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Ang Huling El Bimbo as the musical of university life

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The Filipino merienda turon or deep-fried banana rolls was my   comfort food   during the breaks of the Citizen’s   Military Training (CMT) sessions   at the University of the Philippines (UP). I spent   Saturdays of the first    four semesters   of my university   life    as a CMT cadet with   lectures,   drill trainings and parades under the acacia trees as part of the   Field Artillery unit. The other three units are Rayadillo, Infantry and Rescue.   CMT is also known as   Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program that started   in UP as early as 1912 in the form of “military drill.” The ROTC program aims to promote civil service, discipline, and order through military training. The first official ROTC    unit in the Philippines was established in UP on July 3, 1922.   President Manuel   Quezon issued in 1939 Executive Order No. 207   that aimed to   im...
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Sunflower as symbol of empowerment for UP women athletes

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  “We are as strong as men!” A strong statement by   Gabby Calope of the Women’s Football   Team of the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons during the Fourth   Sunflower Run-Walk-Parade that was held last March 21,2026. “Pagpugay sa Kababaihan, Pag-asa Para sa Kabataan” is the event’s theme as part of the Women’s Month celebration of the UP Community that started in 2023. The sunflower is fast becoming UP’s second symbol, after the Oblation. Sunflowers have historically served as a potent symbol of women's rights   by representing enlightenment, empowerment,   growth, and the pursuit of equality. The powerful drumbeats of the UP Varsity Pep Drummers   reverberated around the academic oval as participants carried the giant   sunflower lanterns as tribute to female UP athletes. The parade was attended by UP female athletes    from   badminton,   basketball, beach volleyball,   chess, football, a...
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Sunflower as symbol of the fight against misogyny

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  The powerful drumbeats of the University of the Philippines (UP) Varsity Pep Drummers along with strong   anti-misogyny messages    reverberated around the academic oval during the Fourth   Sunflower Run-Walk-Parade    last March 21,2026. Sunflowers have historically served as a potent symbol of women's rights, particularly in the fight against misogyny, by representing enlightenment, growth, and the pursuit of equality. “When   wrong is defended, a culture of disrespect begins. Giving respect to women is not optional. It is an obligation, “ said Atty. Dot Gancayco in her welcome speech.   With the theme   "Pagpugay sa Kababaihan, Pag-asa Para sa Kabataan", this annual event     started in 2023    as part of the Women's Month celebration within the UP community. Officially recognized by the United Nations in 1977, International Women's Day is celebrated every March 8 as a day when women are recognized for ...
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