MANILA, Philippines – He first went viral in 2017 when, in the graduation ceremony of the University of the Philippines (UP) Manila, Norman King went up the stage – in full traditional clothing – to get his diploma.
He was reportedly the first in his tribe to get a degree from the state university.
Now the 29-year-old is set to grace your small and big screens yet again, through “Paboan sa Buhay,” a short film launched by soap brand Safeguard.
The short tugs at all our feels with hardly a mention of the popular soap brand.
We were given a preview and… pass the tissue, please?
The film shows Norman’s struggles as a young Aeta who is teased for both his appearance and financial status. His mom, Warlita, guides him through a world that discriminates against him because of the color of his skin and the kinks in his hair.
Norman, who took on several jobs to support his education, now teaches at UP in Clark and, according to Safeguard, is an ambassador for top camera bands.
“Thanks to his Warlita’s generous provisions, Norman King has become a role model who continues to inspire so many young Filipinos today. He shared that he even plans to pursue the field of law in the future so he can be able to become the voice of the Aetas,” reads a release from the soap brand.
Norman first came into the public’s consciousness when a picture of him wearing traditional Aeta garb to his graduation.
He has since been featured in both news and teledrama shows. But the fame has not come without controversy. In March 2018, he was featured in a Maalala Mo Kaya episode that drew criticism for its portrayal of Aetas. King defended himself by saying he consulted with Aetas prior to the airing of the episode. – Rappler.com
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