Being A Top 1% Student in the Philippines | Street Interview

Regardless of which country you are from, you might think that those getting into top universities are set for life. Because that means you will probably get high-paying jobs in big companies right out of college, right? But what does it mean to get into top universities in the Philippines and how worried are the students about their future and the local economy?
Our Asian Boss reporter was able to visit the University of the Philippines, arguably the most prestigious university in the Philippines, and speak with some of the students there.

*The opinions expressed in this video are those of individual interviewees alone and do not reflect the views of ASIAN BOSS or the general Filipino population.*

Interested in traveling Asia? Get the best discounted deals here!

Our standard filming equipment:

0:00 - Intro
0:42 - What’s your major?
1:03 - How prestigious is UP?
1:49 - How difficult was it to get into UP?
3:14 - How do people react when you tell them you’re a UP student?
4:30 - Common jobs for UP graduates
5:44 - How worried are you about getting a job?
7:41 - Would you consider working abroad instead of the Philippines?
10:46 - How accessible is quality education in the Philippines?
12:16 - How can this issue of access to education be solved?
13:17 - How important is college?

Follow us on social media:

[nevermind]

Unfortunately, smart shaming is prevalent in the Philippines. Just for example if you have a different opinion from the rest, words like "eh di wow" is used or worse they put you down by using ad hominems. Many go overseas where their skills, intellect and opinions are very much appreciated.

[happysolitudetv]

Sad but true in the Philippines:

1. Smart achievers who come from prestigious schools are seen as snobs, often shamed.
2. Many people passive aggressively insist "character is better than education" as if education doesn't shape character, and even if it's out of context.
3. Your high educational background or achievements will be used against you everytime you become assertive. "You have such high education but why is your manners like that?!" is their favorite gaslighting line.
4. Many dreams become frustrated because they needed to choose a course with more practical applications and those that pay high.
5. Many are still highly ignorant of science facts, the law, business, and their own history.

[vermillion]

As a graduating senior from UP, I'd just like to share my thoughts.

Getting into a job as a graduate from the top universities in the country is easy. Getting a job that you will actually enjoy and is actually aligned with your interests is another story altogether simply because there are no jobs and there is no infrastructure to support even seemingly essential professions (graduates from the college of science, engineering, etc.)

When looking abroad, however, us graduates begin to realize just how valued our fields are in a more developed and diversified economy, thus move, study, or work abroad.

I love my country and I genuinely want to serve as a way of paying back the quality education given to me that so many desire as well, but I have to be practical and realistic. I will not realize my goals and dreams as a professional here.

Moving and studying abroad, gaining experience and hopefully applying it to the country in the future is a goal I have. A degree can only get you so far, but meeting the right people at the right place and time is an elusive luxury that so few of us get.

[jmpckd_]

Some of the comments here are just saying that education is not that important because it all boils down to luck and "diskarte, " this is a really problematic take. Not everyone can get that luck and diskarte that you've had/you have, a college degree will really help you in increasing the chances of getting a job. If being a college dropout worked for you in the end, then that's awesome but keep in mind that this type of luck RARELY happens. Getting that college degree will help you have more options and better opportunities. Sanaol may generational wealth at swerte, ayaw ko na rin mag-aral pero gusto ko ring umahon sa hirap. Pwede bang manalo na lang sa lotto?

[Lime]

Studying in UP was paradise even if I was just average in UP standards. Knowledge would just be free flowing in its hallways, jeepneys and even in the 7/11s. Which is why it's heartbreaking that so many great Filipino minds and innovators having to always choose between providing for their family VS helping their country.

And the recent smart shaming and red tagging of a whole university by opportunistic politicians that invented made up villains to make themselves as fake heroes just made it much easier to prioritise self and family first. It's quite sad.

[nm]

It’s fascinating to see how strong the influence of the English language is in the Philippines. Especially higher educated people switch from Tagalog into English and vice versa.

[jasming.]

This is how Filipino youth should answer. With their words, we can see love for our country. Every answers points perfectly where ever side of dice it may be.

[dsladrvltia]

I have a friend who graduated in UP. He is not a Filipino, he's vietnamese who grow up in the PH. He's successful and a CEO of his own comp. He's down to earth, kept his feet in the ground and find a way to give back to the PH. He supported poor kids who are very smart and game them scholarship. He's not expecting in return out of his good deeds. I know many successful UP graduates are doind this as well. I hope one day, UP Will give a mission to their graduates someday, to mentor just 1 kid until they finish college, financial support is optional, so they can pass the skill that they learned. Through this, they will be able to give back to the country and produce another prodigy.

[no_one]

Smart shaming is also present in UP Diliman, despite being a university that prides itself on academic excellence. It is not uncommon for students to be ridiculed or ostracized for their academic performance, especially if they are struggling in a particular course or subject. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, and can even discourage some students from pursuing their academic goals. It is important to recognize and address smart shaming in any educational setting to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students.🇵🇭

7:05AM 3-7-23

[Armz]

Man, I love how intelligent and insightful these youths are. It's almost impossible to hear opinions as such from locals in Malaysia.

[aleimarvillabrille]

As an alumni, I am so proud of these students. Quick thinking, comprehensive responses, and compassion for people - trademark UP student qualities.

[bdzerda]

I remember going to my first class on the first day of the semester of my freshman year! It was nerve wracking knowing the people I was sitting with literally graduated at the top of their class and I wasn't. Truly humbling experience getting to know people from different parts of the country. What I got from graduating in the Philippine's top university were three things:
(a) the love for the country (and by country, I mean: it's culture, history and even the pitfalls of our people along the way);
(b) humility - you're not the smartest all the time. You're not the dumbest, either; and
(c) learning is different from studying. Studying is confined within walls; learning can be had wherever you are. And learning what it is you're studying is what got me through four years in academia. :)

When I applied for a job more than a decade ago, I can honestly say I had an advantage as an alumna from UP. UP grads back then were known not just for their knowledge but also for their grit. Since most of us were not from the affluent class, we were known to hustle, be resourceful and creative. Managers appreciate that very much!

[machriz]

Watching this as an incoming freshman in UP for a.y 2024. I'm in tears right now. It's genuinely so unbelievable to me that among more than 100, 000 students, I was chosen together with approximately 10, 000 others. Even passing the UPCAT in itself is a great achievement to me.

[strawberrychiekisumi]

I love how they don’t bring down the ppl who chose to not go to college and just practice improving their skills or make business. As a high school graduate only who’s starting my business, Thank you.

[sheeshstick]

their Entrance exam called UPCAT is the most traumatizing part of my college admission back in 2018-2019(that's the only exam I failed when I pass PUPCET, PLMAT, UDMCAT, TUP, and BatStateUCAT). I failed UPCAT but UP and other StateU deserved that Free education. SERVE THE PEOPLE, ISKOLAR NG BAYAN

[faajose]

My gf is a grad from UP and based on her stories she said that her classmates were literally geniuses, like the top student of the province before moving to UP.

She's an achiever herself but from what she said she felt stupid compared to her peers 🤣 if she enrolled in a "normal" university she would probably end up with a Latin honor but in UP its a differrent ball game. 🤣

[NiX_aKi]

I had a boss 10 years ago. He went to UP but he didn't finish. In general, peeps who go to UP have this certain confidence that make them succeed in life.

[mgcontents]

As a UP graduate, there's really an advantage that you gain to a certain degree once you apply for jobs compared to other schools. Sabi pa nga ng iba, when you apply for work, sineseparate ang application forms ng big 4 schools vs other schools, no matter the grades or achievements. Which is somewhat true in many companies and as for me, based on experience when applying for medical schools.

Also for me, job opportunities here in the philippines really depends on the course you have. There are many oversaturated courses that makes it harder to get good jobs since the environment becomes more competitive. Another factor is that bcs of the low wages of some jobs vs others, people tend to find jobs that have a higher pay even if it's not in the field of the college degree they obtained. One great example would be medical field courses, esp nursing, where ppl either go abroad, or change their line of career due to the low wage vs the no. of working hrs

[JNKprops]

Tips for students now, find what you want to pursue in life independently instead of asking elders, esp your parents. And then, look for people successful in that field, and ask their advise. Locals will say your dreams are too high, but in a bigger perspective, anything you want is never too much. Dream bigger, dream the impossible.

[fortuneybiernas]

I graduated from UP 30 years ago. Competition getting in was tough. I was in the BS Math program and you had to compete with the best minds. Getting a job was not hard for me. The knowledge, skills, discipline you get from that quality education helped me move up the corporate ladder. I had a DOST Scholarship with a return service of 8 years. That prevented me from working abroad but happy to work here and help in my own small way to the development of the country. Just a small return for the big help the taxes paid by the people for my education.