Ateneo honors student is BPI Anak Expat winner

MANILA, Philippines - Eight years ago, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) launched its Search for the Ten Outstanding Expat Pinoy Children, one of the ways by which the bank honors overseas Filipinos who work hard in order to provide a better life for their families.

Through the nationwide search, BPI promotes the culture of excellence, value of education, and strong family ties among children of overseas Filipinos.

Driven by his passion to lead and the desire to help build the nation, 20-year-old Paul John Legaspi is honored as the BPI 2014 Ibang Klaseng Community Leader awardee. A Business Management student who is part of the honors program at Ateneo de Naga University, Legaspi is a purpose-driven, opportunity-seeking individual.

“Adversities have never prevented me from discovering endless opportunities for growth. I did not let past experiences dictate what I would become, rather, they served as my motivation to create a better version of myself,” he said. His perseverance and hard work in school paid off when he was granted a full scholarship at Ateneo de Naga University, thus sustaining his college education.

Legaspi, who has held positions in various civic and community organizations, is also passionate about nation-building.

He is currently engaged in a business called Laureano Shoes along with other business management honor students. The income-generating enterprise that produces high-end canvas shoes promotes hand-weaving in Buhi, Camarines Sur and integrates the Bicolano culture in its products.

“My goal is to have a social enterprise that partners with communities to create shared value so I could help increase the number of sustainable livelihood opportunities for Filipinos so that they will not have to be away from their families just to earn a living,” he said.

His various immersions in nation-building and leadership activities include the Ayala Young Leaders Alliance Bicol United, Gabay Scholars’ Organization, Naga 1st Ward Young Men Auxiliary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the iSupport Hope for Visayas (campaign for typhoon Yolanda victims.) Last February, he was recognized as one of the 2014 Ten Outstanding Students of Bicol. 

The young man hopes to keep improving himself so that he can continue making an impact on his community and on other OF families as well.

Other 2014 Search for the Ten Outstanding Expat Pinoy Children awardees include Sushmita Mae Rose R. Contreras (University of Sto. Tomas), Bryan Neil C. Corrales (Adventist University of the Philippines), Jasmine Joy Marie M. San Miguel (Far Eastern University), Michael John M. Dacuray (Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas Lyceum International Maritime Academy), Alexa Louise D. Mendoza (Global City Innovative College), Francheezka Mae D. Nono (Malayan Colleges Laguna), Guillian M. Mecate (Lyceum of the Philippines University) and Joyce Lyn L. Garcia (University of the Philippines) for  the  Ibang Klaseng Talino award; and Vianca J. dela Cruz (University of the Philippines), for the Ibang Klaseng Artist award.