Even as Typhoon Crising battered and soaked Metro Manila, a different kind of storm was brewing at the McKinley Function Room of the Manila Polo Club on Saturday, July 19, 2025. More than seventy Sigma Delta Phi sisters, from the 1950s to current resident members, convened for “Gather and Grow,” which featured the formal induction of the sorority’s Board of Directors for 2025–2027. The event also served as a venue to reflect on the sorority’s journey and explore how to keep its community relevant and strong.

Even before the program began, the atmosphere was already lively. Early arrivals greeted one another across tables, sharing stories, introductions, and a few laughs about the weather. Some talked about how they braved the rain and traffic just to get there, while others caught up with old friends and met new sisters for the first time.

Classical music from Cellodio’s trio filled the space as everyone settled in.

Then the new officers were called forward to take their oath of office. Most of the inductees were returning to familiar roles, while two stepped into new ones:

• Mona Lacanlale ’68, President and Chairman of the Board
• Nikki de Vega ’97, 1st Vice President and Chairperson of Membership
• Bing Roldan ’89, 2nd Vice President and Chairperson of Education and Culture
• Marife Recinto ’83, 3rd Vice President and Chairperson of Social Action and Civics
• Guia Libot ’16, Corporate Secretary
• Ebette Palma ’68, Treasurer
• Armi Treñas ’87, PRO and Chairperson of Promotions and Communications
• Vangie Abella ’90, Liaison Officer and Chairperson of Chapter Relations
• Maribel Guevara-Cabrera ’75, Head Executive Officer

Felice Prudente-Sta. Maria ’66, a respected food historian and author, administered the oath of office. In her message, she reminded the officers of the responsibility that comes with leadership:

“There is so much to be done yet we will move as one. We shall listen, forge the path ahead, and serve the sisters from batch ’33 to future generations. When called to account, we can say we have done our best, no less.”

After the induction, the afternoon gave way to a workshop, an approach meant to encourage fresh ideas and honest conversations. Participants were grouped by age and asked to reflect on what sisterhood means to them, and how the sorority can grow and remain meaningful to different generations.

The group dynamics varied. Some tables, especially among the more senior sisters, approached the questions freely, skipping around, telling stories, and coming back to earlier points when needed. These responses were rich with history and insight. In contrast, the younger sisters tackled the questions in a more structured way, and some groups even presented summaries of their discussions. Batch ’87 served as facilitators and compared notes afterward, noting how different generations saw the sorority in different ways.

There were light moments too. At one point, a few of the more senior sisters were expecting to finish lunch before the workshop began, so a quick announcement had to be made: the workshop could continue even as everyone ate. It led to a few chuckles and helped ease the transition.

Another memorable moment came when Pats Poblador ’11 surprised everyone with two song numbers. Her performance felt spontaneous, yet strong enough to belong on a real stage. It was a fun and unexpected addition to the day.

The workshop did not produce a formal list of outputs, but it did result in something just as valuable—a clearer understanding of how sisters across generations relate to the sorority. There was common ground around the themes of connection and community, but also honest differences. Some of the more senior sisters saw Sigma Delta Phi as central to their lives. Others, particularly the younger ones, said having full lives outside of the sorority allowed them to show up as better, more grounded sisters.

Before the program ended, President Mona Lacanlale gave updates on ongoing projects. These included environmental work like mangrove rehabilitation, outreach efforts like feeding programs, and continued support for PGH’s pediatric ward. She also shared plans to work more closely with Upsilon Sigma Phi, starting with a joint Christmas celebration later this year.

More than just an event, “Gather and Grow” became a space to listen, share, and reconnect. It reminded everyone that the bonds of sisterhood evolve, but the values remain. And as the name suggests, the day was both a gathering and a beginning.