Journey back through the inspiring timeline of our Class of 2025 at CIIT Philippines, where community and creativity drive every step toward excellence in Arts and Technology! This chronological recap highlights holistic growth under the theme Rising with Purpose, Leading with Impact, from meaningful reflection to proud achievement.
Hearts United: Baccalaureate Mass
The journey started at Immaculate Conception in Cubao with the Baccalaureate Mass on October 18, 2025.
Surrounded by hymns, prayers, and personal stories, CIITzens and their parents came together in gratitude. The homily focused on “Tell me who your friends are, and I’ll tell you who you are,” stressing the value of relationships, perseverance, and ethical creativity. Supported by faculty prayers, this event reinforced: Your skills and determination will create impact in many fields.
Triumph Unleashed: 14th Commencement Exercises
The momentum continued at the 14th Commencement Exercises on October 24, 2025, held at The Crossroad Center in Mother Ignacia, Quezon City. It’s another event filled with energy and pride. Over 200 Graduates entered in Filipiniana attire, ready to lead, before donning the CIIT Sablay in a ceremonial moment symbolizing Filipino identity and our interwoven community of artists, coders, and dreamers.Â
The procession welcomed graduates from BS Computer Science (28), BS Entertainment and Multimedia Computing (25), Bachelor of Fine Arts (3), and Bachelor of Multimedia Arts (232). Coach Lyqa Maravilla’s keynote urged graduates to keep innovating in a rapidly changing world. Awards highlighted outstanding talents across digital arts, software engineering, and related fields. Diploma conferment drew cheers for each graduate, followed by the valedictorian’s reflections on lessons learned and goals ahead. The ceremony closed with photos and continued celebration of the graduates and their families.
Dream Boldly: Coach Lyqa Maravilla on Purpose and Transformation
Esteemed guest speaker Coach Lyqa Maravilla, a pioneer in digital education and YouTube creator for change, delivered an uplifting address. She urged graduates to find their why (a purpose bigger than themselves, born from pain and worth the effort), ask what they can contribute with their skills, and transform the world one step at a time – one artwork, one line of code, one game, or one learner. Drawing from history (printing press, radio, TV, AI fears), she emphasized technology and art as partners for positive change.
With fierce emphasis, Coach Lyqa introduced New Salulu – a near-delusional belief in yourself – as the new solution for CIITzens. “Hindi tayo magpapapigil sa kung anu lang ang praktikal. Mangarap ng mataas, malawak, matayog, at sumubok,” she declared, inspiring us to dream high, wide, and lofty without limits, rejecting the practical to chase bold visions. This mantra, rooted in her own “crazy” journey dropping out of UP Law to create free educational content, empowers our graduates to innovate ethically and collaboratively, turning passion into global impact.
Legacy Ignited: Crissa Jyn Ricablanca on Living Fiercely
Batch Valedictorian Crissa Jyn Ricablanca (Bachelor of Multimedia Arts, Specialization in Graphic Design) posed a profound question: “If you died today, what would your wake look like?” True success lingers in lives touched, not applause. She shared her battle with depression and anxiety, advising to chase fear (it’s a puddle, not an ocean – courage is action despite trembling) and chase value (create relentlessly as extensions of your principles). “Live with purpose so fierce it outlives you.”
A surprise to her family, her speech overflowed with gratitude and vision. In her heartfelt gratitude, she thanked friends, mentors, partner, twin sister Clarice, and parents for their sacrifices – highlighting her dad, a tireless buko vendor who trudged the heat with calloused hands and broken flip-flops amidst judgmental eyes. “I’m proud to say na pina-aral ako ng buko,” she declared emotionally. “Pa, thank you for fueling my crazy dreams. We’ll get our jet plane someday.” Â
Honors & Horizons: Ceremony Highlights and Future Calls
From the national anthem and opening prayer — reflecting CIIT’s values of Critical Thinking, Innovation, Integrity, Teamwork, and Passion — to the diploma conferment, the CIIT Sablay wearing ceremony (handwoven by Negros communities and packaged by Binhi artisans from Belen), the recognition of Latin honor awardees, the pledge of loyalty, and the celebratory recessional, every moment pulsed with pride.
Congratulations, Class of 2025! You are prepared to innovate and succeed.
Relive and experience the full 14th Commencement Exercises. Watch Here: