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Happy 100th, UP!

Happy 100th Birthday, UP!

You know how badly I want to be there to celebrate with you, but certain circumstances cannot allow me to do so.

To those who will be able to go or are currently there right now, enjoy the experience of a lifetime.

One Hundred Years of Gratitude: Sama-samang Awitan Ngayong Sentenyal

(UP Diliman Information Office)—Obviously, the title alludes to a great Garcí­a Marquez novel. Of course he wasn’t thinking of UP when he wrote it. But June 18 is set out to be just that: a slice of magic realism.

Imagine this: 100 live Oblation wannabes in the flesh posing for a photo op; 100 significant personalities of the university sending off 100 balloons carrying the UP flag to the heavens; 100 fireworks lighting up the sky. Three marching bands, choirs of children and adults, a mass of undulating UP flags like billows eagerly racing to the shore. And there’s more.

On June 18, the University of the Philippines will be celebrating its centenary with, among other activities, one grand community singing of the “Happy Birthday UP Song” in the university amphitheater to be led by no less than the UP, GHQ and Quezon City Symphonic Band, Dean Ramon Acoymo of the College of Music, the UP Cherubim and Seraphim, and the UP Staff Chorale. But prior to this, a parade by the UP constituents to the amphitheater will be led by the GHQ Band and the Quezon City Symphonic Band.

The celebration actually begins at the break of dawn around 5:30 AM with events that will lead up to the gathering in the amphitheater. The occasion starts off with a photo expedition at the Quezon Hall/Oblation Plaza featuring 100 UP alumni and residents donning fig leaves and emulating the iconic Oblation figure that has served as a monument to the institution’s undying service to the nation and the people. A flag-raising ceremony and a singing of the alma mater hymn UP Naming Mahal around the Academic Oval follows. UP Centennial President Emerlinda R. Roman delivers an inspirational message soon after the UP community sings their beloved university happy birthday.

Other activities lined up after the flag-raising ceremonies include the oath taking of the new set of University Student Council (USC) officers and the launching of four commemorative stamps designed by UP College of Fine Arts alumnus Alfred Capiral. Afterward, the UP flag soars with the release of a hundred balloons that carries it into the air. One hundred significant university personalities lead the particular affair and made brighter by the unleashing of a hundred fireworks.

The USC also launches the Vinzons UPgrade renovation project that aims to restore and preserve the architectural heritage of Vinzons Hall. Modern designs are set to further emphasize its historical features and establish the structure as a genuine student center.

The entire day is set out to be an open house. All academic and non-academic units are enjoined to participate in the memorable occasion from beginning to end. The university units are to welcome various visitors and well-wishers into their homes. Everyone is invited to partake in the festivities, in the commemoration of UP’s hundred years of leadership in higher education, and expression of gratitude to an institution’s unflagging service to the country and indebtedness to the people working tirelessly to further propel UP to a hundred more years of significance and excellence.

–Reposted from:

http://yoopee.multiply.com/journal/item/3219/One_Hundred_Years_of_Gratitude