Top 5 Most Enrolled PE Classes

By: Deanne April M. Quiban

            Have you ever experienced that epic moment when you fall in line for just a PE yet you were like buying a ticket at the box office? What's even worse is that you have to forget your hunger and starve to death for 4-6 hours in waiting, because if you fall out of the line and prioritize your hunger, you would have to start to fall in line again at the end. Yes, truth should be told, this is how tragic and dreadful the process in getting a PE subject. 

            On the other hand, what's good in enrolling a PE is that students have the free will and privilege on to what PE to take up. They choose PE courses depending on their preference and other factors which are beyond student's control, like for example is availability of slots. Some choose PE which help builds and maintains healthy muscles, bones, and joints. Some go for PE which develops better balance, muscle tone, and strength. Others choose PE which they think is fun and a lot less hassle compared to other PE courses.

            Below are the five most enrolled PE classes here at Diliman and the reasons why these PE courses topped the list. Let's see what made students line up and sacrifice their hunger just to get into this PE classes.

            How relaxing is it for a PE to just watch and go along with the cheers and jeers of the wild-and-woolly crowd? No wonder why Cheerleading lands on our no. 5 spot. Students who had taken this PE course said it was fun to be in a Cheerleading class. It isn't only because it's less hassle compared to other PEs, but you will also feel sense of pride and loyalty to our school as you go to the stadium and cheer for the UP Fighting Maroons during UAAP games. And since you will be watching UAAP games, you have to buy your own tickets, making it a burden on the pockets of students. Another usual problem with this PE course is the possibility of conflict between your current class and game schedule. To be able to make sure you pass this PE, you just have to keep your attendance card perfect and one PE down.

            What makes Line Dance no. 4 on our list is that everybody's welcome in this PE. Line dance, for simplicity, is defined as "dancing in line". Moreover, it is a choreographed dance with a repeated sequence of steps performed by groups of people in lines. This PE doesn't require students special skills or any dance background. Another reason why students enroll in this PE is that it is minimal in cost, you may just have to purchase dancing shoes.

            In the middle spot comes Running for fitness. Running provides a great cardiovascular workout and strengthens and tones your muscles. Just like in Line dance, it is also minimal in cost for you will only be using a pair of rubber shoes or sneakers which are practically for any sport. Students who want to boost their stamina level enroll in this PE.

"Why still take it if you're already doing it every day in your life?" But this argument seems invalid as to why Walking for fitness comes second on our list. Although this PE seems to be just basically walking, this PE should not be underestimated. Every session, your stamina level will be tested. Walking for fitness is not just a straight-up walking. There are appropriate postures and techniques, somewhere between brisk walking and jogging. Students go for this PE because walking is tagged as one of the easiest and cheapest ways to exercise.

       

On top of our list is Camping. It is an outdoor recreational activity.  This PE course aims students to have a basic understanding on traveling outside under seasonal weather conditions, proper hydration for outdoor recreation, and more. Students will also learn on how to give First aid for minor injuries such as blisters, burns and sprains. Students who prefer extreme sports and outdoor PE go for this PE course.

            Basic Physical Education is a prerequisite for graduation. Consequently, a regular student must complete the four required PE 2 depending on his choice. Upon deciding on what PE to take up, he must be first looking at his prospective schedule. He has to make sure that there is no conflict between his class schedule and his PE class. Another is where his interest lies. Availability of slots is also an important factor. The student is expected to take a PE class which has not yet been filled. Lastly, one's physical demand can also affect student's choice. Some students prefer heavy PE courses, those who really want to work their body out while some would go for those PE courses that demand less of your time and energy.

Move, Groove, UP!

       Do you feel a connection to the music and the beats? Do you feel the need to bust a move? Well, dancing is your true calling! We have listed down the top four best-known performing groups in the campus and the information on how you can join them.

        Cheerleading is a physical activity based on organized routines which contain the components of tumbling, dance, jumps, cheers, and stunting to direct spectators of events to cheer on sports teams at games or to participate in competitions. First on the list is the UP Varsity Pep Squad, the seven UAAP Cheer dance Championship titleholder. Be part of the ka-diliman and if you have the basics in dancing and gymnastics, Varsity Athletic Admission System (VAAS) Application usually starts every summer and for non-VAAS, it takes place during summer to June. The squad may not get the same privileges (like allowance) like of those other varsities they still have the bragging rights being the University’s pride. Application usually lasts for 2 days at the Aldaba Hall’s Dance Area (Backstage of the UP Theatre). They have also competed in the Cheerleading World Championship for the first time last year (2011). They host an annual event called Elevate: Lift One Another Up, a dance concert showcasing the squad’s talents and is much of a thanksgiving for the supporters of the squad.

            Are you ready to krump, hussle, head stand or break dance? Join the UP Street Dance Club! Street Dance is any of various dances influenced by the rhythms and techniques of funk and hip-hop music. Street dance is a lot different from cheerleading, they may do stunts like tossing and back flips but they are more into the swag and their moves aren’t as sharp as cheerleading. Application in UP SDC is 3 days long and takes place at the UP Gym. Applicants get oriented for two days and on the 3^rd day, they perform their audition dances. Those who pass the audition get to train for a year as applicants. Not everyone could pass since they can’t accommodate too many newbies. They joined and nailed some of the country’s top street dancing competitions like the UAAP Street Dance Competition and the Skechers Street Dance Battle. They also host annual street dance campus events like Chozenground, every August, and Street Fuzion, which takes place every March.

Third on the list is the UP Varsity Filipiniana, a folk dance and jazz oriented performing group in UP. Folk Dance is any of various traditional rustic dances often originating from festivals or rituals. Their execution is dominated by an inherited tradition rather than by innovation. Auditions runs for 4 days wherein applicants must perform a Jazz and Folk dance. They have competed in the NCCA Folk Dance Category. One of the members said that what they do is fun and challenging yet they’re serious and strict regarding dances and that they are more professional than those typical high school dance Group.     

Last but not the least on our list is the UP Dance Sport Society, the Ballroom oriented dance group. Ballroom dance refers to a set of partner dances, which are enjoyed both socially and competitively around the world.  Because of its performance and entertainment aspects, ballroom dance is also widely enjoyed on stage, film, and television. Application takes place at the UP Gym. They have competed in the competitions like the Philippine Starball and Sabah Dance sport Competition.

At the end of the day nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance, the truest expression of a people is in its dance and in its music.  Bodies never lie.

Themes of the UP Pep Squad

By: Paredes, Patricia Mae B.

The UP Pep Squad (formed in 1998) is the defending champion of the annual UAAP Cheerdance Competition held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. For the last five years, UP Pep has dominated the cheerleading contest four times, taking home the cash prize, the trophy and the glory for the university.

Every year, this competitive squad comes up with a unique theme. For them, it is the hardest part in making their routines. The goal is to “wow” their audience by showcasing something new and different every time. They incorporate these themes into their outfits, hairstyles, beats, stunts and dances. From 2007 to 2011, they did rock, tribal, school spirit, fiesta and Madonna-inspired themes, respectively.

In 2007, they tried rock because according to Gonzales, the year’s team captain, “We wanted something unique. Rock is something gloomy.” They aimed to turn this low-spirited concept into a happy and lively one. They used up-beat music with sounds like that of an electric guitar. Clad in a maroon and black outfit, with black pompoms, they amazed the crowd with a set of full-ups in the mounting of their pyramids, long full-twist tosses and tumbling sequences. At the end, they had a banner “UP Rocks!” written in bold print.

            In the tribal-inspired routine (2008), they had tribal warrior poses and dances accompanied by a medley of sugod and tribal beats. Dressed in ethnic-themed outfits with green and maroon swirls, with boys in Mohawks and girls in pixie haircuts, they focused on the concept of fire and war. The story of the routine was about a tribe getting ready for a battle. With their imaginary weapons, notice their smooth transitions and sharp execution of the pointing skill. They had a full-impact ending, a man imitating and representing the Oblation and a banner saying “Tribu, Sugod!”

            In their school spirit theme (2009), the presence of a carton-made UP ikot jeep entertained the crowd. The squad was dancing to the song State University while the ikot jeep was parading. Other songs played were the UP Centennial song, UP Ang Galing Mo and Sugarfree’s Hari ng Sablay, while featuring the famous sablay of the university. They showcased students’ day-to-day life in the campus, as the dancers wore white knee-high socks to represent the typical image of a student, along with their green and maroon (official colors of UP) outfit. The supporters were shouting “Iskolar ng Bayan” accompanied by the rally beat.  

UP is known for performing Filipino heritage themes. In their fiesta theme (2010), they focused on nationalism, featuring take-offs from the country’s famous festivals like the Panagbenga, Higantes, Ati-Atihan and MassKara Festival. Coach Perena, the squad’s coach, was a former Filipiniana dancer who believed it was time to “depict a glimmer of hope” to everyone. With this idea, she suggested the fiesta motif where she included Kapayapaan (Peace) as one of the songs to be used, along with the hala-bira and fiesta beats. A lot got pepped up with the smiling dancers, dressed in colorful banderitas-inspired outfits and sunflower-like pompoms, that performed a routine with precised timing and clean tosses.

In 2011, the theme was the Queen of Pop, Madonna. According to Bautista, the year’s co-captain, “She is known to reinvent herself and the team can identify with her.” From Filipino themes, they transitioned to a foreign one to show how flexible their team can be. Madonna is an inspiration to many, so they aimed to inspire and at the same time to dazzle everyone. They opened with the song Material Girl followed by Like a Virgin and Four Minutes. Along with the vogue beat of the Pep drummers were the UP cheers that have lyrics from her songs. All the members of the team had their hair bleached blonde to match with their black outfits. They were literally shining.

All the themes of UP Pep are unique and original. Every year (since 2007), the female cheerdancers have been cutting their hair short. This has remained a trademark for UP Pep girls already. In most of the years, they are celebrating the Filipino and state university culture in their performances. Oftentimes, they play OPM soundtracks and have cheers and chants in Filipino. Unbelievably, there is always hype and a high number of attendees during this annual event. The loud cheers coming from the exuberant UP crowd boost the dancers’ energy. Every year is a challenge for UP Pep as they level-up exhibitions, tosses, drum beats and dances to stun their avid supporters. They continue to surprise the audience with new pyramids and stunts that are consistently performed well. Lastly, the presence of the Oblation and the trademark cheer “U-nibersidad ng Pilipinas!” never gets old.

This year they aim to defy a new trend. They still keep the theme a mystery but they already started training for the upcoming competition. For the other universities, execution, synchronization and a difficult routine are their basis to win. For the UP Pep Squad, creativity and personality, among others are more important. This is what makes UP Pep stand out, they dare to be different. They sure are back to fight for a 3-peat victory.

The Rise of Floorball

By: Paredes, Patricia Mae B.

Try a new sport. There’s always basketball, baseball, football and other popular sports. Why not try something new? Floorball.  

This game was invented four decades ago in Gothenburg, Sweden. It began as pastime at schools that developed into a sport, in the span of a decade. It is a form of hockey that is played indoors. Players use a meter high, lightweight stick to hit small, hollow plastic balls with cutouts, into the goal. Each team consists of 6 players, 5 field players and a goalkeeper. The rule to remember is to use the blade of the stick below knee level when hitting the ball and to avoid hitting the stick and legs of the opponents. Floorball promotes safety and helps improve a person’s eye-hand coordination. Just like any other sports, the team that scores the most goal in this game wins.

Saldio Amador, a skilled player of the UP Floorball Club, has been playing floorball for almost two years now and still expresses his excitement like it’s the first time he learned about the sport. Not a piece of cake, Amador says, “This cool sport seems easy to play but it’s challenging.” But, it can be played by people of all ages. “It's enjoyable to play it, especially when you see the other players improving,” he added. Luis Manila, a PE professor, member of the UP Floorball Club and one of the top scorers of Los Toros (a floorball team), described the sport as “Fun! Ang saya, fast-paced eh!”

The sport reached UP as an experiment. It was first offered as a PE class in 2010, introduced by Coach Ralph Ramos, the Secretary-General of Floorball Philippines. He also became the instructor and from then on, the sport became a regular offering in PE. Stan Ejera, a student who had been part of the Floorball PE said, “I find it very addictive and enticing! One of those sports you make time for.”

The UP Floorball Club (UPFC) is trying to increase awareness of the sport by offering their very first summer clinic at the CHK gym. This is held every Tuesday and Thursday from 11:00am-1:00pm. They teach the basics, drills, effective game-play strategies and practice games. They are also already starting to entertain applicants for their club. For those interested in joining or to just know more about their latest news and updates, visit UPFC’s official website: http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/universityofthephilippinesfloorballclub

The sport already received recognition from the Olympic Committee. The International Floorball Federation (IFF) hopes that this acknowledgement paves way for the sport to enter and be part of the 2020 Summer Olympics, a major international sport event. Now, the game plan is to try this new, safe and exciting sport. Floorballer, game on!

An Art Walk to Remember in UP Diliman

By: Lindsey Fabella

One sunny afternoon a few weeks ago, I found myself staring at this woman.  She was a native beauty with a quiet elegance about her.  Garbed in what is locally known as a Tagalog saya, she furtively kneels in front of a humble stove, tending to a small flame that is heating up what could only be dinner in a clay pot.  The subtle glow of the fire reflected on her face gives her a sense of tenderness and envelops the hut in a feeling of simplicity and warmth.  Then and there, I knew that I was standing face to face with a masterpiece.  A painting like this (Woman Cooking in the Kitchen, 1959) by a classical master like Fernando Amorsolo is priceless - it’s the kind of work that would usually entail shelling out a reasonable sum and travelling quite some distance to get to see in person, or so I thought.  That is why it was with some disbelief that when I looked outside the glass windows where this opus was, I could still see the academic oval.  As I regained a sense of awareness of where I was, it slowly occurred to me that I was still in UP Diliman. 

As a Philippine Arts graduate from UP Manila, I am no stranger to gazing at paintings, sculpture, installations, and other works of art of this kind.  Only that in my four years as an art student, having the pleasure of seeing masterpieces always came with a price (both literally and figuratively).  Whether it be private spaces like the Ayala Museum or the Lopez Museum, or government owned places like the CCP galleries, the Metropolitan Museum of Manila or the National Museum, one always had to go out of one’s way and spend some money for art.  That is why when I (now a UP Diliman student) decided to take a walk around campus one afternoon and found out that one can see an authentic Amorsolo, as well as other equally great pieces, in neatly tucked and conveniently located art spaces within the campus; I felt that I just had to share this discovery.  So, whether you’re an art junky or simply curious, here are some of the best places to get in touch with your artistic side within UP Diliman.

#1 GT-Toyota Asian Cultural Museum

            Newest among the galleries on campus, this was built as part of the UP GT-Toyota Cultural Center.  The museum is housed on the first floor of the Hall of Wisdom right beside the UP Asian Center and Via Mare and is accessible by any jeepney that passes by the Romulo Hall.  As I entered its premises, I immediately noticed that its modern architectural and interior design made me feel like I was in the Ayala Museum.  Going to the latter place, however, will set you back at least 250 pesos on entrance tickets alone.  Entrance to the Toyota Asian Cultural Museum, however, only entails a few seconds of scribbling your name on their guestbook.

Its gallery is a temporary exhibition space made up of four distinct but interconnected rooms which can be used for four different exhibits at the same time.  The current exhibit “Re-imagining the Nation: Vintage Photographs from the Asian Center Collection” features blown-up old photographs that reveal our country’s former stable diplomatic relations with nearby Asian countries like China, Japan, Singapore, and Vietnam .  As I was going through the exhibit, I could not help but smile while I thought about the irony (in light of the recent political conflicts we have had with China) of one of the photos showing how former President Marcos and his First Lady were warmly welcoming Chinese diplomats to the Philippine islands.  A timely topic to discuss, if you ask me - maybe we should be reminded more often of our former, more amicable relationship with our neighbours. For those interested, the show will run up to June 30, 2012 and it is open on Mondays-Saturdays, 8:00am-5:00pm. 

#2 Bulwagan ng Dangal

This is a place you might want to check out the next time you happen to borrow a book from the Main Library. The museum is located on the basement of the Gonzales Hall, which up until June 2009, remained unused.  Renovated and refurbished, it now serves as a temporary exhibit space that showcase art works either done by UP artists or are about the institution itself.  Its setting places it within walking distance of the heavily student populated College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, College of Arts and Letters, and the College of Engineering.

I was not allowed inside the gallery when I visited as they were in the process of setting up its next exhibit entitled, “The University of the Philippines: An Educational Heritage Site”, which will be opened to the public on the 6^th of May, 2012.  However, I still recommend seeing this place once it has re-opened as some of the artists that will be featured in its next show are visual arts titans like National Artist and former CFA Dean Jose Joya and other former deans and faculty members of the CFA.  Entrance to the Bulwagan won’t cost a thing; one only needs to present a valid UP ID.

#3 Vargas Museum

            This is, by far, the largest museum in campus, with four floors of various permanent and temporary exhibit spaces teeming with masterpieces from all forms and genres. It all began when distinguished alumnus and first ever Executive Secretary Jose B. Vargas donated his art collection to his alma mater in 1978.  From then on, it would be generally known as the official museum of UP Diliman.

            It currently houses three temporary exhibitions: “Tagalog at Taga-ilog” by Roberto M.A. Robles – comprised of several sculptural installations paying homage to the river life of the Tagalogs; “Revisiting Modernity: Architecture of the New Society” – which is a set of blown-up photographs of government buildings (CCP, Manila Film Center, and the likes) built during the Marcos era that represented what is loosely dubbed as modern Filipino architecture; and “A&L: The parallel (lives) museum” – a collection of artefacts from the lives of two influential art patrons.

On the other hand, its permanent collection boasts of an exquisite collection of works ranging from the classical like Fernando Amorsolo, to the moderns such as HR Ocampo, Victorio Edades and Nena Saguil.  The kinds of art belonging to this permanent exhibit – paintings, sculptures, video installations, photography, among others – are of National Museum calibre and should be visited at least once during a UP Diliman student’s stay in this campus.  The 20 peso entrance fee is still a money saver, as I found out, considering that the other places where I could see works done by national artists would set me back at least 100 pesos for round trip fare alone.  In fact, if you there on a Wednesday, you don’t have to pay anything at all! You could even take your friends and family on a tour here even if they are not enrolled in UP for a measly 30 peso entrance cost for each person.

            On a different note, there is also a deeper, more important reason why you should visit these places.  As the famous French artist Edgar Degas once said, art is not what you see, but what you make others see.  These art spaces show how much the UP community values both the production and preservation of art and heritage, be it in the national or school context.   So the next time you find yourself wandering around campus with time in your hands, I suggest you visit these three equally remarkable museums.  Maybe just like what Degas suggested, we would be able to see as well.

How To Dress Up Your UP Shirt

By: Yen Park

School spirit will never be out of fashion. Some don't just incorporate the school colors in their wardrobe and school supplies. Baller ID's, tumblers, ID laces, and umbrellas are just some  items that you can imprint your school name, logo and motto in bold screaming letters to show just how much you're proud of your alma mater. We also don’t limit the venue to show our school pride within our beloved university, we also wear it loud and proud just about anywhere!

Here in the university, the UP shirt is one of the most popular item to wear. Think of it as a blank canvas. Aside from showing school spirit, you can dress it up or dress it down. With the help of our trendy Isko and Iska (and a lot of mixing and matching), here are different ways to wear and style our trusty UP shirt.

1. The typical UP uniform.

This ensemble is a no brainer. 

Comfortable dry fit shorts, check. Walking shoes, Check. Sunblock, check.  And you’re all geared up for a long day of walking to and from your classes.

2. Laidback weekdays
    A typical look for a spontaneous hang out with friends after class.  It screams simple yet fun. Pair the UP shirt, with your trusty shorts or jeans and you’re ready to go.

3. The weekend

      There’s no need to spend a big amount of money to look fashionably chic at a party. Pair it up with your favourite heels and accessories. There are endless possibilities when it comes to mixing and matching.  Jackets, vests, cardigans, are great for dressing up the UP shirt.

4. The crop top
      Crop tops are hot this season. All you need to do is measure the length as to how long  or how short you want it to be. Leave an inch longer to make a fold and cut it carefully. And voila, your very own UP crop top!

5. Tank top

            Tired of your plain tank tops to pair with your high-waist bondage skirts? Why not cut the sleeves of your t-shirt? Instantly, your ordinary UP shirt becomes a trendy tank top!

With the UP shirt, you can create your own fashion, and have your own style. The results may not always be great, but you’re bound to discover new and cute combinations.

UP Street Smart: Summer Semester

By: Nikki Isabela Rubrico

               Every time a new season comes, change is inevitable: a change: in weather, style and even moods.  We, as consumers, partake in its constant reinterpretation of the season’s looks and inspirations through referencing (and eventually incorporating) styles from runways, print and television to our everyday ensemble. Indeed, media has helped us a lot in terms of dressing up.  In finding our own niche, own style, own taste, and translate it into real life street smart fashion.  “There’s an overflowing  sense of individualism and identity reflected in the dress styles of the students nowadays,” says Cara, a Clothing Tech graduate. I’d like to think you’d agree with me that students singled out in this article fit the bill.  See what our male respondents have to say about our featured fashionistas.

Risa Crisostomo, Econ, 3^rd year
“I like my clothes lightweight and breezy”

What she’s wearing:
rompers – Bangkok Department Store,
shoes - H&M, bag – Cambridge satchel,
necklace – Spain tianggeThe look is kept breezy and cool with the flowy rompers
accentuated with her brown belt. Her orange satchel bag adds
vibrant and a playful feel. The casual but still chic blue oxfords,
nude lips, and beaming smile finish off this get-up.

What he says:
“I like her look. Very girly with the florals and all,
but her look is very pleasant to look at,” says J.M, BS Math

Louise Mopa, Econ

What she’s wearing:top – given as a gift, pants – Robinsons department store,
shoes – Little Thing She Needs, bag – US

Aztec prints are a big hit this summer. These prints add a funky
twist to any outfit.  She toned down her bright colored tank top
with slim cut black pants and flats.

What he says:
“She looks comfortable with her outfit. 

Klaudine Moreno,  Econ

What she’s wearing:
top – OP, bag, given as a gift,
shoes – Payless, pants – HK

The go-to button down cropped top. They come in just about
every color and print you can imagine, and they have a
great fit – they’re loose in all the right places without
making you look like a clothespin. Her bright fuchsia
lace-up sandals and bag accentuated her black
and white ensemble.

What he says:
“Her bag and shoes are too pink.. girls! But I must say, she
pulled the look off. She looks cute,” jokes Marlon,  BA Comm.

Meggy Katigbak, Stat major
“Im a shirt-shorts type of person”

What she’s wearing:top – Bayo, shorts – Bench,
shoes – What A Girl Wants, bag – Nine West

The eyelet blouse adds a modern twist on the regular black
plain top. Her big leather box-type bag adds a chic feel to her
classic black and white ensemble.

What he says:“I wouldn’t mind seeing this kind of look every day.
Not too casual, not too formal,” says Heinrich, BS Physics.

Raine Milo, BS Bio
“All my clothes are from tiangges and bazaars.
I don’t like branded things”
What she’s wearing:
top, bag and shoes – bazaar

The self-confessed fashionista, Raine takes inspiration from her
favourite fashion bloggers. This is her way of expressing
herself, she says. The pastel tones of her outfit, that match
her bubbly personality as well, are all very
pleasing and cool to the eyes.

What he says:
“She reminds me of Tinkerbelle! Although I find her denim shorts a
bit too short, I guess her outfit’s a perfect fit for summer,”
says Mikko,  BA History.

Joanna Alonzo, 1^st year, CBA
“Animal prints are my favourite. They add character
and attitude to any outfit”
What she’s wearing:top – given as a gift, shorts – from her old pants

Her sheer top with leopard print linings scream summer.
With its lightweight material and her customized shorts,
it all works together in an accidentally-chic style that
everyone’s always trying to get.

What he says:
“I like how its leopard print everything – from
her top to her shoes.  Its casual but
cute.” Says Gerard, BA Comm

          As summer classes heat up the already sweltering months of April and May, these chic students can school everyone on cool, comfy and casual day time dressing.

Get That Summer Look!

By: Siyoo Kim

Base, concealer, foundation, eye shadow, bronzer, lipstick, blush, mascara, powder... Let’s face it; make-up can cost us a hefty amount of money. This summer, considering how unbearable the heat can get, we don’t want our faces to end up with piles of make-up. We could probably get by going to school with our bare faces. Yes, with dark circles under our eyes, puffy eye bags, huge pores and untamed eyebrows as if saying hello-the-school work-is-stressing-my-face for the whole university to see.

Nobody wants to look like a walking zombie, right? And it does not only apply to girls. Men, have been dealing with the same dilemma; most of the time to cover up acne and blemishes right away. When choosing the right “look” for our make-up, we should take the occasion into consideration. Since we are trying to sport an everyday look that will help us give just the right amount of coverage and will not take much of our time, here are simple steps to follow to get that au natural look.

For the budget conscious students like us, worry no more. We scored a few good buys, you’d be surprised with how much everything costs! Remember, not all expensive cosmetics guarantee better results than that of drugstore cosmetic brands. It’s all about the formulation and how you blend and experiment with it that does the wonders.

What we’re going to use:

Vita Glow Tinted Facial Moisturizer for P170
- works as moisturizer, foundation, and concealer with a matte finish; with every day use, the 35ml tube can probably last for 2 months
Fashion 21 Auto Eyeliner for P80
- works for eyebrows, eyelids, and eyeliner; smudge-free and comes in an easy twist holder

Fashion 21 Lip and Cheek Stain P100
- a bottle for both lip and cheek stain for a hundred bucks? Definitely, a steal!

Let’s get down to business.

1. Wash your face. Make up can only do so much to cover skin impurities. But it will work best if we have a clean canvass to begin with. Wash your face with your favorite facial wash. Men may opt to use a facial wash specifically for their skin type. It is advisable to use lukewarm water to soften our clogged pores and exfoliate the skin. Dry your face gently with a clean towel.
2. Moisturize. Remember, make-ups have pigments that can harm and clog the pores when put directly on skin. Moisturizing helps to smoothen out the skin surface. Men usually opt to skip this part because as they say, it tends to leave a greasy and oily feel on the face. For Step 2, 3 and 4 you can use the Vita Glow Tinted Facial Moisturizer. It’s perfect for summer because it’s light and offers just the right coverage for your blemishes.
3. Apply foundation evenly. This can get a bit tricky since you have to find a foundation that works best with your skin tone. Ask for help when you visit your favourite make up stores and they will gladly help you out. Men, may also skip this part.
4. Concealer. Dark circles under your eyes, puffy eye bags and that big red pimple on your chin, sounds like a typical problem for teens. A dab of concealer can work wonders! Go over the dark circles under your eyes, blemishes and unattractive marks. Instead of blending and rubbing it on the skin, like what we normally do with the moisturizer and foundation, concealer works best when you tap in to sheer layers. It is also important to note that this is only optional unless you have serious skin problems; you might need to consult your dermatologist first.
5. Eye liner &eyebrows. Apply either along the top of your lashes or along your bottom lash line. Try to only do halfway along your lower lash line, or you risk making your eyes look really small. Men, may skip this part unless you’re into the whole punk rock feel.
6. Blush and lipstick. Girls, skip the bright pink and the crimson reds. Orange, salmon pink and bronze are the trend for this summer. Fashion 21 Lip and Cheek Stain comes in different shades perfect for summer. Dab a little on your lips and cheeks to give it that sun-kissed look.
7. Face powder. To finish the look, seal it with your favorite pressed powder.
8. Smile. Don’t forget to cap the look with a smile!

How To Recover From A Failing Grade

By: Pearl Susannah B. Tan

            “I got a grade of 5.” This is one statement students from other universities are proud to say, since in their academic grading system, it means having the perfect score. On the contrary, those six words are what UP students fear to utter. Even the best students in class may have already experienced getting a failing grade during the course of their academic life. Common reasons for failing include lack of interest with the subject, laziness, and divided attention. As for its effects on students, there were more difficult ones to handle such as not being able to graduate on time or worst case scenario, getting dismissed from your college. If you were to go through the same thing, would you even know what to do next? Here are some tips on how to recover from getting a grade of 5.

            Cry it all out. Don’t think that this is the weakest approach to deal with the disappointment. Crying is a form of catharsis and is a really good way to release all the stress and hurt inside you. “I can’t control my feelings so I just cried my heart out. There’s no harm in doing it anyway” shared Cel, a first year Economics student. In the end, you would even feel calmer and you would be able to think more clearly.

            Reflect and evaluate. Aldryn is a third year Engineering student who once questioned himself “Do I deserve this grade?” You may have asked yourself the same thing. Go over the things you have done last semester which made you deserving of the grade. Think about what you did and did not do. Perhaps you had a lot of absences and missed a lot of quizzes? Or your tardiness actually had a great effect on your grade? Or just like Martha, also an Engineering student, you knew that the subject had a lot of computations involved but you just didn’t have enough practice. Reflecting and evaluating your performance would open your mind and make you aware of the things that pulled your grade down.

            Consult your professor. You should have done this earlier but then, after reflecting on your performance in class, you might still have questions bothering you which you believe only your professor can answer, just for everything to be clear once and for all. Such questions would be about the breakdown of your grades.

            Learn to accept. Sooner or later, you would have to accept the fact that you did have a failing grade. But remember not to have a heavy heart when doing so. Know that this is part of the process so that you can move on. Also, recognize that you have to retake the subject. After all, you may not be alone in taking it again and you even have an advantage since you have a better overview of the topics to be discussed.

            Have fun and be wiser. “Life goes on” might be your favorite line after everything that happened. Surround yourself with positive vibes coming from your family and friends. Do the things that you have always loved doing. Be practical but still think positive. Just know your limitations and do not repeat the mistakes that you have done which resulted to the grade you once had.

             Having a failing grade of 5 cannot really be avoided once you mess up with your study habits. But remember that getting that grade could be the start of new and better things for you. “I just gained more motivation” said Sai, a student from the College of Home Economics. Learn from the experience and commit to not failing again in any subject you will have. Be the best that you can be, especially as a UP student. Don’t settle with saying that you never got a grade of 5. Instead, as the new semester approaches, aim high and get a grade of 1.

The P200 Dating Challenge

By: BARTOLOME, Angelica Mariah D.

“Ma, I need date money.” You’ve probably heard this infamous line from your brother, male cousins and male friends after doing a quick favor or an errand for their moms. But most of the time, they have to make do with what they have; a common example would be budgeting their allowance. One does not need to mope around if he finds himself in this situation. Instead, why not look at it as a challenge? Something that will really make you ponder and let your creative juices flow.

Dating has been a common activity among youngsters. It is our way of expressing ourselves with the intention of getting to know each other better. But what is considered a good date? Personally, I think good dates are ones that are spontaneous, simple and interesting. Everything goes naturally and there’s a flow of conversation. Also, romantic gestures and the right amount of flirting are important as well.

            I challenged my friend, Kirby, to go on a date with me around the UP Diliman campus with a budget of 200 pesos. Like me, he's a 17 year old college student. Knowing Kirby, he always spends a sum of money to impress his dates. Let’s see if he can pull off a good date on short budget this time.

Our first stop: the food stalls in front of Vinzon’s Hall. For 40 pesos, we had 2 cones of dirty ice cream and 2 sticks of kwek-kwek. Honestly, I have no idea why it’s called kwek-kwek. But one thing’s for sure, it’s delicious! The dirty ice cream, on the other hand, was perfect for that sunny afternoon and the uniquely local flavors were bursting with flavor.

We then headed to the Sunken Garden and chatted for a couple of minutes. It has been quite a while since the two of us spent some time together. This was our chance to catch up. Afterwards, he borrowed a volleyball from his friends who were hanging around the area. We played for 20 minutes until a taho vendor came. For 20 pesos, it satisfied our sweet tooth cravings.

Kirby asked me if I’m down for a short “road trip”. I obliged and was surprised that instead of car keys, he took out coins from his pocket. While waiting for a jeep, an insistent little girl approached us and asked if we wanted to buy her hair scrunchie for 10 pesos. I refused to buy but Kirby told me that it’ll be a souvenir of our 200 peso date challenge. Although I think he only bought it to shoo the little girl away, I blushed a little when he handed me the scrunchie.

We rode an IKOT jeep for 15 pesos. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Considering I’m from UP Baguio, he got to be my tour guide during our “road trip”. I noticed a lot of food stalls around campus and remembered the well-known isaw my UPD  friends told me about.

What’s a UP Diliman experience without the isaw? I’ve been dying to taste this isaw since I started taking summer class. We took a stop near the shopping center to grab a bite. When we got there, a lot of people were waiting in line but service was fast. I’m not really fond of eating street food but I wasn’t surprised that I was holding a couple of sticks after. The isaw was nothing short of heaven. It’s absolutely delish! Plus, it’s really affordable. We had 11 isaw for 66 pesos and still have 49 pesos left on our budget!

We had buko juice for refreshments and capped off the date by going back to Vinzon’s Hall. As with all good things, our time has come to an end. We said our goodbyes and went our separate ways hungry for more. Total date expenses? 196 pesos.

Overall, the date with Kirby was memorable. We indulged ourselves with all the street foods we can get and inhaled pollution from jeep and car engines. Luckily, we didn’t end up at the hospital after the date. He somehow managed to make the most of what he had without even complaining. The date was a success and I wouldn’t have it any other way.