Benjo Beringuela

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Why EI Chose Benjo Beringuela

Having known him for years, one of Everyday Idealist’s editors, Apple Raperoga, has been witness to how Benjo Beringuela developed his photography skills from being merely a hobby into being professional. Unlike usual photographers, Benjo is known for his knack at taking casual but timely candid shots, which assures that each photo is unique from everything else.

This week, the spotlight is on Benjo Beringuela, 4 BS Communications Technology Managemeny. Student. Photographer. Everyday Idealist.

What Captured His Heart

This must probably one of the easiest and lightest, but nevertheless inspiring inerviews EI has ever had. First, Benjo begins by telling us his story about how he started liking photography. Back in high school, flashy and precise DSLRs were not yet very popular, and thus, he had to rely on a trusty digital camera. “Nagstart ako nung fourth year. Wala pa akong DSLR nun, pero I got hooked with a digicam. I started using it for projects, then ayun. Nacarry ko na until college.”

According to Benjo, it was around his second year of college that he got his own DSLR, and that time, he would carry it around taking pictures of random school days and activities. Later on, he volunteered as an event photographer for campus programs and events (such as OrSem, some Ateneo org parties, or special requests for his friends) And now, he’s been taking pictures for bigtime names such as The Guidon, UAAP events, and even for an interview with former Chief Justice Renato Corona. Benjo has also taken his hobby into a serious career, as he is now part of the Shutter Panda Photography team.


The Picture-perfect Conviction

“Feeling ko, never na malalaos ang photography so I guess maganda kung masprespread pa ‘yun.” According to Benjo, one of the features of photography that he likes so much, is its ability to store memories and events, which would probably never happen the same way again. He even said that he loves the fact that pictures can be printed and carried around, much like having a hard copy of a memory with you. However, since most people have no more time now, digital and online copies of photographs would suffice.

“Sana rin hindi maging fixed yung tao sa tinuturo ng photography lessons. I think it’s better to go out of the box.” Benjo tells. Our Everyday Idealist is all about uniqueness and originality. He belives that each photographer has something to bring to the table, and has a certain corresponding style, to which a person is to be known for. For him, when it comes to style, no one should and could ever copy you, for that is exactly who you are. And when asked what his style is, he answers:

“Mas gusto ko talaga ang candid, kasi mas raw ‘yung emotion. In a way, I look for pegs. Then I apply my own style to it, in a way na maging unique at akin talaga siya.” Benjo tells that his creativity is kept going through the creativity of other people as well. He continues to be inspired by the good works for fellow photographers. But of course, he doesn’t let this get in the way of his style. 


What Inspires him

Photography, as a hobby and as a profession, is truly a fun and fulfilling job. However, what most pople don’t know is that this could be very exhausting and draining. So, when asked about what keeps Benjo on his toes when it comes to his career, he answers: “’Yung mga tao na wala pang trabaho pero sikat na.” Benjo looks up to people who are very dedicated to their career, and have worked very hard to achieve it.  “Hindi naman sa sikat, pero yung successful na in terms of their art”

He also tells us, that if you really want to pursue photography, it is important that you have people with you, belonging to the same craft, such that you can act as each other’s support system. For him, his fellow student photographers have given him great help and inspiration, not only that they team up to cover the same events and cater to the same contacts, but also that they are the ones who are able to talk during their free time, schedule photowalks, and just share the common conviction.


 Final Tips

“Wag kang gagaya. Never kang gagaya.” If there’s a plagiarism guard in the photography scene, it must be Benjo Beringuela. But for him, this is because he believes that each person really has something to offer, and one need not copy another person’s work. As an advocate of candid shooting, he also believes that each moment is unique, precious, and should not be allowed to just slip away.

“Don’t stop shooting, kahit sobrang pagod ka na. Always bring your camera, lalo na kung nagtraravel ka. Kasi kahit hindi ka nagplan ng shoot, may makikita kang maganda. So kung di mo dala yung camera mo, sayang ‘yung scene, or sayang ‘yung tao.”

Finally, when we asked him why he continues to strive hard in his potography career, “Wala lang. Feeling ko kung okay ka sa art mo, masaya ‘yung buhay. Ang cheesy.”


Benjo Beringuela.
Student.
Photographer.
Everyday Idealist.






Gigi De Villa

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Why EI Chose Gigi De Villa

Through our Theology and Philosophy classes, we were all taught about the importance of relating to the marginalized, and the preferential option for the poor. As Ateneans, more so, we have always been called to be men and women for tohes. Everyay Idealists found the perfect personification of these values in Ms. Gigi De Villa, a senior taking up Management Economics and Development Management, who has been very active and all out in her support for the marginalized sector. It was our first time finding someone with such great passion and commitment to giving voice to those who have none.


Hope in Everyone

Gigi De Villa begins the interview right on by stating her greatest conviction. By the way she talks, one can really feel the level of passion she has towards her commitment. “Malapit sa puso ko ang mga marhinalisadong komunidad tulad ng mga magsasaka at mga katutubo; at para sa akin gusto ko sana maging bahagi ng pag-uplift ng dignity nila as human person, gusto ko na matulungan silang mangarap ulit.” [Those who are in the marginalized communities are very close to my heart, like the local farmers and the indigenous people, and I want to take part in uplifting their dignity as a human person, I want to help them dream again.]

Gigi explains how she can’t stand just being a witness to the state of helplessness and hopelessness that these people are currently in, and that for her, she has to take action and initiative for the movement that would rekindle in these people hope, confidence and inspiration. As one of her steps in accomplishing this mission, she envisions herself serving at the Jesuit Volunteers Philippines (JVP), and/or working for government institutions such as the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) or the  DepEd (Department of Education), that would help in promoting the rights of these people.


Walo at Saka Tatlong Dumagat

Gigi explained to Everyday Idealists interesting stories of how she got inspired to fight for the marginalized. First of these was her story on how she felt attachment to the indigenous people.

According to her, it all started through a documentary she watched, wherein aetas were being misled by people as they travel by directing them to wrong buses, just because they know that these people are unable to read. Gigi shared how disappointed and sorry she felt for the misery of the aetas, who have been taken advantage of through their weaknesses.

This cruel reality was strengthened to her, through a lecture of her Theology professor, about a certain indigenous group called the “Dumagats”. The story tells of how, upon the arrival of other people, the Dumagats would say “O nandito na mga tao” [Oh, the humans have arrived]. The students were astounded of how they were received. A Dumagat then explained that this is because whenever they would ride a jeepney, he would hear a person, not belonging to their group, would say, “Walo at saka tatlong Dumagat” [Eight, and 3 Dumagats], as he pays. The Dumagats have been judged as different, and for Gigi, she can’t deny how angered she was upon hearing how these people have been treated.  “Alam ko na hindi naman dapat ganoon ang pagtrato sa kanila. For me, isa silang gem ng Philippine Society at dapat na alagaan natin sila.” [I know that they shouldn’t be treated that way. For me, they are gems of the Philippine Society, and they should be taken good care of.]


The CARPer Campaign

The second story Gigi shared was that of how she was inspired to work towards the rights of poor local farmers. She traces back her devotion to this cause, way back when she was still in freshman year. Early on, she has been exposed to the issues and dialogues held reharding the matter. In fact, she even cut her InTACT class, just to be able to march along with these farmers and the people who share the same sentiments with her. According to her, it was through this experience that she realized the importance of these poor local farmers, and how their rights were deeply underpromoted.

“Nakita ko doon na, mahalagang bahagi sila ng society natin and yet, hindi sila mapahalagahan. Ang laki ng kontribusyon nila, pero ito yung nararanasan nila.” [I saw how they are really essential to the society, yet they are not given importance. They offer great contributions, but they suffer that way.] These farmers, are those who, albeit their many decades of tenure, have not been granted title to their lands. Gigi expressed how she felt injustice upon the realization that these people have been exerting much effort, and yet, they have not been fairly compensated.

It was also through this event that she was able to meet people who are passionate about fighting for the rights of the underpivileged as well. Gigi tells the story of Karen, also an advocate of these local farmers, who died fighting for their rights. According to Gigi, she was deeply inspired by the conviction of this person. “Bakit ako di ko kayang subukan lumaban? Given na ako, naprovide ako with Ateneo education so, sana ako din maglakas loob para sa kanila.” [Why don’t I try to fight for them as well? I have been given an Ateneo education, so ideally, I should also have courage to stand up for them.]


The Driving Force

Gigi shares, that even though these issues that she fights for might seem very heavy and controversial, at the end of the day, these are the same things that drive her to get going with life, most especially in her academics and the path she’s taking.

“Yun ang nagiging drive ko para mag aral. Pag nag-aral ako ng mabuti, mas mapapaglingkuran ko sila. Yun ang nagpapabangon sa akin sa umaga. Pag hellweek na and everything, alalahanin ko lang na ang lahat ng ito ay para sa kanila, na kung maging magaling ako na Atenista, sila rin maeempower ko rin sila in the long run.” [It’s what drives me to study hard. Because if I do well, I can serve them better. That’s what keeps me up everyday. Whether it’s hell week and everything comes tushing through, I just remember that all of these is for them. And if I’m a good Atenean, I can empower them as well in the long run].

The Week After

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The week of August 6 was very reminiscent of what happened to the Philippines, three years ago. The strong rain matched with the strong winds scared people as it reminded them of Ondoy and the chaos it brought. Different areas of Manila were gravely affected as some areas were flooded, making people have the need to stay in the second floor of their houses, while some had to really evacuate and leave their homes, hoping that not too much damage take place in their homes while they are away.

A situation of how Metro Manila was submerged in flood water during the hit of typhoon 
Ondoy in 2009.
Photo taken from http://reynaelena.com/2009/09/28/ondoy-situation-map-for-metropolitan-manila-list-
of-flooded-areas/ 


While some people were stuck at home due to impassable streets surrounding their houses, some are in evacuation centers, there are also those who braved the rains to assist in relief operations that took place around Metro Manila.

Relief operations initiated by different schools, foundations and other groups of people were successful in their own ways to help out the victims of the Habagat. There were a lot of generous people who donated so much goods, and so much time in assisting these relief operations that one can feel the Filipino spirit really acting in all of us.

Relief Operations Poster of the Ateneo DREAM TEAM, taken from the Ateneo Batch 2013 Facebook page.


Bayanihan is the idea where there is communal effort from people of a society to be able to achieve a goal or simply to be able to achieve something where the whole of society benefits. Perhaps, in this case, we can say that is one conviction that resounded throughout all of the Filipinos last week. Whether you have called your friends to check up on them, donated goods for the victims, helped out in packing the goods or even simply making people aware of the situation  of areas like where is it flooded and such, you had in you the spirit of bayanihan. Maybe, we can say, that we have in all of us, an Everyday Idealist-in-Action.


Relief operations begin at the Ateneo de Manila campus. Photo courtesy of Dominic Go. (from Rappler.com)

And perhaps here we see the potential of the Filipino nation to truly unite to reach great heights. We shouldn’t need to wait for another calamity to pass us by just for us to be of service, to be one nation. We have witnessed from previous storms, be it Ondoy or Milenyo from way back, and even just recently with the strong storm, that we all can truly practice bayanihan, that we can most certainly be one nation. 

Photo from THE GUIDON Facebook Page

Maronne Cruz

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Why EI Chose Maronne Cruz

Maronne Cruz might be one of the most familiar faces you would have seen in the platforms of Ateneo theatre. A 4 BS Management major, Maronne caught the attention of Everyday Idealists through her passion in the arts, particularly in theater and musicals. One of the most versatile performers in Blue Repertory, Maronne Cruz shares her story on discovering one’s hidden talents, honing it, and finding your self in it.

A True Artist Waiting to be Discovered

Maronne has always been exposed to theater, but she never knew it was meant for her. Since young, her family would always travel to New York (where they had a residence), and not a single trip would pass without them watching at least 3 musicals. She was never a stranger to the theater, but it wasn’t until her senior year in high school that she realized the curtain’s call.

Known by her classmates as the girl who’s good at drawing, she was the seen as the shy and nerdy type who just sketches in the corner. It took some ounce of willpower for her to try out and show the world her hidden talent in singing. “For a school musical, I just went for it and then I bagged one of the lead roles. “ Maronne shares. “Everyone was like “Oh, Maronne you’re good pa la’ and I’m like “Your fault for judging me” Kidding!” Maronne laughs.  “I’m joking, but that’s when I really realized na hey, I’m actually not bad at this. This is actually my calling.”

Maronne admits that at times she wishes she could still practice her craft in visual arts, but due to the demands of music theater, she can’t spend as much time on her “original talent” anymore. “Such a shame I don’t do it anymore but I have no regrets because I SUPER love Musical Theater. It’s my childhood, so there.”



You are ART.

When asked about what she strongly believes in, Maronne didn’t hesitate to share, “One of my biggest convictions is that you really can’t sacrifice the art, the creative, the expressive aspect of anything because once you take that out, it’s kind of like losing your soul.”

Maronne believes that people are brought alive by the beauty and art that they encounter. While art has always been seen as a way of self-expression, she thinks that it should not be taken for granted just because it is easily and readily available. For Maronne, there’s no such thing as just doing—only doing your best. “I also believe in no matter what you do, always do it with conviction and passion and you should never go halfway to anything.” She admits how she feels bad whenever she can’t give something her all, for she always tries her best to give her 100% in everything.

Everyday Idealists was inspired by the level of passion and entusiasm that Maronne puts into the creative, and thus we asked her what drives her to always push further.

“It sounds cheesy but I get the drive purely because I really really love what I’m doing.” Maronne exemplifies how it should be when you follow your dreams. She admits that she doesn’t care whatever’s at stake to keep her doing it. “I mean it’s kind of basic, if you really want something, you go for it.”  Maronne also shares how seeing developments in the whole field, and witnessing how her circle of groups also work hard, pushes her to be even more passionate about her craft. The wholistical improvements she experiences, particularly in Blue Repertory, makes her want to keep getting better and better.

The Show Goes On

Last year, for Maronne, was a highlight of her musical theatre career. She performed in two of her most notable productions--first in “Little Shop of Horrors, where she played the role of Audrey, and second, in “Bare” where she got the role of Ivy. Bare was one of the most awaited musicals of Blue Rep, from its successful staging back in 2009. Maronne bagged the lead role, and has been known for her exemplary performance in the said play.

Watch out for more of our Everyday Idealist Maronne Cruz, as this year she performs in Blue Repertory’s offering, “13”, which will be shown in the Fine Arts Theatre from July 25 onwards!

Nikki Jurado

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Why EI chose Nikki Jurado 

In the midst of the hype of foreign acts and celebrities, Everyday idealists was glad to have met Nikki Jurado, a passionate supporter of OPM (Original Pinoy Music). Nikki is an AB Communications senior at the Ateneo de Manila University. Currently, she works as part of the COA Executive Board as the Chief of Staff. With her love for music, she is also part of aMp (Ateneo Musician’s Pool), and volunteers for Musmos and Yabang Pinoy. Nikki Jurado exudes Filipino pride and believes in promoting this through music.

Music lover by heart and by blood

Our Everyday Idealist begins the interview by saying this with conviction: “I fight for Original Pinoy Music.”

Nikki grew up in a family of lawyers and musicians. At an early age, she was taught how to play musical instruments, particularly the piano at age 4. “Parang minsan nga iniisip ko, mas nauna pa ako nagbasa ng musical scores than actual letters”, Nikki admits. She was trained to be an orchestra pianist, but as she grew up, she realized greater interest in playing the drums and guitar. Because of this, it served as her motivation for forming and performing in bands.

“That’s why I got into a band, formed a band, pero nadisband, ganiyan…” After the disbandment, Nikki moved on to discovering new opportunities, but still in the field of music. She tried music photography. However, it was this experience that made her realize something; which later on became the turning point of her OPM life. “Nainlove ako with music photography and that’s when I realized, nauubos na yung mga kinukuha kong mga bands like Sugarfree, Rivermaya, Bamboo. And there’s a possibility of OPM dying or yun nga, and ayoko ‘yun mangyari.”


Save OPM

Nikki is the pioneer of the Twitter account “@saveOPM”, a campaign for OPM bloggers and bands to keep the Pinoy music industry alive. The account serves as an avenue where these musicians can share and promote their videos, gigs, and albums, among others.

Only on its 7th month, Nikki accepts that building the fanbase of the account still has a long way to go. However, with the support of famous Pinoy musicians, the campaign foresees a bright future ahead. Performers such as Ebe Dancel of Sugarfee, Apo Hiking Society, Sarah Geronimo and Yeng Constantino, to name a few, have been following the account and promoting it as well. To date, @saveOPM has secured more than 700 followers.

Nikki doesn’t stop in the online world. Aside from this, she also organizes free gigs for OPM artists every two months. No profit is gained from the shows, and thus, it serves as a free avenue for both up and coming and established music artists to promote their craft. They tie up with designers like Team Manila and other big names, to bring in followers. “Ang hirap, super hirap, kasi ayun nga ang targeted ng audience e, pero kaya pa, keri pa.”

No hate, just love 

If you think @saveOPM is all about rejecting foreign music and hiding inside the OPM nutshell, then Nikki says you are wrong. She, herself, listens to foreign acts as well. However, what Nikki wants to impart is that OPM, Pinoy Music, is part of our identity. For her, losing the Pinoy music industry is like losing our identity and reduces us to merely foreign listeners. “Di naman niya sinasabi na yun nga, huwag kang makinig sa iba, sinasabi lang niya na wag mong walain ang sariling sa iyo.”

Nikki belives in the huge potential that OPM artists have to offer to the music industry, and that we should not just let this pass. “Parang love lang yan, huwag mo ngang bitawan na sa’yo na nga e.”

Are you one with Nikki in her support for Original Pinoy Music?

Follow saveOPM on Twitter
Like saveOPM on Facebook
And hashtag #saveOPM when you tweet!

Watch out for their gigs this coming August and September!

James Nicolas Cruz

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Why Everyday Idealists chose James Cruz

James Nicolas Cruz represents an over-all Atenean SOM student. Being among the top of his batch in the John Gokongwei School of Management, and winning various debate competitions inside and outside the Ateneo, are only some of the many achievements that James was able to reap from his hard work and motivation. His excellence as a debater and as a student made EI decide to probe into what inspires this prodigy. 

Involvement

James arrived as a casual fellow for the interview, but EI was sure that this guy had a lot of things to share. When asked to introduce himself and explain what keeps him busy, James simply started, “I’m involved with the Ateneo Debate Society. I debate competitively.” It’s been a normal experience for James to miss some of his classes from time to time, as he represents the university in different competitions all over the country. However, he clarifies that for now, he’s a taking a break in the debating field, as he has been pursuing more and various efforts. “I’m involved in the advocacy of debate education. So currently, I’m the director of debate education I’ve also involved myself in.”

Debate, Education and Management—all rolled in one.

What amazed EI during the interview was how James clearly laid out the path for us. While most JGSOM students concern themselves with earning profits and building strong and wide networks, James does not lose grip of his Atenean values through an advocacy he stands up for.

“I’m a firm believer of how education can empower people’s lives, but I also really believe in the power of business and management.” According to James, people who know management have the power of fixing the living conditions of people in the society, and in the end, produce a good kind of change. While he believes that education is important and various efforts of teaching students academic disciplines are essential, he cannot disregard the fact that external factors such as the environment they thrive in and the society they interact with, can still be a hindrance to their success.

“I’ve realized that even if I’m involved in education, it’s still really so difficult to empower students, if once they go out to society, the opportunities aren’t there for them.” Thus, James explained that his way of contributing to this ideology is by involving himself in helping various communities doing their businesses. He’s currently involved in a consultancy project, where he is guiding the communities in starting up in micro finance programs. Part of this project is by teaching them accounting, and by creating an accounting system for them such that it would be easier to attain financing.

Aside from this, James is also currently holding a project which helps non-profit organizations in training government leaders and private leaders by equipping them marketing knowledge and skills. He believes that this tool can help these organizations come up with more holistic graduates, such that when they go out into society, they can have a chance to improve other people’s lives as well.



What drives James Cruz

Like most college students, James admitted that at first, he was unsure of what he entered himself into. Alongside management, there were also a lot of things he wanted to try out. Being a scholar in the university, James understands how education plays a key role in making a difference in people’s lives.

“As a Management student, I really start thinking, 'What can I do?' so at first I was trying to help by involving myself in organizations that were helping people, but then I realized, I really wasn’t able to see what I was doing in Management.” James disclosed to EI, that based solely on his academic pursuits, he still felt that what he was learning wasn’t enough, if it would go back directly to the people. 

For James, part of what motivated him to pursue his advocacy of education and management would be the opportunities presented to him by the JGSOM, such as the professors he met, the ethical issues he studied, and even the products he developed, which all point to the social-orientedness that the department has always been pushing for. However, these efforts have all, in his own words, “been crystallized”. According to James, the School of Management has always been criticized, citing the Occupy Job Fair incident last school year as an example. “Things like that, the way the really think that the School of Management is profit oriented and that it seems to be marginalized in the role of nation building, so I thought my personal response to it is I had to do something to show people.”

Empowering People through Business Education

James believes that education is important, but as a management major, he believes that there are even more things he can support, to be able to inspire other people. With his assertiveness as a debater, intelligence as a student, and confidence as a management honors major, he leaves EI with this statement:

“We’re actually empowered the most to try to help people through what you know and that’s why I’m embarking on, not just these charitable organizations and institutions, but trying to integrate my business education into making people’s lives better.”