UCC Almni Org. Inc. New Set of Officers

Last January 23, 2011, an alumni Assembly was held. Along with the 'kamustahans' was the election of new set of officers.

Set of Officers

President: Teodoro Macaraeg Jr. (2007)

V.Pres: Remar Caballero (2000)

Treasurer: Catherin Paa (2001)

Secretary: Noemi Jose (1997)

..and aside from the officers mentioned above, the newly elected president also chose representatives from different batches to reach out to all for the activities.

source: Ms. Noemi Jose's FB post.

For questions/comments/inquiries about the org. just visit the the UCC Alumni Org. Inc. official FB Group.

By the way, here's the Alumni Org.s logo.

A Piece of advice

For the fresh graduates like me, looking for a job these days is one of the exciting things in this 'new chapter' of our lives. But it is also dreadful as it is exciting.

How can we just relax and not mind the intense competition in the job market? We cant just sit aside and be so calm knowing that there are also a lot of graduates likes us who may be way better in any way.

But worry no more! There are a lot of jobs available in the market. It's just waiting for you to step out of your comfort zone & be aggressive enough. Start looking and familiarizing with the world wide web. It can be your best friend in times like this. Sa dami ng job posts everyday, malulula ka. Di mo alam kung ano uunahin mo. That's what happened to me. But of course you should you should choose wisely. Di ka dapat sige ng sige. Coz rejection is common here. Pag sobrang daming rejection because of your too aggressive approach, you might end up overwhelmed by it. So choose a position which is realistic. It's not bad to be ideal pero dapat sa tamang panahon at pagkakataon.



Not that I'm bragging but so far, sa 2 days at 2 companies na naaplayan ko both were successful. And I will grab both opportunities too.

See? It's not impossible. Start working on that RESUME of yours. Match your qualities with their requirements.

Anyway, though I'm very satisfied & proud of what I have accomplished so far I am a little sad that the job I applied for is not really matched to my course. Coz right now, I have bills and debts to pay. I have to earn since my younger siblings are starting school again this June. In short I have a lot of responsibilities, so I chose the more lucrative one. Anyway, I love it too. I'm just practical. I go for the job which will pay me more. (it's not a call center job FYI)

So with my short experience I think I can give fresh grads like me a few tips:

1. Know what position, company you are applying for.

2. Be updated with the current trends in your field.

3. Keep up to date of what's happening around (be it locally or abroad).

Questions from teh CHATBOX 1

I'll be making a series of posts regarding your questions in the CHATBOX and also from the comments you leave! If you are unfamiliar with it, it's the small rectangular box located on the right side of this blog site.

So let's start.

From: Anonymous

1. Question: hi der! im a graduAte of a bachelors non-education degree holder and im planning to teach for elementary level education. i would like to ask if the UCC have CTP (Certificate in Teaching Program)? what is the process and possible requirements needed?? thanks

From: Rhonne Ayen

Question:

Hi! Question lang puh sana aq kung anong schedule meron units in education... Wala puh ba talagang inooffer sa Camarin Annex...Interasado lang puh...


Answer: YES! UCC offers that. But it's only offered in MAIN campus. I'm not so sure about the process/procedure. You may just go visit the registrar or you may call Main: 324-68-55 & Camarin: 962-97-99. Regarding the schedule I think it varies? no concrete answer din ako diyan.sorry.

2. From: dEck

Question:

good morning, ask ko lang, wala bang problema kahit ngaun lang ako mgppaclearance kahit lat year pa ko grumaduate?

Answer: I'm not so sure about this but I think it's OKAY. I've seen some alumni who graduated like 2 years ago and last SY 2010-2011 2nd sem palang sila nagpapaclearance. For more concrete info you may call the school's numbers: Main: 324-68-55 & Camarin: 962-97-99

Interview Tips!

For seniors, it's now the time to bid their universities' goodbye & welcome the real world of the corporate world. Trust me, it brings mixed emotions. They are excited, sad, dreadful, & of course happy. Excited to finally work & have their own incomes, sad for leaving their friends & the school[structure] they have come to love, dreadful for the uncertain future[Why if I don't get a job after graduation?]and of course the overwhelming happiness for finally being able to emerge as survivors from the grueling tasks, homework, exams and also to be finally free from terror professors.

Anyway, that's not really my point. Why I'm writing this post is to orient the soon-to-be newly graduates about the interviews. I have viewed some from youtube so I'm sharing it to you guys.

What follows are the usual questions asked by the interviwer during the interview. So better be prepared.

Video Credits: JobStreetPH's Channel

1. What are your strengths & weaknesses?

2. Tell me something about yourself.





3. Why do you want to work for this company?




4. Why should we hire you?




So there. For more videos you can CLICK HERE.

I hope you guys enjoy it!

Pscyh 2011 Seniors' Retreat

Last March 2-3 2011 the BS Psychology seniors/graduating students of both main & Camarin campuses held their retreat at Caliraya REsorts in Laguna. It was an awesome place. I think the amount we paid was all worthy. Sulit na sulit kumbaga. We stayed there for 2 days & one night. It was really memorable that I think all the pictures we had are all THE BEST. I will surely go back to that place. By the way, aside from the retreat we also had our final defense for our thesis. I can't say more words about it since I think words are not enough to describe this experience..so let me just share some pictures.

here they are:



[when we were about to swim. When we woke up that morning the sun was greeting us with a very sweet Hello. Everything was green & very idyllic]



[This was taken when we just arrived at the resort. We were preparing to get settled on o ur designated rooms]




[about to go home. Prof. Carl Dellomos in the middle. parang classmate lang namin.hanapin mo na lang siya diyan]



[take 2]



[The part of the retreat where we read the letters given to us]



[Prof. Rhod Dantay during the retreat]

[ang rancho]

A Letter from a Proud UCCian!

Isang dating (siguro) kaeskwela ang nagpost sa blog na ginawa ko sa WORDPRESS.
He narrated the hardships, discrimination & triumph he experienced in searching
for
a job after graduation as a UCC alumnus. Seen below is his mail. Let's read
it & be amazed.

Note: The mail you are about to read had been edited for
some grammatical errors but still contains the same meaning.

"I am Red, an irregular BS Crim student. I would like to share my success as
a UCCian. I've been working at Manila Ocean Park for almost 2 years now.
Inspite having too many competitors in applying as an In-house Marshal, we still
managed to be one of those 250 successful aspirants applying for the said position
together w/ my classmate Vrian Alegarbes. And I still remember that one of panels who
interviewed us asked me if what school I've attended. I said from the University
of Caloocan City, and she replied, "Ahm ok, never heared ha", and just laughed
in front of me. I told them that it's not the name that counts, its the knowledge we
learned in our beloved institution.
"Why dont you just try us, to believe us?".

So far, we are 3 UCCians in a 6-man roster of Manila Ocean Park In-house
Marshal and I am playing one of the most vital roles in Security Operations as a CCTV
and Radio Base Operator which is the so called the HEART and SOUL of the entire
operations, while my 2 fellow UCCian's (both of them are my classmates) are
those who do the Daily Security Report (Day/Night Shift)
that is passed on to the TOP official of the Company. Sharing this story is a
motivation and encouragement to my fellow UCCians to be proud and also to raise the
flag of our beloved institution, University of Caloocan City. Hope it will be
posted on our school journal, thanx and god bless."

My Message to RED:

Hi Red,

I hope you don't mind me editing or giving your letter a little touch. I hope your
wish is fulfilled even though this is not the official school journal. Thank you so
much for sharing your story.Good luck to your future endeavors! Make us all proud^^

Yours sincerely,

Mai Nipin

*******

By the way guys..if you ever want to share inspiring stories about your struggle whether you are an
alumnus, a student or professor please do send it to my email: jill_2607@yahoo.com. We appreciate
it so much!

...Para sa Mga Tulad nating Kapos

sa kabila ng maliit na matrikula. batid ko..marami pa din ang nanganganib na tumigil sa pag-aaral.

sobrang hirap ng buhay para sa ating di pinagpala ng karangyaan..

sadyang ganoon.

pero kapwa ko UCCista...maraming paraan. imulat mo ang iyong mga mata. samahan ng diskarte.

kaya mo yan!!

****************

*flashback

naalala ko ang nabasa ko sa The Crossroads dati.

Isa iyong artikulo tungkol sa mga kandidato sa pagkapangulo ng SSC. (Interview style.)

nailahad doon na ang isang kandidato ay isang CALL CENTER agent!!

isang malaking PAG-ASA ang naidulot nun sakin.

Naisip ko may paraan pa! Kung kaya niyang maipagpatuloy ang pag-aaral sa pamamgitan ng pagtatrabaho...

bakit ako hindi??

wala naman akong kapansanan. (kahit nga may kapansanan pwede din)

kaya sinubukan ko..isang taon akong nag-antay magkatrabaho..buti na lang may nagmagandang loob na pautangin ako ng pangpamasahe sa training kaya ayun. Nairaos. Nagkaroon ako ng trabaho na tumutustos sa aking pang-araw-araw na gastusin hanggang ngayon.

Sana sa iba ganun din ang maging silbi nito.

Sana kahit sa paanong paraan ay makapagbigay din ito ng pag-asa.

Maraming pwedeng trabaho. mahirap nga lang! Pero wala naman talagang madali sa mundo siba? Kailangan talagang paghirapan. Kung matagal ka ng naghihintay...hintay ka pa din..sabayan mo din ng aksiyon..tiyak darating din yan.

Sa pagsasagawa niyan..huwag mong iisipin ang mga kagustuhan mo. oyak mafufrustrate ka lang lalo. Try mong iappreciate ang kung anong meron ka sa kasalukuyan.

magsimula ka dun..

halimbawa magaling kang mag-ingles..(for ABENGs)..pwed kang mag CALL CENTER o kaya HOMEBASED online teaching. uso yan ngayon.

kung ikaw naman ay magaling makipagkapwa tao try mo sa mga fast food.

sa SM Fairview pwede rin! sales lady.sales clerk! tumatanggap sila1 madami akong kakilala na natanggap dun.

kung magaling kang mambola e di magbenta ka ng kung ano ano. madami..madami talagang paraan. PROMISE!

KUNG...

inaalala mo naman ang SCHEDULE...maging palatanong ka. Swertehan! kung nataong PERFECT FIT ang sched mo sa school at sa work!

Kung hindi..kailangan mag-sacrifice. Kailangan mong MAG OFFICIALLY DROP ng mga subjects. Kung pwede rin magpa CHANGE of SCHEDULE ka!!

basta magtanong kay Ate Flor sa Rgeistrar (for camarin).

Sa sistema nating once a week lang ang schedule ng isang subject..tiyak mas madaling mapagtagpi tagpi ang mga schedule.

TIME MANAGEMENT po!

* Kung may mga katanungan po sa mga ideyang aking inilahad..makipagugnayan lamang po sa akin. pakiemail po ako sa : jill_2607@yahoo.com

(kung ikaw ay nagtataka bakit puro FILIPINO ito, yan po ay dahil sa BUWAN ng WIKA na ngayon..kailangan nating ipakita ang pagpapahalaga sa ating wika.kahit paminsan minsan)

salamat po sa pagbabasa!

How your FACEBOOK, TWITTER, FRIENDSTER affects Your EMPLOYMENT chances.

No college student of this generation is 'unaware' of the social networking sites FACEBOOK & TWITTER.

di ka estudyante kapag ganun.

wala na nga sa uso yung FRIENDSTER diba?

Of course this is normal. We (?.hehe), the young generation yearns for a group to belong, a group of people who will accept us, a group we can identify ourselves as a member.

We use it to get updates from our orgs, friends, long lost relatives, families & circle of friends..sometime we also use it to boast of what we have..like a new cellphone, a new boyfriend or girlfriend, a new experience & etc. In short these networking sites do a lot of wonders that we enjoy generously.

But do you know my dear UCCians.. especially to the graduating students that these networking sites we enjoy every minute might also be a cause of an UNEMPLOYMENT??

YES! That's highly possible!

There have been cases recently shared by experts that most employers now resort to researching in these networking sites about their prospective employees. Calling your CHARACTER REFERENCES is one and another is this.

So if you are for instance projecting a very serious image on your job application..but your Friendster, Facebook or Twitter accounts BELIE it then the employer might have a doubt. Thus reducing your chance of getting that dream job!

Think of it my friend. Don't just prepare your suit & tie for the interview, your winsome resume, your impressive credentials...also gear up your social networking account.

What You Can Do About This Possible Problem??

this is according to : TRABAHO Phils.

So, the next time you post an online profile on one of these
sites, remember to:

1. Set your profile viewing settings so that only friends
can view it. Or you might want to reset which information you want others
including friends to view.

2. If ever you wish to make it public, you should be
careful of what you type and what pictures you upload.

3, Avoid inviting friends who you don’t know.

4. Invite only people you know.

5. When you post, think long term.

6. With these in mind, you’ll be able to control your
profile in social networking sites and make sure to build up your character
through them.

7. This is because you won’t be able to control who sees your
profile unless you make necessary steps. This is definitely a good tip when
you’re job hunting.

SO beware!

if you have any trouble resetting your view setting try to google it or maybe if I find the need to..I might save it for another post.

“In
each action we must look beyond the action at our past, present, and future
state, and at others whom it affects, and see the relations of all those things.
And then we shall be very cautious.

5 Easy Steps to Vote this May 2010 Elections

Here's a step by step instruction on how to vote this coming May 2010 automated elections!

Thanks to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kygH6XLMo7M for the video.

The Challenge for the New Graduates

after 4 years of struggle..pagsusunog ng kilay, endeavors, pagpupuyat...pagcomply sa projects...the day YOU have been waiting for has finally arrived.

CONGRATULATIONS Batch 2010-2011!!

...soon before the month of April ends..you will be marching the aisle...you will receive your DIPLOMA and bid your university goodbye. some might say "That's IT! I'm outta here!"...but some might also say "THIS is IT!" ..I hope you'll say the latter.

....anyway..enough of the drama!

I've been thinking of a solemn & memorable way to congratulate the batch 2011 graduating students but the world 'outside' which I'm aware of presents a threat. hinders me from BEING sincerely happy for you guys.

I'm sorry. I can't be sincerely happy for you when I foresee that the world our idealistic minds made up during our stay in the univ is gradually getting extinct...I'm not being pessimistic...I am just showing YOU the real picture of the 'jungle' my dear schoolmates. and it's not something we can just shrug off. (I don't have to be in the corporate world to know that. It's all over the TV)

We are taught since the first day we've realized our existence in the planet that a COLLEGE education is the key to SUCCESS. of course I do believe that. But is not the SOLE KEY. It should be accompanied with other 'keys'.

for that I want you to meet my 'barakada' -- it's called The VIRTUES

meet;

Patience --you will need HIM when everything seems to go out of your plan.

Perseverance -- he will be there when you think you have been fooled! you'll need him in times of hopelessness..you just have to hold onto him..keep him in your vocabulary..heed his advice. He may be annoying & nagging you sometimes but it will surely be for your own good.

Passion -- he's just there when you were thinking of your future plans. all there to give you JUST the MORAL support..but the truth is HE keeps hiding when you're out already. In our world today..he can be a good help but NOT necessary & essential...heed him & you'll find yourself just planning & dreaming..and afterwards..planning & dreaming.... He'll suggest you to do what you like & love but again in this world..of great competition..you have to do what you NEED to do. Be realistic. Ignore him 'sometimes'.

Realism -- at first you may think he's a BULLY. but he is the most honest of the 'barkada'. When you want to hear the truth.no matter how much it will hurt you he will SAY it to you outright! So prepare yourself everytime you meet him.

.............................................................

..BALITA!!

according to the news... it will be harder for new grdauates to apply this coming summer even in CALL CENTERs. The famous job recruitment online nerwork stated that before 50,000 applicants were hired each month..now it decreased to 10,000. This is due to BPO companies ' new & stricter policies in job selection! It is advised for some especially to newly graduates to take OJT's and use their waiting time to develop their skills in different aspects.

here's the video clip

Video credit: TheABSCBNNews

it is said here that investors and companies are not actively hiring employees as of now due to the election. They have to weigh the factors first. The new administration might have some new program so they have to adjust to that. So they will be actively hiring new employees around June.

"Gamitin ang panahon ng paghihintay sa pagpapalawig ng kakayanan imbes na tumambay sa bahay"

--nice quote.

Yusisista -- Sino ka sa kanila?

..mga hinaing ng yusisista..narinig mo na ba? know the present UCC's situation and it's types of students by taking a peek at their sentiments/comments/messages on Facebook.

..."pasyensya na mahal kong unibersidad. sana maunawaan mo na wala kaming
magamit na kwarto kanina upang gawin ang pag opera sa pusa sa aming anatomy na
kurso. magaantay pa kami ng oath taking after ng eleksyon o pagkatapos?"

--Armanz Pocallan Avendaño II aka "pipingmirasol"

(he's pertaining to the new UCC building in Camarin...nakakalungkot kasi ng konti magclass sa stairs at kung san san habang nakikita mo ang magandang building.)

Kamuzta naman UCC ngaun? azteeg skul natin noh? sa main pag nasa 2nd floor ka
kita ung 1st floor wahahahaha.., tagpi tagpi amp.. ^_^ Regards nalng sa mga Head
nyu ^_^ wahahaha kay mam bau.., tsaka sa paborito qng head na si sir JETAJOBE
^_^ wahahaha

--- Gelo Alcano

(being sarcastic)

ucc bulok...hahhahaha peace

--MhaiLyne Frias

(being pessimistic and realistic?? hehe)

Wag maliitin, Eskwelehan namin... ndi basta basta, mula sa aking ama at mga
kapatid lahat kmi nagtapos ng kolehiyo sa UNIVERSITY OF CALOOCAN.. look what we
are now..

-- Cathy Abenojar

(being a proud alumnus--mga dapat tularan!)

Armanz Pocallan Avendaño II isa pa, ung building na itinatayo sa camarin. alam
naming kay recom galing yon, hindi na niya dapat ipangalandakan na kulay dilaw
at asul ang building. tama na ang tarpaulin na nagpapakita ng kanyang proyekto
sa ucc sa gate. kapag hapon, especially ang mga may klaseng 12-6 e talagang
manggigitata sa sobrang init. dilaw... na ang sinag ng araw kaya kapag tumama sa
dambuhalang building e magliliwanag ang lahat. dilaw din ang pintura ng loob ng
bawat klasrum, ano na lang ang mangyayari sa mga estudyante ngayon??? motivation
ba yon para makapagfocus sa klase???

-- Armanz Pocallan Avendaño II aka "pipingmirasol"

(blabbering--mala aktibista to --kuya mabenta ka dito ah? )

CNO PO MAY LIKE NG
CONTACT LENS??HEADPHONES, EARPHONES AND SLIMMING COFFEE??
pm me or msg
nlng po..i will be here to entertain u :))kung interested po
pkitgnan n
lng po albums ko.. thanks

-- Edward Ibbara

(the negosyante. reflects how we we UCCians find ways to overcome financial difficulties...parang BDO lang "We find ways"Madami ganito sa UCC.may mga nag-sideline, nagpart-time job, at meron din nagfull-time)

Hi UCC! I feel good this group is exsisting now! I have joined you coz I want to
get reconnected with my old classmates during my term way back 2001. Is there
someone who could tell me, how will I have my year book?? I never have one since
I graduated! :( BUt now I am based in denmark and don't know exactly what to do!
pls. help

-- Maria Millet Dela Cruz

(the nostalgic & succesful alumna)

sana aman pouh uala nang rtention ang tle..
sana dn pouh wula nam pgnc..
anghirap kea!!..

-- Jhoyz Paed

(yusisistang ayaw ng mag-aral.hehehe)

ang pag iwas ay di simula ng paglimot ...may mga bagay na kelangang sanaying
wala bago tuluyang iwan

-- Maria Nerlyn Sancho Gallardo

(yusisistang mala Madam Auring..just take a closer feel/look at her tone. parang horoscope sa diyaryo diba?/ TAMA!!)

asar aman walang activities anu next sem p????? e dami na rin gawain nun

-- Maria Nerlyn Sancho Gallardo

(yusisistang aktibo? gusto lagi may events. para wlang pasok.! hehe)

I had read a detailed article about UCC's history sa Crossroads Publication
"UCC in a Nutshell" ata ung title...meron din po sa year book nung batch 2007
and 2008..la lang

-- Jopan Tolentino

(Yusisistang di maka move-on??? -- hehhe dating Crossroads staff to. I like his articles . hmm... I think he's just advertising one of his works in the pub?? not really sure)

WELCOME TO ALL NEW MEMBERS! It's very nice to have you here with us. We know
that most of you guys were busy in some sort of personal matters however we're
looking forward to see you around for a moment or two.

-- Keivin Karl C. Cabreros

(the internet savvy!! hahah techie. Facebook varsity member ng UCC. one of the admin ng UCC group on FB)

hello UCCians!! wala n naman tao?? o adik lang talagah ako sa FB???
hmmm????

-- Mai Nipin


(one of he Facebook varsity members din to. every now & then nagtse - check ng FB UCC group. miyembro ng "walang matapos dahil sa facebook')

i love all uccians mwaaah

-- Aljon De Guzman Yap


(yusisistang loyal. treasurer siya sa SSC sa main. former staff of The Crossroads. an acquaintance of mine.very likeable person. ayun naging bias na ko..hehhehe)

when will be the first batch of entrance exam??? sa UNIBERSIDAD NG KAMARIN?

--- Elmar Albarando

(maxado loyal sa Camarin??)

looking for batch 1987

--- Mira Gonzales Fereja (mukhang nawawala o naliligaw?? ang laki naman kasin UCC diba?)


"Ikaw,..sino ka sa kanila? oh wala ka ba dito??? bueno magpakilala ka!!!"

make some noise!!!!

The New UCC Building -- to be fully functional in SY 2010-2011

It's been confirmed!! ---- the new UCC building in Camarin will be fully functional next school year. (SY 2010-2011) I am so excited!! -- unfortunately the seniors now won't be able to use it..too bad for them..pero okay lang at least nakita nila?? (pede n bang consolation yun?)

hehhe anyways..according to my source, Prof. Joan Tulod all the 16 rooms will be divided into two so all in all we will have 32 new classrooms next year!! and...magkakaroon na daw po ng HRM na course. gusto daw yun ni Mayor Recom. 5 rooms will be alotted to them as their laboratory.. so pwede ng ipamalita!!

when I was walking in the street behind the NOW UCC I couldn't help myself but smile & be proud..it was truly a good structure..sending me a message that soon I can justify proudly that my school is indeed a great one!!! not just basing on the graduates it produces but also on it's structure.

yung likod ngayon ay gagawing harap..there we'll see the front view of the school beaming proudly it's name. there's the arch which is a typical structure in almost all universities.

pero habang naglalkad ako nun nagsisi ako..wala akog camerang dala! too bad..but surely next time will never be the same.

2009 Criminology Board Passers!

Annualy UCC has new set of passers...be it CPA Board Exams, Criminology or Education Board Exams. Indeed we have something to be proud of although a lot of people are looking down on us! They don't know that we have more passers in these competetive exams than other good and private universities. So although we lack facilities...let us all be proud my fellow UCCians!! Someday..you'll be seeing your name in tarpaulin as well..provided that you study hard of course.

Victory of one UCCian is victory of all!!

(picture taken last Sunday Feb. 14, 2010 in UCC Camarin Campus)

Congratulations to the recent Criminology Board Passers!!

1. Asumbra, Mailyn

2. Artazo, Edmond Mulie

3. Artazo, Mark Joseph Orbert

4. Balongcas, Jefferson B.

5. Bandico, Jeffrey Templado

6. Bartolome, Allen Carl Balaan

7. Capricho, Anjie C.

8. De Guzman, Analie V.

9. Galang, Jonathan M.

10. Garcia, John Jay P.

11. Gulanan, Jayson Ebrada

12. Infante, Wilfredo Jr. Darriguez

13. Magno, Jessica Delino

14. Mahinay, Elrey M.

15. Malaki, Aladdin

16. Mendoza, Junie Bert

17. Pagdanganan, Jayron Macaventa

18. Santos, Catterin Lorena

CUBE -- Center for UCCs' Best Entertainers

I found this on youtube & I'd like to share this to my fellow UCCians. Video credit goes to nicnice03 on youtube.

This was held at bulwagang katipunan, caloocan city hall last december 2008

University of Caloocan City Center for UUCs' Best Entertainers Presents

Christmas Reunion

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

UCCian graces TV 5’s “Talentadong Pinoy”

This is the original article CJ and I wrote about MAPE. This was later edited & got piblished in The Crossroads

UCCian graces “Talentadong Pinoy”

An exceptionally talented AB Math UCCian just brought home the bacon from TV 5’s “Talentadong Pinoy”, a reality talent show with no limits, where truly entertaining can survive the panel of judges plus the ‘audience jury’.

This newly pride of UCC is no other than Reynaldo L. Mape Jr. ,a 20-year old AB Math student from Camarin & a resident of Bagong Silang Caloocan City.

His winning performance was done along with his 8-year old brother Reymil. He showcased his cunning maneuver of Rubik’s cube along with playing the yoyo. The judges & its host, Ryan Agoncillo was so amazed that they even asked for some lessons.

His winning is composed of 5o, 000 pesos & a chance to be exposed on some GMA shows namely; “Unang Hirit” & “Lovely Day”(not yet shown). He gave a humble “maybe” when asked if he would go for showbiz if ever offers would come.

He is such a restless achiever. He has mentioned in the lunch interview held last November 14 that he consistently endeavors novel & unusual talents. “ Dapat bawat araw may magagawa akong bago” he mentioned with his thrilled eyes longing to unveil some more talents & skills through his seemingly frail physique.

A true talented young man, he also knows how to play the piano which he learned at the age of six, and learned other musical instruments since then. Among these are the xylophone, guitar, violin and others. He became a virtuoso despite the fact that his right ear became deaf because of an ear infection. He had uncovered these skills & talents with only limited resources. He used to borrow instruments & try to figure it out by himself. According to this guy who was raised in far away suburbs of Cagayan, resources are just secondary factors in attaining success. It’s the determination to achieve something that matters. He is indeed a “talentadong pinoy”!

The show is not only his arena. He has also spread his wings on other competitions & proved to everybody especially to those who scorned him that adversity is not a hindrance to attain something. He has competed in international & local Rubik’s cube competition such as Rubik’s cube Philippine open 2008 wherein he ranked 2nd in 3x3x3 blindfold category & 6th in 3x3x3 multi blindfolded category amongst hundreds of other aspirants.

His most recently learned talents are playing astrojax (a string with 3 weights) and dice stacking. The truly remarkable thing is that he is practicing these talents with borrowed or improvised equipments.

On an interview, he said that he will use different talents each episode in order to maintain the judges’ interest. He is currently re-practicing his talents, quoting “Kung may talent ka, dapat maya-maya daanan mo rin kasi baka mamaya magtampo yun”.

Mape now aspires to be a defending champion 5 times in a row, a feat that will earn him the title of being the first champion to do this competition.

MAPE TV 5's Talentadong Pinoy Man!!

Matagal na po to pero post ko parin!!

Si JR Mape! I had the privilege to interview him for THE CROSSROADS last .... I forgot the date..really long time ago! hehehehe.It was the first time he won in Talentadong Pinoy. It made to the news around the campus not just in Camarin where he truly belongs but also in the 5 campuses of UCC. He's an AB Math 3rd year then. He was really fun & easy to talk to. I'm personally amazed with this guy because he was able to develop those talents from scratch. He just got some of his first instruments from junk! He can do dice stacking, rubiks (blindfolded), play the guitar, violin & a lot more. He's from no musical clan or whatever. He's just a simple guy who tried his luck to showcase his unique talent on TV. He even played violin for me once & I wa struly mesmerized. Ilokano din pala siya.

Here's a video clip:

Video Credit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fiCD09aZVg

Based on some background research I did on the net about him, I have found out that he joined different rubiks contest locally & internationally he ranked 4th, 3rd sometimes 1st! That was really quite unique for a pinoy isn't it? He laong with his younger brother also appeared in WOWOWEE, EATBULAGA & SIS. (spell exposure?)

Another video clip from Bulacan Open 2009:

Video Credit:http:http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=puGxZiXTxOE

Mape in Wowowee

Video Credit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqEDeGZnJuE&feature=related

Although most of us UCCians are poor we stil strive & compete with others. We also have talents that if harnessed can be a source of pride for our fellow students.

We are used to doing things from scratch. We are used of getting the best out of the least. We learn to take advantage of every environment we land to improve ourselves & not just wait of what the university can offer. The real world is our training ground! So who said we lack facilities??

BS PSYCHOLOGY Majors in ABS-CBN It's Showtime

I was surprised to have a call from my sister & receive the news that my classmastes are on TV!! I quickly looked for a TV but there was none in our boarding house. So I just settled in my sister's narration of what was happening already on TV.

Last Dec. 15, 15 of my classmates & friends from Psychology department bravely treaded the path to the ABS-CBN office & registered themselves as audiences. They got a little help from a tour guide once assigned there (Moises Fuentes & company). It was such a great exoperience for them so I am really happy & proud!

By the way, ate Realyn Castillo was given the privilege to act as a host of the show for some short while & she did it very well.

To view the said episode of IT"S SHOWTIME click here. But beware, the video is not that clear & it is also kind of blurred. Be patient. I am trying my best to look for a clearer copy but its unavailble from the web!