HAU scores a sweep to win High School Pautakan 2008

By jrldizon

October 24-25, 2008, Don Bosco Academy Gymnasium – At total of 17 Pampanga schools came and participated in the High School Level of Pautakan 2008 of the UP Aguman.

Chevalier School (CS)
Don Bosco Academy (DBA)
Hillcrest Heights Institute (HHI)
Holy Angel University (HAU)
Holy Family Academy (HFA)
Immaculate Conception School (ICS)
Jose C. Feliciano College (JCFC)
Mary Help of Christians School (MHCS)
Pampanga High School (PHS)
San Vicente-San Francisco National High School (SVSF)
School of St Brother Benilde (SSBB)
School of the Infant Jesus (SIJ)
St Andrew’s Archdiocesan School (SAAS)
St Mary’s Academy (SMA)
St Mutien College (SMC)
St Scholastica’s Academy (SSA)
University of the Assumption (UA)

MASS ELIMINATION ROUND
The 17 high school teams competed in the Mass Elimination Round to determine the Top 14 schools that will compete in the Elimination Encounters. All team players participated in accomplishing the 64-item written test that covers the 8 categories in the High School Pautakan: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, General Science, History & Current Events, Arts & Literature and General Information & Trivia. They were given 1-hour to finish the test. After the results were released, they were given 20 minutes to verify their scores and air any questions, clarifications or complaints before the judges. The final scores for that round were as follows:

PHS 37 pts
UA 35
DBA 34
HFA 34
HAU 31
CS 30
SAAS 29
SSA 29
SSBB 28
MHCS 25
SIJ 23
SMC 23
SMA 22
JCFC 18
SVSF 18
ICS 16
HHI 14

JCFC and SVSF had to compete for the last spot in a 10-question Clincher Round. JCFC was able to answer 3 questions and take the last slot in the Elimination Encounters.

ELIMINATION ENCOUNTERS
The 14 remaining teams drew lots to determine their opponents in the Elimination Encounters. The winners for these Encounters will be grouped in the Winners’ Pool with a +10pts advantage, while the non-winners will be grouped in the Losers’ Pool but will not yet be eliminated. The pairings and results were:

PHS 30 pts
SAAS 0

UA 30
SMC 0

DBA 20 (DBA was the first to answer in the knockout tiebreaker)
SSBB 20

HAU 10
HFA 20

SSA 20
JCFC 0

SMA 10
CS 20

MHCS 10
SIJ

LOSERS’ POOL
The 7 non-winning teams in the Elimination Encounters competed in the Losers’ Pool Eliminations for the remaining 3 slots in the Winners’ Pool Eliminations. They answered a total of 25 questions from the Easy, Average and Difficult Rounds. The results were as follows:

SSBB 55pts
HAU 45
SMC 40
SMA 15
SAAS 10
SIJ 10
JCFC 0

WINNERS’ POOL
The Winners’ Pool Eliminations was held on Day 3 of Pautakan 2008. It had the same format as the Losers’ Pool Eliminations. With a +10pts advantage, the 7 winning teams from the Elimination Encounters competed with the 3 qualifying teams from the Losers’ Pool. The Top 5 teams qualified for the Championship Encounters and the rest were eliminated. The results were as follows:

HFA 65 pts
HAU 50
DBA 45
PHS 45
SSA 45
CS 30
UA 30
SSBB 25
MHCS 10
SMC 0

The triple-way tie between DBA, PHS and SSA had to be broken because the ranking was important in the Championship Encounters. After the 5-question Clincher round, PHS was able to break away from the tie and take the 3rd position in the Championship, while DBA and SSA were still in a tied position. After 3 knockout questions, the tie was broken and DBA took the 4th position and SSA took the 5th spot.

In the afternoon, the 10 Championship Encounters were held. The Top 5 teams competed with each other in round-robin format. Each win merited +10 pts that were added to the teams’ advantage points based on their rankings in the Winners’ Pool Eliminations. The results were as follows:

HFA 30
HAU 40

HAU 10
PHS 0

DBA 20
HFA 10

SSA 10
DBA 40

DBA 10
HAU 20

PHS 20
DBA 30

HFA 20 (HFA was the first to answer in the knockout tiebreaker)
SSA 20

PHS 10 (PHS was the first to answer in the knockout tiebreaker)
HFA 10

At this point, DBA had already finished all their Championship Encounters and with their 3-1 win-loss record, had a total final score of 40. Meanwhile, HAU had a running record of 3-0, and was poised to sweep their Championship Encounters and win Pautakan 2008. In their last encounter with SSA, HAU prevailed and indeed scored a gallant sweep. The rest of the results were:

HAU 10
SSA 0

SSA 30
PHS 10



Elementary PAUTAKAN 2008 Winners
CHAMPION: ST SCHOLASTICA’S ACADEMY
Team Captain: Clarisse Anne D. Nuqui, Members: William John C. Limbitco, Jeff Jerald A. Canda, Christian Justin B. Streegan & Jean Viene C. Clemente, Coaches: Mrs. Rosario Calma & Mrs. Charina Dizon
1st Runner-Up: Mary Help of Christians School
Team Captain: Lance Magat, Members: Josephine Nadine Bautista, Michael John Dominguez, Jenica Mae Galang & Angelica Joy Timbang, Coach: Ms. Jasmin Agustin
2nd Runner-Up: Holy Family Academy
Team Captain: Queenie Arielle Basilio, Members: Cholo Frances Villanueva, Karlo Angelo Cunanan, Krysch Chalia Atienza & Leo Albert Rivera, Coaches: Mr. Allan Galang & Mr. Wilfred Arcolis

High School PAUTAKAN 2008 Winners
CHAMPION: HOLY ANGEL UNIVERSITY
Team Captain: Adrian Neil Pineda, Members: Angelica Marie Pineda, Royette Abby Mamangun, Linette Marielle Medina & Ruth Dimalanta, Coaches: Ms. Adelpha Maria F. Mercado & Mrs. Lolita C. Manlapig
1st Runner-Up: Don Bosco Academy
Team Captain: Madison Dominguez, Members: Ron Errick Loyola, Hil Vargas, Paolo Sampang & Zjan Turla, Coach: Ms. Chat Zapata
2nd Runner-Up: Holy Family Academy
Team Captain: Renato Galvan, Members: Anne Kristine Rivera, Faula Anne Bordon, Mark Apollo Lusung & Jonel David, Coaches: Rommel Antonio & Marlyn Baluyut
3rd Runner-Up: Pampanga High School
Team Captain: Fred Gerald L. Macapinlac, Members: Mark Kevin Dimatulac, Cathrene S. Lugtu, Kathryn Gayle S. Quiwa & Princess Ann B. Digneneng, Coaches: Mrs. Rona J. Buico & Mrs. Liza A. Jabor
4th Runner-Up: St Scholastica’s Academy
Team Captain: Rosely Peña, Members: Loren Amor Gozum, Erika Diane Wijangco, Edna Vianzon & Katrin Gem Dagdagan, Coaches: Ms. Analiza De Leon & Mr. Lloyd Estrada


Pautakan 2008 Champions: SSA for Elementary (Left) and HAU for High School (Right)

Marketing Representatives from the Pautakan Co-Presentor PNB Life Insurance, Inc, namely, Bal Gutierrez and Christine Canlas, were present to grace the event. Bal Gutierrez is an alumna of batch Kadaya 2005A and both were with the UP Aguman residents and applicants during their Stewardship Program sponsored by PNB Life. Aside from Ate Bal, the other Aguman alumni present during second and third day of the Pautakan 2008 were Adrian Bustoa (Kadaya 2005A), Daphne Villanueva (Kaputul 2004A), Maria Jean Avy Dimabuyu (Kaputul 2004A), Michael Rick Peñalba (Sampelut 2003A), Dennis Manabat (Salagpi 2001A), Andre Galang (Salagpi 2001A), Rowena Pangilinan (Diquit-Diquit 1996A) and Patrick Canlas (Abe-Abe 1991A). The judges for the high school competition were Ate Jean Dimabuyu, Ms. Adelle Sotto, Mr. Adonis Elumbre and Mr. Gilbert Abueg.

For Day 1 photos, click here.
For Day 2 photos, click here.
For Day 3 photos, click here.

SSA bags the Elementary Pautakan 2008 Championship

By jrldizon

October 23, 2008, Don Bosco Academy Gymnasium – At total of 10 elementary schools in Pampanga came and participated in the Elementary Level of Pautakan 2008 of the UP Aguman.

Chevalier School (CS)
Don Bosco Academy (DBA)
Holy Angel University (HAU)
Holy Family Academy (HFA)
Hillcrest Heights Institute (HHI)
Immaculate Conception School (ICS)
Mary Help of Christians School (MHCS)
Psalms Academy (PA)
St Scholastica’s Academy (SSA)
University of the Assumption (UA)

Many of the registered high school teams were also present in the morning for the Opening Ceremonies. In the registration, the teams and guests were given copies of the special Pautakan 2008 Edition of Aslag, prepared by the Records & Publication Commitee. It was filled with some logic problems and feature articles about the Pautakan. Applicants Bencio David and Abigail Sunga sang the National Anthem and led everyone in the Opening Prayer, respectively. The UP Aguman President Jen Castro led the members in reciting the Aguman Creed while Educational Committee Chairperson and Pautakan 2008 Project Head delivered his Opening Remarks. All present contestants were divided into 5 groups for the Group Dynamics portion of the contest. This activity aims to acquaint the contestants with the contestants from the other schools. After the allotted time, all groups presented their output in the stage. For the coaches, the Hep Hep Hooray game was facilitated by Felipe Pablo IV (Langgotsi 2006B). The hosts for the program were Yek Santos (Kaputul 2004A) and Rex Dizon (Salagpi 2001A).

The Elementary Eliminations were held in the afternoon. After 25 questions, HFA, SSA and MHCS finished in the Top 3 and qualified for the Championship Encounters. The total scores are:

HFA 150 pts
SSA 110
MHCS 60
ICS 40
HAU 35
DBA 30
UA 30
PA 20
CS 15
HHI 15

As per the contest mechanics for the Elementary Pautakan, there were seed points for the Top 3: HFA having a +15-pt advantage, SSA with 10 and MHCS with 5. They battled with each other in one-on-one Encounters and each win merited +15 pts. In the Championship Encounters, SSA was able to beat HFA and MHCS, while MHCS won over HFA as well. Thus, the final scores were:

SSA 40 pts – ELEMENTARY CHAMPION
MHCS 20 - 2nd Place
HFA 15 - 3rd Place

The Aguman alumni present were Daphne Villanueva (Kaputul 2004A), Andre Galang (Salagpi 2001A) and Patrick Canlas (Abe-Abe 1991A). The judges for the competition were Ate Daphne, Acey Duarte (Bucayo 2005B) and Ms Adelle Sotto. Miss Sotto is an instructor at the Mechanical Engineering Department of UP Diliman.

The week-long Questions Nights for the Pautakan 2008 were held at Acey Duarte's home at Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga from October 18-22, 2008. Everyday for that period, the AguPips converged there to make questions and to attend to the other preparation details for the Pautakan.

The Pautakan from a Spectator's Point Of View

By Katrin Raxiel P. Serrano

The PAUTAKAN. Kapampangan Schools usually look forward to this event every year. It’s an eminent contest wherein representatives prepare themselves really well upon joining it. Why? Well, it is because everyone has one thing running on their minds, and that is to win, to bring home the most coveted Oblation trophy, “Boy Negro trophy” as what we call it then, and to make their respective schools run the pages of history. As a spectator then, Let me now share to you my assessment of Pautakan as I take a deep look onto it.

DIFFICULTY OF QUESTIONS (5 out of 5) - I have no doubts about this! The Pautakan has these eruditely knitted questions that anyone will have to summon all of their brain cells to answer them! When I was in high school, I was wondering how they come up with these questions which can turn one’s mind into goo. The questions will make it seem that there is no such thing as an easy round. But hey, that wouldn’t be a problem, because the very best students all around Pampanga compete anyway. Right? The Pautakan definitely has the toughest questions for the toughest students to answer.

THRILL FACTOR (4 out of 5) – Looking for extraordinary excitement? The Pautakan has it! It has this buzzer-beater round which undoubtedly fills the contestants and audience with excitement. Moreover, this excitement doubles for the students, coaches and supporters of the lucky and great schools who are able to climb it up to the final encounters. Pautakan is definitely a thrill!

PRIZES (5 out of 5) – The top five schools are awarded with medals and trophies. I tell you, the prizes awarded to the contestants are definitely the COOLEST, especially the medals! Everyone in the winning team gets to have these cool medals inscribed with the UP Aguman Logo and attached to a cool strap, the trophy on the other hand will be for the school. Furthermore, other schools will get their certificate of participation and will be very proud that they got the chance to experience The Pautakan. Being a spectator of it is already a great honor. But how I wish I had one of those too!

FUN FACTOR (4 out of 5) – Before the contest starts, the hosts usually ask the contestants funny questions. And every time this happens, everybody just bursts into laughter especially with the amusing ones. In this way, the contestants are made to lessen the tension binding them. The hosts do not only ask the contestants but also roam around and ask the audience especially the contestants’ schoolmates. I personally experienced that and it was really fun! They sometimes make you show your talents by making you sing, dance or even cheer for your own school! It sure is fun. The whole Pautakan experience is definitely fun.

LOVAPALOOZA FACTOR (2 out of 5) – Looking for love? Well maybe, you can find your true love in this event! During the first day of Pautakan, there is this activity wherein the contestants from different schools get the chance to meet and know each other. In that way, they become friends and maybe, just maybe, they can make their friendship go deeper and... thus finding the one for them! All thanks to The Pautakan! Hahaha!

ORGANIZATION (5 out of 5) – The contest is very much organized. All the needed equipment, questions, and prizes are prepared. Souvenirs are even available! It is well-planned. I have nothing more to say. It really is organized!

UNIQUENESS (4 out of 5) – What makes Pautakan unique among the rest? The difficulty of questions would be the number one on my list! Second is the humour that the hosts show. Third is the location for it is being held at different locations depending on what school is to be declared the champion. The fourth is their having of the coolest prizes as what I’ve mentioned earlier. And last but not the least, is their noble aim of promoting camaraderie among the schools at a different level. This is something the students, I for one, will never forget for the rest of their lives.

The UP Aguman's Pautakan 2008 is co-presented by:
PNB Life Insurance, Inc.

In cooperation with:
Globe Telecom
Joseph David (Batch 1976A)
Daniel Manalo (Batch 1977B)

Also brought to you by:
Nepo Mall Angeles
Sushiya (SM Pampanga)
Susan Pugeda-David (1976)

We would also like to thank:
Hon. Prospero Lagman
Arvee Salazar (Tuglung 1998A)
Angelica Herico
Chick-Nine-Y Winners
Antonio Lim
Diogenes Dy
Cholo Construction & Trading
Camchardon Laundry
ABL Co.
Dr. Rufino Nicdao
Mr. Mar Bonifacio
Mr. Jun Baltazar

The Pautakan Primer

First organized in 1974, the Pautakan has now become one of the much awaited and most prestigious academic contests in Pampanga and is organized by the UP Aguman. Students from the best elementary and secondary schools in Pampanga compete through a series of elimination rounds and encounters to obtain the prestigious title of the Pautakan Champion and the much-coveted championship revolving trophy, which is actually a small scale replica of the famous UP Oblation statue. Once a school becomes the champion in its level for three consecutive years, it gets to keep the said Oblation trophy and be a source of pride and be a proof of the school’s passion for academic excellence.

The Pautakan sets itself apart from other academic competitions because not only does it pit its contestants against each other in a battle of knowledge and strategy, it also lets them socially interact with each other to foster the spirit of friendly competition. Since the Pautakan is scheduled ahead of the many other quiz bees organized by other organizations and schools, it serves as a launching pad for the teams that compete in it, and on the subsequent quiz bees for the rest of the year. Surely, the contestants will see each other often on said competitions, so the UP Aguman ‘breaks the ice’ for these kids by giving them an opportunity to know more about their fellow students from other schools and develop camaraderie in spite of being each other’s contest opponents.

The UP Aguman also recognizes our society’s need for bright minds that are socially aware. Through the Groups Dynamics portion of the Pautakan, the kids can discuss socially relevant issues and freely express their opinions about it, without the pressure or constraint of being graded for their personal views. Thus, the Pautakan invites the students to showcase their mental tenacity in a proactive and pro-student environment.

Unlike other academic contests, the Pautakan runs through three activity-filled days. With its unique contest mechanics, the Pautakan experience is one contest experience like no other, for both the winners and non-winners. Winners bring home the joy of victory and pride for themselves and their school, while the non-winners get to learn from the experience that motivates them to strive harder for excellence not only in future competitions, but in their studies as well.

The Pautakan is not only for the contestants, but also for the coaches and the rest of the audience. The UP Aguman members also prepare a number of interactive knowledge games for them. During the breaks, the non-contestants who witness the event also get the chance to share their knowledge and insights. Indeed, the Pautakan is for anyone who values knowledge and aims to use it for the betterment of themselves and our society.

The Pautakan also showcases Kapampangan wit and intelligence to other regions of the country. The Pautakan winners get the privilege of being the representatives of the UP Aguman, and in essence of Pampanga, in the annual PatalaSanlahi. It is an academic and arts contest organized by the UP Sanlahi Alliance of UP Diliman, of which the UP Aguman is a founding member. Held in the UP Diliman campus, the PatalaSanlahi is participated by the respective winners of the academic competitions of the other regional and provincial organizations that are members of the UP Sanlahi Alliance.

Truly, the Pautakan has become an academic benchmark for the students and schools in Pampanga. Being a part of it can be an experience that one will never forget in one’s lifetime. In fact, some contestants meet each other again in college, and most often, they’d be talking about and sharing their own respective Pautakan memories.

The UP Aguman's Pautakan 2008 is co-presented by:
PNB Life Insurance, Inc.
In cooperation with:
Globe Telecom
Joseph David (Batch 1976A)
Daniel Manalo (Batch 1977B)
Also brought to you by:
Nepo Mall Angeles
Sushiya (SM Pampanga)
Susan Pugeda-David (1976A)

NOTE: This Pautakan Primer was part of the Pautakan Accreditation Proposal submitted to the Division Superintendent of DepEd Pampanga, who eventually approved the it and officially endorsed the Pautakan 2008.

Announcements: Questions Nights + Pautakan 2008

Questions Nights 2008
WHEN: October 18-22
WHERE: Acey Duarte's Residence
Donya Anicia, Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga.
How to get there:
*From the Dolores Junction at City of San Fernando, ride a Dau-SM Clark jeepney. The terminal is in between Mercury Drug and 7-11 Convenience Store. When you reach Dau, disembark at Jumbo Jenra.
*Ride an Angeles-Mabalacat jeepney. Disembark at the Shell station.
*Look for the Donya Anicia arch. Walk straight until you see the Quiambao store.
*Tadaaa! Ate Acey's house is in front. (Click the location map below for a zoomed in view)


Food assignments:
(To serve lunch, dinner and breakfast on the next day)
October 18 - Educ and SocioComm
October 19 - Fin and RecordsComm
October 20 - Exte and MemComm
October 21 - Pinanari 2008A
October 22 - Org
*NOTE: Start coming at 4pm on October 18
*Text BUDUY if you're coming over.

*AguShirt 2008 - Sizes and final price TBA. Text JER if you will order.

AguPips attend Stewardship Program

October 9, 2008 – UP Aguman members and applicants trooped to Makati City for a whole day of leadership training and seminar. The said personality development stewardship program was initiated by the UP Aguman Alumni Association in order to enrich further the training of the residents and give them an advantage especially in holding the organization's many activities. It was held under the auspices of Aguman Alumnus and Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of PNB Life, Kenn Melencio Ramirez (1978B). It was held at the PNB Life seminar room at the PBCom Tower, Ayala Avenue, Makati City. The last leadership training seminar (LTS) sponsored by the alumni for the residents was held back in May 2003 in Pampanga. Kong Kenn Ramirez was also the project coordinator for that LTS.

The program was mainly facilitated by Mr. Alfredo De La Cruz, who is the Training Consultant of PNB Life. He was assisted by Marketing Team members Christine Canlas, Kirstel Giron, Roxanne Ramiscal. Incidentally, two members of the marketing team are Aguman alumnae: Hazel Marie Lee and Geleen Gutierrez, both of batch Kadaya 2005A. Kong Kenn Ramirez was also present during the whole program and shared his insights on the topics every now and then.

The whole program was divided into a number of mini-activities. On the first part, the AguPips were divided according to their familial backgrounds: the eldest, the middle child, the youngest and the only child. The groups were asked to enumerate the pros and cons of having such position or rank among their siblings. After doing so, representatives from the groups presented their reflections to the rest of the participants. The assessment of the output and the rationale behind the exercise was explained by Sir Fredy after.


LEFT: Diana, an applicant, thoroughly explains her points about leadership
RIGHT: The crowd listens attentively to the main speaker, Sir Fredy

In the second part, the participants were randomly divided into four groups. This time, they were tasked to enumerate the ingredients for a fruit salad and to write the procedure for making such. As in the first exercise, the outputs of the group were presented and analyzed in front of the rest of the participants. It was one of the more fun exercises as the AguPips candidly but amusingly reviewed the other groups' "fruit salads". The creativity and wit of the members and applicants shone brightly in this activity.

After the sumptuous lunch break, each of the participants was asked to reflect on their purpose in life for their family and friends. The working statement was "Because of my, my ______ have become ______." The entries for the first blank included parents, siblings, relatives, friends and UP Aguman.

In the fourth exercise, Sir Fredy presented character profiles and personal background of five fictional 26-year old women. Each of the four groups (the same groupings from the fruit salad exercise) were then asked to choose who among the women they will love to have as their daughter-in-law. One by one, the groups explained and justified their choices. Sir Fredy also briefly asked the reasons why the groups did not choose the other women.


LEFT: The "Eldest" group carefully lists the pros and cons of being the 'panganay'
RIGHT: The PNB staff, the AguPips and AguAlumni take a group picture at the end of the LTS

The last and main part of the stewardship program was about mentoring. While the value of efficient leadership and teamwork was emphasized in the earlier exercises, the significance of leaving a lasting legacy of competence as a mentor was what the fifth exercise was all about. Everyone was split into 7 mini-groups and was requested to explore some of the "20 Points of Views" of being a mentor.

Like in any Aguman affair, non-stop picture-taking and humorous banter was exchanged during and in between the exercises by the participants, Aguman Alumni and the graceful PNB Life staff who helped out in the event. Other alumni also graced the event, namely, Aguman Alumni Association President Rene "Powie" De Guzman (Siklab 1980A), Gerry Pangan (Siklab 1980A) and Cyrille Bautista (Kaputul 2004A). For being the first five to register, members Jowie Garcia (Kadaya 2005), Jewel Dela Cruz, Trish Nacpil, Neicy Nicdao and John Carl Gozun (all of Baskal 2007A) were given free PNB Life cannisters. At the end of the fruitful program, certificates of participation were awarded to all 18 members and 8 applicants.


LEFT: The AguPips enjoys the skyline view of metro Makati from the posh office Kong Kenn Ramirez
RIGHT: The AguPips genuinely savors their whole-day Makati experience

TALKBACK ON THE LTS COMING SOON!
FOR MORE PICTURES, CLICK HERE!

Review Mode Another

THE PROBLEM ANOTHER

Dear Binibining Bangs,

Jusko, Finals Week na! Andami-dami kong exams left and right. May isang araw pa nga, tatlu-tatlo pa na magkakasunod, isa sa umaga, isa sa hapon at isa sa gabi. Walang patawad ang kapalaran!

Paano ba mas maging efficient sa pagre-review? Anhirap talaga lalu na kapag sabay-sabay. Tulungan mo naman ako, please. Masisiraan na ako ng bait. I need some pabidang advice!
BBBB, The Ultimate Pinoy Crammer

THE ADVICE ANOTHER

Ultimate Pinoy Crammer! You’ve come to the right place, ano! Hindi lang pang-romansa ang mga advice ko, kundi pang-academic pa, hehe.

Seryosong usapan ito, kaya dapat medyo serious mode muna ako. Babawasan ko muna ang aking kaalembongan. (As if naman yung mga ibang plurblema before eh di gaanong imporante, hihi).

I am not an Education major so to help me in giving you (and everyone even, dahil alam ko, exams galore din sa ibang colleges and universities) helpful tips, I did some research. Here’s some material I found in the Brainbooster DVD and whose copyright is by Tonia E. Chrapko, B.Ed. My comments are italicized.

1. Your brain loves color. Use colored pens – good quality, not gel pens – or use colored paper. Color helps memory.
Kaya siguro matatalino ang mga EEE students, kasi colored pads ang gamit nila sa mga exams nila, haha!

2. Your brain can effectively focus and concentrate for up to 25 minutes (adults). Take a 10-minute break after every 20-30 minutes of studying. Go do some chores: rake the lawn, iron a shirt, vacuum. Come back after 10 minutes and do another focused, intense session. O, alam ko iniisip niyo! 10 minutes lang daw! Hindi yung paggising mo may almusal na.

3. Your brain needs to be rested to learn fast and remember best. If you are tired, take a 20-minute nap first otherwise you are wasting your study time. Ito ang tinatawang ng marami na “power nap”. Nap is the operative word. Hindi ito overnight sleep, okay.

4. Your brain is like a motor: it needs fuel. You wouldn’t put dirty fuel in your Lamborghini (if you had one) or you wouldn’t put low quality fuel in a rocket, would you? Well, your brain is a much more valuable, intricate machine than either of those so feed it properly. Junk food and imitation food and all the chemicals and preservatives weaken both your body and your mind. In fact, a recent study in England showed that your IQ is affected by your diet. Owwws, talaga? Baka naman sa England lang yun? Haha! Joke.

5. Your brain is like a sea of an electro-chemical activity. And both electricity and chemicals flow better in water. If you are dehydrated you just don’t focus as well. Drink enough water (colored liquids – pop, juice, coffee, etc. – are not the same). Often times headaches are connected to dehydration, too. Mga ineng, kahit P12 lang ang RC Cola, wag mo naman gawin tubig ha?

6. Your brain loves questions. When you come up with questions in class or when reading a book, your brain automatically searches for answers, making the learning faster. A good question has more than one answer. Isip, isip! Sige, magtanong kahit walang kausap, at ng mapagkamalang baliw, haha!

7. Your brain and body have their own rhythm cycles: there are times during the day when you are more alert than others. You will save time learning if you study during your peak periods. If you have a part-time job that happens during your peak period you may want to reconsider if it is wise to be giving your employer your best learning time. Ay ganun ba.. Buti pa si Kuya Germs, lagging alert! Dahil walang..... TULUGAN!!

8. Your brain and body communicate constantly. If your body is slouched down, the message the brain gets is that “this is not important” and so it doesn’t pay as close attention. In any learning situation, sit up and lean forward to help keep your mind alert. Buy a good quality, adjustable office chair... Tikas na! Tikas paluwag! Hehe!

9. Your brain is affected by smells. Use aromatherapy to keep your brain alert. Peppermint, lemon and cinnamon are good ones to experiment with. Soshalan! Pero kung wala ka nun, kilikili na lang, haha!

10. Your brain needs oxygen. Get out there and exercise. Oo nga naman, try mo kaya di huminga, o diba natengi ka? Haha!
11. Your brain needs space. Be sure that you are not trying to study in a small cramped area. Hala! Akala ko mga jowa lang may kailangan ng space kapag exams week. San ba nakakabili niyan ha?

12. Your brain needs your space to be organized. One recent study showed that kids who grow up in tidy, organized homes do better academically. Why? Because by being trained to organize the outside environment, the brain learns to organize the internal knowledge…which makes recall faster. Buy a 4-drawer legal-sized filing cabinet. Huwag daw magpaka-Payatas, keri? Jusko! Baka pati ikaw ma-lost sa kalat!

13. Your brain cells in the hippocampus, a part of the brain that deals with putting information from short-term to long-term memory, are destroyed by cortisol, which is created when you are stressed. So, yes, stress affects memory. How do you get rid of cortisol? Exercise.Ano daw? Akala ko hippopotamus. Jusko, dumudugo ilong ko..

14. Your brain doesn’t know what you can’t do until you tell it. What are you telling it? Listen to your self-talk. Stop the negativity. Replace it with more positive, encouraging talk. O siya! Kausapin ang sarili. Kumain nab a ako? Anong bang pangalan ko? Amnesia! Haha!

15. Your brain is like a muscle: it can be trained and strengthened, at any age. No excuses. Stop being a mental couch potato. Professional athletes practice every day; you can practice homework everyday. If “you don’t have any”, make some up for yourself. Read ahead, review…do SOMETHING. Sabagay. Tara gym, let’s go! Mag-treadmill gamit ang ulo!

16. Your brain needs repetition. It is better to do short frequent reviews than one long review because what counts is how many times your brain sees something, not how long is sees it in one sitting. Wala naman masama umulit ulit. Parang Math 100 lang yan diba? Hehe.

17. Your brain can understand faster than you can read. Use a pencil or finger to “lead” your eyes. By doing so you help your eyes move more quickly. Naku! Pabida naman pala itong si brain!

18. Your brain needs movement, especially if you are mostly a kinesthetic (body movement) learner instead of a visual or auditory learner. You might find your productivity go up if you have a standing desk. Buy one or make one by raising your desk/table on blocks. This allows you to move more easily and stay more alert. At kung hindi ka pa makuntento sa paikot-ikot, ‘day, alugin mo yang ulo mo. For more!

19. Your brain seeks patterns and connections. When you are learning something, ask yourself, “What does this remind me of?” This will also help your memory because it connects the new knowledge to something you already know. So kung ulyanin ka, hay, churi churi na lang muna, haha. At para naman sa mga girls, kung niloko ka na before, naman, huwag n asana maulit dava? Haha!

20. Your brain loves fun. We learn in direct proportion to how much fun we are having. Learning is life. Live it up! Beri gud! Tara partee na!

So ayon, Mayon. Tandaan, ang mga ito nawa'y magsilbing gabay. At wiz mga 'excuses' na pwede niyong ipang-explain sa mader at pader niyo kung sakaling lumagpak kayo. Ayokong makaririnig nga mga "Pagod kasi ako nang mag-review" o "Hindi umubra yung insenso na binili ko.." Okirampa? Pero kahit sundin niyo pa ang mga ito punto por punto, kung dili naman trulee ang pag-aaral sa hearts natin, wit din tayo maaachieve!

Whether you're sailing through your final requirements o naghahabol ng grado, isang malaking pabidang good luck!
Remember, the early bird gets the worm. But if the worm is late, then good for him!


BBBB,
Binibining Bangs

Announcements: Pautakan 2008 sembreak sked & reminders

AguMems & AguApps! Please be reminded of the following:
1. Email your Pautakan questions to your Subject Heads, due on October 12!
2. Follow up STS thru phone calls
3. Distribute the posters in Pampanga schools
4. Solicitations & sponsorships!
5. Orgshirt orders c/o Jer
6. QUESTIONS NIGHTS! Food assignments:
(To serve lunch, dinner and breakfast on the next day)
October 18 - Educ and SocioComm
October 19 - Fin and RecordsComm
October 20 - Exte and MemComm
October 21 - Pinanari 2008A
October 22 - Org
VENUE: Acey Duarte's Residence located at Donya Anicia, Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga.

Announcement: Final details on the LTS

October 9, Thursday
8:30am - (Around) 5pm
28/F, PNB Life, PBCom Tower,
Ayala Avenue, Makati City

*Wear semi-formal or corporate attire
*Bring your UP IDs
*Bring your own pen and paper for notes-taking
*Kareng bisang sabe papunta, let's meet at 6am keng Vinzons, Pantranco terminal
*For questions, just text our President, Jen.
*See updated list of attendees two posts below