MANILA, Philippines — RMA Studio Academy is celebrating a major milestone as its student, Erika Poturnak, the daughter of Ina Raymundo, graduated from the prestigious Berklee College of Music, a feat that the academy’s owner and CEO, Jade Riccio, described as a testament to the value of quality coaching and perseverance.
Erika back then credits Jade for her to get accepted at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, United States.
In an interview with Philstar.com, Jade said Erika’s achievement reflects the principles that RMA Studio Academy has championed since its founding.
“Watching Erika graduate from Berklee is deeply meaningful because it reflects the values we’ve upheld from the very beginning,” Jade said.
According to Jade, effective coaching goes beyond developing artistic talent, helping students build discipline, resilience, curiosity and a lifelong commitment to learning.
“Erika’s journey reminds us that with the right foundation, Filipino artists can thrive in the world’s most respected institutions. We couldn’t be prouder of her achievement,” she said.
Jade also described Erika’s success as proof that international opportunities are within reach for aspiring Filipino performers who remain committed to their craft.
“Erika’s story turns aspiration into possibility. She proves that international opportunities are attainable through consistent work, excellent coaching, and unwavering commitment,” she said.
“Success is never accidental. It’s built one lesson, one rehearsal, and one decision at a time. If one RMA artist can achieve it, many more can follow,” she added.
Alongside celebrating Erika’s graduation, Jade also highlighted RMA Studio Academy’s continued expansion, saying the move is driven by its mission to better serve students rather than simply increase its physical footprint.
“Growth should never be about appearance; it should always be about serving people better,” she said.
“As our community continued to grow, we recognized the need for a space that could grow with our students’ ambitions. Our expansion reflects our commitment to providing an environment that nurtures creativity, collaboration, and artistic excellence,” she added.
Jade said the academy’s new facility is designed to provide more opportunities for students to rehearse, perform, and collaborate while creating a more welcoming environment for their families.
“For us, expansion isn’t about a bigger facility but about creating bigger opportunities. We want everyone who walks through our doors to immediately feel one thing: you belong here,” she said,
Erika’s graduation marks a significant achievement for both the young artist and RMA Studio Academy, underscoring the growing presence of Filipino talent on the global stage.
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