‘Pedrito’ on FB draws youth to teen’s story

OFFICIAL images of the soon-to-be-saint Blessed Pedro Calungsod show him as a solemn young man.

A cuddlier stuffed toy version of the Visayan martyr, nicknamed Pedrito by its makers, is now available and being marketed online on a social network.

According to the Facebook page Barkada ni Pedro, the limited-edition stuffed toys are P650 each.

“We only have a few to sell… so it will be on a first- come, first-served basis,” reads an announcement on the page, which was created last Aug. 6 and is affiliated with the Commission on Youth of the Archdiocese of Cebu.

So far, 370 people have “liked” the picture of Pedrito posted on Facebook. “Cute” is their common description of the toy.

There were persons who were irreverent in their comments about the toy. Some criticized its creator. Others, however, defended the project.

“Barato ra lagi siya (the toy is not expensive).. pwede hatag na lang (Can you give it to me, instead)? Hehehe. LOL (laugh out loud),” said a certain Mhe-anne Aijem.

“So cute but expensive...(No) 50 percent discount?” asked a certain Etteruelf Alegado Buttons.

FB account holder Lourdan Patrick commented that the toy was made in order for the creator to earn money.

ARRIVING IN ROME. One of the Pedrito images is photographed at a train station in Rome, just a few days from the ceremony where the teenager Pedro Calungsod will be declared a saint, along with seven others. (Photo from the Saint Pedro Calungsod Facebook page)

But Chris Eirene Lao has a different view.

“Lourdan-tama ka ginawa para kumita pero hindi pagkakaperahan. Ginawa yan para natin maaalala ang ginagawa ni Pedro Calungsod...at maipagmamalaki na siya ang ikalawang santo (magiging santo) sa ating bansa, lalo na sa mga Bisaya at sa mga kabataan ngayon. (You’re right, it’s a money-maker. But it’s also a way for us to remember Pedro Calungsod and be proud of his becoming the second saint from the Philippines.

Visayans and the youth, especially, should be proud.) God bless,” posted Lao.

Lourdan responded that it would have been better if the image wasn’t for sale. “Ang pagsamba sa Diyos o pagpapakita ng pananampalataya ay hindi for sale (Worshipping God and showing faith are not for sale).”

Also dubbed “ang lakwatserong misyonero (the traveling missionary),” one of the Pedrito dolls is tagging along with the pilgrim image of Blessed Pedro for the martyr’s canonization in Rome on Sunday, up to the “Duaw Nasud” Philippine tour from Oct. 25 until Nov. 27.

Anyone can watch where Pedrito goes and the people he meets by tracking him down through geo-maps and the Rome pilgrimage’s live streaming. His journey can also be accessed at www.sanpedrocalungsod.com.

As of yesterday, Pedrito was photographed at a train station in Rome.

“Go on with your journey Pedrito and touch the lives of everyone,” commented Noel Miñoza Seno. KAL