Honoring Journeys, Inspiring Futures: Math majors gather in 2025 fellowship

The Ateneo de Manila University Department of Mathematics, in partnership with the Ateneo Mathematics Society (AMS), hosted its annual Math Majors’ Gathering last 29 August 2025 at Escaler Hall. The gathering served as a meaningful occasion to honor the achievements of the members of the math community, highlight the diverse opportunities that come with being a math major, and pay tribute to the beloved members of the department who have left a lasting impact on the community.

AMS President Chrislyn Ann Mañero (4 BS AMDSc) opened the gathering by sharing words of encouragement, emphasizing that both the Math Department and AMS embody more than just accomplishments; they stand as a strong support system for their members.

Department Chairperson Dr Richard Eden followed with introductions of the department, highlighting their awards, affiliations, and activities. Each name was met with a thundering applause, a reflection of the students’ appreciation for their professors. He also introduced the department’s students and programs, concluding with an insight that growth comes through the struggles of learning, but it is just as important to pause, reminisce, and celebrate because every individual matters.

A heartfelt tribute to the well-loved members of the department, Dr Jumela Sarmiento and Dr Agnes Garciano, who both left the earthly realm in the last two years, was led by Dr Catherine Vistro-Yu. She warmly honored Dr Jumela’s lively and spirited presence and Dr Agnes’ calm, quiet, and motherly presence. The room grew tender as a slideshow of photos and heartfelt messages from former students and colleagues brought back cherished memories of their kindness and impact. The tribute ended with a soulful rendition of Paraiso, one of Dr Garciano’s favorite songs, performed by Jake Brillo Garnace (PhD MathEd).

This was followed by the recognition of student accomplishments, spanning from undergraduate to PhD levels. These included participation and achievements in mathematics and finance competitions, hackathons, conferences, publications, and qualifying exams, as well as in sports and the arts.

Student talks offered a glimpse into the many opportunities open to math majors, showing how mathematics can be a gateway to growth, connection, and impact. Kurt Ecaranum (3 BS MA) shared his experiences in competitions, encouraging others to take the leap and reminding them that the real value lies in learning. Caitlyn Larissa Sequitin (4 BS AMDSc) described her Summer Term Abroad in Korea as “bitin but fun,” calling it a once-in-a-lifetime experience and humorously noting that not knowing how to do math is, in fact, a universal experience among math majors. Cody Christopher Sy (4 BS AMF) spoke about his internship during the intersession, expressing gratitude to his program adviser for the support and ending on an inspiring note: “If you can, you should.” These stories illustrate how mathematics takes shape in different arenas, from classrooms to internships and conferences.

Mr Jim Ralphealo Mijares delivered a witty account of attending local conferences as an MS Math Student, highlighting the dedication of Filipino math researchers and the opportunities for connection, adding that the math community, though often unnoticed, strives earnestly. Finally, Dr Mark Lester Garcia shared his experiences at international conferences as a PhD Mathematics Education Student, where he was challenged to engage with pressing global issues, including climate change.

An intermission dance number livened up the program with a performance from a group of math majors, humorously dubbed the Math Major Saja Boys, composed of Matthew Frederick Arceño (3 BS AMF), Johan Russell Cruz (2 BS AMDSc), Zam Ma. Victor Gandeza (2 BS MA), Lance Jared Cayabyab (2 BS AMDSc), John Dhey Cruz (2 BS AMDSc), Ambrose James Torreon (2 BS AMDSc), John Emman Luaton (2 BS AMDSc), and Gef Eigen Lim (2 BS AMDSc).

Franz Guico (M AMF) then delivered words of encouragement as he reflected on the question: Math Major ba ako? He recounted his nontraditional path in the program, balancing his love for music with his college journey, and in the process, offering his own reflection on the essence of being a math major. In closing, he emphasized that being a math major is more than just solving problems; it is about finding the courage to persevere, even when the problem seems insurmountable.

The plenary drew to a close with words of wisdom from Professor Emeritus Fr. Bienvenido Nebres, SJ, who wove together lessons from both mathematics and life. He pointed out that just as math is difficult, so too is life, for both are marked by a continuous process of confronting and solving problems. He stressed the value of discipline, self-care, and learning to manage oneself, while also delivering the powerful reminder to everyone that their roles do not define them. Above all, he urged everyone to remain true to their inner circle, holding on to what matters most amidst life’s challenges.

The day concluded with more intimate breakout sessions that allowed participants to connect the day’s themes to their own academic journey. Sophomores, with Viktoria Jane Ching (3 BS MA), Sandy Gee Pillos (3 BS AMF), Patrick Canlas (3 BS AMF), Jinelle Clark Castor (3 BS AMDSc), and Gabriel Angelo Teng (3 BS AMDSc), discussed the math major experience; juniors, with Dr Christian Paul Chan Shio, Dr Jeric Briones, and Dr Clark Kendrick Go, leaned on the realities of thesis work; seniors, with Mr Kurt Anthony de los Santos, Mr Mikko Carlo Vitug, and Mr Richell Isaiah Flores, reflected on the possibilities beyond graduation; and graduate students, with Dr Mark Loyola, opened up conversations about the challenges and possibilities of advanced study. 

The 2025 Math Majors Gathering celebrated not only the achievements of its students and faculty, but also the strength of the community that sustains them. It was a reminder that being a math major is about more than solving problems; it is about growth, courage, and moving forward together.