13/02/2026
REFLECTIONS OF A UE WARRIOR: Turning Student Experiences into Professional Success.
On January 29, 2026, students of College of Business Administration of the University of the East – Manila gathered for an inspiring seminar titled "REFLECTIONS OF A UE WARRIOR: Turning Student Experiences into Professional Success." Spearheaded by the Entrepreneurial Venture and Student Apprenticeship (EVSA) Department, the event highlighted the career paths of two prominent alumni and demonstrated exactly how classroom lessons and student life are transformed into the building blocks of professional excellence.
The program commenced with a formal opening that established a tone of aspiration and excellence given by the Dean of the College of Business Administration, Dr. Rosalinda B. Lacerona, focusing on the strategic development of one's career. She challenged the students to be intentional with their growth, urging them to turn their aspirations into professional success by leveraging the hardships of their academic journey as a blueprint for the corporate world.
Following the Dean’s inspiring message, the program moved toward its core objective, learning from those who have successfully navigated the transition from the classroom to the boardroom. Prof. Marissa L. Lanuza, the EVSA Department Chair, took the stage to introduce the afternoon’s first guest speaker.
The first speaker, Ms. Bianca Ella Domenia, the founder and CEO of Rise Up Global Solutions took the stage to share her profound insights on the transition from university life to the corporate landscape where she emphasized that the habits students cultivate today are the very foundations of the professionals they are becoming. Ms. Domenia highlighted several pillars of success that resonated with the CBA students. She underscored that discipline and time management are non-negotiable for achieving a healthy life-work balance, which ultimately leads to a rewarding career. She encouraged students to build meaningful connections as it can hones one's confidence and opens doors to unforeseen possibilities. In one of the most touching moments of her talk, she reminded the audience that "failure is not the end, it’s part of the journey." She shared that failures are often the catalysts for new beginnings and greater resilience. Ms. Domenia also challenged the "Warriors" to embrace discomfort, asserting that true growth begins only when one chooses to step outside of their comfort zone. Concluding her session, she touched upon the vast opportunities in the digital age, specifically discussing the remote work revolution, the rise of modern entrepreneurship, and the fulfillment found in pursuing a purpose-driven career. Her message left the students with a clear roadmap: professional success is not a destination but a result of the small, intentional habits formed within the halls of the university.
Following Ms. Bianca Ella Domenia, the second speaker was introduced by Prof. Cherry Comia. Mr. Jubal L. Ayo, President/Chairman of the Board of Eagles Group of Companies is a distinguished UE alumnus whose journey was aptly described as reaching for the “CPA through the stars”. He spoke candidly and deeply about his journey, speaking openly about the raw challenges and struggles he faced as a student while navigating the pressure of keeping pace with his peers. He credited the University of the East for his "real-world" readiness, noting that the institution did more than provide an education, it instilled in him a permanent learning mindset and the vital capacity for empathy. Mr. Ayo emphasized that his success was born from a holistic approach, advocating for a strategic balance between rigorous academic demands and extracurricular involvement. This balance, he noted, was the key to transforming abstract classroom concepts into tangible professional results. Despite various setbacks, he remained anchored by the core values of integrity and optimism, asserting in a poignant moment of reflection that his confidence and technical expertise were forged within the walls of UE. Ultimately, he reminded the CBA students that the very hurdles they face as "Warriors" today are the foundational elements that build a professional champion tomorrow.
The seminar concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among the CBA students, bridging the gap between their current academic struggles and their future professional success. By witnessing the success stories of their fellow Warriors, the attendees left the venue not just with new knowledge but with the realization that their time at the University of the East is the ultimate training ground for the careers they aspire to build.Ultimately, the seminar served as a powerful milestone in the students’ journey proving that with discipline, integrity, and the right mindset, today’s reflections can become tomorrow’s success.
The College of Business Administration and EVSA Department extend its heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Bianca Ella Domenia and Mr. Jubal L. Ayo for their exceptional contributions to the seminar. By generously sharing their time, reflections, and experiences, they provided the students with a masterclass in professional transition. Their stories served as a vital reminder that the journey from the classroom to the corporate world is fueled by the same grit and character that define the UE community.
