John Gabriel Pelias - One of UP's Brightests

Pinoy Samut-Sari: John Gabriel Pelias - One of UP's Brightests: "Meet one of the Summa Cum Laudes of the University of the Philippines - Diliman for 2011 who also got one of the highest grades in the histo..."

While watching his interview by Jesica Soho, I cannot help but marvel at the humility of this young man. He would make any mother proud. And the pride he brings does not so much stem from the fact that he is graduating from UP as Summa Cum Laude alongside the honor of holding the highest grade so far after 65 years...although that is a huuge bonus! This bring young man has done his mother proud because he turned out fine notwithstanding the fact that his mother is seemingly out of the picture.

He revealed it was his grandma who raised him since his parents (one of which is now deceased) "now have a life of their own."

If we are to look at the news of incidents involving young people, many would declare that they screwed up their lives because of their parents... In most cases, many of these hapless young people claim that their parents have taken them forgranted, do not love them, owe them so much more than what money could offer, etc. The reasons are various. On the otherhand, here's one man whose story is not very different from the majority of today's youth who notwithstanding the atrocities that beleaguered him, succeeded in channeling those "deprivations" into something worthwhile. Unlike others, he didn't turn to alcohol or drugs to solve his  frustrations. Instead, he turned to his studies.  While others spent time going to bars and discos to propagate their social lives, he chose to remain glued to the pages of his books and notes.  But he says he is still "normal."  He has many friends and enjoyed his social life as well as checking out his Facebook once in a while but his studies remained his top priority. In the end, he reaped his reward.  If he's asked why, he quips, "Simply because I love doing what I do.  If we like what we do, it doesn't become a hassle."

Sigh!  I wish more young people learn from him... 

Bless his grandma for having raised him well... Bless his mom for bringing forth such an adorable son. 

I pray he remains steadfast in his commitment of making this world a so much better place for all of us. =)