I'm from UP. And yes, I'm an activist.

There's something about attending UP that makes me so proud. Aside from being in THE best campus, THE center of academic excellence and THE benchmark of achievement in the country, there's really something about the culture that I really really love.

There's so much 'soul' about being a UP student/graduate. We're not detached from reality. We're grounded. We're rooted to the culture of the Filipino. We aren't blinded by wealth or 'coolness'. Let me explain...

It's nine days before the elections and a lot of people on Facebook have been posting their bets and their sentiments about the election. And most of them, as in 98% are my friends from UP. I felt like it's the most normal thing to do.

Siguro there's a little 'tibak' (activist in UP slang) in all UP graduates. It's innate to speak our minds and get involved in things that affect the country and our fellow Filipinos.

I've never heard my contacts from Ateneo or DLSU speak about their bets. Never campaigned for them. Never even posted a single thing about politics. I've had one from CSB- it's not even my brother. A friend is voting for Noynoy because he's a superfan of Kris Aquino. PLEASE TELL ME HOW TO APPRECIATE THAT KIND OF REASONING. I've read about one taxi driver who's voting for Noynoy because he has the yellow sticker. (OHGHAD KILL ME NOW. I don't even know which reason is more pathetic- being a fan of Kris or having the sticker.)

Sometimes I think twice, even thrice before posting or sharing a shout out or political article online. In my mind 'siguro iniisip nila taga UP talaga ako kasi napaka aktibista ko'. It's the stereotype eh. Everyone who's not from UP think we're activists. They think all we do is rally in the streets, scream and fight with policemen.

Of course we, UP people know better. Heck, in UP people from my college (CBA) are perceived to be apathetic towards social issues. No matter what 'outsiders' say, I still believe in fighting for this country. There is no room for alibis at this time. All we have is room for improvement. WE'VE HAD SO MUCH ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT BUT WE NEVER REALLY IMPROVED. It's empty and waiting.

Now let's allow this Dick to enter the room. Maybe then we'll see the change. DICK GORDON FOR PRESIDENT!

(HAHAHAHA Nagets mo noh?)