Get To Know The First Aeta Graduate Of UP Manila

A first of his kind

Norman King, an Aeta, stunned everyone as he emerges to be the first of his tribe to earn a bachelor degree in the University of the Philippines – Manila. Her mother who works as a janitress in the said campus rejoices after seeing her own son graduates with a Latin honor.

Graduating cum laude and finishing a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Sciences, Norman seeks hope to be a scientist. Witnessing this historical event is his whole family including his grandparents. As he narrated his way to that stage, triumph and hardships are evident in his eyes.

“Hindi lang ako ang umakyat du’n, parang kami nang lahat ng mga kapwa ko katutubo ang nag-represent du’n. Maraming adjustments, di ko kinakahiya na madalas ako bumagsak noon sa Math,” he shared.

Aside from studying, he vents out in photography where he represents himself as Isagani Malaya. His cup of tea when it comes to capturing moments would be the rich culture and landscape of the Philippines. As his trademark, he inserts watermarks of ‘malaya’ in baybayin symbols.

Warlita, his mother, cannot express her gratitude as she witnesses his son fulfilling this milestone. His grandfather, Tomas King also expresses how proud he is to his grandson.

“Kahit saang lupalop ng mundo, siya ang kauna-unahang Aeta na gumradweyt sa UP [Manila],” Tomas shared.

On his future plans and goals

“Ang una kong gagawin, mag-focus ako to help ‘yung community ko. Maybe gagawa ng isang book about history ng mga Aeta kasi wala mang documented,” he lays down his plans.

He also shared that he had no plans of leaving the country to work. His priority is to help his family and set as an example to his tribe.

Watch as he receives his diploma on stage wearing the cultural bahag [captured by Enrico Baula / Facebook]