Inspiring stories from global Pinoys

Nothing makes my day than a good story, and meeting inspiring people. I left the set of Kwentong Disyerto contented. I just finished hosting Kwentong Disyerto with TJ Manotoc. Our topic: Global Pinoys.

First in the roster of guests is no other than the coach of the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation Team (PDBF). Its members have been all over the airwaves since their victory at Tampa, Florida and have been asked almost any possible question, from the politics in sports to being Philippines’ newest heroes. My favorite is the tahong story: On how the team feasts on tahong, harvesting it themselves after their training in Manila Bay. They showed their resourcefulness in making a living in selling refuse. What makes their story particularly inspiring is they started with so little, and have achieved so much. Is that not what winners are made of?

The first two achievements of the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation Team did not get much media attention as the last one. And what differentiates this victory from the past is the show of support from the Filipino community. “It is very overwhelming,” says Thea Bartolome , a paddler of Philippine Dragon Boat Federation Team.

The team is beyond politics now, that it prefers to ignore foul comments like “they can go back to eating tahong.” Though I’m sure they wouldn’t mind.

Our second guest, Dr. Rainier Villanueva was very unassuming. His credentials — doctor, pharmacist, medical technologist and a practicing neurosurgeon! With all the feathers on his cap, he chose to focus on indigenous plants growing up in Masbate. He pioneered, at a time when society would dismiss herbal medicine as something for the barrios and albularyos. “Do you remember the old Philcite? I used to sell the shampoo there myself. I developed and sold it.” A one-man show. The bureaucracy didn’t stop Dr. Villanueva from pursuing his vision, even if he had to fund his project himself, without any support from government. To be accurate, he was told that he would get support for his shampoo if he wins at the 27th Salon International des Inventions. This was in 1999.

We love winners, and we cheer them on when they bring home the bacon. But where were we when they had proven nothing yet. What inspires me even more is how they offer their victory to the country, despite our lack of support in the beginning. How selfless and patriotic.

Coach Nestor Ilagan of PDBF Team says, “We train to win,” practicing three times a day, rowing from Manila Yacht Club to Manila Ocean Park. I honestly thought that the video of the PDBF was on fast motion when it aired on television. That is 110 strokes a minute!

On the other hand, Dr. Villanueva tells other inventors, “if you have an idea that you believe in, push it”

Glass sculptor Ramon Orlina refused a grant to study glass art abroad, because he wanted to follow his own passion. He shares that had he accepted the offer, then he would not have developed his own style in glass art.

Recognition is only incidental to those who choose to carry out their passion against the odds. It takes courage and heart. Without the challenge, then there would be no winners.