While various media organizations have already covered his inspiring story, we’re able to get a more vivid picture of Eugene Dela Cruz's journey from being young and homeless to becoming a promising youngblood with a propitious future in the 12th and latest episode of “Maalaala Mo Kaya” entitled “Pinto.”
Due to Eugene's (Tommy Alejandrino) impressive academic credentials, various collegiate institutions offered him scholarships after he passed their entrance examinations, but he ultimately chose Ateneo de Manila University, where he took a degree in Economics. The scholarship may have provided him with a dorm accommodation and a monthly allowance to cover his basic needs, but that was still not enough to cover all his expenses. So, he worked as a part-time math tutor and dance instructor in order for him to earn extra money.
And all Eugene’s efforts, hardships, and sacrifices indeed paid off in the end, for he didn’t simply finish his studies, but he also graduated with an honorable mention and with a Top 3 “Best in Thesis” citation from their college. Even though his mother (Andrea del Rosario) had abandoned them, he apparently still thanked her via text message for the gift of life, to which her Mama told him that there’s no need for him to credit her because the successes he’s been relishing were all his doing.
Now, he hopes to inspire other young people like him who go through the same plight that he used to undertake to not give up on their dreams because the time will come that doors of opportunity are going to open for them.
Stream the “unfiltered” and full episodes of inspiring stories brought to you by “MMK,” now streaming 72 hours in advance worldwide, on iWant every Wednesday, 8:30 pm PHT. iWant is now also available via Chromecast and AirPlay.