One AC. One Heart: A Spark that Rekindles the Spirit of Sisterhood
It was an eventful and auspicious day at Assumption College as the College alumnae from across generations — from the Class of 1981 to the Class of 2003 — gathered for “One AC. One Heart”, a day dedicated to reconnecting, remembering, and reimagining what it means to be part of the Assumption community.
Though intimate in size, the gathering carried an impact far greater than the number of attendees. In fact, the closeness of the circle allowed for rich conversations, shared laughter, and heartfelt exchanges that made the day feel like homecoming in the truest sense of the word.
A Call to Gather
The day opened with words of welcome and inspiration from leaders, who have long been stewards of the Assumption spirit.
Dette De La Fuente Aruego, President of the Assumption Alumnae Association, reminded everyone of the power of community in weaving together lives, stories, and dreams.
Dr. Ma. Margarita M. Ladrido, College Dean, echoed this by calling the College alumnae to see themselves as vital partners in strengthening the academic and social fabric of the College.
And finally, Sr. Irene Torres, R.A. Ph.D, President of Assumption College, shared a stirring reminder that when our hearts are aligned with a higher purpose, we can move mountains together.
Getting to Know, Getting to Connect
The first activity, Gathering Together, brought a fresh take to the traditional icebreaker. Far from the usual introductions, alumnae were invited to share not just their name and course, but also a personal reflection: their favorite color from the Assumption School Song — Gold, White, or Blue — and why it resonated with them.
This simple yet thoughtful exercise sparked delightful exchanges. Each voice became a thread in the beautiful weave of Assumption sisterhood, where individuality and shared identity coexist beautifully. Finally, when asked what excites them most about “One AC. One Heart,” the Old Girls voiced a common theme: the wonderful memories in the campus, the joy of reconnecting with sisters all across batches, the chance to contribute meaningfully, and the anticipation of building something greater together.
Lunch, Laughter, and Ideas
The energy carried into lunch, where plates were full but conversations got even fuller. Networking across batches came out naturally; classmates reconnected, new friendships formed, and stories of life after Assumption filled the air. There was a sense of both nostalgia and discovery — proof that the Assumption sisterhood only grows stronger with time. Some of the girls used the time to walk around the campus. From there, they took a trip down to memory lane and had many snaps to special spots and venues in the college area.
After the meal, the spotlight turned to the future. Everyone was invited to brainstorm possible activities and initiatives that the community could bring to life together. The ideas flowed with excitement and creativity: reformation of their own faith & spirituality, mentoring programs for current students, outreach activities to extend the spirit of service, career and professional development workshops, and alumnae-led wellness gatherings, among many others.
What was striking was not just the variety of ideas, but the shared desire to co-create — to make the entire Assumption community an active, vibrant force that uplifts not only its members but also future generations of students.
Memories, Pride, and Faith
Beyond the structured activities, what made the day truly special were the spontaneous moments of sharing. Stories surfaced about their pride in wearing the Assumption uniform, a simple yet powerful symbol that carried with it the weight of tradition and identity. Many spoke of the transformative education they received — an education that went beyond academics to shape the core of who they are, as women of faith and action.
Truly, Assumption instilled a pursuit of excellence. But more deeply, it cultivated a faith and spirituality that continue to anchor and guide the Old Girls long after graduation. This was perhaps the most moving theme of the day: that being an Assumption woman is not merely about achievements, but about living a life grounded in values that endure.
Just the Beginning
As the afternoon drew to a close, there was a strong sense that this was not an ending, but a beginning. Organized by the Assumption Alumnae Association College Committee, led by Jana Ortega Purugganan (College 1998) and warmly facilitated by Gladys Santiago Zafra (College 2003, High School 1999), the gathering was a spark — a reminder of the richness of the Assumption sisterhood and the promise of what can be built when hearts and hands come together.
I got that doll! I didn’t realize her name is Fidelis for Fidelity to Duty — so fitting for me. After all, it’s the ONLY recognition I ever got in Assumption for all of my academic life there from elementary thru college!
That’s ok — I’m living it to the present!