2 SEED scholars receive Pinay and Proud award
Human Nature, a Philippine social enterprise brand of genuinely natural beauty and personal care products, teamed up with De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in mounting its first Pinay and Proud Summit held on October 19, 2016 at College of St. Benilde School of Design and Arts Theater.
“We brought back Pinay and Proud because we felt that many of our youth are looking for 'pegs' or inspiration in life. Our honorees are not just an inspiration because of their personal achievements in life, but because of their commitment to serve others,” explained Human Nature Co-Founder and President Anna Meloto-Wilk.
This year's awardees are:
Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, athlete and philantrophist
Kara David, internationally-awarded journalist
Gabrielle Rabino and Rinalyn Pagao, SEED Philippines scholars
Hindy Weber and Melanie Teng-Go, Holy Carabao Founders
Ani Rosa Almario, The Raya School Co-Founder
Reese Fernandez-Ruiz, Rags2Riches President and Founder
Anya Lim, ANTHILL Fabric Gallery Co-Founder
Sabrina Ongkiko, public school teacher
Among the ten honorees are SEED Philippines scholars Gabriella Rabino and Rinalyn Pagao. Fellow scholars of Gabriella and Rinalyn, who are both studying on full scholarship at the prestigious ESSEC Business School in Singapore and France, accepted the award on their behalf.
"Sana wala nang American Dream para sa mga kabataan. Sana mabuhay na tayo sa Filipino Dream which is laging kasama 'yung country para mapakita talaga natin na world-class din 'yung Philippines," Rinalyn emphasized in a video prepared by Human Nature.
Also present in the event were Bayani Brew's Co-Founder/GK advocate Xilca Alvarez-Protacio and GK Corporate Shared Services Head Issa Cuevas-Santos.
"Whether you're in a classroom setting or you're in a community setting, as long as you understand that this world is about connecting people to one another, I think, you will always find an opportunity to grow. The pain that I carried in my heart, propelled me to serve in GK. I think about FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) and YOLO as an opportunity to make a difference with this one special life that we are given because not everyone gets that," said Issa Cuevas-Santos during the panel discussion.
The said Summit was held to honor Filipinas who made remarkable contributions in the fields of environmental protection, poverty alleviation, and education. It also aims to highlight the lifework and exceptional values of Filipinas from all walks of life.
Ten women in one powerful event! Thank you for the commitment, inspiration, and for believing in the power of goodness. We are all excited to see an empowered Pilipinas in 2024 with you, for God and for country!