UPLB MASS @ 51: A Grand Celebration of Excellence, Innovation, and Legacy

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

For over half a century, the UPLB Mathematical Sciences Society (UPLB MASS) has stood as a beacon of academic excellence, camaraderie, and community service. As it proudly celebrates its 51st Anniversary Week from April 7 to 11, 2025, the organization embarks on a remarkable journey—one that blends nostalgia with modernity, paying homage to its past while embracing the future.

With the theme "Glitz and Glam: A MASSive Legacy in Retrospect," this milestone event promises an electrifying mix of activities that will not only highlight UPLB MASS' storied history but also reaffirm its commitment to the mathematical sciences. This year’s celebration is a fusion of the early 2000s aesthetic and the cutting-edge advancements that continue to shape the field today.

A Legacy of Excellence and Impact

Founded in 1973, UPLB MASS has evolved into a powerhouse organization that unites students across multiple disciplines—including BS Mathematics, BS Applied Mathematics, BS Computer Science, BS Statistics, and BS Mathematics and Science Teaching (Major in Mathematics). Through its unwavering dedication, the society has become a driving force in promoting the significance of mathematical sciences in education, research, and society at large.

More than just a student organization, UPLB MASS is a movement—one that champions analytical thinking, innovation, and the boundless possibilities of mathematics in shaping the world. This anniversary is not just a celebration; it is a testament to decades of perseverance, mentorship, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge.

A Week of Thrilling Events

This year’s 51st Anniversary Week is set to be one for the books, featuring a diverse lineup of activities that will engage students, faculty, and the entire UPLB community.

1. Student-Teacher (ST) Quiz

A battle of wits and intellect, this thrilling quiz competition will pit students against their professors in a friendly yet competitive showdown. It's an opportunity to celebrate learning in its purest form—through challenge and collaboration.

2. George Hunt

The campus-wide scavenger hunt is back, and this time, participants will race against time to locate George, the organization's beloved mascot. Expect twists, turns, and surprises as contestants navigate the campus to crack clues and claim victory.

3. MASSter Tutorials

In the spirit of mentorship, members of UPLB MASS will share their expertise through engaging tutorials. This initiative embodies the organization's mission of knowledge-sharing and academic support, ensuring that students can sharpen their skills in mathematics and its applications.

4. IntraMASS

More than just an academic society, UPLB MASS fosters a tight-knit community. This bonding activity will bring together members—both residents and alumni—for a day of fun, teamwork, and shared memories.

5. The UPLB MASS Exhibit

A visual journey through time, the exhibit will showcase the organization’s rich history, achievements, and defining moments. Visitors will get an up-close look at the society’s legacy and its profound impact on generations of students.

6. Open Tambayan and Outreach Program

Giving back has always been at the heart of UPLB MASS. The Open Tambayan invites everyone to connect, reminisce, and experience the warmth of the society’s culture, while the Outreach Program extends UPLB MASS' commitment to service beyond the university—creating ripples of positive change in the community.

A Call to Celebrate and Reconnect

UPLB MASS extends a heartfelt invitation to students, alumni, professors, and partners to take part in this monumental celebration. Whether you're looking to relive your MASSive memories, make new ones, or simply bask in the brilliance of the mathematical sciences, this event is not to be missed.

As the countdown to April 7-11, 2025 begins, stay tuned for more updates! Follow @uplbmass1973 on social media or email uplbmass1973@gmail.com for inquiries.

This 51st Anniversary Week is more than just a celebration—it’s a tribute to a MASSive legacy that continues to inspire, innovate, and transform lives. Be part of history. Be part of UPLB MASS!

Russian YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy ARRESTED in the Philippines After Shocking Incident!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Russian YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, who harassed and disrespected Filipinos while filming at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, was caught by police officers in front of a hotel along Seaside Boulevard in Pasay City on Wednesday based on a mission order from the Bureau of Immigration, according to CIDG director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III. 

​In a dramatic turn of events, Russian YouTuber Vitaly Zdorovetskiy was apprehended by Philippine authorities on April 2, 2025, following a series of controversial incidents that have ignited widespread outrage. The arrest, executed by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) based on a mission order from the Bureau of Immigration, took place in front of a hotel along Seaside Boulevard in Pasay City. CIDG director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III confirmed the operation, highlighting the swift response to Zdorovetskiy's disruptive behavior.​

A Pattern of Disrespect and Legal Troubles

Zdorovetskiy, known for his provocative content, has a history marred by legal issues across various countries. In 2017, he was arrested for storming the field during Game 5 of the World Series at Minute Maid Park. January 2020 saw him spending five days in an Egyptian jail after illegally climbing the Pyramids of Giza. Later that year, in April, he faced aggravated battery charges in Miami Beach for allegedly assaulting a female jogger, an incident that left the victim with injuries requiring stitches. ​

Controversial Actions in the Philippines

Zdorovetskiy's recent activities in the Philippines have drawn significant criticism. While filming in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, he reportedly harassed and disrespected locals, actions that have been widely condemned by the Filipino community. These incidents prompted local authorities to take decisive action, culminating in his arrest in Pasay City. ​

A Broader Crackdown on Foreign Nationals

The apprehension of Zdorovetskiy aligns with the Philippine government's intensified efforts to monitor and regulate the behavior of foreign nationals within its borders. In December 2024, the Bureau of Immigration arrested four foreign individuals in separate operations across Makati, Pasay, and Benguet for violations such as overstaying and unauthorized employment. These actions underscore the government's commitment to upholding immigration laws and ensuring that foreign visitors adhere to local regulations. ​

Implications and Public Response

The arrest of Zdorovetskiy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting local customs and laws. His actions have sparked discussions about the responsibilities of content creators and the potential consequences of seeking attention through controversial means. The Philippine authorities' prompt response reflects a broader commitment to maintaining public order and safeguarding the dignity of its citizens.​

As the legal proceedings against Zdorovetskiy unfold, this incident is poised to serve as a cautionary tale for individuals who may consider engaging in disruptive behavior in foreign countries. It also highlights the growing vigilance of nations in monitoring the conduct of visitors, ensuring that respect and decorum are upheld within their jurisdictions.​

The Curse of Political Dynasties: How the Philippines' Democracy is Being Strangled by Its Own Leaders

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Giit ng isang eksperto na kailangang mag-diet ng political dynasties dahil aniya, masama na sila sa kalusugan ng demokrasya. 

Imbes na THIN, FAT o OBESE ganito dapat ang uri ng mga dinastiya: (1) MAKAPAL ANG APOG ; (2) NUKNUKAN NG GAHAMAN ; (3)  MGA KAMPON NI TANING 

The rise and entrenchment of political dynasties in the Philippines have long been a scourge on its democratic aspirations. For decades, families like the Marcoses, Dutertes, Cayetanos, Villars, and Tulfos have cemented their hold on power, treating public office as an inheritance rather than a privilege granted by the people.

Political dynasties are not unique to the Philippines; Southeast Asia has seen its fair share of family-run governments. From the Shinawatras in Thailand to the Lees in Singapore, dynastic politics is a region-wide epidemic. However, in the Philippines, this phenomenon has reached dangerous heights, where the very institutions meant to prevent autocracy have been hijacked by the same families that should be held accountable.

The Duterte Dynasty: A Cautionary Tale

The Duterte family’s stronghold over Davao City is a glaring example of the toxic grip of political dynasties. Despite the controversies surrounding Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency—marked by his bloody war on drugs that led to thousands of extrajudicial killings—his family remains a dominant force in local and national politics. The International Criminal Court’s (ICC) recent arrest warrant against Duterte for crimes against humanity should have been a wake-up call. Instead, his supporters in Davao City continue to pledge unwavering loyalty, a testament to how deeply ingrained political dynasties are in the Filipino psyche.

This blind allegiance is not just a problem in Davao; it is a nationwide crisis. The continued acceptance of political families has resulted in stagnation, corruption, and the death of real political competition. While leaders claim to champion “change,” the reality is that the same names keep appearing on the ballot, cycling through positions of power like a revolving door of entitlement.

When Political Clans Clash: Marcos vs. Duterte

If there’s one thing that exposes the absurdity of political dynasties, it’s their eventual implosion. Once allies, the Duterte and Marcos families are now locked in a bitter feud, with their rivalry threatening the nation’s political stability. Instead of governance being focused on national development, resources and power struggles are directed toward maintaining their dynastic rule. The public is left as collateral damage, their needs sidelined in favor of personal vendettas.

This infighting, while entertaining to some, is a stark reminder that dynastic rule is inherently self-serving. It is not about public service—it is about legacy, control, and wealth. It’s a game of thrones where the Filipino people are mere spectators, fooled into believing that their votes still hold power when, in reality, they are simply choosing which family will oppress them next.

The Constitution’s Hollow Promise

The Philippine Constitution explicitly bans political dynasties, yet the absence of an enabling law has made this provision laughable. Why? Because the lawmakers who should be passing this law are themselves part of these dynasties. It’s like asking a thief to write laws against stealing.

Without real electoral reforms, this cycle will continue. The few legislators who dare to challenge the status quo face overwhelming opposition from entrenched political families who see democracy as a threat to their empire.

The Call to Action: Break the Chains

If the Philippines ever hopes to free itself from the clutches of political dynasties, change must start at the grassroots level. It is not enough to rant on social media or complain about corruption—we must vote differently. Start in the barangays, municipalities, and cities. Reject candidates who belong to dynasties. Elect leaders based on merit, not last names.

The time for action is now. The question is, will the Filipino people finally rise against dynastic rule, or will they remain shackled to a system that exploits their blind loyalty? The future of democracy hangs in the balance.