My name is Ken Vincent Manos, the only son of Danilo Manos and Matilde Binaglis, I was only 6 months old when my parents separated. I have five half-siblings (two half-sisters from my mother and two-half-sisters and a half-brother from my father). I grew up with my biological mother together with my 2 half-sisters and stepfather. At the age of nine, I experienced physical and emotional abuse from my stepfather. It was on June 3, 2008, around 10:00pm when I witnessed my stepfather physically abusing my mother. My mom just wept silently. He kept hitting my mom despite my pleas for him to stop. He only walked out of the house when I threatened him with a knife.
It was my 14th birthday. My stepfather retaliated and hunted me down, I was scared that I might be charged so I ran away. I stayed in different homes and never got a chance to stay in one place.
A neighbors’ son who was a beneficiary of Pangarap Foundation, Inc., informed me about the foundation. I was admitted to Pangarap Shelter on April 17, 2009. In my 4th year in high school, the foundation supported me with my studies. Under the REPRO (Resiliency Program), I became very active in helping my fellow teenagers on their academic concerns. I was able to cope with my traumatic experience through the help of the REPRO Program and guidance counseling, one of the services being provided by Pangarap Shelter.
Through Pangarap’s partnership with the College of Saint Benilde, I got through college with free tuition. I graduated in October 2014 with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Business Administration major in Human Resources Management. While I was a volunteer for Hands on Manila, a professional volunteer group with tie-up with Pangarap. I got reconciled with my family after December 2014.
I am currently working as Senior Payroll Coordinator at IQVIA Solutions Operations Center Philippines, one of the Philippines leading healthcare. I am also an officer at the Pangarap Alumni Association – formed to help raise money for Pangarap, an active advocacy for children. To pay it forward, I am an advocate of Pangarap Foundation, Inc., promoting the foundation the education among my colleagues and friends. The Pangarap Alumni Association has been sponsoring the education of 5 of the beneficiaries of the shelter. Lord willing, we will be able to help more children.
