DATE: 30 August 2025

VENUE: Balay Yatu, Museo Pambata

PROGRAM:

• Invocation and Prayer led by Alessi Baja, Head of Special Events and Projects, Full Phils
• Opening Remarks led by Wilma Huang, President, Museo Pambata
• Background on the Book led by Kath Eustaquio-Derla, Publisher, PaperKat Books
• Guest of Honor Speech by Sen. Sonny Angara, Department of Education
• Guest of Honor Speech by Cong. Leandro Leviste, Batangas 1st District Representative
• Author Remarks and Full Phils Presentation by Emilio Baja, Founder, Full Phils

At the book launch, Full Phils founder Emilio Baja introduced “A Heart in Two Places” to invited guests and shared how the book reflects the lived realities of OFWs while fueling the organization’s mission to make higher education more accessible to them.

The program also highlighted:

• The story behind the book and how it mirrors the journeys of many migrant workers striving to balance sacrifice with hope.
• The book adds to crucial literature tackling the sacrifices of Filipino migrant workers like Arlyn in the form of a children’s book.
• Proceeds from the book will go directly to the Full Phils scholarship fund, supporting OFWs in Hong Kong as they complete their college degrees.
• Full Phils’ ongoing initiatives, including partnerships with universities, scholarship programs, and enrichment activities, that help OFWs prepare for sustainable futures.

Every day, Arlyn wakes up before the sun rises, not in her home, but far away in bustling Hong Kong. She cooks, cleans, and takes care of her other family there… but she also dreams. Her heart stays with her three children, who are waiting in their little hometown in the Philippines. Arlyn works hard and, step by step, she also moves closer to something more: hope, learning, and a dream that might just come true. Can a heart be in two places at once? Or does it always find its way back home?