Gunita: UPIS Landmarks at UPTC
written by Dianne Dela Cruz Tagle
header photo by Janna Garcia
Fancy taking a walk down UPIS memory lane? Then prepare to get nostalgic with this.
Gunita is the first-ever initiative to create markers for iconic UPIS spots at the former campus grounds along Katipunan Avenue. Available to view from March 5 to December 31, 2022 at the U.P. Town Center (UPTC), this project is a proud collaboration of UPIS Batch ‘97 and UPTC.
Join us as we Gather Memories together
(video by Ayala Malls U.P. Town Center and John Pelino)
Now you can experience “Gunita: the eBook!”
Flip through the Gunita ebook and turn back the pages of time from the comfort of your own home. Click “Read to me” to hear narration by Ling Junia Buhay (UPIS Batch ‘97).
“Gunita: the eBook” is produced by Dianne Jeanne Dela Cruz Tagle (UPIS Batch ‘97) and audio mixed by Marjo Tagle.
“Gunita: the eBook” is best viewed using Chrome or Safari browser in tablet, desktop and laptop.
The twelve (12) landmarks featured in Gunita are the Boston Garden (Basketball Court), Multi-Purpose Hall, “The Teacher” sculpture (a.k.a. Lorna), UPIS Sign, Flagpole, Library, Hallway Mural, White House (Shed), Pagoda, Aling Norma’s Corner, Principal’s Office, and Guidance Office.
Signages are placed on the landmarks’ original location at the mall grounds. The markers bear QR codes that lead to Gunita Instagram filters and a heartfelt homage. This includes recollections and photographs of the landmarks in the old UPIS campus grounds.
Gunita sign (photo by Imee Sioco)
The Mural (photo from Prof. Anthony Joseph Ocampo)
The Flag Pole (photo from Joy Cruz)
The Boston Garden (photo from Joy Cruz)
The Principal's Office (photo from Prof. Anthony Joseph Ocampo)
The Teacher (photo from Prof. Anthony Joseph Ocampo)
UPIS Sign (photo from Prof. Anthony Joseph Ocampo)
The Library (photo from Prof. Anthony Joseph Ocampo)
The Shed (photo from Prof. Anthony Joseph Ocampo)
The Multipurpose Hall (photo from Prof. Anthony Joseph Ocampo)
The following Batch ‘97 members composed the write-ups about the UPIS landmarks:
Lesly Bergonia (The Boston Garden), Gilbert Par (The Multi Purpose Hall), Dianne Dela Cruz Tagle (The Teacher), Ron De Vera (UPIS sign), Ethel Ilagan Consulta (The Library), Kristine Rodis Flaminiano (The Mural), Marko Arciaga (The Shed), Junoetia Peralta Salonga (The Pagoda), Joy Cruz (Aling Norma’s Corner), Lorenzo Cortes (The Principal's office), Frances Josef Hernandez (The Flagpole), Elizabeth King Santos (The Guidance Office).
Dr. Elena Rivera Mirano, former dean of the UP College of Arts and Letters (CAL) and UPIS alumna from Batch ‘67, lent her expertise in styling and editing the essays.
The photographs were carefully chosen from almost 250 entries of UPIS alumni from various batches, after a successful call for submissions via the ALAB UPIS Facebook and Instagram.
ALAB UPIS Call for Photos
UPIS Sign (photo by Joan Diaz)
The Teacher (photo by Denise Bentulan)
The Multi-Purpose Hall (photo by Angelo Asuncion)
The Mural (photo by Angelo Asuncion)
'Rockman' (photo by Janna Garcia)
The Shed (photo by Denise Bentulan)
The Pagoda (photo by Aleen Paz Blanco)
Guidance Office Exterior (photo by Angelo Asuncion)
Hallway to the Principal's Office (photo by Denise Bentulan)
The Flagpole (photo by Prof. Rachel Patricia B. Ramirez)
CAT Drills at the Parking Lot (photo by Mariel Felizmenio)
The Boston Garden (photo by Kim Simon Rodrigo)
Aling Norma's Corner (photo by Joan Diaz)
Gunita is dedicated in loving memory of
Prof. Ronaldo M. San Jose
(13 September 1970 - 26 February 2022)
known by UPIS students and faculty as Sir SJ, who was an exceptional geometry teacher and a beloved mentor.
Sir SJ was principal from 2011-2017, and oversaw the school’s move from its original location.
To celebrate the launch, UPTC is giving away ALAB UP merchandise and gift certificates through an Instagram campaign that will run throughout the month of March 2022. Followers can post their former UPIS campus photos, together with a caption, for a chance to be one of twelve lucky winners. Follow @iloveuptowncenter and @ALABUPIS on Instagram for details.
So let’s rekindle the fire from the embers of our love for UPIS. Get the homecoming feels with Gunita at UPTC.
About ALAB UPIS:
A project of UP Integrated School Batch ‘97, ALAB UPIS is raising funds to help underserved UPIS scholars, give back to faculty and staff, and host the school’s 2022 homecoming. Shop UP and UPIS inspired merch or donate here. Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram and tag #ALABUPIS!