By Xarah Yap

By Alexia Bangayan and Maxine Agno

The Ateneo Senior High School (ASHS) commenced its Recognition 2026, held at the 2nd floor of the Formation and Learning Center (FLC),  awarding groups and individuals who exemplified the Ignatian ideals of excellence and service in the past academic year.

The event started with an intermission featuring Kiera Moira and Trinity Quenco of the Ateneo Music Industry Organization (MIO), Chloe Licayan of 12-Ogilvie, and the Broadway Theatre Troupe of Ateneo (BTTA).

The ASHS Glee Club led the National Anthem, followed by an Invocation from Mr. Vincent Galileo L. Loiz.

Meanwhile, the opening remarks were delivered by Joaquin Jose Mari C. Sumpaico III, SJ, Vice President for Basic Education.

In his speech, he compared the journey of the students to a plant, emphasizing how they have bloomed and are now ready to bear the fruits of their hard work. 

The ceremony then recognized organizations that embodied the values of St. Ignatius de Loyola through their service and contributions to the school community.

Presented by retiring teachers Ms. Mercy N. De Guia and Mr. Gabriel F. Mallillin, the St. Ignatius Award for Groups of the ASHS was given to Hi-Lites and Blue Babble Battalion.

Eunice F. Miña, Michael Teodoro P. Gerochi, Mark Rommel R. Santos, Romeo Nicolas I. Nungay, Patricia Angelique L. Rivera, and Eirenne Aleeseeyah A. Lumasang recognized a total of 181 students who received a certificate for Individual Achievement across academics, sports, and service.

Additionally, Noel P. Miranda and Caroline C. Laforteza honored 29 students in receiving Distinguished Individual Achievement Awards for having won top in national and international competitions 

An intermission by Indayog ng Atenistang Kabataan (IndAK) energized the crowd, featuring highlights from their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 Streetdance routine, before the final sets of awards.

A wide range of athletic and competitive teams were celebrated, including Boys’ and Girls’ Football, Fencing, Debate, Swimming, Table Tennis, Girls’ Volleyball, ASHS DaDA, Programming Varsity, Badminton, Baseball, and Boys’ Basketball. 

The highlight of the day, the MAGIS Award for Distinguished Service, given to individuals who embodied the Ignatian ideal of “Magis” — tireless, humble, and effective service.

Students from Grade 12-Solinas, namely Josiah Graye R. Ong Ante — who was also a recipient last school year — and Jamila Gwyneth C. Vejerano were recognized as this year’s recipients.

In a heartfelt response on behalf of the awardees, Ong Ante expressed gratitude to the parents, friends, teachers, and the principal who supported their journey.

Drawing from his personal experience of painting St. Ignatius for the Church of Gesu, Ong Ante reflected on the meaning of Magis and the responsibility that comes with one’s talents.

He shared that, like St. Ignatius, students are granted the skills, grit, and fortitude that led them to their recognition, adding that ”we have all done more, and become more; we all have demonstrated Magis.”

Ong Ante further emphasized that choosing Magis means choosing what is better as the most life-giving option.

He  then encouraged the students to ”willfully give our time, effort, and love to doing good, to one day grant people that same privilege to dream and aspire as we do.”

Afterwards, the principal, Mrs. Rosanna M. Borja, delivered her closing remarks, reminding the awardees that ”excellence has many phases.”

She emphasized that the awards they received were an invitation to continue growing and use their talents for the greater glory of God, reflecting the school’s motto, Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (AMDG).

As the ceremony closed, the Blue Babble Battalion performed the school anthem ”A Song for Mary.”

A memorandum from Mrs. Borja was given last April 14, inviting the ASHS community to nominate deserving awardees for the St. Ignatius Award for Groups or Projects and the MAGIS Award for Distinguished Service.