Not all heroes wear capes.
Some of them are etched in our history books after valiantly fighting for our country’s freedom from colonization and dictatorship. Some took part in revolutions, sacrificing their lives to end tyranny and oppression. Others advocated peaceful reforms or wrote masterpieces that would shape the destiny of our nation. While some of our brave warriors fought with their bolos and guns, a few of them used pens as a mighty weapon against the conquerors. Other Filipinos were armed with rosaries and flowers, unfazed by the sight of military tanks. All of the—popular or nameless—are paragons of nationalism.
We often associate the word “hero” to key historical figures such as Dr. Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, and Gen. Antonio Luna, whom we grew up knowing through our textbooks and educational films. Iconic Filipina heroines like Melchora Aquino and Gabriela Silang are also revered for their pivotal roles in Philippine history and independence. But aside from the prominent personalities whose life stories and achievements are cemented in the minds and hearts of every generation, we all have our heroes in our lives, too – our role models who inspire us to become better persons every single day.
They can be your parents who tirelessly work hard to provide your family a comfortable life. Or a friend who stands up to bullies. Or even your coach or mentor, who never ceases to motivate and push you beyond your limits. Sometimes you are your hero. You pick yourself up in every adversity, conquer your fears, make your own choices, and help others get closer to their dreams.
Now that we’re fighting a different battle—a global health crisis, among other economic challenges and political issues—we celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of our modern-day heroes who exude greatness and noble acts of love for the benefit of the people around them.
As we celebrate National Heroes Day this month of August, we remember our fallen heroes to whom we owe the peace and independence we are experiencing at the present. But we are also putting the limelight on some of our contemporary champions of courage, the unsung heroes who deserve to be honored especially during these trying times – from the medical frontliners, delivery riders, overseas Filipino workers, Olympic athletes, and community pantry organizers.
Healthcare Workers
On the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic response, the healthcare workers—doctors, nurses, paramedics, technicians, hospital support staff, etc.—continuously risk their lives to save others. Their roles are critical to winning our fight against COVID-19. Unfortunately, some of them lost their lives while providing care and support to their patients and doing their sworn duty for society.
While other employees can choose to work from home and stay safe indoors with their loved ones, the health workers don’t have the luxury to do that. Others even decide to isolate themselves from their families and endure the pain of not getting to hug their children. They miss holidays, birthdays, and other important occasions. Although they are regarded as heroes, healthcare workers need help, too.
They don’t possess superhuman powers – the whole situation can take its toll on their physical and mental well-being as they face the daily pressure of treating patients amid a medical war zone where coronavirus infections are soaring. Beyond the applause, cheers, banners, discounts, and other forms of salute, we must help them by doing our part like wearing a mask, physical distancing, following health protocols, and getting vaccinated.
Their labor rights must also be addressed and of course, they must be properly compensated and protected. They deserve to have adequate salaries and benefits, hazard pay, and sufficient personal protective equipment. Our healthcare workers are heroes, but they should not be martyrs – their lives matter, too.
Overseas Filipino Workers or OFWs
Family means everything in the traditional Filipino culture. An extended household with multiple generations living under the same roof is quite common for Filipinos who are known for having close and strong family ties. They also prioritize the welfare of their families above all else even if it means they have to sacrifice being away from them for a long time and miss important milestones.
The overseas Filipino workers—domestic helpers, nurses, construction workers, engineers, waiters, among others—search for greener pastures abroad so they can provide for the needs of their loved ones and send their children or siblings to school.
Many Filipino migrant workers have endured challenges such as homesickness, maltreatment, racial discrimination, and poor working conditions for the sake of giving their families a secure future. Tagged as our modern-day heroes, the OFWs also aid in boosting the Philippine economy through their remittances.
The personal remittances from overseas Filipinos hit a record high of $33.5 billion in 2019, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. An estimated number of 2.2 million OFWs worked abroad from April to September 2019 based on the data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Olympians
This year’s Tokyo Olympics is an unforgettable feat for the Filipinos, who witnessed the Pinoy athletes bringing pride and glory to the Philippines on the world’s biggest sporting stage. Our sports heroes wrapped up the Summer Games with the country’s most successful campaign in the Olympics after hauling one gold, two silvers, and one bronze medal. It was a historic moment for weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz who finally ended the 97-year gold medal drought of the Philippines after defeating China’s world record holder Liao Qiuyun and ruling the women’s 55-kg class.
Winning the country’s first-ever Olympic gold, Diaz lifted the whole nation with her phenomenal triumph and inspiring journey to the top. The Philippine boxing team also emerged victorious in the prestigious tournament as Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam took home a pair of silver medals in the women’s featherweight and men’s flyweight divisions, respectively, and Eumir Marcial bagged the bronze in the men’s middleweight category.
Aside from the medalists, the members of the 19-strong contingent that represented the country well in the Olympic Games are Caloy Yulo (gymnastics), EJ Obiena (pole vault), Margielyn Didal (skateboarding), Irish Magno (boxing), Yuka Saso (golf), Bianca Pagdanganan (golf), Juvic Pagunsan (golf), Cris Nievarez (rowing), Elreen Ando (weightlifting), Kristina Knott (track and field), Jayson Valdez (shooting), Kurt Barbosa (taekwondo), Kiyomi Watanabe (judo), Remedy Rule (swimming) and Luke Gebbie (swimming).
Community Pantry Organizers and Volunteers
Bayanihan spirit runs in the blood of Filipinos as portrayed when communities work together for a common cause, especially when faced with natural calamities and other hardships. Amid a crisis, we saw how the Filipinos have kept this sense of solidarity alive. Who would’ve thought that a simple act of kindness would go a long way, sparking a movement that has helped feed thousands of underprivileged people nationwide?
It started as an initiative of a young entrepreneur named Ana Patricia Non, who placed a bamboo cart filled with canned goods, vegetables, rice, and other necessities along Maginhawa Street with a handwritten sign, “Magbigay ayon sa kakayahan, kumuha batay sa pangangailangan.” (“Give what you can, take what you need.”)Despite the red-tagging accusations and threats, Non continued her advocacy of helping the poor and raised even more donations for the community pantries.
The mutual aid initiative has also mushroomed all over the country to provide free food for the needy suffering from hunger and unemployment due to pandemic-induced lockdowns. As the community pantry movement went viral on social media, it has inspired other cities and provinces to follow suit, creating a beautiful ripple effect of goodwill. And the donations do not only come from rich individuals; even farmers and those who are less fortunate share their harvest and whatever they can give to sustain the pantries.
Delivery Riders
Since many of us are cooped up in the house to minimize exposure to the virus, we’ve been relying a lot on door-to-door delivery services now more than ever. During these months of limited mobility due to quarantine restrictions, the delivery riders are the ones who brave the roads to bring us whatever needs or cravings we have without leaving the comforts of our homes.
Almost everything can be ordered online from food, groceries, medicines, or other essentials. We don’t have to worry about running out of supplies, not being able to cook dinner, or sending a birthday cake to our loved ones even when we’re on lockdown. Because of the convenience of online shopping, we can also buy gadgets and clothes with just a few clicks. The contemporary heroes who make these fast and easy transactions possible are the delivery riders.
Rain or shine, our motorcycle-riding saviors deliver the goods to our doorstep, making sure that our package is safe and on time. They serve as a lifeline to many households who are forced to stay home, giving them access to necessities.
Although there are risks of contracting COVID-19 and being victimized by fake bookings or no-show customers, the delivery riders continue to do their jobs as frontliners. Just as they are keeping us safe and protected, they must also receive protection from scams and unfair working conditions; and of course, their health and safety must not be compromised. It would also be nice if we could give them a tip or a five-star rating to show our appreciation.
Many other modern heroes have emerged during this crisis – teachers adapting to the “new normal” of online classes, supermarket workers restocking the shelves with essential goods, public transport drivers taking us safely to our destination, local artists using their art to impact the community, journalists combating fake news and misinformation, among others. Heroes are everywhere, inspiring us to fight our daily battles with courage and achieve greatness without forgetting our values.
Cradle of Heroes
Caloocan City is a witness to how our national heroes bravely fought for the Philippines’ independence during the colonial periods. This historical city has now grown into a preferred settlement among people from the metropolis because of its growing industrial and commercial centers as well as its big residential area. This highly urbanized city’s proximity to the country’s capital city of Manila is also a plus.
Ready to discover the new side of Caloocan City? Camella Manors Caloocan is the first mixed-use condo development in North Caloocan strategically located at the heart of Camarin Road.
The resort-themed condo has its commercial complex and lovely amenities like a swimming pool, clubhouse, function hall, fitness gym, playpark, jogging path, and garden roof deck. 24/7 security is provided for your safety and peace of mind. This affordable condo in Caloocan is also accessible to lifestyle centers, business hubs, and other major establishments in the city.
Camella Manors Caloocan is a 2.5-hectare project that has five residential towers with 15 stories each. This pre-selling condo in Caloocan offers studio units at 23.76 sq.m. and 28.55 sq.m. and one bedroom-type unit at 30.36 sq.m.
This condo for sale is just two minutes away from Caloocan City North Medical Center, 10 minutes away from SM City Fairview and Ayala Fairview Terraces, and 10 minutes away from National University Fairview and Our Lady of Fatima University-Lagro.
A hassle-free commute to other parts of Metro Manila will be possible for the residents through the Metro Rail Transit Line 7. Once the railway project is completed, Camella Manors Caloocan will just be 15 minutes away from the Mindanao Avenue Station of MRT-7, which will link North Avenue in Quezon City to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.
Camella Manors Caloocan’s strategic location in the National Capital Region brings a wealth of business opportunities for those who are looking for property investment in the Philippines. Since the residential property is found in one of the most populous cities in the country, the property’s market value is potentially high.
An on-site or online tour of the condo unit may also be scheduled to further discuss important details. For additional information and inquiries about the property, please click here.
Come home to Camella Manors Caloocan now!
