Paying it Forward

Pictured above is my “pay it forward” pocketbook. Every time I have an extra 20, 50 or 100 pesos in my pocket that I somehow forgot to place in my wallet. It either goes in here or in my savings box.

I don’t count the amount in it. I just place in extra money whenever I can.

The only time that I do get to count it is when a close friend, Ate Ging (househelp) or when I meet someone on the road who might need it… Like when I was on the LRT, and I simply had to ask for the phone number of a dad who was carrying his 15 year old son who has cerebral palsy on his back. I didn’t give them money, but I did deliver a wheelchair to their small shanty in Bulacan.

You know what’s mind boggling – when SOMEONE CLOSE TO ME asks help for a specific amount.

The amount in this pocketbook is almost CLOSE TO THE AMOUNT NEEDED.

Don’t get any wrong idea and ASK HELP FROM ME NOW. Because I only help when my HEART FEELS RIGHT ABOUT IT.

As much I want to give spare change to kids in the streets – I don’t. Because I know for a fact that the money does not go to them but to the “sindikato’s” handling these kids.

I just pay it forward whenever I am able and when my instincts tell me to help.

So right now, I am toying with the idea of asking pledges for 21Ks and (hopefully!) 42Ks that I will be running in.

Pledges maybe for a former high school batch mate who is battling a disease.

Buying a wheelchair for a patient in PGH.

Getting a new pair of shoes for that kid who you know who walks to school every single day barefooted or in worn out slippers.

Buy one kaban of rice for a family you see in your neighborhood living in a kariton.

I sincerely believe in the power of paying it forward. Without asking anything in return and Without counting it as an “utang na loob” – if you helped a friend for example.

Because that would be called “barter” if you expect the person you helped to return the favor in some form… Know what I mean?

I am still thinking if I should place a paypal donation widget here. Keep you guys updated if you want a report.

Or maybe this small post will inspire you to buy a jollibee yum burger meal for that old man you always see in your daily routine.

Which I think is a BETTER WAY OF MOVING YOU.

*This post is inspired by a recent discussion for a high school of batch mate who needs help.