Meet Our Cherry Moon Scholars 2024

At The Cherry Moon Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of education and the remarkable potential within every individual. It is our privilege to support bright, hardworking, and inspiring young scholars as they embark on their college journeys.   

Each of these scholars has a unique story of perseverance, talent, and ambition. They inspire us with their commitment to academic excellence, passion for extracurricular pursuits, and the drive to create a brighter future—not just for themselves but for their families and communities.

Let’s celebrate these incredible young individuals as we highlight their journeys, dreams, and accomplishments. 

Erica Aliño

Erica “Eca” S. Aliño, grew up in Naga City, Cebu. She graduated from St. Cecilia’s College with exceptional academic performance and wonderful compliments from her teachers. However, she acknowledges that pursuing a college education would have been impossible without this scholarship. Driven by her long-held dream of earning a degree in Psychology, she is dedicated to excelling not only in her studies but also in the competitive world of Dance Sport, a passion she has pursued since high school. Her talent for dance has even become a source of income, as she performs in shows to help support herself. As the youngest in a family facing significant financial challenges, she has embraced the responsibility of striving for a brighter future for herself and her loved ones. This sense of purpose fuels her unwavering determination to succeed academically and in her extracurricular endeavors.

Jessie Mae and Justine Mae Roda

Twin sisters Jessie Mae “Jess” and Justine Roda hail from Carcar City, Cebu, where they both graduated from Gelacio C. Babao Sr. Memorial National High School with high honors. 

Both are avid readers, so it was no surprise that they both developed a penchant for writing. They used their talents by becoming writers for their school newspaper in both Junior and Senior high school. 

While others see poverty as a hindrance to success, Jessie and Justine see it as a motivator. Their family’s support and encouragement despite their financial struggles have inspired them to work hard and do well in school. Jessie has won awards in Communication Arts and Journalism. When she’s not busy with schoolwork, she loves to cook and write short stories. 

Meanwhile, Justine competed in Scrabble tournaments, served as treasurer for Youth For Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O) and as a member of the Class Officers Community. She enjoys painting and drawing in her free time.

Currently attending the University of Cebu, Jessie is pursuing a degree in Customs Management, while Justine is studying Accountancy. Both sisters travel by bus about 40 kilometers one way,  twice a day from Carcar City to Cebu City in order to attend their classes. On top of that, they also tutor young children as a side hustle in order to earn extra money for their expenses.

Marianette Labra

Known as Anette by her friends and family, Marianette also grew up in Carcar City. Her drive to work hard largely comes from the fact that she lost both her parents at a young age. While in Junior Highschool at Ocaña National High School, she was a part of the Special Science Class which is reserved for students who are top academic performers. She was a student leader and also participated in several tournaments for chess, mathematics, science, and research competitions. While an academic scholar for Senior High (ABM strand) at the University of Cebu, she actively participated in their Finance Officers Organization, eventually graduating with high honors. 

While currently studying BS-Accountancy at the same university, she has become a member of the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants.

She enjoys books and music, and dedicates time to tutoring her young niece regularly to make extra money. 

Gema Mae Carmelotes

Gema “Maymay” Carmelotes grew up in Liloan, Cebu. She has been forced to live independently since her parents separated when she was in 6th grade. A family kindly took her in so she could work as a nanny to their baby and go to school at the same time. Despite difficult circumstances, Gema excelled in school, even participating successfully in competitions in Math, Science, Scrabble, poetry writing and volleyball. She eventually graduated with honors from St. James Technical Skills College.

As she now pursues her goal of becoming a CPA, her determination and discipline remains apparent as she juggles her responsibilities. To support herself, she works as a tutor and even manages her own small online business where she delivers orders on the weekend. 

In her free time, she enjoys crafting with paper and recycled materials.