The bells are ringing again

I was delighted to hear the news that the carillon bells of the University of the Philippines are ringing again. Well, actually, these are no longer the original bells, since those have replaced by new ones, being already rusty and no longer functional. Thanks to the concerned alumni of UP, the bells that have been silent for several years, are now chiming again, just in time for the Christmas season.

* * *

The first time I ever went to the UP campus was when, as teenagers, my sister and I were allowed to spend a summer with an aunt who was teaching there and lived in one of those famous rowhouses. One of the things we loved most about the place was hearing the melodious chiming of those carillon bells in the morning when residents were being called to mass. Since it was then May, and the ritual of Flores de Mayo was also being observed there, attending it was another bonus for our vacation.

* * *

Another thing that impressed us was the fact that not only children were participating in the “ flores ” rites. Even professors, younger teachers, and their families were present every afternoon of the Flores de Mayo, and they, too, would go up to the altar to lay flowers before the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Such things changed a lot of my perceptions about UP, because I had always thought that people there, especially the intellectuals, scorned practices like those. We felt bad when we had to leave for home before May ended. We knew we would miss the carillon chimes, and they would always ring in our ears every May, with the lyrics of the Flores song “I'll sing a hymn to Mary”.

* * *

By the way, the UP is marking its 100 th or centennial next year, having been founded in 1908. What I wish and hope for the State University is that it will regain its adherence to the mission that says it is supposed to cater to or prioritize students who are bright and promising, but who could not afford college studies in private institutions. Today, when one goes to the UP campus during class days, one would see hundreds, maybe thousands of students, driving luxury vehicles and strutting to their classrooms. One also sees chauffeured young girls being delivered and fetched from their classes. No wonder some describe the UP now as elitist.

* * *

Another impression of the UP that I hope will be changed is that it has become an enclave of those with influential parents, relatives and political cronies. This I know from experience because when some one I know closely wanted to enroll in its College of Medicine , he passed the tests, but was informed that there was no slot available for him. A university official, now retired, told me frankly that that was the practice, and some insiders also said it would be easier to get in if you are the son, relative or protégé of an official, or perhaps a politician. This, I also hope, will be recognized and addressed by the celebrators of the 100 th anniversary.

* * *

Maybe it was really part of his punishment for molesting that little girl. The flip-flop on the supposed release of convict Romeo Jalosjos must have been more painful to him and his relatives than his sentencing. Who really was to blame for the snafu? Jalosjos keeps waving a document stating that he was free to go already. In his hometown, fireworks had been shown, parties held and balloons displayed. At the prison grounds, a grand despedida celebration had also been held to send him off. Because of the reversal of the order, will they stage a welcome party for him when he comes back?

* * *

I was amused to see the grinning faces of the police officers who were given medals by the Local government Department for their role in dealing with l'affaire Peninsula . Laudatory words were spoken, and one could only describe the rite as comic. Not to brag about it, but I think even I could have handled those, 34? 38? renegades within the posh hotel if they would give me a thousand troops or more, some tear gas, and, best of all an armored vehicle, or army tank, at my beck and call.*

back to top