“Every great film ends not with a full stop, but with a legacy,” said Dr. Benilda N. Villenas, a line that resonated deeply with the graduating class as they took center stage in the grandest scene yet of their college journey.
Set against the elegance of Old Hollywood, the Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation Class of 2025 gathered to celebrate the culmination of their academic journey, a night shimmering with achievement, heartfelt memories, and the bright promise of new beginnings.
“This graduation is your final cut — not the end, but the closing of Act One,” reminded Dr. Villenas, Executive Vice President, and Vice President for Academics and Research, urging the graduates to take control of the sequel only they can direct. Her words set the tone for an evening not only of glitz and glamour but also of depth and meaning, a reminder that their stories are only just beginning.
One of the major highlights of the event was the much-awaited announcement of the Most Outstanding Student Achievers of 2025, recognizing students who excelled in various fields.
In the Sports category, Gian Franco Hernandez from the College of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (CIHTM) took first place, followed by Christine Keith De Luna of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) in second, and Mae Ashley Villaverde of the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (CNAHS) in third.
For Arts and Culture, first place went to Rica Angelica Oabel (College of Business and Accountancy), second to Czarie Adrienne Bogayan (CBA), and third to John Rev Remo (CAS).
In Off-Campus Leadership, Xyrus Kyle Ganancial (CIHTM) claimed the top spot. At the same time, Rachel Gwenn Madelo of the College of Engineering (CEng) placed second, and Angelo Laurence Arriola (CAS) came in third.
Meanwhile, In-Campus Leadership was led by Khailyn Mae Ravanzo (CBA) at first, followed by Drake Borris Garcia of the College of Criminal Justice and Criminology (CCJC), and Acela Alyssa Adormeo (CAS), second and third, respectively.
The Journalism category recognized Lycamae Penarejo (CCJC) as the top achiever, with Ma. Cleofe Bernardino (CAS) in second and Jasper Tabernilla (CBA) in third.
In the Academic Excellence category, all three awardees hailed from the College of Business and Accountancy. Aliza Joy Ng secured first place, followed by Khailyn Mae Ravanzo in second, and Angela Isabel Quillope in third — highlighting CBA’s continued leadership in scholastic achievement.
Adding depth to the celebration were inspiring messages from Dir. Joana Fe B. Panganiban, adviser of the graduating class, Dr. Henedina A. Lagumen, Dean of the College of Criminal Justice and Criminology, and Ms. Carmencita Custodio, Vice President of the Alumni Association.
The evening culminated in timeless fashion as Ayheka Mitch Pamfilo and Joshua Layugan, both from the College of Architecture and Fine Arts, were crowned Star of the Night and Face of the Night, respectively.
Meanwhile, Kimberly Reyes from CIHTM claimed the title of Queen of the Night, while Astred Capina from the College of Engineering was hailed as King of the Night.
From “once upon a time” to “the best is yet to come,” the Graduation Ball was more than a celebration. It was a heartfelt sendoff into a future where each graduate becomes the star of their own unfolding story.
After the awarding of honors and recognitions, the night continued with dancing that echoed through the ballroom. Now, with one final bow from this red-carpet celebration, the Class of 2025 eagerly awaits their much-anticipated graduation this coming June.
