AFTER receiving a text message from The Manila Times desk last Sunday reminding me to submit my column early to give our hardworking editors, artists and production people enough time for the printing of our paper's anniversary issue, it suddenly dawned on me that my alma mater, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), had just celebrated its 118th founding anniversary last week.

I had to immediately search the net and the social media for any message the PUP president Dr. Manuel 'Bong' Muhi may have issued or delivered in relation to the occasion. Luckily, I got hold of a video message from Bong, I mean Dr. Muhi (I meant no disrespect, but having known him for the longest time, having shared whatever we got then during our student days, I have gotten used to calling him by his nickname).