For a lot of Iskolar ng Bayan, joining and being a part of organizations is an exciting experience. After all, it is an avenue where students can hone their skills, connect with people with the same interests, and flourish as students. We joined organizations with that same feeling and thought in mind.
In this article, we talk about how organizations shaped college life for both of us, how being a part of organizations has made it easy for Adi to adjust to college life and how organizations have helped Pat put philosophical theory into practice, in service of the Filipino community.
Part 1: To that one organization who made my life so much easier
“Congratulations! We are pleased to offer you First Year Admission to the following: UP DILIMAN, BA Philosophy. First Semester AY 2021-2022” that was the first thing that I saw when I opened my portal last July 15, 2021. Excitement filled my body but then again, I dreaded another year of online classes without any plans of being offered face-to-face classes sooner. The hardest part was that I was going to meet a WHOLE LOT of new people. It is already hard to socialize with people during face-to-face class so it was even harder for me to get to know people online.
New group chats and new people added me on my Facebook account. Luckily, I had a friend from my high school barkada who also got into the same campus and same course as me, so I didn’t feel alone. The department representative approached us and introduced us to his organization, UP Kabataang Pilosopo Tasyo—a philosophy organization that has promoted Filipino philosophy since 1990. I got curious and signed up for their orientation.
During the application process, I got to know a lot of people in our department. From seniors (shoutout to the executive committee that time) to my co-applicants, I get to know them one by one. My anxiety of being alone in this big university started to fade away. After a couple of months, I got into KAPITAS and there I met my new family.
Batch 2021 applicants and members of UP KAPITAS at Sagul Malingap Foodpark.
September 2022 was when I moved out of our house in my province. But thanks to KAPITAS, I never felt alone. We ate and drank together at Sarah’s in Krus Na Ligas (OGs know this place!), studied together at the CS Library, and sometimes went to Malingap street to eat and drink at Z Compound.
A lot of adjustments had to be made for me to live my life away from what I’m used to but it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. Thanks to my organization, I survived 3 years living alone here in Metro Manila. They made things a whole lot easier for me. They are there whenever I need someone to accompany me or just to eat lunch after our major classes. They are my home away from home.
Part 2: To that one organization who I can’t live without
Although it isn’t a requirement for an Iskolar to join one or multiple organizations, I would say my undergraduate life would not have been complete without it. Being a part of organizations shaped my advocacies, brought me closer to the communities, and helped me develop as an individual, a philosopher, and an Iskolar ng Bayan committed in service of the Filipino community. The organizations you can apply for and join are plenty, but the organization that I hold dearest is my home organization, UP KAPITAS.
I don’t think I ever doubted whether I should join UP KAPITAS or not — it was a given, not because I was pressured to apply like my peers, but because I knew from the people, I would find my home here.
UP KAPITAS during one of our General Assembly meetings held at the 1st Floor Lobby, Palma Hall
As Adi mentioned, they were the first ones to welcome us into the department and into UP. They introduced me to my upperclassmen and professors. They gave me various tips and tricks that I eventually passed down to lower classmen — from how to survive particular classes to where to eat in Area 2. Before the renovations in the third and fourth floor of Palma Hall, our tambayan was located on the third floor in between the East and West wings. Some of our philosophy classes were held on that floor, and so after classes, I would usually see them there, lying on the floor, playing board games, or doing other academic requirements. We would study for exams there and debrief with each other post-exams.
UP KAPITAS members at our tambayan
UP KAPITAS members eating at Area2
More than that, what holds our close bond goes beyond personal relationships – after all, UP KAPITAS prides itself for its commitment to the development of Filipino Philosophy. UP KAPITAS has organized countless events that have been a staple for our organization such as BANYUHAY, the inaugural undergraduate philosophy conference and DALUMAT, a series of lectures discussing the current status of Filipino philosophy. We pride ourselves for our Alternative Classroom Learning Experience (ACLE) in which we have put theory into practice in a creative way, deepening our understanding on current national issues by incorporating philosophical lenses on these. We also pride ourselves for our socio-civic activities centered on particular communities and specific campaigns such as gender rights, and the fight to end all enforced disappearances.
UP KAPITAS members conducting an educational discussion on Charter Change at the Tambayan, 3rd Floor Palma Hall
UP KAPITAS Alternative Classroom Learning Experience 2025 entitled: “Pusher, Wag Tularan”
Looking back, I am grateful that I have found my home in UP KAPITAS throughout my undergraduate life. I would not be the person I am today without them and I hope every Pilosopo ng Bayan finds their home during their stay in UP, wherever or whatever it may be.
UP KAPITAS Alumni Night 2023 featuring different batches of Tasyos and Tasyas
Bionote
Both Adi and Pat applied for UP KAPITAS during the 1st Semester of AY 2021-2022, their freshman year.
Lady Ruth “Adi” Aguinaldo has been a resident UP KAPITAS member since 2nd Semester of AY 2021-2022. She served as the Recruitment Committee Head last 2nd Semester of AY 2023-2024. She is currently a member of the Externals Committee. As a member of the Externals Committee, Adi helps in reserving venues and equipment for the success of the organization’s events.
Adi was also part of the CSSP Student Council in AY 2022-2023 as Councilor. She served as the Head of the Education, Training, and Popular Struggles Committee.
Patricia Mae “Pat” Dela Cruz is the current Kalihim of UP Kabataang Pilosopo Tasyo (UP KAPITAS). She is a resident member of UP KAPITAS since 2nd Semester of AY 2021-2022 and immediately served as the Head of the Public Relations Committee during that semester. As the Kalihim of UP KAPITAS, she makes sure that the organization keeps on running smoothly and efficiently. She makes sure that events are in order and that the members are well informed of all projects and events of the organization.
Pat was also a member of SALIGAN sa CSSP from 2021 until 2023. She also served as the Philosophy Department Representative of the CSSP Student Council AY 2022-2023. She also served as the Convener of Apeiron Core Group AY 2022-2023. She was elected as the National Chairperson of the 44th KASAMA sa UP National Executive Council last AY 2023-2024. She is also currently the Externals Head of UP Alyansa Para sa Maykapansanan Para sa Mapagpalayang Lipunan (UP AKAY).