The Parable of the Hero

By: Juan M. Flavier

Three brothers had an over-riding obsession to become heroes of the barrio. They looked at every happening as a chance for some act of courage worthy to be hailed as heroes. But the more they persisted, the less the occasion presented itself.

They even practiced swimming in the hope of saving a drowning person as a heroic feat.

One day the three brothers joined a hiking trip. On the way, they crossed a bridge and below were children swimming in the river.

Suddenly, someone shouted that a girl was drowning. The moment of truth had come. But instead of jumping, the three brothers stood-frozen with fright  (naninigas sa takot).

Meanwhile, Carling another young lad splashed into the river and saved the girl.

A court of honor was held to pin a medal of courage on Carling. He was publicized and acclaimed far and wide for his feat and presence of mind.

At home, the three brothers sat around the sala brooding over their lost rare opportunity at heroism.

“Why did we not jump into the water?” asked the youngest almost to himself and no one in particular.

“How is it I just stood there and watching instead of jumping into the river to save the girl?” muttered the second.

“No use wondering,” said the oldest of the three brothers. “Let us go see Carling and ask him what flashed (namutawi) into his mind and what decisions he made prompting him to act courageously and save the girl and hence be hailed as a hero.”

“Let’s do that!” shouted the two younger boys.

So the searched out Carling for an in-depth interview and analysis of the thoughts and processes in the making of a hero.

It was difficult to corner Carling alone as everyone wanted to talk to him. Finally, the three brothers succeeded in pulling Carling to a side of the school building for a heart-to-heart talk.

“Carling,” began the oldest, “we admire and envy you for the courage and heroism. We want to be like you so please teach us.”

“I’d be happy to do what I can help,” answered Carling in a low and hesitant voice.

The three looked at each other and the oldest went direct to the point. “Tell us please, Carling, what made you jump into the river?”

Carling hesitated as though reluctant to reveal his secret. The three waited anxiously.

“Well,” replied Carling in a measured way, “up to now I am still trying to find out who pushed me into the river.”

“But why did you save the girl if you were just pushed?”

“Basa na rin lang, nagpakabayani na ako (I was already wet so I decided to be heroic)!”