Among the most anticipated traditions for Filipino students at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is the annual FilGrad celebration. This special event brings together graduates, their families, and the broader community to recognize the hard work and dedication of students who have completed their degree programs at UH. FilGrad is not only a moment to receive diplomas but also a heartfelt tribute to the perseverance and achievements of each graduate.
After years of balancing studies, work, and personal commitments, graduates are finally rewarded for their efforts. The pride and joy felt by parents and loved ones are palpable as they witness their students walk the stage, their accomplishments celebrated in a warm, inclusive atmosphere. Special recognition is also given to the student organizers who make FilGrad possible—among them, Jensen Villaflor, who was honored this year with a scholarship grant from the Center for Philippine Studies (CPS), a major sponsor of the event.
The significance of this event, which started only in 2017, is discussed by Jonathan Y. Okamura, UH retired professor, in a recent article published by Civil Beat. In that article, titled “Jonathan Okamura: Filipino UH Ceremony Creates a Cultural Space to Honor Graduates, Families and Community,” Dr. Okamura is quoted as follows:
“While some graduation exercises at universities in the continental U.S. were disrupted by pro-Palestinian protests or were canceled, the 7th Annual FilGrad commencement was held on Friday at the Kennedy Theatre on the University of Hawaii Manoa campus.
“One might wonder why the students would want to participate in another lengthy formal ceremony just a day before the main university graduation.
“The answer is that FilGrad enables the Filipino UH and larger community to celebrate and recognize the achievements of their graduates in a Filipino cultural way. Filipino culture, including language, is an integral part of the graduation ceremony, evident in the performance of dances and music and in the expression of significant cultural values, including for higher education.”
“As remarked by the FilGrad Committee: “Surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones, the students who participate in FilGrad are thanking those around them for the help, support, love and inspiration they received in their lives. It celebrates both the graduates and their families and communities.”
“In addition, the commencement speakers, including students, professors and community leaders, are all Filipino. I very much doubt that this has ever been the case at the 113 UH Manoa graduation exercises but, for Filipinos, FilGrad provides an opportunity to showcase the accomplishments and talents of members of their community.” Read the full article in Civil Beat.
FilGrad 2025
On May 16, 2025, the John F. Kennedy Theater at UH brimmed with pride and Aloha as the 8th Annual FilGrad ceremony went live. Filipino graduates, dressed in cap and gown with Philippine-flag stoles, marched slowly–each step a tribute to family and community.
The theme of the 2025 FilGrad is “Celebrating Ancestors and Successors.”
FilGrad holds deep significance beyond the cap and gown. It is a celebration of ancestors, family, identity, and an inspiration for upcoming graduates from the Filipino community. Native dances, accompanied by the playing of kulintang and gong from Mindanao, are featured as a remembrance of indigenous cultural heritage.
FilGrad also addresses a broader issue: the historically low graduation rates of Filipino students in higher education. By spotlighting their achievements in a culturally affirming way, it fosters pride, visibility, and a sense of belonging.
For many participants, FilGrad is more than a ceremony–it’s a cultural homecoming. It honors the sacrifices of immigrant families, uplifts Filipino traditions, and creates a space where graduates can express gratitude, at times, in their native languages.
The keynote speaker, Roland Casamina (right), a successful entrepreneur and co-founder of Filipino Community Center (FilCom), delivered a heartfelt message centered on gratitude, perseverance, and giving back. He reflected on his journey as an immigrant from the Ilocos region. He encouraged graduates to honor their roots, uplift the Filipino community, and pursue success not just for themselves, but for future generations. His speech emphasized the importance of education, cultural pride, and the power of representation. Mr. Casamina is a long-time advocate for Filipino empowerment, and a generous donor of an endowed scholarship at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Shidler College of Business. A brief statement about him is found in this link: Mānoa: House of Finance founder Roland Casamina establishes $50,000 scholarship | University of Hawaii
Part of the program honors those who have successfully achieved something, including the award of scholarship grants for graduating students (bottom) for their research projects.
Photo: Haruka Waseda and Veronica Alporha (center) receiving their Certificates of Scholarship Award from Dr. Patricia Halagao (left) and Dr. Lorenzo Perillo (right). Drs. Halagao and Perillo are co-directors of the UH Center for Philippine Studies, one of the FilGrad sponsors.
Not in the photo is Kaelyn Howard, another student awardee.