ust

“Hi Ate, kakalipat lang po namen ng bahay, sa tondo pa din po. Sa JPMorgan po ako nagwowork 3 years na din po. Ate, hindi pa pala kita napapasalamatan for changing my life for the better. Im really glad and thankful that I am one of the luckiest persons to be part of TP4. Kung hindi kayo nagvisit sa school namen before and took the extra step to see our lives baka im not the person I am now. Thank you Ate for helping us and giving us the opportunity to have a better future. I owe this to you and super happy ako that ive met such a wonderful person like you. – Maripet Dy”

I received this on September 30, 2014 at 8:13 PM. It came from one of our Thomasian Project 4 (TP4) Scholars, specifically, from the batch I first handled. I am beyond grateful to be on the receiving end of the above-quoted message. It has been my life’s commitment to genuinely help other people and be one of the many instruments to achieving their dreams. And this message is the answer to a question that has been hounding me for years, “may nagawa at naiwan kaya akong maganda para sa iba?”

TP4 was a project of the UST Central Student Council which aimed to provide less fortunate but able high school students with an opportunity to pursue tertiary education in one of the big universities. Our partner school at that time was Jose Abad Santos High School in Manila.

I remember vividly that moment when I first saw Maripet. She was a frail looking Chinese student who silently sat on a corner while we discussed the details of the program we are offering her class. She went on and passed the qualifying exam as well as the interview, as one of the highest in her batch. But it is the “home visit” that completely convinced me, TP4 exists for students like Maripet.

She lived in a humble space in Tondo with her siblings and her parents. Her father at that time was a 60 year old part time “padyak” driver. Her mother was a housewife. As far as I recall, Maripet is the 2nd eldest in a brood of not less four children. While inside their house, I realized that TP4 can really help Maripet and her family. I knew right there and then, that through our program they can have a better life.

Pursuant to the program, all those who qualified spent their Saturdays in UST as we tutor them for their classes and prepare them for entrance exams. Everyone that we mentored had a special place in my heart but Maripet was different. I was amazed by her discipline and obedience. In fact, she always tops TP4 Batch evaluations. Knowing her circumstances, I had my eyes on her.

Maripet eventually took the entrance exam in UST and passed. She confirmed her slot as a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Finance Student. I was very happy for her. We helped her get a scholarship and she qualified. I was jubilant! The girl who never really knew what’s ahead of her after high school is finally stepping foot in UST. She will go to college and pursue a collge degree.

That summer, however, I crossed paths with her and it seemed like she is not as excited as I am for her. She just came from the Tan Yankee Student Center, looking so lost and was about to cry. I asked why and was shocked by her answer – she was withdrawing her confirmation.

Maripet reasoned that despite the scholarship, her family cannot afford the other expenses in UST. I completely understood her but I was determined not to let her bag down. I was not going to make her turn away from an opportunity that could spark the big difference in her life. I knew God put me there on that fateful day for a reason. I was there to lift Maripet from an impending fall and secure her from her fears.

It was not easy making her believe again that she can be a Thomasian and she can graduate from the University. I didn’t also know the right words to say as I have never been in her shoes. All I have got was my genuine desire to help and concern for her better future. I asked her to be brave for her family and not be defeated by the circumstances. I asked her to believe in herself.

By some magic, she enrolled that same year and pursued her degree in UST.

I wasn’t sure what made her reconsider. Maybe she listened to me. Maybe I was able to make her trust in her own capacities and believe in her dream once more. Or maybe, I just had in my midst a strong young woman who was willing to brave the odds, take risks and dream big for her family.

But one thing is for sure, I knew Maripet was no push over and that she deserved better. I am pretty sure college was not a walk in the park for her. As a working scholar, she had to be in school way longer than any ordinary student. She struggled financially as expenses for books, projects and uniforms became a staple. But she graduated in 2011 and has been employed by JPMorgan for three years now.

What an inspiration she truly is.

Who would have thought that the daughter of pedicab driver can graduate from UST and be employed by one of the biggest banking and financial companies in the world? That from the tiny space they had before, a frail looking girl can help her family move to a more decent home? That a student who literally had no idea where she’ll find herself after highschool has finally found her life’s direction and is doing good?

Maripet may not have achieved her ultimate dream yet but I am certain that if she maintains the same kind of character she displayed while she was with TP4 and UST, there’s no telling how far she can go.

In her message, she thanked me and TP4 for touching her life. For that, she is most graciously welcomed. But we also have a lot to thank her for. She is a testament to the nobleness of TP4 and the effectiveness of its cause. Maripet proved that with a program like that of TP4, struggling Filipino families will be given an opportunity to improve their lives. Not only will it give less fortunate students the chance to pursue a college education but most importantly, will help in our nation’s long standing battle with poverty.

Lastly, I would like to thank her for giving meaning to my life. Maripet is the living proof that I have done something worthy in this lifetime. I am just human, I have done a lot of unpleasant things but with this realization, I thank the Lord for the grace He has given me to touch Maripet and her family’s life. I am beyond grateful.

“EVERY SINGLE TIME YOU HELP SOMEBODY STAND UP, YOU ARE HELPING HUMANITY RISE” —- Dr. Steve Marabolli

The sun has not yet risen, no sighting of open establishments and there were barely people around except for probably 15 of us patiently waiting by the gates. I vividly remember, it was 45 minutes past 5 in the morning. I woke up particularly jittery that day, as in the days before that. Why shouldn’t I be? I have watched all of Salinggawi’s prior performances only on TV and it frustrates me that I don’t have a ticket to watch their “Roar 4 More” performance yet. No, not this time, not again. I missed it on my 1^st year in College, I didn’t see the awesomeness of the “helicopter” live, I was not gonna let that happen again.

And so there I was, standing by the gate of Araneta Center Ticket booth before sunrise, desperately hoping that I could secure for myself and my friends a Standing Room Ticket (SRO) for the UAAP Season 65 Cheerdance Competition. There I was, together with some drivers and helpers made to stand in line for tickets, anticipating the opening of the ticket booth like waiting for Manna from heaven. I can still remember how I patiently pushed and shoved (hehe) some people who were trying to insert themselves before me. I felt like I had all the right, after all, I was up really early for this. They better be more diligent next time. Hehe 🙂

At around noon, the ticket booth opened and finally, me and my friends were able to purchase our tickets. We entered the Big Dome as soon as the gates open. We were in Upper B and were “supposed” to be on SRO. But since we are diligent, we came in way before those who purchased reserved seating tickets. So pasensyahan nalang, when they got in and found us comfortably and confidently sitting on their seats. Looking back, I want to thank them for their generosity and kindness, they didn’t bother us anymore and content themselves watching by the aisle. Way to go!

The UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe successfully defended their crown that year. They set a record of four (4) straight wins. They went farther the next year as they “Jive for Five” and won yet again. They held the cheerdance championship for five (5) consecutive years (2002-2006), a feat that no other team in the UAAP has ever accomplished as of this date.

But Salinggawi went on a slow steep the years after, from a bridesmaid finish in 2007 and 2008, to falling in and out of the winning column, until their worst ranking in 2013 (7^th). Supporters and the crowd also began to diminish in numbers, haters and non-believers increased their base. Admittedly, Thomasians doubted Salinggawi. Wala na, tapos na ang glory years. Year after year, Salinggawi lost their clean and beautiful tosses and pyramids, no more graceful dances. Instead, there were so many falls and drops in the performances, magulo, mukhang masyadong kabado.

Salinggawi is derived from the Filipino phrase “Salin ng mga dating Gawi at Lahi”, which translates to “transfer of customs and traditions” in English. The dance troupe together with the UST Yellow Jackets took pride in passing on the excellence and winning tradition in the field of dance and cheering from one batch to another. Sadly, it looked like hindi naisalin ang nakaGAWIan in the past few years. It seemed like Salinggawi lost its identity. Madaming nagtatanong, nasaan na ang dating Gawi? Kelan kaya ito magbabalik?

Throughout the past eight (8) years, however, it appears that it is not only the Salinggawi which failed to pass on tradition. Because of the disappointing runs, the once vibrant and supportive Thomasian fan base became the primary doubters of the Salinggawi Dance Troupe. Hindi rin naipasa ang nakaGAWIang pagsuporta at paniniwala sa Salinggawi.

Back then, almost half of the Araneta Coliseum was filled with yellow shirts and yellow balloons. It is true what they say, “listen to the Tigers ROAR”. As soon as the first drum beat is heard, the resounding “Go USTE” chant will envelope the entire Big Dome and you’ll feel goosebumps all over you. Thomasians were very proud of the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe. Like what I did back in 2005 and 2006, we won’t hesitate to wrestle for tickets just so we can watch them perform live. We remain confident despite the angst and creativity of the UP Pep Squad and the clean execution by the FEU Cheering Squad. We did not fear, we did not doubt. We were sure that Salinggawi will always win. For years, ang nakagawiang buwis buhay na suporta ay naipasa at napanindigan ng mga Tomasino.

Things have changed for the worst for the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, unfortunately. Last Sunday, UST was almost just a speck in the crowd. The drums were still resounding but the “GO USTE” chant, no more. Mahina, walang gana.

This season, I finally watched the cheerdance competition live again, after years of absence. Yes, I too was hurt, devastated and disappointed. I cannot bear to watch the team I lined up for early in the morning lose like they don’t have any winning tradition under their belt. I cannot believe how a team which seemed so invincible loses their confidence to perform just like a snap of a finger. Yes, I too doubted the Salinggawi Dance Troupe. To be completely honest, I went to watch without any expectation that they will win. For that, I am sorry.

But despite it all, Salinggawi will always be Salinggawi. Amidst all the questions about their return, they trained and prepared regardless of the circumstances that befell them. Without a podium finish, they did not have a cash prize to work with and I am not even sure if they are getting enough financial support, but they did not stop. Neither were they disheartened by the fact that there was a 75% decrease in UST crowd attendance. Last Sunday, they went there to fight and win, for UST.

After placing 7^th last year, the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe is finally back on the winning column. They placed 3^rd to NU and UP, respectively. I was seated in the middle of the Adamson crowd (it was the only seat available) but I stood up and ever so proudly cheered, “Go USTE, Go USTE, Go! Go! Go!” I teared up and was so jubilant that I did not mind who will win the Championship. All that mattered was UST winning again! FINALLY!

Some may have probably said that we celebrate way too much, 3^rd place lang naman. But this is more than JUST a Second Runner-Up finish for us Thomasians and Salinggawi faithfuls. This is Salinggawi showing us all that they will never back down from a fight and that for as long as there is a single soul that believes, anything can happen. This is Salinggawi telling Thomasians to keep the faith and support them as they slowly try to get the crown back. This is Salinggawi telling Thomasians na hindi pa natatapos at kailanman hindi titigil ang nakaGAWIan. This is Salinggawi proving us that no matter what, they will stand and fight for UST.

Win or lose, in close margins and blow-outs, the Salinggawi Dance Troupe and Yellow Jackets, cheer our athletes. They never lose the heart to uplift Thomasian spirits in the audience even if our Tigers and Tigresses are obviously licking fatal wounds, some even self-inflicted. They were always the last ones to leave the court or any sports event. They were always all heart for UST.

As they take center stage yet again next year, and in the years to come, let us also go ALL HEART for them. Huwag bumitiw sa SalingGAWI. Tulungan natin silang makabalik sa dati nilang kinalalagyan.

Sabay sabay tayong bumalik sa nakaGAWIan.