691

692

David Nimrod M. Cubar

AB Philosophy (Pre-Divinity)

“Sometimes, change can be so gradual you don’t even

notice it happening. You suddenly don’t mind sitting
alone at a coffee shop, nor do you mind walking instead
of using a car. You start watching the news a lot and find
that conversations about the state of society are actually
interesting.Thentherearethediscoveries,andrediscoveries,
you come across. That the drama of ‘telenovelas’ is partially
true. That heartbreak can be physically manifested. That
meeting new people is intoxicating. That music is a healer.
That friends are anchors, buoys, lifesavers. That family is
home. That goodness of heart is still in vigorous existence.
That idealism and hope are needed. That life is passionate.
That change should not frighten us, but instead, dare and
inspire us to discover more. Because there is so much more
coming.
“What do we leave behind when we cross each frontier?
Each moment seems split in two; melancholy for what was
left behind and the excitement of entering a new land.”
—Ernesto Guevara de la Serna
 693

Vann Allen P. dela Cruz

AB Philosophy (Pre-Divinity)

“At first glance, you notice that Vann moves with the
easy effortless grace of the athlete and dancer that he is.
With his flowing mane of hair and his well proportioned
physique, he’s been called—to his embarrassment—a
“hunk”. But the intense, wondering look in his eyes, when
listening to a lecture in philosophy, reveals the searching,
intelligent mind of the Dean’s Lister. His raucous laughter
when in high spirits, the tears that quickly fill his eyes in
times of sadness, the clenched fists and sullen silence
when enraged: all show a man passionately alive and
unafraid to feel deeply. Over bottles of beer, you talk
late into the night and you encounter someone trusting
and vulnerable—grappling with his young life’s unfolding
mysteries: pain, love, responsibility, his destiny before God.
And as the days go by, you discover in him that rare thing
in life: a patient, caring, loyal, true friend. You begin by
seeing his grace and end by discovering is a grace—easy,
effortless, unforgettable—for you and your life.”
694

Deofavente E. Giga
AB Philosophy (Pre-Divinity)

The boys were lovely in their stone box

They were skipping and they swore prettily
And there was my friend wallowing in a pensive air
With a little dark cloud between his lips
It was a glorious matter
The afternoon would break into tiny dreams
Flowers pleasure themselves and die
Like monkeys, like the lovely boys
But not as quickly and there was my friend
Sardonic as he grinned at the winning stage
At the sentimental beast in the ribs
I was more frantic, I whined
“The blade, the lead, the ground, the bed”
“But the sky is wider, so much wider,” he said

—Jeremy Cordero
 695

Rachel Joyce Marie O. Sanchez

AB Philosophy (Pre-Divinity)

She is a special person and a precious gift to her family,

her friends and our society. Her name, Rachel Joyce Marie,
mirrors her character: humble, joyful and lovely. Rachel’s
passion is touching people’s lives. She deeply understands
what it is to be God’s humble servant. In her heart echoes
Mary’s fiat: “Be it done to me according to your word.”

Some fondly call her “Sugar” —her sweetness exudes from

within as she personifies love in action. As a compassionate
servant, and emphatic listener, she encourages others
to grow. Well-liked by children, loved by her family and
friends, admired by men, for them, Rachel imparts spiritual
comfort. She is truly sweet and loving!

A unique leader, intrepid to thwart life’s challenges and

valuing relationships as vital to meaningful living, Rachel
lives life to its fullest. Though attractive and keen, her
personal values transcend far beyond appearance
and brain. She possesses that authentic beauty which
emanates from purity of heart. Indeed, I am proud of
knowing Rachel.
696

Lemuel Patrick B. Taeza

AB Philosophy (Pre-Divinity)

Nagpapaalam ang liwanag sa mundong dumidilim,

sa isang buong maghapong pagtitiis sa hapdi at kirot ng
araw,
pagtitiyaga para lumitaw ang buhay na unti-unti nang
naglalaho.
Nagsi-gisingan ang mga paniki sa namamatay nang ingay
ng mga sasakyang bumabagal, papalayo;
payapa ang damdaming makahanap ng hinog na bunga.
Bumabangon ang buwan, nakangiting umaabang
Sa pagdating ng mga bituwing marikit,
handang makipaghalikan sa malamyos na himig
ng kanilang umaakit na pagningning.
Sumipol ang hangin, dumampi sa basa nang labi
ng magkasintahang nagbubulungan
sa ilalim ng puno ng kabalyeros
Pinatay ko ang kandila, nagpasalamat sa Diyos.
Sa gabing madilim, gabi ng tagumpay.