In Omnibus Amare Et Servire

B&G
The BLUE & GOLD
Ateneo de Naga University High School

Official Student Publication
June-October 2012
In Omnibus
Amare
et Servire
In All Things
to Love and to Serve
-St. Ignatius of Loyola
In the feast day of St. Ignatius of Loyola,

an Ateneo girl assists an orphan during
the outreach at the Gift of Love, Naga
City. (Photo by Mr. MeljohnTatel) Cover
Design by Mr. Meljohn Tatel
Heroism
INTHISISSUE
MY FAVORITE JESUITS 6
Fr. James OBrien was our Bikol Culture teacher. Even up to this day, I still wonder how and why
he took on the subject. Of course, he knew it more than everybody else did. (He gave grades of
99% to those who knew the lessons by heart.) He taught me to know Bikol, love Bikol and return
to Bikol when the right time comes. Never did I realize that I will be a disciple someday.
DIOS MABALOS 8
I have heard many people thank the late Secretary Jesse Robredo through the Bikol expression,
Dios mabalos. In my native tongue, it literally means, God will return the favor. When one says
Dios mabalos, however, one endeavors to do more than to appreciate the other. In a heart that
overflows with gratitude, one responds by seeking to be the revelation of God to others.
MY MEMORY OF JESSE 10
Jesse was in my 3A moderating class in 1972-1973. At that time, there was no Pistaym, no
JS. The one big thing was Intramurals. Like today, every student was listed in an event. But
unlike today, in the end, year level champions in 1st Year and 2nd Year competed for the Junior
Championships.
GOING THE WAY OF THE DODO 14
Long ago, the whole world lived together in harmony, then everything changed when evil and
greed attackedOnly the real hero, master of his values could stop them, but when the world
needed him most, he vanished. A thousand years passed and I discovered the new real hero.
ADIEU, AMONG 16
1.5k, 3k, 5k, 10k, 21k.These are not new carat measurements for gold or other gemstones. No
theyre not. These are the most common distance divisions for those running enthusiasts and
the fun runners during fun walks, fun runs, and even marathons. While this running trend is
now getting popular, so does the Maogmang Lugar keep up with it.
MEET THE NEW SHEPHERD OF THE FLOCK 18
Cherishing the 28 rich-filled years in building and nurturing the Kingdom of God under the
archbishop-emeritus, the Caceres welcomes Bishop Rolando Tirona, O.C.D., D.D., the 34th
Ordinary and fourth Archbishop of the see of Caceres.
Vol. 57 No. 1 June -October, 2012

Editor in Chief: Trisha Marie Rubio
Managing Editor: Rickdane Gomez
News Editor: Isis Normagne Pascual
Features Editor: John Paul Sabio
Senior Writers:
Ian Villaverde, Bryan Zantua, Michael Real, Jeff
Ryan Imperial, Masahiro Kuronaga, Michael Testa, John Noble Bobis, Nikki Marie Rubio, Vienna
Marie Rubio, Charliene Alexie Deliva, Reycel
Hyacenth Bendana, Ted Aaron Dogillo, Denise
Geandra Tan, Zerah Graciene Alba, Christian
Lloyd Bertumen, Emerson Borja, Joshua Benjamin de la Fuente, Senador Matthew Vargas,
Geosh Aeron Gomez, Mark Joffel Aonuevo
Junior Writers:
Cirenia Jovian Baluyot, Kim Abraham Pahati
Photographers:
Cecille San Buenaventura, Michael Real, Adrian
Olivan, Reina Santiago, Jarra Mangente
Artists:
Fiel Payte, Danielle Angela Aragon
Graphics Artist:
Jan Gabriel de Guzman
Moderator:
Mr. Meljohn Tatel
esse Manalastas Robredo a God-fearing man, a

loving husband and father, and a simple leader of
the people. Not everyone knew him that way, but
every Bicolano did. Not everyone loved him, unlike every Bicolano did. Only then after his demise
that he became known and loved for his deeds as
a devoted public servant to the people. Only then
after his demise that people wanted to know Jesse
more not just as a man but as a hero. The way the
nation has remembered his acts of service towards
the people and his desire to change the country by
his means of genuine and selfless governance has
evidently shown that the people hunger longingly for
the true essence of public service, which Jesse has
fully manifested.
He is one of the many modern heroes that we Filipinos recognize today, but are we fully aware how
heroes become heroes?
Heroes can be pictured in the most uncanny of
ways, as many of us think of superheroes who beat
up bad guys, or men with magic swords who fight
for freedom from foreign power.The irony is that
heroes can also be found in the most common occurrences of daily life. Think of your teachers who
use chalk and blackboard to free you from illiteracy,
your classmates who use pens and papers to free
themselves from their own ignorance, your friends
who make you cry and laugh to free you from unresponsiveness that can make you less humane can
they be heroes too?
Yes. Everyone can be a hero, as many Filipinos
have already proved: Jose Rizal is a hero who
asked for reforms by pen. Manny Pacquiao is a
hero who has put the Philippines in a place of honor
through his boxing career. Jesse Robredo is a hero
who served the country truthfully by living out his
principles. The list is long and it goes on.
A hero can be a hero by his own unique way of
becoming one. Everyone is called to be a hero.
Nevertheless, people find it difficult to heed the call.
Is there something in a human being that can help
him/her answer this call? A good old Jesuit, Saint
Aaron Patrick Arandela
EDITORIAL
Ignatius of Loyola, said that man is created to praise,

reverence, and serve God. A man of good example
who lived out this principle is Jesse Robredo. He
was able to praise, reverence, and serve God while
he was still with us. What made him do so much
for the people and for God? The answer is: It was
because of his love and his pure desire to serve. Being the secretary of the Department of Interior and
Local Government, he could have chosen to do his
job in the easy, self-serving way, but no. He chose
to do his job the hard way, but he did not mind, for
he really wanted to help his fellowmen especially the
poor and the needy because he loved them.While
in the nations ministry, his strong faith in God has
taught him to be in the likeness of Christ to live in
simplicity. He served others as he served God. His
exemplary leadership and service has awed many
as it had awed God. He had a good relationship with
the masses as he had with God.
Jesse was extraordinary despite his being ordinary. He has proved that the rich, the poor, the weak,
and the powerful can all be heroes in their own ways.
Their means do not always have to be grand. It is
the authenticity of the heart that always counts.
In the story of Superman, a fictitious hero, he was
born to become a hero. In reality, no one is born to
become a hero. We have the freedom to choose and
what we choose is what we become. This is Gods
great challenge for us in life: to choose what is right,
to do what is right, and to live what is right as we deal
with the people around us.
In the story of Jesse Robredo, he made himself a
hero because of the choices he made. He chose to
become a man for others, and because he chose
right, he did right and he lived right, he has proven
to the world that heroes are made through the life
that they live.
So dear Ateneans, are you up for the challenge
to become men and women for others? By saying
yes and living up to it, you become heroes even as
you live.
HEROES
B&G
B&G
HEROES
SLICE OF THE PIE.

Here are the figures from the
First Term of the 2012-2013
Academic Year.
Activities
Pista sa Nayon highlight
Buwan ng Wika
This months celebration of Buwan ng Wika,

with the theme Tatag ng Wikang Filipino,
Lakas ng Pagka-Pilipino, is ushered in
by the Pista sa Nayon held August 6,
2012, Monday, at the hallways of the Main
Building, with the students preparing
the food and decorating the place. By
homeroom and break time, the hallways
were transformed into a town-like place at
fiesta time.
Activities
Freshmen orientation include
parents, guardians
As the government spearheads the
implementation of the K-12 (Kinder
to Grade 12) reform in the Philippine
educational system, parents were
gathered at the Seminar Hall on June
2, 2012 for the orientation on Ateneo
freshmen education.
Activities
Persons for others marked
founders feast day
As the Ateneo
community and the
rest of the Jesuit
network in the world
commemorated the
feast day of St. Ignatius
of Loyola, each showed
the generosity of the
founder in the series of
worthwhile activities.
Ateneans spent the
day being men and women for others
by reaching out to other people, thus
continuing the spiritual mission of the
company of men started by Ignatius of
Loyola in Ateneo de Naga High School.
Admin
New midlevel admin
appointed
Assuming office at the
start of the academic
year, the following are
the new appointees:
Mr. Isagani Oloya
(Registrar and Director
of Admission and
Aid Office); Mr. Mario
Francis Embestro
(Campus Minister);
Mr. Claro Chavez
(Prefect of Students);
Mr. Geraldo Brizuela
(Director of Guidance);
New chairpersons: Mr.
Freddy Pandes (Values
Education Dept); Ms.
Flonina Real (Computer
Ed); Ms. Lisa Magdaraog
(Biology-Chemistry) and
Ms. Gemma Moreno
(Physics-General
Science Cluster).
Mariology
AdNU High receives hundreds
of scapulars on Carmel feast
For the first time, the
Ateneo de Naga High
School community
witnessed the mass investiture of the Carmelite
scapular on the feast day
of Lady of Mount Carmel
on July 16, 2012. In the
short paraliturgy held
in the Covered Courts
during the Monday
assembly of the community, the scapulars
were blessed as the community sang Marian songs and prayed the Litany of the Lady
of Mount Carmel.
1,575
The total number of students

in the Ateneo de Naga High
School for the Academic Year
2012-2013. The number excludes those who dropped.
Chinese Studies
HS welcomes
new Mandarin
teachers
242
Mr. Richard Lian Canxing

from Fujian Province
and Ms. Lily Lu Chunli
from Shichuan Province,
Mainland China are the
new Mandarin mentors.
They join the old team of
Mandarin teachers. Mr.
Lian and Ms. Lu teach
3rd year students.
After a supposedly worthwhile four-day break from

school work, the Ateneo de Naga community went back
to school mourning for the loss of the great son, alumnus
and epitomy of man for others, Interior Secretary and
former Naga City mayor Jesse M. Robredo, who died in
a plane crash off the coast of Masbate City, August 18,
2012. A procession and series of requiem masses were
offered for the great Ateneans memory.
283
Activities
Schola Brevis,
Holy Spirit Mass
opens academic
year

who has at least one failure in
a subject or more.
The academic calendar

for years 2012 and
2013 opened with
the traditional and
ceremonial Mass
invoking the Holy Spirit
and the presentation
of the members of the
academic community in
the Schola Brevis on
June 1, 2012 at the High
School Covered Courts.
The number of subjects students grapple with.
69
The total number of teachers

handling any of the 8 subjects
of all the students.
20%
Percentage of the student body

who are on scholarship which
may either be academic or
financial aid.
Activities
Bikol Patroness
visits AdNU High
Despite the overcast sky

threatening a heavy downpour,
the Ateneo de Naga High
School warmly welcomed
its Queen, the Lady of
Penafrancia, in the traditional
Pagsungko (visit) on August
15, 2012, the feast day of
the Ladys Assumption. The
visit started with the images
procession in the campus
thoroughfare, followed by a
Eucharistic celebration and
class vigils in the school chapel.
Activities
Parents
grace Career
Awareness
Week
Clubs
Orgs win new
members in
Club Trek 2012
The Ateneo de Naga
High School held its
annual Club Trek last
June 24 and 25 at the
Covered Courts. The
different clubs and
organizations set up
exhibits to advertise their
goals and activities to
members, especially to
the freshmen. Sixteen
clubs set up their
exhibits.
Alumni Affairs
Ateneo mourns for its Son

who qualified for the Honor Roll
- First Honors, Second Honors
& Honorable Mention.
Mr. Meljohn R. Tatel
ONLI IN DA PILIPINS!: Sophomores showcase

local delicacies in the Pista sa Nayon celebration
launched by the Filipino Department.
In time for their summer break, students

and teachers from the Japanese Jesuit high
school Hiroshima Gakuin visited the Ateneo
de Naga High School and immersed in appreciation of Philippine culture and
educational system last August
3-11,
2012.Also
visiting places and
welfare institutions
in Manila, the Japanese contingent
arrived in Naga
City on August 3,
with a tour of the
campus and the
city as initial activity.
The schools year-long Intramurals formally

started with a grandiose opening on July 13,
2012 at the Ateneo de Naga High School
Covered Courts. The lively and charged
opening rites commenced with the lighting
of the Intramurals Torch by the relay race
winners. Soon after the year-level cheer-anddance competition followed. The recently
concluded opening had TRENDING as
central theme. Class team names, class Tshirt designs, and the class cheers and yells
focused on the theme.
Mr. Richard Lian
Mr. Meljohn R. Tatel
International program
Japanese students visit
Ateneo
Sports
Intrams formally opened
BNZAI & MABUHAY!: Filipino host brothers and their Japanese guests pose against
the background of the shy Mayon Volcano. The sojourn to Albay forms part of the
11-day annual Hiroshima Gakuin-Ateneo de Naga Mutual Exchange Program. The
Japanese students were: Yuichi Izuhara, Yuki Yanagawa, Yoshimasa Hirata, TakahikoSatoh, Akihide Takami, Motoki Akiyama, Hayato Asakura, Fumiaki Kanda, Shun
Yoshida, Kyohei Okazaki, Kanta Fujishima, Shuhei Muranaka, Takumi Hiasa, Kensei
Hanaoka, and Yuta Inoue.
The Blue&Gold. June-October 2012
Mr. Richard Lian
NUMBERS
To instill awareness
among the students
of the future career
lying ahead of them,
a number volunteer
homeroom parents
talked about their
present job and
work. The parents exposed the
students to a career
path they may
pursue after 4 years
in the Ateneo High
School.
Activities
Mobile planetarium
highlights Science
Week
Jesuit Education
AdNU mentors join
all-Ateneo confab in
Zambo
In celebration of the science

week, The DGreat Rovers
Event Management visited our
campus and brought along
their Mobile Planetarium. The
mobile planetarium offered a lot
of activities like film showing,
photo rock exhibits, sun-spotting,
telescope-viewing and hands-on
activities that Ateneans enjoyed.
The mobile planetarium aims
to motivate students, teachers
and the general public to take
the first step towards astronomy
awareness.
Thirty-seven
administrators,
faculty and staff
of the Ateneo
de Naga High
School joined
the Second
Basic Jesuit
Education Commission (JBEC)
Congress held in Ateneo de
Zamboanga on September
24-26. Dubbed as MindaNow:
Re-imagining the Filiino Soul
and Story. The participants
toured the historical and scenic
spot of the Latin City of the
South. In the congress, the
participants were exposed to
the challenges in Mindanao.
They also discussed pressing
issues in Jesuit schools.
Church
AdNU joins Year of Faith
opening
Members of the Naga Jesuit community and

the university joined in the opening of the Year
of Faith at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral
on October 11, 2012. The Year of Faith was
declared by the Holy Father to commemorate
the 50th year of the Vatical II Council and the
20th year of the Catechecism of the Church.
Club
Collectors Club showcase
Japanese, Marian collection
In two separate exhibitions, the Collectors

Club put on display some collectibles of the
faculty, staff and students. Initially, the club put
on display anything Japanese - dolls, utensils,
mementoes , etc. In September the club
exhibited the communitys images of Mary.
Mr. Richard Lian
INSIDESTORY
My
My Favorite Jesuits
by Hon. Jesse M. Robredo

High School Class 74
Mayor, Naga City
n 2010 the
Philippine
Province of
the Society
of Jesus
celebrated the 150th
year of the orders
return to the Philippine
Islands since the
Suppression in 1768.
The Blue & Gold then
featured in its first
sememster issue of the
historical highlights of
the congregation in the
Philippines. To shed
light on the Jesuits
stint in Bikol, the Blue
& Gold picked Jesse
Robredo, then city
mayor, to share simple
recollections of the
Jesuits while he was a
high school student in
the Ateneo. B&G Staff
Dominic Nobleza, who
served as city youth
official in the previous
year, requested Mayor
Jesse and the latter
responded right away.
The B&G reprints Jesse
Robredos recollections.
The Blue & Gold 1st Semester Issue

Academic Year 2009-2010
Fr. James OBrien SJ
Fr. John Phelan SJ
Fr. Raul Bonoan SJ
Photo courtesy of HS Triumph
Favorite
esuits
J
I realize now that I was short in talent, but I was rich

in his encouragement. Father OBriens measure
was different. Discipline and character first!
r. James OBrien was our Bikol Culture teacher. Even up to this day, I still
wonder how and why he took on the subject. Of course, he knew it more
than everybody else did. (He gave grades of 99% to those who knew the
lessons by heart.) He taught me to know Bikol, love Bikol and return to Bikol
when the right time comes. Never did I realize that I will be a disciple someday. Father OBrien (OB for those who knew him well) who coached the Ateneo High
School Basketball Varsity Team, conducted the try-outs for our class basketball team.
Looking back, I realize now that I was short in talent, but I was rich in his encouragement. Everyone was good enough for him. Father OBs measure was different. Discipline and character first!
Fr. Jack Phelan was my confessor and counselor. He was not close to high school
students. But Fr. Jack was the most approachable Jesuit priest I ever met. When I
returned to Naga City, I decided to renew my ties with him. On many occasions, I
asked him what his thoughts were on difficult matters related to my work as Mayor of
the city. On almost all of them, I heeded him. Fr. Jack was always very subtle, very
insightful and in no way imposing on his views. In gratitude, there was not anything
that he asked for that we did not grant. All of them, of course, were little things for the
Ateneans who sought his assistance in their schooling. He deserved having a building
in his name even when he was still alive.
I met Fr. Raul J. Bonoan (Fr. Rolly to most of us) when I returned to Naga City. I have
never seen somebody as passionate and as committed as Father Rolly. In a meeting with President Ramos, Fr. Rolly, who was an active member of the RDC, asked
pointed questions which almost annoyed the President. To everyones surprise, President Ramos invited Fr. Rolly to work for him after the meeting. It was good he refused.
It would have been Ateneos loss. The last time I talked to him was when I was doing
my MPA at Harvard University. He called me up and invited me to teach at the Ateneo.
I told him I would when I get back. Unfortunately, he passed away before I returned.
Naga City benefited from Fr. Rollys presence. Fr. Rolly was not only a thinker but a
doer. Ateneo was never the same after he took over. We are fortunate that during the
most difficult times for us in City Hall, Fr. Rolly was around. We were always certain
that we were doing the right thing because he was behind us. We surely miss him.
Needless to say, the entire nation has shown

gratitude in mourning the loss of a great man.
But Dios mabalos requires the same humility that
abandons our illusions of control.
Dangal ng Bayan
Award
1990
Dios
the hands of the people, hence all are called to

speak up and partake in this exercise of power.
Mabalos,
When he emptied his hands from flawed visions

of self-entitlement that usually stem from power,
and instead trusted in the goodness of his people, we in turn trusted him. This was the reason
why he always won, and in several instances
even ran uncontested as Naga Citys mayor.
esse
J
In fact, so closely did we connect with him that

every time we met him in youth events or saw
him strolling along the plaza, my high school
friends and I would endearingly call him Mayor
tang Jesse (our Mayor Jesse).
Tsinelas leadership
Secretary Rene Alemendras was spot-on when
he referred to our Mayor Jesses brand of leadership as tsinelas leadership. The metaphor
beautifully illustrates the humility of wearing
slippers worn by anyone regardless of social or
economic status.
By Kenneth Isaiah Abante, HS 08
have heard many people thank the late Secretary Jesse Robredo through the Bikol expression, Dios mabalos. In my native tongue, it literally means, God will return the
favor. When one says Dios mabalos, however, one endeavors to do more than to appreciate the other. In a heart that overflows with gratitude, one responds by seeking to
be the revelation of God to others.
Dios mabalos does not end in platitude, I pray

that God return your good favor. It is an active
commitment, I,through whom God is present,
will return your good favor.
This highlights two things about Bikol culture:
first, the inestimable importance of faith to the
Bicolano such that Dios (God) is embedded
in everyday language; second and more significantly, that gratitude, a value imperative to
the Bicolano, is an active response founded
on this faith.
Jesse Robredo, true to his Bikol heritage,
showed all of us the power of this gratitude.
deeply thankful.
That he was always the first and last person

on the streets of Naga amid the strongest of
typhoons; that he painstakingly listened to every person who asked for his help regardless
of socio-economic status; that he built genuine
democratic institutions aimed at inclusion and
participation in the citys legislative processes;
that he unwaveringly supported many of our
youth programs; that he was always there for
us for the 18 fruitful years he was our mayor
all these were because Mayor Jesse was
He was thankful for being elected to a privileged position where power does not rest in
the hands of the leader to whom this power is
merely bestowed; he regarded himself simply
as a vessel of this grace of God.
The M aking of a H e r o
27
May 1958
Jesse was born to Jose
Chan Robredo and Marcelina

Manalastas in Naga City.
1966
Jesse entered Naga Parochial School
(NPS) an became a distinguished
chess player.
1970
Jesse graduated from NPS. In the same
year he joined Ateneo de Naga High
School.
1972
Jesse was a 3rd year

high school boy
when Martial Law was
declared.
His faith in God and his people further deepened and animated this gratitude: All are equal
in Gods Love, hence all are deserving of his
time. All are called to be agents of change
and to be persons for others, hence no one
is ever too young to do good. Power rests in
1974
Jesse
graduated
from the
Ateneo de
Naga High
School.
The same slippers that fruit and fish vendors

wear at the Naga Wet and Dry Market, our Mayor Jesse also wore as he unassumingly sauntered around the Plaza Quince Martires talking
to his beloved Nagueos without bodyguards.
The same slippers he also took off as he walked
barefoot, as he accompanied his In with fellow
voyadores during the annual Traslacion Procession at the Feast of Peafrancia.
Ramon Magsaysay Award

for Government Service
2000
At Ateneo de Naga, Robredo met two Jesuit priests

who made a tremendous
impression on him. One was
Fr. Jack Phelan , his father
confessor. The other was
Fr. James OBrien, an IrishAmerican Jesuit who spent
his years in Bicol deepening
the peoples love for their
region....
death. Dios mabalos is a resignation and deference to the reason and will of God that we will
not always understand.
Dios mabalos is also the recognition that much
to the same humility and gratitude that Jesse
Robredo showed in his lifetime, The Kingdom
is not only beyond our efforts, it is even beyond
our vision./We accomplish in our lifetime only
a fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is
Gods Work.
As the Prayer of the martyred Oscar Romero of
El Salvador so eloquently puts, We are prophets of a future not our own.
If there is one lesson our Mayor Jesse taught us,
it is to be truly and deeply grateful. And as our
hearts in turn are filled with love and gratitude
over the life of our beloved Jesse, we respond
by returning his good favor as we seek to be the
light of God to others, and as we continue to
build the future for the country he so steadfastly
dreamt of.
Dios mabalos, our Mayor Jesse Robredo.
How then do we relay our gratitude to him who

has given his entire self to us and has taught us
so much?
We thank our Mayor Jesse by living and committing to Dios mabalos, just as he had so greatly
done in his lifetime.
Needless to say, the entire nation has shown
gratitude in mourning the loss of a great man.
But Dios mabalos requires the same humility
that abandons our illusions of control.
Among Ateneos lay teachers, Robredo remembers his

English teacher Greg Abonal
for having taught not only
English but, more important,
the art of living. How clearly
Robredo recalls Abonals
constant reminders: the
process is more important
than what you learn. Grades,
while important, are not your
life. Faith is important, as
is honesty, and exams are a
means not only to test what
youve learned but to test
your character as well.
(Excerpt from the 2000 Ramon Magsaysay Award
souvenir programme)
It is an acceptance that not everything is in our

hands whether it be in leadership, in life or in
Corporation.
1979
Ten Outstanding Young

Persons (TOYP)
1996
All walk on the same ground; all are sons and

daughters of the same Mother and the same
Lord.
1980
Jesse joined San Miguel
He obtained his degrees in Industrial

Management Engineering and
Mechanical Engineering from De La
Salle University.
Ten Outstanding
Young Men (TOYM)
1996
1986
Jesse returned to Naga to
become Program Director
of the Bicol River Basin
Development Program
(BRBDP).
1988
Jesse defeated
fellow Atenean
Ramon Roco In
the city mayoralty
race. He became
the youngest mayor
at 29.
2000
Jesse was awarded

the Ramon Magsaysay
Award for Government
Service.
1998
Ending his 3 terms as mayor,

he was accepted to Harvard
Universitys John F. Kennedy
School of Government.
1999
Under his leadership,

Naga was named one
in Asiaweeks Most
Improved Cities.
2010
Ending his 2nd term, Jesse

was appointed Secretary of the
Department of Interior & Local
Government.
2001
He was
reelected as
city mayor.
2012
His chartered
plane crashed
off the coast of
Masbate City.
At Ateneo I learned to deal with people and I

learned to deal with the external environment.
My
Memory
of esse
J
Compiled by Aeron Geosh Gomez, Trisha Marie
Rubio & Cecille San Buenaventura
MR. GREG ABONAL

Third Year Moderator
Father James OBrien once told me Greg never ever love your students. I asked him why? He
said Its hard to see them leave.
I can rattle off a string of stories about Jesse Robredo in high school, but let just this one suffice.
Jesse was in my 3A moderating class in 1972-1973. At that time, there was no Pistaym, no JS.
The one big thing was Intramurals. Like today, every student was listed in an event. But unlike
today, in the end year level champions in 1st Year and 2nd Year competed for the Junior Championships. Likewise, 3rd Year champions competed with 4th year champions for the Senior
Championships. Also, varsity members could not compete in their events.
This 3A team name was the School of Nursing (decades before the university opened a real college of nursing). This was a champion class the previous year. Among them were 7 basketball
varsity potentials who had tried out with the varsity and had very good chances of being drafted.
We prevailed upon them, however, not to join the varsity and play in the intrams instead. So we
had a very good basketball team, as well as softball, volleyball, table tennis.
In the end, all our entries except table tennis singles won year level championships and were,
therefore, scheduled for Senior Championships. Jesse Robredo was our chess contestant. He
was ranged against 4A Ruel Nael who was not only campus champion many times over but had
also been playing the chess circuits in Bicol. Incidentally, Ruel Nael graduated uncontested
valedictorian of his class.
At the time and venue set for the chess finals, Ruel Nael did not show up for which Jesse Robredo was declared champion. A few minutes later his classmates ran to me reporting that Ruel
Nael arrived later and asked Jesse Robredo for the match, which Jesse Robredo granted. So I
rushed to the venue and bawled him out. X#vmgr! Youre already champion, why did you agree
to play still. Youll lose to this guy! His curt reply was,Marhay na yan, Sir, para fair (Its better
10
The Blue&Gold. June -October 2012
that way, Sir, so its fair.) You know what happened? He drew with the regional champion!
So both made gold medals.
Little did I know that that one line was going to define his character. All throughout, especially
in his public service, it was constantly like that, FAIR. Never was he known for taking advantage of the upper hand. He always gave people a fair chance. In politics, he brought to City
Hall even known oppositionists and gave them a fair chance to serve well. Despite strong
recommendations for very good reasons to prohibit vending outside schools, Jesse Robredo
chose alternatives just so these poor small time vendors would have even the littlest chance
for livelihood. Despite complaints, he did not ban padyak to give padyak drivers a fair chance
at honest work.
Marhay na yan, Sir, para fair. That was Jesse Robredo. From the afternoon he said it nearly
40 years ago until that woeful August 18 day, that was Jesse Robredo, through and through.
ATTY. NELSON PARAISO
Fourth Year English Teacher

I handled Jesse Robredo in their 4th year in the Ateneo de Naga High School. I was their
English teacher. English classes then were divided among speech, grammar and literature
classes. Ateneans were grilled in training in communicating - written and spoken. We had
small classes and fewer sections then.
Jesse, as I remember him, was an ordinary student. He was, in fact, not a standout among
others. He never called attention to himself. He was not in the forefront of the activities. Short
in stature, Jesse did not want to be in the limelight. He was the unassertive type. Jesse never
called attention to himself. He was not competitive.
In my class, I am sure they learned many things as a group in the group projects I gave - like
the magazine projects where everyone had the opportunity to write news and feature articles
they wanted. They also did a lot of artworks. The students liked it because they stayed together overnight finishing the magazine. Jesse perhaps cemented his friendship with his friends.
I remember Jesse getting average grades in my English classes. But he was diligent - very diligent. He loved reading. I noticed it because I required oral book reports. It was a one-on-one
reporting on the book read with me flipping the pages and asking questions.
In high school, Jesse was not a standout leader. The leaders then were the big boys. The tall
ones who stood out normally led the rest. That was why it was a surprise for me and the rest
of his classmates and batchmates when he ran for mayor of Naga City. It was a wait-and-see
moment for most of us who knew him in high school, especially that he was groomed by this
big politician. This big politician will do anything to ensure victory. It was when he defied the
politician who groomed him that he showed his being a true Atenean.
At the time when he was the mayor, I remember defending one of his enemies in court. I
cross-examined him. He never took it personally. The teacher-student rapport we invested in
remained. He was even apologetic after the court hearings. He never seized to call me Sir.
His respect for his teachers never seized.
What was in Ateneo education that made him the leader he was? The tough training in high
school was one. First, it was then difficult to enter Ateneo. Surviving Ateneo in four years is
tough. Another, - cohesiveness among friends and classmates made him the leader we know.
MR. VERNON DE LOS TRINO

Physical Education Teacher
I do not remember Jesse Robredo well in High School. But I am sure he was my student in
Physical Education. I handled all PE classes before. I also taught English and History classes.
Different from the accolades he has now, he was an ordinary boy. Mostly for teachers, the
smartest or the worst students are mostly remembered.
One good memory I have of Jesse remains - he was into baseball then. We played baseball
in what is now Dolan Building in the Ateneo Main Campus. He played baseball but most of the
time cheered for his team mates. One afternoon, he was cheering for the big boy Belmonte,
shouting, Sige, paaboton mo duman sa Burn Hall!. As he said it, I and Mr. Greg Abonal
looked at each other laughing. The building is BURNS Hall.
MESSAGE FROM
MR. JUNE PAOLO ABRAZADO

Ateneo HS Class 2003
Aide de Camp of Sec. Jesse Robredo
told myself not to post any comments and just let myself suffer in
silence. But I just could not ignore
anymore the people who are continuously praying, hoping and worrying for my well being up to this moment.
Every time I see the remains of the plane
on TV I always ask myself how can anyone
possibly survive such disaster. The point
of impact keeps on playing over and over
on my mind and keeps me wondering why
did I still manage to wake up inside the
plane after such magnitude? I rarely have
witnessed miracles in my life, but in this
tragedy Ive seen series of miracles that
led me to my survival that if only one of
these circumstances was taken out or had
turned otherwise there would be no one
that could tell what really had happened in
that flight. But unfortunately my survival
even complicated the tragedy. Some media
men who seemed very eager to break the
news earlier aired unconfirmed rumors and
hearsay reports about me such as jumping
out of the plane and many other versions
that I think impossible to happen speaking
from the point of view of the actual person
who experienced the accident. It further
gave doubt and misconceptions to many
people that gave opportunity to others to
pry on the issue. I hope people should not
take advantage of the accident to voice out
their propaganda against the government
and the PNP without giving respect to victims of the tragedy. I also deeply condole
with the family of Capt. Jessup Bahinting
and Kshitiz Chand.
There is nothing to explain to those who
criticize me like they have gone through
(continued on p.25)
HEROES
B&G
B&G
HEROES
esse.
J
Farewell,
Well cheer our men unto the end;

Well cheer them as they fight
Mr. Herold Pelonio (HS04)
Bro. Sherwin Santos SJ
Mr. Lian Canxing
(Regnum Dei)
12
Mr. Lian Canxing

13
HEROES
B&G
B&G
HEROES
MOLDING
MEN FOR
OTHERS
By Rickdane Gomez
Long ago, the whole world lived together in harmony, then everything
changed when evil and greed attackedOnly the real hero, master of
his values could stop them, but when
the world needed him most, he vanished. A thousand years passed and
I discovered the new real hero, an
ordinary man named ________. And
although his skills are great, he has a
lot to learn before hes ready to save
anyone. But I believe ________ can
save the world.
You are not mistaken if you feel like these words are from a famous anime hit series. They are indeed rephrased from Avatar:
The Legend of Aang- something that teaches us that we could
also be Avatars, extraordinary heroes of the now.
A year ago we Filipinos commemorated the 150th year of the
Heroism of our National Hero, Jos Rizal, with the challenge
of endeavoring ourselves to become heroes like him in the
best ways we can. It seems that the air still smells of heroism
until now, with the same challenge, but with greater heights.
Not long ago, our beloved Ateneo alumnus and noble public
servant Jesse Robredo proved way of becoming a hero, an
avatar of the modern world, paving more until God had his
flight redirected to Him. Even Pedro Calungsod is now a fullpledged saint- a hero for the Filipinos and for God.
But even as so innate heroism for one person

maybe, there sure are still many factors that help
him become and prove him a hero. Even as so the
Avatar did not master the four elements without
his masters, his friends, his dreams, principles,
inspirations, advices and guidance from other
people, and without the problems and adversities
that he faced. We Ateneans are very capable of
becoming heroes and avatars, with the disciplines
we have, our own free will, and a good aid of our
Jesuit Education.
Pages ago in this same publication, heroism of
Rizal was highlighted, together with it was also
given importance the roots of his being a hero- the
societys conditions, his values, and his educationone we take pride in as well. The call for heroism
in this modern age is a different approach than
that of the before, nevertheless it will not become
clich to know what leads and molds people to
become heroes, for heroism remains heroism. We
Ateneans are well known for the kind of education and formation we are given, and reliving them
every once in a while will help us respond better to
become heroes for the call of the present world.
Seeing God in everything. When we learn how
to see the reality and find not only the comforts
and leisure of the pain and misfortunes in life, but
finding God in every little piece of our journey, we
begin to realize and heed the call that awaits each
and every one of us and act with full dedication
for Gods greater glory. The present world has so many things to see, but not all of which can
be sighted and are sights to consider, yet when we see God in it, we find deeper sense and
meaning, a clearer view of our mission and purpose in life.
Men and Women for others. Poverty is on the rise. Discrimination, corruption, abuse, and mislead paths along with it too. Gifted with our abilities and talents, we are very capable of doing
something to make things right. With the aid of technology and social multimedia we can right
wrongs not simply to correct, but also to evoke self-awareness and righteousness for ones
doing, and to become better examples and pioneers of change, good leadership, and social
justice. In the modern world, it is a challenge to break free from walls that keep us isolated
from the rest. It is an arduous task to go outside our comfort zones and experience the real
scene. A hero and man/woman for others is there, outside, in action. Heroes are servants.
Servant leaders are heroes, not only serving but setting as a model for others to emulate.
Servant leaders are men and women for others. Men and women for others are heroes.
Together with service, heroes and avatars also possess the conscience and responsibility
for the things that they do. It is together with his actions that he takes in consideration the
possible effects and consequences of the things that he does. A hero acts not only due to the
call duty (that is carelessness, though, notably brave), but acts with full sense of direction and
knowing. A hero acts and serves with the utmost spirit of Magis, and knowing that what he
does is not only for himself, but for the greater good of others, and all the more for the greater
glory of God.
We Ateneans are very privileged of having this Ateneo education and Jesuit formation
because they are reasons to prove ourselves becoming heroes. Nonetheless it is not full
guarantee that having these immediately qualifies us worthy of being heroes. Maybe, yes,
but heroism lies not only on the virtues or education or the what-you-have of a person, but to
how he uses what he has to become useful and be of service to others- anytime, anywhere,
and at no extra cost.
Being an avatar, a hero may be indefinitely defined for we all have our own definitions and
concepts, but knowing these definitions and having our backpacks filled and ready for use
with our whole total being, we may, can, become, are, heroes of our scenes, heroes of the
present, heroes of all time.
HEROIC
LEADERSHIP
What training formula do the Jesuit
mentors of worlds great men have?
Chris Lowney, Jesuit-educated and an
ex-Jesuit himself, describes how the
Jesuits, in their 400 years of existence,
tackle leadership using four great pillars:
SELF-AWARENESS
The leader understands who

he is and deeply knows what
he values. This understanding includes continuous selfreflection on ones strengths
and weaknesses. To face
ones weaknesses is to conquer them. Thus the leader
appreciates himself as talented, ready to learn all the
time and maneuver oneself
in the sea of change.
INGENUITY
The leader approaches any problem with imagination, creativity, adaptability and quick response.
This way, the leader responds to new challenges
and situations with a full heart and confidence.
The leader becomes imaginative towards new
approaches all the time because of two reasons:
first, the leader has no fixation over anything,
thus attachments or prejudgments never stop
him to pursue new and innovative ideas; second,
he is optimistic and always hopes that there is an
opportunity and an avenue to tackle a problem.
LOVE
Unlike the other leaders who invest on fear, the

Ignatian-inspired leader invests on love. Away
from the reward-punishment model, a leader
following the example of St. Ignatius sees every individuals talent and potential to grow and
eventually lead. While a self-serving leader sees
subordinates as mechanical workers, an Ignatian
leader sees a full human potential also capable
of loving. Thus, the loving leader, through the
cura personalis, provides support and full encouragement. In effect, the group governed by
love is marked by loyalty and mutual support.
HEROISM
An effective leader inspires others to achieve

broader aims. The leaders followers are motivated towards heroic or meteoric undertaking.
Fired by ingenuity and love, the leader inspires
everyone to own the groups mission and is propelled to model the groups virtues. by the leaders example, everybody in the group magnifies
the groups undertaking. Thus, with love and ingenuity, everyone is driven by the magis - the
drive to do more for the noble purpose.
And I believe, _________(say your name) can save the world.

15
HEROES
B&G
B&G
HEROES
Among
By Rickdane Gomez
Msgr. Leonardo Legaspi, O.P. D.D. is fondly called Among by the clergy
of Caceres. Now as he becomes bishop-emeritus and as he leaves his post
in the local Church, he sets down footprints in the sands of Caceres, placing
him among the champions of the Faith in one of the oldest dioceses and
bastions of Catholicism in the Philippines.
he fullness of being a priest is

becoming a bishop. These words
echo through the walls of my mind
as I recall my Religion teacher say
these things in class. As a child
with a religious member in the family, I have
always been fascinated remembering the
names of the bishops in each suffragant diocese in Bicol, admiring the names, titles, colorful and pleasantly embroidered vestments,
long processionals, and all the clamor that go
along with it. But of all the many people who
religiously shepherds us people, I give my
greatest tributary honors to no other than His
Excellency, Archbishop emeritus Leonardo Z.
Legaspi, OP. DD.
Appointed as Caceres thirty third bishop and
the fourth archbishop in 1983, he has given
his life to shepherding the flock. For the 28
years of genuine zeal and service to the
flock, I take witness of the many remarkable
contributions Caceres has ever experienced
under this mans shepherding.
Recalling back to how Caceres was before,
one can see the numerous changes and
the great distance it has travelled now in the
sands of time. Under his watch, the archdio-
cese grew larger, not specifically in land periphery, but covering and reaching out more
to the flocks needs. From 39 parishes then,
the number had now grown to 75 parishes
all throughout the archdioceses jurisdiction.
Through the archbishops petition to Rome,
the Prelature of Libmanan was born as a
new ecclesiastical jurisdiction, which is now
the Diocese of Libmanan under then-Caceres Auxiliary Bishop Jose Rojas but now
Libmanan Bishop Jose Rojas, DD.
As a Dominican noted for their teaching
legacies, a former Catholic educator, the first
Filpino Rector Magnificus of the Royal and
Pontifical University of Sto. Tomas, he revitalized catechesis and gave it much importance
during his years.
He established the Caceres Catechetical
Ministry which molds and trains catechists
who help teach religious matters in public
schools. Not only did he serve as an efficient
leader for catechism in Caceres, he is also
one of the notable persons who strengthened and shaped catechetical instruction in
the country, earning him the title Architect
of Philippine Catechesis on our Time. As
President of the Catholic Bishops Conference
The Shepherd of the flock

25
Nov 1935
Msgr. Legaspi was born in
Meycauayan, Bulacan to
Enrique Legaspi and Luisa
Zamora. He is 3rd of 10
children
1951
After the war, he studied elementary at the
Religious of the Virgin Mary-run St. Marys

Academy. He completed secondary studies
in 1951.
1952
He joined the
Dominicans and studied

at the St. Albert Priory in
Hong Kong.
of the Philippines (CBCP) and chairman of

Episcopal Commission on Catechesis and
Catholic Education (ECCE), they were able
to design tools such as the Catechism of the
Catholic Church (CCC), National Catechetical
Directory of the Philippines (NCDP), and the
Manual for Family Catechesis.
As archbishop, the laity was awakened to
many of his pastoral letters which called for
the need of understanding of many religious
matters. Some of these letters were the Pastoral Letter on the Peafrancia Celebration
Towards the Year of Faith and Pastoral Letter
on the Worthy Reception of Holy Communion. He also wrote books like Katekismo Ki
Ina and Light to All.
Much like Pope John Paul IIs hope for the
youth, Among (as he is also called) also
saw the great potential of the youth and with
it he also established the Caceres Youth and
Campus Ministry. Partnering with local Catholic schools like Universidad de Sta. Isabel
and the Ateneo de Naga University, and other
schools like Universidad de Nueva Caceres
and Naga College Foundation and other
non-sectarian ones, youth involvement in
the archdiocese was eminently seen through
1960
1971
He completed
He was ordained priest

of the Dominican order
at the Manila Cathedral
1955
Msgr. Legaspi
completed
his degree in
Philisophy in the
same priory.
1962
He completed his Licentiate in Sacred
Theology (Magna Cum Laude) in 1961

from the Faculty of Sacred Theology
of the University of Santo Tomas. In
1962, he was conferred Doctor of
Sacred Theology (Magna Cum Laude).
degrees in
Educational
Management
at Harvard
Graduate
School of
Business
Administration.
Remarkable institutions and edifices also

rose under his jurisdiction. There are now
34 religious congregations for women and 8
congregations for men in the archdiocese.
Caceres has become a haven for religious
and apostolate calling, a wharf for charitable
acts, giving homes to the homeless, elderly,
orphaned, abused, abandoned, disabled,
the sick and dying. Retreat ministries, preschool education and non-formal education,
and livelihood promotion were also given
importance.
Churches like the Basilica Minore, the Peafrancia Shrine, Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, Archbishops Palace, and other religious
edifices were also kept well and sound.
The magnificent Quadricentennial Arch and
Porta Mariae are also a great milestones for
Caceres.
It should also be taken note that through the
archbishop, the Church of Nuestra Seora
de Peafrancia was given the title Basilica
Minore from Rome.
Archbishop Legaspi, a faithful devotee and
living witness of the Ladys miracle, has thoroughly devoted his life to God and to his Ina,
our Ina, Our Lady of Peafrancia. By birth
he is not a Bicolano, but through Ina he lived
as a Bicolano and strived well to preserve
the fervor devotion to the Lady and even
deepen our faith through many revisions,
implementations, and actions. Together with
the local government of Naga, the Peafrancia festivities were solemnized. Fussy public
figures were given very little prominence,
voyadores underwent seminars and proper
briefing and orientation. The andas was strategically changed so as to inhibit the scenes
wherein Ina is almost stripped off her manto
due to the rowdy gestures of the voyadores.
The original image was also ought to be
preserved through the use of the replica
during Traslacion. Certain intrigues came
up when the Church publicly criticized the
rising commercialization of the Peafrancia
festivities therefore losing its real essence.
The archbishop asked the local government
1971
He was appointed first Filipino
rector of the University of

Santo Tomas Central Seminary
& Rector, Magnificus of the
Pontifical and Royal University
of Sto. Tomas.
June
1977
He was elected Titular Bishop
of Elefantaria in Mauritania and

auxiliary bishop of Manila in 30
June 1977
His genuine
work of love
will unceasingly
continue with
Gods grace, and
so will we.
to limit the nine-day novena for the religious

devotions and have other civic activities like
pageants and concerts out of the said dates.
The use of the brand Peafrancia for gay
pageants and the like were also abolished
together with many street parties and beer
fests. In the end these efforts were effective, pleasing, and brought out better results,
directing the flock to the real essence and
values that should have been discerned by
each one of us.
A whole spread may never suffice to fill all the
noble and great achievements Archbishop
Legaspi has led during his years of service.
I do believe the title of Emeritus does not
put his service to a cease. His retirement
may had come, his new successor may have
arrived, but his genuine work of love will
unceasingly continue with Gods grace, and
so will we.
Archbishop Rolando J. Tria Tirona will continue the mission of fostering and shepherding us, and it is with great hope that Caceres
and each and every one of us will continue
to grow, reach out, and deepen in faith and
Gods love, and that we too may all leave our
footprints in the sands of time.
I thank the Lord and Ina for this blessing.
During those years, the shape of the Church
in Bicol has changed: more vibrant, more
united, and clearly faith directed.
Mr. Herold Pelonio
Adieu,
youth encounters, vigils, and in the Marian

Youth Congress (MYC). School partnerships
were also fortified through the Bicol Association of Catholic Schools Meeting (BACS
MEET) and the Catholic Education Association of Caceres and Libmanan (CEACAL).
Aug
1977
He was ordained bishop on feast
of St. Dominic de Guzman (Aug.8)

at the Santo Domingo Church,
Quezon City.
1983
Msgr. Legaspi was

appointed by the Holy
Father as the third
archbishop of Caceres,
replacing his predecessor,
Msgr. Teopisto Alberto DD.
Jan
1984
He was installed in a solemn
ceremony as the 33rd Ordinary

and 3rd Archbishop of Caceres at
the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral
of Saint John the Evangelist on
January 18, 1984
2011
As he turned 75,
he announced his
retirement from
episcopal duties.
Sept 1984
He was conferred the pallium

by Msgr. Bruno Torpigliani
DD, Apostolic Nuncio, on
September 14, 1984
HEROES
B&G
B&G
HEROES
The New
Shepherd
of the lock
F
The Bishops of Caceres

The
Luis Maldonado OFM

1595-1596
Francisco Ortega OSA

1599-1602
Baltazar de Cobarrubias OSA
Pedro Godinez OFM
1603-1605
Pedro Matias
1605-1608
1612-1613
By Emerson Borja & Christian lloyd Bertumen
Meet the new spiritual leader of the four-centuries-old

Faith in this part of the archipelago. The new caretaker
has brimming background and experience to lead the
faithful of Caceres in another chapter of history.
Gone are the days of fervently waiting by people

most especially those involved in religious vocations for the successor of Most Rev. Legaspi
who had filed his resignation to the Pope two
years ago. The appointment of Bishop Rolando
Octavus Joven Tria Tirona by Pope Benedict
XVI actually coincided with the day Virgin Mary
was born, September 8, 2012, when Bicolanos
were as well at the height of preparation for the
then forthcoming Peafrancia Celebration.
Many, if not all, started exploring who he is
behind his name. One thing in his life that
would often grab attention from people is his
childhood. It appears to be a miracle that he
became a priest. Being the youngest among
eight siblings, he was often tagged the black
sheep in the family by his teachers. Ironically,
his palms which would often be whipped by his
teachers for some reason were the palms the
same teachers sheepishly came to kiss. This
suggests that one really does not know what will
happen in the time to come. For the people who
know him since he was a young boy, the childhood experiences of Bishop Tirona alone make
it unexpected and nearly impossible for him to
be a priest. No wonder that God really works in
marvelous ways.
Archbishop-designate Tria Tirona was born in
Kawit, Cavite, on July 22, 1946, and completed
his basic education (grade school and high
school) at Centro Escolar University (CEU). In
college, he went to the Benedictine-owned San
Beda Collge for his degree in Political Science.
He earned his degree in Philosophy at San
Carlos Seminary in Makati. He joined the Order
of Discalced Carmelites thereafter and finished
18
Theology at the Carmelite Monastery in Haifa,

Israel.
1974 in Rome, Msgr. Tirona was ordained priest
after his further studies at the Collegio Internazionale Carmelitani Scalzi or the Teresianum. And
after completing his Licentiate in Sacred Theology
at Institutio di Spiritualita in 1975, Tirona returned
to the Philippines to take key posts in the Carmelite-run institutions in Manila and Davao. He
became the Carmelite superior in the Philippines
in 1992-1994. He rose to the ranks in the Church
hierarchy when he was ordained bishop in 1994 at
the Manila Cathedral, becoming Auxilliary Bishop
of Manila. In 1997, he was appointed Bishop
of Malolos and in 2003 the pope placed him as
bishop of the prelature of Infanta, Quezon.
Succinctness when it comes to his homily is what
really defines Bishop Tirona. Having been a priest
and bishop to a number of dioceses in the country,
he urges that a short homily moves the heart while
a long homily moves the chairs. His efforts in
working his mission as a bishop and as a priest in
continuing what our Lord has started are underpinned by his motto in life, Christi Sumus We
belong to Christ.
The Archdiocese overflows with joy and gratitude
to the bishop who was untiringly creating effective efforts in bringing the people close to God
as he continues the mission of Christ. But sorrow
becomes inevitable. Transition does not affect
what we have become and what we will become.
As we receive our new bishop, Bishop Tirona, with
exuberance and hope-filled hearts and as Most
Rev. Legaspi departs, let then be our prayers go
with both of them.
MITRA
Mr. Meljohn Tatel
herishing the 28 rich-filled years in building and nurturing the

Kingdom of God under the archbishop-emeritus, the Caceres welcomes
Bishop Rolando Tirona, O.C.D., D.D., the 34th Ordinary and fourth
Archbishop of the see of Caceres.
BISHOPS
REGALIA
CARMELITES
The Order of Discalced Carmelites is a reform movement
within the older Carmelite order. It was established in 1593
in Spain under the leadership
of St. Teresa of Avila and St.
John of the Cross. The breakaway branch sought to follow
the stricter eremitic tradition
of the early desert hermits in
Mt. Carmel in Israel. The Discalced Carmelites came to the
Philippines in 1947. The first
group of friars came from the
Province of the Immaculate
Heart of Mary, in Washington.
The Carmelite monastery of
nuns in Naga was established
in 1949. The order produced
famous saints such as St.
Therese of the Child Jesus,
St. Teresa of the Andes, St.
Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
(Jewish NAZI victim, Edith
Stein).
Diego Guevara OSA

1614-1621
Luis de Caizares OM
1624-1626
Francisco Zamudio OSA Nicolas de Zaldivar OSA Antonio de San Gregorio OFM
1644-1646
1628-1639
1659-1661
Miter. This tall folding cap,

consisting of pointed front and
back with two short lappets is
the traditional, ceremonial headdress of bishops.
BIRETTA
Andres Gonzalez OP
1685-1709
Domingo de Valencia
Felipe Molina
1718-1719
Ysidoro de Arevalo
1724-1738
Manuel Matos OFM
1740-1751
1754-1765
Beret. The biretta was worn

by all ranks of the clergy from
cardinals to priests, deacons
and seminarians. This varies in
color according to the rank in the
Church. The Pope wears the red
camauro (Santa cap-like head
gear) instead of biretta.
ZUCCHETTO
Skull Cap. Italian for small

pumpkin, the skull cap used
to be worn by all clerics. It
accompanies the miter and the
beret. Its original purpose was
to warm the tonsured head of
clerics.
Antonio de Luna OFM
1668-1773
Andres de Echeandia M
1675-1777
Francisco Maceira OFM
Juan Orbigo OFM
1777-1778
Domingo Collantes OP
1778-1788
1788-1808
BACULO
Crozier or Pastoral Staff. This

stylized staff shaped like that of
a shepherds is the symbol of
authority or governing office. In a
diocese, the bishop is the Good
Shepherd of the flock.
Bernardo de la Concepcion OFM

1836-1839
Juan Antonio Lilio OFM
Vicente Barreiro OSA
Manuel Grijalvo OSA
Francisco Gainza OP
Casimiro Herrero OSA
Arsenio Ocampo Monasterio OSA

1887-1903
Jorge Barlin
John Bernard McGinley
Francisco Reyes
1833-1840
1846-1848
1848-1861
1862-1879
EPISCOPAL RING
Symbolizing the bishops

authority and bond to the
diocese, the ecclesiastical ring
traditionally bears the bishops
coat of arms. Before the ring
imprints the bishops seal in wax.
In reverence, the ring is kissed
by the faithful.
PALLIUM
1880-1886
1905-1909
1910-1924
1925-1937
The Y-shaped ecclesiastical

vestment was originally
worn only by the Pope, but
is now bestowed by him on
metropolitans or archbishops as
a symbol of the jurisdiction.
CRUX PECTORALIS
Pedro Santos
1938-1965
OFM - Franciscans (Order of Franciscan Minors)

OP - Dominicans (Order of Preachers)
Names and Pictures Courtesy of the Caceres Archbishops Palace
Teopisto Alberto
1965-1983
Leonardo Legaspi OP
1983-2012
Rolando Octavus Tirona OCD
OSA - Augustinians (Order of St. Augustine)

M - Mercedarian
2012
OM - Minimi (Order of Minims)

OCD - Order of Discalced Carmelites
Pectoral cross. This stylized

cross is worn on the chest,
usually suspended from the
neck by a cord or chain.
Pectoral cross is also a symbol
of authority and indicator of
governing office.
19
HEROES
B&G
B&G
HEROES
KEEN ABOUT
KEN
Correspondence with Trisha Marie Rubio
What keeps the three-time valedictorian and

recipient of Ten Outstanding Students of the
Philippines (TOSP) 2012 award on fire? This
Knight-and-Eagle hybrid pours out his heart on
his ascent to fame while keeping both his feet
firmly planted on the ground.
The BLUE&GOLD asked questions to Kenneth Isaiah Ibasco Abante,

the Ateneo de Naga High School Class 2008 Valedictorian and Pillars
Awardee (consistently No.1 in the batch in four years). Former mentors
in the High School disclose of his mastery of everything: intellectual
prowess, oozing talent in singing and dancing, good looks, compassionate heart for the needy, and a bundle of energy to juggle all sundry
tasks. Also hailed as collegiate valedictorian of the Ateneo de Manila
University, he now works as Executive Assistant to the Secretary of
Finance.
B&G: How did you make it to the list of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines?
KEN: The TOSP screening committee from the Ateneo de Manila University nominates three Ateneo students one from the Med School,
one from the Law School and one from the Loyola Schools (college
level). After the nomination stage, an independent screening committee
TOP OF THE CLASS: Ken Abante (front row, 4th from left) with other nine finalists of
Top Ten Students of the Philippines at the Malacanan Palace.
20
spearheaded by the RFM Foundation picks

20 to qualify for the NCR regional finals (and
20 each from all the other regions). From the
20 NCR national finalists, ten are chosen to
go to Nationals.
These shortlisted finalists then resubmit
their bidbooks, applications and materials to
be part of the thirty national finalists. Out of
these thirty, there is another round of interviews and selections that result to the final
list of the Ten Outstanding Students of the
Philippines.
You may see more information about the
history of the search here: http://tospac.
org/about-the-tosp-search
B&G: How did the Ateneo help you become the man that you are now?
KEN: My eight years in Ateneo taught me
how to discern in an Ignatian way: to be able
to listen to Gods movements in my life and
my society and use these to make the most
loving and life-giving decision possible.
My four-year high school experience in
Ateneo de Naga helped me understand
where it was I was good. My high school
teachers pushed me out of the shell of my
insecurities, to understand that it is possible
to be good at something one loves doing.
And it is only in doing something that one
loves that he serves his community with the
fullness of his dignity. I found out through my
teachers, who have been great examples,
that it is possible as well for me to serve my
community.
My college experience at the Ateneo de
Manila further grounded me to the reality of
poverty and the larger social situation. It was
here that I learned that it is possible to serve
the poor in any course and in any profession.
It broadened my horizons, and deepened
my faith. This faith and commitment in God I
learned is the best basis of decisions.
B&G: Were you ever guided by a motto,
principle or philosophy?
KEN: First, excellence is futile if it isnt an
excellence for service. Walang kuwenta ang
pag-aaral ng mga kurso, pagbabasa ng mga
libro o pagtatrabaho kung hindi ito para sa
ibang tao.
Second, one lives life by daring to fail.
Mangahas kang mabigo.
Hinding-hindi dapat mahiya ang mga taong
nangahas na sumubok at nabigo; sila ang
pinakamatagumpay na tao sa mundo. Higit
silang matagumpay sa sinumang naduwag
at hindi man lang sumubok, o sa sinumang
binaba ang matayog na pangarap sa pagnanais na umiwas sa mahirap na landas.
Third, one should fix ones gaze on God,
lest one stray from the path of truth.
B&G: What were the challenges that
you faced during your college life in the
Ateneo de Manila?
I faced many challenges: one was making

sure that I had enough to spend everyday.
Had it not been for my academic scholarship,
I would not have been able to fully afford
going to the Ateneo de Manila for college.
But with the generosity of my parents, my
benefactors and my friends, we were able to
make ends meet.
The second challenge albeit temporary,
was my struggle with humility and pride:
to accept that I was ordinary in the face of
extraordinary students from all over the Philippines. But on the other hand, that humility
isnt about the self emphasizing weaknesses
and downplaying strengths, but admitting
weaknesses and leveraging on strengths.
The greatest challenge, however, was
convincing my parents to allow me to go to
government despite hefty corporate offers.
After many phone calls, dialogues, tears, and
an 8-page single-spaced letter to them, I was
able to convince them that I was dead set in
my chosen job.
and a lot of good intentions, will infuse new

energy to serving the people through the civil
service.
B&G: What are you most thankful of?
KEN:I assume the question is made in the
context of the recent award. But awards and
recognition are just a bonus of doing what I
can in the service of others. Lahat ng ito ay
bonus, regalo, biyaya. (After meeting the 21
other regional finalists, it was just an honor to
have just been selected finalist.)
I think there is a beautiful paradox revealed
in being named one of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines: for who am I
really but a student who stands out because
I am the combined effort of everyone Ive
ever met? The community that I fell in love
with, that has transformed me, is really what
changed me radically. Paradoxically, this
honor is more to them, for them and because
of them, rather than for me. There is no outstanding student if there is no community
One lives life by daring to

fail. Mangahas kang mabigo. Hinding-hindi dapat
mahiya ang mga taong
nangahas na sumubok at
nabigo; sila ang pinakamatagumpay na tao sa
mundo.
B&G: What is your dream that you plan

to fulfill?
KEN: My dream is a zero-corruption government that attracts more young people and
generates hope because it is just and has
preferential option for the poor and marginalized.
There is a lot of hope in government. With
an administration that has declared zerotolerance on corruption, there is definitely
every reason to hope for better. I believe in
this government that has brought us closer to
peace in Mindanao and unprecedented economic growth and development, with analysts
declaring that the countrys vibrant performance is like an emerging tigers. I believe in
this government that has filed more tax cases
and administrative cases in two and a half
years than all the five years of the previous
administration. I believe in this government.
My dream is to give people more reasons
to expect better from their government and
from their country. In this way, more young
people who have a healthy sense of doubt
that he stands out from, a community that

has nurtured him. I am definitely not the well
that gives, but the bucket that receives.
While fundamentally after the award I still
am the same person singing Salbakuta songs
in the showers and corridors, the award for
me is a reminder to stay true to who I am,
while improving myself in service, wherever
God calls me to go. The award, according to
the TOSP community, isnt just because of
what we have done, but what we are capable
of doing. I pray that with the grace of God I
can realize this potential in my lifetime.
What is gratitude but the only possible
response after having realized that we are
from nothing, yet we receive everything in
Gods Love? In failure we are humbled and
reminded that we are loved by God, with a
Love that overflows without condition, that
seeks not whether we deserve this Love or
not.
One should learn that gratitude is always
two-pronged: it is an expression and a commitment.
(continued on p.30)
21
HEROES
B&G
B&G
HEROES
The
BULLY
Fel Payte
The Tale of Two Victims

By John Paul Sabio
Puksaanpuksaan. are one of the few things overheard in the

certain ght caused by some misunderstanding or some sort that
sometimes result to physical harm and psychological detriments.
s we roam about the different

parts of this world, it is now hard
to guarantee safety and protection. In any place that we go,
there is always this fear that we
ourselves would suffer from the
pains that life may bring us. Even to that in
schools where parents entrust their children to
the second guardians, the school itself, that as
their children go to school they feel that their
children will not encounter any acts that would
inhibit the self-growth of their children. In this
context, we can hear over the news reports
about students who are suffering from bullying in schools, either pivate or not. With this in
mind, bullying, indeed, had crawled its way up
even to this culture that we Filipinos have before, and it had inculturated itself to the modern times where we are living at.
Agta man baga yan and other more related
statements are now overheard over the corridors of the so-called rooms of learnings.
Hiding behind them are promptings for some
fights or other matters that would either result
to fights or exchange of vulgar or highly-degrading words. In line with this, bullying then is
an act that does not only involve the physical
aspect of the persons involved but also to the
totality of the person. Here, we can clearly see
that different forms of bullying have now been
rising in our society. Such are highly affecting
the life or performance of a person in his life.
These forms are somewhat things unknown
but are discovered when one realizes that
what he has already been doing.
As we situate ouselves over this topic, bullying
22
would come in many forms, verbally, physicically, or even sexually. This then implies to us
as we go to any place, things unexpected may
still happen to us.Commonly, physical bullying
is one of the major kinds that involves body
contact between two opposinging persons.
Aside from this, one kind that we can see in
our surroundings is that of the common verbal
bullying which is present when people speak
of things or insults to certain person. There
are still other forms of bullying and all of them
lead to a two-fold path which directs both parties into one common area, that is their personhood as a whole.
Research says that bullying can affect the psychological aspect of a person which applies to
both the bully and the victim. Here we can see
that there are instances in which traumatic experiences would lead to a negative change on
the victim. Like that of not wanting to to go to
school already or being a person who is now
afraid to socialize or mingle with other people.
In another view, if we would look at the buly, effects can also be see through his personhood.
Here, he may either feel that he already has
the power to repeat all the things all over again
since he knows that everyone would now be
afraid of him and that would not only affect his
present situation but also it would play a big
role in his developmenatal process. Considering these, both parties would suffer from the
detrimental effects of this bullying acts.
As we gaze upon the components of bullying, causes of it come in various forms. Some
could eiher be a racial discrimination or just a
simple misunderstanding that created a domThe Blue&Gold. June-October 2012
ino efect on the things tha have direct contact

with it. This bullying would choice no one; for
anyone who can be silent today may become
a victim or bully in the near future because
who knows one may change his ways in the
nearest possible time. Here, we should take
note that the victim is not the sole stakeholder
in bullying because even the bully is one too. It
is because a bully tends to be one because of
several factors. One of them is to capture attention because this person is attention deficit;
thus, causing him to do a certain act of bullying. This then may be a result from lackness of
friends or a broken family or parents who lack
support to their children. In another view, a
bully could also be formed because he wants
to gain authority over others for he want to be
respected and hailed over by others and for
him to be feared of. Considering all of these,
both the bully and the victim are much affected
by this bullying.
Bullying is a form of violence. It may attack
silently when one is not aware of it or it may
act with a blow of hands. In this world we are
living at,all of us are ganted the right to be free
but we must take into action that we must use
it propely in the right way and not for violence.
For this act acts as an instrument of degradation for ones personhood, even though one is
a bully or a victim. In this particular scenario
we must all be mindful that we must stand
strong no matter what things we may encounter in life. With this, consider bullying as a challenge, a challenge to eradicate it and promote
a better way to express ones emotions to others and not on a manner where ones dignity is
at ones hand.
Iconography
Every saint has a story and a reason leading to an exemplary life. Symbols normaly
tell these stories. Since artists may represent the saints in similar physical features,
attributes or emblems are used to distinctly
identify a saint from the other. Some generic symbols:
PALM BRANCH. The expectant Jews waved palm fronds
on Jesus entry to Jerusalen
on Passion Sunday. This is
the generic symbol for any
martyr.
LILY. The lily symbolizes
purity. This is normally associated with virgin saints. It also
symbolizes the Virgin Mary.
Thie lily, if portrayed among
thorns, sybolizes the immaculate conception of Mary.
SKULL. This symbolizes mortality. When under the cross,
the symbol evokes Christs
triumph over death. Most
Spanish depiction of saints
has a skull for it was customary for monks to meditate on
ones death in front of a skull.
San Pedro Calungsod

Young Migrant, Student, Catechist, Missionary,
Faithful friend & Martyr
By Michael Real
esuit missionary Diego Lus de San Vitores beatification in 1985 brought the
memory of Pedro Calungsod to our day.
On 5 March 2000, Pope John Paul II beatified Pedro Calungsod at Saint Peters
Square in Rome. Recently, the Vatican canonized
Saint Pedro Calungsod of Cebu on 21 October
2012. Saint Pedro Calungsod is now the second
Filipino Catholic saint following Saint Lorenzo
Ruiz of Binondo, Manila.
Pedro was a young native of the Visayas region
of the Philippines. Very
little is known about him prior to his missionary work and
death. He was just one of the boy catechists who went with
some Spanish Jesuit missionaries from the Philippines to the
Ladrones Islands in the western Pacific in 1668 to evangelize
the Chamorros. The islands were renamed Marianas by the
missionaries in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of the
Queen Regent of Spain, Mara Ana, who was the benefactress
of that Mission.
Path to Sainthood
The Vaticans Congregation for the Causes
of Saints prescribes
four stages before a
person becomes part
of the canon or official
list of saints or heroes of the Catholic
Church:
1. SERVANT of GOD. Before a candidate is
declared Servant, a body promoting the cause is
formed to gather data and investigate on the virtues
of the candidate. A detailed biography is written and
forwarded to Rome. Relics are taken and the body is
exhumed. This is allowed ve years after the death of
the candidate. Exceptions are John Paul II, Mother
Teresa and Lucia dos Santos, Fatima visionary.
2. VENERABLE. After enough information
has been gathered, Rome declares the
candidate Venerable if proven to have
lived a life of Christian virtues of faith, hope
and charity to a heroic degree. Prayer cards
are printed to encourage the faithful to pray
for miracle.
3. BLESSED. The candidate is declared
Blessed in the beatification. This means

the candidates sanctity is worthy of belief
and that he or she is in heaven. The candidate is assigned a feast day but celebrated
only in the diocese of origin. Churches may
be dedicated or named after the would-be
saint.
4. SAINT. To be canonized or to be officially

listed among the recognized saints by the
Holy Father, the candidate must perform
at least three miracles. The feast day is
allowed to be celebrated anywhere in the
Catholic Church.
The hatred of the missionaries was caused by a propaganda of a Chinese merchant, Choco, who started to spread the
talk that the baptismal water of the missionaries was poisonous, causing the death of many of the natives infants. Incidentally, the baptized infants
died earlier.
The assault occured in April 2,1672, when Padre Diego and Pedro sought to baptize the
ill daughter of Matapang, a baptized native, who refused the rites. Determined to kill the
missionaries, Matapang speared Pedro and another native. Hirao, finished Pedro with a
swords blow on the head. Matapang snatched Padre Diegos crucifix and pounded it with
a stone. Padre Diego was murdered right after. Both bodies of Padre Diego and Pedro
were tied with large stones and thrown into the deep sea. The remains of the martyrs were
never to be found again.
When the companion missionaries of Pedro learned of his death, they exclaimed, Fortunate youth! How well rewarded his four years of persevering service to God in the difficult Mission are: he has become the precursor of our superior, Padre Diego, in Heaven!
They remembered Pedro to be a boy with very good dispositions, a
virtuous catechist, a faithful assistant, and a good Catholic whose
perseverance in the Faith even to the point of martyrdom proved him
to be a good soldier of Christ.
HEAVENLY FACE: Saint Pedro Calungsod who died 340 years ago left
no extant engraving nor paintings. The portrait of the boy saint unvailed
in Rome was based on a commissioned painting by Fr. Catalino Arevalo
SJ for his book published in 1998. It was painted by Rafael del Casal.
It was modeled after Ronald Tubid, now a professional PBA cager and
former varsitarian of the University of the East. Having Tubid as close
representation of the martyr in the book came as a divine inspiration
while Fr. Arevalo was watching a UAAP basketball game. Like the saint,
Tubid is from Iloilo in the Visayas.
23
HEROES
B&G
B&G
HEROES
yberspace: It is
a world where
new and fresh
ideas surface
- world where
interpersonal relationship
has been defined by clicks
of the mouse; a world
crunching the globe into a
small sphere when people
connect; a world where
anonymity is a safeguard.
Cyberspace has since been
equated to being free in
doing anything one wants.
Worse, it has become a
breeding ground for new
wave of criminals.
CRIME IN THE
CYBER
S P A C E
By Bryan Zantua
Communication is a double-edged sword - it

can harm or boost life. It remains doubleedged in any medium, even in the cyberspace. What implications will the Cyber Crime
Law have on student life?
24
This is the reason why lawmakers decided

that it was best to pass the Republic Act No.
10175 or The Cybercrime Prevention Act of
2012. This law will protect us from anyone
who would do harm to us via digital means.
But this said law also threatens to take away
our freedom of speech in the world wide web.
Thus, this said law was dubbed as the cyber
martial law. The law, in its spirit, has good
points. But there are also points in the said
law which cannot be overlooked. Here is a
list of the laws scary parts.
It only wants nice things If you happen to use the social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr etc. as a medium for all
of your anger to, lets say, a government official, then you can consider yourself a criminal
answerable to this law. If you, for example,
tweeted something about your local elected
officer being a womanizer, and he pays more
attention to these women than to his own job,
then consider yourself a cybercriminal. That
could be classified as libel, which is defined
in the Revised Penal Code as the public
and malicious imputation of a crime, or of a
vice or defect, real or imaginary, or any act,
omission, condition, status, or circumstance
tending to cause the dishonor, discredit, or
contempt of a natural or juridical person...
Take note of the part wherein it mentions
real or imaginary. It means that whether you
bring the truth or just trash lies, youre still a
cybercriminal.
(Message from June Paolo Abrazado from p.11)
Its a time traveler - under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 the so-called
victims and their lawyers could argue in
court that old libelous posts [that are still
live today can be charged with online libel.
Because it could mean by keeping it there
today, youre still publishing it now. So if you
posted something that can be considered
as a libelous act before the idea of the law
even existed, then the law will look at you as
a cybercriminal.
Like something and youre in big
trouble - Those who play a part in unwittingly or willfully encouraging the spread of
libelous content shall be charged for abetting
libel. So the basic act of liking or retweeting posts that contain libelous contents is
already considered a criminal act based on
this said law.
You cant be smart enough Even saying
things in an ironical, sarcastical or metaphorical way could be considered as libelous. You
dont have to directly say to a person that
s/he is a lying crook to get sued for libel. Its
enough to say it in a sarcastical way, as long
as you do it in a public manner like posting it
in the internet.
It has ridiculous penalties If you
get sued for online libel, you may spend a
maximum of 12 years behind the bars, and/or
pay a ridiculous amount of 1 million pesos .
So either waste twelve years of your life, just
because you liked an Anti-government page
or waste a million pesos that could supply
you for many days.
The law isnt really that bad. It actually has
some good points since it promotes safety in
the cyberspace. The only problem about the
law is its misarticulation. If only the law would
be revised, then maybe the said law wouldnt
be that bad. But of course, the said law would
not be implemented if we were law-abiding
netizens.
This law will protect us from

anyone who would do harm
to us via digital means. But
this law also threatens to take
away our freedom of speech in
the world wide web. Thus, this
said law was dubbed as the
cyber martial law.
the same ordeal. I hate myself more than they hate me. I understand why they dont even consider the injuries I had suffered after the crash and the trauma it had brought me that
continuously haunts me until this very moment. The bottom
line question is why Sec. Jesse Robredo did not make it and
yet I survived. It is a mortal sin for an Aide no matter how impossible I could have done any better given the unfavorable
circumstances. I was very willing and prepared to give my
life for Sir Jess. When I accepted the job as his aide I knew
very well my responsibility and the things I should sacrifice
without any mental reservation, that includes my life. All aide
Abrazado,
and security officers follow the same code of honor. None of
Triumph 2003 picture
us dream of outliving our VIP especially on our watch. I was
always prepared to take bullets to protect the Good Secretary and ready to leave my
family with nothing but pride and honor. How I hated fate for not giving me the chance
to give it so that the person I swore to protect should have lived. Sometimes fate do put
us in situations out of our hands that trainings and experience will never be the basis
for our reaction. I had encountered several near-death experiences in my life but none
of them prepared me for such tragedy.
I thank everybody who supported and gave me inspiration to move on most especially
the Robredo and Bondoc Family. Despite having failed them for not bringing home Sir
Jess alive they themselves are the ones who defended me from the negative speculations and false information being aired by the media and even took care of me at
the hospital. Mam Leni, Aika, Tricia, Jilian, to the family and close friends of Sir Jess,
though I still feel ashamed, my family and I deeply thank you. To my family, relatives,
friends, Lakans, classmates, high school batch, and to the ones whom I dont even
know but understood my suffering and defended me, thank you all for the comfort and
full support. To Mr. Joseph Delfin Beldaboy, the fisherman who took the courage to go
the crash site despite of the prohibitions not to go near the plane because of the dangers that it could have brought, I owe you my life when you came just on time before
I could have drowned and saved me. Im sure we will see each other again and I will
thank you formally. To the first responders of Masbate PNP, Fire, Coast Guards, Local
officials and fishermen, and the reinforcements from national and local government
and private sectors especially the ones who painstakingly endured the dangers of the
sea and risked their lives just to bring back home the remains of the victims to their
families, I salute each and everyone of you sir/maam. Though I survived, it still gave
me a feeling of relief that if I was not able wake up after the crash my body will still be
found. To the doctors who took care of me and my hospital needs in Masbate, Manila
and Crame, thank you sir and maam for your warm accommodation. How I wish I could
thank all of you personally. The first week after the crash I wished I should have never
waken up in that plane and things could have been easier for everybody, but all of you
made me realize that there is more in life to live for, especially having my wife and our
new born baby.
Sir Jess, I know you are looking down upon us from your rightful place in the heaven
with our God Almighty and departed loved ones. I really dont know what you feel for
me right now. But knowing you personally I find comfort in my memory when we were
together. You and your family never made us feel we are just aides or security personnel. You always treated us like your own son. For that we are really honored, including
the ones who have known you and your undying passion to selflessly serve the country. May every Filipino people especially the leaders of our country realize your advocacies, be awakened by your idealism and follow your example in good governance. We
miss you so much sir and we pray for your eternal rest.
I am alive today not because of my abilities, but by a stroke of luck that only God knows
why. I do not know what God has planned for me. I have always believed that everything
happens in Gods will. And if this is all Gods will, it is my great honor being beside Sir
Jess up to the last moment before God took him on earth. But as a consequence, I shall
forever bear the conscience of being here alive instead of Sir Jess.
Lord, I will carry the cross. Let it be done according to Your Will.
25
HEROES
B&G
B&G
HEROES
HAUNTING IN THE
CAMPUS
By Michael Real, Jarra Mangente, Mark Jofell Anonuevo, Louis Talaguit (HS 06) & Jeremy Saavedra (HS 06)
MAIN CAMPUS RIDE
his is a true story of a young woman

who had night classes at the main
campus. Her routine while going home
was simple: she would go to the gates near
the Covered Courts and walk the aisle and
wait for a tricycle at the end of the iskinita.
It was the night
that the young girl will
never forget. While she
was walking through
the iskinita, she felt
something weird. It
was like something
was not right. She had
a terrible feeling that
she could not explain.
And while she reached
the end of the street,
she waited for the tricycles to arrive in order
to go home. She waved at every tricycle she
saw to get their attention but countless tricycles already passed her but none bothered
to stop to bring her to her destination.
The girl felt something strange. She kept
waving at the next batch of tricycles but to no
avail none pulled over to pick her up. And
by that time, she felt scared. And at long last,
an old driver decided to pull over and let her
board his humble tricycle. At first everything
was quiet. Only the clunking sound of the
two-stroke engine of the vehicle could be
heard. Unexpectedly, the old driver told the
young woman: Pag-abot mo sa harong
nindo, baliktadon mo an bado mo sagkod
mangadyi ka. Gibohon mo tulos ini. Dai mo
paglingawan! And out of her pure curiosity,
the scared miss asked why she had to do it.
The old driver replied, Dai kaya nahihiling
ang payo mo.
At first the girl did not know whether to
26
believe the old man or not. But she was soon

convinced because the old driver explained
to her the effects of her being headless.
The reason which made the woman believe
the old man was that only people with sixth
sense could see her. And that her life is in
danger if she would not do what the old man
prescribed her to do.
As the young girl reached home, she
thanked the old man for giving her aid.
Quickly she undressed and reversed her
dress with the underside now on top. Quickly
she prayed. By that the girl was saved from
the elements that made her headless.
DOPPELGANGERS
ometime in your life you may have

heard of stories about doppelgangers.
In fiction and folklore, a doppelganger
is a paranormal double of a living person,
typically representing evil or misfortune. In
modern vernacular it is simply any double or
look-alike of a person. It also describes the
sensation of having glimpsed oneself in peripheral vision, in a position where there is no
chance that it could have been a reflection.
Often they are perceived as a sinister form
of bilocation and are regarded by some to be
harbingers of bad luck. In some traditions,
a doppelganger seen by a persons friends
or relatives foretells illness or danger, while
seeing ones own doppelganger is an omen
of death.
Incidents of doppelgangers seen in the
school have been told a lot. Two of these in
particular are here, and this time, teachers
are involved.
One afternoon in one of our computer
laboratories, the faculty inside were busy with
whatever work was left for them for the day.
Fortunately for this one particular member,
his work was

done. He was
ready to go
home, and he
bid his goodbye
to those still left
in the laboratory.
He went out of
the room, but
moments later
he came back.
He said, ay,
ibanan ko muna
lugod kamo.
The next day,
that particular
member shared
to his friends, the real reason he came back
inside the laboratory instead of going ahead
of the others the previous day. He narrates
that after closing the laboratorys door, he
started to head downstairs. But instead of
continue walking for home, he froze. He saw
his own body, with his face, his features, his
bag, everything, walking on that corridor and
heading downstairs too. He froze at the sight.
Frightened, he went back into the laboratory
safe with his friends.
The next story happened when a teacher
was chosen as proctor for a third year class.
When he entered the class he was going to
proctor, he noticed that the board was full
of writings and so resolved to erase them.
But the eraser he had chosen to use was
dusty. He came out of the room and dusted
the eraser outside the room. While dusting, he saw a teacher who just came out of
the library. He called the teacher out in a
moderate voice to greet him. The teacher
stopped and stared at him, without even
greeting back. Surprised, mad, and worried,
the proctor finished dusting the eraser and

turned around to go back the classroom. But
all these emotions were replaced with fright
when he saw that same teacher, who came
out of the library and did not greet back, was
inside the next room, teaching.
GHOST IN THE THIRD FLOOR
here are times when employees of the

High School would leisurely walk to
the nearby subdivision in the absence
of tricycles to ferry them. It was getting dark
when a teacher decided to do brisk walking
instead to go home.
From the corner of Phelan Drive and the
Naga-Panicuason main road, the teacher
reached the bridge in few minutes. As it was
twilight and the sight of the road and gentle
breeze seemed to delight her, her attention
was caught by faade of the school noticeable from the bridge. The setting sun made
the faade and the bold letter of the schools
name glow.
As she was enamored by the romantic
and scenic view, she noticed a distinguishable figure in one of the third floor rooms
visible enough from the sloping road from
the bridge. Closer and closer the view of the
classrooms became clear as the road almost
flattened. It was a woman in white inside
one of the classrooms in the third floor. The
womans face was unrecognizable for there
was a distance as she peered from the glass
panes of the classroom windows. The woman
kept staring at her.
She realized it was a weekend and there
was a slim chance it could be a student or
another faculty member. Scared, she walked
as fast as she could hoping to hitch with any
tricycle passing by.
SEMINAR HALL SILHOUETTE
he scenery ouside the Seminar Hall,

whether during the day or in moonlit night, is inviting especially when
the campus was new and there was less
overgrowth and vegetation seen beyond the
accordion gate.
But this inviting scenery turns into a hairraising mystery at dusk. In one of the overnight activities of the seniors, a student was
curiously drawn to the Seminar Hall lobby,
seeing the moonlit bowing bamboo fronds
and treetops from the cliff meters away from
it. It was an hour before midnight as they
have just finished their group dynamics activity. The rustling sound gave him the relaxing
sensation that he even ended going back to
the billeting room to invite his friends and put
their mattresses at the Seminar Hall lobby.
They thought the lobby was the perfect
spot to spend the night together, chatting
and eventually sleeping. The lights were off
and entire Seminar Hall lobby was dark. The
purplish sky and the sparkling stars caught
one of the students attention.
Constantly looking at the moonlit vegetation outside the lobby and his friends talking
in bedroom voices, a silhouette of a man appeared. He was tall and hairy. He seemed to
crotch at the last steps outside the Seminar
Hall. It was only he who noticed the figure.
Frightened, he turned his back and grabbed
the closest classmate and pointed to the
direction of the silhouetted figure.
As everybody peered, the dark man was
gone. Without words nor questions they
rolled their mattresses and left for the quarters.
The Blue&Gold-June -October 2012
THE CHOPPED BOY
ack in the
early 70s in
Naga City,
there was a news
of a grade three
boy who was kidnapped. The boy
was from a wellto-do family and
was studying in an
elementary school
ran by the diocese. It was also in the vicinity
of the school where the boy was kidnapped.
The kidnapping resulted from the dispute
of the boys father with another man over
bets in a cockfight. The kidnapper whom the
boys father had verbal tussle with earlier
happened to be the boys godfather. The boy
would only be freed if he would be ransomed
by a big amount.
Few days passed and the ransom money
was never delivered.
It was several days after that a cadaver
of a boy was found in Barangay Pacol in
the area where the Sports Complex or the
Ateneo Campus now stands. The boy whose
body was chopped into pieces was slipped
into a sack meant for milled rice. The area
back then was a no-mans land and served
as dumping site for salvage victims.
It is reported that on eerie night or scary
early-morning practices of athletes at the
Sports Complex, swimmers notice sightings
of hair-raising figures. Many times when a
swimmer is covering laps on the Olympicsize pool, a figure of a lifeless little boy could
be seen at the bottom of the pool. At times a
little boy will suddenly appear swimming with
anyone practicing alone.
27
HEROES
B&G
B&G
HEROES
Relay Race
Traslacion
Mr. Meljohn Tatel
Traslacion
Mr. Richard Lian
Adrian Olivan
Intrams Opening
Mr. Richard Lian
Intrams Opening
Mr. Richard Lian
Holy Spirit Mass

Mr. Meljohn Tatel
Fiesta Sa City Jail

Leina Santiago
Mr. Meljohn Tatel
Fiesta Sa City Jail
Michael Real
MOMENTS&
Mr. Meljohn Tatel
Holy Spirit Mass
Pagsungko ni Ina
Leina Santiago
Buwan ng Wika
JBEC Congress Zamboanga
Mr. Richard Lian
Mr. Richard Lian
Traslacion
Michael Real
Mr. Richard Lian
Pagsungko ni Ina
Institution of Scapulars
Cecille San Buenaventura
Mr. Meljohn Tatel
Intrams Opening
Mr. Richard Lian
Ignatiana
Ignatiana
Mr. Meljohn Tatel
28
Hiroshima Gakuin Visit
Mr. Meljohn Tatel
JBEC Congress Zamboanga

Mr. Richard Lian
Intrams Opening
Mr. Richard Lian
29
HEROES
B&G
B&G
HEROES
MEET
THE
MENTORS
Meet the new mentors of

the Knights. Like the noble
defenders they train, they
have been selected well
and underwent rigorous
training for lifetime vocation of educating the
maam
Ateneans for life.
Mr. RICHARD
LIAN CANXING
Excellent! is the first
word students remember of him in the first
meeting in Chinese
class. Sir Lian handles
3rd Year classes. He
is a native of Ningde
City in Fujian Province.
He graduated from
Zhangzhou Normal
University. He majored
in Education Technology. Hes turning 23
on November 19. (C.L.
Bertumen)
Mrs. MARY GRACE

CASTRO
Maam Grace is handling
Grade 7 Filipino classes. She
is 31 years old and lives in
Pamplona, Camarines Sur.
She dreamt of becoming a
teacher even when she was
still a child. She has already
taught in a diocesan school
for four years. She decided
to apply to the Ateneo after
seeing an ad in the TV. She
initially thought of Ateneo
students as brats, but actually they can be disciplined.
She is happy about the coteachers because they are
approachable. (K.A.Pahati)
30
Ms. KAREN CAAYAO
Maam Kay is distinct from

others because of her slim
figure. She is known for her
fondness on photography.
In fact she is a professional
photographer doing services
on occasions. Maam Kaye
teaches first year students.
She handles Philippine
History classes of the
freshmen. She is a graduate
of the Ateneo de Naga College. (K.A.Pahati)
Ms. LILY LU CHUNLI
Maam Lily is a native of Sichuan Province in the southern part of Mainland China.
Her place is kown for delicious and spicy food. She graduated from Hainai University
and earned a degree in Teaching Chinese and other foreign languages. Maam Lily is
agood swimmer. She loves reading books. (C.L.Bertumen)
Ms. MAIRIS FORTEO
Maam Mai-mai teaches

Grade 7 students. She hadles Religion classes. She
lives in Bombon, Cam.Sur.
She wanted to become a
teacher back when she was
a child. She has already
taught at Adamson University and Concordia College
in Manila. She thinks that
students and faculty are fun
loving and full of warmth,
making Ateneo her second
home. (K.A.Pahati)
Ms. EDUARDO FLORES
Ms. MARIA ROSAIDE

RAMOS
Sir Sir Ed is the new

staff at the Office of the
Coordinator for Student
Activities and Community
Program. He graduated
from the Ateneo de Naga
University with a degree
in Management Accounting and Financial
Accounting. He is fond
of doing volunteer
works in the community. Being responsible
is what he is known for.
(I.Villaverde)
Maam Den, as she is fondly

called, is a fresh graduate
of the College of Education
of the Ateneo de Naga. She
majored in Biochemistry.
She studied grade school
at the Universidad de Sta.
Isabel and spent her high
school days in Naga City
Science High School.
(C.Deliva)
Ms. CARLA ROMAN
Maam Carla is
an alumna of the
Ateneo de Naga High
School, joining the
second batch of girls
graduating from the
high school which only
became coed in 2003.
She took up Education
in Ateneo de Naga
college and majored in
Physics. Maam Carla
excels well in dancing
and singing.
Ms. MICHELLE
ESMILLA
Maam Mich is the new

Technical Service/
New Acquisitions
In-charge of the High
School Library. She
earned a degree in
Education, Major in
English at the Ateneo
de Naga College.
Afterwards she took
Library Science. Shes
been with the OBrien
Library of the Main
Campus for 10 years.
She known for her
dedication and hardwork. (I.Villaverde)
(Keen on Ken from p.21)
I want people to see the award

as a way of expressing my gratitude. The awards are for all my
teachers, mentors, administrators and staff, especially Mommy
Nevs Bermundo, who patiently
coached us in debate and trained
me not only through technical
skills but the values of honesty
and discipline that are instilled
in debaters; Fr. Rooney SJ, who
was one of the first Jesuits I had
met deeply and who showed
me that spirituality is not morose
but can be full of mirth and joy;
Mr. Willie Niebres, Maam Y De
Los Trino and Mr. Tony Inigo, for
being great examples of Filipinos
who serve through the sheer,
inspiring and overflowing love for
their fields and for their students;
Mr. MJ Tatel, for teaching me
early that one should choose the
battles that need to be fought in
life; and to all my moderators and
teachers for teaching me what it
means to love what you do and
do what you love, and serve.
I am also thankful for my
friends in Katipunan who are
back in their hometown Cagayan
Valley, who gave me magazinecut outs of cakes on my birthday
whose generosity has shown
me that there is indeed hope
for our country; my Ateneo de
Naga High school batchmates,
whose commitment never failed
to show me why there is reason
to love and serve; and of course
my family and my benefactors
who are Gods Love in my life.
These successes are for them
most especially, and the myriad
others to whom these awards are
contingent on.
Second, its a commitment
that I plan to stand by with. In my
speech, I talked about serving
God and the poor in any course
and in any profession. After graduation, I tried to find that specific
calling and I believe I have found
it: I am sure God calls me to
serve Him through government,
specifically through the Department of Finance. It is where I
am most needed; it is where I
can serve the poor the most. It
required me to pass offers with
heftier pay checks (and it was
difficult for me to convince my
parents), but service through the
Department of Finance is where I
can serve the poor more directly,
using the skills I learned in ME.
It is what will allow me a greater
understanding of the Philippine
situation, thus bringing me closer
to realizing my 5 to 10-year goal
of going back to Bicol to help in
whatever way I can.
Late by Jan Gabriel de Guzman
Books by Fel Payte
Comfort Room by Jan Gabriel de Guzman
PORTRAIT of an ARTIST as a YOUNG MAN by Leina Santiago
B&G: Describe yourself in one

word. (Phrase na lang)
KEN: One phrase that describes
me best right now: Trying hard
civil servant.
31
Ateneo:
Forming the
Bicolano for Others
The Home of Heroes

SCHOLARSHIP & ENTRANCE EXAM
FIRST YEAR ENROLMENT
January 12, 2013 (Saturday)
April 15 May 31, 2013

Requirements:
a) Grade 6 Report Card or Form 138
b) Photocopy of Birth Certificate
c) Certification of Good Moral Character from principal, guidance counselor,
or adviser.
d) Four (4) pieces 1x1 colored picture, red background
e) If Valedictorian or Salutatorian, bring a copy of Commencement /Graduation Program or Certification from the Principal
Covered Courts, Pacol Campus

8.00-11.00 Morning Schedule
1.00-4.00 Afternoon Schedule
OTHER ENTRANCE EXAM DATES

HS Guidance Office, 8.00-11.00 AM only
February 2, 9, 16, 23 2013
March 2, 9, 23 2013
April 6, 13, 20, 27 2013
May 4, 8, 11, 15, 22, 25, 29 2013
A P P L I C AT I O N P R O C E D U R E
1. Pay the Testing Fee (P100) at the Treasurers Offices in the
Main campus or Pacol campus.
2. Fill out the Application Form & Exam Permit, and attach 2 pcs
1x1 picture with red background.
3. Bring the accomplished Application Form & Exam Permit during the scheduled date of testing.
SCHOLARSHIP & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The scholarship program provides recognition and financial assistance to
the most deserving students in the Ateneo High School.
a) Valedictorian/Salutatorian scholarship
b) Entrance Exam placers
c) Grant-In-Aid
d) Government Assistance

In Omnibus Amare Et Servire

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B&G

The BLUE & GOLD

Ateneo de Naga University High School

In the feast day of St. Ignatius of Loyola,

Vol. 57 No. 1 June -October, 2012

esse Manalastas Robredo a God-fearing man, a

Aaron Patrick Arandela

Ignatius of Loyola, said that man is created to praise,

SLICE OF THE PIE.

This months celebration of Buwan ng Wika,

The total number of students

Mr. Richard Lian Canxing

After a supposedly worthwhile four-day break from

The total number of students

The academic calendar

The number of subjects students grapple with.

The total number of teachers

Percentage of the student body

Despite the overcast sky

The total number of students

Mr. Meljohn R. Tatel

ONLI IN DA PILIPINS!: Sophomores showcase

In time for their summer break, students

The schools year-long Intramurals formally

Mr. Richard Lian

Mr. Meljohn R. Tatel

The Blue&Gold. June-October 2012

Mr. Richard Lian

In celebration of the science

Members of the Naga Jesuit community and

In two separate exhibitions, the Collectors

Mr. Richard Lian

by Hon. Jesse M. Robredo

The Blue & Gold 1st Semester Issue

Fr. James OBrien SJ

Fr. John Phelan SJ

Fr. Raul Bonoan SJ

Photo courtesy of HS Triumph

I realize now that I was short in talent, but I was rich

Needless to say, the entire nation has shown

the hands of the people, hence all are called to

When he emptied his hands from flawed visions

In fact, so closely did we connect with him that

By Kenneth Isaiah Abante, HS 08

Dios mabalos does not end in platitude, I pray

showed all of us the power of this gratitude.

That he was always the first and last person

Chan Robredo and Marcelina

Jesse was a 3rd year

The same slippers that fruit and fish vendors

Ramon Magsaysay Award

At Ateneo de Naga, Robredo met two Jesuit priests

How then do we relay our gratitude to him who

Among Ateneos lay teachers, Robredo remembers his

It is an acceptance that not everything is in our

Ten Outstanding Young

All walk on the same ground; all are sons and

He obtained his degrees in Industrial

Jesse was awarded

Ending his 3 terms as mayor,

Under his leadership,

Ending his 2nd term, Jesse