Update from the Philippines: Eunice and Cristy Graduate!

Eunice (left) and Cristy (right) were some of our first beneficiaries in the Bikes for Philippines program started in 2011. Both girls received bikes in their junior year of high school to help them stay in school and graduate.

Both Cristy and Eunice graduated high school in 2013 and both received a free scholarship to continue their education at the university level learning computer science.

Eunice and Cristy, continuing their computer studies, interned at NCR in Cebu, and in 2016 they received their computer science degrees from San Carlos University.

Eunice attended Baclayon High School and was selected to receive a bicycle in part because her house was one of the farthest from the school of all the students.

Her commute was also very steep and rocky and the bike skills she learned through Bikes for the Philippines in school really helped.

Many mornings the trails were covered in mud puddles and her bicycle made passing through them quick and easy and left her shoes clean and dry. Most importantly Eunice would arrive to school on time and ready to learn.

It was very exciting to continue on to a new school (and new island) alongside Cristy, her school friend and fellow bike beneficiary.

Eunice is now a Software Test Engineer at NCR, where she originally interned. Living in Cebu, she enjoys a very active lifestyle and likes hanging out with friends and experiencing new things. She can also be found rolling around on a bike occasionally with her boyfriend.

She is grateful for the trail of success that old beefy Magna took her down with Bikes for the Philippines and is excited to continue this new journey in her life.

Update from the Philippines: Crea

Back in 2014 we introduced you to Crea, who received a bike in the Philippines to help her complete school. This bike was donated through a Rockville youth who earned the bike through the city's Earn-A-Bike project known as TERRIFIC.

At the time Crea was a junior in school and walking nearly four miles to get to school. Her father was a laborer earning a living for his family. Her mom stayed home to take care for Crea and her three siblings. Money was tight but Crea loved school and wanted to graduate and continue her education to find a path to a better life.

Gabrielle Nadler is the generous donor who provided the bike to Crea. She was just 10 when she earned the bike and donated it back to our program. She's soon gearing up to drive and we thought we'd check in to see where Crea is and whether or not she graduated.

You know- she did! Crea is now studying communications in college and is looking to graduate in a couple years. She lives in Cebu, a neighboring island where she goes to school.

She is doing well, still loves school and loves spending time outside with her friends.