A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer.
By Ralph Waldo Emerson
It’s not as bad as it looks. My future mother Zenaida Cleofas under the brown river of Bocaue bulacan. The year was 1993.
The anniversary of the Holy Cross of Wawa. In the river of bocaue. Zenaida Cleofas on board the floating Pagoda. A decorated barge like a Giant crown of Queen Elizabeth made of flowers and wooden structured. All the passenger are dress in old tradition classic saya for ladies and barong for men’s. The scent of different flora is in the air. You can see the joy and excitement painted in their faces. Except for one boy, a native of south Philippines. He looks a bit strange. As if something wicked is about to happen.
The capacity of the Pagoda is around 200 devotees. Due to lack of discipline among the organizer they allow to squeeze in 300 people on board. The integrity of the pagoda was compromised. For Devotees who failed to climb on board. They swim and cling on the side of the pagoda. It created imbalance to the barge. The pagoda all of a sudden became very unstable it turns turtle. More than 300 devotees toss out of the pagoda into the water. Some tenaciously cling on the inverted pagoda, some devotee get panic they start pulling each other. Others end up in flood plain, the deep side of the river. Some trap under the inverted sinking pagoda. The 12 year old boy name Sajid Bulig. Jump out of the barge before the flip. The boy reaches the shore in no time.
Senaida Cleofas break away from the rest of the devotee after the flip. She was not a trained swimmer but her mind set for survival is unquestionable. She knows she doesn’t have the stamina to reach the high river bank. But By holding to a scrap Styrofoam from the pagoda, about a size of a shoe box and a combination of mere luck She end up in the marsh area. She was able touch down her toes on top of a plastic beer case, after the Styrofoam disintegrated into several pieces. She sank for about 8 inches deep under water then she used the plastic beer case as a spring board to risen her head out of the water and renew air content in her lungs. She keeps her rhythm. She Hold her current position as long as she could until the rescue arrive. It’s a Sink and float situation.
Twelve life guard jump to river to rescue Hundreds of drowning victims. Two of them swam back immediately to the shore. The victims became desperate they swarm to the life guards like leeches. They drag them down to extinction.
Everyone was rattled and stunned with the gravity of the problems on hand. A 10 year old girl clings on a piece of wood in the middle of the chaos shouting for help. The mother desperately looking for the life guard. But nobody responded to her call. She decided to take her own life by joining her daughter to Death River. The bystander stops her.
The 12 years old elementary student name Sajid Bulig had enough of what he sees. He takes charge jump into the river. 1 dozen victims swarm on him. But Unlike the other life guards Sajid is no ordinary boy. He was fast, agile; he can hold his breath longer than an average human being. And he was not afraid of the deep. The boy took all of them to the river floor. The devotee releases their holds to sajid. The boy rises again from the river floor and snatches the 10 year old girl in the middle of the chaos. Both of them reach the shore safe. Sajid jump swam back and forth and save another 5 minors. Sajid Bulig renews the confidence of the other life guards. Several of them joined the rescue.
Just when Zenaida Cleofas about to see the end of days. Her left foot cramp. She starts to sink in the marsh. No strength to spring board her self. Her body temperature drops. Hypothermia is taking effect on her. Bubble of oxygen escapes from her mouth. Out of the blue an arm of a hero pulls her up. Then assisted her to climb the river bank.
The final look at the giant Pagoda before the sank. A Waving arm of a 13 year old girl trap inside. What a perfect way to say goodbye, to her love one. The mother with tears in her eyes, and a lost for words. Looks at the life guards. None of them responded. Turn their heads down. Sajid body cold as ice shaking cover with blanket, after participating in several successful rescues. The mother of the girl turn to Sajid. She Stare at him like a mother to a son. Then she kneels holding the two feet of Sajid begging for the impossible. Sajid look down at the woman in pain. In no time He decided to do what his fellow country men will remember him forever.
Sajid made a sign of the cross. Then dive again in the cold water. He witnessed the grotesques. More the 200 dead corpses drowned under the river. Most of them Eyes wide shut. Sharp Wooden debris everywhere blocking his path. It ripped his flesh. Sajid saw the way with the help of the natural sun light. He was able to locate the girl. Sajid said to the girl. It is very unfortunate we meet this way. Please listen to me carefully close your eyes. Don’t open it until we reach the shore. The last thing we need is a distraction. Inhale all the air you can take in your body, hold your breath. We will take a deep dive, hold my hand tight flip your feet constantly, I promise we will reach the shore in no Time. With Out a warning a big piece of wood, a scrap from the damage pagoda drop like a French guillotine hitting Sajid on the head. He was bloody as hell. His vision was affected. But sajid is determined to finish the mission. He uses all his remaining strength. They dive together, cross the river of death and bring the 13 year old girl safe in the shore. Upon reaching the river bank Sajid collapsed.
The citizen of Bocaue still managed to bring Sajid to the nearby hospital but the young boy was not immediately attended by physicians. The hospital at that time was swamped with victims.
Sahjid died at the age of 12 and was declared later as a hero of the 1993 pagoda tragedy.
A Link
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 393 – ESTABLISHING THE SAJID BULIG PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR HEROISM
Story by Nonoy Manga
Hand drawn by Nonoy Manga
Cheers
Nonoy Manga
Wow…what a story…your storytelling and drawing are so strong
David I’m glad you like. Than you so much.
Beautiful drawing and great story. You my friend are talented on many fronts.
Walter your comment is very much appreciated. Thank you.
Thanks for the detailed story…..dramatic
William thank you for your time reading my post.
He saved your mum before you were born? And your name is Mark?
This is a excellent tribute, Nonoy. It makes for exciting reading though of course it is sad. What a very brave young boy.
I particularly like your drawing this time, too. The perspective is really interesting and the sense of chaos above the water is strong.
All together an excellent post, Mark! 🙂
You nail it. Thanks for the analytical warm comment.
My pleasure. Your site is wonderful. 🙂
Ok to call you Mark? Or do you prefer Nonoy?
Mark or Nonoy is O K to me.
You just keep getting better and better nonoy! Really good!
Madame Mimo your comment means a lot to me. Thank you
What an amazing illustration and story! 🙂
Jenn thank you for the warm Comment.
What a very deep story, I agree. He is a Hero.
Thank you for your time reading my post.
I’ll be reading more. Count on it.
Many thanks for the support.
I hope you write an anime show someday! I love your art and stories.
Thank you for the morale booster it means a lot to me.
You are so talented Nonoy! Your posts never fail to impress, thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Madame Kelly your comment means a lot to me. Thank you for the support.
Great story and I like the new art!
J.E. Thank you friend!!!
You’re welcome!
“A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer.”
🙂
I’m glad you like it. Thank you.
Lovely, so inspirational.
Maria thank you so much.
WoW! keep up the good work…very very inspirational
Mel thank you for the encouraging comment.
nice story buddy and nice manga as well 🙂
Many thanks for your kind words.
Amazing!
Dave thank you.
Your the best Noynoy!
Madame Jenny I’m glad you like it. Thank you.
Galing..very talented!
Madame Jenny I like your new blog theme. very pleasing. Many thanks for the support.
Your welcome!
Wow! I love your artwork and writing…so much great color and action. Thank you for stopping by Poppy’s blog and leaving such a great comment. You keep me inspired!
Thank you so much for your encouraging comment. It means a lot to me.
Great, as usual, Nonoy.
Kritin I’m glad you like it. Thank you.
Nonoy….great stuff. Very clean an likeable.
Sir you made my day!!! Thank you.
Woah, that was an amazing story! And your drawing is great too! Yes, he was a hero indeed. Thanks, nonoy!
Ahhh, I’m using the iPad, and the auto correct made ur name moony. D: XD
Lily I had the same problem typing in an iPad lots of wrong words and spelling. Hay thank you for stoping bye I’m glad you like it.
I am so impressed dear Nonoy Manga, you expressed so nicely this story. And your drawing as always so nice too. What a tragic story actually, but heros never die… they are always being remembered, like this young boy, Sahjid! Thank you dear Nonoy Manga, with my love, nia
Madame Nia thank you so much for your wonderful comment and time reading my post.
What a heart touching story. It brought tears to my eyes. The world needs more heroes like Sahjid. Thank you for sharing this.
Michael I totally agree with you. Thank you so much for you time reading my post and appreciation.
You are very welcome.
What an incredible tragedy. And well-told. Amazing, too, that you were connected to this tale. Thanks for re-telling it!
I’m glad you like it, thank you so much for the reblogged of hero. Cheers Nonoy Manga
Reblogged this on Star in the Stone and commented:
This is a tragic story, and personal one for the author, whose mother was one of the one’s rescued by a twelve-year-old boy, who did not survive his heroism. Incredible, people’s reactions to a crisis.
A amazing story.
Alex thank you for your time reading my post. Nonoy Manga
I read your story, hanging on every word, and finished in tears. Such a selfless act of heroism as Sajid’s is one of great compassion and worthy of immense gratitude. I enjoyed your story very much, and your drawing captures a moment in time perfectly. Thank you for sharing your work!
Pixy thank you so much for your wonderful comment, it means a lot to me. Cheers Nonoy Manga
I was busy in Bali a couple days ago, i got no time to open wordpress. But now, i have so much time to give “lIKE” and to read great story from Nonoy!
Well thank you so much. Cheers Nonoy Manga
I was just five years old that time living in Tandang Sora QC I think. Never heard of such Executive Order for him, neither do I am familiar with his story. I personally want to thank you Nonoy that through you I’ve known his bravery and courage. Without him, there will be no Nonoy Manga in WordPress and a Filipino 🙂
Exactly, thank you so much for your kind words. Nonoy Manga
Amazing! So well done, bro!
Angelo your comment is very much appreciated. Thank you.
wow :-O
this is a true story, right?
Yes it is, it happen July 1993. Thanks for taking your time reading my post.
it’s inspiring.
Vimal your comment is very much appreciated. Thank you
On an unrelated note: There is a blogger award thing going around, and I’ve nominated you! Here’s the details:
http://anamericanviewofbritishsciencefiction.com/2012/06/08/the-versatile-blogger-award-nomination-inbound/
thank you so much for including my blog. you make me look good. Cheers Nonoy Manga
Nice story and drawing. Thanks for sharing. http://www.segmation.wordpress.com
Your comment is very much appreciated. Many thanks
Hi – How are you ?
I am feeling great honor to tell you that I have nominated you for “Beautiful Blogger Award”.
Kindly Visit http://onlinefunland.wordpress.com/2012/06/09/beautiful-blogger-award/
Accept it and oblige me.
Regards and Best Wishes !
What a wonderful story and illustration (once again) from you. Lovely! I admire your writing style and the illustrations — they are very gripping and inspiring. I loved this story.
Thanks a lot.
Regards,
Indranil.
Indranil i’m glad you like it. thank you so much for the wonderful comment. cheers Nonoy Manga
This was my dream — to know someone who can draw and tell a story. I just followed you. Hope to see more from you. 🙂
Thank you so much to your encouraging comment. It means a lot to me.
you’re welcome. correct me if i’m wrong, pinoy ka ba?
Yap
ahaha. that’s nice to know. 🙂
What a beautiful perspective both in picture and written words. I think this is one of my favorites so far!
Madame Sherry thank you for the warm comment.
Love all the action in this!
And that blur is so nicely done, too – the perfect finishing touch! I also really like the warm tones, too – and how her hand appears to almost reach right out of the frame!
Very cool!
🙂
I’m glad you like it. Thank you for the warm comment.
“A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer.”
I put your words in the Chinese people on the issue of heroism.Thank you for writing so clearing.:)
Your comment is very much appreciated. Thank you.
“A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is brave five minutes longer.” what a terrific thought. i loved the drawing. It really gives you a sense of rushing chaos in the top…great story…you are very talented
Jo thank you for the wonderful comment, it means a lot to me. Cheers Nonoy Manga
I very much enjoy your blog and have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award : )
Allison thank you so much for including my blog. You make me look good. Cheers Nonoy Manga
No problem 🙂
As usual, you kept me captivated until the end!
Madame thank your for the continues support. Cheers Nonoy Manga
Wait. So this is a story of your mother? Wow, impressive tale and you illustrated it so nicely and detailed. I felt like I was watching a short film of it in my mind. You’ve got more than pen and paper skills, this post came from your bones. Awesome work Nonoy! 🙂
Your comment is wonderful. It’s very motivating. Thank you so much.
As I always say, you only get to see people’s true colors under stressful/difficult circumstances. A true hero comes out from those situations, and it’s usually someone surprising. 🙂
Exactly, you got it right. Thank you so much for reading my post. Cheers Nonoy Manga
I like your blog. Because i love manga. 😀
That’s nice we have something in common. Thanks for the comment.
Ang gaLing mo Naman!
Ho Maraming salamat kabayan. Cheers Nonoy Manga
Ako to
Who are you?
Mabslle
Mabelle
ang galing!
Maria Maraming salamat.
This story reaches the heart..and a very suitable drawing..
Thank you so much.
ya …Beautiful drawing and great story