Emmanuel Bagual and the new generation of heroes

The most heartening about CNN Hero for 2009 and celebrated “pushcart educator” Efren Peñaflorida is that he is not alone. His chivalry isn’t rare or exceptional. What is most inspiring is that his valor is pedestrian and potentially commonplace—an ethic that can be cultivated in anyone. And he and his mentor Harnin Manalaysay are doing just that. They are training a new generation of champions. It’s as easy as ABC. One only needs to pick out a letter in the alphabet to uncover what a hero stands for.

One boy in particular calls himself “M”—the same way Efren Peñaflorida refers to himself as “Kuya F” and their mentor Harnin Manalaysay or Kuya Bonn is called “KB.” M stands for Emmanuel Bagual. Having just turned 17 in December, he has been battling all his life. He fights for himself and for his fellow youths. Even attaining the basic right to education is a struggle.