Sony Estrada Valdez-A Child on Higher Ground

A CHILD ON HIGHER GROUND (published in Philippine Star Magazine)  Sony Valdez Computer Wiz Computers are vital tools in today’s technologically advanced society. No wonder that children nowadays (the so called Generation X-ers) have shown a great interest in computers, considering them a playthings or indespensable sources of knowledge and information. One such computer buff is Sony Valdez, an 11 year old boy from Agoo, La Union and lone awardee in Science Technology. Would you believe that it was the young age of two that Sony started to explore the world of computers?In fact he first mastered his ABCs and 123s using Software Apple ABC and Mathematics for kids. He learned to spell and draw through the computer too. Suprisingly, when Sony was three, he develop keen interest in computer programming, using Apple DOS and Basic Apple Programming Systems. The following years led him to explore PC-IBM computer using MS-DOS and other software, study Basic Programming using Turbo Pascal and assist in Agoo Computer School (Phils.) owned by his father Alex Valdez. Here, he teaches Computer Software with DOS, Typing Tutorials, Wordstar and Basic programming. Today, this computer genius is an expert in such operating and application softwares as MS-DOS, Wordperfect, Windows 3.11, Windows’95 and UNIX. At such a young age, he has developed his own program using C-language. Sony is likewise knowledgeable in troubleshooting and computer installation and is a resource person of the BS Computer Science graduating students and freshmen taking up computer laboratory subjects at the Agoo Computer School. Despite his extensive knowledge in computers, Sony is otherwise an ordinary kid. When not tinkering with his computer, he loves watching his favorite TV shows-Spiderman, Batman and Star Trek, among others. He also enjos flipping the pages of science fiction, detective nad history books. His favorite books and reading materials however, are his MS-DOS, Computers-the User Perspective, PC-Computer Magazines, ComputerWorld, IT, Internet, Windows’95, Netware TCP/IP and NFS, LINUX, Multimedia and CD-ROM’s for Dummies,Bordland C++ Multimedia Programming and other reading materials on the latest computer information. This boy wonder hopes to be known someday as the "youngest world class programmer in the Philippines" with his software found in every home. Gifted or special children never cease to strike admiration for they are, as many are won’t to say, God’s gift to humanity. Endowed with extra ordinary talents, these children reveal abilities that flow freely in them. Indeed such children are rare finds, like diamonds in the rough. And for them, to brilliantly shine, their talents need to be polished and shaped. It is in this regard that McDonald’s acknowledge Filipino child achievers through the McDonald’s at ang Tagumpay ng Bata (MAKABATA) awards. Now on its third year, the MAKABATA awards is an annual nationwide search for outstanding Filipino children in the fields of arts, science and technology, sports, academic excellence and community involvement. The MAKABATA programs also honors special achievers who excel despite their disabilities. Believing that children’s achievements in any field contribute to the upliftment of our nation, the MAKABATA awards aim to instill the desire for excellence, the drive for leadership and the dedication towards achievement. . It also seeks to instill awareness among the youth on their important role in society.. As it goes nationwide, the MAKABATA program underwent a few developments. This year the academic excellence category has been divided into two groups with winners from the seven to nine and ten to twelve age brackets. Aside from this the McDonald’s at ang Kabataan para sa Bayan (MAKABAYAN) formerly the Youth 2000 category now rewards groups or youth organizations that have initiated community improvements projects for the betterment of local communities or the country. This year ’s MAKABATA awards garnered a very enthusiastic response for the public. Around 480 nominees nationwide were sent in by teachers and parents.