ABOUT KEVIN | kevin-index

Kevin as a child
Kevin Almoina Lacanlale was born on February 21, 1993 in Makati City, Philippines.
He was the youngest child of Yeng Lacanlale and Pacita Casisid Almoina, both
Filipino citizens but later became U. S. citizens. Kevin's father was from Guadalupe,
Makati, Philippines and his mother was from Valenzuela City, Philippines

Although Kevin was born in the Philippines, he was considered born in United States. His father was on official tour of duty with U. S. Marine Corps in the Philippines when he was delivered in the hospital which made him a U. S. citizen born abroad. He was given birth certificate both by Philippines government and United States Embassy, Manila.

Kevin was a breech baby. His mother underwent caesarian operation at Makati
Medical Center to bring him out into this world. After three days in the hospital, Kevin
went home to Guadalupe with his mother. His father thought he looked like the
famous Hollywood actor "Kevin Costner" and therefore named him Kevin.

See childhood Gallery

Kevin has three siblings. Two brother, Yeng Almoina Lacanlale and Daryl Almoina Lacanlale, and sister Crystal Almoina Lacanlale. Being the youngest in the family, Kevin would later became the center of attention in the family. His brothers and sister inspired and mentored him to be the best he can be in everything. With his extra-ordinary talents coupled with the love and support from his family, Kevin achieved academic and athletic accomplishments far beyond his peers.

After spending one year in Guadalupe, Makati, Philippines, Kevin's family moved to Silvedale, Washington, U. S. A.

...as a Boy

In June 1994, Kevin and his family moved to Silverdale, Washington. At the age of 1 year old, Kevin would grow up like many typical Filipino-American in Silverdale, Washington. At home, his Filipino culture remained the same while outside he became like any American boy in the neighborhood.

Although Kevin did not speak his parents dialect (Tagalog), he understood and responded in English appropriately. His mother and grandmother often talked to him in their native dialect. His exposure to Filipino language made him comfortable being around with relatives and friends who speaks Filipino language.

Kevin grew up eating Filipino cuisine. His favorite is steamed crabs deep in soy sauce and vinegar. He also eats "tuyo" (dried salted fish), adobo, tinola and almost any Filipino dishes that his mother cook. He is not picky and never complain about food on the table. He always lead the prayer to thank the Lord for the graces and blessing before eating his meal.

As a boy, playing video game and watching television is Kevin's favorite pass time. His favorite video game is Final Fantasy and Star Craft. Watching Dragon Ball-Z and Naruto is his favorite TV shows. Although Kevin is contended just being around with his brothers and sisters, he also hanged out with close friend Jason Umali.

Being the youngest child in the family, Kevin has all the potential to be spoiled or rowdy. He was so loved and cared for by everyone in the house. His family gave the very best of everything. From food, clothes, toys and games, and everything he wanted was made available for him. Despite of all of this, he remained modest and contended. He was obedient and well mannered. He was a boy that respects his parents, elders, sibling and everyone that he encounters. His brothers and sisters love to have him around because of his pleasant personality. He seldom complain and always considerate in other peoples feeling. His parents and siblings wants to have around in almost every occasion.

At four years old, Kevin began attending the Sunday children worship service. At an early age, Kevin's became a role model in chapel. He was a boy in the worship service who is orderly and remain attentive throughout the worship service. He loves the worship service and always love going to the chapel. He was recognized for having a perfect attendance and active participation in every youth activities. At seven years old, Kevin became a youth choir member. By the time he reached 14 years, he became a "watcher" (deacon). As a boy, Kevin earned a reputation of being a devoted member of the church. He is someone that youth idolized in the church.

Kevin attended the Silveridge Elementary School. He was admired by his teachers. The many awards, certificates and compliments that he received in grade school sets him apart from everyone.

See boyhood Gallery

...as Junior High School student

At age 14 years old, Kevin moved from Silveridge Elementary School to Ridgetop Junior High School. This is where his academic and athletic ability began to show. He became studious and active in sports. His school grades became impressive and his popularity in Track and Field have earned him respect not only in his school but throughout the school district.

At a very young age, Kevin set himself apart from other teenagers. He became less interested watching television, playing video games, movies or shopping at the mall. He shifted his interest in reading books, writings, and doing school home works. On weekdays, unlike normal teenager, Kevin came home from school eager to do his school home work. Study and school home works was his agenda except on Thursdays where he attended church worship service.

Kevin mastered time management. Each day is well planned and precious to him. Between the demanding activities in school, he was able to attend church activities, work out at the gym, visit friends, and do his school home works all in a day schedule. He hated wasting time. Whenever it is necessary for him to travel, he always carries his back pack full of school books. Even his sleeping time is well planned. He went to bed around 7:30 in the evening and woke up at 1:30 am to do his school home works. He wanted solitude while studying. On weekends, in between family time and church activities, Kevin managed to spend more time in reading and studying. He had his routine and knew how much time should be spent in an event.

At a very young age, Kevin learned that hard works pay off. Realizing his efforts produced good result, the more he invested time reading and studying. By 9th Grade, Kevin achieved 4.0 in every subject and was bringing many school awards at home. Throughout High School, Kevin diligently spent many hours reading books and researching information online beyond what is required in school. He knew that knowledge will come through hard work and determination to learn. He did not rely on school curriculum alone. He took it beyond normal, into perfection.

Not only Kevin became a 4.0 student. He also became popular in Track & Field and Football. In 2006, he dominated the District Junior High School league in 100 meter dash and his team broke the District record on the 4 x 100 relay. Kevin took home 14 first place and 2 second place ribbons in 100 meter dash in 2006. With his extra ordinary speed and athletic ability, he was recruited to the school's football team (Ridgetop Raiders). This where Kevin exhibited his physical superiority. He played in offense and defense position and was playing throughout the entire game. He became an asset and was named Player of the Game during the 2006 League Championship against Kingston . Kevin was respected by his coach and teammates for his contribution in Ridgetop athletic activities. His name and trophy was displayed in the school hall way. Kevin legacy in Ridgetop still remain in the memories of the the faculty.

Kevin at 18 years old, in his own words, describing his self.

I am Kevin A. Lacanlale, an Asian American from a small town called Silverdale in Washington State. I am usually a relaxed person, who goes to church regularly. I am a morning person, and I try to avoid large crowds.

I go to a church called the Church of Christ two times a week or sometimes more. Because I have been to the church all my life, I am a devoted follower. I pray regularly before I sleep, before I take a test, before I eat. In times of trouble, I meditate and ask for help. If you are not a part of my faith, I do not mind, and I will not harass you to join my church unless you are interested in converting. I hold Christian values, and I strive to be a good role model for others, and I practice moderation and temperance.

I am usually a peaceful person, but I occasionally get irritated and in those situations you will most likely find me praying, or drinking tea and listening to music, or exercising. I like to study in silence with the computer on, but I am fine with loud noises when I am not studying. I am a morning person, so you might hear me doing work early. I try to conscious of other people because I never want to harm people physically, emotionally, or spiritually. I always seek to have a positive atmosphere at my home.

His plans and aspirations...

My family came to Silverdale, Washington from the Philippines when I was one year old, and for seventeen years I have lived in this small town where the people are friendly. When we came here we had no idea what college was and what the benefits were until my eldest brother decided to go to college because he hated his job straight out of high school. All our eyes opened then. All of us, the younger siblings, wanted to be just like him. Now, the three eldest children have a bachelor's degree, and I, the youngest, am on my way to college. I, with passion and determination, decided to take it to another level.

I love to learn especially in math and science. I took Advance Program classes even in the subjects I am weak in because I would rather struggle in hard classes than relax in easy classes. I wanted to take it further than that. I wanted to taste college earlier, so I begged my parents to let me attend a summer session at the

University of California at Berkeley to take organic chemistry. There I learned about the Gates Millennium Scholarship (GMS) program from a Berkeley student. I earned an A in the class of about 300 college students, and I proved to myself that I can learn at a fast and difficult pace. But the only problem was paying for college.

My family has gone through rough times, emotional and economical, during my high school career. I do not want to burden them with college costs. My siblings had never heard of the Gates scholarship, so they have done the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) scholarship program, but the only downside is that they have to serve the military. Again, I wanted to take it to another level. I think military brings great honor, but I love to learn, and I want my skill, determination, and talent to pay for college. I truly believe that my skills and knowledge can benefit society.

I want to pursue math and computer science in college, but my main goal is to go to medical school because I have faith in my skills that I can benefit others through my aptitude in math and sciences. I have seen too many times my friends' family and my mother diagnosed with cancer. And for this reason I aspire to be an oncologist.