They say a summer can change your life. But what if that summer didn’t just change you…It rewrote your entire story? What if it crowned you with one of the university’s most prestigious awards? UP OIL didn’t just give me the chance to study abroad. It gave me a summer…
Category: POOF Articles
POOF 2025-003: Ms. Bianca Angela Uy
by Ms. Bianca Angela Uy, UP OIL Student Assistant 2024-2025 When I joined the UP Office of International Linkages, I had no idea that everything—my perspective, my routine, and especially my dreams—was about to change. Who would’ve thought that I’d be walking through the halls of Harvard and NUS, two…
POOF 2025-002: Ms. Bea Patricia Devesa
As we celebrate International Women’s Month, I am drawn to reflect on my transformative academic journey at Ewha Womans University, where I earned my MA in Asian Women’s Studies. Immersed in a community that celebrated women’s voices and defied traditional paradigms, I discovered not only the power of diverse cultural…
POOF 2025-001: Asst. Prof. Dolores Cecilia T. Madrid
FACING 2025 WITH HOPE AND ASPIRATIONS As I step into this new role, I am deeply honored and excited to serve our beloved university and its vibrant community. To our UP faculty, REPS, administrative staff, and students—your dedication, creativity, and resilience are the heart of our institution. My message to…
People of OIL Feature No. 2024-004: Ms. Jana Denise Tomacruz
Hybrid Seminar on Filipino-Japanese Intercultural Communication (Hiragana and Katakana review) – Hosted by MMS 198 and CODTL Hosted against the lively backdrop of the UP Open University Sandbox in Laguna, Dr. Roberto Figueroa Jr., Associate Professor of Information Technology and Education Technology in UPOU, conducted an engaging seminar on April…
People of OIL Feature 2024-003 Dr. Noel Christian A. Moratilla
Upholding Filipino Workers’ Rights and International Education: Insights from UP’s Office of International Linkages In a world where globalization often overshadows local interests, the plight of Filipino workers in foreign lands remains a poignant reminder of the complexities of internationalization. Dr. Noel Christian A. Moratilla, Deputy Director of the UP…
People of OIL Feature 2024-002 Ms. Chynna Louise Riego
by Ivan Monasterial In a world where change and taxes are often deemed the only constants, and life is an ever-present challenge, our resident Disney Princess of the office stands unwavering, meeting each obstacle with a remarkable blend of grace and fortitude. Ms. Chynna Louise Riego, nicknamed Chynna, and Bebe…
POOF 2024-001 Ms. Karla Mae T. Punay
Ms. Karla Punay’s Journey and Evolving Roles at UP OIL: A Seven-Year Odyssey In 2017, Ms. Karla Punay embarked on her journey with the University of the Philippines – Office of International Linkages (UP OIL). Now, after seven years of dedicated service, she was given a chance to reflect on…
POOF 2023-004 Ms. Marilyn Nirza
by Ivan Kurt M. Monasterial In the realm of caring and compassion, Ms. Nirza, fondly known as Ate Mai among her friends and colleagues, embodies the nurturing instinct that defines a mother. As the Program Associate of the MOVE-UP Program, specializing in internationalization and financial assistance for undergraduates at the…
People of OIL Feature 23-003 – Mr. Dennis Bugnalen
By Ivan Kurt M. Monasterial Sir Denz, Kuya Dong, Dodonghae Corporation. These are some of the endearing nicknames the staff use to address Mr. Dennis T. Bugnalen both as a colleague, as a friend, and as the Office of International Linkages’ (OIL) Administrative Aide. His responsibilities involve transporting both outgoing…