Last Monday, I was one of those who witnessed the awarding of well-deserved accolades to Bank of the Philippine Island's (BPI) 2010 Ten Outstanding Expat Pinoy Children. It is heartening to find out that behind the stories of many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) are young people who are already aware of their responsibilities and have used these to cultivate boundless opportunities.
As a former child of an OFW, I know how hard it is to be apart from one's parent for several years. But, despite the longing for our Tatay, my sister and I were still able to excel in school and extra-curricular activities knowing that we should work hard for the good future that our parents dream for us while acknowledging the sacrifices that our father was making to provide us with the good education and comfortable life we were blessed to have. I'm sure the awardees felt the same way.
In his wonderful speech, one winner, John Jefferson Besa affirmed, "Hindi naging balakid ang kalungkutan upang mangarap ng mataas, magsikap at magpunyagi. For in dreaming, a race is halfway finished. Kami po ay ebidensya lamang ... repleksyon lamang ng inyong kabayanihan sa ibang bayan." I applaud this inspiring young man.
The group of teenagers, though far away from their parents, were able to excel in academics and other fields, and show genuine desire to become model Filipino citizens. It is my personal hope that the awards will serve as an inspiration to other Filipino youth, including my own children.
The 2010 Ten Outstanding Expat Pinoy Children Awardees are:
Ibang Klaseng Talino awardees
- Lynn Migel Q. Estoque (Ateneo de Davao University)
- Maria Angela H. Mariano (UP Diliman)
- Kirsten Therese T. Lestor (UST)
- John Jefferson V. Besa (DLSU-Dasmariñas)
- Lord Leomer B. Pomperada (De La Salle College of St. Benilde)
- Reynold L. Orsua (St. Louis University)
- Richmond G. Calunsag (Philippine Normal University)
Ibang Klaseng Entrepreneur awardee
- Erilyn Marie V. Dagan (UA&P)
Ibang Klaseng Community leader awardee
- Florence Marie D. Bayer (Assumption College)
Ibang Klaseng Athlete awardee
- Jose Renato S. Unso (DLSU)
To know more about each of the 10 awardees, please click here for their individual photos and profiles.
2 comments:
thank you for writing about me and my fellow awardees, ma'am!
i'm glad that at least i know someone who liked some of the things that i said. :)) it was an honor to speak in behalf of the awardees.
may God bless you always, ma'am!
jj
Hi JJ, it was a pleasure hearing you speak. Keep on with all the good things you're already doing :)
Post a Comment