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2018 KGSP-G Filipino Scholars

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2018 KGSP-G Scholars from the Philippines



Hey there!

Because the year is about to end, I decided to write a blog about this year’s Philippine recipients of the Korean Government Scholarship Program (Graduate) from the National Institute for International Education. We are currently in our respective language institutions, studying the Korean language and preparing for the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK). We are required to have at least Level 3 before we can enroll in the universities where we are admitted.

The order follows the list of successful KGSP candidates. I did not include myself, because you may check out my LinkedIn profile.

Now, let’s get to know them!

***


Marie Anna Dominique Bibat, or Nikki, received her Bachelor of Science in Food Technology degree from the University of the Philippines, Los Baños. Before she applied for the scholarship, she already had TOPIK level 2 standing. Her language institution is the Duksung Women’s University in Seoul, and she will take her Master’s degree in Food Science and Technology at Chonnam National University in Gwangju.




Margaux Betinna Lim studied BA Psychology at the University of the Philippines, Diliman. She is studying Korean at Keimyung University in Daegu, and will be taking her Master’s at Seoul National University.



Marilag dela Cruz, or Lala, has a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, cum laude, from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. She is also very grateful for having received a Doctor of Medicine degree via a full scholarship from St. Luke’s College of Medicine-William H. Quasha Memorial. From 2012 to 2014, she was under the Pediatric Residency Training at St. Luke’s Medical Center. After getting accepted for KGSP via Embassy track, she is currently studying Korean at Daegu University and will be taking her Master’s degree in Family Studies and Child Development at Seoul National University.

Why is she taking Master’s when she’s already a doctor, you ask? Well, she said that it’s a long story: “May pa-detour si Lord sa tunay kong purpose na maging preschool teacher. Mahirap at mahabang detour, pero worth it naman lahat. Lahat nasa plan ni Lord. Sunod lang ako sa kanya. True story.” ("God gave me a detour towards my true purpose to become a preschool teacher. It was a difficult and long detour, but everything’s worth it. Everything is in God’s plan. I simply followed Him. True story.") 




Joseph E. Valdez studied at Saint Mary’s University of Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. He is currently studying Korean at Dongseo University, and will be studying for MS in Chemistry at Seoul National University.



John Oliver Monghit studied Linguistics at the University of the Philippines, Diliman. His Korean language institution is Chosun University, and he expects to start his Master’s in Chinese Language and Literature at Hanyang University in 2019.



Manelle M. Caylo, or Nelle, finished her Bachelor of Science degree in Tourism Management at Philippine Women’s University. She was also an exchange student at the Far East University in Eumseong, Chungcheong. She is currently at Pai Chai University in Daejon to study the Korean language, and is going to take her Master’s in Liberal Arts and Social Studies (Arts & Culture Management) at Sookmyung Women’s University in Seoul.



Mariz Aguilar received her Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree from the Quezon City Polytechnic University. Her language institution is Duksung Women’s University, and she expects to take her Master’s in Information Security at Pukyong National University in Busan.



Melissa K. Eco, or Mel, finished her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, cum laude, at the University of the Philippines, Diliman. She was also an exchange student in 2014 at Seoul National University of Science and Technology after becoming a Global Korean Scholarship recipient. She worked as research executive at the Philippine Survey and Research Center for three years. She also briefly worked at Destinations of the World, Shared Services as a Korean-speaking Accounts Receivable associate to try it and to improve her language skill. She is currently at Dongseo University for Korean language learning and will be taking her Master’s in Korean Culture and Society at The Academy of Korea Studies in Seongnam.





Cherrynelle Pontejos, or Cheenee, is studying Korean language at Duksung Women’s University. She will take her Master’s in Film and Video at Dongseo University.



Chinny Jin Cruz, or Jiro, studied Economics at the Ateneo de Manila University. She is currently at Keimyung University for her Korean language education, and will be taking her Master’s in MDP at KDI School of Public Policy and Management in Sejong.



Mary Dane Leonardo is studying Korean language at Inha University. She has been accepted to study for her Master’s in Science Education at Daegu University.



Patricia Anne Dijamco, or Tricia, studied Bachelor of Science in respiratory Therapy at UPH-Dr. Jose G. Tamayo Medical University. She is in Daegu University for her Korean language education, and will be taking her Master’s in Emergency Medical Service at Konyang University.





Irmay Hyacinth Ledesma received her BS degree in Information Technology from the University of Asia and the Pacific. After finishing her BS degree, she worked as a systems analyst for S&P Global Market Intelligence from 2013-2018. In 2016, she started doing freelance multimedia projects on the side. As a freelance multimedia artist, she has part of content creation, like album covers (for Alexa Ilacad’s Alexa: To the Moon & Back), lyric videos (Kithara’s Hindi Para Sa’yo, Mark Capio’s Naaalala Ka), music videos (BBS’s Rewind feat. Kean Cipriano, Gracenote’s Bakit Ganyan feat. Chito Miranda, JinHo Bae’s Nanghihinayang and Muli), various photography works, branding and marketing. She garnered an Awit Awards nomination for Best Cover Art (Photography) for her work on Leanne and Naara’s Run Run. In early 2018, she became one of the founders of Two Elevens Entertainment, where she holds the position of Business Development Director, while also contributing in marketing and creatives. Her Korean language institution is Sunmoon University and she will study Design Management at Yonsei University





Kenneth D. Lagamayo received his Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. From 2009 to 2013, he was a DOST-SEI Merit A Scholar. He was also a Geology Merit Awardee in 2013, awarded by the National Institute of Geological Sciences and Iuvenis Orbis Geological Fraternity. He worked as a geologist for Geoscience Foundations Inc. (2013-2014) and Energy Development Corporation (2014-2018). He is currently studying Korean at Chonnam National University. Next year, he will start his Master’s in Marine Science and Biological Engineering at Inha University.

***
There you go! All of my fellow Filipino KGSP scholars. Although we have yet to get together in one place, we have formed friendship, thanks to Facebook. We look forward to finishing our studies here in Korea, and we hope to meet more Filipino KGSP scholars soon!
Cheers to 2019!

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