By Shanea Mae Nalaunan
Ric Jan Gabales, a BA Foreign Languages 2-A student, won second runner-up in an essay writing contest organized by the University of the Philippines Korea Research Center.
The contest centered around the theme, “South Korean Foreign Policy and its Implications for Philippines-Korea Relations” which aimed to gather insights and ideas from Filipino scholars.
Gabales, in the contest held last June 30, 2023, clinched the spot with his essay titled, “Bridging Nations, Building Prosperity: South Korea’s Trailblazing Foreign Policy and its Impact on Philippines-Korea/ASEAN-Korea Relations.”
“I aimed to apply the knowledge I gained from the research program and to explore deeper into Korean resources, which motivated me to participate,” said Gabales.
Despite joining the contest at a later stage, he expressed his humility and gratitude for achieving the runner-up position. Gabales received a token from the organizers as in the case of the other winners, but with the grand prize winner receiving P5,000.
Gabales’ motivation for entering the contest stemmed from his participation in the UP Korea Research Center’s Global Korean Studies Roundtable last June 2, 2023, during which the essay contest was introduced.
“My interest in Korean culture was sparked by the Korean Wave (Hallyu) phenomenon, my admiration for the K Entertainment Industry, and Korean cuisine. As a Korean major, these elements collectively fueled my passion for Korean culture,” he said.
The other winners are the following: Fidel Louis Ceñidoza from UP Diliman who won the grand prize, with Axl Fitzgerald Bulawan from UP Tacloban College securing the first runner-up position, and Ellaine Diane Pilapit from Senior High School Dulong Bayan in Cavite earning the third runner-up title.