by Briana Seth Castro (Hachimoji)
From the Japanese words hachi meaning “eight” and imoji/emoji meaning “letters”, the word Hachimoji was formed. Hachimoji is a synthesized DNA which uses four synthesized nucleotides along with the four naturally occurring nucleotides resulting to eight nucleotides in the DNA. Synthesized nucleotides such as P and B are pyrimidine analogs and pair with Z and S, which are purine analogs, respectively. It can do almost anything the naturally occurring DNA can do and more such as being used as device for retrievable information storage therefore aiding in storage gap.
The unexpected and fresh pairings of the synthesized and naturally occurring nucleotides can be compared to how Lui, Erik, Reji, Patdee, Marcus, Cine, Koozae, Alys, Pao, and Seth blended with each other as they all try to navigate on how to build connections in a time where everything is done through screens.
Gerardo Luiz Sison (Lui)
BS Biology CMB
It is human nature to seek security and batch Hachimoji found theirs in Lui – a rock everyone can anchor themselves on. Much like his motto in life “If there’s a will, there’s a way”, Lui always finds ways to secure everyone in the batch. He looks after each of the members as the big brother of the group and guides them into being the best they can be. He aspires to be successful in the field of expertise he chose. In his free time, he spends quality time with the people he loves while questioning why he has such vacancy. Although compassionate, Lui dislikes the idea of his day not going as how he planned it to go, getting sudden visitors, and slow-moving people obstructing his way. Never batting an eye, Lui speaks his mind and wholeheartedly shields the group from harshness while still allowing them a space of growth.
Erik John Azcoitia (Erik)
BS Biology
When you first encounter Erik, you would think of still water – how calm and gentle it is. Humble and supportive, Erik expresses his kindness by acts of service to the group. He puts his efforts into helping the group in whichever way he can. At first glance, he seems like the quiet type of person, but he leaves an impact to those he interacts with as he shows his artistry and quirkiness. He aspires to be a respected artist along with his ambitions of living a comfortable life. Passionate about things that make him happy, he spends his free time indulging himself with hobbies such as reading light novels and manga and watching anime. With a clear stand on things, Erik believes that “Not making a choice is a choice in itself.”
Maria Carmela Regina Lanip (Reji)
BS Biology
Lights, camera, action! All dressed up, Reji is always prepared to slay the day one selfie at a time. With a passion for beauty, she is just a call away if you need help whether it is picking a foundation match or formulating your skincare routine. Not only is she a beauty icon, but she is also someone with a powerful sense of purpose; she knows what she wants and she is here to get it. Reji believes in being successful in your own right. She aspires to be a dermatologist with a stable overall health and wealth. Of course, Reji would not be Reji if she did not plan on making significant contributions to the community. Beauty with a purpose, Reji believes that no one should be belittled by others just because they do not excel yet on something they are working hard on. As someone who strives to be better every day, Reji lives by the words of Fuegoleon Vermillion from Black Clover, “There isn’t any shame in being weak, the shame is in staying weak.”
Fatima Serene Desuasido (Patdee)
BS Agricultural Biotechnology
An explosion of charisma is what you would feel when you first meet Patdee. There is just something about her that makes you want to look at her, laugh with her, and get to know her better. For some, her strong personality could come across as intimidating but in truth, her aspirations include making sure that the people around her are comfortable and filled with joy. Not only is she a bundle of joy, but she is also someone reliable who looks out for those in need of help. She reaches out and takes the initiative on lending a helping hand. Authentic and hardworking, Patdee strives to be better each day as she says, “I am built upon the minute things I do every day, and the end results are no more than a byproduct of that.” A star indeed, she has this gravitational force which draws people to her, and she welcomes them with open arms. However, there are some days when Patdee likes to take the time to breathe, take care of herself, and just not think about anything – a well-deserved break for someone who brings so much energy in our lives.
Charles Marcus Matanguihan (Marcus)
BS Biology
As there is never a dull moment with him, Marcus is the life of the party. He is not afraid to show the different sides of his self to the people around him. With an approachable demeanor, he has his ways of making friends just by the simplest conversations. Funny as he may seem, Marcus has strong principles; he dislikes going back on his word, as such, he dislikes people who do so. Determined on making his dreams come true, he works hard not only in his academics, but also in taking care of himself. On his free days, he enjoys hanging out with friends and taking the time to nourish his body with exercise. In the future, Marcus has plans on becoming a doctor, an entrepreneur, and if the odds would favor him, a pilot. As a dreamer with an extreme sense of dignity, Marcus takes risks fearlessly.
Ma. Francine Anges (Cine)
BS Biology
Of all lands and seas to travel to, there is only one of her in this earth. A kind soul filled with wanderlust, Cine dreams of travelling to lands near and far. Much like she craves adventure, it is a joy navigating through the different sides Cine shows. She laughs, cheers, and gets along with everybody. She brings comfort to those around her by sharing positivity no matter the circumstances. With Cine, conversations feel light because she takes her time in listening to others and provides stories of fun adventures. On her free time, she enjoys baking and listening to music from the 1940’s and early 2000’s. Lighthearted as she may seem, Cine knows when to fight for what she believes in is right. As an ally of the LGBTQ+ community, she dislikes those who treat the people in the community with such close mindedness. Cine believes in the saying “To each his/her own” however, she also strongly stands by the fact that everyone should be equally treated with respect and kindness.
Koozae Calvin Umali (Koozae)
BS Biology
que sera sera – a carefree phrase for a carefree person with a passion for writing. Koozae is someone who approaches things in a lighthearted manner while also being someone who has strong opinions and someone who knows when to speak up. He values integrity and is always ready to share his knowledge to others whether it is through a pen and a paper or his voice. For him, compassion is needed and so he strives to help those who are need. He is a friend you can count on through thick and thin. Aside from being a good listener, he also takes diligent care of those dear to him, providing them a safe space free of judgment and prying eyes. He believes that life is an adventure meant to be explored with wonder and shared with those you love.
Alyssa Mae Santos (Alys)
BS Biology
Straightforward and reliable, Alys gets the job done. She is a thoughtful friend who likes sharing books or shows she thinks you might enjoy. She is quick to come up with ideas and is supportive of the people she cares for. She faces whatever task is given to her head on and executes them with the best of her abilities. On her spare time, she enjoys watching crime documentaries to sharpen her wits, and Korean dramas along with anime to relax her mind. As Alys works hard in everything she does, she dislikes people who refuse to contribute to the group’s hard work. As strong as her sense of responsibility, Alys’ faith does not waver. She believes in the saying, “Just do your best, and God will do the rest.”
Pauline Anthonette De Juras (Pao)
BS Biology
More than a friendly face and a radiant smile, Pao is a girl with a big heart. Her dream is to have the capability to help those who are in need. She aspires to become a Doctor of Medicine who helps the marginalized through medical missions. She also hopes to have foundations to conduct charity events for people in need of a helping hand. “Be brave and challenge yourself today”, this is what Pao holds on to as she is determined to make a difference in the world through kindness one step at a time. For her, giving back to the community is the greatest success of all. With her keen sense of purpose, heart of gold, and warmth, it is impossible to not get drawn to her. As a friend, she is someone who listens – someone you can talk to whatever the topic may be.
Briana Seth Castro (Seth)
BS Biology
However rough around the edges, Seth aspires to be someone who learns something new every day. She likes observing how things get done before trying them out herself. She’s open to experiencing new things and taking opportunities presented before her. For Seth, forming bonds with people who did not even know she existed just last year is such a wonderful experience. Seth believes that everyone is a bit weird in their own way, and all forms of weirdness should be celebrated. She trusts that she will continue to grow as a person with the amazing people she met upon joining GeneSoc.
Hindered by barriers this pandemic has forced upon us, batch Hachimoji still continues to grow stronger bonds with each other every day. As we join the Gene Pool, we bring the promise of pushing ourselves to do better each time we have the chance to do so. No barriers would stop us from contributing to the success of our organization because with Hachimoji, the possibilities are endless.
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