The hero lies in you

CEBU, Philippines - Holden could not keep his eyes off the TV.

Chocolate-colored water has wiped out a community. Earlier, boats came to fetch some residents trapped inside their houses. There was a man who was shivering in the cold. He hasn’t eaten for two days. Another is an elderly woman who is too sick to get up. She has to be rescued, using a spine board, through a small window.

Holden can’t help but cry. They have a big house and a beautiful garden. His father is an architect while his mother is an online teacher for Korean students. He goes to a private school with an excellent curriculum. But all he could do at that very moment was offer a prayer that the rains might stop so it will not flood.

“How I wish I’m big enough to help in the rescue, Mama,” he said, his attention still fixed on the TV screen.

“You can still help dear even if you’re not exactly on ground zero,” his mother said.

“I’ve seen that rescuers have been working day and night, Ma. They also have to rest, I think. So they need more people out there. Hay! I can’t wait to grow up to be of help.”

Mrs. Toledo hugged her son and said: “You can be of big help to them and you can start right here in our home.”

How? Here are the ways Holden has agreed to so the Toledo family can extend help to the victims of the recent flood in Manila and Central Luzon:

• Holden would not spend a peso on online games. “I can make this small sacrifice,” he said to himself.

• Holden would not buy any new clothes or shoes yet. “Anyway, I will have a new pair of pants and shoes, and a new shirt on Christmas. My parents and my godparents will take care of those.”

• Holden would not crave for those Magnums. “I can always have those as soon as the disaster is over.”

• Holden would take off from the shopping list the things and food items he can do without. “I have to think of those who haven’t eaten for days.”  

“It’s about sacrifice. You don’t have to have superpowers to do great things. The hero lies in all of us. All it takes is will power to make a difference,” Holden could hear his mother as he handled out his cash donation to The FREEMAN Foundation.  

PLANTS VS. ZOMBIES Live in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Plants vs. Zombies fans, rejoice!

The game developer, PopCap will bringing you your favorite Plants vs. Zombies Live in Cebu at the Ayala Activity Center on August 17 to 19, 2012.

Be among the first to watch this musical show inspired by the hilarious gameplay of the award-winning action strategy game. It will star Peashooter, Sunflower, Zombies and a host of other “brave” plants as they defend their lawn against the zombies.

Limited seats can be claimed at the Privileges Desk of Ayala Center Cebu through purchase tie-up with any mall outlet.

The musical is produced by Ayala Malls in partnership with Empire International Merchandising Corporation and PopCap Games.

For more information, contact Ayala Center Cebu Concierge at (032) 516-2035 or (032) 231-5342. You can also visit the website: www.ayalamalls.com.ph or like the official Ayala Center Cebu on facebook (www.facebook.com/AyalaCebu ) for more details on upcoming shows and events. (FREEMAN)