The Ateneo of our time was just rows of Quonset huts nestled behind the ruins of the school's prewar buildings.

When we began our freshman year in June 1946, the battle to liberate Manila was a mere 16 months behind us. In February 1945, the Japanese made a strong stand southwest of the city where the Ateneo of old stood. The Japanese drew heavy artillery fire from the American liberation forces and when the smoke of battle cleared, only the shells of Ateneo's buildings remained. Bricks, mortar and twisted steel lay strewn within.

The Ateneo, facing north, was then located on Padre Faura. Dakota St. was on its west side. On Its eastern boundary was a narrow alley next to which stood part of the former UP campus, the College of Dentistry. If one walked partway up the alley, he would find himself behind the Philippine General Hospital. Its southern border was marked by a stone wall beyond which was the former Assumption Convent and College.

Ceron Encomienda, in an article entitled describes what the Ateneo campus we knew looked like.

There were more than a hundred of us when  school year 1949-50 began. After more than five decades, a few have gone back to their Maker.

Manila was still reeling from the destruction caused by the war when we entered high school. Our classrooms were makeshift but the groundwork laid by our teachers for life after high school was solid.

Here are some interesting facts about HS50. What were their favorite sneakers? Who had the longest surname?