Small steps, big dreams

MANILA, Philippines - The common belief is that for one to become a hero, one has to give up one’s life for the common good. This is very evident in the country’s long list of remarkable men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in exchange for freedom and justice.

Today, a new breed of hero has emerged, one who has just started in life and yet has already achieved so much. Meet Emmanuel “Eman” Bagual.

Just in his late teens, Eman gained international recognition when he was ranked among the top five nominees for the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for Children’s Rights. Many might think that it would take several years of painstakingly propagating a cause to make it to the shortlist of the internationally renowned award-giving body. But in Eman’s case, all it took was sheer determination to “walk the talk.”

Eman grew up in a slum area in Cavite and spent a good part of his youth in the streets, just like most kids living in his area. But even then, Eman did not let his difficulties get in the way of building a better life. He was a diligent student, attending classes during the week, and helping his parents make both ends meet by selling corn from a pushcart on weekends.

However, the perils attendant to a life in an urban slum area did not spare Eman. He got entangled in the web of street gangs and his young life soon fell to pieces. But fortunately, things took an unexpected turn for the better with a chance encounter with CNN Hero Efren Peñaflorida during a grade school graduation ceremony in 2004. Eman was stunned by Peñaflorida’s powerful words that he immediately realized that he could do something to help people, particularly the youth.

Under Peñaflorida’s mentorship, Eman got actively involved with the Dynamic Teen Company, which has been doing volunteer work to aid marginalized families in their area. Together with other volunteers, Eman helped several neighborhood children with no access to education get the chance to learn and convince them to live their lives with a purpose.

Having personally experienced the struggles of growing up in the slums and breaking his back to make a living at such a young age, Eman decided to put up M.Y. Rights, which stands for Mind Your Rights, aimed at upholding children’s rights. At the same time, he is a Biblical servant leader, chief executive officer of the Dynamic Teen Company and a United Nations Advocate for Human Rights. With all these achievements, it is no wonder that the country’s little hero would be acclaimed by no less than the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize organization.

Eman Bagual

Eman has indeed set a benchmark for today’s youth to make a difference in their homes and in their communities. Sparked by this inspiration, Tang, the fruit drink loved by kids throughout the years, has launched a quest for outstanding young achievers.

The search for Tang Galing Mo Kid recognizes the impact of young ones in bringing a refreshing change in society, even in small ways. Organizations may nominate children from 7 to 12 years old who have shown exemplary performance in community service. 

An organization may have as many nominees as it wants but only one child per organization member is allowed. Official nomination forms may be mailed to 5thP Advertising at 55D Matahimik St., Teacher’s Village, West Diliman, Quezon City. Entries may also be sent via email to [email protected] with the subject “Tang Galing Nomination Form.”

Each entry form should be accompanied by a one-page story on the life of the child and his or her inspiring achievements that are worth emulating. Deadline for submission of entries is Aug. 6.

Seven Tang Galing Kids will be chosen. Each will receive a cash prize, which they can use to implement a project of their choice. The winning kids and their nominating organizations will each garner a P100, 000 cash prize.

Through the Search for Tang Galing Mo Kid, Tang lives up to its tradition of stirring a kid’s imagination and potential in a refreshing way. With its Fruit Power 7 nutrients, Tang refreshes kids to stay alert and be active community members.