Back to Blue: First Grand Alumni Scholars Homecoming celebrates 6 decades of generosity

In a celebration of decades of generosity and community, hundreds of Ateneo college alumni scholars gathered on Saturday, 8 November 2025 for Back to Blue, the first-ever Grand Alumni Scholars Homecoming.

Nearly 700 alumni scholars filled the newly refurbished Blue Eagle Gym for an evening of reunions, music, and shared memories.

More than a homecoming, Back to Blue served as a reaffirmation of solidarity among Ateneo college scholars across generations, and a call to support the Ateneo College Scholarship Program.

The event opened with a Thanksgiving Mass led by alumnus scholar Fr Joseph Patrick Echevarria SJ (BS PS-CE 2005), in gratitude for the 6 decades of Ateneo scholarship that have empowered more than 10,000 students.

In his welcome message, University President Fr Roberto Yap SJ (AB Eco 1980) invited fellow alumni scholars to “reconnect and celebrate” shared bonds, while looking toward the future by paying forward the generosity they once received.

“As we gather here this evening—recipients of magnanimity and hope from others—their gift of education has allowed us to grow in mind, heart, and spirit… The generosity we received has come to an end, but a new source of generosity begins anew,” he said. “This time, it starts with us.”

Alumni scholars were treated to a lively program of fellowship, games, and musical performances. Hosting the night were alumna Athletic scholar Gretchen Ho (AB Com & BS ME 2012), alumnus Director’s List scholar Aeron Syliongtay (PS Psy 2017), current Academic scholar Soj Gamayon (4 BS ComTech), and current Financial Aid scholar Leanne Isip (4 AB Com).

A variety of performers—Mike Shimamoto (AB Psy 2013), Arianna Lopez (AB Com 2023), the Tres Titos (College OSAS’ Chris Castillo (AB IS 2003), Cholo Malilin (AB Com 1991), and Rene San Andres (AB Philo 1981)), CASA, and the Gabay Caroling Group—added music and nostalgia to the gathering.

Guests also joined in fun activities, including a half-court shoot-out challenge led by former Blue Eagle and Athletic scholar Isaac Go (BS MAC 2019). Prizes worth nearly Php 500,000 were also raffled off to lucky alumni scholars, including 3 winners of Php10,000, one winner of a vacation package (3D 2N) at Sur Buracay, and one winner of Php 50,000.

Closing the formal program, Dr Jose Ma. Edito “JoEd” Tirol, Director of the College Office of Admission and Aid, emphasized the bigger significance of the scholarship program: that is, to help young individuals uncover their fullest potential, and in turn be a beacon of hope and generosity for others.

"Every scholarship given by the Ateneo de Manila, whether financial, academic, or athletic, is ultimately an act of faith," Tirol said. "We would like to believe that most alumni scholars have rewarded the faith of their alma mater and responded to the call to be something more."

Back to Blue was organized by the College Office of Admission and Aid and co-presented by the Ateneo Alumni Scholars Association (AASA), GetBlued, Agile Data Solutions Inc, Uratex Foam and Ms Peachy Cheng-Medina, and Century Tuna.

The event’s major sponsors included Nike PH and Sur Boracay, while its minor sponsors comprised the Ateneo Alumni Association, Ayala Land Premier, Edelyn’s Homemade Nuts, Hunger Buster, Mr Anthony Sy, Mr Joseph Ang, Mr Rudy Ang, and Ms Celda Santos.

The event was also supported by various university offices, including the Office of the President, the Office of the Vice President for Higher Education, the Office of University Development and Alumni Affairs (OUDAA), the University Athletics Office (UAO), and the University Marketing and Communications Office (UMCO).