25/08/2025
𝐄𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥: The Heroes We Pass By
What bled from the tip of Jose Rizal’s pen, and what sharpened the bolo knives of the Katipuneros? What made the father work in the fields from first light until dusk, and what made the mother take care of the household until her hands were coarse? With every passing day, the same rituals are repeated—pens on paper, walking in and out of our places of work. Meanwhile, the fishball vendor outside performs the tossing in and out of his delicacy, from oil to strainer, in intense concentration even under the searing heat of the sun. In this, a silent sort of magic takes place, emanating from his calloused hands, this warmth transferring to stomachs hungering for a cheap, quick snack. Soon, the sun sets to sleep and the shops close up. It is another day of work tomorrow.
In a third world country mired in both poverty and American dreams, every day is a fight for survival. The common narrative of “rags to riches” is often thrown around as a promise to surface above everyone else, that if you don’t work hard enough, you’ll risk falling behind. The very essence of work has been reduced to a linear path of climbing up the social ladder, to never go down and never look back. It is definitely not a bad thing to be rich or to dream of affluence, to earn enough in order to help your loved ones and improve not only your life but also of others. It is also definitely not a sin to be poor in a system where severe inequality remains rampant. In this rat race that offers no pauses to remain afloat, no breaks just to barely meet basic necessities, today’s modern heroes are the ones who form the very backbone of society, the ones who keep the wheels moving, the fast-paced world turning.
Mapping my usual routes outside school, I have become acquainted with many people on the streets—on the very dusty, sandy ground that Tacurong City is built upon. In the marketplace, the Dan’s Leather establishment has kept my shoes intact, and countless other shoes and footwear repaired for everyone’s comfort, with the aim to make sure that everyone walks with ease as they go about their lives. There, too, a woman sells the most wonderful empanadas at the affordable price of ₱15, filled generously with healthy ingredients and delightful in every bite. Passing by a certain bank, I am greeted by the security guards; despite the idea that security guards are intimidating and serious, we greet each other with shared warmth and goodwill. Tricycle drivers regale me with their colorful experiences and, upon reaching my destination, I am left with their stories and lessons that aid me throughout my life’s journey too. Lastly, to the creative souls I have met in this city, ranging from young people with their anik-aniks and vibrant fashion styles, tricycle drivers who turn their vehicles into works of art, local bands who hold the energy of the sun by day and the stars by night, carenderia owners pouring the taste of nostalgia and home in their establishments and meals, and to all the artists breathing life into this city with their unrelenting passion to create… There are many more heroes to be mentioned, but I would like you to find them yourself.
Today’s heroes are those who serve with love, honesty, and a sense of purpose. Often, it is the raw, unfiltered work in the streets and in humble establishments that deserve more recognition. Let us not forget to appreciate every person from every walk of life doing what they can in a world that can be unfair. Let us not forget that they are the people that keep us moving, that help us in achieving our dreams and lead us to fulfilling lives as well. Vincent van Gogh once wrote that “what is done in love is done well.” We are surrounded by heroes that fight alongside us every day—heroes that remind us that this world is not a hopeless place.
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✍️:Yeshia L. Cahilig
💻:Jerome R. Sustiosa
