Inspiring
Pinoy Scholar Graduates Summa Cum Laude in Europe, Dedicates Success to Late Parents
A young Pinoy scholar brought pride to the Philippines as he completed his Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree as Summa Cum Laude. This special program also allowed him to study in several European universities!
On his Facebook page, Kent Tangcalagan, MA, MHSS, RN, shared that he was able to study from the University of Budapest in Hungary, the University of Regensburg in Germany, and the University of Trento in Italy.
As he succeeded in this new milestone in his academic life, the young man could not help but miss his late parents as he dedicates his achievement in their honor. Just like many young people, he hopes that his parents are proud of him. And though they could no longer tell that to him in person, netizens are quite sure that wherever they are, his parents are truly proud of his achievements!
Photo credit: News 5 / Facebook
“Closing for now this beautiful chapter of my two-year Erasmus Mundus journey here in Europe. If there has been one great thing I’ve learned from these last two years, it would be – resilience. I’ve been tested these past two years with the toughest times while being all away to the other side of the world.
But through all those challenges, it has only made me even stronger and inspired to move even further. Wherever mom and dad may be right now, I hope they look over me with pride not because of the achievements that I may have reached, but because of how I’ve managed to overcome whatever obstacles and surprises that life has to offer.
These wouldn’t have been possible as well without all the love and support I get from my family, the people who treat me their family, my friends and to everyone I’ve met all over the world. My overflowing thanks goes to all of you.”
Tangcalagan completed his Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Associate in Health Science Education at the University of San Jose – Recoletos (USJR) in Cebu City, central Philippines. He would later take up his Master of Health Social Science at De La Salle University where he would later become the Gender Research Associate at the school’s Social Development Research Center.
Photo credit: Kent Tangcalagan / Facebook
His 2-year Erasmus Mundus journey in Europe made him Graduate Research Intern at no less than the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies at Max Planck Society, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Specialist at the USAID HRH 2030 Philippines at Chemonics, and many other impressive experiences and achievements.
But what truly impressed netizens is that Tangcalagan would graduate as summa cum laude from his Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree! Truly, this brilliant young man is an inspiration to many.
Photo credit: Kent Tangcalagan / Facebook
What is the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree?
According to its catalog, the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD) is “a prestigious, integrated, international study programme, jointly delivered by an international consortium of higher education institutions (HEIs) and, where relevant, other partners with specific expertise and interest in the study program.”
Students who receive the scholarship are provided with full-tuition fees and allowances so they can concentrate on their studies without having to look for a job to pay for their expenses.
Inspiring
SHS Student Brings Photos of Late Parents on Graduation Day
A senior high school (SHS) student brought framed photos of her late parents on her graduation day, touching many hearts and making netizens cry.
Her story has gone viral, with many netizens cheering her on and praying for her success in life…
SHS Student Brings Photos of Late Parents on Graduation Day
Graduation day is one of the best days in a student’s life, but it’s not always the happiest for all.
Some also experience a bittersweet moment because their loved ones aren’t with them. While many are due to having OFW parents who can’t be home for the special, others are because the parents have already passed on.
SHS student Juvelyn Dela Torre Eugenio, 18, of North Cotabato made netizens cry after she carried her parents’ framed photos as she marched and posed on stage to receive her diploma.
She explained that during recognition days and other special events when she was younger, it was always her mother who would accompany her on stage.
She wants to share her success and milestones with her parents, but they’re no longer around.
They lost their father to heart failure in July 2020.
In 2022, the siblings decided to let their mother enjoy a vacation with her older children in Manila, only to discover that she was sick and already in the terminal stages of a stage 4 battle with the Big C. They lost her shortly thereafter.
Juvelyn shared that losing their parents took a toll on her mental health, especially because she had to stand as a parent to her younger brother.
On graduation day, she vowed that she wouldn’t cry despite seeing all the other students with their parents.
But she broke down on stage when a concerned teacher asked her about her parents and offered words of consolation after she showed her their photos.
Despite the challenges, Juvelyn plans on continuing her journey as she dreams of becoming a lawyer someday.
How to Become a Lawyer in the Philippines
- Complete a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree in Arts or Sciences.
- Pass the PhiLSAT (Philippine Law School Admission Test)
- Complete law school.
- Complete the law internship.
- Pass the bar exams.
Did you know that lawyers in PAO (Public Attorney’s Office) with an entry-level position (Public Attorney I) earn a basic salary of Php95,000 (salary grade 25)?
Inspiring
Elementary Students Praised for Playing “One Day” Using Ukuleles
Elementary students at a school in Mindanao earned praise online after playing “One Day” using their ukuleles for a presentation.
Many netizens were impressed about their skills, with some commenting that it’s a difficult piece to play on a ukulele, yet most of them nailed it! Wow.
Elementary Students Play “One Day” Using Their Ukuleles
A lot of people these days have this mistaken notion that kids are only fond of using cellphones and no longer enjoy playing with traditional toys or learning how to use a traditional musical instrument – because you can find lots of options for those online or with their phones.
But a group of students from Dipolog Pilot Demonstration School impressed netizens with their skills in playing the ukulele as they presented “One Day” for the school’s 100-year celebration.
Seated on the steps of their school, the kids played the musical instruments seamlessly, except for a few issues.
And while some netizens pointed out that one of the kids appear to be struggling with the proper chords and kept shifting around during the entire performance, the overall presentation is still quite impressive!
Many netizens even commented on the post of the Facebook page “Kung Taga-Oroquieta City Ka” that they were deeply touched by the kids’ presentation and were crying while watching. Awww.
A lot also praised the coaches who made this possible – and others felt proud of the children even if they had no idea who these little ones are.
It’s also quite impressive to see that the class had so many ukuleles. It is unknown whether the kids own the musical instruments or if the school provided them, but what’s clear is that their presentation is truly admirable.
What’s a Ukulele?
A ukulele is a type of string musical instrument that’s smaller than a guitar. It usually has nylon strings as opposed to the metal used in standard guitars.
The instrument also has four strings but isn’t considered a “kid’s instrument” only. Instead, it can be played by kids and adults alike.
Inspiring
Proud Vendor Dad Offers Free Taho after Daughter Passes Board Exams for Teachers
One proud vendor dad offered free taho for everyone when his daughter passed the LET (Licensure Examination for Teachers).
Netizens were even more impressed to learn that the young lady passed after doing a self-review.
Truly amazing, right?
Vendor Offers Free Taho after Daughter Passes Teacher’s Board
Passing the board exams is truly a milestone that everyone can be proud of – and most of the time, the parents are their children’s proudest cheerleaders!
Of course, spouses and kids also feel the same thing. For example, a taxi driver offered free rides after his wife passed the LET.
The proud parents of a student who passed that same LET are also offering free taho to their customers.
Bobby and Rose Torallo happily got a tarpaulin up to celebrate the success of their daughter, Rosebel Cielo Torallo. The young woman had graduated cum laude from Baao Community College in Baao, Camarines Sur.
Apparently, based on her mom’s post on Facebook, she had also self-reviewed for the licensure exams – and this made her success even sweeter for the family.
In the post of her mom, Rose, it showed that the family’s main source of income is from selling taho. It was through this that the parents were able to send their kids to school.
Rose lamented that there were times when people looked down on their because they are “just” taho vendors.
Thankfully, the family didn’t mind what these people are saying. Instead, they persevered and put their faith in God.
She thanked all her kids for cooperating and striving hard to succeed in their studies even if their parents are only supporting them by selling taho.
How to Celebrate Passing the Board Exams
There are many ways to celebrate passing the board the exams. Some of these are:
- Throwing a party
- Buying cake
- Going on a trip
- Treating your family, friends, or even strangers to something (such as a free rides from taxi drivers or free taho from vendors)