Bringing up little heroes

Manila, Philippines -  Have you discovered what a hero your child can be in his own small way?

Children who have been nurtured with the right values and live within an inspiring environment start showing signs of amazing heroism even at an early age. Since the biblical times, there have been stories of how a kid’s small deed has changed lives and situations significantly.

Tang celebrates the greatness of kids. Last year, the brand launched a nationwide Search for Tang Galing Kids to recognize young achievers who at their tender age already demonstrated their potential for being heroes.

Tang wanted to showcase the many heroic efforts of children from all over the country. With organizations sending in their nominations, such as Club 8586 Inc., Dynamic Teen Company, Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Handicapped Intensive Rehabilitation through Employment, Women of Wallem, and PAREF Rosehill School, Tang’s jury chose seven of the most remarkable young heroes.

The winners represent varied interests with only one common thread — they all have significant contributions to their communities and organizations.

A former street beggar and labor-exploited child, young Kesz Valdes began teaching other kids personal hygiene through demonstrations at the tender age of six. A year later, with no consideration of a reward, Kesz began to volunteer by giving out slippers and books to street children and scavengers roaming the streets.

Raynold dela Cruz, a “My Rights” volunteer, is an active advocate for children’s rights and was recognized with a “Good-Deeder” award and a “Young Mandela” title in 2010 by the South African Embassy and the Dynamic Teen Company during Nelson Mandela Day. He is now a trainee in the Dynamic Teen Company with a project he recently launched called “Saving Kids with First Aid Kits,” which aims to provide first-aid kits to public school clinics, while also raising funds by selling ice candy made with Tang.

U Maalam and Trubador Wisely used their creative skills in creating an illustrated comic collection aimed at uplifting the lives of others. After class, they both try to sell the comics at a higher cost to rich executives, lowering publication costs so they could sell the comics to the masses at a much lower price.

Love for God is epitomized in young Padre Pio devotee Angela Serafico who spends her time helping less fortunate children. The multi-faceted young artist is a violinist, writer, public speaker, and painter. In response to the recent Typhoon Sendong, Angela sold two of her paintings, donating the proceeds to the calamity victims.

Young Martha Balagat, in her first grade, created and illustrated her own book. On top of that, she teaches Catechism every Saturday with her mother at their parish where she reads to underprivileged children and creates visual aids for her classes with them.

For her part, Dannah Suaze, a Laguna Council representative, inspires less fortunate children to be responsible citizens by teaching Catechism and reading. She does all this through her active participation in barangay, church, and girl scout programs.