Profiles of Winners in BPI's 2010 Search for Ten Outstanding Expat Pinoy Children

Press Release:

The Bank of the Philippine Islands initiated the Search for Ten Outstanding Expat Pinoy Children with the objective of honoring the children of Overseas Filipinos and to promote the value of education, culture of excellence, and nationalistic pride among Overseas Filipinos and their families. (Related post about the awarding ceremony itself can be found here).

Here's the list of 2010 awardees and their profiles:

Ibang Klaseng Talino Awardees


Lynn Migel Q. Estoque
AB-International Studies
Ateneo de Davao University

Lynn, 4th year student of Ateneo de Davao University, is taking up International Studies Major in Asian Studies and Minor in Economics. Her father, Edwardo, is currently a financial advisor in East Timor. She believes that education is the essential foundation for the advancement and progression of a nation.

Maria Angela H. Mariano
BS Business Administration and Accountancy
University of the Philippines-Diliman

Maria Angela, a first year college student from the University of the Philippines-Diliman, is taking up Business Administration and Accountancy. Her mother, Emma Hernandez, a nurse in Saudi Arabia, has been an OFW since Maria Angela was in grade four. Angela believes that as a child of an Expat Pinoy, she is one of the many stories that can inspire the youth today to become agents of change for the society.

Kirsten Therese T. Lestor
Bachelor of Science Major in Microbiology
University of Sto. Tomas

Kirsten, a first year Microbiology student at the University of Sto. Tomas, dreams of building a hospital for the marginalized or financially challenged part of the society. Her father, Crispin Lestor Jr., is a Preventive and Electrical Maintenance of Power Plant in Saudi Arabia.

John Jefferson V. Besa
BS Biology Major in Human Biology
De La Salle University-Dasmariñas

John Jefferson is a third year Human Biology major at the De La Salle University-Dasmariñas. His father, Bernie, has been working as a seafarer for 10 years now in Japan.

Lord Leomer B. Pomperada
Bachelor of Arts Major in Consular and Diplomatic Affairs
De La Salle College of Saint Benilde

A third year student at De La Salle College of St. Benilde taking up Consular and Diplomatic Affairs, Lord Leomer is a youth advocate for the deaf and a volunteer tutor for out of school youth. Active in both academic and non-academic activities, he is currently running for magna cum laude in his school. His father, Leopoldo, is a Chief Marine Engineer in China.

Reynold L. Orsua
Bachelor of Philosophy and Legal Studies (PH B L.St.)
Saint Louis University

Reynold, a fourth year Philosophy and Legal Studies student at Saint Louis University in Baguio, is a debater, environment advocate and student leader. His father, Reynaldo, has been working as sewer in the Saudi Arabia for almost 17 years.

Richmond G. Calunsag
Bachelor of Science in Physics
Philippine Normal University

Richmond is a fourth year Bachelor of Science in Physics student at the Philippine Normal University and a scholar of the Department of Science and Technology. Inspired by his father’s sacrifice and love for their family to be able to make the Philippines a better place to live in, Richmond promised himself that he will become a teacher—the “best teacher” that is. His father, Jose Calunsag has been a tailor and master cutter in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 15 years.

Ibang Klaseng Entrepreneur Awardee

Erilyn Marie V. Dagan
Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurial Management
University of Asia and the Pacific

From being a card agent and distributor, Erilyn Marie’s father, William, climbed the ropes and became the manager of the system operations of the prepaid cards under his company and the first Filipino to own a telephone company in Japan. Her father’s entrepreneurial spirit inspired Erilyn Marie to do well in school and become an entrepreneur as well. Her business, “order regalo” is a gift delivery service for OFWs in Japan. She dreams of expanding her business and be able to offer it as well for OFWs in other countries.

Ibang Klaseng Community Leader Awardee

Florence Marie D. Bayer
BSBA Major in Marketing Management
Assumption College, San Lorenzo

Florence Marie is a third year Marketing Management student at the Assumption College. Her father, Lito, is a Mechanical Engineer in Saudi Arabia. Florence Marie believes that by promoting discipline and determination among individuals, encouraging each to be responsible, motivating the community to work together, educating people to prevent and eliminate transgression, and addressing the nation’s concerns promptly and efficiently, will build the nation and fulfill the Filipino dream.

Ibang Klaseng Athlete

Jose Renato S. Unso
BS Psychology
De La Salle University

A third year Psychology student, Jose Renato has been juggling his academic and athletic activities exceptionally, being a scholar at the De La Salle University. He is an award-winning athlete, having earned Thomasian Athlete of the year, Benavides Outstanding Achievement Award, Most Valuable Player of the University of Sto. Tomas in 2008; PGMA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Athletics in 2008; and UAAP Seasons 69 and 70 Most Valuable Player for Track and Field Juniors. His mother, April Maria Milagrosa Unso is an Education Teacher in Singapore.