At just 17, most teens are stressing over exams, prom outfits, or maybe which K-drama to binge next. But Lauro Emilio Baja? He just launched a children’s book titled “A Heart in Two Places” at Museo Pambata last Aug. 30, 2025. This is not just any book. It is a love letter to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and a fundraiser rolled into one.

The youth-led nonprofit he founded, Full Phils, debuted the book to a crowd of guests, including government officials, such as Department of Education Secretary Sonny Angara and Representative of the 1st District of Batangas Leandro Leviste, together with his fellow students, volunteers, and, of course, proud family members. Written by Emilio himself, the story follows Arlyn, a domestic worker in Hong Kong who wakes up before dawn each day to care for another family while her own children wait for her back in the Philippines. It’s a gentle yet powerful way of helping kids understand what it really means when someone they love works abroad.

“To have your heart in two places is not a weakness—it is, in fact, the strongest act of love and sacrifice,” Emilio shared during his heartfelt speech, where he even gave a touching shoutout to his family’s longtime caregiver for 23 years, the inspiration for the book’s main character.

The best part of this launch is that 100 percent of the book’s proceeds will go straight into Full Phils’ scholarship program. That means every copy you buy is basically a ticket for an OFW in Hong Kong to return to school and chase the college degree they once put on hold. In just two years, Full Phils has already helped nearly 30 OFWs return to the classroom, with their very first batch of graduates expected in 2025.

In an interview with Manila Bulletin Lifestyle, Emilio said that in partnership with different education institutions, such as Philippine Women’s University (PWU), AMA College, and soon University of the Philippines Open University, Full Phils is able to send their scholars to online schools where they can take college degrees like Bachelor’s in Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM).

“All of these schools provide 100 percent online, asynchronous, and modular courses for OFWs,” he said. “So we recognize that a lot of these domestic helpers have varying and difficult schedules that will be hard for them to pursue a college degree. But through these programs with our partner schools, we're able to ensure that our scholars can pursue college education while still maintaining their own jobs.”

Emilio’s journey started when he moved to Hong Kong at the age of 13. Every Sunday, he saw thousands of OFWs filling the streets of Central—singing, dancing, sharing meals, or simply resting on cardboard mats after a long week of work. Seeing the contrast between the skyscrapers towering above and the sacrifices of fellow Filipinos below, he realized he wanted to do something more than just watch.

He then founded Full Phils with one mission: to encourage, motivate, and empower OFWs through higher education. What began as a teenager’s idea has now grown into a global movement. Today, he leads a team of over 50 volunteers across the Philippines, Hong Kong, Canada, and Europe, all working together to make education accessible for OFWs.

Outside Full Phils, Emilio is your classic overachiever (in the best way possible). He’s a student council president, an international competitor in Model United Nations and Speech and Debate, the manager of his school newspaper, and a fan of public speaking, global politics, and economics.

Emilio’s book isn’t stopping here. After its Manila launch, “A Heart in Two Places” will be showcased at the Manila International Book Fair (Sept. 10 to 14, 2025, at SMX Convention Center) and the Frankfurt Book Fair in Germany this October—the world’s biggest book fair. Not bad for a kid who started pitching his advocacy when he was only 14 and got rejected many times before anyone took him seriously.

So why does a teenager go through the sleepless nights of writing, rewriting, and hustling for an NGO? Emilio said it’s simple, “If no one will do it, then who will? And if not now, then when?”

For young readers, the book is a sweet story about love and longing. For OFWs, it’s a much-deserved tribute. And for everyone else, it’s proof that you’re never too young to dream big—and to make those dreams matter for others.

Grab a copy through Full Phils’ social media pages and online platforms, and remember: Every book you buy brings one scholar closer to graduation day. Meanwhile, for OFWs interested in applying for scholarships, follow Full Phil’s social media pages and send your inquiries.