Author: Thoney Pascual

Three more high school students have joined the global community of Jordan Wings scholars who will achieve their dreams of excelling in life by pursuing quality higher education.

The Jordan Brand Wings Scholars Program, the global community impact initiative dedicated to providing educational opportunities to underprivileged youth, welcomed three outstanding youths from Davao City, Batangas province and Los Baños, Laguna who will receive four-year scholarships that will allow them to pursue the course of their choice at Ateneo de Manila University

Maica Garcia from Ateneo de Davao University High School, Sofia Pequieras from Fame Academy of Science and Technology in Cuenca, Batangas, and Dan Cabangunay from the University of the Philippines Rural High School in Los Baños, Laguna, will enjoy full scholarships at the Ateneo and also benefit from mentorship programs. Jordan Brand Wings works with more than 30 partners globally to unlock access to education and mentorship for disadvantaged youth.

Kiefer Ravena, the first Filipino athlete to join the Jordan brand, welcomed the newest Wings scholars to the Jordan Wings family. “I know the gift of education is one of the best things we can have because it can bring us closer to our dreams. Jordan aims to connect that gap for you to get closer to your dreams and motivate the next generation of game-changers,” Kiefer said.

The Wings Scholars program is inspired by Michael Jordan’s legacy and commitment to education and imparts his guiding principle of perseverance against all odds in pursuit of a goal—on and off the court.

Jordan Brand’s long-term commitment to the Philippines has continued to make a lasting impact in this country with a deep love for basketball. The program first took root in 2022, when the first Jordan Wings scholars were announced to the world. The Philippines became the first country in Southeast Asia to join the global Wings initiative after North America, China, and France. It continues to inspire youth around the world to achieve greatness on their own terms.

“Wings will always strive to empower youth and let them discover their own greatness. It’s education that opens doors and unlocks that greatness. The brand is all about creating a level playing field that promotes diversity, inclusion, and equality. We believe the ball should bounce the same for everyone,” says Jino L. Ferrer, Country Marketing Manager, Nike Philippines.

In partnership with children’s rights organization, Bahay Tuluyan, the scholars will also be provided with personalized coaching, career guidance and mentorship throughout their four-year tenure at the university.

Maica Angela Garcia will pursue an AB degree in Diplomacy and Internal Relations at Ateneo, while Sofia Theresa Pequieras and Dan Anthony Cabangunay will both take up Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics – Master in Data Science.

Many of the 3^rd batch of Jordan Brand Wings scholars are first-generation college students in their families, a testament to the program’s dedication to breaking barriers and creating opportunities for underprivileged youth.

“The Batch of 2028 will continue to pursue the spirit of excellence inspired by the Jordan Wings Scholarship Program and like the scholars who came before them, they will pay it forward to the community – a value that accurately reflects the Jordan Brand’s mission and purpose,” added Ferrer.

Meet the Wings Scholars from the Philippines, Class of 2028

Hailing from Davao City in Mindanao and the Southern Tagalog region, three scholars were chosen this year to be part of the Jordan Wings Scholars Program. They will pursue careers in international diplomacy and applied mathematics that will let them serve communities and larger society in the future.

Maica Angela Garcia grew up on Ateneo values, having spent all of her schooling life at the Ateneo de Davao, just like everyone in her family. A junior national swimmer, she has competed in the Palarong Pambansa (national games) and placed 5^th nationwide in her event, even if she had to step back from the sport for a while for health reasons. Mai strongly believes that “failure does not define you, how you rise from it does”. She looks forward to what lies ahead – both in the pool and in the classroom, confident that she will overcome whatever comes her way.” Pursuing an AB in Diplomacy at the Ateneo, she has her sights set on becoming a lawyer, with politics and public service as part of her envisioned future, and a corporate life not far behind.

Sofia Theresa Pequieras has had a challenging childhood and teenhood in her native Cuenca, Batangas, having to help her mother take on all the responsibilities for her three children. She and her siblings experienced a difficult life as her mother tried to pay off unpaid loans her father had made. She and her siblings helped tend their little food stall, working well into the night so they could make ends meet. But despite the hardships, Sofia –a science high school student – excelled in school, filled her resume with leadership achievements, positions held, championships won, and graduated as valedictorian. Her dream is to become a data scientist in an F1 team, which is why she is pursuing a Data Science course at the Ateneo. “Reading helps me learn life lessons, researching soothes my innate curiosity about the world and watching F1 calms by physics-saturated mind, while playing tennis hones my skill in the sport,” she says. Ten years from now she sees herself outside of the country being a data scientist in an F1 team.

Dan Anthony Cabangunay’s family faced their most difficult challenge during the pandemic when he was still in high school. “What made it harder for me was my lack of means to help my parents aside from continuing to do my best in studying.” He applied for different assistance opportunities that came along while also minimizing his expenses. The high school salutatorian from the University of the Philippines Rural High School in Los Baños likes to tutor and teach, do research, undertake project management, and excel in languages and communication. “When I share knowledge, I feel I get to master the subject better.” He volunteers in organizations to teach students like himself—his way of giving back. He has technical skills—good enough to make him choose to major in Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics—Master in Data Science at the Ateneo.  Ten years from now he sees himself “establishing stability for my family (and guiding) my two siblings on their career paths. He sees himself as a teacher and also has a part in alleviating widespread malnutrition. There is also the possibility of law school or a doctorate degree. My plan is to continue giving back to others through teaching, volunteering, and donating once I have established myself further.”. His three best traits are “being optimistic, striving for continuous growth, and gratitude,” he said.