311

312

Joan Jett R. Alvarez

BS Mathematics

Achiever. Beauty and Brains. Crybaby. Drawing Pad. Eldest.

Family is Top Priority. Grade-conscious. Harry Potter.
Intimidating at times. Jokes, no matter how nonsense
could it be, can make her laugh. Kind. Love life? ZERO. Math
Major. Nerd. Obsessive-Compulsive. Phone lines burn. Quiet
at times. Reading is a hobby. Sleepyhead. Talkative when
provoked. Uses the bathroom for more than 30 minutes.
Vartan, Michael. Witch Magazine. Xerox copies. Yawns a
lot. Zone of comfort: ice cream.

It’s hard to really get to know somebody in a short period

of time and amidst the busy school life… unless you live
under the same roof. It was my privilege to be able to
share a home with a wonderful person like Joan. She
was someone I could envy for everything she has and
everything she has not.
—Joanne P. Salvador
 313

Mark John V. Ayaay

BS Mathematics

At first glance, Mark might seem to you as an unassuming

person – with his trademark glasses, T-shirt, black pants,
and rubber shoes. And then you talk; now you find out that
there is more to this guy than what appears before you. For
within his small exterior is a giant of a mind that will take
you to worlds you’ve never been and tell you things you’ve
never known. Ask him anything and I assure you, you will
never be disappointed. He sails through the storms of math
with a breeze; where others have drifted and drowned. He
may seem arrogant, but this arrogance is justified with his
overwhelming brilliance. He does not step down to a lower
level; rather, he helps you stand and brings you to where
he is standing. But preceding this remarkable mind and a
passion for others is a passion for God and an experience
of God’s love that overflows to those around him. For what
makes him great are neither his achievements nor his
credentials, but his absolute surrender to God and to His
will and purpose for his life.
314

Enrico Paolo C. Bugarin

BS Mathematics

Tough, confident, and proud—these are just some of the

words that might describe one’s impression of this guy.
Paolo has the image of your typical play-before-work
and study-just-to-pass student. Surprisingly though, this
chap has the brain of an exceptional mathematician and
a passion for knowledge to go with that, too. Paolo is also
your all-around prankster who would do anything for a
good laugh. He has the ability to turn the dullest moments
into comical memories. But beneath all the mischief and
undying fascination for humor is a friend who’ll stick by
you no matter how ugly circumstances get. He will always
have your back even if you’re the one to mess up. He
doesn’t tolerate mistakes, though. He’ll certainly find a way
for you to learn your lesson, too. This man of principle and
uttermost respect and passion for the Lord is truly bound
to accomplish great things for this life and the next.
 315

Julie Anter T. Chua

BS Mathematics

Julie is by far one of the most multifaceted persons in the

Ateneo. Hers is a profile with qualities so manifold that
knowing her gives one a sense of humility and at the same
time, a sense of pride.

As a student, Julie is very accountable. Without ever having

to experience a shadow of anxiety or hesitation, one can
readily vouch that Julie can get the job done excellently
since she is especially organized and detail-oriented.

As a leader, Julie gets people going. True to the fact that she
is methodical, Julie makes sure that each task is followed
through by constantly updating her constituents, all while
being entirely sensitive to their needs.

As a friend, Julie is a treasure. She entertains by pulling

pranks which are very unadulterated but harmless at
the same time. This affectionate and down-to-earth
technophile enjoys sharing day-to-day adventures with
friends through an online journal she maintains.
316

Deborah D. Cirujales
BS Mathematics

Once upon a time in heaven, the Almighty God showered

his blessings to a sweet little child named Deborah, to
equip her before sending her down to earth. God gave
her wisdom, which allows her to comprehend complex
Mathematical problems. The Great One also presented
her with boundless energy to accomplish the tasks for
her numerous academic and extra-curricular endeavors.
Gifts of liveliness and exuberance could be perceived as
she readily brightens up a room with her endless chatter
and blissful laughter. God hath also bestowed upon her an
exquisite voice, which like rays of golden sunshine, reminds
us of the grace and enchantment of His angels. But above
all these, Deb’s greatest gift is her gentle heart, which
you’d readily see through her distinctly sweet smile, feel in
the sincerity of her hug, and hear during those warm little
conversations about nothing and everything. Truly she has
accomplished a great job, for through her, people see God’s
power and love and have a taste of what heaven really is.
 317

Mark Anthony A. Edaño

BS Mathematics

Minahal.

Anak. Kapatid. Kuya. Pinsan. Apo. Pamangkin. Ninong.

Pare. Inaanak. Kapitbahay. Mag-aaral. Kamag-aral. Kausap.
Katabi. Kakwarto. Kasalubong. Kasunod. Pasahero. Kliyente.
Katrabaho. Guro. Kakilala. Katapat. Kalambingan. Kasulyapan.
Katitigan. Ka-text. Ka-YM. Pinuno. Suki. Patnubay. Payaso.
Utusan. Tagautos. Kalaban. Kabiruan. Sugo. Tagapakinig.
Katawanan. Mananampalataya. Kalahok. Bida. Aktor.
Kontrabida. Katuwang. Kababayan. Kasundo. Pasahero.
Mambabasa. Manunulat. Manonood. Kritiko. Mamamayan.
Kalandian. Kapitan. Tanod. Katsismisan. Tambay.
Tagasubaybay. Kalaro. Kapangalan. Kakulitan. Kabulungan.
Kataguan. Kakilitian. Kasigawan. Kaaway. Kasalo. Kasayaw.
Katulong. Kasakay. Kasabay. Kasama. Kaibigan.

Nagmamahal.

Minura (nang lantaran o palihim).

Sa lahat ng nakatagpo at makakatagpo, salamat.

318

Alpheus D. Macalalad
BS Mathematics

Alpe was never the most special friend. He never was

the most skilled volleyball player. He was never the most
passionate leader, or the most eloquent speaker. He was
never the most diligent student or the most obedient son.
Perhaps, he may even be far from becoming these things.
But he tries, he tries. When the world is falling on you, he
will come to help. When the game is on the line, he will
never choke. When no one is heeding the call to lead,
he will step up. When requirements start to pile, he will
never give up. Commitment is not an issue. No task is too
hard. To give himself at the right moment, at the perfect
instance, maybe that is his wisdom. Count on him to turn
things around whenever fate says otherwise.
 319

Rafael Norman M. Morales

BS Mathematics

Rafael is a funny person. He never fails to make me laugh.

Kahit walang nakakatawa, makakagawa siya ng paraan.
I think I’ve never even seen him worried or upset. Noong
minsan nga sunod sunod na mga long tests namin, cool pa
rin siya at pa cards cards lang sa AMS (ADDICT SA CARDS).
But he still managed to get high grades. This guy is a
mathematical whiz kid. He makes math look so effortless
(NAKS).

He’s a good friend to most people. He tries to help with

academic problems and nanlilibre siya paminsan-minsan.
Masaya siyang kasama sa mga group discussions kasi
kahit kwentuhan mo yan ng pinakaseryosong problema
mo, patatawanin ka pa rin niya sa mga side-comments niya
and in the end malilimutan mo na lahat ng problema mo.
Rafael is a nice guy and I’m glad to have known him.
320

Christopher John D. Rigor

BS Mathematics

Topher—the epitome of contradictions. People may find

him usually quiet but friends know he’s always full of
brilliant ideas. He loves watching the comical hit series
Friends but still goes for the serious political drama The
West Wing during his spare time. He appears to be a tough
guy yet he cringes at the sight of Asian horror movie
characters. He procrastinates when the situation permits
but still manages to submit everything on time. He wants
everything to be plain and simple but enjoys solving
perplexing Math problems. He may not know everything
about computers yet he’s one of the best programmers
in Ateneo, not to mention, a walking encyclopedia of the
latest toys and gadgets of today’s generation. He gives out
mocking comments but utters the most comforting words
a lonely friend needs to hear. He is “one of the boys” yet
he’s the bestest friend a girl could ever have. This BS CS
double major BS Math student truly is a mixture of different
proportions.
 321

Joanne P. Salvador
BS Mathematics

“Busy ka?,” “Hindi naman, mag-aaral lang ng Math,” tugon

ni Jo. Makalipas ang tatlong oras na pag-uusap sa telepono,
“Akala ko mag-aaral ka?” “Ok lang, differential calculus
lang ‘yun.” Ganyan kausap si Jo. Kahit may pagsusulit
kinabukasan, gagawa siya ng paraan upang magkaroon
ng oras para sa ibang tao. Paglabas ng resulta, mapapaisip
ka kung papaano niya nagawang makakuha ng mataas na
marka. Marahil isa siyang Atenistang nag-aral upang mag-
extra curricular activities. Tila org lamang niya ang Math at
buhay naman ang pagiging pangulo ng Gabay, pinuno ng
LSAT at miyembro ng AMS. Aktibo rin ang kanyang social
life. Bagaman tahimik kung minsan, masarap kausap at ka-
kuwentuhan dahil magaling siyang makinig at umunawa.
Lohikal siyang mag-isip at sensitibo sa pangangailangan ng
mga tao, siguradong gagaan ang loob mo dahil sa kanyang
mga lambing at ngiti. Higit sa lahat, hindi siya nang-iiwan
ng tunay na kaibigan.. “Dito lang ako sa tabi mo hanggang
kaya mo na uli ngumiti.”
322

Francine Elizabeth C. Tan

BS Mathematics

Sim-Sim is the ideal friend. Imagine a world where people

give off themselves simply because they want to—just a
desire to give for the sake of giving. “Altruist”—this is the
word that best describes Sim. She is very helpful towards
other people with little or no interest in being rewarded for
her efforts. She is happy when others thrive, and sad when
others are suffering. She is the nicest person anyone will
ever know. She accepts, she listens, she does not judge
people, and she worries for practically everyone. She
places other peoples needs before her own. She is kind
and will always go out of her way to reach out to others.
She never fails to put a smile on the faces of the people in
her life. Her cheerful disposition and the naturalness of her
generosity only make her all the more wonderful. Sim is
one of the most real people in the world and we are all so
blessed to have her in our lives.