Farewell, Dear Jace

Categories: ADMU · Culture Vulture · Existentialism · Family · Jesuit · Mourning · Social Condition10 Comments

On my very first day of class as a college freshman at the Ateneo de Manila University, I met Jason in my English Honours class. We were the chosen ones to learn from the wisdom and brilliance of the late Doreen Fernandez, and were all a bit intimated by life, college, and being an Atenean. I felt completely overwhelmed by the environment, but Jace smiled and introduced himself, making me feel at ease right away. Later on that freshman week, I met two other girls who, together with Jace, irreversibly became pillars of my soul. Together we formed an inseparable…

Bridges of Berlin: Siemenssteg

Categories: ADMU · Battling depression · Berlin Through Frog Eyes · bridges of Berlin · Culture Vulture · Existentialism · PhotographyLeave a comment

When it comes to hunting down the bridges of Berlin, doing the research beforehand really pays off. So far there has only been one bridge that I stumbled upon quite by accident and without prior research. Doing things that way complicates matters later on when I sit down to write the blog, because I have to retrace my steps with a fine toothed comb over Google Maps and figure out exactly where I was. Case in point the Aalemannkanalbrücke. As it turns out, many of the interesting bridges are accessible by foot or bike, and it takes a lot of…

Paalam Manila*

Categories: ADMU · Existentialism · Moving Tales · Philippines · Traveler's TalesLeave a comment

*(Goodbye Manila) Once again I part ways from my beloved Manila, but this time with a heavier heart than usual. It is the first time I move away and my parents were not standing at the doorway to bid me farewell, bless my forehead, and hug me before I got into the car. I passed by the columbarium to say goodbye. Earlier today I took the time to go across town to the Ateneo de Manila University and sought the blessing of my beloved Jesuit mentor Fr. Balchand, SJ. Like my parents, I never move away without a blessing from him….

Your Heart Today*

Categories: ADMU · Existentialism · Jesuit · Lent · Nostalgia · Philippines · Photography · Religion and Faith · Social ConditionLeave a comment

*this liturgical song was composed by Manuel V. Francisco, SJ, sung by the Bukas Palad Ministry of the Ateneo de Manila University. Click HERE for the YouTube video to accompany the lyrics. The song was dedicated to Sen. Benigno (Ninoy) Aquino Jr. and Pres. Corazon Aquino, a reflection of Fr. Francisco’s fervent prayers for the Philippines. Where there is fear I can allay Where there is pain I can heal Where there are wounds I can bind And hunger I can fill Lord, grant me courage Lord, grant me strength Grant me compassion That I may be Your heart today Where…

The Blue Eagles Take A Stand

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9 November 2016 Memo to         :           The University Community Subject            :           Marcos burial issue On 8 November 2016, the Supreme Court of the Republic of the Philippines decided to allow the burial of Dictator Ferdinand Marcos at the historic and symbolic Libingan ng mga Bayani. With no hesitation, the Ateneo de Manila University expresses its indignation over this decision, calling this an act of convenient equivocation and injustice on the part of the Supreme Court. In its decision, the Supreme Court argued by saying: “While he was not all good, he was not pure evil either. Certainly, just a human…