UPPA reaches out to HORFI kids

A change of pace from their generally academic pursuits, UPPA conducted a simple, exciting, educational outreach program for the benefit of the children in the House of Refuge Foundation Inc. (HORFI) last August 9 in Barangay Bahay Toro, Quezon City. HORFI cares for the abused and abandoned children and provides them not only a house but a loving Christian home for them to grow up in so that they can be ready for the challenges of society.

The day was kicked off by a rousing round of popular parlor games such as Calamansi Relay, Pinoy Henyo and many others. Teams were formed and were composed not only of the children but also of the UPPA members. Laughter and fun ensued as each team tried to outdo one another to win the prizes up for grabs. Soon enough, it was hard to distinguish the children from HORFI and the members of UPPA!

Sean Fortuna demonstrates the characteristics of a non-Newtonian fluid.

Of course, it would not be a UPPA event without a couple of engaging activities on science. After everyone had their fill of food prepared (lovingly) by the members, the children were introduced to several scientific demos involving non-Newtonian fluids, wire loop game and many others. Everyone was so excited that the venue ended up a hot mess of materials used in the demo! It was also hard to keep the children off the game booth since they were all so eager to try the game and learn how it works!

HORFI has cared for over a thousand children since its inception in 1986.

Carlo Lima cheerfully plays with a child from HORFI.

After most of the excitement from the experiments died down, the children had their fair share of talents to present to UPPA. In line with the House of Refuge's goal of Christian development, the children delivered a touching performance by acting out a Christian song. Several other performances followed ranging from hip hop dance, ballet, Wu Shu and a lot more happily performed numbers. It was great to see the children enjoying themselves when they saw the applause and cheer from the audience who were watching them perform.

At the end of the day, it became less about teaching the children about science and became more about really reaching out. In sharing our time and experience with them, we hope that we were able to motivate the young minds of these children as well as to make them feel more confident after going through difficult trials in their lives.

Jona Ann Vistal and Carlo Lima enjoy a meal together with the children from HORFI.

UPPA would like to recognize the benefactor of the event — Jona Ann Vistal. Jona is a UPPA member who chose to celebrate her birthday with the children at HORFI and she provided the majority of the event's needs. Thank you very much for making this event possible and a very happy birthday to you!

UPPA thanks HORFI for the fun and fulfilling learning experience!

To everyone at HORFI: we hope to see all of you again soon!

UPPA, NIP, welcome new set of future physicists

To kick off their experience of being the new breed in the UP community and to formally be acquainted with their home institute in the College of Science - the 2014 physics freshies were welcomed with open arms by UPPA!

Last August 6, the National Institute of Physics, UP Physics Association, and Agham Youth conducted this year's NIP Freshman Orientation Program at the NIP Auditorium. Dr. Roland V. Sarmago, the director of the institute himself, warmly addressed 120 physics freshmen during the program's welcoming remarks. Several speakers then oriented the students about the academic requirements and research functions of NIP as well as giving them a glimpse of possible future tracks in physics. After the program, incoming students were toured around the NIP complex followed by a cocktail where freshies, upperclassmen and UPPA members had the chance to socialize with each other. A special tour of NIP VISSER (Versatile Instrument System for Science Education and Research) was also given to the students where they were introduced to VISSER's state-of-the-art equipment involving laser cutters, 3D printers, and many others.

A week ago — last August 2 — the physics freshmen also took part in a tour around the campus while accompanied by UPPA members during this year's UPPAsyal. Around 40 students had a chance to get acquainted with the different places in their future second home - none other than UP Diliman. Team-building activities were also conducted during the campus-wide tour.

Clauzette Lofamia takes a selfie with the freshies during UPPAsyal.

UPPA has been actively supporting the welfare and student life of the country's future physicists. Through this year's Freshman Block Handling Ad-hoc Committee spearheaded by Dylan Salcedo, the NIP FOP and UPPAsyal allowed us to continue our promise of bringing physics closer to the heart of the people. Dylan posted on Facebook: "I personally felt how great it was to be part of this institute that I almost consider family. All those weeks of hardwork really paid off by seeing all of your happy faces today. What a way to start the academic year."

Our heartfelt thanks goes to all of the people who helped make this event possible. To the freshies, thank you for attending the NIP FOP and UPPAsyal. We hope you had a great time! See you around!