UP coed tops essay contest

A 17-year-old University of the Philippines student bagged the major prize in the essay writing contest sponsored by the Korean Embassy aimed at strengthening ties between Korea and the Philippines.

Patricia Elaine Condeno, a second year Accountancy and Business Management student, bested 34 other contestants during last Jan. 11's elimination round supervised by the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS).

In her essay, Condeno discussed the friendship fostered between Korea and the Philippines in the last 50 years. "(It) has created an atmosphere of warmth, openness and cooperation," she said, emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding between the two countries founded on active tourism and cultural exchange.

For winning first in the college level, Condeno was given $400, a gift, a trophy and a one-week all-expenses paid tour of South Korea from Jan. 23 to 30.

A student of the Mapua Institute of Technology, Leandro Go-Cruz, ranked second while Necko Arroyo, of the Trinity College of Quezon City, placed third. Cruz and Arroyo received trophies, gift packs and cash prizes.

For the high school level, Maricel Vistal, of The Sisters of Mary Girlstown School in Talisay, Cebu bagged the first prize. Vistal received $400, a gift, a trophy as well as a round-trip ticket to Seoul, Korea. -- Christina Mendez

Catherine Candano, of the Immaculate Conception Academy in San Juan; and Maria Margaret Labella, of the University of San Carlos in Tamban, Cebu, placed second and third, respectively. Both received cash prizes, trophies and gift packages from the Korean Embassy.

Korean Minister-Counsellor Suh (Jose) Yong Hyun expressed optimism that the contest with this year's theme, "Strengthening Korean-Philippine Relations Through Tourism and Cultural Activities" will further enhance good relations between the two countries.

During the awarding ceremony held at the Lubang Room of the Shangri-La EDSA Plaza Hotel, Suh said better opportunities can be explored between people with different cultures if each learn and understand each other's cultural background and differences.

Suh, along with DECS Undersecretary Victor Andres Manhit and Director Orlando Oxales, of the DECS Technical Service Division congratulated the winners. --