Father-Daughter Duo Diosdado and Felisha Babar Share Milestone of Graduating as Benildeans
Father-Daughter Duo Diosdado and Felisha Babar Share Milestone of Graduating as Benildeans
28 October 2024
When one reminisces about the good old college days, we typically would remember the times when we braved challenges on our own, with our classmates, or with help from our parental figures who gave us advice. However, it is given that not everyone had the same setup. Each student’s relationship and dynamic with others is uniquely different. Whatever works for one may not be the most ideal for another.
This is why unconventional student setups are so refreshing when encountered.
Such is the story of Felisha Babar and her father, Diosdado Babar III, who went through their undergraduate journeys together. These culminated at the end of the month with Benilde’s Commencement Exercises for the Third Term of AY 2023-2024, where the father-daughter duo graduated side by side—a milestone that not everyone can say they accomplished in such a way.
Diosdado, through the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program or ETEEAP, earned a degree in BS in Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (BS-HRIM). Prior to being enrolled in the program, he was already working in the hospitality industry.
“I was at a point in my career where I wanted to solidify my qualifications to help open more doors internationally. While I had years of hands-on experience, I knew having a formal degree, especially one accredited like Benilde’s BS-HRIM, would enhance my career prospects,” he expresses.
Benilde’s HRIM program integrates theory and practice to provide students with strong management skills, service excellence, and a comprehensive understanding of global hospitality and luxury industry dynamics. Students gain invaluable insights into high-end hotel, restaurant and institution operations, coupled with essential business acumen, to excel in the competitive world of hospitality.
His passion for the work and his desire to deepen his expertise in the field was what ultimately pushed him to enroll in ETEEAP, which also allowed him to go through the program through distance learning. “It offered me the flexibility to study while managing my commitments, and it allowed me to pursue my academic goals, even with the challenges of balancing life of work and study in the UK,” he points out.
Diosdado shares that his typical work shift was from 3 pm to 11 pm, so he made it a routine to study in the mornings. He says it was challenging at times, but having a set schedule helped him stay organized. On top of that, he also found that his work provided practical examples for what he was learning in the program, so the balance between work and study often complemented each other.
This was a highlight for him, referring to the adaptability of the curriculum. The program integrated interactive modules, virtual classes, and group works that Diosdado says helped bridge the gap of not being physically present in the classroom. “Despite the time zone difference between the UK and the Philippines, I was still able to stay engaged and on top of my studies,” he affirms.
Felisha, on the other hand, is graduating from AB in Diplomacy and International Affairs (DIA). When asked about why she chose this program in particular, she says it was her passion for learning about and immersing in other cultures that heavily influenced her decision. She adds that her sister, who also graduated from Benilde, introduced Felisha to the program.
Benilde’s DIA program is built to provide a more comprehensive understanding of global dynamics and international affairs. It puts a premium on how diplomacy is applied and realized. The AB-DIA is designed to produce graduates that are not only equipped with competencies on consular works, protocols and activities but also on policy development, research and negotiation.
Being a student of DIA, Felisha was given opportunities to broaden her understanding of the industry and apply what she has learned. “I’ve gained practical experience in diplomatic protocol, etiquette, and social graces while also developing skills in lobbying and negotiations to effect social transformation.”
She furthers that the program’s immersion in different cultures, foreign language learning, and exposure to government affairs have also prepared her to promote the Philippines’ interests on the global stage. “This journey has taught me that leadership is a form of service—to the people, the country, and the principles of diplomacy,” she mentions, “It’s about applying evidence-based advocacy in international relations, analyzing foreign policies and international agreements, and developing conflict resolution skills, all while upholding the Lasallian Core Values.”
On top of the program’s focus on academics, DIA also challenged students to remain engaged with their communities through extracurricular events and programs offered by the School of Diplomacy and Governance (SDG). Felisha, for example, had the opportunity to represent Benilde as a delegate in the Harvard World model United Nations last year in Paris, France. She comments, “Since then, I’ve seen tremendous growth in the immersion programs and international competitions that SDG offers, especially after the pandemic, and I am deeply grateful for these experiences.”
Looking back on her undergraduate journey, Felisha shares: ‘”Benilde not only teaches us the foundational principles of the Benildean Expressions of the Lasallian Core Values but also encourages us to apply them in practice.” Through her experiences leading student organizations and events, she states that she was able to prioritize “being socially responsible, engaging with the community, and addressing broader social issues.”
She also recounts her undergraduate journey with her father. Despite being enrolled in different programs, there were times they had similar courses, allowing them to discuss their assignments and tasks with each other. “It was a special moment for me because, throughout my life, my dad has always been my teacher, my tutor, and my guide. But experiencing us learning together brought a new perspective,” Felisha expresses.
“It made me feel that he truly understands the challenges and victories I face as a student, because he was living them too.”
Diosdado, however, clarified that while they were students together, the time differences between the Philippines and the UK and then having different programs only allowed them to support each other from afar. “We offered encouragement when we could, but our study schedules were quite independent. Despite these challenges, we found it rewarding to share the journey, even if it wasn’t side-by-side in the traditional sense,” he explains.
Still, for Felisha, their time together at Benilde had her heart swelling with pride as she heard about her dad’s successes, saying, “these moments brought us closer and deepened our understanding of each other.”
For Felisha, standing side by side with her dad meant so much more than just celebrating, “It’s about honoring the journey we took together, every step of the way. Walking across the stage with him was not just a personal milestone; it was a shared celebration of dreams realized and hard work fulfilled.”
For more information on Benilde’s ETEEAP and undergraduate programs and Benildean student life, 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.
