The first thing that comes to our minds when we hear the phrase Xavier Awardee is “Wow.” Impressed are the people who hear that somebody is a Xavier Awardee, because it means that he was given Xavier School ’s highest and most prestigious student award. This Xavier Award is given to any student whom teachers and classmates see as a person who embodies all of the qualities of a Xavier graduate. These qualities are more commonly known as the 6 C’s: character, competence, conscience, compassion, community and culture.

      Much has been said about what these qualities are. We have been provided with explanations about what it means to be a man of character, or of culture, for example. However, some remain puzzled as to what these qualities mean. One way we could understand these qualities is by looking at some well-known national and international figures who, without us knowing it, embody some, if not all, of the 6 C’s. These people have contributed to the good of society through their deeds.

      Everybody knows Mother Teresa. When she was still alive, she was known as the living saint because of her selflessness and her compassion for others. She puts the needs of others before her own ( community ), while at the same time gives glory to God our Father. She is aware of her own limitations as a human being and always remembers to take some time to reflect and pray ( conscience ). She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her endeavors to promote peace and The Mother Teresa Memorial Award was instituted in the late 1990’s in memory of this greatly inspiring woman.

      Here in the Philippines , we have a number of people who have inspired us with their skills and dedication to serve and enlighten the community. These people have been given awards to recognize all their efforts and achievements.

      In his time, former Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay was held in high esteem by people not only from the Philippines but from other countries as well. He cared for “all people as individuals and believed in their dignity and importance; and because he had the courage of his convictions.” After his death, the Ramon Magsaysay Award was instituted to honor people’s courage, selfless service, and leadership. Recently, the Philippines ’s own Sheila Coronel was awarded this honor. She is the co-founder of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, and is a journalist dedicated to uncovering the truth and empowering the citizens to participate actively in the democratic process. Her determined, fearless, and selfless character made her a deserving awardee.

      The Philippines has been said to be a melting pot of cultures , what with Asian, Spanish, and American peoples coming to enjoy our country’s natural wealth. This may have contributed to the famed Filipino ingenuity. We Filipinos are blessed with cultural diversity and world-class capabilities ( competence ). The MTAP-DEPED Math Challenge Award is given to the winner of the challenging math competition. Xaverians have constantly brought recognition to the school when they brought home trophies and medals. The now-defunct television show Pin-Pin was awarded the Gawad CCP Para sa Telebisyon three times. It was given that honor for “its popularization of multiculturalism through presentations easily understood by children.” The movie Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros won the Golden Zenith Award for Best Picture in the 2005 Montreal World Film Festival, which aims to foster cultural diversity and understanding between nations through quality cinema. This movie is the latest in a string of Filipino movies that have garnered international acclaim in the film industry. Truly, the Filipino is capable of great things.

      These awards and winners are perfect examples of living out the 6 C’s in one’s life. Let us look to them for inspiration in our own lives and believe that we, too, can make a change in people’s lives whether it’s through film, writing or just simply being there for others.

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