With the Tunay na Bayani Awards, Mekeni makes 2021 a year of heroes

The Philippines is a hero-filled country. Throughout history, men and women have stood out for justice and freedom. Our modern-day heroes’ heroic blood keeps flowing in the veins of those who have aided their communities in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mekeni Food Corporation created the Tunay na Bayani Awards in the beginning of 2021 after learning that there are many modern-day heroes that deserve to be recognized. Mekeni’s Bayani line, as well as the resilience, talent, and abilities of Pinoy micropreneurs, inspired the award.

Here are stories of heroism that made 2021 a year of heroes with the Tunay na Bayani Awards, from delivering free supplies to people to helping their families get through difficult times.

A Tunay na Bayani to the homeless, underprivileged

Marko Bustarde thought that apart from being a professional hairstylist, he has no other purpose or calling. But as soon as he started giving out free haircuts on what he calls his “Mission Day,” Marko realized that he can share kindness and love especially to those who need it most.

“Na-realize ko na kaya kong magbigay ng hope at love through haircut,” Marko said. “Gusto ko lang din ipakita na kung may mga negative man na nangyayari, maaari pa rin tayong makapag-inspire ng mga tao at makapagbigay ng pag-asa sa kanila.”

Aside from Marko, another Tunay na Bayani in their community is Chel Calaquian. A full-time banker, Chel goes around communities every weekend to share free food to those she meets in the streets.

“It is not how much you give but how much love you put in giving. A simple act of kindness means a lot to people. It does not have to be big, expensive, or extravagant. As long as you put your heart in it and tama yung intention mo, this will go a long way,” Chel shared.

A Tunay na Bayani to the younger generation

Meanwhile, Erl Mahinay Jr.’s story of heroism transcends even the highest mountains. Erl has seen how difficult life is in far-flung areas in his province as he has been a volunteer teacher even before finishing his education degree. So when he had the chance to help the kids in the mountains, he grabbed this opportunity and that fueled his passion to help more of them.

Apart from teaching the children, Erl also started giving out essentials to them. “Binibigyan ko sila ng mga hygiene kits, school supplies, at nagpapa-feeding ako dahil iyon ang mga kailangan nila doon,” he noted.

A Tunay na Bayani to their families

Heroes sometimes do not need to go out. Most of the time, they are at home and taking care of their families.

For Joshua Carte, making the greatest sacrifice for his family was his way to show his love for them. Taking care of his sick parents was the least he could do to repay them for all their sacrifices. Even at a young age, he was able to do so much for his family.

“Hindi ko rin po alam kung paano ko siya nagagawa. Siguro po ‘yung oras ko binibigay ko sa mga importanteng bagay. Sinisiguro ko po muna na ok si Papa at naibigay po yung mga pangangailangan niya bago ako pumasok sa trabaho,” Joshua narrated.

The Tunay na Bayani awardees are living proof that small acts of compassion and kindness can go a long way. Even if they have their own needs to fulfill, they will still choose to prioritize others.

“Every day, there is a reason for us to celebrate and honor ordinary people doing great things for their communities. Their dedication and passion for uplifting the lives of people around them are really astounding and downright inspiring. Tunay na Bayani Awards would not exist without these selfless people doing amazing things for their neighbors. So, to all the heroes everywhere, thank you for the work you do! This coming year, may you continue to multiply and motivate others to do good,” Mekeni President Pruds Garcia said.

Mekeni will endeavor to commemorate these true heroes who have been agents for change as long as Filipinos maintain the bayanihan spirit alive in their communities. Visit Mekeni’s official Facebook page (www.facebook.com/mekeniph) to learn more about the Tunay na Bayani Awards and the awardees.