Everyday heroes

Today, our beloved national hero, Jose Rizal, celebrates his 150th birthday.

Heroes are oftentimes regarded as far removed from reality. These are people who lived decades, if not hundreds of years ahead of us. We read about them in books, watch them portrayed in movies. These are celebrated figures we greatly admire.

But apart from celebrities, we live among “everyday heroes.” These are people who quietly do their work with integrity, perseverance, and discipline. They do not seek recognition, but instead dearly value the simplicity of their lives, free from fanfare. Unfortunately, they are often taken for granted, their hard work unnoticed.

I have my own personal heroes as well. So many people have done good to me out of the goodness of their hearts, without expecting or asking anything in return.

As a student, I was one of the fortunate ones who benefited from the foundation of lawyer Francis Papica, a Bicolano who is practising law in the US. He shares his blessings by making education a possibility even for the disadvantaged youth.

During the brief controversy that I went through a few years back, lawyers Gigi Berberabe-Martinez, Dickson Berberabe and Ted Pastrana offered their services free of charge. This was a welcome relief, amidst all the problems I was facing then.

When I was new in the city as a college student, I had no idea how to go about life in Manila. There was a group called Aces and Queens that really took me in and taught me the ins and outs of city living. I would have not survived without them.

And of course, my personal favorite is my mother, who will stick to my side come what may. She is the one person I am sure who will fight for me through thick and thin.

We are surrounded by heroes. Hardly recognized, they are the humble souls who enrich our lives. They may not make a mark in the pages of history, but they make a real difference in the lives of many. May we all take the time out to reflect and appreciate the unsung heroes in our midst.