January 2008 • Volume III • Special Edition

Congratulations on your acceptance to the loyola schools of the ateneo de Manila university! We welcome you to this Filipino, Catholic, and Jesuit university that has made its mark by producing heroes, leaders, experts, movers, and pio-neers among its graduates of the past 148 years. We commit to this same tradition of excellence, now redefined in the context of global competitive-ness, Filipino and asian perspective, and transformative leadership. global competitiveness begins with competencies developed through a proper and exciting learning environment. You will have teachers who will challenge you to sharpen your mind, deepen your insights, and broaden your views. Your top-caliber classmates will engage you in discussions, work with you through course requirements, and be your friendly competitors. You will have access to the outstanding rizal library with its online features and spe-

cial collections, state-of-the-art labs (whether in science, communication, or business), internet service, modern sports facilities, and audio-visual rooms. You will have opportunities to do research; write poems and fiction; practice your skills for it and telecomm firms, banking and microfinance institutions, broadcasting companies, ad agencies, health programs, government institutions, ngos; or run your own business. You might even study for a term in one of more than 35 schools in any of 11 countries, should you take part in the Junior term abroad program. although the Filipino and asian perspective can be partly learned in the classroom, we are also helping define these through theater, music, dance, debate, writing, science, it, business, social involvement, disaster management, or sports. You will also get a chance to know different aspects of the way of life of the poor and the marginalized. Developing leadership is one of the hallmarks of an ateneo education. our integrated non-academic For-mation Program helps to develop leadership through focused and systematic student formation through the four years of college life. student activities are very much alive on campus, from the sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral (the student council) to the Council of organizations of the ateneo to the 43 accredited organizations, to the several varsity teams. there are opportunities, too, to quiet down and find one’s self through prayer, retreats, recollections, and community celebrations of the Eucharist. in the end, we hope that this leadership can be transformative and, thus, we want our students to engage the world by sharing their time and talent and by becoming professionals for others. although we put emphasis on academic and non-academic formation, there is room for enjoying our loyola schools community. after all, your development is best nurtured in this context: a community and cul-ture inspired by st. ignatius of loyola to seek god in our lives, to find god in all things, to strive to be our best, to care for each other, and to serve others. Join us as we move towards our 150th anniversary, celebrating excellence, deepening spirituality, and building the nation—the ateneo way.

Ma. assunta Cuyegkeng, Ph.D.Vice President for the loyola schools

Welcome to the Ateneo de manila. As you enter the Ateneo campus, you will encounter posters and tarpaulins with the strange word “Sesqui”—short for “Sesquicentennial,” the 150th anniversary of the Ateneo de manila in December 2009, when you will be in your sophomore year. You have the privilege of joining our community and our life at an exciting time, as we remember and celebrate a distinguished history which you will share with national heroes and leaders, Jose Rizal, Gregorio del Pilar, claro Recto, Raul manglapus, and Horacio de la costa. our remembering and celebration focuses on three themes that define Ateneo history and culture: Celebrating Excellence, Deepening Spirituality, and Building the Nation. The themes are pegged to lines from our Alma mater Song, a song which will soon be your own:

Westandonahill–CelebratingExcellence(2007–2008) BetweentheEarthandsky–DeepeningSpirituality(2008–2009) Downfromthehill–BuildingtheNation(2009–2010)

A two-page spread on 10 December 2007 in the Philippine Daily Inquirer and the Philippine Star celebrated the first year theme: Scaling New Heights of Excellence in the Service of the Nation. Yes, an invitation to Ateneo is an invitation to a tradition of excellence. We will help you discover your gifts and give you the opportunity to be the best that you can be in them: in theater, in arts, in debate, in computing, in sports, in the humanities, social sciences, management and entrepreneurship, science and engineering. It is also an invitation to a tradition and to a community. I have been meeting with Ateneo alumni in their places of work, many of them recent graduates not much older than yourself. It is wonderful to see that they are doing well. It is even more wonderful to see their friendship and camaraderie and the warm memories they have of campus life. They each have their own achievements, but beyond that, they are friends who continue to be there for each other. At the Ateneo, we will help you become the best that you can be in your chosen field. We will also give you lifelong friends and a community and campus you can always go home to. It is also a community that seeks, like the first Jesuits, who founded our school tradition, to be “friends in the lord.” In seeking to deepen spirituality, we want to help you discover not just your gifts, but your deepest self, the person God wants you to be. Finally, the Ateneo is a community not just for itself, but for others. “Nonnobissolumnatisumus,” wrote the Roman politician and orator cicero, a favorite of the early Jesuits, “We are not born for ourselves alone.” We will educate you for excellence and success, yes, but beyond that, Ateneo will offer you many opportunities to make a difference for others. Together with a century and a half of Ateneans, you will discover that it is in making a difference for others that you will find your deepest fulfillment and happiness. Welcome once more to the Ateneo. may the lord give you all grace and blessings.

Bienvenido F. Nebres, S.J.President

No less than the Very Reverend Daniel Patrick l. Huang, Provincial Superior of the Society of Jesus, presided over the mass, while University President Fr. Bienvenido F. Nebres, SJ, served as the homilist. Fr. carmelo “Tito” caluag II and Grade School Headmaster Fr. Jose moises Fermin were also in attendance. In his homily, Fr. Nebres remembered the beginnings of Ateneo de manila in 1859, when the Jesuits returned to the Philippines, taught Ignatian Spirituality to Filipinos, and started what was then called escuela municipal de manila. “We have a history of almost 150 years,” Fr. Nebres said. “We are children of a distinctive parentage, going back to St. Ignatius and the first Jesuits, Fr. Cuevas and the founding fathers of the Ateneo and the generations who have gone ahead of us.” When Ateneo first started, the school had only 23 students. Today, Ateneo is a university that

ATeNeo De mANIlA University was ranked as the 451st best university in the world by the 2007 THeS-QS World University Rankings. Ateneo is the only Philippine university that increased its ranking from last year. The University of the Philippines—Diliman came in at 398th, De la Salle University was ranked 519th, and the University of Santo Tomas was at the 535th place.

Countdown to Sesquicentennial Begins

inspires 17,000 grade school, high school, college, graduate school, and professional schools’ students to be the best that they can be. Fr. Nebres also shared in his homily that Ateneans, whose mission is to be men and women for others, have a history of service to the community that dates back to the 1860s. He recounted how Jesuit scholastic Padre Federico Faura founded and built the manila observatory to predict the weather and forewarn people of typhoons, and how our national hero, Jose Rizal, one of Ateneo’s renowned alumnus, strove to improve the lives of our countrymen by introducing modern methods of farming and new technology in fishing to farmers and fishermen, and by healing and educating the poor. Fr. Nebres says this legacy of service lives on in Ateneans today who engage in nation-building activities by tutoring public school students,

By Christine Mallion

reverend daniel PatriCk l. huang, Provincial superior of the society of Jesus, presiding over the mass, with university President Fr. Bienvenido F. nebres, sJ, and Fr. tito Caluag ii in the background.

delivering public health livelihood, and joining disaster relief and rehabilitation operations. This legacy of faith, excellence, and service is what Ateneo will proudly celebrate in its sesquicentennial anniversary. The activities lined up over the next three years towards Ateneo’s 150th anniversary aim for the Ateneo community to recall the rich

SUNDAY, THe 5TH oF AUGUST 2007, marked the beginning of the remembrance, celebration, and renewal of Ateneo de manila’s 150-year heritage, as the three-year countdown towards Ateneo’s sesquicentennial celebration in 2009 was launched at the church of the Gesù.

history and humble mission of Ateneo and strengthen in their minds Ateneo’s thrust of academic excellence and spiritual formation to be of service to others. Sesquicentennial-themed theater plays, retreats, and fundraising concerts featuring Jose mari chan and lea Salonga are among the activities lined up for the three-year celebration.

THES-QS Ranks Ateneo asOne of World’s Top 500 Universities

“We are happy to be in such a position, but perhaps, this is also the best time to reiterate what we have been saying about rankings, in general,” said Vice President for the loyola Schools Dr. ma. Assunta cuyegkeng. “We maintain that rankings like these (their survey instrument, the weights they use) don’t reflect our vision/mission. Thus, we will not allow these to distract us from pursuing our goals. We will continue

to work harder at being better known in the region to highlight the leadership and excellence of our faculty and students and the institution’s contribution to national development. We will continue to do what Ateneo does best: the total formation of students and the preparation of students for leadership. This formation for leadership is what makes Ateneo the highly regarded university that it has been for almost 150 years.” As University President Fr. Bienvenido F. Nebres, SJ, has said: “Rankings in the Times survey are important because they measure how the world perceives us. But just as a person has to take what people think of them in the context of

their own values and priorities, we, too, have to reflect on these perceptions and measures within our own view of our vision and mission. Thus, while we will work on strengthening our research and publications in ISI journals… we need to do this in a way that does not move us away from our vision/mission and our traditional strengths: leadership formation and contribution to national development. These have to continue to be our priorities as a Jesuit university committed to the service of faith and the promotion of justice and as a university in a Philippines, whose greatest challenge is overcoming poverty and national development.”

Welcome, future Ateneans!

lara Chuavon

Office of the Vice President for the Loyola Schools

THe HARVeST oF AWARDS and recognition at the 2007 Don carlos Palanca memorial Awards and 26th manila critics circle National Book Awards was quite a surprise for Ateneo’s Filipino Department—an esteemed poet winning for children’s literature, a children’s literature writer winning for short story category, a Filipino poet winning for the English Poetry category and, finally, a multi-awarded fictionist winning the grand prize for short film category. mike coroza believes, however, that his work (Palanca third prize awardee for ImbisibolManangTatay in the maikling Kwentong Pambata category) is not a complete departure from poetry since, for him, a fictionist is a also a poet, working on various images and dramatic encounters in a form that suits his reading public. What motivated coroza to write a short story for children was the prodding of his son, miggy, who one day asked him if he is a “real author,” since “real authors” are those who write children’s stories. coroza felt that there is a need to reach out to children in a literary form that is easily accessible and understandable to them, although not at all simplistic. coroza explored the consciousness of a child and, in his winning entry, he tried to show how a child deals with the problem of being illegitimate, seeing his father with another family, and consequently hoping that he would acquire the power to be invisible from his classmates and playmates. Allan Derain (Palanca first place awardee for PaputianngLaba in the Maikling Kuwento category), a fictionist and last year’s Palanca awardee for children’s literature category, agrees with coroza. Derain believes that writing for short fiction is no different from

2 Volume III, SpecIal ISSue

writing children’s literature and that is why in his collection of stories, Iskrapbuk, he added two stories for children. Derain wants to be daring not only by experimenting with genres but with the retelling of stories itself. For instance, he wants to retell the popular corido Ibong Adarna, where the protagonists will be Aetas trapped in the bottle of King Salermo, Don Juan is actually a weakling, and Adarna tastes like ordinary grilled chicken. For Mikael Co (Palanca first prize awardee for HandsforaFistfulof Sand in the Poetry-english category), who has been recognized for his works in Filipino poetry, points out that although poetry is a function of language, in the end, language is also a function of poetry. Poetic language can be Filipino or otherwise, and it is the purpose of poetry to estrange even the use of Filipino or english. For co, knowing english does not guarantee that you will understand English poetry, and being proficient in Filipino does not necessarily translate to adeptness in Filipino poetry. Alvin Yapan, who received the 26th manila critics circle National Book Awards Juan c. laya Prize for Best Book of a Fiction in a Vernacular language category for his novel, AngSandalingmgaMata, and the grand prize for Rolyo in the cinemalaya Film Festival Short Film Category, says that although writing for film requires an approach different from novel writing, the important challenge a writer must surmount is the tedium of the writing process itself. Writers must be output oriented, according to Yapan, whether one is working on the filming of novels or the novelization of a film, since what is important is that readers or viewers must always be challenged by a literary work.

By gary devilles

A LiterAry Workby Any other nAme

thE sChool oF huManitiEs, through its six academic depart-ments and one program, aims to provide students with a liberal hu-manistic education distinguished by sapientia et eloquentia. this liberal humanistic education draws from the rich traditions of philosophy, faith, literature, language, art and culture. it is manifested through courses designed for the holistic formation of students who are ar-ticulate and critical, imaginative and productive, students who are root-ed in their own culture, yet open to other cultures, proactive in the global environment, and strongly committed to faith and justice.

Benilda S. Santos, Ph.D.acting Dean

1/F horacio de la Costa halltel. no. 426-6001 local 5300Direct line and fax no.: 426-1042E-mail: humani@admu.edu.ph

sChool oF Humanities

thE sChool oF soCial sCiEnCEs works toward a society made more human by its commitment to teach-ing, research and action. it sees a world dedicated to academic excel-lence, in which humanistic values and ignatian spirituality harmonize with modern technology, in which passion for justice bonds with ser-vice to the country. the school seeks to form a world of mature spiritual-ity, focused on respect for the indi-vidual, freedom of scholarship, unity in collegiality, and the diversity of disciplines—thus recognizing a mul-tiplicity of perspectives from which to examine society, its history, and its social, political and economic lives. its pursuit of scientific study is grounded in Philippine society and culture, from which it seeks to con-tribute to national development and to asia-Pacific and ultimately global inter-cultural heritage. it envisions it-self collaborating with other schools of the ateneo de Manila university, the other ateneos, and other part-ners in the education of the Filipino. the school of social sciences thus sees itself in the context of ser-vice to the nation, as a partnership of different departments and pro-grams, each offering an expertise and a commitment.

Fr. Jose M. Cruz, S.J.Dean

4/F leong halltel no. 426 6001 ext 5200Fax no. 426 1277E-mail: soc-sci@admu.edu.ph

sChool oF socialsciences

THe NeW Home of the School of Social Sciences, the Ricardo and Dr. Rosita leong Hall, had its blessing and inauguration on 17 october 2007. Built in a record time of just over 10 months, it stands as a firm testament of how a couple’s inspiration can bring forth amazing results for a University seeking to engage the world in better and more transformative ways. In acknowledging with profound gratitude the generous donation of Ricardo and Rosita leong during the inauguration program, University President Father Bienvenido F. Nebres, SJ, said that apart from making the building a reality, “We have shared many other dreams with Ricardo and Rosita—to improve education and health of our people, to inspire and invite others to this enterprise of nation-building and encounter between the cultures in our region, in short, to make a difference in our country and in our world!” Fr. Jose m. cruz, SJ, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, likewise, was enthusiastic about the many energetic and creative possibilities for scholarly work that the new environment of the leong Hall could bring forth. Showing his delight at the results of the building which he carefully watched over as it rose from the ground, Fr. cruz described the building as “stunningly beautiful” with the trees and the greenery around seeming to be fully part of

Leong Hall: Engaging the World and Making a DifferenceBy eileen lolarga

the faculty workrooms. It is truly a “hushed and nurturing place” for students, scholars and teachers alike to wrestle with gripping social issues of the day, and also to exert greater efforts toward the understanding of china—the two related yet distinct purposes for the support of the leongs for this University endeavor. mr. Ricardo leong, who was inspired by reading chris lowney’s tale of a 450-

year old company that changed the world, responded by sharing his own journey with the Jesuits that eventually moved him and his wife to give substantive support to the “the passion, dedication and eagerness to learn” which they saw in the students and the faculty of the University. He saw heroic leadership in those “driven by love of teaching, learning, and giving.”

the inauguration of leong hall—the new home of the school of social sciences

Jet Damazo, eDIToR

Ronnie elefano, laYouT aRTIST

loyola Schools Bulletin © 2007 (ISSN: 1656-8354) is published by the office of the Vice president for the loyola Schools, ateneo de manila university.

e-mail: Isbulletin@admu.edu.phhttp://www.ateneo.edu > loyola Schools > loyolaSchoolsBulletin

sChool oFscience and engineering

JgsoM is a rEgionallY rECognizED CEntEr of ex-cellence in business education. our business courses combine the rigors of academic learning with expe-riential learning, to create a student-centered experi-ence that provides opportunities for both critical re-flection and practical application of theories learned inside the classroom. our liberal-arts courses help our students to develop a strong set of core values and an interdisciplinary outlook. together, this combined curriculum shapes our stu-dents into business leaders who can respond to the needs of tomorrow’s world: young men and women who are global in perspective, innovative, technically proficient and analytical, able to provide ethical and principle-centered leadership, eager to make a differ-ence in the world around them.

Rudy AngDean

3/F John gokongwei school of Management Buildingtel no. : 426-1204 loc. 5502Fax no. : 426-1204Website: http://www.ateneo.edu/som/

JGSOM RECENTLY SCORED a double-first distinction when the commission on Higher education (cHeD) recognized it as a Center of Excellence (COE) in two business areas: Business Administration and Entrepreneurship—the first and only such designations in the field of business education among the 1,500 schools nationwide overseen by cHeD. Dean Rudy Ang accepted the awards on behalf of JGSom in simple awarding rites attended by cHeD Chairman Romulo Neri and ranking officials in education, business, and government on December 7, 2007, at the crown Regency Hotel in makati. The singular designation of coe is reserved for colleges that have demonstrated outstanding performance in three departments: (a) instruction, curriculum and faculty; (b) research related to business and management; and (c) outreach activities consistent with national development goals—with the desired result of graduating well-equipped, world-class business professionals. cHeD’s quest for the schools with the required superlatives involved a year-long process of defining

thE sChool oF sCiEnCE anD EnginEEring envisions a Philippine society in harmony with nature, where the fruits of science and engi-neering are used in the service of god, country and all its people. the school of science and Engineering aims to provide excellent training for students in basic and applied disciplines. the school seeks to build its strength both in individual departments and through ac-tive interdisciplinary undertakings, where the greatest progress is likely to occur. the school seeks to meet the challenges of globaliza-tion, sustainability, poverty, and the environment.

Dr. Fabian M. DayritDean

school of science and Engineeringtel no. : 426-6001 loc. 5600Fax no. : 426-5985E-mail address: sci-eng@ateneo.edu

clImATe cHANGe AND the expected destruction caused by extreme weather conditions have become major concerns of countries all over the world. In response to these concerns, the Ateneo de manila University is opening a new master of Science in Atmospheric Sciences program in June 2008. This program is expected to contribute to the training of meteorologists at the country’s weather bureau, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). The initial batch of students will be made up of two groups of graduate students made up of staff members of PAGASA and applicants to the weather bureau. The studies of the initial batch will be funded by the Department of Science and Technology’s Science education Institute (DoST-SeI). The students will start with courses preparatory to the program proper this second semester. The MS Atmospheric Sciences program will have three specialization tracks: Meteorology, Air Quality and climate change. The meteorology track has the most relevance to PAGASA. The tracks on Air Quality and climate change will address the concerns related to environment and sustainable development. The mS Atmospheric Sciences program is being offered under the Department of Physics of the loyola Schools, in close collaboration with the manila observatory (mo). The Ateneo and the mo combined have the largest concentration of PhDs in this area and the best equipped laboratories. Dr. Fabian Dayrit, dean of the Ateneo’s School of Science and engineering, expressed optimism that the program will be able to attract students from the Asian region. This important program calls to mind the origin of the Jesuit-run manila observatory which functioned as the first weather bureau in Southeast Asia. The Manila Observatory is a private non-stock, non-profit, scientific research institution that was established in 1865 by the Jesuit mission in the Philippines. lead by Jesuit Fr. Federico Faura at its inception, the mo began serving typhoon warnings in 1879 and embarked on earthquake observations in 1880. In 1884, The Spanish government issued a royal decree formally recognizing the Manila Observatory as the official Philippine institution for weather forecasting. The weather forecasting function was subsequently taken over by PAGASA after World War II.

John gokongWEiscHool of management

exacting criteria, strict on-site evaluation, in-depth panel interviews, and final recommendations by the regulatory body’s technical panel. In the same awarding rites, seven other institutions were designated as centers of Development (coD), a category for schools with programs that have clear potential to become centers of excellence in the future. These were Ateneo de Naga University, centro escolar University, Holy Angel University, University of mindanao, University of San carlos, St. Paul University (Tuguegarao), and Silliman University. coe/coD status had been previously conferred to other universities in the fields of sciences and humanities, but this is the first batch of awards focusing on business education. In his acceptance of the recognition, Dean Ang touched on the continuing efforts of JGSom towards excellence: rigorous enrollee selection, first-rate faculty sourced from the corporate sector, and business-grounded research.

JGSOM obtains status as Centers of Excellence in Business Administration and in EntrepreneurshipBy art valenCia

Ateneo Revives Leadership in Atmospheric Sciences

www.ateneo.edu

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invites you to take this first step towards a journey of self-discovery by joining an org during the recruitment Week. the path to embark on is one’s own choice, but the organizations are committed to making it a meaningful and worthwhile journey. as significant as that first step is the journey itself. after joining the organization of your choice, Coa encourages you to make the most of it by becoming an active member, participating in the various activities that the organization has to offer.

the council of organizations of the ateneo (coa)

ateneo science guild (asg) ASG is a cluster of five accredited science and environment orgs of the Ateneo sharing one vision—that of creating a community that is aware and active in spreading the beauty and wonders of science, health, and the environment.

Ateneo Chemical Societythe ateneo Chemical society is the co-curricular student organization of the Chemistry department but it is exclusive for chem majors. anyone with the heart and curiosity for chemistry can join! Members participate in seminars, exhibits, quiz bees, company tours, sales, sports festivals, parties, and interschool activities.

Ateneo Mathematics SocietyWe define what real passion for math is and prove it.We maximize friendships and minimize conflicts.We choose to make a difference.We let the limit of our excellence approach positive infinity.We set no bounds for our service.We are the inverse of mediocrity and apathy.We make the complex real.We integrate minds.We differentiate individuals.We count.excellence + service + Camaraderie =ateneo Mathematics society

Environmental Science Societythe environmental science society provides a venue for students who want to be dynamically involved with the environment. it initiates various environmental advocacies in the ateneo, offers first-hand experience through ecotours, and promotes volunteerism in participating in environmental issues.

Loyola Mountaineersas a loyola Mountaineer, you will go to places where you can swim in pristine lakes, relax atop summits in the clouds, and sleep beneath clear night skies with stars made brighter by the thin mountain air. seeking the reservation, appreciation, and welfare of god’s creation through the promotion of mountaineering as a sport and as a medium for environmental concern is the mission of the loyola Mountaineers.

Pre Medical Society of the Ateneothe Pre Medical society of the ateneo gives its members a first-hand chance to participate in socially oriented activities, such as medical missions, medicine drives and civic based health programs. the organization also provides its members with career talks, activities, medical school tours, and other programs designed to help prepare pre-medicine students for medical school and deepen their passion to become doctors.

Business organizations of tHe ateneoThe Business organizations of the Ateneo was established to form responsible leaders in the pursuit of excellence in the business setting. The cluster is made up of nine organizations with different fields of specializations. BOA is not just about making money, closing deals, hosting events, talking to big companies, and sponsoring projects; BOA can be an exciting and enjoyable way to meet new friends, contribute to the Ateneo and society, enhance or learn new skills, develop character, and grow as a person.

Ateneo Association for Communications Technology ManagementaCtM members are primed to be proficient, creative, and exceptional in their chosen fields in the corporate world, through excellent and intensive training and an impressive and extensive network of fellow Comtech majors, alumni, and business contacts. Members are encouraged to innovate and lead, not just to bring in profits, but to unleash their talent and potential.

Ateneo Economics AssociationWe strive to continue the success and the lessons passed down by generations of members. aea’s 45 years has tempered it into a formidable organization. its vision of breaking barriers has been recognized in many aspects. now we endeavor to gain more ground; to establish this organization as one of ateneo’s best.

AIESECaieseC is the largest student organization in the world and has grown from 7 to 89 countries with a worldwide membership base of 50,000 proactive members; earned the respect and support of over 10,000 established companies worldwide; and has received the endorsements from country presidents, leaders, and secretary generals of the united nations and other international organizations. it is through this vast network that aieseC is able to facilitate its core work—the international traineeship exchange program that enables participating companies to tap and develop international talent via a mutually beneficial relationship. aieseC-ateneo allows its members to prepare themselves for professional careers while experiencing the joys of student life.

Ateneo Junior MarketingAssociationthe ateneo Junior Marketingassociation is the organization with the largest membership base and the most projects in the ateneo. aJMa has been recognized by the Philippine Marketing association as one of the three outstanding student Marketing associations of the Phillippines (tosMa) besting 60 other schools for three consecutive years. aJMa has won the Best student Marketing association in the Philippines award two years in a row from the agora youth awards.

Ateneo Management Associationateneo Management association (aMa) aims to promote the spirit of entrepreneurship by providing its members with a competitive atmosphere ideal for hands-on business experience that encourages leadership, professionalism, creativity, and social responsibility. the strong project line-up includes the aMa Mall, akbay, and the annual concert.

Ateneo Collegiate Society of Advertisingtalk to the hand!the hand, the logo of theateneo Collegiate society of advertising, illustrates what Cosa really is about: the pinky stands for creativity; the ring finger, commitment; the middle finger, integrity; the pointer, growth; and the thumb, will. Cosa is involved in the university’s biggest events, such as the Cheer rally and halikinu radio Festival. Cosa is home to the umbrella Party series and ad dimensions.

Ateneo LEXthe projects of lex revolve around a dynamic mix of business, law, and people, to fully utilize the capabilities of its diverse membership. entrepreneurial opportunities are provided to hone management skills while working with premiere law schools to provide exposure to the legal setting in which every business must operate.

Management EngineeringAssociationestablished in 1969, Mea has since evolved into one of the largest and most influential organizations in school. although membership is exclusive to Me majors, Mea has a member base of almost 500, and has almost 30 projects and departments. Mea is proud of its strong internals department - among the best in member care and development, assisting in academic, extracurricular, and personal growth of each member. its finance and external projects have proven to be both successful as well as formative in nature.student life.

Management Economics OrganizationMeco is the perfect avenue for the application of investment banking and finance lessons. Backed by the course’s curriculum, the organization aims to promote a heightened awareness of banking mechanics and systems and the role such institutions play in the economy. Meco’s projects include tutorials, microfinance programs, seminars, sports competitions, bazaars, and game simulations for stock trading.

Management InformationSystems AssociationWhen you find yourself amongst the most interestingly normal of even the techiest people and your idea of a cool afternoon is spending it in acclaimed leadership and it-related seminars… when you stumble upon competent and charismatic people, good enough to be your leaders and your friends…when all bases are covered—whether it be academic assistance or simply the need to hang out and have fun… when you realize your niche in the bigger schema to become the best it individual committed to service beyond your limits… you know you got it from no other than one org. you’re different and you know it…. you are Misa-fied.

galian The GalianngSiningatKultura is a cluster composed of individuals and organizations that strive to make a difference through their art. They aim to perfect their craft, and bring life to their ideals through debate, music, dance, film, and theatre. It is this diversity that Galian continues to celebrate in order to form a united cluster with one vision of imparting art appreciation and cultural awareness to the Ateneo community.

Ateneo College Glee Clubthe oldest university chorale in the country, the ateneo College glee Club is recognized for its excellence, with awards in the College Choir Category of the 1980 national Music Competition for young artists; Best traditional Music album, and Best Pop rendition of a traditional song in the 1996 katha awards; the Best Choral group in the 2001 aliW awards. the aCgC has participated in various festivals and reaped honors in competitions in italy, spain, slovenia, ireland, France, and germany. in the summer of 2004, the group went on a two-month long us Concert tour.

Ateneo Debate Societythe ateneo debate society (ads) is one of asia’s most awarded debate institutions, having garnered numerous awards and set several records both nationally and internationally. it has been the national Champion for six consecutive years, asian Champion for four straight years, has reached the Final 8 of the World Championships, ranked 5th in the world above the entire us ivy league, and named as one of the ten accomplished youth organizations (tayo) in the Philippines. it provides debate training for secondary school and university students, faculties, moderators,and coaches, including technical assistance; leadership training and policy analysis; research publication, and special lectures, public fora, and symposia.

Ateneo Musician’s Pooleveryone in ((aMp)) makes music as the organization has successfully redefined what it means to be a musician. aside from being a training ground for great performers, ((aMp)) strives to excel in the production of events, believing that the people backstage have as much to do with making music as the people onstage. through its activities over the last 10 years, the members have created a community bound by their passion for sound.

Blue Repertoryateneo Blue repertory is a musical theatre organization in which members come together and celebrate their passion for their art with a perennial sense of optimism that is reflected in its productions. the organization strikes a balance between entertaining its audiences and maintaining professionalism and has developed a reputation for giving outstanding musical training and producing high-quality musicals that attract large audiences.

the FaCulty and student Cast of tanghalang ateneo’s death of Memory.

galian The GalianngSiningatKultura is a cluster composed of individuals and organizations that strive to make a difference through their art. They aim to perfect their craft, and bring life to their ideals through debate, music, dance, film, and theatre. It is this diversity that Galian continues to celebrate in order to form a united cluster with one vision of imparting art appreciation and cultural awareness to the Ateneo community.

Company of Ateneo Dancersa minute and a half away from the front doors of the cafeteria (1:28.55 to be exact) or a 48-step climb from the college chapel, you will find yourself in front of a most peculiar group of people who forever call on astroboy in their quest for dancing excellence before using their talents in unending praise for the ultimate Choreographer of life; a group that has mastered the art of counting up to eight. they are experts at balancing six-day school weeks and seven-day rehearsal sessions; performers grooving to the beat of unhearddrums.

Loyola Film Circleas the only film organization in the loyola schools, the loyola Film Circle continues to advocate not only film-making, but film appreciation and critiquing, as well. With projects ranging from independent film screenings to movie premieres, truly the loyola Film Circle quenches the thirst of those looking for a venue to express a wide array of talents, or simply to unwind in the best possible way. video production workshops are conducted during the course of several weeks, and capped off with the annual Blue screen Film Festival.

Tanghalang Ateneotanghalang ateneo, the theater company of loyolaschools, is an amalgam of a theatrical traditiondescended from the spanish times: the devotion ofthe salon de actos at the escuela Municipal in intramuros, the eloquence of the pre-war ateneo dramatics guild, the joie de vivre of the post-war ateneo Players theater, and the aesthetic sensibility of the ateneo experimental theater during the revolutionary 60’s. like these theater companies of ateneo’s past, tanghalang ateneo employs the theater to foster the ideals of Jesuit pedagogy. it sees itself as a theater company in the service of student formation. ta has shaped itself into one of the country’s leading school-based theater companies. its repertoire of productions covers world classics, with a special affection for shakespeare; Filipino originals; and documentary texts turned into theater pieces.

inter-cultural excHange TThe Ateneo Inter-cultural exchange Cluster (ICE) is made up of five organizations, namely Ateneo lingua Ars cultura (AlAc), Ateneo Student exchange council (ASec), celadon, HPAIR Union, and the Assembly. Here at Ice, we celebrate unity in diversity. We conquer barriers across races and promote harmony. Ice offers culture, friendship, and identity.

Ateneo Lingua Ars Culturathe ateneo lingua ars Cultura is an organization that celebrates the foreign languages, exotic arts, and exciting cultures around the world. alaC aims to make the ateneo community more aware of the world and to learn, understand, and appreciate the differences between cultures. alaC offers exciting cultural nights, foreign film showings, interesting exhibits and museum tours, and other festive activities. it is one big history lesson, and a million times more fun!

Ateneo Student Exchange CouncilaseC creates avenues for ateneans to learn and discover the diversity of different cultures by allowing the students to experience these cultures on a first-hand basis. aseC makes this possible through the interactions with foreigners and with those from provinces around the Philippines, and through various cultural projects.

CeladonCeladon is the Filipino-Chinese organization of ateneo. it seeks to foster awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the Chinoy culture and to cater to the developmental needs of Celadon and Celadoneans. rooted in ignatian and Chinese-Filipino values, Celadon envisions a Filipino-Chinese community in harmony with the Philippine society, comprised of excellent leaders, geared towards nation building. it was awarded the Most outstanding student organization for 2004-05.

Ateneo Harvard Project for Asianand International Relations Union(Ateneo HPAIR Union)shanghai, seoul, sydney, tokyo–these are just some of the places hPair members have visited for international conferences. ButhPair also aims to bring what is global to the local setting, with national conferences, inter-school summits, and other activities to promote awareness of important issues. hPair’s goal is to produce future leaders–catalysts of social change and cultural exchange–by providing leadership training sessions, team building programs, marketing talks, and research training.

The Assemblythe assembly is a community of ateneans driven to be catalysts for political awareness and involve-ment. it provides media for discourse between students and the most prominent leaders and organizations of the country. the assembly actively campaigns for change, from apathy to involvement, from being reactive to being proactive. the assemby provides a vehicle for promoting socio-political awareness through projects such as the kapihan sessions, Politalks, andits official newsletter, “the Citizen.”

socially oriented activities SoA dates to the late ‘70s when a group of organization presidents came together seeing the potential in the unity of organizations working for the same cause. SoA is now a cluster of twelve accredited organizations that includes AcIl, Aclc, Ateneo college ministry Group, AtScA, Gabay, Kaingin, Kythe Ateneo, musmos, Special education Society, Tugon, and Youth for christ -Ateneo. While the apostolate work of SoA orgs has become more and more diverse over the past years, the spirit of service continues to bind SoA with its vision of forming persons fully alive, imbibed with the conviction for justice and solidarity, and equipped with the skills for development, guided by the principles of justice, solidarity, development, excellence, and service.

Ateneo Christian Life Communitythrough the years, aClC has given much value to the holistic formation of ateneans who are willing to deepen their relationship with Christ by living in a community for others. the spiritual, apostolate, Community and education aspects of aClC give the members a chance to reach out to our brothers and sisters in Payatas as they go through the process of deepening their understanding and practice of the Preferential option for the Poor. through tutoring, enrichment activities, catechism, medical missions and social integration, aClC members continuously strive to make god’s love real to every person they meet in Payatas.

Ateneo Catechetical Instruction LeagueaCil specializes in giving catechism classes to children living in urban poor communities. its programs within these areas are not limited to classes, as it also has a scholarship grant and livelihood programs. aCil members undergo an ignatian For-mation Program through weekly prayer meetings and education sessions.

Ateneo College Ministry GroupaCMg takes care of the loyola schools’ liturgical requirements with the help of the Campus Ministry office. the group prepares for and serves in the university masses. Furthermore, aCMg can boast of a magnificent choir that sings both religious and nonreligious songs.

Ateneo Student Catholic ActionatsCa is an organization that strives to form its members to be real persons-forothers through ignatian formation. Members of this group have weekly prayer sessions and apostolate work. this is complemented by education sessions held several times in a semester. one of the organization’s strengths is its community work in urban poor communities, where they have strong ties with both the children and the adults.

Enterteynment para sa Tao, Bayan,Lansangan, at DiyosentaBlado is a theater group that has for its vision the development of awareness of the different social issues plaguing our nation. all its performances strive to raise consciousness and change perspectives. aside from staging plays, the organization also gives theater workshops to youth groups, usually of the urban poor.

Gabaygabay is an organization comprised primarily of scholars of the ateneo that strives to make a contribution to the education sector through its efforts in public schools in the Quezon City and Marikina areas, where they give enrichment and supplementary classes. the organization also raises funds for its high school scholarship program.

Kainginevery saturday, kaingin goes to two urban poor communities (kaingin dos and Marikina heights) to conduct tutoring classes. aside from its apostolate, kaingin gives importance to the holistic formation of its members as well as fostering a sense of community among them.

Kythe Ateneokythe ateneo is the student arm of the kytheFoundation, which is dedicated to uplifting the spirits of children with cancer. it is a group dedicated to giving psychosocial support for the children and their families through various activities that may address their different needs, such as regular hospital visits, outdoor activities, and other orga-nized events. through this, kythe hopes to be able to form its members to speak with their hands, to listen with their eyes, to see with their heads, and to touch with their hearts.

Musmoson the streets of Cubao and around the sideroads of katipunan, numerous children are found scattered–small angels on whom the efforts of Musmos are centered. Musmos members help these children through play therapy and activities that stimulate learning and creativity, in the hope of putting smiles on their faces and greater hope in their spirits.

Special Education Societythe special education society is an organization that deals with kids with autism, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other physical disabilities. they teach, play, sing, and learn with these children. Making special people feel special is what sPeed is all about.

Tugontugon is an organization that undertakes volunteer work in institutions that cater to children who are survivors of abandon-ment and abuse. tugon visits three areas on a weeklybasis – CriBs in Marikina, laura vicuña in Cubao, and redeemers’ home in antipolo.

Youth for Christ - AteneoyFC ateneo is more than just an organization, it’s a family. youth for Christ is a community of young happy Christians, in which members have concerts, parties, prayer meetings, sports programs, and apostolate work. in all of these, what’s important for the members is that they are able to celebrate god’s love. Members of the organization are currently working closely with children from Malanday and san roque, Marikina, together with the help of the society of Catholic Communities in action (sCCa).

the FaCulty and student Cast of tanghalang ateneo’s death of Memory.

Volume III, SpecIal ISSue

FR. RoQUe FeRRIolS, SJ, University professor emeritus and three-time National Book Awardee, is no stranger to awards. especially poignant, though, was the “many Faces of the Teacher” award given him by the Bato Balani Foundation, Inc. (BBFI) and Diwa learning Systems, Inc. (DlSI) last 2 August 2007. As one of the award’s four recipients this year, Fr. Ferriols is recognized as representing countless of teachers in the Philippines who have performed their work with resolute commitment and dedication, and have led a life of humility and simplicity. For the past 52 years, Fr. Ferriols, who celebrated his 83rd birthday last August 16, has committed himself to promoting philosophy in the Filipino language. “Ang pag-iisip ay hindi laro kungdi taimtimna paghahanap sa totoo… Kung mamimilosopyaka sa Ingles habang ang nagwawalis sa kalye,namamasadasajeepneyaynag-iisipsaPilipino,anonguring paghahanap ng katotohanan ito? Kailangangkilalaninnaangordinaryongtaoaynamimilosopiyadin sa naghahanap ng katotohanan,” Fr. Ferriols once said to a national daily. His efforts to promote teaching in Filipino in the classroom were first recognized by the Ateneo when they awarded him the Gawad Tanglaw ng lahi in 1989. Aside from this, Fr. Ferriols serves as an example to his colleagues for his ingenuity, simplicity, humility, and, most of all, his commitment to his students. Philosophy professor Dr. manny Dy describes Fr. Ferriols as: “One of a kind …a creative genius. He points to the truth. He leads you to the insight.” “Fr. Ferriols deserves the award because he is a teacher who gives from his very person,” says Roy Tolentino, a colleague at the Ateneo’s Philosophy department and a former student. “Fr. Ferriols was one of the teachers who inspired me to pursue the teaching life.” Fr. Ferriols is an inspiration to students as well. Among Ateneans, he has a reputation for challenging his students to pagmumunimuni—reflecting and thinking in their own living language. “His quiet demeanor allows the students to enter into philosophical reflection and his method gives them the opportunity to discover their own capacity for

thought,” says mr. Tolentino. BBFI is a non-profit foundation which aims to improve the quality of education in the country. BBFI partnered with DlSI in 2004 and founded “A Tribute to Teachers,” an occasion for Filipinos to express gratitude to the thousands of teachers in the Philippines who have touched lives, given inspiration, and shaped the souls of our youth even in the midst of insurmountable obstacles and difficulties. Within this program is the annual “many Faces of the Teacher” search where outstanding teachers are commended to inspire other teachers to continue in their selfless mission to enlighten the minds of the Filipino youth. The “many Faces of the Teacher” Award is given to teachers who not only have exemplified excellence in teaching but have influenced society through their profession as well. The award also recognized three other teachers: mobile teacher Ronyla Santiago of Nueva ecija, special education teacher Elsa Grafilo Duran of Cotabato City, and journalism professor luis Teodoro of the University of the Philippines. The four were recognized at the annual celebration of “A Tribute to the Teachers” held last 1 September at the Araneta coliseum, attended by 15,000 teachers.

“Many Faces of the teacher” Awardee

Fr. Roque Ferriols, SJBy Christine Mallion

Fr. roQue Ferriols, sJ--the teacher who keeps the light of truth burning.

Photo courtesy of the department of humanities

oUT oF THe 200 nominated teachers from all over the country, Dr. Benilda Santos was chosen as one of the 10 winners of this year’s metrobank Foundation Search for outstanding Teachers. Dr. Santos, currently the acting dean of the Ateneo School of Humanties and a professor in the Filipino department, was recognized for her efforts and contributions in literature and the arts as a teacher, writer, poet, and critic of Filipino literature. A prolific writer and author, Dr. Santos is a three-time Palanca awardee for poetry and received the National Book Award in 1997 for Kuwardro Numero Uno (Frame Number one). She also received the loyola Schools Publication Award for Poetry in 2004 and Parangal Amado V. Hernandez ng Samahang Anak Hagunoy Award in 2003. As an educator, she was given the Irwin memorial Teacher Award in 2006, a university award for excellence from the Ateneo de manila University, and was recognized as an outstanding Senior Teacher by the Ateneo Schools Parents council in 2003. Fondly called ma’am Beni by her fellow teachers and students, Dr. Santos is seen as a mentor who gives special attention and care to younger teachers by patiently guiding them and helping them hone their skills as instructors. “Hindisiyamadamotsapagbabahagihindilamangngkaalamankundingsarili.Kahitnaminsanaymaylimitasyon ang kanyang pisikal na katayuan, hindiiyon hadlang upang hindi magbigay si Ma’am Beni sa

mga taong nangangailangan ng kanyang karunungan,kaalaman, at maging ng kalinga,” says christine Bellen, a colleague at the Filipino Department. (She is generous in sharing not only her knowledge but herself. Though she has physical limitations, ma’am Beni does not allow these to keep her from being of service to those who need her knowledge, wisdome, and care.) metrobank Foundation initiated the 10 outstanding Teachers Program in 1985 to bestow honor and due recognition to exemplary teachers who have shown profound commitment to honing the minds of the youth, dedication to their craft, and effective educational leadership. The program aims to elevate the quality of education in the Philippines by choosing outstanding educators to serve as inspiration to thousands of teachers to continue their selfless mission to change the future of the country. The nationwide search for the outstanding Teachers is open to elementary, secondary and tertiary education levels. The nominees were officially endorsed by the head of their respective schools and the winners were carefully chosen by a panel of judges headed by Senator Richard Gordon. Supreme court Associate Justice ma. Alicia Austria martinez, Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary esperanza cabral, De la Salle University President Bro. Armin luistro, FSc, and Philippine Stock exchange President Francis lim were among those included in the board of judges.

Metrobank Outstanding Teacher Awardee

Dr. Benilda Santos

outstanding teaCher dr. Benilda santos (center) with university President Fr. Bienvenido nebres, sJ (right) and her family.

Making a Difference through Mathematics oN 18 ocToBeR 2007, Dr. catherine Vistro-Yu was congratulated by President Gloria macapagal-Arroyo in malacañang for being named as one of the 2007 Ten outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (ToWNS) by ToWNS Foundation Inc. The formal ceremony was held in Dusit Hotel on 26 october 2007 together with the other awardees from the science, education, journalism and business sectors. Having taught for 23 years, Dr. Vistro-Yu was recognized for her passion for teaching mathematics. She helped found the Philippine council of mathematics Teacher educators (mathTed), an organization with a mission to elevate the standards of mathematics teaching, learning, and research in the Philippines. mathTed, spearheaded by Dr. Vistro-Yu with 19 others, worked with the Department of Technology Science education Institute (DoST-SeI) to create and implement the national curriculum and framework for Basic mathematics education and mathematics Teacher education. “The ToWNS award is a recognition of all the efforts that I, my colleagues in mathTed, and all mathematics teachers and mathematics educators have made to raise the quality of mathematics learning and teaching and mathematics education research here in our country,” Dr. Vistro-Yu said. Her colleague and friend, Dr. Flordeliza Francisco, says the ToWNS award is “an affirmation of the good things [Dr. Vistro-Yu] is doing, as well as an inspiration others like her to keep working for education, to keep working for the future of our nation.” Dr. Vistro-Yu, who is currently a professor in the mathematics Department at the Ateneo de manila University, has publishedover 20 journals, articles, technical papers, reports, and books combined. The latest publication she has edited together with 7 other editors is InternationalizationandGlobalizationof MathematicsandScienceEducation. closer to home, her service revolves around

her students. “She meets with her undergraduate students individually after every unit test to discuss with them their difficulties and ways to improve their performance in the next exam. This is truly an example of curapersonalis,” shared Dr. Francisco. Dr. Vistro-Yu, along with eva maria cutiongco de la Paz, Alyssa Peleo-Alampay, ma. corazon Ungria, Hilly Ann maria Roa Quiaoit, Glecy cruz Atienza, Dina ocampo, Alexandra Prieto Romualdez, maria Ressa, and elizabeth lee, are the women who can say they have made a difference in our country.

outstanding Woman of the nation: dr. Catherine vistro-yu

�

ads Wins its 7th national debate title

BeATING moRe THAN 130 TeAmS from more than 30 colleges and universities from around the country, the Ateneo Debate Society (ADS) won its seventh national title in the recently concluded 9th National Debate championships. The tournament was held in the Philippine military Academy from october 22 to 28, 2007. The final round was a battle between Ateneo de manila University and University of the

Philippines Diliman. ADmU-c and ADmU-A were on the Affirmative side while UPD-B and UPD-c were on the Negative side of the motion “This House is Willing to Pay the Price for Relaxing Anti-Terror laws to empower Social Activism Against the Arroyo Government.” emerging victorious was ADmU-A, composed of michael Biscocho (III BS me) and freshman Angelica Simone mangahas (I BS ch-mSe). Biscocho was also proclaimed the best speaker

the victorious ateneo debate society pose with their trophies.

Courtesy of the ateneo d

ebate society

Mr. Manolet M. siojo conducting ‘ateneo’s Call to service’ seminar

the scholars who participated in the seminar.

ls inFo deskAteneans at Your Service By CharMagne Cruz (ii MCt)

NSTP is a nationwide required course for university and college students that aims to develop civic consciousness and defense preparedness among the Filipino youth by deepening the values of patriotism and ethics. NSTP includes the Reserved Officers’ Training corps, the literacy Training Service, and the civic Welfare Training Service. The PlUS in Ateneo’s NSTP is the involvement of various Loyola Schools formation offices: the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), the Campus Ministry Office (CMO), the Office for Social concern and Involvement (oScI), and the loyola Schools Guidance Office (LSGO). oSA is responsible for resources, while cmo organizes the send-off masses and recollections. oScI handles the implementation of the social and civic formation activities including the logistics for the formation sessions. lSGo provides technical expertise in creating process questions for the various program activities and orientation of the facilitators.

oN ITS FIRST 14 days of operation, the lS (loyola Schools) Information Desk, at the ground floor of Xavier Hall, entertained some 1,142 queries, a third of which were admissions-related. located in the middle lobby of Xavier Hall, the lS Info Desk is there for anyone who needs help and information, similar to a shopping mall concierge service. The desk, equipped with a phone, telephone directory, logbook and info materials, is manned by volunteer scholars from monday to Saturday during office hours. The Info Desk is the brainchild of Dr. ma. Assunta c. cuyegkeng, Vice President for the loyola Schools. Noticing the incessant inquiries of visitors to the guards on duty and to various offices with windows at Xavier Hall, she sought a way to handle the situation. The idea of the Info Desk came up. During the first semester of school year 2007–2008, 32 of us scholars underwent a thorough orientation regarding the various tasks and responsibilities of an Info Desk volunteer. Wearing Sesquicentennial shirts, we began our work on August 13 at the height of submission of application forms to the Office of Admission and Aid. Regardless of our initial reasons to volunteer, all of us made the same commitment to serve the Ateneo community. We agreed to don the same blue and white shirt each time it was our turn to “Info Desk”; we promised to be prompt and regular in our attendance; we pledged to be courteous and kind and patient to all. We were made aware that we represented the Ateneo to everyone who approached the Info Desk. It was a serious responsibility we all recognized.

It was for this reason that the Office of the Vice President for the loyola Schools sponsored a seminar for Info Desk volunteers this sem break. We needed to be reminded about how we should conduct ourselves and to work on skills necessary to our important task. mr. manolet m. Siojo, part-time lecturer of the John Gokongwei School of management, conducted the seminar “Ateneo’s call to service” on 18 october 2007. Twenty three volunteers attended. “What do the people need from you?” he first asked. “Information,” came the obvious reply from one of the volunteers. He agreed with the answer but said it was more than that. “customers want accurate and timely information.” People who approach the Info Desk want immediate answers to their queries and of course, the answers have to be accurate. Giving wrong information is just plain unacceptable. In addition, customers also expect something more from us—quality service. customer service means being polite and approachable. A smile on the face, being encouraging with words, greeting visitors as they approach the desk make all the difference in the world to a troubled customer. mr. Siojo gave the example of the service of hoteliers and bank tellers. one group is always polite and goes out of its way to accommodate requests of guests; on the other hand, some bank tellers are brusque in their manners and are almost too eager to end a conversation with a customer. Which one should we be like? The second principle was efficiency or competence. This is related to giving accurate and timely information. customers will never

�JaNuaRY 2008

appreciate an informer who gives wrong information or is unable to give the needed information on time. mr. Siojo emphasized that informers must be imaginative and able to find ways around problems, misinformation, misdirection, and the like. They must be skilled in handling haughty, irate or impatient customers as well. A competent Info Desk volunteer should never lose his or her cool with a customer and must be willing to go beyond the simple requisite of giving information. All of these abilities reflect Ateneo’s Jesuit tradition of “magis”. If we are not efficient or competent, customers will be dissatisfied. And extreme cases of customer dissatisfaction could result in walk-outs, shout-outs, bad words hurled, or much worse, negative customer feedback which when told to friends and families, would mar the good image of the Ateneo. This is what we want to avoid at all cost. The last principle was physical projection. every customer, as soon as he approaches the Info Desk, will make up his mind about the informer. An unkempt informer projects the image of an incompetent person. An informer who has his legs up on the desk reveals someone

rude and undisciplined. A clean and cheery Info Desk volunteer however, will always seem helpful and smart. Even after the first encounter, physical projection still matters. While talking to customers, having an aura of confidence can be apparent in one’s smile, how one sits, or converses with people. mr. Siojo reminded us that good service is what really makes people come back. It is what people will relay to their friends and families. It may even affect a parent’s decision to send his child to the Ateneo. He wisely concluded that a customer’s encounter bears with it a ‘moment of Truth’ that imprints on the mind a good, bad, or so-so image of not only the informer and the Info Desk service, but of the whole institution that is the Ateneo. every value and tradition that our beloved school upholds is verified and tested in every one of these encounters with our customers. As volunteers this is exactly why we must do our best. We must continue to live up to the Jesuit traditions of excellence and service. With love and loyalty to the Ateneo and a renewed image of the people who approach the Info Desk, we volunteers once again gladly heed our call to serve!

in the final round and for the whole tournament, while mangahas followed closely at second. In ADmU-c were Pauline Gairanod (II AB PoS) and Stephanie co (IV BS Psy), who was ranked sixth best speaker in the tournament. Two other ADS teams competed in the finals series. Semi-finalist team ADMU-B was composed of Jasmine cruz (II BS mgt) and eleanor Zosa. A student of cultural anthropology, Zosa tied as sixth best speaker. In the Octo-finals, Vincenzo Tagle (II AB eco) and Danielle de castro (III AB PoS) debated for ADmU-D. The rest of the debate teams successfully broke through the elimination rounds. Awarded Best Rookie Team, ADmU-F with eliza Diaz (IV AB eu) and Shiveena Parmanand (I AB Psy) ranked 11th. Following closely at 12th was ADmU-G, composed of Joseph James Alcantara (IV AB SoS) and Stephanie Poon (III BS Psy). ADmU-H, composed of mikhail errol Albano (I AB Hum) and cecile Danica Gotamco (I AB PoS), ranked 23rd. At 29th was ADmU-I with Faith Raagas (IV BS mgt) and Hernando Betita III (IV BS me). ADmU-e remained potent at 30th with Adrian clarc mundin (III BS me) and Darren chester cheng (II BS me).

other strengths of the contingent were its judges led by the chief Adjudicator, Sharmila Parmanand (AB PoS ‘07), who was the tournament’s top adjudicator. Beating some members of the tournament’s own Adjudication core, lisandro elias claudio (AB com ‘07) and Kip Oebanda (MA Eco) were the first- and second-ranked non-core adjudicators. charisse Borromeo (IV BS me) ranked fourth and went on to judge the quarter-finals. Patricia Hernandez (IV AB meco) placed ninth, while Bernadette marie Angangco (III AB PoS) and Gayle de leon (II BS eS) also broke to judge the Octo-finals. As Ateneo debaters filled all the rooms, the Ateneo adjudicators could not go on to judge the final rounds. once again, ADS demonstrated its dominance in the Philippine debate circuit. With a stellar performance from the entire contingent, the ADS’s continues its commitment to being the best, most-awarded debate institution in Asia. To impart excellence to the next generation, the ADS hosted the 6th Philippine Schools Debate championship, the country’s largest and most prestigious national high school debate tournament, on 7–11 November 2007.

Ateneo’s NSTP Gets a PLUS

sophomores: Waiting to hear about nstP Plus

NSTP PlUS was developed from a series of discussions among the loyola Schools formation offices and Dr. Ma. Assunta Cuyegkeng, Vice President for loyola Schools. The loyola Schools believe that administrators, faculty members, and professionals should work together to make this formation program an effective means of preparing Ateneans to be good leaders who are actively involved in the community. The NSTP PlUS, whose coordinator is Dr. Washington Garcia, is part of the loyola Schools’ four-year formation program. Freshmen take the Introduction to Ateneo culture and Traditions (InTAcT), which seeks to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to cope with the demands of college life. Third year students go through the Junior engagement Program (JeeP), which deals with identifying workers’ issues and the development of integration skills and critical thinking with worker issues, as well as respect for workers themselves.

THe NATIoNAl SeRVIce TRAINING PRoGRAm (NSTP) received a “plus” from Ateneo and became the NSTP Preparatory leadership Undertaking for Sophomores, or NSTP PlUS.

ophalle Alzona, oScI Student Affairs Professional and JeeP coordinator, says JeeP aims to “provide students with experiences to awaken in them the need to grow in social engagement and responsibility.” JeeP is integrated in the Philosophy of the Human Person course. Pabaon, a non-academic integration program, is the final formation program for graduating students. According to cmo director Fr. Roberto

Buenconsejo, SJ, Pabaon “aims at integrating the personal, social, and spiritual features of Jesuit education,” through immersion programs, recollections, and retreats. With NSTP PlUS, oScI Director mary Ann manapat says that the loyola Schools will better help Ateneans heed the call “to develop themselves to the fullest and truly become men and women for others”.

8 Volume III, SpecIal ISSue

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The future looks bright in blue and whiteBy BenJaMin Jose a. siPin iii

Bong tiaoqui

While the Blue Eagles fought the good fight, the dream of UAAP basketball supremacy is one whose time has not yet come. But the feat of sending the women’s, juniors, and the seniors in the thick of battle for the championship of the UAAP signals a strong message that the Ateneo sports program is on the right track. Since former Blue eagle head coach Joe lipa was tasked to resurrect the Ateneo basketball tradition by organizing the Ateneo Basketball Program, the program has seen a renaissance, which reached its fruition when the men’s team won the UAAP championship in 2002 under coach Joel Banal. The emergence of the lady eagles, under coach John Flores, as a dominant force in the UAAP, by itself, is a testament to the effectiveness of the sports program and the people behind it. While winning the UAAP crown in the men’s, women’s, and juniors’ divisions all in one season still remains a dream, it is surely something that would soon become a reality with the continued support given by the administration, the community, and the supportive patrons of the basketball program. even with the failure of the men’s team to make it to the finals of UAAP Season 70, the future looks bright for Ateneo basketball.

Queens of the sky take flight While the community anticipated a return to the championship for the seniors team, the Ateneo lady eagles lifted to new heights and took flight on the backs of veteran players Kat Quimpo, Cassy Tioseco, and che Ngo to bag the second championship in three years for the lady eagles. It was a memorable journey for the lady eagles who, coming into the UAAP season, were not favored to bag the crown. The first game and the first win of the season changed all that, as they won against the defending champions, UST Tigress. Although the lady eagles toted a 12-2 win-loss mark in the eliminations, the championship still did not come easily as all sights were set on who among the opponents can clip the wings of lady eagles. But it seemed that the lady eagles soared higher than any arrow, claw, or bite that could derail them from destiny. A healthy Kat Quimpo became the heart and soul of the lady eagles offense as she directed plays especially when it mattered most during the eliminations and most glaringly in the two finals games. che Ngo struggled for most of the season but proved her worth as a

veteran by establishing her game in the finals. Cassy Tioseco proved to be the pillar in the post for the lady eagles as she established the post game for the team, gathering crucial rebounds and defensive stops. The tri-captains readily acknowledge that the experience of playing for the lady eagles and winning two championships have definitely helped shape their characters. Now on their last year with the lady eagles, Kat, cassy, and che will move on, taking with them the character-building experiences of an Ateneo student-athlete. Next season, the flight of the Lady Eagles would rest upon the wings of seniors Treena limgenco and AJ Barracoso, and sophomores Sarah mercado and crystal Ballentyne. Treena has shown that she can both score and serve as a defensive stopper, as she managed several crucial defensive stops against the lady maroons in the decisive Game 2 of the Finals. last season’s prized recruits, Ballentyne and mercado, will be wiser, stronger, and equipped with the experience of playing and winning a championship in their rookie year. Ballentyne, showing that she can be a dual sport athlete, is currently proving her mettle as a valuable recruit for the lady eagles volleyball team. A crucial factor for the lady eagles campaign in 2008 would be the commitment of AJ Barracoso to play out her last year of eligibility. Her return would stabilize the squad’s post slot as this will give the lady eagles a feared post threat in Ballentyne and Barracoso. With three finals appearances in the last four years and two championships, it seems that the lady eagles will continue to take flight.

a gallant stand The Ateneo Blue eagles put up a gallant stand and would have pulled off a tremendous feat had they won the UAAP championship for season 70. But as fate would have it, they weren’t able to fly high enough to hurdle De la Salle and earn the right to face Ue in the finals. It would have been a true Cinderella story if they did, but the journey of the Blue eagles was a story in itself. The ups and downs, the peaks and valleys, are all part of the yearly journey of the team—a journey of growth and discovery. It was a season when the Blue eagles, in the eyes of believers, discovered itself not for the present, but for the future. It was a year when mr. last Two minutes, chris Tiu, showed that Ateneo produces not only excellent shooting guards, but also excellent student-athletes. chris served as the poster boy for a true Ateneo student-athlete—excelling both in sports and academics. It was also a year when Ford Arao brightly shined and established a post game reminiscent of another King eagle, enrico Villanueva. Although Ford has played his last year with the squad, it was truly a memorable one for him and his teammates. The Blue eagles may not have won the UAAP championship last year, but the season gave us hope—a hope for the future. With Nonoy Baclao and Kirk long leading the charge for next season, the future does indeed looks bright. In the recent National champions

league, the shooters still reigned supreme, beating champions of other collegiate tournaments in the Philippines. Indeed, there is a lot to look forward to in the coming school year for the Blue eagles.

spiking their way While the basketball program received the bulk of the attention, a sport that is slowly gaining steam is volleyball. A stint in the Shakey’s V-league proved fruitful as the lady eagles, bolstered with help from Thai guest players, finished 3rd in the tournament—an experience now useful in their campaign in the current volleyball season of the UAAP. The V-league experience was truly helpful for the top players: Season 69 best digger Patty Taganas, V-league best server Karla Bello, and season 69 3rd best scorer maria Soriano. The inspired play of misha Quimpo, Trisha limgenco, and Bea Pascual would surely bolster the chances of the lady Spikers to wallop their way to a strong Season 70 finish. The Ateneo community has a lot to be thankful for this year in terms of its basketball sports programs as Ateneo teams and student-athletes continue to uphold the true virtues of amateur sports. And as said by University President Bienvenido F. Nebres, SJ, in the Thanksgiving mass, more important than winning a championship is the experience of playing, winning, and even losing, which will shape us and our character. As another UAAP season ends, we should be all thankful to the student-athletes and teams who continue to uphold the true Ateneo spirit. The future looks bright in blue and white. one Big Fight!

The future looks bright in blue and whiteTHe PAST YeAR saw Ateneo varsity teams engage different opponents in different sports, painting an “Ateneo versus the rest of the world” or “Blue versus the other colors of the rainbow” scenario. The 2007–2008 UAAP season saw the Ateneo lady eagles win their second UAAP crown against the UP lady maroons. The Blue eagles, on the other hand, giving hope to a possible trifecta in UAAP basketball competitions, battled archrival De la Salle University for the right to face the University of the east to claim the UAAP Seniors basketball championship for 2007.

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