Earning my Respect

The wrath of super typhoon Ondoy was felt by the world, but Manila had the worst experience. Looking at the videos and the pictures, it reminded me of the movie The Day After Tomorrow. I never thought this could happen to the Philippines, but it did. No one was spared from the calamity, not even our country's rich and famous. A lot of people died, but many more survived, thank's to our real-life heroes. People who risked their lives and limb to save others. These are the everyday people who put others first than themselves.

One is Gerald Anderson.

I didn't really like him when he first joined the Teen Edition of Pinoy Big Brother. I thought he was this conceited Fil-am boy who just had the looks with no talent and attitude to back it up. As time went by, I slowly changed my opinion about him. I realized he's a gifted dancer, a good actor, and a disciplined gentleman.

Then I saw the now-famous pictures posted by Dr. Divina Gracia R. Murao at her Facebook. Pictures of heroism never before published nor publicized, unlike other celebrities who went to "rescue" others with a camera crew with them. In Dr. Murao's case, she was inside her house when she saw Gerald and his brother brave the muddy waters to help their neighbors. She took some pictures and posted them, not expecting people would be sharing them.

Because of Dr. Murao's pictures, I was able to see another side of Gerald. The side I didn't expect from him. A side I truly admire.

I am now a fan.

Gerald Anderson earned my respect.