On Thursday, February 23, the teachers of Saint Pedro Poveda College, La Salle Greenhills, Immaculate Conception Academy (ICA) and Xavier School went to ICA and celebrated the 19th Edsor Day with the theme “Heroes of Today.”

      EDSOR stands for Edsa-Ortigas, and the four schools comprise what is called as the EDSOR Consortium. These schools came together to help uphold democracy during the People Power Revolution 20 years ago, and since then, there has been an annual celebration to strengthen the bonds that have united the member schools.

      It was in 1998 when I first set foot in ICA , when the Xavier School contingent, wearing red shirts, went there for the Edsor Day of that year. I remember marveling at their big and airconditioned gym, where the program was held. The four schools presented songs and dances, much to the delight of all who were there.

      This year, I went to ICA once more, but no longer as a mere member of the audience, awaiting whatever the stage would offer. Instead, I was part of the Edsor core committee, composed of the faculty club presidents of the four schools, that organized the event.

      A task such as ours is not a piece of cake, especially since Xavier School was the host for this year’s celebration. Several details had to be attended to, and frankly speaking, my big fear all throughout the preparation phase and even during the program itself was overlooking a detail or two. I am thankful for working with Jopin Galvez, the president of the Grade School Facampa, for she showed grace under pressure, which in turn encouraged me to go on. Also, the other officers of both the Grade School and the High School Chapters of the Facampa, along with the ICA , Poveda and La Salle people, lent their support.

      The morning of the 23rd of February was indeed wonderful, because a lot of heroes came together. The patient and self-sacrificing teachers and their supportive administrators celebrated the Holy Eucharist and watched a mini-concert. The lively and funny concert host, Edu Manzano, brought smiles and laughter to the audience. Professor Ramon Acoymo of the UP College of Music, Mabel Bacusmo and Joey Ignacio of ABS-CBN and the Poveda teachers enthralled everyone with their songs. The youthful ICA teachers, the charming Halili Ballet Dance Troop and the electrifying dance duo of Iyo Marcos and Gabby Valenciano could not be forgotten as well.

      No matter how cliché it may be, there is a hero in each person. Physical appearance, age, gender, religion and socioeconomic status do not determine whether one can be a hero or not. No matter who and what we are, we can, in our own ways, help bring about a kinder world and inspire others to make the most of their lives. All of us are the heroes of today.

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