Merry Christmas!

Post your Christmas greetings as comments ;)

Hall1 Papaya Extreme!

This should have been our entry to the Extreme Papaya Video Contest but I submitted it only yesterday. I don't know kung abot pa yan sa deadline. Anyway, I hope you have fun watching this video, as much as I did editing.

Kamanguan - Will you ever learn (TAYPKAZT)

Music video starring Rhett Sean Pomares (drummer), Russel Sodusta (bassist/guitarist), Patrick Mabilog (lip syncher) and other Lampirites.

Binugoy 2007

Raymen's Beach Resort was once again invaded by the restless horde of boys from Balay Lampirong. The thunder of heavy footsteps, the billowing sand, and the powerful splashes of water was proof of their presence in the island of Guimaras.

At the resort, the boys realized it was amazing to be busy with a do-what-you-want schedule. Games of rugby spontaneously commence and the locals were alarmed to discover a pile of bodies on the sand. The bodies were far from being lifeless. They were also occupied with football, billiards, and a number of team games in the afternoon of the first day.

After all the self-inflicted physical fatigue, it's a perfect time to indulge in a large serving of chicken with all the rice you can eat with it.

Bellies stuffed, the boys gathered around the table to discuss some pertinent matters. However, they all swore a blood-oath to keep the sacred revelations to themselves.

The rays of daylight saw the guys still fast asleep in various locations and positions. Some were extra comfy in the special rented cottage.

And some were, well, in more humbling situations.

The boys decided to hop around the island and islets of Guimaras. They passed enchanted islands that towered over their little crafts that glided above the turquoise waters.


Off the shore of 'Turtle Island', they splashed into the water and took a peek at the corals and schools of fish close to the surface.

They boats led them to a cave only to find a large snake lounging among the rocks.

Despite that, a few brave souls managed to get off the boats and have their photo taken with the snake just behind them.

All good happenings here on earth come to an end. The finiteness of its time span is what makes the experience special and memorable. The time came when the boys had to bid farewell to Guimaras and Raymen's Beach Resort. Till next time!

Wanna know more about what happened? More photos are available at the UPV Forums. Just register for an account then sign in and you should be able to see the 400+ other photos that will tell the rest.

Want to share your favorite among them all? Just post a link to the photo page in the comments.

High School Day 2007

After an entire day of college students parading around campus with their high school uniforms, they gather at night for dinner, games, awarding ceremonies, and of course some picture taking.






It never fails to puzzle other diners in the Common Dining Hall of the presence of what seems like an array of high school students who come to eat dinner late at night. Of course, our disciplined "high school students" fall into neat queues while waiting for their turn at the counter.



That is except if there is a camera nearby...

There you go. Representatives from different high schools across the country have fellowship dinner right there at the Common Dining Hall of UPV Miagao.


And the first honors for this year is... Piologo Tabernilla II! He is highlighted in the photo below just in case you're confused with all the people in the picture.

An urgent invitation

Once again, hall1.blogspot.com publicly invites all past and present dormers to contribute to this blog. It's been a while since the last update and I believe more contributors will ensure that we don't miss out on any events anymore.

7 simple steps to posting

1. Leave your email in the chat box/cbox
2. Wait for an invitation in your email
3. Accept the invite by following the link
4. Create a Google account (if you don't already have one)
5. Visit hall1.blogspot.com and click "New Post" or "Sign-in" at the top-right of the page
6. Type something and/or insert a photo/s
7. Publish!

Why bother?

It makes sense that a blog about a huge family of Hall 1 dormers be a group effort. It is a great way for us to keep a group diary of our experiences so we can reminisce the Hall 1 experience anytime, and anywhere in the world. Wouldn't you want your memories to be 'immortalized'? What's more, you and your friends can still keep in touch and share stories long after you have graduated from the dorm. The comments on the articles and the chat box further extends this experience.

So what are you waiting for? There's no need for writing skills. Just post a photo and place a caption if you're too busy. You can always delete them in the future just in case. Share the Hall 1 experience with your friends! Go, go, go!

Bangaanay 2007

We landed in fourth place again after Upper Valley very narrowly won last Thursday. Fourth - that's quite commendable for a freshman dorm.

The most important thing is that we all had fun...

Got some good physical exercise...

Learned to support each other...

And most importantly...

Teamwork and friendship was strengthened.

Congratulations Balay Lampirong for making it that far!

Upperclass Bonding at Robinsons Place Iloilo

Every semester, the upperclassmen conduct a bonding activity. It used to be at the OWL or Hilltop, but this time, it's at Robinson's Place Iloilo! Ayan, nahihiya daw magpapicture sa fountain :P

The festivities began with a hearty meal at Mang Inasal. When we say hearty, we mean lots and lots of rice. Unlimited rice kasi. Paolo topped everyone with 4 and a half servings. Thank you JC for the two boxes of Choco Mucho dessert. Hanggang Mang Inasal, Choco Mucho pa rin!


After devouring a lot of carbohydrates, it is just right to spend them somewhere. G-Box Arcade was the solution. We were again lucky to have JC around. He helped us win the jackpot several times.

Todo pasikat ang mga upperclassmen with their more than a thousand tickets.

Pero sabi ni Manong Guard "Bleh! mas marami pa rin ang ticket ko. Itatapon ko na nga lang."

The hard-earned tickets were used to acquire three chickens named Chicky, Chaka, and Chikitita. Here's the two of them. The third one, I assure you, looks very similar to both. They are however, quite unresponsive to stimuli.

The highlight of the bonding activity was in the cinema. Everyone watched "A Love Story" starring Aga Mulach, Maricel Soriano, and Angelica _?_. What do you say about the movie? Everybody seemed to have enjoyed it.

We look forward to the next bonding activity next semester!

Street Painting

Here are two photos of Balay Lampirong's street painting. This is the product of the residents' teamwork and, as the painting says, their love for Hall1. Photos are courtesy of Azin John Libanan.

Group Dynamics I

Organized by the UPV Peer Counselors, the first group dynamics of batch 2007-2008 seeks to facilitate the freshmen into coping with university life.

Freshmen first huddled into several small groups where they share their experiences, problems, and fears. They also got to ask the upperclassmen assigned to their groups about teachers, subjects, and all the ins and outs of college life. Group activities and games were held to break the imaginary barrier of shyness.

After the small group activities everyone gathered at the lobby for the big-group activities. Everyone wrote on a piece of paper the things that they wanted to let go. These may be unnecessary fears, bad habits, anxieties, etc.

Next, everyone picked a hand-shaped cut-out with a random number written on it. Each one searched for their pair whose hand contained the same number. On their cut-out hands, they wrote promises which they must keep. Promises to study well, be a better person, survive college life, and many more. Pairs exchanged hands and exchanged promises. They will keep a check on each other to make sure the promises are fulfilled.

Lastly, all the Hall 1 residents participated in the ceremonial burning of the pieces papers where they wrote the things they must let go of. More than a hundred pieces of papers went up in smoke. Letting is a process and absolutely more difficult than just burning paper. May the sight of the smoke tapering to nothingness be an inspiration.

Balay Lampirong's Multimedia Presentation

This is Hall 1's multimedia presentation for Hinugyaw 2007 starring Justin.

UPDATE: This was judged FIRST PLACE among all multimedia presentations presented during Hinugyaw 2007. Congratulations Hall1!

Congratulations!

After enduring their oath-taking ceremony which commenced before daybreak of July 4th, these young young leaders will take on the responsibilities as House Council officers of Balay Lampirong for Academic Year 2007-2008.

Congratulations! May the Hall 1 spirit drive you to reach heights unknown in history.

BALAY LAMPIRONG OFFICERS
President: Rachelle Janine Leyva
Secretary General: Piologo Tabernilla II
Finance Officers
Girls' Wing: Camille Teruel
Boys' Wing: Louie Evans Sala
Liaison Officer: John Raymund Macahilas
Wing Representatives
Annex: Alyssa Sala
Lower Wing Girls: Rhonaleen Sanchez
Upper Wing Girls: Aden Kay Celis
Lower Wing Boys: Patrick Mabilog
Upper Wing Boys: Mark Bagamano


Photos courtesy of Regene.

Acquaintance Party Pictures

Here are the pictures that I took of the Acquaintance Party. Kayo na gumawa ng feature article or whatever you want.

"Ang Bagong Hamon"

Ang pag bukas ng klase ay isang panibagong hamon sa ating lahat. Ang Unibersidad na ating pinasukan ay sadyang mapaghamon sa ating mga kakayahan. Marami na tayong naranasan rito at marahil marami pa ang ating susuungin sa hinaharap. Dapat lang nating alalahanin na ang bawat tagumpay at pagkabigo ay normal lang sa buhay ng isang Iskolar ng Bayan.

Oh my God!Its just so hard to express yourself in Tagalog...heheheh Another tip for the freshies is that teachers in UP are demanding and hard to please (well most of them, but not all. Right sir bob?hehehe). If your the teacher's pet in high school well you cant be a teacher's pet here coz teachers don't like pets.

Just remember to study hard. Getting a 4 or 5 is not so bad but passing is better. i honestly flunked subjects. Its I'm not proud of it but I'm not ashamed of it either. Only you can judge if you are going to pass or fail that subject. Attend classes always, review your lessons, make assignments and don't cheat! Mortal sin in UP is cheating! Back in High school I was cheating in almost all the exams but when i entered UP I never cheated even once! Its because your classmate wont tell you the answer or your teacher will do everything to shame you top death or worse get you expelled from the University. Well, I'm not scaring you its your choice and decisions to make. Just be responsible for your actions. We don't want to lose freshies in the middle of the semester, you know.

Start of a New Journey...

Vacation is officially over. Freshmen enrolment was today which means there is no turning back. The phantom of papers, calculations, meetings, etc. is just around that next hallway....

Hall 1, Hall 1.

Hall 1 was opened yesterday and there are first years who already checked in the dorm. I got the chance to meet some of them earlier and would have met more I haven't left early due to some unfortunate events. I already know my roommates Joefer, my roommate for almost two years, Paolo, whom is older than me but still calls me kuya, and Rommel(?) not sure with Rommel yet but I guess it already final. Is it?hehehe Just wanna make this year extra fun!

Tips to The Freshmen...

Since your the baby of this University, everyone wants you to be a part of their group. Be extra careful which organization you join. First years are not allowed to join fraternities and sororities. Joining organizations is okay as long as you can manage your time well, back when I was in first year I had around seven orgs and I was freaking stressed out with meetings on the same time, on the same day! If you really think joining organizations will help you out then go ahead, just remember you're here to study and not have fun.

Summer Over. School is up!

Summer is over and soon enugh we will see each other again in that common hallway., cafeteria, tricycle, etc. It was like summer just breezed by for some of us, while others spent it waiting for school to start...

In Come The First Years....

Well for the first years who already know the blogspot. WELCOME!
We will be together for like, 10 fun, exciting, chllenging, months and we hope you will have a blast staying at the best dorm this University has ever seen. No more word to say or write. Just see you soon.


For The Staying Strong Upperclassmen....

Perfect! I really miss you guys! Can't wait to see all of you and have our meetings? or more like chismis session. Wait, first years don't get us wrong we really discuss important issues..
Just See you soon...

Message to the Freshmen

This coming June 1 2007 AD, Castillo del Placuna Placenta shall once again open its grand portals to a new batch of freshmen. These freshmen come from all walks of life and from all over the universe. Though they may have different mindsets at first, all of them have made one common decision that they will never regret: to be part of the fabulous history of Balay Lampirong.

What message, advice, or revelation can the former Hall 1 residents provide their successors?

Graduation!

To all who greeted us for this special moment in our lives, we can never say thank you enough.

Kruhaay: Ang Paglalakbay ng mga Bituin

Ni Joefer Tacardon

Sadyang mahirap ang buhay ng isang bituin.

Matapos ang isang taon ng busy schedules ay makakauwi na rin ako sa amin. Ngunit sadyang hindi ako tinatatantanan ng mga projects. Noong ika-12 ng Abril ay tinungo ko ang Antique para gumawa ng malalaking pelikula at iba pa. Napasama ako kina Flord Calawag, ang Bituin ng Kabilang Mundo na mas kilala bilang Maria Flord Calawag, at kay Sanny David Lumayno, ang Rising Star from Heaven. Nang malaman ko ang planong ito ay agad kong inanyaya ang aking sarili na sumama sa kanila, kahit nahihiya ako...as in!

Kaya naman noong hapon ng Abril 12 ay umalis na kami mula sa Miagao. Gabi na nang kami ay makarating sa tahanan ng mga Calawag sa Tibiao, Antique. Apat na oras na biyahe, mahigit 150 kilometrong paglalakbay. Sinalubong kami ng banda at mga press people...hay sobra!

Pagka-alas-3 ng umaga sa sumunod na araw ay pumunta kami agad sa gitna ng dagat na pagmamay-ari nina Flord. Aking nasaksihan ang pagkuha ng mga isda, at doon ay nagshoot kami ng aming unang pelikula- ang Walang Matigas na Isda sa Gutom na Aso, na pinagbibidahan ni Flord bilang aso, at kami ni David ang mga sireno.

Sunod naming tinungo ang lupain ng mga Calawag, at ang Butong River. Kami ay naligo sa malamig na tubig ng ilog kung saan ay nagsnorkel kami sa mga corals...hahaha! Marami pa lang bato ang ilog kaya sinubukan kong hanapin ang bato ni Darna.

Doon ay ginawa namin ang Langoy Darna Langoy. Ako bilang Darna, si David bilang Ding, at Flord bilang Marina, ang bagong kalaban ni Darna.Napagod kami sa shooting dahil kailangan kong sumisid sa tubig sa loob ng 43 minuto, mabuti ay nakayanan ko naman.

Kuweba naman ang aming tinungo para makita ang set ng pelikulang gagawin namin next year. Pumunta kami sa Manlamon Cave. Binisita ni David ang kaibigan niyang kabog, at pinaunlakan naman kami. Doon ay nakita ko ang pagka-artisitic ng mga tao. May nakasulat doon na "Wanted texmate", "I've been here", "Hi Susan."

Sobrang ganda ng mga cave paintings. Gayunpaman ay maganda naman ang kuweba. Kakaiba naman ang adventure nang bumaba na kami. Action movie pala ang gagawin namin. Sabi nga ni direk, makakasama daw namin si Cynthia Luster at Dinky Doo sa action film na gagawin doon. Hindi pa alam ang pamagat ng nasabing pelikula.

Matapos ang site visit ay umalis na kami. Sunod naming tinungo ang Tiguis Beach para pagmasdan ang mapang-akit na sunset. Wala kaming ginawang pelikula ngunit nagpictorials kami para sa bagong White Castle commercial ni Flord, kung saan ako ang kabayo, at si David ang baso. Mahirap palang maging kabayo. Maaganda naman ang kinalabasan ng commercial.

Sobrang nakakapagod ang araw na iyon. Bago maghapunan kung saan ay iba't ibang klase ng isda ang aming ulam ay naligo ulit kami. Hindi sa dagat, hindi sa ilog, ngunit sa pool ni Flord...sosyal! Muntik na nga kaming malunod, hanggang tuhod kasi ang tubig.

Huling araw na namin noong Abril 14. Ngunit may pelikula pa kaming gagawin. Kaya pagkaumaga ay pumunta kami ng Cadiao Fall sa kabilang bayan. Malayo at nakakapagod. Doon ay dinatnan naming ang malapit nang matuyong water falls, kaya change location agad kami.

Sinubukan naming hanapin ang tuktok ng falls sa pag-aakalang may tubig, ngunit naabaot na namin ang tuktok ng bundok ay wala pang falls...kumusta naman yun?! Kaya iniba ang script ng aming pelikula na sana ay sexy film at may pamagat na "Suman-latik." Nang kami ay nasa taas na ng bundok ay kinain na lamang namin ang gagamitin sanang suman, at doon ay nagshoot kami ng remake ng pelikulang "Pasong Tirad."

Matapos nun ay bumalik na kami sa tahanan ng mga Calawag, matapos kumain sa kanilang farm at makapagpahinga ay nag-pack-up na kami ni David. Alas-2 ng hapon nang kami ay sumakay sa Ceres na ipinaglihi sa Roller Coaster. Nakakapagod ngunit sobrang saya ng aming mga naranasan sa Antique.

Sadyang mahirap ang buhay ng isang artista. Ayaw ko na sana ng buhay na ganito, ang buhay na masyadong busy, buhay na inaabangan palagi ng mga tagahanga, ngunit wala akong magagawa dahil ito ang aking kapalaran- ang maging bituin.


Hahahahahahahahahaha! Happy Summer everyone. Let's Rakenrol!

thanks kay Kuya Flord sa amon na free adventure sa Antique!