On July 18, 2025, the U.P. Vanguard Inc. Los Baños Chapter hosted the 𝘎𝘢𝘣𝘪 𝘯𝘨 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘵 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘵 Thanksgiving Dinner at North-South Asian Fusion Cuisine, Centtro Mall Los Baños, to honor the Graduating Vanguards of 2025 and their families. The event brought together members of the Board of Governors, Chapter Officers, UP Vanguard Inc. members, UPLB Cadet Officers, Sponsors, and the families of the graduates in a night of recognition and gratitude.
The evening was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Vice National Commander VGD (Ret. MGen.) Peale Jon Bondoc ’85, VGD Ronnie Carandang ’86, Chapter Commander VGD Bright Munda ’98, Chapter Adjutant VGD Richard Amansec ’98, Assistant Commandant of UPLB DMST 1LT Edwin Rala ’90, and VGD Arthur Alejar III.
Among the graduates who completed their degrees from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) were VGD Tricia Corinne Anuat ’21 (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine), VGD Anna Patricia Nabutel ’21 (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine), VGD Angel May Sardea ’23 (BS Biology), VGD Nikka Joyce Adriano ’24 (BS Food Science and Technology), CCPT Alyssa Marie Sapatua ‘26 (BS Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship), and VGD Joselito Dazo Tucit ’97 (Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Engineering). Graduating Sponsors were also recognized, including Miss Alexandra Capulong ‘24 (BS Forestry), Miss Erika Catangay ‘24 (BS Forestry), and Miss Jan Mae Joaquin ‘24 (BS Agriculture). VGD John Ronald Egat ‘13 (Master of Science in Animal Science) and VGD Jessica Mae Monzon ’18 (Master of Arts in Education) finished their graduate studies at the Cavite State University - Main Campus and the Laguna Sate Polytechnic University - Los Baños (LSPU-LB), respectively.
The graduates shared how their journey in the Cadet Corps helped shape their growth, discipline, and leadership, expressing deep appreciation for the support and guidance provided by the U.P. Vanguard Inc. Their parents echoed these sentiments, delivering heartfelt speeches of pride and gratitude, recognizing the organization's pivotal role in their children’s accomplishments.
One of the most moving moments of the evening was the symbolic pinning ceremony, where parents placed the U.P. Vanguard Inc. pin onto their children's Sablays. This act symbolized that the graduates' success—as students and as Vanguards—was a shared milestone, achieved through the collective effort of their families.
In his message, Vice National Commander VGD Peale Jon Bondoc ’85 extended his congratulations to the graduates and their families. VGD Ronnie Carandang ’86 followed with an inspiring recollection of the origins of the annual Thanksgiving Dinner, which resonated deeply with the audience. Chapter Adjutant VGD Richard Amansec ’98 provided updates on the Vanguard Scholarship Program and recognized several Cadet Officer scholars. Finally, Chapter Commander VGD Bright Munda ’98 delivered the closing remarks, encouraging Cadet Officers to continue with Advanced ROTC and make the most of the life skills and leadership training offered by U.P. Vanguard Inc.
The evening served not only to celebrate the academic and leadership achievements of the graduates but also to highlight the unwavering support of their families and the U.P. Vanguard community. Through generous donations and sponsorships from the Brods, hotel accommodations were provided for the graduates and their families during the event and graduation ceremony.
Congratulations to the U.P. Vanguard Graduates of 2025!
