Le Cordon Bleu Ateneo de Manila Institute sends off 4th batch of BS REnt JGSOM graduates

On Monday, 23 June 2025, Le Cordon Bleu Ateneo de Manila Institute held its Degree Recognition Program for its fourth batch of graduates, the Class of 2025. The ceremony celebrated and properly sent off the graduates as they completed their degree in the Bachelor of Science in Restaurant Entrepreneurship (BS REnt) program, a dual diploma program. This is the second graduation of the batch, with the first having been the University graduation that occurred last 20 June 2025. 

Invited to the event were Chef Chris Oronce from Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa and Paris, and Executive Chef at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse, and Chef Aaron Isip from Le Cordon Bleu Paris, and Owner and Executive Chef of Kasa Palma, as commencement speakers.  

Chef Cyrille Soenen, Technical Director of Le Cordon Bleu Ateneo de Manila Institute, also spoke and shared a message from Le Cordon Bleu International. 

Following the guest speakers was Juan Alvaro C Bautista, Batch 2025 representative. Bautista, who completed his BS REnt degree with a specialization in International Business and as a Magna Cum Laude, has been with the Ateneo since his preschool years. He shared a message on behalf of his fellow graduates. In his address, Bautista talked about the significance of working hard, “…real confidence doesn’t come from pretending to have it all figured out. It’s built in the quiet, unglamorous moments: when no one’s watching, when you’re full of doubt, when you’ve failed, when you’re crying, but still choose to try again anyway. That’s where self-belief is forged—not in perfection, but in perseverance.” 

He also highlighted the importance and contribution of the institute’s faculty and administrators to the BS REnt journey of this batch, “You are the very backbone of our education, and because of your dedication and guidance we are able to do what we love to do.” 

To cap off his speech, Bautista addressed his batch mates, talking about the ups and downs of their journey together and challenging them to not only find satisfaction in their successes at the end, but also in the processes they must undergo. 

“Let our legacy be characterized not merely by the quantifiable and tangible means of success, but by the character and value that you embody in the pursuits of uniquely being yourself.” 

To conclude the ceremony, the batch gathered together for a group photo and performed the traditional toque toss. 

Read Juan Alvaro C Bautista’s address here