Perks of Being a Certified BUeño

- Belda, Princess M.

I’ve always wanted to be a BUeño. I submitted every required document,

took the exam (only the BUCET) since Bicol University is the only hope that I have
for having no tuition fees but with excellent standard especially when it comes to
teaching. Yes, the result says I am admitted, but family says I can’t continue
because of financial matters. I was so frustrated with my life that moment. I don’t
want them to stop me from reaching my goals in life, no, not them.
2 weeks just before the classes started, I received a phone call from
Compassion Philippines International, I was offered a 7 days Bariquant Blues
UDHA hairdressing training with Korean Nationals in Cebu, all in, the back and
forth plane ride, the hotel stay, the food, the things that will be needed will be
provided to me, even the pocket money. It was for my personal income generating
to provide for myself. I was so interested but when they told me that it will cover
the first 2 weeks of classes, I told them that I’ve to think about it for few days.
After a week, they called me again, asking me if I need and still want their
offer, or else it’ll be offered to someone else, this time, I said yes. This is the very
moment that I needed a break from my life with the same environment. My parents
already told me to stop schooling and go start looking for job since they are both
Orthopedic Persons with Disabilities and we don’t have anything, like a land ready
to be sold in times of need, nothing, and never sure if I’ll still be in BU next month
or the following months since no one’s going to sustain my daily needs even until
now. I didn’t respond anything about what they keep on saying. So, I grabbed the
chance of having that very privileged experience.
When I was in Cebu City in almost 2 weeks, a very short span of time, I
was moved, I have met many people, almost all walks of life, and compared my
life to them, I am still very lucky enough. Cebu city, the people there and the
moments are treasure to me, they made me realized that I should keep striving,
that even if none would be willing to help, I should learn to help myself.
The plane landed in Legazpi, with me, having so much courage to tell
those who’d like to stop me that if they can’t support me financially, I’ll go support
myself. They just have to say yes and let me.
The very next day, I attended school the very first time in Bicol University,
met and knew my block mates and the professors and presented my excuse letter
with the Dean’s Approval just few days before I left, personally wishing that we will
have a good camaraderie as time passes by.
 I asked one of my block mates if there are things that I should do, submit
and events to look forward to. What caught my attention the most is the BU Hataw,
one of the perks of being a BUeño. I am excited, this will be the first activity that I will
be looking forward on to.
The first PE class I attended was on the 3rd week of August already, the start of
the BU Hataw practice. Though I am not into dancing, I enjoyed it, even though with the
scorching heat of the sun and the sweaty PE outfit, because the truth is, I am with my
block mates (who are most of them are also not good dancers). So far, as far as I
remember, I attended every practice and enjoyed every sway of steps, I also attended
every PE class and had quizzes and all.
The Hataw day came as the opening of the 50th Bicol University Golden Founding
Anniversary to be celebrated for a whole week in September, starting with the parade from
Peñaranda park to Bicol University Albay Sports Complex.
In unison, we shouted, “BUeño Waterproof! Waterproof!” as the rain poured over
us – a blessing indeed, showering all of us in the ground, as if the heavens also is in
celebration with us. Few more moments and talks, we finally began the dancing.
As it can be seen in the videos, we are hundredths maybe thousands who
participated in the Hataw. We spread like dust on air as became united and one.
The most memorable moment for me was when I was separated from my block
mates, I couldn’t find them because everyone is in their PE uniforms, golden yellow socks
holding the pompoms on both hands. So I didn’t have any choices but to just go on with
the crowd and the flow, I was with other bicol university students that I don’t even know
and wasn’t very familiar which I considered strangers. But the good thing was that I didn’t
feel awkward at all and so did they. We were dancing, singing, laughing – we were
enjoying the very moment of the event together.
I am looking forward for another Hataw actually. And of course, I’d like to be able
to achieve my body and health goals with the help of my PE subjects and the lovely
professors.
Isa pang hataw please…