"Extraordinary" 3-year-old wows Bohol town

DUERO, BOHOL, Philippines - Genius children are nothing new but they are rare. Is Kenneth Aceberos, who'll be 4 years old on July 5, 2011, one of them?

Kenneth, known by his nickname Ken-ken or Pitsang, now exhibits the rare ability of a fast learner and the skills of an adult. He may not be deemed genius by now, said his mother Ailene, but people of the town, especially in Brgy. Alejawan where he lives, calls him "wonder boy."

Barangay chairman Boy Abueva described the boy as "extraordinary" because of his unusual knowledge of the English language, spelling, reading, writing, music and math.

In a visit by The Freeman the other day, after the "go-signal" from Abueva and Mayor Cornelius Ocay to interview the family, Kenneth showed his special talent in writing figures from one to ten and so on.

While sitting on her mother's lap, he showed that can also count flawlessly from one to a thousand, and he knows how to use a calculator.

What makes him "extraordinary" is that he can count in the reverse order, and he can read fluently a work book for kids with almost correct diction.

Ailene, 27, and her husband Esperadon, 30, said that Kenneth has no formal education. The family resides at sitio Lutao of Alejawan in this eastern town where fishing and farming are the main sources of livelihood of most residents.

Ailene said that Kenneth's favorite songs are "Too Much love Will Kill You" and "Faithfully." He gave a sample rendition of the first song but was cut short because he got curious on the cellphone he saw during the interview. The boy's favorite TV channel is MYX, said the mother.

Kenneth is very keen and curious, like watching a cable TV at home, and that all knowledge he gained could probably be the result of his being hooked up with the TV shows, said Ailene, adding that he is very attentive while watching TV, which he started doing at the age of two.

The mother said Kenneth is really not like the neighbors' kids who are just fond of playing; he does play with them sometimes but would not stay long. He has his own prerogatives, like reading the work book for daycare or kindergarten kids and then go back to watch TV, she said.

Kenneth, who has 7-year-old brother named Kirby, eats vegetables, fish, fruits and sometimes meat.

Ailene and Esperadon have big dreams for Kenneth and they both wanted that he be given a better education, preferably in a private school.