(Carrying Lugaw a rice porridge for a feeding Mission)
Acts of Kindness are selfless, without thought or hidden agendas, it is the understanding that we are all equal in some way or another, however some equipped with the most important foundations have reached certain goals sooner than others. It is the ability to give without an expectation of receiving anything in return accept the pride that naturally comes when you see a person better themselves, you take knowledge in the fact that perhaps your guidance has helped them and can sleep well at night knowing that you are fulfilling your moral obligations.
(Taken from Google Pictures - Racism)
Being born in the United Kingdom, I was always having to prove myself, to be the best that I could possibly be in all aspects of my existence. I felt that being of ethnicity, I was already at a disadvantage, as it was often said, I was an immigrant. Born in the 80’s I experienced much racism, being younger or older, receiving sly or blatant remarks, it made no difference, it even followed me through my working career, yet I would not let this break me as I had learnt from an early age, how to fend for myself.
I often pondered, why did my parents bring me into this world in a place that was not my home? I always had thought whether being born and raised in the Philippines would have been a better experience for me. It is funny how these experiences shape you and teach you the values of what truly is important. On reflection of my characteristics, yes I was proud to be able to stand up for myself, but I was also egotistical and selfish, I did not know better, it was always a rat race for me, a dog eat, dog world, in order to be the best, you would need to crush your enemy, as business was considered warfare.
As I got older, I noticed changes, the importance of being the best was not enough, I was becoming restless, wasting money on material things and living a life that I would not feel proud about, I would not consider, despite the teachings of my parents, the understanding of saving for a raining day and spent everything I would earn on the premise of living only for that day. It was the transition back to the Philippines, I feel, that swayed my thought process and changed my life for the better.
Moving to a desolate and underdeveloped area such as Calbayog, Western Samar, Philippines, it was a completely new experience. I treat this as my saving grace, the fresh start that I had been longing for, where I didn’t have to prove myself any longer, the place that I could build up and call home. 7 Years later, I am still here and have no plans to return to the West. I came to the realization that I was the best of both worlds as I had obtained the best education from the United Kingdom, I knew how to fend for myself and was independent, and I had learnt so many key skills from my working career which assisted me in starting my own businesses. My family had ensured that I did not loose my culture and traditions and that I was proud to call myself a Filipino.
Here in Calbayog, there is still a belief evolving around “The Lord of the Manner”, the local community pays much respect to land and business owners and often seek support as Loaning from Banks is not really an option here unless you have collateral. The average salary is very low (here in the Provinces Approx. $5.50 per day) and sometimes not enough to support their families needs. Employees from all aspects of my businesses became my responsibility and would reciprocate my help in their unconditional loyalty.
I did not want to be like other wealthy families here, that would shun those of lower social strata, holding onto the infamous crab like mentality, with the belief that some are born to succeed and others are left to rot, there is only the rich and the poor and there is no middle class.
Sharing of blessings, for me was not giving people money and expecting them to owe me for life, it was the ability to offer people with no experience, job opportunities, giving them training and development in hospitality and even teaching them how to communicate in English as I knew one day they would need it. They were an extension of my family and I would not allow anyone to bully or belittle them foreign or domestic, they became my responsibility. I enjoyed being part of the Rotary Club, I was a very active member, however the vision of our leaders at that time was not to help people unconditionally, it was always focused on personal gain, which conflicted with my ideals.
With the help of @leveluplifeph, I found @Splinterlands, a new outlet in which I could help people through earning a passive income and instilling in them the premise of saving for a rainy day that I had not appreciated earlier in my life. From helping our local community we grew to become TeamPH, which is now assisting gamers nationwide, and providing them a safe haven where personal development is encouraged, guidance is offered as well as a protection from belittlement. I often share my blessings whether it be assets or knowledge as I know it will always come back 10 fold. Today it did.
I have always been inspired from a particular member of the Hive Community. Not only for his asset value, but more to do with his general characteristics, he stands up for what is right, is not afraid to confront those who are unethical and helps others without talking about it. He is @azircon. Today he showed his appreciation to me for my efforts. This was extremely unexpected, I did not feel that I had deserved anything, he sent me a maxed copy of Vruz. I am an avid gamer and play Splinterlands Daily, I have invested in cards and play at Champion League. I staked more than 120,000SPS spread across my accounts to get as many copies as possible as Vruz is a very effective Monster for the Dragon Splinter. I am currently 2:0 using Vruz and Lily. Please see the link below to see him in action.
https://splinterlands.com?p=battle&id=sl_eff3b14dfd200c5b604033d8d9ec3e93&ref=mangomayhem
This act of kindness has had an extremely positive effect, not only on me but on our whole Community, and we are blessed that Azircon supports the voices unheard and helps to guide us to victory, please know that Team Philippines stands behind you, and that we salute you.
In summary, help people unconditionally as you never know who may be watching, I will make it my mission to continue assisting people to better themselves through Splinterlands and other outlets. Thank you to those that have taken notice of our efforts, we are a movement that will continue to grow and flourish, we are Team Philippines.
This is @mangomayhem signing out, I look forward to seeing you on the battlefield! (Equipped with my Max Level Vruz of course)
"Together we Thrive Kapamilya"