Welcome to UP (freshmen tips)

Congratulations and...  good luck

By virtue of passing the UPCAT, you've been deemed as part of the thinking class of society. But before you rejoice with one of your best gifts this year, let me tell you what UP really is.

UP is NOT a school. It's a jungle.
-From gorilla profs to zebra classmates, you'll be amazed by the diversity of people in the campus. Before you jump in the wild. It would be advisable to know yourself first. Don't be swayed by too much peer influence.You might end up being a lost chameleon.

UP is NOT a school. It's a battlefield.
- 3! 2! 1! ATTACK! Always be in attack mode. Do not let your shield down. Always remember that you're student-soldier not a homeless vagabond. UP system lets you own your time. Profs won't find you if you're absent. They don't even care whether you attend their class or not. Most of the times, profs announce exams and quizzes that are short-noticed. Beware.

UP is NOT a school. It's a paradise.
- There's just a different feel when you're in UP, it's like paradise. Who wants to shorten their stay in a paradise? This may be the reason why a lot of students get extended. A great number don't graduate in time, seriously.

UP is NOT a school. It's a hospital.
- A mental hospital? Probably. But on a serious note, it really treats people of ignorance. IT'S A GRAVE DISEASE. And it's spreading fast.

UP is NOT a school. It's a responsibility.
-No, this is not to say that you should skip your classes and join rallies. Being in UP, gives you a unique avenue to build the nation. How? Simple. Study and be the best you can be. 

Bulbs and Chicken

When the year nears to close, gigantic trees are built and flashing lights appear. I always anticipate the month of December. It rings a number of gatherings and parties. Even before Christmas has started, I've felt like I've already celebrated it several times. 

Countless Christmas parties are scheduled, occupying most of my vacation. From my housemates, vgroup, church-mates, school-mates, classmates, almost every group that I belong had a celebration. 

I am grateful for having a chance to celebrate the season with a grandiose manner, not only once. Most people don't even have food to eat or a house to decorate. At least I know that all the blings and savor of this month are not the focal point. I'm happy for what I have right now, but I can still be in the same bliss even without bulbs and chicken.

Whereabouts

©darrengarcia

I seldom blog because I barely had enough time to spare. But for the past weeks, I've been enjoying most of my weekends with my family. 

There are a lot of things to thank God for. I bet He has more in store for us in 2014.

The Comfort of Library

©darrengarcia

I usually go to the lib to learn things that I don't learn from class. I read random stuff about botanical entrepreneurship, international trade, and chinese economy. It just gives me so much thrill.

However, it gave me a different sense of comfort this day. I went to the lib really early...just to sleep. My class ended early so I stayed there for a while. I rest on the table and I woke up after 3 hours or so. I felt like a genius when I woke up (of course not).

6 Lessons from Miley's "Wrecking Ball"

©darrengarcia

Most think that the song is trash. But let's try to squeeze and something out of her song. So these are some parts of the lyrics, and you might want to listen to it while reading this:(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjpvVGvsTj4)

We clawed, we chained our hearts in vain 
We jumped never asking why 
We kissed, I fell under your spell. 
A love no one could deny

What's the common problem in teenage love? ...being dumb, numb, and blind. The line suggests engaging in a relationship needless of knowing consequences. Hence the romantic phrase "love knows no bounds". Thanks to same cheesy line, babies in the Philippines massively grew in number. The reason?..."it was a love no one could deny"

Lesson #1: Don't jump never asking why; only crazy people jump without any reason.

Don't you ever say 
I just walked away I will always want you 
I can't live a lie, running for my life 
I will always want you

Clearly, the persona is expressing that he/she will fight no matter what. Sounds familiar uh? Hello real world! Sometimes we just have to move on. This is not only applicable to love. It applies to all waves that life constantly hit us. If we fail, it doesn't mean that we automatically live a lie, running for our lives. It's not quitting; it's reconstructing.

Lesson #2: Know how to rebuild one's self after misfortunes. Keep on finishing the race.

I came in like a wrecking ball 
I never hit so hard in love 
All I wanted was to break your walls 
All you ever did was wreck me 
Yeah, you, you wreck me

The imagery of the ball presupposes density and roundness: density of desire and roundness of transformation.  The persona just wanted to break the walls. To break your walls refer to wanting to break-in and enter something; getting accepted. In this case, the person did everything, to the point of changing him/herself, just to get accepted.

Lesson#3: Be yourself. You're not a wrecking ball! Hitting a wall would definitely hurt.

I put you high up in the sky 
And now, you're not coming down
It slowly turned, you let me burn 
And now, we're ashes on the ground

There are two kinds of people in this scenario. One taking advantage and one being taken advantage of. In the end, both of them became ashes on the ground. It's not bad to help. However, there are cases in which our means of helping can be harmful to both parties. Consider helping someone cheat in an exam as an example.

Lesson#4: It's better to teach  someone how to fly than simply placing him up in the sky. Eventually, he'll fall, and you'll be down there, waiting to be crushed.

Yeah, I just closed my eyes and swung 
Left me crashing in a blazing fall 
All you ever did was wreck me 
Yeah, you, you wreck me

 The original implication of shutting one's eyes is to not mind eminent dangers and to still pursue the chosen plan of action. LOVE IS BLIND. Ooops! Wrong! Love should be corrective and VERY conscious. Look what happened to the character, it started blaming someone in the end. The phrase used was "YOU wreck me". No. No. No. There's no one else in the scene. What led the character in a blazing fall was the blind choice that it made.

Lesson #5: Don't try to be blind when your eyes are still functional. Use your best judgment in making decisions and take full accountability of it.

I never meant to start a war 
I just wanted you to let me in 
And instead of using force 
I guess I should've let you win

Full of regret: "never meant", "just wanted", "should've". Now, the persona realizes he/she is wrong. Observe the line "I never meant to start a war". If you look closely, no one was at war with the character. With whom is the character fighting then? Only with himself of course! All along the character's greatest enemy is his own self. The character doesn't have a clear purpose and guiding principle in life. This made distorted views and conflicting thoughts in his mind. Know yourself and purpose. Read the Bible, it's a good start.

Lesson#6: Never wage a war against yourself, you have no chances of winning. Review your purpose in life.

BYO: Slurpeeeee

Just in time before the promo closes. Just 29php for any container! Unfortunately, I can only drink half of it. 

EPAL ALERT: Mayor Erap

from haringliwanag.panisian.net

When the president said that he can't apologize to HK officials, it wasn't because he's just numb to do so. There is a deeper sense, and Erap just didn't get it. Now, Erap will be heading to HK not only to give an apology, but also to give a 100 000 000 pesos to the victims' family.

What's wrong?

People apologize when they do something wrong. Likewise, government officials like Erap embody the institution and the people as a whole. Therefore, an apology would equate to a concession that the hostage taking was OUR FAULT, the Philippines in general. This is not an issue of being humble and being able to utter the word "sorry". This is about the possible consequences of the action at this point of time where there are multiple disputes on the table.

When Erap goes to HK, he won't only represent Manila, but he'll also bear the name of the Philippines. That action would only backtrack the statements of PNoy. The logic now would be; if the Mayor already admits it, why won't the president apologize? 

Also, the 100 000 000 is very questionable (that's a lot of zeros). Why can't he just use the money to stimulate businesses in China town (if that's the only thing he wants to solve)? Or better yet, use it for other projects, that I'm sure, need more funding. 

The siblings day

If there is a mother's day and a father's day then there's siblings day. This was the first time we went to the mall without our parents. My dad was in Malaysia and my mom went to a province so we had to go somewhere too. We just spent the day watching movies and eating food. Just few weeks from now and I'll be free again. Sem-break is fast approaching. Hurrah! #1weektogo

Happy Birthday Moonleaf!

©darrengarcia

    
I waited a year just for this...

My classmate gave me a coupon last year. I have to keep it and wait for October 3, 2013 just so I can use it. It entitles me one free drink. I should be given an award for taking care of the coupon. 

My First Tourney Break

This is my second time to compete. I couldn't have done it without my great partner. The 6 preliminaries rounds were really draining. I still have a hang-over up to this day. #AchievementUnlocked

Fur here, fur there, fur everywhere

It has been almost 2 weeks and what I miss besides my family are my two energetic house tenants. D

Mission of the Speckled Eyes

©darrengarcia

Our culture has embraced the art of mimicry in reproducing success stories— imitating the actions of "successful people" in the hope of achieving the same fortune. 

In the Philippines, stories of achievement spread as fast as gossips: like someone buying a new house, a child graduating with honors, or even a neighbor going abroad. People tend to do the same course of actions that these successful people have taken, thinking that the outcome would most likely be the same. 

However, it is a very problematic move to live the life of another person (I'm not talking about using others as an inspiration). Just because someone had a great future doesn't mean that you have to repeat his/her life just to have the same bright future. We have our own success story to make.

---(next lines are from Josh Mcdowell Ministry)

The best thing you can be is yourself. You don't have to play the people-pleasing game of trying to be like the classmate who has the highest GPA, or the colleague who exudes various talents. You're not grown up until you outgrow the tendency to imitate others and try to match their behavior and attitudes.

This led one college student to write this:

     All my life I've tried to please others.

     All my life I've put on an act for others.

     I will not do this.

     For if I spend my time trying to be someone else,

     Who will spend time being me?

Next time you feel a flash of incompetence, imagine Jesus sitting next to you. Is He razzing you? Hardly. He accepts you right where you are. He knows you are still growing.

---
God gave us different talents, skills, strengths, and weaknesses. He did that for a reason. All these are ingredients for us to make our perfect and unique flavor of success.

Professor's Decree of Honor

©darrengarcia

I got a reward from my prof. in crop science for being the top scorer in all her lab classes. She even told me that it's her first time to give an uno. MEH, I don't believe her. She's just making me feel good about myself. 

Trip to Piggery

©darrengarcia

We were given a task to look for a piggery and interview the owner. Unfortunately, we had no idea to find one. So with extreme desperation, we ventured into nowhere. Luckily, there were kind tricycle drivers willing to help us.

We went to a baranggay near the sea shore. The tricycle driver kept on asking locals where the "pigeri"(in a strong provincial accent) is. Everyone gave us consistent response, "near the vulcanizing shop". When we finally got there...we were so confused. There's nothing besides a bakery.

...And that we paused for a moment then realized that people must have thought we're looking for the "bikeri" and not the "pigeri".

#FirstDebateCompetition

©darrengarcia

Philippine debate open is an international tournament. Famous top-Asian debaters joined the event. I was really amused by how they think their way out of silly motions. Two teams of UPLB advanced to the high-rounds. Sen. Legarda's son was also in our team, paired with one of our senior member. We were two points away from advancing, we only had 7 points (too close).

©darrengarcia

It's not debating that is most difficult; it's commuting that is. Flood easily filled the streets of Manila and we had to submerge our tired feet. My partner, who's from Bicol, even told me "...so this is Manila".

Elegance in Potato

©darrengarcia

During cold days like this, people usually do two things— SLEEP & EAT. So I'm gonna share a recipe that is easy, tasty, and cheap.

What you need: Potato (obviously), cheese, pepper, salt, butter, olive oil (optional)

What to do: 

-You have two choices on how to cook it. Either you bake it for 90 min or boil it for about 15 min then bake it for another 15-20 min.

-The process is pretty simple. You just have to slice the potato to make multiple wedges.
-Mix the butter, salt, and pepper. Use it as a rub for the sliced potato.
- Then stuff the cheese between these spaces. And it's ready to bake.
- You could drizzle olive oil after you bake to add flavor and for a more healthier touch. 

Cross-training at PUP

©darrengarcia
08-18-13

Though the rain was strong I still went to PUP to train with different debate institutions: San Beda, FEU, and PUP. In the end, we had the most win, but I guess that's because my partner was really good. This is the first time I had a debate against someone from a another university.

Cheers to the whiz

Bloody hell *in british accent*. Who's that hot chick? Oh-wait it's my mom. Congratulations for being the best leader in your workplace, and I suppose the smartest as well. Now I know where I got the genes...kidding.

Suspensions and Destructions

©darrengarcia

I do not mean to be a killjoy or a pooper, but we have to shift our perceptions on a misplaced moment of rejoice during class suspensions. Some even pray for it to be strong so that they could be encompassed by the level of suspension. I'm a student as well, so I somewhat understand why most respond to typhoons with bliss. 

Although, it's not bad to feel happy after being saved from a horrifying examination by a postponement, I feel the need for us to rethink about it...

When thousands of people lose their houses, when hundreds of fishermen lose profit that was supposed to buy food for their children, is it okay to be happy? 

--I just think that most people don't get the real damage during these events--

While we stay in the comfort of our houses, eating hot soup/pizza/burrito and waiting for suspensions on TV...others stay at crowded evacuation centers, eating nothing, and waiting for help. 

While we rejoice because there are no classes the next day and that we can relax...others mourn because they have NOTHING the next day and that makes them very restless.

--I'm not saying that we all have to be charitable. The conclusion to this is that we should all take another lense on how we view these tragic moments--

An e-mail of surprise

I just received an e-mail of I being nominated for the ayala young leader congress 2014. I did not sign up for anything, but I was just notified by a text. It is a great news. But I guess, my school wasn't reading the guidelines. I have to be in 3rd year before I can enter; I'm still a sophomore. So I guess, I'll just prepare for next year.

Midnight snack

©darrengarcia

©darrengarcia

When I woke up, it was already 11:30 pm so I went to McDo to have a midnight snack. I got a chance to taste the blueberry sundae. It was good, not that sweet, but I think it somehow lacks more flavor. I only lasted less than 15 min in the store because it was really cold. It was like 10 degrees inside. 

Milker for a day

©darrengarcia

It's been less than an hour since I milked a cow and both the smell of milk and poop are still attached on me. The udder feels mushy and warm. When I first tried it, a drop barely went out. Eventually, I got the right technique of simply constricting, and not pulling it. It was really fun and my stress was lessened. I'm now thinking of buying a cow just to release my stress...hmm

Maximum Punctuality

©darrengarcia

This is the second time that this happened to me. My class starts at 8 every wed, so I usually wake-up at 7:40. At UPLB, there is a siren that sounds almost every hour during class time. So it has been a routine for me to get out of my bed every time I hear the loud sound. 

So this morning, when I heard the siren, I thought it was the second time, that means it's already 8. So, I hurriedly packed my things and went straight ahead to my class. When I got there, I wondered why there aren't any students yet. When I checked my cellphone,it was only 7:19. At least I was punctual.

No to Sickness

©darrengarcia

One of the places I hate visiting is the hospital. The only reason why we go to hospitals is that either you are sick or someone else is (of course, check-ups are exception). 

Yesterday was my most recent visit, and unfortunately, it was I who needed an advice. I was really sick and my temperature was soaring high. Thank God, I am feeling better this night. 

Illness is nothing in college. It's very unlike high school where teachers are very considerate and would even ask you to rest for an extended period until you are 100% recovered. In college, sickness is negligible. You are not given any form of leeway to catch-up with the lessons. I have a lot of exams next week, I haven't reviewed yet because my brain can't process effectively *sigh*. This is a time where I must fully depend on God. I can no longer do anything, these are uncontrollable circumstances; but I know, that He is with me, and I can overcome this, just like always.

Food Factor

©darrengarcia

We were given an unknown fruit and we were asked to taste it. At first, I was hesitant because it really smells bad-- an odor similar to poop (seriously).

©darrengarcia

When I took my first bite, it resembled the taste of papaya thought its texture was similar to an apple. Eventually, since I haven't had breakfast yet, I ate three slices.

©darrengarcia

This is the mabolo fruit, velvet apple in english (Diospyros blancoi). It comes from the kamagong tree. And guess what, it's native to the Philippines.

Frap Bar

©darrengarcia

I've been hearing stuff about frap bar for some time now, and I finally found an outlet near us. I must say that they are good in luring customers from their aesthetic techniques alone. To be honest, there was nothing really special about the drink. Roughly 3 stars for this one.

Movie day

©darrengarcia

It just feels so good when weekends are spent on sheer relaxation. Nothing beats a good old day watching a movie with my family.

Weekend Stroll

©darrengarcia

I am supposed to be studying for an exam, but I realized that it's just a no-brainer. I'm not saying that I'm a genius, it's just that there's little to review since I pay attention in my class. 

As I was strolling around the mall, I saw a number of people meddling in one store. I got curious, and went in. Then I saw a 70% discount on shoes. I stopped, and thought about it for a moment. I didn't want to get hyped and be an irrational buyer. I evaluated if it is a good value for money...my brain says it is. So I went home, having two new pair of shoes.  

Friday Foodie #1

©darrengarcia

I feel like rewarding myself for another week of hard work. Of course, there's nothing that compares to delectable meals. I just can't say no.  

©darrengarcia

©darrengarcia

For this week, it's a subway BLT meal plus a taco bell quarter pound burrito. The cookies highlighted my experience, it was chewy and its sweetness is just at the right level. So next time, you take a stop at subway, don't forget to grab a cookie. Although they're somehow costly, the trick is scouting at promos beforehand so you could get good deals with great discounts.

Here's for starters: Get your free cookie just by answering a survey. 

https://www.tellsubway.com/ContentManager/Controller.aspx?page=Home/Home

Mundane Pot of New Things

©darrengarcia

©darrengarcia

Two words: TOTALLY COOL!

Not only is planting a great hobby, it could also be a GOOD source of income. I'm talking 'bout hundred of thousands here. I think that I'm getting used to these fields. I was even one of the people who perfected the grafting technique (yeah!).

©darrengarcia

After that, we went to a tissue culture lab. I had a chance to do reflasking. I transferred orchid buds to a new media.

©darrengarcia

I have something to take home tomorrow... orchids in vial. I got two bottles for my sisters, I'm hoping it would stay alive and grow flowers eventually. The technicians in the lab told me that the plant should stay in the vial for about 4 months until they are ready for transfer.

The Value of Work

©darrengarcia

So this is where I work as a student assistant. What I mainly do is help on research matters. Besides the cheap pay, I just enjoy having this experience. Indeed, there are values that you can learn through first-hand accounts. 

©darrengarcia

Basically, I just face the computer almost every time. Is it boring? Absolutely not. I learn so much on the research I do.   

Odd Study Area

©darrengarcia
07-22-13

I don't think that most people study in places like this. I was studying for chemistry wehn I decided to go to a food store surrounded with bars. Just outside the glass are loud speakers and bright dashing neon-lights. Good thing the wi-fi connection was really fast in that place so I finished earlier than expected.

Dairy Dosage

©darrengarcia

REAL FRESH MILK are those 7-10 days fresh, not those in the supermarket. Falsely advertised "fresh milk" like nestle's uses UHT (ultra-high temperature) pasturization technique. Some minerals/vitamins/hormones die at that certain temperature.

It's just my wallet...

©darrengarcia
07-22-13

There is really no safe place nowadays. And I experienced it first hand. While I was on my way to LB, my wallet got stolen and my allowance for the week was in there. It was a very tragic day for me.

Thank God it was only my wallet...

I just don't get how some people try to endanger everyone in society simply because they have to sustain their needs.

To whoever opened my bag and snatched my wallet while I was peacefully walking on my way to school, shame on you. My parents worked hard for that money.

As much as I want to hunt you down, I'd rather be constructive and diverge my attention to other important matters. I'll really do good  on my studies just to open new jobs someday when I eventually establish my own company, just so that people would have "decent jobs".

Rodeo for Beginners

©darrengarcia

Today highlights my experience as a future haciendero. Roping, grappling, and restraining: they were arduous tasks. The cows were really strong, not to mention smart...maybe because they are UP cows. 

©darrengarcia

Surprisingly, I was the first one to capture the cow using the lasso. I feel that I have this heroic cow-boy blood embedded in me, kidding.

©darrengarcia 

" I WILL FEAR NO EVIL" even if evil comes in the form of poop and pee. I was the only one bare-footed since no boots fit me. At first, it was really disgusting. Eventually, it actually felt pretty good; it was mushy and quite warm. I just had the best "manure foot-spa".

The Quicker, The Pasta

©darrengarcia

 

 

 

©darrengarcia

Since stress to me is tantamount to more food, my perplexed mind found affinity with pasta. Paste verde and Asian pasta were both scrumptious. It's good to know that there are places near UPLB where I could buy these food. I wonder if my palate continues to desire the same trickling taste, I just hope that my wallet could address its demands.

Training Sessions

©darrengarcia

After my 7pm class, I go straight ahead to our TUD (tune-up debate). I think that passion and character really weighs a lot more than sheer intelligence. I'm hoping to gain more experience so I can eventually be internationally competitive. So far, I only had 7 debates in my entire life.