Second University Parents' Gathering brings together Ateneo Parents Associations from Grade School to College

Ateneo de Manila University's Office of University Development and Alumni Affairs (OUDAA) held its second-ever University Parents' Gathering on 8 Sept 2025 at FH101, Faber Hall, Ateneo de Manila University Loyola Heights campus. The event welcomed members of the various Ateneo Parents Associations to the new school year, while also introducing new OUDAA director Fr Raymund Benedict "RB" Q Hizon SJ to them.

In addition to Fr Hizon, other University officials at the event included Fr Roberto "Bobby" Yap SJ, University President; Fr Joaquin Jose Mari “Jonjee” C Sumpaico III SJ, Vice President for Basic Education, Fr Alberto “Bert” V Ampil SJ, Director, Office of Parent Relations and Programs (PReP) - Parents Union for School & Home (PUSH); Ms Arienne R Lambo, Assistant Director PReP; Mr Jervy M Robles, Headmaster, Ateneo Grade School; Ms Nerissa G Cabacungan, Assistant Headmaster for Administration, Ateneo Grade School; Ms Rosanna “Sansan” M Borja, Principal, Ateneo Senior High School; Ms Erika Y San Jose, Assistant Principal for Academics, Ateneo Junior High School; Dr Jose Maria Edito “Jo-Ed” K Tirol, Director, Office of Admission and Aid – Undergraduate Education; Mr Francis Arthur “Punch” San Jose, Coordinator for Junior High School, Office of Admission and Scholarships; and Ms Maria Teresa “Matec” D Villanueva, Director, University Marketing and Communications Office.

Meanwhile, the representatives of the various parent and alumni organizations included Atty Stephanie “Steff” Baltao-Basilio, President, Ateneo Alumni Association; Dr John Cabansag, President, Ateneo Schools Parents Council (ASPAC); Mrs Love Lynne Reyes, Chair, Ateneo Grade School Parents Council (AGSPAC); and Mrs Carla Yaptinchay, Chair, PUSH Executive Council.

The event served as a means for Fr Hizon, who gave the opening remarks, to formally introduce himself to the members of the Ateneo Parents Associations following his appointment as Director of the OUDAA last July.

The gathered crowd also got the chance to meet students and scholars who have not only benefitted from the various fundraising and scholarship programs of Ateneo, but also those who've raised money through their own fundraising efforts.

First up was college student Mr Vaught Quinto (2 BS EcE), a Magis Scholar from Mindanao. Mr Quinto, a graduate of the Philippine Science High School - Southern Mindanao Campus, shared his story as a child growing up in Mindanao. This included his efforts to apply to the "big four" Philippine colleges (of which Ateneo is included), and how he thought his only realistic option was the University of the Philippines – due to its tuition being free – until he learned he was selected for a scholarship at Ateneo.

Next up were three graduates of Ateneo Senior High School Batch (ASHS) 2025 – Mr Edward Joseph “EJ” B Porta (1 AB MEco), Ms Maria Ysabel C Galvez, and Mr Vinze Symoun J Estioco (1 BS ME). The three explained the trials and tribulations of the batch project that they led in ASHS, where their goal was to raise PhP 800,000. This included not only their successful efforts, including a film premiere for Captain America: Brave New World last April 2025, but also their various failures, including but not limited to a food stall at the school fair. More importantly, they shared all that they learned from their success and failures during this project.

Following the students' presentations, Mr Owen Tolarba, representative of the Ignatian Hummingbird Society, went up on stage to talk about the Workshop on Ignatian Spirituality & Parenting (WISP). The latter is an OUDAA program that provides spiritual formation for parents and stakeholders within Ateneo de Manila.

As part of this, Mr Tolarba presented a video showing moments from previous WISP workshops, before inviting other parents in attendance to try attending future WISP sessions.

The final speaker of the night was none other than Ateneo de Manila University President Fr Bobby Yap SJ who took to the stage to thank the parents for their support while also commending the OUDAA and other offices working with parents, students, and scholars for their hard work. 

Following this, the parents enjoyed dinner and fellowship, while also taking the time to pose for photographs with Fr Yap, Fr Hizon and other University administrators.