Question #7: What's your exposure trip/NSTP experience?

One's college life, or even life in general, may not be lived to the fullest without getting the chance to experience helping the less fortunate. One's experience in the Ateneo would not be complete without having attended the exposure trips held by the Office for Social Concern and Involvement (OSCI) during freshman year, along with InTACT class. During sophomore year, students engage in National Service Training Program.

"Mga mayayaman lang mga 'yan," some may say to generalize Ateneans, knowing that some, but still so much of the student population, live middle-class, if not well-off lives. True, even some students do not know what it is like in areas out of their comfort zones. This is the purpose of exposure trips and NSTP—to bridge the gap between the Atenean and society, and realize that the Atenean belongs to this society and will, hopefully, contribute to make it better.

"It was a good experience to have fun and help out at the same time."
— Jake Javier, BS Applied Mathematical Finance

"I enjoyed teaching the kids Math and English."
— Tiffany So, AB Management Economics

"I really had fun playing with the kids."
— Jansen Ignacio, BS Computer Science

"Enjoyable."
— John Sanchez, BS Management

"I found it an eye opener and it made me more aware of how other people have different lives."
— Andread Beldua, BFA Information Design

"Not too bad. Quite fun actually!"
— Patrick Py, AB Political Science

Question #6: Why did you choose to study in Ateneo and did you regret it or not?

It's that time of the year again when senior high school students get to take their pick. The big questions are, "Where do I go to college? Will I have fun? Will I regret going to this school?" Find out what some Ateneans felt when they made their choice and if it was all worth it. Who knows, you might find yourself saying the same things soon enough. :-)

"I do not regret going to Ateneo. I picked Ateneo because it is the best school around."
— Wesley Say, AB Communication

"Honestly, looking back, was forced into it so I had really no reason to study here. I just took the 'jump' and hoped for the best. No, I don't regret it because everything else considered, studying here was made of fluff and happiness."
— Michael Andrade, BS Management Information Systems 

"Because for me, it's the best school and I do not regret this choice."
— Bino Goco, AB Interdisciplinary Studies

"I chose to study in Ateneo because of a lot of reasons but the major reasons are the following: distance from my house, quality of education, the environment and atmosphere, the friends, and it's where I pretty much grew up; It's kinda like my second home really."
— Allen Hizon, BS Management Information Systems/MS Computer Science

"Because I passed in my first choice and no I do not regret it."
— Candice Limgengco, BS Communications Technology Management

"I was supposed to take a somewhat similar course in another college and I was fine with that, but what was tearing me apart was my course itself. I wasn't a hundred percent sure with it. I wanted to be a writer, too. That's why I chose the Ateneo because I felt like I could get the best of both worlds in here. I know that after my journey in the Ateneo, I could become a successful businesswoman and writer. The flexibility and choices I have been offered have made me more than happy. Regrets? Absolutely none."
— Christine Go, BS Management

"I chose to study here because I liked my course and I don't regret it!"
— Diane Chua, BS Management Information Systems

"I actually had a pretty hard time choosing between Ateneo and another school. What made it even harder for me to decide was how my parents had opposing views on the subject! Haha! In the end, though, I chose Ateneo because Ateneo just felt right for me. Ateneo felt like home from the get-go, and it surprisingly still does. I have no regrets!"
— Jamie Magcale, AB Psychology

"[I chose to study in Ateneo] because of [its] superior education."
— Reimond Go, AB Economics

"I chose to study in the Ateneo because it is, in my opinion, the best university in the Philippines. I don't regret choosing to study here because so far, I've learned so much while having so much fun."
— Christiana Maglalang, BS Management

"[I chose to study in Ateneo] because of quality education and [that it is] a Jesuit-run school. I have no regrets."
— Justin Sultan, AB Management Economics

Question #5: What do you do to survive hell week?

Quizzes? Ready. Presentations? Ready. Long tests? Ready. Midterms? Ready. Hell week? Hell yeah, are we ready. We asked around what students do to survive the ever-despised hell week. Read along and maybe you can pick up a tip or two and catch yourself sitting so casually, just watching all the heavy workload breeze by. Because that's what we're built for, aren't we? Grace under the hardest of pressures. To hell with hell week, we say.

"I play video games, [they] reduce my stress and worries."
— Benjamin Go, BS Management

"I read Stephen King books; reading keeps the momentum in my mind running."
— Jeffrey Teh, AB Creative Writing

"I draw—it helps in calming and clearing the mind."
— Reena Tan, BS Communications Technology Management

"I eat... A LOT."
— Alyssa Chuidian, AB Communication

"I indulge myself with whatever vice I have save from drinking to relieve stress."
— Migs Ocampo, BS Management Information Systems

"I survive the hell week by simply going home after my exam. Then i rewrite all my notes and refresh my memory. Last, I sleep as early as possible."
— Carlo Delos Santos, AB Psychology

"I [try not to] think of it as hell week and just do stuff one at a time."
— Justin Rafols, BS Management Engineering

"I study all my lessons again and submit school work if there's any."
— Jerome Abellon, AB Interdisciplinary Studies

"I get through hell week with:
1. Divine guidance
2. Coffee
3. Post-its for reminders
without:
1. Sleep
2. Social life"
— Cyrille Lagamson, BFA Information Design

"Prepare well and take one step at a time, by studying in advance (at least a week before hell week) and sleeping early and praying to Papa Jesus."
— Carlo Toledo, BS Management

"Doing requirements way ahead of time; NO to cramming!"
— Lance Sese, BS Health Sciences

"Basically, I organize everything that I have to do a week before and try to prepare for it as soon as I can."
— Angelo Mendoza, AB Communication

"I find it easiest to get through hell week by taking it one at a time. I don't study a lot on regular days--I'm a natural crammer so I study for tests the night before and/or on the day of the test. It's not a good way to get A's but at least it gets me through hell week without feeling like a zombie."
— Ashley Maglaqui, BS Management Engineering

"I play music with my piano, it soothes and relaxes the mind with the songs I heard."
— Marty Franco, BS Legal Management

"Hell week's purpose is to see if we know how to prioritize our activities. To survive hell week, I do the best I can to manage my time wisely by providing sufficient time for all the things I have to do."
— Gabby Liwanag, AB Communication

New Year Question: What's your New Year's resolution this 2012?

What is it with New Year? Date changes. Celebrations all around. Fireworks and fire crackers. Then we move on with life.

Yes, it probably feels like nothing really happened after the celebrations. But the essence that New Year brings us is a start—a headstart—where we are to make most of yet another 365 (in fact, 366 this year) days. This time of the year, we bring in our resolutions, may we fulfill them or not, it is everyone's way of changing for the better and hoping for the best.

See at what some Ateneans have for their resolutions this year, and maybe you could share yours too! By the end of the year, let's see who actually fulfilled theirs.

"To stop procrastinating."
— Izac Quintin, BS Management Information Systems

"I don't make New Year's resolutions. I set my goals whenever I feel the need to, and I don't have to wait for the calendar year to change for me to do so."
— Angelo Lorenzo, BS Chemistry/BS Materials Science and Engineering

"To be selfless."
— Biondi Te, BS Management

"[To] balance my academic and athletic lives."
— Mia Catedrilla, BFA Information Design

"I never actually made one because it always, always, always gets broken anyway... But I guess, deep in my heart, this year I want to balance having fun and schoolwork."
— Rej Bagonoc, BS Health Sciences

"To find direction in life."
— Keenan Mangin Go, BS Communications Technology Management

"For this year, my new year's resolution is to exert more effort in my school-related activities, since I wasn't really taking my studies seriously ever since. Now that I'm in college, I want to make things right."
— Ervin Tung, BS Management

"My New Year's resolution is to be a better student, brother and son."
— Bino Goco, AB Interdisciplinary Studies

"[To] procrastinate less in my studies so my grades will improve from last sem[ester]."
— Greg Pascua, BS Legal Management

"I have two resolutions. The first one is to sleep earlier than at least 12:30 AM everyday and the second one is to eat less."
— Migo Mantes, BS Computer Science

"[To] be responsible, patient, respectful and hardworking."
— Jay Sacluti, AB Management Economics

"Years ago, I told myself I would never make a New Year's resolution ever again. I gravely dislike breaking my word."
— Marisse Galera, BS Psychology

Happy New Year everyone and may 2012 be the year to bring you the wonder and joy that you seek. 

Post-Christmas Question: What was your Christmas wish this year?

As we all know, Christmas goes on for so long here in the Philippines and it's never too late to celebrate!

Before we burst into welcoming the brand new year, get to know a few of what you wished for this Christmas!

Frenchi Baluyot (BS Management)  wished for good grades! (We all do!)

Kriska Ocampo (BFA Information Design) wished this Christmas that everyone will learn to appreciate each other and be grateful for what they have, and that we all find genuine happiness.

Matthew Liberato (BS Management Information Systems) wished for a BlackBerry phone or a new stereo for his car!

Gab Arcenas (AB European Studies) wishes not to feel OP in their org.

Kyle Meguizo (BS Management Engineering) wished for at least a 3.0 QPI this semester.

Leslie Mendoza (BS Legal Management), cheesy as she thinks it may sound, wishes for only happiness.

Victor Sison (AB Management Economics) wished that there will be no more squatters [in the Philippines].

Jake Javier (BS Applied Mathematical Finance) wished for probably what most of us wish to have—money!

Mac Mac Mendoza (AB Interdisciplinary Studies) wished to find his someone. ♥

Paolo Esmaquel (BS Management Honors) wished for money. "I always dream of opening my own business and saving my money today would help me in achieving my dream," he says. 

X Samson (AB Management Economics) wishes for the world to have more open-minded people.

Leandro Abiog (AB Political Science) wished for more money so that he can give gifts to all his friends.

Carl Tabora (AB Psychology) wishes for his family to be complete.

Stay tuned for our first 2012 question coming very soon!

Question #2: Who is your favorite Ateneo professor/instructor/teacher and why?

A week to go before school ends and it's time to let go of the serious, political stuff for the mean time and delve on some inside-of-school topics!

Probably a big chunk of what makes college memorable, fun and even not enjoyable at all is the teacher that stands in front of your class. He or she who feeds you with all the information you need for your future job. He or she who makes you laugh every session. He or she who gives you all those endless papers and homework. Despite all these, we all have our favorite. We asked around to get to know who are the students' favorites. Who's yours?

"Pauline Lacanilao (Literature). Even though her teaching isn't all that effective, she makes class fun and brings the class together!"
— Justene Garcia, BFA Information Design

"Clark Go (Math). Period."
 — Romell Yen, BS Management

"Dr. Coroza (Filipino). Astig kasi siya, sobrang fun ng discussions niya. Ang cute cute pa niya! The best siya."
— JC Carlos, BS Legal Management

"Laura Cabochan (English). Even if she's my 7:30 class, and it seems nakakatamad to wake up so early, she gives me a reason to wake up early. I mean, I don't get bored 'pag early morning, generally, as a person, she's really nice and approachable, 'tas as a teacher, same rin, I know where to place myself when I'm around her and she's super considerate and fun."
— Krizia Lim, BFA Information Design 

"Laura Cabochan (Again!). She reaches out to her students so well and she actually makes me study."
— Rina Ignacio, AB Psychology

"Mrs. Natividad (Theology). Mabait siya, mataas magbigay ng grade at mahilig sa mga Babble."
— Ardy Agregado, AB Interdisciplinary Studies

"Ariel Diccion (Filipino). Very funny and comical!"
— Gaby Herbosa, BS Communications Technology Management

"Ariel Diccion (Again!). Reason? He's [also] my FLC Chinese classmate!"
— Jun Jung, BS Management

"Mr. Bong Olpoc. He’s definitely worth the tuition fee. *laughs* Although he doesn’t really grade high, you’re sure to learn from him. He’s worth the sleepless nights."
Ephraim Selga, BS Management Information Systems

"Ms. Caraan (Literature). Fun and exciting classes every session. Walang araw na nababagot ako sa klase niya."
— B Onglengco, BS Psychology

"Ronald Lazo Reyes (Chemistry) because he is very cheerful and fun. He makes his discussions interactive and jokes around everytime which makes us [stay] awake."
— Alex Tan, BS Management

"My favorite teacher(s) would have to be Dr. Lucia Natividad, who teaches Theo 121. She’s strict but you know that she cares about you a lot, just like a mommy. *laughs* She wants you to learn and not just get A’s. Same with Atty. Jennifer Barretto, who was my teacher in Accounting. She’s super cool. She’s the only teacher who makes gives an extra class before a long test to make sure we all pass. May time nga na even other classes join ours 'cause she's such a good teacher *laughs* and she gave us free brownies from Conti's (just because she felt like it)."
— Hannah Dela Guerra, BS Management Information Systems

"Jethro Tenorio (Filipino). Kahit mahirap, makikita mo kung bakit ka pinapahirapan—yung rason at kung gaano ka-importante yung pinapagawa niya."
— Nino Pineda, BS Management

"Jethro Tenorio (Again!). [He has an] effective teaching style, [and is] handsome."
— Mia Bautista, AB Communication 

Bottomline is, students like teachers that are fun, are easy to get along with and make their students eager to learn more. Most do not care anymore of what grades they receive from these teachers, what matters more is the essence and purpose of what they've learned from them.

According to the respondents, this question has been even harder to answer than the first question! We assume it's because there are too many awesome teachers to choose from (and hopefully not lack thereof).

Comment below to tell us who your favorite Ateneo professor is!

QUESTION #1: What consequence does Arroyo deserve for the crimes accused against her, if she is proven guilty?

Probably the most talked about issue in the country lately is former President and current Pampanga congresswoman Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and the cases that have been (finally) filed against her. Starting from her failed attempt to leave the country a few weeks ago due to "health problems," to the many medical statements argued on by her and the government's prescribed doctors, hear what the Ateneans have to say about this, being soon-to-be (or probably even already) voters and also as citizens of this country.

"She deserves the proper punishment set forth by the law, without any special considerations."

— Kokry Lacap, BS Legal Management

"I believe she deserves life imprisonment. No death sentence or anything morbid—let her see we are not as inhumane as she is. Let guilt do its job."
— Erika Paras, AB Political Science

"If GMA is proven guilty, she should be held liable for whatever crimes she committed and be given the rightful and just punishments her actions have made her deserve, whatever the law prescribes the punishments to be."
— Jamie Magcale, AB Psychology

"She should be punished the same way as former President Estrada was; she should be imprisoned."
— Ashley Maglaqui, BS Management Engineering

"(Arroyo deserves) whatever is stated in the constitution because it is the basis of the consequences that should be given to those who violate the law."
— Jose Adolfo Badiola, BS Psychology

"At the very least, she should lose her position in the government, because the very least of her crimes include election fraud. Why would you continue to support her position in the government when it's almost sure that she cheats? She should be put to Jail. No one should be above the law, no matter how powerful they are."
— Alex Cuaycong, BS Legal Management

"We should exile her to some far off place where she can die without us being bothered about it. *winks*"
— Albireo Imma, BFA Information Design

"Life imprisonment."
— Ram Anonas, BS Management Information Systems, Denzel Dion So, BS Legal Management and David Magbanua, BS Communications Technology Management

"A slow death."
— Joshua Ng, AB Psychology

"In my opinion, former president Arroyo should be locked in jail if ever she did commit the crimes she is accused of commiting. She should not be given house arrest, hospital arrest, or any other special considerations. She should be locked in jail like any other criminal."
— Christiana Maglalang, BS Management

"She should be allowed to travel for her medical needs."

— Jourdan Christopher Go, BS Management Information Systems

At the end of the day, in most of the Ateneans' opinions, Arroyo should be given the proper punishments said by the law, regardless of her position in and contribution to society. With regards to her medical conditions, although these are still inconsistent and debated about, she has the right to her health, but as she fully recovers from her illnesses, like any other unlawful citizen, she shall suffer the damage that she has given upon our country. Though we want fairness and justice for her, there will always be some who wish her the worst.