Leo Alquiros has volunteered extensively with the Bukas Loob Sa Diyos Trenton Foundation (BLD Trenton) in a variety of facets for over 15 years.
Leo moved to the New Jersey from the Philippines in 1990. After working different jobs for ten years, he started his own business, a catering and grocery store with a focus on Philippino products and cuisine. He has since expanded to operate eight locations between New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. In 2006, he learned about the organization Bukas Loob Sa Diyos (BLD) through the community of expatriates from his homeland also living in New Jersey.
BLD organizes annual mission trips to the Philippines to provide food, medical care, and education to poor communities. Having already been a successful local businessman, he had no idea the fulfillment he would receive from philanthropy. He says “(when serving others) You feel you are giving back and you are doing something that is pleasing to the one above who is the source of all the countless blessings I and my family have received.”
In the years since his first mission, Leo’s involvement with the efforts of BLD has increased immensely. He now participates in the mission trip every year. In this capacity, he works to coordinate the donation and transportation of CMMB medicines and medical supplies used by the volunteer health professionals. In addition, he uses his culinary experience to feed the team and local community members during the mission. On average 6,000 people in are fed by the mission each year. Inspired by his commitment, Leo’s wife, who is a registered nurse, and his daughter now join the trips as well.
Leo has also expanded his involvement to volunteer beyond the Philippines. He started traveling to India with the Sisters of Charity of Jesus & Mary and to Sri Lanka with Caritas International to conduct similar mission trips. He exemplifies the spirit of philanthropy as not just an activity, but a part of life.
