Marilen Ramos Wins Grand Prize at the 2026 ASPAC Stories Awards: A Journey of Courage, Leadership, and Service

LUBAO, Pampanga — Every Kiwanian has a reason for joining the organization. For Marilen Ramos, that reason became a lifelong commitment to serving children—a commitment that has inspired fellow Kiwanians across the Asia-Pacific region and recently earned international recognition.

Marilen’s heartfelt video, “Why I Joined Kiwanis,” was awarded the Grand Prize in the ASPAC Stories Awards, presented during the joint Kiwanis International Convention and Kiwanis ASPAC Convention held in Manila, Philippines, on June 24–27, 2026. The recognition celebrates not only her inspiring personal journey but also the unwavering spirit of Kiwanis service.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude and joy,” Marilen shared after receiving the news. “This award is not just for me—it belongs to every member of the Kiwanis Club of Lubao Gems who has served alongside me and believed in our mission. I am proud that our club’s story of service has been recognized on the international stage.”

Watch the official ASPAC video entry below:

A Journey That Began with One Invitation

Marilen became a Kiwanian after being invited by her dear friend, the late Susan Capuli, who introduced her to the heart of Kiwanis.

As a dedicated teacher, serving children had always been part of her life’s purpose. But joining Kiwanis allowed her to extend that mission beyond the classroom, reaching children and families throughout the community through meaningful service projects and humanitarian initiatives.

“Teaching shaped my profession,” Marilen reflects, “but Kiwanis expanded my purpose.“

A Leader Who Inspires Others

As a Charter member of the Kiwanis Club of Lubao Gems, Marilen embraced leadership with humility and dedication. Over the years, she faithfully served as:

• Club Treasurer
• Club Secretary
• Club President
• Board Member
• Lieutenant Governor

She proudly became the second Lieutenant Governor from the Kiwanis Club of Lubao Gems, demonstrating the club’s strong tradition of developing servant leaders.

One of her proudest accomplishments came during her term as Lieutenant Governor, when seven of the eight clubs in Division 2B were recognized as Outstanding Clubs—a remarkable achievement that reflected teamwork, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to serving children.

For Marilen, however, awards have never been the destination. They are simply reminders that when people unite with a shared purpose, they can transform lives.

Serving Through Life’s Greatest Challenge

Perhaps the most inspiring chapter of Marilen’s story began when she was diagnosed with cancer.

For many, such a diagnosis would mean stepping away from volunteer work. Marilen chose a different path.

Even while undergoing chemotherapy and enduring the physical and emotional challenges of treatment, she continued participating in Kiwanis service projects. Although she lost her hair during treatment, she never lost her determination to serve.

“Serving children gave me strength,” she says. “Kiwanis gave me hope during the hardest days of my life. Every smile from a child reminded me why I needed to keep moving forward.“

Rather than allowing illness to define her, Marilen transformed her journey into a testament of resilience, courage, and unwavering faith.

Today, her hair has grown back—longer and stronger—but more importantly, so has her conviction that service heals.

She believes that serving children not only changes young lives but also restores the hearts of those who serve.

A Victory Shared by the Entire Club

Winning the Grand Prize at the ASPAC Stories Awards is a deeply personal milestone for Marilen, but she is quick to emphasize that the honor belongs to the entire Kiwanis Club of Lubao Gems.

“This recognition belongs to our club, our division, our district, and every Kiwanian who believes that no act of service is ever too small,” she said. “I am incredibly happy that our story has reached fellow Kiwanians around the world. I hope it inspires others to continue serving children with compassion and commitment.”

Her story is a shining example of how one person’s dedication can inspire an entire community and showcase the life-changing impact of Kiwanis on the global stage.

Living the Kiwanis Mission Every Day

Marilen’s journey reminds us that Kiwanis is more than an organization—it is a family united by service.

Whether leading clubs, mentoring fellow Kiwanians, organizing community projects, or simply bringing hope to children, Marilen has demonstrated that true leadership is measured not by titles or awards but by the lives we touch.

Her story encourages every volunteer to persevere through adversity, embrace servant leadership, and continue building stronger communities through acts of kindness.

As she often says,

“Cancer tested my body, but service through Kiwanis healed my spirit.”

That powerful message continues to resonate with Kiwanians everywhere.

Watch the club’s extended video below:

Congratulations, PLG Marilen Ramos, on this well-deserved international recognition. Your courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to serving children embody the very best of Kiwanis. Your journey reminds us all that when service comes from the heart, its impact reaches far beyond our communities—and inspires the world.

---

About the Kiwanis Club of Lubao Gems

The Kiwanis Club of Lubao Gems is committed to improving the lives of children and strengthening communities through volunteer service, leadership, education, and partnerships. Guided by the Kiwanis mission of serving the children of the world, the club continues to create opportunities that inspire hope, develop future leaders, and make a lasting difference—one child, one family, and one community at a time.