Bravo University Celebrates the Graduation of Its Newest Skills Champions and Leaders
Eight8Ate Holdings proudly marks another milestone in talent development as Bravo University, our in-house training arm under the MASUMA Training Program, celebrates the graduation of its latest batches of students. Since its establishment in 2022, Bravo University has remained steadfast in its mission: to equip our employees with deeper technical expertise, sharpened leadership capabilities, and the confidence to champion operational excellence across the organization.
The program was founded through the vision and dedication of Mr. Vincent Paolo A. Conti (Vice President & General Manager, Eight8Ate Restaurant Solutions), Ms. Edna Urriza (General Manager, Masuma Food Industry, Commissary Business Operations), and Ms. Celina Anne Garcia (HR Manager, Masuma Food Industry, Commissary Business Operations). Their leadership laid the groundwork for what has now become one of the company’s strongest learning platforms for empowering our people.
Over the past three years, Bravo University has successfully produced four batches of trained and certified Skills Champions and League of Leaders graduates. This year, we proudly celebrate the achievements of Batches 5 and 6—two cohorts who demonstrated commitment, perseverance, and a genuine passion for continuous growth.
A Ceremony Honoring Growth, Excellence, and Hard Work
The graduation ceremony was graced by the presence of company leaders, including President & CEO Mr. Joey R. Garcia, Chief Finance Officer Mr. Dennis N. Dimaunahan, Vice President and General Manager of Eight8Ate Restaurant Solutions Mr. Vincent Paolo A. Conti, HR and Administration Senior Consultant Mr. Hernando T. Antenor, Senior HR Manager Ms. Jenie Lyn Millares-Cruz, Center of Excellence Manager Ms. Janina Santos, Senior Manager for Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Ms. Jem M. Zamora, Commissary Business Operations General Manager Ms. Edna Urriza, Commissary Director Mr. Simplicio B. Par, as well as line managers and other department leads who came together to support and celebrate the graduates.
To formally open the program, Mr. Dennis N. Dimaunahan, Chief Finance Officer, delivered an inspiring message that emphasized the critical role of continuous upskilling in strengthening business sustainability and improving overall workplace performance. He acknowledged the commitment shown by each trainee, recognizing the balance they maintained between the program’s demands and their day-to-day responsibilities.
He further commended the graduates with a heartfelt remark, stating, “To complete the several months of rigorous training while maintaining your daily excellence is a true testament to your resilience and passion.” Mr. Dimaunahan encouraged them to bring their new skills and learnings back to their respective teams, reinforcing that their growth contributes not only to their personal development but also to the organization’s collective success.
The event also welcomed Mr. Vincent Paolo A. Conti as Guest Speaker. In his message, he reflected on the early beginnings of Bravo University and how the program has grown into a vital platform for developing future leaders. He reminded the graduates that the skills they have gained hold significant value, not only in strengthening the company but also in shaping their personal and professional journeys ahead.
Mr. Conti emphasized the company’s commitment to its people, stating, “Not all companies are willing to invest resources and time in putting up training programs like this, but because our values drive us to put PEOPLE FIRST, we are willing to do it.” He encouraged the graduates to make the most of the knowledge they acquired, carrying forward the spirit of excellence and continuous growth.
A congratulatory message from Mr. Joey R. Garcia, President & CEO of Eight8Ate Holdings, Inc., further reinforced the company’s commitment to nurturing a culture of excellence. He commended the graduates for taking bold steps in their development journey, reminding them that growth requires courage, discipline, and a willingness to evolve.
Mr. Garcia encouraged the graduates to continue challenging themselves, sharing a meaningful insight: “There is no improvement when you're in your comfort zone. Embrace your uncomfortable or hard moments, because you learn from those.” His message served as a powerful reminder that continuous learning and resilience are key to both personal and organizational progress.
To close the event, Ms. Edna Urriza, CBO General Manager, delivered heartfelt remarks honoring the dedication, perseverance, and hard work demonstrated by both learners and mentors throughout the program. She acknowledged the commitment required to balance daily responsibilities while pursuing continuous improvement, emphasizing that the success of Bravo University is made possible by the collective effort of everyone involved.
Ms. Urriza also highlighted the transformative impact of mentorship, noting how guidance, encouragement, and shared expertise helped shape each graduate’s journey. She encouraged the learners to carry their newly acquired skills forward with pride and purpose, and to remember that growth is most meaningful when it uplifts the teams and communities around them. Her message served as both a celebration and a call to action, reminding graduates that their learning does not end here, but continues as they take on new challenges and opportunities.
Recognizing Outstanding Performances
As part of the graduation ceremony, Bravo University honored top-performing students from both batches for their exemplary case studies, presentations, and academic achievements.
Batch 5 Awardees
Best Case Presentation:• Sheree Ann Pongpong & Aiza Royo – “Powdered Raw Material Overlap / Mix-ups”
Best Case Presenter:• Sheree Ann Pongpong – “Powdered Raw Material Overlap / Mix-ups”
Academic Distinctions:
• 3rd Honorable Mention – Arcie Dampil
• 2nd Honorable Mention – Mark Angelo Gagalac
• 1st Honorable Mention – Francheska Diga
• Class Salutatorian – Ma. Fatima Abejo
• Class Valedictorian – Angelika Batac
Batch 6 Awardees
Best Case Presentation:• Dexter Cudiamat – “Production Bottleneck in the Baking Process Due to Limited Oven Capacity”
Best Case Presenter:• Marlon Dulog – “High Dough Trimmings from Roast Beef Pie”
Academic Distinctions:
• 3rd Honorable Mention – John Carlo Balagtas
• 2nd Honorable Mention – Lyzel Daro
• 1st Honorable Mention – Angelo Santiago
• Class Salutatorian – Riza Aguillon
• Class Valedictorian – Ramona Piaca
Looking Ahead
Bravo University continues to exemplify the company’s dedication to developing skilled, empowered, and future-ready production professionals. With each batch, the program strengthens our commitment to operational excellence, continuous improvement, and a culture of malasakit for our people.
Congratulations to all graduates of Batches 5 and 6. Your hard work and determination reflect the spirit of our organization, and we look forward to the many contributions you will make as the next generation of Skills Champions and Leaders of Eight8Ate!
