From Dink to Jade Jubilee: Batch 1990 Rallies for Love, Laughter, and Legacy.
High School Class 1990 brought their A-game — rallying with heart, hugging like champs, and proving that sisterhood always scores.
Thirty-five years may have passed since they last walked the halls of Assumption in their plaid skirts, fully ironed white blouse and black leather shoes. But for Batch 1990, time has only deepened the bond that began in those formative years.
In the lead-up to their 35th Jubilee Year, the batch gathered for a day that blended warmth, wellness, and a dash of friendly competition — all set on the pickleball court. What began as a simple get-together quickly turned into a celebration of connection, reminding everyone that the real win is being present for each other, then and now.
But in true Batch 1990 fashion, it wasn’t just about the game — it was about the giggles, the glow-ups, and the good-natured rallies both on and off the court. With decades of friendship under their belts, every serve came with soul, and every smash carried purpose. Whether you were a batchmate, a friend, a daughter, or a curious first-time player, there was space for everyone to play, laugh, and give back — the AC way.
A Rally Rooted in Passion and Purpose
For Batch 1990, this wasn’t just any reunion — it was one powered by passion and purpose. With a growing number of pickleball enthusiasts among their ranks, it felt only natural to turn the sport they loved into something bigger. The idea of a tournament-turned-fundraiser came to life with the guidance of their older Assumption “sisters”, like Liza Lorenzo (ACHS 1979), who helped the batch steer this vision into reality.
From here, the Pickleball Tournament became their opening serve – not just to raise funds for their Jade Velada year, but to bring the batch together once more, reigniting that spark of shared purpose that began in the halls of Assumption San Lorenzo 35 years ago.
Coming Home, Always
Though five years have passed since their Pearl Jubilee, the feeling of coming home never gets old. Their 30th year celebration took place during the height of the pandemic — when hugs were virtual, celebrations happened on screen, and reconnections unfolded through video calls and chat threads. But even amid the uncertainty and distance, Batch 1990 circled back to something solid: bonds that never truly faded.
Reconnecting doesn’t require grand gestures or elaborate planning for this group. Many stay close through tight-knit pocket groups, and those friendships naturally ripple outward, keeping the larger sisterhood strong – even without a homecoming on the calendar.
Now, with a shared goal and a real reason to gather in person, there’s a renewed sense of joy — one that brings them right back to the familiarity of classrooms, laughter-filled corridors, and the occasional memory of mischief. “It’s fun to say the least” one alumna shared, as Batch 1990 steps into this new season with joy, intention, and a whole lot of playful spirit.
Goals, Surprises, and That “AC Girl” Energy
For Batch 1990, there’s always something special about working together toward a greater purpose. This tournament wasn’t just about sportsmanship — it was a beautiful expression of unity, with proceeds going to the Centers of Transformative Education (Assumption Mission Schools). The day brought familiar faces, old friends, and new stories — all laced with the excitement of playing for something bigger than themselves.
And as with any event worth remembering, there were surprises too. One alumna shared, ‘It’s always a surprise how, in the early days, things feel hard to organize… but when the day draws near, support comes pouring in from all sides.’ It’s a dynamic they’ve witnessed time and again — a quiet momentum that builds until suddenly, everyone’s in, everyone’s giving, everyone’s present.
“We Play Like an AC Girl!”
Asked to describe the mood of the day in one word, someone joked, “Fantastic! But really — Give Back Like an AC Girl!” That phrase, and its sibling mantra — We Play Like an AC Girl! — have lived with the batch since their 2015 celebration.
More than a slogan, it’s a way of showing up: play hard, play strong, play together… and always with purpose.
It also inspired the poster that accompanied this year’s tournament — a nod to a spirit that hasn’t faded. Whether in sneakers or sandals, holding paddles or microphones, Batch 1990 proves they still know how to rally, how to lift each other up, and how to have a fantastic time doing it.
Sisterhood, 35 Years Strong
More than three decades since their High School days, Batch 1990 continues to be a constant in each other’s lives. “It means being part of a family that looks after one another,” one shared. “It means having each other’s back.” Time may pass, and the seasons of life may shift, but when they’re together — whether in person or in spirit — it’s as if no time has passed at all. The comfort is instant. The connection, very unwavering.
Keeping that bond alive hasn’t happened by accident. It’s been nurtured — through intentional meet-ups, quick check-ins, and shared stories that crisscross cities and time zones. Social media plays its part, but what truly holds them together is a collective choice: to stay connected, to keep showing up, and to make sure no one gets left behind.
It’s a dynamic they’ve witnessed time and time again — a quiet momentum that builds until, suddenly, everyone’s in, everyone’s giving, everyone’s present… showing up, as always, like an AC Girl.
Special thanks to Ana Javelosa Gloria and Valerie Agcaoili for making this story possible.