Yesterday, we were taking a little journey to Buda, which is the Davao/Bukidnon border. It’s up in the mountains, and we were going to visit a friend, Father Franco. Father Franco is a retired Catholic Priest who served here in the Philippines, but is from Italy originally. He is a really nice fellow, and I value his friendship, even though we’ve only known each other for a few months now.
On the way to Buda, I stopped at a gas station in Calinan, sort of the last populated Barangay before you leave the City. I wanted to get a little gas before we headed up into the mountains. While sitting there at the gas station, there was a man standing outside my car. He didn’t ask for money, although it was evident that he was hoping that I’d offer him some change. I see a lot of beggars as I travel the Philippines, and generally I don’t give them money. I prefer to offer my generosity to those that I know, and I then know what they will use the money for. This man, though really touched me. I felt bad for him. He looked quite old, maybe almost 70. But, I know that he was probably only 40 or 45, he just looked bad because he had experienced a very hard life. He was partially handicapped, something wrong with his arms and legs. He could walk, but only in an awkward way. I am not sure what caused his handicap. I felt that I wanted to give him a little money, to help him out. I looked on my dashboard in a little compartment where I usually keep some change, but there were only about 3 Pesos in there. I wanted to give him more than that. So, I looked in my wallet and I had a P20 note there, with some other money. I started to pull out the P20, but as I did, I heard the song that was playing on my MP3 player. I like Country music, and the song playing was “What if Jesus came back like that”. Oh, my goodness. I thought to myself, what if Jesus did come back as this man. I couldn’t give him just P20, so I pulled out a P100 bill and gave it to him. He was quite happy.
You know, P100, a little over $2 is not much money for me. For him, though, it is a huge amount of money. I hope he spent that money on something worthwhile, not on liquor or drugs or something. Something in his face made me feel that he would go for food, or something like that. I hope my instinct was right. I also hope that I brightened up his day a bit.
You know, for me and others I have heard from, giving is a good feeling not only for the beneficiary, but also for the giver. I probably felt as good when I gave him that money as he did when he received it. It’s a funny thing, but it’s true.
Hi Bob,
I know the feeling! Isn't it great to be able to put a smile on someone's face, especially someone who didn't expect it? You are blessed Bob, pass it on…
Hi Tina – Yes, passing it on is a good thing. There have been times in my life when I was not so blessed and needed a little help from my parents or others. It feel good to help people as a sort of "pay back" for the help that you've received yourself in the past. I believe that every one of us has gotten help in one way or another over the years.
Hi Bob….Bill Huff here. Well Bob, more than likely, you brightend this mans' day……but for sure, you did brightin mine with this story. Thanks for sharing this with us. Hopefully, this man will be able to "Pass It Forward" someday, and help someone in need……have a good day Bob.
Hi Bill – I'm glad that I was able to brighten your day!
Hi Bob,
I was actually taken to task by my wife for being too generous. On my first visit to the Philippines we spent a week in Boracay and I was giving away money in tips to waiters, street vendors etc. To me it wasn't a lot, but my wife kept saying politely that I should not give so much. It was when we visited her family that she told me that I should have saved that money to give to her family. Ooops!! I guess the lesson to be learnt is that in the Philippines charity starts at home.
Kindness can be contagious, I remember being a young child and someone did me a kind act, it has never left me and I always get pleasure to pass that kindness on. It also makes you feel good which is no bad thing, I sponsor 4 people abroad and hearing from them that they are doing well gives me a real boost every time. Small giving but with a huge return.
Gerry
Hi Laurence – When you are a tourist here, it is easy to be overly generous. After living here for a time, you tend to probably give too little. For example, I gave the man I was talking about P100, which is only about $2. It's such a small amount, but for here, it is a huge amount to give to such a person.
Hi Gerry – Thanks for sharing your story of what happened when you were a kid. It does kind of bring a different light to helping others!
Hello All,
Just wanted to point out that giving doesn't only mean monetarily. You can do an act of kindness that doesn't involve money and it still makes you feel good inside. I'd like to share the article below. Very inspirational.
http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Neta36.html
Have a good day everyone! Pass it forward… 🙂
Hi Bob,
That's a nice story but I am going to be a little awkward with you, only teasing really.
What you have done if the man had asked you for a ride somewhere? If he asked because you could see that he was partially disabled, Would you have let him into your car, maybe with your family?
I wouldn't do it myself, in case you were wondering! But I would feel guilty about it afterwards!!
Regards
Phil
Hi Tina – Thanks for the link, I'll check it out. I do agree that doing something for somebody can be just as good, sometimes better than giving money.
Hi Phil – In the past, there have been times that I've picked up people and given them a ride, quite a few times actually. But, mostly if it was just me in the car, or me and Feyma a few times. I don't make a habit of it though. With the kids along, I probably would not do that. I couldn't have done it on this time, though, because I had all the kids, and a niece and her child too. The car was absolutely loaded!