“One day, I’ll be one of those delegates.”
It was a quiet promise made in 2019 by a young Grade 12 student who once viewed research as nothing more than a subject requirement. For Richelyn Villasor, research initially felt overwhelming—time-consuming, demanding, and far from exciting.
“I honestly wasn’t passionate about it at first,” she admits.
But everything changed during BCP’s first Research Festival. Watching her batchmates present their work—and win a trip to Singapore—sparked something deeper.
“That was my turning point,” she recalls. “I told myself, one day, I’ll be one of those delegates.”
By her second year in college, Richelyn was no longer approaching research as a task to complete. She was building a vision. She intentionally searched for teammates who shared her determination and commitment. Together, they formed what their peers fondly called the “SuperTeam,” each member owning a specialized role—Project Manager, Programmer, Document Specialist, Business Analyst, and System Analyst.
They faced disagreements. They encountered pressure. But they never allowed challenges to overshadow their purpose.
“Research success isn’t accidental. It’s intentional collaboration fueled by a shared goal.”
Their hard work culminated in victory at the 5th Multidisciplinary Research Festival. The most unforgettable moment? Traveling to Malaysia as a complete team.
“At first, we were told only one member would be selected to present abroad. So when we found out that all of us were going, it felt surreal,” she shares. “It wasn’t just a personal win—it was a shared reward for months of perseverance.”
Standing on an international stage in 2023 was more than an academic milestone. Surrounded by researchers from various institutions and countries, she felt both humbled and empowered.
“Seeing our study stand alongside international research reminded me that student work can make an impact beyond the classroom.”
Yet perhaps the most profound transformation in Richelyn’s journey was not from local to global—but from student to mentor.
Teaching was never part of her original plan. But after becoming part of a winning research team, she eventually stepped into the role of research adviser in the BSIT program. What began as an opportunity evolved into a calling.
“Guiding students through research isn’t just about correcting papers,” she explains. “It’s about helping them move from confusion to confidence.”
She credits much of her growth to her mentor, Mr. Jorge Lucero, who introduced her to the true essence of research.
“Once I understood what research is really about—asking meaningful questions and offering solutions to real-world problems—everything changed.”
Now, she strives to pass that transformation forward.
“Research feels overwhelming—until you understand the ‘why.’ Once you do, it becomes meaningful.”
That philosophy bore fruit when her advisee team emerged as winners at the 9MRF. Watching her students’ names announced on stage was deeply emotional.
“It wasn’t just their win. It felt like ours,” she says with pride. “They didn’t just listen to guidance—they applied it, refined their work, and kept improving.”
Moments like that reaffirm why she chose mentorship.
“Mentorship isn’t about leading from the front. It’s about walking beside your students until they’re ready to lead.”
Her participation in the 24th Joint Multidisciplinary Research Conference brought her journey full circle. In 2023, she stood on the international stage as a student presenter. This time, she stood as a research adviser, watching her student confidently present research earned through dedication and discipline.
“It was just as meaningful—if not more,” she reflects. “Seeing my student represent our institution reminded me that the true impact of research multiplies through mentorship.”
Beyond presentations, the conference reignited her passion. Conversations with fellow researchers, exposure to multidisciplinary studies, and meaningful exchanges of ideas reinforced her belief that research remains a powerful tool for solving real-world challenges.
She speaks with gratitude about the role of Ascendens Asia and AAIRI in shaping her journey. Through platforms such as MRF and JMRC, students and educators are given opportunities to bring research beyond classroom walls and into global conversations.
Today, Richelyn’s aspirations are clear: to continue empowering students, building purpose-driven teams, and nurturing confidence in young researchers.
She often tells her students, “Madali lang ’yan, kailangan mo lang maintindihan.” It is not about minimizing the challenge—but about reframing it.
“Every great researcher started with uncertainty. What matters is that you keep going.”
From a student who once doubted research to a mentor shaping future innovators, Richelyn Villasor’s story is proof that growth begins with curiosity—and that mentorship turns personal victories into collective impact.
And sometimes, a promise made in Grade 12 becomes a lifelong commitment to research, leadership, and meaningful change.
For more information on upcoming research festivals and collaborations, stay connected with Ascendens Asia International Research Institute.
Email: connect@aairi.org
WhatsApp: +63 (976) 413 1096 / +65 8413 7706
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