August 6, 2024 – Inaugural Recognition Night / Topnotchers’ Night.

Benilde Launches Inaugural Recognition Night Honoring Benildean Licensure Topnotchers

15 August 2024

In a meaningful celebration of excellence, pride, and shared achievement, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde held its first-ever Recognition Night for Benildean Licensure Topnotchers on August 6, 2024 at Hotel Benilde. The event marked the beginning of what is envisioned to be a lasting tradition that honors alumni who have brought pride to the Benildean community through outstanding performance in their respective licensure examinations.

Set against the backdrop of the nation’s celebration of Filipino excellence, the evening became a tribute to Benildeans who proved that hard work, resilience, and purpose can lead to remarkable achievement. More than a recognition program, the event was a proud gathering of alumni, mentors, academic leaders, and members of the Benilde community, all united in celebrating those who carried the Benildean name with distinction.

In his opening remarks, Benilde President Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC likened the honorees to modern-day champions, drawing inspiration from the country’s celebration of athletes and achievers. He emphasized that the accomplishments of Benilde’s topnotchers are a source of pride for the entire institution and a reflection of the perseverance, discipline, and excellence that Benilde continues to nurture in its students and graduates.

A highlight of the evening was the message shared by Nathaniel K. Liu, Benilde’s most recent top achiever in the June 2024 Architecture Licensure Examination. Speaking with honesty and gratitude, Liu reflected on his journey toward becoming a Benildean architect and paid tribute to the mentors, family members, and fellow Benildeans who helped shape his path. He fondly recalled how his decision to pursue Architecture at Benilde was strengthened by an earlier connection with Architect Nielsen Bryan C. Uy, a fellow Benildean topnotcher whose story inspired him to take the leap.

Liu also spoke about the creative and empowering environment he found in Benilde, describing the College as a place that encouraged him to think boldly, grow meaningfully, and pursue his craft with purpose. His reflections served as a reminder that while board examinations are milestones worth celebrating, the true value of education lies in how one uses knowledge, talent, and opportunity to contribute to others and to one’s community.

The evening honored Benildean alumni who excelled in the following licensure examinations:

Architecture Licensure Examination

• Ar. Nielsen Bryan C. Uy, Top 10, June 2015
• Ar. Ria Angelica C. Zamudio, Top 8, June 2017
• Ar. Angelo Ezekiel P. Nuestro, Top 3, January 2019
• Ar. Alexandra R. Alcorcon, Top 7, January 2023
• Ar. Francisco Eslira, Top 7, June 2024
• Ar. Louie Nathaniel P. Kiu, Top 1, June 2024

Interior Design Licensure Examination

• IDr. Candice M. Arboleda, Top 1, September 2010
• IDr. Jerlyn B. Antinor, Top 7, November 2018
• IDr. Kirk Cedrick Moaje, Top 1, November 2018
• IDr. Kaitlin Almira U. Sy, Top 3, June 2019
• IDr. Noelle Samantha C. Bernardo, Top 2, June 2019
• IDr. Rosa Isabelle M. Bracamonte, Top 6, July 2023
• IDr. Iris Adreana C. Bernabe, Top 2, July 2023
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Real Estate Brokers Licensure Examination

• Ms. Genalyn Christine T. Cruz, REB, Top 8, April 2024
• Ms. Julienne Carly R. Saputil, REB, Top 6, April 2024

Real Estate Appraisers Licensure Examination

• Mr. Bill Clinton P. Esteban, REA, Top 10, September 2022

Each awardee received a plaque of distinction and a cash incentive in recognition of their achievement. Benilde awarded Php200,000 to Top 1 placers, Php100,000 to Top 2 and Top 3 placers, and Php50,000 to Top 4 to Top 10 placers. These incentives reflect the College’s strong commitment to honoring excellence and encouraging future generations of Benildeans to pursue distinction in their chosen professions.

In his closing message, Chancellor Benhur Ong underscored that these achievements represent more than academic or professional success. They are a reflection of the values, discipline, and determination that define the Benildean spirit. He also encouraged the honorees to continue giving back by inspiring, mentoring, and supporting fellow Benildeans who hope to follow in their footsteps.

For the Benilde Alumni community, the inaugural Recognition Night was more than a celebration of board exam success. It was a powerful affirmation that Benildean alumni continue to raise the standard of excellence in their fields, and that their victories are victories shared by the entire community. As this new tradition takes root, it strengthens the bond between the College and its graduates and reminds every Benildean that achievement, when grounded in purpose and service, becomes part of a legacy that uplifts many.