Almira Astudillo Gilles' favorite quote comes from Mother Theresa: "We may think that what we do is but a drop in the ocean, but the ocean would be less without that one drop." These words have inspired and motivated her in a very profound way. Whether it is through her award-winning literary works, civic leadership, and efforts to preserve the natural resources and cultural collections of the Philippines, she has made an impact on Filipino society abroad and in the motherland.

"I keep busy and remember that I have an obligation to be the best person I can become, to be useful. I always keep my eye on the objective I want to achieve, and little bumps in the road just make the journey more interesting," she says as she reflects on her body of work.

Gilles, who is based in Chicago, Ill., was on island in late October to speak to students at the University of Guam and St. Anthony Catholic School. She was invited by the group of Filipino professors at UOG who started the Philippine Studies Lecture Series. Lilnabeth Somera, associate professor of communication at UOG, recognizes Gilles as a rising author among the new generation of Filipino writers. "We need to expose our students to different ideas and perspectives beyond the classroom. When I brought her to St. Anthony School, the kids were enthralled to meet a real Filipino author. Such connections are important for children and adults as well," she explains.

Gilles' works include fiction, nonfiction, novels, plays, poetry, and short stories. She is also an editor and conservationist and has delivered presentations on multicultural literature and Philippine heritage in various venues including educational institutions, museums, and festivals across the United States.

"Her discussion regarding the need to preserve the Philippine heritage in different places which are part of the diaspora was memorable. It generated the most insightful comments from the students in the audience. It was encouraging to note that there is this questioning going on in the minds of young people about their cultural identity and connections to the Philippines," adds Somera.

Gilles was the fourth speaker in the Philippine lecture series, which started in 2010. The main objective of the series is to highlight different areas of Philippine Studies and bring speakers to the university and local Guam community who have a cultural affinity and interest in Philippine culture.

The 54-year-old author earned the "Pamana ng Pilipino Presidential Award" for writing, bestowed by President Benigno Aquino in Dec. 2012. The award is given to Filipinos overseas, who, in exemplifying the talent and industry of the Filipino, have brought the country honor and recognition through excellence and distinction in the pursuit of their work or profession.

"It opened so many doors to other opportunities and resources that allowed me to pursue my goals," says Gilles. "Also, I discovered that the one thing that truly motivates me, aside from my children is contributing to the progress and development of the Philippines," she explains. Incidentally, Allan Pineda, better known as "apl.de.ap," of the Grammy-Award winning group Black Eyed Peas was also given the award at the same ceremony Gilles attended.

Gilles' first novel, "The Fire Beneath (Tales of Gold)" was named a finalist for the Chicago Writers Association Book of the Year Awards for 2013. It's one of three finalists in the Traditional Fiction category. Inspired by a true event in the Philippines, the story is about a bulldozer operator who discovers gold artifacts.

Much more than the familiar narrative of unexpected fortune and perilous descent, the book is an exploration of contrasts: discovery and concealment, greed and generosity, secularization and spirituality. It examines the demands we place on ourselves, our relationships, and institutions. It asks if we are justified in pursuing the kind of life we want despite the demands of others and examines who should judge such choices. Some of the gold described in the novel is displayed in a permanent collection at the Ayala Museum in the Philippines.

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One drop in the ocean: Almira Gilles proves that small things can make big differences