Namaste Readers,
When I told some Filipino family and friends about my internship at the University, the first thing they told me about it is its prestigious reputation as the hot spot for the educated Elites, Socialites, and other celebrities (National Hero Jose Rizal is an alumni and last year, current President Noynoy Aquino was the commencement speaker). I didn't want to think about this because I just wanted to focus on my internship. In my case, ignorance is still bliss and less intimidating ( in spite of social status, education is leveling the playing field; I might not be "rich" but I can use my brain ).
On the 1st week of class, I read a student essay by a "cousin" ( transliterally "from the knee" ) of former Philippine President and Dictator Ferdinand Marcos ( his wife and First Lady Imelda Marcos is infamous for her love of [foreign] shoes ). Needless to say, she passed the Validation Exam ( promoting her to the 2nd level of the English requirement ). Whether she passed because of merit or her "connection" is up for speculation (j/k).
In my Literature class, Rica Peralejo, a Filipina actress and former TV-hostess, is in my discussion group. When I first saw her, I couldn't remember her name, but her face is memorable; and as Secretary V summarizes, her striking beauty "turns heads" ( before her identity was confirmed, I actually thought she was just related to the actress Rica Peralejo, lol ).
Also according to Gossip, Rica aka Carla put a hiatus on her acting career after she got married to a minister. By continuing her education, she's actually disproving the stereotypes about actresses. During group work, she supports her opinions with logical evidence. I also noticed that during presentation, she doesn't hog the spotlight; she lets the rest of the group take the lead roles ( while she plays the supporting actress role ).
In the second class I substituted for, a relative of the 13th President of the Philippines ( also gone corrupt )- Joseph "Erap" Ejercito Estrada- is not as prideful as his elder ( their hairstyles are similar except the younger ones' is more contemporary [now] ). Later, I also learned that KSP, the "student from hell" is from an affluent family with heavy connections to the University ( in fact, one of the University's gymnasium was built using his family's charity/money )
One time during lunch, I happen to sit on the same table with the father of current pop/rock singer-songwriter, Yeng Constantino. I overheard him telling a story of a young Yeng singing during University functions and family days. When I gathered enough courage, I asked about Yeng. He told me that she lives in a condo near the ABS-CBN studio, and she's currently promoting her album in the provinces. She's also working on an album covering OPM hits, and she's preparing for a concert in Araneta, Cubao this August. Before going back to work, I asked him if he could say "hello" to Yeng for me ( a fan ).
And this is just a mini sample from my encounters. Who else are lurking (lurked) within the walls of the University?
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