ASSUMPTION ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION

A Christ-centered community of women grounded on the teachings and spirituality of the Foundress of the Religious of the Assumption,
St. Marie Eugenie.

Inspiration and Meditation — Featured Quotes from

ST. MARIE EUGENIE

Assumpta August -September 2022 Edition

Candidates for the aaa board 2022!

PLEASE CLICK ON THE CANDIDATE'S PHOTO TO SEE HER CV AND RESPONSES TO 3 KEY QUESTIONS.

SAVE THE DATE....MEET YOUR CANDIDATES NIGHT...VIA ZOOM ON SEPTEMBER 28, 6:30 PM

Registration is open...

Hello Old Girls,

The REGISTRATION LINK is now live!

Please register and settle your annual membership dues in order to vote in the upcoming AAA Elections in October. Click the link below to Register.

Thank you.

All Hail!

AAA 2022 Nomelec Committee

Please click here to REGISTER

Alumna in Focus

Ramona S. Diaz
Filmmaker with vision & mission

By Joanne Rae M. Ramirez

The documentary directed, produced, and written by Monina was honored in the International Television category in this year’s annual Journalism Awards, which recognize outstanding reporting on human rights and social justice.  “A Thousand Cuts” was also honored recently with a George Foster Peabody Award in the Documentary category.  

Ramona S. Diaz was also the commencement speaker in our Assumption College graduation 2022.

AAA Club-bing

Cooking it up with Chef J Gamboa

By Ana de Villa Singson

Milky Way is the favorite meeting place for Velada conferences and reunions while Cirkulo, Tzujiri and Azuthai, all part of the family-owned chain of restaurants, have cult followings. It’s no wonder that when we announced that the culinary wiz behind all these restos, Chef J Gamboa, would be the featured chef of the AAA Cooking and Baking Club, the registration list quickly turned mile long.

ORGANIZING YOUR WAY TO SPARKING JOY! TIDY UP! KONMARI STYLE!

By Ana de Villa Singson

When things are hard to find, when you can’t breathe in a very crowded and cluttered room, when you are wasting valuable time looking for things which just aren’t where they are supposed to be…IT’S TIME TO ORGARNIZE!

Organizing can be a daunting task…it’s like trying to fit in an elephant into a refrigerator!  We needed an expert!  And so..the AAA ORGANIZING CLUB called in Christine Dichao, the first New York-certified Konmari consultant in the Philippines; one who is much in demand for corporate and even personal consultations. A familiar face in  the  corporate workshop circuit, Christine very generously shared time and conducted 3 sessions for the AAA ORGANIZING CLUB.

REFLECTING…WALKING WITH ST. MARIE EUGENIE

Last weekend, our batch recorded our Velada video as Ruby Jubilarians of 2022. This is the 4th time we’ve celebrated our Velada, and every time we do, I see and feel this favorite quote from St Marie Eugenie, LOVE NEVER SAYS I HAVE DONE ENOUGH, in each and everyone of us. The bonding and caring flows out so naturally and sincerely. Whether in Manila or in different parts of the world, online and on-site, from planning to practices to performing to fundraising and donating, everyone puts pause on their daily routines, and shares their time, talents and treasures to live by our batch motto, Quid retribuam Domino? What thanks can I render Thee, Lord?

by Pin Cojuangco Guingona
HS 1982

Assumpta June - July 2022 Edition

ODE TO DAD ON FATHER'S DAY

Ode to Vicente “Bing” De Villa Jr.
by Ana De Villa Singson

Ode to Ernie Santiago
by Glads Santiago Zafra

Ode to Antonio P. Gana
by Carmella Gana Araullo

Ode to Ping Alfonso
by Katia Miren T. Alfonso

Ode to Najib Borgaily
by Emily Borgaily

ALUMNUS IN FOCUS: OLD BOY LITO TAYAG

LITO TAYAG…AN OLD BOY’S CINDERELLA STORY
By Ana de Villa – Singson

 

Life was primarily agricultural for Lito. Even then, his father had loftier aspirations for him and his 3 brothers.  “My father told us: “I would teach you how to farm, but I don’t want you to become farmers. “ Lito mused, “That was part of my aspiration and also my inspiration, to be more than where I came from.” 

LITO TAYAG

SUMMER IS CALLING! PLACES TO SEE AND THINGS TO DO!

BAGUIO IN MY HEART
by Chin Bautista

ILOILO, MY BEAUTIFUL HOMETOWN
By Rica Tinsay Lustre

Cala Laiya: Our Tiny Home Beach Getaway, Friendship Edition
By: Gladys Santiago Zafra

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO
by Ana De Villa Singson

Bohol, The Amazing Province!
By Rica Tinsay Lustre

THE BUCOLIC LIFE:  PINKIE’S FARM TOUR
by Ana De Villa Singson

BALE DUTUNG:  PAMPANGA’S CULINARY PRIDE BY ARTIST -CUM-CHEF CLAUDE TAYAG
by Ana De Villa Singson

VACATION!!! Destination Boracay
by: Carmella Gana Araullo

 

AAA Club - bing!

MAKE THIS GORGEOUS MODERN BLACK FOREST CAKE!

A SPECIAL COLLABORATION  OF AAA CLUB-BING WITH ENDERUN’S ECOLE DUCASSE AND MASTER CHEF LAETITIA MOREAU
By Ana de Villa Singson

June 27 was an exciting day for the AAA Cooking and Baking Club!  The much anticipated baking class with our special partner, Ecole Ducasse of Enderun Philippines was a landmark event for us. 

THE WONDERS OF CROCHET! LEARNED THROUGH AAA CLUBS!

by Ana de Villa – Singson

I learned to crochet only 2 weeks ago, and already I have crocheted a basket, a bucket-cum-tote bag, round coasters, fringed mug rugs, leaf trivets. 

Pour your own candle!

By Ana de Villa Singson

I’ve been pouring my own candles since 2005. I started when I took a long break from work (my first semi-retirement!  It took 2 semi-retirements before I actually said good-bye to the corporate world where I was a onetime marketing and sales director).

other features

ASSUMPTION AND ME:
The Gifts of the Assumption
by:  Marlu Villanueva Balmaceda

Reflecting… Walking with St. Mary Eugenie
by Jenny Silayan
    HS 1993.

 

OUR DEARLY DEPARTED ALUMNAE


As of June 10, 2022

 

GETTING TO KNOW OUR R.A. NUNS: SR. BERNADETTE EUGENIE CASAS, R.A.

SR BERNADETTE EUGENIE CASAS, R.A.
by: Marina S. Magallanes Class 70 Herran Class 74 San Lorenzo

Sister Bernadette inspired by the words of Mother Foundress St. Marie Eugenie that “”The Earth is a place of Glory for God”” wanted to beautify the school grounds with nature and introduce zero waste management so they can “”truly share with the children an Oasis in the desert of garbage in Malibay.”””

Featured video: Pentecost retreat with Fr. Luciano Felloni

The Assumption Alumnae Association, together with AC BED Family Council, organized a Pentecost Recollection for the Assumption Community on June 4. The guest speaker was Fr. Luciano Felloni, an Argentinian priest who has been serving in the Philippines for the last 28 years. He is popularly known for his Facebook series, Almusalita, with over 300 thousand followers. He is currently the Parish Priest of Kristong Hari Parish and Diocesan Shrine of the Youth in Quezon City and is concurrently the Vicar Forane of the Vicariate of the Good Shepherd and the Social Communications Director of the Diocese of Novaliches. Alumnae described the recollection by Fr. Luciano as inspiring, enlightening and empowering, down to earth and very relatable. We are posting this video to share the Pentecost message with all alumnae.

Assumpta April - may 2022 Edition

Featured Stories

In the spirit of Easter’s redemptive inspiration, we are featuring 2 mother and child stories, both tales of faith that conquers hear-rending fears and trials. Read about Ana and her son, Manuel, and Coroy and her daughter, Cathy. Journey with them through their pain, uncertainty and then…REDEMPTION!

By Ana de Villa – Singson ( HS 1983)


…..Fast forward a few years. Manuel was in high school. At this Time, he was towering over me by over a head. He was a big, strong boy. And I felt the strength of his size when he started getting fits of rage: Big, loud, ugly fits of extreme, unbridled anger…… (click to read the full story)

By Cathy de Riza – Romero Salas ( HS 1986)

…Fast forward to 2020, I am still healing from the loss of my love , when The pandemic starts to take hold and suddenly, my world is again rocked by fear! I will always remember the promises I made to Papa Dios, as I Fervently prayed for HIm to save my mom’s life…. (Click to read the full story)

ODE TO MOM

MOTHERS…they are the unsung heroes that make the world go around. They are the first breath of life, the shapers of our minds and hearts, the models we aspire to become, our loudest cheerleaders and the last one standing when all else fails you. She is the heart of the home, the calm before the
storm, the bedrock through trials and tribulations. And no matter how old we become, it is her counsel that we seek, her touch that cradles us back to halcyon days of youth. “A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take “ (— Cardinal Mermillod).

On Mother’s Day, we pay tribute to our mothers. We opened up our space for alumnae to tell their mothers how very special they are. These odes are in words of love and gifts from the heart.

Rosario Divino

Ode by Alita Divino (HS’70) to her mom, Rosario Divino “She may not remember who you are but Emotions do.”

(Click to read the full story)

Menchu Bautista

Ode by Sabrina Panlilio (College ‘77) to her mom, Menchu Bautista. “Love is the one thing you never ran out of.”

(Click to read the full story)

Eugenia Paez Ampil

Ode by Patty AMPIL (HS’70) to her mom, Eugenia Paz Ampil. “Mama no other word can give me comfort.”

(Click to read the full story)

Lita Lozano Corpus

Ode by Cynthia Corpuz PANGILINAN (HS’70) To her mom, Lita Lorenzo Corpus “I will continue to celebrate the gift that God gave Me….: You, my loving and admirable mother.”

(Click to read the full story)

Thelma Gana

Ode by Carmella Gana – Araullo (HS 86) to her mom,

Thelma Gana.

(Click to read the full story)

Gladys Santiago Zafra

Ode by the young sons of Gladys Zafra

(Click to read the full story)

PET MAMAS

(click the photo to enlarge)

Pets need Mamas too. They need love and care which they return a thousand fold. Many studies
affirm that having a pet has positive psychological and physiological benefits such as calming a person,
releasing happy hormones. Loving and being loved back itself is a great reward. Meet some PET MAMAS…moms who shower love on their little adorable tikes who, with their funny antics, bring much
joy and laughter to their PET MAMA’S lives.
Meet the adorable fur babies and the Mamas who watch out for them.

Philippine Elections

Preface by Ana de Villa Singson

Responses Collated by the Trustees of the AAA Board and the AAA Website Committee

Cloud diagram generated by Gladys Santiago – Zafra through Mentimeter

In the run-up to this year’s presidential and national elections, we asked fellow alumnae, their friends and family to list the 5 top characteristics our next Philippine president should have. …. (Click to read the full story)

CLUB-BING!
By Ana de Villa – Singson

 

Club-bbing!  The fun, fun, way to meet up with old friends, make new ones while learning something excitingly new, was off to a roaring start in April!

 

(Click to read the full story)

By Ana de Villa – Singson

In a black tank and a sequined all the way silver bell bottom pants…I knew right away that this was going to be fun, fun, fun!

 

(Click to read the full story)

Editorial

By Ana de Villa – Singson

MAY 9.  In a few days we will trek to the polls. We will vote. In the intervening days before May 9, there is time to discern, to reflect so that we vote in an informed and educated way. 

Reflecting...Walking with st. marie eugenie volume 6

by Charo Nieto Climente | HS 1969

Calling All Alumnae! Join our Clubs now, Open to all registered AAA members!
Not yet registered? No problem.
Simply register and pay the AAA membership fee of Php500! No additional fees to join any of the clubs!

Any questions? write us at aaaclubs2022@gmail.com

An easy way to join the Clubs!

 

Scan and click to join!

Assumpta March 2022 Edition

Getting to know st. marie eugenie

The Congregation of the Religious of the Assumption, was founded in France by Saint Marie Eugénie Milleret to work for the transformation of society by the Gospel. The sisters are consecrated to God by vows and dedicated to the following of Jesus in contemplative and apostolic communities engaged in various works of education.

JULIE CHUA – LIPAYON
SME Awardee | HS 1992

PILAR OCAMPO FERNANDEZ
SME Awardee | HS 1970  & COLLEGE 1974

jocson

JASMINE JOCSON
SME Awardee | Grade School 2019

rosales

MIMIL MANOSA – ROSALES
SME Awardee | HS 1982

mistades

GUIA MARIE MISTADES
SME Awardee | Grade School 2017

avedillo

MICHELLE REYES – AVEDILLO
SME Awardee | HS 1991

chan

JOANNA RODRIGUEZ – CHAN
SME Awardee | HS 1993

acordo

VICKY WENCESLAO-ACORDO
SME Awardee |HS 1986

banzon

MARIA LOURDES ZARAGOSA – BANSON 
SME Awardee | HS 1976

In celebration of our Sainted Foundress’ anniversary, we tracked some of our best and brightest, St Marie Eugenie awardees.  Graduating from their class with the highest badge of honor that Assumption bestows, they exemplified the virtues of Assumption education.

Featured Article: Ababy, a miracle, a saint

by Ana De Villa – Singson

St. Marie Eugenie was canonized after Assumption congregations throughout the world prayed for a miracle to happen.   One last truly indubitable miracle was needed to canonize then Blessed Marie Eugenie.    That miracle happened to Risa Bondoc .  Dubbed “ the Miracle Baby”, her story is forever intertwined with the sainthood of St. Marie Eugenie.

by Carmella Gana – Araullo

From court side reporter, to hosting Art Angel, 100% Pinoy, Unang Hirit and Tunay na Buhay, to field correspondent for GMA news to becoming a full blown anchor for 24 Oras weekend (GMA) and Saksi (GMA), her Curriculum Vitae is surely very impressive. 

What’s more impressive is that she graduated with the Marie Eugenie Award, Award for Leadership and got an Alfonso Yuchengco Award for National Discipline.  A great example of what an Assumption education and MME devotee can accomplish in the field of journalism,  meet Maria Pia Concepcion Arcangel Halili, ACHS Batch 1996.  She embodies her own adage “To live life simply and inspiring others to do the same”.

By Ana de Villa – Singson

March 10…Happy Feast Day, Mother Foundress!

A few weeks ago, we woke up to a different world.  We woke up to the unbelievable images of Russian tanks rolling into Ukraine.  This unprovoked war, with  Ukraine’s home-made Molotov bombs ranged against  Russia’s oxygen-sucking thermobaric bombs; with husbands, sons, students defending their homes against battle-trained heavily-equipped military forces, the  unfolding David vs Goliath story strikes disbelief and dread.

Assumpta February 2022 Edition

feature story: "the best valentine gift ever!"

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THE BEST VALENTINE GIFT EVER!

By Ana de Villa - Singson

The best Valentine gift!  There are many deserving finalists for that accolade.  While each Valentine gift given from the heart becomes  a cherished and beloved best, only one that I know of was compelling enough for me to write this. I chanced upon an extra-special Valentine gift while interviewing Loudette Zaragosa Banson several years ago. Her 2004 Valentine’s gift  from her husband, Jan-B, is a gift that continues giving ,even now, 18 years after she received it.  This is the rather remarkable story of her rather remarkable “best Valentine gift ever!”

alumna in focus: chingay diaz lagdameo

MY PERSONAL JOURNEY...AS AN ASSUMPTIONISTA

By Chingay Diaz Lagdameo

I was barely six years old when I entered the gates of Assumption Herran.  Led by the protective hands of my parents who turned me over to hands so foreign to the touch. I recall looking at my parents who calmly said: “we are just here.  Do not be afraid.”

 

As a child I was instructed to call the lady who received my hands “mother”. Dressed with a veil and violet-colored long gown, the “mother” would later be referred to as my Mistress of Class. But to us, she was known as Mother Paz.

 

 

in love...with korean telenovelas

Loving Korean Dramas

By DJO and Regina Boncan Francisco

The Noona-tics: From CLOY to K-drama Beyond!

By Lisa Mapua '79

It Was Love at First Sight

By Marlu Villanueva Balmaceda '78

EDITORIAL

Ana De Villa Singson

THE ASSUMPTION IN US

Marlu Balmaceda

Assumpta January 2022 Edition

Hail and farewell to the exiting AAA Board Members. Thank you for Everything!

DR. CLARISSA “CHINKEY” LIM VELAYO M.D., PhD

AAA President 2020 – 2021
AAA Board Member 2018 - 2021

Dr. Chinkey was the perfect pandemic AAA President. First, her medical and clinical background provided her with the scientific perspective on how to deal with Covid-19 and its repercussions on the AAA. Second, her administrative skills were brought to the fore during such unprecedented times.

MA. LUZ “MARLU” VILLANUEVA BALMACEDA

AAA Advisor 2020 – 2021
AAA President 2017 – 2019
AAA Board Member 2014 - 2019

Marlu Villanueva Balmaceda is leadership at its finest. She served on the AAA Board of Trustees for eight years, first as board member and later as its long-running President for 3 years. After the last of her two terms ended, she then became Board Adviser for two years.

CIELO DEL ROSARIO

AAA Assistant Treasurer 2020 – 2021
AAA Board Member 2019 - 2021

As Assistant Treasurer in 2020 and 2021, Cielo had a keen eye for spotting corrections or calculation errors in the financial statements. She was also innovative in finding ways to help us stretch our thin budgets.

ATTY. JEIFAN-IRA “JEIFAN” C. DIZON

AAA Legal Counsel
AAA Board Member 2019 - 2021

The lone legal mind and expert in our group, all activities passed through Jeifan’s very capable and organized hands. Very driven, she would squeeze the many requests for her legal recommendations and POV in between her other work as faculty and practicing lawyer.

TESSA MORTENSEN

AAA Board Member 2019 - 2021

Tessa co-chaired the very successful 2019 AAA golf tournament. She campaigned for a plethora of sponsorships that yielded AAA’s most profitable golf event!

PILAR VILLANUEVA

AAA Board Member 2018 - 2021

Pilar is also known as a fearless voice in the Board. She would bravely voice out what some were uncomfortable saying and was unafraid to question the norm, all the while maintaining such a voice of reason that made everyone in the Board listen and ponder.

cover story: hs '81! hearts of plaid mobilize to aid typhoon odette victims!

ASSUMPTION HIGH SCHOOL 81 DISASTER RELIEF PROJECT

Ode to Odette

BY POPSIE GAMBOA

HS 81 delivers the first tranche of relief goods to the Ateneo College
Covered Courts on December 21.

 

Rosette Benedicto, Popsie Gamboa, Fr. Manoling Francisco, SJ, Girlie Sison, Liaa Bautista and Pia Lorenzo

alumna in focus: berna romulo puyat!

by Carmella Gana-Araullo

For someone who studied Economics in UP, Diliman and was a lecturer at UP school of Economics for 14 years, who would have thought she would end up as Secretary of Tourism.

Find out more about her favorite places to visit and how her assumption education has helped her become a true servant leader…..Here is a little glimpse of how it is to be Berna.

Berna Romulo Puyat
GET TO KNOW OUR R.A. NUNS
Sr. Mercedes Moreta, R.A.
REFLECTING...WALKING WITH ST. EUGENIE
Rosie Sun-Yu

assumpta: november - december 2021

CHRISTMAS CAROLLING BY HS 1969

COLUMN
Marlu Balmaceda
The Assumption In Us

These are names that are forever etched in my heart. 

EDITORIAL BOARD
OUR DEARLY DEPARTED

Assumpta

Featured Stories

ASSUMPTION CARES: A PROMISE FULFILLED…REBUILDING SAMAR
Gina Gabaldon Hechanova | Maricris C. Zobel | Gina A. Aboitiz | Mielle Esteban | Marily DC Ledesma Dida Cocio Salita | Tessa Prieto Valdes |         Popsie Gamboa | Joy L. Lagdameo | Millette Tanada Ocampo | Ana O. Olondriz | Rose R. Lopez | Connie Gomez Valdes

REMEMBERING HERRAN: A RETROSPECTIVE Part 3
Introduction by Ana de Villa – Singson
With Contributions by

Marina Magallanes, Sandra Garcia Escat, Rita Bautista Poblete, M.D., Marijun Ignacio Mallari, Aye Yap Azurin

ASSUMPTA OCTOBER 2021

ASSUMPTA SEPTEMBER 2021

MEDITATION AND INSPIRATION

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REFLECTING…WALKING WITH ST. EUGENIE | Vol .3

Meditating on the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary, the 4th and 5th Mysteries in particular, it occurred to me that while most of us have meditated a lot on the Passion of Jesus while praying,. read more....

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MY MAGNIFICAT

In November of 2020, at 51, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My mum suffered a stroke soon after that, right after the new year of 2021. read more....

REFLECTING...WALKING WITH ST. EUGENIE | Vol. 4

Last October 2, 2021, when Sr. Rekha, Superior General of the Religious of the Assumption, had her virtual conversation with Assumption Together, read more....

sr edith

SR. EDITH MARIE CORTES, R.A. A HUNDRED YEARS OF JOYFULNESS!

Sr. Edith Marie Cortes, R.A. celebrated her 100th birthday on March 6, 2021. read more....

Photo Gallery

VELADA FASHION: OLD GIRLS IN UNIFORM

AAA SUMMIT 2019 | July 12-14, 2020
AAA QUARTERLY LUNCH WITH LITO TAYAG FEB 4, 2020
AAA CHAPTERS VISIT SAN JUAN DE NEPOMUCENO MALIBAY _ JULY 12, 2019
AAA QUARTERLY LUNCH WITH Amb. HENRIETTA DE VILLA JULY 12, 2019

Featured Video: VELADA 2021! WATCH IT IN FULL HERE!

The best Valentine gift!  There are many deserving finalists for that accolade.  While each Valentine gift given from the heart becomes  a cherished and beloved best, only one that I know of was compelling enough for me to write this