On 17 August 2025, the CFBCI Auditorium became a place of pride, inspiration, and celebration as the Chinese Filipino Business Club, Inc. (CFBCI) honored its Batch 2025 graduates in a memorable ceremony themed “Set Dreams Alight, Let Futures Ignite.” Families, friends, and distinguished guests gathered with the scholars, filling the hall with joy, excitement, and a sense of achievement. Guided by the dynamic hosts Mex Bausa and Paul Ediver Villa, the program unfolded with elegance and heartfelt meaning.

The celebration began with the Procession, a symbolic moment as graduates walked into the auditorium with dignity and honor. Pia Marie Alcantara, a Magna Cum Laude scholar from PLM, then led the Invocation, setting a tone of gratitude and reflection. The hall rose for the Philippine National Anthem, after which the hosts acknowledged the presence of CFBCI leaders, educational partners, and guests who have supported the scholars in their academic journey.

To officially mark the start of the occasion, President Samuel Lee Uy delivered a warm Welcome Address, emphasizing the Club’s continued commitment to uplifting lives through education. His words highlighted how the scholars’ perseverance represents not only personal triumph but also a promise of hope for families and communities. This was followed by Mr. Richard Alviar, Director and Education Committee Chairman of CFBCI, who introduced the Guest Speaker with deep admiration and respect.

The graduates and guests were then privileged to hear from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) President Atty. Domingo “Sonny” Y. Reyes, Jr., who delivered the Keynote Speech. With passion and wisdom, he reminded the graduates that their education is not only a tool for success but also a responsibility to serve others and create positive change. His inspiring message left a lasting impression, urging the scholars to pursue their dreams with courage and integrity. In recognition of his time and encouragement, CFBCI presented him with a Plaque of Appreciation and tokens of gratitude.

Adding a vibrant touch to the morning, the CFBCI Chorale graced the stage with a heartfelt performance, filling the auditorium with music that celebrated unity and joy. Afterwards, Vice President Antonio Tan gave an inspirational talk highlighting CFBCI’s unconditional generosity and continued support to the graduates. The event then turned to its most awaited moments — the Awarding of Certificates of Recognition to the graduates, followed by the Awarding of Tokens to those with Latin Honors. Each recognition symbolized countless hours of study, sacrifice, and determination, shining a light on the scholars’ extraordinary dedication.

Adding to this year’s achievements, CFBCI proudly celebrates the exceptional academic performance of its 46 new graduates, with 2 graduating as Summa Cum Laude, 18 as Magna Cum Laude, and 13 as Cum Laude. These distinctions highlight the remarkable dedication, discipline, and determination of the students, many of whom have overcome challenges to reach this point.

The ceremony reached an emotional high as the scholars themselves shared their reflections. John Lois Cesista and Andrea Nicole Arguelles, both graduating as Summa Cum Laude from PLM, delivered stirring Appreciation Speeches, expressing gratitude to CFBCI, their families, and mentors who stood by them. Their heartfelt words were complemented by Mrs. Melva Cesista, parent of John Cesista, who shared an emotional Message of Gratitude on behalf of the families, reminding everyone that behind every scholar’s success is a story of love, sacrifice, and faith.

Before drawing to a close, the audience was treated to the Batch 2025 Graduates’ Tribute Video, a touching presentation that captured the journey, struggles, and victories of the scholars. Tokens of gratitude were also presented to the CFBCI bosses for their unwavering support. One of the most symbolic parts of the event followed; the Induction and Oath-Taking of the Graduates as New Alumni, led by CFBCI Alumni Jefferson Correa who has been working as an Accounting Professor in China for six years.

Finally, Executive Vice President Gerald Chan delivered the Closing Address, motivating the graduates to ignite their futures with passion and purpose. Reminding the graduates and scholars, that “asking a question” can lead us into meaningful opportunities and help us gain deeper wisdom. The day concluded with joyful photo opportunities, capturing not only the smiles of the graduates but also the spirit of hope and inspiration that defined this unforgettable celebration.

CFBCI also extends its huge thanks to the generous donors of this occasion including President Samuel Lee Uy, EVP Gerald Chan, Vice President Paul Yeung, Director Gilbert Kua Yan Yee, and Director Jimmy Uy who each sponsored a delicious lechon. Director Zhu Xiao Hua also brought hundreds of JoyDay ice cream packs for the attendees to enjoy. Moreover, Vice Chairman Jack Wong donated cash incentives to the two Summa Cum Laudes, Vice Chairman Jimmy Ang brought delectable pastries for the graduates, and Plenary Member Direck Uy gifted each graduate a souvenir stuffed toy.

菲華工商總會訊：本會「點亮未來」助學方案受助學生，本年度共有四十六名學員以優異成績完成學業，取得大學學位。其中有二位獲最高榮譽(Summa Cum Laude)，二十位獲得大優等榮譽(Magna Cum Laude)，十三位獲得優等榮譽(Cum Laude)，成績斐然。本會於八月十七日（星期日）上午，假八樓禮堂為二零二五年度「點亮未來」助學方案畢業生舉辦「燃夢點光，照亮未來（Set Dreams Alight, Let Futures Ignite）」為主題的畢業慶祝典禮。當天邀請到馬尼拉市立大學（Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, PLM）校長雷耶斯律師（Atty. Domingo “Sonny” Y. Reyes, Jr.）擔任主講人。
當天的典禮，由本會西文秘書梅西卡（Mexica Bausa）與學友會成員Paul Ediver Villa擔任主持，馬尼拉市立大學大優等榮譽畢業生Pia Marie Alcantara 帶領全場祈禱，所有與會人士齊唱菲律濱共和國國歌，為畢業感恩會拉開序幕。
理事長黃書瑋致歡迎詞強調，教育是改變家庭命運與推動社會進步的最根本力量，讚揚學員們在艱困環境中依然以堅毅毅力完成學業，為家庭與社會帶來無限希望。期望學員們在畢業後繼續發揚菲華工商總會的理想，以身作則，將自己學到的知識與技能與他人分享，幫助其他有需要的人實現夢想。
文教委員會主任曾煥眉董事介紹主講人，馬尼拉市立大學第十一任校長雷耶斯律師，是一位兼具人力資源、法律與教育管理專業的卓越學者與領導者。他以「Making Things Right」為座右銘，致力推動教育品質提升學校校務改革。雷耶斯校長擁有高等教育管理博士學位，並出版專書《Upholding Academic Freedom in Philippine Higher Education Institutions》，探討並強調學術自由在大學治理與發展中的核心價值。其任內積極推動校際合作、獎助學金計劃及校園建設，展現出對學生、教師與社會的高度承諾與責任。
校長雷耶斯律師以「教育不僅是成功的工具，更是服務社會的責任」為題發表主題演講，勉勵畢業生勇於逐夢，並以專業和良知回饋社會。雷耶斯校長引用「塞翁失馬」的寓意，提醒畢業生在人生道路上要以積極心態看待順境與逆境，懂得在挑戰中尋找機會，在轉折中創造價值。他鼓勵學子將所學化為實際行動，成為服務社會、造福大眾的新一代專業人才。最後，他特別感謝本會等合作夥伴對該校的長期支持，強調「這不僅是一段合作，更是一份真摯的友誼」，展現校方與社會各界的深厚連結。
副理事長陳華民致勉勵詞，期許畢業生以感恩之心與使命感投身社會，成為時代的中堅。典禮隨後進行頒發畢業證書與榮譽獎項，全場掌聲與喝采此起彼落。
兩位來自馬尼拉市立大學的學員John Lois Cesista與Andrea Nicole Arguelles代表畢業生致詞，他們和大家分享自身辛苦求學的心路里程及向本會領導同仁、師長及家人表達感激之情。John Lois Cesista的母親 Melva Cesista 女士代表家長發表感言，她感謝本會多年來對她兒子的栽培與幫助，減輕了家庭沉重的負擔。
接著播放二零二五年畢業生回顧短片，紀錄他們的奮鬥歷程與心路點滴。隨後，由本會學友會幹部、現於中國任教六年的會計學教授Jefferson Correa主持新學友會成員宣誓儀式，象徵畢業生正式傳承榮耀使命。
執行副理事長曾國強致閉幕詞，他勉勵學員們要勇於發問、勇於探索，因為每一次提問都可能開啟新契機，找到通往智慧與成功的道路。最後，恭喜所有畢業生的父母，並祝福畢業生們前程似錦，畢業快樂。
為表揚畢業生們克服家境貧窮，努力追求上進的精神，本會在典禮上除了向四十六名畢業生頒發證書和刻有學員名字的保溫壺做紀念外，同時向二名獲最高榮譽的學員贈送手提電腦及現金兩萬元，本會外交委員會副主任王輝益現場追加每人八千元紅包做鼓勵。獲得大優等榮譽及優等榮譽的學員餽贈手機及五千元和三千元現金作為獎勵；受助生合唱團演唱中文歌曲「傳奇」，送給學長學姐們。典禮最後備有豐富午餐招待。
出席畢業感恩會的本會領導同仁有：理事長黃書瑋、執行副理事長曾國強、副理事長陳華民、董事曾煥眉、杜祖蔭，常務理事洪海濱、留牡丹、王輝益、莊南文、理事張其安、許啟明，許純維，以及同仁楊金豐、青年企業委員會成員洪煜程、陳愛美、曾上林等。
本會特此感謝熱心捐贈者：理事長黃書瑋、執行副理事長曾國強、副理事長楊良田、董事柯仁義、黃子文等贊助烤乳豬；董事朱少華提供JoyDay冰淇淋；常務理事王輝益捐助兩位最高榮譽畢業生獎金；常務理事洪海濱提供精緻糕點；理事葉俊龍贈送每位畢業生紀念娃娃，為典禮增添無限溫馨。
本會自二零零九年推行「點亮未來」助學方案以來，已資助近五百名清寒學子完成學業，他們如今分布於各行各業，成為家庭與社會的中堅。二零二五年度畢業典禮不僅見證了學員的卓越成就，更再一次彰顯了本會「興商濟世，教育為本」的崇高理念。本會將持續以教育公益為核心，為培育新世代優秀人才不懈努力。
圖片說明：
上小圖：（左起）黃書瑋，雷耶斯校長，陳華民，曾國強，曾煥眉，Mexica Bausa，Paul Ediver Villa致詞、主持之影。
中圖一：（左圖）頒贈感謝盾牌予主講人雷耶斯校長。（右圖）畢業生贈送親手製作的紀念品予本會留念。
中圖二：本年度兩名榮獲最高榮譽畢業學員John Lois Cesista（左圖）與Andrea Nicole Arguelles（右圖）和他們的家人接受本會贈送的兩萬元現金、手提電腦及外交委員會副主任王輝益餽贈的八千元現金。
中圖三：本屆四十六名畢業生宣誓加入學友會成員；由學友會代表Jefferson Correa（右圖）為他們監誓。
中圖四：「點亮未來」合唱團演唱中文歌曲「傳奇」。
下圖：全體畢業生和本會出席領導同仁及貴賓合影留念。（坐者第三排左起）許啟敏，莊南文，留牡丹，張其安，曾煥眉，曾國強，黃書瑋，雷耶斯校長，陳華民，王輝益，楊金豐，洪海濱，許純維。