Bannawag hits 4!

This is my original article in a publication of the UP Isabela Society in 2007. Since it is our batch' fourth year anniversary today, i would like to repost this and have some additional insights.

"Unity in diversity, that best describes the amazing batch: BANNAWAG."          

  

2006: The making of Bannawag

"Pursuits in academics have been the number one priority of each Isko and Iska thus entering the premier academe in the country. Extra ingredient is added as each one get to be affiliated in other matters, which include joining organizations in the university. It is not a necessity yet we feel some need of a second family. This has been provided for the thirteen young ones of batch Bannawag!

2007: First Batch Anniversary

Bannawag meaning sunrise is a new hope; a new beginning. As we, the thirteen explicitly witty, undeniably active and absolutely good looking young minds continue to fulfill their dreams and aspirations; it is remarkable how we come to prove our worth as outstanding members of the organization. A weeklong process seems not enough to test how determined are we; how much can we give and long can we endure. It seems so short to inculcate the organizational matters effectively. It seems to be a rush! However this does not reflect our behavior now that we are part of the organization. There is an adage that is put as: “the longer you endure, the harder you give up”. But this is not true at all times. It depends on the person to choose whether to give up as he gets tired or not. It is a matter of discernment  and assertion. We need to be sure whether we really like something or not. Once we have established our self-determination, however tiring it is or not, surely we do not surrender. In the first place, we are responsible of things we do as we get to suffer the consequences of our actions later on.

2007: Exploring elbi.

Achievements being members of the organization are quite fulfilling. “Yes! I have done my best and I got rewarded!”. This is a feeling of contentment and honor as we get to be recognized of our effortful acts. Roland, Mirriam, and I, has successfully done this, as we became members of the month for August. It just proves that the batch performs well not only in academics wherein Patrick and Nover lead an exemplary performance being university and college scholars. It was just a few months and yet we come to purposefully develop our skills and talents. Claudine excels well in singing, as Ali is very much at ease with playing the violin. Mark has a quite good speaking habit as he leads us in ceremonies. Thea is quite good in oral arguments/debates. Kath is gifted with dancing prowess as well as Bryce and Ryan. Jayson is a leader type, which is inherent in him since he is a corps commander way back in high school. This has been helpful for us as well as for the organization for we are able to share our talents. There is diversity!  We become better than the usual.

2008: Second Year Anniversary

Never in our vocabulary to let anyone down especially we are brothers and sisters. Unity is hardly worked out by most of us but we easily manage it with ourselves. Being siblings, we treat each other with equality. No one is better than the other. We work together as one as we aim together and fulfill those dreams we want to reach.

Natives of Isabela; sons and daughters of the hardworking individuals who sought into hardships just to give all we need. We are thankful that we have our immediate families to lean on especially in times of problems and laughter to share. Because of them, we are here in the organization and perform well in as much as we want to be the best. They provided us with the best that they could give; the support we need financially, emotionally and physically. We are not let down by them as we do our best to give back the favor they give us. They do not let us wander in the dark as they provide us the light to lead us in the right way we must take.

2010: Orientation 

Amidst the differences we have, we are working as one and never do anything to hurt each one. We are bound to mistakes yet we make it to a point to have in us the essence of companionship every time to avoid gaps. We are not perfect individuals yet we are able to fix what we should arrange without inflicting pain or wrecking lives.

What are several years of existence compare to months of excellence? Being effective members is not measured by how long is our stay. We have noticed things such as inactivity as others choose to be so cant help to be so. It is not merely being part of an institution that we are known. It should be coming from within us the courage to outshine. Our existence is useless if we choose to be just “members in thought” and not in deed.

As time goes by, we are all molded into something better of us. Our leadership skills are tested as members come and go. We have not yet celebrated an anniversary yet we feel like we have been so long in the organization. We have learned so much from the older members as they lead us by example. As this happen, they impart in us the subtle techniques of holding or leading people in the most efficient and convenient for both leaders and followers. Today we follow and soon we will lead. This is the natural process. Succession in part is quite a mater of following and leading and soon fading yet we are still remembered for we become outstanding members as well as people of our own. 

God is good. We are surviving against all odds. Changes are but permanent things on earth yet these humble us. Humility is never been an act of inferiority but is a strength that must learned by all. All things happen for a reason. The existence of Bannawag is destined to be so. Our batch has proved a lot yet we have a long way more to go. Being a member is a lifetime commitment. Once an ISian forever an ISian. Bannawag rocks! "

Reality is that it has been four years since then and the original thirteen members of the batch have been reduced to ten due to some reasons which are out of our control. But still, the same strong and united individuals continue to strive for the best. Most of us have also graduated and are now facing the real world. But still, we gather once in a while to rekindle our great memories and even the odd ones.

On our way towards the attainment of our dreams, we are sure to beat the odds. Brought up and equipped with the necessary values in life, Bannawag will shine above the horizon. In support to our great adviser, Mitch if I may quote her: "Only those who dare to lift themselves rise above horizon".

Cheers towards a great and longer voyage in life. Happy fourth year anniversary Bannies! May all our dreams and aspirations come true.