"She can't leave that Karaoke machine alone," her father told the Field Team as they approached the Javier house in Bimmanga. The Karaoke machine was fully engaged and singing could be heard throughout the quiet neighborhood.

"Singing hi hi hi, beautiful Sunday...
This is my my my beautiful day...
When you said said said said that you loved me...
Oh my my my its a beautiful day."

The tremolo and the reverb were on and all over the airwaves the sounds of "Beautiful Sunday" serenaded the still sleepy people. Such sweet voice.

Behind the microphone was Maria Cristina Javier (middle photo above), one of our SAS Ai sixth grade scholars. She was highly recommended by her principal Mr. Reynard Andaya. She graduated second in excellence in her class. She greeted us upon entering the house and retired her microphone and Karaoke machine out of deference to the SAS Ai Field Team.

"So Cristina, good morning, we are from the SAS Ai Field Team," Vicky extended her hand to Cristina for a handshake. Leonard and Fred followed suit and the conversations began in earnest.

"You have been highly recommended by your principal Mr. Reynard Andaya as someone who might be applying for a scholarship award with SAS Ai," continued Leonard. "What would you like to be when you grow up?"

"I want to be a broadcast engineer," Cristina said a matter-of-factly. "I would like to be on television and the newscasts."

Fred commented that Cristina's voice was beautiful. "I have heard that song before but not as good as you sang it," Fred said.

Leonard, Fred and Vicky thought of a moment. Could this child really know what she wants? She is so young and yet she seems to be very inclined towards the broadcast engineering field - at least this is what she says. "Do you think you have what it takes?" asked Leonard. "To be a broadcast engineer, I mean." You see, Leonard was a DJ for DZLU and a news announcer for the school radio station in San Fernando. He had a good feeling he knew what he was talking about.

Cristina didn't even flinch. "Yes Sir," she replied.

"Well then, let's hear what you can do with that microphone," said Leonard. Whereupon Cristina picked up the microphone, turned on the Karaoke machine and belted out a song. She did this in a heartbeat and confidently as well. Leonard and Vicky were impressed with her display of singing prowess. They asked her several more questions about subjects such as mathematics, sciences, history, and other current events. Cristina answered all the questions without hesitation. To one question she begged no knowledge about the topic but said she would find out and would let them know.

At least she was being honest. After bidding the family goodbye, Leonard, Fred and Vicky took off to see another family. In the car they compared notes. They all decided that indeed, Cristina has shown some strong signs of promise. They drove away with a smile.