The first term of AY 2025-2026 is ending. Students are busy with finals, and the Christmas rush is in the air. It is a season of wrapping up requirements, catching breath, and looking back at what the past months have meant. For father and daughter Rico and Ritamae Rosima, this moment carries a special meaning. They are both Benildeans, and they are both closing the term together.

Rico is an ETEEAP candidate in the Bachelor of Performing Arts Major in Dance program. He began his Benilde journey one term ahead, starting in the last term of the previous academic year. This current term is his second, while it is Ritamae’s first. For Rico, returning to school after years of professional work abroad has been both discipline and joy. “After many years of not having formal education I am now learning through Benilde and I’m instantly interested as I am learning a lot,” he shares.

The ETEEAP program allows professionals to have years of practice assessed and credited toward a degree. For Rico, this meant his performances and teaching experience were formally recognized during panel assessments. “Panels noted my consistency in performance quality, connection with my partner, and depth of interpretation,” he recalls. He also remembers how the admissions process went smoothly despite being based in Singapore. “Thanks to the ETEEAP coordinator, Sir Melbourne, who answered all my questions and made this possible,” Rico says.

Ritamae is a first‑year student in the BSBA-Marketing Management program. She came from the ABM strand in senior high school and wanted to explore the corporate world, especially digital marketing. “The idea of combining creativity with strategy to influence and engage audiences really motivated me to pursue this field,” she explains. Marketing Management at Benilde combines creativity with strategy, giving students hands‑on exposure to campaigns and digital tools. Ritamae says this approach has already helped her set long‑term goals and grow more confident. “The lessons are practical and engaging, giving me a clearer understanding of how marketing strategies are applied in real‑world situations,” she adds.

Her first weeks were full of adjustment, but she remembers how welcoming her seniors were and how events like InterAktiv made her feel part of the community. “All my seniors were welcoming, which made it easier to adjust and feel at home. The most memorable for me was the InterAktiv event, where they showcased dress codes in such a creative and out‑of‑the‑box way,” she says. She also points to how the program encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone, manage responsibilities independently, and appreciate inclusion through experiences like learning basic sign language.

The two share stories of how being in school together has strengthened their bond. Rico says, “It gives me more connection with her as sometimes we have the same subjects that we can talk about and I find it interesting to connect with her on this level.” Ritamae adds, “When I first started studying at Benilde, I was confused about how the system worked, and he would jokingly say that he was the one who would teach me how to use BigSky. Moments like that made the adjustment to college less intimidating.”

Both describe Benilde’s culture as supportive and inclusive. Rico points to the mentorship of faculty and the encouragement to express individuality. “What stood out to me about Benilde’s culture was its strong sense of inclusivity and support,” he says. Ritamae highlights how even small lessons, like learning to sign “thank you,” made her more aware of the Deaf community on campus. “It taught me the importance of respect, inclusion, and making small efforts to communicate with others,” she recalls.

Looking back at the term, Rico calls it memorable. “I started with the subject CSBLife and I met some of my colleagues who are in the same ETEEAP program and so I remember that I am not alone in this journey,” he reflects. He says it reminded him that education is a lifelong process and that growth comes from consistency and humility. Balancing studies with his work in Singapore was not easy, but he says discipline and organization helped him manage. As a father, he hopes his daughter sees in him an example of perseverance and passion. He also looks ahead to graduation with clear goals: “My hope for myself is to grow with greater confidence and clarity in my purpose as both an artist and an educator. I want to refine my craft, deepen my knowledge, and graduate knowing that I can contribute meaningfully to the dance community and to the lives I influence through teaching and performance.”

Ritamae says her first term was fulfilling and helped her become more independent and resilient. “It challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, manage my responsibilities on my own, and become more confident in making decisions,” she says. She also shares her time‑management strategy: “I set realistic goals, such as submitting academic requirements due at the end of the week within two to three days.”

Rico says, “It is never too late to pursue a degree. Education is not limited by age or circumstance… it grows richer with life experience.” He also has a direct message to professionals and parents: “Choosing to study again takes courage especially when balancing work and family but it is also deeply rewarding. If you feel called to learn, trust that it is worth taking the step.” Ritamae adds, “Benilde is not just a school, it’s a community where you can discover your strengths and start shaping your future.” Their story shows how Benilde welcomes both professionals and first‑time college students, creating a place where learning is lifelong, inclusive, and grounded in real experience.

Benilde is a place where education can be shared across generations and celebrated as a family achievement. Their journey is not the first of its kind at the College. A father and daughter had also graduated together ahead of them, showing how Benilde has long been a home for families who choose to learn side by side. Rico and Ritamae now carry that tradition forward, adding their own story to Benilde’s history of shared milestones.

For more information on Benilde’s undergraduate programs, contact us at (63) 2 8230 5100 local 1801 or admissions@benilde.edu.ph. You may also visit our website at www.benilde.edu.ph.