Thank you for subscribing to Seavoices’ updates!

Please take a moment to check your email inbox and confirm your subscription to start receiving the latest news and updates.

11 Aug 2025
2 mins
A Night to Remember: SMOU Manila Nite and Wavelink CadetsPlus Graduation 2025 

On 23 May 2025, the Grand Ballroom at Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila, lit up with joy, celebration, and pride as over 550 guests gathered for the much-anticipated SMOU Manila Nite & Wavelink CadetsPlus Graduation.

Guests were welcomed with a lively cocktail reception. Laughter and conversation filled the room as attendees snapped 360° photos, customised bottle openers, tried their luck at the claw machines, and took photos with the 3D SMOU display. 

The arrival of Guest-of-Honour Congressman Jude A. Acidre was met with applause, as he was warmly received by SMOU leaders President Rahim Jaffar, General Secretary Mary Liew, Emeritus General Secretary Thomas Tay, and Treasurer Yong Soon Huat. 

With energy high and everyone gathered, the Madison Performers kicked off the evening with a high-energy dance. In his welcome speech, President Rahim paid tribute to Filipino seafarers and cadets, describing the celebration as one dedicated to their contributions and commitment. He congratulated the 101 CadetsPlus graduates, giving special recognition to the 12 female cadets who are breaking barriers in the maritime world. 

Congressman Acidre followed with words of encouragement and support for the maritime community. As a gesture of appreciation, General Secretary Mary Liew presented him with a token on behalf of SMOU. 

As dinner was served, the spotlight turned to the CadetsPlus Awards. John Lucris Narido Pogoy from BW Shipping received the Best Academic Performer award, while Jeorgine Dubria Novilla from Columbia Ship Management was named Most Outstanding Cadet. Jeorgine’s heartfelt speech about his journey, gratitude, and dreams drew warm applause and quiet reflection across the room. 

LAM - 0780
LAM - 0783
LAM - 0787
LAM - 0789

The evening continued with a performance by the Manila Finest Performers, and the highly anticipated lucky draw brought cheers all around. Ambassador Constance See joined in the festivities, helping to hand out prizes and adding to the celebratory spirit. 

To round off the evening, Vice President Siti Ainul Nellisa and Assistant General Secretary Gwee Guo Duan presented the Top 10 Seafarers’ Draw Prizes and Top 3 CadetsPlus Draw Prizes. 

LAM - 1071
LAM - 0871
LAM - 1057
LAM - 1031
LAM - 1034
LAM - 0582
LAM - 0836
LAM - 0813
LAM - 1131
LAM - 0723

It was a night of connection, celebration, and recognition. Manila Nite 2025 once again reminded us of the strength of the maritime community and the bonds that continue to grow across sea and shore. 

Here’s to every seafarer and cadet who made the night meaningful. We look forward to sailing forward together. 

Back to Latest News
More Articles
23 Nov 2022
1 min
Mental Health & Wellbeing Programmes

Facebook Twitter Youtube

Read More
14 Nov 2025
5 mins
Vijay Chafekar on Keeping Asia’s Seas Safe: Real-World Insights from ReCAAP ISC 

In this feature, SeaVoices draws on the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP...

Read More
23 Aug 2022
4 mins
YSMOU U-Heart Project: A Career at Sea sharing with My First Skool (MFS) Jalan Sultan Centre

On the morning of 22 July, Young SMOU (YSMOU), in collaboration with Young NTUC’s U Heart project initiative, organised...

Read More
23 Nov 2022
1 min
Mental Health & Wellbeing Programmes

Facebook Twitter Youtube

Read More
14 Nov 2025
5 mins
Vijay Chafekar on Keeping Asia’s Seas Safe: Real-World Insights from ReCAAP ISC 

In this feature, SeaVoices draws on the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP...

Read More
23 Aug 2022
4 mins
YSMOU U-Heart Project: A Career at Sea sharing with My First Skool (MFS) Jalan Sultan Centre

On the morning of 22 July, Young SMOU (YSMOU), in collaboration with Young NTUC’s U Heart project initiative, organised...

Read More