UP is coming for you, Odiongan!

It was a late night training when Coach More, the coach of the UPLB Badminton Varsity team, told me that I should inform my parents that I will go to Odiongan as one of the university's delegates for STRASUC Sport Olympics 2019. I felt excited but at the same time worried. I was worried about my acads but I thought that going to Odiongan will be a great experience for me.  

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I was excited because I will be in Odiongan for the first time and it was also my first time to ride a ferry. I was nervous because I don't think I am good enough to win against other players from different state colleges and universities and it was my first time being hundreds of miles away from my mom. Before I tell you about my trip to Odiongan, let me tell you what STRASUC is.

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Southern Tagalog Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges (STRASUC) is one inter-collegiate sports associations in the Philippines. This association is meant to create camaraderie between state colleges and universities in Southern Tagalog. The union involves 12 state colleges and universities:

- Batangas State University

- Cavite State University

- Laguna State Polytechnic University

- Mindoro State College of Agriculture and Technology

- Palawan State University

- Southern Luzon State University

- Romblon State University

- University of Rizal System

- Occidental Mindoro State College

- Western Philippines University

- Marinduque State College

- University of the Philippines Los Baños

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It was a great experience for me because 7 hours of travel can be boring, but my teammates were great company. They were warm to me even though I am the newest member of the team.  It was like we are in our dorm room because the area is composed of multiple bunk beds. Most of the passengers were from UP and other universities. The view from the ferry was really amazing that I told my mom that we should plan a vacation because the view was really worth it. 

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After 7 hours of trying not to go crazy of boredom (the signal was weak we can't even post IG stories), touchdown Odiongan, Romblon. We felt the warm welcome form the locals because as soon as we stepped out from the ferry, there was a performance from their street dancers. They were welcoming every state colleges and universities with great energy. The best part about that day was the realization that Filipinos really are hospitable in our own simple way. 

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