Alexa Grace Anselment Ordonez
Alexandra Grace Principe
Caelyn J Oei
Casey Kayla Wong
Celine Therese Villafuerte
Francesca Gabriela A. Martone
Genshel Amber Naguiat
Jacquelyn Trinh Nguyen
Jane Gonzales
Kyle Patrick Libramonte
Marlon Brandon Aquino
Matthew Gabriel Salvador
Leika Camille Lowellyn Mansilla Ma Vien Ellen Descanzo La Roque Estadilla Dizon
Megan Dela Cruz
Rhea Jeanne Anastasio Tagorda
Welcome to the 21st Annual Pilipino Graduation! My name is Kyle Camba Balmonte, and I am the President of Pilipino Graduation for the 2020-2021 academic year. Due to circumstances, sadly, we were unable to organize an in-person Pilipino Graduation ceremony. However, through my P-Grad Board’s hard work this year, I am proud to say that we were able to organize a virtual ceremony instead this year. The 21st Annual Pilipino Graduation would not have been possible without my P-Grad Board (Zoom-E Board) and the graduates of the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021 that were willing to participate in this year’s ceremony. This year was not an easy year for everyone and was not how we all expected it and wanted it to go, yet the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021 have shown the perseverance and strength to keep going and to keep striving for success during this situation. We wanted to shine the light on each graduate, as they were nearly left in the dark and deserve all the recognition for all the work they have done to reach the end of their college journey. Congratulations Class of 2020 and Class of 2021, and thank you! You made it! The theme of this year’s Pilipino Graduation is “Walang Hanggan”, which translates to “infinite, endless, everlasting.” What you do now is the result of what you did to get here. What others did to or for you led you to where you are now. What you will do in the future depends on what you do now. The little things have caused an impact on yourself and on those around you, more than you think it did. To all the graduates, your impact is everlasting, and your legacy will never end. Walang Hanggan.
Sincerely,
Pia Radaza-Sumalinog, SoCal born-and-raised cat mom and boba enthusiast, graduated in 2018 with a B.S in Business Administration: Computer Information Systems. Since leaving college, Pia has been able to travel to Cancun, Mexico, San Francisco, San Diego, Big Bear, Palm Springs, and just recently - Hawaii. She has no plans on stopping there as she intends on traveling with her partner and fellow Barkada Alum, Tommy O'Cooney. She started her post-grad journey as an Application Support Specialist in the IT department of Southland Data Processing, a full service hire-toretire Payroll Company. Her role specialized in IT support, project managing the development of a customer service ticketing software, QA analysis of payroll software programs, and office administration. After a couple years in the industry, she left the 9-5 life for the opportunity to pursue independent digital marketing and help young women like herself start their own online businesses using social media. She states that it was a scary step to take, leaving the traditional office, but an incredibly pivotal step on her journey of learning and growth. She has since worked from anywhere, and connected with ambitious women around the world. As a proud Barkada Lifetime Member, Pia is always happy to return and contribute to Barkada whenever she can. Her Uncle, Jay Radaza - who the scholarship is named after, had inspired Pia to go to Cal Poly and be a part of the club since she was young. Although she never got to meet her uncle, she always felt that being a part of Barkada honors his memory and that she gets to carry on his legacy. She loved performing and coordinating in numerous PACNs and served on Barkada's Executive Board as Secretary (FancE Board 2014-2015), Vice President (LegacE Board 2015-2016), and President (BayanE Board 20172018). For this year, she says that it is an honor to work with InfinitE Board on their Advisory board to be one of many hosting Alumni Mixers and the first ever Career Conversations. Pia remains passionate about inspiring and impacting others, whether in small or big ways, but especially in helping others in their growth as leaders. She intends to use her knowledge and experience to guide her into the next right steps for herself and her future, whether in her online business, IT/Project field, or another industry that may pique her interests. As someone early in her career, she wants to emphasize that it's okay to "not have it all figured out" right now. Each step made along the way will help you on your way forward.
Biochemistry Age: 22 Pronouns: He/They Likes: Video games, baking, listening to podcasts, tending to his plants, and cosplaying Dislikes: Overpaying for textbooks
About Atlas Atlas, like his sister, is graduating along with the class of 2021. He misses everything about campus, from the Starbucks baristas making his morning when he gets his breakfast danish and London Fog Latte to eating their lunch at the APISC. Despite all that, he has no regrets with college and all the memories made in the time he has spent here. Atlas does A LOT of Eskrima with their sister, but he isn’t quite as good as her. They’d much rather prefer learning to play instruments in Rondalla and singing with his guitar. One may notice the blue stripes in his hair, he actually did this for a fundraiser dare when he was on I-Board for raising the least amount of money, while Celeste beat him by 1 dollar. Atlas is super thankful for all of the memories made in college and is ready for the next step. Could it be grad school? An internship? Who knows?
Applied Economics Age: 22 Pronouns: She/Her Likes: R&B music, reading, hiking, karate, and collecting Funko Pops! Dislikes: Getting waitlisted
About Celeste Celeste is a student graduating with the Class of 2021 along with her twin brother Atlas. Although she's sad that she had to spend her 4th year in quarantine (and that Cha for Tea closed down last year) Celeste is grateful to have been able to attend school in person the first 3 years of college. Her favorite memories of college will always be the days when she would work out at the BRIC, visit the APISC, and then grab dinner with her friends from architecture (when they were free of course!). In her free time, she enjoys practicing Eskrima - the Filipino Martial Art that she learned while doing karate with Atlas when they were young. On special occasions, she loves to cook with her Lolo Manny, the person who gave her signature hairpin to her. Although she does not know what's in store for her after graduation, she knows that after pulling off all those all-nighters, that it's nothing she can't handle.
Head Mascot of P-Grad Age: 50 (about 10 in human years) Pronouns: They/Them Likes: Grazing and studying international history Dislikes: Limited lifespan compared to humans and beef
About Kaya Kaya is a kalabaw that has spent most of their life being raised on a farm in the Philippines. An extremely intelligent kalabaw, Kaya has recently spent their time at CPP and is hoping to work closely with P-Grad in the coming years. With tips from Billy Bronco, they're learning how to become better suited to campus life even though the COVID pandemic has put activities on pause. Every once in a while, Kaya is visited by the twins Celeste and Atlas, two people who quickly befriended them while in person classes were being held last year. Kaya has been extremely excited to see them graduate in May. As of this year's P-Grad 2021, Kaya the Kalabaw serves as the head mascot for Pilipino Graduation!
Thank you CPP, Barkada, and everything related to my college experience for giving me a place to learn and grow. Thank you to everyone who made college one of the best times of my life <3 And thank you to SWV for creating Weak.
Biology Microbiology
Personal Accomplishments "Tita Momo" in PACN XXVII "Maligayang Pagbabalik" Acting Director for PACN XXVIII "Rooted" and PACN XXIX "Huwag Kalimutan" Culture Chair for Barkada, Bougi-E Board 2019-2020 Led the first Twitch PACN with Art Jazzerine Ducut (BEC) and the rest of Bougi-E Board, PACN XXX "Kailangan Kita"
Dedications Thank you to my parents and my grandma: my dad for hearing me out and letting me be, my mom for pushing me to do my best, and my grandma for being my biggest supporter. Thank you to my one and only spicy asawa Albert for always being loving, caring, and supportive since the day I met him. I love you!!! <3 Thank you to my "cousin" Kuya John and the rest of the Cates (Kelvin, Ate Kayla, honorable mention Baba) for making my first few years of college memorable and bearable (aka midway mania). Thank you to my day ones for keeping me in check during college--from Gucci Dolce to Real Recognize Real to my day ones from church and more: Vincent (my kambal for life), Isabelle, Lauren, Rachel, Angelica, Kuya Ralph, Jeremiah, Sam, AV, Karina, Ate Kayla, Kelvin, Christian, Stephen, Vanessa, and Ate Paulyn. Thank you to my actual cousins/relatives: Kuya Geoffrey, Kuya Gerrick, Ate Kristen, Danison, honorable mentions Baby G and Halo, Kuya Josh, Kuya Justin, Kuya Jericko, Ate Joana, Ate Jenny, Ate Nirma, Riley, Kade, Malea, and more-- whether we see each other often or not, I know the love and support is always there. Thank you to my Titas, Titos, Ninangs, and Ninongs--from Tito Lito to Auntie Cassie to Ninang Ampy and more. I appreciate each and every one of you for everything. Thank you to Bougi-E Board--Neil, Isaiah, Amazing, Yoshi, Verenna, Kyle, Charles, JP, Jazzerine, Robert, Ryan, and Nathan. I love y'all from Bulgog-E to Eternit-E. Thank you to uru for everything. Literally everything. Thank you to Benny's, Alyssa, Kaila, Kayla, Leika, Alyssa, and honorable mention Manong Matt. I love y'all so much :') Thank you to my line(s) before me--from Disney Line to Hoku line, I love y'all more than I love Porto's hehe but shoutout to my Ate Racieli specifically for being the best Ate <3 Thank you to my LINE!! Wholesome line!! To my adings, Alex, Zach, Jya, Ryan, Jess, Coddy, and Richie: Ate loves you and will always be there for you even if I take 545789 years to reply. To my grands, GGs, and my only 3G: I love y'all very much <3 Thank you to Jesus for still loving me even though I suck sometimes and for giving me a sense of direction and purpose :( <3 And last but not least thank you to ME!!! After everything I went through, I'm actually graduating!!!!
"Here’s to new beginnings! <3
Liberal Studies Personal Accomplishments Sisterhood, Fundraising & Philanthropy Chair for Alpha Phi Gamma President's Honor List 2019-2020
Dedications Special thanks to my amazing support system all throughout college my acutal day 1's since freshman year my roommate Karyn, Manzon & Erik! To my ading & best friend Leanna and my ate Alexa! My amazing fam line and all of my aphig sisters! Also my family and most importantly my dogs coco and oreo. You all each hold a special place in my heart thank you for being there for me through thick and thin I love you always! <3
Thank you to Barkada for helping make friends and family- for Verenna, Andrew, Justin A., Glen, Daniella, Isaiah B., Kyle B., weeb nights, Laugh Line, Wettest Fam, Head Empty Line, and more. I learned a lot in the club, for better and for worse, and I'm glad I did it with the company I had!
Hospitality Management Food and Beverage
Personal Accomplishments 3 years on the Executive Board of Collins College specific clubs, most notably 2019-2020 President of the Food and Beverage Professionals attended multiple conferences representing the Collins College of Hospitality Management Over 4 years of experience in the Hospitality industry, 2 1/2 of those helping open a successful farm-to-table restaurant in Walnut, CA Graduating with an internship for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts 4 year member of CPP Barkada, a part of the intern board 2017-2018 (Senpa-I Board) and Bayan-E baby
Dedications my real family, especially my siblings (Molly, Nikki, and Alek) my fam lines, especially my manong, Alex, and my adings (official and unofficial) my best friends, big shout out to Sarah LeGaspe every mentor and friend I've made along the way and everyone that's ever helped make me feel sane, grounded, loved, and supported in the last 4 years
Thank you Barkada for introducing me to my amazing boyfriend of 3 years, Isaiah, and giving me the best and most understanding fam (Kaitlyn, Violet, Sydney, Abby). I wouldn't be the person I am today if I had not joined Barkada my first year thanks to King and Alex Manzon!!
Civil Engineering General
Personal Accomplishments 1 out of 190 applicants chosen to attend the ASCE CI Student Days program in Arlington, Virginia Completed three engineering internships during her course of college Landed ASCE Student Chapter in top 10 of the nation based on her Annual Report Attended several ASCE conferences and conventions across the U.S. (Hawaii, Arizona, Florida, Virginia, Washington DC) Will be working at KPFF Consulting Engineers as a Project Engineer post grad
Dedications I would like to dedicate this to my loving boyfriend, Fan Five, my fam (Guacamole line), my best friends (Kristi, Kristine, Rachel), Raven & Justin, and Alex Manzon. To Isaiah, thank you for always being there for me through all the ups and downs in my college career, for being my number one supporter in everything that I strive to achieve, for giving me everything and more than I’ve ever asked for, and for always being my plus one to my Caseynomnom foodie invites. To Fan Five, thanks for being the best best friends I could ever ask for these past four years, I cannot imagine my life without you all and can’t spend the rest of my life with you hoes. To my line, love you ALL (ate + adings) and will forever cherish the memories we’ve made together over the years and to many more! Besties, will forever be my besties and continue on a 20+ year friendship! Thank you Raven & Justin for being the best couple friends I’ve had and to more couple dates (with and without our S.O.’s) Lastly, shoutout to Alex for being the one to give me the push to join Barkada which led me to have all these memories and friendships from the start of my freshman year til now! Thank you to everyone who has made a significant impact in my life!!
From reaching my academic goals, to meeting amazing friends, CPP left me with many great memories. Graduating was merely a sweet ending to a new beginning.
Business Administration: Marketing Management Advertising and Promotion
Personal Accomplishments CPP Everything Hallyu Treasurer 2017-2018 CPP Everything Hallyu President 2018-2019 CPP Everything Hallyu Club Student Mentor 2019-2020
Dedications Thank you to all my family and friends who have supported me throughout my time at school. I'm very grateful for my parents and my little brother who understood and guided me during all my restless nights. To my Everything Hallyu family, kuya Raven, twin Tyler, and to my bestie Bea, CPP wouldn't have been as memoriable without you guys. Most importantly, I'd like to thank Julian for staying by my side and my baby Melody for being my light at the end of the tunnel. You both helped me strive to be the best I could be. I love you all so much.
“You and I will meet again, when we're least expecting it, one day in some far off place, I will recognize your face, I won’t say goodbye my friend, for you and I will meet again.” - Tom Petty
Music Industry Studies
Personal Accomplishments June '17 - Sept '18 MEIC: Music Entertainment Industry Club as Treasurer Oct '18 - Dec '18 Volunteered at two places helping the local community in Claremont and Pomona
Dedications I just want to give thanks to my parents for supporting me as a music major as it's a hard business to get into. I want to thank you Barkada for letting me join because it gave me confidence to go somewhat outside my comfort zone and while doing so, it let me meet so many new people and friends. I'm so glad to have met all Luck-e babies and meeting my whole fam, Royal Line, especially huge thank to my Ate Verenna, my ading Tristan and Kuya Charles for everything, and for everyone who made my life so impactful in Barkada and in the music business.
College has definitely been a roller coaster, but by the end of this school year, I know it would be worth it eventually. I'm a little terrified, but I'm ready for the opportunities I will soon have.
Business Administration: Entertainment Marketing Entrepreneurship
Personal Accomplishments Dean's list Business & Marketing Coordinator (Barkada's PACN 31)
Dedications A big thank you to all my friends and family who have been the biggest support system all throughout my college career. Without them, I would not be where I am at the moment.
The journey towards my college degree wasn't easy, so I would like to thank everyone in Barkada for making my experiences at Cal Poly Pomona memorable! You guys will always be my home away from home. Shoutout to my Grand Pia, Kuya Alex, Cos Caelyn, Terence, Jamiel, and John, Adings Alec and Leo, and everyone else in Laugh Line and Wettest Fam for always being there for me and pushing me to be my best self.
Music Emphasis in Music Industry Studies Marketing Management
Personal Accomplishments Tinapa-I Board 2018-2019 P-Notes 2018-2020 Anong Balita Committee 2020-2021 Songwriter's Showcase American Marketing Association Music Entertainment and Industry Club President 2020-2021
Dedications My parents, grandparents, and sister- thank you for your support and sacrifices, as I strive to pursue my goals and dreams. Kuya Alex- thank you for being there for me when I need someone to talk to. You always bring out the laughs and smiles out of me every time. Adings Alec and Leo- thank you for being one of the greatest joys from my college experience. I hope that I inspired you, as you both have also inspired me. Laugh Line Wettest Fam
Thank you to Infinit-E Board, Single File Line, my Titas, PASK, and everyone else in Barkada that were present during one of the most momentous times in my life. Thank you for enriching my college experience and showing me love that has helped me grow in so many ways! I'm crying that it is now my turn to say not a goodbye, but a see you all later and thank you for the memories <3 <3 <3
Animal Science Emphasis in Pre-Veterinary Physiology
Personal Accomplishments Event Coordinator for Veterinary Research Group (2018-2019) Vice President for Veterinary Research Group (2019-2020) Treasurer for Pilipino American Studies Kollective (2018-2020) Treasurer for Barkada (2020-2021) Teacher’s Assistant (TA) (Spring 2021) Cum Laude
Dedications My parents My grandma and grandpa My sisters - Grace, Leah, and Mercy My dog, Shiloh #SFL4lyfe ksap (iykyk) My titas – Karyn, Rhea, Lo, Amazing Infinit-E Board
Thank you Barkada for all the memories and love you have provided me with my time here, I hope you guys still love and take care of each other like you always do because these are life time friends you're with. Cannot wait to see what all of you do in the future and see you all succeed, I wish you the best of luck. <3
Business Administration: Marketing General Marketing
Personal Accomplishments PACN 31: Sonder Movie Historian 2020-2021 Antiks (ran my own personal brand)
Dedications Heartbreakers <3 My Adings Kayley, Riley, Tamara <3 Infinit-E Board <3 My family
After five years, I'm finally making that leap and graduating from Cal Poly Pomona. I want to thank my parents for always supporting me through a change of major and everything in between; Barkada for being my home away from home; Royalt-E Board and babies for opening your arms to a random kid from the Bay Area; Luck-E Board for allowing me to tell my story through the art of song, dance, and theater; and finally, Ohana Line for always being that family I know I can fall back on. I've grown so much in the last five years, and the lifelong friendships I've made are truly a blessing, so shout out to JBEES and Benny's because I wouldn't have made it without y'all. I made it!
Urban and Regional Planning Community Development and Social Justice
Personal Accomplishments Social Justice Leader - Asian & Pacific Islander Student Center 2017-18 Culture Chair - LuckE-Board 2018-19 Study Abroad - University of Manchester Spring 2020
Dedications I want to thank my parents for always believing in me and allowing me to achieve my dreams. The Dalagas and Cousins Main Lobsters, for always being there for me and making me laugh. Benny’s, for being the best friends a girl could ever ask for. Allison, for being someone I could be weird with. Alexa, for keeping me sane throughout this lockdown. Angeli, for being the girl I could always count on to go on Disney dates with. The URP Department, for pushing me to my highest potential as a student. And finally, I want to thank Barkada and Ohana Line, for being my home away from home.
"In Tenebris Lux"
Animal Health Science Personal Accomplishments Friendship Games 2018 Hype Leader Bad and Bamboojie Tinik Team (2018) PACN 2018 and 2019 Graduated with honors - Cum Laude Dean's Honor List (Spring 2020) Banfield Pet Hospital Student Intern (Fall 2019)
We're always so focused on our future that we often forget about the presence. College can be tough, but don't forget to take a moment to breathe and enjoy what's in front of you because it may not be there in the future.
Business Administration: Marketing Management Personal Accomplishments Co-Founder of Glendale Community College’s Filipino Club, Phamilya Historian of GCC’s Phamilya 2017 President of GCC’s Phamilya 2018-2019 Pilipino Culture Night Coordinator of GCC Phamilya 2019 Glendale Community College Associate’s Degree of Business Administration Glendale Community College Dean’s List Southern California Pilipinx American Student Association’s Financial Director Intern 2019-2020 External Representative of California State Polytechnic University of Pomona’s Filipino Club, Barkada 2020-2021 CPP’s Barkada PACN Modern Coordinator 2020-2021
Dedications Thank you to the Phamilya advisors, Kuya Kevin Dimatulac and Tita Hazel Ramos and the Phamilya family. Thank you to my fam lines: Litline, Lock&amp;KeyLine, TBDLine, PickUpLine, and LocationLine Thank you to Infinit-e Board and babies Thank you to Barkada Thank you to my roommates Thank you to my family Thank you to my best friends Thank you to my boyfriend
Thank you Barkada for making my time in college worthwhile. I'm grateful for the friendships, late study sessions, and unforgettable memories that I've made. Love y'all <3 .
Computer Science Personal Accomplishments 3.59 GPA (Cum Laude) Kellog Honors College Graduate Dean’s List and President’s List Will work full-time for the Department of Defense after college
Dedications First off, I’d like to thank Barkada for giving me some of the best years and most fun years of my life. I’d like to especially thank my fam for being there for me throughout my last few semesters. Through the fam nites and just playing video games together, especially since how difficult these few semesters have been, to have a fam to rely on has certainly made my time in college easier. And even though I’m graduating, I will still visit and we will hang out in person soon! Shoutout to my kuya Nathan, my ading Jay, Kaitlin, Isaac, Jeri, Julia, Genshel, Allyra, and Leanna! Also shoutout to TSFG line, you know who you are. Lastly, I wanna say congratulations to all those graduating and I wish you good luck in your future careers!
Time to kick my feet up and drink my boba.
Theatre Dance
Personal Accomplishments Began teaching dance as part time faculty member at St. Frances of Rome school from grades TK- 8th. Performed first ever musical at calpoly being apart of the production of legally Blonde.
Dedications Special thanks to the Kings and Queens of Azusa, My brother Mike, sister MaryGrace, and to my parents Francisco and Pacita Salvador for being with me through all the easy and difficult times.
Happy to share space with Barkada <3
Master's Degree: Asian American Studies Personal Accomplishments “Separated by Sea: The impact of deportation on a Filipinx Family”
Community & Achievements: Teacher with Pin@y Educational Partnerships 2020-2021 College of Ethnic Studies Scholarship Spring 2021 Pinays Rising Scholar 2020
Publications & Presentations: Jeung, R., Dela Cruz, M., et. al (2021) Stopping AAPI Hate: Student Lessons on the Public Policy Process. Harvard Kennedy School Asian American Policy Review, 31 Bulosan Center Research Conference 2021 “Pinay Perspectives on the Lakas Mentorship Program: Reflecting on our Power to Heal, Care, and Resist” Association of Asian American Studies Conference 2021 Engagements in Filipinx American Studies: Topics Across Disciplines & Towards the Future Filipino American Educators Association of California Conference 2019 “Lakas Mentorship Program: Implementing a Community-Based Leadership Development Model in Suburban Los Angeles”
Goodbye, CPP! It's been a wild ride, but I wouldn't change my experience for the world. I'm so grateful for everyone I've met and the many close friends I've made. Wishing all the best and success for my fellow grads!
Business Administration: Marketing Management Personal Accomplishments I think the most impressive thing I have done throughout my whole college experience was having two part-time jobs while taking classes at both CPP and Mt. SAC. I did that for a whole year. I was also able to take part in leadership roles like Costume Committee Co-Head for CPP Barkada’s PACN XXIX: Huwag Kalimutan and Director of Finance for CPP PASK’s 2020 – 2021 Board. I gained a digital marketing internship for a cosmetics brand through school. Lastly, I was able to start a small online secondhand fashion resale business during my last year to raise money/donate to multiple organizations and give back to the community.
Dedications I am forever grateful for everyone who has supported me throughout my college experience. To my family, thank you for all the love and support you have given me! You make want to strove and be a better person. To all my friends, thank you for being in my life and growing with me throughout the past few years. Much love to my Barkada Fam Line (LITtle Line - Caylynn, Eliz, Pia, Selena, and Yssa), Titas (Karyn, Lo, Amazing, and Jane), and Car Line (Steph, Kaitlyn, Niko, and Adi). I can’t thank CPP, Barkada, and PASK enough for giving me the opportunity to meet all of you and so many amazing people.