Young Roots
I am a Subolite, Pangasinan and proud.
By Fe May Dulay
It is always with deep pride and pleasure when I tell people that I hail from our province and a UP SUBOL SOCIETY member.
When I entered the University of the Philippines Baguio in June 2004, I was not expecting that I would come across kabaleyans. So I was really surprised when I heard people talking in Pangasinan along the corridors.
Four of my block mates in freshmen year were in fact my kabaleyans. At that time, I was living alone and did not really know anyone from Baguio. But having found my kabaleyans, I immediately felt I am home.
Weeks passed by, one of my block mates informed me that there is an existing organization of Pangasinan students, the UP Subol Society or UPSS. It was something that really attracted me because it is inspiring to know that these young people did not turn their backs on where they have come from, which is something that is easy to do in an environment where so many new things and ideas are brought forward to you .
Nonetheless, I initially hesitated in joining them because more than just an organization for camaraderie, it is a group that requires serious commitment to serve. And I thought I could not handle such responsibilities since I was still adjusting to my college life.
In 2005, on my 2nd year, I finally decided to enter UPSS. During the orientation process, I learned and understood deeper what the organization stands for.
“Subol” is a Pangasinan word for spring. UPSS was founded in 1975 in UP Diliman and in November 1977 in UP Baguio. Its general principle is to render service back to Pangasinan.
To become a member you need to undergo some challenges. I will never forget those tough but learning experiences. But having gone through those difficulties made me appreciate the group and my membership all the more.
Indeed, when you work hard to achieve something, it is harder to let go so easily.
Being a member is also a privilege. UPSS taught me lots of things. It enhances my well-being, trains me towards service-development and instills in me the true sense of brotherhood and cooperation.
PADUNUNGAN, the annual quiz show, which is really a difficult undertaking, is quite remarkable I would say. Organizing it requires a lot of logistical preparations and that means lots of headaches too. But it is an avenue for great skills, potentials and friendly competition among our young kabaleyans, which make all the hard work worth it.
The unselfish efforts encourage each one of us to improve our commitment to public service and this is particularly emphasized in this year’s theme, “Metamorphose, Level Up!”
I can proudly say that PADUNUNGAN 2007, held in late October, was a success.
UPSS Baguio is now on its 30th anniversary. It has been another year, another fruitful experience.
I believe that a Subolite will remain a Subolite at heart forever As we usually say amongst ourselves: “Duman-duma no Kabaleyan mon talaga!” UP SUBOL SOCIETY, INAROK YA!
(Readers may reach columnist at marifijara@gmail.com. For past columns, click http://sundaypunch.prepys.com/archives/category/opinion/roots/
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