Inspiring People No. 2 - Kevin Villanueva -"An Orphan's Gift For His Parents"

Kevin Villanueva

"People exit in our lives, sometimes for no apparent reasons. Death is the most difficult to accept. But when all else's gone, nothing but memory will keep us cherishing them. And the same joyful moments that will propel us to intensely chase and realize our dreams for them."

Facebook has been one of the most effective social medias that launches ordinary people into overnight celebrity. I had been a witness of many and some of them had shared a page in my blog through a feature-length story. 

I am proud that through my writings I can express my admiration and joy toward these people. Thus, inspiring me more to continue what I love to do - to write stories, more so of human interest stories.

Such is the case of another instant celebrity in Kevin Villanueva.

Eager to know his story? Ok, let me put this in a perspective of a stranger in me. I don’t have any connection with him as of yet. As of this writing, I just messaged him through his FB page and his personal account (which is already full of friends) and my attempt to add him up to know further his story failed.

So I will write this story of him based on the write-ups I gathered from different sources. I am fully aware as well that lots of bloggers and writers and even TV outfits had him interviewed.

Who would have thought that a single photo would gain instant positive raves and reactions from the online community. And out of that, Kevin Villanueva's life turned a 180-degree shift. A fame he never had dreamt of nor he had any idea that a photo intended as a salute to his parents would quickly elevate him into the elusive limelight. 

He is an orphan who was deprived by circumstances to enjoy the company of his parents until he accept his hard-earned college diploma. He was ten when he lost his mother and his father passed away last 2009.

The photo in Facebook captioned these terse statements:

"Akala nyu kayo lang ang may picture kasama parents nyu ha :)) pero ma, pa, this is for both of you. I hope that you are proud of me.

His only intention was just to show the world how he loved and valued his parents. But little did he knew that it'll hit a number of shares and likes in Facebook. Its continuous shares amazed him. 

Allow me to share with you few of the many encouraging words Kevin had received out of this random act of salutation to his parents. 

A certain Edward Amba De Guzman wrote: 

This is the most astonishing and exquisite picture I've ever seen, Kevin! Indeed, your parents are so proud of you! Good job! 

Allen Espinosa had his remarks: 

Awww. Very touching. It moved me. I'm sure they are very happy that your finally done with your studies. Keep living their dream for you. Congratz! 

A relative named Joyce De Castro Villareal commented: 

Even though, they are not with you anymore, Kevs. You betcha, they are proud of you. Even though they are done being your physical parents, now their new roles is for them - being your guardian angels. Tita and Tito may not be with you right now, but they are watching you always, keeping you safe. And you betcha, that if - even if they are still there, they will make handa and prepare lots fo food, and gather all your loved ones. And even set a karaoke place outside the house, because that's how they love you, and how much they are proud of you. Not only on your studies, but in your life. They are proud of you, because even through all these tough times, you have been strong. And we are proud of you!

There were hundreds and now reaching to thousands comments in his photo. All raving praises and congratulations to him for displaying such an act worthy of emulations of our modern youths of today. 

A young and promising man, who despite losing both his treasured parents never gave up on his dreams. Through hardships and surpassing those hardships, he showed the world that a dream if passionately pursued, God will never run out of His ways to let us carry on and achieve it.

Kevin while he accepts his hard-earned college diploma in Colegio De San Juan De Letran

He never let his down times consumed him instead he capitalizes on these trials to push harder and achieve his degree.

The message that Kevin's story wanted to send across is that 'tough people who survive do so because they have learned to react positively to their predicaments. They don't give up. They managed their problem creatively and constructively - and they succeed.' It is in the exercise of dynamic and creative imagination. It provokes us to dream and inspires us to execute our dreams. 

May all of our younger generations won't lose their youthful exuberance. May they won't easily squabble, whine, bicker, or complain when hardship tests them. But instead be challenged by the tests of time. And may they produce the positive attitude as their leaning shield against the forces of negativity and circumstantial difficulties. 

It is because in life, tough times don't last but tough people do. 

KUDOS to you Kevin Villanueva. Keep the passion for doing good burning and the zeal of your dreams flaming. 

To get to know more of him, please pay a visit to his official Facebook page Kevin Villanueva  and his official Facebook profile Kevin Villanueva

P.S.  page All photos were taken from his account, therefore all the credits goes to him.