The UP Diliman campus is a different world all by itself.
The moment you enter its premises, you enter into a splendiferous painting--one of grandeur, and at the same time, of simplistic pleasures. From its majestic canopy of acacia trees to the minutest hint of a blossoming bud amongst the wild grass, it draws you into a microcosmos, a diverse way-of-life.
Art
Julio Vargas Museum
The Julio Vargas Museum offers you more than the usual. Besides the art exhibits, the museum facilitates regular art workshops and events.
The Art Circle at Ang Bahay ng Alumni sells paintings, trinkets, and sometimes, some secondhand furniture.
Literature
The UP Press has appended its pages and opened a bookstore in Balay Kalinaw.
Watch out for poetry readings and literary discussions at the Hermogenes Ylagan mini-theater, found inside the College of Arts and Letters.
Theater
The University Theater has showcased the best talents from the university as well as veterans from Philippine theater and show business. Plays, musicals, and concerts are staged here. An alternative theater that stages more intimate performances is the Dalisay Albaba Recital Hall behind the UP Theater.
The Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater in the Palma Hall (AS) is the home of Dulaang UP shows.
The Film Center offers a whole variety of films--from the local documentaries to contemporary movies to international art films. Every day is movie day at the FC. The best deal is that you get to watch the films at a much lower price. It's located just across the Bahay ng Alumni.
University Theater
Events
The Lantern Parade is always a sight to behold. Usually held on the last day of classes before the Christmas break, students of different colleges parade with the most magnificent, most creative, most extraordinary floats. The Fine Arts and Engineering floats are usually the most awaited--they have been winning the votes of many a spectator for many consecutive years.
Lantern Parade
The UP Fair is a one-week event, usually held on the week of Valentine's. The Sunken Garden becomes alive with rides, tiangges, food stalls, and a whole variety of shows (with a different theme every night). Entrance fee is cheap--at P50-P100, you get a whole night of entertainment!
Simultaneously, the Fine Arts Week is also held during this week. Free workshops and lessons are given by the students, and exhibits of the best artworks are the main events in the College of Fine Arts.
Music
The Abelardo Hall not just houses the Music majors. It's a whole display of musical genius. Recitals and concerts are performed weekly, whether homegrown or international.
Silungan, the faculty lounge at the basement of Balay Kalinaw, transforms into a jazz bar during Fridays. Faculty and students alike let down their hair and groove to the jazz.
Abelardo Hall
More surprises
If you want to take a closer look at the heavens, head to the Observatory. If there's an activity, like meteor showers or Mars up close, you'll have to wait your turn on the telescope. Otherwise, on an ordinary night, very few come down to watch the stars.
Quezon Hall. Administration Building.
If it's closed already (i.e., on an ordinary night, you decided to take a visit there very late at night), the Sunken Garden isn't such a bad place to see the stars. You might even get a better and larger view!
The Administration Building gives a great view of the sunset. Sit on the front steps, just behind the Oblation, and wait for the sunset. If the guard allows it, climb up the bridgeway, high up the building, and watch the sunset from there.
Just behind this structure is the lagoon. If an afternoon walk finds you in the middle of this secret garden of sorts, expect a most curious sight. A common site for trysts, the place is unusually peaceful and quiet, amidst the babble of ducks skimming the small pond.
Sundays are "carless" oval days.
Sundays are "carless" oval days. Run, jog, or walk with your dogs around the academic oval, while breathing clean, fresh air.
The campus hums a different tune at night. Nothing beats the song of the crickets as you take a walk around the campus.
There´s so much to explore!
After every trip, take a step back--as in a large painting, review it again and try to see it in a different perspective. You'll find more surprises the next time you visit the campus!
Ang Bahay ng Alumni.
Home of The Chocolate Kiss Cafe.
Home ::
Menu ::
Private Parties ::
Features ::
Our Story ::
Contact ::
Mailing List