Kev on leading the org

Kev

When did you enter the UPVL? What is your batch name/year?

I became part of UPVL on September 18, 2005. I’m one of the six members of batch Philanthropist ’05.

What part of the Philippines did you come from?
I came from the central but small part of Laguna, the town of Bay. My present address is #203 Brgy. Sto Domingo, Bay, Laguna.

How did you know about the organization? Why did you join?
I had information and knowledge about UPVL through its members, several orientations, and some of my friends. I joined UPVL because I love public service . . . and I want UPVL to be my stepping stone to fulfill this mission.

Does being a Varron help you in any way?
Based on my experiences, malaki ang naitutulong sa akin ng org. It trains me to talk and interact with different kinds of people, (thus) making my communication skills better. It also develops my personality, strengthens and builds my character through several activities of the organization. Of course, these are only few of the many benefits that you can get when you become a member of UPVL.

Does your family know that you are a Varron? How did they react when they learned that you are a member? How did they react when they know you are the head of a student organization?
Of course my family knows that I’m a Varron. Before, they didn’t want me to join any organization especially fraternities baka daw kasi mapabayaan ko ang aking pag-aaral, eh sabi ko naman kahit myay org. na ako eh acads pa rin ang aking priority. I always inform my parents kung anu ang situation ko sa org., kaya naman nominee pa lang ako sa pagiging Grand Varron (GV)eh alam na nila. When they knew that I got the position, of course, they were proud of me and they were so happy . . . (considering) that there are thousands of students at UPLB, I am (one of the few) . . . who have this opportunity.

Kevin with his family in Los Baños. He is flanked by his Mom Susana (to his left) and his sister Susette. His nephew, Jerome, is at the back.

Above are some of the resident members with Kevin. Taken in April 2006 in front of Maharlika Inn during one of their leaderhsip workshops.

What are the plans and activities of the organization for the school year 2007-2008?
I don’t wanna include here our whole year plan and calendar of activities, because it’s too many and detailed. These are just the highlights of our plans and activities for this school year. We’re gonna have several community and environment-oriented services but it’s not yet final what kind of services they will be. We’re also trying to sponsor a renovation project for some selected facilities of UPLB; sana maging maayos ang arrangement. This year, another great event that will surely (make a) mark in the history of UPVL is the celebration of its 45th anniversary and I’m pretty sure that we’re gonna have a big, big, big celebration. We will also continue to hold the annual activities of the organization both inside and outside of UPLB campus.

What is your vision for the organization? How do you envision the organization 10 years from now?
What a difficult question for me! Well, my vision for UPVL is for (it) to become known in helping society, in improving human welfare for the greatest number of people for the longest time possible. I envision the organization 10 years from now (as) a support and fund-giving institution (for) some benevolent activities/projects that will benefit society. I also envision the organization to become stronger and larger in terms of its membership.

How do you manage your time and activities between your academics, personal, and the organization?
I had lectures on time management when I was an applicant. I do not divide my time equally for my acads, personal life, and organization. Binibigay ko yung oras ko kung saan ako mas kailangan at kung ano yung mas importante, kaya depende sa takbo ng panahon. And of course, I have my own strategies to manage my time.

Do you have a girlfriend? What’s her opinion about the Varrons?
I’m currently single. I don’t wanna talk about my lovelife because I don’t wanna become dramatic this time — just kidding, hehehe.

Do you consider yourself a technophile? Do you do a lot of internet surfing? What topics do you usually look for in the web?
Yes, I do internet surfing, pero hindi yung tipong sa computer shop na tumitira. I regularly open my friendster account and e-mail addresses. The topics that I usually surf in the web are about health (medyo health-conscious kasi ako eh), song lyrics (I’m a frustrated singer, nyahaha!). I also visit the website of National Geographic to acquire their useful information. Mahilig din akong magresearch ng magagandang lugar, pangarap ko kasing makapunta sa iba’t-ibang lugar. Syempre marami pa akong topics na gustong i-research sa internet pero hindi ko magawa kasi limited lang ang time at budget ko for this activity.

What is the coolest thing that you found in the internet?
The coolest thing that I found in the internet is my friendster account. I love my friendster account very much. Actually wala akong masyadong maisip na sagot sa tanung na ito.

What types of reading materials do you find most interesting?
The types of reading materials I find most interesting are magazines, newspapers, and dictionaries. Marami kasi akonginformation na nakukuha dito eh. And to tell you honestly hindi ako masyado mahilig magbasa especially pag makapal ang babasahin, hehe.

What other issues or features do you want to see published here in “Tudla: The UP Varrons Online”?
Siguro magandang i-feature yung mga vrods and sisses natin na very succesful in life at may malaking naiibahagi sa ating lipunan to inspire other people. You could also publish a documentary about great events that happened in the history of UPVL that would catch the attention of everyone.

How do you compare UPVL with other student organizations or fraternities/sororities in the UP campus? What do you think is the most significant difference, if any?
I (try to) avoid comparing UPVL with other organizations because I believe that every organization has (its) own uniqueness, strength and weaknesses.

How do you find UP students, in general, and UPLB students, in particular?
Generally, UP students are critical thinkers, risk takers, smart, interactive, madiskarte at syempre laging puyat, haha. Aboutnaman sa UPLB students, siguro pareho lang, iba lang siguro ang lifestyle ng UPLB students from other UP students kasi each place has different set of cultures or nakagawian.

To what extent do you interact with other student organizations in the campus?
As of now, the organization (i.e., UPVL) usually interacts with other organizations, fraternities, and sororities (that are within) the College of Forestry and Natural Resources. (However) organizations from other colleges (within the UPLB campus) don’t have much opportunity to interact with UPVL and vice versa.