The Jesuits established their first school in the Philippines in 1859. Originally known as Escuela Municipal, the school was later elevated to the status of a secondary school. In 1901, after losing its government subsidy under the American colonial administration, it adopted the name Ateneo de Manila.
Convinced that education was essential to shaping the character and intellect of young Filipinos, the Jesuits went on to found additional Ateneos across the archipelago. Today, seven Ateneo institutions continue this tradition of Jesuit formation: Ateneo de Manila University, Ateneo de Davao University, Xavier University (formerly Ateneo de Cagayan), Ateneo de Naga University, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Ateneo de Cebu (formerly Sacred Heart School for Boys), Ateneo de Iloilo (formerly Santa Maria Catholic School).
Additionally, the Jesuits also run Xavier School in San Juan, Xavier School in Nuvali and Loyola College of Culion.
Who is an Atenean?
The graduates of these Jesuit institutions, proudly known as Ateneans, carry with them a long-standing tradition of excellence. They hold their formation in high regard and remain steadfast in the ideals for which the Ateneo stands for. The name Atenean evokes an image of individuals who are intellectually gifted, athletically minded and capable, spiritually grounded, and distinguished as leaders across diverse fields and professions. Such is their reputation. Whether this celebrated image consistently aligns with lived reality is a question that invites thoughtful reflection.
A distinctly different understanding of what it means to be an Atenean was articulated by the late senator and Ateneo de Naga alumnus Raul Roco. In the souvenir program of the All-Ateneo Convention, which I attended in 1998 in Vancouver, Canada, he offered the following reflection: “But this global presence of an Atenean was inevitable or something that can be foreseen to happen for an Atenean personifies a universal being who stands out and succeeds wherever he or she may settle. Truly, the Atenean can be counted upon to build bridges and reach out to people of the world.”
Gathering of Ateneans
One hundred and sixty-seven years later since the opening of the first Ateneo in 1859, close to 60 Atenean-graduates from Ateneo de Manila, Ateneo de Zamboanga, Ateneo de Davao, Ateneo de Cebu, Ateneo de Naga and from the former Ateneo de San Pablo gathered in Las Vegas from October 1-3 for the 8th convention of the Ateneo Alumni Association of North America (AAANA).
AAANA is an umbrella organization of the various Ateneo alumni organizations in various cities and states in North America, working together to promote and protect the legitimate interests of all alumni. The organization serves as the central conduit for communication among the various Jesuit alumni associations and all Jesuit schools and universities in the Philippines, fostering the Ignatian tradition of finding God in all things and embodying the call to be men and women for others.
The convention was hosted by the Ateneans of Las Vegas (AOLV) whose president, Andy Moll, a graduate of Ateneo de Naga, is the incoming president of AAANA.
Four Jesuit priests from the Philippines, led by Fr. Xavier Olin, Superior for the Philippine Jesuit Province, honored the convention with their presence. Joining him in gracing the occasion were the following: Fr. Mike Pineda, President of Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu; Fr. Ari Dy, President of the Ateneo de Naga University; and Fr. Ernald Andal, President of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University.
The organizers prepared a convention that immediately commanded the attention of all participants. Fr. Olin delivered an address on the current state of various apostolates of the Jesuits, ranging from education as well as ministries that include engagement with indigenous communities, environmental advocacy, and the giving of retreats, among others. With the Society’s body of more than 217 members as of October of this year, Fr. Olin underscored the continuing need for vocation, for deep discernment to listen attentively to the Spirit, and to prayerfully determine the direction in which the Jesuits are being called to serve.
The participants also received updates from Frs. Pineda, Dy and Andal, who hold significant administrative responsibilities in the schools under their care. They reported on the academic and formation programs currently offered by their respective schools, as well as forthcoming initiatives related to scholarships and other expansion programs. Their presentations underscored the continuing commitment of their respective schools to strengthen the quality of Jesuit education.
Gala Night
The gala night demonstrated that people can celebrate in true Las Vegas style – complete with showgirls, cocktails, spirited school cheers, dinner entertainment, live bands, and dancing. Yet beneath the glitter, the music and the boisterous laughter was a deeper purpose: the kind of joyful gathering that unites alumni and alumnae and reminds them that, beyond the festivities, their enduring loyalty and commitment to support their alma mater remains at the heart of the occasion.
Elected and solemnly inducted by Fr. Olin, the following officers now assume their sacred charge to guide the AAANA toward new heights of service and purpose in the next two years:
Andy Moll, President, Ateneo de Naga University
Alma Villegas-Schwacbenberg, President-elect, Ateneo de Manila University
Jun Illustrisimo, Treasurer, Ateneo de Zamboanga University
Jennifer Suzara-Cheng, Secretary, Ateneo de Naga University
Rene Nocos, Auditor, Ateneo de Naga University
Dean Suba, Legal Counsel, Ateneo de Manila University
Greg S. Castilla, PRO, Ateneo de Manila and Ateneo de Naga University
Their commissioning marks not only a transition of leadership but a ceremonial passing of trust and responsibility to those who will implement the AAANA’s mission with dignity and commitment, in the spirit of the Ignatian mantra of “laboring without asking for any reward.”
See you in 2028 in Colorado
The familiar saying, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” may hold true for most visitors, but it does not automatically apply to the Ateneans who gathered for this convention.
The instant camaraderie forged among the participants, the spirited workshop on “Carving the Path Forward,” the raucous laughter as classmates exchanged pleasantries, the Gala Night complete with a photo both featuring Las Vegas showgirls, the medaling of two Golden Jubilarians Joel Rubio, Ateneo de Naga and Solito Barana, Ateneo de Manila, the presence of Jesuits and their support – all these moments created memories too vivid and too meaningful to be left behind. They will be carried home, shared with fellow alumni and alumnae outside of Las Vegas that will undoubtedly reverberate in Colorado in 2028 where the next AAANA convention is set to unfold.
The header photo shows the parade of Ateneo school delegations. All photos by the author, except where indicated.
About the author
GREG S. CASTILLA, one of the co-founders of Dateline Ibalon, is a graduate of Ateneo de Manila University. He was a recipient of the U.S. Department of Education Bilingual Fellowship Program at the University of Washington, where he earned a Ph.D. in multicultural education. He taught multicultural studies in several colleges and universities in Seattle as an adjunct faculty and authored eight books, the last of which is Magis: Things That Matter Most in Life (2021). He is a doting grandfather to his five grandchildren, and thanks his wife and children for what he has become.