UP Centennial 1908-2008: A Salute to My Heroes

Being a silver jubilarian this year, my batch mates and I are lucky to be part of this year's University of the Philippines (UP) Centennial celebration. We graduated in 1983 from UP and our batch will be included in the year's most sought-after souvenir ... the UP Centennial Yearbook! I was told that the celebration will be on June 21st, 2008 at the Araneta Coliseum.

The mere mention of UP brings back lots of fond memories. From the days of pure idealism and radical activism against the Marcos dictatorship until the day we said hello to the real world, our memories are as vivid as ever. Who can ever forget the Friday night drinking sprees, the romantic and painful love experiences, the indignation rallies and demonstrations and fraternity rumbles. Of course, there's the burning of the midnight oil, cramming for exams and ingenious ways of generating "codigos".

But most of all, I will never forget my teachers, professors and faculty members who have molded me to the person I am today. Without them, my socio-political and economic consciousness would never have been exposed and developed. They are my real heroes for without them, I would never be the kind of person whom the State University would be proud of as one of their sons. Kudos go to each and every one of them.

I am proud of UP. It gives me goosebumps just listening to a rendition of "UP Naming Mahal". And still remembering my student number is a testament of the memorable time I have spent in our beloved alma mater.

Mabuhay ang UP!

R Lanting
78-14851
BSIE