Written by Angelica Mercado

“Ha? Ano ‘yun?”

I recall people would exclaimed whenever I told them then that I was pursuing DevCom. My replies were ever-changing; they could be anything from “It’s like MassCom,” during my lazy days up to “It is the art and science of human communication veering towards the transitioning of communities from poverty unto a state of growth that enables the fulfilment of human potential,” whenever I felt like delving deeper into the topic. Though my replies weren’t constant, one thing remained—the absence of warmth from my voice as I answered. Whenever people asked about my course, a feeling akin to losing the lead role in exchange for a supporting character in a play took root inside of me. It was similar to the saying “I am fine” although I longed to expound how fragmented I felt inside. It was a feeling of dismay; it was a feeling similar to that of being caged. It was a hollowness that resonated inside of me whenever faced with the fact that I was taking a course that I did not feel passionate about.

Do not get me wrong, Development Communication is an incredulously wonderful field of study. It provides an avenue for communication—particularly mass communication—to be used to further social causes and development. It is awe-striking—so much so that my pre-UPCAT self listed UPLB as my first choice campus and Developmental Communication as my first choice program. But like the many truths of life, we find out what something—or in some cases, who someone—truly is only when we immerse ourselves in certain situations. And as I got to know more about Developmental Communication, the fact that it was not for me grew clearer and clearer. The yearning to pursue another degree program became stronger than ever.

By the second semester of my first year, I made a decision that I would either break or make my life—I decided to shift. Online enlistment period came and I decided to cancel my DEVC 11—a subject that serves as a prerequisite for ALL DevCom subjects. I opted to enlist GE subjects instead. Full units came by me easily, and in no time, I was able to finalize my PS form. It was official; I had taken the risk. I would be shifting.

The to-wheres constantly changed; I was more lost than I had ever been before. I thought of pursuing Economics, since I wanted to take a course that is corporate in nature. But the field did not feel right—perhaps because of the lack of opportunity to hone my gift of gab or the excessively numerous math formulas that Economics required. Hence, I turned my eyes to a field somewhat close to home—Development Studies. But still, the void within had yet to be filled. I knew then that I wanted to pursue a communications course, but not a degree that puts prime on mass communication. But I guessed that no communication course was focused on the development of organizations or corporations.

Until I found out about OrCom.

Truth be told, when I took the UPCAT, I did not even consider UP Manila becayse I got it into my head that it offered no programs except those concerning health sciences. Being a someone who possesses little love for the natural sciences, I veered toward other UP campuses. So when I found out that UP Manila offers a program like OrCom, regret crashed over me like an unending wave.

But I felt so happy, at the same time.

I immediately made up my mind. To OrCom it was, then. I went to the registrar’s office and filled out my application to transfer. Warmth filled my heart; I suddenly felt stoked about what the years to come had to offer. I knew then and there that my journey to OrCom would start here.

After some time, I received an email informing me about an exam that needed to be taken, should I want to pursue the transfer process. Apparently, aside from a grade requirement, aspiring shiftees and transferees ought to take a test. Alas, the message was sent, literally, a night before the scheduled date of the exam—I made no preparations; no preparations were possible due to time constraints. Instead of recapping my grammar aptitude or prepping for an interview, I decided to sleep an hour early and to let faith run its course. In simpler terms, it was a “Bahala na si Batman” moment.

The day came and I had never felt so anxious in my entire life. I came a tad earlier hence I witnessed RH 309 slowly start filling with people—people who, like me, wish to be future OrCommunicators. Three became ten, and ten morphed into thirty. About ten minutes before the indicated time, the room was almost full – I estimated about fifty takers. Conversations filled the room. Having nothing specifically worthy to do as I wait, I dared listen to the talks that filled the air. Most of them applied for three courses or so, hence, should they fall short for OrCom, they still possessed a shot with other degree programs.

Whereas I, the ever so happy-go-lucky girl, solely applied for OrCom.

I instantaneously felt scared. Mentioned above, I had cancelled all my DevCom subjects. Hence, should I not be accepted, I would be already delayed for a good whole year. The odds were stacked against me; visions of negativity filled my mind. But instead of letting it consume me, I decided to use them as motivation for me to even do better. The proctor came; it was time. Instructions were given, papers were disseminated. There was no turning back. Dis was it, pansit!

All of us waited for three hours or so for the results to be posted. While we waited, I was able to meet and make friends. Most came from other universities, a handful from UP Manila itself. Though we undoubtedly had fun in each others’ company, there was no one denying the fact that tension filled the air.

Suddenly, someone came out of the DAC and posted a sheet of paper on the bulletin board.

Twenty surnames were listed, were qualified, and were shortlisted for an interview to further pursue a slot in OrCom. My heart stopped at the sight of my surname. My first instinct was to ask around, should I share a surname with another aspirant (HIRAP NA, BAKA UMASA. BAWAL UMASA). No one replied and, in that moment, I knew the Mercado that was indicated was me. I qualified for a step further.

While we waited to be interviewed, most of us opted to interact with one another, to dissipate the fear nestling inside of us. We introduced ourselves and talked to one another. Half or so of those shortlisted came from UP Manila already. (Funfact: Some of my first-ever, closest UPM friends, I met here! Hello Chloe! Hello Julius! Hello, many more amigos!) The anxiety in me lightened as I talked to the others. Truth be told, I was quite taken aback by how urban UPM’s vibe is. ‘Twas really different from the homey, open-spaced UPLB I had attended for two semesters or so. Hence, I started to deem UPM being a world away from UPLB. But through talking with other Iskos and Iskas, it started to feel just like home! Though architecturally and aesthetically speaking, both campuses are very different, the feel and warmth they pose are very identical. I adjusted right away.

Then my number was called. It was my turn.

I entered to room to see two smiling and very respectable-seeming faculty waiting to interpolate (joke haha) me. I had yet to know them then, but apparently, those who interviewed me were Sir Villar and Ma’am Pulumbarit. I immediately opted to set the tone. I flashed the widest, warmest (if not the brightest and prettiest) smile that I could manage. Ma’am Pulumbarit browsed through my credentials and managed an, “Uy, DevCom ito oh. Ikaw na rito.” (non-verbatim) to Sir Villar. Surprisingly, Sir Villar was a DevCom alum! The questions they asked are quite blurry to me now, but the interview, to my delight, was surprisingly easy. I enjoyed every bit of it. Maybe it was that I loved where I was headed. Maybe it was that I knew that OrCom was indeed for me.

The results were to be released approximately a week after that day. It was the waiting that hurt the most. I started running every, “We’re very sorry,” and, “We’re unable to offer you a slot,” scenarios in my head. Expect the worst, as some may say.

But my expectations were superseded. I looked into the typewritten list plastered on the OUR’s bulletin board, and, lo and behold, there it was. My surname. My surname proceeded with my ever-so-colonial-seeming “Maria Angela” of a name.

My surname was there. I had become an OrCommunicator in the making.

My very first weeks in UP Manila

Unlike my other UPLB friends who had transferred to other UP campuses, I adjusted easily. I was, and am still, truth be told, amazed by how friendly UPM is. I made friends, not only with those who I share the same course with.

But what I love most is my course, per se. I love OrCom, fully and wholly. For the first time, readings enticed me. For the first time, studying seemed to be something to look forward to. For the first time, I possessed a sense of direction, a sense of fulfillment. This is where I should be. Indeed, this is the course for me. And though my entry to OrCom is somehow late, I have no regrets. And, should I have any, it is that I knew about it only today. No matter how I slice and dice it, I feel nothing but glee now that I am pursuing what I want. I feel nothing but fulfillment in OrCom.