Bianca Javate (2 BS COMTECH) can be described as a go-getter with an impressive list of achievements, including being the youngest O-Host in this year’s lineup. Exuding a fresh openness and enthusiasm, the “Miss all-around who won’t let you down” shares her experience as a newbie trying her best to strike the perfect balance.

VANT: Hi Bianca! Do you have intersession [classes]? What have you been doing this quarantine?

BIANCA: I have a full load for intersession, which is really hard, honestly! I [took] calculus because I’m under COMTECH, so I have six required units for math—and then I have accounting pa for the first sem. For intersession, I just have [calculus] and then information technology Management. I also have [the] science, technology, and society [course].

VANT: Is there anything else you’ve been up to?

BIANCA: OrSem training and AJMA (Ateneo Junior Marketing Association)! I’m the PR AVP (Public Relations Assistant Vice President) for AJMA this year and I’m in charge also for promotional stuff in RecWeek, so I have to work on that as well. My only two orgs now [are] AJMA and ACTM (Ateneo Association for Communications Technology Management).

VANT: Why did you choose to come to Ateneo for college? What memories do you have of your own OrSem?

BIANCA: Ateneo’s always been my dream school. Even back in high school, Ateneo was really my goal. It was an easy choice to make because [Ateneo] also had a program that I was really interested in. Before, I wanted to take AB COM. But then, [come] senior high, I discovered that marketing’s really interesting. In the back of my mind, it’s always been there—oh, maybe I can also take marketing. Then I discovered that Ateneo has COMTECH.

For my own OrSem memories, I just had OrSem last year! [laughs] I liked meeting my blockmates and having fun with our TnTs and SecMobs because they really made us feel like a family, and they really helped in strengthening my block’s bond. Until now, my block’s still pretty close, and we’re honestly still really close to our TnTs and SecMobs. I find it pretty cool that everything’s coming full circle. Last year, I was just one of the freshies watching and participating in OrSem, and now I have the opportunity to host OrSem.

VANT: What prompted you to apply to be an O-Host?

BIANCA: I’ve always wanted to volunteer for OrSem. After my own OrSem, I thought, “Oh, this is really fun and I would want to be part of the volunteers.” I initially wanted to try out for TnT or SecMob because I really enjoyed the company of my own TnTs. They made me feel at home in Ateneo and I wanted to be able to give that same experience to the incoming freshies. It was part of my college bucket list to be able to host OrSem because I also really admire the hosts that we had; I honestly didn’t expect that I’d get in this year.

I also want to make the freshies feel welcomed with whatever their interests, personalities, or statuses are. For some people, they usually view O-Hosts as a certain mold or type. I want them to see that there are different types of people in Ateneo. For example, for me, I like studying but I also want to show the freshies that you [can still] have fun and be active in non-academic matters.

VANT: How have you been preparing for OrSem despite the online setting?

BIANCA: We have lots of training, workshops, filming, and bonding. I wouldn’t say it’s daily, but we have lots of training every week. We also have workshops and filming for OrSem. And then, we also have bonding sessions with the other hosts to help in strengthening our bond and our chemistry.

VANT: How’s your relationship with the other O-Hosts, especially considering the online setting? Do you think that’s a hindrance?

BIANCA: At first I was [kind of] intimidated. I was the youngest one—like the kid [of the group]. I was just kind of scared that I won’t be able to relate to them as much since they’ve spent a much longer time in Ateneo, but they still made me feel very welcomed. I never felt out of place. All of those initial [thoughts] were out of my mind. [The] Host Hunt Team has also been really sweet—they even sent us a care package; stuff like [drinks], food, some face masks, and then some letters for encouragement—those were really cute.

[They’ve] been really helpful in deepening our relationship with each other. Some of us have also been sending food to each other. For example, Bea sent BonChon to me! [laughs] Even though there are some hindrances given the online setting we’re in, we’re still able to work things out and form a strong bond.

VANT: Would you say that your persona or personality as a host is similar to who you are off-stage? Do you create your own persona when you’re hosting?

BIANCA: Honestly, I feel like it’s the same. I’m the type who wants to be super organized; I have a planner, and that’s where I’d put down everything. I prioritize my acads as well. But at the same time, I still have fun. Before lockdown, I’d still go out with my friends. I guess it just goes to show that you can balance everything. You just need to be able to set your priorities straight. It’s not good to just keep studying with no breaks because you’re only in college once. You’re only a freshie once, so make the most out of it.

VANT: So far, how has your Ateneo experience been?

BIANCA: For my freshie year—although it got cut short because of [the COVID-19 pandemic]—I still feel like it was really fun. I know I still have a long way to go and I have lots to learn but I feel like I was able to grow in the span of less than a year. Personally, I know naman sa sarili ko na I changed for the better. Even my mindset was so different this time last year. I think it would be a similar experience for most freshies because—when you enter college—you’re trying to find yourself and you’re trying to fit in. You’re going to realize sooner or later that the people who matter the most would love you for who you are and appreciate you for who you are. You don’t have to put up an act or façade.

I feel like quarantine has also played a huge role in [my personal growth] because we have more time to think and reflect. Around April, I did a social media detox. I just watched some movies that were mostly empowering. The things I were reading that week were parang mostly self-help related stuff and that really helped me gain a deeper appreciation for my life, the things that I have, the people around me, the relationships I have, and myself as well. Last year, there were moments wherein I’d feel really down and insecure. But during the quarantine phase I really developed an appreciation for myself and grew as a person.

VANT: Even though we touched on this already earlier, could you maybe share how your Ateneo orgs could have contributed to your self-growth?

BIANCA: ACTM has really helped me a lot in finding a family in Ateneo. I really love every single member in ACTM, especially the Executive Board because they really make me feel at home. They were one of the first friends I had in Ateneo aside from my blockmates because they were all just really welcoming and friendly so you could just approach any ACTM member and they would gladly talk to you or start a conversation.

For AJMA, they helped me a lot in learning more about marketing and the business world because they have lots of opportunities for that. There are some competitions, workshops, and seminars. AJMA has really helped me in that aspect. People from [AJMA] are also really nice so, freshies, don’t be intimidated!

VANT: How has Ateneo changed or challenged you over the past year?

BIANCA: [Acads] matter a lot so that has really been challenging! In terms of values, Ateneo has also helped me in developing a deeper appreciation for the things I have. I was able to practice being a person for others more. The classes we’ve had opened my eyes and helped me see that there’s so much more I can do. As Ateneans, I feel like it would be really important for us to recognize the privilege we have especially with everything that’s been happening right now. What can we do with that privilege of ours to be able to help other people who are not experiencing the same conditions? I guess it also comes as a challenge to really go out there and be a person for others.

VANT: And for our last question: Is there any message or college advice you’d like to the freshmen of OrSem Tuloy?
BIANCA: Your freshman year can seem very daunting, but don’t forget to savor every moment because time flies by so fast. Don’t be afraid to make new friends and get out of your comfort zone. Most importantly, be yourself. I feel like that would be the best advice. People will like you more because you’re really showing who you are and it would also attract like-minded people. You wouldn’t have to pretend you’re like this or like that. To add to that, apply the Jesuit [value] of magis, which is doing more—do more for others, and know how you could use your privilege [for the greater good].