By Zionel Bayan and Ezra Viola

Photos by Jillian Velasco and Shenellyn Pineda

Not even heavy rains could stop the Graduating Class of 2025 from making their way to Mendiola, Manila for San Beda University College of Law 73rd Commencement Exercises held at the Abbot Lopez Hall on July 19, 2025. 

Alyanna Shi led the ‘Mighty 33’ graduates as the Class of 2025 valedictorian. In honor of her academic achievement, she was also conferred the Risel G. Castillo-Taleon Leadership Award.

In her commencement address, she reminded her fellow graduates that their journey is just the beginning as they prepare for the upcoming 2025 Bar Examinations in September.

“The clarion call may be tough, and the pressure may get heavy, but we are privileged enough to be its bearers… We’ve made it, we’ve come this far, and we’re not yet done. Our story is just unfolding,” she declared.

Alyanna Shi speaking to the Class of 2025 in her Valedictory Address

Class Salutatorian Maria Josella Aviso received the Dean Emeritus Virgilio B. Jara Award, while Jeianna Janella Virrey was awarded the Honorable Mention with the Dean Ledesma Achievement Award.

TheBarrister alumnae Louise Alexandra Dia and Gabrielle Pangan were among the Mighty 33 graduates.

Atty. Nicasio Cabaneiro, one of the most accomplished Bedan alumni and a dedicated law professor at SBU-COL for over 50 years, served as the commencement speaker. 

Known to his students as The Good Shepherd, Atty. Cabaneiro drew from his lifetime of experience as he imparted his wisdom to the graduating class. 

“Intelligence is not enough. Persistence, perseverance, patience, and a lot of divine intervention are necessary to meet your goals,” he reminded them.

Rev. Fr. Aloysius Ma. A. Maranan, OSB, presided over the Baccalaureate Mass and reminded the graduates to always carry with them the Benedictine teachings to serve justice and compassion in the legal practice.

“Many of you will become Bedan servant leaders, (…) You can only be grounded with the teachings of St. Bede,” he said. 

Class of 2024 Valedictorian Atty. Raya Villacorta graced the event and was honored with the Beda Venerabilis Laurea for ranking 10th in the 2024 Bar Examinations.

The ceremony closed with the recital of the three core oaths: the Pledge of Loyalty, the Pledge of a Bedan, and the Alumni Oath. 

As the final words echoed through the hall, the graduating class stood as stewards of the Bedan legacy.

Congratulations to the “Mighty, magic, blessed 33 strong Class of 2025,” as COL Dean Marciano Delson proudly called them.

  1. Ariola, Sheena Alaine B.
  2. Aviso, Maria Josella C.
  3. Cabañero, Patrick Karlo D.
  4. Calzado, Anne Valerie L.
  5. Caraan, Raldin Hilario A.
  6. Carrera, Joanna Marie V.
  7. Catolico, Ira Louisa N.
  8. Dia, Louise Alexandra
  9. Diño, Jouren Fryancois P.
  10. Escarcha, Gil Harvey S.M.
  11. Fernandez, Alexander Paolo O.
  12. Garcia, Lexanne O. 
  13. Ibañez, Hosea Angiela V.
  14. Jamero, Elyzza Mae A.
  15. Mamucud, Carl Jeric S.
  16. Marcos, Dana Jeuzel S.
  17. Mariano, Dean Allyson Fhey P.
  18. Mendoza, Sebastian Luigi T.
  19. Modelo, Levi Mikaella U.
  20. Obog, Marian A.
  21. Oreo, Jr., Raul M.
  22. Pajares, Bernadette D.R.
  23.  Pangan, Gabrielle L.
  24. Parolan, Mary Bianca M.
  25. Placido, Samantha Ives O.
  26. Regalado, Maria Katrina L.
  27. Reyes, Alliyah Jean V.
  28. Roxas, Jessica Karen R.
  29. Sanico, Jem Francelle L.
  30. Shi, Alyanna A.
  31. Timbol, Daniel Paul L.
  32. Valenzuela, Diane Faie O.
  33. Virrey, Jeianna Janella A.

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