With its theme “Where innovation meets purpose and the child shapes the future,” Children’s Paradise Montessori School (CPMS) celebrated its 20th anniversary at Summit Galleria Cebu on May 16, 2025 with the 19th Commencement Exercises and the Recognition and Recital Day. The event marked not just a graduation, but two decades of unwavering commitment to nurturing the child through a child-centered approach rooted in love, resilience, and purpose.
The commencement celebration in the morning was opened by a procession of the graduates of 2025 together with their proud parents, followed by an impactful opening speech by CPMS President Marivic Bathan. In her speech, she commemorated the school’s evolution from its early beginnings to what it proudly calls CPMS 2.0 — an institution that responds to the evolving needs of learners while remaining firm in its core philosophy of valuing each child as an individual.
“Our theme captures the story of our journey of transformation and resilience over the last two decades,” she shared. “We are ever-evolving, but are rooted in the same purpose: to love and value the child.”
CPMS alumni, whose journeys reflect the values instilled by the school, also shared inspiring testimonies during the event.
Rome Pesodas, a graduate from 2018 and a student who thrived with the support of CPMS’s inclusive practices for learners with ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions, recalled how he found a place where he was accepted. “Your differences aren’t just special,” he said. “They are powerful.”
Fellow alumni, Alexis Semilla, a CPMS pioneer and incoming fourth-year student at Ateneo de Manila University, credited the school for shaping her identity. She shared that CPMS didn’t just make her a student; it taught her how to be a lifelong learner—independent, curious, creative, disciplined, accountable, and organized. Her passions for music and theater arts which were fostered early on, led her to perform at the Australian International Music Festival and with Jose Mari Chan, and today she continues performing with Ateneo’s musical theater group.
At the heart of the celebration was the recognition of kindergarten graduates, who shared their dreams of what they want to become when they grow up.
The basic education graduates were acknowledged as well, with graduates like Peter Abadia, who spoke about overcoming the fear of not knowing and finding strength through persistence: “Don’t live this life without trying your best to fulfill your goals.” Fellow graduate John Arthur Allego also inspired his peers with a powerful reminder: “if you hit rock bottom, there is only one way left, and that is up.” Ma. Xandri Cataleya B. Lasco, the only rose among 9 graduates shared, “My journey in CPMS showed me that it’s not always the prize or the destination. It’s also about the journey, the process,” and Jatuchai Luke Vatanagul, a patrol leader and Loyalty Awardee, who shared how taking on leadership roles helped him to overcome academic challenges and self-doubt, emphasizing that when you challenge yourself, you open the door to your highest capability.
In the afternoon, the school transitioned into a lively celebration of student talent and achievement during its Recognition and Recital Day. The celebration highlighted the holistic development of CPMS learners, honoring not just excellence in academics but also in talent and character.
Performances, including those by the CPMS Rondalla Ensemble and Children’s Choir, reinforced the school’s commitment to the arts. What started in 2011 with just 10-15 students has grown into an award-winning group, earning gold at the Australian International Music Festival in 2017 and performing in Hong Kong in 2014.
The event also recognized the efforts of young scouts as they took oath, and were awarded with badges and certificates. The school’s participation in the Montessori Model United Nations, was also celebrated—where students tackled issues through position papers on the right to food, water scarcity, and more.
Best Buddies, a nonprofit that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), also recognized the pioneering batch of Cebu ambassadors all from CPMS Alumni. Cael Bacaltos, Grade 5, shared a moving speech about how his awareness, acceptance of, and living with his own differences and challenges have transformed and empowered him and others to be kind and inclusive. This concretized the program’s impact.
As CPMS marks its 20th anniversary, the events of May 16 served as a powerful reminder of the school’s enduring commitment to the child. From academic to personal achievements, from commencement exercises to songs of joy, the day was a celebration of what makes CPMS unique: the belief that every child, when valued and understood, can shape the future.
In the words of CPMS President Marivic Bathan, “Let us celebrate, the future is today.”
