By Precious Chyll Cabigan | The Paulinian
St. Paul University Manila honored its graduating class of 2025 at the 86th Commencement Exercises, held at the Fleur-de-lis Theater on May 30, 2025. The program had two parts: the Baccalaureate Mass and the Graduation Rites.
Before the Baccalaureate Mass, Juvin Casanova, a Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management candidate, formally introduced and welcomed attendees with an Introduction. The Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Ryan Janelle A. Salvacion.
In his homily, Fr. Salvacion said that graduation exercises are not an ending, but a new beginning—citing Jesus’ words to Paul, “Do not be afraid.” He also stated that togas, diplomas, and medals are not just things that are part of a graduation, but symbols of effort, suffering, and perseverance.
Before the Mass ended, Ms. Cristina Price, University Registrar, presented the graduating batch to the Church. Afterwards, a heartfelt Thanksgiving Message was delivered by Trisha Mae San Jose, a candidate for Bachelor of Science in Nursing, expressing the collective gratitude of the students.
Following the Mass, the 86th Commencement Rites officially began with the Entrance of Colors by the Adamson Honor Guards, followed by the procession of the University President’s Council and Academic Staff, along with the notable multimedia icon, Ms. Maria Rosario “Charo” Santos-Concio.
The Invocation was led by Jorgeene Rica L. Aloria, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology candidate. Afterwards, Louise Joanne Bito-on, a candidate for Bachelor of Music in Music Education with a Major in Music Therapy, gave her Welcome Address.
John Paolo Rosales, a candidate for the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, gave the Address of Petition. This was followed by the presentation of the graduation candidates by Ms. Cristina Price, University Registrar. Sr. Ma. Evangeline Anastacio, SPC, University President, then presided over the investiture and conferment of degrees.
This day was not just a milestone celebration for the graduates but also a historic one, as Ms. Charo Santos-Concio, former CEO of ABS-CBN and host of longest running television drama anthology “Maalaala mo Kaya,” became the first recipient of an honorary doctorate, Doctor of Humanities (Honoris Causa), recognizing her notable contributions as a luminary in the field of media communication.
“I played many roles on screen, but I never lost sight of who I was off screen. Ako si Charo—anak, kapatid, asawa, nanay, lola, kaibigan, kapamilya, and most importantly, a Paulinian,” Ms. Concio said in her speech, which touched the hearts of the crowd and inspired Paulinians to pursue their paths.
The presentation of special awards and distribution of diplomas was once again presided over by Ms. Price, giving recognition to the academic excellence of the students with Latin honors, as well as special awards of distinction such as—Leadership Award, Estelita Juco Journalism Award, Excellence in the Performing Arts Award, and Sr. Maura Pelaez Community Involvement Award.
Soon after, Ms. Judith Alderete, Head of the Student Affairs Office, presented a prestigious award, given for the first time, the St. Paul Award for Exemplary Service, to Juvin Casanova, President of the Supreme Student Council for 2024-2025 and the SPU Manila representative to the South Manila Educational Consortium Student Council, for his distinctive contributions to the university, all while embodying the five core values.
After the presentation of awards and diplomas, Isabelle Dizon, a summa cum laude graduate in Bachelor of Arts in Visual Design and Communication, delivered her Address of Gratitude. In her speech, she talked about the hardships that were brought upon their batch due to the pandemic, but pointed out that every circumstance and experience, whether good or difficult, has a purpose. “… Do your best, and God will do the rest,” she said.
Following Isabelle’s speech, the Pledge of Loyalty was led by Josef Mari Aliel T. Dator, Bachelor of Science in Nursing and the induction of graduates to the St. Paul Manila Alumni Foundation Inc. was held by Dr. Jennifer Joy Oliver, SPMAFI Vice President for External Affairs.
To conclude the momentous event, the Adamson Honor Guards led the Exit of Colors, followed by the recessional of the University President, the President’s Council, the Registrar, the Academic Staff, and, most importantly, the Batch 2025 graduates.
