MANILA, Philippines - While the Philippines is still lagging behind, as still many people from the margins of the society are not granted access to free schooling, there are still some success stories that make us believe that education is a great equalizer of things – especially when it crosses the borders the society has dictated.
King of Aetas
If education is a gift, our fellows from the far-flung, remote provinces are deprived of it.
But for people with big dreams and aspirations, accessibility is only a challenge – a challenge that has to be succeeded.
This was the difficulty that an Aeta like Norman King had to face. He was the first in his tribe to earn a bachelor’s diploma. Norman is now a BA Behavioral Science degree holder from the University of the Philippines–Manila.
Norman might be just-another-graduate-from-UP, but there is a whole tribe celebrating with him in the far mountains and are hopeful for the future generations of this tribe who are thirsty for education.
During his graduation day, with head held up high, Norman wore his bahag, the traditional clothing for the Aeta tribe, as he stepped onto the stage to claim his diploma and to represent the Aetas as well. He shares his victory with his entire tribe and is planning to give back by writing a history book about his tribe.
Norman is a living proof that his roots will not determine his capability as a student and an achiever. Perhaps it made him history.
In a Third World country, feats like this, a kid from a tribe graduating from college, is a celebration for most people. In a nation where education remains metro-centric, a feat like Norman’s is a glimmer of hope. He is a testament that education knows no borders or tribes.
Nothing can bring Brina down
Looking at her once is enough to know that Brina is not common.
Floppy, with a small nose and mouth is what you’ll notice when you first lay eyes on her. She has Down syndrome and true enough, Brina is not really common.
One time in her life, she was invited to the former president of the United States Barack Obama’s dinner. That’s not what common people do.
Brina Kei M. Maxino is a woman of achievements. She was a Global Youth Ambassadress representing the Asia-Pacific region for the Special Olympics. She has been invited multiple times as a motivational speaker to numerous gatherings full of common people.
"You are changing the country, and now I am changing mine," say Brina to Barack Obama.
Brina Kei M. Maxino is a woman of achievements. She was a Global Youth Ambassadress representing the Asia-Pacific region for the Special Olympics and has been invited multiple times as a motivational speaker to numerous gatherings.
She finished strong in her high school graduation as a valedictorian; she attended a regular high school with the rest of the regular kids by the way. At age 17, she gained her General Clerical Services certification and a two-year Certificate in Associate in Arts in CAP College Foundation Inc.
Recently, Brina continues her achievements as she finishes a degree in BA History. Today, she is happily contributing in the workforce of the country. She is a manifestation that even people with intellectual disability do wonders.
Brina is a manifestation that even though she has Down's syndrome, she can attend regular school and even conquer it. Her disabilites did not prevent her from doing the things she loves. With a strong faith and a strong-even-through-holed-heart, Brina touched hearts from around the globe.
Although with Down's, Brina's journey is nowhere but up.