To The UPCAT Takers

University of the Philippines, the country’s premier state university. Like most, if not all, of you, I was very much enthusiastic about going to UP. UP’s first vision came to my mind when I was in my second year in high school as my Biology teacher who was a UP Diliman BS Biology graduate, and cum laude, carried that contagious feeling inside the classroom all the time. UP was always shared with the compliments she received for her outstanding performance, achievements, and the high standards of discipline she displayed and imposed in the school, in the community, and in her family.

As I matured more and was exposed to a “broader” world with renowned public figures, national leaders especially, I realized that most of those with exemplary performance are UP-made. I always sensed how my teacher took pride for them and for UP. I do not know what motives each one of you have upon deciding that you would take the UPCAT. But as for me, I set a dream to get that UP feeling one day. Being a “young” high schooler then, that dream was great; great indeed that I set my mind on it because, while it takes brains and guts to be in that university, it is also a pleasure, honor, and a rare opportunity to be with well-bred people and be educated in a prestigious university.

Prestigious I say, because of the UPCAT (UP College Admissions Test) being the toughest examination that only high caliber students make it. Although I also took the ACET (Ateneo College Entrance Test), whose test items were dreadfully time-pressured, comparably, UPCAT was quite tougher. But you need not worry because I guess you have prepared enough and you are I think quite ready to ace the exam. Anyway, UP’s prestigious also because of its high standards of instruction, its world-class professors, the competence of professionals it produces, the notable difference it gives in all disciplines between its products and those of other schools, and it is simply being the University of the Philippines. UP has always been known for molding national leaders (like Marcos, Ninoy, GMA, and a lot more) and many Filipinos that outstand in their native land and in lands across the seas (like Ryan Cayabyab and a whole lot more of artists and scientists!) and for making present heroes with its vigilance for democracy, freedom and human rights. UP offers our youth quality education, which prepares us to be future pillars of our nation.

Socially, UP does not leave itself behind. In UP, it is exciting to take part in social activities. There is the annual UP Fair held every February where local and national bands/artists perform at the ever famous UP sunken garden for a very affordable entrance fee. There are also UP-based organization-sponsored concerts, premier nights of some local movies at the UP Film Center, freebies that just come out of the blue which you would later on find out that it’s from an organization/fraternity/sorority which celebrates its anniversary, and whole lot more. You may experience bumping into Miss Kristine Florendo, Bb. Pilipinas-Universe, who happens to be by the way, in from the College of Education, or someday to Miss Asia Agcaoili, a Viva Hot Babe, who is from the College of Home Economics.

As you have seen, UP seems to be very much fun. Not only fun but it also seems like it is continuing to pursue its tradition of excellence and prestige. Well, that is if UP still meets the high public expectation – what it really was in the beginning and if it’s what it is really meant to be.

Thank God I am now in UP! And a dream came partly true. As far as quality of professors, the campus, and other aspects needless to mention are concerned, UP still impressively outstands. On another aspect, which is on the culture discipline, outlook, philosophy, and principles of most students and some professors, it is very shocking! “Culture shock” is inevitable in going to UP. UP is both homogeneous and heterogeneous. It is homogeneous because its professors and students alike are truly capable but also heterogeneous in the sense that intelligent people come from remote places, others from the heart of Metro Manila, others from ill-cultured families, others from cultures ones, some from poor, and still some are from affluent families. I, for one, am from Cagayan de Oro City – a city located somewhere in Northern Mindanao. I have friends who hail from the Batanes group of islands, others from Tawi-Tawi and Basilan.

Values vary from among students themselves. UP as an institution should consider this fact more seriously so that it should not only aim to give a high standard of instruction to develop skilled professionals but also, impose the necessary dose of discipline on students who are over-confident and believe so much on themselves and in their intelligence that they tend to abuse their freedom and God. In the correct sense, freedom is an exercise of one’s rights without stepping on others’ rights, others’ comfort. On the other hand, God and God alone was the reason why they were in UP. So, they dare not abuse freedom and most especially God.

Some students deliberately shout here and there, use cellphones while classes are going on, speak of things tactlessly, disrespect the professors right in front of the class – acts that are a discomfort to others and are unbecoming of a university student, much more of a UP student.

You, young people who plan to enter UP, examine yourselves honestly to find the area where you are right and maintain them. Welcome the good influences but bind the bad. You will be entering a totally different world after high school. If you will be blessed to study in UP, it will then be a lot more different. Be strong and start building your good moral and strong life principles.

The time that you have been eagerly preparing for is now coming into a consummation when the UPCAT day will come. For those of you who will pass the exam, and of course I do hope that most of you will do, congratulations in advance and God bless you. And for those who will not make it, cheer up! It’s not yet the end of the world. Although UPCAT is the primary means to study in the university, you still have another chance. After all, God is a God of second chances. If you really desire to go to UP, champion your first year in another school. Make good grades and impress the UP administration with it. You will have a great chance to transfer to the university if you will have very good grades.

Just remember these four things that I would like you to take note. First, keep a vision in your heart. Keep a focus, a path that you have to pursue. Make certain of things that you would want to happen in your life. For example, if you want to be in UP in your college life, passionately aim for it. Try to picture out yourself a year after now studying in UP. Dream big, because God is boundless. They say, an endeavor not fuelled by a vision is weak. Secondly, develop a diligent lifestyle. There must be a constant affirmation of your vision. How? In simple ways, do good in your academics. Or since we are talking about the UPCAT, a day before the test, you may want to review a little, but do not exhaust yourself. Responsibility tags along with diligence so be responsible to your mind and body. Thirdly, aim to live in humility always. A proud heart is never open, is never willing to accept things God has planned for him. A proud heart is never satisfied. So live in humility. I guarantee you, UPCAT is a very humbling experience. Lastly, live a life soaked in prayer. Especially now that UPCAT is so near, it’s like an arm-length away now, so keep on praying. Pray that you will pass the exam. But if God answers no to your prayer, always remember that God promises you a wonderful life. So learn to ask God for it – that wonderful life. Whatever and wherever He will lead you, always thank Him in your prayers. And so remember these four things: vision, diligence, humility, and prayer. Of course you may add to this list, whatever deems to be essential for you right at this moment.

I would like to close here with another exhortation to you. Earlier, I told you about how prestigious and fun UP is. But going through it all will need sacrifices. Values play a very important role in coming to and being in UP. Learn, behave, improve and maximize the benefit of the opportunity of coming to the university. Point out your weaknesses and do fast the remedies. A saying goes that “A man doesn’t live by intellect alone but also by values that promise us a righteous path to a better tomorrow.” Above all, learn to keep your faith in God. Pray, pray and pray. The sovereignty of God will always prevail. Trust God!