On a scale of 1 to 10, how happy are you?

I asked them this question this morning and was surprised by their answers. Most answered 7, 8 or 9, and one even gave it a 10!

I went to Wawa, Rodriguez, Rizal on the morning of November 20 to meet with the 8 Isang Bata scholars from Wawa National High School. I actually went up to Wawa for a bit of chitchat with Christine, Lino, Ryan, Badette, Cedrick, Danilo and Jericho (Sam didn't make it to the meeting). We had some snacks, talked about our most fervent wishes, the things that make us sad, the things that make us happy, how we cope with life's challenges, our plans for the future, etcetera, etcetera. It was, on the whole, about things that one would talk about with friends over coffee at Starbucks. But our little heart to heart conversation happened up in the mountains of Rizal, over tetrapak juices and mamon, inside a dusty classroom in Wawa National High School. I would have this over Starbucks any day. These children are amazing. They inspire me and continue to prove that their happiness meter can hit the higher numbers better than most of us who enjoy life's little luxuries. Here are 7 of the 8 Isang Bata scholars. Meet Christine, Lino, Ryan, Badette, Cedrick, Danilo and Jericho.


Badette dreams of becoming a teacher someday. She loves to sing. Her most fervent wish is to finish college and get a good job so she could help her parents and her 10 siblings.


Ryan dreams of becoming a lawyer someday. He was born without legs and arms, but his spirit is strong and his will, tough. He told me that they are being evicted from where they are living, and wishes for a permanent dwelling for his family.


Lino lives with his siblings and their relatives after his father passed on and his mother left them to fend for themselves. He loves to sell things and wants to take up Business Management in college. Lino is serious about his studies and his grades are proof of his diligence.


Ryan, Lino and Christine shared their hopes and dreams with me. Their optimism and happiness are amazing, especially Christine's.


Christine is a reader. Among all the scholars, she's the highest achiever, and the happiest! She is a charming A-type persona who dreams of becoming a high school teacher someday.


Jericho walks to school for one hour every day, and walks back home for another hour after school. He crosses mountains and rivers every single day just to get to school at six am. Talk about determination.


Danilo's right eye is blind and has glaucoma. Dr. Carlos Alberto from St. Luke's QC recommended surgery, but the family is hesitant because of the cost. He might need that surgery soon because his eye has been very painful lately, keeping him from coming to class. Despite his physical and economic handicap, Danilo seems a very happy, very positive kid. And his manners, impeccable.


Cedrick will be graduating next year and dreams of going into IT. He's your typical boy next door who gets bored at home and who would rather spend his time hanging out with friends. But don't be fooled, he is serious about his studies and is happiest when his siblings and parents are happy as well.




Working on some light exercises


Ime and scholars during workshop


Isang Bata's Ime Morales with Cedrick, Badette, Lino, Ryan (seated), Christine, Danilo and Jericho.