FIRST THINGS FIRST: Rest in peace, Uncle Phil. “We few. We happy few, we band of brothers. For he to day that sheds blood with me, shall be my brother.”
A line ever so true in describing the Bedan experience. No matter what walk of life, problems, struggles, and status, we Bedans welcome one another with arms outflung.
The student population of the College of Arts and Sciences can be considered small compared to other universities. The various departments in our college share the same building, classrooms, professors, and other facilities.
We few. We may be seen as few, but this is plenty enough for the Mighty Red School. Despite this, San Beda has been and remains more than just a footnote in Philippine society.
“No matter what walk of life, problems, struggles, and status, we Bedans welcome one another with arms outflung.”
Icons in sports, media, entertainment, and politics (despite a few bad apples) have called the Lion’s Den their home. Members of a pride that embodies what we must be as Bedans.
We happy few. We happy few cherish the moments that bring us together with an extra sense of passion. Victories and setbacks in the NCAA are given great attention because we see what that student-athlete has been through in and out of the classroom.
Exam top-notchers and exemplary students are friendly faces that greet us with a smile on our way to the same classes that bring us sleep-less nights of frantic reviewing.
Proud alumni look on at us with the knowing feeling that we are living on what they have left for us.
We band of brothers. We band of brothers and sisters is currently in a state of disarray. Even with the shared nature of our college, we are compartmentalized. Interactions between departments are scarce, and friend groups find themselves only sticking to each other in and out of the University.
For he today that sheds blood with me, shall be my brother. For him and her who sit in the same classrooms as me, walk the same halls, and proudly sing one hymn; we now find ourselves facing a new horizon.
The ultimate equalizer is making its long-awaited return to the University. Even though it has a 2025-appropriate facelift, the essence of Integration remains the same.
A welcome to San Beda University, something that is much-needed for those who still don’t find this place as their second home.
Being welcomed home is not just accepting the walls that shelter us, it is knowing and loving the family that we become a part of.
To all of us who will experience Integration, use this time to reflect on what makes us Bedans. Use this time to fully immerse yourself in the culture and values that we share and uphold beyond the gates of Mendiola.
The thought of experiencing Integration may give us more questions than answers, it may spark fear rather than excitement, but let me share with you a piece of my heart.
We few. We happy few facing Integration are now brothers and sisters, fearing neither fire nor blood in the challenges that life throws at us.
Email me at thebedan_sportseditor@sanbeda.edu.ph