A Story of Hope, Survivability and Inspiration...

As I witnessed all of the things that our fellows encountered due to typhoon Ondoy, I really felt so sad for them. I can’t take to see our fellow Filipino people encounter a lot of painful experiences in this tragedy. That was really a disaster that passed in our country. But also, in spite of these things, my heart was touched as all of the Filipino people lend their helping hand to each other. Kumbaga, sa pagdating ng anumang pagsubok, nagkaisa tayong lahat upang tulungan ang isa’t-isa. Dahil dito, nangibabaw ang ating pagbabayanihan upang ipakita ang taos-pusong pagmamalasakit sa kapwa. So, as a youth, I performed what I can do in order to help my fellow Filipino people. I know praying for these people really helps, but as I pray I felt what God is trying to say to me as I communicate with Him. I really felt into my heart that I must do something in order to help these people. I decided to donate some relief goods to them through our school as they opened their service, in cooperation with ABS-CBN Zamboanga, to lend a helping hand to other people who are in need. Even though my donations are just six noodles and two cans of sardines, I’m really satisfied as these can help and nourish a lot of people. I admire all of the people who sincerely opened their doors as they lend their service and care for other people in their own ways. I was so glad that this helping hand reached also internationally as OFWs and foreign people showed their concerns also for our fellows. Kumbaga, for me, nakatataba po talaga ng puso ang makatulong sa ating kapwa anuman ang halaga ng iyong ihahandog. For me, it’s not based on the amount or quantity you’re donating, but it’s on how sincerely and whole-heartedly you’re giving it. In other words, it’s your willingness and sincerity. This makes us realizes that we are granted blessings not just for our own sake, but also to share these to others. It’s an extraordinary happening in our country to test all of us in times of crisis, to test how we are concerned with our fellows, to inspire other people of such different stories of hope and survivability and most of all, to learn a lot of things in taking care of our mother nature and to unite as we strengthen our faith to our Almighty God to ask for His help and guidance to protect and save us from these kinds of calamities. So it’s not yet late, no matter who you are and what’s your status in life, this interprets a message to all of us that we are all created equally. So let’s imply the true meaning of Bayanihan and let’s continuously lend a helping hand for each other. May God save and protect us always in all the times of our lives! May God bless us all! (o”o) Dave Eric