Alumni Voices

From our former students

SMA Alumni Voices

Alum Voices – Share Now

I was discovered in dancing back in 2nd grade and was frequently chosen to teach choreography for school events. I am proud to say that I am one of the members of Sinag Tala Theatre Guild’s first batch

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos
Elementary
Anna Frances Bernardo

SMA Alumni Batch 2015

SMAM helped me build my confidence in front of a large public and helped me conquer my fear as well whenever I’m sharing my talent and performing. Being a member of the SMA Chorale and having the opportunity to perform with my instrument during activities and events helped me a lot as a musician/performer today

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos
Senior High School
Mark Angelo Sobrenilla

SMA Alumni Batch 2018

My fondest memories would be practices for the Big Day Celebration as well as the actual event itself. Additionally, I would consider my time training for competitions such as DSPC and MACIPRISA to be an unforgettable memory.

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos
Junior High School
Francesca Isabelle Estrada

SMA Alumni Batch 2021

Up to this day, I cannot express how much SMA’s “Big Day” impacted my life. It made me realize and live up to all my potentials. Even though my last one was almost a decade ago, I will never forget the passion, camaraderie and effort that went in on those days

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos
Elementary
Veronica Villanueva

SMA Alumni Batch 2013

Being able to represent SMA during outside the school competitions, taking on leadership roles, and of course the lasting relationships that were built inside our community helped me into becoming the person I am today—a star with much more confidence. These experiences have been pivotal in my personal growth journey, boosting my confidence and equipping me to handle public engagements, especially now in a university, with ease

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos
Junior High School
Leianne Toronon

SMA Alumni Batch 2020

It takes more than determination to become an honor student. Thanks to the guidance of my teachers and the motivation provided by my small group of friends and family, I was able to build the foundation of who I am now. Moving forward. I can look back and appreciate the good and even the undesirable memories I gained, and even if I am no longer a student at SMA, I still carry the knowledge, values, and pride of my school. I am the person I am at my new university because I can proudly say that I was, and will always be, an SMAer.

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos
Junior High School
Bryan Benedict Uy

SMA Alumni Batch 2022

SMA will always have a special place in my heart because they were the first to really believe in me, especially during my MACIPRISA days. I will never forget how my trainers taught me how to be strong and more confident in myself and in my talents.  It has helped me so much during my college and even landing my job at Uniqlo as a managerial candidate.

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos
Senior High School
Hanna Joyce Cabral

SMA Alumni Batch 2020

I honestly loved preparing for our large events like for Christmas and Big Day! I felt like our class would always really bond during that time. The relief and sense of accomplishment afterwards was always worth it.

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos
Elementary
Anna Althea Almuete

SMA Alumni Batch 2010

The teachers and my classmates are kind. I miss the Big Day Celebration….I miss being a member of SMA Chorale. I miss caroling with my fellow companions in SMA Chorale.

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos
Junior High School
Hans Louis Corpuz

SMA Alumni Batch 2020

As an SMAer who represented our school in various events, served as a student leader and built meaningful relationships, my fondest memory stems from the culmination of all these roles. Collaborating closely with fellow students and mentors created a network of support and inspiration that extends far beyond graduation. These experiences have shaped both my professional trajectory and personal growth, reminding me of the transformative power of education and community engagement brought by our dear Alma Mater, SMA.

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos
Junior High School
Reena Santiago

SMA Alumni Batch 2023

My fondest memory in my SMA years is that I was able to express my talent in singing. Additionally, I learned how to play table tennis and represent our school in MACIPRISA, City Meet, and CLRRA. I’m grateful that SMA has been part of my journey.

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos
Junior High School
Louelyn Mae Valentin

SMA Alumni Batch 2016

In my time at SMA, I loved the preparations for big events like MACIPRISA, where you represent your alma mater. I also loved how SMA develops its students to have better confidence and higher self-esteem and helps them conquer their fears through giving them opportunities to perform in front of many people. Being a student in SMA is worth it!

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos
Junior High School
Shane Kirby Salas

SMA Alumni Batch 2020

As a proud alumnus of SMA, I can confidently say that my time here was transformative. The committed and persistent faculty members, vibrant community, and rigorous academic environment equipped and honed me with the skills and knowledge needed to be an ARTICULATE, HARDWORKING, and RESPONSIBLE student. My personal life has been and continues to be shaped by the invaluable experiences and lifelong connections I have made along the way. SMA was able to help me overcome my stage fright as I unleashed my talent and potential as a performer during Christmas parties and Big Day celebrations. I am grateful for the institution’s foundation, which led me down a path of accomplishment and ongoing development. SMA will always be my second home.

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos
Senior High School
Francis Kiancali Darik Tan

SMA Alumni Batch 2023

I was lucky enough to spend 3 years at SMA, till this day I always bring the same values that I have learned from my teachers and classmates in my everyday life. 

I would rather share fond memories rather than just one, so here are a few. From preparing and performing in Big Days, representing the school as a Counselor, participating and repping the school in Maciprisa Tournaments, going into Subic for Regional competitions with my special group of friends and I will never forget those Guitar lessons hosted by Kuya Bedik and Teacher Mabel. 

And lastly, I just want to give a huge shoutout to the woman that changed my ways of looking and tackling certain life situations, Teacher Lennie thank you for being the best Teacher / Mother for us, I am sure my classmates would say the same about you! You can teach every subjects, you can sing, you can dance, you can play the drums!!

And Huge shoutout to Teacher Nenette for stealing me away from MSM, best Headteacher ever! Sorry about getting tattoos 🫶🏽🫶🏽

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos
Elementary
Adrian Resander

SMA Alumni Batch 2008

SMA Parent Video Voices

Hear firsthand from our parents as they share their experiences and stories about SMA’s nurturing environment and educational excellence.

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos
Mr. Gerardo R. David

SMA Parent

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos
Ms. Nancy P. Taperla

SMA Parent

View more testimonials from SMA Parents

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos

Dearest Teacher Nenette, 

I hope everybody is well at SMA and in your household.

I am sending this because I can’t help but think of you and Stella Maris as I noticed that the Debate Team of BulSU-Laboratory High School who won 1st runner up in the 2022 Timpalakan that was held earlier today was composed of SMAers: Naomie Pagapulangan, Zizi Biwit and my daughter, Zeth. (It may not be because Zeth is part of the team but the common denominator is…they were SMAers)

Only SHS students trained them and luckily they were able to land 2nd place in a provincial level contest, I believe that an added factor to their achievement was the foundation they had during their elementary years. (First time that the entry of ours had reached the championship level, as I was told.)

Surely, the training they had from SMA (particularly in Sinagtala Theater Guild and as participants in MACIPRISA) helped them to become independent learners who can confidently strive to become better in their own little way… and I thank God that Zeth regained her confidence, too.

These girls came from different sections but still, they were able to adjust to their indifferences, manage their time properly, practice seriously, and strategize by themselves to prepare for the contest. These, probably are traits that had been developed during their SMA years. (Zeth actually surprised me about her participation to this contest.)

It’s been quite a while since they graduated from the elementary level in SMA and yet they are now in Grade 10.

I did not tell Zeth that I will be sharing this to you. I am simply inspired and thankful for what she’d become today because of you/SMA.

You are true to your mission and commitment. And I will be forever grateful and thankful to the entire SMA Family.

THANK YOU, Teachers. THANK YOU, SMA.

Ms. Zeñorina Merida

SMA Parent

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected schooling worldwide and raised serious concerns about children’s learning, and our daughter Cassie, was no exception to that. She was supposed to be enrolled in the school year 2020-2021 at the age of four. Unfortunately, a pandemic happened, hence, my husband and I enrolled her via online class the following school year instead. As parents, we got a bit worried about the thought that our child might be delayed in school versus her age. But through God’s guidance and lots of research, we found out about Stella Maris Academy, which became our close partner in bringing out the best in our child. At the start of the school year 2021-2022, Cassie was a bit shy, but through the guidance and patience of her teachers, she was able to overcome her shyness and enjoy her class more. She has also shown independence and an increased interest in learning, which eventually resulted in her transition from nursery to kindergarten in a span of 5 months.

Thank you, teachers, for all your support and knowledge bestowed on our child. And now that we are adapting to the “New Normal”, we believe that SMA and its teachers will continue to be the brighter and bigger stars that will always be there to guide our Cassie and ALL the other Little Stars on their turf. Again, thank you, SMA! All the best, and may God continue to bless the institution!

Ms. Sara Jane Brutton

SMA Parent

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos

Our first choice of school has always been Stella Maris Academy of Malolos, Inc. Our child began her nursery years in this institution, and they’ve continuously proven that we made the right decision for her. She loves going to school, adores her teachers, and looks forward to seeing her classmates on a daily basis. This speaks a lot to us as parents, as we’ve noted how important it is for our child to like, if not love, the school and its environment that she’s in. So since the beginning of the pandemic last March 2020, we still chose to trust SMA to continue facilitating our daughter’s holistic and educational well-being by having her join the Synchronous type of learning. We were surprised that although online learning wasn’t much of a trend in Malolos, they’ve managed to plan a very compelling approach on how it is best done for the students by utilizing Quipper and Zoom to help the process become more seamless. Adjustments were made, of course, but it wasn’t much of a hurdle, so to speak, as our child adapted almost naturally to the new system.

SMA has chosen to be more welcoming and very understanding of every child’s needs. It is shown in how the teachers handle every student’s query during and outside class sessions, how they always communicate with the parents and seek their thoughts on matters, and most importantly, how they draw their decisions around the fact that would work best for everyone.

Mr. and Ms. Boncavil

SMA Parent

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos

We are very impressed at how SMA has been handling the challenges of this pandemic without sacrificing the quality of education they have been giving our children. SMA has been versatile in their teaching strategies by combining new technologies with traditional and experiential learning, which makes learning fun and conducive for virtual classes.

Mr. and Ms. Gallardo

SMA Parent

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos

How SMA Ensure the Holistic Development of Learners

SMA conquered the challenges brought by COVID-19 in the field of education. With the use of technology and the Learning Management System Quipper, online learning was made possible. Though its efficacy may be questioned, we think that SMA really did an excellent job in developing our children holistically.

Teachers managed to meet our children’s individual and social needs through drills, songs, games, painting, arts and crafts and more. They took advantage of pupils being at home to plant flower bearing plants, which my daughter really enjoyed because she is already harvesting its flowers. They are having physical activities like dancing, doing household chores, reciting poems, jazz chants, which can lead to greater independence and increased self-esteem which meets their communication, psychological and emotional needs.

Teachers make learning natural, engaging, creative and they instil values, too. They pay attention not just with the cognitive aspects of learning but with spiritual well-being as well.

Indeed, these initiatives have demonstrated that, from an academic standpoint, SMA made online learning as good as traditional learning. Teachers make sure that they include holistic components that will make online education meet the ever-changing demands of their learners.

Mr. and Ms. Rivera

SMA Parent

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos

I really appreciate how much effort SMA introduces to make the online learning process effective, interactive, and fun for the students. Their online platform, Quippper, is very easy to use both for students and parents. I can easily monitor my kid’s school performance with it at one glance.

The teachers are encouraging and caring while giving an organized structure and guidance my kids need. I saw how they make sure of providing equal opportunities to all students to participate. The Multiple Intelligence activities cultivate every student’s mind to show them that they are all intelligent in different ways. This boosts their confidence and increases their motivation to learn.

And most importantly, the level of attention to holistically developing each and every student is a priority in SMA. It’s a great school where I know my kids are in good hands! Thank you SMA!

Ms. Elen Viernes

SMA Parent

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos

I just recently enrolled my son as a Grade II student at Stella Maris Academy of Malolos and I have never been more impressed on how they develop their students academically and socially. Since the pandemic, it has been very challenging for the students to learn and to focus on their studies but SMA faculty has made it effortless. My child has grown in a way that he never would have at another school. SMA provides meticulous academic challenges, as well as the tools and strategies needed for one’s growth and learning. I am thankful enough for their effort and perseverance.

Ms. Ana Patricia Faustino

SMA Parent

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos

Being my children transferred to SMA, they were able to adapt and adjust the SMA way. At first, the transition from their former school was rather difficult, but SMA teachers made it easier for my children to cope each day through their help and constant guidance. I noticed how their teachers give personalized attention to every student where everyone has a chance to participate and express themselves. It is nice to see my children focusing, working diligently and responsibly in managing their time to meet their deadlines. I see tremendous improvement with my kids both academically and behaviorally. What impressed me the most is the monitoring done by their teachers to ensure that each student does not miss any of their tasks. I also appreciate the teachers’ time and effort to meet with each parent to discuss student progress and also their recommendations for improvement. Thank you very much to SMA teachers and management, kudos to everyone for offering a seamless online class.

Ms. Ara Alejar

SMA Parent

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos

Because of the pandemic, the education system made a 360-degree shift from face-to-face learning to online and modular learning. Kudos to all SMA Teachers, specially to those who have been teachers of Ijin and Marcuz. Despite the insurmountable obstacles and challenges you need to face, all of you have found creative and ingenious ways to make my kids online education, informative and enjoyable. Your interactive and creative ways of teaching are affirmation that with passion and dedication, teaching has no boundaries. I am fully grateful and honored that my sons have learned and gained a lot from all of you during these trying times.

Ms. Risha Mae Camacho

SMA Parent

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos

Stella Maris Academy has exceeded our expectations in the continuous development of our children. SMA has a “Big Day” where every student showcases his/her talents in singing, dancing and acting. Because of this, our son develops his confidence and social skills toward other children. SMA also highlights the students’ strengths and weak points during Parents-Teachers Conference. Overall, the school gained our trust that is why we also enrolled our 2nd son to SMA. Thank you.

Ms. Nerissa Santiago

SMA Parent

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos

This pandemic has made a lot of changes in our everyday lives and this does not exclude how our children will continue their education on a different type of setup. I know that this is going to be a very tough adjustment for everyone but still we put our trust in SMA and its faculty. SMA introduces collaborative learning. It involves the participation of not only the student and teacher but also us, parents. As much as teachers wanted to help in nourishing the knowledge of our children, we cannot put the entire weight on them. The teachers tap on different resources to make learning more interactive and fun. At first, it was difficult but with the relentless efforts of our dear SMA teachers, they thrive.

As online education continues, it gets easier and easier for the children to learn. SMA faculty and administrators are very open to comments and suggestions from parents to make this online learning a success. The teachers also adjusted to this new trend of education. Even traditional teachers learn the use of new technology to improve their teaching strategies. I would also like to congratulate the entire SMA faculty for a job well done in continuing the quest of achieving quality education amidst the situation that the world is in right now. More power and kudos for a job well done!

Mr. Sincioco and Ms. de Jesus

SMA Parent

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos

How SMA Taps the Potential of All Learners

Just take a look at our daughter Iya –from a shy to a confident school girl, and that was made possible through the assistance of SMA teachers. Inspite being online, her teachers were able to boost the confidence of our daughter as she was even elected president during her stint in Grade 2, and she’s currently holding the same position in Grade 3. Our daughter does not only exhibit the qualities of a good and responsible leader in her class, but she carries it as well at home, impressing us beyond what a 9-year-old kid can do as she accomplishes all the tasks assigned to her independently with eagerness and enthusiasm. We are so glad that we have the Stella Maris Academy as our partner to help us mold the brightest future for our daughter.

Mr. and Ms. Villar

SMA Parent

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos

Good Education…
Passion for Excellence…
Multiple Intelligence….

Stella Maris Academy has been our parter in achieving these goals for our children. Our son experienced reading difficulties during his first grade. We were concerned about how he can keep pace with his learning modules. Fortunately, he was expertly assessed by Guidance Counselor Teacher Ellene as being smart in oral recitation. Thus, he was very ably guided by his teachers using innovative teaching techniques, thereby, giving him confidence to learn while slowly overcoming his reading difficulties. We are very thankful that our children are part of the SMA Family!

Mr. and Ms. Pineda

SMA Parent

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos

The Covid 19 virus affected the whole world by disrupting our normal daily life especially our educational system. This pandemic challenged the education department on how they will continue to provide effective system for children to continue learning even if it’s limited to on-line classes.

In the beginning, most parents were skeptical how this on-line class will work, it’s all new to us, so many what ifs & will it be worth it questions. My daughter has been studying in SMA since nursery & from then on we’ve put our trust in the school to give quality service. When the pandemic came, they conducted a free on-line class to give parents idea on how it will work, and from how it went, we were able to trust them that they can guarantee quality education without giving us parents the hassle of worrying how we teach our kids. Two years had gone by so fast and I can attest that SMA stayed true to its promise that they will be the one to teach our kids & not us, we parents are just guides.

My daughter learns new things everyday from her teachers, surprised that she is able to do this & that, became more computer literate, can still communicate with her classmates on their group works & share their creativity in different fields. Every now & then, I would hear them perform as individual or group, short skits, sing & recite poems, having them filmed themselves do household chores, planting and even cooking. We all adjusted to this new normal. It has pros & cons but all I can say is that SMA has been very flexible enough to find & create ways to give quality education to our kids with high regards to moral values, love for God & respect to our nature.

Mr. and Ms. Villegas

SMA Parent

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos

When our eldest son Justine turned 5, my husband and I really decided to enrol him in Stella Maris Academy of Malolos. This is because most of the recommendations we got was “Stella Maris Academy of Malolos”. With the great performance we saw from our son and without any negative experience with SMA, we also enrolled our daughter, Janeene when she started her schooling.

For almost 14 years of entrusting our children’s education with Stella Maris, our children are continuously developing each year and discovering their fullest potentials. When pandemic came, we really thought of how Stella Maris would be able to deliver the same approach in educating their students. When online classes started, their approach and teaching strategies exceeded our expectations.

Teachers showed their dedication and commitment on how to encourage the students to adapt to the new learning methods; hard skills and soft skills are still evidently progressing even with online classes. Stella Maris provides a well-planned and self-motivated approach to the students. SMA guides and gives attention to students during each session and dedicates a day for student’s consultations.

As a working Mom, I did not experience any difficulty with my children’s studies. I find my children doing their tasks, assignments, and activities with enthusiasm. SMA upholds that their Pupils shine like STARS!

Ms. Josephine R. Baluyot

SMA Parent

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos

We have high regards as to how SMA Teachers are able to handle Online Classes. From the start of the pandemic about 2 years ago, SMA Teachers have shown determination, efficiency and creativity in helping students in one of the most difficult times of their lives. They were able to bridge the gap of being miles away from the school by providing interactive classes at all times. Thank you dear teachers, you are the driving force behind SMA’s success!

Mr. and Ms. Bais

SMA Parent

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos

We have high regards as to how SMA Teachers were able to handle Online Classes. From the start of the pI really appreciate this great initiative by the SMA teachers. They provide a good quality and method of teaching. They handle very well the online classes I really appreciate the great initiative of the SMA Teachers. They provide good quality and method of teaching. They handle ery well the online classes in this pandemic situation. I saw my daughter learn and enjoy in the online class. Every teacher gives his/her good effort for their students. Thank you for supporting our children. God bless SMA!

Ms. Lovely S. Magsakay

SMA Parent

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos

How SMA teachers handle online class

Alam nating lahat ang hirap na dala ng pandemya lalo na pagdating sa pag-aaral ng ating mga anak. Madami ang hindi nakapag-desisyon agad kung itutuloy ang pag-aaral ng mga bata sa pamamagitan ng online class. Ganoon pa man, ako at ang aking asawa ay hindi nag-dalawang isip na mag-patuloy at mag-enroll sa SMA dahil alam namin at tiwala kami sa kakayanan ng eskwelahan at ng mga guro.

Salamat sa mga guro sa lahat ng sakripisyo para maihatid ang quality education sa mga bata sa panahon ng pandemya- kung paano nila ginagawang interesante ang kanilang klase para hindi mainip o ma-bore ang mga mag-aaral, kung paanong naiihatid nila nang malinaw at maayos ang mga leksyon sa tulong na din ng teknolohiya, kung paano nila nagagawang gabayan ang mga bata kahit hindi nila kasama personal. Maayos ang sistema sa mga bata lalo na sa pag-papatupad ng rules & regulations. Para din silang nasa loob ng classroom. Bukas din ang kanilang komunikasyon kung may nais kang malaman tungkol sa iyong anak. Very approachable ang mga teachers at staff. Sumasama kasi ako minsan sa klase ng anak ko para obserbahan ang mga ginagawa nila. Madaming taon na din ang aming pinag-samahan ng SMA at mga guro kaya hanggang ngayon sa kanila ko pa din ipinag-kakatiwala at ipag-kakatiwala ang aking anak. Salamat po.

More Power, SMA & Teachers!

Ms. Ayessa R. Sta. Maria

SMA Parent

SMA Alumni Testimonials - Stella Maris Academy of Malolos

In the beginning of the pandemic, I was hesitant to enrol my child in SMA Online Classes. I was wondering if the time and money that will be put into it will be worth it. Two years have already passed and I can say that I made the right choice in enrolling my child in Stella Maris Academy. Not only did they deliver well but they surpassed my expectations. The teachers did a magnificent job in handling everyday online classes. It is like being inside a real classroom, with them interacting actively with their students online. I can say that all the time and effort we invested really paid off.

I would like to congratulate all the SMA teachers for a job well done in these past 2 academic years. We, parents, would like to thank you for your patience and hard work in teaching our children in the midst of this Pandemic. You have trained our children to rise above the challenge and to be resilient in the face of trials. Indeed, you have made Online Learning a success! More power and God bless.

Ms. Ivy Lynn B. Sureta

SMA Parent