Source: lonelyplanet.com

By Mac Mac Jison

Members of CompSAt usually come from different corners of the Philippines, each with varying cultures and diverse backgrounds.  A difference in culture usually results in a difference of views and opinions.  In CompSAt, however, members all share one thing – a common passion for electronic gizmos, computers, technology and whatnot.  We all have this innovative and genuine desire to learn and contribute ideas in the field of IT.  Culturally different maybe, but we all respect each other and work together as an organization. Here are some of our members and where they came from. 

Dawn Carpuz II BS CoE

Dawn came from Mariano Marcos State University in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. Ilocos is known for its various delicious Filipino dishes. She misses having chill time at the province, playing basketball in front of her house, being able to control her food intake and do everything she wants. If you asked her how it is being far from the province, she’ll reply jokingly, “Fine. It doesn’t really bother me. I only miss Ilocos, when I realize that I’m getting fatter.”  She is a dormer and since there’s no kitchen inside, she usually eats outside.  Another thing she boasts about her province is its cuisine.

“The food! Like OMG! Bagnet, longganisa, empanada, pinakbet. Grabe! Nung bata ako, ayaw ko sa mga ‘yan. Pero ngayong college na ako, nagsawa na ako sa fast food! Namimiss ko na yung lutong bahay.”

She also misses the fresh air of her province.  She added “may pagka-old school ang dating [ng province ko]. Lalo na sa Vigan, kapag pumunta ka dun may pagka-Spanish era. Tapos yung beaches sa Pagudpud, parang boracay lang – white yung sand.” There is just one thing she likes here in Manila more than her province, and we might agree with her in this: “Yung ayaw ko lang sa bahay namin sa Ilocos, mabagal ang net. Mas mabilis net namin sa dorm.”

Japo Salas I BS CS

Japo is a freshman graduated from Caritas Don Bosco School in Biñan City, Laguna. Laguna is especially famous during summer because of the numerous resorts and places perfect for family gatherings and barkada outings. After moving here in Quezon City and staying in the university dorm, he finds it hard to budget money especially for food. But gradually, he is learning to be independent, emphasizing that it makes him responsible since he does his school work on his own. But he isn’t that homesick since he goes home every weekend to the place where you can find Puto Biñan, something Japo is really proud of because it is very delicious and reminds him of home. Lastly, he describe his hometown as the “borderline between a province and a city” since it was just recently that Binan was declared to be a city.

Ia Cabatbat III BS CS

Ia came from Calasiao, Pangasinan but studied in high school somewhere in Ilocos. Pangasinan is known for the Hundred Islands and its beautiful beaches. She is used to being away from home since she also lived away from home during high school. Her hometown boasts the unique puto ng calasiao and bangus ng Dagupan, and the beautiful Falls ng Bolinao. “Maganda [din] yung [mga nearby] beaches. How I wish I live there!” Staying here in Quezon City, she sometimes feels homesick living away from her family and friends. Ia, on comparing her province and the city, says “iba yung lifestyle, dito sa Manila fast-paced ang buhay. Sa province, chill lang.”

Charm Chan IV BS CS

Charm Chan graduated high school from Sacred Heart School – Hijas de Jesus. Cebu  is notable for being the main center for commerce and development in Visayas and also where the first converts of Christianity in the Philippines came from. In addition, Cebu has colorful and diverse traditions and festive celebrations like the Sinulog Festival, one of the biggest festivals in the Philippines. As much as Charm is proud of these things, she also feels homesick since she only sees her family during breaks. Wonderfully, Cebu houses one of the most delicious lechons in the country and—especially because the Cebuanos are such good company—she stated that it’s a great place to visit. “I’m proud of the friendliness of the Cebuanos. Go to Cebu and you will be warmly welcomed by the people there.”