Freshmanual Online 2021

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Freshmanual Online The GUIDON’s first interactive magazine for AY 2021-2022

2 Vantage Magazine Editors Ann Domingo Daniela Lorenzo Writers Gabrielle I. Lombos Therese Garcia Natalie R. Gavino Leila Simon Photos Editors Casey Mateo Daryl D. Sy Editor-in-Chief Tatiana L. Maligro Associate Editor Andrea Mikaela B. Llanes Managing Editor Beatriz Ysabel C. Reyes Design Executive Editor Neil Christian R. Reyes

Photo Credits Annette Andal Kara Angan Julia Aspe Gab Castillo Cheska De Guzman Anya Nellas Vincent Pajenago Charisse Parchamento Gabbee Pinga Nigel Tan Graphic Design Editors Tiffany Cu Kaitlyn W. Mercado Illustrators Sam Dellomas Frances Lopez Kurt Tan Cover Art Jaycob Bustamante

About the Cover AS ATENEO enters its second year in a fully-online setup, the community readies itself for the long days ahead.

Taking inspiration from popular lofi playlists and art, Jaycob Bustamante (4 BS CH-MSE) illustrates a scene familiar to most Ateneans: A productive day of work from home. The illustration uses light, contrast, and subtle motion to convey the passage of time and the small details that make the everyday satisfying. While staying home makes the time blend together, noticing the smaller joys help anchor us to the present.

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A message from the O-Chairs WELCOME HOME! These dark times have tested our mettle beyond whatever we could have expected, so we wanted to start this off by saying that we acknowledge your fears and apprehensions. This may sound counterproductive, but we hope that it provides some sense of peace when we say—as incoming seniors—we have learned that you will continuously face tough decisions, and it will not be easy.

The University will constantly challenge and push you to interact with new people, unpredictable environments, and an abundance of other things that you categorize as black and white. While it will be unnerving, it will also contain pockets of hope, love, and joy that will embrace and develop you with all that you have to offer. It may be jarring to experience this monumental step through our screens in our homes. But we hope that you find this letter as an invitation to paint your world in a new light by virtually extending your home to those of many others who are also going through this.

The Ateneo is our home and it is defined by the vibrant community of individuals and experiences that color more than just its white and blue of which you have a very special hue to add. It is because of this spectrum that we want to remind you that the University is but part of a much larger picture for you to give in, give back, and be the light to. The journey we take is more than the physical space we are confined to and the hardships we came with; you can make that difference by taking that first step. Once again, congratulations and welcome to Ateneo.

Kasama niyong tumatayo, John Von D. Carolino and Justine Clarisse S. Valdez OrSem 2021 Chairpersons

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Rising Together: OrSem Tayo Written by Natalie R. Gavino and Gabrielle I. Lombos Photos courtesy of Gab Castillo, Cheska de Guzman, Anya Nellas, and Gabbee Pinga

IN ITS second year online, the University’s Orientation Seminar (OrSem) remains grounded in its mission to welcome incoming freshmen despite the physical distance. Beyond building a sense of community, the Organizing Committee (OrCom) also aims to remind freshmen to take a stand in these turbulent times.

As a tribute to these efforts, OrSem 2021 takes on the theme of Tayo—a word that represents both the unity of the Ateneo community and its ability to rise above the online setting’s limitations.

Besides providing a support system for incoming freshmen, OrCom still longs to make OrSem a memorable and enjoyable experience. Thus, they have crafted a new virtual event that’s both engaging and informative based on the knowledge gained from last year’s OrSem.

5 LOOKING BACK OrSem 2020’s theme was Tuloy or to continue, which represented the perseverance of the tradition even in the pandemic.

However, a major hurdle in executing OrSem Tuloy was the uncertainty surrounding both the event and the academic year. “I think the biggest challenge faced [last year] was when we were taken in. I didn’t know it was going to be online. A lot of us didn’t really know what was going to happen for OrSem,” Talks and Tours (TNT) Core Gab Castillo (4 BS MGT) recalls.

Since OrSem Tuloy was the first large-scale, student-led virtual activity for any Ateneo organization, OrCom struggled with the sudden change in setting. They scrambled to fill in the gaps caused by the sudden shift and had to navigate the vague task delegation.

Logistics Head Cheska Guzman (4 BS PSY) admits that the committee struggled to find their place in last year’s new set-up.

While the Logistics committee’s on-site role entailed physical activities such as fixing the seating arrangement in the Covered Courts, their online role focused on content creation. The committee chose to share their knowledge through a series of videos on topics such as emergency response and communications, campus navigation, and study tips.

On the other hand, the Documentation and Publications (DNP) committee took on a

larger role since they bring OrSem’s visuals to life. Everything that the freshmen interact with throughout the event gets their approval first, such as the journal, videos, and the website.

After hearing about the committee’s workload, DNP Head Anya Nellas (4 BFA ID) remembers feeling anxious. She recalls that, when preparing for OrSem Tuloy, DNP accepted other committees’ multiple requests with a lead time of only a week. The tight schedule caused members to burn out.

Moreover, OrCom focused on altering the on-site program to suit the virtual landscape in 2020. Entertainment Head Gabbee Pinga (3 BS ME) shares that her department focused on livestreams and talk shows for OrSem Tuloy. In transitioning aspects such as the O-Program, engagement posed as a challenge.

“We have around 2,000 to 3,000 freshies in Ateneo. In the live streams, we’d be lucky if we had 300 participants,” she says.

6 MOVING AHEAD Learning from last year’s issues, OrCom reoriented their initiatives to go beyond transferring familiarity to the screen. This entailed veering away from a watered-down imitation of the on-site experience. Now, they chose to focus on activities and content formats uniquely intended for the virtual setting.

“It’s important that we question tradition because sometimes our traditions may not be appropriate for the context. With that in mind, we try to structure OrSem in such a way that would create a new experience for freshies,” Guzman shares.

After communicating with other committees, Guzman realized that several areas of OrCom had new logistical concerns to tackle for an online event. She shifted her committee’s focus towards handling such issues in an effort to lessen the burdens of other units in OrCom. Upon revising their role in an online setup, Logistics collaborated with the Finance committee for the distribution and packaging of merchandise.

The committee also decided to branch out from content creation to handling livestreams and video calls while ensuring freshmen’s safety.

In line with reevaluating OrSem, Pinga and her team collaborated with other OrCom members to conduct market research among incoming sophomores. Their findings revealed that longer sequences of performances worked in person may

Now that we know this year [OrSem is] for sure online, we were able to pinpoint the things that we feel they’ll really need.

Gab Castillo TNT Head, OrSem Tayo

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The committee is now keeping content short and sweet by tapping into multimedia styles similar to vlogs that Ateneans enjoy watching during their free time.

Another factor OrCom considered was capturing incoming Ateneans’ attention amid online content saturation. To address this, DNP underwent systematic changes to ensure quality output and better collaboration. Nellas took advantage of working in the digital space by establishing strict time windows between output requests.

Furthermore, DNP now categorizes varying requests based on timelines. The committee also maintained openness by messaging one another about the feasibility of certain outputs, having screening processes for requests, and being transparent about experiences of burnout.

Since DNP has more members now, Nellas also notes that the application process for members ensured they had flexible art styles that could portray this year’s theme by exemplifying tayo in their own lives. “The style was a bit more inclusive to other communities,” Nellas shares.

“There's a little less emphasis on the internal Ateneo community and much bigger vocalization of how we can engage ourselves outside of Ateneo.”

As a unit that directly engages with freshmen, the TNT committee made changes to their preparation process. TNT core members and volunteers alike established internal support systems to practice spiels and group

dynamic activities. By working in smaller groups, members geared themselves towards making freshmen excited for their online journey. They plan to aid incoming Ateneans by sharing tips ranging from making friends online to understanding the enlistment process.

“Last year it was more about trying to see which parts of onsite OrSem we can transition to online OrSem. Now that we know this year [OrSem is] for sure online, we were able to pinpoint the things that we feel they’ll really need,” Castillo says.

ALL IN THIS TOGETHER Learning from last year’s period of transition, OrCom used every failure and success as a building block. Each member of OrCom

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has their own responsibility in the online setup, but coming together is what helped them prepare to uplift incoming Atenean freshmen. To reach beyond, OrCom took the initiative to first look within themselves, then adapt.

In line with the theme of Tayo, OrCom’s efforts for an online event aim to bridge upperclassmen and incoming freshmen as one community. By forming an environment of belonging and purpose within their committees, OrCom hopes to create a similar experience for freshmen through OrSem 2021. “[Tayo], as our theme, will show the Ateneo community isn’t really rooted in a single physical place, but transcends different kinds of borders no matter where it ends up,” Nellas expresses.

[Tayo], as our theme, will show the Ateneo community isn’t really rooted in a single physical place, but transcends different kinds of borders no matter where it ends up.

Anya Nellas DNP Head, OrSem Tayo

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The Ateneo Glossary Written by Natalie R. Gavino Illustrations by Frances Lopez IN THE online setup, it can be a little difficult to catch up on Atenean lingo without hearing it from other students in busy hallways. Unfamiliar words will likely pop up in your group chats and friends’ online posts, so here’s a list of terms to prepare you for the Atenean experience ahead.

MAGIS In a literal sense, Magis is a Latin word that translates to “more.” Oftentimes students misunderstand the term to mean working harder and overexerting oneself. The reality is that Magis’ definition ultimately refers to an inner reflection: Discerning between choices that serve the greater good in one’s context. Such flexibility is meant to suit every Atenean’s journey towards self-actualization without compromising one’s well being.

CURA PERSONALIS A concept based on Ignatian spirituality, Cura Personalis is another Latin phrase meaning “care for the entire person.” This encourages Ateneans to develop all aspects of one’s self and become well-rounded individuals who show concern for others. Whether it be one’s physical health, mental well-being, or spirituality, the statement reminds students that their experiences in Ateneo cultivate holistic development.

AMDG AMDG is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, which translates to “for the greater Glory of God.” This acronym establishes a goal for Ateneans to always give glory to God rather than oneself. Whether it be in sports, academics, or personal lives, Ateneans are all called to serve in line with God’s greater good.

HELL WEEK Having OBF as part of our school emails proves this acronym is essential to University life! OBF stands for One Big Fight, a popular cheer among the Loyola Schools community. Normally used in sports events, it is also an acronym regularly brought up to uplift Ateneans.

When the going gets tough, you’ll often hear students mentioning “hell week.” The term refers to final exams and requirements at the end of the semester. But fear not! Having college friends by your side helps ease the process, and may even create a unique bonding experience between you and your classmates.

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AISIS The Ateneo Integrated Student Information System (AISIS) is Ateneo’s official online portal for students, staff, and faculty. For students, this website is a hub for relevant academic information such as one’s Individual Program of Study (IPS), enrolled classes for the semester, final grades, and class schedules. Alongside this, AISIS is also the website used for enlisting in classes each semester.

ADVISEMENT Advisement refers to the University’s process of checking in with Ateneans and their academic interests every school year. To undergo this, students meet with their respective home departments and discuss concerns regarding their academic workload. If you ever want to take a minor or readjust your number of units and classes, advisement is the way to go!

INTERSESSION Intersession marks the first term of a new academic year and is conducted during summer months. The designated time is for taking a certain number of units depending on a student’s course. Classes taken during this period can be found through one’s IPS, which displays the overall timeline of units required during a student’s stay in Ateneo. Although it happens during the summer, Intersession is always a fulfilling experience!

PROFS TO PICK Before enlisting into your classes, people may recommend searching professors’ names on “Profs to Pick” first. Ateneo Profs to Pick is a private Facebook group where students can post inquiries about professors, as well as share their experiences with certain teachers and classes.

ORG-ACTIVE When someone is referred to as org-active, it means that the student is engaged in several student organizations. This can apply to anyone regardless of whether the person has multiple leadership roles or not! As long as a student carries out org work and puts effort in their output, they can be considered org-active.

WHEN 2 MEET Being a student in the virtual setup can be difficult when you don’t know others’ schedules.

Luckily, you’ll be coming across When2Meet links pretty often! The name refers to a website that helps multiple people timeblock their schedules.

If you have class group work or plan on being org-active, this tool definitely eases the process of meeting at everyone’s convenience.

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No student left behind The Atenean approach to online learning Written by Therese Garcia and Leila Simon Illustrations by Kurt Tan

MAKING EDUCATION accessible to all students proved to be the main challenge in the shift to online learning, and the Ateneo de Manila University has not been exempted from this predicament. The school faced multiple circumstances—such as natural calamities and student strikes—that required their careful response.

Since then, the University administration made necessary changes in the Loyola Schools to continue meeting the needs of its students. Now with a year’s worth of remote learning experience under their belt, they seek to do the same thing this coming academic year.

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TRANSLATING COMPASSION VIRTUALLY To aid instructors in designing their courses, the Ateneo Institute for Science and Art of Learning (Ateneo SALT) established a certificate course last year entitled Adaptive Design for Learning.

Galvin Ngo, Ateneo SALT Director, shares that Atenean educators are trained to center on the learner’s experience and ground themselves in Jesuit education.

Even so, the online set-up serves as a challenge to embodying Ignatian values of magis and cura personalis—of displaying excellence while remaining compassionate. “For us [teachers], magis is excellence in how we teach, how we design our courses, and the excellence that we demand from our students,” Ngo explains.

For him, adaptability does not only translate to the modules’ visual design, but also in the provisions made for students with connectivity concerns. This may mean adding transcripts for video lectures or giving out an alternative low-bandwidth activity for those with inadequate access to the internet.

Teachers are also constantly reminded to adjust module content for students in special situations, especially for those experiencing connectivity issues or those affected

by natural calamities. In these cases, learners are encouraged to reach out should they need any form of assistance.

For instance, the aftermath of Typhoon Ulysses in November 2020 left a number of students void of personal belongings. Such is the case with Maxine Sandico (3 BFA ID), who says that she and her family were only able to salvage a few belongings. After experiencing the aftermath brought

by Typhoon Ulysses, Sandico expressed relief over the assistance provided by the Office of Admission and Aid. She adds that Ateneo also offered her family temporary living accommodations in its

university dorms. “I also informed my professors [about my situation], and they were very understanding,” she says.

The junior adds that the Loyola Schools Office of Guidance and Counseling (LSOGC) reached out to help her process the event. “When [the counselor] was listening to me, it felt as if she totally understood where I was coming from. It made me feel heard,” she states.

STRIKING A BALANCE BETWEEN BODY AND MIND Situations like Sandico’s are just one of the many scenarios that the LSOGC is equipped for.

Mary Ann Villanueva, the LSOGC Marketing Coordinator for Guid-

For us [teachers], magis is excellence in how we teach, how we design our courses, and the excellence that we demand from our students.

Galvin Ngo Director, Ateneo SALT Institute

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It takes [the entire] LS community to develop a well-rounded Atenean. All University offices are tailored to look after the well-being of all students; be it emotional, spiritual, or intellectual.

Mary Ann Villanueva LSOGC Marketing Coordinator for Guidance Programs and Serivces

ance Programs and Services, noted a peak in the demand for guidance and counseling services during the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses. As such, the office quickly adapted to the clamor by adjusting their online services.

“We addressed [the situation by] making it easier for students to set up counseling appointments with their counselors. [...] One of the [easiest] ways to set an appointment with us [now] is through Facebook Messenger,” Villanueva says.

The office has also become more proactive in marketing their services in the virtual setting by strengthening their social media presence to reach more students. Beyond social media posts, LSOGC has also taken upon themselves to redesign their services to better cater student needs through the likes of podcasts, mental health toolkits, and mindfulness modules.

As the upcoming academic year draws nearer, the LSOGC has plans to devise even newer programs for students. Regarding new initiatives, Villanueva shares

that students can expect a comprehensive LSOGC website with pertinent information regarding their services.

BUILDING LASTING COMMUNITIES While LSOGC deals with the person’s psychosocial well-being, Villanueva also recognizes the unique role each administrative office plays in the holistic formation of students. “It takes [the entire] LS community to develop a well-rounded Atenean,” she explains. “All University offices are tailored to look after the well-being of all students; be it emotional, spiritual, or intellectual.”

On the other hand, Ngo encourages students to exert effort in creating community, saying that “It [communities] will be something they need moving forward, even if we’re not online anymore.”

Ateneo’s approach to the online shift exemplifies the values they intend to impart on their students, making decisions that are humane and considerate. From then to now, the services and programs initiated by the university are aligned with Ignatian philosophy—proving that being for others transcends physical spaces.

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How to set up your desktop for online learning Written by Leila Simon Illustrations by Frances Lopez FOR MANY freshmen, college is an opportunity to start anew. What better way to start fresh than by organizing your new digital classroom? Set up your desktop for maximum efficiency with these tips and tricks that should help you transition into collegiate-level online learning.

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Making it yours

Although you might want to dive straight into customizing your homepage, try to start with some spring cleaning! Look through your files and decide which ones need to be put in the trash bin, then empty the bin out while you’re at it. A tidy workspace will allow you to navigate through your desktop effortlessly—saving time and space for more important folders and files.

You can also change the icons of your folders to match the aesthetic you’re going for. Simply download your preferred PNG images, or grab free icons from sites like Iconfinder and Icon Archive.

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Start writing to-do lists and time-blocking

Set up functional to-do lists with built-in note-taking applications such as Stickies on the macOS and Sticky Notes on Windows!

You can have multiple pages depending on the tasks you have at the moment: One for chores at home, another for school-related activities. Having a plan allows you to focus on getting things done instead of trying to remember what needs to be done.

You can also try time-blocking your tasks for the day to minimize the chances of procrastination. The most basic way to do this is through Google Calendar, but Plan and Todoist are other options available for both Windows and macOS users.

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Bookmark important sites

AteneoBlueCloud and AISIS are some of the sites you will be encountering throughout your stay in the university. Make it a point to save them in your bookmarks alongside Canvas—your new classroom—and Rizal Library’s online database. Other sites you might find useful are When2Meet and the Computer Society of the Ateneo’s (CompSAt) QPI calculator. When2Meet is an efficient tool used for scheduling meetings, while the QPI calculator operates to help you compute your desired grade.

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Move your files to a cloud-based software

Having an OBF account grants you unlimited storage to your Google Drive! Utilizing this backup cloud will reassure you that your most important files are recoverable should something unfortunate happen to any of your gadgets. This is another chance to free up space in your computer’s system to boost its speed and accessibility.

On top of that, you can also opt to use a logical labeling system to keep track of requirements. Unless your professor requires a different naming convention, establish a single approach for yourself—one that will make sense to you. For instance, label your files by using the course’s abbreviated class code and assignment name (i.e. [HISTO 11] Final paper). For folders, try adapting a hierarchical system: Divide them by school year, semester, course, then requirement.

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Maximize Google Chrome’s features

Google Chrome provides a variety of features that will help heighten your productivity. Without having to download a separate extension, users are now able to group tabs according to the task they’re currently working on. It allows you to add additional tabs in each group and remove them as necessary.

Other popular extensions include Weava highlighter, Grammarly, Zotero, and Natural Reader. These applications are great timesaving tools for students who want to optimize their online learning experience.

We hope that this guide will help you create an efficient workspace for the upcoming school year. Don’t forget to share your personalized set-up with your new friends and blockmates!

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Making headway: Sophomore testimonials Written by Therese Garcia Graphics by Sam Dellomas

How do you manage your time efficiently and effectively?

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[When it comes to academics,] I go into the day with a certain goal in mind; whether it be to finish a module, get a project started, or even just start researching for a paper.

The key is to take it one step at a time; focus on one thing, do it well, finish it, then move on to the next. Of course, it can still be good to mark important dates like the deadlines of projects or papers on calendars. That way, you can judge for yourself which projects to prioritize right now, and which you can take a break from first.

Nigel Tan (2 BS ES)

Can you share some tips on making friends online?

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Step out of your comfort zone. I’m not a genuinely confident person, but I realized that if I wanted to have friends, I had to step into platforms that allowed me to make friends—even if [the] said step is just a small, simple one. I, for one, would not have the friends I have now if I hadn’t sent the first and scariest ‘Hello!’

Annette Andal (2 BFA CW)

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What are your go-to tips for studying?

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One of the first things I do at the start of a semester is to go over each class syllabus. If [dates are] stated, I calendar requirements and synchronous sessions right away. This allows me to easily remember when things are due! I also use the time blocking technique.

When I have to study for something important, I set a time for it just like I would a meeting or a [synchronous] class.

Julia Aspe (2 BS ME)

Do you have any tips on dealing with burnout in the online setting?

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Resting is really no joke. As someone who experienced burnout from adjusting to online learning and college in general, I found out that intentionally setting boundaries, such as not studying after 7 PM or not studying on weekends, helped me unwind. Rest should be intentionally planned within your day, not just treated like a reward. I read somewhere that if you don’t choose to rest, then your body will choose a day to rest for you—so might as well be in control of that!

Kara Angan (2 AB POS) Sanggunian President

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Do you have advice on how to successfully do group work, especially with people you’re not familiar with?

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Start with yourself. Initiate the planning, organization, and distribution of the workload. Creating a task tracker [for your group] will help you record and see each members’ progress. It encourages efficiency and productivity in doing assigned work, which can result in quality output. I also try to create a welcoming environment and start healthy and open discussions to make my groupmates feel comfortable and heard.

Honest and respectful communication promotes creative, diverse, and innovative perspectives in the project.

Charisse Parchamento (2 AB DS) Loyola Schools Award for Leadership and Service, Most Outstanding Student Project Recipient

Do you have any advice for the freshmen?

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Don’t be afraid to take that leap of faith. At the end of the day, make choices that will help you sleep with a smile on your face, knowing you made yourself proud.

Vincent Pajenago (2 BS PSY)

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Get-to-know me: Ateneo edition Written by Gabrielle I. Lombos Illustration by Sam Dellomas

VIRTUALLY INTRODUCE yourself to your blockmates by answering the prompts below!

The fun doesn’t stop there—if you feel like posting your answers on your Instagram stories, check out the @VantMag Instagram account to use the official filter.

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Vantage’s miscellaneous freshman hacks HERE IN Vantage, we’re determined to help kickstart your Atenean freshman journey. If you’ve liked what you’ve read so far in this Freshmanual, take a sneak peek at some of the other articles found on our main website!

Establishing rituals for busy students Like starting anything new, establishing rituals won’t always be easy. But by understanding your personal needs and committing to your habits, these routines will eventually ease into your daily life. You’ll find your best self shining through effortlessly—naturally, even.

Papers and eyebags: Dangers of sleep deprivation When deadlines, hectic schedules, and exams start to get overwhelming, it’s easy to forget our basic needs. That’s why self-care is one of the most important things college students can do for themselves. We know that prioritizing our own needs isn’t always easy to do; not everyone has the luxury to ditch work for a Netflix binge. This doesn’t mean you can’t make time for yourself, though.

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Inside Ateneo’s “Org is life” motto One perk of joining orgs according to Kitchy Dy (BS ME ‘21) are the hard and soft skills one can learn. “Soft and transferable skills such as leadership, work ethic, and teamwork can be applied in other aspects of life, including academics and our future careers,” she explains. “For hard skills that aren’t covered in your course such as writing or coding, joining orgs that specialize in these are a great way to develop your interests and skills through various avenues provided by the organization.”

Fresh eyes and goodbyes “I was able to form relationships through Discord, and honestly I got shocked kasi you [only] get to meet them online, but now they are people who I can trust and turn to when I’m having difficulties,” Czarina De Marcaida (2 BS PSY) says. ​​Looking to the future, she hopes to meet these newfound friends of hers on campus soon.

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