At first glance, the calm and well-composed Jag Gonzales (3 BS LM) may come across as someone who is reserved. However, this initial impression is shattered when given the opportunity to converse with him and discover his extroverted side. With Jag’s endearing personality and suave looks, it’s easy to understand how being the “medyo pabebe, pero sobrang pwede” O-Host fits him perfectly.

Before landing his stint as one of the O-Hosts of Tayâ, Jag already played a role in OrSem 2017 as a SecMob. This experience, along with his goal to widen his reach for the freshmen, is what fueled his desire to apply as an O-Host.

In preparation for such a role, Jag had to hone his hosting persona. He focused his efforts into making his character as close to his own personality as possible. With this as his goal, he was able to create an on-stage character that is an elevated version of who he is off-stage. This simple elevation is what makes him all the more likeable—one can be assured that the same jolly and inviting Jag will remain when you see him in the hallways.

Another advantage he has is his prior hosting experience. His career on the stage began with a love for performing and working with other people. Having already hosted for small crowds before, Jag is definitely no stranger to the spotlight. However, he admits that this pales in comparison to the thousands of freshmen the O-Hosts cater to every year.

Training to be an O-Host is a whole new arena compared to Jag’s previous gigs, but what drives him to do his best is the desire to give back to the community that welcomed him into Ateneo. “I loved my own OrSem experience. It’s actually what got me to want to keep going back. [It] was such an exhilarating [feeling].”

For Jag, this year’s OrSem theme, Tayâ, implies the need to become bolder and more eager in facing new challenges. This does not stray far from his advice for the freshmen: to have an open mind.

“Don’t be afraid to say yes to things, and don’t be afraid to take risks,” he says. “It is in these risks and in saying yes [that] we really discover something new.”