One Fine Evening

"It is said that you cannot be around great people and not vibrate to the same high frequency," shared Emily Abrera in her opening remarks during the Ramon Magsaysay presentation ceremonies at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

It truly was a gathering of heroes. To witness their anointing reaffirms one's hope in the nobler things in life and the innate goodness of humanity. Caught in the greatness of these heroes'
spirits, the audience sat in reverence as if witnessing a sacred rite. It felt indeed that way, a sacred gathering. For it is not every day that great men and women come together, and people celebrate their light.

Indeed, their greatness inspires. It is more inspiring to note that what makes these heroes truly great are not only their good deeds but also their one common trait: humility. They acknowledged that they did not do it alone. They were grateful to the countless faces who have helped them help others.

The presentation ceremony was a "knighting of the heroes" as ma'am Emily puts it. We have come to celebrate their heroism. For Tony Meloto, Executive Director of Gawad Kalinga, his and GK's recognition honors the sacrifices and devotion of countless volunteers, workers, beneficiaries, and partners who have poured their hearts into the work. Gawad Kalinga becomes the first and only organization to date to be given the Ramon Magsaysay award for Community Leadership.

Today, the Ramon Magsaysay Award. Tomorrow, the Nobel Peace Prize. I know it is not a far-fetched dream. After all, GK started with a dream. Now, it is already a reality, a victorious "people power on the ground". I am one with Tito Tony in saying, "I thank God for his design in making me a Filipino."

It is just my luck and privilege to be working with heroes everyday. I am both honored and humbled. To be with GK's full time workers who tirelessly work for love of God and country. GK is history in the making. It is an honor to be a chronicler of history as it unfolds. To be with great people inevitably inspires (and demands) greatness in one's self. We are all ordinary people with extraordinary dreams and an extraordinary God.

So, I must agree with RM awardee Eugenia Apostol that, "the common man has a shining value." He too can become great if he decides to be.

There is more to do ahead, but this one fine evening is an affirmation to us all: to strive to be heroes in our own little ways. Just like the late great President Ramon Magsaysay, whose 99th birth anniversary we commemorated today (August 31). He believed in the greatness of the common man. He was one of them. What made him great were his humble heart and his selfless spirit.

Tonight, I remembered how proud I was to be a Filipino, and how
honored to be an Asian. I wish that every person could see his or her innate greatness.

Filipino hero, be proud of your legacy. God bless Gawad Kalinga. God bless the Philippines!