UP Oblation Run 2007 – from the eyes of a mom
Like a virgin, I waited patiently across the UP (University of the Philippines) Palma Hall, in the heat of the noontime sun, with open eyes and mind, my stomach grumbling after missing breakfast – definitely NOT to see naked men parade in front of me (I’ve seen enough) but to experience the 2007 UP Oblation Run to spice up my lessons on the Philippine Educational System (and have authentic inputs in class when we meet next week). I also had other reasons: at 50 (no longer the demure economics student I was in the mid 70s when the Oblation Run began), I wanted to make sure I experienced a complete student life. As mom, I wanted to be with my daughter and seize the occasion to bond with her (but she decided to stay in her class. I was curious to know the issues which UP students find relevant and worthy of their oblation – to see if they can serve as the hope of our nation.
In the midst of UP students (though I pass as one of them because of my petite frame), I felt OP (out of place) waiting for the naked Alpha Phi Omega men’s final bow at the Palma steps since most students apparently just came to see the spectacle as if waiting for: a movie star or a band singer to perform live or for a stripper to titillate one’s sexual desires or for some biology specimen to view, size-up and draw conclusions from. I was waiting to find meaning in this annual UP tradition for the past 30 years.
It was around quarter past twelve when nude, masked men came out of Palma Hall with balloons, flowers and streamers that called for the ouster of President Arroyo, justice for UP students Karen and She and the grant of tuition subsidies for UP students. I wonder why the students covered their heads and wore masks. As these men raised their streamers of dissent, I was expecting to hear shouts of student protests and criticisms and calls for action as I have experience during my student days in some mass rallies. But, I only heard whistles, then “boos” and then hollers (for not seeing much, for the very brief skin exposure time). I do not find photos worth sharing here a lot can be viewed at YouTube if you wish.
I was frustrated at what I saw, heard and experienced such that soon after, I felt thirsty, hungry, exhausted and sunburned. The more I felt OP. I felt old as well, realizing that I do not belong to this generation anymore.
Just like thousands of UP Alumni, I still value the Oblation as the main symbol of what the University of the Philippines stands for, fights for and delivers to the nation; the chosen rallying point for protests and social action; the enduring model of academic freedom, an inspiration for service and nationalism; my lifetime link to UP.
However, the 2007 Oblation Run I witnessed was just a show of bold and daring, nude men with flowers, balloons and streamers – not far from commercial TV identification plugs or intermissions to a long play. I did not see their bravery in standing up for their causes; they were speed walking, almost running, ashamed of their nakedness.
Perhaps, (I hope) the UP students I expected to see In the oblation run were just busy attending their classes, researching in the library, hearing mass or simply taking lunch. Perhaps, I have just been too engrossed with my class reading on Philippine education during the revolutionary times that I have been searching as Rizal when he said:
Where are the youth who will consecrate their golden hours, their illusions and their enthusiasm to the welfare of their native land? … who will generously pour out their blood to wash away so much shame, so much crime, so much abomination? … Pure and spotless … who will embody in yourselves the vigor of life that has left our veins, the purity of ideas that has contaminated in our brains, the fire of enthusiasm that has been quenched in our hearts? …
Perhaps, I am just a mom who expects so much. How about you, do you still see the relevance of this tradition as it was meant to be during its inception years back? Isn’t it time to rethink and plan for a more meaningful oblation befitting of the times?
My daughter couldn’t find a companion to watch it so I volunteered. She said “mom that’s so awkward”. she ended up not watching it at all. I remember in the late seventies an APO streaked in the campus.
Noemi, Yes, in 1977, when we were in 3rd-4th year at UP, I think 2 fratmen streaked to protest the banning by martial law authorities of the film “Hubad na Bayani”. The dissent themes have changed from year to year with the same parade of nakedness used as mode of expression. I just hope that in the future, the real spirit of the Oblation (its valor and selflessness) surfaces out once more.
In those days of studying in UP i did not partake much with the activism due to family pressures to finish schooling in manila, get a job and help the rest of the family…when i immigrated overseas though, I was confronted with prejudices associated with having a brown skin,asian, a solo mother, female, matured and being married to a ‘white’ man. I’ve always held myself with pride, thanks to the ’spirit of oblation’- the value of courage/being open to all opportunities/helping other filipinas with some of their plight - I’ve always fought for equality and respect and have voiced out my cause verbally and in writing- even wrote and sought audience with a parliamentarian re. a decision that was later overturned - sometimes my kids used to be embarrassed as I am always in the frontline of parents events- imagine a diminutive filipina leading ‘white-blonde-tall-english speaking’ mothers in fund raising activities. sometimes I thought that my being asian-brown-non-english speaking background is quite an advantage in getting what i wanted …sometimes…still am so proud to be a u.p. grad
but i agree with you- if you those who participated in that rally should not be ashamed to show their faces..COURAGE- is one of the values that the Oblation symbolises that i consider really important to have..courage in the right place of course..regards alice- will be in the phils in the new year but will be spending most times in Baguio. you must be very proud of aon and aei-
Vicky,
Indeed, UP has taught us to be brave to stand up for our ideals and courageous to face consequences of our actions — whether for a group objective or a personal dream. UP grads have also been conditioned/trained to go beyond themselves and work for others even if this would sometimes mean going against the flow of things; thus. making their lives difficult.
But through the trials, while we may not be always successful, we always emerge wiser and better for the next test. From Ariel’s stories, I know that you’ve been through lots of challenges overseas and you’ve weathered them all to be what you are now. Yes, thanks to UP for producing the kind of breed that we are … worthy of oblation.
Hope to see you soon. Let me know when.
I’ve never witnessed an actual UP Oblation Run. Must be quite an experience.
Thanks for visiting my blog. I wish you and your family a beautiful Christmas. God bless.
Rach,
After I’ve seen this year’s oblation run, unless I have to, I don’t think I’ll have much drive to see it again. There are other more fitting ways to express dissent than the run.
A blessed New Year to you and your family Rach!
Let me make it clear: I am not from UP ( I am from New Era University) but I have seen Oblation Run for like four or five times. I’ve also seen PUP’s explicit imitation: Pylon Run. FEU and UE have their own version as well which they tag as U-Belt Oblation Run (I’ve seen this one too.).There are other schools who are so pathetic to mimic this tradition (Bulacan Sate University, Our Lady of Fatima University, Lyceum of Batangas, University of Eastern Philippines) . All of which are not really a form of protest. It’s more of a freak show. It’s streaking. Students gather at Plama Hall not to be part of any protest but to see dicks. There are a score of ways to protest without stripping one’s clothes. Exhibitionism and protest are arguably two different things. But sometimes people are far from being objective.
Let me make it clear: I am not from UP ( I am from New Era University) but I have seen Oblation Run for like four or five times. I’ve also seen PUP’s explicit imitation: Pylon Run. FEU and UE have their own version as well which they tag as U-Belt Oblation Run (I’ve seen this one too.).There are other schools who are so pathetic to mimic this tradition (Bulacan Sate University, Our Lady of Fatima University, Lyceum of Batangas, University of Eastern Philippines) . All of which are not really a form of protest. It’s more of a freak show. It’s streaking. Students gather at Plama Hall not to be part of any protest but to see dicks. There are a score of ways to protest without stripping one’s clothes. Exhibitionism and protest are arguably two different things. And sometimes people are far from being objective.
Den,
I agree. People can find other avenues to creatively yet forcefully express their sentiments of protest and discontent without having to strip. I hope that UP students would realize this soon since they often set the pace ad the example for other students from other schools to follow.