I met Atom Araullo yesterday and I was able to prove that he is the living violation to nature's rule that no man can be perfect. I swear. Anyway before we go to the fact that I went gaga over him, let me tell you how he got to Ateneo de Naga. Well every year, the Student Government hosts the Alternative Class Program (ACP) wherein different topics which aren't learned inside the classrooms are given attention to. They invite practitioners from around the country to render some lecture/talk to the students.

Apart from Atom Araullo, Ces Drilon, Ramon Bautista, Arnell Ignacio, and some other prominent speakers were there. I registered to Atom's lecture on journalism and broadcasting for three main reasons: I am a student journalist and I know that stuff somehow, journalism and broadcasting are my favorite fields of learning, and of course, hypocrisy aside (lol), I wanted to meet, talk to, and have photos with Atom Araullo. Yay!

Well Atom shared about his experiences as a field reporter and writer. Basically that's how things went. However, you would notice the audience (mostly ladies) going hysterical over his mere presence! I would be lying if I tell you I wasn't stunned. However I believe I managed to calm down. When he began entertaining questions, people started racing in front. Haha. Oh how attentive the students were. You would notice only gays and ladies were interested to ask questions (and have photos after). And of course I had to grab that precious opportunity of speaking in front, seeing him eye to eye, and being able to get close to him. Haha. I was a fan girl, I know! I asked him about his NoKor experience since I watched him documentary on North Korea. Anyway so much for that.

After his talk, the crowd got crazier! I swear, the scene looked like a fans' day of matinee idol-slash-Adonis himself! But you know what, I never saw Atom got irritated. I think he's used to it--ladies going extremely gaga over him. But damn, he was too humble and prim.

His team went to the Coko Cafe to have snacks. You would see his fans the students even literally running after him (despite the heavy rains!). I almost gave up on being able to talk to him. Luckily I had the privilege since I am a writer! Oh the perks! Hahaha. Kidding. But yaaaaa, bottomline is, I was able to interview him!!! And Jesus, I realized that this man is perfect and way too lovable not only for his undeniably good looks but for the fact that he is the archetype of the "perfect" man for me. I swear. No sensationalism here.

Ladies were taking photos of him and the other guests non-stop! He was about to go that time and I called him. I said, "Hi, I'm from the student publication. Can I ask you a few questions please?" And he said yes right away. I asked about his experiences in Ateneo and in Naga itself (I know that was too lame. I had to make a safe impromptu question!). He said he loves Naga and the Bikol. Was sad he wasn't able to go around the city, but he was inspired by the students here. Another question I asked was his message to the Bikolano youth (esp. that there are endless political issues in the Phils) and his answer was (non-verbatim), "Naniniwala pa rin ako na ang kabataan ang susi sa pagbabago. To the students, empower yourselves, study hard." If you try checking my notes, you won't understand a thing! lol but it's really amazing how he sincerely talk to you as if you were colleagues or not just another fan. He looks at you in the eye and gets his points across smoothly. And to top it aaaaall, I had a close photo with him!!! Geee. I uploaded it on Facebook. Here are few more photos I had with Atom! Hihihihi. ❤



Okay. Now you can call me Lady Gaga.