After six years in college, Christlin Conanan capped her undergraduate years by finishing cum laude and donning the iconic Sablay of the University of the Philippines.
 
But there is something unique about how she and 3,789 others from UP-Diliman are graduating-- they are celebrating the occasion from their homes. 
 
Instead of sharing moments and groupfies with fellow Iskolars, with the University Avenue’s sunflowers and The Oblation in the background, the BS Film graduate marked the occasion with her family from their living room. 
 
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the State University held its 109th graduation exercises online for the first time, livestreaming the physical ceremony from the main campus with only key participants present including current and past UP Diliman chancellors Fidel Nemenzo and Michael Tan, the latter delivering the commencement speech. 
 
Despite the unusual circumstances brought on by COVID-19 prevention protocols, Conanan said she still finds the experience memorable. 

"Emotional pa rin naman ako kasi siyempre after years of studying, finally ga-graduate na ako. I thought I was going to cry, but naging teary-eyed naman ako nung speech ni Chancellor Tan.” 
 
“Apart from that, iba pa rin yung experience na kasama ko yung ibang graduates, pero super grateful ako for UP na they still prepared for this ceremony and yung mga videos na ginawa nila para sa'ming graduates, na-appreciate ko yung UP for that.” 
 
The speeches by former Chancellor Tan and summa cum laude Steffi Eunice Ramos made it more memorable for Conanan. 
 
“Hinighlight nila yung importance na ga-graduate kami ngayon kasi ang daming nangyayari sa mundo, andaming tulong na kailangan ng bansa natin and hindi hadlang yung pandemic para magsalita pa rin, para lumaban. Kahit nasa bahay tayo, kahit online lang, puwedeng puwede pa rin tayo lumaban, meron pa rin tayong boses and wag nating kalimutan yun. Tatak UP pa rin yung graduation na to.” 
 
While mulling her next move, she said she could serve the country right now by educating and encouraging others to keep speaking out. 
 
“Isa na yung malaking pagtulong para mas malaman nila kung anong nangyayari. Kasi sino pa ba magsasabi sa kanila, lalo na ngayon na nawala ang ABS-CBN. Kasi kami, ABS family kami as in lumaki kami nagre-rely yung mom ko sa news, where else will she hear yung mga nangyayari apart from me, kami (sisters) na laging nasa Facebook.” 
 
As the livestream ended, Christlin’s sisters congratulated her with a different kind of sunflower: a box of cupcakes shaped like a sunflower bouquet.