Testimonies from our Beneficiaries

JAMES RICHARD MARTIN

Bachelor of Science in Economics

Cavite State University – Main (Indang)

Graduated August 17, 2022

Dear Philippine American Guardian Association Inc.,

I’m James Richard Martin, 22 years old, a graduate of the BS Economics program at Cavite State University, PAGA Beneficiary and one of the Pioneering batch of K-12 program.

I would like to thank all the Board of Trustees, Executive Director, and Social Workers who help me to finish my studies. I’m very thankful that I’m one of the recipients to be the beneficiary of PAGA. This organization is not just helping the beneficiaries, but also the family of the beneficiary as well.

I also thank my parents, Papa Homer and Mama Emely, for tireless support in helping not only me, but also my brothers, Kuya Michael and Matthew who are also PAGA beneficiaries since Elementary.

I just want to share my journey as a student, or should I say, Student-Leader. As an Iskolar ng bayan, it is very difficult to balance being a student and joining Academic Organizations within Cavite State University, especially when I entered my last year in College where I joined four Academic Organizations in one Academic Year. Yes, you read that right, four Academic Organizations in one Academic Year, and take note, this is my last year in College. Especially since we still have a Thesis to attend to. So all the fatigue and hardships I went through were worth it and I almost became Cum Laude. I only missed by a few points and got grades in some subjects below the maintaining grade to be a Latin honor but I’m still grateful that I’ve finished college. And my College journey has not ended here because I’m just getting started with my dream of becoming a full-fledged PhD-Lawyer.

My advice to the beneficiaries who want to be a student-leader is to take risks in everything that happens to you so that you won’t regret it in the end but you must also be able to balance being a student-leader and a student. Try new opportunities as you see them and don’t limit yourself to one thing. Also explore the surroundings.

Thank you also for the opportunity given to me. Joining PAGA is one of the best experiences I had.

God bless to all at mabuhay ang mga kabataang Ekonomista!

Padayon mga iskolar ng PAGA!

Padayon mga iskolar ng bayan!

JAMES RICHARD MARTIN

THEA J. GOROSPE

Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management

Baliwag Polytechnic College

Graduated August 12, 2022

Dear Philippine American Guardian Association (PAGA) and American Association of the Philippines (AAP)

First and foremost, I would like to convey my special regards to all of you who have wrinkled my education through the sponsorship program. I salute you in the name of our GOD!

‌I am one of the students who was sponsored through the sponsorship program of the American Association of the Philippines (AAP) and the Philippine American Guardian Association (PAGA).  I had not had any idea about my brighter future because of the difficulties I used to meet, but you and my family are always there to guide me in the right path and set standards for my career. It is an honor to be a beneficiary of these dedicated individuals who aim to help us to give us a better future even I finished my studies.   I would also like to reassure you that I shall strive to pursue a good career. I will always remember the generosity of the people behind this sponsorship program you have lightened my financial burden which allows me to focus more on the most important aspect of school.

Your generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community. I hope one day I will be able to help students achieve their goals just as you have helped me. Thank you for your kindness, all the guidance and wisdom that you taught us will forever remain in my heart.

Without your kind contribution, it would not have been possible for me to make my dream a reality. I once again thank you for investing in my future i will always be grateful to you.

”You can be anything you want to be, just turn yourself into anything you think that you could ever be”

-Freddie Mercury

Sincerely yours,

Thea J. Gorospe

AARON C. YABUT

Bachelor of Science in Aircraft Maintenance Technology,

Philippine State College of Aeronautics, PASAY

Graduated October 3, 2022

ACADEMIC DISTINCTION AWARDEE

I am Aaron C. Yabut, a PAGA beneficiary. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Philippine American Guardian Association (PAGA) for their support throughout my education, from elementary to high school (JHS&SHS) and college. PAGA was always there to support me. From providing educational assistance, which helps us to lessen our expenses; seminars and workshops that help us learn and grow; health care assistance; and even during the pandemic, they provided financial assistance to our family and other activities that greatly helped us.

Thank you very much once more to every member of the Philippine-American Guardian Association for all the support, guidance, and love. I wish you all success as you continue to support the growth and success of other people. I will always be grateful to PAGA.

God bless you all.

Aaron C. Yabut

GARRY TONIZA

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

Eulogio Amang Rodriquez Institute of Science and Technology, (EARIST)

Graduated August 18, 2022

Dear Philippine American Guardian Association, Inc.,

I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity you have given me. I am very glad and thankful because I’ve finished my studies in college because of all the support from PAGA.

Until now, I couldn’t imagine that I had passed through all the challenges, mostly in my college days. For me, PAGA is my second family. Without PAGA, I wouldn’t be as successful as I am now. Because of PAGA, I was able to overcome my weakness. PAGA also gives knowledge and inspiration to my parents.

I want to thank my whole family for always supporting me and not giving up on me. Thank you for the love and care. I’ll promise myself that I will do my best.

God, thank you for guiding me and giving safety to my family during the pandemic. And to all my friends in school that support and help me, thank you. Also, to my friends in PAGA, I really enjoy our bonding in camping and activities. For me, those are the memories I will never forget

And again, thank you so much to the Board of Trustees, and the PAGA staff for never tiring of teaching us lessons and giving us advice that will help me in the future.

Sincerely yours,

Garry Toniza

DARLIN MAY A. GULLAS

Bachelor of Elementary Education – Bulacan State University (Sarmiento Campus)

Graduated June 18, 2019

Dear Philippine American Guardian Association (PAGA),

I would like to express my sincere gratitude that I am honored to be a recipient of the P.A.G.A scholar. I’m really deeply appreciative of your support toward my higher education that I honor as the great help to achieve my goals because it helps a lot especially my family and also paying my Educational expenses. Earlier in college growing-up in a single-parent home where my mom had to work very hard to make end meet has made me realize the value of college education. I will be the second children in my family and among the four children I’m the first of them to finished college and I hope to set a fine example for my older brother, and also my younger brother and sister.

I would like to share with you my experience when I was practice teaching, to be honest, I am not a great student, I have trouble with work, and submitting this on time. The teachers all knew how capable I was, even if I didn’t always know, they didn’t just let me fail, but really took time to help me get started and stay focused. Again and again, this showed me the type of people they are and how much they care about helping. It’s been a long four years but all in all, I kept all the lessons that I’ve learned after all. And those lessons, I’ll remember for life.

I want to thank my whole family for not giving up on me. I know it wasn’t easy and still may not be, but to know that all of you love me and support me means so much. Maybe words can’t describe it. Once again, a big thanks to God, my whole family and friends, and Philippine American Guardian Association. I literally would have not finished my degree without all of you. I am so happy with where I am in my life now. And if I’ve learned anything, it’s that, it does not matter what mistakes I make today because I can still try again tomorrow and I prove myself, I will keep going and never stop. I will forever be grateful. I promise you that I will work very hard and eventually give something back to others someday.

Sincerely yours,

Darlin May A. Gullas

JETH JEROME IGNACIO

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology – Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig

Graduated May 9, 2019

Dear Philippine American Guardian Association,

I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the generous scholarship you have given me. I feel so fortunate to have been selected as a recipient of this honor. Your generous contribution has allowed me to pursue my Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degree at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig, and for that, I cannot thank you enough.

I plan to continue my IT education and eventually build a career. However, I need to help my family for our everyday expenses. I will use the knowledge, skills and expertise I gain during my time at PLP to contribute to the IT industry after graduation. Without your generosity and support I would not accomplish the things my family and I have now.

Thank you once again for the opportunity you gave to us. I promise that I will work hard to prove myself and look forward to the day I am able to help others just as you have helped me.

“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.”

―John F. Kennedy

Sincerely Yours,

Jeth Jerome R. Ignacio

KATE WENSLHET A ROQUE

Bachelor in Elementary Education – Binangonan Catholic College

Binangonan, Rizal

Graduated April 2018

N.B. Kate has been a PAGA beneficiary since 2004, Grade 1, age 6

April 6, 2018

To: PAGA Board of Trustees

Have a Good and Pleasant day to all of you!

I am very Glad and Thankful because I’ve finished my study in College through the Guidance of our Lord. It’s hard because of some problems I encountered especially about financial matter, my mother is just handling her sewing and fish drying business to support our daily needs, and during weekends when I go home in Island I helped her in our fish drying business. It is so very tiring, we started from morning until in the afternoon, but we need to do that because here in Island fish drying is one of the sources of income in our Barangay. I am very proud to my mother because after she finished her fish drying business she also sewing dresses for our additional income.

I am very thankful also to all the staff of PAGA Board of Trustees for helping to my study and for the financial support, your help for me is a big help for me and to my family. I am very Blessed and Thankful because I have a scholar like you. I would like also to thank Ms. Deanna H. Bajar; Ma’am Janette, Ms. Rory, Ma’am Phen, and Ma’am Divine thank you so much for pushing me and guiding me also to finish my study. I am very Glad and Thankful to be part of this Institution.

I would like also to thank to Mr. Steve Divers and to Mrs. Rowena Divers for the financial support that you helped for my study, your help for my study is a big help for me and to my family. I am very thankful to God because he gave me a sponsor like you and I am very blessed because you are very kind and helpful to me that’s why I am very thankful to both of you and to all the members of your family. I felt so sad last year when Mr. Steve passed away, but I know now he is in the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.  I hope that God will continue to bless you and your Family. I finished my study through the guidance of our Lord and now I am very happy because one of my goals in life has come true.  Again, thank you very much to all the people, PAGA staff, and to Mr. Steve and Mrs. Rowena Divers for helping me to finish my study in College.

May God continue to Bless you all!

From: Kate Wenslhet A. Roque

– – – – – – – – – – – –

To: PAGA Board of Trustees

Good day to all of you! I just want to tell a brief story on how PAGA helped me to my study from the beginning until my Graduation in College.

I remembered that when I was in Grade One PAGA started helping me with my study. I was very happy when I started schooling in Elementary, I remembered also that PAGA gave some school supplies during the opening of the class and that school supplies will I use. I was so excited also during December because PAGA have a Christmas Party and I am happy because I met my new friends and co-scholar. PAGA will continue to help me with my study until I’ve finished my Elementary Year.

And when I’m in High School Year PAGA continuing to help me to my study I feel so Blessed because of that, PAGA helped me a lot to my study. I receive also school supplies and other things during my High School Year. I remembered that in Cavite we got an activity there I was so happy because I met my co-scholar and new friends, in that activity, we had so much fun and we learn a lot of things.

PAGA also gave me Financial assistance during my High School Year and it helps a lot for my study. And when I finished High School I was sad because I don’t know If I will continue my study in College and they tell me that I have an opportunity to continue my study at College. I feel again so happy and blessed because of that news. PAGA will continue to help me to my study, during my college year there are some problems that I encountered, especially about Financial Matter but I tell myself that I can handle, and I can do this with the helped of our Lord, I keep also praying to God for his Guidance to my study.

In my four years in College, PAGA and my sponsor Mr. Steve Divers and Mrs. Rowena Divers never stopped helping me in my study.  But sadly last year, Mr. Steve Divers passed away.  I felt so sad during that time, but I know that he is now in the Kingdom of Our Lord Jesus Christ. I am very thankful also to him, and to her wife Mrs. Rowena Divers for her continuous helping to my study.

And with the helped of different persons and PAGA staff I reach my goal to finish my study.

For now, I am still applying for a position of Elementary Teacher in a different school.  And this year, we will take a Licensure Examination for Teachers and hoping that I will pass it with the help of our Lord.

I will never forget my PAGA Family especially to all the Staff of PAGA may God continue to Bless all of you.

My Family and I would like to say again thank you very much for helping me with my study.

From: Kate Wenslhet A. Roque

ASHLEY W. LOPEZ

Bachelor of Secondary Education, Northern Quezon College, Inc.

Graduated April 2018

N.B. Ashley has been a PAGA beneficiary since 2006, Grade 3, age 10

It is indeed a great feeling to receive your diploma.  A certificate that symbolizes your passion, enthusiasm, bravery, and faithfulness.  It will make you believe that every dream should not stay as a dream but a goal instead.  Meeting a lot of individual will increase your confidence but being in an organization develops everything in you.

This organization doesn’t just help beneficiaries in their study but the family also.  They don’t just support the needs of the family, but they help us build as one.  They made every dream of every beneficiary possible.  I have been in different kind of problems and felt so depressed sometime during my studies. I don’t know what to do and to talk with. But then there is PAGA they became my psychologist and help me overcome depression. It is funny to think that some people thought that if you are being sponsored it mends that you don’t have capabilities to study on your own, but they got it wrong, they don’t know the feeling of being in an organization.  They don’t know the feeling of being in a family not by blood but bounded with love.

PAGA helped me conquer all the hindrances that I felt before.  Whenever I lose my way, they guide me back to my track.  Whenever I felt so down, they motivate me to be confident.  They also helped my family lessen their financial problems.  I know that my family cannot support me in my college life.  But PAGA made my dreams possible.

After I graduate in college, I realized that I cannot make it through the future without completing the past and doing the best in the present.  Philippine American Guardian Association, INC. made every dream possible by believing that we can all make it through the end of the chapter and until the next chapter of our life. Our journey in the organization may end but the lesson we learned will always be in our hearts. Sincere gratitude is not enough to thank PAGA because of what they have made. But this is the only thing that I can give from now on because I believe that with all the lessons I have learned here will be my guide to be the best individual.

SUE PETERSON

PAGA is a community group that doesn’t have the same recall as Pearl Buck when mentioned together with the word Amerasians but should have the recognition and appreciation they truly deserve. As a client/beneficiary, I saw how they were instrumental in bringing Manila based Amerasians together and made us feel like one big family. These people works tirelessly to provide assistance however possible; from encouraging us to attend leadership training and self-confidence seminars, to providing educational support, to having fun with the Christmas baskets and summer outing which I recall with fond memories. From the time of Ms. Abel, Ate Chari and Mr. Robbins to the present leaders Mr.Holz, Ms. Deanna and Rory, thank you. I am tremendously grateful to the caring people of PAGA for making us Amerasians feel we are loved.

Source: PAGA on Facebook

JAN NADINE IGNACIO

BS Entrepreneurship, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasig

Graduated April 2016

N.B. Jan Nadine has been a PAGA beneficiary since 2006, Grade 4, age 9

I cannot find the exact words about I really felt with the experiences I had in my whole school days.  Until now I cannot imagine that I pass through all the challenges I face mostly in my college days. I thank Philippine American Guardian Association (PAGA) for unexplainable support in my whole academic years.  Thank you for encouraging me in times I felt so down in terms of financial problems. I had a lot of learnings given by this association.  Sabi ko nga “kung wala siguro tayong nakukuhang assistance sa PAGA hindi ako makakatapos kaagad“.

There is one thing I cannot forget.  This is when a PAGA member say to me “nagsasalita ka na” happened in summer youth camp in Cavite. I smiled because I realize they were right. I end with this line PAGA EXPERIENCE IS ONE OF THE BEST EXPERIENCES I HAD.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

-Isaiah 41:10-

JAZVEE MARIAH ALFARO

Bachelor in Elementary Education, City of Malabon University

Graduated April 2016            

N.B. Jazvee has been a PAGA beneficiary since 2001, Grade 1, age 6

A beautiful day to you Ma’am/ Sir.  I Am Mariah Jazvee Alfaro, one of beneficiaries of Philippine American Guardian Association (PAGA).  I graduated at City of Malabon University with the degree of Bachelor in Elementary Education.  It’s been 4 years that I have tried to finish my studies.  Now, here I am.  Holding this degree, that is because PAGA and my family were there to support me.  I want to thank PAGA for all what they did.  You are the reason behind it.  I even became pregnant by that time but you still supported me.   Whether financial or school needs, PAGA provided it.  I am very happy and lucky that I have chosen to be one of your beneficiaries.  I’ll never forget all of this.  I appreciate what you have done to me.  And I’m hoping that this Association keep stronger.  A big thank you to all of the members of PAGA.

GLADY YABUT

Cum Laude

BEED-SPED, Earist – Manila

Robert Robbins College Scholar 2011-2014

I am Glady C. Yabut, 19 years of age and a PAGA beneficiary. I am one of PAGA’s scholars, graduate of BEED-SPED at EARIST as Cum Laude. I have five siblings, and I am second to the youngest. All six of us are PAGA’s beneficiaries. Ever since we were little, we have been receiving help and benefits from PAGA such as school supplies, groceries during Christmas, medical assistance, house building assistance, seminars, training, workshop outing and youth camp. We are proud to say that we are products of PAGA.

PAGA has been our refuge in time of need. And not even once did PAGA fail or disappoint us. I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to all the people of PAGA for your continuous support, guidance, compassion and trust. You have provided me growth opportunities and trusted in my abilities.  Every seminar, training and youth camp of PAGA has contributed to my interpersonal skills. I have learned to be responsible, to be disciplined, and to interact and communicate effectively with different people.

I am able to continue my studies because of the help that PAGA continues to provide. With that, I do everything I do with excellence as a way to give back. Above all, I would like to praise God for using PAGA as an instrument to help me and my family rise up from poverty that we grew up in, and to continue to reach for our dreams. A million thanks for your dedication, trust and commitment in helping young people like me who have many dreams in life, dreams that will someday be a reality, dreams to help our family.

Glady

DAVE NACION

Technical Drafting, Earist – Manila

Dear Board of Trustees,

To all of the Board and sponsors of PAGA, in behalf of my family, I thank you for supporting me in my studies and for encouraging me to keep up my schooling until I graduate.  I also thank you for being my second guardian for many years. I praise God because there is an organization like PAGA who keeps supporting and helping Amerasian youth like me without expecting anything in return.

So now that I have finished my studies, once more I thank you.  I hope you will appreciate my little gift.  This diploma is a reward to my family for their hard work, just for me to finish my studies.

God bless you PAGA.  I will never forget what you have done for me.

Dave Nacion

MARK BRYAN RESTOR

BS Accountancy, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (Oct 2013)

My third life code states that the highest place that I could ever go is always at the foot of the cross.  Now that my end in college has come into reality, I make it clear that the glory always belong to God.  Whether our faiths are different, this is what I believe.  But at the end of the day, whatever my plans may be, the Lord’s purpose will always prevail (Prov.19:21).  As part of God’s purpose, I recognize that God uses people, institutions, organizations, teachers, mentors, and even situations to be in line with His will.  In other words, I’ll have to give credit where credit is due.  And there the role of Philippine American Guardian Association (PAGA) comes in.

This is my humble beginnings.

When I was born on the 17^th day of February, 1992, PAGA was already established.  Its unparalleled gracious hands have always been evident through generations.  From the generation of my passed grandfather, Maximino B. Restor, up to mine, the help of PAGA in providing help, guidance, and motivations to these generations enables us to pursue our dreams, i.e., to graduate in college.  It all started in giving educational assistance, which I believe until now, is a continuous activity.  Though poverty is a rampant scenario to be used as an excuse, I am one of those who are gratefully taking each day as a day to be thankful for to God and also to PAGA who gave me a chance to be whom I want to be.  Every school year in grade school and high school, I was really excited because notebooks, ballpens, crayons, pencils, and different kinds of paper will be there to haunt and surprise me.  Yes, and until college days, it still haunts me.

Not just educational assistance, but also there are several things that PAGA helped me to experience.  I’ve attended relevant seminars which they’ve conducted for us, that it may be helpful in understanding life outside of school.  They also enabled me to experience to go to places for the first time.  I already made it to Baguio City when I was still a kid.  The freshness of air and the mystery of the barrel man keep me wondering to go back to that place once more.  I also experienced going to Loreland in Antipolo City, and also to Sofitel in Pasay City.  I was privileged to be in a gathering there, that I couldn’t remember anything, except for the ambience that possesses of paramount beauty.  Retreats, medical missions, and Phil-Am gatherings are to name a few things I enjoyed being a member of PAGA.

I was also a scholar of PAGA.  For many years, they’ve provided me financial assistance to pursue college and made it to the end.  I was grateful for it.  The amount was not that huge, but my heart could not contain the gratefulness for their open-armed support for me.  Now that I am reviewing for the CPA licensure examination, I’ll always look back to what PAGA had imparted to me—to be joyfully serious in life, that I may also help others in return.  Paying it forward, I should say.

I would like to take this opportunity to humbly thank the people behind this institution.  From the pioneers, sponsors, and workers, you all made me feel loved.  I can’t thank you enough for the graciousness you’ve showed me.  You are truly an epitome of what a Good Samaritan possesses.  This speech is an understatement of what my heart truly feels.  To PAGA, mahal ko po kayo.  I’ll always keep in mind the things I’ve learned from you.  I pray that the great God pours out His favor for you and your desires to help others.

This has always been Mark Bryan L. Restor, a certified member of PAGA family, saying thank you very much. To God be all the glory.