Monday, July 30, 2007 Cookin’ Out at UP By Rachelle Marie Gutierrez Dangin
WHEN we talk about the University of the Philippines (UP), it’s usually associated with rallies and oblation runs. That’s what I first thought when I entered this campus. That naked guys and activism are all there is to it.
But I was wrong. More than just a breeding ground of critical and educated minds, UP is also home to a lot of talents and artistic hands.
On Aug. 10, from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m., UP Cebu celebrates a grand night of music, fun and food: the UP Cook-out 2007. Always considered the biggest event of the academic year, the cookout is a venue for students to show their talents and to creatively present the issues they are facing. Students from other schools and the public are welcome to join in the revelry.
The students themselves organize the event with the Student Council as executive producer. All activities will carry the theme, “Rock-RaKan Sa UP”, aptly named to capture the four major competitions during the event: “Rock, Rampa, Kanta and Sayaw sa UP.”
But it doesn’t end at a showdown of talents. The theme also tells a political issue: the political killings involving activists (Rock-Rakan, or gun battle). It speaks of young activists who are determined to fight for their rights and justice, despite the bloodshed.
Student Council Chairperson Ralph Sanchez shares that this is how the UP Cookout started-with political undertones.
Back in 1978, a group of student organizations held a rally for the ouster of a repressive dean. To celebrate their victory, the organization “cooked out and bonded” around a bonfire and since then, the cookout has been held annually to commemorate the incident.
“The Cookout is a concrete manifestation that when students’ become united, they can achieve greater things,” Ralph said.
UPians have indeed taken the cookout to greater heights, having become a major production of the university.
So how will this year’s event be different?
Over-all Director Chassy Mae Cortes says it’s bigger and better production-wise, since UP will be on its 100th year in 2008.
“It will be like a centennial kick-off party. We’re tapping people to help us put this event together. There will be many production numbers and guest bands. By the end of the event, there will be a reggae-reggaeton RnB after-party. We’ll be giving away bigger prizes, too,” Chassy shares.
The UP Cookout is open to everyone. An entrance fee of Php 40.00 will be collected from non-UPians.
Should you want to party from dusk ‘til dawn, see you at the UP Grounds in Aug. 10 at 7 p.m.
Rock-RaKan na ta Sa UP!
(UP Cook-out 2007 is presented by UPVCC, UNISO, Smart, IPI and Monster Radio 105.9. It is co-presented by Sound Balloon and Western Watts, with Nature’s Spring as major sponsor and the Wineshop and Informatics as minor sponsors.)
