Volume I No. 4 - Election Season

Page 1

UPSE SIDHI Mock Elections

Survey (MARCH SURVEY)

UP School of Economics Last April 12-15, UPSE Sidhi, made an interview with the candidates. The interview aimed to give the student body a clear picture of each candidate. It is composed of four questions concerning the traits, character and general plans of action of the candidates. For those who are not competing with another candidate, the following are the questions given to them: (1) What made you decide to run for that position? Who or what convinced you to file your candidacy? (2) What trait do you think you have that makes you a good fit for the position? (3) As simplest as you can, how would you describe your general plan of action? Why do you think these plans of actions are important? (4) Suppose you couldn’t run for that position and there was a potential UPSE student who is qualified and fit for the position, how would you convince them to run? And for those who are competing with another candidate, a different fourth question was given to them: What sets you apart from your opposing candidate? Cite particular traits, etc. What do you have to offer that the candidate do not? SOPHOMORE BATCH REPRESENTATIVE Let’s start off with the person running for Sophomore

Batch Representative, Kevin Lobo. (1) “I decided to run for Sophomore Batch Representative because I believe in the potential of my batch and I would like to be of service to a college that I will call home for the next years. First, I think that my batch mates are capable of doing great things as they show great set of skills. Moreover, I would like to further enhance those skills by making them more cohesive when it comes to working together. Second, it really feels good whenever I become of service to others. I am running for Sophomore Batch Representative because I think this is the best way I can help the UPSE community. For the past months, UPSE gave me a home and I want others to feel that way about UPSE too.” (2) “I think the trait that makes me a good fit for this position is my openness to interact with anyone. This is because I believe that I don't choose the people I talk to. Furthermore, I have the tendency to make people feel that they are not left behind. Also, I think it is important to note that I am a believer of dreams, no matter how big or small

they are. I am willing to offer my help to people for them to achieve their dreams.” (3) “Basically, I am aiming for the batch to be united enough to make an impact to the UPSE community, and the Filipino community as well. I would like to emphasize the importance of empowerment in my plans for the batch. Everything that I am going to do leads to student empowerment to gear future leaders with the things that they need. These are important because as Iskolars ng Bayan, we need to start as early as now in practicing how to "serve the people" because that's what we iskolars are bound to do. For more details about my GPOA, you can visit facebook.com/lobwins” (4) I would go first by telling the person why I can't run for the position because I think the person wouldn't believe me if I myself don't have the courage to run for council. I would explain that I want to but I can't. After that, I will tell him or her my reasons why I want to serve UPSE. Furthermore, I will tell the person the change that he can make through his abilities and how badly the people need him or her. However, I strongly believe that a person is easily convinced to run for council if that person has been empowered through active

participation. In the end, I think convincing someone to run for council has to undergo a long process since being a council member entails a lot of tough work.

University of the Philippines School of Economics SIDHI, the official student publication of the UP School of Economics, conducted a followup Mock Elections Survey last

STRAW COUNCILOR

March 8 to 11 and March 15 to

Next stop is Ian Serrano who is running for STRAW Councilor. (1) “As an SESC Batch Representative, I saw my role and functions similar to that of the STRAW Councilor, but I was to fulfil those specifically to my batchmates. I forwarded their concerns to the council and also attended to their general welfare. Besides this, I involved myself in different campaigns for students’ rights like the Socialized Tuition System Reform and the Student’ Magna

with the respondents. This sur-

Carta. With these experiences and now, as the opportunity presents itself for me to serve the whole of UPSE, I am running for STRAW Councilor.” (2) “My passion for joining campaigns that forward students’ rights and experience to back this up are my traits that make me feel confident to be the STRAW Councilor.” (3) “My general plan of action consists of successful projects and advocacies from the incumbent STRAW Councilor that I wish to strengthen and continue, but also new and relevant campaigns and student services that I hope to give to UPSE. These

18. Which was done vis-à-vis vey had 210 respondents, where 22 are Freshmen, 35 are Sophomores, 87 are Juniors, 29 Seniors, 3 from the Graduate Program, and 34 from the Faculty and Staff .

Although Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago topped the survey again garnering 34% of the votes from the 210 respondents, she suffered almost 11 percent decline from the 44.56% of the votes she garnered last survey. Following Senator Miriam, is DILG Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas who garnered 27% of the votes which is an improvement from the 25.39% he garnered last survey. Senator Grace Poe Llamanzares came in third with 15% which is a 6% percent increase from the last survey. Fourth is Mayor Rodri-

go Duterte with 8% unchanged from the last survey. Other names included in the survey are Vice-President Jejomar Binay. Vote for deceased OFW Representative

Seneres

more, it must be noted that 16% of the respondents chose to abstain. This figure is a record high number of respondents who abstained.

(Continued on page 2)

Roy

were counted as stray. Further-


(Continued from page 1)

plans have worked in the past and must be sustained in the next council, but it is also important to introduce fresh services and possible solutions to emerging concerns that UPSE students raise, all for the benefit of the students.” (4) “Firstly, I would look for someone passionate for students’ rights with quality experience to be able to do the STRAW Councilor’s duties. I would convince that person that this is a great opportunity to meet so many UPSE students while also serving them. I would tell that person that this is one of the most fulfilling positions in council and he/she should grab this chance to serve. However, this instance is something that we would not want to happen because right now, we have a candidate willing to reach out to UPSE and help them the best way possible.”

SECRETARIAT COUNCILOR Running for Secretariat is Lemuel Teh. (1) “I ran for the Secretariat Councilor position because I know that I best fit the position and it best fits me. I consider myself as someone who is organized and forwardthinking, which in my opinion is heavily needed for such an administrative job like this one. I see myself transforming the Secretariat from being just an internals-related department of Council to one that is more connected to the Econ public. As for the person who convinced me, it was my mom. Normally, my mom is very hesitant with me entering any kind of officer roles (that's why she was half nervous, half angry when I ran for the Presidency in UP OBEM). But this time, she was the one who actually encouraged me to do it, despite my academic load and co-curricular activi-

ties.” (2) “For one, I consider myself as someone who stands his ground. I think this is vital in being the Secretariat Councilor, especially so that it is the disciplinary officer the the SESC and making sure the internal rules of the Council and the Constitution is followed. Secondly, I am detail-oriented in what I do, which I think those who have worked with me can attest to, so much so that I become a micro-manager of events, but I guess that happens because I only care so much for the project haha. And third, I am consistent in everything that I do. I am able to follow through with what is expected of me when it comes to my promises, because that is also what I expect from others when they promise me things that they plan to do.” (3) “My general plan of action can be summed up in one sentence: bringing transparency and accountability to the SESC and making sure that the Econ public's concerns can be brought up in and solved by the Council. I consider them the priority plans of my platform because they directly concern the welfare of Econ students and I consider that the raison d'être of Council. I believe that a student council performs well when 1) people are confident in the abilities of Council that they turn to them for help as far as UPSE is able to help, and that 2) the Council is able to help in 99.9% of the cases.” (4) Siguro I'd convince them by saying the following: don't run. Because when you tell people to do one thing, they tend to do the opposite. And so in doing this, it can only result in two things: either they do run or not. Personally, I believe that being a Councilor is a tough job and only people who have the ability to overcome their own self-doubts are the ones deserving of a job that deals with doubts and misgivings of all kinds and types of Econ people.”

MARKETING AND ALUMNI RELATIONS COUNCILOR Next on the list is

their long experience in the field, describe their traits that are fit for a councilor, and constantly show support for them.” ECON REPRESENTATIVE

TO THE USC Klarissa Sanchez running for Marketing and Alumni Relations Councilor. (1) “My main motivation to run for the position are those students looking for their niche and place in UPSE. I was once that kind of student, and it was through learning the techniques and skills in marketing, sales and alumni relations, that I was able to grow in confidence, and become the person I am today. I want be an inspiration to those who think to themselves they could only go so far, but with the right people, right motivation and right mentorship, they can go a distance. And these right people; my mentors, mentees, and, of course, friends and family; are those who convinced me to run” (2) “One of my traits that makes me fit for the position is being "maalaga". I make sure everybody, is taken care of, they're happy and sated. In marketing, one must always remember to keep partners happy and satisfied, to achieve a longterm relationship” (3) “My GPOA could be described, simply, as -building strong partnerships among people. I believe in the saying "no man is an island" and the importance of teamwork. I believe for good results to happen, people should work together, and to do that we have to build strong and sustainable partnerships, where both parties get a deal.” (4) “I'm actually in the process of convincing someone to run for a specific council position, and he's considering it, and I hope he does push through. I constantly remind the person of

The next two are competing for Econ Representative to the USC, let’s start of with Rio Dayao (1) “It is my dream to be the Econ Rep to the USC. I was the former Econ Rep to the University Freshie Council and it was such a great feeling to represent UPSE in the council. I got to interact with a lot of people, execute concrete projects and more importantly, it was really fulfilling to bring the concerns and stands of UPSE in the university level and be one of those who will address these. My personal dream, experiences as former Econ Rep and my passion to serve UPSE convinced me to run and file for the position.” (2) “I have a favorite Latin mantra in life – “Totus et Optimum”. Totus is a Latin word which means ALL while Optimum means BEST. As I share this to the people I talk to, in everything that I do, I make sure that I do not just give my best but I also give my all. And as an Econ Rep to the USC, we need someone who has the experiences and personal heart for the position. This can be seen on the concrete platforms that I offer for UPSE. Dreaming is good. But ensuring that these dreams have concrete ways to become realities is greater.” (3) “My general plan of action revolves in my fourpoint agenda: an Econ Rep who ENGAGES people, REPRESENTS you, PROMOTES ECON in the University, and SPARKS a participatory student council. I made sure that these plans are responsive to the needs of UPSE. It will not just be

my plans but reflective of the concerns and plans of UPSE. I personally consulted with the former Econ Reps Baba Foronda (AY 2014-2015) and Reg Rodriguez (2013-2014), with people from the different organizations, the unaffiliated, from people from different batches, and even with A tes and Kuyas from the lounge just to ensure that my plans are really well-consulted and responsive to the various sectors of our community, an important aspect to have when proposing your plans of actions.” (4) “I cannot speak for the other candidate as I give my highest love and respect to us. But I can speak for myself. I have three things to highlight. One, is that I was the former Econ Rep to the University Freshie Council and this experience enabled me with the nittygritty knowledge on how to be a representative of UPSE, as I closely worked with the USC and was fortunate to become one of the overall heads in the University Freshie Month. Second is that I am part of both the local body and the university body. I was part of the STRAW Core of the SESC which gave me opportunities to help in the various concerns of UPSE and at the same time part of the USC Taskforce which gave me opportunities to participate in the various campaigns, activities, and services in the university level. And lastly is that I made sure to have marketsegmentation in my plans. For every batch, organization, and sector of UPSE, we made sure to have a context analysis and concrete proposals to offer to each one of them.”

Let’s go on with the other candidate for the Econ Representative to the USC, Chito Balindong (1) “Medyo long story ito eh, pero… I had different plans in the start of the year, I do not want to run for any position at all. Ang plano ko sana sa fourth year ay maging active sa lahat


ng org na meron ako. Pero after talking to few people, like people in council made me realize that is adding factor na it will be my last year na in Econ next year kaya saying kung hindi ako tatakbo. Pero kung bakit Econ Rep mismo, I like how broad the scope is. It is broader compared to other position. I want to be the voice of Econ. And I think I can do it naman. I asked a lot of people, alumni of my orgs here and outside Econ, my relatives, friends, pero this is all me. I can say na hindi ako napipilitan.” (2) “My sincerity. I consider myself as a very sincere person. When I say it, I really mean it. Yung pinapakita ko sa people is the real me, I don’t hide anything from anyone. I care about other people. My friends. I’m sincere na I want to be able to contribute to Econ.” (3) “My GPOA in two words: Inclusive Representation. I really want to make sure na kung ano yung madadala ko sa USC mga stands and concerns are what really Econ wants. I want to make sure na well-represented ang mga sinasabi ko (in its purest form). And not only the undergraduates will be considered. I want to get the opinions of staff, faculty, graduate students, and the unaffiliated. Basically yun ang goal ko. Other than that, my plans are geared towards promoting the welfare of the Econ people. I want their concerns to be addressed. I want them to feel at home. And if there’s anything that I could do for them and if there is something USC can do for Econ also I want to make na it’ll happen. I just want them to have the best experience that they could possibly have.” (4) “Well Rio is my friend. But the problem is I’ve never worked with him, hindi kami super close. I don’t really have something to say. Pero my noticeable advantage is I know the people more (my fellow Econ students), given my two orgs already in Econ and applicant pa ako sa isa which makes it three. And I think that is an advantage kasi when I’ll reach out for concerns it’ll feel more natural kasi I know them. And I’m always present here in Econ and I’ll make sure that every time, I’m always here. I don’t really know how Rio works. Ang pagkakakilala ko sa kanya is he is a good person lang pero how he works, yung personality niya talaga. I don’t know him long enough to give my word.”

VICE CHAIRPERSON Let’s go on with the woman running for Vice Chairperson, Patricia Morada. (1) “As batch representative, I was exposed to the different types of work in the council. I also saw the importance of the job of the Vice Chairperson. Seeing the way Hazel interacted with the different organizations really inspired me. I aspire to be in a position that will truly take me out of my comfort zones in order to challenge to grow more as a person. I also saw the different needs that still need to be met and I believe that I have what it takes to fill the void.” (2) “My adaptability and ability to interact with individuals from different backgrounds is a big factor as to why I believe I will be a good fit for this position.” (3) “I plan to strengthen the council and SEAC starting from within and truly integrate the students in the planning process of the different projects, initiatives, and campaigns, of the student council. I feel that having a solid foundation within the council and within SEAC will be able to help in executing quality projects and services for the students. Having students informed and involved in the planning process will give them ownership to the events and promote participation in the different projects of the council. This will also empower the students and allow them to feel that the council is truly a council that is for the students. This will also close the gap that we have from the students and truly bring the council closer to them. (4) ”I will tell this person about my experiences in the council, about how fulfilling it is to be able to see the happy faces of the students that we have been able to help. Nothing compares to the feeling, after having a successful event, of hearing the positive feedback of the people who attended the event. It is also nice to know that you are part of something bigger than yourself and you are able to help a lot more people, even indi-

viduals outside your college. Being part of council also opens so many doors for you. It helps you discover different opportunities within and outside of Econ. Also, I will tell this person that there is a call for individuals to serve a bigger community.”

CHAIRPERSON And now for the last candidate, running or Chairperson, Carlo Cabaero. (1) How it started kasi, when I was a freshmen last year entering college. Before that in highschool, I dedicated all my time to this religious theater group. And then when I left highschool, I was scared that mawawalan ako ng community, home or purpose. Sa college marami kang pwedeng gawin eh. I was scared na baka ma-out of place ako sa mundo. But there was something in the Econ community na I don’t know, the vibe, the people or what I was learning here, that really made me feel at home even in all my weirdness and quirkiness. I’m just very grateful for the community for it wasn’t that hard for me to find a new home entering college which is more than anyone else could ask for. So I thought, I’m very grateful for this community how can I give back to them? Kaya ayun naisip ko, through Student Council. It’s combining your deepest joy with where you are needed. Running for chair, I wanna be part, or even a small part of body that helps make sure that people in Econ will find home. I just want people to feel yung same type of thankfulness and gratitude na naramdaman ko for this community. And I think the council is the best vehicle for me to do that. Council itself has been a great learning experience for me, it is my family. I want to empower it, to serve the people more. And I want to be there to lead the way, to provide a vision.” (2) “My passion for it. When you’re picking something it is intersection of what you want and where you are needed the most. And I think the council

is where I wanna be the most. I’m never really the person who cared much about my well-being, my happiness is very dependent how fulfilled the people I cared for because of things I do. With council, I really enjoyed very part of it kahit nakakapagod. And I think council is the place where people are empowered to empower others and I really like that vision and I wanna uphold that. And I think with my passion nagkakaroon ako ng vision ng where I want the council to go. (3) “Rising. I think my GPOA basically as its core, is trying to look at the council from an institutional point of view, looking at how we are doing things, culture and mechanisms. Putting that side by side with our goal: to serve for, care for and engaging and representing the students. After my two years in council there are so many things in structure and mechanics that we can change to really better empower the people within council and be of better servant. That is what my GPOA is all about looking for the instuctural innovations na we can change to leave a legacy not only for next year but for the years to come. (4) “The first thing is he must be invested in the community which doesn’t necessarily mean na he needs to be friends with anyone. He must know how important Econ is, the entire culture is. He needs to really love Econ. Because when you love something, alam mo kung saan mo gusto dalhin yung bagay na yun at kung saan ito mapupunta.”

Wikipangako App Launch held in USC Office USC Office, Vinzons—Students packed the hall last March 3, 2016 to attend the launch of the heavily publicized Wikipangako App. The application, available on Google Play, aims to keep track of the promises made by

the candidates in the 2016 National Elctions. Founder Ernest Calayag described background of the application and why he felt an app like this needed to be made. There were plans to launch the application in 2013, but due to failure to hype the demand, the founders did not push through with it When asked whether the developers intended the expand the scope of the application to include promises made by candidates in local positions, the founders said that moving for-

ward, it could be a possible long -term goal, but they felt the need to prioritize the current model to work. Juancho Coronel, the lead developer of the application, and co-owner of Blue Pixel IT Solutions, demonstrated the use of the app.

The app works with an interface where the candidates have a profile. Adjunct to their profile are the list of promises they

~o~

have made during the election season. The promises

are reviewed

much like Wikipedia, where If elected, the members of the SESC will hold a term of one year in their position.

everyone could edit the content

Elections for the next set of SESC Members are on April 21, 2016. Please do not forget to bring your ID and/or Form 5.

speech on the role on the power

Photos courtesy of School of Economics Electoral Board— SEEB

When asked how the app will

and/ or review it. The program ended with a of the youth vote, and how crucial it is to use the tools of the digital age to influence the outcomes of this elections.

serve after the elections, the app will track which were completed, holding them accountable.


A Topic Cat Just one shot But What Where and when Who and whom Why A, B, C 1, 2, 3 Qwerty Fibbonaci Secrets At the bottom Of a rusted box With a busted lock Pandora does And Pandora did Open Inspect Select Sell Pyrite For kicks

G, 6, V 8, 9, E Snowflakes on the ground Infinite-sided dice Roots branching down and out Egg scrambled brain Wait, what? Choose Decide Settle Freedom is strange Respond Answer Write Rules are too Write right Write wrong String words A bracelet Of buttons Found Or a patchwork dress For a patchwork mess Who the fuck even cares? Everyone knows Everyone is In their birthday suits Underneath --------------------Unmistaken Lourd

close to me (like the light breeze that you remind me of) and could never understand why (nor realize what could make me write what I hate: a love poem). I don't get it (Never did get it). -------------------Forbid Us Not J.I.T I kissed and feast on his lips aggressively, As I pushed his back to the walls of dormitory I bit his lips as he bit mine, The tingling sensation felt so divine I grabbed his hair as he grabbed mine As if we're saying "I'm only thine" My hands went wild across his back, But it was so surreal I can't keep tract. We stopped to catch our breath and laugh twice, Our smiles just then materialize But there came by the landlady home Across the hallway we hear her roam He cursed as he scrambles to his feet I helped him up, his jeans I lift.

quiet with her musings

I wonder what Mrs. Robinson must’ve felt.

whiskey bottle in another.

She heard

“keep away from my daughter”

“your daughter’s got it

imagining

red eyes

the lonely two-person bus ride going nowhere

yellow teeth dark gums and lips the works all from that little new kid that fresh grad

all smiles and stutters all awkward steps. I wonder where’s he’s got it from. Has he got it from you? No can’t be.

cigarette in hand

Whispering,

to a place she knows. --------------------Kuya Ko Bakit Ganito? J.I.T "Bilis!" sigaw ni Artemio ng may balang lumihis sa kanyang ulo "Maaabutan na niya tayo kuya!" takot na sambit ng kapatid na si Romulo "Konting tiis na lang, wag kang titigil sa pagtakbo!" Sagot ni Artemio habang mga luha sa pisngi'y tumutulo

He’s barely met you. You’re no one to him.

Hanggang sa narating nila ang eskinitang malapit sa may simbahan.

Hey now. Why the long face? I see. Must be the face of losing your kid. But, I’m sorry.

He kissed me long for one last time, I kissed him back to meet the rhyme. As he hid inside my closet door, I hear the landlady call "Travor" I pretended to sleep as she enters the room, "Oh he's asleep." I heard the door boom. --------------------And If You’re Catching Me The Beast Lourd

Like I said. She’s gone. I can just see him…” and all the while Mrs. Robinson remembers

the invitation the seduction ‘unhook my bra’

Tumigil sila't umupo, tibok ng mga puso'y nagpapaunahan "Kuya bakit may dala siyang baril?" tanong ni Romulo "Siguro'y sawa na siya sa kanyang pamamalo." "Bakit niya tayo sinasaktan? Ganyan ba siya magmahal kuya?" Walang nasagot si Artemio kundi pagtugon at haplos.

come to me

"Hindi na ako magiging tatay kuya, ayokong saktan ang magiging anak ko."

and the sheepish way he

------------------

And if you're catching me the beast

took the phone

my heartless beats

got a room

Poetry Read Lourd

the beatless heart beaming

a hotel room too big to keep him —or her — visible

Fear oozes out of its form

lightless glow over poetry unbecoming, catch me by the tail. Be it both the answer of should or would,

and the animal making a new animal playmate.

afraid of a heat long gone

And she wonders,

mingling with petty outcasts.

stiff and plain pretentious

where did I go wrong?

You'll find the tail far from the heart.

Or she never does,

And if you're catching with me the glimpse

never did.

the fear I don't get it (and I don't make assertions like this) but the stress out of your eye (sharp, and cuts me like butter) speaks volumes of silence and chaos clogging my ears (I never understood) and the thin line in your smile (which I'd always loved) burrows deep into my soul (I want it). I want it (I could never stress this right)

So Here’s To You… Lourd

All she ever cared for was her daughter

of whiteclad woman seated on bedroom footing near

the little toddler she cared for

but heavier,

if a man like him,

I saw the fear.

as filthy as she knew,

Not by this beast soaked in irrational

kept her and treated her like pig feed.

tear-sweat dew,

“… I just don’t understand

but for the fight and fear of losing the fighter

what could push the poor little girl to go so

so knowing the scent of fear. ---------------------

uninhibited. “

and would cry rivers for

She sits in her room alone

Bothered. Then comes freedom, the slow rising of the sun, distant long dormant anticipated. Plaster cast faces done away and light becomes its feet, a featherweight body leading itself into the unlimited sky.

Until it becomes nothing (about nothing) but poetry read and time wasted but poetry read.


CHAT CHRONICLES By Trauma Bella “Uy, busy ka ba?” Ganyan palagi nagsisimula ang palagian nating pag-uusap sa mundo ng Internet. Konting kumustahan, tawanan, na minsan ay napupunta sa gaguhan. Kantiyawan, debate, pagbibigay ng payo – lahat ata ng moda ng paguusap nagawa na natin habang abala tayo sa pagsagot ng mensahe ng bawat isa. Nakilala na nga natin ang ugali ng isa’t isa dahil lang sa mga usapang ito. Ganito tayo. Dati.

din alam. Tama nga siguro ang sabi nila na nagiging tanga ka ‘pag nagmamahal ka. Kaya siguro dapat na muna akong lumimot. Siguro dapat ko munang ipahinga ang puso kong napagod na sa pagbibigay ng oras at pagmamahal sa mga taong hindi marunong magsukli nito. Sa mga nangyaring ito, naiintindihan ko siya. Siya na pinakawalan ko noon. Siya na ipinagpalit ko noon para sa’yo. Ganoon pala ang pakiramdam ng isang taong handang ilaan ang lahat para sa taong mahal niya pero nababalewala lang. Ganoon pala yun kasakit. Ngayon, alam ko na. Naiintindihan ko na at siguro, senyales na ito para hindi ka na muna papasukin sa isipan at damdamin ko. Siguro babalik muna ako sa kanya. Pero nandito lang ako, nananatili sa kasuluksulukan ng puso mo, hinihintay na matawag pero ngayo’y may pagpipiliang hindi na lang tugunin ang sinasabing pagtawag.

---------------------------------------------------Kailan nga ba nagsimula ang gabi-gabing pag-uusap? First year pa ata tayo eh. Ewan. Hindi ko na matandaan. Hindi din kayang i-load ni Facebook ang 11,900 nating nakalipas na pag-uusap sa database nito. Ganoon tayo nag Sa UP ing kadaldal sa bawat isa. Pero yung kadaldalan na yun hanggang sa loob Arra Mangubat lamang ng kuwadradong elektronikong nagbibigay satin ng mga pagkakataSa UP, ong makapag-usap. Ikaw yung tipo ng tao na hindi gaanong nagsasalita. Minsan nga naiisip ko pa nga na mas babae ka pa sa’kin eh. Mas karkulado ang mga kilos. May pagkakimi. Parang nerd ka pa nga eh. Minsan naman iniisip ko na mahiyain ka. Hindi naman. Hindi ka lang talaga nagsasalita gaano. Kebs lang ang nangyayari. Relax. Chill.

Natutuhan kong tender at juicy nga ang hotdog,

Pero kabaligtaran ka sa chat. Galawgaw. Mahilig magmura. Madaming alam. Ang daming sinasabi. Minsan hindi nga ako makahabol sa bilis ng utak mo eh. “Hahaha” at “Oo” na lang ang minsang nasasagot ko. Pero sa kabila ng lahat ng yan, naramdaman ko na isa ka ring malungkot na tao. Magaling ka lang magtago. Malas mo lang siguro na ako ang naging kaibigan mo.

Dahil sa UP, napakaswerte ko na kung makainom ako ng Energen sa umaga

Sa madaling sabi, naging confidante mo ako. Dumating din sa punto na sa’yo ako humihingi ng payo lalo na sa mga panahong gulung-gulo ako sa mga nangyayari sa buhay ko. Kung tutuusin, hindi sana ako aabot sa puntong yun kung hindi nagkaroon ng lamat ang pakikitungo ko sa isa ko pang kaibigan na siyang nakakaalam ng halos lahat ng tungkol sa’kin. Pero wala eh. Nangyari ang hindi inaasahan. Hindi ko alam kung anong puwersa ang nagtulak sakin pero ayun ako, nadala at piniling mas mapalapit sa’yo.

Kompletuna na ang buhay ko sa dami ng flavors ng 555, Funtastyk nga kapag young pork ang tocino At may true love sa corned tuna. Jackpot na kung may Yakisoba. Sa UP Natutuhan kong hindi ko na kailangan ang Armando Caruso; sa bimpo na ako ngayon Must-have na ang payong, plus points kung iyong automatic off at on. Ang sarap ding paniwalaan na dahil sa pulbo, habang tumatagal, lalong kang bumabango May pagkakataon nga naman kasi na… kulang kapag ligo lang. Dahil sa UP, mainit na nga, ang mga adventures pa ay ala-Dora.

Siyempre dahil freshie at bago pa, may backpack at mapa. (Cosplay?) Ikaw ang naging bagong confidante ko. Hinayaan ko siya. ‘Di ko na siya pinansin. Nagfocus ako sa kung anong meron sa pagkakaibigan natin. At Sa UP simula noon, mas naging open tayo sa isa’t isa. Natutuhan kong mahalaga ang oras at hindi dapat sayangin Maayos din tayo sa tunay na buhay. Hindi man tayo nagkikita ng Dahil sa UP, kahit anong dami mong pera, kung wala kang vacant, hindi ka palagian dahil sa hindi swak na schedule natin, alam ko na may koneksyon na namuo sating dalawa. Nagpapasama ka sakin minsan at ganun din naman rin makakain ako. Nagmamadali akong pumunta sa’yo kung kailangan mo ang presensya Dahil sa UP, kailangan mong bilisan bago maging huli ang lahat… sa sunod ko. Dumadating ka din naman kapag ako ang nasa ganoong sitwasyon. Lahat mong klase. ng ito ay nagaganap sa kabila ng pagrireach out niya sa akin. Pero sabi ko, “Okay lang. Itigil mo na. Hindi na ikaw ang una kong naiisip kapag magkuSa UP kuwento ako.” Kasi alam ko na meron akong kagaya mo na maaaring pumalit Natutuhan ko na walang permanente, at kailangang tanggapin ang pagbabago sa kanya. Dahil sa UP, ang kasama mo ngayon, maaaring hindi na mamaya. Magkaiba Hanggang sa lumipas ang ilang araw at linggo. Madalang ka na lang kasi ng subject. magparamdam sa chat. Hindi ako mapakali. May ginawa ba ako sa’yo? Galit Dahil sa UP, sa isang sem ay pwedeng magpalit ng tatlong beses ang Prof. ka ba sa’kin? Hindi ako nakatiis. Tinext kita kung anong nangyayari sa’yo. (Sa Math 17) Sabi mo ayaw mo sa tao at gusto mo lang lumayo sa kanila. Sa isip-isip ko, “Pati sa’kin? Bakit? ‘Di ba confidante mo ako?” Gusto kong mainis. Gusto kong magreply ng ganun sa’yo. Pero sinabi ko na lang, “Kung kailangan mo Sa UP ng kausap, andito lang ako, okay?” At hindi na kita ginambala pa. Natutuhan ko na tumayo sa sarili kong mga paa. Sa puntong ito, naaalala ko bigla lahat ng oras na nagmamadali akong mag-Internet para makumusta ka. Para lang masigurado ka na may kausap ka. Para masigurado na may karamay ka. Pero ang nangyari, wala. Mukhang nabalewala lahat ng yun. Hindi na tayo nagkakausap at mukhang hindi na rin ako ang gusto mong kinakausap.

Dahil sa UP, madadapa, maliligaw, madadapa at maliligaw ka nang paulitulit.

Pero gusto kitang sumbatan. Hindi patas eh. Ako itong nandito para sa’yo nung umpisa pa lang tapos ganito na? Iwanan na sa ere? Gusto kitang sigawan. Gusto kitang suntukin, sampalin, bugbugin, pero hindi ko kaya. Hindi ko kaya kasi gusto kita. Kasi ganoon kita kamahal kaya siguro kaya ko pang maghintay. Kaya siguro umaasa pa rin ako na maiisip mo na nandito ako nung una pa lamang.

Natutuhan kong marami akong matututuhan kahit sa pinakamaliliit na detalye

Ngunit hanggang saan aabot ang pagmamahal ko sa’yo? Hindi ko

Dahil sa UP, wala akong ibang pwedeng asahan kung hindi ang sarili ko lang. At sa UP Natutuhan kong marami akong matututuhan kahit sa pinakakakaibang paraan Natutuhan kong marami akong matututuhan kahit sa pinaka-hindi-inaasang pagkakataon. Dahil ito ay UP. Dahil ang UP ay UP.


March 31, 2016 - Fr om 1 in the afternoon to 5:30, PM the semestral activity: Alternative Classroom Learning Experience (ACLE) was again held in the campus. ACLE for the Second Semester of the Academic Year 2015-2016 has the theme: Transform to Innovate. Innovate to transform. And out of 106 ACLE held all around the campus, 10 of which are held in School of Economics. In these 10: 3 fell under the Arts and Humanities Domain, 1 fell under the Math, Science and Technology Domain, 4 fell under Social Sciences and Philosophy Domain and 1 fell under Physical Education.

Held in SE 102 is the UPD Campus Ministry Office’s “ARE YOU BRAVE ENOUGH TO BELIEVE? Faith Revisited. Faith Restored”. With the help of their speaker Teacher Darlene Echavia of the Notradame Secular Institute, the organization wanted to uphold their vision of connecting the campus to the office.

Held in SE 103 is the UP Travel Society’s “Promdi Metro: A Travel Guide for Destinations 2-3 hours away

from UP Diliman”. They invited guest speakers, Cedric Valera of Travel Factor and Jonas Roque of Wandering Weekend Warrior who both shared their experiences in different destinations. When asked about their inspiration, they said that internally, the organization loves travelling and the reason behind restricting it to places 2-3 hours away from the campus is because organizations or even any group of UP students usually plan a weekend get-away and the UP Travel Society wanted to help them.

Held in SE 105 is the UP Student Catholic Action’s “Faith and Politics”. With this ACLE, they wanted to inform people of the Catholic Stand on different SocioPolitical Issues. Their speaker, Mr. Luther Aquino of Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan showed data about the national issues.

Held in SE 111 is the UP Le Club Français’ “Vin for you, Vin for me”. With their speakers: Dr. Cynthia Gregorio of UP Institute of Chemistry and Mr. Godofredo Pineda of Clark Wine Center the ACLE theymade an ACLE aimed

to differentiate French and Filipino wines. When asked about the organization’s inspiration they said that whenever we talk about cheese and wine we remember France.

Held in SE 114 is the UP Statistical Society’s “Love at First Site: All You Need to Know before You Fall for it completely”. This explained how dating applications work and how they are developed. Joining the organization is Ms. Valenice Balace one of Forbes Asia’s 30 under 30 and also a creator of dating application. The organization’s aim was to connect their ACLE to Statistics and because dating applications is about logarithms they decided to take it as their topic.

Held in SE 121 is the UP Music Circle’s “LSS: Let’s Start Songwriting”. This is a basic songwriting crash course where their speakers: Nico Dans, Migi de Belen, Howard Luistro and Bullet Dumas (all alumni of Music Circle) shared their experiences in writing a song. When asked about their inspiration, the organization answered that Music Circle had always been an avenue for musicians and music lovers who at some point of their lives dreamt of writing their own song. And they believe that through this activity, the audience will take-home ideas to how

they can start writing their own song.

Held in SE 123 is the UP Club for the Environment and Tourism’s “Curves and Edges”. This is an interactive workshop featuring the current trends in art today: calligraphy + watercolor interspersed with the fine craft of paper cutting. When asked about why they chose the “Curves & Edges”, they answered that they wanted to stay artsy just like their organization’s last ACLE activity, “Now TrenDIYng: Craft Top.” With their speakers: Ms. Elizabeth Robles from Play Crafts and Mr. Badz Magsumbol from Papercut Philippines they wanted to give the UP Students an activity where they can be educated while having fun.

Held in SE 125 is the UP Organization of Business

Economics Majors’ “How to Get Away with Law School”. They invited 2 student lawyers: Alex Castro of UP Law and Joy Nicha of DLSU Law who both shared experiences and given advice to the students on how they can survive law school.

Held in SE 127 is the UP Children’s Rights Advocates League’s “Bahaghari: Pagsusuri sa Karanasan ng mga Batang LGBT. The rationale of this ACLE is because nowadays, there are a lot of LGBT rights advocates and a lot of them are members of the LGBT children. However, before they became adults, they were first children. “This is what we want to explore in UP CRAdLe-- the stigma, discrimination, and plight that LGBT children had to go through while growing up. We had Ms. Venus Dis-aguen, a licensed guidance counselor and Ms. Jodie Bibat of the College of Arts and Letters who both shed light on first hand experiences in dealing with LGBT children/ youth” said Vincent Ramos.

Held in SE Audi is the UP Economics Towards Conciousness’ “One ASEAN, One Run”. It is an obstacle run held in UP Academic Oval during ACLE timeslot that meant to be a platform to raise awareness about the ASEAN integration and the role of the youth in its implementation, as well as pertinent issues affecting the transition, including the dispute on the West Philippine Sea.



Looking back at what we have achieved in the past year, I can look with pride at what the whole staff has accomplished. For the first time in a long time, we actively took our role as a vehicle to inform, by conducting the weekly #tambayanwatch. We brought back the print issue, a format UPSE students thought was long dead. We became active within the School of Economics Adviory Council, to ensure that our contribution to the UPSE community is ensured. We engaged in strong collaborations with the School of Economics Student Council, working hand in hand to serve the student body. We collaborated with the UPSE faculty when it came to projects and plans. We held a Mock Elections Survey to really gauge who UPSE members of the community are voting for this coming 2016 Elections. We made sure that our staff were wearing IDs during the coverage of events, to ensure that our presence was felt. At the end of the year, we were able to create a SIDHI that ended the year with more vigor and more promise than it has ever had in recent years. More than anything, we did not just want to leave behind projects, reforms and something to read for UPSE. We wanted to leave behind something more meaningful, something that stands as a legacy for all UPSE students. We want to leave behind a student publication that told the great story of UPSE, and will continue telling that story for years to come. Lahat tayo may kwento. Whether you come from the SESC, Ecosoc, OBEM, ETC, Debsoc, CAP, UPIC, RVC, Sidhi, or are unaffiliated, that story is a story worth telling. If you feel like the way you see UPSE or the way you feel about UPSE is insignificant, that is far from the truth. Because at the end of the day, whatever that story is and whatever that story will be, you are a part of it. UPSE would not be complete with the chapter you are to the library of experiences shared within the School. And more than that, UPSE makes its own mark in your story too. The story of UPSE is the story of all of us. You not only contribute to the story of this insti-

tution. Your experiences in this college will remain with you even when you leave its eight walls and two buildings. You not only give to the pool of experiences, you also take from it. Whether it be the panic you had for your final exam, or the rush you felt when you passed by your “one true love”, or the profound sights and sounds this college has to offer, something like UPSE does not just leave you. Wherever you go, you bring UPSE with you, whether in the workplace, or among friends, or in your family life, the lessons, hardships, triumphs, and joys in this college will make its mark on the people you meet. Our role as a student publication Sidhi plays a vital role in the life of the college. It seeks to be a platform for discourse, to be a defender of students’ rights, and to the a sentinel of the community, keeping watch over the whole. It is our role to make sure your voices are being heard in the public sphere, and to protect that freedom to dissent and express. By keeping the publication alive, we keep that platform alive. Our twice-asemester issue is not only a mere brochure, but a safe space for all UPSE students to take an active role in the discussion amongst UPSE students

It is our role of defend the students’ rights to representation, access to services, information, and the right to be protected in your pursuit for Honor and Excellence. The School of Economics Student Councils creates the system for those rights to be put in play. We are there to look out for you, as these rights are being enforced. In times of adversity, a student publication should be the first line of defence in the protection of the rights of the students. Keeping watch over the whole community is not an easy task. Recording what the organizations, students, faculty, staff, and administration are doing takes a huge team to work with. It takes a lot of skill to make a note of all the facts. It takes even more skill to convey those facts in a way that

can be best understood by all students in the community. This exercise is not mere curiosity or the drive to be a part of everything. It’s a conscious effort not to miss a moment of relevant student experience that is worth sharing for the ages. The Legacy we want to leave

We at UPSE Sidhi want to leave this legacy: that as we tell the story of UPSE, you share that story with pride. It may not be the most entertaining, epic, or profound story to tell at a Friday night drink at some bar in Ortigas, but it’s a story that should mean something to you because day in and day out, this institution changes the people it meets. Take pride in this institution, because it makes more change than you and I could ever imagine. Take pride in the history of what we have been through, because in Econ, we are not just a part of history, we are makers of that same history.

Sidhi can only record that story. We can only put it down so that we can come back to it if we want to take a look at again. But this legacy will only be a legacy if we will make the stride to remember that story. You are the true storytellers of this college. Whatever story you have to tell, we simply put it in writing. Whatever point of view you have, our task is to make sure that point-of-view is put on a stage so people can see.

mester. A new Editor in Chief will take my place, and I hope he or she will do better than I have ever done. I will be the first to admit that I was far from a perfect EIC, and that I had more shortcomings than would be deemed proper. I look to the future with hope that someday, someone with the qualities I lack will fill in my shoes and continue to make this publication better and better. More than a next EIC, I hope to see a stronger and more motivated staff next year so that the publication can better serve the UPSE community with the heart and mind that we have left behind. I hope that there will be initiative and innovation in the future members of this publication, carrying on the promise of telling the story. Lastly, I look to the future of UPSE. This year has been one of the most challenging, and most fruitful in recent history. It is my hope that this college will continue to be the vibrant community it is today. Sidhi will continue to strive to be a better and better publication with every new EIC and with every new term that passes.

Signing off for the last time,

Moving forward I am glad that I could say that the staff will leave this publication behind better than when we first set foot in its four walls. I look to the future with a burning curiosity about what Sidhi will be in five or ten years time. Right now, the possibilities of where this student publication can go are endless. It may not be the easiest job in the world, but at the end of the road, we realized that it is the students that keep the publication working day and night to make sure we have something for you every se-

Francis Endrinal Editor in Chief, UPSE Sidhi


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