Hero

CEBU, Philippines - Up to this day, I don’t understand how something as simple as crossing the street when the “walk” light turns green can be deemed as an act for the betterment of your country nor could I convince myself to believe that listening to the nightly news can be another sign of being nationalistic.

Well, since I’ve been religiously using the pedestrian lane in crossing streets and have made radio commentators my own brand of “coffee mate”– does that mean that I’m qualified to be called a “hero”? I’m sure you’re scoffing at the thought as much as I do. 

Call me a cynic if you want – but, can you blame me who grew up being taught that heroes were dudes who had checked suits for pajamas and didn’t mind missing breakfast just to be shot by Spanish musketeers? Thankfully, I’ve outgrown my heroes-wearing-capes-with-emasculating-biceps theory early on.

Indeed, the heroes that I got acquainted with were either portrayed as individuals who don’t seem to back down on bullies or as champions who’d readily give up their lives for the faceless majority. I’m neither of these two and I can’t even spit fireballs from my palms – enough reason for me to stop dreaming about being one or believe that there still are noble souls out there.

So, you can imagine my surprise when I heard about a nameless group that discussed about how it can encourage the culture of reading among children – information that was honestly more welcoming to hear than the ongoing news about the Corona impeachment. Hence, I decided to investigate. 

Admittedly, meeting the group for the first time wasn’t exactly what I thought it would be. No blood compact ceremonies nor some chieftain brandishing a kris wearing loin cloth – only a bunch of guys and gals that seemed genuinely interested in the thought of telling stories to children. Not that I wanted to see some ostentatious display of bravery, it’s just that I never expected that valor be personified in a rather modern and mundane packaging. 

Here was a group of everyday Cebuanos that wouldn’t mind spending their next few Saturdays and a portion of their money setting the foundation for advocacy aiming to show future generations the joys of learning – something hardly done by many of our politicians who are too preoccupied with bickering on who got what at the moment.

Needless to say, the experience has been eye-opening for me. Who would expect that some geeky guy in glasses and shorts or some college student juggling studies and matters of the heart would be finding time to care about children who may never have the opportunity to hear about the tales of Snow White, Robin Hood, or Cinderella?

Indeed, while many of us are busy listening to Adele while mourning about unrequited love under the moonlit sky or enjoying the rewards of non-celibacy in some dark corner with Barry White on the background during this month of love, the Basadours are working towards renewing the interest in reading among the eventual heirs of our society – a proof that you need not have your face minted on coins to be considered a hero.

* * *

Raymond is a member of the newly-formed group, The Basadours. The Basadours is a group of Cebuano volunteer ambassadors for reading and storytelling. The group is taking the lead in the “I Love to Read” Project which is also co-organized by the Cebu City Public Library.