La Consolacion College Bacolod’s 78th Baccalaureate Commencement Exercises became more than a ceremonial milestone—it became a moment of reflection, gratitude, and transformation, thanks to the heartfelt words of two honor students: Edmark Luis C. Monotilla and Juje Carl P. Alvarez, both graduating cum laude with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management.
Each in their own way, they gave voice to the journey of a generation marked by uncertainty, growth, and hope.
Edmark Luis C. Monotilla: “This is our moment.”
In his welcoming address on behalf of the graduating class, Edmark spoke not only with eloquence but with emotional depth. He began with a question that struck at the heart of the moment:
“How do you measure courage? Is it the absence of fear, or the decision to act despite it?”
He then welcomed guests with warmth and sincerity, acknowledging the support of leaders, mentors, and most especially, the families whose silent and steadfast sacrifices carried them through.
Edmark’s message reflected on the surreal feeling of reaching graduation after years of late nights, quiet struggles, and personal battles. He remembered how overwhelming college once felt—navigating a maze of unfamiliar subjects, internal doubts, and the pressure to belong. And just as many were finding their rhythm, “the pandemic struck. Everything changed.”
“Our screens replaced classrooms, and silence became a constant companion.”
Despite the distance and disruption, the Class of 2025 adapted—and in doing so, discovered a deeper kind of strength.
“Growth doesn’t always look like a straight line,” he said. “Sometimes it looks like falling behind, starting over, asking for help, and showing up even when you’re exhausted.”
Edmark ended with a reminder that their journey was shared with those who could not make it to the finish line—classmates whose dreams were paused by life’s unexpected turns.
“In many ways, we carry their hopes with us too.”
Juje Carl P. Alvarez: “We were taught to define our dreams.”
If Edmark welcomed the moment, Juje Carl gave it meaning.
Taking the stage with calm clarity, Juje began with what every graduate felt in their heart:
“We have finally reached the day where we close another chapter of our book to write a whole new one.”
He reflected on college life with honesty and humor—remembering how they crammed for exams, studied in cafés, and laughed in the hallways like there were no deadlines. But he didn’t shy away from the pain of the pandemic and the challenge of online learning:
“It was a hard time for all of us… but this institution never faltered; it endured.”
Juje then led the audience into a deeper reflection on transformation.
“We may not see it right away, but we’re not the same people we were when we first stepped foot in this institution.”
Though the class may have lost old habits or friendships, he reminded them that in every loss, there was growth—and a shaping of dreams.
And more than just dreaming, Juje underscored a key insight:
“We were not told to simply just ‘follow our dreams.’ Instead, we were taught to define them.”
He ended with powerful thanks to God, to their parents—“the wind to our stagnant sailboats”—and to LCC Bacolod, which, he said, taught them not only lessons in the classroom but also life lessons that helped them discover what they truly loved.
His closing words were a gift to his fellow graduates:
“Remember this day as the first page to those unwritten chapters of our life. Congratulations, Class of 2025!”
A Celebration of Endurance and Becoming
Together, Edmark and Juje gave voice to the soul of the Class of 2025—resilient, reflective, and ready to move forward with purpose. Their words captured not only what it means to graduate, but what it means to grow.
At La Consolacion College Bacolod, they didn’t just finish a degree. They defined their dreams—and found the courage to live them.
Photos by: Kasper Grey Lanza, The Ripples
L-R: Juje Carl P. Alvarez and Edmark Luis C. Monotilla