Bersola, Frayna recognized as part of Ten Outstanding Students of PH

Kathy Bersola and Janelle Frayna among the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines awardees. Photo by Mark Giongco

Kathy Bersola and Janelle Frayna, who showed that student-athletes can excel in both fields, were named in the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) in the National Capital Region.

Bersola graduated summa cum laude, Bachelor of Sports Science in University of the Philippines Diliman and is a former team captain of the UP Lady Maroons.

Frayna, who graduated cum laude, Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Far Eastern University Manila, is the country’s first Filipina Grand Master and is the class valedictorian of Batch 2017 of Institute of Arts and Sciences.

Bersola, who was named Best Blocker in the 76th Season of the UAAP, said one of the keys to being a star athlete and top student is time management.

“It’s about learning how to prioritize and of course, learning how to sacrifice along the way. The two are connected, so the things that are of least importance will take the backseat. Just trying your best and working hard and aiming for excellence in every aspect and every duty take a role,” Bersola said
during the awarding ceremony Monday night at Asian Institute of Management in Makati City.

Frayna, who was a recipient of a Congressional Award last year, and Bersola made the cut from 20 finalists.

“It’s an honor. I really didn’t expect it,” said the 21-year-old Bersola.

“It’s really a big thing for me because I feel like I’m representing all the student-athletes who graduated this year. And it’s also like breaking the stereotypes about student-athletes,” she added.

Frayna, who hails from Legazpi City, Albay, missed the event and was represented by her mother Sonia.

Bersola said the best advice she can impart to student-athletes is to stay determined and passionate amid adversities.

“I want to tell them to keep pushing and just do your best not just in your sport but also in academics because you can’t play forever,” she said.

“You don’t know what will happen to you in the future so it would be really nice to get a degree and have learned in the university and if you think we can’t do it, as long as we really work hard for it, we’ll be able to reach for it.”