Ateneo Chemistry Society

By Angelo Josh L. Cuaresma

What’s up Witches!… and Wizards of ACheS! General Assembly 1 may have concluded but fret not for it has started a chain reaction of many firsts!

First assembly since the pandemic! First sneak peek into what’s to come! And most important of all, a first into the many journeys and bonds you’ll experience in ACheS! 

For the freshies, it may have been a deeper foray into what ACheS is as an organization and your first impressions of the many friendly faces you’ll see throughout your Chem journey! (Assuming you don’t shift hehehehe). For the young-at-heart sophies, juniors, and seniors, it’s always good to be back on campus and make up for lost time with not-so-old faces. General Assembly 1 was a lighthearted embrace from the Chemistry community here in Ateneo and a call to arms for aspiring members as ACheS brewed up its projects for the year.

Let’s have a recap of what transpired:

Like dutiful owls on their posts, ambassadors of the wizarding world of ACheS spread the word of the assembly on the 28th of September. Many an alchemist heeded the invitation with brandished wands and sorted Houses! Ateneo’s Leong roof deck became the society’s humble chamber for the day. A silent excitement filled the air as members etched their signatures one by one, slowly filling up the hallowed hall.

After much anticipation, it then started…

Our lovely hosts, Ranns Meldrik Santos from 4 BS CH and Samantha Batul from 2 BS CH, filled the air with a welcoming aura!

A round of introductions exemplified our beloved moderator, Sir Gab Opao,  and the trio of sorceresses behind the executive board of ACheS; These women were Patricia Abarquez, our president, Princess Tacsuan, our vice president, and Alicia Montesclaros, our secretary-general. With a simple message, the executive board instilled within every the goal of a profound understanding and appreciation of chemistry. Along with these competencies was an imparted vision to apply the field in progressive nation-building and social application.

Soon each department’s vice president would take center stage…

Creative communications, headed by Issey Maglunong, showcased their artisans engrossed in the magic of designs, social media, and websites as they mold the distinctive identity of ACheS. Low on funds? Surely the alchemists of Finance and Sales know how to turn anything into gold. Headed by Ronelyn Cantera, the aforementioned department specializes in creating the revenue that moves projects forward.

Feeling alone or lost in your ACheS journey? Member Formation, spearheaded by Eulo Peneyra and Mikhaela Radaza, makes sure that you fit snugly into a House that’s right for you, so you’ll feel right at home in ACheS! They’ll also keep track of your well-earned membership points.

“SUMALI NA KAYO SA PUB REL GUYS!”

shouted Reno Valdehueza, vice president of Public Relations as more hands were needed in bridging negotiations, contacts, and sponsors. Dashing ambassadors were also called on to disseminate the tales of ACheS to a wider audience. 

Finding it hard to learn a new spell? A little help from the Research and Academics department goes a long way.  Kiana Navarossa directs this band of enthusiasts responsible for alleviating the  ‘aches’ of learning chemistry. A guild worth its salt should have only the best chroniclers, and ACheS absolutely carves its legacy through a dedicated Secretariat and Documentations department. Avi Malana orchestrates the shots, videos, compositions, and documents that’ll cast a curse of nostalgia once we reminisce about our wonderful time in ACheS. Last in the spotlight was the Social Involvement department, overseen by Allyana Santos. The gift of chemistry need not run only in ACheS, and Social Involvement assures us that the magic reaches communities outside of our own.

That was a lot to take in, but with every dense program lies the oh-so-fun icebreakers! Quick rounds of Charades leavened the atmosphere, Group Dynamics strengthened the bonds between fellow sorcerers through comedic deteriorating drawings, and the hilarious attempts at Action Telepathy cheered spirits up in preparation for the introduction of upcoming projects.

But what surprises has ACheS in store for us behind the smoke and mirrors?

Schmitt Backyard Sale helps invigorate our economy through the commerce of exotic merchandise cloths and paraphernalia. Kimikamahika showcases the beauty and artistry of our craft through magic tricks hidden in great tomes of chemistry. 

Speaking of chemistry, how about we add a bit of mystery, adrenaline and adventure through Chemystery? Our very own amazing race pits only the strongest of wills and the most clever of minds to solve cases machinated by fickle chemical strings.

Ateneo Chemistry Olympiad, on the other hand, demands the best and brightest scholars from across the country. AChO’s untouchable and absolutely fierce reputation precedes it, and only the most worthy of the chemical arts can be crowned as winners and champions. For the charitable sages and monks out there, Build-A-Lab practices our mission to bring chemistry closer to the masses and the less fortunate. Through your help, various equipment, manuals, and modules are only a hair’s width away from our partnered public high schools, channeling the warmth of smiles and joy. A makeshift gallery helped immensely in engrossing soon-to-be recruits for various causes.

Aspiring project heads and core teams have flocked from every inch of the Land of Schmitt, so what are you alchemists waiting for? Join the fold!

There is not a single thing more memorable than first love, and GA 1, with a doubt, introduced that sense of care and community within our circle of Chem majors. Even if you don’t take our word for it, here are some incantations from our beloved attendees that surely melted our hearts:

“The GA was fruitful, fun and enjoyable. I appreciate the hosts and their facilitating of the event. I also really enjoy the gallery and the members’ enthusiasm.”

 – A Silent Sorcerer

“The overall social aspect of the GA is what struck me as the best part. It helps me to break through my comfort zone as an introvert and get to know more about the Chemistry community of Ateneo.”

– An Anonymous Alchemist

“I think the second game (Action Telepathy) and the gallery walk were all highlights of this event since there is so much engagement with the audience and I too was having fun getting to know my orgmates more”

– A Posh Practitioner of the Chemical Arts

GA 1 was truly a first to forever for it melded bonds stronger than ions themselves, and as the late Sirius Black proclaimed, “The ones that love us never truly leave us. You can always find them in here [ACheS].”