ARTe...

Getting into UP is like winning in a lottery. This may be an absurd comparison to make. We may not be able to believe it at first but for sure, soon, we will be grateful and proud that UP is part of our lives and that we are part of the UP life.

I have to agree with Ma’am Eloi when she said that to appreciate art; you must see it for real. Sure, books about art provide interesting pictures and illustrations. But relying on books alone isn’t enough to experience art. Art is made with a personal touch of the artist therefore, we must experience it or at least see it personally to understand what the artist wants to depict.

I have heard thousands of stories about the greatness of UP. It obviously made me proud of my university but it ends there. All I can say about UP are second-hand stories that have been shared to me. I realized then, that I am knowledgeable of only a few things about it. I go to the university from Monday to Friday but only visit few buildings and spots. I didn't know that there are many more treasures that the campus hides.

UP, just like any universities and colleges, is a school. It is where you learn to be masters of your own interest and discipline. But UP has many unique characteristics that surely set it apart from any other university. Who can find IKOT and TOKI jeepneys in other universities? It just proves how huge our land area is. There is also the famous isaw and fishballs that are sold all over campus. UP Diliman is the flagship campus of the university and represents how prestigious the national university of the Philippines is. It is a mixture of everything. From respected lawyers to medical professionals to national artists. Our successful alumni are something to be proud of. A lot of them leave a legacy to the nation. But there is something more that would make us prouder of our school; our sense of artistry and creativity.

UP Diliman is indeed a museum itself. This is what I learned in our Amazing Race activity. I’ve seen most of the artworks but I didn’t know how much valuable they are. They are made by national artists who graduated from UP. That simple fact makes me arrogant about UP. The campus can be compared to national museums which house the greatest artifacts of the country. It is something that must be preserved and valued. Most importantly, it must be something that must be known by the people. No wonder why our great Oblation statue is very much famous.

UP doesn't only excel in paintings and sculptures. The performances in the recent UAAP opening proved that UP is also superb in dances and songs. I was really frustrated that I wasn't able to watch the Pambansang Hirang. So, I really made it sure to watch the UAAP opening whether it was required or not. I can say that I didn't waste my 75 pesos for that 30 - 45 minutes performance. I was there not just to appreciate the performance but also to support the university as it celebrates its centennial. It was a way to show our school pride to other schools.

Now that UP is the official national university, it instils more pride to its students, faculties and workers. I still got around 3 years to stay in the university. And as I continue to be part of the UP life, I know that there are a lot more to be discovered about it. It just makes me proud and happy that whenever asked where I am studying, people look at me with respect and honor; something which I owe to the university. I really did won the in the lottery. :)

Charmaine Abella 2007-45269