Does Having Extracurricular Activities Really Matter After College?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

EXTRACURRICULAR activities are pursuits that students engage in outside their regular academic curriculum. While students may have various reasons for joining clubs and organizations, one common motivation often emerges—for résumé or portfolio purposes.

However, beyond that, the true essence of participating in such activities lies in the opportunity to enhance both personal and social skills—attributes that prove invaluable far beyond the classroom. 

These activities allow students to cultivate empathy, learn to navigate diverse perspectives, face challenges, and develop a deeper sense of responsibility.

In essence, extracurricular activities serve as a training ground for students to grow not only academically, but also as well-rounded individuals—prepared to face the world and navigate the complexities of life beyond the classroom. 

Students’ Perspectives on Extracurricular Activities

Alexandra Buenafe, 23, a fourth-year journalism student and current executive committee member of DZMC–Young Communicators’ Guild—the official radio arm of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) College of Communication—shares her deep belief in the value of extracurricular engagement.

“I learned that participating in organizations both outside and inside the campus puts you close to opportunities. My seniors and teachers taught me that there is more than what the classrooms can offer. The practical approach to everything can sometimes be learned in organizations,” Buenafe expressed.

Alex has embraced extracurricular activities since elementary school. For her, it's not just about growth—it's also a way to lighten her financial burden.

“Ugat ng kahirapan ang mayroon ako kaya sumasali ako sa clubs or orgs. Hindi ako mayaman, so might as well upskill without spending much money. Napakaraming libreng oportunidad para matuto so grab ako nang grab, may bonus pa na I get to meet possible mentors and connections.”

Yet the path is not without its challenges.

Marie Ivy Vanzuela, 21, also a fourth-year journalism student, is a member of the PUP Journalism Guild and an opinion writer for The Catalyst. She opens up about the difficulty of balancing extracurriculars with academic demands.

“There are times when the pressure feels intense, especially when deadlines pile up. I’m not perfect, and sometimes, despite my best efforts, I can’t keep everything perfectly balanced,” she said.

Still, Marie is thankful for the support of her fellow members, who serve as a much-needed lifeline in stressful times.

“My orgmates became my support system. That’s when I truly understood the value and essence of being in an organization,” she added.

Meanwhile, James Andrei Arrojo, 22, another fourth-year journalism student and core member of DZMC–Young Communicators’ Guild, offers a different but equally insightful perspective.

“To be honest, I just joined my current organization out of passion. Everything that comes after it is just a bonus to me,” he shared, while also sharing that it can be a strategic move, “I absolutely think that being part of an organization is advantageous for students who are about to start their internship or apply for work. But make sure that the organization you’ll join aligns with what you want to be in the future.”

The Deeper Value of Extracurricular Activities

According to Ronna Manansala, chairperson of the Advertising and Public Relations Department at PUP’s College of Communication and adviser to the PUP Communication Society, extracurriculars play a crucial role in students’ development.

“I think having extracurricular activities helps to mold the students, kasi ang hirap din naman kung puro super aral lang, malaki ‘yong possibility na maapektuhan ‘yong mental health, malaki ‘yong possibility na ma-burnout ‘yong students,” she explained.

She emphasized that while academics are important, learning through fun and interaction is just as vital.

“Extracurricular activities are a ‘fun time’ for students. They learn, they socialize—it’s a form of education that goes beyond books and lectures.”

However, Manansala also warns that commitment is key.

“Alamin niyo kung kakayanin niyo ba ‘yong magiging responsibilidad because joining or having extracurricular activities would mean extra work. But if you are willing to be part of something very good, if you are willing to contribute for the betterment of more people, go for it.”

She believes extracurricular involvement gives students a competitive edge, especially in fields like advertising and public relations.

“It is going to be a big plus if a student joins an organization and does extracurricular activities. Pero importante rin na piliin nila ‘yong organization na sasalihan nila. Ang laking maitutulong kasi noon [extracurricular activities] lalo na kung nasa advertising PR ka. Ang laking plus no’n sa magiging resume mo if the time comes na you apply for a job.”

Why Extracurriculars Matter Beyond College

Manansala also highlighted some key benefits students gain from joining extracurriculars:

● Social Development:

Participating in student organizations helps learners meet new people, build connections, and develop a sense of community. It provides a rich environment for students to cultivate empathy as they work with unfamiliar people and diverse groups, fostering a more compassionate outlook. 

● Active Listening and Teamwork:

Being in a group fosters communication and cooperation. Students learn to listen to others’ ideas, respect different perspectives, and work towards common goals.

● Holistic Growth:

Extracurriculars shape well-rounded individuals—those who are not only academically capable but also empathetic, socially aware, and emotionally resilient.

● Responsibility and Time Management:

 Handling multiple responsibilities teaches discipline, prioritization, and work ethic. Over time, students learn that passion and commitment go hand in hand.

Juggling academics with extracurricular commitments is no easy feat. It demands effort, time, and above all—dedication. But all the long nights, hard choices, and personal sacrifices pay off in ways that last far beyond graduation.

Ultimately, this fosters holistic development for students and builds a robust support network from the people who share the same journey. As students navigate the journey of having extracurricular activities, it isn’t just an option—it is a strategic way of learning beyond the classroom, becoming a more capable person, and developing into a well-adjusted professional.

Beyond resume bullet points of achievements in class, it forges students to discover themselves and develop time management and leadership abilities that are essential in the professional world.

It is an investment that pays dividends for years to come.

With reports from Merry Nizza Llanto

Photo By: Kaboompics.com | Pexels

"Not Just a Shirt: How a T-Shirt Sparked a Storm on Mental Health Awareness"

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a digital world where virality can come from a single photo, a recent t-shirt design by UNHNGD CO. proved how quickly intentions can be misread—and how important it is to choose our words with greater care, especially when dealing with sensitive topics like mental health.

The now-infamous shirt, worn by content creator Boss Toyo in a recent shoot, bore the phrase:

“A MOVEMENT AGAINST Mental Illness”

Three words. One photograph. Thousands of reactions.

For many, it felt like a punch in the gut—a direct attack on individuals struggling with mental illness, as though the brand was waging a war not on the stigma, but on the people themselves.

What followed was a digital firestorm, with netizens flooding comment sections and timelines with criticism, concern, and emotional pleas. Mental health advocates were quick to point out how language can either be a weapon or a bridge—and in this case, the slogan had landed on the wrong side of the fight.

UNHNGD CO. Responds: "We Sincerely Apologize"

In less than 24 hours after the backlash gained traction, UNHNGD CO. released an official statement on their social media pages:

“We sincerely apologize for the hurt and confusion caused by our recent post featuring the shirt with the statement ‘A Movement Against Mental Illness’ and the involvement of Boss Toyo.”

They continued:

“We understand now how the phrase could be misinterpreted and how the overall message fell short. That was never our intention. Our goal was to spark conversation around mental health, but we recognize that we approached it the wrong way.”

Crucially, the brand took full accountability, distancing Boss Toyo from the messaging and clarifying his involvement:

“We also want to clarify that Boss Toyo did not take part in the design or messaging of the shirt, nor was he compensated in any form. His photo was part of a shoot done in good faith, but we take full responsibility for the impact it had.”

They ended with a note that resonated with some, and fell flat for others:

“We are taking this as a moment to reflect and learn. Mental health is an important issue, and we acknowledge that it must be handled with care, clarity, and compassion.

Thank you to everyone who called us in. We’re committed to doing better moving forward.”

Boss Toyo Speaks Out: “Tropa lang, walang TF”

Amid the mounting controversy, Boss Toyo himself took to his personal account to clear the air.

"Marami pong nagsesend sa akin ngaun sa personal account ko na mga kaibigan kong concern regarding sa isang brand ng tshirt."

He shared that the shoot was not part of any formal collaboration or endorsement, but a favor to a long-time friend. There was no talent fee, no brand contract—just trust.

“Ang storya nun eh sa pagkakaaalam ko photoshoot un ata yung ng Toyo Wear o Hypebeat pero dahil ang me-ari ng brand na naiisyu ngaun ay isa din tropa na matagal ko na din nakakasama, pagkatapos ng aming shoot ay binigay nya ang damit at nagrequest na baka pwedeng suotin.”

“Uulitin ko, hindi ako may-ari nyan, o ako ay kinuha para i-endorse at binayaran. Ako po ay naging katropa lang na tumulong sa isang matagal ng kakilala, na kahit hindi pa ako sikat, eh magkakasama na.”

His message was one of sincerity—an attempt to explain, not excuse. And like UNHNGD CO., he expressed thanks to those who checked in on him.

The Danger of Getting the Message Wrong

This isn’t just about a shirt.

This is about the very real consequences of misframing a message about mental health. The phrase “A Movement Against Mental Illness” might have been meant to convey fighting the stigma, or advocating for support. But without context, and without clarity, it landed as a message of exclusion, not empowerment.

In advocacy, intent is never enough. Impact is everything.

Fashion has always had the power to provoke, to inspire, and to disrupt. But when dealing with issues that touch the lives of millions—depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and more—brands must move beyond aesthetics and shock value, and anchor their work in empathy, consultation, and responsibility.

What Now? From Outrage to Opportunity

The apology from UNHNGD CO. may not undo the hurt caused, but it opens a window for a much-needed conversation.

This could be a wake-up call for creators and influencers alike: mental health is not a trend. It’s a deeply personal, often invisible battle for countless individuals.

The controversy could’ve been avoided with one simple yet powerful step: consulting the community it aimed to represent. Mental health advocates, survivors, and professionals deserve a seat at the table when being used as the subject of commercial messaging.

Final Thoughts: Let This Spark a Real Movement

Let’s be clear—what we need is a movement FOR mental wellness, for awareness, for support, for healing.

A movement against mental illness sounds like a war against the very people who need our understanding the most. But a movement against the stigma of mental illness? That’s a battle worth fighting.

Let this not be the end of the story, but the beginning of something better: a shift in the way brands approach advocacy, and a call for all of us to treat mental health not as a gimmick, but as a human right.

Let’s wear our values—not just our style.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional or local support group. There’s help. There’s hope.

EVEN SENATORS CAN BE FOOLED BY AI: A Wake-Up Call in the Age of Deepfakes

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In an age where artificial intelligence is evolving at breakneck speed, the ability to distinguish fact from fabrication has become not just a skill—but a civic duty.

Just recently, a post allegedly from the official Facebook account of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa circulated online, applauding a video of a high school student seemingly making a patriotic political statement. The caption read:

“Mabuti pa ang mga bata nakakaintindi sa mga pangyayari. Makinig kayo mga yellow at mga komunista!”

The problem? The entire video is AI-generated.

A Deceptively Real Illusion

The viral clip, posted by the page "AY GRABE", shows a Filipino-looking student in uniform giving an interview along a busy market street. At first glance, it seems genuine. But eagle-eyed netizens and digital sleuths were quick to point out several red flags:

Visual inconsistencies:

The street signs in the background are in Thai, not Filipino. The tricycles shown have futuristic, almost sci-fi aesthetics, unlike any actual public vehicle in the Philippines.

Uniform anomalies:

The student’s polo shirt bears the logo of a supposed school, but on closer inspection, the crest, text, and stitching look digitally rendered and inconsistent with actual embroidery standards.

Audio syncing and hand gestures:

If you zoom in on the interaction, you’ll notice the microphone isn't syncing properly with the speech, and the hand holding it looks oddly contorted, a common tell-tale sign of AI-generation artifacts.

This clip, clearly produced using an advanced AI tool like Runway, Pika, or Veo, fooled a sitting senator—one of the highest-ranking government officials in the country. And if it can fool him, it can fool millions more.

The Real Danger: Propaganda in the Age of AI

AI is no longer just about chatbots or novelty apps. It is now a powerful engine for misinformation and manipulation. Deepfake technology has matured to a point where it can easily:

Replicate a person’s voice and face

Fabricate entirely realistic scenes

Embed logos, symbols, or uniforms to simulate authenticity

Evoke strong emotional responses and reinforce biases

By exploiting the trust we place in visuals and video, AI-driven content can easily become a weaponized tool for political agenda, sowing division and false narratives.

A Lesson for All: Don’t Be a Digital Casualty

This incident should not just be embarrassing for Senator Dela Rosa—it should be a teaching moment for every Filipino.

Here’s what we must all start doing:

Always Verify Before You Share

Just because it confirms your bias doesn’t mean it’s true. Do a reverse image search. Check official sources. Ask: Who benefits from this?

Learn the Signs of AI Manipulation

Watch out for inconsistent shadows, unusual hand distortions, strange blinking, emotionless speech, or blurry logo designs.

Educate Others—Especially the Youth and Elders

If you’ve learned to spot fakes, pass on that knowledge. Your parents, your titos and titas, your classmates—they all need digital literacy.

Hold Public Officials Accountable

It is deeply irresponsible for a senator to share unverified content—especially one that incites political hatred. If they can’t tell fake from real, should they really be trusted with national leadership?

Final Word

In a world where technology can fake reality with terrifying precision, the truth is now our responsibility. Don’t let your screen become your blindfold.

Even the loudest voices can be the most easily fooled.

Be louder—but also be wiser.

#WazzupPilipinas #AIDisinformation #DigitalLiteracy #SenatorBato #FactCheckPH #AIvsTruth