Once, I was walking to the transportation terminal in BGC, carrying a paper bag with fruits, when I crossed paths with a sporty woman in her 30s. We exchanged slight smiles and perhaps noticing the brown bag I carried like a baby in my arms, she offered her Metrobank eco bag. I declined at first but she insisted. I gratefully placed the package inside the bag, said thank you, and exchanged goodbyes.

When I moved in to my apartment in Paris in 2018, it was towards midnight since I had a full work day then, cleaned my room in my old place, washed the beddings before leaving, and bought some grocery items and toiletries that will get me by at least in the next 2-3 days. To my dismay, I found out that the old number combination of the massive door, which the agent gave to me wasn’t working anymore. While figuring out what to do and composing a text message to the agent, while knowing fully well that she might not answer (since it’s beyond work hours), a beautiful girl with long wavy hair walked from the main road, stopped in front of the door and beckoned for me to enter. At that moment, I felt that she’s an angel sent to assist me.

Another unforgettable moment happened on Christmas Day in 2019. I got up early, put on layers of clothing, and walked to the bus stop on a cold winter morning. I planned to attend the early morning mass, which is about 30minutes away by bus from my apartment. My Ate’s family came to visit me in Paris from London, but since it is not a practice in their religion to celebrate Christmas, I was alone and probably looked sad. When I got on the almost empty bus and was about to hand over 2 Euros to buy the ticket, the driver smiled and gestured that it’s free. I smiled back and walked to my seat, my steps lighter than earlier in the day.

Also, when I was doing my undergraduate thesis over 2 decades ago, I lost my 500-peso bill while buying ponkans from a stall in Philcoa. I was in despair. (There was no mobile wallet service yet and I had limited allowance then.) That money was for printing my thesis draft the next day and I didn’t have extra funds. I told my thesis adviser. She listened empathetically, didn’t ask twice nor doubted me. She silently gave me the amount I needed for my paper, which I paid back after a week.

In another instance, I got really sick at the end of the 3rd quarter in 2023. I craved for a chiffon cake baked in a local bakery in Albay not expecting to receive one a few days after. My friend had it delivered from Albay via a special courier service, and I received the “surprise” when I got home from work. I really appreciated her effort.

Last in this set is the support given to me by a former boss. Even without any request from me, he helped me achieve a major development in my work status. Also, during the deliberation period for my promotion, I learned that he “was ready to defend me” should there be questions about my qualifications and work performance. I have not directly expressed my thanks for these things, but I am so appreciative of this silent support I received. As it is not in my nature to ask for help as much as I can and request favors, I hope to find the opportunity to tell him one day, without awkwardness, that I really value his assistance, his sincerity, and the goodness of his heart.

From my heart, I thank all of you. There are some other little things that make me believe in the goodness of people. And today, on a weekend, I reminisce some of them with a smile.