Foundation University held its annual time capsule ceremony on May 21 at the Sofia Soller Sinco Hall, bringing together graduating students, administrators, deans, and guests in a celebration of memories, milestones, and moments that shaped the journey of the Class of 2026.
The ceremony served as a symbolic moment for the graduating class as they sealed pictures, mementos, and other meaningful paraphernalia into a time capsule that will one day remind them of their journey as students and as proud Foundationites. The time capsule will be opened 20 years from now.
The event featured messages from guest speaker Atty. Ivy Cara Sangangbayan-Sy, college representative Eldwin Keith Nemenzo, and Senior High School representative Collyn Benedico.
Atty. Sangangbayan-Sy shared her personal journey from becoming a certified public accountant to eventually pursuing law, graduating from Foundation University. She recalled how her dreams changed over time, reminding graduates that life does not always follow a straight path.
Drawing from her experiences as a working law student, she spoke candidly about the sacrifices, exhaustion, emotional struggles, and challenges she faced while balancing work and studies. Despite the seemingly daunting hardship, she emphasized the importance of continuing forward with purpose and perseverance.
“I encourage you, the graduates, to carry with you four important values: discipline, focus, determination, and faith,” advised Atty. Sangangbayan-Sy. “These values guided me through difficult moments and helped me achieve my goals,” she added. She reminded students to remain grounded in the values instilled by their families, teachers, and Foundation University, emphasizing that while a diploma opens opportunities, “character and integrity sustain success.”
Representing the college graduating class, Eldwin Keith Nemenzo reflected on the realities of balancing work, studies, and personal responsibilities. “I am grateful to Foundation University for helping me discover my capabilities and for providing opportunities that shaped my growth,” expressed Nemenzo, who is a prolific award-winning filmmaker who discovered his passion while on his second degree program.
Nemenzo highlighted the strong sense of unity shared by the Class of 2026 despite coming from different departments and backgrounds. He spoke about the sleepless nights, stressful deadlines, productions, group projects, and simple moments that became lasting memories throughout their years together.
As an AB Broadcasting graduate, “our department became a family through productions, creative collaborations, and shared experiences.” He encouraged his fellow graduates to become change makers who will use their knowledge and skills to contribute positively to society.
He further reminded his batchmates to continue chasing their dreams despite challenges and uncertainties, encouraging them to remain faithful and grounded in God as they move forward into the next chapter of their lives.
Meanwhile, Senior High School valedictorian Collyn Benedico, who belongs to the accounting, business, and management strand, delivered an honest and heartfelt reflection on the imperfect, yet meaningful, journey of student life. “My years at Foundation Preparatory Academy (FPA) were filled not only with achievements, but also with struggles, failures, exhaustion, and moments of self-doubt,” Benedico acknowledged.
Rather than portraying school life as perfect, Benedico underscored how those challenges helped shape her into a stronger and more authentic version of herself. “The shared chaos of group projects, examinations, inside jokes, classroom memories, and friendships make our batch unique,” she reflected.
As the graduates prepared to seal their memories into the time capsule, Benedico encouraged everyone to “remember not only the awards and accomplishments, but also the people who stood beside us during difficult moments, including the friends, teachers, and experiences that made our journey worthwhile.”
Dr. Felipe Sullera Jr., president of the Foundation University Alumni Association, Inc., welcomed the members of Class of 2026 as official alumni. Engr. Marlon Tanilon, alumni relations officer, likewise updated everyone of the perks and privileges, aside from attractive discounts, that the alumni can enjoy through their ID cards.
The ceremony concluded with graduates sealing pieces of their present selves into the time capsule, preserving stories, dreams, struggles, and milestones that they hope to revisit many years from now.
More than a tradition, the time capsule ceremony became a reminder of the friendships, lessons, perseverance, and memories that shaped the Class of 2026 throughout their years at Foundation University. | NWI
