NUSparkle 2025: Hope in Action

The NUS Alumni Network Manila closed 2025 with an evening defined by purpose, gratitude, and collective hope through NUSparkle 2025: Hope in Action, a year-end celebration honoring the lightkeepers of our communities and the enduring spirit of service that binds the NUS alumni network.

Held at the Atencio-Libunao Hall in UP Diliman, the gathering brought together alumni, partners, and friends to reflect on a milestone year and to reaffirm a shared commitment to impact-driven engagement. NUSparkle 2025 was made possible through the generous support of Atty. Rodrigo Libunao (Law ’13), the NUS Office of Alumni Relations, and Dr. Venus Cloma-Rosales (Public Health ’13).

Fellowship, Connection, and Shared Purpose

The evening opened with a warm networking session, where alumni reconnected over refreshments, shared stories at the photobooth, and strengthened bonds across batches and disciplines. The program formally commenced with the introduction of the evening’s emcees, Karla Hotchkiss Rufino and Patricia Villar, whose warmth and professionalism set the tone for a night grounded in community and collaboration. Guests then enjoyed a sumptuous Filipino buffet accompanied by live music, providing space to look back on shared milestones while celebrating the present strength of the community.

NUS Cares: Hope in Action

A central highlight of NUSparkle 2025 was NUS Cares, the chapter’s flagship platform for high-impact, community-driven initiatives. The NUS Cares 2026 Panel, featured three inspiring partners—each embodying hope in action in different but equally powerful ways:

❤️ Happy Hearts Project

Led by Dr. Castle Recaña-Lu, the Happy Hearts Project provides life-saving cardiac care to children with congenital heart disease, giving families not only medical support, but renewed hope and a future.

📚 Singapore–Llorente Library Project

Championed by Judge Rowena Nieves Tan, this initiative supports access to education and learning resources in Llorente, Eastern Samar—affirming that knowledge remains one of the strongest foundations for long-term community resilience.

🩺 Americares Philippines

Presented by Paul Gwyn Pagaran, Country Director, Americares Philippines delivers rapid humanitarian and health responses in times of disaster, while also strengthening community resilience through sustained public health and medical support.

Together, these initiatives reflected what NUS Cares stands for: impact that is human, collaborative, and rooted in service. The discussion naturally flowed into an open forum where participants actively engaged with the panelists, exchanged ideas, and reinforced the inclusive, participatory spirit of the NUS alumni community.

A Year of Leadership, Gratitude, and Transition

The evening also served as a moment of reflection and transition for the Manila chapter. Chapter updates and announcements were shared, highlighting achievements, ongoing initiatives, and future directions with a video summary. As the year drew to a close, the chapter marked an important leadership transition. After guiding the community through a milestone year, Dr. Venus Oliva Cloma-Rosales (MPH ’13) stepped down as Chair of NUS Alumni Network Manila. Under her leadership, the chapter strengthened its foundations launching the BRASS strategy, revitalizing its digital presence, expanding NUS Cares, and steering the community through the global celebration of NUS120. The chapter expressed deep gratitude for her steady leadership, vision, and service, and warmly welcomed Patricia Villar Yambing (Business ’15) as the new Chair. With continuity and renewed energy, the chapter moves forward anchored in the same values of service, collaboration, and community.

The evening then moved into a celebratory close with group photos and live music, as alumni enjoyed rockaoke and performances by the Rox Puno Trio Band, strengthening friendships and ending the night on a joyful note.

Looking Ahead: Call for Volunteers and Executive Committee Nominations

As the chapter prepares for 2026, alumni are invited to help shape the next chapter of NUS Alumni Network Manila—through Executive Committee roles, project-based volunteering, and participation in NUS Cares initiatives.