This true story left me dumbfounded... and it almost wasn't told because the person involved thought it wasn't necessary to share what he did.

 

I can't tell you his name (that's just how he is), but I can tell you that he's an amazing writer; and he hopes to become a great poet like his grandfather.  Like any Filipino writer, he dreams of winning the Palanca.  For the past year, the Palanca was his most important goal.  Winning it puts you in some very elite company.

 

Upon submitting his collection of poems, the would-be-judges told him that his poems were sure to win.  Even though other entries were still being submitted, the judges guaranteed the win to him.  They promised he would win.

 

Instead of being happy, he was unsure.  He eventually pulled out his poems and replaced them with another collection - good ones but not his best.  He knew this could cost him the Palanca, and perhaps even respect within that circle.  But he stood by his principles - fairness, honesty and honor.

 

This past week, he found out that he did in fact lose the Palanca.  Imagine dreaming about winning for an entire year, then having it handed to you on a silver platter, only to turn it down because of your principles.  When I asked him why he did it, he simply said "It was the right thing to do."  Honestly, how many of us would have done the same thing? 

 

Ironically, his friends in college teased him about not having a backbone just because he's the sensitive type.  I guess he proved that people can be strong & sensitive at the same time.  More importantly, he showed what today's youth are willing to sacrifice to keep their ideals and principles intact.

 

So many people would have known about him if he chose to win the award that was promised.  But almost no one knew how he gave it up for his principles.  That is the true essence of the Private Victory.

 

What else did you take from this story?