About GASFI
The Gig and the Amazing Sampaguita Foundation, Inc. (GASFI) was founded in March 2009 in memory of Ambrosio Gregorio Oca Robles, lovingly known as “Gig.” Inspired by his kindness, generosity, and deep love for people, the Foundation continues his legacy through programs centered on literacy, education, family connection, and community development.
Gig was a student leader at De La Salle Santiago Zobel School whose life reflected service, joy, and compassion. He was actively involved in various school organizations and volunteer initiatives, and was known for his warm spirit, welcoming nature, and his favorite expression: “Amazing.” Deeply proud of his Filipino roots, Gig embraced local culture with enthusiasm and authenticity. His affection for children selling sampaguita leis, together with the symbolism of the sampaguita as the national flower of the Philippines, would later inspire the Foundation’s name.
Founded by his mother, Marissa Oca, GASFI began with a simple but meaningful advocacy: encouraging families to spend time reading together. This gave rise to the Foundation’s core campaign, “Twenty Minutes at Bedtime: Read with Your Child,” which promotes family bonding, literacy, and the development of a lifelong love for learning through shared reading experiences.
Over the years, GASFI has expanded its initiatives to make books and educational opportunities more accessible to underserved communities. Through book donation drives, volunteer-led outreach efforts, and literacy programs, the Foundation has helped bring reading materials to children and families in communities with limited access to books.
GASFI also supports students through its scholarship initiatives, helping young individuals pursue higher education and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
In 2011, GASFI organized the First International Seafarer Family Convention at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila, honoring the strength and sacrifices of seafarer families and continuing the maritime legacy of Captain Gregorio S. Oca. This was followed by the Seafarer Family International Congress in 2019, which further highlighted the importance of supporting the well-being, resilience, and family life of Filipino seafarers and their loved ones.
Today, GASFI continues to build programs and partnerships rooted in compassion, learning, service, and community.
The Foundation is registered as a non-stock, non-profit organization with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Bureau of Internal Revenue of the Philippines.
Vision
Our vision is to promote a Nation reading at bedtime twenty minutes daily.
Mission
Our mission is to strengthen family bonding through literacy practices within and among seafarer families and their communities.
Values
1. Humility
Gig was the kind of guy consciously chose never to flaunt anything in life. He lived the simplest life he possibly could and if he ever indulged himself he never seemed to boast about anything or if he ever did it didn't feel like he was bragging. His down to Earth demeanor was so different from what typical high schoolers- high school was about bragging and being 'in' but Gig just lived his life and let others live theirs.
Dictionary.com defines humility as 'A modest or low view of one's own importance; humbleness'.
2. Compassion / Zeal for Service
Gig was compassionate for anyone and anything. He didn't have to know you or have a personal connection to want to be of service, he just had this idea in his head that if he can make something happen, he would.
This is exemplified by Pedro's favorite story about Gig chopping up the fallen trees post-Milenyo in Ayala Alabang. He didn't do that for himself, or anyone in particular. He simply did it for his community because he knew that it had to be done and he wasn't just going to sit around and wait.
He never thought he was above anyone else so it made acting on compassion easy, helping those in need just made sense to him and he was down to Earth enough to act on it himself and he did so out of gratitude for the blessings he had.
Dictionary.com defines Compassion as Sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.
3. Nationalism
In the era of colonial mentality lived a boy who just wanted to be Filipino and proud of it.
Gig would at times, go to school wearing a traditional "bahag", and proudly walk the halls. For him it was not just walking around in a costume, but showcasing a symbol of nationalism with pride. Gig would perform folk songs by a famous local artist, Joey Ayala with utmost pride.
4. Gratitude
Gig was a very thankful person, he never forgot to say thank you for anything. His value for gratitude was reflected in his personal journal.
Dictionary.com defines gratitude as the state of being grateful; thankfulness.
5. Honesty / Being Genuine
In his desire to constantly help others, Gig would always say things as they are. He was always very frank, with no intentions to hurt the feelings of his peers only because he strongly believed that honesty would always set a person free.