The Ateneo is made of, by, and for leaders. The Atenean carries with him over a century of excellence. The Atenean has also been tagged as a leader in any endeavor for this past century. In times of peace, the Atenean stands out, and leads the nation towards progress. In times of crisis, the Atenean even more so excels, for he knows his duty, and realizes the price he has to pay for his destiny as a true leader.

Important citizens of the Philippines such as de la Costa, Rizal, and Manglapus have, at one time or another, spoken for what they believed in and excelled in tasks involving extreme discipline and leadership. They were all Ateneans. 

But time took its toll on the Atenean, and significant events have shaped and reshaped his outlook towards life. He changed his mind about certain things, and his mind slowly drifted to the depths of uncertainty and confusion. He got lost; he wasn’t sure of what he wanted anymore. He wanted to change things, but was subdued by continuous threats and warnings.

Then came September 21, 1972, and for the past seven years the leader instinct of the Atenean has slowly been fading away. The Atenean has become quiet and timid, afraid to make the first step, for he hears that he might fall into an open manhole—a manhole controlled by men above him. He has also lost his ability to speak up clearly and with conviction, and to fight for what is right. He has grown passive, apathetic and indifferent, unable to rise from the grave he never used to be in. Only now. The only things he cares about nowadays is to study hard, get a good job, and to, altogether, have a nice time. That’s all.

Such is the state of the Ateneo de Manila University, a far cry from Rizal’s de la Costa’s, or even Manglapus’ Ateneo. Today, there are no such Ateneans, Ateneans who fight for their rights to speak and to lead. Today, you only have the enterprising Business Management major, the prudish Physics major, and the party-hopping Communication Arts major, and other every day characters. Activities which once flourished and which every Atenean was proud of are now lost in the midst of the more “practical” ones. 

And why does this all happen? Why does the Atenean refuse to move anymore? Why is he so passive and indifferent?

There’s only one answer which encompasses all the others—1081. This single declaration’s impact on Philippine society has been so powerful in such a short span of time that people have changed overnight!

There is one aspect of marital law that has contributed to this task—mass media. Before 1081, reporters went all-out to search for news, to criticize and scrutinize information. In other words, they gave the reader reason enough to go out of his way to buy a newspaper. The reader became concerned about what was going on because he had faith in the legitimacy of the reports. There existed a feeling of freedom. He knew he could find the truth (most of it) in the newspaper.

Nowadays it’s all hand-outs. The reporters wait till Malacañang issues an official press release for newsmen to print. Many a time the news that appears sounds implausible. Most of the time, it sounds “too good” to be true, when we actually know (or have an idea, at least) that life in this place isn’t all that good, as found out by word-of-mouth. The fact is that the strength of martial law has been so influential that even though we know at times what actually goes on, we don’t do anything about it. Ateneans are no expectations.

But the Atenean SHOULD be different. He has a commitment to his fellowmen, whether they be rich or poor.

Probably none or just a few of you really CARE about this article. That’s just to show you how effective the mass media has been in mutilating your minds, how it has turned your minds into plain mush!

But are you going to remain this way? Are you going to allow the Ateneo mystique to fade away in a few sweeping years when it took our forefathers ages to build? Is it right that you should keep mum? After seven years of this regime, it is high-time we pick up the pieces of ignorance and apathy and look to the future with hope, progress, and freedom.

Bring back that Ignatian Spirit!

Bring back that Ateneo Spirit!