Every Filipino is a Hero.

2009 was a challenging year for all of us, Filipino, still a part of global recession, corruption, high crime rate, poverty, terrorism and a lot more.

Recently, another challenge measured the strength and faith of the Filipinos. The typhoon Ondoy, Pepeng, Ramil, Santi, etc. Typhoons are very common to the Philippines as a matter of fact; we are expecting almost twice a dozen every year. But these typhoons were different, really different. Why?

The amount of rain brought about by the typhoon Ondoy in that particular day is equivalent to almost a month of raining; imagine if the rain won’t stop for at least 3 days?

I won’t mention the damages caused by the typhoon anymore; instead I wanted to focus on its impact to us.

As I’ve observed the condition of the country via television, I must say that it was very heartbreaking. But one line is very prominent on every survivor, and I quote, “Nakakalungkot yung nangyari, ang daming namatay, yung mga gamit namin at bahay nalubog, pero hayaan na natin yun, ang mahalaga buhay kami magkakasama ng pamilya ko”. That line really made me smile and I remembered this line I once said to my mother, “Mommy, talagang walang mahirap o mayaman basta kalikasan na ang gumanti, pero ngayon natin nare-realize na balewala lang ang material na bagay, kasi pwedeng mawala yung sa isang saglit lang”.

My second observation is about the undying spirit of the Filipinos, wherein despite the tough times, we can still smile and continue with our lives. As I recalled, there was a scene from the news, wherein a man is passing through the flood, a reporter asked him about his condition and he answered, “Kayang kaya ng mga Pilipino yan, malalagpasan natin yan!” uttering it repeatedly. That simple phrase made our fellow Filipinos somehow revive their hopes. Also, as I’ve watched the special coverage of Ondoy victims on GMA 7, I smiled watching people taking pictures of the host Richard Gutierrez, despite their condition.

Through that havoc, I realized that Filipinos are considered as unnoticed and born heroes. From the ones who fought for our Independence up to those unmentioned. This calamity presented different types of heroes: The patented heroes people who offered their own lives just to save more; People who volunteered and shared their time to distribute help; People who donated cash, food and supplies; People who donated not only material needs but, their support and encouragement; and most importantly those heroes that despite their conditions even managed to help through the most powerful way that they can give – prayers.

I would also want to honor and highly acknowledge the show “Eat Bulaga” for their segment “EB Heroes”, wherein they give credits to those ordinary heroes in different sectors of the community. Heroes whose only mission is to help others, excluding their own benefits and as well as their own status in life.

Lastly is Efren Peñaflorida, is recently renowned 2009 CNN Hero. He is the one responsible for the pushcart classes in the Philippines to bring education to poor children as an alternative to gang membership. According to CNN, almost 2.75 million votes were cast during the seven-week online voting; however, they did not indicate how many votes Peñaflorida got.

Through this I believe that every Filipino is a HERO – in our own ways.