It’s been a month since we came back from Canada, but I’m still savoring this feeling of authentic joy of reconnecting with our fellow co-alumni from across the globe. This happened last September 26-27, 2025, during the 5th Manila Central University Alumni International Reunion held at the majestic city of Niagara Falls in Canada.
For several years, we’ve been consistently invited by its dedicated and hardworking founder and chairman, Mr. Gregorio “George” R. Anicete, an alumnus and former beloved professor from MCU College of Medical Technology. This year, we finally made time to join them in celebration, and we’re so glad we did! We even brought along with us our three (3) siblings from Toronto, who are also proud MCU alumni. For our Sunga Family, this is our very first school-related reunion together, and it was truly remarkable!
According to Sir George, this MCUAI group started in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 1985, originally comprised mainly of alumni from MCU College of Medical Technology. Due to popular requests, the group continued and grew bigger in attendance, now includes alumni from all MCU Colleges and previous MCU Hospital staff from all parts of the globe. It was officially launched as MCU Alumni International in Las Vegas, NV in 2016. It was around that time that then-MCU President Mrs. Luningning T. Estanislao and then-VP For Planning and External Affairs Renato George Tanchoco MD, were formally notified of its existence, its growing membership, and the resounding success of its 2016 reunion.
This year, my husband Victor attended representing MCU High School ’78, College of Arts & Sciences (BS Chemistry’82, Cum Laude), College of Medicine ’86 and MCU Postgraduate Residency Training (Dept. of Surgery). I represented College of Medicine ‘86 and MCU Postgraduate Residency Training (Dept. of Medicine).
Day 1 started with a meet & greet at the Rizal Monument, followed by a beautiful Thanksgiving Mass at the nearby Chapel of Mt. Carmel. The heartfelt mass was celebrated by a local Filipino priest, Fr. Joiezl Fern Pinon, and was dedicated to our MCUAI 5th Reunion event. That added a touching dimension to this memorable event. The Chapel of Mt. Carmel is home to the Canadian National Shrine to Saint Therese of Lisieux. The Monastery is also home to the Mount Carmel Spiritual Centre, which offers spiritual guidance and holds many retreats and workshops to its communities. We took a lot of photos using the stunning architecture of the 138-year old building and the sprawling 12-acre property as our backdrop. An added pleasant bonus to our visit was the chance to touch the genuine relic of St. Therese of Lisieux. After mass, all alumni attendees had several group photo sessions. We were also given delicious boxed lunch, water bottles and gift totes containing shirt, cap and other MCU mementos. I was quietly impressed with the way everything was organized and being executed warmly. Everyone felt welcomed and belonged. There was a strong sense of camaraderie and fellowship right from the very start.
Day 1 culminated with the breathtaking Hornblower Niagara Falls Canadian Side Boat ride, now called Niagara City Cruises! It was truly an exhilarating 20-minute boat (Hornblower) tour which took us to the base of Niagara Falls. This unforgettable journey became even more meaningful because we were with our MCU co-alumni who remained energetic and warm, despite the cold mist. Our up-close encounter of the magnificent views of the Niagara Gorge, the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and the immensely beautiful and iconic Canadian Horseshoe Falls made us feel truly grateful of the natural wonders from God, and the gift of being part of this special reunion event.
Day 2 highlighted the International Gala Night. Gorgeous and elegant-looking Centralinos wearing Filipiniana-themed outfits filled the lobby of the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel, as we prepare for the famed “Red Carpet Walk”, an integral part and trademark of the MCUAI event that everyone eagerly anticipates to be part of. It is MCUAI’s version of the Oscar Red Carpet showcasing our own MCU alumni celebrity attendees, photographed as their names are being announced. A mixed feeling of excitement, pride, wonder and nostalgia filled the air as one by one these alumni attendees were introduced and led to their assigned tables. The nostalgic background music was from an actual live rondalla group, the amazing KCCC Rondalla. The evening gala started with a heartfelt Invocation delivered by the beautiful and ever-supportive Mrs. Luc Anicete. I was told that she has been doing that part of the program since 2016. The special dance production number by the beautiful power couple Mrs. Luc & Mr. George Anicete brought me back to the days when I used to watch special events at the Cultural Center of the Philippines/ Folks Arts Center premises. We also had the chance to meet in person the
distinguished Dean of the College of Medical Technology, Dr. Ferdinand A. Mortel. He shared with us the latest news from our beloved alma mater, including the recent upgrades and state-of-the-art facilities, and the newly offered Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology, a four-year program which started last July, designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills in radiographic imaging, radiation protection, and advanced diagnostic procedures.
One thing that I noticed was the unique happiness emanating from the eyes of my husband as one by one his former classmates (from high school, pre-Med to post-Medicine days) approached him and introduced themselves to him. He whispered to me, “I feel embarrassed that I almost can’t recall their names, but I still recognize their faces and the moments we shared in MCU.” To me, that was priceless! He bravely took several days off his very busy work schedule, just to experience this special reunion event he fondly calls “MCU Reunion, Sir George Anicete-style. From the smiles, pride and joy I saw from all attendees, especially from our siblings that night, it was indeed an especially memorable experience! Kudos to the 2025 Canada Committee, for their incredible efforts in making this reunion a resounding success!
There was just one big regret for us, we decided to leave earlier due to my sister-in-law’s request. We missed the part where Sir George Anicete and his team gave special awards and recognition to selected special alumni attendees from different colleges. So, Dr. Victor Isip Sunga was no longer there when it was announced that he was the recipient of the MCU Distinguished Alumni Award. He was speechless and overwhelmed with joy when we received the news about it from the gracious Founder himself.
By sharing our own family’s experience, we hope to be able to encourage our MCU alumni to grab every opportunity that comes to join and reunite with their classmates/batchmates and friends. Let’s create more meaningful and priceless memories together, and let us support one another in preserving and strengthening the camaraderie and sharing of wisdom across generations and across the globe.
The pride and honor of being an MCU alumnus with a genuine Centralino spirit will continue to glow and overflow in our hearts forever.
– contributed by:
Maria Alenor Yaranon-Sunga, M.D., Class ‘86
Co-Editor-In-Chief MCUMAF.net
