Doing good for others is rewarded by the Almighty or returned by the universe through good karma. As they say, what you do to others will come back to you.
Many were touched by the Facebook post of a student netizen named “Eddniel Patrick Ilagan Papa” after he shared a heartwarming experience while riding a public transportation vehicle on his way to the University of the Philippines Los Baños in Laguna. While he was reviewing and handed his fare to the jeepney driver, the driver refused to accept his payment, saying it was free for him.
Photo courtesy: Eddniel Patrick Ilagan Papa (FB)
When he asked the jeepney driver why, the driver said he remembered the time when he volunteered at a community pantry during the height of the pandemic when it became popular. Because of him, people received food and were able to eat.
“Kanina habang nagrereview ako sa jeep para sa aking exam sa isang major course ay nag-abot ako ng bayad. Hindi tinanggap ni manong driver,” it can be read on his Facebook post last October 8, 2024.
“Huwag na raw. Nagtanong ako kung bakit, sabi niya ‘Hindi ba ikaw yung nasa pantry noon sa simbahan? Noong kasagsagan ng COVID?'”
“‘Libre na pamasahe mo. Dahil sa inyo nagkabigas at ulam kami noon,'” the driver said.
Eddniel couldn’t believe that the driver still remembered him, considering it had been three years since that time.
“May kulay pa ang buhok ko at payat pa ko noon. Nakakatuwa na naalala niya ako dahil sa boses ko raw noong sumisigaw ako ng “Dito po ang pila! Kumuha po tayo nang naaayon sa kailangan!”
“Hindi ako makapaniwala na tanda niya pa ‘yon. Magta-tatlong taon na ang nakalilipas… pero hindi talaga nakalilimot ang masa,” he said.
Photo courtesy: Freepik
He added, “Pangalawang beses ko na maka-encounter ng ganito sa jeep dahil sa naitulong ng community pantry. Tanda ko, nagtayo lang kami noon ng isang sirang lamesa sa pagbabakasakali na madagdagan ang bigas at de lata na dala namin noon nina Erven, Andrei, at Alex. Ang mga ganitong interaksyon ang patuloy na nagpapaniwala sa akin na palaging may pag-asa at nagbibigay lakas.”
This gesture highlights the kindness that can still be found in everyday life and reminds us that small acts of generosity can make a significant impact.
It’s a refreshing story that encourages us to appreciate and spread such goodwill in our communities.
