Rush/Recruitment

Prospective Neophyte’s Orientation about Recruitment

How’d You Like To Be AC?

Recruitment Song

How’d you like to be an AC brod,

to bear the pin and wreath every day?

Wear our colors, the Navy and Gold,

which all with Honor holds

since chivalrous days of knighthood old.

My Fellows,

Come and join the best Fraternity,

Pledge yourself to strictest Loyalty,

The Artists Circle will mean a lot to you

When you’re an Artists’ Circle!

This entry is made to answer some common questions about fraternity recruitment and all that is pertaining to the UP Artists’ Circle Fraternity and its sole chapter in UP Diliman. “Rush” is a word that refers to the fraternity recruitment process, it is derived from most American Universities way of acquainting men into fraternity life. It serves both as a chance for you to learn more about the fraternity, and for the fraternity to learn more about you. Unlike, however with fraternities in American Universities, fraternities in UP Diliman, go for tapping and “by invitation” recruitment. The Artists’ Circle Fraternity, offers a more democratic way of admitting members. AC believes that any man willing to undergo and finish the process, provided he has met the academic requirements set forth by the University, has all of at least the minimum physical requirements and none of the disqualifications, will have the chance to receive a “bid” to join the fraternity.

During your Physical examinations you must be able to perform the following,

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST (PFT)
		End of Process	Before Induction
100 Meter dash		16 secs	19 secs
Pull up (M) / Flexed arm hang (F)		3 reps	20 secs
Sit up		25 reps	20 reps
Push up (M) / Bench push up (F)		20 reps	20 reps
Sit & Reach		45 cm	40 cm
Standing Long Jump		5 feet	4 feet
1 Mile run		9 mins 12 secs	10 mins 12 secs

You may be thinking of joining a fraternity, and asking these questions…

Why Join a Fraternity?

A fraternity is set apart by traditions and customs they have developed through the years. At the Artists’ Circle we likewise cherish them in addition to the values that are imbued in us as an artisan, which basically falls into hard work and enthusiasm for new knowledge. Although Freshmen will not be initiated during the current year until they have gained a minimum of 30 Academic units or so, it gives them opportunity to hang out at the tambayan the entire semester at our expense. With an exciting neophyte process, Have the time of your life and rush!

Here are some statistics to show the Fraternity recruitment in UP:

• There are only 15 officially recognized university-based fraternities in UP. (as per 2005 OSA report)
• There is only one fraternity in UP which focuses on the arts and serves the best interest of the artist- The UP Artists’ Circle Fraternity
• Only a little above 20% of males in UP Diliman join a fraternity.

Some ordinary reasons why someone rushes,

• Formal Rush is totally free of charge (NO REGISTRATION FEE)
• Rushing is a great way to meet some of the finest men (and women) in UP Diliman
• Summer term Rush is arguably the most fun time you’ll have in UP Diliman

How Does AC Fraternity’s Recruitment System Work?

The Artists’ Circle has a unique Recruitment system that is divided into two parts, Informal and Formal “Rush”:

• Informal Rush – The Brothers welcome anyone who is either undecided or has decided to join the fraternity but was not able to join any previous formal rushes. He will be given sometime to think about his decision and will be oriented in-depth about the advocacies of the fraternity. He may also be given opportunity to join some of the projects and ventures so that a rush applicant may experience first hand how a normal AC Fratman’s schedule works without the pressure of actually joining. When he decides and meets the requisites or it is already deemed appropriate by the pledge master, he will be asked to join any of the Formal Rushes during the semestral break, before the Christmas break or the summer term. This suits the freshman who is prohibited by the University to undergo initiation in any fraternity. He will then be indoctrinated further with our values, rites and traditions and be asked to take a unique Artisan’s vow.
• Formal Rushes – Since 1972, the Artists’ Circle has used a very structured formal Recruitment process that was drafted by our pioneers. The formal recruitment process. often called simply “Rush” typically begins the week prior to Christmas Break, the Semestral break or a month before the Anniversary in the summer. You will attend a formal dinner with the Alumni of the fraternity. That formal dinner falls on a Saturday, and is a no-contact night to allow you to consider your decision without pressure. A rush applicant is also required to have at least 72 hours of community service, which can be waived by previous involvement in parallel institutions such as the Student Council or the Sangguniang Kabataan. A week will be purely devoted to physical training and examinations as the fraternity, since 2004 has enacted a rule for its able-bodied men to maintain a specific weight range and follow an exercise regimen through out his residency. Other weeks will be devoted to workshops, orientation and bonding activities which will culminate in the drama of the Final Rite, which does not necessarily follow the rush month. The Grandmaster of the fraternity may declare a brother-on site and raise the rank of residents whenever he chooses to use the privilege. He normally sets the schedule of activities mentioned and not mentioned.

That’s Nice, but Why?

Besides being the most kick-ass frat on campus, The UP ARTISTS’ CIRCLE FRATERNITY maintains a level of exclusivity, accepting only artists who pass a certain standard. He must not have entered into any other fraternity and have a GPA of at least 2.0 prior to application. The Artists’ Circle at one time performed the duties of the College student Council during the 70’s and has maintained close association with the College of Fine Arts. The fraternity was formed in 1972 within the old Fine Arts building at the Main Library in the UP Diliman Campus. When fraternities were phased out at many universities in the Philippines due to rampant cases of fraternity hazing, the Artists’ Circle was thriving due to its reputation of having none of the slightest case of maltreatment. The fraternity uses both a systematic and traditional initiation process that has not changed since it was first used.

The Residents of the Fraternity are now the nation’s most influential young artists with many receiving exclusive scholarships and grants and winning all of the major art competitions at some point. They are egged to stay well-rounded and uphold excellence in any endeavor.

“But what does this fraternity have to offer me?” you ask. Of course, the answer is plenty! The fraternity boasts of the best guys on campus. We’re a bunch of fun-loving and great guys, if I may say so myself. We’ve also had a consistent series of exhibition which does not fall short of five per year in and out of campus. The community respects the talent of the residents having received commissions from UP and other private corporations and organizations, including the Worldbank headquarters in New York, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, The City Hall of Quezon City and the Greenpeace office in Manila.

We are officially against hazing in any form. The fraternity is committed to mold men of character and have no interest in immature and senseless acts of hazing.

The Artists’ Circle Fraternity has a strict and well-defined rule on Alcohol and Drug use. We do not tolerate slackers, alcoholics, pot-heads and drug-addicts within our ranks.

The resident brothers are also active members of various on and off-campus extracurricular activities .

Not counting donations and bequests by our Alumni brothers, the fraternity is easily becoming one of the richest fraternity on campus, with assets of hundred thousands worth they devote to charity, to the college and university and civic-community action.

We also are involved in various athletics like Football and Wrestling, Taekwondo, Karate Basketball, Track and field, Swimming and Golf. We hold an annual sports tournament called the Pioneer Cup and Sonny Barros Open, which awards the trophy made by sculptor Paul Quiano ‘89.

In ordinary days, the brothers delight themselves by hanging out in the largest tambayan awarded to a fraternity located at Amorsolo Hall in UP Diliman. Many of our residents represent the nation in various sports competitions, at one time, the South East Asian Games and World Taekwondo Championships. Our brothers are sent to represent the young artists of the Philippines in the ASEAN. We frequently engage in Mountain climbing and camping and triathlons. The Artists’ Circle takes vacations and hold meetings during the summer in Baguio City.

Sounds great, how do I get to meet you guys?

The Artists’ Circle will offer you plenty of opportunities to get to meet our brothers first-hand. During entire academic year and in between our studies, we throw a minimum of two theme parties, our annual fraternity ball and christmas celebration. We will be sure to keep you informed about other activities available at our tambayan by phone or by invitation.

What if I still have questions?

No doubt you still have questions. That’s just the tip of the iceberg since you will discover more revealing and amazing information should you decide to join. Our initiation process is partly classified information, but we conduct one-on-one orientations at anytime so feel free to contact us regarding any questions you have:

Clarence Alvear ‘07

The Artists’ Circle Fraternity

Amorsolo Hall, UP College of Fine Arts,

UP Diliman, 1101 Quezon City

Good luck, and hopefully we’ll see you one of these days.