Ateneo student life typically consists of academics, personal commitments, and orgs. While orgs may build bridges and develop skills, getting a hold of the golden ticket is not a walk in the park.
A warm welcome
Tanghalang Ateneo
As if stage fright is not imposing enough, holding plays for the Ateneo community can bring intense pressure. Tanghalang Ateneo Secretary-General Bea Gulinao, however, says applicants need not worry for the org requires only three things: an application form, an interview, and attendance to their Org-Asm (Org Assembly).
“They’ll be [trainees] for a year then we’ll evaluate them if we can up their status,” Bea says. “But we won’t kick you out if you’re not yet in that level. It’s your choice if you want to quit.”
Bea adds that senior members also have their version of the Blue Roast—“Where we ‘roast’ each senior”—and the Tanghalang Ateneo Gossip Session, where members get to gossip about the seniors before leaving the org.
The real commando
Reserve Officers Training Corps
A green full-body suit—a seaweed, perhaps?—and a Disney princess are some of the characters that aspiring officers and cadets of the Ateneo Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) don during Costume Week.
“It aims to teach them to remain confident,” says Corps Commander and Cadet Major Gil Anthony Aquino, 1st class. “[They] cannot lead if [they are] embarrassed or unconfident.”
After the week-long event, ROTC aspirants will put on a show (at the cafeteria, no less) for the Ateneo community. “These rites are part of the many traditions involved in choosing the next batch of officers or cadets,” Gil says.
These activities stress the importance of overcoming obstacles and gaining hard work, loyalty, and discipline—the core values of ROTC.
Critics voice off
Ateneo Glee Club
As the first established university choir of the Philippines known for honing some of the country’s awarded musical talents, it’s understandable that the Ateneo College Glee Club (ACGC) should have auditions ala American Idol.
“[The music committee] makes us sing one by one and then bash us,” says alto singer Chrissie Tan. “It’s scary.”
Ideally, roughly 40 of the best voices make it through from a pool of 150 aspirants. Though they are accepted, ACGC recruits are treated like trainees throughout the year, undergoing quarterly exams on mastery of music and voice quality. However, Chrissie says the tests aren’t intended to make them suffer—they are there to develop vocal talents and musical prowess.
No boundaries
Loyola Mountaineers
Jogging around campus from time to time are the Loyola Mountaineers (LM) members. LM hopefuls are likewise expected to possess the same physical strength to brave the difficulties of mountain climbing.
As a first test, one has to run particular distances while complying with the respective time limits. But President Jerome Cortez stresses that physical competence is not the only determining factor. “One also has to be an educated mountaineer,” he says. “We have basic mountaineering courses, backpacking, [and] camp management and orienteering.”
The best thing about landing a place among nature enthusiasts? Public Relations Officer Arielle Macatulad says, “Even if you turn 60, you’ll still be a member.”
Worth the wait
Blue Babble Battalion
Free game passes, shiny uniforms, and school pride is the life waiting for Blue Babble Battalion applicants if they get through the five days of screening.
Team captain Matthew Quiros says they have to do challenges like scream at the top of their lungs on cafeteria tables and run errands for their superiors in the team.
“[These will test] their subservience,” Matthew says. “When you’re not getting the expected reaction [during cheers], you’ll be forced to resort to the most ridiculous ideas—all for the name of the school.”
Matthew says these activities bind them together. “Everyone who’s been in the Battalion has gone through that. It wasn’t an easy way up [but] we’re so proud we made it.”
With reports from Paulene V. Arevalo
