A Mom and More

Today, a very dear mom turns one hundred years old: my alma mater,  the University of the Philippines.  And, this inspires  me to recall the meaningful UP days which have made me what I am now:  a mom and more.

I was sweet sixteen (but looking like Miss Tapia in thick round glasses) in 1974 when I first had a taste of UP’s nourishment for the mind, body and soul.  Passing the UPCAT meant:  breathing in fresh air as I gained a bit of independence from my parents;  liberating myself from my strict Catholic education at St. Bridget’s School and the University of Sto. Tomas High School; and embracing a whole new world of learning, of living and even, of loving.

Looking back at my college days gives me vivid memories of taking part in the tail-end days of student activism through associations with members of the Consultative Committee on Student Affairs (or CONCOMSA, a quasi-UP student council then) and the Philippine Collegian (even if I never really wrote any article for the school organ.)  Though I was just a freshman, I was lucky to have found my way in the company of some senior, socially conscious and involved students, to name a few: Diwa Gunigundo, Fermin Adriano, Tina Pargas, Etta Rosales, Lorna Paras and Zosimo Lee.  Small cell group meetings/teach-ins  taught me about the true stories behind Philippine history: American colonialism,  Filipino dissent, and the need for counter-consciousness — starting with myself.  My participation in prayer rallies made me realize the essence of prayer and unity in an era of greed, suppression and violence – giving life to the Christian values I learned in my past schools.

As a member of the UP Student Catholic Action (UPSCA), I rendered community service at Constitution Hills (now the area where the Commission of Audit is sited) and this opened my eyes to the stark poverty of people in the slums.  I still remember helping the residents of Constitution Hills gather PLDT yellow pages, newspapers and used computer paper, recycle these into bags with a little gawgaw (starch) and sell these as supot (bag) for tinapa (dried fish) in the nearby markets to buy a day’s meal.  Passing through a military check post at the entrance of the area was a breeze since I did not look like an activist as other UP community organizers have been– I appeared innocent as a petite, “totay” (young girl) student in hot pants and Happy Feet bakya (wooden clogs).  Though I liked serving the community, my involvement took a sudden halt for security reasons. God must have had other plans for me because He prevented me from going to the community at a time when all community organizers where either picked up, detained, placed under surveillance or house arrest.   A severe tooth ache which made a dental visit urgent shielded me from trouble.

UP kept alive in me — a passion to help, serve and heal others.  After the Constitution Hill incident, I thought I about pursuing my high school ambition of becoming a doctor so I could help others in a different field while ensuring that my siblings get their college education as well.  On my third year, I decided to shift from Business Administration and Accountancy (a 5-year course) to Business Economics (a 4-year course which I was able to finish in 3 1/2 years) so that I could work immediately, earn enough to send my siblings to school and eventually, go to Med School as I dreamt.  I never became a doctor because life got me elsewhere; I became a hardworking, honest and competent public servant in a public utility corporation through my early retirement.

UP did not just feed my mind with ideas and my soul with morals, UP also introduced me to love.  UP charged a UP SEMen (Society of Emancipated Men) and fellow EcoSocer (UP Economics Society) to become a silent partner as I prepared my undergrad thesis and eight years later, my chosen partner for life and father to Aaron and Aleli.

But, this is not the end of my UP story.  When I was about to turn 50, my thoughts about starting on a new journey, continuing to be of service to others and living a life of significance – made me go back to UP.  In 2007, after over 30 years away from UP, I enrolled in a certificate course in professional education and surprised almost everyone I met when I told them that my student number was unmistakably 74-03860 and that I’d like to study again.  Learning and studying with classmates even younger than my own  children renewed my zest for life: hopeful of things to come; eager for lifelong learning; and striped of shoulds, biases, hostilities and fears – ultimately giving birth to a better me, the daughter of a centenarian who would surely last for centuries more in its pursuit of service and excellence.

Today, in lieu of a happy birthday song, here’s to UP on her 100th year, a timeless song
of the love, lasting bond, and loyalty that her sons, daughters and grandchildren will always have for her:

U.P. beloved, thou Alma Mater dear
For thee united, our joyful voices hear
Far tho we wander, o’er island yonder
Loyal thy sons we’ll ever be
Loyal thy sons we’ll ever be.
Echo the watchword, the Red and Green forever.
Give out the password, to the Hall of Brave sons rare.
Sing forth the message, ring out with courage
All hail, thou hope of our dear land,
All hail, thou hope of our dear land.

or the more popular: U.P. Naming Mahal:

U.P. naming mahal, pamantasang hirang
Ang tinig namin, sana’y inyong dinggin
Malayong lupain, amin mang marating
Di rin magbabago ang damdamin
Di rin magbabago ang damdamin.
Luntian at pula, Sagisag magpakailanman
Ating pagdiwang,  bulwagan ng dangal
Humayo’t itanghal, giting at tapang
Mabuhay ang pag-asa ng bayan
Mabuhay ang pag-asa ng bayan.

Do you also feel that UP is part of what you are today?  What is your UP story?

If you missed out some updates of the UP Centennial, here are some sites which may keep you on board.  Let’s celebrate UP @ 100!

History of UP: http://www.slideshare.net/radiantview/2008-up-centennial-celebration-philippines
Official site of UP Centennial 1908-2008:  http://centennial.up.edu.ph/?page_id=29
UP Alumni News and activities:  http://www.upalumni.ph/index.html