Inaugural Recognition Night Dedicated to Benildean Licensure Topnotchers
Inaugural Recognition Night Dedicated to Benildean Licensure Topnotchers
15 August 2024
At the height of the Philippines’ celebration over Carlos Yulo’s outstanding performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he secured two gold medals, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde held its first-ever Topnotchers’ Night on August 6, 2024, at Hotel Benilde.
Benilde President Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC, in his opening remarks, compared the topnotchers to Carlos Yulo, highlighting their underdog victories and the pride they bring to Benilde. “Today, tonight, we honor our own Carlos Yulos, our topnotchers. Nothing brings Benildeans together more than one of us achieving, whether it’s in the NCAA or you guys excelling in the licensure examinations,” he said. He emphasized the importance of celebrating these achievements as they reflect the hard work, determination, and excellence valued by the institution.
Nathaniel K. Liu, Benilde’s most recent top achiever in the Architecture Licensure Examination, was also invited to share his experience in his journey in becoming a Benildean Architect. Liu expressed gratitude to the Benilde Community, his mentors, and family, acknowledging their vital role in his success. Liu talked about how he chose to pursue Architecture at Benilde despite the program being relatively young at the time. He recounted how a serendipitous connection with Architect Nielsen Uy, a former topnotcher from Benilde, helped him make the decision. Liu humorously mentioned reaching out to Uy through email, saying, “I don’t know if he remembers this. I was able to reach out to him via email… and hearing it from someone else really sealed the deal for me.” Liu also spoke about his experiences at Benilde, describing it as an inspiring environment that encouraged creativity and innovation. He noted the rapid growth and development of the school, expressing pride in the new facilities and the accomplishments of younger generations.
Looking back at the challenges of board exams, Liu commented, “These exams are a terrible measure of our skills as thinkers, as designers. It’s the truth.” He emphasized the broader value of education and the importance of contributing to the community, stating, “If this is one of the ways that we can even begin or attempt to pay forward all that our alma mater has given us, then what a victory it is.”
The event recognized the following topnotchers:
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
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
The topnotchers recognized at the event were awarded a cash incentive and a plaque of distinction each. Php200,000.00 is given to the Top 1 placers, Php100,000.00 for the Top 2 and the Top 3 placers, and Php50,000.00 for the Top 4-10 placers.
In his closing remarks, Chancellor Benhur Ong highlighted the significance of these achievements, stating that they reflect not only personal success but also the dedication and perseverance that embody the Benildean spirit. He urged the awardees to continue sharing their knowledge and supporting fellow Benildeans. “Your achievements are not only a reflection of your hard work and dedication but also the support and encouragement from your families, mentors, and peers,” Ong concluded, inspiring the audience to uphold Benildean and Lasallian values in their future endeavors.
The event celebrated the achievements of alumni who excelled in their board exams and marked the start of a new tradition to honor future topnotchers in licensure examinations.
For more information on Benilde’s undergraduate programs, contact us at (63) 2 8230 5100 local 1801 or admissions@benilde.edu.ph. You may also visit our website at www.benilde.edu.ph.
