As Atenean scholars, new and old, brave the waves of the new school year, the Ateneo Gabay Marketing Ensemble (GAME) Team under the Office of the Externals Vice President (OEVP) once again distributed a new batch of the Ateneo Scholars’ Card for Atenean scholars and non-scholar Gabayanos from October 23-27, 2023. The project was headed by External Associates Art Pelingon, Krisha Cagunot, and supervised by Externals Vice President David Feria.

The Scholars’ Card or SCard, is a flagship project of Ateneo Gabay that aims to provide Atenean scholars discounts and benefits through a singular card. Now in its 14th year, the GAME Team aimed to bring the SCard to greater heights, exceeding the standard set by the previous SCard.

This year’s SCard boasts more than 50 partners, ranging from classic stalls within Ateneo such as Chunky Chicks, Obento Express, Juzi Juice, and TGS Fastfoods; to establishments along Katipunan, like Chicken Chingu, Auntie Anne’s, Rafa’s Kitchen, Coffee Theory Roasters, and Eat Katipunan; and even businesses reaching beyond the confines of Quezon City like Do Güd Cafe in Marikina City, and Pound. Cafe in Pasay City.

[See full list of partner establishments here.]

Jez Deign Gonzales, a 1 BS MIS DOST-SEI scholar said, “I got a lot of discounts, especially in Gonz where everything is so expensive.” Gonzalez talked about how the Scholars' Card and its benefits have helped him maximize his meals.

This year, the GAME team focused on expanding the diversity of partner establishments to give Atenean scholars accessibility to needs aside from food. Notably, the SCard has partnered up with businesses that offer Atenean scholars discounts for services such as shelter, laundry, health services, gadget repair services, and student-friendly environments.

“The very first SCard benefit I got is the PC Formula! Sobrang helpful kasi di na magamit ng ate ko yung phone [niya] kase sira na battery and ang mahal ng battery replacement kaya sobrang laking bagay na nagamit ko ‘yun.” said Lira Feliz Juliana Palao, a 4 BS MGT Gabayano featured in the PC Formula Facebook Page as the first to use the Ateneo Scholars’ Card in the gadget repair shop. Palao was able to avail a 15% discount off the battery replacement, saving her 300 PHP.

“Sobrang hands down! Ang sipag ng CT (Core Team) and nakakatuwa na they partnered with different types of businesses. It really shows how passionate and relentless yung CT is in finding partners.” Palao added how excited she is to use the SCard in the future, especially their wellness partners like Kindred and Brucal Dental Studio.

The GAME team organized a primer featuring a complete list of partner establishments with the branch of the establishments and respective benefits which can be accessed by scanning the QR code behind the SCard.

A total of 1,238 Scholars’ Cards were claimed and renewed, and the number is expected to increase. “Tumatanggap pa rin naman kami ng sign-ups. Open ang GR (Gabay Room, MVP 215) for scholars na gusto mag-avail, or gusto kunin ang SCard nila.” Krisha Cagunot stated.

The GAME team encourages scholars and Gabayanos to avail of the SCard because of the numerous benefits it offers. Currently, the SCard continues to expand its pool of partner establishments where new ones are announced on the Gabby the Scholar Facebook page.

The GAME Team started preparations for the SCard before the start of the school year to maximize the amount of time that the scholars will be able to use the SCard. “We really pushed na ma-launch ng October 23 [yung SCard], and ayun, success naman para the scholars can avail the discounts and benefits from our partners for two semesters.” Art Pelingon said.

The GAME Team arranged the operation schedule of the project and recruited a core team with different committees to assist with the project. Physical and online excursions were held to reach out to potential partner businesses and pitch the SCard. After successful negotiations with the businesses, the team proceeded to craft and sign a Memorandum of Agreement to formalize deals.

The distribution of the SCards then took place in batches from October 23-27, 2023, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Doghouse in front of Gonzaga Hall. 138 scholar volunteers helped with the distribution which was credited as service hours by the Office of Admission and Aid (OAA). For scholars who signed up but were not able to claim their SCards, a special distribution wave was held from November 7-9, 2023.

The people behind this year’s SCard project are Project Heads Krisha Cagunot and Art Pelingon; Overseer David Feria; External Associates Rianne Isabel Cayas, Archimedes Rosete, Mary Beatrice Enriquez, Harket Medina, Ken Sean Roque, Kristiana Ginelle Monares, and Argy Tagle; Social Media Managers Franz Leonard Atanacio and Maverick Trinidad; Creatives Christhia Eliz Pelago and Caryl Ann Binangbang; Logistics Christian Dasalla; Secretariat Angele Trisha Narte; and all the scholar volunteers who helped with the distribution of this year’s SCard. The GAME Team also extends its gratitude to the previous project heads of the Scholars’ Card Harvey Felipe, Alliah Custodio, and Lara Cristi for their guidance.