Commissioned 2nd Lt. Nathanjan Barcelon Llasos:
he did not just complete his eight-month international officer training at the Royal Military College (RMC) - Duntroon, Australia today, August 25... 
He shared this delightful surprise yesterday morning right after the awarding ceremony. The text on the "book," NJ's given name to it, elicited these expressions of deep gratification and great honor from us, who were physically with him during his ADFA (Australian Defence Force Academy) Graduation on December 11, 2025.
Always acknowledging the impactful role of his family in pursuing his dreams, NJ kept us immediately posted about this distinction. He did the same when he directly qualified to transition to RMC after graduating from ADFA. This continuous route was made possible through "the long-standing Philippines-Australia Defence Cooperation Framework, which allows elite cadets from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) undergo international officer training."
Today as he marked another major life event, we proudly and joyously joined him virtually while relishing the results of another historic chapter of his journey. Oh! How we wished we all had the luxury of time and money to be present again on his RMC Graduation! However, upon seeing that his Canberra-based foster family, fellow ADFA alumni, other Philippine cadets, Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attaché Col. Eduardo P. Castillo, and Minister and Consul General Shiela Marie C. Tario attended his commencement ceremony, it evoked similar genuine pride and happiness as theirs had we been there for NJ's crowning achievement - the only Filipino graduate from RMC 151st Graduating Class and the first recipient of the Royal Military College - Duntroon Prize Most Outstanding Overall Performance of a Foreign Speaking National Military Cadet.
Yes, our family may be diverse in living out our faith, yet we will forever be united in recognizing God's power and grace because NJ is the recent living testament to that.
Soonest, he will be home to finally face the real battlefield. We are certain that NJ, armed with the acquired leadership education and intensive military training he had in Australia, IS ready to serve the Filipino people… and to defend the country.
Inang Bayan, malugod mong salubungin ang isa na namang bagong tagapagtanggol. Sana’y mapaglingkuran ka niya ng walang pag-iimbot at ng buong katapatan.
Maligayang bati at mabuhay ka, NJ! Orgullo ka kang Bicol asin kang Pilipinas.
Noon pa man alam na namin na nakatadhana na ang pagiging BAYANI mo.
Recorded Video and Photo Credits:
Jocelyn M. Mediavillo
Johanna B. Llasos
Nathanjan B. Llasos
Royal Military College (RMC)
- Duntroon
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