The Act of Kindness…a message to parents

The Act of Kindness

…a message to parents

By Apolinario Villalobos

The act of kindness should not be a means to an end, but the reason, in itself. In other words, we should not be kind to others, just because we want to go to heaven, but because we want to do it to for the sake of others. Acting kindly should be spontaneous. The act should form part of our habit. By acting this way, we will forget to count our indulgences which others are prone in doing. The act of kindness should end when the action is done, so that any return for such act is not considered.

In this regard, parents should stop telling their kids to be kind to others so that Jesus will love them. Children should be told to be kind, because by being so they are helping others. Of course, there is always Jesus or God or heaven as reasons every time we do kind acts. But, foremost, as our reason to be kind should be the expectation of us, as human beings, intelligent creatures, who should be kind to others. The clever guys may ask, what happens then to the Ten Commandments?

For the question above, I also ask, how about the aborigines who do not know God?… those in the hinterlands and jungles who have not seen a missionary, much more a Bible or a cross? Don’t they have the right to go to heaven even if they have done acts of kindness, just because nobody told them about such an eternal paradise? The unconscious dispensing of kind acts by these people who, in the eyes of others are uncivilized, deserve more heavenly recognition that what some evil-minded, though, college or university-educated and church-going humans are doing!

Parents should tell their children that they should be kind to others because the latter deserve respect due them as human beings. And, blessings should be shared with them because they need the help to be able to survive. We should do only those, and just leave to God the judgment if our acts are worthy of a place in heaven. Again, we should not count our acts of kindness.

Every Christmas, some parents are even going farther, by warning their kids not to be bad because Santa Claus will not give them gifts. Christianity or any religion that observes Christmas never teaches that! Santa Claus is not even mentioned in the Bible or whatever book of any religion. Santa Claus just like the Christmas tree, is just a symbol of the pagan way of celebrating Christmas, to have a semblance of festivity. Christmas is all about the humble birth of Jesus Christ. And, what has been originally celebrated was the baptism of Jesus Christ. It was only one of the early popes who thought of giving importance to the birthday of Jesus Christ, with the exact date not yet even officially established, and to give it a facade of joyful celebration for the sake of the converted pagans, used their early practices that are still being observed today.

A mother confided to me that when she told her child that Santa Claus is a missionary, the child in all innocence, asked her mother why he does not wear a cross, or carry a Bible! The mother was caught flat-footed, and she told me that she felt so ashamed of what she told her child, vowing never to tell her lies again.

The erroneous way of developing kindness in the personality of a child has done its toll. The wrong notion about kindness has become an integral part of the obnoxious attitude of some children which they will pass on to their own children when they become parents, themselves. The world is so full of children with this kind of attitude, with the parents themselves, to be blamed for their “spoiled” upbringing. This is a general observation. If some parents are doing the right thing, they need not react defensively. Unfortunately, I may be pessimistic, by sharing that I see no end to this vicious cycle. Only voluntary contrition of parents may help. But how many parents are willing?

 

See with Our Heart, Feel with Our Kindness

See with Our Heart,
Feel with Our Kindness
By Apolinario Villalobos

 

Our eyes perceive the world
That’s all that they can do;
But there’s more beneath
The surface of everything
That only the heart can see –
If strengthened with fidelity.

 

Touching the lives of others
Some do with false charity
They, who think, food is enough
They, who think, money is fine
But given devoid of kindness
All effort becomes worthless.

 

Look around with our heart
Touch others with kindness
Those are what we should do
To realize our purposes in life –
Live and share, love sincerely
And thank the Lord as we pray!

 

See with our heart…Feel with our kindness

See with Our Heart,

Feel with Our Kindness

By Apolinario Villalobos

 

Our eyes perceive the world

That’s all that they can do;

But there’s more beneath

The surface of everything

That only the heart can see –

If strengthened with fidelity.

 

Touching the lives of others

Some do with false charity

They, who think, food is enough

They, who think, money is fine

But given devoid of kindness

All effort becomes worthless.

 

Look around with our heart

Touch others with kindness

Those are what we should do

To realize our purposes in life –

Live and share, love sincerely

And thank the Lord as we pray!

 

Anna Bermudo: Kindness Behind a Pretty Face

Anna Bermudo: Kindness Behind A Pretty Face

By Apolinario Villalobos

 

When I took a respite at a Jollibee joint in Divisoria, particularly, corner of Sto. Cristo St., due to my heavy packs, I found out that I needed a separate bag for some items intended to be given to one of my friends in Baseco. It was then, that I noticed one of the crew who was cleaning tables. I told her my problem, without much ado, she left and when she came back, she had a paper bag which was just what I needed. Her prompt assistance impressed me, despite her doing something else during the time. She practically dropped everything and attended to me, although, customers were beginning to crowd the room.

My appreciation for such kind act, made me ask her permission if I can share it with friends. She shyly hesitated, but I had my chance to take her photo quickly, when she began to clean my table. She thought I was joking when I aimed my cellphone/camera for a quick shot. I found the photo to be hazy when I checked it at Baseco, so I came back to the burger joint. Luckily, I found her having a late breakfast in a sidewalk food stall near Jollibee. I practically begged her to allow me to take a clearer photo, explaining to her that what I am doing is for the benefit of others who might be inspired by people like her. Fortunately, she conceded and even cooperated by giving information about herself.

Although merely, a high school graduate, she courageously left her hometown in Zamboanga to seek a “greener pasture” in Manila several years ago. She had no chance of pursuing her studies, as she had been helping her family by sending whatever amount she could afford from her wage when she found a job. I could see that her right attitude has earned her a well-deserved job in the world-renown Filipino burger outfit which is also acknowledged for its fairness in dealing with employees.

 

Anna is pretty, an attribute that could land her a much better-paying job in cafes that could be double or triple compared to what she is earning in Jollibee. But I could surmise that despite temptations from friends, that always happen to pretty girls from the countryside, she opted to work in a family-oriented establishment. Her clean and smooth face is not covered even by a thin swipe of rouge, and she wears no jewelry, not even a single stainless ring. Her simplicity has accentuated her pretty face…. that veils an innate kindness.

 

 

 

 

Ang Matamis na Ngiti…para kay Rosita Segala

Ang Matamis na Ngiti…

(para kay Rosita Segala)

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

 

Ngiti ang nagpapaaliwalas ng paligid

Lalo’t sa mga sandaling lungkot ay nakalukob

Kahit mga labi ay tila parang pintong nakasara

Sapat na, basta’t magkabilang dulo’y ‘di nakababa.

 

Kalooban ay napapagaan ng isang ngiti

Napapawi nito, lungkot na sa puso’y ramdam

Sigla ay dulot sa mga nalulungkot at nanlulumo

Nagpapalakas sa mga taong nanlata dahil sa siphayo.

 

Walang katumbas na halaga ang ngiti

Libre ito’t hindi nabibili, lalong ‘di rin inuutang

Mula sa kaibuturan ng puso, galing ang pagkukusa

Kaya para kay Rose,  pagngiti ay ‘di kailangan ipilit pa!

Dra. Aurora de la Fuente: People’s “Doktora” of Tacurong City

Dra. Aurora De la Fuente: People’s “Doktora” of Tacurong City

By Anthony Bong de la Fuente

 

She was known as “Doktora” in our small town of Tacurong. She was a favorite doctor among so many people. She trained as a pediatrician, but soon, even the parents of the children would consult her. Even as she prepared breakfast for us early in the morning, patients will already be waiting for her at the clinic just beside our house. Sometimes she will be at a party, or at some function, a nurse would find wherever she was, and would inform her there were patients at her clinic. She would leave the party to see them. The patients sometimes came by the jeepney load. They came from far-away places, and sometimes, they went as a community to see her. And she saw them one by one. She took time to chat, and talked with them. She had an easy way about her – beautiful, quick to smile, warm to people, and always genuinely concerned and interested.

She always wore white and her hair in a neat bun. But on her, the look never seemed severe or constricting. The material of her dresses were usually flowing, and soft, and her smile would soften the most trucculent patients. She barely wore make-up, just face powder and a lipstick. On her fingers she wore her college ring, and her wedding ring. She was simple and elegant. Something about her friendly demeanor made it easy for people to confide in her. They told her not only what ailed them, but also the hurts and the joys that were in their hearts. She listened to them, emphatized with them, and like an elder sibling she offered advise, or even sometimes a joke to make them feel better. She was gentle with them, but also stern with them when they missed out on their medication, or when parents were neglectful of their children.

She never lost her Cebuano accent. She would pepper her conversation with Visayan words that would amuse my father to no end. But she has developed a way of talking to her patients about what ails them. She learned all the right words for whatever symptoms in the specific dialect her patient use – Maranaw, Maguindanao, Ilonggo, Ilocano, Tagalog, and of course, Cebuano. And she talked with them using a sort of pidgin combination of Cebuano-Ilonggo-Tagalog, and whatever dialect was appropriate. Somehow they understood each other. Young children, their parents, and their grandparents came to see her, and they trusted her.

My dad who was a politician always introduced himself as “the husband of Doktora,” knowing how my mom was as well-liked, and quite as popular in the community. As kids, we were allowed to hang around the clinic, and were encouraged to befriend the sick children to cheer them up. We were able to forge good friendships with the kids we met in her clinic. Mothers would tell my mom that their kids were not afraid of going to the doctor as soon as they knew that they were going to see “doktora.”

At times when there was lull in between patients, or late in the afternoon, she’d sit at the foyer of her clinic. She watched people pass by the road side. People would call out to her, and she will wave back to them. Friends would stop by, and soon the air will be filled with laughter, and conversation. Her clinic was a hub for friends to get together, talk, and be updated with each other. Even strangers found a welcome there, and soon they will be included in the ongoing interchange of stories, ideas, and wamth.

She lived a quiet, but not unexciting life of a physician with growing kids, and a husband involved public service. Her faith in the Lord was a vibrant force that was strong and powerful. She was 46 years old when she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She quietly and bravely endured the therapy that followed. Even at 48 as the cancer cells metastasized to her spine, and lungs, she remained graciously dignified. Her prayers, and those around her were sources of inspiration. Her husband was tender and strong for her, but she was an anchor that was never swayed.

I remember that even as she was suffering, her patients would still come and see her. They insisted that they actually got better when they saw her. “Makita ko lang si Doktora, ga-ayo gid ako” (just seeing Doktora makes me well), and she would see to it they got to talk to her, and consulted with her.

When she died in Cebu, many requested that her body be brought back to Tacurong so people can mourn with us. On her burial, many came to pay their last respect, lining up the streets to say goodbye as the procession passed. A friend lent his airplane to rain on petals along the way.

She didn’t have the gift of years as she passed away too soon. But her life continues to be an inspiration to those whose lives she touched. Even today, I meet people in the strangest places, and as soon as they learn I am from Tacurong, and “Doktora” was my mom, a few of them would say, “I was her patient,” or “She was the best doctor.”

Today would have been her 77th birthday, but what she lacked in time here on earth, she had eternity with the Father. The testament of her life lives on, and today I honor her not just with a remembrance, but with a renewed commitment to serve the Lord, and to be of service to others knowing that this was her legacy and that of her husband as well.

Happy birthday, Mama!

The Spirited Anna….with sightless left eye and dimming right one

The Spirited Anna…with sightless left eye

and dimming right one

by Apolinario Villalobos

 

I thought the woman whose name I learned was Anna,  and who was sitting on the pushcart was just too trusting by not counting the money that I gave her for the items that I chose from among her “buraot” items, until she told me that her right eye can barely see while her left eye was totally useless. Her sight had been defective since she was a girl. While growing up, she was desperate and a loner because of her deficiency until she met her husband who took good care of her.

 

Anna and her husband had been selling junk items for more than five years. They would spread their items on a piece of tarpaulin as early as six in the morning along the old railroad track now covered with pavement as early as six in the morning, just when the vegetable wholesalers are packing up. An hour later they would transfer to the corner of the Sto. Cristo St. where I found her. With their four children in tow, her husband would leave her to clean their other “buraot” items in the railroad track.

 

She smilingly told me that she and her husband have been setting aside money for their children from the meager daily earnings. Just like most of the hardworking scavengers of Divisoria, they live on the pushcart…or rather, beside their pushcart that are heaped with their junks at the end of the day. Their children are aged nine, seven, four and three years. Just before noon, she told me that they, already with lunch bought from a makeshift sidewalk eatery, would join her.

 

Our amiable conversation was cut short by a sudden and steady drizzle. I had to help Anna gather her items on their pushcart and cover them with two pieces of tarp that I brought with me, intended to be given to the vendors like her. We stayed on the covered sidewalk, and it was at this time that Anna got worried for her husband and children.  Not long afterward, a guy carrying two children, and two girls huffily came running and joined us.

 

As the pushcart was securely covered, I invited Anna and her family to the Jollibee outlet a few steps away. The eldest girl jumped and gleefully shouted when she heard the name. When we entered, other customers threw us inquisitive stares as the husband of Anna and the kids were dripping wet. It was their first time to enter the establishment and even taste its cheapest Yummy sandwich, but for such a happy occasion, I ordered the regular burger and spaghetti for each of them. While they were enjoying their sandwich, spaghetti, and Coke, they strike a picture of a happy family…of contentment, a far cry from many families that are virtually swimming in affluence, yet, not satisfied a bit. As a practice, I did not take their picture while enjoying their Jollibee meal, for I do not want the photo opportunity to come out as one done in exchange for something. So as not to instigate Anna and her husband to ask questions about me, I stopped asking more questions about their life….that way, I was happy not to be asked for my name, though, before we parted ways, I told them that the snacks were courtesy of a certain “Perla”. I was resolved, however, to see them again.

 

The TPC Mark of Ed Vergado (PAL Senior International Ticket Representative)

The “TPC” Mark of Ed Vergado

(PAL Senior International Ticket Representative)

By Apolinario Villalobos

“TPC” stands for Total Passenger Care, a trademark of PAL during its Golden Days under Roman Cruz, Jr. As a “total care”, even inquiring callers and walk-ins were given utmost attention, because they are already considered customers, though with “prospect” status. Most often, though, because of the care given, they eventually, become a full-pledge customer.

The mark of PAL’s excellent service, was again shown by Ed Vergado, a senior International Ticket Representative of Philippine Airlines assigned at the NAIA Terminal 2 ticket office. I witnessed how he offered his cellphone to a passenger, Arturo Albulario, who was in a quandary while trying to contact a friend who was supposed to meet him upon his arrival from Los Angeles.  He was taking a connecting flight to Cebu that morning and the meeting with his friend was very crucial, as time was running out.

With a smile that put Mr. Albulario at ease, Ed even offered to dial the number of the former’s friend for him. In just a few minutes, the friend who was finally contacted rushed inside the ticket office. Both were profuse in showing their gratitude to Ed. The passenger tried to show his apprehension by leaving a substantial amount to refund the consumed load for the call made, but which Ed vehemently refused. I witnessed the incident as I was inside the ticket office killing time while waiting for the arrival of a friend from Davao.

Ed began his airline career in Virac station (Catanduanes Island) as a ticket clerk, moving on to Laoag station (Ilocos Sur) with the same position. Recurrent trainings afforded him knowledge in other responsibilities such as ramp handling, counter handling (check-in), cargo handling, reservations, and manual computation of load (passenger, baggage and cargo). His expertise in the line was such that every time new stations were opened, he was among those assigned which happened when Busuanga station in Palawan was made operational to boost the tourism-related effort of the province.

With the onset of developments in the company, Ed was transferred to NAIA Terminal 2, to handle checking in of passengers for which he was well-prepared, thanks to his experience and trainings. Lately, he is now at the ticket office of the same terminal, but this time, preparing international tickets, as a Senior International Ticket Representative (Senior ITR), a supervisory position that he more than deserves.

The more than 30 years of service in PAL, made Ed a seasoned customer-oriented employee, and developed in him a sharp perception on how to make customers satisfied. He does not hesitate in sharing what he has gained with his new co-employees every time he has a chance, as what I had observed also that morning. As there was a lull in the influx of customers, Ed was entertaining questions and voluntarily sharing information about their responsibilities with the rest of the counter staff.

Philippine Airlines can encourage acts similar to what Ed did, by giving deserving employees due recognition through commendation. The emulation by other employees can create a chain reaction that can definitely add more life to the consistent excellent service of the company.

Michael Quirante: Tenacious and Resourceful Branch Manager of McDonalds-Hidalgo (Quiapo)

Michael Quirante: Tenacious and Resourceful

Branch Manager of McDonalds-Hidalgo (Quiapo)

by Apolinario Villalobos

Lately, MacDonalds has been hugging the limelight because of the incidents on food poisoning. This seems unlikely as the food chain is known for being finicky as regards their products and service. I had the chance to test the trademark for which it has been known one morning when I dropped by their Hidalgo Branch in Quiapo for breakfast.

As usual I ordered the pancakes but the Cashier, Love Castaῆares smilingly suggested their new product, launched just that morning, the cheesy egg pandesal. I gave in to her insistence, but I was disappointed as it came in the size which was not my type, so I rejected it. At this instance, the Branch Manager, Michael Quirante volunteered that I still try the pandesal if only to check its taste. I declined, and perhaps in an effort to prevent me from getting irritated, it was promptly changed with the pancakes.

While I was enjoying my pancakes, I saw Mr. Quirante slicing the sandwich into bite sizes, and offered them to the few customers at the time, as it was still early. He had such kind of persuading approach that no customer ever declined his offer, and all of them practically gave their thumb up, to confirm that their new product tasted really good. In just a couple of minutes all bite-sized pandesal slices were gone, and Mr. Quirante was smiling from ear to ear.

What touched me that morning was the persistence of Mr. Quirante in introducing a new product of the company, by personally, offering it to the customers. He was not downhearted with my rejection. Also, I supposed that such gesture was not really part of his routine, but rather his own kind of personal gimmickry that put his resourcefulness to the fore.

My interest in the attitude of Mr. Quirante made me talk to him for a few minutes before I left. I asked him if he was aware of the latest impression on their company due to the issue on food poisoning, to which he answered in the positive, that is why, he told me that they are trying their best to maintain their image. Just then, a service crew came in and greeted him. He told me that the guy was a Muslim. I was surprised because I thought only Christians were being hired by their company. At that, I was told that they want to be fair to all those who seek opportunity to help them with their studies, that is why their outlet has hired four Muslim staff. I was not surprised by what he told me as McDonalds is known for its penchant in helping working students. In fact, Mr. Quirante told me that he went through the same stage, as he was himself, a working student when he worked initially with the company.

Quiapo is one area in Manila, a historic one, yet, which is being shared by the Catholics and Muslims who live side by side harmoniously. MacDonalds contributes to this harmonious co-existence by hiring service crew members from the area, regardless of their religious affinity. Mr. Quirante’s attitude on the other hand, has enhanced the effort of the company in his own way, by doing his best as part of the company – being nice to the clients and his co-employees. He told me that his rising from the lowest position, that of a service crew, until he became manager, gave him the opportunity to understand the entire nature of his job.

While it is true that employees of service-oriented companies are mandated to smile their best to attract customers, the difference lies in the “sincerity” in how it is done. Being an employee myself that handled customer needs, I know if smiling is candidly done or words that are muttered are meant to help or appease irritated clients or not. Mr. Quirante did more than all those…he made use of his resourcefulness to help his company to show that the golden arc does not only symbolize excellent service, but superb products, as well.

What Jesus Taught…and what man advocates

What Jesus Taught
…and what man advocates
By Apolinario Villalobos

Jesus taught charity, but man advocates selfishness
Jesus taught love, but man advocates hatred
Jesus taught compassion, but man advocates indifference
Jesus taught mercy, but man advocates cruelty
Jesus taught tolerance, but man advocates aggressiveness
Jesus taught piety, but man advocates wickedness
Jesus taught kindness, but man advocates thoughtlessness
Jesus taught humility, but man advocates arrogance

Unless man frees himself from the shackle of pride
Till death, to righteousness, he will be blind
And, limitless desire for worldly comfort
Will be in his heart, for all its worth!