UP CAPES Year-End Wrap-Up: From Vision to Impact

As another chapter closes, UP CAPES looks back on a year of milestones that shaped careers, built bridges, and inspired the next generation of UP engineers. From practical skill-building to industry networking, 2024–2025 proved that when students and professionals connect, futures are engineered to excel.

As 2025 unfolds, it’s time to reflect on a year packed with career-building moments—and look forward to the exciting chapter ahead.

CAPES Week 2024: Engineered to Excel

From October 15–18, UP CAPES opened the year with a celebration like no other—CAPES Week 2024, marking 33 years of empowering UP engineers. With the theme “Engineered to Excel” and the launch of our renewed brand identity, Melchor Hall transformed into a vibrant hub of opportunity, growth, and connection.

CAPES Week 2024 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Melchor Hall Lobby

The week began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and the much-awaited Grand Pakain, where students and alumni gathered to share food, stories, and excitement for the year ahead. The lobby was filled with interactive exhibits that showcased UP CAPES’ milestones, highlighted the legacy of service, and offered a glimpse into the future direction of the organization. Our partner company for CAPES Week 2024, Analog Devices Incorporated (ADI),  joined in, setting up booths that gave students their first taste of the many opportunities CAPES would deliver throughout the year.

More than a celebration, CAPES Week became a statement of vision—a reminder that the journey of a UP engineer doesn’t end in the classroom, but extends to industry, mentorship, and lifelong connections. Co-presented with Analog Devices Inc., the event set the tone for a year built on growth and impact.

UPSKILL 2024: Empowering Future Engineers

From November 18–22, UP CAPES shifted gears with UPSKILL 2024, a week-long training ground for career readiness. The event bridged the gap between academic knowledge and industry demands through an exciting lineup of workshops and talks led by our partner organizations.

Career Craft held last November 2024 at UPSKILL 2024

Students were guided through Resume 101 and Career Craft, practical sessions designed to sharpen job application skills. They explored cutting-edge technology through a workshop on AI & edge computing with the MAX78000, presented by Analog Devices. Seven Seven Global Services brought in expertise on presentation skills, while Shopee provided insights into project management essentials. Shell capped it off with a discussion on navigating hybrid engineering roles, preparing students for the evolving landscape of work.

The week concluded with resume consultations and mock interviews, where participants received real-time feedback from industry professionals. By the end of UPSKILL 2024, students didn’t just learn new concepts—they left more confident, capable, and industry-ready.

JOBFAIR 2025: Spring into Your Future

From March 10–14, UP CAPES presented the much-anticipated JOBFAIR 2025, co-presented with Analog Devices. Once again, Melchor Hall was transformed, this time into a bustling arena of opportunity, with rows of company booths, industry talks, and career workshops all designed to connect students with their future.

JOBFAIR 2025 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Melchor Hall Steps

Interactive booths from top companies filled the hall with energy, offering games, freebies, and direct networking with recruiters. Beyond the excitement, students joined career-shaping workshops such as “Internships 101” and “Fresh Grads 101”, equipping them with the knowledge to secure and thrive in early-career roles.

The Company Talks series featured leading organizations like Accenture, JP Morgan, Maya, Shopee, Toyota, Shell, and many more—each session giving attendees firsthand insights into industry trends, workplace culture, and career pathways. On-campus recruitment provided many with direct opportunities, turning JOBFAIR into the moment where students’ first professional chapters truly began.

JOBFAIR 2025 wasn’t just an event; it was a launchpad. For countless engineering students, it became the turning point between campus life and career life.

MIXER 2025: Building Bridges

By May, UP CAPES shifted the pace with MIXER 2025, a more intimate yet equally impactful networking experience. Unlike the scale of JOBFAIR, Mixer focused on quality conversations and lasting connections between students and professionals.

MIXER 2025 Opening Ceremony at Gimenez Gallery

Engineering students sat down with industry leaders in a relaxed setting, allowing space for mentorship, career guidance, and genuine dialogue. Over light refreshments, participants explored industry trends, asked career-defining questions, and forged relationships that extended beyond the walls of the event.

MIXER 2025 proved that sometimes the best professional breakthroughs don’t happen in structured interviews or panel sessions—they happen in authentic conversations, where ideas are shared openly and connections are built naturally. For many, it was the highlight of the year’s networking opportunities, offering a refreshing reminder that careers are built not just on credentials, but on relationships and mentorship.

Welcoming the New Executive Board & Directors

We’re thrilled to introduce our newly elected Executive Board and Directors (EBD), led by our president, Cyress Lein Carpio.

This leadership team steps into their roles with fresh ideas, passion, and vision, ready to continue UP CAPES’ mission of empowering engineering students toward fulfilling careers. With revamped committees, alongside a renewed focus on excellence and innovation, the new EBD is prepared to take on the challenges of a new year.

As they carry forward the legacy of service and connection, we look forward to the milestones they will create and the impact they will make—not only within the organization, but also in the lives of the students and partners we serve.

Voices of Legacy: CAPES Alumni Testimonies

Our alumni say it best: being part of UP CAPES isn’t just about events and opportunities—it’s about transformation. You gain access to industries, career insights, and a network that pushes you to aim higher. Collaborate with passionate people on meaningful projects, find purpose in service, and step beyond your comfort zone.

From career growth to lasting friendships, the CAPES experience equips you with the mindset, skills, and connections to thrive—long after graduation.

Erwin Ray Gerona

Former President, AY 2425

“Being part of UP CAPES shaped so much of who I am today. It gave me a space to grow, work with passionate people, and create meaningful projects that helped the Engineering students find their path. More than anything, it reminded me how fulfilling it is to serve and be part of something that genuinely makes a difference—and if I had the chance, I’d choose to be part of it all over again.”

Martina Lois Saman

Former VP for Customer Experience, AY 2425

“CAPES definitely gave me the push I needed to start building my career. It gave me access to various industries, real-world career insights, and a network of driven students and professionals who inspire me to aim higher. That reality helped me shape my own goals, and I became someone with direction, along with an amazing support system to boot. CAPES didn’t just help me plan for my life after graduation, it equipped me with the mindset, skills, and connections needed to thrive in it. If you’re serious about preparing for your future, CAPES is where you should be.”


Reux Van Galang

Former Executive Vice President, AY 2425

“Joining UP CAPES was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today—both personally and professionally. UP CAPES provided an environment that constantly challenged me to grow, encouraged innovation, and pushed me far beyond my comfort zone. More than just a platform for development, it became a home—a community where I found lasting friendships and a strong support system. I am the person I am today because of CAPES, and I will always be grateful for the experience.”

Next Up: CAPES Week 2025 – Your Gateway to What’s Next

The legacy continues. After a year of milestones that brought skills, opportunities, and connections to hundreds of engineering students, UP CAPES is gearing up for an even bigger 2025.

And what better way to kick things off than with CAPES Week 2025? Mark your calendars because it’s set to return with:

UP CAPES presents proudly presents: CAPES Week 2025

October 1-9 | Social Media Challenges  

October 8 | Campaign Talk, and GPAK 

October 8-10 | CAPES Exhibit

October 9 | CAPES Photobooth

Whether you’re a freshman just beginning your CAPES journey or a graduating senior ready to leap into industry, CAPES Week 2025 will be your gateway to what’s next.

Interested? Stay tuned!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and visit upcapes.org to catch the latest updates, event schedules, and opportunities.

This year, we’re building on the legacy. The best is yet to come.



Written by: Angelo Gabriel Santiago