“[I] have already set a goal to inspire other Scouts in our group, especially the young ones, to put their hearts into it to achieve their dreams.” – Reygie “Gmon” Cruz, Eagle Scout from APR Ticket to Life, Manila.

Reygie Cruz, a Scout from the Our Lady of Remedies Troop, soared high as one of the new Eagle Scouts `in Manila City Council under the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP). Gmon is the first Scout under the APR Ticket to Like Project in the Philippines, to become an Eagle Scout – the highest rank under the Senior Scouting Section of BSP.

“My journey was bumpier than I expected. There were times that I questioned my ability but I remember that I am a Scout,” said Gmon about his journey to become an Eagle Scout.

In the Philippines, a Scout must undergo a Board of Review where interviewers assess them before they are conferred an Eagle Scout. Gmon admitted that he was anxious at first, but with the encouragement he received from his family, friends, and his mentors who believed in his ability to undergo this process. 

In one of the interviews, he admitted that he wanted to be an Eagle Scout to give inspiration to his younger brothers and sisters in Scouting, that if they believe in themselves, and work hard for their goal, they would definitely become an Eagle Scout too.

Sophie, National Coordinator of the APR Ticket to Life Project in the Philippines, shared how she was happy about Gmon’s achievement. “This achievement is not just for his personal gain nor just our achievement as Scout Leaders, but this is also an achievement of the [Ticket to Life] project. I believe that this will serve as an inspiration and motivation to other Scouts who belong to the project. This is proof that Scouting gives opportunity and equality to all.” Sophie adds that they did not mold Gmon to become an Eagle but “the core values that Scouting gives to each Scout.” 

His parent also really proud of their son, “I admire the hard work on learning and giving his best to achieve this rank; I always say that even though I did not get the rank you have right now, I still know that one day you’ll be [an Eagle Scout.]” Gmon’s parents added that they saw this achievement as a blessing and as a beacon of hope not just for their family but also for his Ticket to Life family of which they belong as well as stakeholders.

Gmon was also awarded as one of the Outstanding Scouts of Manila last 2019.

Want to be inspired by more Scouts under the flagship project of the Asia-Pacific Region? Read more about the APR Ticket to Life Project at www.scout.org/ticket2life

-- By Aaron Bryan Lopez, APR Support Centre, with interviews conducted by Sophie Castillo, Boy Scouts of the Philippines