Mela Habijan earns two master's degrees in Spain
The Miss Trans Global 2020 titleholder shared on Instagram that she has officially graduated from Spain's IE University, with a Master's in Business Administration and Master's in Creative Direction, Content, and Branding.
Mela also shared that she is an IE Asia Pacific Scholarship Recipient, a Nominee for Best Student, a Dean's Lister, and a Blue Torch Awardee for Academic Excellence.
"After 19 months, we finally earned two master's degrees," she wrote.
"But what's more meaningful: I, a trans woman from my beloved Philippines, was loved, embraced, and cheered on by my IE University community," she added.
Mela said that the university gave her a "true sense of belonging" that every member of the LGBTQIA+ dreams of.
"During the ceremony, I wore the dress gifted to me by the incredible trans icon, Miss Cheetah Rivera," she said, adding that she had her makeup on, her long hair down, and wore a pair of six-inch pageant heels.
"They even called me by my name on stage thrice," she added. "And for the first time, I got to see the name I wish, hope, and pray to see in my passport and legal documents."
However, Mela clarified that the name on her diploma is still her government name, but "it was the best and most rewarding award that I have received to date."
"For now, I am rejoicing — hoping that this honor and privilege can be a universal experience for trans and queer people," she said.
"Beloved Philippines and my queer community, I hope I made you proud!" she added.
Mela flew to Spain in January 2024 to pursue her master's.
In 2023, she flew to New York to take a modelling masterclass under the mentorship of supermodel Coco Rocha.
She previously appeared on GMA Network shows, such as "The Better Woman" and "Asaawa Ko, Karibal Ko."
—Hermes Joy Tunac/JCB, GMA Integrated News
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