na siguro siya ngayon, pati na rin ang daigdig niyang nilisan at ngayo’y babalikan. Napangisi na lang siya sa kanyang sarili. Sobrang (k)okey ‘to… kaylapit na nilang magkita. BAGAAMMM. Kasinglakas ng dagundong ng kulog ang kanyang naging paglapag. At ganoon rin pala magiging kasinglakas ang pagtimo ng tunay na kalagayan ng mundong pansamantala niyang iniwan ng masumpungan niya ito. Wala na pala daw si Carlo: minsan nasa kabila, minsan sa ibang dimensyon. Wala na rin pala sila ng dati niyang katipan. Nabigla talaga siya sa mga ganitong pangyayaring nadatnan niya noong una – asan na ang pag-unlad na minithi niya para sa kaibigan? Ngunit sa kabilang banda, andyan naman ang bagong barkada: si Bong, si Ana, si Jimboy atbp! Masaya na sana. Ngunit may kulang pa pala – ang lupang dating masagana, ngayo pala’y… huhuhu… tigang na.
Gumuhit ang isang bulalakaw sa panginorin. Dalawampung linggo ng nalulupig at pumapaimbulog ang kalagayan ng mga Kakosa. Matindi ang tagtuyot, parang wala ng katapusan. Uhaw na ang lupa, nagpupumilit sumigaw para sa isang himala.
Unang Yugto: Pangarap na Bituin – It’s Shotaym Na Nang sa di inaasahan, sa isang tuyot na araw ng Setyembreng saksi sa ordinaryong paghuhuntahan at inisan ng mga Kakosa, dumating ang opisyal na umaluhokan/kasamahang artista sa Kosa Republic, na itatago na lang natin sa pangalang Viktor Krum (pwede ring MarioMar). May importanteng mensahe ang Punong Kosa mula sa kanyang palasyo. At di maitago ni Viktor ang ngiti niyang abot-patilya, di makahintay maibulalas ang magandang balitang nagningning sa kanyang mga mata. Natigalgal ang ibang kosa, di alam kung patuloy silang magninilay sa kawalang-pag-asahan at walang patutunguhang huntahan o muling aasa sa mailap na himala na maaaring bumulaga sa kanila mamaya. At sa isang maliwanag na sandali, ipinakita na ng nakangiting si Viktor ang panimulang pahina ng Pahayagang ‘Daming Info (PDI) may larawan ng Punong Kosang nakamustra ang mga kamay at galak na galak: Surprise, surprise! Ratings ng Kakosa sa ikalawang kapat (quarter) ng 2007, lumago ng 7.5%!
Napanganga lalo ang mga artista, opisyal, pati ang mga miron sa paligid, waring di makaParang nabuhusan ng malamig na tubig ng pag- paniwala sa nakatambad sa kanilang mga mata. Naimyun Tigang. Tigang. Tigang. Di tumitigil ang kanyang ha- dududa ang apoy ng inspirasyon sa mga mata niya. na kasi ang Kosa Republic sa takbo ng “ratings” dahil sa raya sa pagsuka ng salitang Sino ba dapat ang kanyang paniwalaan? tuwing lalabas nito, palaging yun. silang nalulupig ng pag-unlad ng kalabang mga Kauso. Nasanay na rin sila sa mga kamalasang Dating makapangyarihan, mayaman, at matagumpay ang kandumadating sa kanilang bakuran na nagiging karagdagang sanhi yang bayan sa rehiyong kinabibilangan nito sa loob ng mahang kanilang pagbagsak: ang pinakahuli nga ay noong sumabog bang panahon. Tinitingala talaga at kinaiinggitan ito ng lahat ang bulkang Mayon na nagbunsod ng pagkawasak ng pamilya ng nakapaligid sa kanya: sa ganda ng mga programa, sa kinang nina Emerald, Sapphire, at Ruby. Ngunit 7.5%? Syet, sa panagng mga artista, sa dunong ng pamamahala, sa lakas ng paginip na lang yata iyon! Di pa nangyayaring lumago ng ganoong gawa. Walang duda – naghahari at patuloy na maghahari ang kataas ang “ratings” simula dalawampung linggo ng tagtuyot mga Kakosa. At waring di na sila matitinag sa tronong kinaluang lumipas! Ngunit waring di makapagsisinungaling ang mga luklukan. Ngunit ang buhay ay talagang gulong ng palad, at sa numerong naihatag, pati na rin ang kredibilidad ng tagasukat mga di-tiyak na kadahilanan, nagsimulang pumailanlang ang ng “ratings”. Totoo na ang preliminaryong sukat – 7.5 porsyenkabila habang animong naidlip yata ng matagal sa pansitan ang tong pagtaas – ang pinakamalaki sapul ng matinding tagtuyot, mga ‘kosa, busog sa mga panaginip at ilusyon ng di magapiat marahil ang himalang matagal ng hinihintay ng marami upang gaping kagalingan – lima o anim na taon na ang nakararaan. papag-alabin ang kanilang mga damdamin tungo sa landas ng Hanggang sa tuluyang maungusan na sila – salamat sa mga makaunlaran. gigiting na mga Kauso: ang mabalahibong mga Mulawin at ang mga mapanghalinang Sang’gre – nayukayok sa trono ang hari Kokorekorekok! Okey na ang Kokey mo! Nabuhayan ng loob si at naging isang hamak na Pashnea, habang muling uminog ang Kokey sa balita ni Viktor Krum. Nagliwanag ang kanyang luntiang daigdig at nagbadya ng Avisala sa panibagong panahong dumamga mata sa masidhing nasang susugang mabuti, ituloy, at paptal. Nagsimula ang isang mabangis at magastos na digmaan, anatilihin ang mataas na antas ng pag-unlad ng Kakosa. Parang at lumitaw mula sa kawalan ang kahalagahan ng konsepto ng may “background music” na umalingawngaw sa kanyang tenga “ratings”, na siyang ginagawang sukatan at ginagamit ng mga – ang dating theme song ni Jang Geum – at muling sumibol ang Kakosa at Kauso upang ipangalandakan ang kani-kanilang berbahagharing kanyang binagtas sampu ng kanyang mga kaibigan syon ng paghahari, pangunguna, at pag-unlad. Ngunit sa kasanoong nakaraan – bahagharing magdudugtong sa mundo niya maang-palad, nananatiling Pashnea ang Kakosa sa karamihang tungo sa pangarap na bituin. tagatangkilik ng mundo nilang ginagalawan. Nayukayok si Kokey sa ganitong pag-alala, napailing na lang sa patuloy niyang paglalakad sa lupang naging kasingmukha na ng ilang ng Argos at kawalang-katiyakan ng Vesta. Lalo pa siyang nabagabag dahil isa siya sa naatasan, kasama ni Lastikman at ang Prinsesa ng Banyera, upang simulan ang muling kampanya ng mga Kakosa sa isang mas mabunying pag-unlad at muling paghahari – kung saan nabigo kamakailan lamang ang mga Rounin at kung tutuusin ay mailap ng makamtan. Ito ang dahilan ng kanyang biglaang pag-alis sa Planetang Kokorekok. Ito ang dahilan ng pagkakaroon muli ng trabaho ni Redford White at Ruffa Gutierrez. At ito ang may-sala kung bakit hindi siya okey ngayon, kahit siya si Kokey.
Ikalawang Yugto: Deal or No Deal? – Ang Saya at Pangamba Nagbunyi ang nakararaming ilan sa republika. Si Terrence – nakagawa ng bagong kanta bilang paraan upang ipagdiwang sa bagong inspirasyon. Si Ysabella naman – nakaimbento ng panibagong varyant ng inasal na manok na siguradong magpapabagsak kay Victoria Amarillo. Nagkaroon naman ng bagong dance steps si Gee-Ann at Mickey na pede nilang gamitin sa susunod na edisyon ng Love Spell. Nagkasabay-sabay na sa wakas ang 26K sa kanilang panimulang sayaw. Di na pinayagang kumanta pa si
Jay ng Cueshé sa ASAP. Nakapagsagawa rin ng isang magandang showdown si Margarita at Luningning habang nagkaroon muli ng pagkakataon si Bentong na bumalik sa mundong Kakosa mula sa pagpapasada ng FX upang mamigay ng kornik sa mga kapus-palad. At mas natuwang kumain ang mga kabataang kakosa ng sinabawang gulay. Sa huli, nagkaroon ng isang magarbong palabas ng kwitis at paputok sa Lumeria, sa pangunguna ni Mythos: tanda na naging makulay na muli ang buhay-kosa kahit sa biglang saglit lamang – na unti-unti nang mararating ang kalangitan at mga bituin. Okey na sana ang lahat kay Kokey, sigurado na siya sa bagong umagang sisikat sa buhay ng isa’t isa. Ngunit may mga KJ sa mga pangyayari. Kabilang sa mga nagtaas ng kilay si Prop. Albus Dumbledore ng Philippine University na pinapasukan ng barkada ng Let’s Go. Ani Prop. Dumbledore, minarkahan niya ang paglago ng ratings ng kakosa na E – na may katumbas na gradong Exceeds Expectations pero Epal sa Ordinaryong PagWawatch at PagLalarawan sa Ratings (OWLs sa Ratings) grading scale. Inamin niyang talagang nakabibigla ang paglagong ito dahil ayon sa mga naunang pagtantya o forecast, di ganito kalaki dapat ang pagdami ng manonood sa Kosa Republic sa ikalawang kapat ng 2007. Tinuran rin niya na kailangang tingnan mabuti ang mga numero – partikular na ang pagtaas ng mga sayaw at kantang naging hits sa mga manonood kahit na ang ikalawang kapat ng taon ay isang panahon kung saan sadyang mababa ang pinoprodyus na mga musika ng Starkosa Records. Sinabi rin niya na nakakaalarma ang pagtaas ng produksyon at kinikita ng mga teleserye samantalang di pa naman panahon ng pag-eeksport ng mga ito (tulad ng nangyari sa Pangako Sa’Yo) sa The Frisoner’s Channel (TFC) at sa ibang bansa. Sa huli, nasambit rin niya na dapat nakita sa mga numero ng ratings ang pagkasira ng mga pananim na sana’y ipapakain sana sa mga manonood ng mga Kakosa – bunsod na rin ng pagsabog ng Bulkang Mayon (na nakwento na natin kanina). Ganito ang nasambit ng iba pa niyang kasamahan sa PU, pati na rin ang iba pang dalubhasa mula sa ibang institusyon. Sa kabilang banda, ipinapalagay ni Prop. Hagrid na maaaring di gaanong tama ang mga numerong nakalap at nagamit dahil ayon na rin sa kanilang pag-aaral at pagsusuri, di sakto ang pagsusukat ng tagasukat ng “ratings”: di masasabing representante ng buong populasyon ng mga manonood ang sinarbey noong nakaraang mga kapat (quarter) ng taon kaya maaaring di lumabas ang totoong pulso ng mga manonood. Sa ganitong pag-aagam-agam, muling nabagabag si Kokey: parang nabuhusan ng malamig na tubig ng pagdududa ang apoy ng inspirasyon sa mga mata niya. Sino ba dapat ang kanyang paniwalaan? Gusto niyang gawing lakas upang makabangon ang himala, ngunit may punto rin ng katotohanan ang mga tinuran ng mga dalubhasa, kahit KJ sila. At natanto ni Kokey, kailangan niyang umalis sa tanghalan upang humingi ng tulong sa barkada ng natsuging Sineskwela. Buo na ang loob niya – kailangan na ng sariling pag-iimbestiga kung totoo ba ang alab ng kanyang bituin ng pag-unlad.
Ikatlong Yugto: One Versus 100 – Ang Dahilan ng Lahat Nagsimula si Kokey sa paggagalugad niya sa katotohanan; ngunit kahit kasama niya sa paglalakbay na ito si Ugat-Puno, Agatom, at Kulitsap, di pa rin niya mapigilang maramdaman na waring nag-iisa siya sa mistulang pagbalikwas sa malaking konstrukto ng tagumpay na pinaniniwalaan ng karamihan sa mga kasamahan niya sa kanyang paligid. Di niya napigilang lumuha: ang KJ na niya at baka kasi mag-alala si Bong at Ana sa pagka-stress niya ngayon. Ngunit wala ng atrasan sa pinasok niya, at higit sa lahat – mas masidhi na ang damdamin niyang matuklasan ang lihim na dahilang bumabalot sa mga numerong 7.5%. Gumuhit ang luha sa kayumanggi niyang balat. Maalat pala ang mga ito. Ang katotohanan nga naman. Mabagal. Masyadong madrama. Maepal. Ngunit sa unti-unti nitong pagpapakita kay Kokey, mas naiintindihan at tumitimo sa kaibuturan ng kanyang isipan at puso ang bawat maliit na tuklas na dumadating. Unang-una nga sa mga ito ay ang ilang impormasyong patungkol sa konstrukto ng lipunan at yaman ng mga Kakosa. Ayon kay Ugat-Puno, nahahati sa tatlong pangunahing dibisyon ang mga
gawaing nagbibigay-yaman at kapangyarihan (na pinagbabatayan ng “ratings”) sa Kosa Republic. Una sa mga ito ang sektor ng pagtatanim o pagpupunla: maliban sa totoong pagtatanim at pag-aalaga ng pananim, pera, at komersyal na produkto upang ipakain, ipangtulong, o ipampremyo sa mga kapus-palad na manonood (e.g. kornik ni Bentong), ang mas mahahalagang bahagi ng sektor na ito ay ang (1) pagpupunla o pag-aalaga ng mga bago at kadalasang bata pang mga talents, sariwa pa mula sa pagiging model sa patalastas, kontestant sa mga dreamcome-true na palabas, at mga dating nakatira sa bahay ni Kuya Kosa. Sila ang mga inilulunsad bilang panibagong sirkulo ng mga bituin (may 15 batches na ata ngayun) at mga koponang pampag-ibig (love team) para may mailagay sa mga pa-tweetums na mga programa, gaya ng Your Song, Love Spell: Pasko Na Santa Ko, at Abt Ur Luv Ur Lyf 2. Minsan, sinisiksik rin sila sa malalaking teleserye upang magsilbing undercard kilig na koponang pag-ibig sa main kilig ng mga bida. Sa kabilang banda, kasama rin sa sektor ang (2) pagtatanim ng dekalidad na impormasyon at magandang kaugalian sa mga manonood sa pamamagitan ng mga programang Sineskwela, MathTinik, at HirayaManawari: bagay na tsinugi ng pamunuang Kosa nung nakaraang mga taon para bigyang daan ang pagbabalik ni Princess Sara at ang paglalaro ng Yugi-Oh!. Sa kasalukuyan, ang sektor ng pananim ang nakararanas ng pinakamatinding tagtuyot. Ang ikalawang sektor naman daw ng yamang Kosa ay sinasagisag ng industriya ng paggawa. Sinasakop nito ang isang malawak na grupo ng mga gawaing Kosa: ang produksyon ng istorya, dalumat, at istruktura para maging isang posibilidad ang mga teleserye, sitcom, game show, at iba-iba pang programa. Kasama rin dito ang iba pang produksyon gaya ng musika ng Starkosa Records, pelikula ng Starkosa Cinema, at iba pang programa sa Studio Bente-Tres, Myx Myx Myx: Myxklusibong Mxplosibong Musyx, at Hi-Ro. Kung lalagumin, ito ang nagsisilbing ikalawang pinakamalaking sektor sa Kosa sapagkat di pa rin nito nauungusan ang pinakamahalaga sa ngayon – ang serbisyo ng paggawa. Sakop ng napakalaking sektor na ito ngayon ang unyon ng mga Kosang artista, tagapaggawa ng mga istruktura, at ang mga namumuno. Narito rin ang mga umaluhokan/tagapagbalita ng republika na nagbibigay ng serbisyong panig sa katotohanan at sa bayan para sa mga manonood, pati na rin ang mas inaabangang serbisyong tsikahan, birada, at kontrobersiya ng programang LaBuzz. Ito ang yaman ng Kosa. At panahon na upang pagtagni-tagniin ang himaymay ng misteryo gamit ang ganitong istruktura. Masasabing ang nagdaang halalan noong ikalawang kapat ng 2007 ang siyang nagbigay ng pinakamalaking kontribusyon sa pag-unlad ng “ratings” ng bayan ni Kokey, salamat na lang kay Kuya Kosa. Ang galing kasi ni Wendy, pati na rin si Bruce at ang iba pa nilang mga kasambahay. Dahil sa pagiging tunay na bitchy at gasgas niyang paggamit sa pagiging kapus-palad upang manalo, naging interesado ang bultu-bultong manonood upang pabagsakin si Wendy gamit ang kani-kanilang text votes – samantalang bultu-bulto rin ang gumamit ng kanilang boto upang iligtas siya dahil nakakakilig sila ni Bruce. Linggo-linggong nangyari yun. Malaki rin ang kotribusyon ng koalisyong binuo nina Gee Ann, Bodie, at Mickey upang makapanghatak ng napakaraming “pans” upang iboto sila, dala ang pangako ng mas nakakakilig na karanasan – na naisangkatuparan na sa Love Spell: Bumalaka Bulalakaw Boom kamakailan lang. Linggo-linggo ring nangyari yun. Dahil na rin sa napakaraming perang inilabas ng mga tao upang makasali sa halalan, pati na rin sa dami ng perang inilabas ng mga pinunong Kosa pati na rin si Kuya upang mapanatili ang mga kinaiinisan ngunit pinagkakakitaang kasambahay sa bahay, tumaas ang konsumpsyon sa mga produktong Kosa bunsod sa impetus ng halalan: mataas na paglago ng “ratings” sa 7.5% ngayon kesa sa nakalulupig na 5.5% na naitala noong isang taon ang siyang simpleng kahulugan nito. Nanghihinayang nga si Kokey dahil tapos na ang halalan noong dumating siya muli sa daigdig: gusto pa naman niyang maka-date si Pamela. Tsk tsk tsk. (continued on page ...)
When I was young, I used to believe that hell was right below us—literally. I thought that the fiery gates of hell would open once we scraped that piece of land we walked on. It was pretty simple: heaven’s above the sky and hell is underneath the floor.
Phenomenology of the
Floorway to Hell by Ace Lopez
Sadly though, my theory was disproved when I entered formal schooling. I learned that beneath the tiles, beneath the flooring, are just rocks and some pipes. Then the mantle, and then the core. And up above the sky wasn’t really heaven, it was outer space, where I would find it difficult to live. Visualize what life would be like without the atmosphere—to live in an anti-gravity world. Then imagine what it would be like if we lived without flooring. Yes flooring; tiles and all, I wouldn’t really consider it that important if you ask me. But remove it, and you get dirty feet. That’s un-cool. The designs usually picked for floor tiles are meant to be subtle and kept in the background. Neutral, basic, and bland colors are status quo. Stylish and chic designs are rare to come by and if ever, they exude an unwanted, eccentric, and loud aura of a room. Good tiles are the economic ones: sturdy, even, neat, and strong. They don’t need to be glamorous. They’re just there— unnoticed. Imagine that you are a floor tile. You are being stepped on, spat at, thrown garbage upon; yet you endure. The personality of such exemplifies great selfless love. How can you tolerate all the abuse and only find your happiness during the rare moments where you get swept or mopped? How will you stand up and voice out? You’re a passive yet functional piece of material. Deeply imbibed in all of us is a characteristic like this. Learning how to take all the dirt with the soap, the bad with the good; not clamoring for attention yet doing our jobs so well. It also is more than just that. Floor tiles are always in our peripheral vision, yet we rarely pay close attention to them. We hold gatherings, reunions, we mix and mingle; but we all stay gravitated standing over the same ground. We may achieve different statuses but come to think of it, we are all walking on the same horizon. Whenever we enter the Ecosoc tambayan, the faded cream-colored tile awaits us. We are different people; but here, we commonly stand on equal levels; no one stands above another, no one views a room with a different colored tile. Maintaining it clean though, is the catch. Individuals’ avoidance of responsibility has made for grimy, soiled tiles. Floor tiles may gather dirt and dust, but that is just indicative of the wear and tear; focusing on that is just pinpointing the imperfections. It may look trashed, but that is just a call for much-needed cleaning work. Tiles may gather dirt and dust, but in the end it serves its purpose. Tiles may gather dirt and dust, but well … oh—at least it isn’t concealing the gates of hell. n
Head Close-App and Personal
by Laurence Go
Dedicated to Jaymie and Abby I never knew I would ever step inside that crowded room teeming with people chattering and joking around, going about their academic requirements or simply relaxing their backs on the soft-cushioned, azure-upholstered couches. That first time I could still remember—the first that seemed to last forever. The feeling of uncertainty enveloped me as I went inside and took my seat on the leveled platform. However, it started to fade just as an unfamiliar upperclassman started a conversation with me. Eventually, talking became more comfortable and I felt more at ease. Peculiarly, I found security and assurance in a place unchartered and in the company of a person unknown to me. In due course, these newfound friends and cozy space dispelled my initial fears. That was what they referred to as ‘Ecosoc’ and the ‘tambayan’. In time, I became more outgoing as evidenced by my participation in the
organization’s various activities and events. Staying in the tambayan and talking with the Ecosocers seemed not a ‘requirement’ anymore, but an opportunity to become part of the wonderful world known as Ecosoc. Finishing the 50 hours, attending 5 CDCs, completing the sigsheet and going to numerous events—what initially seemed an impossible feat for us applicants—became an achievable goal. Just as no challenge is met without difficulty, no triumph is reached without sacrifice. Without a doubt, I know my co-applicants agree with me when I say that the application process was truly a grueling (perhaps, an understatement) yet fulfilling experience. A lot was demanded especially when given a myriad of tasks (running around UP in search for a ‘buccaneer’, looking like a beach dancer in the midsem checkup and a lot more) alongside the pressures brought about by academics. Despite these things, my co-apps and I think that going through all these wouldn’t have been possible without the guidance of our ‘parents’ in Ecosoc, our beloved Guardians. Undeniably, their efforts made the whole process easier for us. After going through one long application process, I was
faced with much hardship and trial that changed me entirely. Indeed, this app-process changed my view on Ecosoc—its purpose, people, activities and the tambayan—and made me see things in a new light. My viewpoint constantly changed from the moment I got my application form, to the time I first stepped inside that room, up to this moment. Now when I step inside that crowded room, it’s not the same. I still see the same people chattering and joking around, going about their academic requirements or relaxing their backs on the soft-cushioned, azure-upholstered couches. But now, that room is different with the knowledge that it couldn’t be the same crowded room from when I took my first step inside. I don’t know why, but I always find myself going back to that crowded room, and more. People ask me why Ecosoc, and I reply, feeling rhetorical, with yet another question. After all, whoever says no to family? n
June 12, 2007 could not have been any boys.” Those were the awkward Math more representative of the four months that followed 17 classes: What did the label mean? – at least not for this freshman, who has only just Did it have connotations attached to it? begun. Thankfully however, that has come to IT was the first day of classes. A vibrant pass. Whether it was the frequent toki welcoming by the biggest names of the academe, rides together or our common woe over capped by an awe-inspiring, if not shocking, our “Powerpuff” Math 17 professor, the protest against the tuition and other fees label has become something we can increase (TOFI). Then did I realize that laugh off; albeit, there still is a slight truly this was the University of the discomfiture in being identified, as if Philippines. segregated, by your race (as with My first days and some of my other “I began to weeks were riddled with classes). cut class either questions. From Nevertheless, the trivial, “Ano’ng many of the new out of laziness or random building ‘yong acquaintances and whims.” CNB? Paano pumunta friends I have made, I doon?” or “Ano kayang met through joining an org. org ang okey salihan? Sasali Applying to Ecosoc had made na ba ako this sem?” to those that me a baby brother of my instant were the subject of my soliloquies, “Did I ate’s and kuya’s, and a fraternal twin, make the right decision in studying in UP? What triplet or one-hundred-plet of my co-apps. It would my life have been like had I chosen Ateneo or was at this point in time that I became more at La Salle?” ease in being an “isko.” For a while, it had been as the sight of the Too at ease, in fact. I began to cut acad oval—a long and lonesome road. In spite of class either out of laziness or random whims. the companionship of familiar faces, the early days In one of my classes, my professor had warned felt like a solitary journey. New friends were hard me that if I were to be tardy or absent again, I to come by, and one could sit through an hour and would be getting a much dreaded singko – one thirty minutes of discussion and feel as if he or she of my many blunders as a freshman. were the only student present. Faced with a different As I look in retrospect, the jubilant environment, there was a propensity to stick to sounds of our welcoming beat to the adventure of one’s own company, and this was a new hindrance everyday UP life, I am reminded that more likely in itself. than not, the years ahead will be determined by Time was when my high school classmates the choices I make for myself. n and I were branded by our block as “the Xavier
y
Four years in college seemed quite long when we were in freshman year. I used to have this mental image of a long, endless road. But years went by and months dwindled into days, and now, we seniors find ourselves much closer to the once invisible destination. Before when I got to talk to older students, I saw them as the “big” people, not literally of course, it is just that I looked up to them with so much respect and admiration for all the hard work they had done. We newbies were just in Economics 11 while they were already in Economics 199. In their conversations, they were starting to reminisce while we, the younger ones, were just looking forward to and wondering about what a UP student’s life was like. Time passed, and now, we have become the seniors. It is actually nice to be called by this hard-earned title; attached to it is the feeling of being on top of things. After three years, we have become more familiar with life in the School of Economics and UP itself. We have had the toughest exams, the most challenging teachers, the most embarrassing experiences and some of the best and worst days of our lives. All of these have contributed to what we have become right now. I personally feel fulfilled when younger students get to ask my opinion on certain subjects or when I can easily greet my former professors. When I get to talk with my fellow seniors, we get to use phrases such as “marginal social benefit” or “Pareto optimality” with such ease, making us feel so smart that we get to laugh about it. Graduation is one big thing when you are in senior year. It is quite sad to think that we will be leaving this university we have come to love so dearly along with all our good friends and mentors. When we face the world on our own, all we will have left will be memories and life lessons. It is a big thing, for suddenly, we come to realize that each of us have a responsibility in the world outside our classrooms. Soon, we will become the adults.
We as future graduates of this premier university are highly privileged to be able to choose where we want to go and what we want to do. The opportunities for us are endless. Even though most of us are still uncertain on what to next, eventually, things will just fall into place. For those of us who will be finishing by the end of the first semester, we have nothing but praise for their determination and diligence. The senior year in college marks the end of our student days, all 16 years of it. There may still be graduate school, but it’s nothing like studying when you are still young and without any other responsibilities. It is quite amazing that we have reached this point and from here, things will be quite different from what it was inside the classroom. Right now though, there is still some time left for us to enjoy our lives as college students. There are still several more exams, class suspensions, papers, CDCs, genmeets, Ikot rides, sticks of isaw, rainy days, heartaches and everything that comes in between before we finally say our final farewell. n
Set for fiftieth by Anika Gregorio outgoing President
Without a doubt, any member or applicant would know what Ecosoc’s thrusts arae. Service, Excellence and Tradition. This is one fact always asked for during Midsem Interviews, repeatedly said and mentioned, and often used to build up Ecosoc in marketing and solicitation letters. However, these three words are more than what we put under the Ecosoc logo or attach to the org’s name, these words are compelling driving forces that encompass what the UP Economics Society is all about. The quest for upholding the grand tradition of unwavering service and unparalleled excellence is the essence of Ecosoc’s life and existence. For 49 years, these thrusts kept this organization together; instilled the passion and drive into each and every diehard Ecosocer and made certain that Ecosoc never lost sight of its mission and goals. Service, Excellence and Tradition are the main factors that separate Ecosoc from other student socio-civic organizations. These thrusts create the distinguishable mark that the UP Ecosoc has. This mark is the mark the organization leaves in the lives of people we touch, no matter how fleetingly; in the communities we reach out to, no matter how little our efforts may seem; and in the lives of countless of Ecosocers whose stay in college was made more meaningful and enjoyable by the UP Economics Society. SET serves as the backbone and springboard of each and every staple, minor or major event and endeavor that Ecosoc gets into. We don’t just hold events for the sake of holding an event; each undertaking is closely tied and linked to the very mission and objectives of Ecosoc. You see, not every student organization maintains a scholarship program and spearheads major fundraising events to augment a scholarship fund. Few are those that dedicated their time teaching kids, building houses, organizing medical missions and visiting charitable institutions. Not many are those organizations that hold nationwide conventions and conferences in the effort to promote social awareness and understanding amongst its members and more importantly, the Filipino youth. There is a reason why we have programs and undertakings like these, and at the very core of that reason is the organization’s high regard for Service, Excellence and Tradition. If at times it may cross your mind that all our efforts seem useless and of no impact; well, think again. In my almost four-year stay in Ecosoc, I have witnessed how it has continuously braved to stand out and make a difference in society; how it has touched the lives of many and how it has constantly infused in its members the need to be socially aware and active. It has been victorious in carrying out its mission and goals for the past 49 year; and there is absolutely no reason for it to stop doing so for the next years to come. As the UP Economics Society reaches its 50th year, there is all the more reason for each and every member to intensify and celebrate the mark and brand that this organization is well-known and prominent for. The greatest gift we can offer Ecosoc for its golden year is both our assurance and promise. A promise that we will incessantly and persistently live up its thrusts, that we will keep hold of its firm commitment of rendering passionate and steadfast service and that we will never put to waste the accomplishments and legacies that Ecosocers before us have worked and strived hard for. n
by Aries Carlos incoming President
I have stated in my GPOA, “As the President, I will ingrain this vision in each Ecosocer: As the UP Economics Society marks its 50th year, the organization will provide avenues for all the people who have been part of its Grand History to celebrate, commemorate, and extol its 50 fruitful years in order to further its present stature into a genuine catalyst of societal change, thus perpetuating its tradition of service and excellence. “ This vision may simply be stated, but it entails a lot in order to achieve such a lofty aspiration for our organization. To be able to hold a grand celebration for our 50th year, which of course is just what the organization deserves, it is a necessary requirement for our members to be unified and resolute in working towards the achievement of that realizable yet challenging goal. Corollary to the aforementioned vision, I see UP Ecosoc comprised of solid, committed and fervent members whose burning passion to serve the organization and attain its goals cannot be hindered, tainted nor languished. Therefore, I see a strong and unwavering Execom that shall maneuver all the members towards clearcut and exalted goals for the organization. In a nutshell, I see strong, moving and immutable leadership that will direct the entire organization to a pompous and historical Golden Anniversary Celebration. Apart from these visions, I see Ecosoc’s 50th year not merely as a commemoration of the 50 years that were but a year of transformation towards becoming a real catalyst of societal change. In its 50th year, I see the organization undertaking new means to further its commitment to serve the community. I see Ecosoc endeavoring on more sustainable means to help alleviate the problems of our society. I see Ecosoc as a true instrument, a true “prime mover of youth dynamism” whose impact on the Philippine society are indelible while at the same time enabling all its members to deliver to their full potentials. I see the glorious Centennial of the UP Economics Society dawning on its 50th year celebration. And most importantly, I see the UP Economics Society continuously touching the lives of all those who had been, have been and will be part of its Grand History of Service, Excellence and Tradition in ways that shall goad them to become altruistic, competitive and complete individuals—individuals who have become firm believers of the ideals that Ecosoc espouses, ideals that aim to change the world in little yet piercing ways. n
Set for fiftieth
34
Dear P&M,
As I pass through the corridors, different faces swiftly come by. Each one has his or her destination. Each one has his or her business. And I pass with my head down. I am afraid into bumping and having “contact” with other people. I am afraid that I might look into someone’s eyes and fall in love again. From my past experiences, I learned to cope with the realities of life, and to move on as life moves on. But a few months ago, all the pain from my past resurged. I knew I had to take a break from that aspect of life. As I started a new beginning, my decision to take a break was firm, and no one can breach that pact. Dear Torn between two worlds, Why do people have to be this lonely? What’s the point of it all? Millions of people in this world, all of them yearning, looking to others to satisfy them, yet isolating themselves. Why? - Sputnik Sweetheart, Haruki Murakami How many times have the opportunity to be happy knocked on your door, and you don’t open it? Don’t let something as stupid as a pact that you yourself created hinder you from being happy. In every relationship you get into, it’s natural to get hurt. That’s life. You learn from it, you move on and you try to be happy again. Breaking your pact is not a question of it being right or wrong. It’s more of a question of you being ready to opening up to the possibility of falling in love again. Falling in love is scary, that’s true. But I am a believer that it is truly, madly, deeply one of the best feelings in the world. So, strike a balance, take caution, look after yourself… but don’t miss out. :) Love, P
But as days go by, I am downright confused on whether I’ll still go on with the pact or not. I have gotten close to two guys, who both already said what they felt. Still, they both know that I’m taking a break and I said my decision is final. I’m thankful that they both understand and the three of us are still close friends. But was my decision right? I am thinking that I can now break the pact but I am still afraid of what will happen. Was my decision to not break it right or wrong? What can I do to overcome the pain?
From, Torn between two worlds TBTW, I don’t know the reason why you’re afraid to enter a new relationship. I can’t see if it is really worth sacrificing the feelings you’re trying to repel, just because you’re not yet over with your past. I can’t also advise on how you can cope with your problem. Just keep in mind that not all relationships are the same. Some people come to our lives to teach us lessons to be better and ready for the perfect person for us. So just learn from your past and face your present. Breaking the pact is up to you. If you’re not ready, don’t go. Because it is not just be you who will be hurt, but there two guys who are sacrificing their feelings and taking it slow just for you. And if you decide to finally break the pact, just keep in mind you can’t have two boys! :p Know them first and pick one! To sum it all up, let me quote you: “move on as life moves on.” But don’t rush and take it slow. Remember some things are better by taking it sloooow. M
Nightmares come true again and again for me. What start out to be seemingly fun and harmless relationships end abruptly without warning, and I constantly find myself in bed at night thinking about what I did wrong. Many a sleepless nights have I wept until tears ran down my face, thinking that now, I have no hand to hold, nor do I have anyone to share my joys and my pains with. How many sleepless nights have I dreamt of a lasting relationship that wouldn’t end in heartache? Perhaps I have been looking at the ‘wrong’ type of girl for me. What I want is not just a cheap and shallow relationship, but one with substance. BUT THE PROBLEM IS NOW, I AM I have loved so many times in the past, but I have LEFT EMOTIONALLY BLEEDING AND INSECURE. always ended up hurt. But now, I have met a woman whom I want to pursue. I am scared however because I don’t want to hurt myself or more importantly, her. In my opinion, I have been wrong in most of my past relationships either in my delivery or what not. How do I love? How do I love after all I have been through? I don’t know how to ‘court’ a girl, which I think is part of the problem. Can you teach me how to ‘court’ a girl? Because I figured, maybe I have had such bad relationships in the past because I have not invested much time getting to know a girl. One more thing, sometimes I really want to text message this girl on her cellphone and see how she is or what she’s doing, but I’m worried that I come on too strong, too fast, or you know the mere fact that I’m making myself vulnerable like that scares me. I don’t want to hurt her, or myself, but I don’t want to be idle. I would hate to find myself at night lying in bed thinking of things I could have done.
Dear Nagdurugong Puso,
Failed relationships aren’t supposed to hold you back from pursuing happiness, rather, it should be something you should learn from. And judging from your letter, it seems as if you’re trying hard to do things right this time around. For that, my hat’s off to you. As for taking it too fast, I honestly don’t know what’s “too fast” or “too slow”. If both of you feel the same way, then whether it be next week or next month, it shouldn’t really matter. But I am a believer in the magic of getting to know each other (and I mean even the bad juice). Courtship is overrated. It’s just an excuse to show your good side. Be honest, share with her your past experiences, talk to her about your friends and family, notice the little things about her, take time to know her likes and dislikes, show interest in the things she’s interested in, listen to her, be her friend, put effort into making her feel special, and most importantly, be sincere and genuine. There’s nothing sweeter than genuine concern and sincere (mind I say, sober) moments. I don’t see anything wrong in texting her how she’s doing especially if you’re just really concerned. Don’t go overboard, though, that she feels I know my problems are common and have been she’s being friend-zoned, or worse, held to her neck (nasasakal). Pacing, effort and answered before. But I hope you can help me. I a whole lot of persistence, my friend. That’s how you win someone’s heart.
don’t want to give up on something so beautiful. Hindi naman kailangan mangyari bukas ang lahat On another note, kudos for sending probably the most dramatic (although I must nang gusto ko mangyari, gusto ko lang magkaroon admit, in some parts, it was quite funny hehehe) letter I have ever received. You’ve nang pagkakataon na maipakita na ang puso kong obviously been through hell so good luck on doing it right this time around! nagdudugo ay marunong magmahal nang tunay at walang kupas. Love, Nagdurugong Puso
Love, Pn
Tomorrow marks the start of another semestral break. Sembreak. Sometimes, it is not just a time to let go of all the stress and frustration that the first four months of class have brought you, for surprisingly at other times, it may pave ways for you to experience new things; things that you never even thought to be possible. You may even realize that it may be the only shot you’ll ever get, or the only memory you’ll hold on to. I can still remember that sembreak. It was October 10 when I went back to school to check if the final exam scores were already posted. But instead of grades, it was her I saw. She was in khaki shorts and a white top – still her simple self, the very thing that I liked about her. She was staring at the board, scanning the list of requirements for the course, perhaps, and for a long while, I had a chance to stare at her. She looked so independent yet gentle, accomplished yet approachable. I t was really weird seeing her like that, when the closest I ever got was bumping into each other in the corridor to exchange surprised hellos or that one time when I handed her a beer during vice night. That moment, it hit me that my entire semester was spent being mesmerized by her. I cleared my throat and she looked my way. That was stupid, I thought, I could have called her name or said something to make things more casual. I didn’t know what to do afterwards, so I cleared my throat again. She smiled, finding humor in my obvious stupidity. Feeling like a scared child, I froze when she finally walked towards me. She asked if I was okay. I said I was there to check my grades. So much for coherence. I went to check the board, and she giggled; the way a person does in awkward situations. She waited for me to notice that I was looking at nothing. I looked at her and said oh-socasually that our agony of waiting wasn’t about to end any time soon. Very much like my agony from waiting everyday for her appearance at the tambayan. She smiled once again, and we started walking back to the lobby. As we approached the benches, I finally decided to break the nervewracking
Of Being Good and Vulnerable by checkedbydave
silence, asking her if she already had lunch. She said she hadn’t, and in fact, she was starving. Even though I felt like I was being eaten up by the giant butterflies in my stomach, I invited her to have lunch with me. She was a very good storyteller; while I was driving she spontaneously shared anecdotes about the past semester. I was trying my best to look relaxed, laughing somewhat distractedly whenever she told a funny story. Lunch went fine – full of jokes and laughter. That marked the start of our constant and deeper friendship. We went on seeing each other more often that semestral break. I found myself going to school just to meet up with her, to have a funny conversation, just to be in her company. I remember one time when we were walking around the academic oval; engulfed in each other’s thoughts on commitment, leaves gently falling over our heads. I found out that she was very trusting and fragile, but strong and self-assured. We spent most of our time like that, discussing everything under the sun. Just the two of us. In my mind I had snapshots of us in a corridor, sitting on a rusty bench, counting the few people that passed by, people walking without a particular place to go. But that month passed quicker than I imagined. Enrollment period came, and I was rushing to complete the requirements when I saw her at the end of the hall. Perhaps she didn’t see me just yet. But upon realization that sembreak was completely over, I opted to remain unseen. The corridors were now filled with people, common faces were everywhere and the pressure was back on. We were no longer alone. To make things worse, she was no longer alone. She was standing at the end of the hall with him again. I don’t even know how I forgot about him. Perhaps I never did, and I just fooled myself into believing that he did not exist in her life. However, there was only one thing that I realized upon seeing them together again. She was just too good and I was just too vulnerable. I turned around and looked for another route in an attempt to escape the pain I had brought upon myself. A whole year had passed since then, and another semestral break will start tomorrow. Sitting on the tambayan couch, I don’t know what to expect this time. Sembreak doesn’t usually mean taking time off, because as far as I know, sembreak creates opportunities to unexpected memories. Memories that may make you happy in an instant, memories that may later kill you on the inside. Memories that will definitely mold you.
by bleu_director
Artful dodger
Her fingers gracefully dance across the smooth white surface. A few swift strokes cut through the stillness of dawn as warm, deep tones filling the wide, open space of the lecture room. The notes plead her to play some more, each one blending into a sweet melody. She closes her eyes, breathing it all in. The music echoes through the silent hall. Cheery pictures and vivid paintings smile down on her from the walls as she tips back her head and lets the notes linger in the cool air. This new college didn’t seem so bad, after all. She bends over the wooden panels and masterfully steps on the pedals. Step. Images of the past year flash across her mind. “Will they be as welcoming as my high school?” she wonders. Step. “How must I stomach this place?” she asks herself as she unleashes a taste of her uncertainty. Step. Step. Thoughts of her seemingly bleak future bother her. Realizing that the music has stopped, she snaps out of her reverie. A bright patch of sunlight now sits atop her right shoulder. It is eight o’clock and she needs to run to her first class. “File case, sign pens, folders,” she utters as she collects her things, buries her car keys at the bottom of her purse and locks the door. She isn’t going to be late on the first day of school—especially NOT in this college. RIIIIIING. Sprinting down the corridor, she unzips her bag to find her cell phone. Avoiding bumping into the students who are conveniently pouring in from all directions, she tries to make her way through the crowd. She is digging through her purse when a shadow flickers at the corner of her eye. He trips over her foot and falls like an idiot, instinctively holding onto anything to save him from his pathetic fate—so, he ends up clutching the purse that is casually dangling from her arm. With a mischievous grin, he watches her sleek N90 come tumbling from the bag, along with pretty much everything else. She quickly kneels on the floor to gather her things with a frustrated click of the tongue. “You nearly push me off the corridor and all you can do is fix your things?” “Well, see here. I was about to before you most intelligently murdered my phone.” “So, that over-priced chunk of metal is worth more than someone’s injuries?” “In times like this, that would have to be a... YES.” “Heck! You clearly made me trip on purpose.” “As if you’d even notice with those headphones glued to your ears.” “But—but still! You don’t stick out your foot in a busy corridor and wait for people to fall flat on their face.” “Whatever. At least my phone’s fine... Hey—don’t I know you?” “Yeah, I’m your victim, nearly cracked open thanks to you.” “No... I mean.. Is it—are you—Gelo?!” Wondering how the hell she knew his name, he looks back at her. An image flashes across his eyes. “Huh? No way!..Uhm. Ate Joan?” “GELO!” “Ate Joan! How long it’s been since grade school!” “I didn’t expect to find you here.” “What other university would be lucky enough to house such a great mind?” “Still at your little jokes. Ha-ha. Wait, I need to run. I’m running late for MuL.” “Perfect!” “What? My being late?” “No, I mean, that’s my first class, too. Come on, as a peace offering for nearly killing me, lead the way! Please. I don’t want to be late on the first day of the sem.” “Do I have a choice? Hurry up, then.” “So, Ate, what are you doing now?” “Would you scrap that? I’m only a few years your senior, remember? Anyway, let’s just say I’ve spent some time in Education. You?” “Well, only the greatest college in Diliman! ENG! Chemical Engineering, that is, not meaning to brag.” “If it’s so great, why come to the College of Music? Surely you geniuses don’t need to have harmony to derive life’s complexities.” “Ha-ha. That’s why I needed this GE at Music. It’s compensation for my majors.”
“If that’s your story. Okay, these are the classrooms for MuL. Go find your room. I need to get something.” “Nah, this is my room and I don’t see my professor yet.” “What? 108? Oh. Uhmm..” “Oh yeah, Ate Joan. Want to.. I mean, if you’re not busy—” “So that’s what happens with too much math. Your language skills get damaged. Ha-ha.” “Err—wanna go out? I mean, you know, to catch up and all? Make up for this accident?” “Uhm. We are out. Now, all we need to do is get in the classrooms.” “No, I mean. You know, to eat?” “Oh.” “We don’t have to today. Just keep it in mind, then? Until the next time I see you?” “Hmm. I... suppose I could.” “Great! I got to run, my professor might be there after all. He might kill me.” “Sure. Oh, wait, Gelo?” “Yeah?” “She already nearly killed you, this morning. Your professor, I mean.” “Huh?” “Could you hold these class cards for me? Distribute it to your classmates once you get in the room. I’ll just go to the faculty room.”
Run
by bleu_director
Pale, silver moonlight bathes her path. Everything is still on this chilly evening. She is cautious of her surroundings as she makes her way across the dimly lit cobble-stoned road. Her eyes are wide and her head is spinning. Where am I? Each of her footsteps on the ground echoes through the darkness. She stops, listening intently to the night, hoping no one was following her. Suddenly, she senses someone, sending chills through her spine. Her pace quickens as she ignores the soft rustle of grass behind. She hears it again. Did the rustling become heavy footsteps? What is that presence lingering in the cold night air? Not waiting for her imagination to answer, she panics, running blindly. She runs, forgetting her weak knees and frail body. There is no time to stay behind and anticipate whoever was trailing her. Why is he here? She runs, hoping to leave it all behind in the shadows that intricately trace her path. I will forget it all, she convinces herself as she chokes back her tears, wincing at the thought of her vulnerability (or stupidity) surfacing again. Somehow, this frightening chase is sucking out the poison from her thoughts. It will all be over soon, she wishes, desperately wanting to escape. She gasps for air and looks behind her. He’s gone? Suddenly, she trips over stubbles on the road and falls with a thud, scratching her palms on the rough stone. She whimpers from the pain as drops of blood slowly seep through the cracks on her hands. Beads of sweat trickle down her back as she tries to stand up. She was tired from running away from... everything. Unexpectedly, a shadow approaches her. Her heartbeat quickens. She panics and attempts to stand and run away from him. How could he have known she was here? Her legs are rooted to the ground as if an enormous weight is tying her down to the cold stone. This is it. He caught her. And it was not a good thing. He extends his cold, bony hands when… “Deej?” She sits up with a jolt. “Are you okay?,” her classmate asks. A sigh of relief escapes her as reality dawned on her. “What a dream,” she tells herself. “Yeah, I’m fine. Just dozed off during the lecture,” she replies. But strange expressions are plastered on friends’ faces. “Then why are your hands bleeding?!!”
Fashion Patrol: Miss Grand Trad 2007—Celebrity Secrets by Triszh Hermogenes
Last Semptember 14, 2007, twelve of Hollywood’s hottest girls rocked Econ in the Miss Grand Tradition 2007 pageant. Not only did they wow the crowd with their wonderful performances, but they also impressed the Fashion Police by being dressed to kill. Here are some tips on how you can get their Grand Trad-sexy looks. 1. Britney Spears looked fairy-fantastic in a light pink polka dot tube dress, a pink necklace and sparkling rhinestones that accentuated her eyes. Celebrity secret tips: Use sticky lip gloss to stick rhinestones near your eyes. You can use different sizes to create different effects. What’s another way to open up your eyes? False lashes! Make sure you’re not allergic to them, though. Wear blue eye shadow for that flirty fairy effect and you’ll surely catch boys and girls’ eyes! 2. Kate Moss looked dazzling in a black v-neck sleeved dress. If there’s one outfit that could never go wrong, it’s the little black dress. Celebrity secret tips: The black dress is a closet staple. The cut and style of the dress is very important because that’s what’s going to make the outfit work for you. Wear pearl necklaces to add extra glam to your very chic ensemble. 3. Lindsay Lohan wore a blackbelted, rose-red tube dress. Her accessories were a pair of shades, a pearl necklace and bracelet, and a red fan.
5. Mary-Kate Olsen wore a red top layered with a light brown button-down shirt, striped shorts, rainbow high socks and chucks. Celebrity secret tips: Whoever said that Japanese streetfashion is crazy... is crazy! Harajuku fashion is love. Mix and match prints in different colors. The brighter the colors you wear, the better! 6. Tara Reid wore a shining, shimmering, splendid blue gown.
Celebrity secret tips: Guess what, you can actually make it look like you have a waist! All you need is the right kind of belt for a particular dress. You can position it really high or mid-torso, depending on the dress you’re wearing. Where you place it can make or break your outfit. 4. Nicole Richie wore a sheer black empire-cut halter dress with pink lining, high-heeled peep-toe wedges, a pair of shades and a shiny tiara. (I guess Paris Hilton is not the only princess in this world) Celebrity secret tips: Show off your hot legs by wearing a dress with an asymmetric hem. Wedges give you that extra height without the extra “ouch” that stilettos give. Oversized shades are still oh-so in. Try finding a pair with a unique shape so that you’ll look exceptional when you wear them.
Celebrity secret tips: When you wear a very elegant gown, keep your other accessories down so that they won’t compete with each other.
Madame Jaja’s Horoscope (Quotable Quotes Edition)
“The reward of a thing well done is to have done it.” Congratulate yourself for a successful ADHOC event. :D
ADHOC taskforce SECCOM finance LIAI acad CDC echoes EXTERNALS memcom SPEV sports
“Imitation is the sincerest of flattery.” So don’t fret because others are imitating your events, be flattered instead! :D
“Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” – a perfect example: cleaning the tambayan.
“Don’t stay in bed, unless you can make money in bed.” Well, don’t attempt to make money in bed. :P djslkjdlsajlkas
“Observe your enemies for they first find out your faults.” Yeah! Learn from them, they might be right at times you know.
“Trouble is part of your life, and if you don’t share it, you don’t give the person who loves you a chance to love you enough.” Share your troubles, it helps. “Asking a working writer what he thinks about critics is like asking a lamppost how it feels about dogs.” So don’t critic any write-up for the next three months to avoid others to critic your own! :P “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Share your thoughts. Almost everything matters.
“Never express yourself more clearly than you are able to think.” For saying without thinking may put you in a situation you’ll regret. :(
“Courage is doing what you’re afraid to do. There can be no courage unless you’re scared.” So you can’t say you’re courageous unless your afraid to do it.
“The fascination of shooting as a sport depends almost wholly on whether you are at the right or wrong end of the gun.”
Quotes from: http://www.quotationspage.com
Silip sa lumang logbook “SPEV Apps, Memcom chairs, Presidentts” by Raymond Zabala
Tambayan Photolog
An excerpt from the Ecosoc Logbook (AY 2003-2004), 1st Sem
Tsismis corner
Matatapos na ang sem and alam ko na excited na kayo sa chichi brought to you by the chismis squad! Kaya wag na natin ito patagalin pa! Adhoc Event: maraming sumaya at napasaya ng gabing ito. Kung dulot man ito ng alcohol o ng pag-ibig o pareho, di natin masabi. 1. Hindi ko mapigilan mapansin ang isang partygoer Ecosocer na talagang nagenjoy nung gabi ng adhoc event. The night started out slow for this certain Ecosocer dahil dahan-dahan ang take in niya ng alcohol, hindi niya alam, dahan dahan na din siyang nagkakatama, making this partygoer vulnerable to the charms of a certain flirty outsider! Tamang-tama for the newly single Ecosocer. Magkausap at sweet na sweet sila all night long, nakaupo sa isa sa “beds” at magkaakbay. Ayoon eh. Pero after the party, sa halip na i-get-toknow-each-other-a-little-bit-more nila ang isa’t isa ay parang hindi nagdeadma-han nalang. I’m guessing it’s the alcohol, dagdagan mo pa ng attractive lighting ng Bedspace, and the atmosphere. Woohoo! 2. Open bar is open to everybody pero dapat ata ay naglagay ang Adhoc ng disclaimer na dapat ilimit ang mga Ecosocers na mahina ang alcohol tolerance. Like this Ecosocer na early bird sa event. Excited si binatilyo dahil agad siyang kumuha ng nakalalasing na mga inumin. Kaya naman an aga-aga pa ay nahihilohilo, pulang pula at pinapawisan na at parang nawawala (sa sarili?). Pero in fairness to this binatilyo, nakuha niya pang tumayo at nakuha pang magsayaw! Winner naman siya for the night dahil talagang sulit na sulit siya sa open bar ng Adhoc. Buti nalang may kama sa Bedspace. Hooray for growth! Sa Tambayan: Masarap tumambay diba? Lalo na pag nandun yung apple of the eye mo… 1. May isang high-profile Ecosocer na single and partly-available, na malakas ang dating mapa-bata, matanda, member at aplikante. Bukod pa sa pagiging chick magnet, parang may nababalitaan ako na nakakaattract din siya ng isang happy applicant. Pero sobrang grabe galing magtago ng kanyang sikreto ang applicant na to kung hindi pa dahil pinakaaabangan na segment ng midsem. Nang tanungin ang applicant ng kanyang sagot, ang dating QSTing applicant ay hindi nagdalawang isip at matapang na sinagot ang hunky Ecosocer. Ano na kaya ang mangyayari sa kanyang feelings? Itatago na lamang niya ba to? Kelan ba tuluyang malalaman ng apple of the eye niya? Abangan ang susunod na kabanata… 2. Ang love teams ngayon, lalo na’t marami ang newly single at recuperating members out there. Kaya naman pag ang mga single and always available applicants ay nagkaroon ng chance para makamingle at makilala ang particular members, malaki kaya ang potential nila magtransition from magkaibigan to magka-ibigan? One thing’s for sure, mukhang nageenjoy talaga sa company ng isa’t isa dahil bukod sa lagi silang magkasama, from north to south. Pag itong dalawang ito nagkatuluyan, ang anak nila ay magiging super athlete! Good luck lovebirds! And that wraps up our chichi updates for the sem. There so much chismis around so if you hear anything, you didn’t hear it from us. And ingat ingat lang dahil lagging nakabantay ang…tentenenen… CHISMIS SQUAD!
Czarina F. Carbonel Editor-in-Chief