Author: Michael Pido

Family, Friends & Relationships

On Homecomings and Family Reunions: A Reminiscence

Michael Pido,

Due to job and other circumstances, members of a once intact family separate to pursue their own ways. During our college days starting in 1977, my brother and I always look forward to our planned family reunions every Christmas and/or summer break. Once we started working in 1981, though, our reunions became less frequent. It even became rarer when our late father passed away in 1996. Our unexpected and unannounced family gathering a year later is something unique among all other reunions – and indeed something to reminisce.

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Education & Academic Musings

The University of the Philippines (UP) Mystique: Is it Real or Just a Bravado?

Michael Pido,

Graduates of University of the Philippines (UP) are generally held in high esteem. There is a certain ‘mystique’ that UP graduates are the best, if not among the cream of the crop. Hence, they used to populate the government service, private sector and civil society organizations. There is even a bravado argument that there are only two schools: (1) UP and (2) Others. This article presents an insider’s perspective about five factors that contribute and/or associated with such a UP mystique. While UP graduates may be considered as still among the best, other schools have closed the gap – albeit considerably. Hence, such a UP mystique may not last very long, if at all

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