Some Places in the Ateneo

I know I will miss Ateneo once I graduate. Coming from the province and having to dorm for my whole four years in college, the Ateneo has become my home. It is my safe space amidst the unfamiliar landscape of Manila.

In my Philosophy class, we talked about the work of Eliade "The Sacred and Profane". Eliade insisted that the faithful and religious are drawn to areas where heaven and earth meets - the axis mundi. Being close to the axis mundi makes them feel safe - it is their safe space. Ateneo, to me, is an axis mundi. In a technical perspective, the university has the Church of Gesu and the College Chapel which stands as the home of Christ. But in a broader perspective, the Ateneo itself is an axis mundi regardless of the two place of worship.

I also think it plays well that Ateneo stands on a hill, making it closer to the skies compared to the world outside. I always like to be dramatic.

Anyway, all I was trying to say is Ateneo is my safe space in the bustle of a foreign land. It comforts me that I am just a walk away to the campus, and it scares me every time I travel outside the Katipunan area. Maybe because I was never used to the hustle of Manila , but maybe because I am going farther to my axis mundi.

I was not able to take a photo of my favorite places in the Ateneo - College Chapel and the Rizal Library (surprise! not really). But I was able to take photos of some places in the Ateneo that I rarely go to/stay at if not for Mikel. Although I don't stay in/go to these places as often, I think they are worth remembering.

I remember the first photo of Ateneo I took before I was even a freshman was something similar to the photo above. It was during the Open House for Management students when the parents and the soon-to-be students were invited to experience what classes are like in the Ateneo. My parents and I were walking back to Leong Hall or Xavier (I don't really remember) through the red brick road when I looked up and thought the tree trunks looked nice and took a photo of it with my phone.

I don't think I'll ever forget that photo. I don't think I'll ever forget this photo too. I was helping Mikel out for his Theo midterm orals and we were just staying at the mini forest between Dela Costa and Faura. I lied down on the bench while Mikel was trying to put together his thoughts and thought how the leaves protected me from the direct sunlight while giving me a taste of it too.

At first, he didn't like I was taking photos of him as he collected himself for his orals. But I guess he just succumb to my wishes and gave me a few (really cute) poses.

Reading his notes so I can critique his spiel.

It was just us.

Soup Kitchen is what kept me going during midterm week. I love their sopas so much and I am so happy that they allow you to get more than one serving. They used to serve the sopas with gulaman but I guess people like me who do not like gulaman made them stop serving the drink.

Mikel enjoying his sopas before his orals.

Way to Dela Costa where students die (jk)... where the Theo and Philo dept are

Dela Costa is just right across the Soup Kitchen which I think is really great.Have you not eaten because you were preparing for orals? Stop by at Soup Kitchen and have some sopas! Did bad during orals? Have some sopas and you'll feel a little better!

The face of someone who aced his orals. I am guessing he was driving while I took this photo.

Ateneo Car Park. When is it never full?

Zen Garden. I used to hang out here when I was in second year, but most of my classes are now in SOM and CTC so I do not get to visit the area as much now.

I honestly don't know what this pathway is called. Is it Sec-Field Pathway? I guess I'll never know. I pass by this pathway a lot of times.

Loyola School of Theology library. The only time I was there was for Mikel's Theo project. So empty.

Outside Loyola School of Theology. Sometimes I forget that LST is just inside the Ateneo campus.

Overseeing Marikina.

Ateneo will always be my safe space - every bit of it, even the Dela Costa Hall. As I graduate, I have to take Ateneo with me. I will take Ateneo with me.

Yours truly,

Tanya