Ten Years After YRAP '99

It was my first time to travel away from my province, and alas, alone to Manila. Summer of 1999 was a memory to me spent in the verdant environment of the University of the Philippines in Los Banos – one of the constituent campuses of the State University in the country.

I didn’t expect that I would be attending the 1999 Youth Research Apprenticeship Program. My high school chemistry teacher gave me a form to fill up during my junior year. Without second thoughts, I filled up the said form and formulated my essay for the said event. After that, it didn’t come to my mind to be chosen in the said month long research program.

YRAP is a month long research program of the Gamma Sigma Delta-Honor Society of Agriculture (GSD-HAS) in collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the University of the Philippines in Los Banos (UPLB).

It aims to expose high school students, the selected ones from public high schools in the country, in science and technology and engineering. Guided by UPLB scientists and researchers, these incoming senior students would spend their whole summer in doing research at the different research and institutes in UPLB.

Batch ’99 was composed of thirty-three (33) high school students, all outstanding in their own rights and achievers in their respective schools. I represented my province – Masbate and my school – Masbate National Comprehensive High School. We were three from Bicol Region: Stephen Zano from Vinzon’s Pilot High School of Camarines Norte and Marilou Espartinez from Gallanosa National High School of Sorsogon. Both became graduates of Chemistry in UP Diliman.

Equipped with courage and determination, I stepped out from my comfort zone, crossed the waters that separate my island from the mainland Bicol and traveled by land to Laguna. There I found new surroundings, much more different from my little world. I met new faces who greeted me and had me registered at the Men’s Dormitory, all staff and volunteers of the event.

Room 212, if I’m not mistaken this time, was my next destination. In this small world I met Jericho Palay (Olongapo Science High School-Olongapo City), Mac Bumulo (Ramon Magsaysay High School-Cubao), Floro Espiritu (Nueva Viscaya General Comprehensive High School-Bayombong, Nueva Visscaya), and Biboy Rocamora (Jose J. Leido National Memorial High School-Calapan, oriental Mindoro). Biboy came later to join our group at Room 212.

The friendship that formed amongst us was beyond compare that even after YRAP we still have time to chat and talk in whatever means of communication there is. I once encountered Jericho at Kalayaan Residence Hall in UP when he visited his cousin during an open house. He went to UST for college. I first saw Floro after YRAP when I campaigned for the UP Student Council in Diliman; he was visiting the campus that time. He studied in UPLB that time.

Accidentally, I met Biboy along Katipunan and was informed then that he was taking up Economics in Ateneo. I had no chance to meet Mac again but had time communicating each other. If I get a chance to meet Biboy again, for sure he would be surprised to have a smoking buddy. It was Biboy who, at that young age during YRAP, can accommodate two packs of Marlboro reds on his chest.

The memories during YRAP ’99 were full of work, fun and excitement. We were assigned to our respective research and designated to our mentors. I was at the National Center for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology doing my research on producing a biodegradable plastic through enzymatic extraction of a certain bacterium. My research mentor was Ms. Susan Mercado of BIOTECH.

There I learned to use a vortex, to use a real laboratory more advanced from what we had in my high school. The people at BIOTECH were all great and the facilities were conducive to learning and research. At least it was my perception from a point of view of a probinsyano, a high school student that time.

GSD-HAS made us feel the real world of science and technology, with emphasis on its role to national development. We also had talks and discussion, not just a plain research work. We also visited the Philippine High School for the Arts at the top of Mt. Makiling, National Museum, Malacanang, and memorable places in Laguna such as Paete. The group also enjoyed the fiesta in Los Banos through the warm welcome and hospitality of Rojane Cabunagan, our fellow research scholar. We really thanked Rojane’s family for the reception. And also we had several courtesy calls including that of the Chancellor of UPLB, Chancellor Ruben Villareal.

Many days and night had passed that we never noticed the time to finalize and defend our research project. I experienced in YRAP the sleepless nights to seriously finish the work. I also valued much the help and cooperation we had, sharing thoughts and experiences in wide array of our fields. As for me, the greatest challenge, I would be prank to admit, was to encode my data on the MS-Word. Funny to reminisce but it was all true, given that time I didn’t know how to use computer.

After the hard work, we made it to finish the whole month of the 1999 Youth Research Apprenticeship Program. Thanks to God, we made it and we returned to our respective schools with high hopes and determination to pursue a career in science and engineering. After that experience, I planned to take up either Biology or Chemistry in UPLB.

Ten years after, though I didn’t pursue a career in science, I realized how important YRAP experience is to me. Although I am a graduate of Public Administration from UP Diliman, the love for science is still in my heart.

Science and technology are still two fundamental needs of the country to achieve genuine development. This is the perspective that was inculcated in my young heart and mind during YRAP. The discipline to profession, the dedication to work, the perseverance to succeed, the cooperation and interaction with the rest of the group, the humility to follow instructions and directions from mentors – the trainings that we had, I would say, were the guiding lights that would aid me as I look forward to my chosen career and profession.

Projects for the youth such as the Youth Research Apprenticeship Program must continue and must be supported by the government. It is through these programs that we develop amongst the youth the value and importance of science, technology and engineering to everyone’s lives. It is through this venue that the youth has given opportunity to have hands on and real experience in doing scientific research.

Again, after ten years, my million thanks to YRAP and its organizers are properly accorded. Happy ten years Batch 1999 of the Youth Research Apprenticeship Program!

Hope to see again!

Invitation to Round Table Discussion

8th CONGRESSIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FOR YOUNG MUSLIM LEADERS
Rm. 616 South Wing, House of Representatives
Batasan Hills, Quezon City
Telefax: 993-5001 (local 7315)

13 April 2009

Greetings of Peace!

The House of Representatives, in partnership with Mindanao State University (MSU) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM-3) program, is now on its 8th cycle in implementing the Congressional Internship Program for Young Muslim Leaders. The program aims to expand the pool of young men and women in Mindanao through hands-on experience in national policy formulation and governance as well as gaining practical knowledge, skills and perspectives on policy development, policy analysis and advocacy, program and project planning and management experience.

One of the components of the program is the conduct of a round table discussion on issues which greatly affect the interests of the general public. As the first group to conduct such activity, our RTD is entitled “PROMOTING PEOPLE’S PARTICIPATION: A BETTER WAY TO ATTAIN LONG LASTING PEACE”. The RTD aims to discuss the strong participation of the people in order to attain lasting peace.

Our first speaker will be Congressman Eduardo Nonato N. Joson of the 1st District of Nueva Ecija. He will speak on the role of the Government Sector in attaining peace. And second speaker will be Mr. Rommel A. Romato, the former Chairperson UP Diliman Student Council who will speak on the role of the youth in attaining peace. Laslty, Ms Karen Tanada who will speak on the role of the Non-Government Organizations/ Civil Society Organizations in attaining peace.

In line with this, we are humbly inviting you to attend/witness this activity. The RTD will be held on April 14, 2009 at the House of Representatives’ Minority Conference Room at exactly 8:30-11:30 in the morning. The format of the RTD includes an open forum after each speaker stated their sides on the issue. We are expecting to have fifty (50) participants.

We are looking forward to your positive response upon this matter. Nonetheless, you may contact us at 931-5001 local 7315 or through mobile number 09282525809 and look for Mr. Azmar Labao for your confirmation/ reservation and inquiries regarding this matter.

Thank you.

Very Truly Yours,

(Sgd) MR. AZMARIE M. LABAO (Sgd) MS. NOR-AINIE B. LALIA

(Sgd) MS. TAIBA B. SABITO (Sgd) MR. JAMALODDIN P. MUTI

(Sgd) MR. NADJER D. PINATARA




Noted by:


(Sgd) HON. RODOLFO VICERRA
Director-General
Congressional Planning and Budget Department

Please support the 1st World Creative Youth Forum

PLEASE PASS THIS MESSAGE FOR WCYF 2009.


World Creative Youth Forum (WCYF) 2009, is all set on May 5-10, 2009 and there's no stopping this historic youth event for Sustainable Development from happening. With just less than a month before the event we are aiming to raise around $20,000 or about 1Million Pesos to pay for some of the expenses that still needs to be covered. WE ASK FOR YOUR SUPPORT and DONATIONS so that this event can indeed be a success.

It does not matter how much for every donation counts and you will already be part of this event which we hope would start a much needed step for Sustainable Development.

This event will truly be a historic moment because this is the culmination of years of planning and keeping in touch with needs worldwide to promote the United Nations Decade for Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014). Around 300 local & international participants from 55 countries representing 100 organizations worldwide will comprise the formal delegation that will convene here in Manila.

Through your support and donation, WCYF can inspire more youth around the world and say that YES THEY CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Your support for this 1st WCYF can help us harness leadership potential worldwide via a new, global, proactive, youth network, educate the youth worldwide regarding Sustainable Development issues and solutions via the latest technologies available, and produce a global action plan relevant to the needs of the youth, especially those that involve education, the environment and economics.

For donations and support please send it to:

Bank Name : Banco Filipino Baliwag Branch
Branch: Baliwag, Bulacan
Account Name : Brotherhood of Destiny Incorporated – WCYF
Account Number : 11574-700033- 2
Swift Code: FIAOPHM1XXX

International participants can also pay through PAYPAL via phil_lenin@yahoo. comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or via WESTERN UNION / MONEYGRAM to:

Mobile Number : +63-915-223- 8073
Name : Mei S. Santiago (Finance Committee Member)
Address : 777 Ano St., Baliwag, Bulacan 3006 PHILIPPINES

If you are from the PHILIPPINES, you can also send your payment via GCASH at any Globe Business Center through same address above.

E-mail us the deposit slip or proof of donation to phil_lenin@yahoo. com to track your donation.

IF YOU HAVE A WEBSITE, BLOG or a MEDIA PRACTITIONER... Write about us or write an article about Sustainable Development. .. then we will link it in our website and add you as a contributor/ partner.

THANKS!


DAVID D'ANGELO
Co-Chairperson WCYF 2009
www.worldcreativeyo uthforum. net
+639165450452

National Secretary General / International Council
Brotherhood of Destiny (BROOD)
Join Us and Make A Difference ... Serve, Help and Protect!
Visit us at www.broodonline. com

Respons to Senator Pimentel

We maintain that there was nothing wrong in holding the so-called FREEDOM RUN, a replica of the famous Oblation Run in the University of the Philippines. What our brethren in Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity held last March 2, 2009 was an alternative way to commemorate the foundation of the service fraternity in the country – Alpha Phi Omega, and was a run for a cause.

We strongly condemn Senator Pimentel in tagging our brothers as “misguided young men” who blatantly displayed their male genitals. We are not misguided young men as he had thought. Those who participated in the run were all college students, were all disciplined leaders and scholars, were all guided by the cardinal principles of Leadership, Friendship and Service.

It seems that Senator Pimentel doesn’t know the history. His statements are unfounded and based on ignorance. We challenge Senator Pimentel, therefore, to push through his plan for a Senate inquiry on the said matter.

Moreover, we challenge Senator Pimentel to defend his arguments and views on a debate to shed light on the issue.

A Hectic Day, Loaded Moments

I'm home now, about ten (10) minutes now. It was a loaded day. I can't imagine myself handling many responsibilities at this point of my life. I'm getting older, both physically and mentally. But I guess it's the former that manifests most as compared with my age. This February, I'm expecting several events and occasions that need my attention. I hope that I would have enough strength to carry on and face all the upcoming tasks.

I want to leave for quite some time, maybe a two-week or month vacation. I want to enjoy my life away from the challenges of work, from pressures of my surroundings, from thinking formidable events that had almost crippled my young mind. It would surely give me fresh air and new breath at the top of the mountain, at the slope of the hills, or at the nearest shore.

Province. Other towns. I don't know. But I have a definite plan - that is to disappear for a period of time from the metropolis. I miss the simple life in the rural. But again, when I think of the current situation, the fast-approaching 2010 election, my provincial mindset has slowly changing into gory details of bloodshed. Political rivalry would deter my plan from having a peaceful vacation at my hometown.

What should I do then? Or does it make sense what I'm writing now.

Ritual Dance of the Brave

I apologize for my earlier post on the famous Oblation Run. I thought the schedule was on the 12th of December, which falls on Friday. For those who were misinformed, my apologies. It was yesterday, the “real” Oblation Run was staged in Palma Hall (AS), UP Diliman. Again, hundreds of students, teachers, visitors, guests were there to witness the so-called Ritual Dance of the Brave.

There were fewer Oblation runners this time. In my estimate, around 15 to 20 bunch of naked bodies paraded the fabled Arts and Sciences building. Unlike in the past runs of the Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity in the University of the Philippines-Diliman.



I brought my digicam to take shots but wasn’t able to do so. I was quite excited being a mere spectator, observing the runners as well as the crowd. It was just like yesterday when I was one of them, with only mask in my head, and when I was one of those marshalls protecting those not-so-innocent bodies from “harms.” Haha…

The Oblation Run is still a much-awaited tradition, not just of the APO Fraternity but of UP. Long live the Oblation Run!

Colorful Christmas in the Philippines

The streets are lighted with Chistmas lights, adding illumination to the dimness of the night. It's really a Christmas time in the Philippines!



Araneta Center in Cubao, the commercial and business center of Quezon City, Philippines, holds this Christmas Tree that shines at night, attracting hordes of visitors from all walks of life.