Biography of filipino gifted child

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My career developed very gradually and organically—I really went through everything before it even occurred to me that this was something that could be done for a living!”

Shaira is a hardworking young professional, always on the go. If the 90’s was your era then there’s a good chance you remember this.

Three kids with incredibly gifted minds.

Like my dad and my grandpa, I wake up anywhere between 4:30-5:30am, cook a nice big breakfast, and I’m all set!”

On the subject of her parents and how their legacy of care and proper nutrition played a role on her success, Shaira shared that her mom laid a very solid foundation for her. Saka willingness din na gumaling, yun ang importante.”

Read: Jiro Manio ibinenta ang Urian best actor trophy sa halagang PHP75K

SHAIRA LUNA

While Shaira Luna’s childhood ambition was to become a doctor or scientist, she recently admitted this was actually something her parents would say on her behalf, and she didn’t think anything of it at the time.

She said in an interview with GMA News Online back in March 2023, “Siyempre, when you're young, it doesn't really mean anything to you.

“It's just something people say and, 'Ay sige, paglaki ko...'

“It's the standard response.

“Parang kahit Miss Universe, kaya mong gawin.”

It felt like she could do anything, and her possibilities were boundless, much like the solar system depicted in her Promil commercial.

It took Shaira a while to find her passion.

She enrolled in a Bachelor of Science course in Human Biology at the De La Salle University in 1999 at the age of 13, but shifted from one course to another until she stopped studying in 2006.

It was then that she first picked up a camera and pursued an interest in photography.

“I tried portraits, I tried the food.

I love ideas that move at the pace of culture.”

JAMES FLORES

As a child, James was fascinated by astronomy and the wonders of the universe. Creating a new chapter in the Gifted Movement.

When the trio was asked, “If you can sum it up in one line, what’s your best memory of doing the TVC 20 years ago?” Here is what they recall:

For Shaira: “Being spun around in a chair the whole day while reciting my lines for the camera!”

For Francis: “Sitting on that revolving chair while we recited our lines in the commercial was pretty cool, felt like WE were at the center of the solar system!”

And finally, for James: “Simply put?

Minsan libing din.”

Eventually, Shaira found her niche as a professional fashion and advertising photographer.

She is also an influencer, and is known as an ukay-ukay queen.

Read:"Gifted child" Shaira Luna, no regrets kahit hindi naging doctor o scientist

DANIEL AND JIMMY TAGALA JR.

Brothers Daniel and Jimmy Tagala Jr.

have music in their blood: their father was a traveling folk musician and their mother would play the keyboard at Sunday Mass.

It’s no wonder that both brothers grew up to be accomplished musicians. But to be the best versions of our selves, we have to work hard to nurture these unique qualities.”

JAMES FLORES

His gift, as seen in the commercial: Amazed by the brilliance of the stars, eagerly discussing the solar system like a little professor.

Current success: Staying true to the potential academic he was 20 years ago—now completing his Masters in Clinical Psychology, and helping bring out the best in every child as an Advocate for Gifted Kids.

According to James, he wanted to teach at a collegiate level.

Daniel began playing the cello at the age of 10, and only a year later won first prize at the National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA).

Jimmy also won the NAMCYA at the age of 14, and was recognized as one of the country’s youngest violin virtuosos.

He explained, “she always encouraged me to keep an open mind and fill it with knowledge and instilled values. The medical marvel?

First of all, they’re all grown up now and second, their accomplishments as adults are just as impressive as what they were able to deliver as kids.

The young poet, Kiko Galura, has an established career as a publisher in one of the country’s biggest publishing houses.

Here, he imparts his passion for mountaineering, as the group offers different packages for trekking and hiking.

According to the website, Jacob climbed Mt. Halcon, Mt. Guiting-guiting, and Mt. Apo as a boy.

Many years later, as an adult, James’s interest turned to something equally mysterious: the workings of the human mind.

Back in 2015, James was pursuing a master’s degree in clinical psychology, and said he hopes to become a guide for other gifted kids.

Today, James serves as a full-time lecturer for the Department of Psychology at Far Eastern University in Manila.

Behind his academic pursuits and successes was his lola Inday Flores, whom he revealed to PEP was his “biggest influence.”

He said in a 2015 interview, “Whatever it is that I was interested in when I was a kid, she would just go and make sure that I get something good, something concrete, something I can learn from and to try and go and master it.

“So when I was interested in astronomy, she gives me stuff to do about astronomy.

“When I got interested in music, she gives me stuff to do about music…

“She doesn’t hold me into the ‘you’re just five years old, you should really be five years old, nothing else.’

“It’s like she’s the catalyst, like she’s the one who helps power me to push forward.”

Read:Words of wisdom from gifted-child alumni Shaira, Kiko, and James

EDITOR'S NOTE: James Flores's section has been updated.