CTU AC Southern Ripples Publication

| CAS Ring Hop 2026: Seal of Commitment, Tribute to Sacrifice
| Keth Alcosero

Four years of shared struggles—first-year adjustments, sleepless nights over assignments, and moments of doubt that tested their perseverance—shaped the graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences as they stepped into Kalampusan Gym, ready to enter the professional world.

At 3 P.M., the gym transformed into a grand hall as lights and decorations glowed before a full audience. The air carried anticipation, pride, and quiet nervousness as graduates waited to hear their names. Parents leaned forward in their seats, their smiles wide yet softened by emotion.

Soon after, the ceremony began with words that served as a reminder for all the ring hoppers, profoundly explaining the theme: "A Journey of Becoming: Legacy of Love and Support." Dr. Luiscel Teofi E. Cabico and Dr. Fritzgerald C. Kintanar both shared that the ring was not merely an embellishment or a symbol of academic success but a commitment to lifelong learning and service. Additionally, it also served as a reminder to acknowledge those who made their milestone possible.

Building on this message, keynote speaker Atty. Mardelyn D. Edemne shared her story of perseverance. She recalled failing the bar exam twice before finally passing, emphasizing that “failure is just a delayed success.” Sleepless nights, pressure, and self-doubt were not endings—they were part of the journey. The ceremony itself stood as proof that persistence leads forward.

The most anticipated moment soon followed. The procession began with Bachelor of Arts in Literature, followed by Bachelor of Arts in English Language Studies, and Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Each step was gradual, deliberate, and filled with pride as graduates walked to the center stage and their escorts placed the ring on their finger.

After dinner, gratitude took over. Words from both parents and ring hoppers reflected years of unspoken sacrifice. Mr. Pedro Cueme, father of Jelly Rose A. Cueme from BAEL, reminded the graduates they were not walking alone, for their parents would always be by their side. "As parents, we will never take our eyes away from you. We will never stop loving and believing in you.”

The tribute song followed, filling the gym with quiet emotion. As students handed roses to their escorts, the room softened into silence—broken only by music and muffled tears. In that moment, the ceremony became more than a celebration of achievement; it became a recognition of the people behind it.

The program continued with recognition rites, where plaques, certificates, and medallions were awarded to students for excellence, service, and dedication.

Among them was multiple awardee Ms. Angelie Temario from BAEL, who described the night as overwhelming. From being new to organizations in her first year to publishing research and earning recognition, she reflected on a journey shaped by humility and purpose. For her, the ring holds a deeper meaning: “it symbolizes endless possibilities. Its circular form, without beginning or end, reflects lifelong learning, continuous growth, and the opportunities ahead.”

As the ceremony concluded, graduates left Kalampusan Gym alongside their families and friends. They walked out with smiles, but also with weight on their hands and purpose in their steps. Wearing the ring, they carry the grit built from years of struggle, the knowledge gained in CAS, and the values that will guide them forward.

They entered, shaped by struggle. They left, sealed by commitment and love.

Graphics| Cheska Sheena Abadilla