For me, the brouhaha we’re witnessing in the recent senate hearings where a supposed “Filipino” is having her citizenship questioned can lead us in two ways: water down our grasp of what identifies us as a Filipino or strengthen our defense of the sanctity of our national identity. I’d prefer the latter. While keeping an eye on the evolving teleserye-like investigation, let’s also give much-deserved attention to Filipinos who we can root for. Ones who have been giving our country the Pinoy pride we sorely need. (I’ve checked, di naman sila lumaki sa farm.)

Pauline Arejola: A Soprano’s Dream

A soprano and graduate of the University of the Philippines Diliman’s Bachelor of Music program, Arejola has been accepted to represent the Philippines in the World Youth Choir Alumni Session in 2024 on her third try–with the second one being interrupted by the pandemic.

“I’ve always wanted to hear the voices of the world,” said Arejola in an interview. “I’m proud to be a Filipino, and I want to share our voice on a global stage as we harmonize with the rest of the world.”

This prestigious event will be held in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and Labrador, Canada, this July 2024, as part of the HarbourVOICES! International Festival of Collective Singing Traditions. Arejola is one of the 32 singers chosen from 24 countries and the sole participant from the Philippines for the Alumni Session.

If you want to contribute to her journey to the World Youth Choir, visit her website for details or contact 0927 592 6969.

Prima Joy Margarito: Water Innovation

Engr. Margarito has won a Silver Award at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva for her SafeWaTrS Mobile Water Disinfection System. This innovative solution ensures access to clean and safe drinking water, tackling the pressing issue of water scarcity during disasters and in rural areas plagued by contamination or disruptions in supply.

Reflecting on her experience, Engr. Margarito shared, “On the third day, I still felt nervous, yet am happy that I have been given an opportunity, our institute was given an opportunity through TAPI to exhibit our invention…”
Notably, the invention runs on solar energy, making it eco-friendly and capable of operating even in areas without electricity.

Charito Aranilla: Healthcare Pioneer

Filipino scientist Charito Aranilla also won a Silver Award at the same Geneva exhibition for her New Hemostat Technology. This breakthrough has filled a crucial gap in healthcare, emergency response, and defense sectors, providing sustainable, accessible, and affordable biomedical devices for emergency health intervention.

When asked about the importance of joining international competitions, Aranilla said, “To recognize and showcase the innovative culture we have in the Philippines.”

Elvin Vitor: Artistic Excellence

This Boholano artist received the prestigious Leonardo da Vinci International Art Prize in March 2024,the first Filipino to ever win the prestigious award. What’s even more amazing is that he won the award despite having an inborn myopia.

“Here in my right eye is 1,700 [grade] and my left eye it is 1,500,” said Vitor. “Despite my disability, it’s not a hindrance to make a realistic painting, ‘no.”

He won the plum from Florence, Italy, for his hyper-surreal portrait work of fellow Boholano artist Pedro Angco.

Michael Varcas: Award-Winning Photographer

This Filipino photojournalist won a regional prize in the 2024 World Press Photo Contest for his project “Battle for Sovereignty,” which highlights the lives of Filipino fishermen amidst tensions in the West Philippine Sea. “It’s the icing on my photojournalism career… The award is the biggest validation that I did something not for likes and shares but for the truest essence of photojournalism,” Varcas said.

His entry featured 10 single-frame photographs captured during his coverage in September 2023. These photographs revealed the struggles of Filipino fishermen amid the Chinese Coast Guard’s aggression in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, off Zambales.

Aleah Finnegan: Making Gymnastics History

Finnegan is already a history maker for Philippine gymnastics. While a Filipino-American, her qualification on October 3, 2023 marked the first time a Filipina gymnast qualified for the Olympics since 1964.

“It was just one of those moments that you really just hold onto forever,” Finnegan said in an interview. “Just being up there on the podium, watching the Filipino flag rise as the anthem plays.”

Representing the Philippines for only two years since her debut at the 2022 SEA Games, the 21-year-old prodigy is set to become a household name with her Olympics debut. Finnegan’s journey is a testament to her dedication and talent, and she aims to win her first Olympic medal and many more hearts.

Aira Villegas: Boxing Towards Glory

Villegas will make her Olympics debut in July 2024, joining boxer Nesthy Petecio as one of the Filipina boxers who will give the Philippines an extra medal chance. Competing in the women’s 50kg class, Villegas booked her spot on March 12, 2024. “It is my dream to compete and represent our country in the Olympics,” Villegas said in an interview.

At 29 years old, this Leyte native has significant experience competing against world-class sluggers. She aims to snag an Olympic medal in her first try.

EJ Obiena: Pole Vault Prodigy

Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena leaped into his first American win, taking first place at the USA Track and Field Los Angeles Grand Prix by clearing the 5.8-meter mark. Despite feeling under the weather and facing tough competition, including American record-holder KC Lightfoot, Saudi record-holder Hussain Assem Al-Hizam, and 2020 Olympic silver medalist Chris Nilsen, he showed impressive performance and secured his win.

“It’s good. I think this is my first win on US soil so it’s very good. Definitely unexpected. I just wanted to make bars. I’m feeling a little bit under the weather today but sunny LA. Good stuff,” Obiena shared.

Ranked No. 2 in the world just behind reigning Olympic champion Mondo Duplantis, the 28-year-old notched a new personal and Asian record 6-meter jump last year and an early qualification for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Information from this article was found via Rappler, When In Manila, and the Philippine Star.

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