Oblation

took this photo with my Digital Holga

Summer here in the Philippines also means graduation season. my sister's graduating from the same law school i graduated from in a few days. i went to the university of the philippines, the Philippines' premier university (subject of endless debate of course!) for both my journalism and law degrees. i have alot of fond memories from U.P., not just because it was a time for personal exploration, but also because it was in U.P. where i formed some of the best friendships i have.

featured in today's photo is the ultimate symbol for U.P., the Oblation. it is a concrete monument created in 1935 by the great Filipino Sculptor, Guillermo Tolentino. it symbolizes the supreme sacrifice of one's service for the good of the country and humanity. after all, being an iskolar ng bayan (State scholar) carries with it the privilege and duty to serve the country to the best that we can.

yes, i am proud to have come from U.P. i belong to a great tradition of expanding knowledge and cultivating a sense of service for the country. the university has produced countless great men and women in public service. But it has likewise produced some of the most ruthless, cunning and corrupt. if only graduates from U.P. could keep the spirit of the Oblation in mind when they start their careers, there could be so much more the nation could accomplish.