ANA DE VILLA - SINGSON THANK YOU! WE SALUTE YOU!
By Chin Bautista – Joson
I had the privilege of working alongside Ana during my first year as a board member, and what an incredible experience it was. While the world paused, waiting for the pandemic to pass, Ana saw an opportunity to make a real impact. Amidst the uncertainty, when traditional fundraising avenues like bazaars and golf tournaments were no longer feasible, she spearheaded Magnificart—an online art auction to benefit the AAA. The pressure to raise funds in such a challenging time was immense, but Ana took on the challenge with unparalleled drive and creativity. From our initial meeting to the very last details, I was in awe. I remember thinking, “Wow, this woman can do anything!” Ana sourced highly coveted art pieces, rallied key figures from the art world, and curated the auction with the expertise of a professional. But what truly set her apart was her ability to inspire action in all of us. With Ana leading the way, we were able to launch the auction seamlessly—an impressive feat in itself. To me, that kind of talent is simply extraordinary.
Ana often wears multiple hats in a project, but one of her most vital roles is her expertise as a rainmaker. In Magnificart, she plays a key role in driving sales, nudging buyers jokingly but determinedly towards purchasing a painting, jewelry or a piece of furniture. She humorously shares how some people sometimes fear that she’ll pitch her latest advocacy. But this, of course, works to the advantage of the AAA. At every Assumption bazaar, Ana hosts over the microphone, introducing the different vendors and their offerings. Her infectious enthusiasm combined with her shopaholic tendencies create the perfect formula for success—she consistently drives impressive sales for most of the vendors. This unique blend of qualities makes Ana an indispensable asset to the team.
Ana also pioneered Club-bing, which answered a key question: What do we get out of our P500 membership, beyond the right to vote? With this in mind, Ana created not just one but six vibrant clubs: Cooking, Crafts, Organizing, Book Club, Bible Studies and more recently, Outreach. All of these clubs were consistently well-attended and offered meaningful engagement. Once again, Ana’s infectious energy shone through as she sourced, curated, and hosted these clubs. She even served as a resource speaker, sharing her knowledge and passion for candle-making with fellow Assumptionists. From humble beginnings in one of the Crafts sessions, when she could not even crochet a straight line, Ana took things to the next level—selling her beautifully crafted amigurumis at the Magnificart auction. This is a perfect example of her drive: when Ana sets her sights on something, she gives it her all. There’s simply no such thing as “half-baked” for her.
I also owe Ana a debt of gratitude for taking on the AAA website. A week before we were set to launch, I contracted COVID. In the interest of launching a much-needed resource amidst the pandemic, Ana stepped in without hesitation and took on the task. She not only embraced it fully but has continued to do so ever since, managing it with incredible dedication and skill. She was the Editor in Chief and driving force of the Assumpta online magazine since it was launched in 2020.
Beyond being an exceptional and tireless leader, she was AAA’s Vice President for the past 2 years, Ana is a true friend. She listens attentively and offers thoughtful advice, always generous with her time and resources. I will never forget how she supported me during a health struggle in 2022. Ana sent me a rosary blessed by Pope John Paul II—an incredibly thoughtful gesture that I will treasure forever. During the late nights we spent working on Magnificart, alongside Tita Pilar Villanueva, Ana’s dedication was unwavering. Even when the hours were long and the pressure high, she stayed by our side, not only offering moral support but also embracing the tech side of things with gusto. Despite her other commitments, Ana always found time to lend a helping hand.
Ana has other passions and advocacies. She has been with the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV), an election citizen’s arm, since 1991; serving as a trustee for many years. She resumed her role in 2022 and is the Spokesperson, National Media and Communications Head, and is also now in charge of National Voter’s Education. With this, she recently introduced PPCRV’s Tibok Pinoy—a values development system of books and podcasts that not only teaches voters how to vote wisely but also to develop values of a model Filipino , a true necessity indeed. Her schedule now is crowded with speaking engagements on Voting with Discernment, Values Development and preparing for PPCRV’s Unofficial Parallel Count, PPCRV’s audit of the transmitted vote. She also sits in other boards, notably the Marian Urban Development Fund ( housing) and the Manila Symphony Orchestra.
In all, Ana is a remarkable leader, a generous friend, and a true inspiration. It has been an honor to work alongside her, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to witness her exceptional talents firsthand. Though Ana is no longer a current member of the board, we know that we can always rely on her support—always and vice versa.
