(SPOT.ph) Today, December 13, marks the annual "birdwatching" event at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, where girls, gays (and guys?) come together to witness an unusual display of brotherhood and, ahem, courage—the annual UP Oblation Run of the
Alpha Phi Omega Fraternity. Known not only for running the halls of UP in their birthday suits, this service-oriented fraternity always makes it a point to use its anniversary run as a venue for airing the plight of students and the common Filipino. This year, APO focused on the devastation brought about by super typhoon Yolanda and the alleged misuse of government funds.
Armed only with an advocacy, placards, roses, and ski masks, these men literally braved the halls of Palma all in the name of offering one's self to the country.
P.S.
No "birds" were harmed during the actual run.
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UP Manila frat stages Oblation Run for rehab of UP Visayas
MANILA, Philippines – The need for a nationwide support to rehabilitate the University of the Philippines-Visayas highlighted the 2013 Oblation Run of the University of the Philippines-Manila on Friday.
“This year, the
Alpha Phi Omega of UP Manila would want to raise awareness on the need for the rehabilitation of UP School of Health Sciences in Leyte which was greatly devastated by Supertyphoon Yolanda,” said Abraham Bayan Jr., APO Grand Chancellor, UP Manila.
60 full-fledged members of APO joined the run within the grounds and buildings of the university. Only full-fledged APO members participated in the run and neophytes were not allowed.
“Members volunteer to run because they consider it an honor to serve the country in this way,” Bayan said.
Bayan said APO’s Oblation Runs are not held to titillate society or destroy morality.
“Since its beginning in 1977, we have always used this event to highlight national issues,” he said.
According to him, helping raise up the UP-SHS and its community in Palo, Leyte, is a national issue.
The UP-SHS in Leyte, according to Bayan, was totally devastated by Yolanda, leaving only the walls standing.
“This means a halt to the training of around 200 scholars of the campus,” he said.
He mentioned that UP Visayas has come up with a rehabilitation and development plan and they are in full support of this.
After the event, APO announced to give four year scholarship grants to deserving freshmen students.
The Oblation Run, an annual event of the university, was witnessed by the whole UP Manila community as part of its tradition of freedom and excellence.
