Now a licensed architect, Metrobank Foundation–Boysen scholar Rheanna Yzabelle R. De Guzman reflects on how steady support and determination lead to success. She describes her journey as a “full circle” moment—from dreaming about the profession to officially becoming part of it. Her experience highlights how education, mentorship, and partnerships help turn potential into real outcomes.
This aligns with Metrobank Foundation’s mission to empower Filipinos to contribute beyond themselves. “We believe that empowering individuals goes beyond enabling personal success. It is about inspiring them to give back and take part in building stronger communities,” said Metrobank Foundation President Philip Francisco Dy.
Rheanna’s journey was not easy. Raised by a single father, Rhonnel De Guzman, and supported by her grandmother, Librada De Guzman, she faced a major setback when her dad had to stop working due to heart disease. By her second year in college, continuing her studies seemed unlikely. Financial resources were running out, and the goal of becoming an architect felt out of reach.
“When my father had to return home due to heart disease, our world shifted. His savings could only carry my education until my second year. At that point, the dream of becoming an architect didn’t just feel far away; it felt impossible. All we had was prayer and a quiet hope that the Lord would provide. And He did. Two days after my birthday, I got the news: I was a scholar,” shared Rheanna.
Rheanna studying architectural plans during her internship the summer before her first year of college (left); Rheanna on her 5th year (right)
Rheanna during her thesis defense at the University of Santo Tomas (left); a milestone shaped by dedication and perseverance, shared with her father as she holds her bound thesis (right).
The Metrobank Foundation–Boysen scholarship did more than cover her school expenses. “They [Metrobank Foundation and Boysen] did not only help sustain my education. They also stayed by my side. They saw potential in me that I hadn’t yet seen in myself. They didn’t just see a student in need; they saw a professional in the making,” Rheanna shared.
Rheanna presenting her token of gratitude to the late former Metrobank Foundation President Aniceto M. Sobrepeña during the Metrobank Foundation’s Graduates’ Forum in 2023.
The support allowed Rheanna to focus on her academic goals, enabling her to graduate with honors at the University of Santo Tomas. She eventually passed the board examination to become a licensed architect. Her fellow MBFI–Boysen scholars and batchmates, Joanna Rose Irinco (National University–Manila) and Lycel Anne Pineda (University of the Philippines –Diliman), also successfully passed the January Architecture Licensure Examination.
Rheanna (2nd from the left) with her fellow MBFI-Boysen Class of 2023 scholars, including Joanna Rose Irinco (leftmost) and Lycel Anne Pineda (2nd from right), joined by Boysen Marketing Manager Engr. Vergel Dyoco (5th from left) and MBFI Education Unit Head Allan Reyes (6th from left) during the 2023 Graduates’ Forum hosted by the Metrobank Foundation.
Graduating cum laude, Rheanna shares the stage with her father and grandmother to receive recognized for her achievement.
As Rheanna begins her career, she recognizes that earning her license is not the end goal, but the start of a greater responsibility. For her and her fellow Metrobank Foundation–Boysen scholars, success means giving back and continuing the cycle of support.
Rheanna (right) with her sister Rheinnea (left), their father Rhonnel (seated, left), and grandmother Librada (seated, right).
“Our journey doesn’t end with this license. It begins with the responsibility to build, not just structures but also hope. A hope that one day we will all come back here with a new story. Not just of our own success, but of our own “full-circle moment”, a story of how we kept this cycle alive by paying it forward to the dreamers who come after us,” shared Rheanna.
