UP Aguman | ASLAG ONLINE: Your Virtual Aguman Tambayan

Welcome to UP Aguman's Official Website

2009-09-06T22:45:00.003+08:00

Welcome to ASLAG ONLINE 2.0, also known as the Official UP Aguman website, our new online tambayan! *clap clap* Since the Records and Publications Committee successfully instituted ASLAG into the virtual world two years ago, the committee never stopped and has continuously sought ways to improve the features and quality of what they hope to be the best Kapampangan online hangout. Inspired by the overwhelming support of the residents and alumni, the committee has constantly pushed standards through the inventions of new gimmicks and exploration of new grounds that bring not only entertainment and updates but also has strengthen the ties between Aguman resident members and alumni both here and abroad.

Now, as a part of yet another effort to broaden the Kapampangan online horizon, we bring to you the…. *drumroll* UP Aguman’s Official Website *clap clap*. Proudly brought to you by the Records and Publications Committee 2009-2010. We DO our thing.

To visit the new website, click here.

Home is where the heart is

2009-08-19T00:12:00.003+08:00

By Jhae Dela Cruz

I found out about Cory Aquino’s passing while I was getting my daily dose of online news from Inquirer. Since I’m a little far from home, I make it a point to keep in touch with local news.

What struck me most about Cory is how well she balanced being a mother to the whole country as well as a widowed mother to her own children. She always said in her interviews in the past that she was “thrown into politics”. But everyone, including her, has a choice, and she chose to be brave in order to serve her country. And that alone, is a very noble act because it’s a start of her lifelong sacrifice for the Filipino people. She stood up for her beliefs and led the whole country to the freedom that they wanted and needed, guided by her faith in God.

While reading the news, a realization hit me. I’m almost ashamed to admit that I don’t know that much about Philippine history. Sure, I know all about the basic stuff, with all those years in school but I felt like it’s not enough. In no time, I got addicted in reading about martial law and Cory Aquino (well, I have to start somewhere). At least, I can say now that I don’t feel like a hypocrite anymore in writing this piece. In my job, I spend a lot of time talking to guests from all over the world and I enjoy learning new stuff. Sometimes, I encounter people who visited or stayed in the Philippines at one point in their lives. They tell me stories about their experiences and then a friendly banter will start. I tell them about how the Philippines is now and how crazy it is living there. I talked animatedly about how a two-lane traffic can become 5 or how you can’t even use your cell phone in public places, lest you want to risk losing it to snatchers. I shared how public transportations work and how hot it is in the country. But I get surprised when they tell me that, “I bet you’re happy you’re in this country now…” I guess they misunderstood me when I shared all those amusing anecdotes about the Philippines. I’m not saying all those stuff because I hate my country. On the contrary, it just cures my homesickness by reminiscing about my crazy life in the Philippines. I didn’t tell them those facts to make my country look bad. I’m actually just sharing it so they can understand how it is living in there and to show how Filipinos adapt to things that they can’t change. After all, I always follow it up with this: Philippines may sound crazy to you, but it was, and still is home to me and right now, there’s nowhere else I want to be.

It might be crazy living in the Philippines, especially these days with elections just around the corner. But Cory, until death, believed in change and wanted nothing but the best for our country. Her love for her country is unmatched, even unbelievable. Cory’s death did something good. Filipinos all around the world united to mourn for the woman who helped bring democracy again to the country. It also reminded us how we should protect that gift. Personally, it made me to go back and try to learn more about my country’s history and trace my heritage. It also made me think of how of much I love the Philippines and how no matter where I end up at, it will always be home to me.

Janine "Jhae" Dela Cruz is an Aguman alumna from batch Sampelut 2003A and is currently based in Atlanta, GA. She actually started writing this piece about Cory and the Philippines even before Cory died, so now she finally found the inspiration to finish it. This is still part of the Aslag Online tribute to the beloved former Philippine President, Cory Aquino.

AguPips chow their way to cash

2009-08-17T23:02:00.008+08:00

By Nic Dao

“Basta pamangan, pagkakitaan!”

True to former AguPresident Jen Castro’s words, current Externals Vice President Aries Viray and partner Felipe Pablo IV raked in a thousand pesos in cash after the two chewed and swallowed their way to the top of the podium in Tsibugang Pinoy a food-stuffing competition organized by Buklod Isip, held on August 7, 2009 at the Palma Hall Annex lobby.

Aries and Felipe chewed off over twenty other participating teams, including the tandem of current president Kevin Penalba and Internals Vice President Trisha Nacpil to claim the top dog’s spot in the three-round competition.

The two nailed in an early victory in the first round after finishing two sticks of fishballs each ahead of everyone else. Kevin and Trish finished two teams behind them, enabling both AguTeams to enter the second round, which saw Aries and Felipe lose the pole position and settle for second after another team finished a cup of isaw each first. Fortunately, their winning tandem was able to stage a ‘return of the comeback’ in the third round by downing three balut eggs in a speed faster than any other team could contend with.

The audience, AguPips and non-AguPips alike, cheered when Aries (who had to cut his Psych 108 class held at the second floor of PHAN so he could participate in the contest) and Felipe were declared winners of the competition and received five hundred pesos each as prizes.

Winning Form. Kevin and Trish chow their way to 3rd place (pictured left), whilst
Aries and Felipe emerge as the top winners in the eating contest (pictured right).

“Nakakatakot si Felipe. Ininom nya ng straight yung sauce ng isaw tapos nonchalant lang, kinuha pa yung kay Aries.” Said an amazed Mike Gulapa, the current AguSecretary, who cheered closely for the two AguTeams with fellow members Jen Castro, Justin Dungca, Ruth Henson, Nic Nicdao, Carou Diaz, Migs Esguerra and Julyn Tiatco.

Kevin and Trish finished third overall, but unfortunately the competition was a winner-take-all tilt. At the end of the day, the victorious AguPips all headed off to Vinzons Hall for two hundred pesos’ worth of fishballs and siomai courtesy of Aries and Felipe.

When asked where they drew the strength to chow away to a grand, Felipe answered, “Sa bato. Aries, ang bato! Ang bato ng balut!”

Cory Aquino in the eyes of a fellow Tarlaqueña

2009-08-15T16:15:00.004+08:00

By Jet Rivera

I'm an Aguman member from Tarlac City - San Miguel, Tarlac City where the Cojuangco's Hacienda Luisita is located. Whenever I introduce myself and say that I am from Tarlac City, people would rejoin and mention, "Ah, Hacienda Luisita!" I would just smile, somehow relish at the thought that people associate me with the vast Hacienda. I would often tell my mom, "They also think that I am a haciendera."

Tarlac became prominent in our nation's history not just because of this place, but because of its noble sons and daughters who had carved a niche as gallant freedom fighters and valiant statesmen. To name a few, we Tarlaqueños are proud of Gen. Francisco S. Makabulos, a native of La Paz who fought during the Revolution against the Spaniards and later, against the Americans; Gen. Servillano A. Aquino, also an officer of the Revolution who became a delegate to the Malolos Congress; former Senator Benigno Q. Aquino Sr; national hero Benigno Servillano "Ninoy" A. Aquino Jr. and of course, the "simple" housewife who restored not only our democracy but more importantly, redeemed our national dignity before the world, former Pres. Ma. Corazon Sumulong Cojuangco-Aquino – a feat no man had accomplished.

To many, she was just Ninoy's widow, or a little later, Kris' mom. But to all of us, she is CORY – the 11th President of the Republic of the Philippines – the first woman president (and unarguably the only well-loved, highly esteemed woman President up to this date).

The first time I heard about the name Cory was in 1986. We were then the only family in our barangay that owned a television set and so, all residents went to our house to watch history as it unfolds at EDSA, except for our neighbor the Capitan del Barrio who was a Marcos loyalist.

Since then, every classroom I went to had a picture of Cory, the President. Some of her critics from Tarlac used to lament the fact the Cory did not "urbanize" Tarlac the way Marcos did to Ilocos Norte. My family would always defend her by saying that Cory is a righteous leader who does not give unfair preference or favor just because she was from Tarlac.

With the outpouring of grief, love and support for the Aquino family during Cory's funeral, the list of Tarlaqueños I am proud of became longer. Added to it were Cory's children & their families for we have witnesses how unselfishly they have shared the last moments of their mother with the people! My respect for the former First Family grew! We could only yearn that our present and future leaders emulate their worthy example.

I was out of town when the news about President Cory's death reached me. I couldn't explain why it felt so heavy, as if I lost a relative or someone dear to me. I continued monitoring everything about her wake, My eyes were permanently glued to our screens – TV & computer alike, until the very last second of the media's coverage, never mind my deadlines. I felt that it was the least I could do to honor her memory and legacy.

Now I knew why I felt the loss. It's because the late President Cory was dear to me, so dear that I gathered my daughters with me while watching her funeral and patiently introduced to them President Cory and her contributions to our society.

Jet Rivera is an Aguman alumna from batch Diquit-Diquit 1996A. Like Ate Candy, Ate Monette and Ate Lec, shared such a personal post so we published it separately. She says she is really impressed with this Cory Specials idea. This is still part of the Aslag Online tribute to the beloved former Philippine President, Cory Aquino.

Of freedom, meekness and doing good - Lessons I learned from Tita Cory's life and death

2009-08-13T05:41:00.002+08:00

By Lec David

For the past few days, I came to mourn together with the whole nation the passing of a former president who to me epitomizes humility, grace and kindness. I was in 4th grade when EDSA revolution came to be. I was always picked as the one to be Tita Cory in classroom plays or activities as I was still wearing glasses then.

Back then, the meaning of freedom maybe just superficial to a 10 year old kid – a showing of the "L" sign, the yellow color, the many makabayan songs (Magkaisa, Handog Ng Pilipino Sa Mundo, etc). But I remember how as a nation, we were happy and proud as Filipinos. It was like Cory = Proud Filipino.

Fast forward to August 1, former President Cory died at 3:18am. I just suddenly wondered, does this mean the death of the proud Filipino as well? As a co-Aguman also posted on Facebook after her burial, "What's next?" For almost three days, I have cried and laughed together with the Aquino family while watching her eulogies. For the first time, Kris was able to make me cry. Not just a tear or two but buckets of it. It just dawned on me how Tita Cory is genuinely the nicest, kindest soul a person could luckily meet. One can't copy that nor could one fake it. I once read an article by Bo Sanchez telling that a meek person doesn't mean a weak one, but a person who knows when to be firm and when to let go, when to serve and when to be a leader, of knowing which battles to fight and when to surrender. Truly, Tita Cory was a MEEK person.

As I was watching her funeral procession yesterday, I just had the realization of what really matters when you're alive - TO DO GOOD TO OTHERS. No one made a big deal that Tita Cory was valedictorian, that she had many honorary degrees or that she was the only Filipino to be TIME Magazine's "Woman of the Year". Instead, people who were able to know her reminisced at how caring, loving and respectful she was. It got me thinking, I just hope I am sowing some good stuff in my own little way, that someday when my time will come, I may also get even an iota's worth of what Tita Cory was given.

Now, she has finally been laid to rest. Her people gave her their final and much deserved respect. I am now back to praying that with her death we may once again find in us the strength and courage to do what should be done so we could once more be proud as Filipinos.

Elaine "Lec" David is an Aguman alumna from batch Pecat-Pecat 1993B. Like Ate Candy and Ate Monette, Ate Lec shared such a personal post so we published it separately. This is still part of the Aslag Online tribute to the beloved former Philippine President, Cory Aquino.

The different facets of Cory Aquino

2009-08-09T11:34:00.003+08:00

By Monette Torres-Cutler

Cory has had a massive impact on me, on several fronts:

As the grieving widow who was suddenly thrust in the limelight, she moved me with her simplicity, and her faith, and the basic goodness that was oozing out of her pores. She was the epitome of grace under pressure, and I couldn't help but feel for her.

As the presidential candidate, she inspired the entire country with her quiet resolve to triumph over evil. Her statements, though short, were filled with truth and ringing with her convictions. Here was the start of her evolution, from being Ninoy's wife, a great feat already, to being the David leading a charge versus a mighty Goliath. She was courageous!

As the president, I could not help but admire her for her strength. It's not easy to be surrounded by wolves in sheep's clothing, but her integrity was unsullied and unquestioned. She brought decency back into governance. She inspired Filipinos, and the rest of the world. Her unshakeable faith in men was astounding, it's like she had no cynicism! It's as if she was above all the petty stuff going on around her (read: coups and infighting amongst her people). She embodied being noble.

As a private citizen, she simply awed me. Her relentless vigil to ensure the tenets of democracy were above and beyond the call of duty, yet she was forever vigilant against the abuse of power and freedom. Taking to the streets, being the beacon of light against the dark forces that were once again besieging the country, that was pure dedication and love for the Filipinos.

As a mother to her sane children (read: Ballsy, Noynoy, Pinky and Viel), she was the tops. Those children were low-profile, low-maintenance children, never taking their share of the limelight. They were sensible, and it takes a lot of maternal disciplining to pull it off when your husband is one of the key political figures in the country.

As a mother to Kris, who was more a Marcos than an Aquino when it came to publicity and attention seeking, I was simply rendered speechless. To be supportive of a child who aired her very dirty laundry in public, that takes gumption! And loads of patience! And tons of love! And the patience of a saint. But all throughout the foibles of Kris, you just knew that Cory would be there for her child. Endurance, reliability, unending love! WOW, Cory was a saint!

Ninoy, then Cory, made me proud to be FILIPINO! Though I didn't grieve Ninoy's assassination that much, because I was still young (in a sense, Ninoy belonged to my parents and their generation), Cory's death hit me hard, and deep. Watching the tributes, the mass, the outpouring of love and support, I feel the awakening of a deep unrest in me. The Filipinos are waking up again, and beware the wolves in power, because Cory's death might be the catalyst that will upset the horse and its cart that is lodged in the palace now.

LONG LIVE CORY! YOU WILL FOREVER BE REMEMBERED AS "THE" ICON FOR DEMOCRACY!

Monette Cutler-Torres is an Aguman alumna from batch Akbe 1988 and is based in Davao City. Ate Monette shared such a comprehensive post so we published it separately. This is still part of the Aslag Online tribute to the beloved former Philippine President, Cory Aquino.

Talkback: Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino, 1933-2009

2009-08-07T22:21:00.018+08:00

Aslag Online pays tribute to former President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, whose recent passing seemed to have reawakened a deep sense of nationalism in the hearts of millions of Filipinos. The AOL Team asked the UP Aguman resident and alumni members to share their thoughts on Tita Cory, the life she led, her political legacy, her death and how this will impact all of us personally and as a nation.

Corazon Cojuangco was born into one of the wealthiest families in the islands. Fated to be married off in one dynastic match or the other, she was courted by and fell in love with Benigno Aquino Jr., a brilliant and ambitious journalist turned politician whose own family was as illustrious though not quite as wealthy as her baronial clan. Benigno's popularity soon challenged Ferdinand Marcos, who had been elected President in 1965. And so, when Marcos assumed dictatorial power in 1972, he threw his rival into jail. Corazon then became her husband's instrument, smuggling messages out of prison and raising funds for the opposition. In August 21, 1983, Benigno Aquino returned to the Philippines after three years of exile in the US only to be shot dead even before he could set foot on the tarmac of Manila's international airport. Filipinos were outraged, and suspicion immediately fell on Marcos. At Benigno's funeral, mourners transformed Corazon into a symbol. (Yahoo News)

Cory Aquino was the 11th President of the Philippines, serving from 1986 to 1992. She was the first female president of the Philippines and in Asia. The relatively peaceful manner by which Aquino assumed the presidency through the EDSA Revolution won her widespread international acclaim as an icon of democracy.(Wikipedia)

Aquino's achievements as President ranged far beyond the symbolic. She restored the democratic institutions Marcos had destroyed, presided over the promulgation of a constitution designed to be dictator-proof, freed political prisoners, launched a peace process that eliminated communist and Muslim insurgencies as major threats to national stability, and laid the foundations for economic recovery. (TIME Asia)

Photos courtesy of TIME

The six-year administration of President Aquino saw the enactment of a new Philippine Constitution and several significant legal reforms, including a new agrarian reform law. While her allies maintained a majority in both houses of Congress, she faced considerable opposition from communist insurgency and right-wing soldiers who instituted several coup attempts against her government. Her government also dealt with several major natural disasters that struck the Philippines, as well as a severe power crisis that hampered the Philippine economy. (Wikipedia)

''She was headstrong and single-minded in one goal, and that was to remove all vestiges of an entrenched dictatorship,'' Raul C. Pangalangan, former dean of the College of Law at the University of the Philippines, said earlier this month. ''We all owe her in a big way.''

But Aquino struggled in office to meet high public expectations. Her land redistribution program fell short of ending economic domination by the landed elite, including her own family. Her leadership, especially in social and economic reform, was often indecisive, leaving many of her closest allies disillusioned by the end of her term. Still, the bespectacled, smiling woman in her trademark yellow dress remained beloved in the Philippines, where she was affectionately referred to as ''Tita (Auntie) Cory.'' (New York Times)

Time magazine made Aquino its woman of the year in 1986, the year she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, and in 2006 named her one of Asia 's heroes. The magazine praised her "quiet courage", describing her as "the symbol of People Power and an inspiration to others around the world struggling against tyranny". Her courage, determination, and moral leadership are an inspiration to us all and exemplify the best in the Filipino nation. (Manila Bulletin)

After Cory retired from politics, she enjoyed writing her memoirs, painting landscapes and perhaps her most fulfilling pastime was, playing with and visiting her grandchildren. Corazon Aquino was a very loving and sweet grandmother to her grandchildren. Aquino’s eldest grandson, Jiggy Aquino-Cruz, said his grandmother attended to her grandchildren like a “second mother” when their parents were not around. “To me she wasn't a president or a hero, she was my lola,” Cruz said. (Inquirer)

Aquino died of cardiopulmonary arrest after complications of colon cancer at the age of 76 on August 1, 2009, 3:18 am, at the Makati Medical Center. Aquino's body lay in state at a public wake at the St. Benilde Gymnasium of La Salle Greenhills up to August 3, when it was later transferred to the Manila Cathedral. A crowd with an estimated number of 120,000 people showed up to witness the transfer of her remains from La Salle Green Hills to the Manila Cathedral. (Youtube)

August 5, 2009 will be a day remembered by millions of Filipinos. An estimated 150,000 mourners, mostly in yellow and flashing the “laban” hand sign, escorted the late President Corazon Aquino’s funeral cortege from the Manila Cathedral to the Manila Memorial Park, braving occasional heavy rains. Mrs. Aquino’s wooden casket, draped with the Philippine flag and surrounded by a blanket of yellow flowers, was placed on top of a truck. Some 100,000 lined up along Roxas Boulevard from Intramuros to Quirino Avenue another 30,000 gathered from Osmeña Highway to Buendia Avenue, 10,000 along the Sucat interchange, and 10,000 at the vicinity of the Manila Memorial Park. A human chain was formed to contain the crowd and allow the convoy to pass through the stretch of Roxas Boulevard. Among the mourners who lined up the streets were students and nuns of St Paul College, members of the Chinese-Filipino community, vendors, and ordinary citizens some of them as young as four years old. She was buried in a simple grave beside her husband, martyred Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., in the family’s mausoleum.

The death of Corazon Aquino brings an end to a remarkable saga in Philippine history. The quiet, unassuming woman who found herself thrust into an epic struggle against the dictatorial Ferdinand Marcos in 1986 would go on to emerge triumphant and take charge of the country. The Philippines is today a better, safer place because of the pivotal role Corazon Aquino played at a decisive moment in its history. A woman of huge self-esteem, Ms. Aquino made sure that similar self-esteem was restored in the lives of her people after the long dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. Mrs. Aquino not only swept away the dictatorship, but faced down seven coups attempts as the nation’s military resisted civilian political control. She also leaves behind a nation that has been more or less democratic ever since. We will remember Corazon Aquino for the voice of democracy she was and always will be, in history. (Mysinchew)

__________________

Nakakalungkot lang kasi parang hindi pa ito yung tamang panahon para mamatay siya. Ironic -- yung pandak tsaka yung mayroong maraming sapatos kasi namamayagpag pa. Waaah! Nakakatibak naman.
~Quill Quioc, Pinanari 2008A

Tita Cory proved that a person who chose to be simple, can make great differences in reality. She's a woman of faith and humility, now an icon of democracy. I may not experienced the battle for freedom at EDSA, yet, a little yellow ribbon will constantly remind of me her undying legacy of selfless love for this country.
~Ian Bencio David, Pinanari 2008A

Tita Cory was truly a national figure to look up to. She valiantly gave up the comforts of being a housewife to take on the challenges of democracy and recovery in the country. After her term, she lived her life in simplicity. She was a mother, not just to her children, but to the whole nation. She was, in turn, loved by many and that was sufficiently justified by the number of people who came to her funeral to express love and gratitude.
~Nicolle Timoteo, Pinanari 2008A

Cory Aquino is a woman of great power. though I don’t her personally, I know that she is a good sister, wife and a mother, not only to her family but to the Filipinos as well. I believe that without her and EDSA 1, the Philippines would not be able to see the light of true democracy
~Erika Tuazon, Pinanari 2008A

Anyang minuna keng abalu ing pangamate ng Tita Cory, eku masyadung meapektuhan. Siguru uling eku pakanta ka-familiar kareng agawa na anyang panaun na. Ampo factor rin siguru na eku masyadong manalbeng TV recently kaya eku talaga pakanta ka-aware. Pero anyang ikit ku na talagang magluksa ya ing buong Pilipinas, karin ku a-feel ing magnitude na ning influence na kareng Pilipinu. Tita Cory is indeed more than an icon. She was, is, and will forever be our country's mother of democracy.
~Carousel Diaz, Pinanari 2008A

Personally, ala kung masyadung balu kang Tita Cory, lalu na anyang ala ku pa UP. I just knew her as Ninoy's wife. After her death, keta ku mu abalu that she is more than that. She has touched many lives. She contributed to a lot of things to and for the country, probably just as much as her husband did. Eku nabalu nung kaninu ku dimdam, istu ya itang sinabi na "their generation had Ninoy, while we have Cory."
~Bryan Quizon, Pinanari 2008A

She's one of the gentlest and at the same time strongest people I've ever had the honor and pleasure of meeting. Her genuine love for this nation and its people makes up many times over for whatever flaws her government may have had. She deserves and has long earned my respect, admiration and gratitude.
~Neicy Nicdao, Baskal 2007A

If you want to leave a legacy, plant a tree, write a book or be Cory Aquino. She is an epitome of benevolence and selflessness who in her simple ways touched the world in many ways. If not for the audacity she had shown, the democracy we now enjoy would have remained a myth. She is a good mother, a noble leader and a catalyst of change. Filipinos truly must celebrate the life of Cory Aquino, the life she whole heartedly dedicated in service to the Filipino people.
~Michael Gulapa, Lakatan 2006A

Sabi mo nga, "Nagpapasalamat ako sa Diyos na ako ay ginawa niyang Filipino..." Amidst the poor weather condition, the overwhelming support of the public says it all. You're a softspoken lady loved by all. You're well-loved and respected by Filipinos. You showed some guts to challenge such dictatorship. You served as an inspiration. It's not really because you're the country's first woman president, but what matters most is you simply symbolize a hard fought democracy. Goodbye President Cory. May you now be in good hands with our Almighty Father and your beloved Ninoy.
~Aries Viray, Lakatan 2006A

Minta kami keng Manila Cathedral kasi penabit na kami nitang prof mi, hehe. Eke pa makaying aappreciate y Cory kanta eh, adyang dakal na press releases about her siguru uling ekune man disnan. Migka-realization naku mu niyang atsu na kami karin. Maka-9 hours na kaming makapila kaybat ing assignment mi mag-interview kami at least 3 people about Cory. Oita, kanita talaga afeel ku na she really is someone to a lot of Filipinos. Kayakit ku kaya, I admire her as a person. Siguru kumpara mu naman kareng manungkulan ngeni ne, rugu, eka magtumbling kareng panggawang na! Haha! Aliwa ing feeling na abe ka ketang mismung malilyari. Maka-proud, kabalen ke pamo. Ilben ke ing libing na buung aldo adyang ating gagawang paper. Makatouch la reng messages da reng kapamilya na pati reng magobra kaya. Corazon Aquino – the mother of democracy, the light of our nation. Her legacy lives on forever. May she rest in peace.
~Jennifer Castro, Lakatan 2006A

It was the year I was born when the People Power was held. I didn’t know anything until I was in primary school. Most of our teachers told us something great about it and I was wondering then who Marcos, Ninoy and Cory Aquino were. When I went home I asked my dad about it and that’s where my knowledge of the late Cory Aquino started. She was well-known in Asia being the first lady president and a tough person. She fought for the Filipinos' independence under dictator Marcos’ regime. She ruled the country and let the whole world know what a mother can do to protect his beloved country. After her term, she continued helping Filipino people and give justice to what is right. I admire her for being ordinary because she never flaunt any of her millions or haciendas. She lived a simple life as the mother of the Filipino people. Her courage, kindness and simplicity made me remember her whenever I am wearing a yellow-colored shirt. I am truly honored to write something about the late President Cory Aquino and I salute her for being the greatest woman in the world!

~Cherry Gaor, Manyaman 2003B

Let’s mourn because we lost a mother. Let’s fight because she left an unfinished business. These days, power could be bought but never respect. On both personal and state levels, this is a wake up call for all of us.
~Celine Dagdag, Sampelut 2003A

Well, I still have goose bumps after that very long funeral. I’ve only shed tears for the death of someone that is not related to me twice. First is for the death of Pope John Paul II and second, that of Cory. If not for her and her husband, our country might not be the free country as we know it today. The number of people that attended the funeral from start until the end is a validation of how important Cory was and will be to us Filipinos. "I thank God that I was born a Filipino."
~Andre Galang, Salagpi 2001A

While everyone thanked her for the freedom and the democracy she led us to acquire. I thanked her for the hope and empowerment that she gave to all the women. She earned my respect by the way she reacted to events that happened to her. The absence of her husband, his eventual loss by assassination, taking care of their children by herself, made her stronger and even took over the responsibility or honor—to serve the country and protect the nation from dictatorship. Cory was always composed but still aware and vigilant to whatever bad things that may happen. She personified the true meaning of courage and empowerment.
A lot of times we are called to forget self integrity and be one with all the dishonesty and selfishness that surrounds us. But, she is one of the few reminders that it is still possible to survive in this world and be more loved by the people if you live righteously. My life is not perfect and a lot of times I was challenged, I call them extraordinary experiences, and several occasions I thought of giving up my ideals and just go the “easy” way--but I never did it, I just can't. I was not proud of it before, I called myself weird, martyr and “stupid”. Her death, which gave way to remembering everything about her and what kind of a person she was and the way she was honored for all of it, gave me hope and suddenly lifted my spirit to the highest level. Cory should be an icon to all women. I want to be like her to my son. I want to be like her to my future husband and I want to be like her to the nation. Not as president though. Pwedeng pwede siyang honorary member ng UP Aguman, we share the same principle, “not for ourselves alone”
~Leslie Salunga, Ambula 2000A

Tita Cory has been the symbol of democracy of the Philippines for she had played a very crucial part in the liberation of the country from the Marcos Regime. But this feat didn't make her presidency a smooth sailing one as she was often threatened by coup attemps and numerous critisms from Filipinos. But didn't stop them from loving and respecting her after her term was over. She is one of the pilars of the Philippines and her demise will be a great loss to gthe Philippines. But I personally is happy that at least her fight is over for she won't be suffering anymore. Colon cancer at stage four is a very difficult illness and her family knew that too that's why they have offered her also to the Lord when she has really began to slip. At least now we have an angel guiding over us. God knows our political system needs already divine intervention. To Tita Cory, thank you for everything you have done. Your contributions to the country will forever be remembered and honored.
~Arvee Salazar-Cruz, Tuglung 1998A

In third year high school, I lined the streets of San Fernando when the convoy carrying Ninoy’s remains returned from Tarlac to Manila. In first year college, I welcomed Cory at the AS Lobby during the launch of the campaign to gather one million signatures for her candidacy. Later that school year, I supported her battle against Marcos during the snap elections which ended triumphantly with the EDSA Revolution. Ninoy and Cory were instrumental in my political awakening. I did not agree with some of Cory’s decisions as President. I marched with fellow UP scholars in protest against her decision to retain the US military bases. Nevertheless, I never doubted her sincerity. Looking back today, I do not doubt her patriotism. She never lost faith in the Filipino. She ventured out of her private life when the national interest demanded it. She remained the antithesis of the traditional politician – decent, not hungry for power and free from corruption. I thank her for restoring democratic institutions and civil liberties. I thank her for proving that decency in government is possible and that people have the power to make it happen. I thank her for inspiring my generation. I hope the recent events surrounding her passing will inspire today’s generation. Ituloy ang Laban!
~Doby Pineda, Tanikala 1986A, Hong Kong

Thanks to all those who shared their thoughts! Special thanks to Kuya Glenn David (Diquit-Diquit 1996A), for helping out with the research on the introduction.

My sleepless nights watching in awe - My tribute to Cory

2009-08-06T23:19:00.005+08:00

By Carissa Cueva

I sit still in awe, reveling in the awesome orations heard from the few chosen friends and family of the late Pres. Cory Aquino during necrological services for her, aired on Philippine TV.

I am taken back by the genuine grief I feel because of her passing. I am not family, nor friend. I am just one who monitored Philippine politics religiously even if I left the country more than 10 years ago.

I would browse through various Philippine newspapers online & have a premium Filipino channel subscription just so I could watch shows everything Filipino – telenovelas, entertainment & talk shows, travel shows and most especially current affairs. But all that has limits – I am usually offline and my TV is off by midnight. Anyone who knows me best would know how fond I am of sleeping – geez I could sleep for straight 8 hours and would be grouchy If I did not get my full 8. However, these last four days or so, since President Cory’s death, I have been having sleepless nights. Without really making a conscious plan to do so, I gravitated towards online updates and live TV coverage on the former President, lasting through wee hours of the morning. I have lost sleep but I’m not grouchy. I am sad but inspired.

All twenty orators talked of one common thing – President Corazon Aquino might have lived a very privileged life but she proved to be one of the most selfless and humble human beings in recent history who used her intelligence and religiosity to empower a people losing hope in achieving a better Philippines. Even in death, she managed to bring Filipinos together – either living in the homeland or scattered all over the world. My Facebook and Twitter pages show friends’ outpouring of sentiments, relentlessly.

I asked myself why and my initial thought is, of course, she was instrumental in ousting a dictator. She did not have illusions of grandeur as one of her friends described her. She heeded the call to step-up and be President when she could have chosen to continue to live a privileged life in exile in Boston, away from the circus of politics. All that was public knowledge, all that is written in history books. But nothing prepared me for the personal and poignant tributes given to her by unassuming friends, family and employees.

She was a regular mom who had a passion for painting and crafts and would show appreciation to family and friends by gifting them with personal hand-written notes, paintings and hand-made projects. She, the most prayerful woman I’ve heard about, loaning the famous rosary from Fatima to friends and family during turbulent times in their lives. She, who was one’s BFF (or best friend forever) who shared secrets, laughter and angst. She, much loved by a bodyguard who told the story of how she cooked for him a bowl of soup in the absence of household help one afternoon. She, who flew in commercial planes and refused private jets during her presidency. She, who ironically identified with the masses even as she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth, educated in the best schools in the Philippines and in the United States. She, who became the dearest friend of her staunchest critic. She, who brought strong, respected gentlemen to tears (not that they lost their respectability). She who had a tycoon (who owned most of Makati’s business district) paying respects to her -- out in the streets, under the blistering sun and then rain, in the middle of the maddening crowd. My list could go on and on, but I have to stop, lest I bore my readers to death.

I found myself writing this perhaps as a therapy. Perhaps to have closure and to pay my last respects to an extra-ordinary woman, who is every inch an epitome of class and grace. Thank you and goodbye President Aquino. Your legacy to the Filipino people will live on. Now it’s your time to rest. Rest now in peace.

Carissa "Candy" Cueva is an Aguman alumna from batch Buknul 1989A and is based in California, USA. When the Aslag Online Team called for entries for its Cory Aquino special here on the blog, Ate Candy decided to share her own full post that she already wrote beforehand.

Announcement: Unity Night 2009A tomorrow night!

2009-07-29T11:36:00.006+08:00

Unity Night of Sulu 2009A
5:30pm, July 30, 2009
At the Vinzons Rooftop

*All residents and alumni are invited! Let's show the applicants how fun being an AguPip is!
*Bring your game on! Haha!
*Applicants, make sure your sigsheets are at the very least properly covered already.
*Snacks and drinks will be served!
*For questions, just text TRISH at 09172441859.

See you all there!

CEER 2009 caps off as a complete success

2009-07-26T20:57:00.011+08:00

By The Pareto Efficient Allocation

Nearly two months’ worth of Aguman efforts and preparations finally paid off as the College Entrance Exam Review 2009 (CEER) was brought to its successful conclusion on July 25, 2009 at the Pampanga High School’s Bulwagang Kapampangan. In what came as a welcome surprise, a record number of 266 high school reviewees from various schools in Pampanga attended the second day of the entrance exam review.

“Medyo nagkaroon ng konting problema dahil hindi namin inexpect na ganon karami ang mga pupuntang participants. Usually kase around 150 lang ang pumupunta sa second day kaya ganon din ang inestimate namin," said current treasurer Bryan Quizon.

Due to the unexpectedly large number of participants, the review materials and Aslag CEER editions that the AguPips prepared a week prior fell short of over a hundred copies. While Quizon, Records and Publications Committee representative Nic Nicdao and Sulu (the current batch of applicants) assistant batch head Kim Tupe scoured San Fernando town proper for photocopying centers, the executive council voted for re-organized schedule of events that resulted to an earlier Chemistry lecture delivered by member Abigail Sunga at around 9:30 in the morning.

“Dapat 9:00 ang start ng mock exam pero dahil nga nagkulang sa materials, inuna na naming yung Chemistry lecture,” said Externals Vice-President and CEER 2009 Project Head Aries Viray. “Pagkatapos non pinag-lunch na naming yung students para makabalik sila at 10:45. Nasunod naman yung bagong schedule at natapos yung mock exam ng 1:45.”

The review lectures were carried on at 2:00 in the afternoon, beginning with former UP Diliman Department of Mathematics instructor Mr. Gilbert Abueg and followed by Institute of Physics instructor Rex Forteza. It was finally concluded at around 5:00 in the afternoon following the closing remarks given by current President Kevin Penalba.

Among the alumni who were present during the said event were former Presidents Celine Dagdag (Sampelut 2003A) and Rex Dizon (Salagpi 2001A), Jean Avy Dimabuyu (Kaputul 2004A) and Eleaze Valerie Santos (Kaputul 2004A).

CEER 2009 is arguably the most successful entrance exam review brought together by the UP Aguman in the recent years. Aside from the large number of participants that it drew, there were also a number of new names in the sponsors’ list.

UP Aguman extends their gratitude to co-presenters Mayor Francis ‘Blueboy’ Nepomuceno and Dr. Pearl, Sponsors Nepo Mall Angeles and Mayor Oscar ‘OCA’ Rodriguez and donors UP SAMANA and Tollhouse, without whose support the event could not have been as successful.

Total number of CEER 2009 attendees per high school:

Angeles City Science High School, 47
Brightwoods School, 11
CCEMI Academy, 7
Chevalier School, 30
Guagua National Colleges, 1
Holy Angel University, 34
Holy Family Academy, 28
ICT High School, 31
Mauaque Resettlement High School, 11
Mary the Queen Academy of Pampanga, 8
OB Montessori, 2
Pampanga High School, 101
Proverbsville School, 1
Republic Central Colleges, 1
San Lorenzo Ruiz Center of Studies & Schools, 3
San Matias High School, 1
St Scholastica's Academy, 72
University of the Assumption, 38
Total for the Day 1 and Day 2: 455
Note: 2 attendees did not indicate their high school in the registration

For more photos of Day 2, click here!

For photos of Day 1, click here!

*The Pareto Efficient Allocation wishes to apologize to all concerned for regrettably losing the list of the Day 2 mock exam topnotchers (entrusted to the Records and Publications committee for posterity) in a fit of panic during the traffic-related accident her vehicle got involved with that afternoon.

189 reviewees attend Day 1 of CEER 2009

2009-07-22T19:27:00.008+08:00

By you-don’t-have-it-therefore-you-don’t-want-it

The pluvial weather caused by the departing typhoon Isang proved not enough to dampen the spirits of the 189 high school hopefuls from all over Pampanga who flooded the third floor of the Angeles City Library on July 18, 2009 for day one of the UP Aguman’s annual College Entrance Exam Review.

High school students from schools Angeles City Science High School (ACSHS), CCEMI Academy, Chevalier School (CS), Holy Angel University (HAU), Holy Family Academy (HFA), ICT High School (ICTHS), Mauaque Resettlement High School (MRHS), OB Montessori (OBM), Proverbsville Academy (PA), Republic Central Colleges (RCC), St. Scholastica’s Academy (SSA) and the University of the Assumption (UA) sat down from 9:00 in the morning to 12:00 noon to take the 285-item mock examination with questions from different scientific and language fields including Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, English. These topics are all included in the coverage of the UP College Admission Test (UPCAT).

HELPFUL TIPS. Annually, high school seniors attend the CEER hoping to get tips for the
UPCAT and other entrance exams in various colleges and universities.

After an hour-long lunch, the participants came back at 1:00 to listen to the review lectures of UP Diliman Physics and Mathematics instructors Jethro Salapare III and Gilbert Abueg repectively, and the Chemistry review of Aguman members Ruby Mamangun and Abigail Sunga, Engineering students who both procured laudable marks in the subject.

COMPETENT LECTURERS. UP Aguman invites faculty from UP Diliman to conduct the review
lessons. Mr. Salapare (pictured left with some members) and Mr. Abueg (pictures right) have
served as proctors for the UPCAT in previous years and shared inside information and their
experience.

“Very helpful yung mga tinuro, lalo na sa Math.” A reviewee commented. “Gusto ko talagang pumasa sa UPCAT kaya yung common errors na pinoint out nung lecturer sinulat ko talaga. This might be what could save me.”

The review wrapped up at around 5:30 in the afternoon after a short message from UP Aguman President Kevin Penalba, following the announcement of the mock exam top ten scorers.

The mock exam topnotchers are:
1. Calma, Camille Patricia Y. - HAU- 200
2. Mercado, Carlo Robert M. - UA- 178
3.5 Landayan, Reuben Jose Renato L. - ACSHS- 176
3.5 Dimal, Aimar Jay E. - ACSHS- 176
5. Mamangun, Royette Abby D. - HAU- 174
6.5 Adizas, Marc Neil V.- ACSHS- 172
6.5 Guatato, Bon Alexis T. - UA- 172
8. David, Shane Claudine F. - ACSHS- 169
9.5 Olofernes, Jonalee C. - ACSHS- 165
9.5 Llamas, Queenie Q. - UA- 165

IN THE SERVICE OF THE KAPAMPANGAN YOUTH. The mock exam topnotchers (left)
were awarded simple tokens by the UP Aguman. The members of UP Samana help the
Aguman members in the checking of the answer sheets.

Three AguAlumni were present during the event: former Presidents Celine Dagdag (Sampelut 2003A) and Rex Dizon (Salagpi 2001A) and former Treasurer Cyrille Bautista (Kaputul 2004A). Members from the UP Samana, an organization from UP Clark who tied up with UP Aguman, also graced the affair and helped out the members.

The event was organized with the aid of co-presenters Mayor Francis ‘Blueboy’ Nepomuceno and Dr. Pearl, minor sponsors Nepo Mall Angeles and Mayor Oscar ‘OCA’ Rodriguez and donors UP SAMANA and Tollhouse. Perfect White T-Shirts were also sold during the event.

CEER 2009 Day 2 will be held at Pampanga High School on July 25.

For more photos, click here.

Are You Ready to Take the Next Step?

2009-07-18T22:53:00.005+08:00

By Abigail Sunga

If you think you’ve already experienced all the fun, hardships and excitement anyone can imagine now that you’re in high school, then you are wrong. You’ll find the next chapter of your academic journey and identity quest even more challenging and exhilarating. The success of this new venture greatly depends on your decisions, your plans and your willpower. To cut it short, college is all about YOU.
Culture shock is what they usually call it. You, as a future freshie, will soon learn how to observe, adjust and adapt to the new environment you will be stepping in. High school and college are far different from each other. Let us count the ways.

FROM TEACHER TO PROFESSOR
You call your mentors Ma’m, Miss or Sir. They help you with every problem you encounter, may they be about academics, discipline or probably personal dilemma. They spoon-feed you with the words you have to define, equations to use, variables to find, lessons to learn. You can easily consult with them in case you need clarifications, explanations or more examples. They get anxious when you frequently miss class or when you are under academic or disciplinary probation. You and your instructor establish a real student - teacher relationship.
Once you enter the arduous world of college, you will call the professors that you hate different funny labels or conceal them with names of famous characters such as Power Rangers and Power Puff Girls. They will give you thick books to read after each meeting. They will ask you to accomplish assignments that are hard to decipher. Each professor will have his or her own policies and rules in class. It doesn’t really matter if you absent or not. And if you will be unfortunate, your grade will depend on a game of darts, your gender or your smile.

WELCOME THE NEW YOU
You are tagged to be the class nerd, leader, jock, athlete, dancer, singer or Ms. Congeniality. People in school attach you to a certain stereotype. They know your life story, your achievements and your misfortunes.
In college, you are given the opportunity to reinvent yourself and establish a new reputation. The friends you’ll be meeting will not be concerned whether or not you graduated with honors, won in this competition or sang in this event. You start anew. From being a geek in high school, you can join a drama guild and be a theatre artist. Search for your passion and you can be who you want to be.

LESS RULES = RESPONSIBILITY
Your student handbook contains a list of minor and major offenses and the sanctions that go with them. Be late, comb inside the classroom, bring cellphones or mall in uniform and you will be reprimanded and worse, your parents will be called for a parent-teacher conference to discuss your disobedience to school rules. Many eyes watch the violations you commit and you have no escape. Defiance of these rules will result to punishment.
There is a Student Tribunal to put you in trial in case of academic dishonesty or any major offense but other than that, you’re on your own. Whether you eat in class, forgot to put your cellphone in silent mode or cut classes, the university will not penalize you. Responsibility is expected from you now. Proper decorum and behavior are things you should have learned in GMRC back in elementary or CLE in high school. By college, you should have learned how to act accordingly. You should be aware of the consequences of your actions especially when cutting classes.

IT’S NOT A SMALL WORLD AFTER ALL
You see the same people every day. You know every person in the campus, what clubs they are in, subjects they are good at and their boyfriends or girlfriends. You are familiar with every corner of your school. You have eaten all the kinds of food available in the canteen. You have found the perfect spots in the campus to hang-out or study. You stay in your chosen or assigned seat throughout the day.
Your memory must be really good if you know every person in the university. Chances are minimal that you know the person you come across the street. You will be meeting people of different cultures from different places of origin. Diversity is something you will appreciate. In terms of the university’s geography, it will also take you a long time before you will be familiarized with it. The subjects you are taking may be in different buildings and will require you to walk for miles in between periods. Start to learn how to walk fast to avoid being late.

YOUR TIME IS IN YOUR HANDS
You attend the first day of classes and you teacher hands you over the class schedule for the whole academic year. You can’t argue with the short time for recess and lunch breaks and for the late dismissal time. You are frequently reminded by your teachers on deadlines for your reports and projects.
You will make your own schedule for the whole semester, choose the subjects you want to take and have your adviser approve it. Time management is a key to survive college. Soon you will be bound to choose whether to study, sleep or eat first. Learn to prioritize. At times, cramming becomes a necessity but is often not advisable. Professors often give ample time for you to finish a report or write a technical paper. You have to learn how to balance your time for academics, extra-curricular affairs and personal leisure.

Sounds heavy? College can be very demanding. Your decisions become crucial. Responsibilities become heavy. It’s just up to you how to handle these. You can make college more enjoyable and stimulating than high school. Build a reputation for yourself, establish long lasting friendships and in time, make a mark in your university. But for now just ask yourself, are you ready to take the next step?

Application process 2009A officially started

2009-07-18T19:51:00.011+08:00

July 16, 2009 -- The Membership Committee officially started the application process for the second semester for the current school year with the Buddy Bidding held after the weekly Genmeet. In the previous week, the new applicants were already orientated about the whole Aguman application process.

This batch of applicants decided to call their batch, "Sulu", which means "light" in Kapampangan. The batch officers are Mark Joseph Isip (Batch head), Kimberly Anne Tupe (Assistant Batch head), Hil Petersen Vargas (Secretary) and John Basil Dungo (Treasurer). They were elected by the applicants last July 9.

The buddy pairings (buddy-mem - buddy-app) determined during the Buddy Bidding are as follows:

*Feps - Mark

*Kenn - Basil

*Mae - Justinne

*Jer - Naida

*Ham -Charmaine

*Bencio - Shara

*Carou - Clarisse

*Erika P - Norika

*Abigail - Sarah

*Gboi - Gab

*Lawi - Kristel

*Bryan - Fred

*Jen - Kim Dasco

*Rose - Kim Tupe

*Erika T - Ernanie

*Quill - Kenneth

*Ruby - Carmela

*Nic - Ena

*Justin - Jane

*Santi, Hil, Lester, Choops, Alvin and MK don't have buddies yet

Here's the tentative schedule of the upcoming app activities:

July 30 -- Unity Night

August 3-14 -- Buddy Week

**August 5 – Buddy Que Yan & Mems Quiz

**August 10 – Scavenger Hunt

**August 13 – Buddy Get Up

Roster of Members, 1st Semester, AY 2009-2010

2009-07-11T20:02:00.005+08:00

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
President: Kevin Patrick E. Peñalba, Langgotsi 2006B
Internals Vice President: Trisha D. Nacpil, Baskal 2007A
Externals Vice President: Aries Ivan G. Viray, Lakatan 2006A
Secretary: Michael Roman S. Gulapa, Lakatan 2006A
Treasurer: Bryan Leonard M. Quizon, Pinanari 2008A
Educational Committee Chairperson: Ruth Elaine L. Henson, Langgotsi 2006B
Socio-Cultural Committee Chairperson: Romina Isabelle E. Goce, Baskal 2007A

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Trisha D. Nacpil, Baskal 2007A
Roseanne V. Ramos, Bucayo 2005B
Jennifer H. Castro, Lakatan 2006A
Jeremiah C. Torrico, Lakatan 2006A
Felipe B. Pablo IV, Langgotsi 2006B
Hamuel Herald M. Cabuso, Pinanari 2008A

EXTERNALS COMMITTEE
Aries Ivan G. Viray, Lakatan 2006A
Diana Rose M. Tan, Bucayo 2005B
Gerard Robin D. De Padua, Lakatan 2006A
Kenn Ian A. De Vera, Lakatan 2006A
Rex Anthony E. Roque, Lakatan 2006A
Lawrence Ivan L. Manalo, Pinanari 2008A
Katrin Raxiel P. Serrano, Pinanari 2008A
Erika Gayle T. Tuazon, Pinanari 2008A

RECORDS & PUBLICATION COMMITEE
Michael Roman S. Gulapa, Lakatan 2006A
John Carl T. Gozun, Baskal 2007A
Neicy Ann T. Nicdao, Baskal 2007A
Rosalyn Mae P. Sto Domingo, Baskal 2007A
Abigail P. Sunga, Pinanari 2008A
Nicolle S. Timoteo, Pinanari 2008A

FINANCE COMMITTEE
Bryan Leonard M. Quizon, Pinanari 2008A
Justin C. Dungca, Lakatan 2006A
Lea Patricia L. Dizon, Langgotsi 2006B
Diogenes C. Dy, Baskal 2007A
Carmelo M. Cortez, Agyuan 2007B
Miguel Duval R. Esguerra, Pinanari 2008A
Julyn Nyril P. Tiatco, Pinanari 2008A
Erika May C. Pagapong, Langgotsi 2006B

EDUCATIONAL COMMITTEE
Ruth Elaine L. Henson, Langgotsi 2006B
Cindy P. Paguio, Kadaya 2005A
Ferdinand D. Mallari, Jr, Lakatan 2006A
Denesse Marie B. Handumon, Langgotsi 2006B
Jewel O. Dela Cruz, Baskal 2007A
Maria Carousel S. Diaz, Pinanari 2008A
Ruby Ann D. Mamangun, Pinanari 2008A
Jona Pamela C. Salvador, Pinanari 2008A

SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMITTEE
Romina Isabelle E. Goce, Baskal 2007A
Allandail L. Rivera, Kaputul 2004A
Fergie Ann P. Panganiban, Kadaya 2005A
Khersien Y. Bautista, Baskal 2007A
Ian Bencio M. David, Pinanari 2008A
Quill P. Quioc, Pinanari 2008A

Guests, Aguman Alumni flock Acquaintance Party 2009

2009-07-09T23:51:00.006+08:00

By Rosalyn Sto Domingo

If there is such a thing as a ‘second childhood’ that people experience during their older years, then one may suppose that this was experienced by the resident members, alumni and prospect applicants of the UP Aguman after attending a much-awaited kiddie party blast – the Acquaintance Party 2009, held on the first of July at Balay Kalinaw.

The Acquaintance Party is a long upheld tradition in the organization, with the aim of bringing together AguMems, AguAlums and other Kapampangans in the campus together to have fun and get to know each other. But despite the earlier description, the residents stirred things up by having a kiddie party-themed celebration, complete with kiddie attire, kiddie games, balloons, party hats and even kiddie food (like hotdogs and marshmallows on sticks).

Welcoming a whopping number of almost thirty Kapampangan student guests, the party, hosted by resident emcee Felipe Pablo IV, officially started with a prayer lead by former Aguman president Jen Castro, followed by the Aguman Creed as lead by current president Kevin Peñalba and the presentation of the Aguman Committees with their respective head and members.

Starting with the Socio-cultural Committee represented by Bencio David, the Educational Committee lead Ruth Henson with their welcome presentation: “Heal the World” (a tribute to the late Michael Jackson), the Externals committee of Aries Viray, the Records and Publications Committee headed by Mike Gulapa and the richy-rich Finance Committee with Bryan Quizon and finally, the super-prepared Membership Committee lead by Internals Vice President Trisha Nacpil, the members presented themselves and gave a brief introduction of their respective committees.

After a hearty meal of baked macaroni and hotdogs on sticks, the ‘kids’ lived out their youth with games such as ‘Lumulubog ang Bangka’ (the tagalong version of The Boat is Sinking), which sparked an animated private vs. public schools debate and an even more animated my-school-is-better-than-your-debate, Points on the Ground and the all-time favorite Exhaust.

Due to time constraints, most of the guests had to go by 9 pm, but the party continued for another half hour with the kiddie Agupips playing with the kiddie AguAlumni.

“We were surprised but at the same time very pleased kase ang daming pumuntang guests,” said Kevin Penalba, the organization’s current president. “And we are interminably grateful to the alumni for their relentless support to the organization. The members enjoyed the party and hopefully everyone else did as well.”

Alumni members who attended were: Alumni President Powie De Guzman (Siklab 1980A), Gerry Pangan (Siklab 1980A), Argel Casupanan (Salagpi 2001A), Rex Dizon (Salagpi 2001A), Israel Suarez (Kasaup 2002A), Ryan Aga (Kasaup 2002A), Mike Penalba (Sampelut 2003A), Daphne Villanueva (Kaputul 2004A), Eleaze Santos (Kaputul 2004A), Loree Sicat (Kadaya 2005A) and Jerome Caylao (Kadaya 2005A).

Position Paper on the Drafted 2009 Code of Student Conduct

2009-06-27T23:06:00.002+08:00

Below is the official position paper of the UP Aguman on the drafted 2009 Code of Student Conduct. Last, summer this was submitted along with the respective position papers of other student organizations affected by this controversial draft code.

Duly recognized and accredited by the Office of Student Affairs of the University of the Philippines Diliman, the UP Aguman is a socio-civic, not-for-profit, service-oriented organization of Pampango-speaking students based in the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. Formally recognized in December 12, 1973, the organization embraces its aims to uphold the truth, to promote man's inherent goodness and capabilities, and to appreciate the importance of human relations.

As with regards to the student code, UP Aguman has seen some provisions that may hinder the very aims the organization upholds, as specified above. We find it unfair, that the newly drafted code seems to not recognize the deeds we continuously devote to our fellow men, amidst all of the constraints and lack of resources, and that some of the new code’s contentious, vague and problematic provisions sightlessly add up to these obstacles.

For almost 35 years, UP Aguman has been conducting activities, which are consistent to its aims and core values, in the service of its people. In Pampanga, the organization holds three (3) anticipated major events each year.

The Pautakan, which is endorsed by the Department of Education, takes academic competition in the province to a whole new level. Sining on the one hand is a whole variety program — a true celebration of the Kapampangan youth’s prowess in the arts — literature, music, drama, dance, visual arts, etc. And last but definitely not the least, UP Aguman also conducts the CEER (College Entrance Exam Review) every year, to high school students in order to increase their chances of making it through the premier state university and to other universities at par.

Last March 8, 2009, top winners of the Pautakan 2008 and Sining 2009 emerged as victors in the PatalaSanlahi of the UP Sanlahi Alliance, an organization of duly-recognized provincial student organizations in UP Diliman. It served as an arena where outstanding high school students from different provinces unleashed their academic and creative prowess, and at the same time, sharpened their minds in a spirit of cultural solidarity. Apparently, the organization, does not only operate outside the university but internally as well.

Together with the College ot Social Science & Philosophy Student Council, we, the Executive Council of UP Aguman, sincerely recognize the concerns and efforts of the University Administration to better regulate the academic community. We do recognize their capabilities and the fact that the existing sets of rules and regulations do need to be tweaked for the boon of the community. We, however, contest its prerogative to decide unilaterally and we oppose certain unreasonable, unnecessary and unjust provisions. Ergo, we join CSSPSC’s fervent call for the deletion and/or modification of particular rules and provisions.

As a university-based organization and more importantly as a provincial organization, we contest the 0.5% minimum membership requirement and the ‘no more than 49%’ rule. For 35 years, UP Aguman has been faithful to its aim of extending service to its people and it has successfully done so by having quality members who understand the organization’s thrust and who’ve met the specified requirements and qualifications, i.e. provincial origin. As an organization, we firmly believe that it’s better to have a modicum number of quality members, than an armada who bears the organization’s name and not its core values.

The tambayan provides space for group study and socialization thus aiding a student’s holistic development. We believe that each organization has the right to a decent and proper Tambayan that is not only regulated but also provided for by the University.

We oppose the rule that freshmen are not allowed to join any organization. UP Aguman has been a home away from home for Kapampangan students. For 35 years, it has been helping its people to adapt socially. Moreover, this rule belittles freshmen’s ability to decide for themselves.

We hope, that as we seek for the deletion/modification of these rules and provisions, the UP Administration do the processes transparently. We hope that representation from the students who truly understand the needs and situations within which provincial organizations operate are taken into consideration. Lastly, we urge the UP Administration to look beyond the organizations and to consider the people these organizations serve as well.

Announcement: Acquaintance Party 2009

2009-06-23T18:11:00.006+08:00

UP Aguman's Acquaintance Party 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
6pm at Balay Kalinaw (UP Diliman campus)

*All Kapampangans -- freshies or upperclassmen, undergraduate or graduate students -- in UP Diliman are invited to a night of food, fun and camaraderie with your fellow Kapampangans!
*AguALUMNI are invited, too!
*AguRESIDENTS, kindly invite your friends, schoolmates and classmates!

Hindi Ko Alam Kung Ano Ang Itatawag Dito

2009-06-18T00:03:00.012+08:00

As far as I can remember, I’ve only fainted twice.

The first time happened when I was in fourth year high school and it was our class retreat in the Benedictine Spiritual Something in Tagaytay. The facilitating priest (a grumpy old man who called my class plastics) had the class watch a video of the normal delivery of a child so we could understand what our mothers went through to have us. (Although later I drowned myself in denial saying that my mom gave birth to me through C-section so I need not feel guilty.)

I can’t even find the words to describe what I saw. But I clearly remember freezing in shock as I watched the baby’s big, round head tear apart the pink flesh that was the mother’s vagina. There was an awful lot of blood spurting everywhere. I felt my head spin and my tummy curl, and the next thing I knew I was losing a fighting battle to keep the beef and broccoli I ate for lunch inside my stomach. I raced to the bathroom and threw up on the sink. I didn’t even have the strength to rinse my mouth – my legs felt like jelly and they gave out sooner than I wanted them to. I fell on the floor, slumping against the cold, tiled wall. I closed my eyes and blacked out.

The second time was during my induction to the family I gave my blood and sweat and tears to, the UP Aguman. As we all know, before you can officially become a member of the org, you have to… well, shed blood for it. The members didn’t really talk about how exactly the rites were going to take place, but we pretty much got the idea when we were told that we were going to need a few things that were used in medical (or criminal. ^_^) rather than domestic purposes.

I remember being brought to some corner of the Vinzons’ rooftop. They made me sit down and recite the org’s creed while they held my arm. “Sige, Nic, saglit lang to. Ituloy mo lang yung creed,” a member, (Ate Daph, I think) said. For the first time, it dawned on me that I didn’t know what was going to happen next, and it frightened me. Too overwhelmed to think straight, I did what I was told.

“…I have faith in man and mankind I will serve… I cherish kinship and kinship will be my way of life…” I recited faithfully, my heart strangely beating faster and faster with each word. Soon, I felt a sudden sting that was as inexplicable as the trickling sensation that followed it. I wanted to ask them what was happening, but I couldn’t find my voice. I suddenly felt lightheaded. I tried to move but soon realized that I couldn’t feel my body anymore. Now at this point I was scared shit.

A member told me to recite the creed louder. Hanging on to whatever was left of my sanity, I forced out the words but choked on each of them. “I… believe in…truth…and in…truth I will…walk…this earth…” I struggled to say. I was gasping, although I didn’t know if it was for the words or for air.

Finally, I heard the magic words: “Nic, okay na.” At that point, there was no longer any reason to hang on to sanity, so I let myself plummet head-first into the dark abyss.

So why am I recounting these experiences again? Funny, but whenever I think of my Econ 106 and 131, I think I’m starting to faint again.

***

It’s been lightyears since I last read a chapter summary or watched an episode of Naruto.

The manga/anime by Masashi Kishimoto shot to fame a few years back as a simple story of a complex individual who wanted to prove to his hometown that he was worth something. The curious credibility of the surreal plot and the dynamism of the characters drew me to the story and within days, I was a fan. I guess I got really hooked because I followed the story even though I disliked the main characters (Naruto’s life is cliché, Sasuke is conceitedly emo, Sakura is too Mary-Sue) and I rarely saw my favorite characters (among them Ino and Kabuto – the earlier reminds me so much of myself and the latter represents everything I want to be).

Expectedly, as more chapters came out, the story got more complicated. At first I found it thrilling, but after months and months of new subplots emerging, new characters being created and old characters getting killed, it just got too much for me. It didn’t help that Nara Animations dished out manga-unrelated arcs like A Feps Pablo in the English royal kitchen, in the attempt to buy more time for Kishimoto whilst he pondered which character’s neck he should break next.

Now I respect those who think that Kishimoto is doing a spectacular job (it’s a matter of preference, after all), but personally I’ve reached the point where I don’t care about the damn thing anymore. If Kabuto gets some airtime or Itachi turns out to be alive maybe I’d get interested again, but until then let’s just watch TMZ.

And sadly I realize that my enthusiasm for Naruto is just like almost every endeavor I’ve taken. It starts so sweet but ends up with a bad taste in the mouth. Let’s pray that my college life will be an exception.

***

My family says I’m the queen of negativity. All I see are faults, all I see are mistakes, all I see are things to complain about. My friends say that too. They hate how I’m a pessimist under the pretense of being realistic. They hate how I say that I’ll fail an exam even though I did okay. They hate how I consider relationships based on what would happen if things don’t work out.

I guess it’s true, one point or another. But hey, here’s something I’m not negative about. I truly, sincerely, fervently hope that this would be a good year for the org and for its members. So to you, my brothers and sisters in blood, sweat, tears and candlewax, with all the positivism in the world, I look forward to spending a productive and meaningful school year with you. I wish us all not just the best of luck, but more importantly, the best of ourselves. See you soon, AguPIPS!

AguBULLETIN: Women's Dormitory at Don Antonio Heights

2009-06-07T22:15:00.003+08:00

*It is located at Don Antonio Heights, Don Renato St, Don Enrique, which is very accessible going to and from UP campus (around15 min).
*Good locatation and very secured!
*The subdivision is just accross Ever Comonwealth and the unit is just walking distance from the main gate.
*A minute away from Mini Stop, Jollibee, Coffee Beanery, Tree House, Mercury Drugstore, salons, shopping arcade, and all other major establishments within the subdivision.
* Rental rate: P2,500/head (free use of electricity)
* The place can accommodate more than 15 dormers.
*It has 6 spacious bedrooms, 5 full toilet & bath (2 rooms have a connecting bathroom with tub), with veranda and 3-4 parking space.

For further inquiries, you can email Lanie Orsua-Dormiendo, an Aguman alumna, at LODormiendo (at) boi.gov.ph.

Announcement: SemStarter 2009

2009-05-23T20:04:00.004+08:00

AguPips! We're having a swimming parteeh to celebrate the last few days of summer and kick off the incoming school year! Here are the details:

DATE: May 28-29, 2009
VENUE: Villa Alfredo's at Baliti, City of San Fernando
MEETING PLACE: McDonald's, Dolores Junction at 9am
*Lunch, merienda and dinner will be served

Confirmed attendees:
*Abi
*Anj
*Bong
*Bryan
*Denesse
*Felipe
*Jewel
*John Carl
*Justin
*Kevin
*Marco
*Mike
*Minsky
*Trish

List of Dream Idol Theme Nights

2009-05-10T01:34:00.004+08:00

For me, having musical theme nights has been one of the Idol format’s strengths. Although its actual usefulness to the contestants’ musical training is debateable, these sometimes unpredictable theme nights are almost always entertaining.

An argument against theme nights is there’s no point in testing one’s musical versatility when one would most probably focus on one’s preferred musical genre anyway. A recording artist may slightly experiment with his or her sound on his or her album but you will not find an artist who dabbles in multiple and entirely different genres in the same album, right?

Ever since I religiously watched American Idol, I’ve always looked forward to the theme nights. I like them because it allows me to appreciate music genres or not-so-popular songs that I probably wouldn’t have had the chance of being exposed to if not for the show. For one, I credit American Idol, specifically Season 4, for my current appreciation of country music. Before, my musical taste was confined to what is popular in local radio stations and music channels. I guess I just realized that there is a bigger musical world out there filled with artists or songs that are equally or even better than what mainstream is trying to shove into my ears.

So for this post, I will make a list of theme nights I’d like Idol to have. In one of my favourite Idol websites, they already presented their choices in a photo slideshow, so I figured I’d make my own list of Idol dream Theme Nights.

Idol has been known to pay tribute to the careers of celebrated and accomplished artists or songwriters. So how about having these people on the show:

JANET JACKSON We already had Michael Jackson night during the Season 8 Top 13. Who’s to say Janet’s own career and discography isn’t as impressive? I know that she hasn’t been churning out popular hits lately, but there was actually a time when instead of Beyonce, Janet was the female chart royalty.
Songs I’d like to hear: Again (1993), Runaway (1995), Everytime (1998), Someone To Call My Lover (2001), Son Of A Gun (2002)

AEROSMITH Aerosmith has been covered prominently in many seasons of Idol, so we might as well dedicate one entire night for their rockin’ music. I’m not really a fan (or even aware) of Aerosmith’s celebrated career, except for their releases in this decade. But I think it will be a good night and I am more than welcome to listen to their other wonderful songs. Besides, I think Steve Tyler would make a hilarious mentor.
Songs I’d like to hear: Walk This Way (1977), Jaded (2001).
A song I wouldn’t want to hear: I Don’t To Miss A Thing (1998). I mean, what’s the point of celebrating the rest of Aerosmith’s music if we’re gonna listen to this song yet again? They have other songs, you know.

BABYFACE Babyface is an all-around musician. He’s a singer, songwriter, guitarist, keyboardist, record producer, film producer and an entrepreneur all rolled into one person! He has successfully written and produced for a whole lot of other artists so I guess we can include those songs in the selection as well
Songs I’d like to hear: Every Time I Close My Eyes (1997), Fire (1998), Reason For Breathing (2000), What If (2001), Breathe Again (with Toni Braxton), Change The World (Eric Clapton), Just Stand Up (with the Cancer divas), Sittin’ Up In My Room (with Brandy), Take A Bow (with Madonna)

TIMBALAND (Suggested at the EW List) Well, he’s one of the hottest record producers today, it would prove useful for the Idols to be mentored for their eventual recording and chart journey.
Songs I’d like to hear: Try Again (2000), Cry Me A River (2002), The Way I Are (2007), Apologize (2007), Promiscuous (2006), Sexyback (2006), What Goes Around (2006), Wait A Minute (2006), 4 Minutes (2008), Rehab (2008)

Janet Jackson & Babyface

Some theme nights simply focused on musical genres. Country, Disco and Rock were usually the “hardest” themes simply because these genres can prove to be challenging for singers that are not suited for them. I know that we’ve featured the usual genres, sometimes even decade-specific and quite not current at that. It’s not really rocket science so I’m wondering why they haven’t featured these themes yet:

MODERN R&B
And who knows, even a slight hint of hip hop. The Billboard Hot 100 charts is littered with mostly R&B-Hip Hop anyway and if the Idol contestants are to become eventually chart toppers, why not test their mettle with currently popular styles. Songs of Alicia Keys have been sung prominently especially in the semi final rounds so I think she can be a great mentor for this night.
Songs I’d like to hear: Too many to mention, but on the top of my head: So Sick (Ne-Yo), Irreplaceable (Beyonce Knowles), T-Shirt (Shontelle), If I Were A Boy (Beyonce Knowles), Superhuman (Chris Brown & Keri Hilson), Take A Bow (Rihanna) and more from Alicia Keys’ soothing catalogue.
A song I wouldn’t want to hear: If I Ain’t Got You (2004). So sick and tired of this song being performed!

BUBBLEGUM POP I’m not sure if this is really what they call it, but I am thinking along the lines of Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and other blonde pop divettes at the turn of the century. You can even throw in the boyband saga to make it more interesting. Haha! Yeah yeah, I know it may be uncool now but come on! We used to love these guys, haha. And EW’s List said it best that if these auto-tuned vocalists can perform these songs well, so can the truly more talented Idol contestants, right? Besides, we do enjoy it whenever great vocal talents on Youtube cover these songs, don’t we? It should be highly interesting and I hope the contestants will take liberties in personalizing the arrangements of the songs.
Songs I’d like to hear: Any song that will remind me of my childhood and high school days. Haha!
Songs I wouldn’t want to hear: The prevailing “uncoolness” of the music is quite a handicap itself, so I hope the contestants wouldn’t choose the cheesiest ones like Candy (Mandy Moore), Get Down (Backstreet Boys) or Baby One More Time (Britney Spears).

MODERN DANCE MUSIC Gloria Estefan and Donna Summers had their moments already and sure, the music eras they represent are formidable. But this time, I am hoping for the music that I myself jam to, not the ones our parents dance to in their ballroom parties. I’m not sure if it’s appropriate for a “family show” like Idol, but I hope they’ll get the Pussycat Dolls and Robin Antin (the PCD founder) as mentors.
Songs I’d like to hear: Closer (Ne-Yo), Forever (Chris Brown), Umbrella (Rihanna), Don’t Stop The Music (Rihanna), Insomnia (Craig David), When I Grow Up (Pussycat Dolls)

ACOUSTIC NIGHT
Acoustic arrangements of songs have mostly been warmly received, like Tracks Of My Tears and She Works Hard For The Money for the current season (Black Horse & A Cherry Tree back in Season 5 is my favourite). So why don’t we make everyone sing acoustically to really feel the vulnerability and pureness of the vocals. Whatta very Paula Abdul thing to say! Haha! They can choose any song they want from any genre and decade for as long as they will do it acoustically. Consider it as their training for eventual small gigs, mall shows or television guestings.

FORMER IDOLS If we’re really looking for the next Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jordin Sparks or David Cook, then I’m sure any worthy successor will perform the songs by these proven Idols astoundingly. We can also throw in the hits of the non-winning Idols (Daughtry, Jennifer Hudson, etc) in the mix for choices.
Songs I’d like to hear: A Moment Like This (Kelly Clarkson), Do I Make You Proud (Taylor Hicks), Lessons Learned (Carrie Underwood), Now You Tell Me (Jordin Sparks), No Air (Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown), Home (Daughtry)

Idol has had a number of specific theme nights like the cute “Songs from the year you were born” (an excuse to show the Idols’ baby pictures) to the annoying and pointless “Top Downloads” (for maximum iTunes pimpage). But these are getting old, why don’t we make it a little more twisted:

SONGS FROM THE YEAR YOU TURNED 16 (Suggested at the EW List)
Then we can see the adolescent pictures of the Idols! Hehe! “Perhaps the show's producers should let 'em perform songs that shaped their early musical identities — ones that would hopefully result in an outpouring of youthful angst and passion right there on the Idol stage”. –EW List

SONGS PICKED BY YOUR COMPETITORS' PARENTS (Suggested at the EW List)
“Here's a crazy three-step idea, inspired (a little) by Project Runway: Let each contestant's parents pick their five favorite songs, and put 'em on a list. Then have each Idol pick a set of parents (but not their own, of course). Finally, watch the contestants freak out when they're forced to pick their song from one of their competitors' parents' countdowns. Guaranteed fun — for the whole family!” –EW List

As an Idol junkie, I know that there are a lot of factors in the probability of these theme nights actually happening on the show: sponsors, song rights, getting the relevant and deserving mentors, impact on the show, entertainment value and relevance, etc. Some of these are probably even wishful thinking. But in the entire life span of the show, it has continually grown and broaden its audience and song catalogue (Beatles songs were cleared in Season 7, and for Season 8, we finally heard a Led Zeppelin song on the Idol stage). Who knows what changes may arrive. I just hope it’s for the better.

So how about you, guys, any ideas for fantastic theme nights?

The Resolution of the Emo

2009-05-01T00:15:00.005+08:00

For the first few days of our Sociology class, we discussed the relation of the self to the social interlinked with the essence of the “subject” to the ever-changing society and language (nosebleed!). I got many good points from my teacher. She always talked about self infliction, types of suicide, social class, social order, and many aspects in Sociology that may build up oneself. I learned what really makes us exist: our mind and experience.

Most of my friends who know me find me as an emotional guy – the one who always has the breakdown complex. But I guess I found the reason that would explain why I get too emotional on certain situations.

First thing first, what’s in my mind? Explaining far from being philosophical, removing the external world from my being, one would see me as beggar of love. My looking-glass self depicts a person who is incapable of living alone: fewer relationships from the social. Even if I live a fairly independent life in UP, I tend to grasp opportunities to gain relationships from selected newly found friends – but now I find this VERY VERY STUPID.

Next is the experience. I may ask this question: What does my environment dictate me to become? This is more of Goffman’s concept, Dramaturgy, which says that my life is like a theatre. When I am at the stage, I follow the script that the production gave me. I show what they expect me to be. When people around me have the conception of me being maarte, more likely, I'll be maarte. In short, I have constraints that mold be to the person I am now.

Combining both aspects gives birth to what people know about me. However, I don’t like what people see in me.

“So what should I do?” I asked myself.

From March to April, I have been feeling the change of character in me. Still, I am the joke-all person, porn-loving guy, and extrovert-to-ADHT patient. On the other hand, I feel something that changed my perspective to life. Maybe this is biological, but who cares with the reason?

I imply here what my teacher told me about Society and Power, which my classmate expounded. He gave us an example. Here’s how it goes: “Imagine yourself as a revolver and the different attributes of you as the bullets. Usually, when bullets are shot, the revolver turns in a normal consecutive way. But having a POWER OVER ONESELF AND THE SOCIETY, you, as the revolver can freely revolve, allowing you to choose which bullet to set. Now the society is the trigger that will make your bullet ready to fire. (Lindol De Castro).” Amazing huh?

With what my classmate said, I now can weigh which side of myself I’m going to be in different situations. For me, it’s just nice that there are other options arising than being wild and emotional that come up to my mind whenever self-infliction is about to come…and it’s now easy to decide what bullet I’m going to shoot.

Hopefully, this entry won’t follow what I wrote before: Benignity is the twin brother of Malignity. Nonetheless, I have all my bullets, and I now have to power which to fire.

Six AguPips graduate with honors

2009-04-29T03:43:00.001+08:00

With additional information from the Diliman UP Date Online

April 26, 2009 – Frequent rain showers plagued the whole week but the sun shone just in time for the 98th Commencement Exercise of the University of the Philippines Diliman. The members of the Class of 2009 from all the colleges and their proud parents trooped to the University Amphitheater at 3:30 in the afternoon for the said graduation rites.

National Artist for Literature Dr. Virgilio S. Almario delivered the keynote address to some 4,500 graduates. Joseph Segui, a BS Mathematics summa cum laude graduate, delivered a message in behalf of the graduates. This year, Segui is joined by 17 other outstanding individuals in graduating with top honors. One of these summa cum laude graduates is Ma. Theresa S. Pamintuan (Kaputul 2004A). Nicknamed Pie to the AguPips and her close friends, she obtains a BS Business Administration & Accountancy degree with a GWA of 1.20. A few months ago, she was part of the winning team of UP CBA in the 10th Inter-Collegiate Finance Competition (ICFC) sponsored by the Financial Executives of the Philippines (FINEX).

The respective recognition rites of the rest of our proud graduated orgmates were held throughout the whole week. Five other remarkable AguPips also graduated with honors. Also, last April 22, the newly graduated residents were feted to the Aguman alumni association with a simple fellowship dinner with the alumni officers and resident officers.

April 21, 2pm, College of Arts & Letters
Jowie Brent “Jowie” Garcia, Kadaya 2005A, Cum Laude, BA European Languages

April 22, 4pm, School of Statistics
Mary Therese “Thea” Lising, Kadaya 2005A, BS Statistics

April 24, 8am, College of Engineering
Marco Lansangan, Kaputul 2004A, BS Chemical Engineering

April 24, 4pm, School of Economics
Jerome “Joms” Caylao, Kadaya 2005A, BS Business Economics
Paul Neilmer “Paul” Feliciano, Kadaya 2005A, Cum Laude, BS Business Economics

April 24, 4pm, National College of Public Administration and Governance
Gary Lawrence "Gary" Patawaran, Kadaya 2005A, BA Public Administration

April 25, 8am, Asian Institute of Tourism
Anna Kathrina “Kath” Gatchalian, Bucayo 2005B, Cum Laude, BS Tourism
Ohrelle Kim “Kim” Marcelo, Kadaya 2005A, BS Tourism
Lorelee “Loree” Sicat, Kadaya 2005A, Cum Laude, BS Tourism

April 25, 1pm, College of Social Sciences & Philosophy
Anne Christine “Acey” Duarte, Bucayo 2005B, Magna Cum Laude, BA Linguistics
Mark Andrew “Andrew” Santiago, Kadaya 2005A, BA Philosophy

April 26, 9am, College of Business Administration
Demsen Rachelle “Demsen” Cosio, Agyuan 2007B, BS Business Administration
Kristina Corazon “Kitchie” Gallardo, Kaputul 2004A, BS Business Administration

April 26, 10am, College of Architecture
Eleaze Valerie “Yek” Santos, Kaputul 2004A, BS Architecture

Some of these newly graduated AguPips were officers in the organization. Marco and Acey were a former Internals Vice-Presidents, during AY 2007-2008 and AY 2008-2009 respectively; Joms was a former Treasurer, AY 2007-2008; Pie was a former Educational Committee Chairperson, AY 2005-2006; and Loree was Socio-Cultural Committee Chairpersons during AY 2007-2008 and Yek during AY 2006-2007. In the coming school year, two of these graduates will take up Law: Andrew at UP and Jowie at Ateneo.

Another Wish

2009-04-27T18:36:00.003+08:00

Inside a Picture Unfading

The picture lastingly suspended,
floating in their memories.
It was their picture that frequently reminded
how a moment,
remains, forever, just a moment.
He remembers,
how her hand firmly held his shoulders.
She remembers,
how his hand softly held her waist.
They remember,
how they got frozen,
deep in the middle of the dance.
Just the two of them,
framed and still in the moment.

It was during a short pause
from the local waltz,
when their smiles were real,
and their sweat were tears,
of joy, of sorrow and of anxiety.
In their minds,
She thanked God, for having this moment.
He cursed man, for it was just an instant.
They both hoped, for this pause to linger,
as long as they wanted it to.
Still frozen, their eyes gazed through each other’s soul,
Seeing themselves happy together,
But no, not in this world, never.
So in their hearts, they cried
as how the triple harmony,
of their movements, their music and their heartbeats
ended with just one step.

****

Someone, whom I admire, once told me that I should cherish every moment in my life. He told me that a single moment happens only once. Though it may seem to be repeated, it is not exactly the same as the one that preceded it. He also told me that I should value the person whom I shared that time with, more than the occasion itself.

Just like everyone else, I also have my own set of memories and persons that I treasure. Though a lot of things have changed, those that I have valued still remain close to me. Well, at least most of them. As much as I want to follow what he had told me, I simply can’t. Things change. They never stay the same, although some things seem to be.

Still, I would want to believe in what my friend told me. I hope that these things that I hold on to at present would last, just as how he told me so.

****
Whoo! Congratulations pala queng Aslag Online! Just like everything else, it has also changed. Tutwa ne rin! And if the plan pushes through, baka ma-replace ne into a real website! O ha! Nang asabi mu karin? Haha! Congratulations din kareng meg-contribute, kareng masisipag magsulat, kareng mag-maintain AOL at kekatamu ngang AguPeople. Ali ne man siguru magluwat nung ali tamu ngan meg-effort para keni. Cheers to another year of clicking the you-know-what! Haha!

Aguman alumni and residents hold fellowship dinner

2009-04-25T23:05:00.001+08:00

April 22, 2009 – UP Aguman alumni, led by its President Rene “Powie” De Guzman (Siclab 1980A), welcomed Aguman’s fresh graduates to the alumni association in a get-together at Metrowalk, Ortigas around 8:30 in the evening. He was joined by two other alumnae, namely, Melina “Meng” Tinio-Arreza (1976A) and Daphne Villanueva (Kaputul 2004A). The new graduates who attended were Acey Duarte (Bucayo 2005B), Marco Lansangan (Kaputul 2004A), Yek Santos (Kaputul 2004A) and Lorelee Sicat (Kadaya 2005A). The new resident officers were also invited to join the fellowship for their formal introduction to the alumni members and also, share plans for the incoming academic year.

Unfortunately, some of the alumni who earlier confirmed for the gathering weren’t able to make it. Nevertheless, it was definitely a fun night for those who came as the officers and alumni shared stories, future plans and experiences over food and drinks. Get-togethers like this surely bolster the kinship between Aguman residents and alumni. The night ended with goodbyes and good lucks as our graduates and the new officers face their respective new challenges ahead of them.

Summer Fellowship. Alumni and resident members of UP Aguman gather over dinner for
business and pleasure. The Alumni Association Officers formally met the new resident officers
and welcomed the newly-graduated members to the association.

Doing it for J (And to the friends who will be leaving physically)

2009-03-29T02:17:00.006+08:00

Take One: Karibal si Ate

Mainit sa loob nga car. Parang sa Titanic. Pero nagkikiss lang naman sila. Mapusok ang halik ni Kathy sa lalaking owner ng car. Sa lalaking owner ng puso ng ate ni Kathy. At naghiwalay ang namamagang mga labi ni Kathy at namumulang mga labi ng syota ng ate niya.

Paano kung nalaman ‘to ng ate mo?

Di niya malalaman to. Eh paano kung nalaman to ng boyfriend ko?

Eh ‘di naman kami magkakilala ng boyfriend mo eh.

Sabagay.

At naghalikan silang muli.

Take Two: Ang CD

Mahinhin ang pag-ihip ng hangin mula sa bintana. Sabay sa pagsayaw ang ilang mga hibla ng buhok ni Val. Yakap siya ni Marc habang sumasaliw sa himig ng musika sa CD ni Marc ang galaw ng katawan nila.

Ang ganda ng mga music sa CD. Pwedeng sa akin na lang ?

Ahhhh.... Sige na nga. Salamat din pala sa brownies.

Kanino yung mas masarap, dun sa sinasabi mong stalker mo o yung sa akin?

Magkalasa lang eh.

Nakakainis ka! Pinagpaguran ko yang ibake, tapos – mph! Wag dyan! Nakikiliti ako!

Take Three: Age Doesn’t Matter

Pinagmamasdan niya ang mga mata ng mas nakababatang lalaking katabi niya. Si little brother. Nanginginig sa takot. Nagyaya pa kasi na manood ng horror movie. Ang laki naman nyang duwag pag sumigaw siya, tuli na nga eh. Hahaha!

Palagi silang magkasama ni little brother. Parang ang sweet pagmasdan ng dalawa. Parang magkapatid daw. Pero masyadong sweet.

Minsan nga nagseselos na ang gf ni big brother. Sabi niya naman sa kanya, parang kapatid lang daw ang turing niya dito.

Siguro nga dapat ng magselos si GF kay little brother.

Take Four: Love Team LANG daw

Si Jerry, palaging tinutukso sa kaklase niya. Palagi kasing magkatabi sa lahat ng klase nila. Magkasama tuwing recess at lunch time.

Magbestfriend naman talaga silang dalawa. Pero binibigyan yun ng kulay ng mga klasmyets nila.

Pero di sila magkasamang umuuwi. Sinusundo kasi si Jerry ng kuya niya na never namang nakilala ng kaloveteam niya.

O di ba, loveteam nga lang siguro silang dalawa. Ni di nga kilala ng tinutukso kay Jerry ang kuya nito eh.

Siguro nga loveteam lang sila.

Take Five : Ang Text Message

Text # 1: From Val. To her bunsong kapatid.

Hey lil sis! Ano nga ba yung nilalagay mong chocolate sa brownies for boylet? Textback ASAP. I’ll bake mamaya. Turuan mo ako later.

Text # 2: From Kath. To her ate.

.,hEy biG SiS! duTch pRoCesSeD cHoc0 p0h. wiHeE! baKe tAu leiTer!. peNge hUh.,

Text # 3: From Kath. To her secret BF.

., hEyYerZ! mEi gGawiN aQoh lEiTer.. baKe kMi ni aTe k0h. mizZ u! see y0u sa sCho0L! mwAh !

Text # 4: From Jeri. To his loveteam.

mizz na rin kita! mwah! sana sagutin mo na ako. ‘ehe… secret pa rin sa classmates natin kahit tayo na.

Text # 5: From Jeri. To his another loveteam.

kuya bhie napakinggan mo na yung CD? maganda ba mga songs? kanta ko yan para sayo. ‘ehe

Text # 6: From Marc. To his Bhie.

Oo bhie. Pinakinggan ni Val, nagustuhan din niya. Kinuha nga niya eh. Pagburn mo ulit ako. Please? Bigay mo sa akin bukas pag sinundo na kita.

Behind the camera:

Si Lors, bes ni Val. Ate ni Jeri.

Jeri, pagsabihan mo nga sa kaklase mong bestfriend, wag niyang ahasin yung ate niya. Eto na naman kasi, nagbubuhos ng sama ng loob si Val sa akin. Nagpapaturo pang magbake sa akin! Di naman ako marunong! Kapag akong nainis, susugrin ko yang bestfriend mo!

Eh ate, ano bang gusto mong mangyari, ligawan ko kaklase ko?

Kaya mo?

***

Para sa lahat ng gagraduate, maraming salamat sa pagshare niyo ng buhay niyo! J, maraming salamat. Kahit di tayo close. Pero alam mo, kahit papaano, di naman ako nagsisi na ikaw yung buddy ko. Magaling ka eh! Sensible ka, I want everyone to know. At may mga magtataasan ng kilay diyan. Grow like that acacia tree that I’ve told you.

Para sa mga magtatapos, kayo ang tauhan sa kwentong ito. Pangalan niyo lang naman. Ate Acey, ikaw yung stalker. Haha! Joke! Pasensya na sa mga di ko nasama. Kuya Rex! Parang feeling ko di ka pa rin gagraduate for real. Hehehe…

UP Aguman honors its graduating members for 2009

2009-03-27T17:52:00.005+08:00

March 25, 2009 – The residents, headed by the Junior members, organized a tribute ceremony at the rooftop of Luisa Building 2 along Maginhawa Street, Teacher’s Village to give honor to the 17 graduating members of UP Aguman. It was the last formal activity for the school year, so the induction of the incoming officers was also held.

It was the Finals Week for the 2nd Semester after all, so unfortunately, only 8 were able to attend the evening activity, namely:
Acey Anne Duarte – BA Linguistics, Bukayo 2005B
Anna Kathrina Gatchalian – BS Tourism, Bukayo 2005B
Eleaze Valerie Santos – BS Architecture, Kaputul 2004 A
Jerome Caylao – BS Business Economics, Kadaya 2005A
Lorelee Sicat – BS Tourism, Kadaya 2005A
Lorgi Myndo – BS Clothing Technology, Kasaup 2002A
Marco Lansangan – BS Chemical Engineering, Kaputul 2004A

The other graduating members were:
Demsen Cosio – BS Business Administration, Agyuan 2007B
Gary Patawaran – BA Public Administration, Kadaya 2005A
Jowie Brent Garcia – BA European Languages, Kadaya 2005A
Kitchie Gallardo – BS Business Administration, Kaputul 2004A
Ma. Theresa Pamintuan – BS Business Administration and Accountancy, Kaputul 2004A
Mark Andrew Santiago – BA Philosophy, Kadaya 2005A
Mary Therese Lising – BS Statistics, Kadaya 2005A
Ohrelle Kim Marcelo – BS Tourism, Kadaya 2005A
Paul Neilmer Feliciano – BS Business Economics, Kadaya 2005A

The 8 present graduating members were welcomed in a special red carpet entrance of the Academy-Awards-inspired show. After the entrance walk down the aisle and presentation of the graduating members, an audio-visual presentation lined with pictures of the graduating members from various Aguman events and extreme bonding sessions was shown, filling the air with boisterous laughter and tender nostalgia. Afterwards, all AguPips enjoyed the food prepared for the night, courtesy of Jewel Dela Cruz and John Carl Gozun (both Baskal 2007A), as part of their treat for the org for her March birthdays. An alumnus and a housemate of two of the graduating members, Argel Casupanan (Salagpi 2001A), also attended the tribute.

The tribute proper immediately followed. The respective buddies and some of the closest friends of the graduating members were one by one called on by the host, Felipe Pablo (Langgotsi 2006B) to give messages and to share their fond memories, first impressions and unforgettable moments with them. Each story and testimonial of the members truly reflected the contribution and legacy the graduating members are leaving to the organization and the quality of kinship and friendship they’ve shared with their fellow AguPips in their stay in the university and in Aguman.

Before the night ended, past Executive Council Officers together with the newly elected ones were called for the turnover ceremonies. The members of the Executive Council 2008-2009 formally thanked the members for the past year and gave their well wishes to their successors. Afterwards, led by Electoral Board member Rex Dizon, the incoming set of officers for the Academic Year 2009-2010 took their oath and was officially inducted into office.

The program ended with the distribution of tokens to the graduating members made by the members themselves. They prepared and decorated glass bottles and filled them with small sheets containing their congratulatory messages and thank you’s.

Executive Council 2009-2010
President
Kevin Patrick Peñalba
Langgotsi 2006B
Incoming 4th year, BS Business Economics

Internal Vice-President
Trisha Nacpil
Baskal 2007A
Incoming 3rd year, BS Computer Science

External Vice-President
Aries Ivan Viray
Lakatan 2006A
Incoming 4th year. BA Public Administration

Secretary
Michael Roman Gulapa
Lakatan 2006A
Incoming 4th year, BA Philosophy

Treasurer
Bryan Leonard Quizon
Pinanari 2008A
Incoming 2nd year, BS Electronics and Communications Engineering

Educational Committee Chairperson
Ruth Elaine Henson
Langgotsi 2006B
Incoming 4th year, BA Political Science

Socio-Cultural Committee Chairperson
Romina Isabelle Goce
Baskal 2007A
Incoming 3rd year, BS Architecture

Sanlahi member-orgs elect next year's alliance officers

2009-03-23T02:49:00.006+08:00

March 20, 2009 – The UP Sanlahi Alliance had a general meeting for the election of its officers for the next academic year. With the incumbent officers sitting as the Electoral Board, the nominations were submitted days prior to the election proper. Sanlahi is an alliance organization of duly-recognized provincial and regional organizations in UP Diliman and the UP Aguman is one of its founding members.

UP Aguman member Lawrence Manalo (Pinanari 2008A) ran for the position of Vice-Chair for Membership. Incidentally, the outgoing Vice-Chair for Membership, Fergie Panganiban, is also from Aguman. Previous Aguman members who’ve been officers in the Sanlahi for the past few years also held the same position.

Ten member-organizations, Aguman, Batangan, Lambak, Lakan, Kalilayan, Sillag, Sidlangan, Namnama, Tangway and Sandiwa, were present during the election meeting. The candidates presented their General Plan of Action prior to the casting of votes. Lawrence was unopposed so he needed at least 6 votes to clinch the position. Fortunately, he garnered 7 votes and won.

The other elected Sanlahi Alliance officers were Angelica Corpuz (from Lambak) – Sanlahi Chairperson, Roy Devesa (Tangway) – Secretary General, Jojit Oñate (Kalilayan) Vice-Chair for Education & Research, Madel Estrella (Lakan) – Vice-Chair for Culture & Sports and Genixon David (Sandiwa) – Vice-Chair for Publicity. The Vice-Chair for Finance position was still vacant because the candidate for the position was not present during the meeting.

Together with Lawrence, UP Aguman was represented in the meeting by the outgoing President, Jen Castro and outgoing Internals Vice-President, Acey Duarte.

Remaining seats in the Executive Council 2009-2010 finally filled

2009-03-19T00:46:00.006+08:00

March 18, 2009 – The Special Elections for the positions of President and Secretary of the Executive Council 2009-2010 were held at the old AS tambayan. The previous week, after two rounds of voting, the said positions were still vacant due to the close race between the candidates. All five members of the Electoral Board, namely, Rex Dizon, Acey Duarte, Kath Gatchalian, Marco Lansangan and Loree Sicat, were present to oversee the electoral process.

After the re-nominations, the candidates were again given time to deliver their personal speeches for the voting members. During the third round of voting, 36 members voted and thus, the 50%+1 required mandate was 19 votes. After counting the votes, Michael Gulapa was finally declared the next Secretary. The race for the Aguman Presidency was still at a deadlock.

3rd ROUND TALLY
PRESIDENT
18 CASTRO, Jennifer H.
17 PEÑALBA, Kevin Patrick E.
1 Abstain

SECRETARY
20 GULAPA, Michael Roman S.
16 PABLO, Felipe IV B.
0 Abstain

The General Assembly then held another round of nominations and voting. This time, only 34 members were able to vote because some already went home before the end of counting during the 3rd round. After another tension-filled counting of the votes, Kevin Peñalba was finally declared as the 37th President of the UP Aguman.

4th ROUND TALLY
PRESIDENT
16 CASTRO, Jennifer H.
18 PEÑALBA, Kevin Patrick E.
0 Abstain

Kevin and Michael join the 5 previously proclaimed officers in the Main Elections held last week.

Executive Council 2009-2010
President: Kevin Patrick Peñalba
Internals Vice-President: Trisha Nacpil
Externals Vice-President: Aries Ivan Viray
Secretary: Michael Roman Gulapa
Treasurer: Bryan Leonard Quizon
Educational Committee Chairperson: Ruth Elaine Henson
Socio-Cultural Committee Chairperson: Romina Isabelle Goce

The incoming officers' induction into office will be held at the Tribute Ceremonies for the graduating members for 2009 next week.

Kapampangan high school students shine in PatalaSanlahi 2009

2009-03-16T15:26:00.004+08:00

March 8, 2009 – The UP Sanlahi Alliance, an organization of duly-recognized provincial student organizations in UP Diliman, successfully held PatalaSanlahi 2009 at Benitez Hall (College of Education), UP Diliman campus. With its theme “Kabataang Pinoy: May Dunong, May Paninindigan”, it gathered the most excellent high school students of the provinces to unleash their academic and creative prowess and at the same time, like the title of the event signifies, to sharpen their minds in a spirit of cultural solidarity. Its other objective was to inform the Filipino youth about the current local and global issues and the need to build a sustainable future through the contests the students will be competing in and through the talks and presentations by different invited guests for the event. This annual event was endorsed by the Department of Education. The Sanlahi Alliance Vice-Chair for Education & Research, Gabrielle Mangahas (of UP Sandiwa), was the project head. She was joined by the other officers, Sanlahi Alliance Chair Eden Malabuyok (UP Batangan), Secretary General Mark Cervantes (UP Lakan), Vice-Chair for Membership Fergie Panganiban (UP Aguman), Vice-Chair for Finance Roy Devesa (UP Tangway), Vice-Chair for Publicity Paulo Hernandez (UP Kalilayan) and Vice-Chair for Culture & Sports Fermina Agudo (UP Lambak), in ensuring the success of the activity. Representatives of the different member-organizations also helped out in the staging of the event.

Winners from the respective academic and art competitions held by the member-organizations in their respective provinces qualified to compete in the 6 competitions: Quiz Bee, Essay Writing (English & Filipino), Impromptu Speech (English & Filipino) and Poster-Making. To represent Pampanga, the UP Aguman sent the Top 3 teams and individuals from its roster of Pautakan 2008 and Sining 2009 winners. Unfortunately, the winners of Angeles University Foundation – Integrated School (AUFIS), St Scholastica’s Academy (SSA) and San Lorenzo Center of Studies and Schools (SLRCSS) were not able to compete due to schedule conflicts. Meanwhile, Don Bosco Academy (DBA), Holy Angel University (HAU), Holy Family Academy (HFA), New Era University (NEU) and University of the Assumption (UA) proudly sent their delegates, assisted and accompanied by their coaches and the UP Aguman members.

Essay Writing – English
Jhonry Dela Cruz (UA)

Essay Writing – Filipino
Mara Louella Sangilan (UA)
Merry Gel Sigui (NEU)

Impromptu Speech – English
Hil Petersen Vargas (DBA)

Impromptu Speech – Filipino
Jericko Samson (UA)

Quiz Bee
Adrian Neil Pineda, Royette Abby Mamangun & Ruth Ann Marie Dimalanta (HAU)
Madison Dominguez, Ron Errick Loyola & Zjan Turla (DBA)
Renato Galvan, Anne Kristine Rivera & Mark Apollo Lusung (HFA)

All the individual competitions and the eliminations of the quiz bee were held simultaneously in the morning. For the afternoon program, Mark Ruiz, who initiated HaPinoy (1st chain of sari-sari stores) and Rags2Riches, was invited as Guest Speaker and talked about being a social entrepreneur to the participants. The Quiz Bee Semifinals and Finals followed after.

The Kapampangan delegation in the Quiz Bee was notable during the eliminations because all three of them entered the semifinals for finishing in the Top 13 out of the 22 participating teams. HFA placed 6th, HAU 10th and DBA was tied for the 11th-13th spots. Another set of 30 questions was asked in the Semifinals and DBA clinched the 5th and last spot in the Finals. HFA was a close 6th and HAU again placed 10th. After another round of 30 questions in the Finals, DBA finished 3rd overall, behind Philippine Science High School Region 1 Campus (1st) and Baguio City National High School (2nd).

In the Awarding Ceremonies, UP Aguman and its delegates received its certificates of appreciation and recognition for being a part of PatalaSanlahi 2009. Along with the winning quiz bee team of DBA, Jericko Samson (UA) was also declared as 3rd Place winner in his own event, Impromptu Speech in Filipino.

LEFT: DBA Pautakan Team. DBA was the top-placer among private schools in the Quiz Bee competition.
RIGHT: HFA Pautakan Team. HFA also held their ground almost made it in the Finals.

All in all, the Kapampangan student delegates of UP Aguman remarkably represented Pampanga and made their own significant mark on their fellow high school students across the country. For more camaraderie and fellowship, the UP Aguman members invited the schools to eat together at the UP-Ayala Techno-Hub during the lunch break. The organization also gave UP key chains to all the delegates as another simple token of appreciation.

LEFT: HAU Pautakan Team. The Pautakan 2008 Champions proudly represent Pampanga.
RIGHT: Social Entrepreneur. Mark Ruiz shares to the young audience about his noble social cause.

Announcement: Special Elections

2009-03-15T00:09:00.004+08:00

SPECIAL ELECTIONS
For the President & Secretary positions
Wednesday, March 18, 5:45pm

*It's crucial to have AT LEAST 33 members PRESENT for it to push through. We will finish everything that night: the 3rd round of Nominations, PreElections (if necessary) and Elections.
*All 49 reaffed voters are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to attend.
*Let's remind each other of our responsibilities. Saup-saup tamu. Dakal exams, papers and stuff on the last week of classes. Mag-sakripisyu tamu mung pilang oras, banta mayari na ini. Agyu tamu ini! Hehe! =P

Residents elect five officers into the Executive Council AY 2009-2010

2009-03-14T21:56:00.006+08:00

March 12, 2009 – The election of members of the Executive Council for AY 2009-2010 was held at the UP Aguman tambayan at Palma Hall. For days prior to the Election Day itself, the profiles containing the Specific Plan of Actions (SPOA) of the candidates and their answers to questions from the Electoral Board were all released by the Electoral Board at Aslag Online and the residents’ mailing list. Multiple hard copies were also released at the tambayan. The Electoral Board implemented this to help the voting members in making an informed decision in choosing their leaders for the next school year.

The traditional Miting De Avance was also held before the members casted their votes. Each candidate was given 4 minutes each to deliver their speech and 12 minutes of live Q&A was allotted for the candidates of each position. The order of presentation was determined and released beforehand: 1) Socio-Cultural Committee, 2) Internals Vice-President, 3) Educational Committee Chairperson, 4) Externals Vice-President, 5) Secretary, 6) Treasurer and 7) President. The members took turns in airing their questions to the candidates and in offering their well-meaning suggestions as well.

After the Miting De Avance, the members then cast their votes, assisted by the members of the Electoral Board (EB). Out of 49 registered members, 44 were able to vote so the required number of votes to win was 23. After the live counting of votes, winners were declared for 5 of the 7 positions in the Executive Council, namely Trish Nacpil (Baskal 2007A) – Internals Vice-President, Aries Viray (Lakatan 2006A) – Externals Vice-President, Bryan Quizon (Pinanari 2008A) – Treasurer, Ruth Henson (Langgotsi 2006B) – Educational Committee Chairperson and Minsky Goce (Baskal 2007A) – Socio-Cultural Committee Chairperson.

PRESIDENT
16 CASTRO, Jennifer H.
18 PEÑALBA, Kevin Patrick E.
10 Abstain

INTERNALS VICE-PRESIDENT
6 CASTRO, Jennifer H.
34 NACPIL, Trisha D.
4 Abstain

EXTERNALS VICE-PRESIDENT
16 DE PADUA, Gerard Robin D.
24 VIRAY, Aries Ivan G.
4 Abstain

SECRETARY
20 GULAPA, Michael Roman S.
21 PABLO, Felipe IV B.
4 Abstain

TREASURER
16 MALLARI, Ferdinand, Jr D.
23 QUIZON, Bryan Leonard M.
3 Abstain

EDUCATIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON
9 CORTEZ, Carmelo M.
31 HENSON, Ruth Elaine L.
5 Abstain

SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON
12 DAVID, Ian Bencio M.
30 GOCE, Romina Isabelle E
2 Abstain

Because of the vacant positions, Special Elections were held the very same night. The attendance did not constitute a quorum of the registered voters so a few more members were contacted to come back so start the special electoral process.

During the 2nd round of nominations, the issue of allowing graduating members in the 1st semester of next school year to run in the elections was officially raised to the General Assembly (GA). Before the Pre-Elections the previous week, the EB already made a decision to not allow members with such cases to pursue candidacy in any position. So the GA voted and it upheld the decision of the EB.

The nominees for the Secretary position were still Michael and Felipe. Felipe was also nominated for the President position, together with Jen and Kevin. But after the PreElections, Jen and Kevin still emerged as the final nominees. Unfortunately, after the counting of the 2nd round of voting, there were still no clear winners. None of the candidates garnered 18 votes, the required mandate of 50%+1 of the 33 present members that night.

PRESIDENT
17 CASTRO, Jennifer H.
14 PEÑALBA, Kevin Patrick E.
2 Abstain

SECRETARY
17 GULAPA, Michael Roman S.
16 PABLO, Felipe IV B.
0 Abstain

It was already late in the night so the EB decided to postpone the 3rd round of Elections. As of this writing, it has been announced that another Special Elections will be held on Wednesday, March 18.

AguELECTIONS 2009: President

2009-03-09T17:07:00.002+08:00

SPECIFIC PLAN OF ACTION

*To be the willfully head of UP Aguman, thus representing it in all official transactions.
*To exercise the power in presiding all meetings, being the chairperson of the executive council of AY 2009-1010 and to be the conscientious point person in the annual recognition of the organization from the University.
*To be the duly signatory of certificates of recognition and participation, resolutions, papers and similar instruments of the org.
*To require the treasurer to produce an annual fund reports.
*To render a final report or documentation of the problems, accomplishments and recommendations of the Executive Council or the General Assembly before a meeting called for the purpose.
*Attend at least one leadership training per semester.
*Planning ahead of time and executing tasks within a time frame to save time, energy, money and elude slips and mistakes.
*Have a regular execoun meeting with the continued usage of Redbook, execoun logbook.
*Proper documentation of papers regarding the org welfare in a clear book will be provided.
*Amendments of the constitution, given that we already have the revised draft handed over by the previous executive council.
*Ensure that the council will leave sufficient fund for the next set of officers.

INTERNALS AND MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
*Internals Committee will not only focus on application process but also in the internal affairs of the organization, thus welfare of members and their relationships to each other will be of utmost importance. -“Stray” members are to convince for re-affirmation to the org or if they stood still, at least delve the reasons behind it and try to avoid the same circumstance next time.
*Sem starters and Sem Planning at the same time so that members can participate also and voice out their opinion.
*Giving incentives and rewards to active members who are always attending the general meetings and events and sanctions to languid ones.
*A member should incur or earn specific minimum tambay hours and attend at least 2 major events.
*Organize Extreme Bonding Sessions (EBS) so that the members will be at ease with each other.
*Master list of members’ vacant time will be posted at the tambayan so that during fund-raising activities where we need to have man power we can easily contact a member.
*Standardize application process; I accede of a stricter one.

EXTERNALS COMMITTEE
*Bridging the gap between the residents and the alumni by actively participating on the alumni groups, sports activities, alumni fellowship dinners, etc., in this way we can maximize our external resources.
*Continue the Mibalik Tambayan Day!
*Anniversary Week! Continue the legacy of Mutya ning Aguman and other inclusion of games for the members.
*Ensure that our alumni are well informed of our activities by invitation through e-mails, text brigs and informal invitations.
*STS (school-to-school) should be followed up regularly; we can do so by releasing a directory of the schools, advisers or principals and should leave a copy posted at the bulletin board, inside the locker, for the secretary and another for the president for monitoring purposes.
*Reinforce our relationship and standing in KANLUNGAN.
*Intensify our participation in SANLAHI by means of actively participating and delivering our assigned tasks during PALAKASANLAHI and PATALASANLAHI.
*Strategize and improve College Entrance Examinations Review (CEER) by inviting UP Profs and publicize the event more.
*At least one out-reach program per year.
*Make UP Aguman more visible by joining various contests within and off campus, if possible.

RECORDS AND PUBLICATION COMMITTEE
*In charge of the circulations of information during genmeets and other announcements concerning the org.
*Continue the management of Aslag Online and update our multiply site.
*The bulletin board will be a shared responsibility of this committee and Socio committee also.
*During events, printing of certificates will be done before hand to avoid rush and avoidable mistakes.
*The Records committee should also produce an updated hard copy directory and upload one in our YG as soon as the President filed for org recognition.
*Roster of members in hard copy that will serve as an attendance during meetings and events.
*Enhanced the members’ potential and skill in making posters and writing through seminars.
*In charge of producing tarpaulins during event. Keeper of the black book, and in charge of mem’s logbook per semester.
*Aslag for various event s editions will still be implemented.

FINANCE COMMITTEE
*I will adhere and support fund-raising activities of Finance committee. It doesn’t mean that they will do this alone but they can ask the help of committees involved in the event to assist them. Market ahead of time so that we will not be of rush when an event is fast approaching.
*Pinning a list of members who have monetary deficiency.
*Secure a transparent financial statement if possible every month to be posted on mem’s logbook and a copy to the president.
*The FinCom in general should work together in getting sponsors in line with this, a master list of companies and people who were former sponsors so that we can get hold of them every time we have an event then every time we have new sponsors, we can update our list.

EDUCATIONAL COMMITTEE
*EducComm should also uphold academic excellence among the members. They can have projects on how to improve the academic well being of the members such as tutorials, readings and other references.
*As much as possible, we shall participate in Alternative Classroom Learning Experience per sem.
*Enhancement workshops should be implemented not only to applicants but also to members so that they will be productive during questions nights and a strategic execution on the policy of passing Pautakan questions.
*Aside from this, a souvenir program must be released after the event with the assistance of Records Committee.
*Mini-library at the tambayan for newspapers, readings and books plus cards.
*Incentive or token for US and CS members every sem for more appreciation.
*List of professors and GE subjects or even respective majors with reasonable professors will be posted for the members to be guided during CRS and enrollment.

SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMITTEE
*The affiliation of Sining to various Capampangan Centers would be a plus point for us.
*Beautification and maintenance of our tambayan, and logistics during event.
*Be in charge of supplies of the org as the custodian of the organization. A list of our property will be recommended.
*School supplies in our locker for the members’ emergency use and also cleaning materials will be included at the tambayan.
*Regarding our event, Sining, a directory of judges’ contacts will be released so that we can invite them again and update it regularly.
*One Agushirt per year is still recommended unless the GA suggests otherwise.
*Inclusion of new contests ike song translation in Capampangan during Sining.
*AguSportsfest will be encouraged under the auspices of this committee.

QUESTIONS FROM THE ELECTORAL BOARD
With sufficient details, describe UP TO TWO (2) a situation/instance in the past wherein you exhibited significant, if not deep, know-how on the position you are running for.
The fact na migkarun na kung first hand experience keng pagiging Presidente na ning Aguman, wa pin nayta, eku na kelangan ielaborate pa dahil ikit yun naman ing effort ku at pamagsikap na itaguyud masalese ing org tamu.

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) concrete and feasible steps to encourage cooperation and attendance of members during GenMeets and org activities.
1) Pakain - Proven effective ya talaga yan e haha! Tsaka ali naman bongang food pane anjang chips mu makanyan tas take turns ing committee pero ali naman pagpuni bang eta mangalulu!
2) Team building activities - Team building activities as ice breaker, it’s also a way para atuklasan tamu pa ing dakal a bage keng kapwa mem tamu.
3) Early and informative text brigs - Para makapag-ayos la reng mems keng busy sched da at ng abalu da nanu ing agenda tamu.
4) Surprise incentives – Will be given any period ning genmeet example ing most behave kabang maggenmeet, things like that hehe.
5) Reprimanding and/or Sanctions - Pekatawli ke ini kasi eku buring mangapakarine kaya eku rin buring mamakarine. Tsaka ali ya pa kasi constitutional e so far din naman matas tamu attendace keng genmeet. Akakwa naman yank eng masaleseng pamakyisabe na next time datang lang mas maranun.

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) unwritten but classic and expected skills in your position? Sanu kareni ing atin naka, sanu reng pagsikapan mu pa rin for now?
OCEAN! Actually ikwa ke ini keng psych class ku hehe anyang migkapersonality test kami.
Openness - Open-minded ku at keri la reng criticisms and suggestions especially if it concerns administrative work and the organization is at stake.
Conscientiousness - Atin kung pagkaOC kareng bage-bag emu talaga halata kasi discrete ku mu haha! Kelangan ini lalo na patse atin papalapit na event at ng e magka-alti alti ing dapat gawan at asikaswan at ng e magkasabug-sabug din ing acads din! Eku mu buri kasing masasabihang OC ne!
Extraversion - Naman! Lalo na at maghead kang metung a organisasyon aba e pwede ing petiks at mala-marine kasi importante rin na atin kang established connections at good interpersonal relationships ali mu kareng mems pati kareng alumni at aliwang tao kening UP, one way or the other kaylanganan tamu ing saup da.
Agreeableness –Makiramdam ku kareng opinions da reng co-officers ku at ning GA to make a sound decision. Tsaka feeling ku naman ok ku pakikitungo kareng mems e. Kung e daku buri as a person, keri mu basta ba ali de mu sa paburen ing duties da as mems! Yehes, professional! Haha. Pero seriously, tutu naman e, aliwa kasi kapag org matters tsaka personal stuffs.
Neuroticism – Neuroticism?! Ali na ku man maging taong lobo o kaya manginis, grabe naman! Haha! Pemilit de mu ata ini para maging yang ocean e, balamu kasi atin kung pagka-agitated. Buri ku kasi pag atin kelangan aryan e gawan ku ne ahead of time bang e matetengga. Tsaka pag administrative work, decisive ku. Ing pagsikapan ku siguru, maging amiable and friendlier kasi lagi kung manikwang first impression na masungit, mataray or matapang! Haha.

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) specific mini –tasks or advanced preparation that you can do during the summer vacation, to efficiently jumpstart orgwork come 1st semester.
1) Rummage sale, masikan ya rin income generating activity ini! Wag ismolin!
2) Mag-attend leadership training kalupa dati bang ma-expose keng tutung sitwasyon.
3) Term planning of officers para atin susundang calendar of activities.
4) Coordinate with our alumni to help raise funds or to help us market for our events. Masakit kasi ing alang tatalnan pera e, eka makakimut masalese lalo na pag mag-umpisa kayu pa.
5) maranun i-launch ing app process bang makarakal tamung apps! Ala tana pin karibal na org e kaya dapat amaximize tala reng apps tamu.

Given your SPOA, give UP TO FIVE (5) currently-occurring problems that will most probably be the worst hindrances for you to implement or realize your SPOA.
1) Mawalan tang tambayan, 2) Marakal ali magre-aff, 3) patse OA na memagsiquit la ngan deng apps, 4)Patse migkaroon dispute at ali mea-ayos keng mismong execoun, ali naman sana Lord! 5) Patse mebancrupt ya ing Unity Bank at pilayi da la reng pera tamu! Solid ta! Haha.

Define “batch unity” and “family spirit”. When are these two concepts relevant and when are they not?
Syempre given na siguru na kacIose mu talaga reng batchmates mu kasi atin kayung shared experience e. Kaya mu ng “batch unity” ali ne relevant patse papaksyun either good or bad way na kayu at kelangan na ning org ing presence and output yu.
King Agu afeel mu naman na kapatad na ing turing da keka e na sobra kung aapreciate keka tamu ita kaya mu ing “family spirit” sosobra na siguru patse kelangan paminsan mareprimand mems at kelangan atin ng isettle for an event or keng org affairs dahil kelangan tamu pa rin magstick keng nature tamu as org that we have and rules to follow.

“Senior members are the Atche’s ampong Koya’s keng org that we can look up to, as people, as members and as mentors.” Agree or disagree? Why? In what way/s? Explain.
Aku agree naku man. Ala namang marok kung makiramdam ka rin e ali da naman sasabyan na tukyan yu ing sinabi ku?! Alang pilitan! Haha! Tsaka syempre ila ing mas dakal experience keng org matters and org stuff. Kung eyu feel deng suggestions de kasi pin naman alang adwang sitwasyon na magkalupa e di idecline ye politely, tutal matwa na la at tsaka college tana man feeling ku naman matured na la para agets da ita.

In what concrete and specific ways or practices do you live by our core values of truth, faith, kinship and service, as an individual person in the AguFamily. You can give UP TO TWO (2) ways per core value.
Truth – tabalu malaram ku e haha, joke mu! Aku naman kasi patse atin kung sinabi na gawan ku lalo na at ing kapakanan da reng mems at org tamu ing makataya, gagawan ku talaga. Ali ku rin kasi buri ing mambitin at magpa-asa e. Prangka kung tao.
Faith – patse kasi leader ka ali naman istu na ika ngan ing gagawa e, atin tamu ping awsan na collective leadership, meaning have faith kareng subordinates mu na they can deliver the task! Oha? Tatry ku rin maging inspiration kareng aliwang mems, nax! Hehe.
Kinship – Nakuu, kareng kabale ku pamu pin agupips no ngan e nanu pang kinship a payntunan?! Haha. Syempre, king pamag-uphold kareng values na panindigan na ning Aguman at keng pakikipag-kapwa tamu kareng kapatad tamu keng Aguman.
Service – anyang meging kung member ning Agu,afeel kun a kulang pa ing abye ku kaya tinagal ku para maging officer bang kanta mas abiye ku pa ing deserve na at marapat kaya. Kung kulang pa ing adwang banwa na migsilbi ku as Secretary and President, lugud ku namu na mamye pang metung a banwa para magsilbi kareng Agupips at keng Aguman!

SPECIFIC PLAN OF ACTION

More than an organization, we are a freakin’ cool family. But, a family often always encounter problems therefore, what we need is stability. A strong foundation upon which we’ll build the changes we want. Therefore, we have to be strong- healthy enough to combat internal conflicts, strong enough to surpass external challenges.

Executive Council - PUSH-UPS
The executive council should be the one pushing the organization up. This will be done if this pack of diverse people works for the best interest of the organization. It will need a strong persona to lead them, something I believe I can do. Issues, if any, should be dealt upon with the very moment we step into office. This will result in atmosphere wherein ideas are allowed to flow freely. This atmosphere will be maintained via periodic evaluations within the more personal and informal EC meetings.

The Executive Council should be receptive to ideas, suggestions and feedbacks sprouting from the members, the very backbone of the organization. Besides, the EC should work for and in behalf of these precious people. Naks! Haha! Ideas are to be collected from them via a mean to be decided by the EC (pwedeng suggestions box sa ating suking tambayan).

By doing work for UP AGUMAN, it should mean playing, thus enjoying doing the responsibilities delegated to us- simple words to describe PASSION. Having this passion is a critical assumption to any member of the EC. A strong EC corresponds to strong committees, which corresponds to a strong organization, which is equal to a strong family. (Rock!)

Internals Committee - SIT-UPS
The Internals committee should be able to receive strongly any blows related to membership. A more planned application process is ought to be presented and approved upon by the executive council. This will allow forth a smoother process, minimizing delays and encouraging members’ attendance in activities. A stricter screening process is deemed to be more beneficial. We should stick to traditions as they’re proven effective but we should not set aside relevant changes. Rar! Haha!

Sometimes, ‘di maiiwasan ang mga konting tampuhan ng mga members pero, ang kayang iwasan ay ang paglaki pa nito. Hehe. Kaya yun, maganda kung laging andyan ang komite para sugpuin na ung mga di-pagkakaintindihang ito habang maliit pa lang. Kapag walang gulo, maraming trabahong magagawa (Ace Durano? Haha!). Isang paraan para mas maging “bonded” ang pamilya ay mas maraming EBS (EXTREME BONDING SESSION). Dapat itong mas gawing interesante para mas marami ang mahiyakat na pumunta (since na hume-healthy kumo-conscious tayo, pwede tayong mag-jogging around the oval para masaya!). Mas masaya rin kung laging may inaabangan ang mga tayo tuwing genmeets. Maaring magkaroon ng mga laro at kung anu pang pakulo para mas marami ang mahikayat na pumunta. Mas marami, mas masaya, mas maraming mapag-uusapan. With this, magiging well-oriented about sa events ang mga mems, ready sumagot sa maaring itanong sa kanila.

We saw recently the things that may arise with a constitution that may not be as solid as what we think it is. With this, it is best if our constitution is reviewed, to be spearheaded by the internals committee, particularly those parts of the constitution relevant to membership.

Externals Committee - LEG LUNGES
Dapat, ing Externals Committee ing mangasiwa keng relasyun ning org kareng aliwang organisasyun, mapakilub o luwal ning kampus. Dahil keng problemang ating kinalaman kareng tambayan, mas lalu ya dapat makiyalam ing Externals Committee (keng Kanlungan o kung kaninu pa mang atin kinalaman keng problema tambayan) ban makasiguru tamu na ali datang ing panaung ala tamung tambayan. The organization, via the committee, should also participate more actively in the activities of Sanlahi Alliance (i.e. more members to attend Sanlahi activities, like the recently concluded PatalaSanlahi).

Other issues like distributing letters should also be addressed. A list of Schools in Pampanga should be documented and made readily available when needed. Dapat mangasikan tamu ngan legs ban mas marakal tang apuntalang schools. The hailed CEER should be planned more carefully and earlier in order to have more turnout of participants. More accessible places, which greatly affect the latter, must be targets. Since this is our only revenue-generating project, dapat tayang paghandaan talaga ini. Para atin tamung perang awaldas kareng other activities tamu. Haha! Metung pa, dapat mapanatili ing masanting a komunikasyun tamu kareng “alumni” tamu and one way to do this is to create a directory of our alumni and if other factors allow, we may have more fellowship activities with our beloved alumni.

Records and Publications Committee - SHOULDER PRESS
Based form experience, marami talagang mga gawaing inilagak sa shoulders ng committee na ito. Though I believe I’ve done my best, marami paring pagkukulang. Next AY, the committee should have all documents of the organization maintained and sorted in an apple-pie order (Yes, idiom! Haha!). Kasama sa mga documents na ito ang mga minutes of meetings, registration materials, printed Aslags, at lahat ng mga may kaugnayan sa organization, para kapag kailangan laging available (Parang ano lang, kaw na bahala mag-isip. Haha!). This year, we saw the evolution of Aslag, from a blog, to a super cool blog! Syempre, dahil yan sa AOL team. And, I think the evolution should not stop there, dahil sa totoo lang marami pa rin pwedeng gawin dito. Suggestions from the madla, of what they will want AOL to have should be very much considered. Other stuffs like logbooks and the tambayan should be maintained. An online repository of documents which the committee was not able to create this year may still be a very good plan for next year. A flawless execution of responsibilities (registration, certificate creation, etc.) is actually not impossible. We should be OC in registration and similar stuff, para walang namimis-place.

Finance Committee - JOGGING
Since we may consider money as the fuel of the organization, for it to continuously run in a smooth pace, more fund-raising projects should materialize. With funds, more than half of the problem of the organization in terms of planning and executing our activities will be eliminated. The three projects UP Aguman is known for were actually well-funded this year, but then again, we should go for more. The more, the merrier, the more extravagant (or bongga Agu-terms) we can make our projects. We should tap other resources and everyone, not just a few, should be doing this.

In order to be fair to everyone, the committee should not stop in collecting dues from everyone who tend to not oblige. The collection of agreed upon fees should be more strict and efficient para fair, tsaka para mas maraming funds. Hehe! Also, fundraisers should be evaluated. Financial statements should be made available in the tambayan or in our Y!groups para alam ng mga members ang status ng org financially, which will make them act accordingly. Fundraisers with people in Pampanga as target customers may be considered and implement kung feasible.

Educational Committee - PULL-UPS
The Pautakan this AY is cool given the constraints it had in terms of funds, workforce and other stuff, but then again, we can always work for a better one. We can always pull up the Pautakan and create a much better benchmark every year. The Pautakan this year was able to reach schools which are not regularly participating and some schools which are actually virgins to Pautakan. Hehe! This shows the fact that we can reach even further, thus, with the help of the externals committee, a more determined STS campaign must be launched, months before the Pautakan. The Pautakan questions should be reasonably difficult and answerable. The Questions nights should be flocked by members, and this will be possible if we make it exciting (team-building activities, vidoeke during breaks) without sacrificing the creation of quality questions. We should invite judges which are credible enough, para walang masabi ang mga schools kapag may questions sila. By doing the abovementioned, we’ll be able to reach for more virgins and at the same time, keep the regulars. Haha! To add, I believe, replacing the old Oblation trophy is very much in time.

On ACLE. For me, it should be done if the time, money and members still allow. Sometimes, practicality is always the thing we get back to when making decisions.

Socio-Cultural Committee - BENCH PRESS
Sining 2009 was able to Mirror the Past and Reflect the Future. The reflection of the future Sining should be as good, if not, better than the recently concluded Sining. We should press the boundaries (Hahaha! Pilit ba ang bench press?) and go beyond the standards the past Sining has set. We should strengthen our relationship with SM Clark (or with other venues) without sacrificing our pride. The rules and criteria of our events must be more polished (i.e. consult with professors/people with enough knowledge about the events). We should invite judges who really have a know-how of the events and not rely on our members (thus the workforce is not sacrificed).

On other stuff. The tambayan should be clean always. Hehe! Ban pag atin dadalan (minsan pati alumni), ali makarine. The bulletin board should be maintained ali itang sira-sira. Yung tipong, ‘pag may napadaan, mapapamura sa sobrang ganda. Hahaha! Exagg?

Haha! Napahaba ata ang SPOA ko. But actually, wala naman yan sa haba. Haha! Kapag may gusto ka pang idagdag or baguhin, halika. Usap tayo. Hahaha!

QUESTIONS FROM THE ELECTORAL BOARD
With sufficient details, describe UP TO TWO (2) a situation/instance in the past wherein you exhibited significant, if not deep, know-how on the position you are running for.
I’m the incumbent secretary and have work closely with Madam Jen and other awesome members of the current Executive Council. Hehe! Given this fact, it’s like saying that I’ve been preparing myself already for one year. The secretary’s job actually requires know-how on the different projects and activities of UP Aguman, serving as a good training ground.

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) concrete and feasible steps to encourage cooperation and attendance of members during GenMeets and org activities.
We all love having fun. Masayahin tamung org. Hehe! One way to encourage cooperation and attendance during GenMeets and Org Activities is conducting team-building activities. Apatunayan tamu ini anyang Unity Night na gewa tamu recently. Pwede tamung mamyalung (i.e. exhaust, tagalan, patintero, etc.) before/after genmeets and other org activities. We should not forget that the very reason we have for conducting these activities is to strengthen ing bond na aitn kekatamu. Pwede taya mu rin ibalik ing “dine-outs” tamu para we have something to look forward to panga maggenmeet.
Minsan, reng personal issues tamu ing maging dahilan kung bakit ali tamu mag-attend genmeet. Siguru, one way to solve these issues is for the internals committee to address them kabang malati la pamu. How? The said committee should project a friendly image and inform everyone na pwde lang pakisabyan or sumaup.

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) unwritten but classic and expected skills in your position? Sanu kareni ing atin naka, sanu reng pagsikapan mu pa rin for now?
The president should be a good mediator. Minsan kasi, when the tough gets going, hehe, ali maiiwasan na mikatampuhan or ali mikaintindihan and the president should be responsible in keeping the group intact and all in this together! Hehe! Based keng experience ku keng current EC, maniwala ku na I have this skill already.
The president should be humble and understanding. When you are working with a lot of people, vital la reng adwang ren. On being humble, I think I’m doing a good job. On being understanding, I believe, sensitive ku enough to be able to think of what others think about. But then again I could be wrong, pero apakiusapan naku man eh. Hehe.
Syempre, ali tamu alaku reng technical skills and this I’ve answered already in the first question. J

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) specific mini-tasks or advanced preparation that you can do during the summer vacation, to efficiently jumpstart orgwork come 1st semester.
On the advanced preparation, we could have our sem-planning so as to smoothly sail the 1st semester. In the sem-planning, we can create our calendar of activities for the 1st semester and plan accordingly.
We can also start with the suggestions box mentioned earlier in the SPOA, ban apisabyan keng EC meeting, set on a date in summer, kung nanu gawan kareng particular suggestions.
Para naman keng buong organization, with the internals committee, mag-prepare tamung sem-starter! Para naman masaya tamu before going back keng academic arena.

Given your SPOA, give UP TO FIVE (5) currently occurring problems that will most probably be the worst hindrances for you to implement or realize your SPOA. Also specify your steps to avert these hindrances.
Those mentioned in SPOA should of course be considered first and approved upon by the members of the executive council.
One occurring problem which I think will most probably be the worst hindrance is the lack excess funds and some steps to avert this hindrance are mentioned also in the SPOA.
Another problem will have to be the fact that I will have to work on my thesis next semester, which is something I want to devote my time to. I guess the best way for me to avert this is proper time management. I will certainly not jeopardize my responsibilities if ever.

Define “batch unity” and “family spirit”. When are these two concepts relevant and when are they not?
Batch unity is never wrong as long as loyalty to the organization as whole is not harmed. We all have batches and we are thought in our respective application process to be a united batch, that we shall go on and end the process as one. But we should remember that the ultimate goal of the process was for us to join a bigger batch, the organization and share in its family spirit. I guess “batch unity” should only be as good in the application process and should be secondary to a “family spirit” the moment we become members.

“Senior members are the Atche’s ampong Koya’s keng org that we can look up to, as people, as members and as mentors.” Agree or disagree? Why? In what way/s? Explain.
It really depends. Age, or age in the organization, isn’t the only criterion for someone to be looked up onto as mentor, of course there is more to that. Hehe. I guess, that person’s personality and track record are vital considerations. Some will argue that some solutions made in the past may not be the best solutions now because of the changing environment, ergo it really depends.

In what concrete and specific ways or practices do you live by our core values of truth, faith, kinship and service, as an individual person in the AguFamily.
TRUTH. As an individual person in the AguFamily, I’ve been trying to be truthful in doing my sworn responsibilities as a member. Haha! I’m trying.
FAITH. I’ve learned to have faith in my brothers and sisters in Aguman. As chairperson of a committee, I’ve trusted my co-committees to do the jobs assigned to them. I have Faith in what Aguman does, and the evidence is the fact that I am still a member and the fact that I am writing this SPOA. Hehe!
KINSHIP. I cherish the company of my AguFamily. I almost always try to make everyone at home in the tambayan. Pinagseserve ko sila ng merienda at iced tea. Hahahaha!
SERVICE. I’ve never missed any Pautakan Day and Sining Day. Pero, atin nakung a-miss metung CEER. Hehe. Sayang kasi ing pera kaya lagi kung mumunta. Hahaha! Pero, seriously, enjoy la mumunta kareng events. Hehe!

AguELECTIONS 2009: Internals Vice-President

2009-03-09T17:06:00.004+08:00

SOME REMINDERS:
*ELECTION is on Thursday, March 12, with a Miting De Avance at 5:45pm.
*The members are expected to have read all the Candidate Profiles by then.
*PDF copies of the Candidate Profiles will be emailed in the resident mailing list, too.
*Hard copies are also available at the tambayan starting Tuesday, March 10.
*Read everything! Make an informed decision.

SPECIFIC PLAN OF ACTION

INTERNALS AND MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

INTERNALS
*Internals Committee will not only focus on application process but also in the internal affairs of the organization, thus welfare of members and their relationships to each other will be of utmost importance. -“Stray” members are to convince for re-affirmation to the org or if they stood still, at least delve the reasons behind it and try to avoid the same circumstance next time.
*Sem starters and Sem Planning at the same time so that members can participate also and voice out their opinion.
*Giving incentives and rewards to active members who are always attending the general meetings and events and sanctions to languid ones.
*A member should incur or earn specific minimum tambay hours and attend at least 2 major events.
*Organize Extreme Bonding Sessions (EBS) so that the members will be at ease with each other.
*Master list of members’ vacant time will be posted at the tambayan so that during fund-raising activities where we need to have man power we can easily contact a member.
*A mini sig-sheet for members will be released to establish rapport with each other.

MEMBERSHIP
*Standardize application process; I accede of a stricter one.
*Achievable application process calendar.
*Kapampangan speaking corner ing tambayan, as much as possible.
*Early advertisements of Acquaintance Party and application process as soon as the org achieved its recognition through posters, flyers and chalk brigade.
*Put up a Sign-up booth at the tambayan for fewer expenses.
*We will promote our org through our major events so that high school students will be aware of what we do and who we are.
*Organized orientation for applicants. Meaning a mem com member should always be present at the tambayan and there will be a grand orientation day.
*Sigsheets will be released earlier and inclusion of twists and turns haha.
*Buddy Get- Up will be the usual play and no longer the picture.
*A prepared workshop for the applicants conducted by the committee chair and the members.

QUESTIONS FROM THE ELECTORAL BOARD
With sufficient details, describe UP TO TWO (2) a situation/instance in the past wherein you exhibited significant, if not deep, know-how on the position you are running for.
Aroo ali ku rin balu e haha. Honestly, ali ku pa kasi meging member na ning MemCom though ini ing second choice ku kanta ng new mem ku pa, kasu ali na ku pin medinan chance na maka-experience maging MemCom kasi megSec na ku pin agad. Oita haha may eksplanasyong naganap?!

Pero syempre, I learned from second hand experience naman e, lalo na at kabale ke y Ate Acey ampong room mate ke y Lai hehe. I was also once an applicant at saksi ku kareng planning na milyari kareng adwang IVPs na akayabe ku keng execoun so feeling ku naman balu ku a and I can get the hang of it.

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) concrete and feasible steps to encourage cooperation and attendance of members during GenMeets and org activities.
1) Pakain - Proven effective ya talaga yan e haha! Tsaka ali naman bongang food pane anjang chips mu makanyan tas take turns ing committee pero ali naman pagpuni bang eta mangalulu!
2) Team building activities - Team building activities as ice breaker, it’s also a way para atuklasan tamu pa ing dakal a bage keng kapwa mem tamu.
3) Early and informative text brigs - Para makapag-ayos la reng mems keng busy sched da at ng abalu da nanu ing agenda tamu.
4) Surprise incentives – Will be given any period ning genmeet example ing most behave kabang maggenmeet, things like that hehe
5) Reprimanding and/or Sanctions - Pekatawli ke ini kasi eku buring mangapakarine kaya eku rin buring mamakarine. Tsaka ali ya pa kasi constitutional e so far din naman matas tamu

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) specific mini –tasks or advanced preparation that you can do during the summer vacation, to efficiently jumpstart orgwork come 1st semester.
1) Rummage sale, masikan ya rin income generating activity ini! Wag ismolin!
2) Mag-attend leadership training kalupa dati bang ma-expose keng tutung sitwasyon.
3) Term planning of officers para atin susundang calendar of activities.
4) Coordinate with our alumni to help raise funds or to help us market for our events. Masakit kasi ing alang tatalnan pera e, eka makakimut masalese lalo na pag mag-umpisa kayu pa.
5) maranun i-launch ing app process bang makarakal tamung apps! Ala tana pin karibal na org e kaya dapat amaximize tala reng apps tamu.

Given your SPOA, give UP TO FIVE (5) currently-occurring problems that will most probably be the worst hindrances for you to implement or realize your SPOA.
1) Mawalan tang tambayan, 2) Marakal ali magre-aff, 3) patse OA na memagsiquit la ngan deng apps, 4)Patse migkaroon dispute at ali mea-ayos keng mismong execoun, ali naman sana Lord! 5) Patse mebancrupt ya ing Unity Bank at pilayi da la reng pera tamu! Solid ta! Haha.

Define “batch unity” and “family spirit”. When are these two concepts relevant and when are they not?
Syempre given na siguru na kacIose mu talaga reng batchmates mu kasi atin kayung shared experience e. Kaya mu ng “batch unity” ali ne relevant patse papaksyun either good or bad way na kayu at kelangan na ning org ing presence and output yu.

King Agu afeel mu naman na kapatad na ing turing da keka e na sobra kung aapreciate keka tamu ita kaya mu ing “family spirit” sosobra na siguru patse kelangan paminsan mareprimand mems at kelangan atin ng isettle for an event or keng org affairs dahil kelangan tamu pa rin magstick keng nature tamu as org that we have and rules to follow.

“Senior members are the Atche’s ampong Koya’s keng org that we can look up to, as people, as members and as mentors.” Agree or disagree? Why? In what way/s? Explain.
Aku agree naku man. Ala namang marok kung makiramdam ka rin e ali da naman sasabyan na tukyan yu ing sinabi ku?! Alang pilitan! Haha! Tsaka syempre ila ing mas dakal experience keng org matters and org stuff. Kung eyu feel deng suggestions de kasi pin naman alang adwang sitwasyon na magkalupa e di idecline ye politely, tutal matwa na la at tsaka college tana man feeling ku naman matured na la para agets da ita.

In what concrete and specific ways or practices do you live by our core values of truth, faith, kinship and service, as an individual person in the AguFamily. You can give UP TO TWO (2) ways per core value.
Truth – tabalu malaram ku e haha, joke mu! Aku naman kasi patse atin kung sinabi na gawan ku lalo na at ing kapakanan da reng mems at org tamu ing makataya, gagawan ku talaga. Ali ku rin kasi buri ing mambitin at magpa-asa e. Prangka kung tao.
Faith – patse kasi leader ka ali naman istu na ika ngan ing gagawa e, atin tamu ping awsan na collective leadership, meaning have faith kareng subordinates mu na they can deliver the task! Oha? Tatry ku rin maging inspiration kareng aliwang mems, nax! Hehe.
Kinship – Nakuu, kareng kabale ku pamu pin agupips no ngan e nanu pang kinship a payntunan?! Haha. Syempre, king pamag-uphold kareng values na panindigan na ning Aguman at keng pakikipag-kapwa tamu kareng kapatad tamu keng Aguman.
Service – anyang meging kung member ning Agu,afeel kun a kulang pa ing abye ku kaya tinagal ku para maging officer bang kanta mas abiye ku pa ing deserve na at marapat kaya. Kung kulang pa ing adwang banwa na migsilbi ku as Secretary and President, lugud ku namu na mamye pang metung a banwa para magsilbi kareng Agupips at keng Aguman!

TWISH “Ang Tinkerbell na tutupad ng inyong WISH”

General Plan of Action
W – well-evaluated membership. Members will be evaluated accordingly. They will be given a corresponding status of membership every semester. The Executive Council and the Membership Committee members will be the ones to assess the members of the organization. They will be evaluated based on their performances as a member of their committee and as a member of the organization.
I - ion-to-ion bonding activities. As a family, we would definitely enjoy a break from the pressure of our academic life. One of my visions is to have a vibrant and harmonious relationship between the members by having our intensified EBS. This is to encourage the members to actively participate in our organization’s activities.
S – strategic recruitment of new members. The application process will be given a new grading system. The membership committee together with the externals committee and the records and publications committee will devise a new and more efficient way of promoting the organization during the recruitment period.
H – higher attendance at general meetings. The membership committee will set up ‘gimmicks’ that will entice members to attend general meetings.

SPECIFIC PLAN OF ACTION
Well-evaluated membership
Status of members:
a) Full-fledged- a member who has fully complied with the membership policies of the organization and who has no financial obligations as far as the organization is concerned.
b) Probationary
b1) A member who was not able to lift a warning given to him or her for the previous semester.
b2) A member who was able to partially comply with the membership policies of the organization.
c) Honorary – he/ she may be a student/graduate of any college/university other than UP Diliman and possesses the qualifications of a regular member. He/She must have been at least 10 and elected by at least 2/3of all registered members of the General Assembly.
d) Missing-in-Action – A member who, during the current semester, has lost contact with the organization for some unknown reason(s).
e) LOA – A member who may or may not have renewed his/her membership and has submitted a formal leave of absence from the organization for the semester. A member under this status must renew his/her membership for the immediate semester following his/her leave otherwise he/she shall receive a form of sanction before he/she can renew his/her membership.
f) AWOL – A member who has failed to renew his/her membership for the current semester and did not file a formal leave of absence.
g) Dismissed – A member who has acquired AWOL status the previous semester and still was not able to renew his/her membership for the immediate semester following his/her absence from the organization.
h) Expelled – A member who was found guilty of negligence of duties and responsibilities and was found unworthy of membership to the organization.
i) Member Under Special Agreement – a member who has assumed dismissed or expelled status but has filed a letter of appeal or reconsideration. He/She shall be given the right to be heard and, if found worthy, shall be given a special assignment during the current semester. Terms regarding his/her appeal shall be provided by the Membership Committee.
j) Suspended – A member who was found guilty of a violation of the constitution shall be stripped of all rights and privileges of a member for a span of time depending on the seriousness of the offense.

Aside from this status, the Membership Committee and the Executive Committee may give any member of the organization a warning that will serve as a reminder for negligence of duties such as committee work and attendance in committee meetings. The Membership Committee and the Executive Committee shall conduct deliberations at the middle of the semester to evaluate the members’ performance and to determine whom to sanction warnings. A member that is given a warning is still a full-fledged member of the organization.

Warning
A member who has complied to most of the membership policies but was able to neglect some of his/her duties as a member.
A member who has acquired 6 or more unexcused absences for the General Meetings set for the semester.

Ion-to-Ion Bonding Activities
1) EBS Galore:
a) Food-Trip @ Tambayan or,
b) Picnic @ Sunken Garden or,
c) Going to Malls or,
d) Bars for more night life and more!
2) Games @ Tambayan
a) Card Games
b) Memory Games
c) Word Factory
d) Mind-boggling Puzzles and more!

Strategic Recruitment of New Members
1) Hakot-Applicants
a) Chalk Brigade
b) Posters and Flyers
c) Booths at AS Lobby and at the Tambayan
d) Contact students who participated in our previous events

2) Enhanced Grading System for Applicants
a) There will be a probationary status of applicants who, after his/her application, was found worthy of conditional membership status.
b) There will be an evaluation of applicants every month of the application process which includes the basic requirements (Sigsheet, Attendance, etc.)
c) The General Assembly, Membership Committee and the Executive Committee will have a votation before the Final Rites to determine whom among the applicants can continue with the application process.
Executive Committee- 20%
Memership Committee – 40%
General Assembly – 40%

Higher Attendance at General Meetings
*As much as possible, there will be free snacks at the end of general meetings to attract members to attend the meetings and the activities to follow.
*There will be mini-games or puzzlers while waiting for other members to arrive to avoid boredom.
*A re-affirmed member must not miss 2 consecutive absences during General Meetings.
*A member should pass an excuse slip provided by the Membership Committee stating his/her reason(s) of absence at a specific General Meeting.

QUESTIONS FROM THE ELECTORAL BOARD
With sufficient details, describe UP TO TWO (2) situations/instances in the past wherein you exhibited significant, if not deep, know-how on the position you are running for.
Since first year high school ku, lagi kung makagawang paralan para apagkabati ku la deng adwa kung kaluguran o kaklase potang mipapate la.awsan daku pin friendship bridge or peacemaker deng aliwa kung kaluguran kasi apipisabi ku la keybat dang mipate. Palage ku importante ya ing trait na ini nung sakaling manyambut kung IVP, kasi ing obra ning IVP ali mu tungkul application process pero pati ing relasyun dareng mems keng metung at metung. Balu tanaman ating mipapagkatampuhan pero dapat ali tamu paparas keng point na ali na misasabi or ali na magpansinan. Siguru masanting at least once a year atin open forum para kekatamung mems.

Anya namang makipaglaban ku kareng academic contest since elementary ku, atin na kaming concept as team work. Syempre atin times na ing team captain ing masusud kareng disisyun nung nanu ing isagut mi pero ali naman dapat ya lagi ing tukyan. Ating pagkakataun na adwa kareng members na ning team ing parehu sagut at liwa ya ita keng sagut ning team leader, keng sitwasyun a ini atin weighing of pros and cons. Lawen tamu ing side ning bawat sagut at nung nanung mas feeling tamung istu. Ita ing isagut jang aliwa ita ing sagut ning leader. Mag-apply ya rin ita keng pagiging head ning nanu mang committee ning org na ini. Ali naman porket ini ing aisip ku as the head ita na agad ing paimplement tamu diba, kayapin atin kang committee mates, kaya pin magkarun committee meetings kasi kukunan mu la rin side deng committee mates mu, atsu la ken para sopan daka keng task na ning committee mu, it must not be a one man show as they say, it must be a group effort. Sayang nala man deng human resources mu nung ali mu la gamitan diba.

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) concrete and feasible steps to encourage cooperation and attendance of members during GenMeets and org activities.
1. kalupa na nitang makasulat ku keng spoa ku, midinan lang sanction and warnings deng mems na ali magattend general meetings, kasi ing ali pamag attend genmits is a way of negligence of some of your duties as member and you do not exercise your rights as well
2. dinan talang prize or merits deng members na alang absent kareng genmits every end of the semester
3. personalized text messages per member, kasi balamu makakonsensya potang ing text addressed ya mismu keka.
4. gawang pakulu every genmits kunwari atin free snacks by the end of the genmit o kaya atin fun games before genmit para ma-encourage lang munta.
5.mas maranun na pagiinform karela na atin genmit para alage da ne keng schedule da.

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) unwritten but classic and expected skills in your position? Sanu kareni ing atin naka, sanu reng pagsikapan mu pa rin for now?
1. Leadership
2. Patience
3. Self-esteem
4. Understanding
5. Listener

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) specific mini-tasks or advanced preparation that you can do during the summer vacation, to efficiently jumpstart orgwork come 1st semester.
Siguru atin naku ngan da reni pero dapat ke pang ibuild-up ing self-esteem ku, kasi minsan mayna ku confidence, kailangan ku pang sabyan keng sarili kung agyu ku ini jang agyu ku naman pala, ali ku mu matas tiwala keng sarili ku. Nung akit kung atin kayung tiwala kaku makasawup ya kaku ita para tumas ku tiwala keng sarili ku.

1. plan or schedule the events of the application process
2. make a draft of the sigsheet
3. survey what EBS will the members want
4. make the outline for the evaluation of the members
5. plan activities for the genmits

Given your SPOA, give UP TO FIVE (5) currently occurring problems that will most probably be the worst hindrances for you to implement or realize your SPOA. Also specify your steps to avert these hindrances
1. funds for the app process- magpaimplement kung app fee para jang pakananu ali na kukwa nang kukwqang funds keng org para magpaprint stuffs o paditakditak na gastus kareng activities.
2. pakulo para keng genmit- manipun nakung ideas nung nanung gimmick ing pwedeng gawan para magenjoy la deng mems potang magattend lang genmit
3. ask the consultation of the executive council for the evaluation of the mems

Define “batch unity” and “family spirit”. When are these two concepts relevant and when are they not?
Patse org problems na ing pisasabyan, ena dapat factor ing batch unity, family spirit na dapat ita. Dapat lalawen tala at hahandle deng conflicts as a family, ali porket ka-batch me ya ing kampihan mu jang ali ne man istu. Dapat isipan mu rin nung nanu ing mayap para keng buung org na pamilya mu.

“Senior members are the Atche’s ampong Koya’s keng org that we can look up to, as people, as members and as mentors.” Agree or disagree? Why? In what way/s? Explain.
I agree that we can look up to them because through their experiences we could see what was helpful and what was not. We could improve what they have accomplished and correct what must not be done. We really could learn a lot from them but then it does not mean we’ll just repeat what they have done just because it was effective, we must make our own decisions and strategies.

In what concrete and specific ways or practices do you live by our core values of truth, faith, kinship and service, as an individual person in the AguFamily.
TRUTH: gagawan ku ing obra ku truthfully,ali ku gagawang excuse nung ali ke agawa, sabyan ku agad na ali ku agawa nung balu kung ali ke ayari, keysa akuan ke tapus ali ke man ayari megpaasa ku pang tawu
FAITH: atin kung tiwala keng org na jang nanung problema pa ing dating alampasan taya as a whole family; mg-encourage mu rink eng mems na agyu da ing dodoubt dang gawan
KINSHIP: nung pwedi kung tuki kareng mems mgEBS tuki ku jang atin ku pang exams GE the next day paminsan; nung mangaylangan lang interviewee or participants deng aliwang mems pumayag ku nung pwedi ku
SERVICE: magvolunteer ku kareng events nung pwedi ku lalu na potang fund raising for the org (food-stuffing); sasaup mgpromote keng org keng alma matter at kakilala.

AguELECTIONS 2009: Externals Vice-President

2009-03-09T17:06:00.003+08:00

SOME REMINDERS:
*ELECTION is on Thursday, March 12, with a Miting De Avance at 5:45pm.
*The members are expected to have read all the Candidate Profiles by then.
*PDF copies of the Candidate Profiles will be emailed in the resident mailing list, too.
*Hard copies are also available at the tambayan starting Tuesday, March 10.
*Read everything! Make an informed decision.

SPECIFIC PLAN OF ACTION

“Do I Make You Proud” – Alumni Relations
We have to re-strengthen the bonds between us and our beloved alumni. They consistently lend their help kareng events tamu and they sponsored a project themselves last year. We want to make them proud of us kaya mas encourage ta lang datang kareng events tamu this year para naman we could personally thank them and para mas akilala ta la rin. Invite tala thru personal mails, texts and keng e-group da reng alumni tamu. And in return naman, gawan tamu ing best tamu para i-entertain la. Ibalik tamu itang courteous na handshake and pagpapakilala para naman maengganyo lang munta.

"This is my Now” – STS
STS has been an integral part keng success da reng events tamu. Since kailangan tamu ini for our events, dapat galingan tamu ing pamag STS. I don’t think simply giving out our STS letters would do the trick. Dapat, as much as possible, gawan tamung decent and with utmost conviction na dapat lang makyabe keng event tamu. We should have the courage to face the school administrators like never before. Nanu pa’t UP students tamu diba? And to take the STS to a higher notch, gawa tamung database daring schools na magparticipate kareng events tamu. Bakit alit ta la ilage reng contact infos daring schools keng metung a database para a-update ta la as much as we could. Ali na as hassle as before, ma satin pang assurance na miraras talaga reng letters na papabiye tamu.

“Time of my Life” – Campus and Provincial Involvement
This is the time to be more than a name or face in the university crowd! Though unti-unti ta ng maging famous for the best foodstuffers and the legendary BIkrams and Sikrams, why not mag-level up tamu this year by creating a contest ourselves keng university? This thing could actually promotes our org’s welfare so why not try to do such. Gawa tamu ring events keng Pampanga like Medical Mission and stuffs like that for more pagsisilbi sa bayan!

“Inside Your Heaven” – CEER
Suppose UP is our “heaven”. We know for a fact na marakal mag-attend keng CEER who wants to be inside that heaven. CEER is a fund-raising event sana, and dependent ya ing profit tamu keng turn-out daring students. How could we encourage HS students to attend our review? First, we’ll boast our much better speakers. We’ll make sure na UP prof or graduates la reng speakers tamu na mas prefer da reng students kesa kareng teachers da. Next, ing schedule ning event. Schedule ta ya ing event kung kapilan marakal makapuntang students and members. As early as possible, sabyanan tan a la reng schools about our review para ali na la mag-isip pang gawa dang sariling review. Kung agyu tamu, though masakit and mapagal, why not make a three-Saturday CEER? For more service and more profit! Kailangan tamu ring gawang competent and relevant questions para keng CEER booklet. Lastly, ing place, dapat strategic. Malapit kareng schools and accessible kareng mems.

“Flying Without Wings – Sanlahi Relations
Kailangan i-maintain tamu rin ing active status tamu keng Sanlahi. We could actually improve this status by driving the org closer to this alliance. Personally, akakit ku na certain individual mu ing acquainted keng Sanlahi which is not a bad thing after all pero mas masanting sana kung buong org ing involved though balu kung masakit gawan. Who can deny the joy Sanlahi brings? Atin Palakansanlahi, TagisanLahi and all, san ka pa? Mas mag-cooperate tamu mu keng Sanlahi and everything will be great!

“A Moment Like This” – 36th year Anniversary
36 is the new 50! This year, gawan ta yang astig ing event tamu by introducing the Lakan ning Aguman! Para naman atin yang partner in Mutya! Tapos, invite tamung marakal alumni dahil in moments like this, it would be much better spending it with our alumni! Male tamu, mamye la pang bigger cash prizes para kareng winners!

“I Believe” – Alumni and Residents Sports Fest
Balu ku na planu ne last year ini kasu ali ya metuluy. I believe na this is possible and masanting ya ing idea actually, for more bonding between alumni and residents na rin ini. Lalu na retang amiss tamung alumni na ala ta na masyadung akakit. Baka ini na rin ing chance para mas maging physically fit ka diba?

QUESTIONS FROM THE ELECTORAL BOARD
With sufficient details, describe UP TO TWO (2) a situation/instance in the past wherein you exhibited significant, if not deep, know-how on the position you are running for.
It’s a fact that I am not as experienced in handling this position and I was never a member of the Externals Committee ever since. In spite of this, I do think I have enough knowledge of the position since I had the chance to work with the former EVP when I was still part of the Executive Committee. I was directly involved with the preparation of the CEER 2007, wherein, I (together with the Educational Committee) was tasked to create the questionnaires and the CEER booklets. I actively participated with all of the stuffs involving CEER (including the STS and the speakers) and I think the event was, as always, undoubtedly successful. Also, I would like to believe that somehow I have a “strong” bond with our alumni since I got to mingle with them through alumni dinners and meetings when I was still a part of the ExeComm.

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) concrete and feasible steps to encourage cooperation and attendance of members during GenMeets and org activities.
Jim Stovall said that “You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins.” I firmly believe in this and I try to carry this thing out as much as I could.

**First, to be encouraging enough, you have to set yourself as an example. If I want other people to attend meetings, I have to be there myself, well-prepared and at all times punctual. Though I am not as active in GenMeets as I was before, I’m very positive that I can perform better this time given the chance to serve for the org again.
**Next, we have to schedule our GenMeets and events in a way that majority of our members could attend without sacrificing the attendance of our participants.
**Also, I would like to assume that there is nothing wrong offering special perks for our member’s attendance. Perhaps, free snacks or chocolates could do the trick. Though this seems trivial, rewards really work on people of all ages.
**Next, suppose a member of your committee never showed up on a single meeting you set up, why not assign him/her to handle the presentation of your project proposal. This should not be viewed upon as a punishment but a chance to let her/him feel that he/she is important and the org can rely to him/her.
**Lastly, we have to make our events as enjoyable as possible like making a special presentation from the members, a song or dance number maybe. These things could only work with the help of the General Assembly but the initiative to implement them should come from our leaders.

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) unwritten but classic and expected skills in your position? Sanu kareni ing atin naka, sanu reng pagsikapan mu pa rin for now?
The Externals Vice-President is expected to have Outstanding Communications Skills since these come in handy in our alumni and other affair relations. A Strong Positive Outlook and the ability to have Advance Strategic and Planning Skills are also important since the EVP is expected to lead the org with the IVP and the President. The EVP should also have sufficient Maturity, Humility, Strong Work Ethic, Sense of Humor and Strong Will. Also, he/she has to be a Team Player to accomplish such things with his/her co-officers and co-members. As far as I’m concerned, I have to work on my optimism and communications skills but I think I do have enough maturity, experience in serving the org and a strong work ethic to be able to do the EVP’s job.

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) specific mini-tasks or advanced preparation that you can do during the summer vacation, to efficiently jumpstart org work come 1st semester.
I am no stranger to very demanding events and balancing academics and org stuffs. By now, I should know how to plan an event, what to do before an event, how to handle the event itself and what to do after an event. With the knowledge I got from my experience as a former officer, I know that I have to be productive during the vacation and the future free times I’ll have. Since CEER will be held in July or August, I have to know the schedule of the UPCAT and other college entrance exams, prepare the questions for the CEER booklet, and prepare the CEER STS letters and try to negotiate a convenient venue for the event. Doing such trivial things can really create a crucial turn in making an event successful.

Given your SPOA, give UP TO FIVE (5) currently occurring problems that will most probably be the worst hindrances for you to implement or realize your SPOA. Also specify your steps to avert these hindrances.
The realization of the visions I have as an EVP is dependent on the eagerness of the members to follow and implement the stuffs I have in my mind. If I fail to encourage the members to put into action my visions, I would gladly take the blame for not empowering the org enough. Thus, I need to exemplify positivity and enthusiasm to be able to inspire others. Since CEER should be a fund-raising event and if I fail to do so due to a low student turn-out, then I need to work on the STS more by releasing the letters earlier and inviting the schools diligently. And if the organization’s relationship with the Alumni and Sanlahi failed to flourish, then I have to work on my communication skills and be as approachable as I can to help the org in its external affairs. It is important for the org to maintain its affairs with the others because, in one way or another, they help us make our events possible and successful.

Define “batch unity” and “family spirit”. When are these two concepts relevant and when are they not?
As applicants, we are taught to be as tight and close to our batch mates as possible. But sometimes batch unity and loyalty ask too much especially when it comes to making decisions for the org. We have to promote the welfare of the whole org and not just for a certain batch. We have to know what the majority of the members’ need, not what your batch wants. We can always bond with our batch mates as much as we could but we should somehow bond with the other members too. After all, we are a “family”, the AguFamily as some members would describe. But this family thing should be used accordingly, i.e. decisions sometimes should be based on knowledge not on numbers.

“Senior members are the Atche’s ampong Koya’s keng org that we can look up to, as people, as members and as mentors.” Agree or disagree? Why? In what way/s? Explain.
Agree, the Kuya’s and Ate’s in the org should be looked upon to especially when it comes to making decisions. They have more experiences than a lot of us, younger members, have. We have to consider what they say and ask them for advices on org related problems. But we shouldn’t consider their words as absolute truths. We should somehow think that things change and their approach on such problems could not be as applicable as they were before. But really, we need to consider what they say. After all, they are the ones who built and maintained the org, disnan tana lamu keng org. We are tasked to continue their legacy and to help improve the org for our future members.

In what concrete and specific ways or practices do you live by our core values of truth, faith, kinship and service, as an individual person in the AguFamily? You can give UP TO TWO (2) ways per core value.
TRUTH: Di ba pag right after an event, atin tamung evaluation? I take this evaluation thing very seriously by sharing truthfully what I actually think about our events. Ali naman kasi masanting na puro positive mu lagi and e tana la tetake note retang little mistakes na ako commit tamu. If ali tamu lawen retang little stuffs a reni, atin tendency na we’ll commit the same mistakes over and over again.
FAITH: There was this one time nitang Educ head ku pa. Ala pang questions na me-sort nitang night before the HS Pautakan. Tapos, feeling ku, alang bisang makiramdam kaku habang magsalita ku. Sabi ku kang Ate Daph, ya na pa ing bahala. Tapos, minta ku CR tapos mengaga ku. Kabalik ku, mag start na lang mag sort na lang questions retang mems na meg stay. I knew I have to have faith in our members, since then, masikan na ku trust and faith keng org.
KINSHIP: Besides ketang fact na madalas na ku mang tatambay, e naman kaila na malwat ku uulyan. Taga Makati ku, FYI. Kaya naman, madalas mamako ku agad or eku mag attend kareng school events tamu. Pero ketang selected few na pintalan ku, I make sure na maki bond ku kareng mems na eku masyadung akakit. Jang rugong ala ng MRT or mag bus na ku mu at yaku naming dili ing mumuling malawut at miraras kung 12 AM, ok mu.
SERVICE: E naman kaila na meging EducHead ku nitang 2nd year ku. I think during my tenure, I have served the org well though ating certain decisions na pegsisihan ku. Other than that, meging efficient ne man itang ExeComm kanta by introducing certain events like itang Anniversary week, Mibalik Tambayan, Gift Giving keng Mabalacat and all. And as a member din, gewa ku naman retang tasks a binye kaku and I actively participated kareng AguEvents.

SPECIFIC PLAN OF ACTION

Alumni Relations
We all know that these past few years, meging healthier ing relationship between the members and alumni. And our main goal is to continue what the previous executive councils started.
*Continue updating the alumni regarding Aguman matters.
*Aguman Cup – a tournament which primary objective is to have fun with the Aguman Family. (At dahil tapos na ang Special Pautakan, most likely mapagtutuunan na ito ng pansin.)

Representation Guaranteed
An active representation of our organization in various external affairs tends to promote what Aguman is all about. It also enhances the impression of other organizations towards us.
*Kanlungan
*Sanlahi
*Umaksyon

Involvement in the Community
As members of the organization, we pledged to serve the best interest of our people. Thus being committed to activities that would help our fellowmen is a plus.
*Dahil tapos na ang 35th anniversary natin, a medical mission or gift giving could be a good way in celebrating our next anniversary this December.
*CEER
*Coordinate with Gawad Kalinga in order to help in our own little ways
*Updating the organization about important issues especially issues about Pampanga.

Experience
A committee could work more efficient if all its members would participate and do their tasks. Learning must be a two-way process. Mistakes from the past should be corrected this time.
*Training - The externals head should be accompanied by at least one member of his committee in meetings.
*Our representative in the Sanlahi elections should come from the Externals Committee in order for him to concentrate more on his task as an external committee member.
*Committee bonding
*Group STS

Strengthening Bonds
*A more active and better STS
*Personally invite schools for them to feel their importance to us.
*Create a “yahoo group” that would enable each school to communicate with us through the internet.

QUESTIONS FROM THE ELECTORAL BOARD
With sufficient details, describe UP TO TWO (2) a situations/instances in the past wherein you exhibited significant, if not deep, know-how on the position you are running for.
*This school year na meging head ku ning externals committee
*Since meging member ku, exte works na talaga ing pegtuunan kung pansin.

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) concrete and feasible steps to encourage cooperation and attendance of members during GenMeets and org activities.
*Magstart on time
*Early text brig
*Lively genmeet
*A more friendly environment

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) unwritten but classic and expected skills in your position? Sanu kareni ing atin naka? sanu reng pagsumikapan mu pa rin for now?
*Knows how to deal with different individuals
*Outgoing
*Pagiging extrovert
*Leadership (pagsumikapan ku pang ayusan)

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) specific mini-tasks or advanced preparation that you can do during the summer vacation, to efficiently jumpstart orgwork come 1st semester?
*Maagang paghahanap ng mga sponsors
*Pasimpleng pagiinvite ng mga participants
*Maagang paghahanap ng venue
*Maagang makipagcoordinate kung sino magiging members ng committee

Given your SPOA, give UP TO FIVE (5) currently-occurring problems that will most probably be the worst hindrances for you to implement or realize your SPOA. Also specify your steps to avert these hindrances.
*Lack of funds (solicitation)
*Active members’ participation
*Kulang sa oras (early preparation)
*Kulang sa participants (depende na sa school…)

Define “batch unity” and “family spirit”. When are these two concepts relevant and when are they not?
*Batch unity really matters pag kailangan mo ng suporta, umasa kang sila yung unang unang susuporta sayo. Problema lang ito kapag nagiging sobrang “faction” na at napapabayaan na ang healthy relationship with other people. Family spirit is good kapag nakikita mong no matter what suportado ka nila, matalo manalo.

“Senior members are the Atche’s ampong Koya’s keng org that we can look up to, as people, as members and as mentors.” Agree or disagree? Why? In what way/s?
*Agree. People dahil they need to be respected. Members dahil they also have the rights and responsibilities sa org, and mentors dahil sa mas may experience sila kaysa sa atin.

In what concrete and specific ways or practices do you live by our core values of truth, faith, kinship and service, as an individual person in the AguFamily.
*Truth. Eku magpakaplastic. Kung nanung balu kung istu, ita ing gawan ku.
*Faith. Maniwala ku kareng friends ku. Atin kung faith karela na ela gawang way na ikasira ning friendship mi.
*Kinship. Madaldal kung tau. Makasawup ya ini kaku dahil masagli kung magapproach tau. And at the same time, msagli kung iapproach.
*Service. Ing service ku as an individual keng org akit keng activeness ku keng pagrepresent keng aguman kareng meetings.

AguELECTIONS 2009: Secretary

2009-03-09T17:04:00.001+08:00

SOME REMINDERS:
*ELECTION is on Thursday, March 12, with a Miting De Avance at 5:45pm.
*The members are expected to have read all the Candidate Profiles by then.
*PDF copies of the Candidate Profiles will be emailed in the resident mailing list, too.
*Hard copies are also available at the tambayan starting Tuesday, March 10.
*Read everything! Make an informed decision.

GENERAL PLAN OF ACTION
1. Finish every work as early as possible, always prepare ahead of time.
2. Aslag is for everyone
3. Safekeeping of Aguman’s documents
4. Information dissemination
5. Accuracy of data
6. Keeping up with the recent

SPECIFIC PLAN OF ACTION
1. ASAP 09 (Aslag Sulatin At iba pang Publikasyon ASAP!)
*early submission of necessary documents for recognition to make it on the top of the list for interview, so we can be duly recognized by the Office of the Student Affairs immediately after the start of the academic year.
*ahead of time completion of souvenir programs such as Aslag Special editions, by planning it and delegating tasks as soon as the event is launched.
*printing of registration and score sheets, brochures, posters, certificates, teasers, tarpaulins and other necessary materials days before the actual event.
*immediate update of Aslag Online especially the News.

2. BE UPDATED, BE COOL, BE ASLAGed!
ONLINE
*we’ll make it as interesting as possible to make it worth coming back to. It’ll follow then that clicks and hits to our google ads would increase. The total amount of earnings then would be larger
*keeping up with updates and recent Agu-happenings.
*prizes for top commenters
*will feature articles aside from those produced by the AOL team and columnists (ex. Artics from our Alumni, Event participants)
*online schedule of academic events (talks, seminars, forums) and non-academic events (concerts, quiz shows, movies) inside and outside the campus.

For the STUDENTS
*relevant articles and contributions in every Aslag Special Edition
*interesting and informative contents that would make the ASLAG worthy for keeps

For the MEMBERS
*our very own aslag, made by and exclusively for members only (anything goes, caricatures, inside jokes, greetings, blind items, poems, outstanding papers and not-for-public-online-viewing stuffs)

3. RECORDER’s NOTEBOOK
*safekeeping of important files and document (files will be uploaded in our yahoo group, notebook for evaluation, reminders, minutes of the meeting etc.)
*“the BLACKBOOK” has in it decades worth of history and data so I propose the renovation of it and minimal use of it’s’ leaves so it’ll last for more years!
*pocket size agudirectory/agucalendar/calendar/up academic calendar all in one!oha!
*record of contact details of our event’ participants (so kung pumasa sila sa diliman, we can contact them first hand, for more apps!)

4. STAND OUT AND BE PROUD
*new and improved colored and laminated Aguman ID’s for members
*new Audio Visual Presentation to show how cool we are and what we do!
*exhibit in lobbies to promote our ORG and share our Culture.

5. AT REC AND PUB, WE FIND WAYS
*information dissemination is one of RnP’s primary concerns, so we’ll provide newspapers every Wednesday or other reading materials, because we value information, not only agu-related but local and international too!
*IDS (information dissemination system) – since my phone (1100) is incapable of higher functions I suggest that there will be point persons to whom I’ll send long messages, reminders and updates, then they will send it to their assigned group. This is to ensure that each member receives the text, ipopost din sa AOL or logbook or bulletin board.
*Evaluation every after activity and event. Records of which will be kept for future reference to help avoid repeating the same mistakes or deficiencies. Because we also value info of things that have went wrong.

6. SWEAT AND BLOOD
*Under my watch, I’ll make sure na “WALANG GAWANG REC AND PUB AND MASASAYANG” it disappoints me every time I see unread aslags, unposted posters and unclaimed agudirectories. Since these are products of our sweat and blood, I’ll be particular with the number of prints to avoid unnecessary discarding of publication materials.

QUESTIONS FROM THE ELECTORAL BOARD
With sufficient details, describe UP TO TWO (2) a situation/instance in the past wherein you exhibited significant, if not deep, know-how on the position you are running for.
One situation is that when I was asked to attend an executive council meeting to represent the secretary. At that situation, I was not intimidated by the fact that I’m not part of the council. I didn’t just seat passively and take down notes. I talked, suggested, and raised points that I deemed vital. I also made often clarifications since jotting down entails accuracy, and an error in a single number or letter might yield negative repercussions.
Though I was just a proxy, I partook well in the meeting. I didn’t make it a personal issue since the reason primarily why we were there was for the org. In that instance, I could say that I sufficiently represented the secretary.
Moreover, with my familiarity of the standard operating procedures of/in the committee I already have developed an eye for details. During meetings, I am able to put into consideration simple details as scratch papers for participants and pencils for the judges. Simple as they may but important for the smooth execution of tasks. With that, I think I already have adequate know-how of the position I’m running for.

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) concrete and feasible steps to encourage cooperation and attendance of members during GenMeets and org activities.
1. They should be given parts in GenMeets and org activities because in that way they will be coerced subtly to come since they have a portion to play. (like presentation of projects or financial reports).
2. Per committee talent presentations, this would encourage mems to come since they can’t bring their committee down, and also because of the curiosity towards what other committees would do.
3. Penalty for those who have accumulated TOO much excused and unexcused absences
4. Teambuilding activities and games
5. Potluck

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) unwritten but classic and expected skills in your position? Sanu kareni ing atin naka, sanu reng pagsikapan mu pa rin for now?
1. Punctuality – Since registration is one of the tasks so kailangan talagang maaga! Maaga naman ako lagi, mintis lang sa mangilan ngilang events. :p
2. Creativity – creative juice is a must! Dapat maraming bago para di magsawa ang tao, im creative in my own way
3. Accuracy/Presence of mind – meron na ko, may pagka-OC din ako, dahil hindi pedeng mali mali ang data para di sayang ang print so dapat accurate at precise.
4. Well Organized – maraming papeles at gamit ang nakaatang sa pangagalaga ng secretary, kaya dapat organized para walang nawawala, lalo na kung score sheet!
5. Patience – mahirap mangulit for contributions at articles, I am patient, pero kung abuso na, aba

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) specific mini-tasks or advanced preparation that you can do during the summer vacation, to efficiently jumpstart orgwork come 1st semester
1. Sem plan para magawa na rin ung agu calendar of activities, to be guided accordingly throughout the sem and ma-sched na ung possible deadlines for publications
2. Start compiling pictures, journals and other requirements for our orgs early recognition. Syempre aanhin ang mga preparations kung di naman recognized

Given your SPOA, give UP TO FIVE (5) currently occurring problems that will most probably be the worst hindrances for you to implement or realize your SPOA. Also specify your steps to avert these hindrances
1. Contributions – it will definitely be hard to produce an output with insufficient number of articles. I will inform the contributors and committee members beforehand so there will be no excuses by the time I ask for their work
2. Excess Publications – maraming nasasayang. Make sure na hindi ma ooverestimate ang ipprint
3. Funds – I can’t produce high quality publications, colored laminated ID’s, and almost all the things written above if budget is limited. Always have a plan B! if ever the budget is not enough, we should still be able to make the best out of limited resources

Define “batch unity” and “family spirit”. When are these two concepts relevant and when are they not.
Loyalty to the batch ends when loyalty to the aguman family begins. Batch unity is relevant only in the application process. It is developed mainly to get into a much bigger batch or family and not to stick to it all throughout the stay in Aguman. Family Spirit on the other hand encompasses the whole org and the multitude of batches in it. It is more like the oneness of the org. Family spirit should be over and above batch unity. It is the binding force that keeps the org whole whilst batch unity can often lead only to factional conflicts.

“Senior members are the Atche’s ampong Koya’s keng org that we can look up to, as people, as members and as mentors.” Agree or disagree? Why? In what way/s? Explain.
Yes, because they are more experienced and have stayed in the org long enough to know how it operates and what are the pros and cons in it. We can look up to them in ways that we should value their opinion and listen to their remarks and criticisms because they most likely have encountered that same instance before. Take those as constructive criticisms and not otherwise. Looking up to them is different to succumbing to their wills. We have our own rationality to weigh arguments and not the age difference.

In what concrete and specific ways or practices do you live by our core values of truth, faith, kinship and service, as an individual person in the AguFamily. You can give UP TO TWO (2) ways per core value.
Truth – I always act parallel to what is true. If I committed a mistake, I admit it. If I can’t do it, I would say it. Like for example, na-late ako sa registration, I wont make up excuses. I don’t take truth to my side; I take my side to it.
Faith – I have faith in the org and in its members. In decision-making for example, when our head says something he knows and he is sure of it, even if I’m not in favor. I give way and rest my faith in him since I believe that he is inclined only to what he deems good for the committee
Kinship – I protect the trust given to me in the best way I know how. If someone tells that it is a secret or confidential, I would do everything in my power and reason to keep it that way. If I’m elected for this position, expect that your trust would not be put into waste.
Service – I would render the best possible service I could, even if it buys a lot of time, I’ll definitely make a room for it. I’m always willing to adjust my sched if service calls for it. Like if work is not yet done, I would stay late even if I miss the last trip home.

I see a need for a new system. I offer this system to you! A system that is purposive and organized. A system with proper delegation and motivation. A system that is consistent yet progressive. And above all, a system which is STAR!

*Specific: Lahat ng plano ay dapat pulido, pinag-isipan at binigyan ng oras nang sa ganoon, alam ng mga miyembro ng komite kung ano ang gagawin.
*Time bounded: Lahat ng plano ay dapat nakaakma sa time period na dapat masunod para maging efficient ang komite. Sumunod sa deadlines.
*Attainable: Lahat ng mga plano ay dapat may patutunguhan at madaling gawin. Sila ay hindi dapat napapako sa salita lamang,
*Rational: Lahat ng mga plano ay dapat may basehan, may saysay at may kabuluhan. Every step is a solution to a problem.

I believe that…
… the Records and Publications Committee should set its own standards.
… the Records and Publications Committee should strive to surpass these standards.
… alternatives are to be evaluated for cost cutting. Cost cutting is possible.
… the Records and Publications Committee needs an organized system wherein everyone is expected to be efficient.
… the Records and Publications Committee members need to be motivated so that they will strive hard to do their tasks better.
… the Records and Publications Chairperson should delegate tasks properly to the members of the committee so that everyone will do their part for the welfare of the committee and of the organization.
.. the Records and Publications Committee, doesn’t need to start from a new stage, rather enter a more progressive growth stage.
… the Records and Publications Committee, because of its nature, has an Environmental Responsibility.
… the UP Aguman is one pool of talents, and the Records and Publication Committee can optimize that human resource.
… transparency builds faith.
… time management is the key to success.
… in UP Aguman, WE ARE NOT FOR OURSELVES ALONE!

SPECIFIC PLAN OF ACTION
Sa aking termino, kung ako man ay maluklok bilang Secretary at Records and Publications Chairperson, eto ang aking mga proyekto na nais ipatupad at dapat ipatupad:

ASLAG
*Formation of ASLAG Online Team, ad hoc committe.
*Ang Blogspot ay magiging Official Website na!
*Revival of GenMeet Highlights and Agu Spotlight.
*Magrereleae ng ASLAG Newsletter sa CEER, Pautakan and Sining. Dapat walang masasayang kaya every after the event, bibilangin ang mga natirang newsletters and from there, we will project the needed quantity for the next event. Cost cutting, and it saves trees.

ANNOUNCEMENTS and TEXT BRIGADE
*Isang sikretong sistema ang ipapatupad sa committee ukol sa text brigade.
*Mas makulit at mas masaya ang text messages!
*Mas makulit din pagdating sa pagpaa-alala ng deadlines sa mga mems.

BOARD
*Scheduled maintenance of at least once a week.
*Papabilisin ang pag-gawa ng board. Makikipag-isang lakas with Socio Cultural Committee.
*Isusulong ang paglagay ng announcements, birthdays, dates to remember (deadlines), at updates.

DIRECTORY
*One hard copy ng AguDirectory.
*Online Directory ay dapat updated as necessary.
*Makikipagtulungan with Externals Committee sa pag-gawa ng updated Alumni Directory.

IDs
*Gagawa ng bagong IDs for mems na wala pa at nawalan ng Agu IDs.
*Ang IDs ay icocollect after events at itatatago ng committee. Pwede ring kunin ng mga graduating mems ang ID’s nila for more memorabilia.

LETTERS, POSTERS and TEASERS
*Early release of solicitation letters at STS letters to maximize time and resources.
*Teasers should be exciting and shall inform the public on the earliest time possible.

LOGBOOKS
*Kapag may sira na ang logbook, it shall be fixed. Other logbooks shall be fixed and shall be kept in one of the cabinets so mems and alumni can cherish memories.
*Start pa lang ng sem, may logbook na.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING
*Bawat miyembro ng committee ay magkakaroon ng chance na maging historian ng mga GA Meetings.
*For GA minutes, scratch papers ang gagamitin. Tapos, ire-rewrite ito sa logbook para organized.
*Ang logbook na gagamitin sa ExeCom meeting ay yung ginamit last year para hindi sayang sa resources.

ONLINE FILECASE
*An online repository of past Aslag editions, letters, posters, teasers, letterhead, logo, minutes of the meeting and templates shall be made this time and shall be maintained.

A COMMITTEE within the COMMITTEE
Tayo’y mag-iintroduce ng bagong sistema kung saan tayo’y magrerevive ng mga nakakaligtaang mga tungkulin ng R&P Committee at ng Secretary. Tayo’y magpapakilala din ng bagong system sa committee na tiyak ay magmomotivate sa miyembro ng committee.
a) Chairperson b) Assistant Chairperson
c) Aslag Online Team Leader d) Documentation Head
e) Publicity Officer f) Disciplinary Officer
Ang committee ay magkakaroon ng regular meetings for more efficient and effective service. At bonding na din!!!

QUESTIONS FROM THE ELECTORAL BOARD
With sufficient details, describe UP TO TWO (2) a situation/instance in the past wherein you exhibited significant, if not deep, know-how on the position you are running for.
*Paghirapan ang video presentation for acquaintance and I*for Sining 2007 and to do it right on the schedule given limited resources. Deadline is a serious thing in Records and Publications Committee. And sa position na to, you have to maximize all your resources and creative juices.
*Pagsaup keng pamag gawang Apps’ Sig Sheet for the last two sems (at pinagpuyatan yun!). You see, a member should know how to help other committees. Likewise, an officer should help a co-officer. That’s synergy.

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) concrete and feasible steps to encourage cooperation and attendance of members during GenMeets and org activities.
1. Mas makulit at nakakatuwang text brig message to motivate members.
2. Always highlight the Agendas of the Meeting during text brigs.
3. Isusulong ko sa ExeCom ang pagbibigay ng incentives sa mga mag-aattend (read: FOOD!)
4. Mag-upload (or mag grab) ng bonggang bonggang pics galore! Para mainggit ang mga absent! Bwahaha!
5. EBS! Extreme Bonding Session! To forge kinship!

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) unwritten but classic and expected skills pagsikapan in your position? Sanu kareni ing atin naka, sanu reng pagsikapan mu pa rin for now?
*Records and Publications Committee Chairperson should set the committee’s standards. And these, I will strive to surpass!
*Consistency. Kung ano ang level sa una, dapat i-maintain sa huli. I will strive to be a consistent Secretary. Ayaw ko namang masabihan na hanggang salita lang.
*Organizational skills, i.e. maayos a pamagtrabau, proper delegation of tasks, motivational skills, time management. Deni reng atutunan ku theoretically king Human Resource Management which I really want to apply in the committee and in the org.
*Creativity. Importante talaga ang content. And aesthetics motivate a person to look at an object and see its content. And visual creativity is what I can offer.
*Cost cutting skill is needed wherein an officer shall maximize his resources (financial, material, human) and evaluate alternatives. Maraming beses ko na ‘tong ine-exercise (hindi lang sa pagluluto) sa org work like IDs, AVP, Mutya ning Aguman, etc.

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) specific mini-tasks or advanced preparation that you can do during the summer vacation, to efficiently jumpstart orgwork come 1 semester.
*Basahin ang Aslag Online manual at magpapaturo kay Kuya Rex on the technical stuff of Aslag Online.
*Mag-iisip ng bonggang text brig to start the sem.
*Gagawa ng schedule for the sem!
*Cover the sem’s logbook (note: wala ng Gerald).
*Makipag close sa ExeCom mates. To a strong start that will end stronger!

Given your SPOA, give UP TO FIVE (5) currently-occurring problems that will most probably be the worst hindrances for you to implement or realize your SPOA. Also specify your steps to avert these hindrances.
*Unmotivated members. Kaya nga sinusulong ko ang word na “motivation” to answer that problem.
*Chill lang ang committee ngayon. Baka mawindang sila kapag naimplement ko ang SPOA ko. Kaya dapat, dahan dahan lang ang pag implement sa SPOA ko if I win.
*Celphone! Hirap mag GM using my phone. Eh di makiki-insert kung walang pambili!

Define “batch unity” and “family spirit”. When are these two concepts relevant and when are they not?
Batch Unity and Family Spirit are both collective action of the people involved, sharing one goal, bound by a spirit of unity. I believe na iba ang goals ng dalawa. Batch Unity is needed to pass the Application Process. Family Spirit is needed to develop the value of Kinship. A batch may be united pero it doesn’t automatically mean na there’s family spirit within it. Ang Batch Unity ay pang batch lang, wherein Family Spirit is nurtured. When it comes to the org, mapa App Process man or major events, we won’t need Batch Unity but Family Spirit. Kasi one big happy family tayo! Haha! Loyalty to our batch should end when our loyalty to the family begins.

“Senior members are the Atche’s ampong Koya’s keng org that we can look up to, as people, as members and as mentors.” Agree or disagree? Why? In what way/s?
I remembered Mama saying, “Anak, respetuhin mo si ate/kuya. Nakakatanda yan”. I agree. In Aguman, we are like an archetypal family. Ano ba ang sinasabi ni Mama?Hindi ba, “Anak, gayahin mo si ate/kuya”? But in exchange, dapat ang mga Atche’s at Koya’s will teach young mems the right thing. And they should understand younger mems. Sabi nga ni Mama sa Ate ko, “Anak, intindihin mo nga yang kapatid mo! Ikaw yung mas nakakatanda eh. “

In what concrete and specific ways or practices do you live by our core values of truth, faith, kinship and service, as an individual person in the AguFamily. You can give UP TO TWO (2) ways per core value.
Truth:
*During evaluation ng events, I try to be as objective as possible para objective truth yung masasabi ko.
Faith:
*I never lost hope sa kakayahan ng ExeCom. I know kaya nila given their individual differences.
*In every event, I know na kaya natin ‘to, kaya ‘to!
Kinship:
*Musta naman, busiest, most hectic sem ko at tumatambay talaga ako. I always see to it na nagpapakita ako every weekdays sa tambayan.
*Ang Aguman ay ang pamilya ko. Priority ko ang Agu. Sabi nga ng groupmates ko, “Inuuna mo na naman yang Aguman.”
Service:
*Ing mapagpuyat just to help Ate Acey do the SigSheet.
*Pagtapon ng pinagkainan ng iba. Simple lang to pero it means a lot. The tambayan is not just a place, but a home.

AguELECTIONS 2009: Treasurer

2009-03-09T17:03:00.001+08:00

In time for the AguELECTIONS 2009, the Electoral Board is releasing comprehensive Candidate Profiles for all the nominees. This includes their Specific Plan of Action (SPOA) and a few questions prepared by the Electoral Board. The said Candidate Profiles are released in various platforms for maximum reach. This aims to aid all members in truly making an informed decision in determining the officers for the Executive Council 2009-2010.

SOME REMINDERS:
*ELECTION is on Thursday, March 12, with a Miting De Avance at 5:45pm.
*The members are expected to have read all the Candidate Profiles by then.
*PDF copies of the Candidate Profiles will be emailed in the resident mailing list, too.
*Hard copies are also available at the tambayan starting Tuesday, March 10.
*Read everything! Make an informed decision.

SPECIFIC PLAN OF ACTION
Rummage Sales..
-sem starter and sem ender rummage sales.. for more kwarta..
Raffle Draws
-mid sem fund raiser raffle a prize for a cause
Fin Statements
-release of statements para abalu tamu nanu standing ning org financially, at para magkarun mu ding awa effect kareng members.. hehe
Marketing 101
-early release of letters para early receipt din ng pera.. (hehe, nangarap?)
-crash course on how to market the org for solicitations.. hehe
Fin Database
-ilista mi nung ninu ing mems na mamayad fees at nung ninu pa in gating balances
Aguman Spirit
-take advantage deng contests ning aliwang orgs for more funds.

QUESTIONS FROM THE ELECTORAL BOARD
With sufficient details, describe UP TO TWO (2) a situation/instance in the past wherein you exhibited significant, if not deep, know-how on the position you are running for.
kayabe ku king pamag-open aaccount bangku
Sasaup king pamagsolicit

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) concrete and feasible steps to encourage cooperation and attendance of members during GenMeets and org activities.
food
Games
Probation
Punctuality
More food

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) unwritten but classic and expected skills in your position? Sanu kareni ing atin naka, sanu reng pagsikapan mu pa rin for now?
communication skills
Marketing ability
Budgeting skills
Resourcefulness
Leadership.. (oh?)

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) specific mini-tasks or advanced preparation that you can do during the summer vacation, to efficiently jumpstart orgwork come 1st semester.
early solicitation for all three events
Early canvassing of materials, venues etc.
Rummage sale in june
Summer job (haha, asa)
Alkansya ( haha)

Given your SPOA, give UP TO FIVE (5) currently-occurring problems that will most probably be the worst hindrances for you to implement or realize your SPOA. Also specify your steps to avert these hindrances.
increasing costs! – mairap kumuha ng pera ngayon
Acads – members’ priority
Other org(s) –
Personal activities

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) unwritten but classic and expected skills in your position? Sanu kareni ing atin naka, sanu reng pagsikapan mu pa rin for now?
Time management siguru ampong task delegation

Define “batch unity” and “family spirit”. When are these two concepts relevant and when are they not?
both are present in the organization. They are interdependent. Though both are sustained in the organization, batch unity is more evident since we all apply as a batch, while not all of us experience the ‘family spirit’ of aguman at full.

“Senior members are the Atche’s ampong Koya’s keng org that we can look up to, as people, as members and as mentors.” Agree or disagree? Why? In what way/s? Explain.
Not entirely agree. Being a senior member doesn’t mean that you can mentor the new batches at its entirety. There are also some things that new batches are supposed to give and subsequently change in the organization.

In what concrete and specific ways or practices do you live by our core values of truth, faith, kinship and service, as an individual person in the AguFamily.
Truth – pag ayaw ko, ayaw ko.. haha
Faith – I trust in the org.
Kinship – Pane ko abe reng agupips

SPECIFIC PLAN OF ACTION

SOLICITATION
*Releasing solicitation letters at least 2 months before an event.
Soliciting gets even more difficult when the date of the event itself comes close. To prevent the rush and the pressure, it would be better if the solicitation letters would be released, at least, two months before an event. Given that much time, I think we would have enough solicited money to successfully launch an event.

*Constantly reminding the members through text brigade.
Sometimes, even if we are given a lot of time to solicit, we have this tendency to be lax until we realize that we are running out of time. So as to minimize this, we would have to constantly remind the members about soliciting by frequently texting them.

*Pair / Group solicitation
Most of us are too shy to solicit by themselves, so to make this job more productive and enjoyable, we will reinforce that solicitation would be done as a pair/group. Along with that, we would set specific dates when these group solicitations would be done. As much as possible, we would have to assign a member from the Finance Committee to help you out with the solicitation.

FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES
*Doing it more often
Fund raising activities are a big help to our org when we talk about money. Thus, it would be a big help to us if we can launch an activity of this in nature once every two months or once a month, depending on the kind of activity. Some of these activities would include the traditional ones like the Rummage Sale, the Babarug Pipitik and etc.
*Committee competition
Also, to further encourage the members to actively participate in these activities, it would be better if there would be a competition among the committees. Of course, the winning committee would be rewarded.

ORG-FUNDED ACTIVITIES
It is in a kapampangan’s nature to be competitive kaya pin egana-ganang pa-contest sasalihan tamu eh. May that be a food stuffing or a quiz show sort of contest, we can’t deny that the members usually share a part of their winnings to the org. So it would just be fair if the fees, e.g. registration fee, would be paid using the org’s funds (basta ba sure lang manyambut la, hehe).

Aside from continuing the example set by Kuya Justin, these are some of the things that I would be doing for our org. Money matters should not appear as burdens when we speak of them, rather they should appear as things that are enjoyable to do. We can incorporate bonding and having fun with any of the Financial Committee’s activity since those activities would be more exciting and pleasing to do if they would be more fun.

QUESTIONS FROM THE ELECTORAL BOARD
With sufficient details, describe UP TO TWO (2) situations/instances in the past wherein you exhibited significant, if not deep, know-how on the position you are running for.
*Anyang Babarug Pipitik, since aku ing madalas tumambay kareng members na ning FinComm, aku ing tatalan kareng perang mabibie potang atin magvote. Every night, checheck ku nung mag-tally la ba reng qeng pera ku on-hand at deng votes since ali mu naman puru voting, at atin ding mag-back vote. It is important that every plus and minus should be written so as to get a theoretical result which is equal to the actual amount. Bawas error, bawas pamag-abono qetang part na ning mag-collect.
*As a member of the Finance Committee, somehow I’ve had a glimpse of how a Treasurer should work. I have seen through the examples of Kuya Justin that a Treasurer should know how to handle the organization’s money well.

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) concrete and feasible steps to encourage cooperation and attendance of members during GenMeets and org activities.
*Although, it is not one of my responsibilities, it wouldn’t be bad if I, too, would do some reminding by texting the members.
*Mas masanting siguru nung ating games or any other bonding activities before a general meeting para ma-engganyu la reng mems a munta.
*A specific task should be assigned to every re-affed member so that they will be attending an activity unless he/she has a valid reason not to do so.
*Masanting din siguru na after a general meeting / activity, sabe-sabe ta ngan mangan, nung pwede.
*I-utilize ku nea rin siguru ing logbook and the AOL by reminding them there.

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) unwritten but classic and expected skills in your position? Sanu kareni ing atin naka, sanu reng pagsikapan mu pa rin for now?
*A Treasurer should be thrifty, prudent, organized, hard working and confident. As of now, I cannot say that I have any of these characteristics but I will do what it takes to learn and acquire them for me to be a better person and a better member of the org.

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) specific mini-tasks or advanced preparation that you can do during the summer vacation, to efficiently jumpstart orgwork come 1st semester.
*Magtipid ku. Haha! Dapat matutu kung talan pera kasi ita ing metung kareng qualities a dapat atin ya ing Treasurer na ning org.
*I would start thinking of different fund raising activities for the org. Mangutang, mag-research, manisip with my committee mates para karas na ning 1st sem atin na kahit papaanong ideas on hand. I-abe na rin ka rin ing pamamantun prospect sponsors para naman well-funded la talaga reng events tamu.
*This summer, I would practice managing my time well because it is one of my greatest weaknesses as of the moment.
*I would also start to write notes about the things that I should do. Mapangalingwan ku eh.
*Subuknan ku ring maging careful and organized kareng pera by practicing these two on my own money.

Given your SPOA, give UP TO FIVE (5) currently occurring problems that will most probably be the worst hindrances for you to implement or realize your SPOA. Also specify your steps to avert these hindrances
*Finding sponsors is not that easy – Masakit talagang mamantun sponsors lalo na pang ika mung dili, kaya as much as possible, mag-solicit ta mu as a pair / group. Mas masanting din nung makapag-start tamung mag-solicit at least two months before an event para makarakal.
*Collecting re-aff fees and the likes is not that easy too – Siguru mas masanting na I-divide ing work na ning pamangolekta within the organization. Mas mag-work siguru nung ma-assign la reng members na ning Finance Committee to collect from a specific committee para iya/ila na ing/deng point person(s) queng committee a ita.
*Fund raising activities should not appear as a burden – Masakit mag-start at mag-maintain activities of this nature lalo na nung it would appear as a burden for members. So why not make it exciting for them? Dapat kasi consistent ing energy level mu to do the job. Siguru mas masanting nung every fund raising activity would include a healthy competition among Committees para naman ganahan la reng members. It would also serve as a good bonding activity for us.
*What if the org’s fund is a bit too little that it can no longer fund the contests that the members would be joining? – Since e na man laging ala yang pera ing org, siguru aku na pang mag-abono para karin lalo na nung sure lang manyambut, hehe.
*What if the actual expenses would exceed the expected expenses of an event?
Nung kulang ya ing dadalan a pera for an event, siguru aku nang mag-abono nung agyu ku pero nung ali que agyu, aku nang lumuhud at manyad saup kareng aliwang mems since ibalik ya rin karela itang perang indam na ning org.

Define “batch unity” and “family spirit”. When are these two concepts relevant and when are they not?
* Defining the two in the UP Aguman context, I can say that “Batch Unity” is, as what the name says, the oneness of a batch, and along with that oneness comes their closeness with one another. While, “Family Spirit” is the atmosphere wherein we relate to one another as a real family member, though we are not related through blood. When there are issues regarding the organization, as a whole, of course the concept of being a family is much relevant than batch unity. But if the issues are about a batch, it is then that the idea of batch unity becomes much important.

“Senior members are the Atche’s ampong Koya’s keng org that we can look up to, as people, as members and as mentors.” Agree or disagree? Why? In what way/s? Explain.
*Personally, I agree that we can look up to our senior members, whether as people, as members and as mentors. It is unquestionable that when it comes to experience, our seniors are at top of that. Mas dakal la talaga balu kaysa kekatamung anak pa kaya I’m sure we’ll learn a lot from them.

In what concrete and specific ways or practices do you live by our core values of truth, faith, kinship and service, as an individual person in the AguFamily.
*Truth – Every time that another member asks me some personal questions, I tell the truth about what was asked since I trust them.
*Faith – In relation to what I have mentioned above, I believe that another member also tells me the truth about a question that I have asked. Except kay Ham, nilinlang niya ako eh. Haha. Joke lang. XD
-Whenever another member shares something personal with me, I do not spill what was shared since he/she placed his/her trust with me and I don’t want to destroy that trust.
*Kinship – If you haven’t noticed, I’m always at the ‘tambayan’. My only reason for doing that is because I still want to know the other members, knowing for a fact that one semester of application is not enough to know every member very well.
- I also am ever-present in our bonding activities. It is for the same reason that I have given just before this example.
*Service – Whenever we have events in Pampanga, I try my best to attend, unless I have an exam or any other reason that are really important. Moreover, I try to come on the set call time so as to help in preparing for the event.
-Also, as much as possible when we have our events, I don’t want to remain idle for such a long period of time. In fact, I even helped our applicants with their assigned task during the Sining since I had nothing to do after my task.

AguELECTIONS 2009: Educational Committee Chairperson

2009-03-09T17:02:00.001+08:00

In time for the AguELECTIONS 2009, the Electoral Board is releasing comprehensive Candidate Profiles for all the nominees. This includes their Specific Plan of Action (SPOA) and a few questions prepared by the Electoral Board. The said Candidate Profiles are released in various platforms for maximum reach. This aims to aid all members in truly making an informed decision in determining the officers for the Executive Council 2009-2010.

SOME REMINDERS:
*ELECTION is on Thursday, March 12, with a Miting De Avance at 5:45pm.
*The members are expected to have read all the Candidate Profiles by then.
*PDF copies of the Candidate Profiles will be emailed in the resident mailing list, too.
*Hard copies are also available at the tambayan starting Tuesday, March 10.
*Read everything! Make an informed decision.

SPECIFIC PLAN OF ACTION

This election, if ever I will be elected as the next Educational Committee Chairperson, these are some of the things that I plan to do and implement in order to improve the performance of this committee.

CEER is the first major project of the organization and also one of the major projects handled by the educational committee. This event usually takes place in the month of June or at least by the first week of July. For this event, it is very much important that the questions that will be used will be finalized as soon as possible. Therefore, it is very much important to effectively delegate the task of question-making to the members of the organization. It will be the responsibility of our committee to survey in advance the members who will probably be registered members for the school year of 2009-2010, and ask them which subject matter they will be more convenient in making questions for the CEER. As much as possible, the committee will stick to the preference of the members, and the members of the committee will be the once that will be assigned to the not so preferred subjects.

After the CEER, I believe that the next major activity for this committee is the Pautakan. Based on last year’s experience for the preparation for Pautakan, the question-making process was a bit delayed. In order to prevent this, as soon as the school year starts, our committee will gather textbooks and reference materials which can be used by the members in order to make questions. We will leave these textbooks, together with a notebook, at the tambayan. Each member is encouraged, or if possible, be required to make even just one question for any subject per school day. By doing this, it will greatly reduce the work that will be needed to be done during questions night.

Aside from playing an important role in CEER and Pautakan, I believe there is something more that the educational committee could offer. We should remember that it is the responsibility of our committee to look after the welfare of its members in terms of academic excellence. If possible, we could plan and organize some review sessions for the members having difficulty in some subjects. We could probably ask some students, and even teachers to give tutorials to our members having difficulty in their studies, just in case that no one in the organization could do such task. I believed that it is possible for us to get tutors through the network of the members that our organization have.

I believed that these are the major things that this committee should give attention. But, the duty of this committee should not be limited within these roles. Again, if ever I will be elected as the Educational Committee Chairperson, I believe that the ideas of the educational committee should not be limited based on my ideas. I will only be the head and overseer of the committee. I will not be the committee itself. But again, my vision for this committee is that it should have initiative and foresight so that it could perform well the tasks that the organization expects from it, and even give more to the organization since it will be able to perform the tasks assigned to it ahead of time.

QUESTIONS FROM THE ELECTORAL BOARD
With sufficient details, describe UP TO TWO (2) a situations/instances in the past wherein you exhibited significant, if not deep, know-how on the position you are running for.
This year, I was able to see how Pautakan was handled starting from the preparations up to the event itself. During the preparations, I was able to see how crucial the decisions of the Educational Committee Chairperson to such an event since the members somehow mainly depended on his plans for the event. I believed that if you are in such a position, you should be able to make plans in such a way that everything will run smoothly from start up to the event itself since I noticed that your plans won’t be contest that much since some of the members are not so vocal about their opinions.

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) concrete and feasible steps to encourage cooperation and attendance of members during GenMeets and org activities.
First of all, I believed that simplest thing that could make the members attend GenMeets is to start the meeting on time and end it not so late. You could actually do these by starting the meeting on time even if the attendance is not that much to encourage them not to come late and to show them that the trend of meetings start late because the members arrive late has changed, and organize way of discussing issues in the meeting by probably making a flowchart of the meeting so that there will be no wasted time and delays from topics that are not so important which lengthens the meetings. Aside from this, I believed that it is important to show that attending such meetings and org activities is very important. This is because I think that it is possible that the reason why some members don’t cooperate or attend to such activities because they think that attending will be not worth of their time and it will be better to do some other things than attending to such activities.

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) unwritten but classic and expected skills in your position? Sanu kareni ing atin naka, sanu reng pagsikapan mu pa rin for now?
I think, some of the skills that are needed to become a good Educational Committee Chairperson are being a good listener, being able to work with other people, being able to make people follow your commands, and being able to plan things very well. Among these skills, I could say that in some way, I was able to possess them, but in some way, I could say that I was not so good in having them. For example, there are times that I really consider opinions of others, but there are also instances that I prefer my own ideas because I think my ideas are better. Sometimes, I could work with other people thinking that a job will be finished easier with a company, but sometimes, I prefer to do other tasks by myself thinking that the end-result will be better if I will be the one that will do it. From these instances, I guess that sometimes I possess these skills, but sometimes I don’t, but in case I have such skills, I guess I still won’t apply them to every situation that I face.

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) specific mini-tasks or advanced preparation that you can do during the summer vacation, to efficiently jumpstart orgwork come 1st semester.
Durinng the summer vacation, I could start surveying the people which subject matter they prefer to make questions for the CEER. I could also ask people I know for textbooks that can be used for making questions for Pautakan. I could also prepare a draft of the questionnaire which can be used for the CEER to lessen the job needed to be done at the start of the 1st semester.

Given your SPOA, give UP TO FIVE (5) currently occurring problems that will most probably be the worst hindrances for you to implement or realize your SPOA. Also specify your steps to avert these hindrances.
Based on my SPOA, I believed that the worst hindrance that could happen is having a conflict within the committee. If the committee itself is not united, it is almost impossible to implement any plans from the committee. It is possible to prevent any conflicts within the committee by making the committee members feel that they are really important in any decision that the committee will make, and that their opinions will be take into consideration. I strongly believed that having united committee members could make the committee perform well and deliver could results for the organization.

Define “batch unity” and “family spirit”. When are these two concepts relevant and when are they not?
For me, batch unity is just a term that was created in order to instill to the applicants of this organization to work as one and they should cooperate with each other for them to overcome the hardships that they will face during the application process. Family spirit on the other hand is a non-written form of bond which naturally forms between the members of this organization as they work together through different events and tasks. That being said, I think that batch unity is very important in terms of the application process since the applicants will have nothing else but their batch to depend on. On the other hand, the family spirit is relevant for the members of the organization since if you don’t have this spirit, you won’t be able to co-exist with the other members of the organization since you look at them as different people and not as people that can be trusted such as your family.

“Senior members are the Atche’s ampong Koya’s keng org that we can look up to, as people, as members and as mentors.” Agree or disagree? Why? In what way/s?
I agree on such statement because I believed that they are the members that who knows better because they know more, and has a lot more experience in the organization compared to the younger members. They are usually the ones who know the possible outcomes of your decisions that is why you sometimes ask them immediately the possible results of your decisions without actually implementing such decisions. In this case, we could actually see them as the people who guides us, and prevents us from committing mistakes that can possibly be bad for the organization.

In what concrete and specific ways or practices do you live by our core values of truth, faith, kinship and service, as an individual person in the AguFamily. You can give UP TO TWO (2) ways per core value.
Truth: I usually voice out my opinions in some issues and decisions that are discussed by the org. In such way, I can say that I’m not lying to myself that everything is okay and I’m just somehow expressing myself and saying that there is still something to improve or better ways of executing things.
Faith: When there are tasks assigned to the other members, I believed that they will be able to perform such tasks and their actions will be good for the organization.
Kinship: Being a good friend and keeping a good relationship among the others members of the org in such a way that at least for me, no one in the org hates me due to my attitude and actions.
Service: I was able to participate in some of the activities of the org by helping in the preparations of some events and being present in the event itself to give any support that I could give.

Your sweetest candy sa ExeCoun!

SPECIFIC PLAN OF ACTION

QNTY
QLTY

1.) 36TH PAUTAKAN = BONGGA
a) DepEd endorsed
b) early release of STS & Solicitation letters
c)STS & Solicitation to the next level!!!
d) BONGGANG advertisement! pati community boards papatusin
e) y! group for 36th Pautakan
f) early submission of questions
g) BIGATING judges
h) bonggang EBS after Pautakan

2.) Always.C.L.E.
Laging mag-a-ACLE. Kahit Film Viewing lang ifeature natn.

3.) CEER Questions Toned Down
May prof na nagsabi sakin last year na masyado mahirap mga questions. Hindi raw pang-UPCAT. Kaya naman, balak ko is early submission para madouble check sila. May prize siyempre ang first ten na makakapagsubmit.

4) ACADS 24/7
Ibig sabihin lang nito, ‘pag may problema kayo sa acads at kailangan niyo ang tulong committee, EducComm will be available 24/7 para lang sa inyo.

QUESTIONS FROM THE ELECTORAL BOARD
With sufficient details, describe UP TO TWO (2) a situation/instance in the past wherein you exhibited significant, if not deep, know-how on the position you are running for.
Sa Pautakan, which is the committee’s major event, dapat cool ka lang parati. Yun ang pinakanagustuhan ko sa Educcomm Chair last yr. Tsaka dapat laging may Plan B or Plan C. Pero siyempre, mahalaga pa ring maging maagap kaysa masikap sa Pauts. As in super! Dapat maaga ka dumating, dapat maaga ka gumawa ng questions, dapat maaga ka magrelease ng mga letters. Tsaka, don’t let members be discouraged. No matter what they have done or how much they’ve contribute, don’t let them be discouraged at bigyan sila ng chance para bumawi. Lastly, do not lift questions from internet sources. Problematic kasi. Pero siyempre, pasiyas mu pa rin ing kekang answer and defend the org pag atin ng uber competitive coach na magreklamu. J

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) concrete and feasible steps to encourage cooperation and attendance of members during GenMeets and org activities.
EBS. Walang tatalo dito. It makes a mem be loyal to the org sans the feeling of obligation
Work is Work. Ipa-instill tamu na patse atin kang obra, u hav to deliver no mater wat. E pwedeng patsaman-tsaman. Dapat ipairal ing ‘alang personalan’ patse ating activity.

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) unwritten but classic and expected skills in your position? Sanu kareni ing atin naka, sanu reng pagsikapan mu pa rin for now?
Madaling lapitan. Abot kamay. Maaasahan. Atsu lagi tambayan. A typical politico characteristic.
Cheerful. Para apalaganap ing ‘smile’ virus lalo na if the ambiance is not err… well, ok.
Thoughtful . Sabi nga, daig ng maagap ang masikap.
Creative. Understandable na ini.
Ating Know-how. Understandable na rin ini.

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) specific mini-tasks or advanced preparation that you can do during the summer vacation, to efficiently jumpstart orgwork come 1st semester.
a)Asikasuan ne ing DepEd endorsement
b)Magset ng yahoo group
c)Itang mga sign up sheets, letters, documents iprepare ku na la
d)Manigaral mag-Adobe! A must! J
e) Gawa ng questions

Given your SPOA, give UP TO FIVE (5) currently-occurring problems that will most probably be the worst hindrances for you to implement or realize your SPOA. Also specify your steps to avert these hindrances.
a)Polsc199. Huhu. Magpray namu na maging masuerte ku CRS this time around! As in, magnonovea na. At GE galore sa 1st sem para gumaan load.
b)Pera. Sasali ako sa GameKNB para kumita ng kwarta. Ayaw akong tanggapin sa rarejob e.

Define “batch unity” and “family spirit”. When are these two concepts relevant and when are they not?
a)Batch unity ali ne applicable pag mag-elect officers, or magvote issues
b)Family spirit patse buddy bidding?

“Senior members are the Atche’s ampong Koya’s keng org that we can look up to, as people, as members and as mentors.” Agree or disagree? Why? In what way/s? Explain.
Agree keng mga elders na megstick through the years. Grabe ang commitment! Siyempre, as an elder dakal neng a-experience. And siyempre, pag meging elder ku, bisa ku ring i-look up da ring kiddos. Na parang next yr na yun? Wee!

In what concrete and specific ways or practices do you live by our core values of truth, faith, kinship and service, as an individual person in the AguFamily. You can give UP TO TWO (2) ways per core value.
tRUTH: transparency. Gang keng lovelife transparent ku. Haha!
Faith: Pag nagpepray ako, kasama mga agupips sa mga prayers ko.
Kinship: gyang magtampu na la deng keng kabila, achu ku pa rin agu, tatambay. haha!
Service: Gyang 100 pesos nemu ing pera ku at ali naku bisang dinan ning matwa ku, munta ku pa rin AguEvents. Gyang mimamua o mamawus ne mama ku, pag atin pa rin dapat arian, gyang ala kung extrang malan, mag-overnight ku pamu rin.

AguELECTIONS 2009: Socio-Cultural Committee Chairperson

2009-03-09T17:01:00.002+08:00

In time for the AguELECTIONS 2009, the Electoral Board is releasing comprehensive Candidate Profiles for all the nominees. This includes their Specific Plan of Action (SPOA) and a few questions prepared by the Electoral Board. The said Candidate Profiles are released in various platforms for maximum reach. This aims to aid all members in truly making an informed decision in determining the officers for the Executive Council 2009-2010.

SOME REMINDERS:
*ELECTION is on Thursday, March 12, with a Miting De Avance at 5:45pm.
*The members are expected to have read all the Candidate Profiles by then.
*PDF copies of the Candidate Profiles will be emailed in the resident mailing list, too.
*Hard copies are also available at the tambayan starting Tuesday, March 10.
*Read everything! Make an informed decision.

SPECIFIC PLAN OF ACTION

S-OCIO
Away from brain-wrecking exams and other acads stuff, most of us usually spend our time exchanging stories with the Agupips. I bet that indeed, UP Aguman has been a family for most of us. And, in our desire to further “promote the spirit of kinship”, I believe that activities such as an inter-committee sports fest would be worthwhile.
Socio Comm. will organize an Inter-committee Sports Fest or an Amazing Race which may be scheduled on the week of UP Aguman’s anniversary. If everybody’s schedule and our budget may permit, we can also have other events or activities on the same week along with Mutya ning Aguman.
We will cooperate with the Externals committee so we may also invite the alumni to participate in this our celebration.

O-RDERLINESS
I believe that our tambayan has become the home of this family. Here is where we spent time to relax after a long and busy day. That’s why, as a responsibility of the Socio Comm., the orderliness of the tambayan will be of much concern to my SPOA.
A. Bulletin Board
We will make our bulletin board more organized and functional. We will post the scheduled events for the month so everyone may be reminded.
We will also try to provide a small white board so we may post immediate or emergency announcements. With this, even those who can’t take time to stay in the tambayan and check out important matters written on the log book may also be updated. They may just simply pass by our tambayan and be instantly informed of important matters.
We will cooperate with the Records and Pub. Comm. for the maintenance of the bulletin.
B. Cabinet
We will fix the cabinet so we may maximize their purpose. We may use this to secure important documents or simply to serve as an organizer for Aguproperties and other stuff. We will also provide padlocks so as to make safe these properties.
If Batch Pinanari08A may agree, we may procure another cabinet/ organizer/ rack for our bags which shall serve as our batch project.
C. Cleaning Materials
We also believe that cleaning materials such as dust pan and broom would be of much help in maintaining the cleanliness in our tambayan.
Now, when it comes to maintenance, (although it may sound so “high school”) we are hoping that everyone would agree to assign a committee per day which will take charge of keeping the orderliness, if not cleaning the tambayan. Yet, self-discipline is still imposed.
We would include this as well on the schedule for the month.

C-ULTURAL
As the primary provincial student organization of Pampanga, we are responsible for actively participating, as well as organizing activities that will further develop, revive and promote the Capampangan culture and artistry. In line with this, we may further improve the activities that we have by collaborating with other organizations in Pampanga, concern with the same matters.
A. SINING
As one of the major events of this organization, headed by the socio-cultural committee, SINING will be of much concern in my SPOA. We will settle all matters so as to fix the foreseen problems. We will create and follow a specific time table for the preparations so that we may avoid cramming things and other stuff.
1. Events
I suggest that we shall have the declamation contest on the first day, along with other speech competitions including impromptu speech and crisotan. Poetry and essay writing, poster making and still life drawing will still be on the first day.
On one hand, solo singing,interpretative dance, modern steet dance and rockoustic will remain on the second day.
(If our time and budget will allow, we can have additional events.)
2. Criteria
We will do the necessary revisions/modifications with our criteria so we may make ourselves clear and not be bothered by texts and calls from schools, clarifying the criteria.
3. Theme and topics
We will try to come up with the theme and the individual topics for the different events as early as possible. We will call a brainstorming session in one or two of our general meetings for this purpose, perhaps on the first or second month of the second semester.
4. STS Letters and Posters
We will release and distribute the STS letters among the schools in Pampanga on the first week of classes for the month of January. We scheduled this on this particular week because we assume that our schedule for acads would still be loose by this time since it’s just the beginning of the year.
For the distribution, we will divide the schools among ourselves. That means, we will assign schools that are nearest to the place of residence of every member. With this system, we can divide the job equally and disseminate the information properly. Every member is also expected to get the numbers and e-mail addresses of the schools assigned to him/her for follow-ups. We are doing this to achieve a higher percent of participation from these schools.
5. Judges
With the Educ. Comm., we will give extra effort on this. We will release the letters for the judges as early as the second quarter of the month of November so we may have a longer time working on this matter. With this, we can immediately look for other judges if ever some may turn down our invitations.
6. Division of Labor
Work will be clearly defined and properly distributed among the members. We are expecting that everyone will function according to the tasks assigned to him/her before and most especially during the event. This will be strictly followed so as to put things in order and keep the event smooth-flowing.
7. Venue, Time and Date
As usual, we will hold Sining on the month of February.
This time, it will be held at Don Bosco Academy, Sining 2009’s champion. Second day’s venue still largely hangs on the arrangements and negotiations with the management of SM Clark. We’ll also see if we can consider SM Pampanga and Robinson’s as alternatives.
We will also ask for a clear statement of terms and conditions of the management so we may be guided by this.
We will strictly follow the schedule of the program during the day itself so we may get rid of not so good feedbacks from coaches and participating schools.

B. Other Cultural Events
With the help of the Externals Committee, we will also do our best to take part in other activities inside and outside the academe which can serve as venues for promoting the Capampangan Culture. We will also coordinate with various organizations in Pampanga which share the same concerns and aspirations with us, and be updated with other advocacies and events by these institutions through the help of Records and Publications Comm.

I-NVENTORY
As the custodian of the properties of the organization, Socio Comm. will provide an official list of the properties and supplies of the organization.

O-RG. SUPPLIES
We will also provide the basic supplies that we usually need in the tambayan. These include pens, scissors, scotch tape/stapler, bond papers, pentelpen/white board marker etc.

QUESTIONS FROM THE ELECTORAL BOARD
With sufficient details, describe UP TO TWO (2) a situation/instance in the past wherein you exhibited significant, if not deep, know-how on the position you are running for.
1. When I was in 4th year, I myself became a participant in Sining. As a contestant then, I knew now how it is to be on the shoes of the participants. And, now that I’m already a member and an aspiring Socio-cultural Head, I believe that I can do the necessary adjustments to make the experience for the contestants more interesting.
2. I also actively participated in the previous Sining 2009 by observing and having a hands-on experience of the “real action” before and during the event itself. I also believe that I put an extra effort on making it a successful event in my own ways such as going personally at San Lorenzo Ruiz, Pampanga High School and University of the Assumption,even all by my self, just to bring to them the STS letters.

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) concrete and feasible steps to encourage cooperation and attendance of members during GenMeets and org activities.
1. Text Brigades- bombard them with text brigs
2. Follow-up those who are not attending the meetings by sending them personal messages from time to time, asking them the reasons for not attending
3. Appeal to emotions? Konsensyan ta la!haha

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) unwritten but classic and expected skills in your position? Sanu kareni ing atin naka, sanu reng pagsikapan mu pa rin for now?
1. public relations (atin na?)
2. public speaking (atin na)
3. computer (kulang pa…ala ku kasing computer eh)
4. arts and craft (atin na)
5. managing work force (kulang pa)

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) specific mini-tasks or advanced preparation that you can do during the summer vacation, to efficiently jumpstart orgwork come 1st semester.
1. reviewing and evaluating the SPOA of the previous terms
2. doing a complete and updated directory of the members
3. asking for pieces of advice from previous terms
4. reviewing the financial accounts regarding the budget that was used in last term’s projects
5. collecting other documents such as STS letters, invitations for the judges, etc.

Given your SPOA, give UP TO FIVE (5) currentlyoccurring problems that will most probably be the worst hindrances for you to implement or realize your SPOA.
1. lack of cooperation among members
2. budget insufficiency
Also specify your steps to avert these hindrances.
1. encourage the mems to attend meetings
2. extra effort on looking for sponsors
3. ask help from other Capampangan cultural institutions

Define “batch unity” and “family spirit”. When are these two concepts relevant and when are they not?
Batch unity is when you see everyone give his/her extra effort to make every task lighter and every challenge successful while family spirit is when you see everyone happy, growing as a person, at peace. They are relevant in such a way that if you can feel that spirit of family, it would be easy for you to really put an extra effort to establish that unity. They are not when we begin to separate personal matters from our responsibilities.

"Senior members are the Atche’s ampong Koya’s keng org that we can look up to, as people, as members and as mentors.” Agree or disagree? Why? In what way/s? Explain.
In a way I agree, because they have the necessary experience that can somehow serve as guides for us in making decisions and handling things although I believe that the last decision will still be on a person’s own hands.

In what concrete and specific ways or practices do you live by our core values of truth, faith, kinship and service, as an individual person in the AguFamily. You can give UP TO TWO (2) ways per core value.
Faith—when we face problems, like the lack of budget, I personally remain positive and encourage others as to believe that God will help us through, for as long as we put our “full” trust on Him (does it sound so dramatic?...but, its true)
Kinship—when I make decisions, I ask some of the mems for advice because I value that level of connection that we have

SPECIFIC PLAN OF ACTION

TAMBAYAN FACE LIFT- We will attend to matters concerning the CLEANLINESS and ORDERLINESS of our beloved “home”
Clean ups- more clean-ups would be done to prevent the accumulation of clutter and dust bunnies
Organized Space- stacking areas would be fixed to avoid losing org materials and piling up of trash

AGU KITS- We will provide kits that will keep our supplies sorted and classified
Cleaning Kit- brooms, rags, and other simple cleaning materials would be provided to keep the tambayan spic and span.
Tool Box- The ‘Tool Box’ would keep all the event materials organized so we could all be in track with them. Our expenses would be lessened since this would prevent regular buying of such materials.

TEEzers- We will produce CHEAPER shirts to showcase org pride, and if possible, to have a source of income

THE COMMITTEE- Coordination starts in the committee level. We will keep all members WELL-INFORMED regarding all tasks being done by the committee. Awareness would be increased by utilizing communication media such as meetings, text brigades, and emails. In that way, everybody would KNOW all undertakings and IGNORANCE would not be an acceptable excuse.

SINING 2010
Improvements for the next SINING:
*revise the rules by consulting advisers to avoid complaints from the contestants as well as from the judges
*push through with new events (digital graphic design, fashion design, song writing, etc.)
*include the definition of technical terms (such as MODERN, ACOUSTIC, CRISOTAN) to avoid confusion from everybody!!

QUESTIONS FROM THE ELECTORAL BOARD
With sufficient details, describe UP TO TWO (2) a situations/instances in the past wherein you exhibited significant, if not deep, know-how on the position you are running for.
I have been exposed to the world of art for a sufficient time now to know how to handle an art event like SINING.I have been part of outreaches, contests, workshops, exhibits, and perfomances as a participant and as an organizer.

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) concrete and feasible steps to encourage cooperation and attendance of members during GenMeets and org activities.
A solution for this is to REQUIRE ATTENDANCES. We could set an attendance quota for the events and meetings say, at least 2 GenMeets per month for each member. Failure to comply with these requirements would have a corresponding penalty. The worst case could be the jeopardy of one’s membership.
I think this is a desperate measure na kapag naging sobrang pasaway na ng mems. As of now, napupuno pa naman ang circle bench ng old tambayan kapag GenMeets. Ang usual excuse ng mga hindi nakakarating ay acad-related stuff. If so, tulungan natin sila, if we could in any way. AND let’s just avoid personal quarrels para mas ma-tighten pa ang ating family bond. MAGTULUNGAN at MAGMAHALAN.

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) unwritten but classic and expected skills in your position? Sanu kareni ing atin naka, sanu reng pagsikapan mupa rin for now?
1.CREATIVE- I believe there are always new solutions to old problems. Kailangan ito ng Socio-head para maayos ang age-old problems ng Sining, ng tambayan, at ng org.
2.GRACE-UNDER-TIME PRESSURE WORKER- Sa dinami-dami na ng cramming moments ko, i have learned how to change original plans without sacrificing the quality to meet the deadlines. Siyempre, kailangan paring iwasan ito dahil marami paring ibang bagay na mahirap i-cram.

Enumerate UP TO FIVE (5) specific mini-tasks or advanced preparation that you can do during the summer vacation, to efficiently jumpstart orgwork come 1st semester.
PLAN.PLAN.PLAN. Plan for the bulletin board design, org shirts, costs of materials, etc. Lahat ng ideas would be put down on paper. The real world is process-oriented itself. Kailangan ng initials plans, the right programming, the right breaking down of schedules para may time for error-consultations and for improvements. Take it from me, I know mahirap magcram.

Given your SPOA, give UP TO FIVE (5) currently occurring problems that will most probably be the worst hindrances for you to implement or realize your SPOA. Also specify your steps to avert these hindrances.
1. MONEY- Wala talagang mararating kapag walang pera. MAGTIPID. TUMULONG sa fund raisings. MAGBAYAD ng mga utang.
2. MAN POWER- When you think about it, madali lang ang mga activities natin basta’t marami tayong nagtutulungan. We just fall short on our working force.Kaya,
3. MISCOMMUNICATION- If there would be people who would not understand (or refuse to understand) the tasks that need to done, patay tayo dyan. A solution would be to spread the info thoroughly. Spread lang ng spread. Para wala ng excuses.

Define “batch unity” and “family spirit”. When are these two concepts relevant and when are they not?
Batch unity is essential when your batch or a member of your batch faces problems in the batch level lang. In the org level, family spirit should be prioritized. Regarding org issues, I think it is not right to make final decisions with the reason “Ah, sige, dahil batchmate ko siya, kakampihan ko siya.” Choose to know what or who is right.

“Senior members are the Atche’s ampong Koya’s keng org that we can look up to, as people, as members and as mentors.” Agree or disagree? Why? In what way/s?
I certainly agree (referring to those ACTIVE senior members). I believe experience is still the best teacher. They know more because they have seen and experienced for a longer time the ups and downs of Aguman. For the invisible members, I don’t think they should be looked up to since they do not enforce the core values of the org.

In what concrete and specific ways or practices do you live by our core values of truth, faith, kinship and service,as an individual person in the AguFamily. You can give UP TO TWO (2) ways per core value.
TRUTH- Everything written in here is SIMPLE, SINCERE and TRUE. I have not written anything false before (in sigsheets, in logbooks) and I never will.
FAITH- I have faith and trust sa mga Agupips. Kapag nagiiwan ako ng gamit or plates ko sa tambayan, nagtitiwala akong hindi nila sisirain iyon. HAHA.
KINSHIP- Daig pa ng Agupips ang tunay kong kapatid dahil mas nasasabihan ko pa sila ng life happenings ko. HAHAHA.
SERVICE- Not being an inactive member ever is a simple action. I know balancing AGU with the other aspects of life is hard, but it is FUN.

Announcement: Final list of candidates for the Election of the Executive Council 2009-2010

2009-03-05T03:49:00.010+08:00

AguELECTION SCHEDULE
*March 9 - Release of Candidate Profiles
*March 12 - ELECTION DAY
with a Miting De Avance at 5:45pm

PRESIDENT
CASTRO, Jennifer H.
PEÑALBA, Kevin Patrick E.

INTERNALS VICE-PRESIDENT
CASTRO, Jennifer H.
NACPIL, Trisha D.

EXTERNALS VICE-PRESIDENT
DE PADUA, Gerard Robin D.
VIRAY, Aries Ivan G.

SECRETARY
GULAPA, Michael Roman S.
PABLO, Felipe IV B.

TREASURER
MALLARI, Ferdinand, Jr D.
QUIZON, Bryan Leonard M.

EDUCATIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON
CORTEZ, Carmelo M.
HENSON, Ruth Elaine L.

SOCIO-CULTURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON
DAVID, Ian Bencio M.
GOCE, Romina Isabelle E

Miting de Avance Rules
*Eligible voters are expected to have read the candidate profiles beforehand
*Each candidate is given 4 minutes to make an individual speech
*The floor will be open for 12 minutes for the Q&A with the General Assembly
*Candidates who will not be able to submit profile requirements within the deadline will face the penalties set by the Electoral Board.