Around November of 2019, I went to Bukidnon. Our organization, UAPSA, had an area (meaning whole Mindanao) assembly. I rode in a van with fellow architecture student-leaders from Davao schools such as AdDU, UM, and UIC. And from the MCM chapter, I came alone, because it was a busy week for plates and I would not force my officers and members to attend. Nonetheless, I do not mind traveling with people I am not familiar with. I have gone on a couple of trips in Luzon with strangers that I ended being friends with. The story is more or less the same, but this trip to Bukidnon I hold close to my heart.
I hold this trip close to my heart because I met people from many folds of Mindanao. Often times, when there is a chapter event, it is hard to think that there are other chapters out there. The fact is, during the area assembly, I met people from Cagayan de Oro, Surigao, Iligan, Ozamiz, and even Zamboanga. They are funny, smart, and crazy (in a good way). I was considerably a new member. This was my first area assembly; and I did not feel out of place at all. The language barrier was interesting, but it just made the experience better.
During the assembly, there were competitions, seminars, and team-building activities. We had speakers from the UAP community and allied professions. We also had our UAPSA national officers from Luzon come in; a few of them were from Mapua schools: MIT and MCL. There were many talented delegates that were way over my level. It was inspiring to be there; like a seedling being watered to grow.
UAPSA is an organization of architecture students. But if one only knew the number of chapters there are in the Philippines, a national gathering or even an area gathering could easily equate to a cultural exchange. And it is still a cultural exchange even if in-between activities, we teach our Luzon friends vernacular swear words.
My narrative does not necessarily speak of a place in Mindanao, but an experience with our people. It is safe to say I came home to Davao with a little more than I left with. The last photo is us at the Monastery of Transfiguration designed by national artist for architecture Leandro Locsin. Transfigured – indeed.
07/21/2020
Mindanao Class