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overcomingadversity Tag
Home Posts Tagged "overcomingadversity"

Tag: overcomingadversity

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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
March 24, 2024

An Orphan who became a Miss World

Miss World Venezuela – Ivian’s Story

OAround the globe, stories of orphaned children overcoming adversity and achieving greatness remind us of the extraordinary power of resilience. One such story is that of Ivian Lunasol Sarcos Colmenares, a Venezuelan woman whose journey from loss to global recognition continues to inspire.

Ivian was orphaned at the age of 8 and spent five formative years in a convent in Cojedes, Venezuela, under the care of nuns. During this time, she was so moved by their dedication and compassion that she once dreamed of becoming a nun herself. However, as she grew older, Ivian realized that she was also drawn to the world of modeling—seeking not just fame, but a platform to inspire and make a difference.

In 2010, Ivian competed in the Miss Venezuela pageant, representing the state of Amazonas. Her striking presence and inner strength quickly caught attention, earning her the Miss World Venezuela crown as well as the Most Beautiful Face Award. Just a year later, on November 6, 2011, she captured the world’s attention when she was crowned Miss World 2011 in London. Ivian also placed as third runner-up in the Beach Beauty competition and fifth runner-up in the Top Model category—impressive achievements that underscored her versatility and determination.

In 2010, Ivian competed in the Miss Venezuela pageant, representing the state of Amazonas. Her striking presence and inner strength quickly caught attention, earning her the Miss World Venezuela crown as well as the Most Beautiful Face Award. 

Just a year later, on November 6, 2011, she captured the world’s attention when she was crowned Miss World 2011 in London. Ivian also placed as third runner-up in the Beach Beauty competition and fifth runner-up in the Top Model category—impressive achievements that underscored her versatility and determination.

Yet what truly sets Ivian apart is not just her outer beauty, but her heartfelt commitment to making a difference. In her post-win speech, she shared:

“This has taught me that life, although it may be bad, doesn’t have to end badly. Although I no longer have my parents, it has taught me to be stronger… I want to help people like me.”

Today, Ivian continues to advocate for vulnerable communities through initiatives like Beauty With a Purpose, a cause closely tied to the Miss World organization. Her life stands as a powerful reminder that being orphaned does not mean being defeated. Instead, it can be the beginning of a journey shaped by courage, dreams, and service.

At our foundation, we are proud to celebrate orphans like Ivian who rise above their past and use their voice, talent, and heart to light the way for others. Her story reminds us that it’s not where you start—it’s the strength with which you continue.

By admin
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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
August 24, 2023

Sprinter Carlin Isles’s Inspiration

There are many stories of successful orphans who became heroes in the sports and entertainment industry.  They made their history by remaining motivated and determined to achieve their life aspirations despite their humble upbringing and difficulties.  Carlin Isles is an example of an individual who struggled during childhood and became famous in sports by becoming the fastest man in Rugby.  As part of our coverage of individual spotlight of successful orphans, below is a snapshot of a person who made a massive impact. 

Carlin Isles was born in Massillon, Ohio, on November 21, 1989. He spent most of his time in his early days since he rarely saw his biological mother growing up. Carlin Isles did everything possible to survive, even to the point of eating dog food. At the age of 7, he was adopted by Starlett and Charles Isles, who treated him like their own and supported him with the stability and love he needed to excel in sports and academics.

While growing up, Carlin Isles ran track and played American football, holding multiple high school track and field records. Next, he enrolled at Ashland University, where he became an All-American in the 60m dash and ran a personal best of 6.68 seconds, a school record. He also holds freshman records in the 100m and 200m dash (indoor and outdoor). Before taking up Rugby in 2012, Isles ranked as the 36th fastest sprinter in the US with a 100-meter outdoor personal best of 10.13 seconds.

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Then, miles Craigwell encouraged him to start playing Rugby, another crossover athlete from American football who played for the United States national team. Isles played club rugby with the Gentlemen of Aspen RFC, based in Aspen, Colorado.  Isles first caught the attention of the rugby media in the summer of 2012 when Rugby Mag dubbed him “The Fastest Man in American Rugby, ” according to (celebsagewiki.com).   Isles played for the US national developmental team Atlantis in July 2012 at the Victoria 7s tournament.  He was a part of the Warriors 7’s side that won the Melrose Sevens in April 2014.  With over 100 tries, Isles ranks third for the United States in career tries scored.

Carlin Isles’s determination and persistence made him a well-known Rugby player.  He ‘didn’t let his past upbringing affect him; instead, he followed his dreams of becoming the best athlete.  Charles Isles’s success today is partly because of the love and care of his adoptive parents, who paved the way for him to have a stable life and fueled him with the support structure. 

The Mary K. Yap Foundation salutes all children raised in foster care and honors their strength, resilience, and determination. Carlin Isles is a shining example of what can be achieved when one rises above adversity, believes in their own potential, and commits to hard work and perseverance. 

As part of our ongoing commitment to recognizing inspiring journeys, the Foundation proudly features Carlin Isles in our Individual Spotlight—a quarterly edition that celebrates individuals who exemplify the spirit of courage and transformation. Through this recognition, we aim to inspire the orphaned and foster care communities we serve, reminding every child that their dreams are valid and their potential is limitless.

By admin
6. Juan Karlos Labajo 4
INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
April 21, 2023

Juan Karlos Labajo: Orphan’s Inspiration

Juan Karlos Labajo, also known as “JK,” is a Filipino-German singer born on February 5, 2001, and raised in Consolacion, Cebu, the Philippines, by his mother, Malinda Labajo.

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His German father, Oliver Stolz, left the family after his birth. His mother married a second time, and he has two younger half-brothers from her second marriage. On November 17, 2013, he became an orphan after he lost his mother at the age of twelve, following which he was adopted by his uncle, Jovanni, and Grandmother, Linda, in Metro Manila. His family struggled financially for a long time, and he even had to scavenge junk for a living.

Juan Karlos Labajo, having a talent for singing, decided to join the season 1 blind audition for ABS-CBN’s ‘The Voice Kids.’ He charmed the coaches with his rendition of the Adam Sandler song, ‘Grow Old With You.’ Coaches Sarah Geronimo and Bamboo Mañalac wanted him on their teams, which allowed him to choose one, following which he picked Mañalac. 

His performance of ‘Sway’ during the live semi-finals at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila placed him third after public voting, which advanced him to the four-person finals. In the finals, the coaches praised his performance of ‘Yesterday’ by The Beatles, ‘Runaway Baby’ by Bruno Mars, and the duet ‘Eto Na Naman’ with Gary Valenciano. Still, he again finished third in the voting.

After the competition, JK was managed by Star Magic, ABS-CBN’s training and management center. From there started his career, and he was cast in different T.V. programs. He also appeared in the lead role in the Philippine drama anthology series ‘Maalaala Mo Kaya.’ His successful career continued as he was involved in different parts – supporting and leading the cast. 

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In August 2015, JK released his debut album JK, featuring eight tracks, including “Di Ka Man Lang Nagpaalam,” a heartfelt tribute to his late mother. He also became a host on the music program MYX and later followed up with his second album JKL, which also featured eight tracks, three of which were his own compositions. Although his mother never had the chance to witness his rise after years of hardship, JK remained proud of his success and honored her memory through his music. Growing up as an orphan without the support of his biological parents, he never gave up—instead, he persevered, believing in himself even when no one else did. With minimal help from his uncle and grandmother, he worked tirelessly to follow and achieve his dreams.

The inspiring journey of Juan Karlos Labajo resonates deeply with the mission of the Mary K. Yap Foundation—to uplift and empower orphaned and disadvantaged youth to pursue their dreams despite adversity. His story is a powerful reminder that talent, resilience, and determination can thrive even in the absence of traditional support systems. In recognition of his courage and achievements, the Mary K. Yap Foundation is proud to feature Juan Karlos Labajo in our Individual Spotlight Edition, celebrating individuals whose lives and work embody hope, perseverance, and the spirit of transformation we aim to nurture in every child we serve.

By admin
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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
January 4, 2020

From Foster Child to Hollywood Legend

No other Hollywood celebrity has captured the hearts and affections like Marilyn Monroe has done for decades.  Her stardom and popularity continued to glow even after she died in 1962.

#Decades after her passing, Marilyn Monroe image still graces posters, film reels, and cultural references—proof of a stardom that never faded. But behind the platinum-blonde beauty and camera-ready smile was a child born into hardship. Monroe, whose birth name was Norma Jeane Mortenson, began life as an orphan. Her mother, Gladys Baker, suffered from paranoid schizophrenia and was unable to care for her daughter, placing her in the foster care system at an early age. From one home to another, Marilyn experienced instability, loneliness, and abandonment—yet these early struggles shaped her resilience and gave rise to an icon who would later conquer the silver screen.

Monroe’s Hollywood rise was nothing short of remarkable. Her talent and magnetic presence catapulted her to stardom in the 1950s, starring in a string of classic films that have since become timeless. Among her most celebrated performances was her role in Some Like It Hot (1959), a screwball comedy in which she played Sugar Kane alongside Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon. The film won her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical, cementing her legacy as one of cinema’s brightest stars. Other notable films include Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953), The Seven Year Itch (1955), and Bus Stop (1956), each showcasing her range as more than just a glamorous figure—she was a performer with depth, wit, and undeniable charisma.

Marilyn Monroe’s life was not without continued hardship. From broken marriages to public scrutiny, and personal battles with mental health and identity, she faced many demons. Yet, she continued to strive for excellence in her craft, refusing to let her circumstances define her future. Her life remains an inspiring reminder that even in the face of trauma and rejection, beauty, creativity, and strength can emerge. As she once said, “Keep smiling, because life is a beautiful thing, and there’s so much to smile about.” These words reflect not only her personal philosophy but also the essence of hope she carried despite the odds.

Keep smiling because life is a beautiful thing, and there’s so much to smile about,” said Monroe.

At the Mary K. Yap Foundation, we are proud to spotlight individuals like Marilyn Monroe, whose journeys from abandonment to accomplishment continue to inspire generations. Her life echoes our mission: to empower vulnerable and orphaned children with hope, opportunity, and dignity. Just as Marilyn overcame her difficult beginnings through perseverance and talent, we believe that every child deserves the chance to thrive, to be seen, and to become the best version of themselves—regardless of where they start in life.

By admin
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INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
April 22, 2019

From Orphan to a Transformative Leader

International Orphan Day: A Tribute to Malcolm X,

As we commemorate International Orphan Day, the Mary K. Yap Foundation is honored to pay tribute to the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Malcolm X. His journey from a childhood marked by profound adversity to becoming one of the most prolific and impactful civil rights leaders of our times serves as a powerful testament to human resilience and the potential for transformation, regardless of early-life circumstances.

A Childhood Forged in Trauma and Adversity

#Malcolm X’s childhood began with an unforgettable traumatic experience. On September 28, 1931, when he was just six years old, his ministerial father, Earl Little, was brutally murdered by the Black Legion, a notorious racist terrorist organization. This devastating loss plunged the family into immediate crisis. The situation worsened considerably for the now fatherless Malcolm when his single mother, Louise Little, a resilient woman raising seven children, was tragically diagnosed with a mental illness. Her condition necessitated her registration at a mental institution, where she would remain for an astonishing 26 years.

The day-to-day survival became a massive, unrelenting struggle for the Little family. With no one able to consistently look after them, Malcolm and his siblings were fragmented, living in various foster families under the government assistance program. Malcolm’s formal education was abruptly cut short; he did not finish school past the seventh grade and was subsequently sent to a juvenile home in the nearly all-white community of Mason, Michigan. A few years after living with foster parents, a pivotal moment arrived in 1941 when Ella Collins, Malcolm’s half-sister, gained custody of the 15-year-old Malcolm, bringing him to Boston.

From Hustle to Self-Education: The Making of a Mind

As a youngster growing up as an orphan under his half-sister’s care, Malcolm seized every possible opportunity that came his way to make ends meet. This led to a series of challenging “odd jobs” on railroads, in restaurants, bars, shoeshine stands, and jewelry stores. His path during these formative years also included brushes with the law, even leading to convictions for breaking and entering and possessing firearms.

Yet, despite these misguided turns, Malcolm remarkably transformed his time in prison into an invaluable period of self-improvement. He made the absolute best of his jail time, dedicating himself to reading and devouring books at the prison library. Malcolm’s insatiable desire to read and learn as much as possible during his incarceration was his profound way of compensating for the education he had missed when he dropped out of high school. It was during this period of intense self-study that his intellect sharpened, his worldview expanded, and the foundations of his future leadership began to form.

A Powerful Voice for Black Empowerment

#Malcolm’s exceptional ability to inspire both Nation of Islam (NOI) members and non-members quickly became evident. This charisma and intellect earned him rapid ascent within the organization, leading to his appointment as the first minister to various temples, culminating in his highest appointment as the Chief Minister of Harlem’s Temple 7 in 1961, a role bestowed upon him by Elijah Muhammad, the founder of the NOI. Malcolm emerged as a staunch believer in the empowerment of Black people. He passionately advocated for Black communities to create their own power structures, build their own institutions, and generate their own wealth, directly challenging the then-dominant ideals of integration and racial acceptance. Malcolm also held a strong conviction in the notion of self-defense as a necessary alternative to nonviolent resistance, becoming extremely vocal on subjects he held so dearly, resonating with a segment of the Black community seeking a more assertive path to liberation.

Malcolm X’s Enduring Legacy: Courage, Determination, and Integrity

Despite the distressed and turbulent environment he endured throughout his early life, Malcolm X never ceased pursuing his agendas and sharing his profound knowledge with everyone who would listen. He embodied the very essence of living by one’s words and integrity – a principle that resonates deeply with and aligns perfectly with one of the Mary K. Yap Foundation’s three core pillars. He demonstrably refused to let life’s complications or his challenging beginnings deter him from accomplishing his personal goals and motives. With courage and determination, Malcolm X achieved an indelible mark on history, demonstrating that even the most arduous journeys can lead to monumental impact. His life stands as a powerful reminder for all orphaned and underserved children, proving that with resilience and dedication, one can transcend adversity and become a force for positive change.

By admin