Another Bacoleña is also among the Top 10 in the July 2023 Interior Design Licensure Examination.
Sherly Rose Maquiling Abalajen, a graduate of the University of San Agustin in Iloilo, was the 5th placer with a rating of 84.95 percent.
She is a friend of 4th placer Lois Baldonado Bernardino of La Consolacion College-Bacolod.
Abalajen , 25, studied architecture at LCC Bacolod for a few years before she shifted to Interior design. She then transferred to the University of San Agustin Iloilo and finished the remaining two years of her studies there.
She has three sisters and is the youngest child of Antonio and Hylin Abalajen of Villa Angela Subdivision in Bacolod City.
“Even as a student she would make small handmade home decor items like coasters and sell them for a very affordable price just because she would like everyone to have access to beautiful things that are made with intention,” her mother said.
Her daughter wants to work in a place where she can grow and learn more as a designer, Hylin said.*