Equal access
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
Our identity is constantly changing in different environments. When we step into a space, we assume an identity in relation to that environment. Cognitive scientists call this situated cognition and identity priming.
This is where education comes into place. To gain essential power to shift your identity to match the reality, education creates a level of knowledge to survive or adapt to any environment. Our Assumption HS 81 Foundation is focused on helping deserving students get free education as part of our scholars program.
“Love and gratitude” echoed in the halls of the Assumption School in Passi as my Assumption High School Batch 81 and I flew to Iloilo and visited the school to welcome the latest batch of Sapphire Scholars entering senior high. Assumption School in Passi, Iloilo is one of the seven mission schools run by the Religious of the Assumption and supported by Old Girls.
This year is especially meaningful as we are celebrating our 45th year out of high school. Seven years ago, we began our Passi journey to serve students and shape lives with the same values we grew up with.
Together with the scholarship program’s co-chairs Maripi Jalandoni and Popsie Gamboa, batchmates Jojo Ongsiako, Tessa Alindogan, Chiqui Mangibin, Jing Laurente, and Noemi Ilagan, we met scholars at every stage of the journey: 25 incoming 11th grade academic and athletic scholars, 10 incoming 12th graders preparing for their final year, 10 scholars entering college, alumni, and their families in an afternoon of fun and solidarity to reaffirm our commitment to supporting deserving students from marginalized families through quality education.
None of this would be possible without the generosity of our HS batch who donated funds to pay tuition. It is heartwarming to witness firsthand how we can help empower marginalized youth through an Assumption education. To date, our Assumption High School Batch 1981 has supported 65 scholars since this project began in 2019. Today, among them are a nurse, three licensed engineers, a food technologist, and other professionals who were beneficiaries of our first batch of scholars. They are now contributing to society through their professions.
We also extend our thanks to school director Stella Grace Tagnong, TEA coordinator Jennifer Robles, coach Andren Panes, and the faculty for the unwavering support, guidance, and care of our scholars. Their partnership makes this mission possible.
After 45 years, we realize that education is how a legacy continues. The same charism that formed us is now forming them. And in that room, surrounded by their hope and determination, we are reminded why this work matters.
Red succession
Each year, Red Charity Gala (RCG) supports the Assumption HS 81 Foundation as well as the Philippine Red Cross and other beneficiaries. We have raised funds to help victims of calamities and other local artisans who have no funding to continue their craft.
For the birthday of RCG’s first featured designer Dennis Lustico, we enjoyed an intimate dinner at Project Vino to celebrate his milestone and welcome JC Buendia as our RCG 2026 designer on Oct. 3 at The Peninsula Manila.
My co-chair Kaye Tinga has been so busy with the ongoing renovation of CCP but she is all set on working on our gala preparations these coming weeks. She shared her tickets for the currently concluded Virgin Labfest – VLF XXI; Hubo’t Hubad. I watched the brilliant and moving performance of Angel Aquino in “Lualhati.” The touching play unfailingly opened our hearts and minds and even if it challenged some, it was so beautifully written and exceptionally performed by Angel and the rest of the cast! Congrats also to Jackie Lou Blanco who was part of the play.
Keeping bespoke traditions afloat
Red Charity Gala continues to support the arts through fashion. We are grateful to all our sponsors who share their time and resources for all our charitable projects. Genteelhome has been our partner for several years now. And this year, Katrina De Leon, big lady boss of Genteelhome, will support and create a special vignette on the day of the gala.
For Genteelhome, every bespoke piece begins with a conversation between architecture, interior design, and craftsmanship. This philosophy came to life through Language of Spaces, an intimate gathering that brought together some of the Philippines’ most influential architects and interior designers in celebration of the creative partnerships that shape exceptional spaces.
“As someone who loves seeing beautiful spaces, I have always admired and respected architecture and interior design,” shares Katrina De Leon, creative principal and chief executive officer of Genteelhome. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to share a table with the architects and interior designers who have dedicated their craft to making our spaces more thoughtful and beautiful.”
At its core, Language of Spaces celebrated the enduring relationship between architecture, interior design, and fine craftsmanship. As a distinguished furniture atelier known for its masterful artisan creations, Genteelhome sees every bespoke piece as part of a larger design story, one shaped through the vision of architects, interior designers, and skilled artisans.
As Genteelhome celebrates its 13th anniversary, the brand remains committed to strengthening these partnerships and continuing its legacy of artisan craftsmanship. By working alongside the country’s design visionaries, Genteelhome looks forward to creating more bespoke pieces that enrich everyday living and celebrate the craft behind every exceptional home.
This weekend is another Bench x Katutubo Pop-up Market at Bench Tower, 30th Street corner Rizal Drive, BGC. We support all the budding fashion designers who are selling at the pop-up. RCG believes in the artistry and talent of local artists who uniquely promote the beauty of Philippine arts and craft.
As we start the month of July, let us revisit our 2026 goals to make sure we have attained some of them and continue to move with more mindful and purposeful intentions.
