MANILA, Philippines - At first glance, John Gabriel Pelias seems like any normal ordinary student, or "iskolar ng bayan" at the University of the Philippines (UP), going to school in T-shirt, shorts, and slippers.

But Pelias is far from ordinary. He, in fact, is a genius, and is the most intelligent student among those graduating this 2011 from UP.

Pelias garnered a general weighted average (GWA) of 1.016, said to be the highest GWA in UP since 1948.

On Sunday, April 17, Pelias will be graduating summa cum laude, and will give the valedictory address.

"Wala 'kong aim. Sabi ko, 'Wala. Basta. Gawin ko lang 'yung trabaho ko.' Parang bonus na lang kung maka-uno ka eh," he said.

Pelias finished B.S. Mathematics and earned a grade of 1.0 in almost all his subjects throughout his college life in UP.

The lowest grade he got was 1.25, which he received in 3 subjects.

His secret is to do advance studies during summer vacations.

His professors admire Pelias for his humble nature.

According to Dr. Marian Roque, associate dean of the UP College of Science, and one of Pelias' mentors, the studious boy was even shy in reciting in class. "Tahimik lang siya. And sometimes he would even not answer questions kasi nahihiya siyang malaman ng iba na alam niya ang sagot," she said.

In spite of his superior intelligence, Pelias has remained humble.

"Meron tayong mga tao na malalaki ang mga nagawa sa buhay pero may mga diva complex. Sa kanya, iniisip niya lagi na isa siyang tunay na iskolar ng bayan," said Dr. Jose Wendell Capili, Director for Alumni Relations in UP.

The scholarship that Pelias received has been a big help in enabling him to finish college.

Knowing Pelias' love for studying, his grandparents are not surprised with his achievements.

 "Eh dati naman na siyang mahilig mag-aral. Very passionate. Basta kami laging may malaking blackboard kami. Hindi puwedeng wala. Dun siya solve ng solve," said his grandmother Sandra Hoffman Pelias. The student grew up under the care of his grandparents.

Although he has been offered scholarships and jobs, Pelias plans to teach at the UP College of Mathematics this coming school year while pursuing a master's degree.

To fellow UP graduates, he said, "Sana magamit mo 'yung natutunan mo rito para sa serbisyo, kahit sa maliit na paraan," he said.

Pelias is not only a math genius. Before the interview ended, he showed us his other talent, that of playing the piano. He performed Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2. -- Report from Bernadette Sembrano, ABS-CBN News