Search for the Pinoy Pilgrim Genius - Formal Launch

[Lifted from the PHILIPPINE STAR, 12 July 2008]

Carlo de Leon, Executive Director of the Pinoy Pilgrim Global Foundation, Inc. (PPGFI), formally announced the extension of the Nationwide Search for the Pinoy Pilgrim Genius, a scholarship program for gifted and deserving children of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

De Leon explained that the goal of the scholarship program is “to make sure that children who have the potential to be great would get the help and support they need to make their dreams come true.”

 “If possible, in five years, we want to get scholars from every province, region, city, town, municipality, and barangay,” de Leon added, “so that we can help as many parts of the Philippines as possible.”

What makes the scholarship quite special is that each Genius will receive scholarship support until he or she finishes a Master’s or Doctoral degree.  There are also not too many strings attached to the scholarship.

“The Genius can also decide to be a musician, artist, engineer, doctor, carpenter, electrician, or farmer, but he or she has to exercise ingenuity in whatever line of work they decide to go into.”

Who are qualified and how should they apply?

First, the applicant must be enrolled in a public elementary school anywhere in the Philippines, and one or both parents must be currently working or have worked outside the Philippines.

Second, the Genius has to write a short, one-page letter to the Pinoy Pilgrim Global Foundation explaining why he or she deserves to be supported.  The letter should show overwhelming proof that the applicant is a Genius.

Third, the applicant (and not the parent) must post the application personally through the PPGFI e-mail ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )  or preferably send it by mail to the following address:

Search for the Pinoy Pilgrim Genius
Pinoy Pilgrim Global Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 333
Greenhills Post Office 1502
Metro Manila, Philippines

There are no deadlines.  Once a Genius is identified, the family would be notified and the scholarship support terms and conditions would be explained in detail.

We want to help these Genius kids achieve their dreams.  This way, we can show the world that what makes the Philippines great is the quality of our children, especially kids of Pinoy Pilgrims or OFWs, and their parents who work hard for them.  Seeing all these geniuses has helped all of us in PPGFI to restore our hope in the future of our country.”

PPGFI is a Filipino foundation that is committed to promoting the greatness of the Pinoy’s country and people. PPGFI was established two years ago by the friends of Manuel de Leon who wrote the widely acclaimed book Pinoy Pilgrim.