About Me
Professional Profile Summary
Philippine-born and Hong Kong-raised.
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Karina IC La'O has received her BA (Hons) in Visual Studies from Lingnan University ('22) and her MA with Merit in Creative Writing – Prose Fiction from the University of East Anglia ('23–'24). Currently, she is a Creative/Critical Ph.D. Candidate at UEA with a project that centers on the 'witch' archetype in contemporary Filipino komiks and its relation to the country's national consciousness and identity.
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Her work experience stretches beyond creative writing in having been the Center Manager & Copywriter for the education center, Baker & Bloom, a Sales Associate for Hollister Co., and even a Parade Audience Control Team Member for the Walt Disney Company. Currently, she is a PGR Student Advisor (Heritage and Cultural Diversity Forum) for UEA's EMPOWER program.
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She has previously won the Junior First Place prize for the 2016 HK Top Story competition and since then, has continued her pursuit of writing through her academic career and multiple programs (Zolima Citymag, OWN Academy x SoHo House HK).
Work Experience
April 2024
Cambridge University Press
Remote
Freelance Editor (Contract)
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Edited Mark du Rond's Dark Justice: Inside the World of Paedophile Hunters, a 65,000-word manuscript
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Proofread and style-edited the text to ensure clarity, consistency, and adherence to the author's voice
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Collaborated closely with the author to align with publication standards
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Contributed to refining the manuscript for final publication, ensuring accuracy and a polished presentation
2021 - 2025
Baker & Bloom, LTD.
Hong Kong and Remote
Center Manager & Copywriter (Full--time, then part--time)
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Oversaw daily center operations, ensuring smooth coordination among staff and effective communication with the COO, teachers, and administrative teams
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Developed and refined written content for marketing materials, company communications, and educational tools, maintaining a consistent brand voice
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Built and nurtured strong customer relationships as the primary point of contact, contributing to positive client experiences
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Designed and implemented creative campaigns and graphics for promotional purposes, driving brand awareness and engagement
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Managed scheduling and project timelines to ensure timely completion of initiatives and uphold high operational standards
2020 - 2021
Hollister Co.
Hong Kong
Sales Associate (Part--time)
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Delivered exceptional customer service, ensuring a welcoming and engaging shopping experience
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Assisted customers with product selections, fitting, and styling advice in a fast-paced retail environment
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Managed point-of-sale transactions, maintained store merchandising, and restocked inventory
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Collaborated with team members to meet sales targets and uphold the brand’s image and service standards
2024 - present
EMPOWER, UEA
Norwich, UK
PGR Student Advisor (Part--time)
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Developed and designed promotional materials that significantly increased awareness and engagement for the Heritage and Cultural Diversity Forum
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Coordinated logistics and planning for the main forum event, ensuring a seamless and impactful experience
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Created and delivered an interactive workshop lesson for secondary schools, inspiring students to explore and showcase their cultural heritage
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Organized a dedicated workshop day event, managing scheduling, resources, and overall execution to support student-led projects for the main forum
Jun 2019 - Aug 2019
Walt Disney Company
Orlando, Florida
Parade Audience Control Team Member (Full--time)
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Managed crowd control during daily parades to ensure guest safety and a seamless viewing experience
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Directed large groups of guests with clear communication and friendly guidance
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Collaborated with operations and security teams to maintain order and address any concerns promptly
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Contributed to creating a magical, enjoyable environment by upholding Disney’s high service standards
Education
2017 - 2022
Lingnan University
Hong Kong
Bachelor of Arts (Hons) -- Visual Studies
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Fully sponsored 2020 Spring term abroad at Aberdeen University, Scotland, with coursework in English Literature
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Final Year Directed Research Project
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Critical dissertation | Girlhood and the Female Through the Male Narrative in Film​
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Creative component | Oh, Winona (feature film script)
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2023 - 2024
University of East Anglia
Norwich, UK
Master of Arts -- Creative Writing (Prose Fiction)
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With merit
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Elected courses in short fiction and cross-media adaptation
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Dissertation: A section of Mila & Eden (a novel)
2024 - 2027
University of East Anglia
Norwich, UK
Doctor of Philosophy -- Creative/Critical Writing (Research)
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Critical dissertation | Reimagining the 'Witch': the Babaylan in Filipino Culture and Identity
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Creative component | The Labyrinth, a novel.
Writing & Publishing Achievements
2023
A Body of Words
Self-published Poetry Collection
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Collection of 30 poems with illustrations by Michaela Ruth Gallardo
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Achieved sales of approximately 50 copies
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Conceptualized, managed, and executed the entire project (creative development, production, marketing, and sales)
2021
OWN Academy x
Soho House Hong Kong
Mentorship Program (Mentee)
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Collaborated with Mr. Gary Liu (former CEO of the South China Morning Post) to conceptualize, write, and self-publish the initial chapters of a novella
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Delivered a live book reading at Soho House, showcasing my literary work whilst engaging with a diverse audience
2020 - 2021
Zolima_Citymag
Featured Writer
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Authored and self-published a short story collection that was edited by journalist Christopher Dewolf (The Wall Street Journal and the South China Morning Post
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Displayed the work for several months at the magazine's After_ exhibition
2016
Hong Kong Top Story Comepetition
First Place | Junior Division
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Won first place for my short story "Six Minutes"