Where did it all begin?

It started when I transferred to UP Diliman. I was scared to say good bye to Mapua because my original blockmates were here and we had a lot of experiences together. Playing computer games, eating at Kantunan, hanging out at the Walls of Intramuros, and many more. But, I was instructed by my parents to take chances and submit my application to UP Diliman since I'm a Magna Standing in Mapua. Then, I tried to apply to UP in three courses as required: (1) Civil Engineering, (2) Mechanical Engineering, and (3) Architecture. I was highly recommended in Engineering since my math subjects are above average. I was also accepted in Architecture since I got the highest entrance exam (plate) score. However, I still chose Civil Engineering because I know I have a passion for this course and will give me a brighter future.

On my first day, I felt the saddest day in school where I had no one to talk to every free time. Got no one to have lunch with. I had my first PE subject on my first semester in UP. It was Duck Pin Bowling. I met Angel Gacutan, an ACES member and my first CE friend. As we walk together after class, she asked me what my course was. I told her Civil Engineering. And she was delighted and invited me to apply in UP ACES. But the application sign ups were finished and the process are on-going. So I told her that I will apply next sem.

I had my first glimpse when I visited UP ACES the following sem. I had no idea what an org was. Yes, way back in mapua, I was invited in this Honor Society. It was not actually an org but rather a group of honor students. So I had no idea what an application process was. As days pass by, I met my future batchmates. We had the best days of our lives during the application process. Lots of memories to tell. Lots of experiences to begin with. But what I will tell the readers of this journal was the best memory I had during the process. My Co-apps. After our application process, I had some ups and downs but as months pass by, I learned to be humble. It is a batch effort. I love 10B. Thanks to UP ACES.

This organization is not just an Org. It is a family. There are times that when I see a lot of members in our tambayan, I keep quiet and just seeing everyone happy, makes my whole day already. I'm not a "pabida" type of person but I am very proud to be a member of ACES. The learnings I had and the trainings they offer their members are the best. It is one of my inspiration why I ran for the council because I feel like, how I serve the members of my org will be a lesson for me to serve the college as well. I am not abiding fully from STAND UP principles. As i ran for the council, one of my principles that inspired me was the lessons I learned in UP ACES. And that molded me on my way in the campaign period. It's not about winning. It's about the continuous learnings you will get on the process and how you will serve the college in your OWN way and not what the party tells you.

In UP ACES, we had past times like drinking, smoking, though I don't smoke. Despite of all these vices, this org teaches its members to be strong and be mindful every step of the way. They teach the members to be vocal and let knowledge and experience burst out. Their mind set is the members' future after graduation. That's one of the purpose of this org. To improve the growth and professionalism of its members. The prestige being known as the org with the most number of  national events in the college was so fulfilling. Handling events was the prime grounds of ACES to teach the young members to handle life's pressure in all situations and in every people they will meet in the future. Were are strong and we are the future. I certainly believe that i'm in the right organization. Right fellow students. Right Family.

When did it all begin? Hmm. Before I was shy, very close-minded to opportunities, and was contended of the grades I get and friends I had but, ACES taught me to be open to every endeavors the college offers. However, I got some trainings to finish and be a role model to future aspiring applicants of UP ACES. I will always remember that wherever I go, ACES principles will lead me. Solid. Bigtime. Forever. Yeah.

UP ACES
Batch 10B

UP ACES Sem Ender (April 2-3, 2012)