Growing up as a gifted child… under the spotlight

MANILA, Philippines - They were the icons of their generation.

When a popular milk brand launched a groundbreaking television commercial about gifted children in 1995, little did Shaira Luna, Kiko Galura and James Flores know how it would change their lives.

“I didn’t think too much of it,” Flores tells STARweek. “(But) the attention I received as a child made sure I was able to hone and explore more of my talents and skills.”

Flores – who became known for his proficiency in astronomy, particularly the bit about the sun being in the center of the solar system – is now taking his master’s degree in clinical psychology, after earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

He is also actively involved in outreach programs in music for children.

“A child needs to feel loved and accepted for who he is and what he wants to achieve in his life,” he says.

Luna, who became a household name for her mastery of human anatomy at an early age, grew up to become a top notch photographer.

“When I was younger it could be a little overwhelming at times because I would get recognized and people expected me to know a lot of things,” she says of her experience as part of the commercial. “Now that I’m older, I find it fun.”

Meanwhile, Galura – known for reciting a Tagalog poem – stayed on the creative path and is now a publisher for one of the biggest publishing houses in the country.

“My early exposure to literature, music, arts and theater really helped nurture my creative spirit,” he tells STARweek.

“The interest that I developed for these different fields of creative expression coupled with real world experiences set the path towards my journey to becoming a well-rounded individual,” he adds.

Now on their late 20s, the trio have returned to the spotlight to join the launching of a gifted campaign movement to support and celebrate giftedness in the country.

“Throughout the years, Promil Pre-School has been encouraging parents to keep nurturing the gifts of their children,” says product manager Dian Yu. “Combined with the support of parents to continuously encourage kids to find their passion and make learning enjoyable, there’s no end to what this new generation can accomplish.”

The trio admits facing challenges as a result of being thrust into the spotlight at an early age.

“Sometimes I’d feel shy when introduced as (a gifted child), but that’s because I felt that they would be expecting too much from me,” says Flores. “As I was growing up, all I really wanted was to just be myself and live at my own pace.”

But they also recognize the opportunities that they had because of all that attention.

Luna says the experience enabled her to explore different options.

“It has helped me because I became more focused and aware of what I was doing,” she says.

“The best thing about recognizing my gifts early on and nurturing them as I grew up is that it gave me a solid sense of self worth, because I know what I’m good at and I understand my limits,” adds Galura. “I guess that kind of self-assurance brought me closer to opportunities and helped me affect the people I work with positively.”

For them, receiving proper support from experts is necessary in order for gifted children to develop their skills. But more than that, the love and attention of parents should be deemed the most important.

“It’s important for parents to pay attention to what their kids normally gravitate towards when they are left to themselves,” says Luna. “Whether it’s music, books or building blocks, it could be a telling sign of a child’s natural gifts and inclinations which may definitely be nurtured.”

According to Galura, half of the gifted child’s journey should be spent in getting the right support and attention from parents, mentors and other people around them.

“Without it, it’ll be a lot more difficult for a gifted individual to realize his full potential,” he says.

Flores adds, “The attention, understanding and encouragement of the family is still the most important of all. A child needs to feel loved and accepted for who they are and what they want to achieve in their life, and a loving, supportive family will always trump any and all experts in the field.”

Asked for advice to the new generation of gifted children, the trio urged them to pursue their dreams while keeping in mind the need to have fun.

“There’s time for work and there’s time for play and plenty of time for imagination,” says Luna.

“Recognize what you’re good at, be like a sponge and take every opportunity to get better, this way you grow up to become a competent but grounded individual,” adds Galura.

He also notes the importance of using their gift to make it their source of drive and security.

Flores, meanwhile, stressed the importance of sharing these talents with other people.

“Work on your talents and use them to help pursue your dreams and as you work your way to them, don’t forget to give back and share these talents with those who wish to follow in your footsteps,” he says.

“Pursue and work hard for your passions. Each and every one of us is taught that we are all unique and special, and thus, no one can say that you are not special.”