Stars in our own right
“Love never says I have done enough.” – St. Marie Eugenie of Jesus
With simple hearts to follow the holy ways of Mama Mary, our Assumption HS Batch 81 celebrated our friendship and sisterhood back in Assumption College where we started our high school journey of education, faith, virtues, and service. We received an education to succeed and to serve with kindness; true to the values we were taught. We all belong to one school carrying the same faith and the same spirit!
Hosted by this year’s Silver Batch of 2001, this spectacular homecoming weekend brought together generations of Assumptionistas for a Thanksgiving Mass and the much-awaited Velada—the grand show featuring the celebrating gem batches. Our heartfelt congratulations go to the Silver Jubilee team of Batch 2001: Timi Aquino, Jacque Atilano, Michelle Groves, Army Santos, Pam Alquisada, and Mia Que for pulling off an unforgettable yet meaningful celebration.
This year’s jubilarians included the Titanium, Platinum, Blue Diamond, Diamond, Gold, Sapphire, Ruby, Jade, and Pearl batches. Among them, my Sapphire Batch of 1981, celebrating 45 years, shone bright—each one a star in our own Sapphire sky. Leading our batch were Popsie Gamboa, Jojo Ongsiako, and Pia Lorenzo in a high-energy number choreographed by Matthew Almodovar that had everyone on their feet—dancing to the songs of our youth to today’s BTS and Bini hits.
One of the most applauded numbers came from High School Class of 1956. Tracing their roots from Assumption Herran to what they are today, my mom Marixi Prieto and her 24 classmates brought the house down as they danced to the twist and boogie and songs of their youth to a standing ovation, proving that the Assumption spirit never grows old. A poignant moment was the tribute to two beloved Old Girls whose lives embodied that spirit: Margarita Forés and Baby Goyena Herrera, remembered for lives lived in generous, graceful service.
In a historic first, the Rhodium batch of 1946 was represented by Corazon Villavicencio Sto. Domingo, its only living survivor. With two of her relatives who are also Assumptionistas, Corazon performed a song to the delight of the audience who cheerfully applauded her. She also presented her High School yearbook to Assumption and it will now be showcased at the museum.
Hosted with heart and humility by Silver Batch 2001, Velada 2026 was more than a reunion. It was the sound of the Assumption School Song, sung again with cracked but familiar voices.
In the end, we all came home not to relive our youth, but to remember who we became because of it. And in that remembering, we quietly promised, we will keep coming back for as long as Assumption opens its doors and welcomes us home.
There is power in plaid
The Rudy Batch of 1986 continued their festivities with “The Power of Plaid: Road to Ruby,” a fundraising art exhibition at León Gallery International from Oct. 15 to 30, 2026.
Organized in collaboration with J Studio and León Gallery International, the exhibit brings together the artistic talents and generosity of Batch ’86 and participating artists in support of the Assumption Mission Schools. The initiative was made possible through the generous support of batchmate Jia Santos Estrella of J Studio and Jaime Ponce de Leon, founder of León Gallery, whose commitment to Philippine art and heritage provides a distinguished platform for this meaningful cause.
Featured artists belong to Batch 86’s family, namely Ramon Diaz, Mikko Sison, Katia Rojas Tañega, Laura Nakpil, Nika Poe Llamanzares, Anthony Bernardo, Carmela Padilla, Andre Dominic Katigba, Kieran Cortes, Solenn Cortes, and Rocio Duarte.
More than an art exhibition, “The Power of Plaid” is a celebration of friendship, generosity, and community. Every artwork purchased helps extend much-needed assistance to the Assumption Mission Schools and the communities they serve. The public is warmly invited to visit the exhibition, appreciate the works of the participating artists, and support a cause where art becomes an expression of hope and service. León Gallery International is located at ground floor, Corinthian Plaza, 121 Paseo de Roxas corner Gamboa Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City.
Rudy girl Jia Estrella also celebrated the reopening of her art gallery J Studio in a bigger location. Timing the opening on her birthday, Jia invited her classmates and art lovers to view the artworks of Carlo Tanseco and others. It was wonderful to reconnect with all the artists who keep the local art scene vibrant and alive.
Coffee from Morocco to Manila
The next day, I headed to the Christmas Tree Lighting of SM Megamall before attending the opening of Bacha Coffee in Greenbelt 3. Bacha Coffee is the legendary Moroccan coffeehouse founded in 1910 within the Dar el Bacha in Marrakech. Three years ago, I visited this original coffeehouse when I vacationed in Morocco with my Assumption BFF Tessa Alindogan and her partner Jenny Zapanta.
Bacha also opened in SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. The opening of these new addresses marks a momentous chapter in the global story of the Moroccan brand, bringing the art of traditional coffee preparation and the refined world of coffee gastronomy to coffee lovers.
Reminiscent of Bacha Coffee’s birthplace, the Dar el Bacha, the destinations share the brand’s signature design aesthetic—rich, warm palettes accentuated with black and white inlaid marble flooring, geometric zellige patterns, hand-carved cedar wood ceilings, gleaming polished brass, and authentic and detailed Moroccan craftsmanship.
At the heart of it all, the coffee maison presents an unparalleled collection of over 200 varieties of 100 percent Arabica specialty coffees sourced from 35 well-reputed coffee-producing regions around the world. Varieties include Single Origin, Fine Blended, Fine Flavoured, and Naturally CO2 Decaffeinated coffee categories.
Guests are invited to discover the finest coffees through three exceptional concepts: an intimate coffee bar, the coffee boutique, and takeaway service, all in one mesmerizing space.
