List of Great Happy Love Songs

Given its form, music is an art that is able to touch people in ways like no other. A riff or two, synchronized with sincere lyrics, can easily evoke certain feelings in the deepest recesses of our minds.

So, speaking of feelings, we all know that “love” is the most highlighted feeling whenever our calendars flip for February. So for this month’s column, I am sharing my list of favourite love songs.

Love is hands down the most talked about feeling given its universal nature. The thing is, love has its many facets – it can be a positive thing when it makes you happy and a negative thing when it instead makes you miserable.

So I’ve broken down my list into two parts: one for happy, feel-good love songs and another for sad, bitter melodies, hehe!

So for the past month, I’ve been browsing my music drive in search for my favourite love songs. Browsing through 5,500+ songs is no easy feat. It actually felt like being a judge for American Idol, haha! Making the shortlist of songs felt like the auditions. Classifying the songs felt like the Hollywood Rounds. And finally choosing which song goes into the list was like the “Final Judgement”, haha! In the end, I had to choose the songs that were most meaningful and had the best feel-good-about-love melodies.

Sophie B. Hawkins – As I Lay Me Down
Released: 1995
Though I'm far away
I'll whisper your name into the sky
And I will wake up happy

Michelle Branch – Breathe
Released: 2003
If I just breathe
Let it fill the space between
I'll know everything is alright
Given its upbeat melody, it hardly feels like your typical love song. But then again, its soaring chorus just gives me a certain high, quite very similar to the kind of high that love can bring. It’s no surprise that this song has been featured in many romantic movies.

Colbie Caillat – Bubbly
Released: 2007
Cause every time I see your bubbly face,
I get the tingles in a silly place
Its melodic acoustic arrangements set the tone right for love and romance, doesn’t it?

Mandy Moore – It’s Gonna Be Love
Released: 2002
The sooner you let two hearts beat together
The sooner you'll know this love is forever
(It's gonna be love)
Love needs time now or never
(It's gonna be love) It's gonna be tough
You gotta believe, it's gonna be strong enough

Leigh Nash – Need To Be Next To You
Released: 2000
I need to know I can see you smile each morning
Look into your eyes each night for the rest of my life
Here with you, near with you, oh I need to be next to you

Rosie Thomas – Since You’ve Been Around
Released: Unknown. I first heard this though from an episode of Grey’s Anatomy and of Ghost Whisperer
I’m foolish and crazy
I just think that maybe I gotta things to figure out
I’m winning, I’m losing
I’m afraid of never choosing this heart of mine, so beaten down
Before you came around
I know that the lyrics don’t really readily tell you the kind of good love one feels. But if you listen to the whole song, it’s basically about unexpected but wonderful changes in one’s life brought about by another person.

Emma Bunton – Take My Breathe Away
Released: 2001
I never thought I'd feel the way I'm feeling lately
When everything you seem to do just drives me crazy

Natalie ft Justin Roman – Where Are You
Released: 2005
There is someone out there for me (I know there is somebody out there)
I know she is waiting so patiently (yeah) can you tell me her name? (Somebody tell me her name)
This life-long search is gonna drive me insane

Hoku – You First Believed
Released: 2000
It was you who first believed
In all that I was made to be
It was you looking in my eyes
You held my hand
And showed me life
And I've never been the same
Since you first believed

John Mayer – Your Body Is A Wonderland
Released: 2002
You tell me where to go and,
Though I might leave to find it,
I'll never let your head hit the bed,
Without my hand behind it
The whole song is pretty much sexual overtones all over it, haha! But then again, it just depends in your imagination.

And now, for the songs that aren’t just melodically great, but also have words that truly capture a clearer image of the very confusing euphoric state that is love.

Mariah Carey – Always Be My Baby
Released: 1996
And we’ll linger on
Time can’t erase a feeling this strong
No way you’re never gonna shake me
Ooh darling, ‘cause you’ll always be my baby
The song actually chronicles a love that has ended, but I just like the way how one’s great hope for that love can remain fueled by a love that is so strong.

Rascal Flatts – Bless The Broken Road
Released: 2005
Every long lost dream led me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like Northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
It’s totally my anthem, haha! Well, I haven’t exactly found my “the one” yet. But the thing is, don’t for her in misery precisely because this much I know is true, that God will bless the broken the road that will lead me straight to her.

Edwin McCain – I Couldn’t Ask For More
Released: 1999
Every breath has been answered
Every dream that has come through.
Yeah, right here in this moment
It's that we're all meant to be.
Oh here with you, here with me.

Daniel Bedingfield – If You’re Not The One
Released: 2002
If you’re not the one then why does my soul feel glad today?
If you’re not the one then why does my hand fit yours this way?
Remember how in Chem 16, there’s this qualitative analysis experiment wherein we perform many tests to determine the presence of certain ions? Well, this song could well as be “the test” for the presence of love, hehe!

Michael Ruff – More Than You’ll Ever Know
Released: 1993
Take my hand
We’ll walk awhile, we’ll talk awhile
Feel my love, always there beside you

Stephen Speaks – Passenger Seat
Released: 2003
And I've got all that I need
Right here in the passenger seat
Oh and I can't keep my eyes on the road
Knowing that she's inches from me Wouldn't it be really romantic if you'd turn this up just as you drive your girl home after a wonderful date? Hehe! Cheesy much? Well, not when you're truly in love, hehe! It's like a license to be baduy.

Karla Bonoff – Standing Right Next To Me
Released: 1994
Beneath the moon tonight
I see it in your eyes -
No more false starts,
No more broken hearts.
I used to have a wish
One day I'd feel like this.
Now I know love exists
Cause it's standing right next to me.

Ronan Keating – The Way You Make Me Feel
Released: 2000
I couldn’t feel much better
Than when I’m here with you
You make everything seem so easy
I’m telling you the truth
You never try to please me
But somehow...you always do

Ryan Cabrera – True
Released: 2004
I've waited all my life
To cross this line
To the only thing that’s true
So I will not hide
Its time to try
Anything to be with you
All my life I've waited
This is true

Shawn Colvin – When You Know
Released: 2001
When you know that you know who you love, you can't deny it.
Or go back, or give up, or pretend that you don't buy it.
When it's clear this time you've found the one, you'll never let him go
Cos you know and you know that you know.
If you're into the whole serendipity thing when it comes to meeting the love of your life, then this song is definitely for you. Aptly so, it was featured in the motion picture soundtrack of the movie Serendipity.

COMING SOON: Part 2: Bitter Ocampo love songs, hehe!

To listen to 18 of these songs (the other two were not available), click here.

Announcement: Initial List of Nominees for Executive Council 2009-2010

The nominations for the election of officers that will serve in the Executive Council 2009-2010 were held last February 26, 2009 after the GenMeet. The Electoral Board, composed of Rex Dizon (Salagpi 2001A), Acey Duarte (Bucayo 2005B), Kath Gatchalian (Bucayo 2005B), Marco Lansangan (Kaputul 2004A) and Loree Sicat (Kadaya 2005A), presided over the nominations. Pre-cast nominations submitted throughout the day were also tabulated.

Here is the initial list of nominees for the different positions, pending approval of submitted rejection letters and cancellation of nominations for those who were nominated in more than 2 positions.

PRESIDENT:
Jennifer Castro
Gboi De Padua
Justin Dungca
Michael Gulapa
Felipe Pablo IV
Fergie Panganiban
Kevin Penalba
Aries Viray

INTERNALS VICE PRESIDENT
Jennifer Castro
Trisha Nacpil
Fergie Panganiban
Kevin Penalba
Jill Te - Canceled*

EXTERNALS VICE PRESIDENT
Gboi De Padua
Buduy Mallari
Trisha Nacpil
Felipe Pablo IV
Erika Pagapong
Fergie Panganiban
Kevin Penalba
Aries Viray
Jill Te - Canceled*


SECRETARY
John Carl Gozun
Michael Gulapa
Ruth Henson
Ruby Mamangun
Felipe Pablo IV
Kevin Penalba
Abigail Sunga
Jill Te

TREASURER
Carlo Cortez
Jewel Dela Cruz
Carousel Diaz
Justin Dungca
Diogenes Dy
Anj Herico
Buduy Mallari
Fergie Panganiban
Bryan Quizon
Julyn Tiatco
Michael Gulapa - Canceled*

EDUCATIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON
Carlo Cortez
Ruth Henson
Neicy Nicdao
Abigail Sunga
Gboi De Padua - Canceled*
Buduy Mallari - Canceled*

SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON
Bencio David
Minsky Goce
Ruby Mamangun
Neicy Nicdao
Felipe Pablo IV
Erika Pagapong
Jill Te
Jeremiah Torrico

*As per the revised Electoral Code, a member nominated in more than 2 position can choose to retain only 2 nominations. The rest of the nominations are automatically canceled. The member can then choose to formally accept or still reject the 2 retained nominations.

AguELECTIONS 2009: Important Dates
*Monday, March 2, 7pm - Deadline of Rejection Letters.
Final List of Nominees for the PreElections will be announced (i.e., Aslag Online, text brigade, etc)
*Wednesday, March 4 - PreElections
*Thursday, March 12 - Elections

Reviving the Crisotan

By Denesse Handumon

Originally printed in the Aslag: Sining 2009 Edition

Being in high school meant laboriously spending hours putting up with Balagtas’ Florante at Laura and the undying Filipino classic, Ibong Adarna. Both books are complete with the timeless and most of the time, supernatural struggle for love and the eternal battle between good and evil. Amazingly, both books have followed the proper measurement and rhyme in telling these stories in poetry. It’s actually commonplace to read poems of love and war but has it occurred to you that debating about salient topics could be also in the form of poetry? Most of us know Balagtasan, an argumentative verse usually recited during town fiestas.

The ingenious Kapampangans made their own version of the Balagtasan two years after it was conceived. As Robby Tantingco puts it, “The Kapampangans were so at home with poetry that they even debated in verse.” They named this verbal joust, Crisotan in honor of Juan Crisosotomo Soto. The term was actually coined by Amado Yuzon, the founder of Aguman Crisot who was also hailed Ari ning Crisotan from 1930 until 1979. The first ever Crisotan was held, not in Pampanga, but rather in Sta. Cruz, Manila where Yuzon himself moderated between Lino Dizon and Nicasio Dungo.

Interestingly, the Crisotan though extemporaneous as it may appear, is actually a well-rehearsed debate. It is usually participated by three individuals: the two opposing debaters and a moderator. The entire debate is composed of eight rounds. Each round contains two stanzas each with eight rhymed lines which may be composed of twelve or sixteen syllables. Debate topics range from the importance of gold or steel to the issue of from who does a student learn better, from a strict or a kind mentor and even to the still relevant issue of the appropriateness of making gambling legal.

Sadly, The Crisotan like many other Filipino traditions is slowly dying. The poets who once graced town fiestas with their passionate debates are now in the twilight years of their lives and the advent of the modern era has made the young Kapampangans forget about this impressive tradition. The UP Aguman recognized this and decided to include the Crisotan as one its events in the annual Sining competition. In doing such, it has helped in bringing the Crisotan back to the consciousness of the young generation of the Kapampangans, hopefully igniting their interest in this tradition which we can proudly say is genuinely Kapampangan.


ABOVE: Crisotan 2009. The contestants present the Crisotan piece
"Kaninu ing Parsala" by Rafael Maniago during Sining 2009 Day 1.

DBA wins overall championship of Sining 2009

February 21, 2009 – The second day of Sining 2009 proved to be a wonderful showcase of Kapampangan youth talent as contestants from 11 different high schools of Pampanga showed up at The Event Centre of SM City Clark for the 5 remaining competitions of Sining 2009.

The participating schools were:
Angeles University Foundation – Integrated School (AUFIS)
Brightwoods School (BWS)
Don Bosco Academy (DBA)
Holy Angel University (HAU)
New Era University (NEU)
Pampanga High School (PHS)
San Lorenzo Ruiz Center of Studies & Schools (SLRCSS)
School of the Infant Jesus – Dau (SIJ)
St Ann Colleges (SAC)
St Mutien College (SMC)
St Scholastica’s Academy (SSA)

Like in Day 1 last February 7, record number of competition entries registered for the Declamation (7), Solo Singing (15), Interpretative Dance (7), Modern Streetdance (9) and Rockoustic Band Competitions (9). The mall-goers at SM City Clark were surely entertained the whole afternoon and evening as the contestants bravely showcased their talent in the performing arts.


LEFT: Wowed. The SM City Clark audience enjoyed watching the performances.
RIGHT: High Intensity Win. HAU accept their Championship trophy in the Interpretative Dance Competition

Here’s the final and complete list of winners from all the events, from Day 1 to Day 2:

Essay Writing – English
"The Kapampangan language 50 years from now"
CHAMPION: Clarisse Katrin Ducusin (SSA)
2nd: Maria Nareen Mendoza (SSA)
3rd: Jhonry Dela Cruz (UA)

Essay Writing – Filipino
"Ang wikang Kapampangan 50 taon mula ngayon"
CHAMPION: Mara Louella Sangilan (UA)
2nd: Kayla Camacho (SSA)
3rd: Merry Gel Sigui (NEU)

Poetry Writing – English
"Who is a Kapampangan?"
CHAMPION: John Verlin Mayday (NEU)
2nd: Jose Mari De Jesus (PHS)
3rd: Ma. Katrina Gaylord Marcos (SLRCSS)

Poetry Writing – Filipino
"Sino ang Kapampangan?"
CHAMPION: Rhea Camille Malang (AUFIS)
2nd: Maria Carla Canlas (SSA)
3rd: Madison Dominguez (DBA)

Art Photography
“Modern Kapampangan”
CHAMPION: Katrina Mae Lim (BWS)
2nd: Ian Paulo Punzalan (DBA)
3rd: Lorenz Dale Rances (SLRCSS)

Poster Making
"The importance of language in preserving one's culture"
CHAMPION: Gia Mae Malonzo (SSA)
2nd: Angela Panlilio (AUFIS)
3rd: Leona Trishia Cortez (SSA)

Still Life Drawing
CHAMPION: Stephanie Manuel (SSA)
2nd: Ernanie Marin (PHS)
3rd: Sun Jung-Youn (BWS)

Impromptu Speech – English
“How does the Global economic crisis affect you as a student?”
CHAMPION: Abriam Josh Esteban (AUFIS)
2nd: Hil Petersen Vargas (DBA)
3rd: Katrina Cuaresma (SLRCSS)

Impromptu Speech – Filipino
“Ano ang epekto ng multilingualism sa pag-unlad ng wikang Kapampangan”
CHAMPION: Mheanne Celis (SSA)
2nd: Antoneth Castillejos (AUFIS)
3rd: Jericko Samson (UA)

Crisotan
Kaninu ing Parsala by Rafael Maniago
CHAMPION: Renc Dizon, Rose Ann Calma, Cristine Jenel Cruz (NEU)
2nd: Charmaine Manlapaz, Bettina DeLeon, Claire Cochon (AUFIS)
3rd: Archie Dela Cruz, Francis Panganiban, Albert Gomez (DBA)

Declamation
I Am A Filipino
CHAMPION: Hil Petersen Vargas (DBA)
2nd: Al Thomas Patawaran (SLRCSS)
3rd: Alyanna Marie Bermudo (NEU)

Solo Singing
CHAMPION: Karl Andrew Sicat (PHS)
2nd: Bettina De Leon (AUFIS)
3rd: Mark Jolly Mallari (SLRCSS)

Interpretative Dance
“Mirrong the past, Reflecting the future”
CHAMPION: High Intensity Performers (HAU)
2nd: Teatro Busko (DBA)
3rd: Eraians (NEU)

Modern Streetdance
CHAMPION: Intensity 8 (DBA)
2nd: NEU Streetdance (NEU)
3rd: AUFIS Dance Club (AUFIS)

Rockoustic Band
CHAMPION: Free To Play (BWS)
2nd: Equinox (DBA)
3rd: Mighty Band (NEU)


LEFT: Mall Show. The rockoustic performance of Free To Play (BWS) was like a professional mall show.
RIGHT: Day 1 Big Winners. The Scholasticans were the big winners for most of the Day 1 events. They placed 2nd overall.

After tabulating the points garnered by the winners from the 15 different competitions, Don Bosco Academy emerged as the Sining 2009 Overall Champion. SSA came in a very close second while AUFIS placed third. Bosconians rejoiced excitedly as they went into stage to receive their school's trophy.

OVERALL TALLY
DBA – 100 pts
SSA – 95
AUFIS – 85
NEU – 80
BWS – 40
PHS – 35
SLRCSS – 30
UA – 25
HAU – 20


LEFT: Another success. The AguPips take a pose after a successful major project!
RIGHT: Stepping it up. DBA's streetdance crew show off their dance moves after being declared the Streetdance Champion.

Sining 2009 is present to you by:
UP Aguman
The only and official organization of Kapampangan students from UP Diliman

Co-Presented by:
Lirna Tiatco, CPA

Also brought to you by:
Roymed Pharmaceuticals
Cerealicious (SM City Pampanga & AUF Branches)
Zen Zest (SM City Clark, SM City Pampanga & Nepo Mall branches)
Brgy. Captain Arien Carreon

UP Aguman would also like to thank:
Bags O'Beads
Cy Bautista (Kaputul 2004A)
Balibago Waterworks
Susie's Cuisine
Dondon Dy (Baskal 2007A)
Sikrams & Bitrams
Dominador Quizon
CreamLine
Waterbest
Rosing's Candy Store

The Event Called "Sining"

By Jeremiah Torrico

I can still remember back in high school, I heard my classmates planned to join this certain art competition. They were saying that this would be organized by students from UP Diliman, and that they were excited about joining. They told me every detail they know about it and, based from those, I thought it was just a usual type of art contest; you make your art, wait for it to be judged, and win (although, of course, the possibility of losing should also be prepared for). There was nothing unusual on it for me. Even its name, which literally means art in Filipino, also made me think of it as a normal contest suitable for amateur high school artists. Somewhat a typical high school competition where you do your best to grab the gold and brag about it. I never knew much about this Sining. Not until I went to college and join the UP Aguman.

During my first semester of being a member of the UP Aguman, I was invited to be a part of the ad hoc committee for the Sining 2007. I was so excited because I thought it would be an easy task just looking over a high school event, making colorful backdrops and props, watching the contestants do their thing while waiting excitedly (and impatiently) over who’s going to win. I was convinced that Sining was nothing but a mere art competition where high school students showcase their artistic prowess just to find out who’s the best at the end of the day. Until one time, I realized there was something different, something sort of consistent. The contest events in Sining seem to have something in common. They appear to focus on things that made the whole competition stand out among all the other art contests I’ve ever known. Their themes were all about things that I am very much aware about, things that are not uncommon to me. These things that have been part of me, things that I have taken for granted—being Kapampangan and being proud of it.

Sining, as it turns out, is an event that aims to incorporate the Kapampangan identity in showcasing the artistic endowments of young Kapampangan student artists as a way of uplifting and preserving the Kapampangan culture. It was then that I realized why the contest event Crisotan was given too much priority in Sining. It was actually during my first time to participate in Sining when I first heard of Crisotan. I thought it was just a Kapampangan version of the ever famous Balagtasan, but its implications reflect more than that. These events like Crisotan are more than just gateways of talents but are means of continuing the legacy of Kapampangan artistry that our Kapampangan ancestors initiated.

The other Sining events, on the other hand, seem to be in shape for different purposes. A friend of mine once asked me, “If this Sining is really Kapampangan oriented, then why do you hold events using languages other than Kapampangan?” He surely was referring to events like the poetry writing, impromptu speech, essay writing and declamation, all of which require the contestants to use either the English or Filipino language. It really was difficult to answer such an implicative question, but come to think of it, I was able to understand that these events were really not intended solely for the preservation of the Kapampangan heritage. Nevertheless, it doesn’t necessarily mean that these events are not in line with the goals of Sining. Instead, they are actually means of achieving the main objective of Sining; to allow young Kapampangan student artists to uphold their Kapampangan identity amidst the changing social trends brought about by foreign influences. Nowadays, educational curriculums dictate students to use only the English and Filipino language as the medium of instruction. Recognizing this is the reason why Sining opted to make some of its events in parallel with educational institutions in choosing the language to be used. By these, the greatest, most inevitable challenge of change is being considered. Nonetheless, Sining is able to set the momentum stable in maintaining its focus on the Kapampangan culture by integrating Kapampangan social issues on its themes, emphasizing the importance of the perspective of Kapampangans towards these predicaments.

Beyond doubt, Sining has been able to make important contributions in uplifting the Kapampangan legacy, at the same time recognizing the fact that artistry should always go hand-in-hand with socio-cultural concerns. Sining may not be the best art competition, but it is undoubtedly the perfect venue in showcasing the Kapampangan culture, artistry and talents.

Day 2, February 21, 2009, SM City Clark
Featuring the following competitions:
Declamation
Solo Singing
Interpretative Dance
Modern Streetdance
Rockoustic Band

AguPips win in two campus contests

Intelligent and able members are two things that Aguman never seems to run out of. Such was proven by the Agupips by dominating two campus contests for students last week; a test of ability and a test of intellect.

On February 11, the UP Psychology Society held an eating contest entitled "Burp It Out: Aba! Busog sa Ababu!" in line with its 56^th anniversary celebration. The shawarma food outlet Ababu sponsored the event which required the participating boy-girl pairs to eat 5 shawarmas each. Aguman sent three pairs, namely Jen-Lawi, Kevin-Julyn and Trish-Aries. Jen-Lawi eventually finished first among all the pairs and won the top prize of P1500. This is not the first time for Aguman to win such eating contests. Last semester, mighty AguPips also emerged as winners in another Psych-org-sponsored eating challenge, Chick-Nine-Y.

Merely six days later, on February 17, the AguPips once again joined a competition, this time a academic quiz show entitled "Tagisan ng Talino 2009" organized by Ilang-Ilang Residence Hall and held at the said dormitory’s lobby, in line with their dormitory week festivities. Three teams of three registered the competition which featured quick questions in mathematics, science, UP trivia and general knowledge. Team Sikrams was composed of Rex, Fergie & Acey, Team Bitrams of Kevin, Felipe and Carlo, and Team Buktu-Tan of Trish, Lawi and Bryan. After 25+ questions, Team Buktu-Tan garnered the highest number of points to emerge as first placers. The triumphant trio brought home P1500. Ilang-Ilang's "Tagisan ng Talino" was the same contest where the AguPips placed second last year and made Sarji Ruiz a popular name in the tambayan. The previous edition highlighted questions on local and foreign entertainment and media pop culture.

Kevin & Kath win Babarug Pipitik 4!

The top pair Kevin & Kath more than doubled their votes on the final round of voting to win Babarug Pipitik 4 and a chance to go on a posh and all-expense paid dinner date! Aries & Trish finished second while Felipe & Acey finished 3rd.

Final Tally:
1. Kevin & Kath - 1920 votes
2. Aries & Trish - 704
3. Felipe & Acey - 454
4. Gboi & Abi - 323
5. Michael & Ruby - 247
6. Justin & Jewel - 241
7. Justin & Ruby - 225
8. Kevin & Krisha - 207
9. Kevin & Acey - 142
10. Bryan & Quill - 113
11. Dondon & Raxiel - 92
12. Bong & Neicy - 47

The FinComm would like to thank all those who voted and supported this project and making it the biggest BBPP ever! Hehe! Til next year!

Babarug Pipitik 4: Semi-Final Tally

After a week of voting and the compatibility game after last night's Genmeet, here are the Semi-Final tally, as of February 11, 11pm!

1. Kevin & Kath - 620 votes
2. Aries & Trish - 404
3. Gboi & Abi - 393
4. Felipe & Acey - 249
5. Michael & Ruby - 247
6. Justin & Jewel - 241
7. Justin & Ruby - 225
8. Kevin & Krisha - 207
9. Kevin & Acey - 142
10. Bryan & Quill - 113
11. Dondon & Raxiel - 92
12. Bong & Neicy - 47

The top scorers for the Compatibility Game were:
1. Aries & Trish - 272 pts
2. Justin & Jewel - 206
3. Justin & Ruby - 205
4. Felipe & Acey - 168
5. Michael & Ruby - 158

Secret balloting will start today (February 12) until the closing of votes on Friday, February 13, 12 noon.

Flowers, Hearts, Diamonds and Spades

Memorare

She remembers.

She remembers the last Valentine’s Day she had with someone ‘special’ in her life. She remembers how he called early that morning and sheepishly read to her a cheesy poem that she thinks was meant to be romantic but instead just made her snicker. She remembers the gifts he sent through a friend at school that day: the box of chocolates, another poem - this one she liked so much that it became her favorite - and of course, the flowers.

She remembers the flowers. A dozen red roses. She remembers how beautiful they were, even though they were yet in full bloom. How pleasant their soft fragrance was. How soft the petals felt against the tips of her fingers.

Most of all, she remembers how sad the roses looked as she left them on top of the pile in that blue container labeled ‘Nabubulok/Biodegradable’ before she got into her father’s car. Like how she remembers throwing away the ring he slid on her finger merely a month after.

She remembers. Because she hasn’t forgotten.

“…And I love you because I know no other way than this: where I do not exist, nor you; so close that your hand on my chest is your hand, so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep…”

Sonnet XVII, Pablo Neruda

***
PUSOy

My life as an AguPip has been running for almost two years now, and those two years can’t be any more different as Justin Dungca and Ruby Mamangun. (Haha! Hanggang sa Aslag iniintriga e!) I admit being perhaps too serious during my first year here in UP – I was too GC and cared about nothing more than my course shifting. On my second year, though, having achieved my objective of becoming an Econ major, I decided to give myself a break. That’s when my real life began. I started taking my studies less seriously, hanging out with my friends more, exploring the different establishments around me and learning the things I didn’t have time to learn before. One of them was pusoy dos.

Pusoy had always been a popular game at the tambayan. Unfortunately for me, none of the people I grew up with were card game fans so I hardly knew any card games. The mems tried to teach me how to play pusoy, but I couldn’t learn it. Or maybe I really didn’t want to learn it then. Nonetheless, when my four and a half hour WF breaks came, I decided that I would die of ennui if I didn’t find something to spend my time on, so I finally gave pusoy a shot. Lame as it is, the rest, as they say, is history.

I’ve learned a lot of things through that simple card game – how you should never be too cocky because even with four dos’s you could lose (in Ate Acey’s words, “Mamakbung la.”), how hierarchy is needed to have an organized world, how you can cheat but should make sure that you never get caught (As Kuya Kevin said, “Pwede ba Nic kung mandadaya ka yung swabe naman.”) and a lot more.

However, the most important thing I’ve learned through pusoy is that life is all about dealing with the cards you’re given. Sometimes you get a good hand and sometimes you don’t. And while there’s seldom anything you can do to change the cards you received, you can always turn the game around with the moves you make.

***
Feb 14

I remember my first Valentine’s Day in UP. That morning I had to suck it up because I totally forgot that we were going to have an exam in Geog. At noon Kuya Kevin asked me if I wanted to study in the lib and I nodded, not knowing that the study-period-in-a-nice-and-quiet-place I expected would turn into almost three grueling hours of watching Kevin Patrick Estrabillo Penalba, in his full I-am-out-to-find-my-moon glory, snore the afternoon out, wondering if I should wake him up or let the army of irate people around him do the job. Finally that evening my friends and I got into a huge fight over the fact that I wouldn’t go to the UP Fair with them because I had to study.

This year Hearts’ Day falls on a Saturday which I suppose is good; except for the fact that despite what the Agu numbers and members say, I don’t have a chever, mystery or otherwise, and I have an exam on the fifteenth so I’ll probably spend the fourteenth studying and won’t be able to go out with friends. I guess it’s another loser Valentines’ for me.

Still, I’m thankful. Screw the date, the only thing that matters is that I have my ever loving family, my amazing friends and my wonderful AguFamily beside me. It doesn’t need to be Feb 14 for me to show them how much I love them and for them to show me how much they love me. We do it everyday. ^_^

***
Danke

World, I want you to know how much I thank all those people who were instrumental in my learning of the wonderful game pusoy dos: my Tutor #1 Lawi, Tutor #2 Bryan and Tutor #3 (the best of them all!) Kuya Gboi. Thanks too, to those who lent hands, namely Ate Acey, Ate Ferge, Kuya Rex, Mike, Trish and Ham. ^_^

AUFIS leads Sining 2009 Day 1 winners

February 7, 2009 – The first day of Sining 2009 was held at the New Era University with a total of 9 schools enlisting for the 10 different competitions.

Angeles University Foundation – Integrated School (AUFIS)
Brightwoods School (BS)
Don Bosco Academy (DBA)
New Era University (NEU)
Pampanga High School (PHS)
San Lorenzo Ruiz Center of Studies & Schools (SLRCSS)
St Mutien College (SMC)
St Scholastica’s Academy (SSA)
University of the Assumption (UA)

The contestant turnout was bigger this year for almost all the events: Art Photography (7 entries), Essay Writing – English (17), Essay Writing – English (18), Poetry Writing – English (16), Poetry Writing – Filipino (16), Poster Making (15), Still Life Drawing (16), Impromptu Speech – English (8), Impromptu Speech – Filipino (8) and Crisotan (4).

The winners for Impromptu Speech Competitions for English and Filipino and the Crisotan were immediately announced after they were held and AUFIS.

Impromptu Speech – English
“How does the Global economic crisis affect you as a student?”
CHAMPION: Abriam Josh Esteban (AUFIS)
2nd: Hil Petersen Vargas (DBA)
3rd: Katrina Cuaresma (SLRCSS)
Judges: Anril Tiatco, Ana Marie Alfelor, Jen Castro & Wendell Capili

Impromptu Speech – Filipino
“Ano ang epekto ng multilingualism sa pag-unlad ng wikang Kapampangan”
CHAMPION: Mheanne Celis (SSA)
2nd: Antoneth Castillejos (AUFIS)
3rd: Jericko Samson (UA)
Judges: Arvee Salazar-Cruz, Homer Gallardo, Francisco Guinto

Crisotan
Kaninu ing Parsala by Rafael Maniago
CHAMPION: Renc Dizon, Rose Ann Calma, Cristine Jenel Cruz (NEU)
2nd: Charmaine Manlapaz, Bettina DeLeon, Claire Cochon (AUFIS)
3rd: Archie Dela Cruz, Francis Panganiban, Albert Gomez (DBA)
Judges: Francisco Guintu, Homer Gallardo, Erlinda Cruz

OVERALL TALLY as of Day 1
AUFIS – 40 pts
DBA – 20 pts
NEU – 20 pts
SSA – 15 pts
SLRCSS – 5 pts
UA – 5 pts


LEFT: Team Registration. The AguPips man the Registration Table.
RIGHT: Mirroring the future. The crystal vase is the object in the Still Life Drawing Competition.


LEFT: I, Write. One rooms of the writing events for Sining 2009.
RIGHT: Sining 2009 Audience. The audience witness the showcase of talent at the NEU Hall.

Babarug Pipitik 4: You Changed My Life Edition

The Ultimate AguPIP Dating Service is back!
See sidebar for current tally of votes.

Aguman Members attend UP Leadership Summit

January 31, 2009 -- University of the Philippines Every Nation Campus Ministries (UP ENCM) invited the UP Aguman to participate in its Leadership Summit held at the Virata Hall, UP Diliman. The organization sent three members, namely, Jewel dela Cruz (Baskal 2007A), Trish Nacpil (Baskal 2007A) and Bryan Quizon (Pinanari 2008A), as delegates to the said gathering. According to the organizing committee, the activity was held in order to enhance the leadership skill of the students for the organizations that they are members of.

The whole-day affair featured three speakers. In the morning, Mr. Rad Sy gave a talk about success stories while Mr Ardy Abello tackled communications. In the afternoon, Mr. Jon Dolor discussed strategic planning to the participants on how to plan and execute projects that are related to the core values of the organization.

"The leadership summit was a worthwhile experience in such a way that it thoroughly explained how a leader should think (set a goal, battles can be won in the mind), speak (be clear, be connected) and act (be an inspiration). The thing that struck me the most though was the thought that leadership can only go as far as influence. Change comes within."
~Jewel Dela Cruz, Baskal 2007A

"People over program" -- ini ing metung dang sinabi a talagang e ku pa rin akakalingwan. Sabi da kasi mas mahalaga ing relationship mo with other people kaysa sa mga projects ng mga org. Tutu naman ta. Ali worth a siran me ing relationship mu with your orgmates para keng metung a project kasi agawan na mang paralan ita. Marakal ku pa atutunan at sana agamit ku la to help our org."
~Bryan Quizon, Pinanari 2008A

Aguman joins ICUP's Kalye Kultura 2009

January 30, 2009 -- Once again, the UP Aguman participated in "Kalye Kultura 2009", a cultural event organized by the International Club of UP. Now on its 2nd year, this event aims to celebrate local and foreign cultures and was held at the Tres Marias Area, behind the UP Ampitheatre.

Eight other organizations joined the event: UP Students for Christ (an organization founded by Koreans), UP SOCCSKSARGEN, UP Gimpong, UP Le Club Francais, UP Deutscher Verein, UP Piccola Italia, UP Club Ecotour and UP Tourism Management Society.

The different participating organizations decorated the booths assigned to them and prepared food and games that showcases the culture highlighted by their organizations. Among the interesting food and beverage offered were wine, brewed coffee, pizza slices and spicy seafood.

When it participated in last year's "Kalye Kultura", UP Aguman served tocino ang sisig. This year, famous Kapampangan sweets were showcased. These included turrones de casoy, uraro and other candies. The booth also a 'freedom wall' that asked the guests to translate the Kapampangan phrase "Asapu ke ing bola keng lalam ning tete". Both the AguPips and guests had a laugh at the different funny and outrageous interpretation by non-Kapampangan speakers. Three people managed to accurately translate the phrase and won P50 worth of prepaid load.

Intermission numbers included performances by KontraGapi and the UP SFC band.


LEFT: Proud Kapampangans. The AguPips entertain the guests at the UP Aguman booth.
RIGHT: Literally, Kalye Kultura. The rest of the org booths showcase a wide array of cultures.

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