By Ellianna Custodio and Marielle Orbong

Phones up, camera ready, and snap.

With light flashes filling the air, the Ateneo de Manila Senior High School (ASHS) undoubtedly loves to capture the exhilarating performances of various organizations during each event it commemorates. Zooming into the screens, we can witness the outstanding productions of the Performance Arts District (PAD), bringing color and life into the audience’s experience through their masterful executions. Looking behind the lenses, however, we can see the showcase of talents of the people in the Media and Creative Arts District (MCAD), preserving the highlight reminiscences as they equip themselves with creativity.

One as the shining stars in the spotlight and the other as the strong cornerstone behind the scenes; indeed, a perfect combination of masterpieces is presented in the ASHS community. Through the complement of their forte, the hearts and minds of the Ateneans are filled with a picturesque of unforgettable memories frozen in time. Delving deeper, on the other hand, each of their outputs is a product of hard work and dedication, conveying a narrative of what their organizations have to go through to accomplish them.

A Composition of Choruses

Welcoming the CSO Month was a noteworthy experience for everyone, as its theme song greeted the community with the catchy beats in the school’s foyer. With the hard work and collaboration of three of the PAD organizations, namely Glee, Music Industry Organization (MIO), and Symphonic Ensemble (SE), the essence of this event was harmoniously introduced to the ASHS, gearing them up for what more to expect throughout its celebration in the upcoming weeks.

Adding colors to the opening of this event, the Glee Club flaunted its vibrant vocals by singing the song “From Now On,” a hit classic from “The Greatest Showman.” Delving deeper, this celebration has opened many doors to them, not just in showcasing their melodious skills on mics but also in strengthening their bond with one another. To show their best as a group, their organization head, Zynah Consador, narrates that their preparations required strong vocal stamina and a lot of dedication. With the challenging rehearsals they have to go through, helping one another along the way has become one of their great ingredients in serving a perfect blend of voices.

Proud and delighted with her organization’s achievements, Consador believes that “Glee was able to use its voice not just for singing, but also in standing up for what is right. May it be through protest performances or fighting for artist’s rights, the ASHS Glee Club has played beyond its role of ‘just singing.’”

Now, behind the pleasing vocals of the singers lie the instruments that carry the rhythmic foundation. Bringing lively performances on stage, MIO emphasized the crucial part of organizations that encourage a deep-rooted passion for music in signifying the value of ‘self-expression and inclusivity,’ as they aim to be an avenue to express the artists’ creativity and creations freely. With the continuous list of their performances this CSO Month, especially with their Tiny Desk-inspired project named BlueBeats, their organization’s head, Yñigo Jacalan, shared that competence and passion have helped them tune up as each of them continues to develop their skills in their respective fields.

Beyond fostering growth to the development of individuals under the umbrella of music, Jacalan expressed that their organization’s objectives soar higher as they dream “to help the ASHS as a whole grow in camaraderie and community engagement by hopefully giving a sense of unity through our songs and performances for the audience to enjoy.” 

Traversing further across the world of instruments, we can witness the Symphonic Ensemble, which specializes in showing the majestic feeling of hearing classical music through the exhibition of their pleasing performances with their classical instruments. Driven by the goal of being an ‘outlet of expression’ for students to display their talents and passion for music, Aeril Villanueva, the organization’s head, signified that dedication has played a crucial role in leading them to their successful performances.

“I believe that it’s the most effective way to cultivate discipline because of how expressive and freeing it is, so it sort of rewards you with a great sense of satisfaction when you complete an art piece or finish practicing a song: It’s something you have to commit to, but it’s also really enjoyable,” Villanueva expressed, highlighting one of the aspects that fuel their ensemble to continue paving their way ahead. 

Despite belonging to different organizations, the three organizations resonated with the excitement of unveiling the fruits of their labor for the TuPAD: Where Dreams Come True concert. Glee, MIO, and SE all aligned with the idea that this will not only be for the audiences to enjoy but also for the performers to expand their versatility in the field of music. 

A Setlist of Steps

Immersing deeper into the musical fields of ASHS, behind the curtains are the organizations that gracefully narrate their stories through their touching facial expressions and body movements, along with their expressive dialogue and stage plays. With the heart-catching performances of Indayog ng Atenistang Kabataan (IndAK), Broadway Theatre Troupe of Ateneo (BTTA), and Teatro Baguntao, the Atenean community always has something to remember. 

Exemplifying their phenomenal choreographies on stage, IndAK has continued to shed light on the dancing world, playing a huge role in providing a supportive and uplifting environment for devoted and passionate people who love to express themselves through dancing. As every beat drops, the on-point moves they demonstrate are the accumulation of their team’s effort from the ‘physically taxing’ pieces of training they conduct every week. With their gigs lining up, they are being constantly pushed with the thinking that the beauty of dance can be enriched in exchange for one’s commitment to learning.

“As we give importance to fostering an inclusive and positive environment, we are able to keep each other motivated and inspired to keep growing as one whole team and as individuals; to ensure that we are all able to embody ‘All Heart All Out,’” IndAK Vice Organization Head Jean Justo added, engraving the value of unity within their members.

As you explore this district, you’d get to realize that Ateneo indeed offers a variety of opportunities for its students to express themselves. Executing their magnificent talents in theater, BTTA cultivates a motivating environment that encourages students to pursue their passions without fear of being judged. With acting requiring time and effort, Lana Buenaventura, their organization head, mentioned that immersing oneself in their roles and collaborating are some of the most crucial elements in ensuring the success of a grand display.

Buenaventura also added that in their organization, they strive to “develop a safe space for expression and art. By providing a platform for individuals to showcase their talents, we encourage students to embrace their uniqueness and contribute to a vibrant cultural atmosphere,” highlighting how they foster creativity, inclusivity, and personal growth within the ASHS.

Last but definitely not least, the PAD community will not be complete without the organization that empowers the significance of creativity as they nurture their love for the Filipino theater. Embodying the worth of the Philippines’ hidden gems of literature, Teatro Baguntao introduces various plays that cover our nation’s expertise in this field.

 “Ang Teatro Baguntao ng ASHS ay nagtataya sa paghubog ng mga dedikadong mga mag-aaral at Pilipino sa pamamagitan ng paghahandog ng mga oportunidad maglingkod o magbigay serbisyo tungo sa pag-aalaga ng produksyon o pagtatanghal ng dula,” they signified on their organization’s description, seeking to remind the students body of how colorful the history of the Philippine theater is.

Similar to the other PAD organizations, IndAK, BTTA, and Teatro Baguntao exemplify the substance of devotion, consistency, and solidarity within their respective disciplines. Now more than ever, with their TuPAD concert, they get to nurture these characteristics even stronger, leading them to establish a home inside their organizations, where their support for one another persists.

A Medley of Media

Performing is only one of the plethora of assets and passion the student populace of the ASHS has, while hearts meander along to beats  — minds are pried open with organizations that aim to unearth stories or maybe even form some. Sidelined voices are amplified through the reports of Hi-Lites, unread words are unearthed through Pugad, stories are underscored with the aid of spearheaders of mass communications, Ateneo Publicity and Communications Organization (APCO), and the men behind flashes, Zoom Photography, captures both the mundanity and vivaciousness of the ASHS.

Hi-Lites, the school’s official publication organization, opened the gates for the student body to air out perceptions through their CSO month project titled, “Citizen’s Arm,” perpetuating the dissemination of information for the students, by the students, and through the students. 

Conversely, Pugad, the ASHS’ literary folio, underlines the pictures painted by woven words, providing a corner in the school where literature and creative writing flourish, a pasture for unbounded imaginations to run across, despite them not having an external project for CSO month. The hope of writhing together unleashed thoughts is celebrated, even valued in their organization.

“We would hope to conduct writing workshops within the organization to develop and hone the writing skills and talents of our members.” Gaia Camaya, Pugad’s organization head, states the visions of their organization. 

In like manner, APCO forms pathways between the creativity of informing and the community, reaching the its corners with the mic and hoisted speakers. This is further emphasized through their initiative, The Recess Diaries, a 3-part radio drama in collaboration with the Ateneo Film Organization (AFO), wherein the latter inscribes stories on paper and is then brought to life by the former, through the PA system during recess. The Recess Diaries is centralized on forming tales from the common grounds walked by Ateneans, highlighting relatability through this project. 

“APCO serves as the megaphone to the ASHS’ heartbeat,” Jessamyn Guinanao, Executive Director of the organization explains how APCO illuminates connection and encounters in the school culture, “Being a part of and championing these transformative experiences remains our proudest achievement.”

Media comes in a myriad of forms; photography is an indispensable example. Moments of the ASHS are encapsulated into photos captured by Zoom Photography, as they snap shots of unseen nuances, may that be during events or on calmer days where the school is moving at a slow pace. Lights, Camera, Action: A Photography Showcase embodies its name as the organization’s CSO month project, collating photos taken by its members throughout the academic year’s run — piecing these moments together into a collage for the ASHS to see.

Earl James Sombe, head of the organization, brings the value of Zoom to the forefront, “Through this, we’re able to provide the ASHS community with memories that they can fondly look back on. I hope that CSO month will be a chance for my organization’s work to be appreciated and valued.” 

A Collage of Creations

When minds are pried open, one can see each stroke that makes up the ASHS. Creation runs unrestrained through vast fields through organizations that put heart and sweat into products of imaginative minds, whether that may be tangible or not. Artistic journeys are traversed, even celebrated, through the Art Guild; synonymously, Grafiction draws notice to stories told through comic panels, while Ateneo Animation and Creatives Studio Organization (ACSO) pays all heed to both the smaller details and the bigger picture of each frame; similarly, motion pictures are valued, analyzed, and formed through the rolls of AFO — Blue Kitchen carries on the laude of creations with the dishes they cultivate and bring up to taste.

The Art Guild held a firm grasp on the belief that art is a platform for individuals, a podium for them to voice out what words fall short in describing. Their organization offers an oasis amidst academic and personal tribulations. “Train of Thought,” the organization’s external project this CSO month, envisions an avenue where the members’ passion gleam through, where their pieces are given their rightful regards. 

“We believe that CSO month is an opportunity for the organization to relay its mission and vision to the student body, in order to strengthen the connection between art and the ASHS community.” Head of the organization, Sophia Lim, alludes to the significance of art amongst the populace.

Much like the aforementioned organization, Grafiction illuminates unmoving illustrations that tell of narratives, both the witty jabs and the pressing issues. Creativity soars even higher within MCAD as they embody their mantra bringing life to chronicles through the power of visual storytelling. With their project titled, “Captured in Ink!” members are commissioned, tracing subjects and memories, urging the community to reminisce on them.

“It fosters competence through comic-making and comic-critiquing sessions, collaboration through group works, and shares local comics to the org and the ASHS through exposure to local comic works.” They remarked on the description provided regarding their organization.

Similarly, ACSO gives movement to these tales, nurturing a roster of skills alongside deep-rooted appreciation for the practice of animating, while also laying down animation as a common ground like-minded students from varying contexts can stand on — and “Get the Ball Rolling,” their CSO month project, makes good of this. ACSO gives way for students even beyond the organization to sharpen their techniques and tips in animating through this workshop spearheaded by the organization.

Hunter Arrellano, ACSO’s head, gives light to the importance of commitment to one’s craft, “When honing any skill, you must be able to stay committed to improving said skill. This ability to commit starts to spill into other aspects of life such as commitment to a community, to doing good, and to God.”

AFO, being the premiere organization within campus for everything and everyone film, shines light on a manifold of realities with their screenplays. As previously mentioned, AFO bridged ideas with APCO for their project this CSO month through their radio-drama series, The Recess Diaries. Andy Garcia, AFO head, remarks on the said project, “This project highlights how our organization values creativity, teamwork, and commitment to producing enjoyable, thought-provoking, and accessible contents for the ASHS community.”

CSO month did not just provide a looking glass for people to see their passion, but also a time for celebration, giving them and other organizations an opportunity to reflect on how far they have trudged. Garcia continues, “This celebration not only acknowledges our successes but also reinforces the value of teamwork and community within our school.”

Though unlikely at first glance, Blue Kitchen falls right into place with the recurring motif of creation — with their experimental approach to dishes, testing waters with the ways and wonders of the culinary field. The element of art and creativity is kept alive as Blue Kitchen hoists cooking and baking up as forms of art with a set objective on creating lasting tastes for all. “Pancake Man,” is a reflection of the organization’s dedication to their practice, a culmination of the members’ abilities in their first selling project in two years, handing out homemade food created with and for love.

“While we had only been able to sell for three days, we hope that we had left a lasting impact on ASHS this school year. I feel that this CSO month neatly wraps up our hard work, dedication, and passion for our craft,” Blue Kitchen’s head, Bella Uy, recounts the organization’s experience during their external project this month, “We hope this furthermore elevates the image and impression of Blue Kitchen, where one can always trust to provide a good experience.”

An Alliance of Artistry

The scaffolding that hauls up each performance and output exhibited by organizations comprising PAD and MCAD is a framework that is made out of love and unwavering commitment to their craft. CSO Month highlighted the subjectivity of art and the forms it introduces itself as — there is no clear-cut answer for what art is and should be. From the vibrancy of dances and theater renditions to the meticulousness of each stroke of a pencil to adamant dedication of unveiling stories and information to share, their artistry is imprinted into the trails of the ASHS.

One may revel in the spotlight and the other may tread paths behind curtains, but their combination is a masterpiece that deserves more than just a few glances from the student body, but a sustained appreciation for what they do and what they believe in. And when the lights go off, picturesque memories captured and rendered by these organizations linger, in both the hearts and minds of Ateneans.