It hits you on a different level—having to hear a song you once liked being played again after a long time. Nostalgia may be hitting us hard, but the Society of Applied Mathematics of UPLB is finally back on the charts, pumped-up and ready to groove to this new era.
Last September 8, SAM-UP prepared for the next stage of their own version of new normal in “Top SAM-UP Hits: Orientation 2K22”. This music-themed event held at Jollibee Grove has welcomed 45 attendees. Hosted by Luis Gabriel Rellosa and Yla Zeth Pascual, Top SAM-UP Hits is the first face-to-face (F2F) orientation since the onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The event started with a short prayer led by the Sports and Social Committee (SSC) Head, Mary Ann Llaguno, which was followed by the opening remarks of the Membership and Discipline Committee Head and Orientation Executive-in-Charge (EIC), Alec Hermosado.
Junior Executive Jerico Soreto and Executive Secretary Paula Mojica introduced our attendees the SAM-UP history, objectives, and principles. They walked everyone down the memory lane with the Organization's events and achievements and highlighted how SAM-UP excelled and has been made stronger through the years. Undoubtedly, the pandemic, forcing us students to resort to virtual learning, has caused a major change in how activities and events were conducted; however, this did not stop the members from connecting with one another and the Organization from achieving its goals—such a major flex.
Of course, orientations will not be complete without the inspiring stories of those who grew in and with the Organization and have experienced first-hand the bliss in being a part of the SAM-UP family. First to give her testimonial is Ella Hernandez, a Batch 2022 BS Mathematics and Science Teaching (MST) graduate. She also shared her fun memories with her beloved batch, Sternae and all the lessons she learned from every challenge and opportunity she encountered throughout her SAM-UP journey. Another resident to give a testimonial is our very own Senior Executive, Alyssa Salazar, who looked back into her past memories and experiences as an apprentice and shared with everyone how SAM-UP has helped her grow into a forward-thinking student-leader that she became.
No one gets left behind as the organization also held a ‘special online orientation’ via Zoom last September 10, 2022. Everyone was welcomed by a new set of hosts, Patrick Sullera and Kent Rufila. Mary Ann Llaguno led the opening prayer once again which was then followed by Alec Hermosado’s opening remarks. Tristan John Hernandez, a resident member, presented to the orientees SAM-UP’s history, objectives, and principles, as well as the activities and events we hold, both internally and externally.
SAM-UP events, F2F or online, are not complete without the fun games, raffle draws, and giveaways. The orientations both ended with Event Head Allen Dela Cruz delivering his closing remarks, appreciating the orientees, the Event Team, and all SAM-UP members who helped in the preparation and facilitation of both F2F and special orientations.
Orientations are held to meet and welcome UPLB Students who are interested in getting to know our beloved Organization. Moreover, Top SAM-UP Hits also became an opportunity for the resident members to meet each other face-to-face once again. It was a momentous occasion, having everyone gathered for the event, but the presence, support, and active participation of the orientees made it extra special. Top SAM-UP Hits served as a reminder that like your favorite song that transcends through space and time, SAM-UP is wherever you are.
This event is co-presented by: Anthurium Spa LB, Los Baños Delivery and Klēo Active.
Special Thanks to: Polarix
![[ENCORE] "Made for the Stage: The SAM-UP Orientation"](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/7289fe_45e46b6d24ed44e2a9935a38f30179fa~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_177,h_100,fp_0.50_0.50,q_90,enc_auto/7289fe_45e46b6d24ed44e2a9935a38f30179fa~mv2.jpg)
