Estipona, Michael Ian Benedict P. teaches at Ateneo de Manila University. Across 57 comments from students, they hold a rating of 3.4 out of 5. Of those comments, 25 read positive, 11 read mixed, 7 read neutral and 14 read negative. They are listed for 6 sections this term.
Estipona, Michael Ian Benedict P.
Ateneo de Manila University · 57 comments
What students said
positive 25
neutral 7
mixed 11
negative 14
Estipona, Michael Ian Benedict P.3.4
Background
Career · Courses · PublicationsShowHide
Instructor · PC Coordinator
English (ESL writing, translanguaging, mother-tongue based multilingual education, purposive communication)
Career
Instructor, Ateneo de Manila University · Department of English · current
Co-Associate Chair for Language Programs, Ateneo de Manila University · Department of English
PC Coordinator, Ateneo de Manila University · Department of English
Estipona, Michael Ian Benedict P. | Ateneo de Manila
Comments
Others(0)(1)
Top comments
Anonymous
positive
CourseENGL 11
Super understand the mixed reviews, but I personally enjoyed his classes (had him for ENGL 11 and ENLIT 12!) even though my fingers would give out on the fourth Padlet of each module LOL
- At first glance, the workload doesn’t look that heavy, but it will be especially for ENLIT 12. He gives a big midterm req and a big final req, and then much of your semester is spent on processing activities that prepare you for the big reqs but also immerse you further in the course content.
- I’m sure it’ll be different for everyone but I personally was more stressed with pulling up my participation grade than writing any of the major essays he asked for! Unless he says otherwise, 1 participation point is a post AND a reply (substantial, not just agreeing or reacting), which can get exhausting especially if your class understandably participates less. There are a lot of avenues to rack up these points though (Annotating Perusall texts and answering Padlets/Canvas DBs) so do that and do that early so things don’t stack up HAHAHA
- High standards but the grading didn’t feel as brutal? Like I’d get a good chunk of comments on my work and I’d think “oh my God I screwed this up” only to get an A for said req LOL. On average, you can get Bs-B+s on each assessment, but Cs aren’t out of the question and so are As
- Speaking of standards, they aren’t for the faint of heart but they’ll def push you into becoming a better writer/communicator! He might come across a little harsh or abrasive in his feedback, but I’ve noticed that he’s been working on that and it really just serves to improve your work. Don’t be afraid of clarifying and consulting with him especially during designated revision periods (you can revise your major reqs once and your grade can go up by however many points depending on improvement!) because he’s always happy to help.
- A good chunk of the workload is done by groups, and he groups everyone randomly. Group activities can do wonders (or horrors LOL) to your grade because there are quite a few so please be a good groupmate and push your groupmates to be good too to get the best results.
- Course content and readings for both subjects were definitely enjoyable, so it makes the Perusall annotating and discussion boards worthwhile talaga HAHA a bit on the longer side though but they’re very relevant! As in a lot of pop culture/current events references so you won’t be bored naman
- While he can come across as intimidating, he’s super understanding and considerate of everyone’s circumstances and is more than willing to move deadlines around. I beadled for both ENGL and ENLIT so I had to facilitate most of the communication so yes clear communication between the class and him is key!
Overall, not for the faint of heart or anyone looking to have an easy time with English subjects, but the learning experience has been nothing short of fulfilling on my end! I think class averages are in the B range but CMIIW, and a B+ is attainable enough. A-able with max effort and a little bit of luck (in getting good random groupmates ganon HAHA but kidding aside kaya naman talaga). Finally, you can actually know what your grade is prior to release on AISIS if you ask! But wait for him to offer muna na lang siguro hehemore
Clever Crane
dunno if it’s appropriate to comment since the only class i had from estipona
positive
CourseENGL 11
dunno if it’s appropriate to comment since the only class i had from estipona was Engl 11 but here are some stuff u need to remember from him that MIGHT help you if he applies this to your class as someone who got an A from him:
- always take consultations seriously; without consulting at least once from him, you might just end up seeing a lot of comments from him that make you question yourself coz hes VERY specific with how he wants you to write your essays (abandon the traditional intro-body-concl coz hes not very fond of it)
- his feedbacks are consistently a lot and depending on what you write and how you see it, theyre either helpful, irritating, or contradicting — and by contradicting i mean from the amount of comments he puts, its sometimes contradicting from the other (you dont necessarily have to fix EVERYTHING, just adjust the ones that he points out)
- as for the irritating part, some of my classmates were A LITTLE irritated from how some of his feedbacks are already answered if he read the next few words or paragraphs after (coz i think he usually comments as he reads it thru) so just pay no mind to it and focus on what needs to be fixed 😭
- anyway, another thing you should remember is to immediately write down whatever he writes on the board especially when it comes to the formatting of your essay! he usually explains in full detail on how he wants you to write the essay which is very helpful
- his workload is heavy but manageable if you manage your time well since its very hassling to cram it all—its mostly the outlines for the essays that are heavy since you have to write from scratch and follow his every instruction (which is a lot and can be overwhelming at first but you’ll be fine LOL)
- after writing the outline and fixing it based on his feedbacks, writing the essay is a little easier and more manageable since you now have a full guide without too much worry
- you should also make sure to have good groupmates since he sometimes has group outputs, but for my class (or maybe engl11 overall?) he assigns who your members are
- his readings are usually interesting but can be hassling if theyre very long soooo if he requires you to annotate them, u can just annotate one of the first few pages
overall hes very detail oriented and a decent prof + wants you to do well!
TLDR: take consultations seriously especially if youre unsure with your topic/output overall, his feedbacks are a lot but helpful in adjusting your paper the way he wants it, his workload is very heavy but manageable so long as you manage your time well, get good groupmates and always annotate the first few pages or last !more
Gentle Hare
positive
CourseENGL 11
[LENGTHY POST]
Helloooooo I had him for two classes (ENGL 11 and Ene 13.05) and so far here's my summarized experience:
Sir is genuinely one of the most understanding profs I've ever had and he really sees to it that his students are doing well in the class. I totally get why some would find him very intimidating (believe me there are still times I am lowkey scared of him HAHAHAHAHAHA) but once you get to know him through his classes he's actually really kind and helpful! Through the two classes I've taken under him, there were several personal moments I had with Sir that really reveals his character: in ENGL 11, I messaged Sir through Canvas while consulting about Major Task 2 telling him that I was very nervous about the paper and that I was nervous that I wasn't going to be able to maintain my A grade from my advisory mark. Sir sent a lengthy reply reassuring me that I was doing my best and that there wasn't anything to worry about. Meanwhile, in Ene 13.05, I cried outside the classroom after delivering a presentation which I thought went horribly, but Sir then talked to me outside the classroom and helped me process my thoughts and we went through the critiques of the presentation after I settled down. Sir is really understanding talaga and he can easily empathize with what you're going through.
The only issue I had with his classes is the insane amount of workload. Like, you know those core subjects na "feeling major"? Yeah, his classes are that type. You have Canvas discussion boards, Perusall, Padlet, and then the team tasks, not to mention the major tasks. This is a lot to process and handle, which caused me a lot of stress throughout the sems in which I had classes with him. But actually it isn't that hard to get an A, since Sir usually grades high! (I got an A in ENGL 11 and a B+ in Ene 13.05 for reference) Additionally, Sir is really passionate about what he teaches, and you will learn a lot from his classes. His feedback for papers is also top-tier, the comments are very thorough and you will immediately understand what needs to be fixed.
Additionally, some minor tidbits abt him:
-Sir's Canvas pages are the best, please take time to read them!
-Contrary to old reviews Sir isn't strict in class anymore? Like there are times I'd have casual convos with him while we are working on team assignments
-He's very easy to approach! I'd recommend consulting with him especially if you're unsure of the direction of your major tasks!
-His humor is really funny!!! One of the biggest reasons I enjoyed his class
Verdict: Insanely heavy workload pero super worth it! I'd recommend him as a prof!more
All comments
Brave Falcon
mixed
GAHSDHASDAHSD PLEASEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
ok he know's what he's talking abt that's for sure but...
everytime i get a canvas notif that he's annotating my submission good lord napapa-DND ako ng 6 hours para di masira mental health ko <333more
Anonymous
mixed
I feel like he's a better prof if you just dont let him or any of the comments under this post intimidate you? he has really high standards (so getting an A is unlikely) the readings are genuinely interesting and his lectures are pretty good (again, if you're not afraid of him)! but also that was probably the most stressful class i've had that sem :(( did my writing significantly improve after the class though? definitely.more
Anonymous
B+ is easy if you follow; As are rare
positive
LeniencyYes
WorkloadHeavy
kidding aside, dont get intimidated w his twisted sense of humor. his gritty process in assessments will help u improve for ur future paper-heavy classes.
a B+ is easy if u just follow what he wants n show that u put in the effort. be smart n be concise; think critically; always refine ur presentations before presenting (he has a time limit for that). doesnt grade unreasonably low but will give u a low grade if u dont follow his instructions. but he never (or rarely) gives out As.
just have to write this off in 3 blocks of comments w how he & his subject is/was exhausting n demanding.more
Witty Urchin
Follow the rules; no gadgets, sit in front
neutral
but then again this was pre pandemic. idk how he is now.
might come off as snappy but his sense of humor is just like that.
LAST, dont use gadgets in class; always fill the front seats. just follow his rules & maybe he can be a bit more kinder when it comes to deadlines :)more
Anonymous
mixed
CourseENLIT 12
i got him for enlit 12 pero his workload was the same: super heavy......... i actually liked his lectures but his workload was just so crazy plus ang init pa sa klase niya. for anything else, my review is pretty much the same as others LOL. i got an A but so so so much effort. idk if he rounds up or it was bc i was beadle but his A is a 92 and i got a 91.7% but i got an A anyway
p.s. being a beadle for him was a part time job lol pls get a beadle na makapal mukha bc i did SO much for this class i swear. i was asking for deadline extensions every other week and was negotiating how to hold the exams. i even talked him out of using the blue book for our exams and have yellow pad ❤ beadling for him is NOT for the fainthearted so if u want to be a beadle just because, DON'T. unless u want pseudo-employmentmore
Anonymous
mixed
”i aLWayS WiN”
For real, he grades decently (in my class everyone was either C+/B/B+). Although he has quite unrealistic expectations and prepare to have a presentation like every 1-2 weeks. He has a dry sense of humor and will try to crack a joke every once in a while which most will laugh at to try and get on his good side. He can also be quite blunt and is not afraid to point people out. If you’re lucky, he’ll end the semester with free cuts since he’s busy lol In short, glhfmore
Lucky Lynx
positive
CourseENLIT 12
woohoo sir esti A+ insights, very mind-effing! super strict with format and stuff. had him for enlit 12! like, I used to dread his class bc he's terrifying like we got sent out for not having readings once LMAO buuut you'll learn to love him! He's super different in class (he's super strict and terror) and in consultations (super daldal and he doesnt give you the answer straight out but really guides you to realize it on your own, i think he grades how you defend your answers)!! A-able if you really listen to him and you take time to research about your topic! A-C+ average grade tho!more
Noble Yak
I'll be candid with the whole thing. You can tell he's trying to figure things out (trying to balance between making a good, meaningful class and being stern enough so everyone takes the class seriously and comes prepared).
He is immensely strict, but when I had him, he was trying to be more empathetic. From the way he writes and his side comments, which seem to be a soliloquy but aren't that he is tries to interject himself into his class, showing some personality. But you can't help but feel scared and intimidated. Personality wise, he seems tense, cynical to some extent and strict.
Now to the classes themselves. BE PREPARED WITH EVERYTHING. Take note of everything from homework, readings, etc. DO the tasks, have everything he asks of you. If not, you will be screwed, he sends people out and that is considered a cut. One time, more than half of my class was forced to leave and it was considered a cut because they did not have their dictionaries with them. It would all be good if he could articulate what he wants from you with precision and concrete detail. This refers to how to analyze texts specifically, what to look for. But he doesn't know yet how to bring his students there yet, and that's another thing I meant by he's trying to figure things out. As such, he would likely give you a C+ to B at most even if you work hard because of the fact he doesn't quite know how to get you to where he wants you to go yet.
This is a verbose and elaborated way of saying. I would not recommend. more
Hidden Egret
positive
He's a good prof! He might come off as masungit and grumpy, but sometimes that's just his sense of humor lol. His discussions are fun too and dripping with sarcastic jokes. He's the type of prof that will guide you to a certain answer, and if you don't hit that targeted answer you won't get a super high grade. He also has a LOT of groupworks (at least when I was under his lit class). He's B/B+ able if he sees you putting enough effort in class! If you manage to get the exact right answers then you'll get an A!more
Golden Moth
positive
Hi! I had him this intersession for ENE 13.05i
PROS:
He's honestly a really good prof, clearly very knowledgeable and passionate abt the course which is really good since it makes the class feel worthwhile and my tuition feel well spent (which is v important to me lol)
His discussions are interesting, and he gives relevant examples to help u further understand the concepts he's discussing. The modules on canvas are also well organized and detailed.
He is open to consultations, and tbh if you consult with him a lot, you will really learn more. His insights are helpful especially in major projects, and if you feel lost with your output he kinda nudges you in the right direction which i really appreciate.
The class itself is really fun and he makes the discussions kinda like an english class from high school, where you can give insights back and forth about stories and narratives you know. it was really fun for me cause I enjoy that kind of class.
CONS:
The requirements are really heavy. For intersession, we had a requirement around 4 out of 5 days a week (from a daily class). On top of that, class participation is recorded not based on your recitation but on discussion boards on Canvas, so it adds to the workload. He also really likes perusall for the readings, so you'll have to annotate for some outputs. Sir gives time in class to accomplish the outputs, but it isn't really enough. Most of them are by group by the way.
As for grading, to be honest if you consult a lot and apply what you find in the modules and readings to the outputs, you'll be fine. Kind of critical with grading but definitely A-able!
Overall, I really liked this prof, I initially thought he wasn't good based on the reviews here but I was proven wrong thankfully! I like when a prof is passionate about what they are teaching, approachable, and clearly wants their students to learn. Requirements and workload aside, good prof :))more
Kind Kite
Moody but cares, impossible to fail if you show up
CourseENLIT 12
Retake?Yes
4.0 attainableYes
WorkloadLight
Had him for enlit 12 and tbh he’s such a good prof!! He can come off as moody/masungit sometimes, but you can tell he cares for his students and doesn’t want to see them fail. He extends deadlines a lot when he thinks that the class needs it. It’s honestly impossible to fail as long as you show up and do the bare minimum (which isn’t a lot at all). His readings were very enjoyable and he was always open for consultations. In terms of grades, I’d say he’s an easy B/B+ and kinda hard A (easy as in you get what he wants right away but it takes a lot of work). more
Keen Yak
So many reqs but fun readings and definitely A-able
positive
Retake?Yes
4.0 attainableYes
WorkloadHeavy
Sir Estipona has so many reqs ngl but all his readings are fun and he usually gives long readings ahead para you get more time to do annotations and stuff. Just be sure to do the reqs and ask him anything since he is very willing naman to help. Kahit in one of my papers I asked him if the idea would be ok and he gave me his thoughts on it para I can improve!! Overall the best prof talaga. Had him for enlit and english and he is definitely A-able!! 10/10 would take again :))more
Golden Finch
High standards, heavy but manageable if you don't cram
positive
4.0 attainableNo
WorkloadHeavy
Pretty high standards but his teaching is pretty good as well so I guess it cancels out (if you give enough effort). Super knowledgeable and will give helpful comments on your work if you ask/consult with him. Workload is kinda heavy but manageable naman if you don’t cram (you really wouldn’t want to cram if you’re his student because you’ll fall behind before you even know it). He’s really kind and pretty considerate when it comes to deadlines if you approach him and say you’re having difficulties.
Overall, he’s a pretty good prof but be prepared to work extra hard for the grade you want. You’ll either love him because he really wants the best out of you or you’ll dislike him because of his high standards and considerably heavy workload. Above minimum effort will get you around a C+ to B and with extra effort a B+ to an A is possiblemore
Anonymous
Bullshit doesn't work on him, you really have to work hard
positive
Retake?Yes
Bullshit doesn't work on him so you really have to work hard. He might seem intimidating but if you ask him questions, he'll make sure to guide you so you get to the answer through your own efforts. Also, make sure you have good groupmates who you can work well with 🙂 He's honestly one of the best profs in ADMUmore
Hidden Llama
negative
Hard pass
Anonymous
HAHAHAHAHAHA SANA MAG RING CELLPHONE NIYO
HAHAHAHAHAHA SANA MAG RING CELLPHONE NIYO
Gentle Seal
positive
This might be a hot take for some but he’s one of my favorite profs by far! 🥺 He’s a LEGEND i swear I loved having him as a prof both for Purpcomm and Enlit. His standards are a little high and the workload for his subjects are overwhelmingly heavy but you’ll really learn a lot from his class. He’s really kind and approachable pa + he’s gotten more lenient with deadline extensions now that we’ve shifted to online learning! Pero I swear do *not* use this as an opportunity to be chill/petiks because it will come back to bite you in the ass. There were a lot of group worksheets (for Enlit), discussion boards (for both subjects), and pre-major task requirements (for Purpcomm) so If I were you, I’d start on them as soon as they’re posted. Don’t wait until the last minute bc I had to learn that the hard way hahaha.
Some tips I have for those taking his class would be to put in a lot of effort into assessments, take his comments/consultation periods seriously, and NEVER submit half-assed work. Even though sir’s super understanding and considerate about his students’ health and well-being, his class is honestly tough + he’s the type to make you work hard for your grade so don’t take his deadline adjustments and feedback for granted. I used to be scared of Sir because I saw a bunch of reviews saying he’s a terror prof but I learned to love and appreciate his class more and more along the way. It’s quite difficult to reach his expectations but imo, his teaching method, modules, and comments really make up for that bc they’re great and helpful! They’ll really push you to become a better writer even after the sem is done.
Overall, he’s a really great lecturer and A-able talaga if you work hard to submit quality outputs and really take note of his comments! But like I said, he sort of has high standards and rarely gives out A’s so you have to work for it. Most of the time he gives out B+’s or B’s based on the class averages I’ve seen.more
Daring Panda
Uhmmm, well in terms of what you can learn during class he’s good at those naman. Discussing social injustices and eye-openers and realizations, they’re oks oks. Altho, he’s very strict when it comes to readings/materials, presentations, and during class in general. He literally made a group not present because may notification na tumunog and made the whole class wait until someone confessed. No one did. (:/
In terms of scheduling naman, he does have a well organized syllabus naman, but this really explained why he wasn’t able to adjust the schedule and deadlines well. Like in Purp Comm mismo, he wasn’t able to fix and ADJUST the time properly, especially during class suspensions. Well yeah, he tried to aid and give us more time by not having classes but it the end hindi talaga enough. Cause even tho he cancelled classes, he still wanted the papers due by the end of the time of the supposed class na he cancelled.
Just think about having to complete A DRAFT BY MONDAY (you’ll have like at least 2 weeks for this draft naman; but this happened to us talaga) then he’ll GIVE IT BACK ON WEDNESDAY, and have you submit the FINAL DRAFT ON FRIDAY. Saya diba (:/
In terms of tests, we didn’t have a quiz at all, but we had some SW. Heavy on the papers talaga.
In terms of grading:
-Sa papers he has kind of high standards din talaga like average of scores would be like 40-43/50 and good papers would still get like a 46-48/50. Never seen a perfect score idk/idts.
Overall, his classes are worth it naman but like he’s very strict lang talaga. An easy B and with a little more effort pwede rin B+. Basta good luck, not fully recommend pero good luck na lang hahaha.
Cc:more
Calm Lynx
Tiponski 😍😍😍
Dapper Moth
Parang law school pero puro itlog tapos sisigawan ka
negative
parang nasa law school ka pero puro itlog lang alam mo tapos sisigawan ka lang
