My Schedule for the 1st Semester of 08-09

Monday-Wednesday-Friday

7:30 Philo 31 STC301

8:30 AC 7 C 301

9:30 Econ 65 C 404

10:30 Math 16 C 602

2:00 Eng 41 C 406

Tuesday-Thursday

12:00 AC 9 C 302

1:25 BM 10 C 502

2:50 FIN 3 A 406

4:15 BCA 10 LAB E

Another school year is dawning, not to mention a historic one. This time, days before the start of the year, gives me that lingering sense of excitement and mystery of the possibilities in stored. And that feeling is the only one I follow and keep for I know it’s the one that drives me to embrace the start of a school year and I hope that will sustain me all through out. This feeling I have been experiencing every time a new school year arrives since grade school is one of the best moments in my journey especially when I see new faces, new ideas, and new possibilities. It is like seeing a suspense thriller in its opening day; the only difference is that I’m part of it, i could actually influence the ending. I’ll just stop here. Always seeking anew is one way of knowing that you are growing, not holding on to what we are but what we could become.

AMDG

SLDP = Congress

We had our mission-vision sharing with the rest of the leadership community in AVR 1 this morning. After our snack break, I entered the room seeing a semi-circle seating arrangement reminiscing the Assembly General (French Revolution) of men and women bearing great ideas ready to make a difference, big or small. This comparison allowed me to see what the program could be. Aside from the technical and insightful inputs it gives, the SLDP is a clear venue to exchange ideas of the student orgs’ mission and vision, to establish networks of synergy and to participate in a dynamic democratic process (scrutinizing the mission-vision, agreeing a common university-wide agenda etc.). This leads me to recommend the following:

1. Hold it earlier
2. Incorporate the Opening of the Directorate as part of the Program
3. Include a common agenda making session
4. sign a pledge of commitment to achieve the common agenda
   

This program of the SacDev could be the magic glue for an umbrella mechanism that provides intimacy with the student organization of the University, the formula that will glue the central, extension, and field offices.

A simple imagination could bear great ideas. It is a challenge for me to see things more than what seem obvious.

AMDG

The Process Agenda

I just came fresh from the Student Leadership Development Office of SacDev and I felt the need to blog this.

I was tasked by the President to oversee one of the two vital components of this administration’s paradigm, the process. Before we will have a product, it will go through a process. The President said that this idea was born out from the socio-economic development theory of industrialized nations and it’s quite interesting to think that this could be applied in a student governance context.

The “theory” states that most nations with winter seasons are relatively industrialized. This is so because their society has developed technologies derived from their emphasis on the processing of raw materials due to the freezing season. There limited vegetation and livestock compelled their society to think on how to maximize the food they have. The need to process led them to develop technologies and methods to produce the end product giving it higher quality and labor value.

Now in the student governance aspect, I am tasked to plot the process that will result into a more effective and quality product (services, one-shot projects). This is appropriate because my office aside from legislating, serves as the link between the grassroots level and the central office. The process is characterized into the following areas:

1. Online grassroots networking – The formation of a centralized online community is vital for fast and direct information dissemination. An SMS system is still under scrupulous study.
2. Monthly consultation mechanism – a monthly forum with low ranking officers of the councils and randomly picked students. The forum will be facilitated by the triumvirate. Each forum will tackle 3 different topics (school services, canteen, and academic policies). This activity will also serve as a venue to channel solicited ideas on certain school activities. There shall be a written literature published after every consultation.
3. Room-to-room team – this function shall be placed under XSAC (Xavier Students’ Action Center) with the FFP classes as feasible and major partners. This mechanism will serve to directly inform the students on school activities, advocacy campaigns, etc. in a public and massive manner.
4. The Student Talipapa – this is a fund raising activity sponsored by different student organizations and “barkadas”. The CSG will provide the logistical, technical (permit), and marketing services provided that they will receive 15% of the total gross sales. The sellable items are planned to be mainly assorted clothes and used items much like a garage sale. This is in partnership with the Department of Budget and Finance.

Observe that there is no tangible end result of these activities. These activities are designed to supplement the product aspect of the entire process which is headed by the Executive Secretary. Aside from legislating, the office will finally handle an executive job with the drive for developing better ways of serving.

AMDG

STOP, LOOK, AND LISTEN

The Cagayan de Oro Nite Café is so wealthy! It is so rich with raw life, with living stories, with local culture, and so much more. I recalled my memory when the government scheme was first implemented. I was in 3^rd year High School then and I could still recall that sense of excitement every Friday and Saturday night. It is a blessing perhaps that my home is in very close proximity to the night café, just a block away still we are spared by the rattling noise and chocking smoke.

Just walking around in the Nite Café gives you an infinite amount of images, stories, and lives. As I pass through one stall, an emo couple was searching for new cool belt accessories with the sales girl helping them search for a nice match for their attire. A mother and her daughter eating ice cream spotted an attractive booklet of some fairy tale and asked her mom to buy her one. A Barkada of XU students sifting through piles of ukay-ukay clothes which I think they are stocking up their fashion inventory for the incoming school year. Across the street, a bank worker with respectable business attire went inside a hot unventilated humid store to hunt for new fake DVD releases to watch over the weekend. A group of families sitting in the park benches watching the boxing match in the huge screen above was dazzled at the atomic punch of some boxer (who I don’t really know). Some senior citizens close their eyes in relaxation before blind masseurs deliver heavenly massage to their tired muscles.

Seeing the people live about their lives, and for a moment not thinking where I am and what I am doing, just observing the surroundings opened to me a rich scene of life. In a single spot where I stood, I could see a vast world full of life and activity. It amazes me that even in the bustle of people traffic and choking barbeque smoke in Nite Café, if I just stop, look, and listen, I could see a whole word with different faces moves seemingly in harmony in front of me.

GOD's TIME

Hours ago, a question was given to me which made me re-explore the seemingly random thoughts and feelings I have for the past weeks. And I hope it will do the same to you. The question is “what is my primal source of nourishment?” I began sifting through my thoughts and feelings and encountered so many things about what I am doing, what I love doing, what I value, and what I think about myself. I began to see patches of images of my engagements yet unclear, unsure. I began to feel a sense of flickering happiness yet still clouded, unlinked. With a growing complex world, I know I could get easily lost in the noise of it all and I know what seems absolute joy is actually a temporary shallow gift of the world. The attractiveness of corporate life, the alluring aroma of wealth, power, and prestige, the inviting noise of the outside seems to plague my attempt to re-discover the primal source of nourishment inside me. I just hope and pray that the path I followed is the path that will deeply lead me home, that I will truly find a face of that nourishment – Christ.

LIVING THE ATENEO WAY

(Article for “ur clique” freshmen info digest)

The word Ateneo comes from the Spanish and Italian form of word Athenaeum which is used to describe educational institutions in Rome around 135 A.D. The word is also rooted from the word Athena, the goddess of wisdom and the patron goodness of the capital city of classical Greek antiquity - Athens. Connecting the relationship of the words is quite easy; “Ateneo” is about learning. However, Ateneo has become more than a development of terms pertaining to learning today. In its walk through history, Ateneo and its adjective form “Atenean” has become a word used to describe a way of doing things, a process of thinking, and a manner of living very distinct, very rich that it is changing the world. Sounds intriguing? Here are the values explained in a simple manner which we could explore, understand, apply, and sharpen in our daily lives so we deserve to be called a “True Blooded Atenean”.

Indifference – Don’t be mistaken to translate this to apathy. Indifference in the Ignatian context means a conscious detachment from things and people that could cloud our judgement and poison our inner freedom. Being mindful of our feelings and our relationship with things and people will help us check if we still have a true vision free from any inordinate attachment (e.g. fame, grades, power, things, money, gf, and bf).

Juan failed in the English placement exam even though he studied hard. He was so attached to always being on top that he began to despise those who beat him academically. He became bitter and angry towards his classmates and teachers.

Magis – Latin word for “more”, Magis is the very yardstick of our actions. Magis is not an absolute standard of measurement but a choice for what is better, what yields the greater good, what is more loving. Magis is also the openness to growth we set ourselves and coupled with our commitment to share that growth to others.

Juan and Pedro were leaders of different groups for a social development project in RS 20. Juan decided to organize a huge symposium talking about poverty and development. Great speakers were invited. Pedro on the other hand organized his small group to have a medical mission in the Landfill area with a handful of grocery bags and medical supplies. Pedro’s group got the highest score.

Non Multa Sed Multum – this means not many, but much. Simply put it, quality over quantity. This Ignatian value means relishing the inner meaning and deeper truths behind concepts, ideas, involvements, subjects, and other factors of our realities and not settling to the superficially obvious.

Pedro involves himself 4 different sports. He is quite well-known for his flexibility yet he never got the higher spot of the teams he is in. Juan knows he has something good to offer in the basketball team. He has only one sport and soon became their MVP.

Contemplative in Action – this is quite uneasy to practice in this very fast paced world of XU. This means finding God in all things. It is being aware of the interconnectedness of all things to the source of meaning and life. It is also pondering the movement of God in your life every moment and finding where He is leading you.

Juan was always in the rush. He would transfer classrooms as if he was playing basket-basket. He never walked slowly. After arriving to one point, he is tired and drained. Pedro on the other hand would sometimes look at the patterns of the sky, looks on the different faces passing by, and feels the touch of the breeze as he walks on commerce road. When arrived at his destination. He is so full of meaning, energy and gratitude.

Cura Personalis – “Concern for the Individual person” is oftentimes associated with student-teacher relationships. However, this value is so much lived out in the everyday dealings of us to other students. Personal care means an unwavering desire to help others grow, uncover their potentials and help them realize that they are more than who they think they are. It also means being caring to others.

Juan was so busy surfing Youtube in the aggie bridge watching the climax of a humours video clip. Moments after, a lady slipped releasing a fountain of books and paper into the air and around the floor. Juan immediately shoved his laptop to help the lady fix her things.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam – All for the Greater Glory of God! This is the very motto of our Atenean lifestyle. Of all the things we do, we use, we develop are all geared towards giving Greater Glory to God. Having this as the forefront of our feelings, thoughts and actions serves the very purpose why we are created in the first place.

Pedro is in the dead heat of a finals exam. As received his test paper, he prayed silently in his chair and wrote on top of the answer sheet: “AM+DG”. He wants to be reminded always that all his answers and all his efforts of studying are offered to God for his Greater Glory. He got an A.

The Ateneo is more than a brand. It is a lifestyle of excellence, faith, love, and justice.

It is being men and women for and with others.

JESUITICAL

Haggarty House

I was blessed to meet the new Jesuit Director of Haggarty House last Friday (May 9, 08) because of Aying’s timely text message. His name is Bro. Joel Liwanag, S.J. There is a seemingly different aura radiating from him who I found comforting and likable. He is one Jesuit we can all easily relate. We, together with Roh (The CSG Supreme Chief Justice) had a good conversation with Fr. Joel over some chips and salsa. I always call Jesuits father so as to orient themselves of their “supposed” destiny. Anyway, one thing I asked about him was the true meaning of the word “Jesuitical” and its flavor among the Jesuits.

Jesuitical (adj.) - using subtle or over subtle reasoning; crafty; sly; intriguing

The intriguing word

Come to think of it, the whole sense of the word could be a sort of complement if you ask me. Bro. Joel seconded the motion. I was just intrigued by the term because it somehow attests to the great influence and admiration the Jesuits produced because of their great innovative works of evangelization all over the world in 400+ years. It calls to mind the shrewdness of their minds, the creativity of their visions, and the passionate and focused drive to accomplish great things. It was said that monarchs in the post middle ages fear them for their sharp interpolation on royal orders in their courts yet they are the most sought after panel of consultants in dealing the affairs of state. I later thought that this word is simply used to define an offshoot of the unique Jesuit lifestyle with regards to work and dealing with people.

Roots of being Jesuitical

Because they are so in tuned towards themselves and the movement of God in their lives, it is not difficult for them to transcend from their daily transactions of life making them at peace with themselves and with the world. This in effect gives them a larger inner space where they can exercise their creativity and analysis fully and easily translate them into words and actions even in the most chaotic situations. And I think scholars coined that term to describe the manner of doing things born from their sense of inner peace and deep understanding of why things are as they are. They are shrewd in reasoning, crafty in building things, sly in moving people, and intriguing in making all these happen because they simply know why they are there. AMDG.

story of receiving and giving

Leadership-cit

From: ernestobneri, 12 minutes ago

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I had my third leadership talk in campus for the Central of Industrial Technology Student Council. It was a generous day. I was blessed to know that they had a reflection session after the input. I hope and pray that they'll be inspired by God to do more that what seems enough. Go CIT!

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In the midst of Work, pause and think

For the past weeks, I have spent all my afternoons and early evenings in the school. I was mapping out strategies, tying enactments, monitoring the affairs of the day, and just having a good time. Together with other CSG officers, we are setting the stage for this incoming school year. And then it came to me. I began to contemplate why on Earth are we investing so much time, brain power, and energy for this job. We are not even paid to do so yet we do it. I think it is high time to pause for a moment and evaluate why we are doing this in the present context. It all started with a decision to pursue the mission in CSG yet it wonders me what sustains that day to day decision to commit to such mission? Ambition is not enough, credibility at stake is not enough, the future benefits are not enough, prestige is not enough because if all of these things fuel the drive, then it is unstable because this is one aspect of life which is temporary, uncertain, and always in flux. It could also be poisonous because you start to treat the mission as a means to an end, not an end in itself. Our passion must be rooted somewhere stable, something everlasting, something constant and something more than our egos. That is the absolute source of our lives -God, expressed through our spirituality and faith. Realigning our intentions with this truth is difficult yet when it is aligned, it will unleash an insurmountable amount of energy, a sort of divine inspiration that will forever change how you see and act in the world. You begin to seek meaning even to the simplest thing, even in suffering and by doing so become grateful of all the graces received and become sensitive of our thoughts and actions. We begin to do our duty because it is our duty (an end in itself), not because it is expected of us. As a sort of seed, Faith needs to be reinforced by prayer and by reading his word in the Bible, in the skies, in the stories of people, in the histories of our lives. Finding purpose and meaning is fundamental in a life fully lived, and a mission fully accomplished.

TO XU - Ateneo FRESHMEN!

You are one blessed batch! You enter your Ateneo experience with a historic flavour – XU@75, a brighter, stronger, farther Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan. Now, you could either treat this as mere coincidence or you could claim that it is density unfolding before you. An Atenean would say – it is destiny. You are placed here in this batch, in this historic year, in this Jesuit University not because of an accident but because it is your destiny. Fulfilling that destiny on the other hand entails a good amount of advice and inspiration and I hope this humble effort to bridge XU@75 and your personal journey brings about a sense of orientation for the great journey ahead.

As you journey through the halls of Xavier, always see things in the brighter, higher perspective. Your college life could be lived to the fullest if you do not settle to what is obvious. See things, people, and subjects beyond than what they are, more colorful than what they look, more meaningful than what they speak, and brighter than what they seem to be.

Having a stronger faith gained by understanding what is meant for you is the very energy that will sustain you through the course of your college life. Never forget to reflect, to contemplate, to ponder the movement of God in your life because having a stronger faith is what keeps you moving forward even in the midst of uncertainty.

Combining a stronger will and a creative spirit brings you farther in your journey in Xavier. Never fear to go beyond what seems enough. Nesting in your comfort zones all the time only brings dust and rust in your spirit. Explore and engage. Apply your thoughts. And you would just be awe-struck on what going farther will reveal to you. You are more than who you think you are.

May XU@75 give more meaning and inspiration to your personal journey of self discovery with God and others.

In your service I remain,

Ernesto B. Neri
CSG VP, Convener of the 15th Directorate

FAITH AND SCIENCE

It was Labor Day when I first encountered the meat of the long time debate between faith and science specifically drawn from the question between creationism and evolution in a seminar in Max’ Restaurant. Together with Ven and Ate Petals, we explored the provocative ideas of creation science and evolution. Basically, the whole seminar was bias to the creation science so it forced me to explore the other side of the fence to have a wider picture. In my net search, Creation Science is a concept that incorporates science in the creation of the universe as stated in the Bible (e.g. six days creation, Adam and Eve, Noah’s flood) while Evolution grounds its claim to a random and accidental creation of the universe and life.

In my reflection, I think the line of contention is the literal interpretation of the Bible, not in the science itself. The absolute truth of the Bible is it is the Word of God and I believe in that. It is made by God through His creative inspiration to mortal imperfect human writers. Now, even though it has a litany of contradictions, it still holds true to its purpose of revelation and inspiration to His creation. Then this surfaces the problem of literal interpretations. Literally interpreting the Bible word-by-word without considering the context on which it was written and the inspiration it hopes to bring about is blind.

This brings me to a sort of reconciliation within myself about evolution and creation science. A literal interpretation of the Bible may offer a quick answer, but I think God wants us to explore farther and investigate deeper the complexity and greatness of this creation. I don’t posses any PhD in evolutionary science yet anybody understands that life should have started somewhere. Understanding that “somewhere” needs a tool of reason. For me, science is the tool given by God to understand the physical origin of humanity. It reinforces our faith with reason. Ideas derived from the world and of faith comes from one God. The discovery of the cosmos, life forms and other natural mechanisms enriches our knowledge about creation which invites us to admire more the creativity and greatness of our Creator. At the end of the day, the domain of natural science such as knowing the age and way the universe was created can’t fully secure the place of man in the universe. The most fundamental quest we (as the most valued of His creation) should endeavor is discovering the meaning of such origin. I guess the answer lies beyond science.