by Maui Garcia
In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to lose sight of the true meaning of heroism. We often look up to larger-than-life figures in history or celebrities, forgetting that heroes can be found among our neighbors, friends, and even ourselves. Let me share with you a simple yet inspiring story of heroism that unfolded in my life two years ago, one that was driven by courage, selflessness, and a deep sense of patriotism.
Growing up, I was surrounded by remarkable individuals who became my personal heroes. My father, Sid Garcia, is a testament to the power of hard work and dedication. He started with nothing and became a successful entrepreneur, all while maintaining an unwavering commitment to serving the community through Rotary. My uncle, Ed Garcia, was a human rights activist during the Marcos dictatorship, a peace advocate, and a writer who tirelessly fought for justice and freedom. Lastly, my grandfather, Dr. Paulino Garcia, served as the Secretary of Health under two Philippine presidents, leaving an indelible mark as a distinguished public servant.
Inspired by their examples, I aspired to embody the same values of excellence, integrity, and service. I channeled my aspirations into my career in the insurance broking industry, where I dedicated my time and effort to excel and serve my clients with utmost professionalism. Little did I know that the lessons I learned from my heroes would be put to the test in a way I could never have anticipated.
It was a seemingly ordinary day in June of 2021, spending the day after Father’s Day playing with my two young boys, Diego and Rodrigo. In the interlude of this idyllic playtime that took place in the boys’ second-floor bedroom, I looked out the window and noticed smoke coming out of an upper room of our neighbor’s house. Without a second thought, I rushed over to check on them.
As I approached the scene and rang their doorbell, my neighbors were already trying to flee their home and I was alarmed to see the panic in the faces of the toddlers and their anguished mom who rushed out of the house. I rushed in to find out how I could help as I believed that I was witnessing what seemed to be the beginning of a house on fire. So, I asked one of the helpers next door to point out the area where the fire started (in the study room, it seemed) which was beginning to spread to the stairs. The fire extinguisher, unfortunately, would not work.
I rushed back to my house, took one of the fire extinguishers that I knew how to use, brought my phone that could double as a flashlight, and tightened my face shield and face mask to hopefully protect me from the smoke and heat. Then, I returned to the scene of the fire which was beginning to touch the wooden floors; there was heavy smoke – thick dark smoke -- but somehow, I could see well enough to the study where the fire had started, and I began to aim the fire extinguisher in that area that steadily and surely put out the flames.
It was then that the first fire engines from the San Juan Fire Department arrived. The firemen said that they might as well borrow my fire extinguisher rather than roll out their heavy hoses since it seems I was able to put the fire under control. Then, another five fire engines arrived clogging our street to the consternation of our neighbors.
My act of heroism may not have been grand or dramatic, but it is a simple reminder that heroism exists within all of us. It is a reminder that we can draw inspiration from the ordinary people in our lives, like my father, my uncle, and my grandfather, who serve with excellence and integrity.
So, to the youth of today, I say this: Look to your heroes, both the famous and the unsung. Know that heroism isn't about superhuman feats, but about the willingness to stand up, act, and make a difference when it's needed most. It's about courage, selflessness, and the unwavering commitment to serving others.
In my own small way, I hope to have inspired others, especially the youth, to recognize that heroism resides within them, waiting to be awakened when the call to serve with excellence and integrity arises. May we all find our own moments to shine, guided by the examples of the heroes who have come before us.
About the Author: Maui Garcia is the Executive Vice President for Client Management Group of Trinity Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers, Inc.