Book – FullPhils

A STORY OF HOPE

Full Phils Launches Children’s Book “A Heart in Two Places” to Support OFW Scholars

Written by Full Phils founder Emilio Baja, A Heart in Two Places follows the story of Arlyn, a domestic worker in Hong Kong who dreams of reuniting with her three children in the Philippines. Every day she rises before dawn to care for another family abroad, but her heart stays tied to her own. The story, designed for children ages five and up, gently introduces young readers to the realities of life as an OFW while carrying a universal message of love, resilience, and hope.

The book is more than literature; it is a lifeline. All proceeds from sales will fund Full Phils’ scholarship program. In just two years, the organization has enabled almost 30 OFWs to return to school and is preparing to celebrate its first batch of graduates in
2025.

“The book bridges two different worlds: the one where OFWs live abroad, and the one they long for back home,” said Emilio. “Through this story, we hope both children and parents understand that sacrifice can lead to opportunity, and that education remains one of the most powerful tools to extend one’s reach in accomplishing their dreams.”

The Powerful Impact of Storytelling for OFWs

Following the Manila launch, A Heart in Two Places will be showcased at the Manila International Book Fair (Sept 10–14, SMX Convention Center) and the Frankfurt Book Fair (Oct 15–19, Germany), the world’s largest international book fair. By combining storytelling with advocacy, Full Phils continues to expand its mission of making higher education more accessible, affordable, and empowering for OFWs, turning every book purchased into a step closer to getting that much-deserved college diploma.

I hope that through this book, we will shed light on the plight of our OFWs. I want to ensure that the sacrifices of our Filipino migrant workers do not remain hidden. And that the world can finally see them not just as workers, but as mothers and fathers, sons and daughters, dreamers and achievers.
– Emilio Baja

HOW YOUR SUPPORT IS EMPOWERING
THE NEXT GENERATION

HOW YOUR SUPPORT IS EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION

100% of the proceeds will fund our Full Phils scholarships and the education of our Filipino domestic workers, starting in Hong Kong and soon around the world. Every copy sold is another chance for a caregiver to study, to graduate with a degree, and to build a better future.

A Message from the Author and Founder of Full Phils, Emilio Baja

Education for us has never been just about degrees. It has always been about dignity and giving someone the ability to dream again, to open doors that had once been shut, to change the trajectory of one’s life and future.

More than just a children’s book, A Heart in Two Places is a tribute to the sacrifices, resilience, and love of Filipino migrant workers who leave their families behind in order to provide for them. I hope that this story can be a powerful tool for teaching young readers about empathy and the complex nature of domestic work abroad.

A Heart in Two Places is the story of our beloved caregivers, nanays and yayas. This is the story shared by millions of our OFWs who have sacrificed their education so that their families left behind can have a better life.

This is the reality of many of our migrant workers. It is painful but also profoundly courageous. As I have learned, to have your heart in two places is not a weakness. It is, in fact, the strongest act of love and sacrifice I know. And this book is a tribute to that strength.

“Through this story, we hope both children and parents understand that sacrifice can lead to opportunity, and that education remains one of the most powerful tools to extend one’s reach in accomplishing their dreams.” – Emilio Baja