For the love of the (OrSem) stage: Patch
by Maxine R. Ang on June 25, 2009
“I don’t just enjoy hosting, I love it,” says senior Patrick “Patch” Buenaventura. Miss Patch, as he prefers to be called, is a self-confessed fame addict.
Although Patch has carved a name for himself as one of Ateneo’s most popular hosts, he didn’t always think he would be in the hosting business. Nonchalantly flipping his chin-length hair out of his eyes, Patch emphasizes his words with swishes of his green flowery fan. “I didn’t host back in high school. I was more of a wallflower,” he says.
“When I went into college, I discovered I could do more things. I’m [freer], because the gay community is more accepted here in college,” says Patch. Clad in leggings or short shorts and hanging out with his friends from the Dollhouse, Patch was finally in his element.
Inspired by his own OrSem experience, he tried out for OrSem host two years ago. He didn’t get in, but was chosen as a member of Talk and Tours (TnT). He credits the experience for giving him the training and confidence needed for hosting.
After that, Patch got his first hosting gig: the PE culminating activity. Initially, the head of the PE program wanted Patch’s friend to host. His friend declined and instead, recommended Patch. “So naturally, being the attention whore, I immediately said ‘Yeah, I’ll go with it!’” says Patch.
That marked Patch’s love affair with hosting.
With his trademark wit and flamboyance, he went on to host bigger gigs such as the Rhythm in Blue and Eagles of Hope. This year, Patch decided to try his luck again in auditioning for OrSem host.
“When I tried out for OrSem, I was more confident. I knew what to do [and] what would happen. My personality is magnified when I host. It’s just me all the way.”
