Newly released U.S. quarter designed by Filipino-American

A 45-year old native of Paete, Laguna is the first Filipino and first Asian US coin designer.

Paul Balan designed the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on the reverse of the newly released quarter. The 41st quarter is part of US Mint’s “America The Beautiful Quarters Program,” which was launched in 2010.

It is the first of the five unique 25-cent designs for 2018.

Balan said he has always been fascinated by the beauty of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan and was extremely happy when his design was selected.

“The soft stones were intricately carved by nature and that’s amazing. I was thrilled and honored. As a Filipino-American, that is my first circulated coin,” he said.

Balan’s designs have been selected for commemorative coins and congressional medals since 2010. Earlier this month, in Michigan, almost a thousand people witnessed the release of his newest work.

Balan stressed the importance of knowing where you came from and being a man of action.

“Inspiration ko ang family ko, at kung saan ako nanggaling, kung saan ako nagmula. ‘Yun ang nagpapalakas sa akin to continue to pursue my dreams. Hindi pwedeng nangangarap lang tayo. Kailangan may gawa. Kasi one day, all your efforts, all your hard work, will be crowned with success,” he said.

(My inspiration is my family and where I came from. That’s what gives me the confidence to continue to pursue my dreams. You cannot just keep on dreaming. You have to do something about it.)

Balan urged young artists who aspire to be successful to just do their best despite criticism.

“Maraming hindi naniniwala sa akin, but the most important thing is gawin mo ‘yung the best mo. Trabahuhin mo kung saan ka magaling, pagbutihan mo, at mararating mo kung ano man ang gusto mong marating,” he said.

(There will be those who wouldn’t believe in me, but the most important thing is to do your best. Work on what you do best, do it well, and you will achieve whatever you want to achieve.)

The US Mint will be producing a total of 433 million Pictured Rocks quarters. The program aims to celebrate a total of 56 national parks and other sites through 2021.