975

976

Antonio Andre R. Alfelor

AB Social Science

Alfie’s a natural extrovert—charming with a great sense

of humor. He’s easy to get along with and people feel
comfortable to be themselves around him. This laidback
guy enjoys the simple things in life, preferring out-of-town
trips with friends to late-night clubbing—though he loves
dancing! He’s also passionate about soccer, but juggles his
time well between work and play, excelling in both. Proven
to be a loyal and trustworthy friend, he’s someone who’ll
take care of you and back you up anytime, anywhere.
He’s a practical, down-to-earth person, but also with an
independent and confident aura that boosts others’ self-
esteem. He knows how to sacrifice for what he wants,
never complaining but not letting others take advantage
of him either. Also a good listener, he’s understanding and
patient with family and friends alike. Yet, this man’s man is
a strictly a one woman-man!
 977

Alkaid Jemuel R. Aquino

AB Social Science

See all those people on the ground Wasting time

I try to hold it all inside But just for tonight
The top of the world Sitting here wishing
The things I’ve become That something is missing
Maybe I... But what do I know
And now it seems that I have found
Nothing at all I want to hear your voice out loud
Slow it down, slow it down Without it all
I’m choking on nothing It’s clear in my head
And I’m screaming for something
Knowing nothing is better than knowing at all
On my own Without it all I’m choking on nothing
It’s clear in my head And I’m screaming for something
Knowing nothing is better than knowing at all
—The Used
978

Anne Bernice B. Atienza

AB Social Science

“Hindi ako baliw!!!” That’s what you’ll usually hear when

Amber gets locked inside her bathroom, screaming down
for help to a bewildered passerby on the street. It’s also
what you’ll hear when one flushes one’s shoe down the
toilet, cuts one’s own hair, and paints one’s room with the
shade of shocking red. On second thought, people will also
think that a person is crazy when one tells them stories
that have more animation than Disney, reiterate how one
could for terminally-ill kids with cancer or tell them that
one wants to take a minor in Economics in order to work for
the United Nations and change the world. Crazy isn’t just
about being insane. It’s not just about doing the ridiculous.
And it’s not about screaming ladies locked in bathrooms.
But when one’s foolish enough to dare and dream, putting
one’s whole self in, and take all the fears out, also putting
one’s passion in (and shake it all about). One would end
up doing the hokey-pokey and turning other’s life around.
Now that’s what it’s really all about.
 979

Marc Joseph M. Badua

AB Social Science

Mox, the self-proclaimed boy-next-door who aspires to

be a popular US-based model, is one of the most sociable
people around. His timely lines always lighten the mood
and create an enjoyable atmosphere for everyone. He can
talk about anything, from old Filipino movie stars to classic
grade school people, and still make people interested. He is
also an excellent dancer, a great athlete, and an exceptional
lover. This person is just full of wonderful surprises, one
minute he is full of energy with an ability to uplift an entire
room of people with his “fo shizzle dizzle” moves; the next
minute he is in stealth mode, brewing up a plan for his next
agenda. Mimarc has, in so many ways, counted on friends,
blockmates, and teachers to make it through his days in
the Ateneo. He has depended on others in a way distinct
to him. It is only in his ways that you would feel the drive
to be a better person because you know—and he will affirm
you time and again—that there is at least one person in your
world that believes in you.
980

Carla Selina Q. Baybay

AB Social Science

A (Quasi) Eulogy
Hundreds of miles per hour downhill, swerving along
a nameless road, a Shiok Tong-induced scream can be
heard amidst the deafening engine and earsplitting horn
of a 10-wheeler truck. The pinnacle of Summer 2005 was
about to begin or was it going to be the end? Almost. The
world was nearly deprived of a middleman of its organic
(and healthy) material, a pirata of underground music, the
pitchman of unheard of fluids. Creatures of all kinds would
unknowingly miss her dark, obscure and unfathomable
magnificence. The work of a visual prodigy would have
been six-feet under, leaving millions of minions unscathed
by her illustrations of death and frustration, desolation and
fury. Humankind would have been robbed of a companion,
constantly at their disposal, to hand not just fluids and
victuals, but a companion ready to share their misery and
dejection. If it ended that night, lives would have been
deprived of the pleasure of coexisting with you.
 981

Marc Andrew A. Carbonel

AB Social Science

The ever “salbahe” smile—that is 100% Marc Carbonel—goes

a long way, from making his girlfriends swoon to sweet-
talking his professors in order to get the extra point he
desperately needs. With his smile comes his infectious
laugh that draws everyone to him. Marc is one of the easiest
people to get along with. His love for life is so contagious
that no matter how down you are, you will be forced to
smile whenever you’re around him. He has so much spirit
combined with a kind heart. You’ll be surprised on how
much he cares for his family and friends and would do
practically anything for them. Intelligence is another thing
Marc has been blessed with, yet does himself no justice
because of his happy-go-lucky ways. I doubt Ateneo
will ever forget this guy’s existence nor the wonderful
memories he has given all of those fortunate enough to
have met him in the past four years. I speak for all those
whose lives Marc has touched when I say: “Walang kasing
husay ng isang Marc Carbonel!”
982

Kristina Marie C. Cuenco

AB Social Science

Night lover. Lover of spicy foods. Food trip. Trips out of

town. Out-of-town adventures. “The Adventures of Tin-
Tin”. Tinkers with odd objects. An oddball. Wanna-be
softball player. Plays billiards and “Dynomite” during spare
time. Time-keeper. Keeps secrets. Secretly dreaming of
revisiting the past. Past loves. Past accomplishments.
Past frustrations. A frustrated cheerdancer. Dances under
the stars. Star-gazing. Sometimes gazes in the eyes of
total strangers. Always has very strange yet familiar
experiences. Experiences life through simple joys. Joy
equates to hugs and kisses, the color pink, chocolates,
driving, bargain-hunting, eating and dozing off. Oftentimes
heard laughing loudly. Laughs at own corny jokes. Could
easily make you laugh. Easily amazed. Amazingly brave
and strong. Strong-willed. Will of God. God-fearing.
Fears dying without accomplishing anything significant.
Significant other. Unless otherwise stated, remains to be a
student. Student by day, wishful thinker by night.
 983

Rhea Camille D. Dayanghirang

AB Social Science

Dear Rhea,

I remember the first time I met you. You were standing

in front of me, waiting to be touched by my friendly aura.
You were so quiet then. But because of fate, we became
close friends and that was the time my impression of you
changed. Yes, you were the gentle, soft-spoken kind of
girl but whenever we were together, you screamed like a
true paygot. I asked myself, “Is it just me or is she really
gay?!” But as it turned out, you’re not, you’re just simply
being your fun, bubbly self. I can also say that you’re a
trustworthy daughter, a responsible sister, a devoted
student, and a true friend.

It has been four years since we’ve met and our stay in
college is coming to an end but this doesn’t mean our
friendship’s going to have the same fate. Here is to more
paygot-screaming, pass-or-taking, tipsy-sighting years— to
the highest level.

Your screaming charismatic friend, Alec

984

John Emil N. De Jesus

AB Social Science

Simple.
Makatao.
Tomadero.
Gwapo.
Kwela.
Atleta.
Atenista.
 985

Carla Maria E. del Puerto

AB Social Science

Who is Apol? Legend says that a man once obsessed with

Macintosh bestowed upon his one and only princess the
name that symbolizes the greatness of such advancement.
Hence, she was named Apol! Ironically, she was never really
a techie person but instead, more of a people-person. With
the use of her magical playing cards, she entices people
with a game called Bridge. With a few round of games,
you have become an unwilling victim of this spell she calls
Friendship. Despite her nature’s complexities, she’s a person
with simple joys. She considers learning how to play “Pusoy
Dos” her greatest achievement in life. Her most valuable
treasure is a twenty-peso bill that no vending machine ever
accepts. Mind you, this princess is not a damsel in distress.
She has mastered the martial arts of volleyball, a skill that
only few have come to perfect. Soaring high above enemy
ground, her attacks have become an indispensable factor
for victory. Leading her army of players, this Captain is
worthy of your every salute.
986

Rodolfo D. Dela Cruz, Jr.

AB Social Science

1) RJ is always there for you in times of sadness and

despair. He’s the rainbow after every rain, a smile for every
tear that you shed. Having the attitude of being frank,
which is how most people describe him, this surprisingly
causes you to become a better you. Greeting you a “Happy
Birthday”, even if there’s no real occasion, he shows how
thoughtful he is and how he tries to make you happy each
passing day. What is the best part of being RJ’s friend? It’s
the fact that every second you spend with him is never a
dull moment since the phrase does not even exist in his
vocabulary. You don’t need to ask for something more
when it comes to being RJ’s friend because in friendships,
having too much of a good thing is not good—it’s the best;
2) RJ gets high grades without exerting effort at all. He can
reach the highest notes on any given day; 3) RJ taught his
friends how to enjoy the nocturnal life in Katipunan, how
to stand up and voice-out one’s personal sentiments, and
most of all, how to live life more colorfully.
 987

Martina Ysabel O. Diokno

AB Social Science

Being with this girl has its own perks, especially if you’re the
type who loves life and enjoys its silliness. Even though for
others, finding a crew to laugh with is a challenge, this girl
can be a whole crew on her own. In spite of stumbling into
many quirky situations (a.k.a. “The Chronicles of Martina”),
her offbeat sense of humor, largely infectious laughter,
and little peculiarities are just the tip of the iceberg. More
than the beach-loving, energetic party girl most people
think she is, Marts is not only a bonafide closet “nerdiac,”
she is a certified Jesus freak as well. You see, while others
feel the need to be a certain way around people, this girl
swings her own way. While others try to follow a trend,
she chooses to make one her own. But most importantly,
while many choose to hang around friends to make them
feel whole, she chooses to be that very friend to make you
feel complete.

Marts: party girl, bookworm, beach bum, writer, artist,

shopping diva, God-believer, workaholic, dancing queen,
and above all, true friend.
988

Jessica A. Herico
AB Social Science

A haloed jester who cavorts in caffeine funk. Chameleon

pixie from the realm of psychedelia and dances with
heavenly ogres and spastic beetlebums. Sees beauty in
incessant cataclysms and radiates images of broken light
in the deluge of darkness. Dreams of musical sunsets, rain
dances, and sloozy slumbers. Cosmorgasmic stardusts
glimmer in her treacherous tearducts when vultures fly in
her indigo-miasmic horizon. She’s a riddle to an answer,
a raindrop in a desert, a misplaced chord in a symphony.
Possesses limitless undying love for beaches and virgin
shores—bronze skin sparkles of solar suicide. Her seashell
eyes flicker with the rage of a million suns as they oppress
the priestess, a deity of rage. Bagist ideals manifest
themselves in her hippie fantasies of harmony. Pacify, not
crucify. She’s irreducible to fifteen flunkingfloofy lines—
poets bleed themselves dry. They fathom her being to
futile schizophrenia. No greed/ dearth/ hate/ pope/ money/
prejudice/ religion/ war/hypocrisy—Nirvana. Imagine.
 989

Darlene Y. Holland
AB Social Science

Carissa: Darls—effortlessly beautiful, kind-hearted, lover of

all things cute and blue, Maria Clara-esque (demure), music
lover, gifted singer
Yumi: Darls radiates harmony into everyone’s life. May it
be in a song or in a conversation, she never fails to impart
beauty to it. Rock on!
Cerz: Darls—this really beautiful lady will definitely brighten
your day just by looking at her, most especially when one
hears her sing. You may even mistake her as a bird singing
softly when she hums. Not only is she talented, this girl is
a great friend that you will regret not knowing. Darls never
ceases to crack up a joke and put smiles, grins, and laughs
on everyone’s faces. Life would be boring without Darls!
Chika: Darls is a simple person. A joke can brighten up
her day and make her face glow with laughter. Beauty is
inherent to her; she doesn’t need artificial means to look
glamorous and sexy (although she doesn’t flaunt it, to her
friends’ dismay!) College life wouldn’t have been the same
without a fun and unique lady such as Darls.
990

Maria Sarah L. Macabare

AB Social Science

If being strange is being Sarah, then everyone should join

the bandwagon.
Justice. Love. Peace. Freedom and other complexities.
Juices of orchid nectar. Radiates lunar energy on twilight
cities.
Crazed exhilaration from spewing angst and absurdity.
An inimitable quiet poetic traipsing along the ravaged lands
on the fringes of sanity.
A bohemian-hippie-gypsy-indie outlaw. Yipee-ti-yey.
Yipeeyayo.
A fortune, a nirvana, a revolution always just out of reach.
An amalgamation of ambition, aggression, adolescent
anxiety and those essential insanities.
Non-conformist and non-contortionist.
Unapologetic for disturbing fluctuations in identity, verging
on cuckoo.
 991

Bien Joseph A. Maglacas

AB Social Science

My four-year stay at the Loyola Schools can be summarized

into four activities: basketball, prayer, social work, and
music. I did not put “studying” because I hated it.

Playing basketball with the best, non-Team A athletes

of Ateneo helped me improve my game. Going to school
masses and prayer meetings strengthened my prayer
life. Joining SOA organizations enabled me to do social
work and share my talents. Last but not least, my music
connections grew during my stay in this school.

These are the things I value. These are the things I’ll bring
with me when I leave this school and go to the real world.
These are my gifts. These are my passions.
992

Patrick Noel C. Manigbas

AB Social Science

He’s everybody’s brother from another mother. The nice

guy known as pudgy will never cease to amuse you with
his wacky expressions and his jolly old chuckle. Anything
and everything can be a topic of conversation with him and
he will always be known for his big heart. You can call
him Patrick, T-rick, Trick, T-Diddy, whatever you want to,
actually. All of you better listen because this guy knows
what he’s talking about. Ready for anything, and a man
of his word, if Trick says he’ll be there, he’ll definitely be
there. You can count on it! He’s game when it comes
to many things: a competitive athlete and “gimikero!”
Knows how to have fun but still manages to be a good
student, Catholic, brother, son, friend, he leaves people
with nothing more to ask for. If you want to laugh, be
merry and have a great time, Trick’s your man. Miles and
miles of heart, may it be concerning matters of friendship,
love, life. He never gives up that easily, not without a fight—
definitely a friend for keeps.
 993

Mark Joseph R. Marte

AB Social Science

While Ninoy Aquino said that the Filipino is worth dying

for, Mark insists on saying that every Filipino is worth
living for. Though it may seem that he is merely pulling
someone’s leg, his actions show us that he is dead serious.
His desire to serve his country fuels everything he does.
Being the Socially-Oriented Organizations of the Ateneo
(SOA) Education Formation Pillar Head and a member of
Gabay, Entablado and The Guidon, he is passionate about
providing opportunities for other people to become more
socially aware, more critical, and more involved, whether
through the projects he supports or through ordinary
conversations. One will rarely find him in the spotlight,
since he is no longer concerned with gaining recognition.
Instead, he is constantly seeking to do something more,
not for his self but for other people. Mark’s ways are simple
yet concrete, delivering it at the right time when it counted
the most. He shows us that being of service is not a one-
time event; rather, it is a way of life.
994

Nicholai Ian B. Millare

AB Social Science

Meeting him for the first time, you’d think that he’s probably
the quietest person you’ve ever met. He chooses to be
reserved; but when he starts to speak his mind, he turns
out to be profound and wise. He has a soft spot for children
and the less fortunate with his unwavering loyalty and
dedication to loved ones. He definitely is one of the more
genuine people around. No one would dare wonder why
he has been blessed with such great talent. An entirely
different person on stage, with his amazing voice and an
undeniable charisma, he’s a real charmer. His exceptional
characteristics make him stand out. Yet amidst the
recognition, his feet are still firmly planted on the ground.
Never forgetting all that he stands for, he continues to fight
for what he believes in and what is right for everyone else
around to him. A man of principle, sympathy, chivalry and
talent, Ian is a friend worth keeping.
 995

Emmanuel I. Mozo
AB Social Science

He bashfully greets you the first time you two are

acquainted. At first you would think he’s maangas and
snobbish. However, Em is the total opposite. To his friends,
he is known as someone who is outgoing, fun, loving and
humorous. He’s very fun to hang out with because he
certainly knows how to make a dull moment exciting! He
is also the certified “chick magnet” of the group, emulating
the phrase “habulin” and “chickboy” wherever he goes but
was always modest about this gift. Could it be because he
is taken and forever loyal to his girlfriend? Those are just
some of the reasons, but most importantly it is because he
has always been that humble and down-to-earth person
that I have always known. But most importantly, when
serious issues arise, he is a person that you can definitely
lean on—a friend who will give excellent and helpful pieces
of advice. This guy is everyone’s best friend, a person who
will be by your side no matter what may happen. And that’s
why you shouldn’t forget his name: Mr. Emmanuel Mozo.
996

Frederick Alexander G. Nicolas

AB Social Science

A good guy, with an even better heart, weird and drunk

24/7 but that’s what people love about you. You’re there to
listen, joke around and put a smile on my face, but if you’re
going to put this in your yearbook, people might think
you’re gay. So just stick with the weird and drunken part.
The guy with a gentle heart who could make anybody and
everybody laugh—a wonderful friend who not only holds
a special place in my heart but many others as well. Truly
a special person, my dear Fred, cute and cuddly. My first
impression was that you’re so nice and a real gentleman.
Knowing him now, I realize that I was completely right. A
cutie as well, what an awesome guy! You have been the
sweetest and most level-headed person I’ve known. This
guy is the friendliest person I have ever met. He always has
this goofy smile that just makes you want to be goofy and
laid back as much as he is. Mostly it’s because of stories I
hear from Gee, Tito, and Beatz, your old OZ crew. You are
irreplaceable.
 997

Abigail M. Orbeta
AB Social Science

Cindy: This space isn’t enough to describe anyone,

especially Abby. Combo! Jex: AbbyMumbakiJapayuki.
Poof your hair on my consciousness to forever leave me
dazed. Starr: The afro-haired diva that took Japan by storm.
Though she didn’t succeed, she is still considered as a full-
fledged Japayuki. Sarah: Abby, one who fights all the eager
beavers of the world. I’m so in love with your pumpkin hair.
Yeah! Trisha: Bubble-toed, tornado-haired sweetheart;
Bubbly-souled, tornado-like force. Chris: Abby is a theater
with curtains of curls. Osh: Abby, being Abby, will always
be savvy. Darls: One versatile lady who speaks her mind
and is not afraid of what other people would say. She’s
the kind of person you’d want to be with all the time. Bay:
You always seem so sure of yourself, yet sometimes you
unexpectedly fall into uncertainty. Nonetheless, whatever
perils the world may throw on mortals, you always find a
way to save the other before yourself. Karlo: Let this scar
signify the first strike on the mortal world.
998

Francisco Javier F. Peña

AB Social Science

Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the

complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity.
-Charles Mingus
 999

Karlo Soliman U. Piscano

AB Social Science

Isang mapanglaw na gabi kasama ng sandaang puting

bulaklak
Hinihintay ka niya, sinta, kasama ng isang dasal
Sa madilim na umaga, hinahabol niya ang iyong mga
pangarap
Ang karwahe ng kaniyang kalamlaman, umuwi sa kaniya
nang wala ka
Dahil dito palaging malumbay ang kaniyang mga gabi
Luha’y kaniyang inumin, ang kalungkuta’y kaniyang tinapay.
Ito na ang huling gabi, bumalik ka na sa kaniya, o irog
Naghihintay ang pari, ang kabaong, ang puntod, at ang iniikid
na tela
Mayroong mga bulaklak para sa iyo; mga bulaklak at
kabaong
Sa ilalim ng mga namumukadkad na puno, ito ang
kaniyang huling paglalakbay
Mumulat ang kaniyang mata, para makita ka muli sa
huling pagkakataon
Huwag kang matakot sa mga mata niya, binibiyayaan ka
maski sa kaniyang pagpanaw..
1000

Margarita Victoria V. Quimbo

AB Social Science

Beneath her quiet and humbling presence is a brilliant

woman with mighty insights and ideas. Outspoken and
outgoing, Gaita is as real as it gets. This is not to say,
however, that she is just up for all things bright and beautiful.
Gaita sees the world as it is, with both its sweetness and
its harshness, knowingly responding with a flexible and
independent attitude. At the same time, she makes sure
she squeezes out as much fun it can give her.

A single look from her big round eyes or a twinkle from

her infectious smile is all it takes for one to feel at ease
in her company. A versatile person who’s always spirited
in doing anything that comes her way, she never fails to
astound people with her extraordinary charm. A person
you can truly count on, she is always ready to lend a hand,
an ear or even a limb to anyone in need. Always with a
responsible, go-getter drive, Gaita Quimbo is surely one of
the best gems one could ever stumble upon in the Ateneo.
 1001

Chriselle Therese K. Ramos

AB Social Science

Malaysian moon melting into a liquor of light. A spoonful

of sugared oleander, bronze magic, and bittersweet
symphony. Nirvana carved out of Norwegian wood.
Glassed in a poem of essential insanities. Wine on white.
Piquant peppermint pirouettes. A still-life watercolor of a
Mai Tai sunset. Orion’s ohm upon opal oceans. Gangster of
love, disquo lemonade, and Siamese dreams. A Ghawazi
gypsy whispering flames into Luna’s cycloptic sapphire
gaze pirating images of broken light from the citrus sun. A
genuine kiss in a world of plastic mistletoe. A champagne
supervixen’s wish on a starfish. Intense indigo insomnia.
A swan tainted with raven’s ink. The eye of goddess
Selene rising out of the glaring cyanic seas. Tears of
rocks running dry. A cosmic conundrum 1979 light years
away from comprehension. Mystical cañi, dancing in the
space between a blink and a tear with sugar at her feet,
caramelizing into slivers of spilling starlight.
1002

John Julius P. Rey

AB Social Science

The quintessential slacker, or so he would think of himself,

JohnRey or JR, whichever way people may know him, is
for a fact, ingenious. He is a personality brimming with
ideas and is all but ready to share them. He seems to
have an uncanny knack for managing his time: bonding
with his family, down time with his friends, time for
personal space and of course, academics. Though he may
not be as studious as he would want to be, he is brilliant
and coasts through his studies armed with just the right
mixture of smartness, effort and “diskarte.” Beneath his
laidback attitude, JohnRey gives utmost importance to
his academics, and he can’t be prouder to be an Atenean.
John Rey is also, above all, a true person who sticks by his
family and friends no matter what. He values laughter in
life and never seems to go without it, infecting everyone
else around him at the same time. He never fails to see the
silver lining in every dark cloud, he himself being one for
the people around him.
 1003

Charina Martha C. Salamat

AB Social Science

In creating the universe, God must’ve had a brilliant,

masterfully-executed plan. And as you sit under the
“Batibot” tree, taking in all this magnificence, a stressed
and frantic Cha rushes by, incoherently yakking on her cell
about org matters, school stuff and the end of the world
as we know it. Then you wonder, “What the heck was God
thinking?” Cha lives such a chaotic existence, it’s a miracle
she still manages to put her friends before herself. And how
does her diminutive stature retain such vibrant and energetic
personality or manage to keep that figure after excessively
scarfing down the most sinfully unhealthy food known
to man? As these mysteries bewilder the feeble mind,
Cha’s phone conversation draws to a close. Apparently,
she managed yet again to stave off Armageddon. She
checks her reflection, adjusts her accessories and flashes
the sweetest smile before confidently walking away. And
everything seems right again and God’s brilliance shines
through.
1004

Alda Kathleen M. Santiago

AB Social Science

Ways to be Kay: Be the first female member of the

Autobacs (Oh yeah!). Be “maldita” but surprisingly sweet
at the same time. Know what’s best for a troubled friend
to make him or her feel instantly better. Scream all of a
sudden when you feel like no one is minding what you’re
saying. Be able to not eat during your only break to stay
in the chapel to cry. Be able to wear slippers, halter top,
and mini skirt in SOM. Brave the waters of Laguna de Bay.
Own that infamous blue 4X4 SUV that fits the whole block.
Admire great singers (Hmmm…) Be able to go under a table
when your friends start teasing you to the cute guy in
your block. Know how to dance the Swing even without a
partner. Be a guy in your past life and bring some of it in the
present (Blue over pink, man!), but still be very “kikay” in all
aspects of your life. Master the art of “deadma.” Be the first
one to hit the dance floor in every party and shamelessly
shake your booty. Guzzle an ice cold beer into half in one
gulp. Have a lot of L-O-V-E to give!
 1005

Maria Patricia Lourdes H. Sarmenta

AB Social Science

In her archaeology of the universal and the uncertain, the

same secrets are dug up: they are more than what you
think. She is ruled by convictions and spontaneity but
at the same time by nothing at all. A real conundrum, a
variation of numbness, a prophet and a pusher, somewhere
truth and at heart fiction, ambivalence is her romance and
happenstance inconclusive. Feels like vertigo, lasts no
longer, like a roman candle. Uptight and whimsical, strange
and unintentional, an open book that will not have you
ruffling its pages, diabolically daft sitar-strummed saffron
sweetheart (Tabla-Anil Bhagwat), an old soul up to no good,
combustible Bagist, struggling vegetarian and unbelievable
liar. Dreams in Hawaiian hues and out of tune, laughs in
the face of rainwater, devours the infinite while waiting,
pumpkin-eyed, for outlaws and hitchhikers, unbearably,
helplessly luminal; but she can take it, as long as the music
plays. Surface and symbol, a literal play on words, attempt
at your own peril, and save the elephants.
1006

Alec V. Sulit
AB Social Science

Dear Alec,

It must have been what they call destiny or sheer luck that
made us cross each others’ paths. But I cannot imagine our
life if we did not. I have seen you in the eyes of others.
You were a fun friend, an understanding confidant, the
responsible student, their protective brother, their loving
son and the selfless lover. You were those and more to
them. But for me, you are my soul mate. It seems that our
threads of differences were perfectly matched to weave
and strengthen a friendship. I thank you for that. I’m also
grateful for all the laughter you effortlessly presented to
me, for all the fears you bravely showed me, for all the
secrets we shared and for all the dreams we made. Thank
you for knowing when to hold my hand and for never
letting go.

With love,
Rhea
 1007

Christopher Jordan S. Sun

AB Social Science

Many would say that CJ is tall and scary-looking. He started

out in ADMU with short hair, but years without getting
a haircut made him sport long locks and facial hair that
can intimidate you whenever you encounter him. You’d
probably remember him in the smockets or in class arguing
with a teacher over a point made in class. But beyond the
big, scary-looking guy is a very loyal and good friend who
would stay on your side through thick and thin.

CJ’s good friends will remember him as that late night

drinking buddy who would argue over stuff popping out
of nowhere and then putting up a wager and making his
stand by placing his bet. In the island paradise of Boracay,
CJ’s true colors came out. His skills of dealing with the
beautiful women were put to the test in the island, as a
result, impressed us by showing some stuff which were
beyond our expectations. He may seem like a rude guy but
in the end, he’s turned out to be a really great pal.
1008

Maria Corinne T. Tirona

AB Social Science

Little by little, and also in great leaps,

life happened to me,
and how insignificant this business is.
These veins carried
my blood, which I scarcely ever saw,
I breathed the air of so many places
without keeping a sample of any.
In the end, everyone is aware of this:
nobody keeps any of what he has,
and life is only a borrowing of bones.
The best thing was learning not to have too much
either of sorrow or of joy,
to hope for the chance of a last drop,
to ask more from honey and from twilight.

—October Fullness, Pablo Neruda

 1009

Benjamin Jose V. Tuazon

AB Social Science

What can one say about Benjamin Jose V. Tuazon? As with

any other person, I could say a lot. However, I find that
writing merely 15 lines about a friend I’ve known for 11 years
seems to be a challenge. BJ, as I have grown accustomed
to calling him, can be described roughly in three words:
conformist, comedian, and friend.
1 – Same as most people, BJ likes to blend in, socialize,
mingle, which is typical for his age. But the thing is, he’s not
as typical. His moral standards and dedication to the things
and people he believes in are unwavering to say the least.
2 – “Si BJ, cool yan,” is a phrase some of his friends like
to joke about. He has a knack of putting himself in semi-
compromising conversational situations which eventually
turns into something everyone enjoys and kids about. He
would defend himself of course, but would eventually yield
to irony, and laugh infectiously.
3 – Lastly, when it comes to defining what a best friend
should be, with all the pros and cons, BJ would be a perfect
example.
1010

Carlos Antonio P. Vargas

AB Social Science

Karl is one of Ateneo’s three main “chickboys”. His reach

even extended to the school beside his. However, for the
first time, he’s become member of the LHC (Lonely Hearts
Club). Though Karl is like that, he still remains a true friend.
He will help you with any kind of problem and fight for you
without any hesitation. Thanks for everything and hope
you don’t change!

Karl Vargas. You will never forget this fun-loving, intelligent,

dark, handsome and not-so-tall guy. An ever-loyal friend
and truly kind soul, you can be sure that he will be with
you through the toughest and the best times. Perhaps
the greatest listener known to man, he is one of the most
trustworthy people around and he never judges other
people. He bears hardly any ill feelings towards anyone
else and very rarely will you see him in a hateful disposition.
However, one must not try to get on his bad side because…
never mind, you wouldn’t want to know. Karl Vargas is a
great friend and beautiful person, inside and out.
 1011

Jaime Oscar Napoleon T. Vergara III

AB Social Science

When you see a towering, mustached/bearded, dark-

complexioned man with curly hair and gold “bling-blings”
roaming the halls of Ateneo or manning the benches
of Kostka extension, you have spotted Mr. Jaime Oscar
Napoleon Torres Vergara. One of the biggest men
on campus, the first sight of him often leaves people
intimidated. Yes, he can pluck a little girl in distress out of
a rowdy crowd. Yes, his body can hold a case of beer with
room to spare. But his mind is just as substantial as his size,
and this is shown through his thoughts and intellect. To his
ASSOC brothers, he is Taipan. To Mang Boy and the AHVA
tennis court, he is “Lakeng Jon-Te”. But to me, and I’m sure
that a lot of people who truly know him would agree with
me, he is T. No name has ever suited anyone more. T: simple
yet with an impact. He has touched our lives in a way only
he can. BIG T: Big Time, in actions, in words, in mind, in
body! Thank you for making our college life worthwhile!
Ateneo wouldn’t have been the same without you.
1012

Cindy Marie R. Villareal

AB Social Science

Cindy [sin-di] n
1. Different, unique—Like no other. She expresses her
individuality, refuses to conform to what society deems
normal.
2. Fighter—She never gives up. She plunges on, regardless
of the risks, just to stand up to what she believes is right.
3. A person with a sense of humor—She always tries to
find the humor in things. No matter how dreary the day
maybe, she can make you laugh with her sarcastic, off-
handed jokes and antics. She never fails to make anyone
smile or laugh.
4. Music Lover—She downloads a hundred or so songs in
her laptop everyday. Plays the same song over and over
and over and over and over until she falls asleep.
5. Good Daughter.
6. Loyal Sister.
7. Greatest Friend.
 1013

Esther M. Weigand
AB Social Science

Ishtar. Flaky. Fickle. Pickle. Tommy. Banana. Churva.

Fresh. Fruits. Fitness. Asset. Liable. Communicate. Digital.
Photography. Addictive. Insanity. Extreme. Extremity. Left.
Foot. Right. Right. Toe. Amputate. Tip. Top. Shapeless.
Inconsistent. Dark. Levitate. Liquidate. Technologize.
Reticulating. Spectacular. Weirdness. Dog. Black. Labrador.
Eukanuba. Puppies. Adorable. Pinch. Salt. Sautee. Grub.
Munch. Life. Inhale. Exhale. Repetition. One. Over. Another.
Walk.Stop.Gaze.Look.Beyond.Confusion.Lost.Skotodinio.
Point. Of. Light. Escape. Connect. Elongate. Party. Fun.
Balloons. Gussy. Dance. Sing. Do. Darkbeat. Rambunctious.
Behavior. Analyze. Action Think. Outside. Box. Never.
Prejudice. Hate. Instead. Befriend. Humanely. Coordination.
Nice. Creativity. Praxis. Enact. Memoirs. Future. Vagabond.
Beautify. Feel. Relax. Read. Write. Greatness. Happiness.
1014

Diana Francesca B. Zialcita

AB Social Science

Unlike most drinks, the wholesome yet teasing Triple-D

(Daring Darling Diana) cocktail slowly reveals a pleasant,
unexpected sweetness as you taste its bold flavors.
Warning: Habit-forming. Enjoy! Drop a sugar cube into a
glass. Fill with sparkling and cool ice. Pour a shot each of
sweet (but not cloying) Kurant, Tequila (to take you where
men have never gone before), Cointreau-versy (to add
zest and scandal), Illusion Striker (to give life to parties),
and SMB (kahit kailan kaibigan). Pour a shot of Extra Joss
(to instantly energize and make you want to go the extra
mile) and cranberry juice (to wash away bitterness). Add
Tabasco to make it spicy. Top with a cherry for a sexy,
sultry touch. Serve with a hot-pink cocktail umbrella. To
drink, put a dash of salt to compliment Triple-D (be careful;
it can cut your tongue and burn where it hurts the most) on
the back of a hand. Hold Triple-D in salted hand and lemon
wedge (for bittersweet times) in the other. Lick salt, drink
up, suck lemon.