UP Celebrates Sci-Tech Week

In our Sci-A, we were taught by Professor Erlinda Gallo that science and technology made our lives even faster and easier. We were also taught that science is a systematic knowledge of the physical or material world gained through observation and experimentation. Technologies are specific methods, materials, and devices used to solve practical problems. It means that when science is applied technology is created. Therefore, without science there would be no technology.

The Science and Technology week started last February 19, 2007 and lasted until February 23, 2007 with the slogan “Improving Filipino Lives Through Technological and Scientific Development”. This event broadened our minds about the big impact of Science and Technology on the lives of the Filipino people.

The opening ceremony started the Sci-Tech Week. After that, we were asked to proceed to the different laboratories for the viewing of Investigatory Projects prepared specially by the fourth year students. I was with my friends taking down notes and listening to the students’ explanation about their different projects. I really listened well because I know that time will come that I, too will also have the chance to do the same thing. And with their projects I can get something which I can apply in my day-to-day life. Among the projects, I liked the one entitled: The Effectiveness of Peanut Pod Ashes in Making Hollow Blocks: a Comparative Study. It was about the usefulness of peanut pods (shell of the peanuts) in substituting sand for making hollow blocks. Based on their report, peanut pods contain silica, a substance used for hardening hollow blocks.

Below is a comparison between the sand and the peanut pod ashes in the compressive strength of hollow blocks

% of PPA	% of sand	Compressive S.
0%	100%	250
25%	75%	785
50%	50%	270
75%	25%	no concrete hollow b.
0%	100%	no concrete hollow b.

On the figure above, it shows that if 75% sand and 25% peanut pod ashes are mixed together, it produces a compressive strength of 785. Therefore, the hardness of the hollow blocks depends on the amount of combination of the peanut pod ashes and sand.

There were still other activities, which happened during the week such as Essay Writing Contest, Science Olympics, Poster Making Contest, Slogan Making Contest, etc.

During the last day of the Sci-Tech Week, we had the Radio Quiz. I was so disappointed because Yvon and I were not able to join the quiz. We were asked by Sir Nellas to return home and get the assignment, which he assigned to us. Anyway, we will just forget about that.

The time has come for the closing and awarding ceremonies. Each one were given special prizes. I was happy because our slogan was chosen as one of the winner. We received P60.00 and then we divided it among the group. Indeed, it was such a memorable and unforgettable event.

Science and technology really changed the lives of the Filipinos. Imagine, just one click of the mouse and there... you are now like traveling around the globe. Because of the communication improvements, you and your loved ones are like talking beside each other. So we must strive to improve our knowledge about science so that we can help the Philippines become a developed country.

Dreams in Life

Everybody in this world has a dream, right? Who could that person be who has no ambition in life? There is a saying that a person with no destination does not know how to travel the journey of life. It means that if someone doesn’t have a goal, he/she will have difficulty on what or where to be in life.

Since I was a child, dreaming has been part of my life. And every time I dream I see to it that it will really happen. Unless if that dream is impossible to be done such as to fly up in the sky without riding a plane or without the use of wings. Or going back to the past with the aid of a “time machine”. It really is impossible! Anyway, let us talk about the reality of life. What really is dream and what are some dreams people want to achieve?

When I am not yet studying here in UP (that was in Gr. 6) I really dreamt of passing some scholarship examinations such as those in National Science High School, Cebu Normal University, and University of the Philippines. I took the test in Science High but unfortunately, I failed to pass. Frankly, I was so disappointed about the result that is why I thought that maybe I will not pass the UP High School Admission Test. However, my family and friends continued to support me and encouraged me to do my best and never to forget to call for God’s Name. With that, I felt comfortable enough and inspired by the messages of the people around me. And with all those supports and encouragements, I was able to pass the examinations.

Now that I am studying here in UP, my dreams would not stop until there. As we all know, UP is the school where the battle of the brains happens. Each student strive to overcome the difficulties in UP. As what other people say, we are very privileged to study here in a prestigious university and to be called “Iskolar ng Bayan”. My classmates would say that to be part of the Upian family is enough. However, as what I have observed, why should a person stop up to there if that person knows that he/she can still have a greater opportunity, to be one of the honor’s lists? Therefore, I said to myself, “I can do this…” With hard work, trust in one’s self, and faith in God, I was able to meet the requirements of being an honor student. These three really affects my studies most especially manners. If you do not have good manners and right conduct, you will not be able to be a good student.

I also have a plan for my future. To graduate in UP is one. In addition, I also want to graduate in college and can land a reputable job. I want to become a doctor someday so that I can be able to help the ailing who don’t have enough money to go to the hospital. I want to help them because I want to prove to them that poverty is not a hindrance to become well. One thing also is that I want to tour around the world for the reason that I like to explore the beauty of our planet. You know what; Mme. Gallo inspired me to do my best so that I can travel the world. She often told us, “Study hard so that you can travel any where in the world.” I am more motivated to do my very best. Thanks to her! I also want to help those who have no jobs.

Dreams are always part of every individual’s life. Remember that the obstacles in life are not an excuse that each of us will stop dreaming. Instead, we will be more encouraged to fix them so that our dreams will be all right. Bear in mind that every mistake gives us lessons in order to become productive citizens of this country and better individuals of this world.

Trials in Life

Trials are never absent in life. As you know, they bring color to our living. However, others still recognize them as a burden. They easily give up on problems forcing them to commit suicide, robbery, adultery, and many other crimes. But for me, I take it as a challenge to become a better and responsible individual. I do have challenges even if I was still a small girl.

When I was still in my elementary years, we used to have financial problems. Instead of using the money for our food or buying house and lot, we spent it for our education. When I was not yet studying, my father used to have a stable job enough to support our family. Therefore, they decided to send me to San Carlos. However, my little sisters also have to go to school. My sister next to me studied in the same school while the other was sent to USJ-R. But every time periodical examination comes, we cry and ask God to help us pay our tuition. Thanks to Him because whenever we call His name, he never let us down. He always gives us solutions to our problems. I still do have other problems at home, which will be kept secret.

You know? I have more problems in school than at home. Not just about academics but it also involves about my social life or simply about my classmates. Since I study here in UP, I can’t understand my life now. My life was alright and comfortable during my elementary years. You want to know why?

When I was still an elementary student, I used to be very unserious with my studies. In fact, I was very lazy and I don’t even study my lessons. Now, I am busier than a bumblebee. I even stay late at night just to accomplish tasks. I spent lots of money only to submit a requirement or project. All of these make me stress. Sometimes, I even don’t have enough time to sleep. But I know this is a great challenge for me as a Upian so I have to sacrifice. Someday, I can be able to harvest the fruits of my labor.

Another thing also is that some people out there say something negative towards me. I can’t understand them. They backbite me. I really hate people who are backbiters. Why don’t they face me and tell me what they don’t’ like? I am willing to accept comments because I know these are stepping-stones in becoming a better person. Are they just happy with what they are doing or are they just afraid? For me people like that are coward. You know, there are these girls who really love to insult even if they were not being hurt by others. That is why many people hate them. You want to know whom I’m referring to? It’s so obvious. Never mind asking me.

However, I won’t get affected and I won’t mind them. They are just pests in my studies and life. In addition, this is another struggle in which I’m going to endure.

Hay… trials, challenges, obstacles; whatever name you want to call it, they still mean as one. Just remember that every problem has a solution. Just never give up and you will find the true meaning of life.

Farewell To You, TEACHERS!

This is the last school year for the retiring and resigning teachers. I feel sad to hear the news. I first knew it from Sir Nellas. He told me that he would be retiring next school year together with some other teachers. I was so shocked especially when he mentioned the name of Mme. Erlinda Gallo. I was so disappointed because even if this is my first year here in UP, my relationship with my teachers are very close. Some would even call me “sip-sip” but as you know, when I was still in elementary I already have the attitude of being close to the teachers. I would not stay close to my mentors when it comes to grades. I would only go to my teachers to give the payments I collect being the treasurer or just to greet them. But there are still some who would backbite me because of it. However, I do not mind them because what’s important is that I enjoy what I’m doing and what is righteous. Anyway, let me define to you some characteristics of my teachers.

Prof. Erlinda B. Gallo is my most favorite teacher in UP. Aside from her unique style of teaching, Madame teaches us to be young professionals with strict discipline, and anger with gentleness. She is also very approachable but with professionalism. Mme. Gallo is humble enough even if she is already rich. Imagine, traveling around the world is just so easy for her as if she is just riding a jeepney. Aside from that I like the way she dress because she looks very formal. I think she is one of the remarkable teachers in UP High.

The next retiree is none other than UP High’s “Daddy Cool” Sir Daniel Nellas. Whenever break time comes, we usually stop by the Hometech Room where his room is. Yvon and I usually have a conversation with Sir Nellas particularly with our life inside the classroom. He gives us advices on how to deal with our UP life. We also see him walking very slowly. I never saw Sir Nellas in a hurry not until the time when Yvon accidentally poured a cup of juice into his Record Book. We were all shocked because he was able to grab his things quickly. I helped him clean his table while Yvon was just busy laughing and staring at him. We will surely miss him so much.

Here comes Mr. Montaño, Mme. Montaño’s brother-in-law. At first, I thought that he was the husband of Prof. Rosario. My schoolmates told me that he was a good teacher. It was so obvious because the first time I greeted him, he answered me with a sweet reply. You can sense it even if you are not under him. I always see him smiling. He also acts as the emcee during Radio Quizzes and other activities. Surely, Mr. Montaño will never be forgotten by the students.

The three of them are retiring next year. There are also teachers who are resigning like Ms. Maquilan, Mr. and Mrs. Nuñez, and Mme. Kerr.

Ms. Jo Ann Maquilan is our PE teacher and at the same time our Health teacher. She is so nice and pretty. From all the PE teachers that I have, Ms. Maquilan is one of a kind. She is the most energetic teacher that I have. Unfortunately, she will be leaving due to homesickness. Her sweet and charming smile is her big asset and will be remembered forever.

Next are the couples Mr. and Mrs. Nuñez. I am not familiar with Mr. Nuñez so let’s talk more about Mme. Nuñez. She is our Math teacher. When classes started, we still saw her with the baby in her womb. She left because she gave birth. During the second quarter, Mme. Nuñez returned to work. This is the time when my grades in Math became higher because of her diligent and clear explanations. I can really see her effort in letting us understand the subject clearly. I hope that both of them can start a new life with their first-born baby.

Last but not the least; we have Mme. Kerr. She handled the Computer subject with us. Her husband and her children are in Australia so she decided to stay with them. She broadened my knowledge about computers especially about Microsoft PowerPoint, Word and Excel.

I am sad because the time has come to say goodbye. However, I am somehow happy, because with this, they can begin a new life and can harvest all the things that they have done to us. Nevertheless, the lessons and contributions they have given will remain in our hearts and minds even if we will be apart from each other.

To all the retirees and resigning teachers, remember that we are here for you and thank you not only for the academic lessons but the most essential message that you brought to us is that life is good and beautiful; face every obstacle in life and learn not to give up. THANK YOU SO MUCH AND ADIOS!