Corky Trinidad Endowment Scholarship

Award: Up to $2,000

About the Endowment:


The Center for Philippine Studies is pleased to announce the competition for the Corky Trinidad Endowment Scholarship. This scholarship is made possible through the generous contribution of the family and friends of Corky Trinidad to assist in the education of a deserving student at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa.

The Corky Trinidad Endowment Scholarship will provide assistance to students, scholars and researchers at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa in the fields of journalism, mass communications, fine arts, performing arts, international studies, media studies and human rights who have an academic focus or interest on Philippine studies, society and culture, and who have demonstrated a strong commitment to acquiring deeper understanding or learning about the Philippines, its people, traditions and values, and institutions over time.

The endowment is funded by a financial gift to the University of Hawai‘i Foundation from the Friends of Corky Trinidad, Filipino Community Center of Waipahu, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Society of Professional Journalists of Honolulu, and Pamana Dancers of Honolulu in honor of the late Honolulu resident Francisco “Corky” Trinidad, Jr. Corky, as he is better known to friends, was born in Manila, Philippines and was the first Asian editorial cartoonist to be syndicated in the United States, appearing in publications as diverse as New York Times and International Herald Tribune in Paris to the Punch of London and Philippines Daily Journal.

Educated as a journalist from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1960, Corky worked with the Philippines Herald. He was the best known cartoonist in Asia, and was drafted by the Los Angeles Times-Washington Post Syndicate as the first ever non-American editorial cartoonist. In 1969 he joined the Honolulu Star-Bulletin. For nearly four decades, he penned daily cartoon panels, and syndicated the comic strips “Zeus!” and “Aloha Eden.” He also taught cartooning at the University of Hawai‘i and always welcomed young cartoonists into his office. He won many awards, and in 2005 he was inducted into the Society of Professional Journalists’ Hawai‘i Journalism Hall of Fame.

Who are eligible?

Full time undergraduate or graduate student in good standing (G.P.A. 3.5 and higher) in fields such as journalism, mass communications, fine arts, performing arts, international studies, media studies and human rights who has demonstrated a strong commitment to acquiring a deeper understanding of or learning about the Philippines and the diaspora, its people, traditions and values and institutions over time.

*Applicants from other countries and institutions are not eligible to apply.

Applicants must present:
1) Transcript of courses at University of Hawai‘i, Mānoa;
2) Proof of enrollment in 1 or more Philippine-related courses, including Asian Studies, American Studies, Ethnic Studies, History, Languages and Literature;
3) One-to two letters of academic references;
4) A brief 2-3-page “Personal Statement” that outlines how the applicant will use the scholarship to advance his/her studies and interest on the Philippines. (Or a proposal that provides a clear statement of the goals and major activities of a project that reflects the concerns of this grant.) Make sure to include a detailed budget.
5) Grant recipients only must submit a report about how they used the award at the end of the grant year and share their research findings in a lecture/talk for the CPS Colloquium Series.

The scholarship is based on merit and not on financial need. Students of Philippine ancestry are preferred.

Please note: Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please consult with the CPS Director first before submitting an application for the Corky Trinidad Endowment Scholarship.

Send application (by email) to: 
Dr. Patricia E. Halagao or Dr. J. Lorenzo Perillo
Co-Director, Center for Philippine Studies
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
1890 East-West Road
Moore Hall 416, Honolulu, HI 96822
For further information, call 956-6086 or email  CPS Directors.

Deadline: April 2 (or first Monday after Spring break) – Extended to April 30, 2024.

  1. Belinda A. Aquino, “Endowment honoring Corky seeks funding”, Honolulu Star-Bulletin,May 26, 2009.
  2. Ramsay, “Living in Corky’s World was joyful and inspiring” , Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Feb. 14, 2009.
  3. Star-Bulletin Staff “Corky’s endowment will help students”, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, May 26, 2009.
  4. Maria Antonette Ramos, First Awardee of Corky Trinidad Scholarship, 2012.