#redirect [[UP College of Law]]

UP Sunken Garden

2009-12-04T08:36:19Z

Elinigo: /* University of the Philippines Sunken Garden */ --- just added some internal Links to the article

[[Image:Sunken Garden Night2.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Sunken Garden at Night. Photo by Jules Bañgate]]
== '''University of the Philippines Sunken Garden''' ==
Next to the [[UP Oblation|UP Oblation]], the Sunken Garden would be the most famous landmark of the [[University of the Philippines]]. It is in the heart of the 2.2 km. [[Academic Oval]] surrounded by acacia trees. It has been the most favorable place for the UP and non-UP communities for its wide and shady area to present a place for a number of activities. The setting of the sun provides a perfect backdrop for the people who want to spend time in the Garden.

[[Image:Sunken Garden.jpg|200px|thumb|right|UP Diliman '''Sunken Garden''' - Photo by Chris Villarin (ChrisVillarin.com)]]

'''A. Background''' 
The General del Pilar Parade Grounds is the official name of the Sunken Garden, as it is popularly called. It is a five-hectare area of vast land—which is able to serve almost three football fields—and is the largest vacant land in the Diliman campus where various outdoor activities can be performed. It was basically, a basin and is believed to sink every year since it lies in a fault line. Because of the water spring that originates from it, the Sunken Garden used to be half-submerged in water. 

 

'''B. Surrounding Buildings''' 
The UP Sunken Garden is surrounded by a number of buildings: 
To its North lies the [[Malcolm Hall]]—[[College of Law]] 
To its South lies the [[Benitez Hall]]—[[College of Education]] 
To its East lies the [[Vinzons Hall]] (where one has an exact view of the Garden) and the [[College of Business Administration]] 
To its West is the [[Gonzales Hall]]—[[University Library]] or [[Main Library]] 

 

'''C. Surrounding Artifacts''' 
Aside from the buildings, the Sunken Garden is also circumferenced by artifacts like the following: 

1. Beltran 

[[Image:Beltran.JPG|200px|thumb|right|beltran]]

These are the benches that line the edges of the Sunken Garden. They give a more comfortable option for those who are not too fond of Indian-sitting/sitting on the grass. They were built in memory of the late and highly respected Luis Beltran. In fact, each bench bears the name of a colleague or a friend of him. 

2. Acacia Trees 

The view of the Sunken would not be complete without the trees that encircle it. The trees are mainly Acacia trees where students and non-students stay under its shades for school work and other activities. 

3. Grandstand 

Here in the Sunken lies the Grandstand that provides an overlook of the five-hectare expanse. The old Grandstand is a box-like structure that resembles to a torii—a gateway of a Shinto temple. It is a long open one that looked like a waiting shed. Architect Froilan Hong’s modification of the initial design transformed the box-like structure into a pyramid-design one with a red roofing and four-angled pegs. The new Grandstand accentuates the vast empty space of green grass. 

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Image:Poyce.JPG|
Image:Ira.JPG|
</gallery>

 

'''D. Events''' 

1. Cadena de Amor Festival 
Cadena de Amor is a lost student tradition of UP sponsored by the UP Woman's Club. It was introduced in 1934 by Ursula U. Clemente. The annual ritual gathered both junior and senior year coeds who linked themselves in massive human chains by passing cadena de amor garlands. The ritual symbolized the turning over of responsibilities from seniors to juniors. The ritual was well loved and was called "the festival of girls and flowers". The student reception changed radically in the 1960s when UP students began to question the relevance of such traditions especially against the turbulent and violent times. Many viewed the ritual as degrading, since it had passed from being an annual leavetaking ceremony to a beauty contest. Because it was seen as "burgis" or bourgeois, the ritual was last held in 1968--a year that led to the turbulent events of the First Quarter Storm. 

2. ROTC 
The General del Pilar Parade grounds is where [[ROTC]] Cadets undergo their Citizens Military Training or CMT. Every weekend, a large gathering of males stand and march in the field for hours. It is also the venue for the annual presentation of corps sponsors at the end of first semester. 

3. Latagaw Cup 
Through the year, the Sunken becomes a venue for a lot of sport activities and festivals. One of which is the Latagaw Cup , a soccer event competed by various student organizations inside the University of the Philippines. Philippine indigenous games are also held here as part of the celebration of the UP Diliman Month during February. 

4. [[UP Fair]] 
After UP’s lantern parade, the next event that every UP student looks forward to is the UP Fair. Held every February, UP Fair is home to the aspiring, upcoming, and famous bands. The UP Fair is known for its wild crowd having a great time. The barricaded Sunken Garden accommodates various booths and rides for the UP Fair Crowd. 

<gallery>
Image:Father and son.jpg|Father and son playing catch
Image:Contemplating.JPG|student contemplating
Image:Magjowa.JPG|sweet moments
</gallery>

 

'''E. Interaction with People''' 
Five hectares of grass, just think of the things you can do in it. Why not turn it into your personal writing pad like some ingenious people. They used crumpled newspapers to form words like “Happy Birthday....” or “I love ….”as their mode of expression. The Sunken Garden is also used as an extension of the library. Students find peace and quiet to study here or to simply relax. During summer, you will see Frisbee throwers, kite flyers with kites of different shapes and sizes all over the field, people having picnic together. You will also see father and son or the whole family playing catch. Sunken Garden is infamous for its nightly liaisons. Even during daytime, you will find couples having their sweet time here. The UP Sunken Garden equates to many things to different people. 

 

[[Category:UP Diliman]]

2009-11-24T02:49:09Z

Elinigo: erased irrelevant phrases in the Actvities part... added internal links

'''''Proficiency and Competence through Camaraderie'''''

[Image:gec.jpg]

The U.P. Geodetic Engineering Club is an academic organization duly recognized by the College of Engineering of the University of the Philippines. Since 1937, UPGEC has always been in the forefront of promoting academic excellence and camaraderie among its members, the faculty, and staff through activities that foster the advancement of geodetic engineering and science.

==Org Profile==

Just as the Melchor Hall stood tall amidst the vastness of the University of the Philippines, extending itsbranches as it embraces every Engineering student aspiring unbearably to reach the top, the U.P. GEODETIC ENGINEERING CLUB,in like manner, aspires to adhere to its promise of quality and service excellence to the Geodetic Engineering studentry, to the Department of Geodetic Engineering, the College of Engineering, and the University, as well.

That year after the establishment of the U.P. Department of Geodetic Engineering under the School of Surveying in the University of the Philippines-Diliman, in June 1937, marked another monumental event as the U.P. 4th floor hallway on east wing of Melchor Hall, leading to UPGEC's tambayanGeodetic Engineering Club was born, August 15, 1937, to be exact.. Since then, the club has continuously abided to its goal of meeting both the challenges along this field of study so as to promote proficiency and competence as future engineers, and of bringing togetherness and companionship among the young Iskolars bound not only of the same course, but of that sole dream - nation empowerment.

The UP Geodetic Engineering Club has proven its existence. During the first half of the year, it celebrates its Anniversary with a Holy Mass, Open Tambayan, Alumni homecoming, exhibit, and lectures and symposia. The month of December is one of the most awaited season in the College of Engineering as it holds its annual Engineering Week., where the club sponsors the GEOID CUP, an inter-organization chess tournament. There is also the VOLLEYBAGAN, the Engineering Week Volleyball Tournament where players from participating organizations all over the university bang their heads off for the crown. And just last year comes the revival of the club's participation to INDAKAN, a dance competition and AWITAN, what else but a chorale competition. This just proves that the club has so much talent to showcase.

Usuallytowards the end of February or early March, the club goes all-out for one week as it celebratesthe G.E. WEEK, in cooperation with the Department of Geodetic Engineering. GE Days 2000There are also several fundraisers such as food sale, film showings (e.g. "Jurassic Park", "Addam's Family, "Of Love and Shadows"), flower sale, fund run and raffles.

All these and more the club has to offer. Through the years, it has for various reasons remained one of the pillar organizations in the College of Engineering. As it turns 67 this year, the U.P. Geodetic Engineering Club continues to play a major role in the upliftment of quality and excellence through its resident members, alumni, and applicants. The few. The proud. The best. ü

At dahil ispesyal kayo… there's a lot more for you!

==History==

As far back as the Spanish regime in the Philippines, there were people who performed land measurements. They were called agrimensores. But these agrimensores were equipped with nothing but compass and tape, thus the questionable accuracy of their surveys led to controversies-some not yet resolved to the present day. So when the Americans came, a new government unit was organized-the Bureau of Public Lands which was staffed at the top by Americans.

The first American Director of Lands was Charles A. Sleeper. When F.B. Harrison became governor general, he adopted the "Filipinization" policy. Vicente Mills became the first Filipino Director of Lands.

The Bureau then established a surveying school which was in the same grounds as the Philippine School of Arts and Trades. The school offered scholarships to students for its two- year surveying courses, after which these Bureau of Lands "pensionados" or scholars had to serve the government.

It was not until 1925 that an agreement was made to incorporate the School of Surveying of the Bureau of Lands into the UP College of Engineering. The School of Surveying was a unit of the College of Engineering offering the Associate in Surveying title to its graduates.

Then came the depression. In 1932, the Bureau of Lands suspended sending pensionados. However, the School of Surveying-College of Engineering agreement still held. There were non- pensionado students and some "stragglers". Then in 1936, the Bureau of Lands restored sending pensionados. These scholars were selected through a nationwide competitive examination. It was then that a surveyor and civil engineer, Professor Maximo LAchica began to advocate the elevation of the surveying course to the 5-year Bachelor of Science on Geodetic Engineering courses, this proposal and curriculum was approved in the early part of 1937.

Early graduates of the GE course in UPAnd thus, in June 1937, the Department of Geodetic Engineering was born, created under the School of Surveying. That year marked another monumental event as well, the birth of the Geodetic Engineering Club.

Through the years, the club has played a major role in the development of friendship and companionship among GE students in the university. We the members are not just people thrown together by the same course, we are part of one big, happy family who are always there to help and support each other through the rigors of college life.

Now, 67 years after our foundation, the Geodetic Engineering Club with its goals, aspirations, and ideals, lives on, thriving in the hearts of all who are part of it.

==Officers==

Engr. Rhodora Gonzales

''Faculty Advisor''

Rocky E. Dejan

''President''

Louise Alelie G. Co

''Vice-President & Membership Committee Head''

Bernadeth S. Laggui

''Secretary & Publications Committee Head''

Billy Ann A. Millamena

''Treasurer & Finance Committee Head''

May Anne M. Mortel

''Internal Affairs committee Head''

Joseph B. Cawaling

''External Affairs Committee Head''

Monica G. Mercado

''Academic Affairs Committee Head''

Jose Bob C. Santos Jr.

''Marketing Affairs Committee Head''

==Committees==

'''THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE'''
''The think tanks of the club. They get more than their share of headaches.''

The EXECOM is composed of the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Internal Affairs Committee Head, External Affairs Committee Head, Academic Committee Head, and the Marketing Committee Head. This team regularly meets to discuss plans and activities, coordinate their respective committee activities, and present these to the general membership during general meetings. They do not only draw the blueprints for every activity, the EXECOM is there down to the workings of the smallest detail.

An EXECOM meeting is a study on the beauty of integration. Since its members head the existing committees, individual plans are organized and welded into one whole coordinated affair.

'''THE MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE'''
''The official screening committee. "Spell QUIT! Grr.."''

The chameleons of the club; watch them change colors. They appear normal (harmless even) during the first half of your application period, but come the eleventh hour and they change into masters of intimidation. (Har har…) It is their job after all, to screen applicants (they are sticklers for the saying "Diamonds are coals that have survived tremendous pressure"). But be not afraid. They are, on the other hand, considerate (really!), and they recognize dyed-in-the-wool applicant when they see one.
'''
THE PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE'''
''Information. Connection. Commitment. Service.''

If not for the shocking ad campaigns, CK's probably would not sell.
And if not for the PUBCOM's commitment to responsible information dissemination, GEC wouldn't have a label. They are on a constant ad campaign to promote the club. Their fortes: authentic teasers, posters, banners, profiles, exhibits (and the handy primer!). Not only that, the PUBCOM handles the club's official newsletter the "Polaris". Perhaps, they give the club the "character". (Now, how's that for a cliché!)

Their hands, their (beautiful, and creative, of course!) minds, their one-of-a-kind skills and talents, their commitment, and the exceptional service they render to the whole GEC community - the Publicity Committee has so much of what it takes to have that prized one that you call trust.

'''THE FINANCE COMMITTEE'''
''Your ever friendly banking committee "Pay up dirtball!"''

The committee who does most of the dirty work (e.g. getting members to pay up), the Fincom is also the most in-demand (money is after all the blood of every org).

'''THE INTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE'''
''The official gluing committee "Okay pal, stick 'em up!"''

The epoxy of the club, because they hold the club together. Among the activities handled by the Internals are the sportsfest, team building seminars, get-togethers, gimmicks, sem-enders, etc. The Internal Committee members are probably amateur psychologists; for cooking up activities that would transform each of the individual personalities (weirdoes, colorful, bland, boring, apathetic, what-have-you's) into a working machine.
'''Bold text'''
Internal not only sees to it tat the family atmosphere is healthy, it also is in charge of maintaining the cleanliness of our tambayan and maintenance of the facilities.

'''
THE EXTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE'''''
"It's a big world out there, glad to keep you in touch."''

Our tambayan may be up and away from the other Eng'g orgs, but that doesn't mean we are stuck here all by our lonesome. The External Affairs Committee's job is to keep us in touch with the other university and college organizations. They handle the usual Inter-organizational activities such as sportsfest and other Eng'g Week activities. Ties with the alumni are also strengthened with the Externals initiating get-togethers (e.g. through basketball games, parties, etc.)

'''THE ACADEMIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE'''
''The ever dependable tutors and librarians (?)-"Need help?"''

When you feel that only Divineintervention can make you pass the subject,try your last link of defense - your friendly and approachable Acadcom members. They are the cerebral powerhouse of the club. The ones in-charge of all the library and academic files. If you need sample exams, books, or even an hour or so of tutorial, they are there for you. Your Acadcom sees to it that you do not have to take ES 11 or Physics 71 n times (where n ranges from 2 to infinity).

'''THE MARKETING COMMITTEE'''
''The official feasibility, solicitation, and follow-up committee''

This is the latest addition to the EXECOM (it's not even in our constitution yet), is not to be confused with the Fincom. The jobs they do include choosing companies that will be potential sponsors, faxing those companies or talking to their representatives, and doing other solicitation work. The creation of this committee certainly took a huge load off the Fincom's back.

==Activities==

'''JUNE'''

Block Handling - The Club yearly participates in the Freshmen Orientation Program (FOPC) wherein we are given GE freshmen blocks to orient and guide in their first few days in the university. This is where they get to know their blockmates, elect their block officers, eat free snacks at the tambayan, have a quick tour at the department and get to see and interact with a transit for the very first time.

Course Orientation - GE Club conducts course orientations in July. This activity helps new GE students other than freshmen to get to know the course better with instrument demonstrations, laboratory tours and talks with faculty members.

'''JULY'''

Applicant's Orientation - July is the start of the application period for the club. People we lured to join especially from the orientations got to have free snacks again. (yes, you should edit this part. I can't think of anything to write in here.)

'''AUGUST'''

GE CLUB ANNIVERSARY - This year, we are celebrating our 66th anniversary and the list of the week-long activities include:

'''SEPTEMBER'''

Application Interview - A part of the application in the organization is the interview where wanna-be members undergo a series of questionings from the Membership Committee of the Club. As an applicant, you'll learn to value and love the organization and its members from this activity.

Final Rites - The last stage of the application usually takes place a week before the final exams. This is how the GE CLUB family grows.

'''OCTOBER'''

Sem-Ender - After a grueling semester with academics and organization activities, the Club takes a break outside town sometimes swimming, mountain climbing and what-not.

'''NOVEMBER'''

Second Semester Application - The Club recruits new members every semester and this month is the start of the application for the second semester. Those who miss the application period on the First Semester can still apply during this month.

Ms. GEC - The men of the Club always looks forward to this activity because whoever wins the title, gets the prestige and honor of becoming the org's representative in the Ms. Eng'g. competition held during Engineering Week.

'''DECEMBER'''

Engineering Week - The Club hosts the Volleybagan (a volleyball competition) and the Geoid Cup (a chess tournament) during this month. Members also join and contend with other Engineering-based organizations in other events like Awitan and Indakan, Smoker Night and the Ms. Engineering.

'''JANUARY'''

Wala lang (my brain's empty today)

'''FEBRUARY'''

A Pair To Remember - During love month, the club picks a lucky couple to go on a date sponsored by the members of the club.

'''MARCH'''

Applicant's Interview / Final Rites - More people are added to the GE Club family. (yes, I'm slacking. Sorry)

Sem-Ender - GE Club family never ends the semester without renewing bonds and friendship with each other. That's why we are envied and looked-up to.

==Announcements==

=See Also=
You may visit http://www.upgec.org/index.html to know more about the UP GeodeticEngineering Club.

[[Category: UP Diliman]] [[Category: Student Organizations|Geodetic Engineering Club]]