The Bosun Magazine: Summer Issue 2023

13thEditorialBoard

Editor-in-chief

Managing Editor Associate Editor

Pio Pantaleon

Elyze Garcia

Sofia Gutierrez

Creative Director

Marketing Directors

Politics and Opinion Editor

Campus Editor

Promenade Editors

Sports Editor

Human Resources Directors

Finance Director

Broadcasting Directors

Sophia Alexandra Espina

Lyka Manalo

Althea Sim & Pauline Vivar

Anri Mendoza

Luzy Dayrit & Nadine Medina

Yoela Leonor

Leslie Buhat & Vier Barreiro

Sei Alonzo

Marco Javier

WRITERS FEATURED IN THIS MAGAZINE

Luiecor Buagan

Yannis de Jesus

Arianne Gutierrez

Joshua Edillon

Elise Suarez

MAGAZINE'S LAYOUT ARTISTS

Sophia Alexandra Espina

Dani Peralta

Rai Reyes

Raymond Tugadi

Cover by: Raymond Tugadi

01 CAMPUS 02 PROMENADE 03

POLITICS & OPINION

A Road Trip to the Pitfalls of PH Mass Transportation System

EDCA: A Blessing or A Curse?

Mukha ng Awa exhibit: The beginning for Alab

Finance Security: Cryptocurrency as part of our future

KAMALAYAN 2023 as Kasangga’s Enduring Legacy

Junior College Batch 2023

Valedictory Address: Chill

Albasin

Junior College Batch 2023

Salutatory Address: Arianne Gutierrez

Enlistment Tips and Tricks for SY 2023-2024

PoliticsandOpinion

A Road Trip to the Pitfalls of PH Mass Transportation System

Article by Luiecor Buagan

June 29, 2023

The unceasing futile attempts of the government at straying (or, as they feign so) from the bumpy road of our jiggered public transportation system have always gone downhill. The misery and exhaustion of stumbling into a quicksand, that is this mass transit endured by the commuters everyday, is ineffable. Not to mention the amount of time wasted sitting or worse, standing in a public vehicle only to watch all the cars on the road struggle to get ahead of each other at an excruciatingly laggard pace, like snails in a race.

As unfortunate as it may already seem, the previous administrations’ half-hearted “efforts” only tend to drive us stuck in this roundabout, never really choosing a safe way to head to. Instead, it beats the red lights, going beyond the speed limit to rush to risky routes.

To a roadside slope by the skyways Congestion is a word already affixed to Manila roads. A research by GoShorty, an insurance technology site, reveals the congestion level in the Metro to be at 43%, amounting to 98 hours lost to the infamous traffic jam in the region. This makes Manila the world’s eighth city with the longest hours spent in traffic.

There is no doubt we can owe this issue to the unyielding growth of the commuter population every year, leading to more and more Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) cramming the public roads. One may argue that it is inevitable, considering that Manila houses more than 13 million individuals. However, the swelling of private car ownership alongside only adds insult to the injury. As a matter of fact, the Philippines ranks 15th among Asia-Pacific countries with the highest passenger cars sold, with over 180,000 vehicles on the record.

Indeed, this staggering figure contributes to the burden that the commuters must carry daily. But Filipino car owners cannot be blamed for resorting to this choice when the only option they are left with is to save themselves from such trouble (not that owning a car is a safeguard from the grievous traffic situation in this country).

What makes it worse is that, in dire need of the authorities’ assistance, they decided to uphold their misguided endeavor towards development. In their eyes, the best solution to this incessant problem is to keep building skyways. It cannot even be argued that it is just “one of the solutions” as they claim it to be when that is all they ever did

To put it simply, skyways are like an illusion that distorts our perception of the hideous reality of our transportation system. And the narrative that they keep feeding us is the only thing preventing us from taking a peek at the slopes on the sides that would certainly pull us out of our reverie.

To a one-way street of modernization

In light of the concerning recurrent surge in fuel prices as well as the traditional jeepneys’ contribution to air pollution, the government once again propounded the Jeepney Modernization Program that was first introduced by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in 2015. This led to another strike held last March by several transport groups, to which the administration responded with hostility and feigned sympathy.

Why the transport groups continue to oppose this idea despite all the revisions it went through and a promise of a replacement for the outdated vehicles is understandable. If the LTFRB deems traditional jeepneys “unsafe and environmentally damaging” the proposition to

Not only the operators will be directly affected by this lodged modernization program. The country’s economy and the general public are also foreseen to feel its strike. Teodoro Mendoza, a retired professor from University of the Philippines Los Baños, wrote in his 2021 paper the blind sides of the PUV Modernization Program, one being the imminent fare hike to recuperate the cost. Bottomline is that we lack the proper structure to support modernization and further development.

Although we have not gotten there yet, its foreboded consequences have already shaken the public, more so the operators, and should be enough to make the corresponding agency to heed the transport groups’ call for them to shelve

Lawmakers argue that the vulnerability of its systems are brought by the lack of preventive maintenance, absence of regular inspections and spare parts replacement, and poor implementation of safety measures in times of accidents and risks.

Aside from the outdated infrastructures, another drawback that the commuters are forced to face everyday are the limited routes. This requires them to get on and disembark only at certain designated locations which is a hassle to most passengers. It has even been adopted by now-called point-to-point buses which run along the length of EDSA.

Moreover, it is but a disappointment how the Philippine railway system has gone through several improvements over years without ever taking into account the good that its expansion and decentralization could bring. This long-term strategic plan could have already solved a part of this whole traffic crisis had it been taken into consideration. Parallel alternative train routes and extensive networks directly connected to different parts outside of Manila (even Luzon) could be the breakthrough this country has long been dreaming of.

particularly in the Metro only aggravated the situation. Another matter besetting both the authorities and the commuters is the buckled railway system in the country. The public outcry has only been amplified by recently stirred discussions regarding the foregoing issue. Dark as it appears, rather than moving forward with each step taken, we end up steering backwards, further and further away from our coveted development.

First and foremost, Metro Rail Transit (MRT) trains and railways give a high sense of insecurity among commuters. There have been many incidents of its trains breaking down that often lead to injuries, delays, and the commuters getting stranded inside the premises.

In the face of this whopping transport crisis, it is important to trace down the very root to be able to immediately cut the growing branches off. The signs are already throwing tantrums like a child–wanting to be noticed and yearning to be heard–all pointing to the government’s poor urban planning and deluded attempts at decongesting Manila and its neighboring regions.

Coming across a pitfall is one thing. But cautiously diving into it is another, and deliberately refusing to get out is already an outrageous choice.

EDCA: A Blessing or

A Curse?

A

The United States m Philippines is at its h thirty years, since th bases in 1991.

A total of nine local military access unde Cooperation Agreeme pronouncements mad Defense Lloyd Austin’s r

This is no doubt in res military aggression in Sea and Taiwan, where increase its military p counter it.

Yet, the Marcos administration’s decision to further involve the Philippines in the ongoing tensions between Washington and Beijing has caused mixed reactions from those within the country, from legislators, to fishermen and military attaches, to progressive groups.

Since its creation during the administration of late President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III in 2014, EDCA has always come with its fair share of criticisms and controversies. Fast forward nine years– not including the four new bases under EDCA– the U.S. military has access to the Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro, Mactan-Buenito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu, and Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija.

A Defense Against Chinese Aggression?

Those who support the expanded EDCA deal believe that allowing more U.S. troops in the country would act as a deterrent against further Chinese incursions into sovereign Philippine territory.

While diplomacy may and should always be the first option in foreign affairs, the past administration’s posturing towards China serves as a keen reminder of its effects–namely, that Chinese aggression only continued even as the Philippine government pursued friendly relations.

Highlighting belief as the main reason for the deal cannot be understated, with even one lawmaker in the House of Representatives proposing the new EDCA sites be located on Pag-Asa Island in the West Philippine Sea itself.

EDCA may also prove useful in aiding the Philippines during natural disasters and other calamities. The presence of both American troops and their equipment can boost the response efforts of both the local and national governments. This was the case during the 2013 Super Typhoon Yolanda where American forces were one of the fastest to respond in aid of the Filipinos affected.

Part of the deal is that American forces are permitted to build facilities and defense assets in select Philippine military bases. As such, the injection of U.S. money and infrastructure is expected to boost the sluggish modernization program of the AFP, as training from U.S. forces would bolster the capabilities of Philippines forces.

Or New Age American Imperialism?

The deal is not without its fair share of critics, however, as many cite the deal as bringing the Philippines closer to a possible war between China and the United States.

The proposed EDCA site in Cagayan is one such example–although its Governor, Manuel Mamba, has already expressed opposition to the measure. If chosen, the military base would be the closest American presence to the flashpoint of Taiwan.

In such a case that conflict would break out between Beijing and Washington, the Marcos administration’s decision to act as a launching pad for any U.S. contingency plans inadvertently bring the Philippines and the Filipinos closer to being dragged into war

Critics also cite the past actions of American military soldiers in the Philippines as a primary reason why the EDCA deal must be scrapped. The case of Jennifer Laude is one of the most common refrains, with her transphobic killing by American serviceman Joseph Pemberton causing an eruption of backlash against U.S. forces and their actions.

Another critique concerns one of the supposed benefits of the EDCA deal that is perceived by its critics to be, in reality, a major cost. The aforementioned modernization of the AFP that is believed to help the country is, in the eyes of the critics, something that does not stand to necessarily benefit the Filipino people.

This is primarily because of their belief that it state-led military forces that continue persecute and harass the various milita progressive groups in the country.

Taken in sum, the recently pronounced EDCA de between the United States and the Philippines like many other deals in the long and complicate history of the two nations–not easily clumped in being either “good” or “bad.”

In truth, the deal itself has many benefits but the same time, many drawbacks; and no sing opinion can genuinely encompass all t viewpoints on this issue.

Because, much like everything else in th Philippines, the issue isn’t as simple or polarize as solely “a defense against Chinese aggressio or “a new age American imperialism.”

Mukha ng Awa exhibit: The beginning for Alab

Article by Joshua Edillon May 03, 2023

From March 22 to 29, Alab presented their first major project entitled Mukha ng Awa: A Lenten Exhibit of the Holy Face of Jesus, wherein a collection of relics adorned the way through Hanns Seidel Hall. The exhibit featured a collection of sacred relics depicting the face of Jesus, brought to campus from the Blessed Ivan Merz Reliquarium Alab worked with the Tour of Sacred Relics, and this event marked UA&P as one of their first stops within a larger tour.

Since October last year, Alab intended an exhibit to accompany the Lenten season The plan was kept on hold until they received an announcement in January from the Tour of Sacred Relics, a traveling exhibit under The Cause for Canonization of Blessed Ivan Merz in the Philippines. The group had plans for a new tour and was inviting establishments to host their collection of relics. Marcus Timotii Sison, a member of both Alab and Blessed Ivan Merz, Inc.’s board of trustees, immediately relayed the news to the org

“Mukha ng Awa”

Alab wanted an exhibit to prepare the school for Holy Week and its leadup to the Easter celebration. As the tour focused on the Holy Face, the org saw an opportunity for visitors to reflect on the humanity of Jesus along with His divinity and victory over death Sison recalled Misericordiae vultus, Pope Francis’ 2015 Bull of Indiction, as the inspiration for the title: “He says that ‘Jesus is the face of the Father’s mercy because whoever has seen Jesus has seen the Father,’ that is why we chose [Mukha ng Awa], since we really need an emphasis on reflecting the face of our Lord.” Alab timed the exhibit to precede Holy Week That way, the viewer keeps their time of reflection fresh in their mind for the remainder of Lent

The choice to set up an exhibit, in particular, was part of their goal. Looking at the relics, the viewer was able to, in a way, come face-to-face

with God. “That’s the spirituality of St. Josemaria Escriva, ‘we see God in all things,’” Sison answered. Through the artworks or religious articles depicting His face, he added that, “we will see His suffering, the torments He endured for our salvation.” Moreover, with the central location of the venue, it presented a chance to pause the day for a while. He explained, “Before you go to the caf, the library, or USC, you will pass Hanns Seidel… you can go to the exhibit, spend some time, gaze at our Lord’s face, and by that, even the littlest pause will help them prepare for Easter celebrations.”

Alab’s first big step

Having begun in the middle of the pandemic, it was only this school year that the student org could truly enjoy the experience of an onsite event. While they met for the first time in 2022, they had yet to fully establish themselves and their mission as an org. “That was why when I proposed the exhibit, everyone was hyped,” said Sison. Mukha ng Awa was the org’s introduction to the rest of the school, one that demonstrated their role as the student arm of the chaplaincy. He continued, “We are not just under the chaplaincy, but we assist the chaplaincy in getting to know the students, their interests, and helping them cater to our spiritual needs.”

As for Mukha ng Awa, the exhibit brought “visual theological classes” to the student, but ones that were not out of reach. “They do not need to go to Italy or Jerusalem,” Sison explained, in order to see the sacred relics. Instead, it was a chance to see the face of Jesus for themselves in the middle of Lent, but without having to travel too far or set a whole day aside.

The exhibit was a success in this regard. Alab, first and foremost, aims to serve the UA&P campus in their spiritual needs, and Sison added it was a promising start. “We might be small, and we are not yet that terrible; we’re still building up. This will be the start, hopefully, of something wonderful.”

The Blessed Ivan Merz Family

The UA&P campus was only one stop in the Mukha ng Awa tour. Its organizer, the Tour of Sacred Relics, is an apostolate under Blessed Ivan Merz, Inc., and this tour is only one part of the group’s mission. Since 2003, they have been bringing relics across the Philippines to parishes, hospitals, and other establishments free of charge, along with other programs. Their collection, kept in the Blessed Ivan Merz Reliquarium in Marikina, is free to visit whether one wants time to reflect in the Lenten Season or any other time of the year.

You can find the Tour of Sacred Relics on Facebook.

Finance Security: Cryptocurrency as part of our future

Article by Joshua Edillon May 03, 2023

Finance Security: The Truth About Sustainable Digital Assets and Cryptocurrencies was a forum held last June 17 in Li Seng Giap Auditorium, centering on the benefits, risks and regulations around digital assets. The School of Social Sciences, Law and Governance (SLG) organized the project in collaboration with the Philippine Association of Fintech Lawyers (PAFLA), the UA&P POLIS, UA&P Law Student Alliance, and Business Economics Association (BEA). The team invited three speakers to lead the discussion, namely Atty. Vencent Salido, Atty. Zoilo Velasco, and Mr. Ricson Singson Que, all specialists in such fields as financial law, foreign affairs and cybersecurity. In the advent of cryptocurrency and the increasing reliance on the digital world, this event is meant to be a short course on the numerous concepts behind the scenes that the average person may not know about.

The main event

After Atty. Aristotle Valera’s opening remarks, Atty. Vencent Salido came onstage to talk about the benefits of cryptocurrency, as well as its risks and potential for criminal activity. Atty. Salido currently works in both the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC). He detailed Bitcoin and its technology, the challenges it posed, alongside the progress both groups have made in implementing and regulating this new form of currency.

While they were able to amend existing laws to include cryptocurrency, there is more to be done in the future.

The next speaker was Atty. Zoilo Velasco, who explained the basics of blockchain technology and how it functions as a currency. He addressed the potential of cryptocurrency as a part of the economy, provided it sees better regulation and more stable management. As a director in the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), he was also familiar with numerous attempts worldwide to start regulating the crypto market for the sake of its many investors.

Mr. Ricson Singson Que came to present the realities of the digital world as something that has ingrained itself into the average person’s lifestyle. Mr. Que is the CEO of SQrity Consulting, a cybersecurity company, and he explained the “digital footprint” and “digital identity” that anyone can leave by simply having an account on the internet. Because these footprints are permanent, they have become a separate aspect of one’s life that has to be taken care of, especially after death. Whether online pictures or cryptocurrencies, these digital assets are lacking in cybersecurity and end-of-life planning, and he believes they should start being taken into consideration.,

Planning and production

Atty. Aristotle Valera spearheaded the event, who also called his student, Denise Lachaona, to collaborate with him in production. They called the SLG and School of Economics (SEC) for support, given the relevance of the topic to both schools and their home orgs POLIS and the Business Economics Association, and the UA&P Institute of Law-Student Alliance. To form their own team, Lachaona enlisted the help of her previous debate mentees along with a few students from ANIMA. Lastly, as their president, Atty. Valera brought in the support of the Philippine Association of Fintech Lawyers (PAFLA). Their predominant goal was to raise awareness for financial technology, especially with the growing crypto market in the Philippines.

to experts, it’s the best source.” There is still a lack of trusted sources, and this forum opens up an avenue to the experts who already have experience. She continued, “We’d rather have that topic discussed by experts, as an educational institution, rather than just learning it from elsewhere, given that there’s a lot of misinformation.”

“To make cryptocurrency a household name”

More Filipinos have joined the cryptocurrency trend, many being drawn to its potential for a quick profit, but there are those who have invested without truly understanding where their money is going. The concepts, technology and the process behind it are not yet common knowledge. Lachaona, the project head, was happy to discuss what Finance Security aimed to achieve: “There are a lot of sources of information for cryptocurrency… Ultimately, if you’re listening

The new market is tempting, but with the financial risk one has to take, one must be prepared with background knowledge and an understanding of the environment they have entered. Lachaona talks about financial literacy in this regard: “It’s easy to say that you invested here and there, but there’s more than just investing; it’s best to be literate about these things.” Investors are putting crypto and blockchain technology to use, but without understanding the process, they will be spending almost blindly. “It’s not a good investment if you don’t know how your money’s gonna grow, if you’re just putting money there… and there’s something that’s happening but it doesn’t explain how. At least here, you can ground those concepts and then you can replicate the process.” Specializing in finance herself, she recognizes the role financial technology plays in stock trading as a whole, and in an increasingly digital world, it can help to stay updated.

KAMALAYAN 2023 as Kasangga’s Enduring Legacy

Article by Arianne Gutierrez

Date July 14, 2023

“KAMALAYAN”, the annual legacy project of KASANGGA, the socio-political party of the university, was held last July 8, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM via Zoom. This year, the conference was entitled “KAMALAYAN 2023: Ang Paglaban sa Historical Distortion” with the objective of raising awareness among the students about Philippine history, media literacy, and active citizenship. The event was hosted by Andie Miranda and Andrei Barredo while guest speakers Ms. Josefti Nito, former senator Kiko Pangilinan, and Ms. Thalia Villela were invited to enlighten the youth.

Main Event

The first speaker, Josefti Nito, is a UA&P history professor. She began her talk with a recommendation of a 2018 study called “Architects of Networked Disinformation” which

gives an overview of how social media is being weaponized to shape public opinion and political outcomes in the Philippines through the spread of false information.

As a board member of Kwago, an independent publishing company, and a project head of “Read for Hope” which advocates for educational opportunities in remote areas of the country, Nito concluded that being equipped with the proper knowledge is one of the best ways to battle historical distortion. However, Nito emphasized that it is not enough that one knows what is factual. Action must also be taken, such as joining and volunteering for civic organizations.

Lawyer and former senator Kiko Pangilinan

was also invited to the conference. During his talk, Pangilinan said that disinformation is more alarming today due to the rise of technology which is exposing more people to misleading content. “Good governance becomes compromised and undermined because of the liars and the cheats that spread disinformation. It gets polarized and disempowering. There is helplessness,” Pangilinan stated as he explained the dangers of false information.

When asked about his advice to the youth who are fighting against historical distortion, Pangilinan answered that one should be discerning, selective, and respectful when correcting someone. “Historically, the youth and students have always been a catalyst for change… Kayo ba ay tataya din katulad ng mga henerasyon ng kabataan ng nakaraan?... It’s an uphill battle. Kailangan protektahan ang apoy sa pakikipaglaban. Even if it’s just a small flame, we cannot let it be extinguished,” he added.

The third speaker was Thalia Villela, a 2017 cum laude graduate of Organizational Communication at University of the PhilippinesManila, chief political affairs officer of Kabataan Party-List Rep. Raoul Manuel, and senior legislative staff of Rep. Sarah Elago. She expounded on how technology is a massive enabler of disinformation. “Politicians partner with professionals to be chief architects of their network disinformation,” she explained. Villela also addressed that the educational crisis is one of the root causes of why disinformation is prevalent in the Philippines.

She encouraged everyone to take a stand against disinformation. “The bolder step for us, youth, is to be active in our civil society by joining organizations and media outlets,”

Closing Remarks

KAMALAYAN 2023 was headed by Kasangga’s Mariz Angeles, and she expressed her gratitude to the hosts, speakers, and audience at the end of the event. “KAMALAYAN wouldn't have been this successful without your insights,” Angeles remarked. She also thanked everyone in Kasangga who made this event possible. Finally, she shared her desire for one particular thought to resonate with others: “I hope that there is one thing people can remember. We, the youth, have so much power to change the world. You and I can become the people we want to be, the change we want to see.”

A round of applause for Kasangga’s successful KAMALAYAN 2023!

Promenade

“Nakakapagod na!" I bet we've all used this phrase a million times when we're overwhelmed with a gazillion things to do. But you know what? These words are like our little reminders to take a deep breath, regain our composure, and get back on track to conquer our dreams! Members of the Management Committee, Members of the Operations Committee of the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Maria Concepcion Lagos, Vice Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Ms. Margeaux Marie Valdez, Junior College Program Director, members of the faculty, parents, batch mates, family, and friends, a warm morning to you all.

When I was 15, SABIO evaluated me for a scholarship grant. There were concerns about my age and handling the challenges, but, thankfully somehow, I convinced my interviewer (Thank you, Mrs. Decena) to trust in my ability to thrive and survive the Dragon way. Now I'm here as a reminder that age is really just a number. I survived by respecting boundaries, constantly challenging myself, being grateful, and making sure I spread kindness to anyone I come across. I survived through sheer will and determination!

Junior

College Batch 2023

Valedictory Address: Chill Albasin

Chill Albasin, Junior College Batch 2023 valedictorian, delivered her speech on Saturday, July 29. Here is the transcript of her address.

My name is Joseayn Dennies Paloma Albasin, your friendly MA IMC student from Cagayan de Oro City. Let's just say I'm an academic scholar (thanks to UA&P and Sabio for believing in me!), a student leader (shoutout to Odyssey and Virtus!), a varsity member (One Love Squadra, where you at?), a working student, a student jockey, and a friend to the most awesome batchmates.

Humility has been my anchor throughout this adventure. I have been blessed enough to receive many opportunities at a young age, but like poet, Kendrick Lamar said, I’ve always told myself to BE HUMBLE. We're all like sponges, soaking up knowledge and experiences, growing together, and embracing every

moment. So, acknowledge that the only way to begin is from the bottom, so it’ll be worth it when we can finally say that “now we’re here”.

And let’s not forget love, which is truly the secret ingredient we need to stay fueled and driven. Loving ourselves by chasing our dreams or loving others by forging deep connections and spreading kindness… are all such infectious things!

You see, we may get tired, we may feel let down, we may feel like we’re failures, but we should never run away from our dreams because we have the love and support of people who matter the most to us. Let us not desert our mission to achieve greatness because our future should be filled with Godliness, comfort, success, and love. And, in this journey, we've developed a little something called grit! It's that inner courage that keeps us going, no matter what challenges we face, because we know our goals are worth every sacrifice. It might get tiring at times, but dragons like us can take it after all. When we see that the people we love are happy because of what we’ve accomplished, the fire in us will keep on blazing!

Speaking of blazing trails, can we talk about our UA&P family? Our bond is unbreakable! In our first year, we were strangers in little boxes during Freshstart but managed to navigate the new normal in the second year, face to face, hand in hand, we finally made it! We've stuck together through thick and thin and inspired each other to step out of our comfort zones. Our celebration today should inspire us to all be masters of our own fates.

We just completed our Junior College journey which is the initial phase of our Six Year Integrated Program. There is great truth in the saying that it takes a village to raise a child.

Beloved teachers, your never-ending patience is beyond compare. Thank you for sharing your precious time and wisdom. Know that we appre

appreciate you all. To the admin and staff, especially to our kuya and ate guard friends, hats off to you all po.

Dear parents, you are God’s greatest gifts to us. You make the greatest sacrifices by providing us with all our needs, guiding us with your wisdom and vast experiences, while allowing t h ll

batchmates.

The glow up is real. Nakakapagod pa ba rin?

Yes, I suppose we are all scared about what’s to come, because growing up will never be easy, but we have also learned that it can be meaningful and fun. Even as we part ways, we know that we will be cheering on for one another no matter what’s written on the pages of our next chapters. Let’s be confident that our stories will be both monumental and exhilarating. As we start anew, be assured that every line from this day onward will be worth it.

Miss Mags, these next words are for you. Thank you so much for being the one who started it all. The Junior College Program, I’m sure, has prepared us for what lies ahead. We will miss you and we wish you success in your future endeavors! Before I end, I would like to tell my mom, dad, and Kuya that I love you three to infinity and beyond. And above all, I would like to thank Somebody up there for making all these wonderful things happen. I surrender my life to you, my Lord! And honestly…JC Batch 2023? Slay.

Junior College Batch 2023

Salutatory Address: Arianne Gutierrez

Arianne Gutierrez, Junior College Batch 2023 salutatorian, delivered her speech on Saturday, July 29. Here is the transcript of her address.

Two years went by in the blink of an eye, and it is now my honor to stand before all of you today.

Members of the Board of Trustees, Mancom and Opcoms of the different schools, beloved teachers and mentors, the former and current directors of the JC Program, efficient university staff, dear parents, friends: welcome to the Commencement Ceremony of the University of Asia and the Pacific Junior College Class of 2023 who have blazed trails and have tried to practice the virtue of excellence both in and out of school.

It felt like it was only yesterday when I received the news that my merit scholarship had been granted by the university. I was overjoyed as I had my eyes set on the Junior College Program of UA&P which allows us to graduate with a master’s degree in just 6 years. There was no question that I would accept the generous offer of the school, an opportunity that I have been so immensely grateful for up to this day. I was excited to begin a new journey by leaving Batangas, my hometown, to pursue and realize bigger dreams. It was only in my second year that I realized that leaving my home was real, and I became anxious.

Attending face to face classes at UA&P meant saying goodbye to a lot of familiar things. For instance, enjoying home-cooked meals with my parents every night, hearing the loud barking of our dogs, lying on my soft, cozy childhood bed, being with my friends who laughed and cried with me, and finally, hearing the affectionate nagging of my mother. I was going to miss the sounds and smells of home. Going to UA&P meant being all by myself in a big city, adapting to a completely new and different environment, spending sleepless nights reminiscing about the past, and even missing out on important life events of my loved ones back home.

In hindsight, I realized that what I was afraid of were the growing pains and the loneliness I might experience in a new and possibly hostile environment. I felt like I lost so much but I gained so much more by studying at this university. Being in UA&P allowed me to know myself better by acknowledging my strengths and weaknesses and by enhancing my skills in different situations. Despite the heavy workload, I chose to contribute articles to The Bosun, the official school publication, just because I wanted to. Being such an introvert, I surprised myself because I joined the Junior Networkers Society which is the official arm of the Public and International Affairs Office. Ultimately, it was UA&P that taught me how to soar high like a dragon, and this would not have been possible if I never left my nest.

My fellow students will agree that we would not have made it this far without the help of all those who took the journey with us. We are grateful to our parents for being our inspiration in everything we do. Thank you to our kind and patient professors whose efforts kept us on the right path and for encouraging us to be the best of the best. Thank you to our mentors for showing us what is truly important in life and for molding us to become well-rounded individuals. To our friends and to those of us who have dorm mates, we are grateful for your camaraderie, love, and affection. I think we can all say that we have forged good and lasting friendships. We have been very supportive of each other and have been able to discover the potential and creativity we thought we never had.

Now that we are moving on to yet another chapter in our lives, we may feel nervous and anxious about the unknown. But I believe that we should embrace and welcome these feelings because success is often accompanied after a sense of fear and uncertainty.

Having been well-prepared by the JC Program to pursue our wildest dreams, let us have the confidence since we are equipped not only with

appreciate you all. To the admin and staff, especially to our kuya and ate guard friends, hats off to you all po.

Dear parents, you are God’s greatest gifts to us. You make the greatest sacrifices by providing us with all our needs, guiding us with your wisdom and vast experiences, while allowing us to conquer our own challenges. You will always have our undying gratitude.

The glow up is real. Nakakapagod pa ba rin?

Yes, I suppose we are all scared about what’s to come, because growing up will never be easy, but we have also learned that it can be meaningful and fun. Even as we part ways, we know that we will be cheering on for one another no matter what’s written on the pages of our next chapters. Let’s be confident that our stories will be both monumental and exhilarating. As we start anew, be assured that every line from this day onward will be worth it.

Miss Mags, these next words are for you. Thank you so much for being the one who started it all. The Junior College Program, I’m sure, has prepared us for what lies ahead. We will miss you and we wish you success in your future endeavors! Before I end, I would like to tell my mom, dad, and Kuya that I love you three to infinity and beyond. And above all, I would like to thank Somebody up there for making all these wonderful things happen. I surrender my life to you, my Lord! And honestly…JC Batch 2023? Slay.

Enlistment Tips and Tricks for SY 2023-2024

Article by Elise Suarez

It's Enlistment Season, Dragons! Whether it's your first or fourth time, the nerves never disappear when fighting for your favored class slots and professors. Whether you’re scrambling to prepare or you got it all figured out already here are some tips and tricks from schoolmates that may help you survive enlistment season.

BEFORE ENLISTMENT

Check the system!

Check your student profile and ensure all the information about you in the system is correct, such as your Program, Year Level, and if you are indicated as a Scholar. For discrepancies, you can address them and update your profile before enlistment to save yourself a lot of headaches.

Know your course subjects!

Revisit your course curriculum and take note of the subjects you need to take this semester For irregular students and those who need to retake certain classes, this is crucial! Don't forget to contact your academic adviser to confirm which subjects you should take Allow them to help you figure out what your plan should be for this year

Know your professors!

Once you know what subjects you need to take, you can do your research on the professors teaching them. Do you have a favorite professor you want to learn from again? Did you hear good things about a professor you’ve never had a class with before?

Is there a new instructor you’re curious about?

You can also think about your learning styles and find out if certain professors’ teaching styles will suit you. You can find out if you…

Ask for advice!

Every college has an academic adviser you can contact for questions about load revisions and other concerns. But more than that, you also have the invaluable experiences and perspectives of your batchmates, upperclassmen, and mentors at your disposal! Don’t hesitate to ask around for your friends’ experiences in certain classes, your upperclassmen’s hits and misses, and your mentor’s advice. All their input will help you make the best enlistment decisions for the upcoming semester.

Plan your schedule!

Once you finish researching and consulting, it’s time to get down to business. One of the good things about enlistment is that you can design your weekly class schedule and manage your own time. Make a spreadsheet and write down the options for the class times you can choose from. Once it’s all mapped out, you can start planning a schedule that works for you. How do you want your school days to go? Do you want to spread out your classes throughout the day or have them one after the other? Are you a morning person or a night owl? Do you have nonnegotiable times you need to block out for training, organizations, or other commitments? The choice is yours!

Make permutations!

In an ideal world, we would all have our perfect schedules and perfect days that go according to plan. But because of a limited number of classes and slot availability, we need to adapt and think ahead if our preferred schedule doesn’t work out. Make different schedule versions with your first, second, and third option classes so you don’t panic if you don’t get your ideal slot. Play around with your options and make sure you don’t have any scheduling conflicts.

Take care of all the financial stuff!

Make sure the financial side of your enlistment process is in order! Know your payment scheme and organize the necessary paperwork and documents ahead of enlistment day. You need to upload your proof of payment during enlistment, so be prepared!

ENLISTING WITH FRIENDS

Life is easier when you have people you can rely on and trust by your side By enlisting with friends, you can have automatic lunch and study buddies you can power through busy school days with. However, it can be difficult to match schedules and find common times that work for everyone. Here are some quick tips for enlisting with friends:

Plan your schedules with them in advance, not on the enlistment day itself!

Have a version of a schedule where you have classes with friends, but also a version where you don’t Just in case

If you and your friends can’t get the same time slot for a subject, try to at least get the same professor. Having the same professor means you can still study the same readings and assignments together after class

DURING ENLISTMENT

Get a good Wi-Fi connection!

This may be common sense, but get a strong Wi-Fi connection! For those who still have to take CAS subjects, this is crucial in ensuring you can secure a slot when competing with more than half of the whole school!

Be on EmpowerEd at least 10 minutes before 9:00 am!

Prepare your spreadsheet, proof of payment, emotional support drinks and stuffies to get through the day.

Don’t hesitate!

Be confident when enlisting! Claim your slots!

Prepare to email helpdesk@uap.asia if you come across an issue!

AFTER ENLISTMENT

Check your Canvas dashboard to view your enrolled subjects.

Once the entire process is over, check your Canvas account and (hopefully!) celebrate your success instead of bemoaning your situation. In the event you notice you have a missing subject, go back to your Empowered profile to check for the following:

Enlisted Subjects / Registration Certificate (RC)

View all your enlisted subjects to ensure you were enrolled in all of them. If there is a missing subject on your registration certificate, it won’t show up on your Canvas dashboard You will have to take a trip to the Registrar’s Office and ask for assistance

If you have an Enrolled status.

With these tips, we at The Bosun wish you all the best of luck this enlistment season! Don’t forget to hydrate, take a deep breath, and say a little prayer for everything to work out. Fight for your choices but go with the flow if you don’t end up with your ideal plan. Who knows, maybe life has its own plan for you!

Special thanks to Althea Sim, Jamie Alabin, Annagreth Chiong, Patricia Panaligan, and Ianna Yaneza for their invaluable advice for their schoolmates and underclassmen!