John Lawrence P. Castillo was born in Lucena City and lives in Tayabas City, Quezon. He is the eldest child of Joel and Lanie Castillo.

He is a Political Science student at the Manuel S Enverga University Foundation in Lucena City. His affiliations include the student publication of MSEUF Lucena, The Luzonian, where he was Business Manager and is now the Features and Devcomm Editor; and the CAS Social Sciences Society, where he was Secretary. He is also engaged with GoodGovPH, the national youth organization for good governance, previously as human resources core member, and as an opinion writer for their official publication, Balangay, and now Deputy Director for Recruitment.

Design and symbolism:

The color red expresses conviction and strength, while the color blue evokes loyalty and faith.

The moon and a crown of twelve stars signifies devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, under the title of Immaculate Conception, the principal patroness of the country. The balance symbolizes law and justice, referring to the Armiger’s family of politicians and lawyers, and his interest in law and politics as a Political Science student. The book represents counsel, and the quill alludes to eloquence through writing, both referring to the Armiger’s vocation as a campus journalist and writer for many years.

The sun represents Jesus as the Sun of Justice, and is also taken from the Philippine flag to denote his love of country. The boat signifies the Church, associated with “the barque of Peter, the Fisherman”. It further refers to the Armiger’s membership as a core member of GoodGovPH and an opinion writer for Balangay, whose logo resembles the traditional balangay boat. The waves represent the shores of Quezon Province, location of the Armiger’s hometown.

The motto is a loose translation of 1 Peter 4:11 – a reminder that every undertaking in life must be for the glory of Almighty God.

Blazon: Shield: Azure on a base barry wavy Azure and Argent a boat below a Philippine sun Or, on a chapé embowed Gules, to dexter a crescent surrounded by twelve mullets Or, to sinister a balance Or above a quill pen and book Argent.

Motto: Upang sa lahat ng bagay, ang Diyos ay bigyang-pugay (“That in all things, God may be glorified”)

Assumed/granting authority: Assumed, June 11, 2021. Registered, Philippine Armorial, October 16, 2021.

Image and information submitted by the Armiger.