when Stand UP supports...

(Student Alliance for the Democratic Rights in UP)

I've been so busy this week with my academic requirements (j122 group report, j195 pair report, two edsp122 assignments, edsp122 outline for the group report, RRL for our thesis, and j196 individual report) and that Anti-Terrorism Bill (a.k.a Human Security Act of 2007) to be implemented today (then again, I'm not sure if it is really today since rumors have been everywhere. whatever) that I must have forgotten all my other troubles.

And both my parents have been lecturing me because of the too time I devote to the council (a.k.a that damage control that also became my "hobby"). Since I was awarded that scholarship, both of them are worried I might not get the required average the network is asking me.

Whatever, I always believed that when God gave me this scholarship, He didn't want to give me more pressure (I keep telling myself). And I've already learned the trick to life, to just obey God, to be what He called you for. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all things shall be added unto to you"

Crap. I'm getting out of focus.

Then there's that HSA.

I can't really say what the popular sentiment of the MassComm students are, but what I can safely say is that Journalism students are craving for information regarding the said Act.

And with some initiatives from certain professors, I've taken the chance to organize a forum/ discussion when I convened the council meeting last Tuesday. And the council members readily agreed.

However, the Office of the Dean was quite apprehensive. The Dean particularly said she doesn't know still the sentiments of the faculty regarding the said Act. Moreover, she wasn't at all familiar of the Act that she can't speak for herself. (and seriously, god! is that how apathetic people can be? that a surveillance had already happened and still they do not care??) However, they let us use the CMC Auditorium for free.

And since "he" didn't know anything about the HSA, he left everything to me, which is quite good actually, at some point.

I've started texting a prospect speaker and apparently, he never replied. Come Saturday, I still didn't know who else to contact.

So I texted our campaign manager, Divs, who forwarded the message to Kepi. And god, has he put so much effort on this!

He kept texting people to look for contact information of personalities that can help us with the forum. By Saturdaynight, he has already given me three numbers.

However, by Sunday afternoon, no one was still sure to come. He texted for updates, and of course, I told him nobody had confirmed yet. A few hours more, he bombarded me with six numbers, of which one had confirmed. Aside from that, he had already contacted the Student Regent, Terry Ridon, who also contacted a law professor who was willing to talk during the forum. (and if Ii may also note here, this was after a series of prayers I called for to the Christian members of the council, because seriously, i think that's what we lack)

However, being rational and ignoring the prayer session, I'd like to give credit to Stand UP. Half of whatever turns out tomorrow will be on their credit. Sure, it could be argued that they're just after the statement against the Act and all that, but it doesn't matter. They'e been all the help I need.

And quite honestly, at certain times, I felt they were just using me for their own interests, like I'm just being used. But I guess perspectives do change. I've changed. And I've learned to love these people, as individuals and for the principles.

At this time, I can surely say, to run under Stand UP was never a mistake, to fight in principle, to rationalize what truly benefits people. To be associated as an activist, I care not. Better to be progressive than to be part of this apathetic culture.

Tunay. Palaban. Makabayan. Stand UP.

A little note from me:
I know, poor construction. Sana wag na lang muna tayo mag-edit ha? bilang disoriented pa ako sa buhay ko. salamat : )