Ground Report

Two months before the BIRTHDAY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES, some UP personnel continously staged their rallies, rain or shine in front of the UP Administration Building. Majority of the UP Diliman Community attended the Flag Raising Ceremony on the early morning of June 18, 2008. The Philippine National Anthem ("Lupang Hinirang") and "UP Naming Mahal" were played by the UP Symphonic Band, Philippine Army Band and Quezon City Band. UP President Emerlinda Roman, while delivering her speech about "UP’s commitment to excellence, leadership and service", was interrupted by the text message from the Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. She sent a text message of approval — that President Roman’s request for Centennial Bonus was already signed. All UP employees were very happy; and looking forward for another 100th year! The induction of the newly elected officials of the University Student Council followed. Aside from this, there’s the presentation of the four (4) commemorative UP stamps by Luis Carlos, head of the PhilPost Corp. The ceremony ended by singing "Happy Birthday, UP!" with the tune of the usual Happy Birthday to You, together with the releasing of 100 red, maroon and green balloons by 100 professors as well as those who brought with them their own balloons. But the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity, instead of their traditional December Oblation Run, surprised the UP Community by running naked around the UP Oval and ended up in front of the UP Oblation.  There were 100 naked APO members.  Well, aside from all these events, there are lots of events going on from June 18 to 21, namely the Wednesday to Friday Cultural Presentation at the Cultural Center of the Philippines from 7:00PM to 10:30PM and the Saturday’s big event, the UP Alumni Homecoming at the Araneta Colisium from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. "MABUHAY ANG PAMANTASAN NG PILIPINAS"