I've always been an outgoing person. I enjoy company and going out with my friends and boyfriend. But with everything that's happening right now - finals and classes ending, graduation coming up, job interviews here and there - I realized I haven't had time for myself for quite sometime.

During my first and second year in college, I allot at least one weekend per month to go out by myself and roam around the city. It was to keep me sane from all the requirements, org work, and issues I had to deal with everyday. It was my break from everything.

Since I became an officer for my organization, I rarely had the chance to do so. I would allot my spare time to create publicity materials, attend and conduct meetings, finish papers, and most of the time - sleep. Everything around me was moving fast and I had to keep up. There was no time to slack off or even selfishly ask for a day's worth of break.

I would remember the days when I had to live by the hour. Every hour, I had a meeting to attend or an event to participate in. I had to eat lunch with my boyfriend strictly for an hour so we wouldn't be late for our next class. Everything was scheduled and written on my planner down to the last minute to keep myself from forgetting things that I need to do.

It was exhausting - but I loved it.

I loved the thrill of running from one place to another just to be on time for my next appointment. I loved walking around campus with my phone on one hand to contact my groupmates and my reviewer on the other hand. I loved having a busy schedule as an excuse for the lack of sleep and time to eat. I loved the challenge of living one day after another and ticking off everything on my to-do list after a long day's work.

I loved being busy so much I forgot how it's like to relax.

I guess I got it from my parents. Dad would work all day, even during the weekends, and Mom would always tell me to keep myself busy by reading or just doing something new. Even during our out-of-town trips, I would still bring my laptop and readings with me just to write and edit my papers or thesis.

But I guess today was finally my break from everything that's happening around me.

I had an interview at 9 AM near E. Rodriguez and I came in 15 minutes early. The interview was quicker than what I expected. Before 9:30 AM I was already back in Gateway, Cubao. I waited for the mall to open for me to have some time to roam around (even though I already know every nook and corner of Gateway).

I visited Gateway Gallery first. It showcased different paintings from contemporary Filipino Artists. Most of the paintings depict different periods in Philippine History including Martial Law and EDSA Revolution. Notable people in different fields and presidents were also featured like Josefa Llanes-Escoda and  Manuel Roxas.

You can visit the Gateway Gallery on the 5th floor of the Gateway Tower at Gateway Mall, Cubao.




Of course, my dates with myself includes visiting a book store and National Bookstore's biggest branch can be found in Cubao so I never miss the chance to visit it whenever I'm around the area. I didn't buy anything. I was specifically looking for Hallmark Graduation Cards but turns out there weren't any.

15 years in this institution was more than enough. I owe my entire education to this system and what I've learned from my entire stay here is to give back and serve - not only to UP but to the people of the Philippines in any way we can.
UP Integrated School was my roots. At an early age, we were trained to be critical thinkers, exposed to various social issues, and honed to always be grateful for the opportunity to study in UP. I would never forget our Social Studies teacher asking us, "Magkano ang binabayad mo kada araw na pumapasok ka sa klase ko?" I already forgot the answer but I never forgot the question and the lesson. I guess that's why as much as possible, I don't skip classes and I don't like people who do because that teacher made me realize that everytime we skip a class, we waste a portion of our parents' money and also a portion of the people's money. College in UP Los Banos was somehow similar but in more ways different. I became addicted to the freedom I experienced here which was why I insisted to stay. For four years I had a taste of bittersweet independent life - living without curfew, surviving on a fixed allowance, cooking my own food, and even doing my own laundry. It was scary at first, until I slowly realized that I need to learn to live away from my parents because sooner or later, I have to move out and be responsible for my own being. I learned beyond what was being taught inside the classroom. Yes, I learned to drink (but not smoke plsss), but I also learned my limits. I learned to go home late but I also learned to manage my time. I learned to assert but I also learned to listen. I learned to cry over my failures but I also learned to get over them and start again.

I don't want to involve myself in those "taga-UP kasi, kaya mayabang" or "aktibista yan kasi UP" issue these days. While others criticize UP students for rallying, we see it as a way of serving our country - by being loyal to our people and not to a specific person. I don't want this post to be political but even if I do not support the current administration, I still intend to help it in some ways which I deem beneficial for the people and continue to criticize what I see as wrong. We know our responsibilities and duties to this country, thanks to our professors who constantly remind us about it.
For 15 years, I was able to gain a lot from this institution. But what the University of the Philippines taught me the most is that always, always, give back to the people. I owe my education to this country.
Maraming salamat, UP. Lagi't lagi, para sa Bayan