Living in the vibrant surroundings of the University of the Philippines in Los Baños, Laguna, is nothing short of exhilarating! This stunning Agricultural State University Campus is not just my home; it's where I embarked on a 10-year journey where happy memories cannot be bought on an incredible venture at SEARCA (Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture). Every time I stroll through this beautiful campus, I’m flooded with a wave of inner peace, as if a golden thread connects my cherished memories to the present moment.
I reflected on my time at the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), a non-government organization with which I work and which is located on campus. I smile at the thought of my life as an employee in this prestigious organization. After office, walking around the campus brings back memories of those great times. The weekends are a real experience when I go running around the oval with friends. We are always encouraging each other to go a bit further. We then relax under the "Fertility Tree," a big Acacia tree, which is a symbol of our friendship. There is never a dull moment here, and I cannot wait for any occasion to be part of campus life!
The Rizal Centenary Carillon. This tall bell tower is one of two non-traditional carillons in the country and is the second largest in the Asia-Pacific region. It was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of Jose Rizal (our National Hero)in 1896. Long before there was a Carillon Tower.
The soccer field is also one of the most beautiful sites in the university, where children play with gusto during their free time and the university athletes practice with enthusiasm, or in the late afternoon after classes, or in the early morning on weekends.
During Loyalty Day (the university foundation), the surroundings are filled with nearby residents, students, and employees working inside the campus joining and witnessing the parade that celebrates the founding of the University of the Philippines Los Baños. There will be a sports competition among the employees and university students. You can feel the tremendous excitement and fun when the audience, children, and adults shout and cheer for their teams. It was a joy recalling my moments on the university campus.
The Umali Hall, the center of campus life, where they hold almost all big events like university graduation rites, commencements, concerts, and the like. When your eyes move to your right is the stunning Thai Pavilion. The pavilion was a beautiful gift from Thai University Scholars, a lively gathering place for friends to meet and create memories. Its intricate architecture and beautiful design invite one to explore its beauty and immerse oneself in the cheerful atmosphere one can find around it! Such a beautiful sight!
The mythical Palma Bridge is shrouded in mystery with so many students sharing hair-raising stories of a woman in white who roams the bridge in the dark! My brother and his friends, who graduated from UPLB, had their own take on the mythical bridge - they got chased by a headless man at midnight when they were going home!
The amazing SEARCA building is the highlight of the campus with its remarkable architecture. The flags flying in the wind represent the different ASEAN countries that are all part of this extraordinary organization. There is an intriguing ambiance that sparks creativity here!
Below SEARCA is the University of the Philippines of Los Baños College of Arts where you can find the Oblation. A symbol of strength, resilience, and freedom of thought for UP and its graduates.
Pili Drive is the road that leads to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). Every time we went for a brisk walk, it felt like a quick escape into a bright and colorful situation, surrounded by beautiful blue skies that almost cheered us on. There was a captivating tranquility in this place that invited laughter and animated chats with friends. An excellent way to start the weekend! Your eyes will also feast on the array of Sunflower Fields, an experimental project of IRRI. It's such an exhilarating view together with the beautiful Mt.Makiling in the background.
Mother Nature and the Divine offer thrilling, delightful gifts that spark joy and create lasting memories! These extraordinary treasures are here to nourish my soul and fill my life with wonder!
That's it for now guys! I hope you enjoyed reading my memory lane, and I also look forward to reading your fair share of your memory lane! Thank you, 
Lead photo edited using Canva
All Glory and Honor to God
A feisty artist, editor, and writer who balances her time penning poetry, soul-stirring content, and flash fiction, sketching, and designing by using fresh blossoms, needlework, gardening, baking, and caring for her partially impaired vision Mom after her intellectually and physically challenged son passed away. She explores unexpected views that ignite her zest for life.