ATENEO DE MANILA UNIVERSITY

Loyola Schools Bulletin

Build Community. Nurture hope.

VOLUME 11, PABAON SPECIAL ISSUE ■ MAY 2020


Campus photos by Aaron Vicencio, courtesy of the Ateneo de Manila University Marketing and Communications Office (UMCO)

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LS vs COVID-19

Yumi Briones tops Class 2020

BY DR. NINA ROSARIO ROJAS

Graduating summa cum laude, Yumi Lee Briones (BS Chemistry ’19) is the Loyola Schools’ class valedictorian for 2020.

Focused, articulate, and confident, Briones was hailed Most Outstanding Jose Rizal Model Student of the Philippines (2019), and was chosen as program awardee for BS Chemistry (2020). She co-developed Rainshine, a technology and business concept that can harvest electricity from both sunlight and rain for off-grid communities. It won the country and regional finals during the 2019 Schneider Electric Go Green in the City Business Case Competition. She and her partner Gabrielle Ozaeta even represented the region at the global finals in Barcelona, Spain.

Eager to explore learning opportunities wherever she can, Briones interned at the Philippine Genome Center from June to July 2019, where she did a project on analyzing a cancer-simulating protein-protein interaction network, and co-authored a paper presented at an international conference. As a junior, she also spent a term at the National University of Singapore in 2018.

In Ateneo, her thesis focused on research that could potentially help medicinal plant farmers, the herbal products industry, and cancer patients. Under the by-invitation BS-MS Chemistry program, she is investigating the possible synergistic action of ampalaya with anticancer chemotherapy drugs. Because of COVID-19, Briones had to put her experiments on hold just when her samples, cell cultures for bioassay, and the new Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectrometer were ready for experimentation. In the meantime, she will focus on using bioinformatics approaches to the problem, so that she can continue her research despite being unable to spend time in the laboratory.

As part of the Ateneo Chemistry Society, she took on various roles in organizing the yearly Ateneo Chemistry Olympiad competition for high schools. On the flip side, she was part of the team that represented the university in intercollegiate chemistry competitions, and was promoted to team captain for the 2020 competition that was canceled due to the pandemic.

However, Briones’ interests are broader than chemistry or science and innovation. She can speak as comfortably about chemistry as about philosophy and literature. What few realize is that Briones also draws visually arresting and fun class notes, which could very well be the secret to her success. She’s also musical. Her main instrument is the keyboard (piano). She also plays the guitar and the violin. When her academics still allowed her time to engage in music, she joined the Ateneo Blue Symphony and the Ateneo Musicians’ Pool. She brings together intellectual rigor, inspiring leadership, and an enterprising spirit in a light and cheerful manner.

Congratulations, Yumi! We hope to witness you making full use of your gifts in the years to come.

Dalisayan 2020

DR. MARIA LUZ C VILCHES

The chapbook, which gives us a good profile of the awardees and their works, is downloadable for anyone interested in reading it. However, the awardees are urging their friends and supporters to make a voluntary donation to help a specific institution that they have chosen to support.
Chapbook14Jun2020.pdf
The Facebook page continues to be filled with more videos of the awardees’ individual performances. I would like to invite the community to like the page and to view and download its contents. Doing this tribute online also marks artistic creativity.

JULY UPDATE— The Loyola Schools Awards for the Arts (LSAA), endearingly named Dalisayan, is an annual recognition rites that showcase the artistic achievements of our graduating students. This year, instead of it being the usual two-hour evening event, Dalisayan 2020 is an experience you can enjoy at your own time and leisure.

On the evening of June 15, the LSAA awardees posted the digital copy of their chapbook at the FB page "Dalisayan: The 2020 Loyola Schools Awards for the Arts."

Once again, many congratulations to the 33 awardees of the 2020 Loyola Schools Awards for the Arts!

I am pleased to announce the recipients of the Loyola Schools Awards for the Arts this school year:

Creative Writing

  • Catherine Lianza A. Aquino, BFA Creative Writing and AB Literature-English (Fiction)

  • Danielle Michelle B. Cabahug, BS Communications Technology Management Minor in Creative Writing (Nonfiction)

  • Martina M. Herras, AB Literature-English (Poetry)

  • Emmanuel B. Lacadin, BS Environmental Science (Poetry)

  • Ana Martina R. Nevada, BFA Creative Writing (Poetry)

  • Dorothy Claire G. Parungao, BS Chemistry with Material Science Engineering (Poetry)

  • Aisha Kalina V. Rallonza, BFA Creative Writing (Nonfiction)

  • Hannah Mikaela S. Tiñga, BFA Creative Writing (Nonfiction)

Screen Arts

  • Hikaru H. Murakami, AB Communication (Directing)

  • Miko Santino D. Reyes, BS Communications Technology Management (Cinematography and Editing)

  • Raphael Ervin R. Villanueva, BS Management Information Systems (Sound Design)

Theater Arts

  • Alyssa Jamille D. Binay, BFA Theatre Arts (Performance)

  • Maria Teresa Gabriela J. Oppen, BFA Theatre Arts (Directing)

  • Alexa Mikheila Prats, AB Interdisciplinary Studies (Performance)

  • Quiel Andrew I. Quiwa, BS Electronics Engineering (Performance)

  • John Bernard G. Sanchez, BS Biology (Performance)

Visual Arts

  • Marian L. Cabauatan, BS Management (Photography)

  • Zoe C. De Ocampo, BFA Information Design (Graphic Design)

  • Cid I. Gonzales, BFA Information Design (Illustration)

  • Anastasha R. Magallona, BFA Information Design (Graphic Design)

  • Maxine Victoria B. Marquez, BFA Information Design (Illustration)

  • Maria Patricia D. Mediarito, BFA Information Design (Illustration)

  • Maria Victoria Ciara L. Padilla, BFA Information Design (Graphic Design)

  • Andrea Augustine R. Pavia, BFA Information Design (Graphic Design)

  • Hannah Cristina E. Reyes, BFA Information Design (Illustration)

  • Lennon C. Villanueva, BFA Information Design (Graphic Design)

  • Paolo Rafael R. Yaptinchay, AB Chinese Studies (Photography)

  • Izza Joyce D. Zamoranos, BS Management of Applied Chemistry (Photography)

Dance

  • Mikaela G. Quiambao, AB Management Economics (Performance)

  • Maria Andrea H. Tagaban, BS Communications Technology Management (Performance)

  • Ma. Winnalee E. Young, BS Psychology (Performance)

Music

  • Javier Luis G. Pimentel, BS Communications Technology Management (Performance)

  • Angela Esther G. Reyes, BS Psychology (Performance)

Warmest congratulations to the awardees!

Although we are unable to gather together physically to recognize the talents of our awardees, a ceremony will still take place online to be organized by the Loyola Schools Awards for the Arts Creative Production and Program Team from the School of Humanities, headed by Mr. DM Reyes. The announcement on the details of this event will be issued from the School of Humanities Dean’s office.

I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to the members of the Awards for the Arts Committee: Alexis Augusto L. Abola, Christian Jil R. Benitez, Sarah Delphine C. Buencamino, Mark Joseph T. Calano, Ph.D. (Chair), Carlomar A. Daoana, Miguel Francisco B. De La Cruz, Allan Alberto N. Derain, Ph.D., Alberto L. Dimarucut, Karen Fatima R. Francisco, Maria Victoria T. Herrera, Joi Marie Angelica M. Indias, Skilty C. Labastilla, Melissa Vera M. Maramara, Glenn S. Mas, Allan J. Pastrana, Maria Inez Angela Z. Ponce De Leon, Ph.D., Jerry C. Respeto, Ph.D., Pauline M. Saltarin, Aaron R. Vicencio, Martin V. Villanueva, and Alvin B. Yapan, Ph.D.

Paghahandog honors student excellence in a creative manner


BY JC CAPUNOPhotos courtesy of The Guidon and the respective winners

Every year, the Loyola Schools publicly recognizes the efforts of individuals and groups from the Ateneo Loyola Schools who have exemplified excellence in the areas of sports, socio-civic engagements, leadership, and service. This annual search for worthy exemplars culminates in an awarding ceremony dubbed as “Paghahandog [Dedication]: A Celebration of Student Leadership and Service.”

Guidon-Moro Lorenzo Sportsman of the Year is Ferdinand C. Ravena III. Photo courtesy of Izza Zamoranos of The Guidon.
Kirsten Chloe Y. Daos receives two awards: Guidon-Moro Lorenzo Sportswoman of the Year and Ambrosio Padilla Athlete of the Year. Photo courtesy of Marco Ricafort of The Guidon.
ASCEND Citation Awardees for Seniors Group Research and Seniors Excellence Awardees. Joaquin Ignacio D. Campos and Joseph Emanuel C. Litam for their research entitled “Developing an Urban Ecosystem Resilience Index Using a System Dynamics Approach.”
One of the models during the ALAB 2020 Fashion show donning an outfit made from collected plastic waste. ALAB 2020 is the project of Abigail Pauline C. Ng, ASCEND Citation Awardee for the Seniors Individual Project category
Community presentations as part of the research conducted by Patrik Joerl B. Abrenica, Francis Michael C. Guevarra, and Beatrice L. Peñarroyo for their study, “Untitled: Investigating Issues of Land Titles in APECO-Affected Barangays in Casiguran, Aurora,” which receives the ASCEND Citation Award for Undergraduate Group Research and Undergraduate Excellence Award
Council of Organizations of the Ateneo - Manila receives the LS Awards for Leadership and Service Most Outstanding Student Group
LS Awards for Leadership and Service Most Outstanding Individual is Phillip Z. Ventigan

Several sets of recognition are given out, namely: The Loyola Schools Awards for Sports, which is comprised of the Ambrosio Padilla Athlete of the Year Award and the Guidon-Moro Lorenzo Awards for Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year; the Ateneo Socio-Civic Engagement for National Development (ASCEND) Awards; and the Loyola Schools Awards for Leadership and Service, which is comprised of the Most Outstanding Project, the Most Outstanding Student Group, and the Most Outstanding Individual.

This year’s Paghahandog had to be reimagined in light of the ongoing health crisis. COVID-19 prevented the conduct of any physical gathering to honor the awardees. As such, Paghahandog went online to duly recognize LS graduating students for their contribution to initiatives in rebuilding the nation and for being beacons of hope through their achievements.

Social media platforms were utilized to announce their incredible accomplishments. Creative posters, a digital souvenir program, and a heartwarming tribute video were all part of the effort to show how these young people were truly “lux in Domino” (“light in the Lord”) amidst dark and challenging times.

Eleven awards were handed out this year. The finalists were announced online last May 20, while the winners were revealed and given due recognition on May 27, 2020.

Loyola Schools Awards for Sports

Guidon-Moro Lorenzo Sportsman of the Year

Ferdinand C. Ravena III (MBA) - Men’s Basketball

Guidon-Moro Lorenzo Sportswoman of the Year and Ambrosio Padilla Athlete of the Year

Kirsten Chloe Y. Daos (III BS MGT) - Women’s Swimming

ASCEND Awards

Citation Award for Seniors Group Research and Seniors Excellence Award

Joaquin Ignacio D. Campos (V BS ES) and Joseph Emanuel C. Litam (V BS ES) for “Developing an Urban Ecosystem Resilience Index Using a System Dynamics Approach”

Citation Award for Seniors Individual Project

Abigail Pauline C. Ng (IV AB IS) for “ALAB 2020: A Fashion Show on the Timeline of Plastic Pollution in the Philippines and Its Effects on Lower-Class Filipino Citizens”

Citation Award for Undergraduate Group Research and Undergraduate Excellence Award

Patrik Joerl B. Abrenica (III AB DS), Francis Michael C. Guevarra (IV AB DS), and Beatrice L. Peñarroyo (III AB DS) for “Untitled: Investigating Issues of Land Titles in APECO-Affected Barangays in Casiguran, Aurora”

Loyola Schools Awards for Leadership and Service

Most Outstanding Individual

Phillip Z. Ventigan (V BS CH-MSE)

Most Outstanding Project

The Guidon Marawi Immersive Journalism Project (The Guidon)

Most Outstanding Student Group

Council of Organizations of the Ateneo–Manila (COA-M)

The Guidon Marawi Immersive Journalism Project wins the LS Awards for Leadership and Service Most Outstanding Project

Program Awardees of Class 2020

DR. MARIA LUZ C VILCHES

The Committee on Standards has reviewed and endorsed the recommendations of the different departments for this year’s Program Awards. I approve their recommendations and am pleased to announce the following awardees:

School of Humanities

JOHN VINCENT D. MUSICO

English

ROMINA RAFAELLE D. GAVINO

Interdisciplinary Studies

MARK CHRISTIAN C. DE JESUS

Philosophy

KATHLEEN R. QUEMA

Fine Arts (Creative Writing)

CID I. GONZALES

Fine Arts (Information Design)

MARIA TERESA GABRIELA J. OPPEN

Fine Arts (Theater Arts)

John Gokongwei School of Management

CARA ISABELA S. DE JESUS

Management

MARTINA DOMINIQUE J. SERRANO

Communications Technology Management

DANIELLE MARY I. YUPANGCO

Legal Management

LUCIA CARMEN D. LORENZO

Management Engineering

BYRON KESTER B. UY

Information Technology Entrepreneurship

School of Science and Engineering

ROSE BERNADETTE Y. ASPIRIN

Biology

MIGUEL MARI C. DOBLES

Biology (Life Sciences)

YUMI L. BRIONES

Chemistry

CHRISTOPHER WILLIAM S. DIZON

DISCS (Computer Science)

PATRICIA NICOLE G. UY

DISCS (Digital Game Design and Development)

JAVIER SENEN A. SARMIENTO

DISCS (Management Information Systems)

RICHMOND ROI B. RODRIGUEZ

ECCE (Electronics Engineering)

JEROME MICHAEL D. JACOB

ECCE (Computer Engineering)

BRET MICHAELS C. DE LEON

Environmental Science

KATSUYA O. AKAMATSU

Materials Science and Engineering(recipient of Program Award for two majors (BS APS & BS MSE))

LIANNA ZION M. LOFRANCO

Mathematics (Applied Mathematics with Specialization in Mathematical Finance)

JOSEPH RAYMUND G. SANCHEZ**

Physics(double major; summa cum laude when he graduated from his first degree, BS BIO, last year)

KATSUYA O. AKAMATSU

Applied Physics

School of Social Sciences

SAMANTHA MAE G. DACANAY

Communication

ANGELIKA GRACE N. AFURONG

Economics (Economics)

ANICA MARGARITA P. SARMIENTO

Economics (Management Economics)

EUNICE B. TIONGSON

European Studies Program

ROBYN LOUISE S. DY

Political Science

MARIA CELINA P. DE LUNA

Psychology

FRANCES KATREEN MARIE D. CATIPON

Social Sciences

Mulry Award

EMMANUEL B. LACADIN

Environmental Science

My warmest congratulations to the awardees!

Thank you for making us all proud of your achievements. May your talents and abilities be beacons of light that give hope in a challenging and uncertain world. God bless!

EDITORIAL TEAM

Maria Luz C. Vilches

Publisher

Mimi Tiu

Editor-in-Chief

Ali Figueroa

Art Director/Graphic Designer