Things I Did When I Was In UP

[ ] Worried about getting bullied by fratmen or getting killed in a riot.

[ ] Got bullied by fratmen or was killed in a riot.

[ ] Witnessed a riot.

[ ] Watched the Oblation Run.

[x] Made friends with a teacher.

[ ] Was tricked as a freshman into attending a rally / prayer meeting.

[x] Wore red or black on one of those wear red or wear black days. Intentional and by accident. (I did this during Erap's resignation campaign.)

[ ] Wore red on Valentine’s Day.

[ ] Wore black on Valentine's Day. (Di naman ako ganun kalala.)

[ ] Celebrated a birthday at Mang Jimmy's.

[ ] Learned UP Naming Mahal. (Just followed the beat as the right arm with clenched fist was raised.)

[ ] Was an RA (registration assistant) or SA. (Do I look like I have an attitude problems? Di ako naging Diyos during registration.)

[x] Lied or begged to an RA for a slot in class. (Sabi ngang mga Diyos sila e.)

[x] Participated in a there's-only-one-more-slot-are you-feeling-lucky? (Oh yeah had to be wise when everyone crammed for the last slot. When the RA shouted "Nasan na ba talaga yung pila?", i raised my had hand shouted "Dito oh!". And everyone followed. I got the slot slot cause I was first in line during the commotion. Sorry na lang sa mga pumila ng 3 oras. Mine was a good 15 minutes of struggle.)

[x] Jogged around the campus. (In preparation for the org exam.)

[ ] Visited the Vargas Museum.

[ ] Knew at least one xerox lady, manong, or technician by name. (Walang ganung level. Tanguan lang oks na.)

[ ] Attended university level graduation.

[x] Got an activist for a teacher. (My PI 100 teacher.)

[x] Watched a La Salle vs. Ateneo UAAP game. (Walang choice nasa pwesto kame ng La salle nun eh kase puno na Araneta.)

[x] Watched a UP vs. any school basketball game. (And boy they lost as always!)

[ ] Studied in CASAA. (Would browsing at photocopied notes of a classmate count?)

[ ] Studied in McDonald's or Jollibee Philcoa for one full night and bought just one regular-sized drink.

[x] Studied along Katipunan. (McDo)

[ ] Studied along Katipunan and affected the mannerisms of a stereotypical Atenean.

[ ] Watched a play that's not required for Comm III.

[ ] Went stargazing.

[x] Ate in Chocolate Kiss, Tea Room (in CHE) or Chateau Verde.

[x] Slept in the lib. (Sa Archives section pinagdikit-dikit ko pa yung chairs para lang makahiga ako.)

[ ] Struck up a conversation with a taong grasa.

[ ] Wrote to/for the Collegian.

[ ] Seriously pondered about the identity/ies of the people described in Eksenang Peyups.

[x] Went to the chapel.

[ ] Got a pebble stuck in your shoe/slippers while walking in Sunken Garden

[ ] Cut class with your block to watch a movie.

[ ] Had a Voltes V for a teacher

[ ] Took a class under Joseph Palis.

[x] Lied to the transcript lady to get a transcript earlier than the standard 3 months. (With may uber pamatay na line "Makakaya po ba ng konsensya nyo na di ako makapag-board exams dahil ito na lang kulang?" I'm just so good with acting!)

[x] Went to a Freshman-only concert. (First ever was an Eraserheads concert.)

[x] Subsisted on just streetfood (fishballs, half footlongs, kwekwek, squidballs/rolls, mais, dirty ice cream) for a day. (Mahirap na ang buhay noon pa man!!)

[ ] Learned how to smoke.

[x] Went on an out-of-town trip with blockmates or orgmates. ('Twas an org finals activity.)

[ ] Fell in love. (Kanino? Sino? Pano?)

[ ] Actually read the book you keep borrowing from the lib.

[ ] Played cards during your free time.

[ ] Dressed in business attire.

[ ] Sumabit sa jeep.

[ ] Got sung to or sung to someone in class during Valentine's day.

[ ] Watched the Lantern Parade.

[x] Helped out a total stranger.

[ ] Helped out a total stranger because he/she was hot.

[x] Learned to stay awake for more than 24 or 48 hours straight.

[ ] Got bullied by fratmen and feeling cool wannabe people who were actually losers.

[ ] Took Wednesday and/or Sat classes WILLINGLY. (I had no choice.)

[ ] Volunteered for the pahinungod.

[x] Ate "tasteless white sauce" pasta from cock-a-noodle-doo.

[ ] Got a boyfriend/girlfriend.

[x] Took time to read the vandalism in the CR.

[ ] Watched a sexy art film for any GE class.

[x] Got held up or pickpocketed. (My bag was slashed and they got my kikay kit with eggnog, detangler & a perfume sampler.)

[x] Felt depressed because you were not as good academically as you were in high school. (Aminin naten nakakabobo ang college! It's not for everyone I guess. Ahahaha!)

[x] Did a last minute paper.

[x] Had spent a lot for 1x1 ID pictures.

[x] Got exempted from final exams. Well ganun talaga!

[ ] Got exempted from a final exam but still took it. Di na sayang blue book.

[x] Attended a varsity pep rally.

[ ] Watched LIVE AIDS, Androgyny, Maskipaps or any well-known variety show.

[ ] Promised to quit smoking.

[ ] Got into at least one (org- or council-sponsored) adventure race. and WON!

[x] Knew where the best restrooms are on campus.

[x] Joined an org.

[x] Allowed yourself to make mistakes.

[ ] Went to the gym in spite of having no PE class just to ogle varsity players/cute boys/hot girls.

[x] Took summer classes.

[ ] Admired the Oblation. (Wala kong time eh. Sarap matulog.)

[x] Made a video for a project.

[x] Had a crush on a teacher. (Chem 17 lec teacher Sir Joey Santos.)

[ ] Had a teacher who had a crush on/tried to court you.

[ ] Attended your ROTC Bivouac. -

[ ] Faked sickness to get an absence excused. (I can be late but I was never absent from any class.)

[ ] Got your car scratched by one of those "Kuya bantayan ko kotse niyo" kids

[ ] Took a PE class where you had to pay for tuition

[x] Went to school in your crappiest yet most comfy clothes.

[ ] Learned how to use the Bayantel pay phones.

[x] Participated in school activities.

[ ] Caught the UP Pep Tryouts.

[ ] Dated someone from UP.

[x] Rode an IKOT and TOKI.

[x] Found a tambayan.

[ ] Went drinking at Sarah's.

[x] Learned how to beg for a higher grade. - *ulk* to pass

[ ] Used your 6 allowable absences wisely. (Merong ganto? dang! Bat di ko alam?)

[x] Lived in a dorm. (Yup for one year in UPLB)

[x] Volunteered to be beadle or go-to guy for your group / class.

[x] Had the worst schedule.

[ ] Realized that there really is just one coconut tree on the sunken garden. (and now it’s gone)

[ ] Did not use up all 6 allowable absences. (Ni hindi ko nga alm to eh! )

[x] Ate in ISSI, Treehouse, Mama Thai's and other more obscure cafeterias.

[x] Ate food Aristocart-style.

[x] Is active in your org. (Pwede bang was active for about 3 years?)

[x] Attended an ACLE. (Yeah ACLE with the then Spice Boys of Congress. Love you Migs Zubiri!)

[ ] Got as many app forms as you can during the job fair.

[x] Learned how to cram. (Had to! Now I'm a certified expert.)

[x] Sold tickets for an org-sponsored movie premiere.

[x] Saved money to photocopy all of your seatmate's notes.

[x] Had accidentally seen a make-out session. (7 am AS walk benches. Bangis!)

[x] Slept in class. (Dapat dito classes as in marameng class.)

[x] Finished a homework/assignment/paper in the Shopping center or Philcoa.

[x] Had mountains of "unused" sample exams and/or old testaments.

[x] Resolved to be "better this semester."

[ ] Slept during a test.

[x] Had groupmates from hell.

[x] Learned how to work with groupmates from hell.

[ ] Perfected the art of parking on campus.

[ ] Had a bad encounter with one of the guards on campus.

[x] Developed a love for sisig

[x] Practiced those UP cheers in the first meeting for PE class.

[x] Looked at microfilms in the library or poked through archives.

[x] Reserved a classroom, AVR, etc. for a class or org function.

[x] Attended the UP Fair. Just once

[x] Went to a library other than your own college's to research.

[ ] Lost a perfectly functioning umbrella.

[ ] Used consultation hours properly. (Lalo na sa Bio 160)

[ ] Went to the Guidance Office for real, heart-to-heart guidance.

[x] Went to the infirmary.

[ ] Attended class with a hangover.

[ ] Drink beer or alcohol while inside UP grounds.

[x] Walked all the way to Philcoa or Katipunan from UP.

[ ] Buy frogs from NSRI or a Bio department

[ ] Maxed out on the 6 allowed unexcused absences but DID NOT drop. (Di ko talaga toh alam. Sayang!)

[x] Got invited or pursued by a sorority or fraternity.

[x] Wore slippers to school.

[ ] Had a professor who smoked in class.

[ ] Got diagnosed by the Infirmary as pregnant or infected with STD

Eraserheads The Final Set

I've always said that I'm a Parokya Ni Edgar fan. But before that, I used to be an Eraserheads fan. If I can remember it right, I was in high school when eraserheads became popular. Their first song "Pare Ko" earned so much noise beacuse it had a line with an emphatic curse:

"O Diyos ko
Ano ba naman ito
Di ba Tang ina
Nagmukha akong tanga..."

Whoa! With that, the band Eraserheads became the talk-of-the-town. Critics had commented that the band's songs can be a bad influence to the youth.

Back in the day, songhits were still around but I didn't need one because I knew their songs by heart. Their tune was catchy. Most of their their lyrics, had an underlying meaning. Not too obvious, nakakalusot! There was even a time when they were called satanic because some people had tried backmasking one of their songs and found that there were demonic messages. C'mon! We're way more intelligent than that. That did not stop eraserheads from making albums and having several hit songs.

The first rock concert that I attended to was an Eraserheads one. It was a concert for freshmen at UPLB's Baker Hall. Anyway, I wasn't seated in front when the concert started but when Eraserheads came out, I was pushed and found myself in front of the stage. Ely Buendia was about a meter away from me. Right then and there, I was in-love with Ely Buendia. I love the beat of "Pasensya Na". I turn up the volume each time I hear it.

unfortunately, Eraserheads disbanded. First, it was Ely who left the band. Rumors circulated that the members had a falling out with Ely. The popularity had gotten into his head and had an attitude problem. Later on, he was replaced with a female vocalist. But that was short-lived. They eventually went on their separate ways. When that happened, I hated Ely Buendia. Eraserheads no more. The members went on with new bands. Ely is now with Pupil. Buddy Zabala is now part of The Dawn. Markus Adoro has Markus Highway. Raymund Marasigan is part of Sandwich, Pedicab and Cambio. Of the four, Raymund was the most successful. Raymond became my cool dude. He and his bands were making a lot if hits.

Last year, there was a buzz regarding a reunion concert of Eraserheads. I was discussing that with a fellow UP grad. We were thinking that we missed Eraserheads and seeing them perform together would be a treat. we didn't know if the concert was going to push through. Before I knew it, Ely was already in the hospital after experiencing chest pains during the Eraserheads reunion concert last August at The Fort. We thought we missed big time. The concert was cut short. Around September, Raymund and Buddy mentioned in an interview that they were hoping that they can continue the show in another time. Fans did hope for that.

Prayers have been answered since early this year it was announced that there was going to be another Eraserheads reunion concert. My officemates were game and even excited. We had decided to buy the cheapest ticket, in case something happens to Ely (bad namen noh?!).

ERASERHEADS THE FINAL SET.

March 7, 2009 was the date. SM Mall of Asia Grounds was the venue. We had our game plan then on how to get there really early since our tickets' area is the farthest. Unfortunately, none of the agreed meeting time was followed. For some reason, it was traffic everywhere that day. The parking was hell. I was overly stressed when I got to the concert venue. But you know what, it was all gone when the concert started. There was no reason to complain. It was worth it. We enjoyed. We were singing along. It brought back high school and college memories. That time I was proud of being a UP grad. The Eraserheads members were UP students. Gosh they passed UPCAT! Though they did not graduate, they always say that their starting grounds was the University of the Philippines. Anyway, another remarkable moment of the concert was their tribute to Francis Magalona, who was supposed to be a special guest. Everyone was cheering for Francis Magalona. Also, there was an encore. When the audience thought that it was over, they came back and sang 3 more songs. Grabe! Just to add, I fell in-love with Ely buendia again.

I am glad that I was part of that historical night. It was truly a memorable event.

Goodbye Man From Manila

I've been reading Francis Magalona's blogsite the past five hours. I can't help but be amazed with his faith and strength as he documented everything that he was going through while getting treatment for leukemia. The man had lived a full life and was ready to embrace death at any point. Last Friday, March 6, 2009 at around 12 noon, Master Rapper Francis Magalona died at age 44.

Francis is a music icon. He was the first Filipino artist to launch a full-length album, thus earned the title "Master Rapper of the Philippines. My brother had a cassette tape of his first album "Yo!". From playing a supporting role in Bagets 2, Francis became a household name when his first album came out. I was in grade 5 when every one sang and danced to the tune of "Mga Kababayan Ko". Back then, I didn't realize what the song was about. All I know was I executed "running man", "scissors" & "Roger Rabbit" very well. I also knew the song by heart. That time I also had a crush and was singing "Cold Summer Nights" just in my head. He went on to making other songs like "Kabataan para sa Kinabukasan", "Man from Manila","Girl Be Mine" & "Kaleidoscope World". He also collaborated with other artists like Parokya ni Edgar, Gloc 9 and Ely Buendia among others.

Francis opened the door for other rap artists. What sets him apart is that most of his songs promoted nationalism and patriotism. His songs mirror the life of most Filipinos. He always had a message of truth and hope. The song that had a big impact to me was "Kaleidoscope World", released in 1996. My bestfriend Lei sings this emphatically. "Kaleidoscope World" had a very powerful meaning.

Francis referred to his illness as his "Happy Battle". Everything was in his blogsite up to the last night where he was set to have his fourth chemotherapy session the next day. That chemotherapy session was supposed to prepare him for his bone marrow transplant scheduled this month.

Unfortunately, Francis was not able to live through his illness and succumbed to pneumonia, a complication of his leukemia. But still, Francis is a survivor. He did not lose hope and went on to fight to the very last day for the people who love him the most, his family.

Francis has been and will always be an inspiration to the youth. His work and music will live on forever. The Master Rapper has finally gone home to THE MASTER.

Long live Man from Manila!

SHUFFLE

RULES:
1. Put your MP3 player, iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.
4. Tag at least 10 friends.
5. Everyone tagged has to do the same thing.
6. Have Fun!

********************************

IF SOMEONE SAYS 'ARE YOU OKAY' YOU SAY?
Toni Gonzaga - Catch Me I'm Falling (parang di naman yata)

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Justin Timberlake - Sexy Back (hindi to totoo. how i wish!)

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY?
Go West - Faithful (tama!)

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Kelly Clarkson - Sober (sa pagod at antok)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Maroon 5 - Makes Me Wonder (di pa sure?! hmmm)

WHAT'S YOUR MOTTO?
Spandau Ballet - Round and Round (in short ang buhay parang gulong)

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Kalapana - The Hurt (talaga lang ha)


WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
98 Degrees - The Hardest Thing (di naman siguro)


WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Angela Bofill - Tonight I Give In (the biggest surprise of all!)

WHAT IS 2 + 2?
Stereo MCs - Elevate My Mind (ahaha!)


WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Kevyn Lettau - Sunlight (Truly)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Ace of Base - The Sign (di ko alam kung pano ko explain)

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Color me Badd - Close to Heaven (why not?!)

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Lady Gaga - Just Dance (my heart skips a beat)

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Nina Sky - Move Your Body (all night dancing)

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Michael Jackson - Man in the Mirror (kaya pala pag may patay tinatakpan yung salamin)

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
George Michael - Fast Love (parang di naman ata)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
Smashmouth - Walkin' in the Sun (mahirap nang umitim ng bonggang-bongga)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Tears for Fears - Head over Heels (questionable)

WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?
Mikaila - The Art of Letting Go (ahahaha! kase naman yung e-mail)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
U2 - With or Without You (syempre with you my friends)