663

664

Amiel Victor A. Asuncion

AB Philosophy

Matapos ang maraming taon

Sa loob ng kulungan
Ng mga ideya’t pangaral,
Lalabas ang bilanggo
Sa tunay na mundo.
Mamamangha siya
Sa mga bagay na
kaniyang masisilayan.
Masasaktan ang mga mata
Sa ningning ng umaga.
Hindi siya mapapalagay.
Maraming tanong na papasok sa isipan.
Ngunit may isang katiyakan.
Itataya niya ang buhay
Sa sarili niyang Bayan.
 665

Christopher Jan B. Benitez

AB Philosophy

“To be is all I got to be

And all that I see
And all that I need this time”
Benny, a hardworking student
He spends days and nights reading book and texts
Certitude drives him!
Alas, knowledge needs money...
Benny, a brilliant musician
Beautiful melodies and magnificent tunes blossoming
from his guitar
One is mesmerized with the motion of his fingers
Speed and aggression balanced with soul and harmony
But, above all, Benny is one of the most trustworthy
friends one could ever have
Through thick and thin, he remains loyal, ever dependent
and committed, his heart shines through the darkness...
666

Don Gabriel Oligar T. Cariño III

AB Philosophy

You all but exude warmth. A rare kind of friend whom one
can count on to tell you your nose needs picking. With you,
the things that people say about guys with intimidating
exteriors being softies inside, become true. For a person
who radiates masculinity, you’re actually the one to run to
when one is wacky enough to want to watch chic flicks.
Impulsive, a thorough giver, temperamental at times -
these qualities that most would find negative, somehow
become your good points and constitute what is uniquely
you. (Olegard), you’ll always be that persevering dolt who
can make laughter out of tears, calm out of uncomfortable
moments, butterflies out of caterpillars ^_^—airhead
As an athlete, he motivates his teammates and is well
respected as a judo captain. As a philosophy major, he is
sensitive of others’ needs and knows to correctly respond
to them. He is well focused on his dream of becoming a
lawyer someday but he also knows how to party and have
fun. Among friends, he extends a helping hand.—Kris
 667

Carmela Noelle S. Castillo

AB Philosophy

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by

the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw
off the bowlines, Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the
trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. – Mark Twain
668

Nathaniel Joseph C. Casuela

AB Philosophy

“Life is a desperate lack of reality.”

 669

Christopher Rieger C. Cruz

AB Philosophy

You can never be sure as to what he’s thinking. With his

childish looks and little boy smile, Rieger comes across
as the eternal teaser, the proverbial charmer and the
mischievous guy-next-door. Though he endlessly teases
you, you can never seem to get mad at him. His personality
can continually amaze you and make you say, “this guy is
something else!” He’s proof that you have to look beyond a
person’s façade to discover wonderful things about him.

Admired by many, Rieger is gifted with thousands of

friends who surround him with enormous fun and laughter;
an intellectual mind with a great sense of humor that can
startle and light up any conversation; and a compassionate
heart that is kind to anyone. He is a perfectly well-rounded
person—a combination of good physical appearance,
dedicated academic attitude and notable principles and
qualities. Rieger is certainly a guy who everyone loves to
have as a priced and big time friend.
670

John Paul A. Dela Pasion

AB Philosophy

The Prof. Everybody knows him thus. But it’s not a reputation
to be taken lightly, although he did gain it because of rather
amusing circumstances. With his skills, he can be a linguist,
a lawyer, a Philosophy professor, an English professor or
any intellectual professional for that matter. He’s definitely
not a nerd, though. He lives up to his family name as a
man of passion. He can rough it up, dance it up, sing it up,
laugh it up, and even eat it up with anybody. He listens as
well as he talks, and does as well as he thinks. He is a true
man of philosophy—a man in the midst of the marriage of
passion and reason. Look out, because once he decides his
destination, be it a physical location or a life goal, there’s no
stopping him. A future legend in the department? Bite your
tongue. This man will be an institution in the university.
 671

Martin Lorenzo D. de Leon

AB Philosophy

Martin de Leon—this name echoes throughout the

campus with a certain reverence; and yet his true self far
surpasses the legend that is his reputation. He is a walking
oxymoron—a person with a boy-next-door demeanor
alongside a manic disposition; someone who is timid yet
never soft-spoken or scarce of opinion; a person who is
plagued by the stresses of everyday adolescent life and yet
still puts everyone else before himself; a person of poise
and grace but still never fails to paint himself into a corner,
finding himself in out-of-this-world situations time and
time again; a character who walks the corridors of Ateneo
with a smile on his face and a ready, uplifting greeting for
anyone he passes—he will forever be remembered for
that. And as he readies himself for a world of new hallways
and new people armed only with hilariously, ab-crunching
anecdotes and a laugh like no other, there is no doubt that
he will forever exhume the very essence of why everyone
loved him so… simply by being Martin.
672

Frederick August I. Jose

AB Philosophy

Red—that freakishly tall guy we see around campus—

couldn’t be subtle if his life depended on it. He gets his
education in a rather bizarre (and legendary) manner—
forgetting finals venues, submitting papers late, acing
exams almost effortlessly—all with a dimpled smile and
a steady stride. His seemingly careless lifestyle betrays
the depth and vastness of his persona. As his friends, we
find ourselves entranced when he speaks of his passions,
like music and philosophy, and we all learn something new
each time. The scope of his wisdom betrays his age: so
full of vibrant, revolutionary ideas, yet so eager to keep
learning more. He is wise though childlike, confused
yet loving, messy but irresistible. Red is one of those
mysterious, hard to find, complicated people who will
either inspire or frustrate you. And for those who have
had the privilege of knowing him, they know they have
found themselves something fiercely special yet curiously
incomprehensible.
 673

John Paul T. Lama

AB Philosophy

Jaips is a man of a few (but worthwhile) words, just as he

is a man with a few (but close) friends. He seeks to develop
his body with his mind. He is currently a purple-5 belter
in Karate, a high red belter in Taekwondo, and a green
belter in Gasaido Penjak Silat. He compensates for his few
socializing activities with other recreational activities. He
watches horror and action movies on VCD, watches anime
and CSI on television, reads fantasy rpgs on the internet,
listens to anime mp3s on his mp3 player, and writes essays
and fantasy rpgs on his computer. He has an inclination
towards pessimism and fatalism, but that doesn’t mean
he’s mean. Actually, he’d rather cooperate than compete
with people. He also has a serious expression most of the
time, but it only hides the passions underneath. However,
he says he would never fall in love with anyone, not
because he’s afraid of falling in love, but falling out love.
Which archetype is he, you ask? Forget it. This guy writes
archetypes in his stories.
674

Michael Julian M. Maramba

AB Philosophy

unless you feel good where you are

oh, join me in my little game of you
you can finally be free
kick your feet up in the air
climb up the highest mountains
unfold your powerful wings
free your body and soul

“The most dangerous to any government is the man who

is able to think things out for himself, without regard to
the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably,
he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives
under is dishonest, insane and intolerable and so, if he
is romantic, he tries to change it. And even it he is not
romantic personally, he is very apt to spread discontent
among those who are.”
—H.L. Mecken, Smart Set Magazine (Dec. ‘99)
 675

John Henry C. Mendoza

AB Philosophy

Besides his nickname (a truncation of his name) and his

height which he really hates, you can never fall short in
having Jonry as a friend. This guy is a complete package
all in one. He has an amazing balance of depth and
brilliance. He has the ability to look at life in the most
extraordinary ways and express himself in a subtle yet
powerful exudation. There is definitely more to him than
his ability to choose the best movies to watch, places to
go, food to eat, and clothes to wear (especially his multi-
colored socks). Definitely John Henry, with his depth and
brilliance, his subtlety and power, has the works of a true
steward of the law and a great leader of the land. But
behind all these exaltations is a guy with the heart of a
true friend, someone who knows how to be there when
you need him and someone who knows how to treat a
friend as a friend. Because of all of these, having Jonry
as a best friend is one thing that will be treasured forever.
That’s Jonry—a great man, a great leader, a great friend.
676

Christian Immanuel B. Paz

AB Philosophy

This person is way too different from all the others out
there simply because he makes every moment with you
extraordinary just by cracking the corniest possible jokes
and telling super detailed stories with matching actions!
Although he can be corny and way too talkative most of
the time, people ought to know that Ian is really clever.
He puts his heart and soul in every little thing he does.
Despite his bubbly personality, Ian could be serious when
the moment and situation call for it. His reputation as
a heavy drinker has been proven countless of times. Ian
never misses out on out-of-town trips with his friends and
believes that life’s a beach! In every instance in his life, he
never fails to make the most out of any situation because
for him any moment can be a “paradise”. As of now, Ian is
still in quest for paradise—a moment in one’s life where
true happiness lies.
 677

Zedrick Ross A. Paz

AB Philosophy

True Blue. Pagkatapos masabi ang lahat ng masasabi, ang

pinakamahalaga ay hindi masasabi.
678

Robert P. Quilicot III

AB Philosophy

“Let the dying embers of creation flow; through rivets of

timeless everglow; pass onto us o immortal hands.”

Wild, yet “beautiful” mind + Friedrich Nietzsche + “Steven

Segal” look + anti-emo boy + brittle bones + amazing
vocalist + hardworking, loyal, dedicated, responsible
friend—Robert P. Quilicot III. Obe knows how to “hear
you out”. More than willingly participating in conversations
of any topic, he’s a perfect listener who shows interest in
what you have to say. He’s always nice to have around.
Besides being a songwriter-genius, he is a cultured and
disciplined friend. Not only is he generous with his open-
minded critique, but also with his heart. A ship at dock is
safe, but that isn’t why a ship is built right? Not until one
tries will one succeed—Fortus fortuna audivat.
 679

George Ramil C. Ramos

AB Philosophy

George Ramil Ramos or simply Ramil, may strike you as

an imposing figure from afar. Do not be fooled however
by his tough exterior because Ramil radiates a gentle and
warm aura upon closer inspection. His infectious charisma
can sweep a room full of people in seconds flat. Some say
it’s his x-factor. Others would suggest it’s his pearly-white
teeth. I, on the other hand, would like to believe that it’s
his heart of gold that captures people’s attention. Good
thing he has this because this budding public servant
would surely need it in a political arena of demagoguery
and treachery. In a country that is always on the verge of
a collapse, Ramil’s kind heart and fervent passion would
surely help him and enable him to serve his country well.
680

Miguel Antonio S. Regal

AB Philosophy

Soft-spoken, timid and laid back; this is how most people

would describe “Miggy.” But underneath that quiet and
somewhat simple appearance lays a musician whose guitar
skills and thorough knowledge of music makes him a cut-
above-the-rest. Apart from being a “rocker,” his pleasant
disposition makes him a person who is easy to get along
with. A friend ‘til the end, Miggy displays compassion and
the utmost concern for those he cares for. As a complement
to his good heart, Miggy is also blessed with a great mind.
He is a student who challenges himself to be better and
seeks to make the most out of the knowledge he is gifted
with. One could barely argue against this, because it shows
by the way he talks and acts. That is why regardless of
his introverted nature; he still commands respect and
admiration from his peers. Miggy is part of a rare breed
of individuals who seem to have all the tools to succeed in
his endeavors; one can only expect great things from him
in the future.
 681

Valario Rereh
AB Philosophy

He never fails to see God in all things, especially in music,

poetic lyrics and in nature all around him. Val has been the
first Burmese Jesuit to be sent to the Philippines to study.
Even though he just learned to speak in English after his
high school, he always likes to share his lived experience
with his friends. During his four years in Ateneo, he
has faced many trials and yet braved them all. He has
forever etched himself in the hearts of his friends by his
compassion and has truly been an angel to those who
most in need. Life, for him, is an unfinished symphony that
needs to be composed, re-composed and to be sung and
re-sung for the celebration of humankind. “For whom the
gun tolls, for whom the prey weeps, bow before a war,
and call it religion. Some wounds never heal; some tears
never will dry for the unkind, and cry for mankind.”
682

Normyn Cielo F. Reyes

AB Philosophy

Many people would probably describe Myn in different

ways because most of them don’t really know her
completely. It’s not that she’s hard to get to know well. It’s
because there’s so much about her that people don’t realize
right away. She’s a person who has an inherent capacity to
understand not just people but diversity in general. This is
why she enjoys watching cartoons as much as she loves
studying Nietzsche and other postmodern philosophers.
She can analyze her friends’ problems while making them
laugh their brains out. She doesn’t like eating sweets (like
chocolate) but pours tons of sugar in her milk or coffee. Her
habits may appear self-contradicting, yet they show how
she is able to master diversity, how she is able to break
boundaries without fear of being different. No wonder
people cannot describe her in just one particular way: she’s
her very own unique stereotype.
 683

Rimo M. Rico
AB Philosophy

Rimo is one of the most exceptional characters people

would encounter in their existence. He never fails to
entertain people with his indefatigable body and his
overzealous, overjoyed and over-the-top demeanor.
He obviously has too much sugar in his system for his
hyperactivity would leave you exhausted just by watching
him. He will dance like Justin Timberlake for hours and
he’ll blow you away with his guitar virtuosity. Also, his
amazing skill of re-enacting scenes from a particular
movie complete with accurate facial expressions and
dialogue makes you feel like you have actually seen the
movie. But above these things, Rimo is defined by his
down-to-earth and likeable personality. Yes, he may do
weird gyrations and say strange things once in a while
but these are the things that make him Rimo. He is true
to himself. He doesn’t pretend to be somebody else. His
sincerity and compassion to offer himself to others is
proof of his unyielding honesty. Truth is: he doesn’t have
to be anything else but himself.
684

Nante R. Santamaria
AB Philosophy

The only thing that stands between a man and what he

wants from life is often merely the will to try it and the
faith to believe that it is possible. – Richard M. DeVos
 685

Daryll Matthew T. Santos

AB Philosophy

Dynamic, Astounding, Reliable, Yrresistible, Loving,

Leader… Ever since Daryll was a child he was aware of
what he wants to be when he grows up, that is, to be a
lawyer. Failure is a no-no to him; he sets his mind to his
goal and never stops trying to achieve it. He makes sure
that from whatever responsibility is given to him only
superb outcome will blossom. Also, when he speaks, his
peers never cease to be stunned by his clever and amusing
comments. He has his way of telling people what is really
in his mind and sees to it that they get what he really
means. There were never lifeless moments with him! He
would always make his companions laugh by cracking a
joke. However, when you need a person to talk to seriously,
surely, he’s the man! Moreover, Dada is an affable person
who knows how to mingle with people from all walks of
life. Moreover, he also has the ability to manage his time for
school, family and friends. Last but definitely not the least,
who could ever forget his charming looks and his dazzling
smile! Undeniably, Dada is the perfect guy anyone would
want to have.
686

J. Danuel P. Soriano
AB Philosophy

It’s all a blur to me…

One moment, I was reluctantly starting grade school, next
I was struggling with high school life, then suddenly I’m
about to finish college just like that! I can’t believe how
quickly time flies!
Studying in Ateneo has been one of the toughest challenges
I’ve ever encountered, but it’s only fit because this is the
final sprint in all the grueling years of schooling that I had
to go through! Now, I feel grateful for having the chance to
stay here for four eventful years.
I never was the sociable type, being the eccentric, lone
artist that I am. But even though I never found the incentive
to approach people to make friends, it seems that everyone
else around me already did that for me! All the people I’ve
met here made me feel right at home! I’ve really enjoyed
my stay here, and I’m gonna miss this place and all the
people I’ve been with all these years.
Congratulations to everyone! Hey, we all made it!
 687

Melisande Joy A. Tan

AB Philosophy

Mel…
If she’s getting a little cranky just hand her a bottle of coke
and she’ll treat you more nicely.
Always balances studies and fun. She knows her priorities
Known for her thriftiness and pretty good bargaining
skills
Fickle when it comes to picking out a place to eat
A pretty good food critic yet the worst cook ever
Respects secrets, a real confidante
Is unique as her own name
Is blessed with great amounts of good sense and a heart
that is always in the right place.
Exceptional, that’s Mel.
688

Jared Cecilio C. Vicencio

AB Philosophy

Jared is not your typical guy. He is characteristic of a

well-rounded person who relentlessly exudes passion in
every undertaking. From the essentials of the family to
school requirements, he sees to it that he attends to them
accordingly. He sets time for studying as well as leisurely
activities with family and friends. But Jared would not have
been swoon-worthy if not for his passion in sports and
physical well-being. He became part of the arnis varsity
team as soon as he stepped into college. He also loves
basketball and excels as a power-forward extraordinaire,
and hits the gym at the end of the day. One cannot but
seem to wonder how he can do all these and still manage
to seize the day. Perhaps what accounts for this marvel is
his burning passion for every venture. There is so much to
say about this guy and the list goes on, but what ultimately
makes the difference is his being an adamant soldier of
Christian faith. With all the blessings that Jared received,
no doubt his future spells out nothing but success.