Philippine Military Academy (PMA)
records him in the annals of its history as the first Bicolano alumnus of the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA).
Yet in our family, he will always be
our beloved first born...
of the first born...
of our family's first born.
December 11, 2025, I was one of the lucky and privileged Lolas (Grandmothers) who witnessed the culmination of a childhood dream at ADFA parade ground in Canberra, Australia.
It was a monumental day when we joined our eldest grandson, Nathanjan "NJ" Barcelon Llasos, as he and two fellow Filipino graduates raised our flag higher.
This ceremony was far different from his Recognition Day at PMA, Baguio City on April 30, 2022.
Held during the post-covid year when strict safety protocols were still imposed in some areas, this Recognition Rites oriented us about the kind of training NJ had in the premier military school in our country. Hearing his stories and realizations after a one-year stay made us hope that he had already imbibed the positive qualities expected of him. This was what we also prayed for when he entered the academy on May 20, 2021, the height of the pandemic. Everything was uncertain then. Imagine, he just turned 16 a month prior to his PMA trip and was still completing his senior high school education at Divine Word College High School (DWCHS), Legazpi City. On the other hand, what assured us that he'd make it were the confidence and determination in our grandson, having passed PMA through faith and fate.
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| 20 May 2021 |
No wonder, I couldn't help but be emotional while her mother, my eldest niece, recounted their first face-to-face meeting after zero communication within a year. He was the last cadet standing and waiting to be tapped out by his parents who came all the way from Bicol. But, this was just a part and parcel of his multifaceted and dynamic nature of life at PMA where he had adapted into swiftly because of his independence, street smarts, resourcefulness, true grit, and strong moral compass at a young age. Whining was not even a part of NJ's lexicon.
Now, the biggest surprise (and a prank for the unsuspecting me *e-laughs*) came on December 13, 2022.
This announcement was celebrated by our family and his fellow high school Divinians.
... and visits from him when on break followed...
... as he completed his BS Computing and Cybersecurity degree and military training at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
Despite this academic status, NJ never put on airs. He remained the nephew of my sons, his uncles, whom they played and grew up with and adored.
Thus, joining NJ's family, my two sisters and another niece (NJ's Tita Jai) in attending his graduation in The Land Down Under was a decision borne out of love, honor and admiration.
Whew! Don't you know that it took me two weeks before finally writing about NJ? Ha-ha. You see, knowing that our grandson is low key and nonchalant, I contemplated whether I should pen this literature. *respects*
Truth be told, talking about our family's pride and euphoria defies articulation. Having said this, I wouldn't have a lengthy article. But let me express my affectionate congratulations and "execute" my snappy salute to NJ's parents. From the outset, they were his unwavering support system.
On record, this is not the end of NJ's journey. A true-blooded oragon, he has set his mind and heart in conquering higher grounds in his own style... in his own time.
Video and Photo Credits:
Dan Llasos
Johanna B. Llasos
Nathanjan B. Llasos
Cristy M. Mediavillo
Philippine Military Academy
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