As I walk this afternoon

This morning, our group report was deferred because we weren’t prepared at all. We chose to postpone it instead of delivering a very elementary type of discussion (which is what I always do in class). So as an alternative to holding a three-hour class, our professor decided to give us a library work.


As usual, my day is gloomy. The weather brings a melancholic atmosphere and I can’t help it. I’m always sad, always feeling alone. Plus I am confronted by many problems as of the moment (problems ranging from the problems of society, to love, to family, health and academics). Dead tired with the system.


While I was on my way home, I passed by Araneta Coliseum, as I always do. Today is the opening of the UAAP and the match is between UP and Lasalle. As expected, UP lost in the game. Forgive me for being harsh but I can’t blame them though. They don’t receive sufficient funding, and sufficient support I guess that’s why. I am reminded of a joke; actually it’s a line UP players throw at their opponents whenever they lose. It goes like this “Mag-exam na lang tayo, sige!” There goes the intellectual arrogance of the cream of the crop. Ang mga matatapang, matatalino at di patatalo na UPians. Will our players benefit from the TOFI? Will it be a factor for their victory? That I don’t know. I just fervently hope they win next time.


I watched the crowd dispersed after the game. Most of the Lasalista, as always, headed to Starbucks, Pizza Hut Bistro and whatever classy restaurant or coffee shop nearby. I am almost near the jeep terminal when it started to rain. Darn, I left my cheap umbrella. But walking under the rain somehow made me feel easy. I love the rain, except rain in the city coz it’s not really soothing. It’s an acid rain and therefore corrosive, (chuckle).


I just had this thought: Intellectual gap between UPians and others is a given, but economic and income gap is very evident. UST students most often than not have cars; an Atenista is likely to be seen in a car discharging loud music while causing traffic along Katipunan Avenue; and a Lasalista in a car beside a girlfriend/boyfriend. UPians on the other hand are usually seen inside jam packed jeepneys. However, because of the changing character and philosophy of UP, majority of the students now belong to higher economic strata.


Nakakainis na TOFI, sana nag-aaral ako ngayon ng Econ 115 pero kailangan ko pang tapusin ang statement ng pagtutol dito. Nakakainis na HSA, kailangan tuloy naming magpa-forum tungkol dito. Nakakainis ang dean, walang tambayan ang mga tao paralisado tuloy ang recruitment at activities. Nakakainis na bagong walkway sa LT at drinking fountains, nahahamig tuloy ang iba na suportahan ang TOFI. (TOFI is an issue of UP being a state university-Prof. Roland Simbulan) Nakakainis na sistema.


Sometimes, a walk under the rain helps you contemplate on things.
It all boils down to commercialization of education, to commercialization of a basic right.(sigh)