Something Online This Way Comes
WHAT
As written in our organization’s constitution, Aslag is the UP Aguman’s official newsletter. And just like any other organization’s newsletter, Aslag exists with the important purpose of informing and documenting. But just like the very organization it serves, Aslag has continually evolved, adapting to each change in the environment in which the organization thrives on. It has now become more than just a newsletter, by and for the members.
In its almost 35 years of triumphant existence, the UP Aguman went through harder times. The Aslag was no exception. There were times when, unfortunately, our official publication was not getting the attention and concern that it rightfully deserves. Rightly so, some major changes were in order.
WHO
Constitutionally, the Records and the Publication Committee are in-charge of the publication. But the said committee is not the sole entity behind the Aslag’s success story today. The secretary and the editorial team he or she institutes may be the people doing all the legwork, but in actuality, it’s the members who contribute one way or another that’s what has kept Aslag alive and flourishing – members who sacrifice extra time to share their creative talent, and the members who fittingly appreciate the work.
WHERE
From a simple two-sheet newsletter, the Aslag was re-launched into a mini-magazine. Aside from the usual comprehensive documentation of the organization’s many events, no matter how big or small, it featured more creative work than the usual for the members to enjoy. From the serious editorials and officers’ columns, to the more wacky horoscopes, entertaining member awards and logbook best-of compilations, the major creative changes were well-received.
And now, in a desire for greater efficiency and longevity and adapting to the changing times and technology, from a mini-magazine, it has become a blog. It is yet another major change that has ushered in a lot more creative venues not only for the residents, but also for the alumni who terribly miss the organization that they have once (and still does, actually) considered their family during their stay in the university.
The Aslag may have progressed to a different form, but it has stayed true to its ultimate purpose of keeping the AguPips in the know.
WHY
The legacy that the UP Aguman continues to enhance will be for naught in the future if nobody will remember it. It is the Aslag’s very mission to make sure that all the worthwhile projects, the hard work, the wonderful experience, the lessons learned and the spirit of camaraderie will be preserved in history for the future generations of AguMembers to appreciate and learn from.
In its current online version, the Aslag reaches out to its dependable network of alumni who are scattered around the country and the world. Knowing that constant communication between the residents and the alumni is vital for professional, organizational and kinship reasons, it has transformed into a medium that can easily and conveniently be accessible to everyone.
The Aslag has also become a perfect venue to showcase the personalities and creative talent of the members. All the members have to do is take advantage of the chance and contribute. Not only are we able to know what our fellow members are capable of, but also, we get to know them a whole lot better with the many features we have of each other.
The Aslag has turned out to be a vibrant extension of our homey tambayan in the campus. While our physical tambayan serves as a venue where we can bond and enjoy each other’s company, the Aslag achieves the same function, albeit in virtual form – and not only for the members to enjoy, but also for the alumni. The physical and geographical constraints that prevents us from keeping the spirit of kinship alive has now been given a brilliant solution.
HOW
Like our organization, the Aslag has come a long way, undergoing many changes to be of better service to all concerned. Who would've thought that it will become this updated, accessible and interactive?
They say that technology develops with the changing needs of mankind. Which one causes the other is another story. But having said this, who knows what other better suited form the Aslag will transform into someday?
The future of Aslag may be uncertain, but one thing is for sure – without continuous efforts by the members to maintain it, the Aslag will not be successful
For now, let us celebrate the success of our efforts for Aslag the past year. With the constant improvements that we make in the blog, we have kept the residents and alumni connected to each other. Forever in the UP Aguman, we all still belong.
LEFT: This is the front page of the Aslag Issue No. 1, AY 2002-2003. The first issue handled by the author. It was a 24-page edition of member's articles, org news and space fillers, haha! The layout was done and finished at Lang's computer at 34G. Frontpage artwork was courtesy of Bong (Salagpi 2001A).“I want to be able to do things that have never been done before.”
I boldly wrote this in my first ever article as an Aguman officer. I wrote this early into my term, so naturally, my statement was teeming of hope and idealism.
But as we celebrate Aslag Online’s successful first year today, I can truly proudly say, I have helped built a legacy I can be proud of.
The Aslag, since its mini-magazine format to its online version today, has always held a special part in my Aguman heart. Not that I am counting, but I have voluntarily and happily sacrificed hours and hours and pays careful attention to every detail just to make sure that I can deliver an issue that will be enjoyed by the members. Eku akalingwan ing experience ku in publishing my first issue of Aslag. Metudtud ku keng tabla ning 34G na alang ulunan, ulas o sapin (eku pa kanita makatuknang karin) para mu ayari ke, haha! But it was all worth it. The feedback and warm reception that was produced by my editorial team’s hard work paid off.
I may never get another chance to allow me to thanks you all:
To all the AguPips (members and alumni) who contributed articles, artworks and/or agreed to be featured in the Aslag (paper and online version), thank you very much for sharing your time and talent and for letting us know you a lot better.
To all who constantly visit, tag and comment, thanks for the appreciation and patronage. Keep doing so, for it is what will always inspire the Aslag Online Team.
To all the silent lurkers, thank you still. Pamparami rin ng hits, haha! Joke mu. But seriously, paramdam naman kayo, the more the merrier! We will be more than happy to welcome you to our online tambayan.
To the new Aslag Online Team, good luck! Love your job, it’s what kept me doing this all these years. Think of how much the members, especially the alumni, rely on this blog just to be connected to Aguman. Elamu bubulad, pero mag-enjoy lang mumunta keni. (I should know, I’ve received messages, hehe). Lastly, I am more than happy and confident with the hands to whom I will turn over this responsibility to.
Now, I look forward to enjoying the Aslag from a reader’s point of view. I know how much hard work goes into putting it up, so I will surely appreciate it well. It was my labor of love. Let it be yours, too.
~Rex Dizon, former Secretary and Aslag Editor-in-chief, outgoing Aslag Online Head
***** ***** *****
For a year now, we saw UP Aguman enter one of the portals of technological innovations. We have stepped up another level and I believe, we are not stopping there. For sure, we will be having a series of more steps to take. But before furthering to that next level, what we have to do is to strengthen the foundation of the steps that we’ve taken already. What we need, in order to do such, are not even great minds, for we already have them. What we really need are considerable pairs of hands, to do work, to manage the transpiration of the great ideas of these great minds.
~Kevin Peñalba, Secretary AY 2008-2009, new Aslag Online Team Head
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