Six AguPips graduate with honors

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

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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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