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 2ndrunner-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.
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