Talk 'N Text project seeks everyday survivors

MANILA, Philippines – Anacorita Teoxon, a 55-year-old fish vendor from Bicol, became the breadwinner after her husband contracted cancer.

Almost single-handedly she raised five children. Today one is a seaman while the others are graduates of public administration, computer programming, biology, and electrical technology.

Thirty-year-old teacher and entrepreneur Erwin Villanueva worked his way through college and graduate school, making a living as gardener-janitor at his high school and later as a hairstylist and martial arts instructor.

Today Villanueva has his own martial arts school, which not only provides jobs to the community but also trains out-of-school youths and tricycle drivers.

Jenny de la Cruz (not her real name), 28, was a university freshman when she was raped, got pregnant and forced to drop out of school and marry a childhood sweetheart.  

Her husband turned out to be abusive, compelling her to run away with her three children. Taking on various jobs as clerk, e-load retailer, encoder, and promo girl, she survived and is now building a modest house for her children, besides putting two siblings through college. 

Survivors like them inspired a nationwide search for people who rise above adversity especially in these difficult times. Talk ’N Text launched its “Tipid Sulit Idol Search” and met some 3,000 ordinary people living extraordinary lives all over the country.

“In our constant dealings with and research on the customer base of Talk ‘N Text, what we always find truly remarkable is how stout the Filipino heart is. There is such a deep-seated faith and optimism that enable the Filipino to bounce back despite repeated blows,” said Perry Bayani, group head of Talk ’N Text.

The nationwide search started with the participants filling out application forms and sending their life stories to Talk ’N Text personnel.

A stringent background check revealed the authentic, truly inspiring stories of people who turned their lives around through hard work.

After the six-week search held across the country, five individuals — from Talavera, Nueva Ecija; Sto. Tomas, Batangas; Virac, Catanduanes; Tacloban, Leyte; and Zamboanga City — emerged as finalists for the Talk ’N Text “Tipid Sulit Idol Search.”

Starting today, all five finalists will be introduced in a four-part series to be aired on ABS-CBN every Saturday at 4 to 4:30 p.m.  

“At a time when every Filipino is faced with a challenge, these everyday heroes will stand as a symbol of hope,” Bayani said.