12/04/2025
Story: The P100 Bill
On my way to work.
While I was waiting for an available pedicab, I overheard a conversation between two men.
One of them was saying that he was expecting some funds to be released for him, but it wasn't given.
He said he was really counting on it because he badly needed it.
To make things worse, his mother is in the hospital.
The man who was sharing his burden turned to me and offered me a ride to the tricycle terminal.
While I was riding the pedicab,
I could see in his eyes the weight of his thoughts... I could feel the exhaustion and the heat he was enduring as he pedaled with me to the terminal.
I felt like crying...
It hurt...
The fare to the tricycle terminal was P20.
When I got off, I handed him the P100.
I said, “Kuya, I’m sorry I don’t have smaller bills...
But please, keep the change.
But he didn’t want to accept it.
He said, for a moment Mam, I would just look for someone who could have a change for the P100 bill.
Because he said, “That’s your budget too. You also need that.”
But I insisted,
“Kuya, it’s okay, please keep it.
It’ll take you more time if you look for change, so just take it.”
He still hesitated to accept it.
I could see the shyness in his face.
My heart was even more touched by the powerful approach he showed...
That even though he knew he was in need, despite his struggles, he prioritizes others' needs over his own, showcasing a beautiful example of selflessness and kindness.
He didn’t just accept something given to him right away,
Because for him, "Everyone has their own needs too".
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