By Julia Mangmang and Earl Valenzuela

Gazing upon the school sitting on the blue-hued hill, illuminated by its colorful history and revered credentials, the Ateneo, whether it be the university or high school, is eyed by many hopefuls that dare ascend the slippery slope with unknown stakes—yet, many choose to persevere. Last January 14 and 15, Ateneo Senior High Admission and Placement Exam (A-SHAPE)  takers from all corners of the nation entered the Loyola schools campus with one single purpose in mind—survive and pass the A-SHAPE. 

Whether it be rain or shine, whether the students are from the Ateneo Junior High or not, the sentiment remains objectively the same and true—hearts beating fast, minds filled with anxious and intrusive thoughts, yet ironically, are the very same forces that drive the students to shade every circle black, solve every problem presented, and make logical analyses.

While the students are preoccupied, heads tilted down with their tunnel vision, only seeing the exam booklets, situated north of them, sitting comfortably yet uneasily at the Formation Learning Center (FLC) are the families that have supported them in every way possible—from braving the morning and afternoon traffic along Katipunan Avenue and the school’s University Road, to letting them enroll in review centers, and such acts in the same axis.

Extreme emotions of melancholy, anxiety, and tenseness, parents, grandparents, and guardians racing and pacing back and forth around the FLC, displacing themselves intentionally to ease their minds a bit, yet remaining ever-so hopeful and trusting of their children’s capacity in passing the exam is the initial impression that one may get upon entering the FLC. Some were resting, others restless, engrossed in their phone screens, scrolling through their feeds, attending to their businesses, or making phone calls—one thing remains certain—they are hoping for the best for their children.

One parent laid back in her chair, accompanying her son all the way from Zamboanga, and flew into Manila the Thursday prior to the exam. Though her son’s application to the ASHS was unforeseen, her family remained supportive of her son’s vision and managed to find a compromise between his education and the family’s values. 

Another parent paced back and forth at the back of the waiting area. She and her daughter had come all the way from Isabela. Although her daughter had a long way to go before getting into the ASHS, when asked about the possibility of letting her study away from home, she shared that as a mom, she isn’t ready to let her daughter go. “Once a mother, always a mother,” she added. Despite this, they as a family are going with the flow and if her daughter does get accepted into ASHS, they are ready to support her to the best of their abilities.

Meanwhile, some guardians found themselves gathered in a semi-circle, talking about anything under the sun. While waiting for their loved ones to finish the A-SHAPE, two dads and a grandfather began to bond over their shared experiences albeit not knowing each other. “Naghahanap nga kami ng coffee shop para malibre ko sila eh,” the grandfather joked. Though coming from different backgrounds and hometowns, the lessons they imparted to children are the same; “If ‘di ka nag-try, zero ka. Kapag nag-try ka, 50/50 ka.”

Outside the school grounds, some parents were in their cars by the parking lot, engines off and windows down. A number stayed in their cars, while some walked around the campus—at the Church of the Gesu and the ISO canteen. Meanwhile, some opted to interview the guards near the JHS entrance about the school’s facilities, rules, teachers, organizations, and even board and lodging options. A couple from Binondo shared that they had confidence in their daughter and her skills, adding that although they were initially skeptical about her desire to transfer to the ASHS, they still decided to support her and assist in any way they could. 

Once the A-SHAPE was done, the applicants walked out of their respective test areas, with Ateneo chants and the “Song For Mary” playing through the school’s speakers. Some looked deflected, some were talking to their friends and discussing their answers, some were on their phones, while others walked with a calm, carefree aura. Soon enough, they were reunited with their guardians who congratulated them for finishing the test. Both the applicants and their families may not know what’s in store for them, yet the anticipation of what the future has in store will always supersede the anxiety of test-taking.

One Big Fight, future Ateneans!