Thank You, FEU!

It was a dream come true to have been accorded the honor,

not for myself, but for my Alma Mater.

TOSP Alumni Community Christmas Party 2008

12.14.08 is a date!

2008 The Outstanding Students of the Philippines

2008 The Outstanding Students of the Philippines together with

Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

John Paul Uminga of Far Eastern University Manila

Batch Kanlungan's Ladies

Batch Kanlungan's Gentlemen

Usapang Tatay

Yes, this post is primarily dedicated to all fathers in the world. Unsurprisingly enough, the word father would go beyond as a reference to a man who has biologically sired an offspring, for at one point or another in our lives, we meet people who act like real fathers to us. To all of you, HAPPY FATHERS' DAY!

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And for the occasion, allow me to talk about my fathers. :)

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HEAVENLY FATHER After several attempts, I had finally attended a Christian service at the Victory Christian Fellowship (VCF) U-Belt. Thanks to chummie Marga for the invitation! It has been four long years since I have attended one, because of my preoccupation in school. I think it is about time to renew my relationship with my Creator (if the word renew is even valid).

I instantly embraced the atmosphere & was happy to see young people who comprised the biggest portion of the crowd. Not to mention, the pastor had been very didactic & effective. I was a bit emotional though as I listen to his words. It was VCF's Fathers' Day Special. I just have one realization: I have been too busy to enrich my spiritual life. I am thankful to the fabled FEU Chapel still for the open arms whenever I feel the need to have solemn moments with my God.

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MY FATHERS IN SCHOOL In FEU, I have two people I reckon fathers. One is Prof. Jose V. Faustino, Tatay Jo, & the other one is Michael Alexander Pamular, dad mike. Allow me to talk about them separately.

Tatay Jo (Prof. Jose V. Faustino) is the current coordinator of the Bisig Tamaraw, the community service arm of the Far Eastern University. He was actually my first professor in college, being my Economics with Taxation mentor. As three-time officer of the FEU Tamaraw Volunteers, I apparently had close encounters with Tatay Jo as he at the same time serves as the senior adviser of the organization.

Tatay Jo & I during FEU's 80th Commencement Exercises

As my tatay, he was able to teach me significant lessons. As a student journalist himself during his college days, he would remind me to adhere to journalism tenets which I sometimes tend to disregard, either consciously or unconsciously. He would tell me to focus on making sustainable community service projects & remind me how important task distribution is esp. in times when he see me doing multi-tasking with no one beside me. With no question, he has been a perfect father figure to me: a friend, a confidante, and a mentor.

My second tatay is a tatay to many, for he had served as the President of the FEU Central Student Organization in 2006-2007. I first worked with Michael Alexander Pamular, Daddy Mike, in the FEU English Language Circle, the academic organization for AB English Language students at FEU.

Joma, Marga, Ira, Dad Myk, & I during the 32nd YMCA National Congress for College Students in Baguio

Having worked with him in the earlier years of my being a student leader, his influence to me is in terms of leadership style. During our term in ELC, we pioneered the Grammar Fest, English across Barriers & Speak English Campaign. As a person, he is thoughtful & loving. :)

I AS TATAY It is surprising how one can be a father even at the age of 20. I was a tatay to my organizations: FEU Tamaraw Volunteers, FEU English Language Circle, FEU Altruist, & FEU Paragon; a role which helped me grow as a person. I was a tatay to the ponkans and happy to have sired: Alex, KG, Will, RM, & Nerrie. Ang sarap pala maging tatay. :)

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This post could not be ended without me talking about my real tatay. Papa was a member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. You think he's scary? Well, he definitely is. In fact, I credit him for me being so disciplined, sometimes to the extent of wanting to please every people I meet. Everybody. That was the setback. Want to know if I love him? I will now. :) It's funny how a preacher's talk, who do not know anything about your life, could go straight to your heart.

He is not a perfect father: he smokes, he drinks, he even womanized. Want to tell me you can relate? Well, every situation is an isolated case. I used to hate him like nobody in this world. He would cause mom heartaches and headaches. They would yell even during the unholy hours. He would observe every minute action we would do. And I loathed him for that.

But as a grown up, I have learned to understand things in a clearer view. Now I am ready to start our relationship anew, for at the end of the day, he is partially to blame why a JOHN PAUL UMINGA exists. Thanks to the VCF Pastor for reminding me that by honoring our father in Earth, we honor GOD.

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Again, HAPPY FATHERS' DAY to ALL! (for at one point or another we act as fathers to our friends, to our loved ones, to our community) =)

TOSP NCR 2008 Slideshow

THE SLIDESHOW Photos taken during the Ten Oustanding Students of the Philippines National Capital Region Formation, Interview & Awarding Ceremonies (Photo Courtesy: Maj Dizon, Rafael Calinisan, Mau Paz)

Bidbook, Done! (Finally)

I have finally submitted my bidbook for the national search of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines 2008 yesterday. I owe 'thanks' to people who helped me accomplished the task which took me almost one week: Alex, Darwin, RJ, & Marga for helping me in attaching the remaining photos the night before the "deadliest" deadline (quoting Kuya Prim, TOSP Secretariat).

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BUSY TUESDAY. I slept at 400am and had to wake up by 800am. After preparing my breakfast, I resumed completing the final touches for my bidbook which, at that time, was yet to be bound and duplicated. After arranging the files & putting pages in the Achievement Profile section & supporting docs, I faced the computer to edit remaining three documents for printing. Feeling the need to release the pent-up panic, I had to text Kuya Prim of TOSP Secretariat to tell him Maj & I would be a bit late, for deadline was set at lunch. Alas, at 11am I left the flat! Deadline was extended.

I had to fly to Nicanor Reyes to have the original copy duplicated. Good thing I have a natural talent to mentally list tasks in order for me to save every single minute. While my papers were being photocopied, I rushed to print the remaining files & grabbed green special paper in MW. (of course, I paid *grins*). In less than an hour, I was already negotiating with the manong who would be bookbinding my college life. Yes, at the few moments I chanced browing my profile sheets, I actually have thought that I was looking back at the past four years of my life: the time spent in the University. With tears 'yan! As ever I was nostalgic. Badly I have been missing school.

The bookbinding cost me Php300 and since I would have to wait for an hour, I chose to stay at the Guidance Office. I had brief moments with Nicolai Custodio, who was actually the first ever champion of the English Language Circle (one of orgs) - sponsored Grammar Fest, with KD, one of the guidance counselors who is close to my heart, & Arcille, now a Student Council officer.

At 100pm, I was able to get the two heavy bidbooks which forced me to return the Labor Code book I just borrowed from KD. Upon knowing that Dr. Marcon, our student leadership coordinator, was not present, I proceeded to Boni McDonalds where I would be meeting Maji. I had my fast lunch before we hurried to RFM. Finally, they have it! =)

Maj & I decided to have our dinner in KFC Trinoma. That was such a day! Results will be out on Monday (*fingers crossed*). As we have always thought, this is no longer about us or our school, it's about the region. Pray for the best! :)

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THE SLIDESHOW Photos taken during the Ten Oustanding Students of the Philippines National Capital Region Formation, Interview & Awarding Ceremonies (Photo Courtesy: Maj Dizon, Rafael Calinisan, Mau Paz)

060808 Hodgy-Podgy

I barely have two (2) days for me to accomplish everything concerning with my bid book for the national selection of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines. Feeling the need to improve my BB, the old 24-page is turned to 41 leaves, plus a super improved supporting documentation files. Hehe. I have already shelled out nearly Php1, 000.00 printing photos, which is hoped to be reimbursed as soon as OSACS get back to office after the student leaders' training in Baguio & the upcoming holiday.

I received an invitation from Baliuag University to be their guest speaker for a Galing Pilipino Kapihan this coming June 12. I was informed that my topic would be: GP Kabataan para sa Kalayaan, which I am yet to ponder on because of my pressing TOSP deadline. I haven't confirmed or said no to Luianne at the moment. While I have gotten used to speaking in the public, this, if ever, would be the first time that I will speak as a guest speaker in an event whose crowd are non-Tamaraws. It's really going to be 'me going out of my comfort zone' & the idea excites me.

Hours are counted and a new academic year shall be starting. I am happy about how my fave organization is performing even before the year starts. Well, trademark na talaga yan ng TAMVOL. Walang baka-bakasyon :) I haven't done preparing the materials which I shall be using for a heart-to-heart talk with Argi, my predecessor. I just couldn't allow me being pathetic and complacent about how TAMVOL will become without at least words of advice, to be taken not from a former President, but to a TAMVOL member who has been in the organization for more than three years. I always believe that EVALUATED EXPERIENCE IS THE BEST TEACHER, and at this point, I would like the new breed of servant leaders to be connected in the past while maintaining the fresh outlook for the future.

Needless to say, I am yet to jumpstart my career. It's June already, and I am itching to thread a new path...