It’s still the holiday season and this blog post is still up to date . The annual UP Lantern Parade is one of the most sought after events during holiday season. This year is very special since this is UP’s centennial year (1908-2008). Karla and I made sure that we get there early so that we can witness each and every lantern.

December 17. We arrived there at 3 pm, did some errands we need to do ( err photocopy a book, eat isaw and have merienda at Chocolate Kiss Cafe ) The start of the parade was originally at 4 pm but it started at about 4:30 pm.  We went straight to AS steps ( Palma Hall ) so that we can sit there and watch the parade pass by. I believe this is the most attended Lantern Parade. From the place we stayed (AS Steps), the whole area was filled with people even the street itself!

College of Fine Arts of course had the best floats and because of that, they’re not included in the contest anymore . Their theme was Circus Freak Show. Enjoy the pictures taken by Karla Redor.

College of Business Administration

College of Engineering

Beta Epsilon

UP Manila

UP Open University

UP Visayas

UP Mindanao

UP Los Baños

UP Pep Squad

College of Architecture

UP Tomokai

School of Statistics

UP Pampanga

One of the floats of College of Fine Arts

another float of College of Fine Arts

another float of College of Fine Arts

The night ended with beautiful fireworks courtesy of Beta Epsilon Fraternity. I cried, literally, because it was so beautiful! 

To see UP Babaylan’s pictures during the lantern parade click here.

Click on this tabachoi’s blogpost to check on this “reunion” theory.

I’ll also add another “clue” to this theory or probably a sign hehe.

It might be a coincidence but today, Markus Highway’s “American Gurl” was number 1 while Sandwich’s “Betamax” and Pupil’s “Disconnection Notice” are also part of the top 7. Hmmm.

CLUE or Sign number 4: The University Student Council in UP Diliman wants to have an Eraserheads reunion gig in UP for the centennial.
I was able to speak with the current USC president and was asking me if it would possible for a reunion gig. He would even let the UP President talk to them to make it possible, and she’s also willing to speak with them about it. I doubt it will happen but anyhow, they’ll still give it a shot. Well, they’re from UP after all even though they did not graduate their respective degrees.

Even though they won’t reunite this year, that’s fine. I can wait.

UP is celebrating its centennial year today! And just last month, as per “University of the Philippines Charter of 2008″, UP is officially the national university of the Philippines. This is indeed a good news since bill was being deliberated long enough. Well the charter isn’t all about UP being a national university. There are also some changes on some things that seem obsolete on the bill. Imagine, it was just only now that the charter was updated ever since it was created in 1908. Also there are other factors to consider in changing the charter since it would involve the senate and congress ( oh yeah, they are so quick in making laws… ehem sarcastically speaking).

Anyway, there are lots of activities being done around the UP system. There are public forums, concerts, marches, parades, etc. The events for the centennial actually started January and it will be ongoing all throughout the year. For today’s activities, from what I saw from the schedule are as follows:

• Flag raising ceremony at the Ampitheater at 5:30 am
• Oath taking of newly elected University Student Council 2008
• Launching of the UP Centennial Commemorative Stamp
• Releasing of 100 UP balloons with UP flags on it while unleashing 100 fireworks, this will be lead by 100 significant personalities
• Launching of UPgrade: the renovation of Vinzon’s Hall ( a student center, home of the USC office and also university based organizations)

Wow, I wish I could be there to witness this historical event.

There are also commemorative items being sold to commemorate the UP’s centennial celebration such as 100 Piso Centennial notes ( UP oblation printed in the watermark with signatures of past UP presidents), UP Centennial Stamp ( designed by UP College of Fine Arts alumnus Alfred Capiral), coffee table book, address book and DVD copy of Centennial music video. As for me, I was able to get the UP Centennial Planner which I have ordered this January. It was actually too late because I got it in February, but it’s fine because it was a collector’s item.

For more info about the UP Centennial, visit their website.

U.P. naming mahal, pamantasang hirang
Ang tinig namin, sana’y inyong dinggin
Malayong lupain, amin mang marating
Di rin magbabago ang damdamin
Di rin magbabago ang damdamin.

Luntian at pula, Sagisag magpakailanman
Ating pagdiwang, bulwagan ng dangal
Humayo’t itanghal, giting at tapang
Mabuhay ang pag-asa ng bayan
Mabuhay ang pag-asa ng bayan.