Prince of Manobo is newest Megasoft Brand Ambassador

Also known as Datu Agong, Prince of Manobo Agusanon Tribe Aljun Cayawan is the newest brand ambassador of Megasoft Hygienic Products Inc.

“I am very grateful. It’s a life-changing experience for me to be, I think, the first Manobo to be entrusted a product endorsement. But let me clear that I am a prince of responsibility and not a prince of wealth. I was given the title by my lola to serve the tribe.”

Aljun’s parents separated when he was just 2 months old and left him under the care of his grandmother, Bae Agong, leader of their tribe. Due to poverty, most children of their Manobo Tribe in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur struggled to have an education. Aljun vividly remembers his childhood.

“I crossed two rivers to go to school. I joined singing contests and went home carrying a trophy on one hand and a bag of rice on the other. I used my cash prize to buy food for me and my lola.”

Refusing to accept his situation, Aljun strived to be a scholar throughout his school years. In grade school, he was an academic scholar and a singer representing Sibagat Central Elementary School in regional competitions. In Sibagat National High School, he was an athletic scholar, as a swimmer and also worked as a student assistant. In college, he literally sang his way to a scholarship when he belted out “You Raise Me Up” in front of the owners of Agusan Business Foundation, who granted him a vocational course in Computer Secretarial. He further pursued Business Administration in Arellano University again as a swimmer, and president of the school chorale.

A seemingly tireless young man, he is also a member of Coro Obcento, the grand champion of MBC National Choral Competition. He is also part of Earth Savers, United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Artists for Peace.

“I still remember as a child when people would say that I am just a Manobo and would not reach anything in life. That day, I cried but told myself that someday I will make something out of my life because I am a Manobo”.

His stint at the Mr. Philippines pageant, where he was named 2^ndrunner-up, translated to more singing engagements in 5 star hotels, celebrity events and corporate shows. His earnings from these projects enabled him to register and compete at the 2018 World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in Long Beach California, where he won division champion.

“I was overwhelmed by the gesture of our Manobo Tribe who received me at the airport singing, cheering, playing our ethnic music. Also, I was touched by messages from Manobos and indigenous peoples around the world telling me how proud they are of my achievement.”

Though growing up away from his mother, Aljun still felt her love through letters and began to have a closer relationship when they met 10 years ago. He met his father when he was already 23 years old via Facebook.

“I am happy because I feel I am complete. I am thankful to my parents and I don’t hold any grudges because my lola showered me with love and care. I was able to study. God gave me the talent and I am able to serve Him by singing in church”.

Now at 25, he has put up “Sagip-Katribu”, which aims to give Manobo children school supplies and “Adopt-Katribu”, a shelter that would house Manobo children whose communities are far from school. This is thru the help of various NGOs, foundations and philantropists here and abroad.

“The reason I am driven to help my fellow Manobo especially the children is because I don’t want them to experience the pain I felt when people would look down on us; that they could also dream and hold on to a promise that they too can make it in life, just like Datu Agong”.

Megasoft VP for sales and marketing Aileen Choi-Go believes in Aljun’s talent and advocacy.

“It’s an honor for us to have a world class talent as a brand ambassador especially now that Megasoft is going global and gaining ground in the Middle East, Asia, Australia and Africa. And what’s really admirable is his love for children and education which reflects the advocacy of the company. Supporting him is also a way of helping the Manobo Tribe.”

Aljun wanted to be a flight attendant. But for now, he tries to soar and reach for his star in the entertainment industry.

Catch Aljun perform on Oct. 9 in Oroquetta City, Misamis Occidental. He will also be part of the 2018 Megasoft School Is Cool Tour with fellow Megasoft endorsers Myrtle Sarrosa, Ryle Santiago and Young JV Kapunan. For more info, please like Megasoft pages on Facebook: sistersph, SuperTwinsBabyDiaper, TwinsLampeinBabyDiaper, GrandAdultDiaper, CherubBabyCare,  FascleanDetergent  , follow Megasoft_ph on Twitter and Instagram and log on to www.megasoft.com.ph.