Getting to Know ARSA

OrSem Highlights

A Taste of Baguioin Ateneo

Love on Top (4)

Getting toknowARSAStephanie Ashley Esguerra

The very first ARSA General Assembly for SY 2015-2016 happened on the 24th of August 2015 at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater from 5:30PM to 9:00PM. Those who arrived from 5:30-6:00 had a chance to win 1000 and 500 worth of Sodexo gift certificates valid at Sodexo sanctions. This year’s theme of the GA is the collection of TV series that are popular among dormers. At the start of the assembly, the audience was given an overview of what ARSA looks like and

what ARSA can offer each student. The Resi-dent advisers (RA) were introduced and went up stage so their faces would be familiarized by the audience and to know where they are assigned. Then the departments of ARSA, together with the Central Board, were called up one by one to present their department and the commit-tees and projects that are under them. Each department represented a different TV series and dressed like the characters on the series. Every department: Aguhon, Student services, FiBre, Special Projects, HRod, BC, and Sec-Gen, and their committees explained each project and activity that they would be doing for the school year and oriented the dormers on how they can help in each department. The departments also showcased and recruited for their flagship projects such as the ARSAFest. As ice breaker, ARSAns who has amazing talents on singing and musical instruments had played and performed for their fellow ARSAns. Some of the performers were Kass Barnes and Lance Salazar, and all the other performers. They all performed songs that the other ARSAns just can’t resist singing along. The final talk was held none other than our Dorm director himself, Mr. Tim Gabuna. Sir Tim Tim Commandments that explains all guide-lines of the dormitory. He has also presented the consequences and situations that has had happened from the past years in the dorms. He

had also presented the statistics this year of ARSA. Sir Tim always had a knack for making the ARSAns listen to him, not by authority, but because he has important and interesting talks every time. And at the very end of the talk, of course as per tradition, he would end by saying “Freshmen, kayo ang apple of my eye ko.” In this General Assembly, you can see ARSAns interacting with their FCCmates, roommates, floormates, or even the other ARSAns that they met during the projects. The freshmen had the most number of atten-dants. This ARSA GA’s purpose is for ARSAns to know their second home more. And what other better way for that rather than the awaited ARSA GA at the start of the school year.

picture

The very first ARSA General Assembly for SY 2015-2016 happened on the 24th of August 2015 at the Henry Lee Irwin Theater from 5:30PM to 9:00PM. Those who arrived from 5:30-6:00 had a chance to win 1000 and 500 worth of Sodexo gift certificates valid at Sodexo sanctions. This year’s theme of the GA is the collection of TV series that are popular among dormers. At the start of the assembly, the audience was given an overview of what ARSA looks like and

what ARSA can offer each student. The Resi-dent advisers (RA) were introduced and went up stage so their faces would be familiarized by the audience and to know where they are assigned. Then the departments of ARSA, together with the Central Board, were called up one by one to present their department and the commit-tees and projects that are under them. Each department represented a different TV series and dressed like the characters on the series. Every department: Aguhon, Student services, FiBre, Special Projects, HRod, BC, and Sec-Gen, and their committees explained each project and activity that they would be doing for the school year and oriented the dormers on how they can help in each department. The departments also showcased and recruited for their flagship projects such as the ARSAFest. As ice breaker, ARSAns who has amazing talents on singing and musical instruments had played and performed for their fellow ARSAns. Some of the performers were Kass Barnes and Lance Salazar, and all the other performers. They all performed songs that the other ARSAns just can’t resist singing along. The final talk was held none other than our Dorm director himself, Mr. Tim Gabuna. Sir Tim Tim Commandments that explains all guide-lines of the dormitory. He has also presented the consequences and situations that has had happened from the past years in the dorms. He

had also presented the statistics this year of ARSA. Sir Tim always had a knack for making the ARSAns listen to him, not by authority, but because he has important and interesting talks every time. And at the very end of the talk, of course as per tradition, he would end by saying “Freshmen, kayo ang apple of my eye ko.” In this General Assembly, you can see ARSAns interacting with their FCCmates, roommates, floormates, or even the other ARSAns that they met during the projects. The freshmen had the most number of atten-dants. This ARSA GA’s purpose is for ARSAns to know their second home more. And what other better way for that rather than the awaited ARSA GA at the start of the school year.

OrSemJaymes Shrimski

Have you ever met a teacher you can truly call a friend? Perhaps even family? Well, for the new freshmen in the Ateneo Residence Halls community, this happened last August 11 as new faces-perhaps a little wrinkled with bags drooping below their eyes, but nevertheless ecstatic-made themselves known to them. These faces belonged to the heroes and hits (that is “heroes in training”), the ever energetic and convivial individuals who mustered the courage to guide the freshmen into the jungle that is the Ateneo.

The theme of the ARSA OrSem 2015 was “Atlas: Plot New Coordinates”, and plot new coordinates, the freshies did: Be they as far off as Intramuros or Antipolo during the Urban challenge or as intimate as the hearts of their batchmates over the course of Solemn Night. The Orsem was dotted with activities aimed at allowing the freshies to mingle with one another and with their upper-classmen-augmented heavily by tasksheets which had them carrying out ‘dares’ for stick-ers and prizes-whilst keeping in line with the

adventurous, rugged theme of this year’s OrSem. Ever present over the course of any Orsem was the feeling that one is delving into the unknown, testing new waters, and discovering more about oneself. But, this year’s Orsem was punctuated by a unique and more explicit effort of self-discovery through others, experience, and the area a few footsteps beyond one’s comfort zone (see: Urban Challenge). Oily coconuts and blindfolds: Indeed an uncomfortable mental picture. Now imag-ine that, but with individuals with whom you’re not well acquainted. Now imagine you’re under the pressure of time and that this is a race for some fantastic prize! Sounds a bit out of this world to be frank, doesn’t it? As would running through the LRT to find the best place to dance, or screaming for some-one’s contact information so you could run up to said person and ask them if they’d like to see your bang (or clap). But to the seasoned ARSAn-that is, “Atenean plus more”- these are but commonplace idiosyncrasies seen in the Amazing Race, Urban Challenge, and Task Sheet days respectively. Now that one’s comfort zone has been stepped out of and expanded, one’s circle of friends has grown, and one is completely exhausted from a week of activities, what is

picturebetter fitting than to have a party in the Cervini Quad complete with music, water, and paint? Not much, I’d say. With buckets of cold water, and paint at the ready, Salubong was under-way. After trudging through the confusion that is the obstacle course, the freshies are greeted by the beat of drums, paint on their faces, and the statement, “WELCOME TO ARSA”. Salubong culminates all of the uncer-tainty and growth of becoming a freshman with open arms, dancing, and a call to be part of something greater. For the freshie, this is a reminder that at the end of any ambiguity-be that moving from home or leaving loved ones

behind-will be open arms greeting you with an opportunity to grow. If I head back to my initial question, I’d say that any ARSAn would say yes. We can learn almost anything from anyone, and anyone who’s an ARSAn is family.

Have you ever met a teacher you can truly call a friend? Perhaps even family? Well, for the new freshmen in the Ateneo Residence Halls community, this happened last August 11 as new faces-perhaps a little wrinkled with bags drooping below their eyes, but nevertheless ecstatic-made themselves known to them. These faces belonged to the heroes and hits (that is “heroes in training”), the ever energetic and convivial individuals who mustered the courage to guide the freshmen into the jungle that is the Ateneo.

The theme of the ARSA OrSem 2015 was “Atlas: Plot New Coordinates”, and plot new coordinates, the freshies did: Be they as far off as Intramuros or Antipolo during the Urban challenge or as intimate as the hearts of their batchmates over the course of Solemn Night. The Orsem was dotted with activities aimed at allowing the freshies to mingle with one another and with their upper-classmen-augmented heavily by tasksheets which had them carrying out ‘dares’ for stick-ers and prizes-whilst keeping in line with the

adventurous, rugged theme of this year’s OrSem. Ever present over the course of any Orsem was the feeling that one is delving into the unknown, testing new waters, and discovering more about oneself. But, this year’s Orsem was punctuated by a unique and more explicit effort of self-discovery through others, experience, and the area a few footsteps beyond one’s comfort zone (see: Urban Challenge). Oily coconuts and blindfolds: Indeed an uncomfortable mental picture. Now imag-ine that, but with individuals with whom you’re not well acquainted. Now imagine you’re under the pressure of time and that this is a race for some fantastic prize! Sounds a bit out of this world to be frank, doesn’t it? As would running through the LRT to find the best place to dance, or screaming for some-one’s contact information so you could run up to said person and ask them if they’d like to see your bang (or clap). But to the seasoned ARSAn-that is, “Atenean plus more”- these are but commonplace idiosyncrasies seen in the Amazing Race, Urban Challenge, and Task Sheet days respectively. Now that one’s comfort zone has been stepped out of and expanded, one’s circle of friends has grown, and one is completely exhausted from a week of activities, what is

better fitting than to have a party in the Cervini Quad complete with music, water, and paint? Not much, I’d say. With buckets of cold water, and paint at the ready, Salubong was under-way. After trudging through the confusion that is the obstacle course, the freshies are greeted by the beat of drums, paint on their faces, and the statement, “WELCOME TO ARSA”. Salubong culminates all of the uncer-tainty and growth of becoming a freshman with open arms, dancing, and a call to be part of something greater. For the freshie, this is a reminder that at the end of any ambiguity-be that moving from home or leaving loved ones

behind-will be open arms greeting you with an opportunity to grow. If I head back to my initial question, I’d say that any ARSAn would say yes. We can learn almost anything from anyone, and anyone who’s an ARSAn is family.

Have you ever met a teacher you can truly call a friend? Perhaps even family? Well, for the new freshmen in the Ateneo Residence Halls community, this happened last August 11 as new faces-perhaps a little wrinkled with bags drooping below their eyes, but nevertheless ecstatic-made themselves known to them. These faces belonged to the heroes and hits (that is “heroes in training”), the ever energetic and convivial individuals who mustered the courage to guide the freshmen into the jungle that is the Ateneo.

The theme of the ARSA OrSem 2015 was “Atlas: Plot New Coordinates”, and plot new coordinates, the freshies did: Be they as far off as Intramuros or Antipolo during the Urban challenge or as intimate as the hearts of their batchmates over the course of Solemn Night. The Orsem was dotted with activities aimed at allowing the freshies to mingle with one another and with their upper-classmen-augmented heavily by tasksheets which had them carrying out ‘dares’ for stick-ers and prizes-whilst keeping in line with the

adventurous, rugged theme of this year’s OrSem. Ever present over the course of any Orsem was the feeling that one is delving into the unknown, testing new waters, and discovering more about oneself. But, this year’s Orsem was punctuated by a unique and more explicit effort of self-discovery through others, experience, and the area a few footsteps beyond one’s comfort zone (see: Urban Challenge). Oily coconuts and blindfolds: Indeed an uncomfortable mental picture. Now imag-ine that, but with individuals with whom you’re not well acquainted. Now imagine you’re under the pressure of time and that this is a race for some fantastic prize! Sounds a bit out of this world to be frank, doesn’t it? As would running through the LRT to find the best place to dance, or screaming for some-one’s contact information so you could run up to said person and ask them if they’d like to see your bang (or clap). But to the seasoned ARSAn-that is, “Atenean plus more”- these are but commonplace idiosyncrasies seen in the Amazing Race, Urban Challenge, and Task Sheet days respectively. Now that one’s comfort zone has been stepped out of and expanded, one’s circle of friends has grown, and one is completely exhausted from a week of activities, what is

better fitting than to have a party in the Cervini Quad complete with music, water, and paint? Not much, I’d say. With buckets of cold water, and paint at the ready, Salubong was under-way. After trudging through the confusion that is the obstacle course, the freshies are greeted by the beat of drums, paint on their faces, and the statement, “WELCOME TO ARSA”. Salubong culminates all of the uncer-tainty and growth of becoming a freshman with open arms, dancing, and a call to be part of something greater. For the freshie, this is a reminder that at the end of any ambiguity-be that moving from home or leaving loved ones

behind-will be open arms greeting you with an opportunity to grow. If I head back to my initial question, I’d say that any ARSAn would say yes. We can learn almost anything from anyone, and anyone who’s an ARSAn is family.

A Taste of Baguio in Ateneo

Aljenne Ambos

Ebai’s Café and Pastry is the new Cervini Cafe-teria tenant in the Ateneo Residence Halls. Now on its 2nd month of operations, its dainty and homey vibe continues to attract more happy customers day in and day out. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy scrumptious home-cooked dishes in a relaxing setting, Ebai’s is definitely where you should go. The restaurant, which is a Catanes family ven-ture, is famous for their Filipino, Cordillera and Continental Cuisine and of course, for their home baked cakes and pastries. It actually started back in 1999 as a restaurant in Baguio City. “Ebai”, according to Ms. Lucia Catanes, is the Igorot name of their second child derived from her great grandmother whose native dishes were of great delight to their family. From one eighty-seat capacity branch at a Hotel Ms. Lucia and husband Jimmy leased, it now has over 3 branches, most of which are in

the City of Pines. You might be wondering how Ebai’s ended up in Ateneo’s backyard. From what she can recall, the first time Ms. Lucia ate at Cervini Café was when she was brought by her son to the Ateneo residence halls for the first time. As most mothers do, she was wor-ried about what her son would be eating when he was out here on his own. She had ideas on how to improve the food being served to hundreds of resident students, who, just like her son, are away from their families. Together with her husband, she then became interested in bidding for the cafeteria. Shifting from a restaurant to a cafe-teria setting was not a bump less ride, they had problems most especially in lowering the prices to be student-friendly while still main-taining the quality of their food. In spite of this, good fortune knocked on their door for

they seem to be coping really well and things have been running smoothly for the past month. Aside from healthy and hearty comfort food, Ebai’s offers Ateneans a taste of Baguio. Ebai’s specially furnished one side of the cafe-teria and transformed it into a “café” that would surely make your dining experience more unique. The exquisitely chosen wooden tables and chairs, plus several breathtaking snap-shots of the heritage and life in Baguio City truly would make someone crave to come back for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. Some of the must-tries on their menu include their Fresh Lumpia, Grilled Bacalao,

Sisig and some of their breakfast options, like Daing na Bangus and Baguio Longganisa. You also don’t want to miss out on their cakes and pasties, particularly the carrot cake that even the late former President Fidel Ramos liked very much when he got to taste it during one of his visits to Baguio. Haven’t tried the place? Give it a try and you won’t regret it. Ebai’s is not your usual cafeteria. Ebai’s Café and Pastry is open from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM on Mondays to Fridays and 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.

Ebai’s Café and Pastry is the new Cervini Cafe-teria tenant in the Ateneo Residence Halls. Now on its 2nd month of operations, its dainty and homey vibe continues to attract more happy customers day in and day out. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy scrumptious home-cooked dishes in a relaxing setting, Ebai’s is definitely where you should go. The restaurant, which is a Catanes family ven-ture, is famous for their Filipino, Cordillera and Continental Cuisine and of course, for their home baked cakes and pastries. It actually started back in 1999 as a restaurant in Baguio City. “Ebai”, according to Ms. Lucia Catanes, is the Igorot name of their second child derived from her great grandmother whose native dishes were of great delight to their family. From one eighty-seat capacity branch at a Hotel Ms. Lucia and husband Jimmy leased, it now has over 3 branches, most of which are in

the City of Pines. You might be wondering how Ebai’s ended up in Ateneo’s backyard. From what she can recall, the first time Ms. Lucia ate at Cervini Café was when she was brought by her son to the Ateneo residence halls for the first time. As most mothers do, she was wor-ried about what her son would be eating when he was out here on his own. She had ideas on how to improve the food being served to hundreds of resident students, who, just like her son, are away from their families. Together with her husband, she then became interested in bidding for the cafeteria. Shifting from a restaurant to a cafe-teria setting was not a bump less ride, they had problems most especially in lowering the prices to be student-friendly while still main-taining the quality of their food. In spite of this, good fortune knocked on their door for

they seem to be coping really well and things have been running smoothly for the past month. Aside from healthy and hearty comfort food, Ebai’s offers Ateneans a taste of Baguio. Ebai’s specially furnished one side of the cafe-teria and transformed it into a “café” that would surely make your dining experience more unique. The exquisitely chosen wooden tables and chairs, plus several breathtaking snap-shots of the heritage and life in Baguio City truly would make someone crave to come back for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. Some of the must-tries on their menu include their Fresh Lumpia, Grilled Bacalao,

Sisig and some of their breakfast options, like Daing na Bangus and Baguio Longganisa. You also don’t want to miss out on their cakes and pasties, particularly the carrot cake that even the late former President Fidel Ramos liked very much when he got to taste it during one of his visits to Baguio. Haven’t tried the place? Give it a try and you won’t regret it. Ebai’s is not your usual cafeteria. Ebai’s Café and Pastry is open from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM on Mondays to Fridays and 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.

picture

From the Queen City of the South, the Queen of ARSA OrSem herself hailed to be the most persistent of the bunch. As ARSA OrSem head, she over saw everything: every event, every operation, and every single detail to the dot. She made sure everything ran smoothly and according to plan. The Legal Manage-ment Junior strived to keep everything in shape and out of the red zone, while making sure her core team was well and up to speed with the proceedings. All the while keeping her positive attitude, cracking a joke or two to cut the stress momentarily. With her eye on the prize and her head held high, Jenne fought for the changes and fought her way through all the criticisms to bring ARSA the all-new OrSem it has now.

Aljenne AmbosOrSem Head

And what’s the Queen without the King. Roy Romarate, Co-OrSem head, Magis extraordi-naire. Aside from having to juggle CoC’s Sports Physical Fitness and Wellness com-mittee, in which he is the head, he is also a newbie in the Computer Science course in the Ateneo. Through all this, his balancing skills came in handy to keep everything on schedule. He made sure proper provisions came in, in the inevitable times some plans didn’t happen as well as it should have. With his gung-ho attitude he helped push the core team and their respective committees to boundaries far beyond

Roy RomarateOrSem Head

Love on

Top (4) In the heart of every ARSAn’s years in the residence halls is the ARSA OrSem (Orientation Seminar). And in the heart of ARSA OrSem is the top 4. ARSA OrSem is a two week long annual event in the Residence halls in which various sub events are held to help welcome the incoming freshmen meet the upperclassmen and help them assimilate into the Residence Halls culture. All of this wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and months of preparation of the core team, headed and overseen by the Top 4 themselves.

Katrina Tiu

An active member of CADS jazz and former batch representative, Valerie Ypil is the epito-me of the dream female powerhouse. She walks into a room and her presence lights it up and the gears start working, full speed ahead. But don’t let her strong personality allude you. This Cebu sweetheart makes sure everyone is comfortable with their jobs and loving them in the process. Her leader-ship skills proved to be useful as the ARSA OrSem’s deputy for events. The deputy for events is in charge of each and Every event and making sure each of the heads are on track and on the go, and Val, as her friends call her, did all this and more. Consistently checking up on the events, two of which were brand new, she managed to pull the entire team up, all while keeping her ballet-honed elegance and grace.

Valerie YpilDeputy for Events

At the baseline of every event, is the opera-tions without which each event wouldn’t happen. Keano Penado is not your typical deputy for Operations, but he may very well be one of the most memorable. With his quirky, fun ways, he tries his best to keep everyone up beat and cheerful in times of stress all the while keeping his eye on the background procedures and each one of his operations heads, making sure each one is on track in order for the event heads to work on their individual events as efficiently as possible. Marketing, Finance, Logistics, Promos, Doc&Pub, decors, any operations committees you name it! This Bacolod hunk has got his head tightly on his shoulders and his eye on the prize, making sure the founda-tion of every event is as solid as expected and building its way to the top.

Just like the Four Pillars of ARSA, these Four Pillars of OrSem found it in themselves to make sure everyone knew what the signifi-cance of everything was and the values upholding it, delivering what they needed to and more while holding everything up as much as they could. Coming up with some-thing new, in the time they were given, it seemed impossible to most but these four drove through everything that blocked their way. With the help of their ever-supportive core team, they reached the top and helped the freshmen, and the upperclassmen as well, get the OrSem they deserved.

Keano PenadoDeputy for Operations