'Discriminated' Filipina scholar sees Pope Francis on World Youth Day

MANILA, Philippines - The Filipina scholar who was allegedly discriminated by an airline company in Malaysia was able to see Pope Francis during the World Youth Day celebrations in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Arjean Marie Belco, an 18-year-old international travel scholar of the organization GoodX.org, took part in the World Youth Day activities, which was also attended by the top leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

GoodX.org said its co-founder, Luis Petzhold, also arrived in Rio to support their Filipina scholar.

"Earlier in the day, both had the chance to see Pope Francis on his Popemobile," GoodX.org said on its Official Facebook page.

Belco, a native of Bukidnon’s Talaandig tribe, was reportedly prevented by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines from boarding her flight at the Kuala Lumpur airport last July 20. According to GoodX.org, an employee of the airline allegedly discriminated her.

Related story: Pinay scholar stranded 2 days at Malaysian airport after 'discrimination'

During her stay in Brazil, GoodX.org said Belco was with her host family and interacted with her fellow delegates from many countries, including Greece, Kenya, Slovenia, Angola, Chile, Mozambique, Spain, South Africa, Brazil and the Philippines.

GoodX.org said Belco made friends in her trip, including one of Incan descent. She also had a chance to engage in a conversation with nuns from India.

“I was touched. Everyone was so nice to me," GoodX.org quoted Belco as saying.

The organization said they sent Belco to the World Youth Day to "broaden her horizons through experiential learning."

It said Belco's dream in life is to be a successful professional teacher someday.

"Because I want to rise up my community and family from poverty, not totally in financial problem but in a right way on how to live with courage and to discover the true values of life," Belco said on the organization's website.