LIVE THE HEROIC INSPIRATION

LIVE THE HEROIC INSPIRATION

Efren Peñaflorida, Jr. was declared CNN Hero of the Year. Thanks to those, mostly fellow Filipinos, who voted for him online. In a way, this contest was not about whom among the nominees are better than the other or is a greater hero. Each of them is a hero in their own right.

Kuya Efren, as he is fondly called, coveted the title “Hero of the Year” with the prize amounting to $ 100,000 (approximately 4.6 million Philippine Pesos), 90% of which will fund his on-going advocacy to teach street children and 10% to benefit his church. Not a cent will go in his pocket. Of humble state and unassuming, Kuya Efren is a son of a tricycle driver and his mother a snack vendor. He gave-up his regular teaching job in a private school to be with street children teaching them to read, write, to do good grooming and values formation. The touching sight of him, on foot, going from town to town with his “kariton” (wooden push-cart) full of learning tools is truly moving. When asked by a journalist if he is going into politics, sure of himself, he said, “No.”

Efren puts to shame all those in this country who build a pedestal of heroism for themselves. They exploit the ignorance of the destitute to believe that they are (self-proclaimed) saviors of this impoverished country. For in fact, they just seek the privileged life of importance that feeds their ego. It is doubly tragic that even those who rose from humble beginnings to achieved fame and fortune has been consumed in the bonfires of the vanities. Instead of generating heroic inspiration from their personal success, it resulted only to commercial avarice and selfish ambitions. Instead of being paragons of appropriateness and morality, the taste of success has corrupted them to lead a life of notoriety. Tragically, just because they have achieved international popularity as a Filipino, they become instant heroes. This impulse to honor those who managed to get into the global stage to bolster national pride is a lame strategy of the politicians to cover up their failures and a propaganda tool for their electoral benefits. On the other hand, they are the creation of the media networks and conglomerates to boost their advertising agenda and further their commercial interests.

But the rise of the pseudo-heroes can be attributed to our myopic view of heroism. Efren was relatively unknown, except for some publicity he got from foreign and later in local media, within the twelve years since he took the heroic initiative of his. Until, this CNN Hero of the Year Award, very few in our country gave the slightest interest in his work. We waited until a foreign entity to catch our attention to the heroism of our ‘kababayan’ (countryman). Unless, one gets recognized abroad we don’t care specially, if one doesn’t have a name and a prominent social status to boast of.

Oftentimes, we are lost in the moments of glory when supposed heroes are bestowed upon with honor. But, it is not the act of honorary bestowal, the public acclaim or official proclamations that makes a hero. In some instances, these acts may even defy the very nature of the heroic deeds. Moreover, we beam when material rewards are given with the recognition. Yet, true heroes never aspire for all of these unless it furthers their noble cause. The real heroes shine not in the moments of honorary glory but in the labors, challenges and difficulties of every single moment of heroism. They inspire not when they show confidence and appreciation for the honors accorded to them but when they demonstrate dedication, perseverance and humility in fulfilling their vocation.

As we were momentarily taken into the reverie of heroic glorification, we relish the trappings of honor, the praises and ovations. However, these are but icing on the cake. After all that is said and done, we need to be awaken from the dream and get on with the reality that much is still to be done. One hero has showed us that change is possible and it beckons us to live our own heroic ideals. It does not require us to be extra ordinary. We can work with what we have. As we are, we can do something to make this world a brighter and more humane place to live in.

Kuya Efren, makes us proud to be Filipinos again. I have almost forgotten how proud I was to be a Filipino. I have seen nothing but simulated images of heroism in this country for the last two decades or so. Propaganda has marred the history of this country, if it wasn’t so, we wouldn’t be still in this hapless state. Yet, the likes of Efren give us hope. He reaffirmed, even in poverty, we are selfless people. The shameful and blatant oppression of our people by some egotistical brutes among us may seem more prominent because they have their names printed in official documents, publications and their calloused faces plastered on television and cinema. However, we don’t have to look far for those who help and take the initiative to work for altruistic motives. Some have their missions in secluded and forgotten areas where help is needed most. Neglected by the government, these areas are served by those who may have left their comfort zone, promising careers in the cities and away from their families to be of service to those in need. Most of them are practically unknown because they are not wealthy philanthropist or influential personalities. But, eventually, fate will one day reward them for every heroic deed. Their names shall be forever etched in the hearts of those affected by their heroism.

Our response to these heroic moments of glory should go beyond inspiration. This inspiration will not be beneficial if it remains to be so. Likewise, great ideas will remain just an idea unless they are realized. Thus, heroic inspiration has to be worked on and live. Indeed, the challenges are great. But I fervently pray that we who were inspired will have strength to be able to take the initiative and live the heroic inspirations our heroes had sparked within us.

“MABUHAY KUYA EFREN AT ANG LAHAT NG MGA PILIPINONG NAGSISILBI NG TAPAT AT WALANG KAPALIT! KAYO ANG TUNAY NA BAYANI!” (Long-live Kuya Efren and all Filipinos who genuinely serve without expecting any reward! You are true heroes!)