UP Medical Student, Daughter of Expat Pinoy in Oman Leads BPI’s Awardees on Search for10 Outstanding Expat Pinoy Children
Ms. Ma. Trina Asuncion, medical student from UP College of Medicine Intarmed, heads the list of 10 winners in the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) Search for the 10 Outstanding Expat Pinoy Children.
The nationwide search was launched during last year’s BPI anniversary celebration and is a project of the Bank’s Expat Pinoy Customer Segment of BPI Overseas Banking Division.
The Search is one way of fulfilling the bank’s commitment to our Overseas Filipinos whose remittances are considered a major powerhouse of our economic progress. Besides giving recognition to their children – their source of inspiration and motivation – it serves as a reward for all their efforts. By citing the achievements of their children, BPI felt that it is giving greater honor and recognition to the sacrifices that any Expat Pinoy bear abroad.
In celebration of its 156th year this year, BPI awarded 10 outstanding children of Expat Pinoys in simple ceremonies last August 3 at the BPI Head Office in Makati, led by BPI President Aurelio R. Montinola III. The BSP Governor, Amando Tetangco, Jr., delivered the keynote message during the event.
The awardees, each getting a grant of P50,000 in cash, trophy and a new Globe cellphone, are –
* Maria Trina, UP College of Medicine Intarmed, daughter of Andres E. Asuncion who is based in Oman;
* Siblings Kristine Ann of Ateneo de Manila University and Neil Stephen of Dela Salle University, children of Noel C. Lopez based in Indonesia;
* Mark Lester, University of Perpetual help System, son of Rico Mercurio Cervantes based in Dubai UAE;
* Maria Rhodora, Far Eastern University, daughter of Rodrigo G. Agang based in Sudan, South Africa;
* Jonathan, Philippine Science High School, son of Vivencio M. Batingue based in Russia;
* Mary Grace, Makati Science High School, daughter of Jesus E. Pascua based in Saudi Arabia;
* Loris Marriel, Ateneo de Manila University, daughter of Ismael J. Villar based in Dubai, UAE;
* Inri, UP Visayas, son of Danilo L. Villaluna based in Japan;
* and Soleil, Adamson Univeristy, daughter of Manuel I. Ponce who is based in Saudi Arabia.
The Board of Judges was composed of Deputy Administrator Noriel Devanadera of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Deputy Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Director Fe dela Cruz of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Mr. Angelito Pineda of the Department of Education and BPI Senior Vice President Raul Dimayuga as chairman.
Singing Champion Erik Santos, BPI celebrity endorser since 2004 and himself a son of an Expat Pinoy, was likewise given by BPI President Aurelio Montinola a special citation for his exemplary behavior and achievements in the fields of arts and entertainment. Erik’s father is an engineer in the Middle East for more than 20 years. Erik received the award with members of his family, led by his proud mother Ms. Angelita Santos.
Erik Santos capped the ceremony with his heartwarming renditions of the song of hope and promises for today’s youth, as well as the BPI theme song for the Expat Pinoys, “Abutin Mo Ang Iyong Pangarap”, an original composition.