Just want to share this write-up about me, made by my daughter for a school assignment.
A Local Hero's Profile
Most people would describe heroes as those who sacrifice their personal comforts to live and die for special causes.
At this day and age, heroes come in different shapes and sizes. For me, they are not just of the political kind that we always hear of on television and read about on the papers. Heroism can also be seen in people who show great passion in whatever fields they are in, in those who go beyond themselves, strive to spark change and inspire their fellow.
I believe my dad is one of them. As a husband to my mother, and a father to us siblings, yes he is our hero. But there is more to him than just the sacrifices he does as the head of our family.
First and foremost, he is a hero to those who suffer the unbearable pain of ailing gums and teeth. As a dentist by profession, he is the superman who will always be ready to save his patients when they've had too much sweets to eat and forget to brush their teeth at night. Not to mention, further to his private practice, he also sets off to offer his services for free in various dental mission initiatives. This is his worthwhile way of using his profession to help the less fortunate members of the community.
Second, my dad is a leader in all sorts of fields. He has headed developmental programs of the local chapter of the Philippine Dental Association, where he served as President. He was also President and is currently active member of Rotary Club, where he takes part in the implementation of goodwill projects for various sectors of the society.
Third, my dad has been most notable for his contributions to sports in the province. He has founded the LITAKEM Ilocos Sur Badminton Club (LISBC). Through this initiative, the Ilocos Sur Badminton Center was built. This badminton hub stands to house enthusiasts who come together with their friends to play leisure and competitive games of the sport.
My dad has also founded TARAYEM, an organization of passionate runners in the community. What started as a hobby and a practice for personal well-being has now become the advocacy that he envisions to share with the community. Through his selfless sharing of his time, expertise and love for the sport, he has created several venues for people to also experience the transformative power of running as a sport, a hobby and a community-building activity.
Having finished seven marathons (42km) and three ultramarathons (43km and up) to date, my dad has established for himself a record that only highly-determined, dedicated and disciplined people can achieve. This has allowed him to inspire people to also embrace such virtues and has given him the credentials to be considered a master of the craft. He has then organized several running events and races that drew people to love the sport and practice healthy lifestyles, alongside. Now, given the prevalence of the sport in the province, I believe my dad has been successful in realizing his noble vision.
At the end of the day, heroes are those that move us to live for something bigger than our own dreams for ourselves. While most men of his age are primarily dedicated to making money and building their own estates, my dad has profoundly shown me the greater fulfillment that comes from pursuing one's passion and initiating relevant causes that benefit the community, even those that do not necessarily involve money in the process. Most of my dad's achievements are actually fruits of pro bono work and his utmost dedication to effect change.
As a witness to all his benevolent contributions to the community, I will always live by the example of my dad. His unending passion, charm and commitment to his craft will always be something I'll look up to, as I strive to be a hero in my own little ways, as well.
Carbo loading party on the eve of the race
