4th GK CONGRESS: A Gathering Of Heroes

By Boy Montelibano

Not enough can be said about the 4th GK Congress held yesterday at the ULTRA. But if it has to be put in perspective, then try thinking of 8,400 GK advocates sitting and cheering through a straight 8 hour program without leaving, not even for a lunch break. If I cannot describe everything that happened, if I miss out with some details here and there, just try imagining 8,400 Filipinos repeating and repeating to themselves a promise to their people that they are dedicating much of their lives in an awesome effort to lift the poor out of poverty and a nation regain their honor.

From as early as seven o'clock in the morning of June 16, 2006, ordinary folks who have become extraordinary and heroes in the pursuit of a vision to transform ugly into beautiful, wasted talent into productivty, and shame into honor, trooped to fill up the ULTRA ay Pasig. ULTRA was the scene of a tragedy when a mass stampede killed many poor people who were desperate or ignorant enough to exchange safety for a chance at winning prizes. The GK Congress was like an exorcism of that tragedy, a moment of sacrifice and nobility that erases the evil of greed and poverty. At nine o'clock, the heroes began their parade, groups and groups of GK Caretaker Teams and officers of GK villages eager to show what they have done, and even more eager to commit what they will be doing.

Women and children joined their men and fathers to celebrate the rebirth of bayanihan through the heroism of Filipinos who have not stopped caring and have stepped up to become nation builders. They came from everywhere, from Metro Manila and the provinces, from the Visayas and Mindanao, from the United States and Canada, from Papua New Guinea and Cambodia, from Australia and from Africa. And many brought citizens of other nations who came to show their sympathy for a noble cause, and their admiration at Filipinos who are not allowing themselves to be overwhelmed by darkness and themselves becoming lights for others.

It was more than a Congress; it was truly a gathering of heroes, of sons and daughters of the motherland who came from everywhere to show they cared, to commit their share, to honor God by honoring their nation. Mabuhay teams danced, young children sang, and the men kept waving their flags, Philippine flags for their country, and GK flags for their God. It was especially the homecoming of sons and daughters of the motherland, sons and daughters from across seas and oceans, that brought to mind great Biblical sayings. And it was also the participation of many foreigners that evoked yet another phrase about the wealth of nations being brought to the promised land.

From nine oclock in the morning to five o'clock in the afternoon, 8,400 people stayed to be a live part of an event that drew support from one another and the stories of great love, of great sacrifice, of great heroism. In the end, the next generation stood and sang and cheered their commitment to carry on the fight all their lives. In the end, tears that had been welling up all day found an opening to be shed. People hugged each other, slapped each other's backs, shook each other's hands, and could hardly put to words the emotions that carried them through a whole day.

The message is clear. The heroes have come. The motherland is in good hands!