Up, Up, and Away

I often wonder why Filipinos are so hooked in watching heroic movies. May it be controversial, fantasy or cartoons. It just seems that these movies have a common magical ingredient which enthusiast us all- that one, making us patient enough to endure moments of waiting at the long time in the cinema. But then, what do we really get from it?

Some say that these movies help Filipinos to somewhat escape from what’s truly happening in their country. Things like poverty, crimes, corruption… We see these types of news everyday whenever we take a peek at the newspaper or television. Seems like we want something new, something different and something better than a realm consisting of a big number of corrupt officials, issues of prostitution, social discrimination, lack of education and people who are tremendously divided! Ah, we had enough!! It would be nice then if there is someone like Spiderman who shall always save the day. Truly, these heroes inspire us, which gushes a thought that one day we’ll be fortunate indeed to find the magic lamp whose genii can tranform us into a real character with super powers.

However all heroes are not just in movie screens. Hero is neither an idealistic term that refers to a grand prize winner of a star search, nor the one pertaining to Carey’s sweet sounding song. Albeit we don’t have superpowers, we can all be considered as heroes. It is because being a hero includes doing what is right. It is pursuing the common good. But sometimes, we have to give up the things that we want even our dreams(familiar line huh?)


I then remember what one of my teachers made mention, “the world is crying… how can you help heal it?” Indeed, everyone of us seems to be included in an inevitable dillema. But even though the situation is fiercely aggravating, we can somehow cease our world’s wails through simple things such as becoming lamps in every corner, nevertheless a hero on our own ways. Big things start from small beginnings as they say. As long as you know what you are doing is good, there is nothing to be ashamed of.


“Kasalanan ang dapat ikahiya ng tao..” so why would you feel shy in singing the National Anthem during the flag ceremonies or singing out loud during Sunday masses? Isn’t it that these things are right? Isn’t it that these things could lead us to becoming heroes of our true selves? Reality bites. But sometimes big things dominate small things that are considerably important. Disgruntled eyes search for extravagant expulsions, neglecting small details that they need to see. Little girls and boys want to be big heroes immediately without knowing how to be little heroes first. Soon, they’ll realize that something should be done as soon as possible.

These realizations could somewhat make us think of what a real hero is. We may never be like Spiderman or Superman but if only we’ll do somethig better, we can make a big difference. All of us are important and have the capabilities to fight the monsters in our community and society. Even though we are just small heroes, if everyone of us will be united, a better hero will prevail. So if you want a better place to live in, just remember: you are a hero, you can do what is right…. you can make it!


P.S. It is not about taking a seat in the cinema and enjoying visual effects. But it is on how you can become a real hero in your life. Fly higher! Soar higher! Ü