What’s it like to be a gifted child?
November 27, 2005 | 12:00am
Every child is born with a gift, and it is up to parents to develop these gifts to the fullest. It is not an easy job. Nurturing the gift takes a stimulating environment and most important is the unconditional love of parents.
This year’s celebration of the National Week for the Gifted, which is November 20 to 26, lets us acknowledge the following gifted children who have brought honor to our country.
Let these eight children tell you what is it really like to be gifted.
For comments and suggestions, e-mail the author at monswordsworth@yahoo.com.
JACLYN KATE GUEVARRA, 6 years old, with dad Glenn Guevarra. She’s the youngest figure skater to join the 2004 World Recreational Team Championships in Blaine Minnesota, USA, where she won two gold and two bronze medals. She is also a member of the SM Megamall Philippine Ice Skating Team for which she competed in the World Recreational Team Championships in Los Angeles, California, where she won six medals:
"People tell me I’m good at skating and that I would be even better if I practiced more often. Sometimes it’s very tiring because the moves are difficult to do but I enjoy skating. My mom and dad teach me how to skate and they’d often videotape our sessions. I’m very happy when I win in competitions and when I do well my parents buy me toys and encourage me to continue to become a well-known figure skater."
YAEL ROSE BIBAL, 11, scientist. She’s won several contests, placing first or 2nd place in science, math, declamation, poster-making, and investigative projects between 1998 and 2004. She also won 2nd place in the division level with her science project "Rice Hull Converted into Carbonized Rice Hull (CRH) Charcoal Briquettes As An Alternative Source of Fuel" in La Trinidad, Benguet:
"I couldn’t believe it at first when they told me I was a gifted child. I was surprised but very happy. I’ve always been into science and when I found out I had the talent for it, I became even more interested. I’m very grateful to my parents who have always believed in me even when I sometimes doubt myself."
REGINA MONTESCLAROS, 12, pianist, with mom Ditas. She placed second in the National Competition for Young Artists in 2001 and first in 2004. Among other awards, she was an Outstanding Glee Club Member of College San Austin in 2001 and 2002. She has held solo performances at Equitable PCIBank, CCP, Santa Isabel College, CEU and was a guest performer in the Tribute to Dr. Lucresia Kasilag concerts:
"Being labeled a gifted child, you’re expected to be the best. And I try to be — not just to meet people’s expectations, but because I want to be the best that I can be. That’s why I practice for three to four hours every day and up to six hours during weekends. It may seem really exhausting, but I love it – music is fun! Practicing is even more fun because my dad is always there with me. I think my father is my biggest fan. Even if he’s got work, he there when I practice. He disciplines and encourages me when I play the piano. Oh, and my mom takes care of everything – from the scheduling of my performances to the fitting of my gowns. Both my parents are with me every step of the way. They inspire me to be my best."
ROMEO ROSETE, 14, painter. He’s won several awards since 1997, starting with the Coca-Cola Guhit Bulilit 10 Art Contest, Manila (1st place); and several poster-making contests on population education, the environment, drug prevention, independence day and poverty. He’s also won in painting competitions, one of which was the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in Benguet where h own 1st place. He is a Promil endorser in the visual arts category. and acts on stage:
"I am a young painter, but people say I have accomplished a lot already. I guess that’s why they regard me as gifted. I owe it all to my parents. What I value most is the love and support that my parents give me. Sometimes, when my classmates and other people criticize me and my work, it makes me feel sad and I don’t feel like painting anymore. But my parents are there to uplift and inspire me. They always tell me to treat criticisms as challenges. With their unwavering support, my parents give me the strength to go on."
PORTIA HEIDI BALITE, 11, mathematician. She has won several math competitions worldwide:
"One thing wonderful about being gifted is the rewarding experience of representing our country in several international mathematics competitions, and giving honor to our country at my tender age. But being a gifted kid is not as easy as it looks. One must possess discipline, a sense of responsibility, independence, patience, obedience, and humility. I must tell you that I am very grateful to my parents. They are my inspiration and strength because of their unconditional love, untiring assistance, and support. They provide me with the proper guidance, a wholesome and worthwhile environment and right nutrition to nurture my gifts."
YOSH TAMURA, 8, linguist. At four, he could recite the multiplication table up to the 20s without having been taught by anyone. He participated in two visual arts exhibit and sold some of his works. At five, he showed interest in history (from prehistory to the great wars) and world geography and memorized the capitals of countries, their respective industries and flags. Last summer, he won in the Robotics Competition sponsored by the Philippine Association for the Gifted. He is a segment host in the talk show Talented and Gifted (TAG) airing November on Studio 23 9:30 to 10 a.m. on Saturdays:
"Sometimes my classmates copy from my paper and I don’t know why. Maybe because they think I know a lot. If it is, it’s because I read a lot. I love reading books! I have about 150 books but I haven’t read all of them. Right now, I’m reading a book about Albert Einstein and I’m trying to find out why he was kicked out of school. I think I got my love of books from my family. My mom would always ask me to read every afternoon. When my whole family is at the mall, we would all go to the bookstore and they would let me choose the books I love and buy them for me. Aside from giving me the things I want, my mom and dad would always hug and kiss me. I thank them for their love and support."
BENJAMIN KHO, 10, writer. Starting at kindergarten, he has been winning in math and science quiz bees, and in recent years in writing contests. This year he was the official Philippine representative in the China Primary School Math Olympiad, where he placed 3rd in calculation skills, and problem solving skills categories. He wrote a poem, an essay and a story in the "Precious Collections," a project of the San Beda College Alabang Reading Dept.:
"Some people think that when you’re called a gifted child, you’re like a nerd who’s always alone reading books, books, and more books. But that’s not true. Yeah, I love books and I like to be alone sometimes, but not always. Like other kids, I like playing outside with my friends. I may be a gifted child, but I think I’m just like any other kid. My parents always support me in everything that I do. They want me to be happy and to always do my best because, they said, opportunity knocks only once. They have always been there to help me and I love them so much."
CY TAMURA, 15, artist, with mom Cecile Tamura. He received a scholarship grant for London from the British Council, was class valedictorian of International Montessori School in 2003. In 2001 he made his first video animation at the UP Film Center Video Animation Workshop. He acted onstage and created 12 mini books with illustrations as a school culminating activity. In January 1998 he became a mainstay of ABS-CBN’s For Kids Only:
"To be labeled "gifted" is this: the media pay you close attention, people respect you for reasons you sometimes do not understand, people you don’t know say "hello" to you in public, and people expect you to behave in a certain manner. But being identified as gifted has also made me understand myself better. My parents are always very supportive: They guide me through challenges and are ever-ready to accommodate me in spite of their busy schedules. I feel that it is their unconditional love and unwavering support that has, and will always, continue to help me develop my gifts."
This year’s celebration of the National Week for the Gifted, which is November 20 to 26, lets us acknowledge the following gifted children who have brought honor to our country.
Let these eight children tell you what is it really like to be gifted.
JACLYN KATE GUEVARRA, 6 years old, with dad Glenn Guevarra. She’s the youngest figure skater to join the 2004 World Recreational Team Championships in Blaine Minnesota, USA, where she won two gold and two bronze medals. She is also a member of the SM Megamall Philippine Ice Skating Team for which she competed in the World Recreational Team Championships in Los Angeles, California, where she won six medals:
"People tell me I’m good at skating and that I would be even better if I practiced more often. Sometimes it’s very tiring because the moves are difficult to do but I enjoy skating. My mom and dad teach me how to skate and they’d often videotape our sessions. I’m very happy when I win in competitions and when I do well my parents buy me toys and encourage me to continue to become a well-known figure skater."
YAEL ROSE BIBAL, 11, scientist. She’s won several contests, placing first or 2nd place in science, math, declamation, poster-making, and investigative projects between 1998 and 2004. She also won 2nd place in the division level with her science project "Rice Hull Converted into Carbonized Rice Hull (CRH) Charcoal Briquettes As An Alternative Source of Fuel" in La Trinidad, Benguet:
"I couldn’t believe it at first when they told me I was a gifted child. I was surprised but very happy. I’ve always been into science and when I found out I had the talent for it, I became even more interested. I’m very grateful to my parents who have always believed in me even when I sometimes doubt myself."
REGINA MONTESCLAROS, 12, pianist, with mom Ditas. She placed second in the National Competition for Young Artists in 2001 and first in 2004. Among other awards, she was an Outstanding Glee Club Member of College San Austin in 2001 and 2002. She has held solo performances at Equitable PCIBank, CCP, Santa Isabel College, CEU and was a guest performer in the Tribute to Dr. Lucresia Kasilag concerts:
"Being labeled a gifted child, you’re expected to be the best. And I try to be — not just to meet people’s expectations, but because I want to be the best that I can be. That’s why I practice for three to four hours every day and up to six hours during weekends. It may seem really exhausting, but I love it – music is fun! Practicing is even more fun because my dad is always there with me. I think my father is my biggest fan. Even if he’s got work, he there when I practice. He disciplines and encourages me when I play the piano. Oh, and my mom takes care of everything – from the scheduling of my performances to the fitting of my gowns. Both my parents are with me every step of the way. They inspire me to be my best."
ROMEO ROSETE, 14, painter. He’s won several awards since 1997, starting with the Coca-Cola Guhit Bulilit 10 Art Contest, Manila (1st place); and several poster-making contests on population education, the environment, drug prevention, independence day and poverty. He’s also won in painting competitions, one of which was the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in Benguet where h own 1st place. He is a Promil endorser in the visual arts category. and acts on stage:
"I am a young painter, but people say I have accomplished a lot already. I guess that’s why they regard me as gifted. I owe it all to my parents. What I value most is the love and support that my parents give me. Sometimes, when my classmates and other people criticize me and my work, it makes me feel sad and I don’t feel like painting anymore. But my parents are there to uplift and inspire me. They always tell me to treat criticisms as challenges. With their unwavering support, my parents give me the strength to go on."
PORTIA HEIDI BALITE, 11, mathematician. She has won several math competitions worldwide:
"One thing wonderful about being gifted is the rewarding experience of representing our country in several international mathematics competitions, and giving honor to our country at my tender age. But being a gifted kid is not as easy as it looks. One must possess discipline, a sense of responsibility, independence, patience, obedience, and humility. I must tell you that I am very grateful to my parents. They are my inspiration and strength because of their unconditional love, untiring assistance, and support. They provide me with the proper guidance, a wholesome and worthwhile environment and right nutrition to nurture my gifts."
YOSH TAMURA, 8, linguist. At four, he could recite the multiplication table up to the 20s without having been taught by anyone. He participated in two visual arts exhibit and sold some of his works. At five, he showed interest in history (from prehistory to the great wars) and world geography and memorized the capitals of countries, their respective industries and flags. Last summer, he won in the Robotics Competition sponsored by the Philippine Association for the Gifted. He is a segment host in the talk show Talented and Gifted (TAG) airing November on Studio 23 9:30 to 10 a.m. on Saturdays:
"Sometimes my classmates copy from my paper and I don’t know why. Maybe because they think I know a lot. If it is, it’s because I read a lot. I love reading books! I have about 150 books but I haven’t read all of them. Right now, I’m reading a book about Albert Einstein and I’m trying to find out why he was kicked out of school. I think I got my love of books from my family. My mom would always ask me to read every afternoon. When my whole family is at the mall, we would all go to the bookstore and they would let me choose the books I love and buy them for me. Aside from giving me the things I want, my mom and dad would always hug and kiss me. I thank them for their love and support."
BENJAMIN KHO, 10, writer. Starting at kindergarten, he has been winning in math and science quiz bees, and in recent years in writing contests. This year he was the official Philippine representative in the China Primary School Math Olympiad, where he placed 3rd in calculation skills, and problem solving skills categories. He wrote a poem, an essay and a story in the "Precious Collections," a project of the San Beda College Alabang Reading Dept.:
"Some people think that when you’re called a gifted child, you’re like a nerd who’s always alone reading books, books, and more books. But that’s not true. Yeah, I love books and I like to be alone sometimes, but not always. Like other kids, I like playing outside with my friends. I may be a gifted child, but I think I’m just like any other kid. My parents always support me in everything that I do. They want me to be happy and to always do my best because, they said, opportunity knocks only once. They have always been there to help me and I love them so much."
CY TAMURA, 15, artist, with mom Cecile Tamura. He received a scholarship grant for London from the British Council, was class valedictorian of International Montessori School in 2003. In 2001 he made his first video animation at the UP Film Center Video Animation Workshop. He acted onstage and created 12 mini books with illustrations as a school culminating activity. In January 1998 he became a mainstay of ABS-CBN’s For Kids Only:
"To be labeled "gifted" is this: the media pay you close attention, people respect you for reasons you sometimes do not understand, people you don’t know say "hello" to you in public, and people expect you to behave in a certain manner. But being identified as gifted has also made me understand myself better. My parents are always very supportive: They guide me through challenges and are ever-ready to accommodate me in spite of their busy schedules. I feel that it is their unconditional love and unwavering support that has, and will always, continue to help me develop my gifts."
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