Cris Evert Lato Ruffolo, an independent journalist from Cebu and an alumna of UP Cebu, has been awarded a research fellowship at Renmin University of China (RUC) in Beijing through the Asean-China Young Leaders Scholarship Program. This prestigious full scholarship covers her tuition, accommodation, monthly living allowance, and medical insurance.
Ruffolo, who is enrolled in RUC’s highly esteemed School of Journalism and Communication—ranked as an A+ Class discipline in China—will now have the opportunity to continue her academic pursuits in the country. Her nomination for the scholarship was endorsed by the Chinese Consulate-General in Cebu.
In a Facebook post on her personal blog, Lady With Backpack, Ruffolo shared how her desire to push beyond her limits led to this opportunity: “I had enough. I wanted something more. I wanted to study in China again and use my language skills and write a book again and get published in academic journals again and again. I manifested this to the universe and fervently hoped that an opportunity [would] come without me spending family money. And it came.” Her passion for continuous learning and perseverance led her to this prestigious fellowship.
She also emphasized the importance of building meaningful connections in her journey, writing, “If you manifest it; if you work hard and smart for it; and if you strive to make it happen. It also helps that you make great connections and strong networks. Burn a few bridges along the way but take care of the worthy ones.”
Ruffolo’s journalism career began during her time as a mass communication student at UP Cebu. She recalls her early work being published by SunStar Superbalita and SunStar Cebu as she took journalism classes under the guidance of Assistant Professor Mayette Tabada. Later, she gained valuable experience during her internship and early reporting career at Cebu Daily News, where Nestor Baylon Ramirez, now with SunStar, was the day desk editor.
Since then, Ruffolo has worked with various media platforms, including CDN Digital and Cebu Daily News, where she held roles such as reporter, copyeditor, and managing editor. She began her journalism career writing for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Sun.Star Cebu, and The Freeman. Currently, she covers travel, business, economics, and human-interest stories as an independent journalist.
Ruffolo is also the chairperson and co-founder of Basadours Inc., a non-profit organization that promotes literacy through community-based storytelling and art workshops.
Academically, Ruffolo graduated with a degree in mass communication from UP Cebu in 2007 and holds diplomas in language and literacy education and professional education. She is a licensed professional teacher and has previously studied Chinese Language and Culture at leading institutions in the Philippines and China.
As part of her fellowship, Ruffolo will take courses on journalism research, media technology, global communication, and English news writing. Her research focuses on how peer support groups in Cebu use TikTok to combat online child sexual exploitation. In addition, she will develop a trilingual children’s storybook in Binisaya, English, and Chinese, which will highlight the cultural ties between the Philippines and China.
The Asean-China Young Leaders Scholarship Program aims to foster educational cooperation and people-to-people connections between China and ASEAN countries. Ruffolo’s participation exemplifies how passion, dedication, and a well-built network can turn aspirations into reality.
Article Source: SunStar Cebu