20Jun2025

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Resilience Tag
Home Posts Tagged "Resilience"

Tag: Resilience

162
INDIVIDUAL SPOTLIGHT
March 24, 2024

Miss World Venezuela – Ivian’s Story

An Orphan who became a Miss World Venezuela

–  Ivian Colmenares

There are so many successful orphaned stories all around the world. 

The story of Ivian Lunasol Sarcos Colmenares, a Venezuelan model and beauty queen, who was orphaned at the young age of 8 and was raised by nuns, is one of the popular orphan stories. So why did a young little girl raised by the nuns become a successful beauty queen? 

Ivian Lunasol Sarcos Colmenares was born on November 6, 2011, in London, United Kingdom, and unfortunately lost both of her parents when she was 8. She was raised by nuns in a covenant in Cojedes for five years. This period was so influential that she once dreamt of becoming a nun. She eventually gave up the idea when she realized she wanted the fame and success that being a model could bring.

Ivian auditioned as Miss Amazonas in her country’s national beauty pageant, Miss. Venezuela 2010, on October 28, 2010, and was crowned Miss World Venezuela. She also won the Most Beautiful Face Award. 

On November 6, 2011, Ivian won the 2011 Miss World pageant at the Earls Court Exhibition Centre in London. She was awarded as a third runner-up during the Miss World Beach Beauty and the fifth runner-up in Miss World Top Model, becoming the eventual winner of Miss World. She became the sixth woman from Venezuela to capture the title. In a press conference after her victory, she said, 

“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 carry on doing the wonderful work that ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ and the Miss World organization does and to help people in need. I want to help people like me.” 

The foundation is proud of the successful orphans who have a passion and drive for excellence in every task they are given. Your outlook in life should not depend on your history in life. Ivian made a turnaround in her life in that no matter what happened in her early years; she had a positive outlook that she could be a successful model one day. Indeed, she achieved her dream of becoming Miss World 2011.

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

Juan Karlos Labajo: An 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.

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. 

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