Development Studies

471

Stephen Joseph D. Acuña

AB Development Studies

Years spent in the Ateneo have been referred to by many as formative years. They are the years in which a student is supposed to grow from adolescence into adulthood, from a child into a man. Seeing young men grow is a rather common experience. After all, time doesn’t allow one to be stagnant, despite the efforts exerted by some. However, witnessing a teenager choose to become a man is a rare gift. Stephen is one of those who have shared this gift with the people fortunate enough to be called his friends. It takes a certain kind of courage to be willing to put aside childish ways, the safety blankets of our existence. It also takes a great deal of wisdom to choose to live life as a man. And it is exactly this courage and this wisdom that Stephen embodies, not in a dramatic manner; but in everyday life, which makes it even more admirable. And it is exactly by the way that Stephen lives that he encourages others to toss aside the safety blankets and truly live.

472

Mark Anthony T. Amurao


In Philosophy, we learned that a name calls into existence the being. With Lucky, his short, appealing name cannot simply encompass the person that he truly is. It is impossible to forget the long, curly hair, the confident walk, and along with it, a sharp glare or a big grin on his face. Most of the time, people expect a prank or a side- remark coming from him. But beyond the towering defenses in basketball, the endless nights of drinking and the everlasting colloquial incidents, Lucky possesses intelligence and profound thoughts that are not heard ordinarily. Once this profundity emerges from his comical disposition, either you will be persuaded to agree with his line of thought or you may also find yourself creating a debate against him. His free-spirited physique makes a lot of people misunderstand his thoughts and motives. But cutting off the machismo, one can see in his eyes a truly loyal, faithful, sincere and caring person any person would really be very lucky to have with.

473

Gerard F. Angeles


Ge, Gerard, or Onins as he is known to friends and family may look, at a glance, like the typical blue-blooded Atenean “na magaling mang-asar.” In fact, most of his friends see and attest to this as they have been at one point the subject of his many jokes and ingenious plots. One of his trademark “asar moves” is teasing people about their love lives to the point that his friends already want to avoid him because of sheer embarrassment over the stunts he does to them. But Gerard’s seemingly mischievous exterior belies a heart of gold. Few people know that Gerard easily cries during movies or that he is a sensitive person at all. But everyone knows that you can count on him through thick and thin. He will always be ready to comfort, support, and even solve your problems if the need arises. He is truly only one-of-a-kind in the world. My life became so much richer and happier with him by my side and I look forward to more happy memories in the future with him.

—Rein

474

Marla Luisa B. Aquino


Marla is a real go-getter with an unrelenting spirit. Don’t let the pretty face, charm and kind heart fool you. If provoked, her bite stings harder than her bark. The outer layer of Marla is seemingly outspoken yet tactful. It’s pretty amazing because she will fight to death if you mess with those she holds close to her heart. The inner layer of Marla is a bit different. When you become close, you’ll discover she is one of the most thoughtful, caring, and sensible people you’ll ever meet. She’s like a mom carrying around food & candy in her bag for everyone and constantly nagging us to keep things nice and tidy. Although fun-loving, this girl takes life seriously. Marla is a determined young lady who will undoubtedly do great things. She’ll probably be an ambassador to a European country or a feisty lawyer. Our four years in Ateneo would not have been complete without her. A true princess, she has touched our lives in more ways than she will ever know. Now it’s time you show the rest of the world what you’ve got, Marla!

475

Victor Nathaniel S. Cruz


Underneath Victor’s seemingly serious veneer, lies an equally versatile personality. This guy never ceases to surprise me. I envy his multi-tasking capabilities. Talk about time management! Although he deals with a lot of responsibilities—from academics to singing in the choir to being an active member and officer of numerous organizations in the Ateneo, he still finds time to help others out or to volunteer for a generous cause. He’s clever, outgoing, and multi-talented. A certified techie person. Anything that has to do with gadgets, you name it, he knows what it is and better yet he’ll tell you where you can buy it. One thing I’d always remember about Vic is that “this guy can really eat.” His appetite seems to be contagious. When you’re with Vic there’s no escaping food. I swear, you’d never go hungry again.

476

Katherine Cherry A. Doctolero


Katherine is a talented and exquisite individual who suffers from perennial angst and existentialist problems but who anyway, gets by through the help of her friends and family. If she can get her butt to sit still and write the stories in her head, she would have been an international best seller by now (or a sad case at the bar).

She lives her days trying to juggle schoolwork, family, friends, extracurricular activities, insane moments, and the joys of the mundane in life. She is currently working on a novel (for five years and counting) on and off and dreams of finishing it before the world ends.

She hopes to visit Japan, (both) Koreas, China, Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Burma, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and the rest of the imagined communities of the world before she dies.

She also hopes to have twins someday.

477

Joshua T. Dy


Though falling short in height, Joshua redeems himself when it comes to his good nature. There’s never a dull moment with Josh. He is amiable in all the right ways—

making people welcome and comfortable even in the most uneasy situations. Conversations may seem to be all about his clever and witty remarks yet when one listens closely, Josh is actually one of the few guys who does make sense while talking. A smart guy who effortlessly gets good grades, delivers the expected results with perfection, and simply excels in everything that he applies himself into. To further add to these, Josh is a born salesman—being gifted with the ability to effortlessly persuade people to agree with his views and opinions. Yet it’s amazing how he remains humble about his achievements. Though he may seem otherwise, Josh is a goody-two-shoes sort of person. Josh is an all-around great guy—God-fearing and selfless—truly a dying breed of men today, who deserves more credit than he receives.

478

Philip Francisco U. Dy


“Walang makakatulong sa iyo, Ginoong Serapio, wala!

Ni ang pulis, ang pahayagan, kahit sino man sa mundong ito. Ang mga hiyaw mo’y hindi maririnig; ang bawat kilos mo’y mabibigo, walang papansin sa’yo.”

Napakadaling isipin na sinumang gumanap bilang Mang Serapio ay mahihirapang umasa pang may magandang patutunguhan ang buhay. Ang tunay na pagganap ay aktwal na pagdanas sa pinagdaraanan ng tauhan: sa kaso ni Mang Serapio, matinding pagdurusa. Sa kanyang mahusay na pagganap, malinaw na naranasan ito ni Boyet, ngunit nakamamanghang isiping taglay niya pa rin ang katatagan at pag-asang patuloy na nagtutulak sa kanyang ibigay ang kanyang buong sarili sa pag-isip at pagkilos para sa bayan.

“…ngunit napakahirap hiwain ang sarili’t ilahad sa pag-ibig. Ang balon ang malalim, at nasa kailaliman ang nasang lumipad at hanapin ang sinag ng araw...”

479

Gia Angeli R. Geraldez


gia /gee-ah/ n. a voluptuous seductive woman out to melt every man she encounters; v. laughs with endless flowing tears running down her face; adj. a listener, a sister, and a friend who will forever make you smile and laugh with her quirky ways. Beauty and brains. The one person you definitely can’t live without. ~Chesa~

This lady is also one of the most well rounded people you’ll ever meet. She is a keen observer and her ability to analyze complex situations is brought about by her great passion for reading. And her charm, it never fails to catch the attention of a lot of people - especially guys - during social occasions. ~Mark~

Gia is obsessive-compulsive. With her, you expect everything to be organized and in place all the time. If it were not for Gia, life would be oh so boring. She is the best block mate, companion, study partner, laugh trip partner, and friend one could ever have. ~Tessa, Raq~

480

Oma Janessa B. Guatno


She was labeled “Ice Queen” by our teacher during our first year. Yet, that label did not stick with her for too long after I found out who she really was. The true Oma (according to her) is spiritual, compassionate, friendly, and dependable. I never thought that a person like her could show me what life is really about. What I like about Oma is her openness about everything, especially of her dreams, ambitions, and goals in life. She has really transformed from an insensitive girl into a sensible woman.

A bubbly person with multiple names—Oma, Popo, Janess—

she is one heck of a friend that I really thank God for.

481

Cecille Joyce Y. Lao


“With the qualities of cleanliness, affection, patience, dignity, and courage that cats have, how many of us, I ask you, would be capable of becoming cats?”

—Fernand Mery

We may have difficulty naming people who match this description, but Cecille would definitely be on top of our lists. Aside from actually resembling a cat (a cute one, of course), she exemplifies each of the characteristics mentioned above: she manages to avoid getting dirt on herself or anything she owns no matter what the situation, she displays childlike affection and thoughtfulness to people close to her, she patiently stares at indolent group mates until they behave, her dignity is brought to new heights by her numerous accomplishments, and she has the rare courage to set out to know what tickles her curiosity—from academic subjects to gossip. Now, doesn’t the saying go, “Curiosity killed the cat?” For Cecille, it’s more like “By the time the cat’s through with it, curiosity wouldn’t know what had hit it.”

482

Jose Alberto A. Lina


Pipo Lina. How do you begin to describe a guy who seems he’s got it all in only fifteen lines? Well, first you definitely have to talk about his music. Pipo is a guy who can compose a song in two minutes and not just any kind of song at that, but top quality caliber hit-songs! The next thing is his competitiveness in sports. He has a deadly three-pointer in basketball and his ability to score a goal in Futsal is widely respected even in the men’s varsity football team. In class, Pipo is also a force to be reckoned with. It was reported that the next semester after he took his Theology 131 class, Dacanay lamented to his new class that his “favorite” was gone. In Philosophy, Pipo is also known to always ace his tests.

Four lines to go; a lot still remains to be said about Pipo. But the last and most important thing to say about him is his passion. He is passion personified. Passion is the driving force behind every success he achieves. Watch out world, Pipo Lina is coming to town.

483

Vanessa S. Macaraig


Itong tulang ito ay tungkol kay VanessaIsang dalagang sadyang kakaibaSa unang tingin, aakalain mong lalaki siyaNgunit, ‘wag ka, sa loob ay daig pa si Maria ClaraKahit malayo pa, basta’t siya’y paparating naIsang malakas na “Hi!” ang ibibigay niyaMabait sa kung mabait siyaNgunit pagdating sa trabaho, hindi ka dapat tetengga-tenggaNapagsasabay niya ang pag-aaral at pag-e-ENTAIsang katangiang kahanga-hangang tunay sa kanyaSa kung anu-anong bagay ay mahilig siyaMapa-sushi, mapa-rainbow, o mapa-crayola paHinding-hindi ka magsisisi na siya’y nakilalaDahil ituturing ka niyang parang tunay na kapatid niyaIto at marami pang iba si Vanessa.

484

Jesus Emmanuel O. Morales, Jr.


Joonee is the son any parent would dream of having. Generous to the point of being selfless, he goes out of his way just to be of any help to others. Towering as he is, there is no trace of arrogance in his system. Inside, he is a boy encountering each moment as if he were about to win first prize. Though a free spirit, he lives by the strong convictions he bears. Unknown to him is impossible as his imagination travels like light, allowing him to constantly emit ideas that leave others dumbfounded and bewildered. Sentimental and superstitious, he wears the exact set of clothing for major exams and orals. His lanky frame conceals his colossal appetite as a pizza slice is gone in three bites. This Jedi Knight/Sith Lord look-alike and re-enactment partner to Marlow Maliksi has the ability to draw attention to himself and be funny without even trying. Most go through life without truly affecting others; Joonee certainly isn’t one of them. His no frills and genuine attitude is enough to make him one unforgettable character.

485

Michael M. Noriega


What is the essence of Mic?

He is the personification of joy and charm. Mic effectively uses his multitude of talents to infect everyone around him with his overflowing passion for life. Being an amiable and witty conversationalist, he easily enchants and enthralls people in a matter of seconds! His selfless and altruistic nature makes him a loyal and enduring friend. Carefree, independent, and strong-willed, he’s not afraid to express himself and just freely lets out that familiar heartfelt laugh.

Off the stage, Mic retreats to become this enigmatic and reserved fellow. He quietly contemplates both his blessings and shortcomings. This is his time to recharge and gather the strength to welcome new faces and experiences. A talented all-around performer a great listener and supporter, he always knows where his loyalties lie.

To put things simply, the essence of Mic is the enthusiasm for life!

486

Margarita V. Pegels


In a world of middling and pretentious people, she stands out from the crowd. A woman of style and substance, she attracts the admiration of many. A person of strong spirit, she has risen from the ashes and has overcome hurdles that would have crippled a weak soul.

Beneath the intimidating face lies a woman with a personality that’s both charming and amiable. Her smile and sweetness captivate and draw people towards her. Her positive attitude and outlook in life infects and inspires those around her. Her loyal and trustworthy character epitomizes that of a true and ideal friend.

A person with a kind heart, it is no surprise that she is surrounded by individuals who love her dearly. The perfect paradigm of beauty, brains and substance, strength and personality, goodness and generosity combined, Margie is indeed a beautiful person through and through—and is the quintessence of an ideal woman whom many admire and desire.

487

Maria Paz Z. Ponce de Leon


Maria Paz Ponce de Leon... by name, one might think that she’s either a nun (for “Maria”), or a peace advocate (for “Paz”, which means peace). Unfortunately, she can’t fit any of these qualities. She’s too energetic (and “too innocent”) to be a nun, and too lovable and cheery to be a Gandhi-like figure. Paz, instead, is a hyped up girl who goes with the flow and enjoys life to the fullest. However, this happy-go-lucky nature of her does not entail an expense to her academic endeavors. Deep inside, she has the determination and the capacity to succeed in both her studies and her personal life. Paz knows what she wants, where she’s headed and how to get there. When she takes her time off from books and hand-outs, she is in constant dialogue with friends sharing juicy gossips and stories and showering them with TLC. Without knowing it, Paz attracts many people because of her looks and energetic personality. It is these characteristics that make her truly loved and admired by everyone.

488

Gabrielle Marie D. Roces


Her name is comparable to that of the Angel bringing good news, Mariel creates a positive and light atmosphere for everyone around her. Her presence in a crowded room can be felt with her excited greetings, genuinely warm smile, and unpretentious giggles. A lover of nature and all things beautiful, this girl was definitely built for the tropics. An innate adventurer, who is amazingly relaxed and laidback, she loves to travel with her family and friends. Difficult college days are alleviated by her humor and bonding moments with her benchmates and friends.

A loving daughter, sister, friend and wife, she is a treasure to all those who know her. This lady fights for the people and things she stands for. She blooms in sticky situations and makes sure that she gets out of it not only alive, but a stronger and better woman as well. A student who strives to learn more than just what is taught in class, she can achieve what she wants in life. With her, the good news does come.

489

Mikhail Spencer V. Romano


Mikhail Spencer Romano. Known as Spence to the people around him, he is a guy that you can truly count on to be there for you, rain or shine. A true friend, one can get used to being around him with his witty sense of humor, his irresistible charm, and his talent for making friends with almost anyone. Certainly the life of the party, he is always willing to give up some time to stop, listen, and give you the best advice anyone can give. Just be sure to allot a huge amount of food, as he is known for his humongous appetite that is as big as his own heart. A caring, understanding, and faithful friend till the end, life certainly cannot be any better without him.

490

Jodwin Q. Surio


Jodwin’s passion for God sets his heart on fire and this enables him to share his love with everyone. He is committed to creating, strengthening and restoring relationships. He values them all and does not take any relationship for granted. As a friend, he is always there to erase negative feelings. Without saying a word, he can make you laugh (1, 2, 3…just look at his face and magic...). Jodwin will laugh at any joke you tell him and will come up with the funniest corny jokes as well. You’ll often see Jodwin around school doing org work. His commitment to whatever he does is very visible. Passion is what defines him. It feeds the fire within him and just gets bigger and bigger. His craving for adventure is insatiable. He pushes himself beyond his borders. Jodwin lives life to the edge and sees beauty in every moment of living!

491

Mark Michael C. Sy


Almost everyone’s first impression of Mark is either weird or timid, which contradicts his brawny physique. Breaking the ice with Mark is hard but once you do, you’ll discover an interesting mix of sarcasm, wit, and intelligence through some of his surprising conversations. He is loyal to his true friends since high school yet aloof and quiet when he meets new people. His hidden charisma and talent for pangbobola, that only a few of his friends know, often allows him to effortlessly get what he wants. A lot of his friends look up to him not only for his discipline in working out but also in his being frank and upfront with anyone which he delivers with a sense of humor. Don’t be fooled by his seemingly shy and uptight aura because there’s more to him than that and you’ll discover him to be the complete opposite. This PhysicsCE-turned-DS Major may slack off at times but his independent and practical nature will ensure his survival in the world after college.

492

Bianca Chloe S. Tabotabo


Since I don’t have much to say for myself, here’s what my two closest friends had to say: [Simsim Tan] “It is virtually impossible not to like someone who makes you feel like you belong no matter the circumstance. She is someone who is passionate about helping others and in making the world a better place. Whenever she makes a decision, she puts her whole heart and soul into it and you can hear it in her voice. She is a force to be reckoned with and it is truly a privilege to know someone like Binks.” [Ricey Roo Daarol] “Once in a while, someone special walks into your life and really makes a difference. Her heart breaks with yours, her tears fall with yours, and her laughter is shared with yours. You treasure the time you have with them and you thank God that someone can still touch your heart so deeply. You always remember the strength that amazed you, the courage that impressed you, the grace that inspired you, and the love that touched you. In my life, that person is Binks.”

493

Dane Daniel O. Umali


You’ll see Dane in school wearing a blue shirt and ratty pants with the requisite iPod. A techie, Dane loves his gadgets. From his Powerbook G4 to his Canon EOS 20D, everything is top of the line. Also a top of the line person, he volunteers much of his time to worthy causes such as Make-A-Wish and UNICEF. Dane is shy when you first meet him but once you’re close, you’ll find a wonderful friend. Always there when you need him, Dane wouldn’t hesitate to raise a beer bottle or party hard for friendship’s sake. The funny thing about Dane is that he can’t come to a decision without confusing himself first. Nevertheless, he works well under pressure and always makes the right choice. There is a child-like quality about Dane that can never be taken away. He will always find wonder in the simplest things like the joy that can be found in wrestling with his four year old nephew. It is hard to capture Dane’s essence in a short write-up. For if a picture is worth a thousand words, a person like Dane is surely worth a million, if not more.

494

Dan Patrick Raphael T. Vergara


Mako grew up down south in a quiet neighborhood watching Sesame Street and Saturday morning cartoons. He spent Sundays flying RC planes with his gramps from whom he picked up his sense of logic and cynicism. He sat through rainy afternoons reading WWII books and his brother’s Spawn comics. He learned how to play the piano in grade school, which sparked his interest in music. His mother bought him his first guitar—an acoustic dreadnought Gibson (from Cebu!) and taught himself how to play soon after. He says college was the Six Flags roller coaster ride of his life. Although he enjoyed all of his NatSci classes, he hated Accounting, slept through NSTP sign-ups, struggled through Math classes and missed Fr. Dacanay’s 2nd LT but miraculously managed to ace the remaining quizzes in order to pass the course. But college wasn’t all that bad, looking back. It was in college after all that he rekindled the fire with the love of his life and learned some of the most valuable lessons about the world beyond the classroom.

495

Teresa S. Villanueva


Known in school as “Tessang Tocino,” Tessa can be thought of as one of those chinitas who seem to be intimidating but only at first glance. Tessa is a pretty little girl, who studies very hard and excels academically. Above all, she is as real as a person can get. She never gets superficial and is always upfront about her opinions and interests. She can get “brusko” at times by bullying people, which can be quite scary. She is also someone who thinks and acts beyond her years. Her maturity moves her to care and look out for everyone around her and it is just this caring nature that draws everyone to her.

Within the three years, we saw her transformed from a cute, chubby freshman into a sexy head-turner that would catch everyone’s attention. Tessa has the looks, the brains, the body, and the personality, apt for being a heartthrob. This maybe the reason why Toff (her boyfriend) is so jealous whenever guys look at her. Simply irresistible, truly “Pampanga’s Best.”

496

Alphonse Miguel S. Ybañez


At first glance Phonse may come off as someone unapproachable. But friends would find Phonse as someone who is very easy to get along with and unusually nice. Although he has his own barkadas, Phonse always makes time for all his friends. He is there to listen when you need him to and gives advice when you want him to. He cracks jokes that lighten up any problem and is always available if you just want to kick back and chill. Going through life is much easier, relaxed and cool when you’re traveling with Phonse. He is truly a friend worth keeping.

“…Planning days that bring us pleasure, building memories two can treasure. Reaching milestones, one by one, sharing problems, having fun. Counting on your helping hand, knowing that you understand. Seeing changes come and go, watching each other grow. Looking back with smiles and tears, setting goals for future years. What a lovely thing to do, spending my time with you.”

497

Renard Kayne R. Ycasiano


If Archie has Jughead and Buddy has Sol, we have Renard Ycasiano. In the times when everything seems to go to the wrong direction, we need people who would just smile and make us feel that things will get better. Ren may first be mistaken as a “goody-goody” because of his pretty white face and his minimal assertions but you better think twice. There is more to this man than his mama’s boy aura. Renky is street smart, business-minded, and full of humor. You’ll always be surprised with his witty remarks.

Renard lives each day as if it’s his last. He eats and drinks as if there is no tomorrow. No wonder he has the greatest “abs” in the Ateneo.

Life is just not complete without people who are as funny, as sincere, as down-to-earth and as passionate as Mr. Renard Ycasiano.

498

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