By Sofia Kisse C. Luna, Overall Paglulunsad Project Head
The BA Philosophy Batch of 2025 celebrated their Senior Send-off with a bang!
The send-off, which was the first of its kind, was a department-sanctioned overnight stay at the Bonifacio Residence in Lemery, Batangas that was graciously hosted by Mrs. Winnie Bonifacio (BA Philo 1976, MA Philo 1978) from April 8-9, 2025. Asst. Prof. Enrique Benjamin R. Fernando III, MA and Asst. Prof. Symel Noelin S. de Guzman-Daulat, MA were the faculties-in-charge that served as supervisors and facilitators of the event. BA Philosophy senior Sofia Luna spearheaded the event as Overall Project Head while senior Daecia Bautista served as Activity Committee Head, working together to prepare an engaging program to encourage philosophical discourse and foster stronger friendships within the batch.
On the afternoon of April 8, 2025 (Tuesday), the seniors travelled by bus from UP Diliman Campus to Lemery. Upon arrival at the Bonifacio Residence, Tita Winnie (along with her cute dog, Link — named after the character in Zelda) affectionately welcomed us to her wonderful home and guided us through a short tour of the area which featured the main house, three casitas (where grouped seniors were to sleep in), and a recreational area that had gym equipment, board games, and a pool table. After her warm welcome and short tour, Tita Winnie gave a wonderful introduction to her late husband, former department chairperson Prof. Armando Bonifacio, PhD (also known as Sir Boni), who rests in the middle of the family garden. Serving as Chair from 1968-1986, Sir Boni was a prominent figure that was key to the enduring analytical philosophical tradition upheld under the Department of Philosophy. After her wisdom-filled talk about Sir Boni and her life with him, we were alloted free time to settle in and play before dinner and the bonfire.
After a bountiful dinner, a few moments were given to prepare for the BoniFire, a little wordplay in honor of Tita Winnie and Tito Boni on the program planned during the bonfire. To commence the program, Sofia Luna, the event’s project head gave her opening remarks and Tita Winnie delivered an animated motivational speech on life and its challenges — to look for our “northern star” and go through life’s pivots with serene acceptance and perseverance. The floor was then handed over to the activities’ hosts, Daecia Bautista and Nelson Bernal.
The first main activity was “First Impressions,” during which all seniors formed a large circle facing outwards. Each senior was given a pen and paper folded lengthwise containing space for others seniors to write their first impressions of them on the left column, and an account of “when I met you” on the right. With the faculties-in-charge as facilitators, the seniors had the chance to write down what they thought about each other. Although there was a bit of a mishap in the middle due to bottlenecks in passing the papers, all was well, and each paper was able to make its return to its rightful owners in the end. From my perspective, fellow seniors were delighted and amused with the remarks they received. A short, fun, but competitive game of charades quickly followed.
Then came the long-awaited “Batch 2025 Awards.” The seniors had previously been given a chance to nominate and vote for their fellow batchmates to win awards from the most regal to the wackiest. There were some who won a lot of the awards (I am looking at you Justin “Dads” Daduya), and some who had almost every nomination at his hand. Some results were unexpected but absolutely celebrated. It was a chance to recognize each member of the batch on their brilliance, hard work, and quirkiness (and to poke fun at them too!).
After the awards show, a surprise video was played for the seniors. It was a video of faculty members of the UPD Department of Philosophy who wished the seniors all the best after college life as undergraduates. Their messages were heartfelt and comforting for the upcoming graduates about to take on the next chapter of their lives.
It did not end there though! To wrap it all up, hosts Dae and Nelson opened the “Gratitude Circle” for the BoniFire where each Senior was given the chance to express their gratitude to their friends, professors, and the experiences they had in UP.
After the program, we had an After Dinner Weenie Roast. Tita Winnie prepared hotdogs, marshmallows, corn, and sticks so that the seniors could roast food over the BoniFire. It was a chance to settle down from the highs of the activities and spend the night freely. Some of us had heart-to-heart conversations while others did karaoke. In true college fashion, some drank (responsibly of course) to let loose.
At the brink of dawn did most of the seniors decide to clean up and reside in their assigned casitas for some well-deserved rest for the activities in the later morning.
After the sun had risen, Tita Winnie once again prepared a nutritious and varied breakfast for the seniors. While eating, Tita Winnie imparted wonderful life experiences and lessons that were inspiring. It was so memorable that most of us were quoting her by the end of the day. The one quote I particularly like and vividly remember is when she said that “There are no problems, only challenges and opportunities” as one of the key lessons that she also learned from her beloved husband.
Soon after, we changed into athletic clothing and carried our gear to go play sports in the Clubhouse. Some seniors swam, did karaoke (again), while others played tennis, badminton, table tennis, and basketball. Some card games with juicy truths and dares were also played. After cooling down, batch photos were taken to commemorate the fun!
After returning to the residence for a quick late lunch, Tita Winnie shared more of her lovely stories and as quickly as we had arrived, the seniors had to go and pack their bags. Farewells and personal thanks were said to Tita Winnie (and Link). To commemorate the send-off, batch photos were taken and a Gratitude Board with personalized messages from the seniors was given to Tita Winnie as token of appreciation to her and Tito Boni, which now currently hangs on their bedroom wall. After departing her warm and cozy home, the batch made a quick stop at Leslie’s in Tagaytay to buy their pasalubong to bring to their families and get batch photos with a great view of the Taal Volcano.
It has truly been a one-of-a-kind experience that I am sure the seniors will remember with fondness and bliss. Many memories were made and so much wisdom imparted. It has truly allowed us to bask in the moment and realize the culmination of our lives in university and how it has shaped us to be who we are today. It’s safe to say that we are finally ready to take the leap off to the next chapter of our lives!
