Celebrating Excellence, a Special Theme That the University Embarked in Last Year As We Celebrate the Sesquicentennial Foundation of Our School

The Eaglet The Official SchOOl Organ Of The aTeneO grade SchOOl Volume 55 issue 2 SY 2008 - 2009 [email protected]

Celebrating

Excellence second Sesquicentennial Issue of EAGLET... ALL about magis! Mr. Jose P. Fr. Norberto Salvador, Jr. maria Luza bautista, SJ publisher Assistant headmaster .for student affairs

My Dear Fellow Ateneans,

I congratulate you on your second issue of the EAGLET. It is fitting for you to choose the theme of Celebrating Excellence, a special theme that the University embarked in last year as we celebrate the sesquicentennial foundation of our school. HONORARY MEMBERS: Let me remind you that the pursuit of excellence is not PHOTOGRAPHER: equated to the pursuit of winning worldly glories at all EVARISTO, RAYMOND costs. The pursuit of excellence means trying our very best EDITOR: JACINTO, JIGGY GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: in all that we do – small and big things – whether we Ledesma, Anselmo Jose are affirmed or honored by people or not. Ultimately, the SEDIAREN, poCHOLO andrei motivation to pursue excellence has to originate from our Streeter, Oliver Kevin love for God in Jesus who has fully given Himself to us. Tantan, DONDON The goal of this pursuit for excellence is for us to humbly TRINIDAD, JOHN KEVIN build the Kingdom of Heaven on earth for the Greater Glory of God.

Fr. Kit Bautista, SJ

thank you po:

Mrs. lucila orencio, AHsa secretary ms. anna maria noda, eaglet cartoon® artist Ms. Magic, ms. shiela, Ms. Marie, cover&pages corp. mr. marlon hondante, photos Mr. Gian Carlo P. Ludovice Ms. Mara Melanie D. Perez MODERATORS

grade 6 alvarado, dicot de leon, virgil estrella, jeremiaz GRADE 4 montecillo, joseph grade 7 GRADE 5 DELA ROSA, MICKEY orlina, gabriel david, rainier ALONTE, ANTON LIAMZON, RAFAEL panganiban, ricxel de santos, marco ALPAñO, JONATHAN ORPILLA, LEODEGARIO rebosa, jay domingo, ejay BONIFACIO, JON PAYAWAL, OSCAR reyes, aris flor, jerome CABALZA, ANTON ROASA, PATRICK sto. domingo, palisoc, franz CASTILLO, CARL robbie Cu, KRISTOPHER GABRIEL, JERIAH ORETA, MIGuEL RACELA, RYAN RAGOS, JOSHuA ROMERO, DAVID SANTIAGO, JOKO The Eaglet Staff SANTOS, SEAN SY 2008-09 AM+DG

Welcome back to the world of Eaglet and congrats t h e y on receiving this second issue! go, be it representing the class or the school in a Math The theme of this issue is “Celebrating contest, making a goal in an international football Excellence” which is also one of the competition or being what we are known for–men for themes of our sesquicentennial celebration. The others. Ateneo has always been striving for MAGIS, which, as we all know, means more. In this issue we included Yes, that is the idea of MAGIS. It’s not just getting the the winners of various academic contests and we highest grade or being the number one in a competition. asked students what “MAGIS is” for them. We also let MAGIS is about using our God-given talents and them express what they felt when they manifested blessings to bless others. MAGIS. In the World University Rankings of 2008, Ateneo ranked Jim Collins said that “Greatness is largely a matter as the 254th school, and the best school in our country. of conscious choice. Few people attain great lives, Then, we remembered that Fr. Nebres said in the latest in large part because it is just so easy to settle for Simbang Gabi homily that we couldn’t be a great school a good life.” So, Mrs. Oracion, our Assistant to the without helping others to be great as well. President for Basic Education, recommended that we should not remain good forever. Good is the enemy That’s the true spirit of MAGIS–seeking to make a of great. We shouldn’t just relax when we reach contribution for the common good. And we also see the level of goodness. She stressed that we should that everywhere in Ateneo Grade School. Everytime always seek greatness. we donate for Bigay Puso, when Isaias members go to Leodegario Elementary School to share what they We have the Learning Assistance Program (LEAP) learned from their teachers, when students in AP 6 to help the students who are not doing well design a project which can help their community... the academically and we have Multi-Dimensional list is endless... and we can keep on adding more... ü Ateneo Gifted Intervention Scheme (MAGIS) to develop the prodigies in Math and Communication An Ateneo Sesquicentennial video which we Arts. Fr. Nebres and Fr. Kit know that the school should downloaded from YouTube says, also focus on the average students. Yes, they may Excellence is a choice... be good, their grades may be average, but we must ...to give more than what is needed; always seek greatness! ...to risk more than what seems safe; ...to care more than what seems wise; Our cover story this time are the Small Basketeers ...to dream more than what seems possible; of the Philippines because they brought honor and ...to be more than what is asked. glory to our beloved school. We personally know We all travel together... Excellence has been our way most of them and amidst all the trophies or awards and will always be our way. 150 years of excellence. they received, even though people look up to them because of their dexterity on the courts, they remain We would like to end with an excerpt from the essay of humble and helpful. And at the end of the day, they Fr. Daniel Patrick L. Huang, S.J., “Ateneo continues to thanked God for their achievements. That’s why we call out the best and truest selves of our students. That also included our the Ateneo can touch more effectively, not just favorite photo of SBP the minds, but the hearts and spirits of its students, where they posed in this new world of the early twenty first century, as angelic students remains our challenge. That the vision, passion in front of the Ateneo and caring spirit of Ignatius, Xavier and Faber, be de Iloilo Chapel after formed in Ateneans, for the greater glory of God thanking the Lord for and for the sake of building up our nation, remains their victory. our dream.”

Truly, the Ateneo So, that’s about it. We hope that you would enjoy this has a culture of issue and together, let’s celebrate excellence!!!ü excellence. The “blue blooded Best, beings” illuminate with MAGIS wherever Ms. Mara Melanie D. Perez (Moderator) & Jose Benedict Luis “Ed” C. Alvarado (Editor)

4 An Interview With a magis man by MAGIS Students Patrick Roasa | Joshua Payawal | 4-Mangyan Vince Montero (Photographer)

Eaglet: Thank you for your time. Intro: Mr. Salvador: Jose P. Mr. Salvador: No problem! Salvador was born on June 14, 1966. He finished AB Summary: Psychology in Ateneo Judging on the questions and answers, I must say that he College. is a very well-learned, mature but yet at times can be a very humorous guy. Eaglet: Good morning, Mr. Salvador. What are He started working and supporting Ateneo since the characteristics that you 1988, But he did not start as the position of Assistant possess which helped you reach such a Headmaster of Student Affairs but started of as a Simple high position? Class Adviser of 5-Pinaglabanan teaching the subjects of Mr. Salvador: I know what it means to have fun while AP, Filipino and Reading. He also mentioned that some learning. of the present teachers right now were his students then. Eaglet: How exactly do you help the students? Mr. Salvador: I help provide well-rounded He says that he supports the students education through many student activities by making sure that the school like field trips, athletics and CLUBS provides first-class education yet a fun time by letting us get Eaglet: What do you expect from the out of the class room every now Ateneo students this year and the next? and then. Mr. Salvador: I expect students to become mature individuals, strong in character, sensitive to other’s He will make this (or next) year even needs and them nurturing their God-given talents. more exciting by making more amazing Field Trips, Better Clubs and he will put Eaglet: Is your job difficult or easy? more energetic athletic competitions and Mr. Salvador: It can be difficult but it can also be very fulfilling. activities.

Eaglet: What do you do during your free time? But he expects us to be more mature, responsible, Mr. Salvador: I like playing the guitar, cooking and hanging out more sensitive to one another’s needs and for us to be with my two kids. I really want to know how to cook Korean engaged in more responsibilities and more initiative in food/s. developing the student activities program

Eaglet: What sports do you like? Mr. Salvador: I like walking (not really a sport), swimming and watching Basketball. (I am not really much of a sports person)

Eaglet: What will you do to make next year more exciting? Mr. Salvador: More clubs, more exciting field trips and activities.

Eaglet: What change/s do you want to make in the Ateneo? Mr. Salvador: I want to see students engaged in more responsibilities and more initiative in developing the student The very energetic and inspiring Mr. Salvador... activities program. Celebrating excellence... eaglet 2008 - 2009 2nd issue inspiring students to be excellent!!! 5 Eloquentia et Sapienta

Colin Salao | 6 – Jacinto Jose Roberto Sto. Domingo | 6-Luna Thursday, November 27th. WOW. That was a day I’ll never forget. What were the things that were unforgettable? This was the Grade 6 Elocution Last November 2008, 26 Contest. Grade 6 students had to go up the stage to tell a story I got to school that day feeling actually pretty good, although my car and recite a piece. They came a little late so my alternate, JR Pineda, got pretty nervous. Getting were specifically chosen by in school was just the first part; it was a tough experience especially since their teachers to represent Interpretative Reading came first. You could just feel the hairs on the back their class. of your neck stand up. It was tough! Looking at the contestants while still The story for the Reading seated was very interesting. You could see they were prepared, but very Contest and the piece for nervous. When the Interpretative Reading contest was finished, I felt a the Elocution contest were sudden burst of goose bumps. Everything felt like it was going as fast as about the children of today, my time to go on stage drew near. Being the first to perform, I had to step and how they can make out early along with the second contestant, Benjo. a difference. The story was about a man who had just Waiting outside was the worst part of it all. It was hard to wait for that received a car and saw a moment until…it was game time. Entering the auditorium was tough. I boy. This boy surprised the almost burst out in laughter for some reason but at that moment I realized man because of all the things that I wasn’t nervous anymore. It felt lucky that once I got in there I didn’t he said. The man thought that seem to feel any tension or worry that I was going to fail. On stage, I felt the boy was only thinking of good yet somewhat alone. I was happy that I was performing and sharing himself, but in face he was my abilities, and alone because it was like I was talking and I didn’t notice thinking about his brother. anyone answering. The second best part of the day was probably getting The entire 13 contestants did down from the stage. I felt a burst of excitement as I realized my best friend, a spectacular job, but in the Aaron, was sitting just a few rows from me now. He congratulated me for a end, only 3 got a medal. Joe good performance which I hoped would be true. As the contestants went Morabe from 6-Agoncillo by, I got more anxious for the results. After a somewhat laughable dance came in 3rd, while Guigi number by 6-Luna, it was time. I got on stage when my name was called. Galace from 6-Aguinaldo Realizing I felt good, I started acting a little weird on stage as the results won 2nd place. The 1st came. The Second and Third placers went by and I thought I couldn’t place winner was Miggy win, until… Mr. Posadas, the head judge, said that the winner was the first Macapagal. person to perform. I just realized maybe five seconds later that it was me! The piece for the Elocution As my parents, Class Adviser and Language teacher went on stage I just contest was about the stood there with my hands on my head, surprised. I had always imagined misconception of the youth that moment but never knew it would come. I had done my goal and today. It also tells us we that’s all I wanted to do. NEED good leaders to lead All the contestants had a tough time. We all practiced hard. The Alternates us. The winners in this contest were also given important roles. An alternate can be needed any time were: Robbie Sto. Domingo and is important in helping the contestant. We participants definitely loved of 6-Luna in 3rd place, Paco this competition. Win or Lose we did our best and that’s all you need to do Tantoco of 6-Bonifacio in 2nd when you join any contest or predicament in your life. place, and Colin Salao of 6-Jacinto in 1st place. 1st place: Konstantin Mikhail C. Salao (6-Jacinto) Though not all of them won 2nd place: Francesco Luis Tantoco (6-Bonifacio) a medal, they are all still GRADE 7 3rd place: Robbie Sto. Domingo (6-Luna winners in their own right

6 Pagbigkas | Pagbasa | Biglaang Pagtatalumpati Elocution | Int. Reading

Bonifacio, Jon Angelo 5 - Bagumbayan GRADE 5 Some people were hyped during the gr.5 interpretative reading/ elocution contest, while most were not. Probably most thought that this contest was just an escape from some of the subjects. Well it was, but generally, it wasn’t just a break from the clutches of education. It was a remarkable day, probably marking the atenean timeline with the coffee stain of glory. during the interpretative reading (where contestants interpret the piece that they read) part of the program, all the contestants were good, but this is what they always say and more often than not a lie. But yes, they were good enough, but some were better than the rest. Somewhat like the Stone Age: survival of the fittest. If you weren’t good enough, go rot in the winter, but if you were, go live to see the day. There were three that survived the harsh winter of judgment: the first, second, and third placers. And I bet they would prefer if their names were not mentioned. i think. The next part of the program is the Elocution contest, where contestants deliver the piece ‘dirty hands’ while simultaneously acting it out. Here they were really all good, but not all of them won but different nonetheless. The two dances were generally the most interesting parts of the said program. They weren’t bad dancers, but the moves weren’t really choreographed properly. Well, at least they were able to portray the real mood of the entire song. If you didn’t enjoy this program, I wouldn’t blame you. But overall, this program stings with creativity. Pinakamahusay na Mambibigkas Janielle Koji Odal

My experience in the Pagbigkas contest was full of mixed emotions because it was my first time being a contestant. First, when my teacher, Mr. Quodala chose me as a contestant, I was shocked because I thought I will be a Pagbasa contestant. For me, Pagbigkas was harder because i didn’t have experience being a contestant before in Pagbigkas but i became an alternate in Pagbasa. During my first practice, I was taught GRADE4 on what my expressions will be in each stanza so there was not much tension going. But after a few more days, Mr. Quodala taught me the actions, where I need to go and the facial expressions I need to show. i am really lucky to have Mr. Quodala as my teacher because he was not like the other teachers who are strict so that you will not have a mistake. i do agree that he is serious but he made my practice fun and enjoyable and i thank him for his support and patience because without him, I cannot win. When Mr. Quodala told me that I was the second contestant, I didn’t know what to feel because being the second contestant means that the audience were still in the mood to listen but your performance will easily be forgotten and being one of the last means that the audience will get bored but you will have more time to practice but i still accepted being the second contestant. During the contest, I was so nervous because it was like performing to thousands of people so i just thought of my dad being proud of me and it helped me to relax and gave me confidence. When I was told that I won, my doubts were released. People asked me what was my secret in winning and my only answer was that i just leaned on my experience during practice where i learned more about patience and hardwork. Actually, I didn’t practice in my house only in school. There was no secret in winning but values like hardwork, perseverance and patience will take you to success. I really thank my teacher, Mr. Quodala, my mom and most especially god who helped me in winning the Pagbigkas contest. My experience was really memorable for it taught me a lot of things. i can’t wait for the next contest that i will join! eaglet 2008 - 2009 2nd issue 7 Magis in Academic Contests

Spelling Contest: GRADE4 GRADE 5 Individual: 1st Place: Lance Vincent M. Cecilia 4-Bagobo by Jeriah Kyle Gabriel | 5 - EDSA 2nd Place: Louis Renz G. Español 4-Kalinga 3rd Place: Ivan Rolando L. Cruz 4-Ati Last year, (2008) the GRADE 5 students had their Spelling and Math Contest which was held in the Covered Courts. Class Competition: 1st: Yakan | 2nd Mangyan | 3rd: Bagobo Winners in Spelling (Individual) 1st Jand Frowee D. Magpantay (Corregidor) Math Contest | Team: 2nd Mark Nathaniel Cruz (Kawit) 1st Place: Subanon: Kristian Paul Q. Estioko 3rd Simon C. Domingo (Bagumbayan) Luis Ignacio C. Jose Nicanor Emilio W. Montoya Winners in Spelling (Class) 2nd Place: Manobo: Enrico R. Fernando Jr. 1st: Malacañang | 2nd: Biak-na-Bato | 3rd: Edsa Kahane Z. Pe Patrick Theodore P. Ramos Winners in Math (Team) 3rd Place: Kalinga: Joachin Antonio J. Jayme 1st Corregidor | 2nd Pugad Lawin | 3rd Bagumbayan Joshua John B. Patajo Kristen Magnus T. Untal Winners in Math (Class) 1st Corregidor | 2nd Bagumbayan | 3rd Edsa Class Competition: 1st: Tausug | 2nd: Bagobo | 3rd: Mangyan I asked Jand Magpantay, the best speller, “How does it feel like winning the Spelling Contest?” He answered, “It feels like I’m on cloud nine.” GRADE 6 GRADE 7

Spelling Contest: Spelling Contest: Individual: Individual: 1st - Edward Joseph C. Ofilada |7-Claver 1st: Carlo Locsin (Burgos) 2nd - Luis Alfredo T. Reyes | 7-Bellarmine 2nd: CJ Manlapaz (Jacinto) 3rd - John Gabriel Robert R. Quintos 7-Regis 3rd: Kyle De Dios (Abad Santos) Class Competition: Class Competition: 1st – Claver | 2nd – Brebeuf | 3rd – Canisius 1st: Del Pilar| 2nd: Jacinto| 3rd: Malvar Math Contest: Math Contest | Team: Team: 1st - 7-Claver Don Christian A. Cornel 1st Place: Mabini: Enzo Miranda Angelico G. De los Reyes Ralph Martin Fernandez Mark Lawrence Z. Gamboa John Faustino 2nd - 7-Gonzaga 2nd Place: Lopez-Jaena: Glad Danguilan June Aldrin D. Chico Anton Escueta Renz Caesar A. Constantino Carlos Roman Ozaeta Daniel Angelo C. Salita 3rd Place (Burgos): Ian Babst 3rd - 7-Canisius Ernst Jeng Andre Gutierrez Andre Sanchez Miguel Luis L. Nitorreda J. Immanuel F. Yap Class Competition: Class Competition: 1st: Jacinto | 2nd: Rizal| 3rd: Del Pilar 1st - Pignatelli | 2nd - Brebeuf | 3rd - Canisius 8 The ISAIAS Quiz-Bee & Christmas Party

By: Apa Mendoza

On December-4 the Isaias club had its annual Quiz-Bee. After being dismissed, I went to the Auditorium where the Quiz-Bee was held. Once there, I saw Mrs. Jose teaching the Leodegario Victorino Elementary School Students some catchy folk songs. After a while, the program began. Mr. Salvador our assistant headmaster gave the opening remarks. The Quiz-Bee began with the guidance of our club moderators Mrs. Gargaritano, Mr.Boquiron and Mrs. Jose. The Quiz-bee is a contest where 4 groups compete with each other. There are 3 rounds in the Quiz-Bee – Easy, Average and Difficult. The Quiz-bee was very fun and I bet the Leodegario Students had a great time competing with their friends and classmates. After competing in a fun fight, Group-B won 1st place with 215 points, Group-D won 2nd place with 195 points, Group-C won 3rd place with 170 points and Group-A acquired 155 points. Provided with food by the Blue Chefs Club and food from the Cafeteria, the Isaias club satisfied their empty bellies with delicious food. After eating we watched an entertaining PowerPoint Presentation about the Isaias club. The Isaias members performed the song ‘’Arirang’’ using their recorders. Next, some of the Leodegario students danced to the tune of the song ‘’Sway with me’’. After that spectacular performance, the rest of the Leodegario tutees joined the dancers in singing the song ‘’Christmas in our hearts’’. One of our Leodegario tutees, Alondra Nuza a very talented singer sang the song ‘’How could you say you love me’’. The crowd cheered for her with great enthusiasm. The Quiz-Bee program ended with the closing prayer. After the prayer, The Isaias tutees and the Isaias members exchanged gifts celebrating the season of Christmas. Truly an experience like this which shows the true meaning of generosity, love and learning will be always remembered throughout the years. United Nations Celebration

One World. One Event.

eaglet 2008 - 2009 2nd issue 9 P!!! TRI RIP!!! D T D FIEL FIELD FIEL David, Rainier | 7 – Brebeuf

Last November 28, 2008, as many know, the Grade 7 community had our field trip at Sta. Rosa, Laguna. To start things off, of course, the students assembled at their respective buses which boarded at 6 am. All 12 buses geared up through the South Luzon Expressway on its way to the Toyota Car Plant. The tour was educational as the students learned how each and every Toyota car was built and assembled until the product is finished. After the tour, the buses moved to the next stop: Enchanted Kingdom! Before the students went inside the theme park, they, including me, stayed inside their buses watching DVD and mingling with each other. The buses emptied up soon as they prepared to go inside the amusement park. Once inside, it was as if chaos spread out. Students went to the rides of their choice while some ate their food yet some also spent their time in the arcade. By 4: 00, it was time to leave for the return ride to Ateneo. As the field trip ended, it could be considered as fun yet educational and also, a bonding experience for friends.