“Safeguard: Pabaon sa Buhay" Film Reveals the Secret to Norman King's Success

When Norman King made history by becoming thea first Aeta to graduate from a premier state university in the Philippines, he was the talk of the town in an instant. His story was an inspiration to many. But what could be his secret to success? 

Safeguard Philippines reveals the story behind Norman King's success and how he became ready to face the big world in a recent video launched. The "Safeguard: Pabaon sa Buhay” film revolves around the life lessons his mom, Warlita King, imparted to him from his younger years until his coming of age. These life lessons or "Pabaon sa Buhay" set Norman ready for the independent life.

Also known as provisions for life, “Pabaon sa Buhay” is derived from the term "baon," which refers to the money, food or any provision that a person takes from home to set one ready for school, work, or any journey. “Baon” however does not only pertain to material things. It can be the words of wisdom, life lessons, and family values parents teach their kids at home to protect them from the uncertainties of the outside world.

For Norman, his mom's “Pabaon sa Buhay” became his protection and guide in life to keep focused on his goals despite the struggles of leading an independent life as shown in the short film.

The film begins with Norman who’s about to enter a university auditorium. He is seen wearing a bahag (a native loincloth) as he slowly walks his way through the crowd. All eyes are on him, but Norman remains undisturbed and determined. As he walks, memories of the past keep flashing back. These are moments when his mom taught him valuable lessons or her “Pabaon sa Buhay.”

When he first questioned his ethnicity and color, his mom told him that a clean heart has more value than physical appearance. He was also taught to never be ashamed of their status. In his teenage years, his mom reminded him to be proud of his race. These lessons and more are the things Norman carried with him as he took his own journey away from home.

“There is a universal challenge parents face in bringing up their children, having to balance the desire to keep them close and protected with letting them go explore the world to learn by themselves. At Safeguard, we strive to help parents overcome this tension by fostering a healthy independence between parents and children. Essential to this are the ‘pabaon’ parents give their children —be it an everyday lunchbox, the life saving habit of hand washing or life lessons—which will help protect them as they explore the world on their own,” says Alex Vogler, Associate Director, Digital Transformation & Brand Communications for Procter & Gamble’s Beauty Division in Asia Pacific.

“By sharing the touching story of Norman King and the life lessons he received from his mother, we are hoping to inspire parents all around the Philippines to impart their personal ‘pabaon’ to help protect their children in life,” concludes Vogler.

Be sure that your children are always protected even outside the home. Give them the protection that lasts with your own “Pabaon sa Buhay.”

Watch the heart-warming story of Norman King and his mother Warlita on Safeguard’s Facebook and YouTube. Join the conversation and share with us your own “Pabaon sa Buhay” stories online with the hashtags #PabaonSaBuhay and #Safeguard.