All-Around Merit Scholar: Fernandina Ko

Fernandina Ko

BSM Applied Mathematical Finance, Block X

Merit Scholar

Graduated as high school valedictorian from Jubilee Christian Academy? Check. Played for their high school basketball varsity team? Check. Composed their batch's graduation song? Check. Got an A for both English and Lit in the First Sem? Check. Passed as both an Oblation (from University of the Philippines) and Merit Scholar (for the top 30 scorers in the ACET)? Check. And the list goes on.

This all-around girl has certainly got what it takes to be called a certified well-balanced, blue-blooded Atenean Freshman. 

Fernandina, an Applied Mathematical Finance student, also has a lot of hobbies like playing the piano, cooking, baking, scouting for good piano covers on YouTube, going to gyms, going on Facebook, and watching TV. Read on to find out more about Fernandina Ko.

Why did you choose Ateneo?

I believe that Ateneo can help mold me into a well-rounded person, and I don't know; I guess Ateneo just felt right for me.

Favorite hangouts in Ateneo?

Caf!

What's your secret to achieving? 

Never forget to give back the glory to God. :)

What fun things do you do in your free time?

Chilling with blockmates or studying when there's an LT (Long Test) :|

If given the chance to do a speech, what would you want to be quoted for?

When life gives you lemons, grab an apple. HAHAHA

If you were given the chance to pick one of your interests to pass off to a random stranger at the expense of losing it, what would it be?

Maybe my interest in eating? So he/she could grow chubbier instead of me. I'm sorry if this doesn't really count as an interest. hahaha :))

Do you have a funny memory from your childhood?

One time (long long ago) I was in a restaurant with my family, and apparently, I went up to some random guy who was smoking and said in maldita-ish way, "Smoking is bad for your health!" :))

Favorite Pokemon? Why?

Venusaur. That was the first hologram card I got from a booster pack. Yup, I used to collect. hahaha

Fernandina with Venusaur!

If there's one thing we can learn from Fernandina, it's that no matter how much we have accomplished, we should never forget to give back the glory to God. Have a blessed New Year, everyone! 

The UAAP Record Holder: Micco Pesuena

Micco Pesuena

BS Legal Management, Block O

UAAP Swimming Varsity Member

Back in High School, Micco held the UAAP record for 50-meter breaststrokes. A graduate from Ateneo High School, he joined the college UAAP swimming varsity team as well.

Regular training and school requirements may fill up his schedule. But this guy still makes time for his friends (who fondly call him Pesu), something he says he enjoys. Know more about him and read on!

Why did you choose Ateneo?

Because I believe it is the best school in the Philippines. And my older brother also studies here.

Favorite hangouts in Ateneo?

JSEC, Matteo Ricci, and the Swimming team bench along Sec Walk

How do you balance your time? 

Set priorities. For me, swimming and studying come first. But I believe that we should still give importance to the people around us (friends and family) and never forget to enjoy life.

What fun things do you do in your free time?

Food trip with friends (go outside Ateneo to eat somewhere different), play basketball or swim with friends. As long as it's with friends, it is usually fun.

If given the chance to do a speech, what would you want to be quoted for?

Enjoy despite the many impediments in life.

Do you have a funny memory from your childhood?

I touched a lit lighter from our car out of curiosity. I just really wanted to know how it felt like since it was glowing red and it seemed really cool.

Favorite Pokemon? Why?

Blastoise, because I find his character really creative. And... Squirtle wore shades.

What were your other favorite shows from the 90s?

Dragonball Z, Pokemon, and Rugrats

Meet Blastoise and Squirtle in shades!

The Teen Model and Reporter: Janeena Chan

Janeena Chan

AB Communication, Block A2

Magic 89.9 Junior Jock, VJ, 

tv/ramp/print model, tv/event host,  

musical performer, radio voice talent

One of the many new faces in the Ateneo. One of the very few teen reporters in the Philippines. Also a VJ, model, musical performer, and more. Meet Janeena Chan.

You may have seen her feature trends, food and fashion hotspots, events, personalities, interesting activities and places on her own lifestyle segment called Spot Light on RPN 9's Newswatch. It airs everyday on the channel's main news program.

"I shoot about 3 segments every Saturday or Friday after school. Basically, I think and research on what topics I want to feature during the start of the week, contact my interviewees, write my segment scripts, submit it to our producer and shoot on weekends," Janeena shares.

But that's not all Janeena does. She also handles her VJ stint for Velvet channel, magazine shoots, other modeling gigs, hosting gigs, singing gigs, Junior Jock trainings, and more. She says, "I accept other projects as long as I can manage my everyday load."

And yes, she does it all while dealing with college.

Why did you choose Ateneo?

Well, aside from the fact that it is the most prestigious university in our country, some of my relatives like my sister and cousins have studied in Ateneo and I’ve heard of the wonderful university life they’ve fully enjoyed.

Favorite hangouts in Ateneo?

I love fresh air, the smell of grass and the cool breeze so I enjoy hanging out in open spaces like along the Sec Walk, the AMP bench, JSEC, the Doghouse area with some of my doll houser friends (whenever the area’s not being rented), the Zen Garden and the open area outside the Gonzaga cafeteria.

How do you balance your time? 

I keep a planner and when things get too hectic like during hell week I arrange my ‘tasks’ in the most systematic way possible.  When there are projects being offered during these busier-than-the-usual-times, I decline some and accept only good, quality accounts.  

What fun things do you do in your free time?

Well, I really enjoy all the things I involve myself into and even if they are formally called ‘jobs’ it really feels more of like my recreational getaway, it’s always a new adventure, a new learning experience. So during my extra free time I just enjoy chilling like watching movies, my favorite TV Series and hanging out with friends. Sometimes when I feel extra adventurous and when there’s a lot of extra free time, I enjoy going out of town!

If given the chance to do a speech, what would you want to be quoted for?

Well I have this favorite quote and it’s from one of the richest people who ever lived, Warren Buffet, and I really do live by this, ‘The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best things. They just appreciate what they have.’

I believe our generation is becoming too materialistic and at times you just can’t help but want for more or complain about the simplest things. After coming across this quote I’ve realized how blessed we all our in so many ways whatever our situation may be. We just have to live everyday feeling thankful and make the most out of our lives.

Do you have a funny memory from your childhood?

I’d always climb up on the roof of my Little Tikes playhouse and just chill there like Snoopy. I’d do everything there, like eat my merienda, write songs, sing songs and one time I even asked my parents if I could stay the night there. 

Favorite Pokemon? Why?

Jigglypuff! I’ve always adored her when I was younger and I think mainly because she’s cute and pink! But it all makes sense now because I love to sing, sleep and I can be really witty like her too. hahaha

What were your other favorite shows from the 90s?

Kenan and Kell, All That, Rocco’s Modern Life, The Amanda Show, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Kablam… I LOVE 90’S SHOWS <3 

Janeena and Jigglypuff both love to sing!

Thank you for sharing your time with us, Janeena!

This Christmas season, let's take Janeena's word and be thankful for every simple thing we have. Remember that we are blessed no matter what. Have a great Christmas break! 

The Freshie Cast Member: Steve Solis

Steve Kevin Solis
AB Literature (Filipino), Block B
perfomer and dancer

From November 22 until the first week of December, the ENTABLADO, one of the performing arts organizations in the Ateneo, showed their play Sampung Mga Daliri (by Rizalina Valencia and Nanette Matilac) directed by Jethro Tenorio and Lemelen Palad. One of the cast members is a freshman. In the play, he was Siyam. In real life, he is Steve. Sampung Mga Daliri was not his first play, since he already took the role of Benjamin in last August's Sa Kanyang Dapitan. A blue-blooded performer, this man's first love was the stage.

Fun note: He's the only Filipino Literature Major from the Freshman of 2011-2012. (His blockmates are English majors!)

Learn a bit more about him as you read on. 

Why did you choose Ateneo?

Because of the quality of education and the environment. I was also offered a scholarship grant.

What are your favorite hangout spots in Ateneo?

New Rizal Library, Rizal Mini Theater, ENTAroom (at MVP 318)

What fun things do you do in your free time?

I rehearse lines for plays, talk with my friends, eat, and do homework.

Could you share some of your experiences as a cast member of "Sampung Mga Daliri"?

Being part of the cast made me an expressive person. The play made me realize that no matter what happens, no matter how silly we may look on stage, still, we find ourselves doing what we love.

What's your favorite part of being an ENTA member?

Being able to perform, find friends, and learn life lessons.

If given the chance to do a speech, what would you want to be quoted for?

I want to be quoted for being trustworthy.

Do you have a funny memory from your childhood?

I always tripped because I was sort of clumsy. :D

Who is your favorite Pokemon? Why?

Oddish! :P

Hey, it's Oddish!

Rookie of the Year: Kiefer Ravena

Kiefer Ravena

BS Communications Technology Management, Block R

Talent: I play basketball. :)

You've seen him play for the Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 74. Maybe you've even seen him in class. Friend? Fan? Surely, you know Kiefer Ravena.

Was it too much for a freshman to hold the pressures of being part of the winning team? With his finesse and accuracy on court, Kiefer makes it seem like it's not. He even won the Rookie of the Year award!

Does he have a secret to his achievements? Where can you spot him in school? What does he do in his free time? Funny memories? Well, read on.

Why did you choose Ateneo?

I chose Ateneo because the school really suits me. Education wise and basketball wise, Ateneo is perfect.

What are your favorite hangout spots in Ateneo?

Moro Lorenzo, OAA, JSEC

How do you balance your time? What's your secret to achieving it all?

Discipline. I think if you know how to give time for everything, you'll be fine.

What fun things do you do in your free time?

Watch movies, surf the net, sleeeeeeeeeeep!

If given the chance to do a speech, what would you want to be quoted for?

Hmmm. On being a leader.

Do you have a funny memory from your childhood?

A lot, actually. But they are not embarrassing moments. :) It was funny when I got lost in Disneyland in the States. The next day, when we went to Universal Studios, my mom held me on a leash. :D

Who is your favorite Pokemon? Why?

Misty! (Jokes) Snorlax. We have the same personality. We both like to relax and chill. Hahaha.

Kiefer loves Snorlax!