Filipino scholar wins nationwide singing contest in Korea

A 24-year-old Filipino scholar has won a nationwide singing competition of a major television network in South Korea.

Princess Kaite Corporal, who came to Seoul in August 2013 under a scholarship by the Korean government, emerged as the champion of Korea Broadcasting Station’s 2015 Global Village Singing Contest, a singing contest for foreigners, last Sept. 19 at Yeouido Park.

Corporal bested 19 other acts and brought home 2 million won and a medal.

Corporal said Koreans showed appreciation not only for Filipinos’ talent and inclination to music, but also for being naturally happy.

“I can’t believe I was declared the grand champion. Super thankful po at naa-appreciate ng mga Koreans ang Pinoy talent. During the interview portion, the host told me that Koreans think that Filipinos are always smiling like me and really love music. Nakakatuwa po na may tatak tayong ganoon sa kanila, na masayahin at magaling kumanta,” Corporal said.

The scholar said she dedicated her win to overseas Filipinos who suffer from homesickness, adding that she was hoping her victory would inspire them to be optimistic.

“I dedicate it to all Filipinos living overseas, be it workers or students like me. Most of the time, nami-miss po namin ang mga family namin sa Pinas. And just like me, alam ko pong maraming mga Pinoy overseas ang inaaliw na lang ang sarili sa pagkanta,” Corporal said.

“Sana maging positive din po silang lahat at masiyahin kagaya ko. Sana ma-inspire po sila sa story ng simpleng estudyanteng kagaya ko po,” she added.

Corporal is taking her master’s degree in international development at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. YG/RC