From one Isko to another: Celebs, journalists share words of wisdom to UPCA passers
It’s that time of the year when the University of the Philippines (UP) welcomes thousands of Iskos and Iskas into their ever-growing community.
The country’s premier university has released the results of the UP College Admissions (UPCA) 2022 for Academic Year 2022-2023. And of course, many took to social media to express their excitement, tears of joy, and hope for what's to come.
In time with UPCA 2022, PhilSTAR L!fe asked celebrities and journalists to give helpful tips to Iskos and Iskas as they prepare to enter the next stage of their lives.
Kim Atienza
Kuya Kim Atienza, who graduated with a degree in Film and Audiovisual Communication, said while getting into UP was “so hard,” the seven-year journey was “all worth it.”
He also advised Iskos and Iskas to savor every moment in the university whether they’re in or out of their classrooms.
“Enjoy every day you’re in UP and learn from outside the classrooms as well. UP is a microcosm of Philippine society. If you make it in UP, you'll make it in the Philippine workplace,” Atienza said.
Jessica Soho
Multi-awarded broadcast journalist Jessica Soho reminded Iskos and Iskas that studying at UP is a “privilege” that shouldn’t be wasted.
A Mass Communication degree holder, Soho also shared important tips on how Iskos should present themselves in the university.
“Even if your professors don’t check the attendance, show up. Listen good because you have the best teachers in the world. Choose the terror ones, you’ll learn the most from them, believe me. And if you survive them, you will survive anything,” Soho added.
Gretchen Fullido
Fullido was frank in reminding Iskos and Iskas that there will be challenges in their university life. Even so, she added that it’s what makes their “UP life” more exciting.
“You’ll experience a lot of challenges for sure, but that’s part of UP life and that’s what makes it more exciting, rewarding, and fulfilling,” Fullido added.
She also said staying in UP is “harder” than making it through its application process. “Remember, the UPCAT isn’t the end of it. Staying in UP is much harder than getting into UP. Make us proud, mga bagong Iskolar ng bayan!”
Richard Juan
Juan, who caught the attention of netizens for sharing throwback snaps of his UP days, said being an Isko is “all about trying new things.” “You are now in your late teens or early 20s and you can still afford to take (calculated) risks and make (reversible) mistakes.”
The actor and entrepreneur also advised Iskos to be “open to what university life throws at you” since it’s the “best time to experiment.”
“Trust me, there is no better time to experiment and try new things, than at university. So go for it! Who knows where it’ll take you,” Juan said.
Karmina Constantino
Karmina Constantino’s words of wisdom to Iskos were short, but they definitely packed a punch.
“Be stellar! Keep your hearts beating for our country,” Constantino said.
The ABS-CBN News anchor graduated with a film degree from the premier university.
JP Habac
JP Habac, the filmmaker behind I’m Drunk, I Love You, couldn’t hide his excitement for the newest batch of Iskos as he described UP as his “tahanan for five years.”
He also reminded Iskos and Iskas that the lessons they’ve learned from UP will stay with them even after graduation.
“Parating dalhin kahit saan ang mapag-aaralan niyo dahil nasa labas ang tunay na laban. Mabuhay ang pag-asa ng Bayan,” Habac said.
Kara David
Kara David told Iskos and Iskas that UP is a “microcosm of our society” since they have the chance to interact with people from different walks of life.
“You will meet a lot of different people from many different backgrounds. Always keep an open mind. Iwasang maging mapanghusga, buksan ang isipan, yakapin ang ating pagkakaiba at matuto sa isa’t isa,” David said.
The GMA journalist obtained her Mass Communication degree from UP.
Joj Agpangan
Joj Agpangan believes that studying at UP was filled with “experiences that motivated me to go on and [to] never stop educating myself.”
One-half of the Agpangan duo—even her twin Jai studied at UP—Joj added that being an Iska gave her a “positive attitude” to keep going.
“[It’s the type of] positive attitude that you should never give up on your dreams until you can say to your future self, ‘Believe me, you are going to thank me for this.’ So, keep on going on.” Joj said.
Ariella Arida
Miss Universe 2013 third runner-up Ariella Arida became sentimental about being an Iska, saying “life has given you wings to fly [and] your admission to UP was the ticket.”
The beauty queen-turned-actress also advised UPCA passers that getting into the premier university is about “assuming responsibility for your future.”
“Have fun, enjoy your newfound freedom in an exciting environment but don’t lose sight of your goals and purpose of being there. May you all come out full of great impact. All the best,” Arida said.