Kindness of Strangers in the Philippines-Part 1

Chateau Du Mer, Boac, Marinduque.Philippines, 2020 

The other day I posted an article about the kindness of a stranger to ten soldiers in their way to Afghanistan, buying them $5 lunches in the airplane. In that article I cited three links on my own personal experience as a recipient of kindness from complete strangers in the US. In this blog, I am reposting my previous article ( Part 1) of our ( Macrine-my late spouse and I) experience as a recipient of kindness in Marinduque, Philippines - my previous home. Here's Part 1 for your reading pleasure. Part 2 will be posted soon. 💚 Do not forget to view the video at the bottom of this posting.     

 

Kindness from a Stranger!- Boac, Marinduque, Philippines

Front Yard of our Retirement House in Amoingon, Boac, Marinduque, Philippines

Several years ago, prior to the building our beach house in Amoingon, Boac, Macrine and I usually have Sunday drives after church from Amoingon to Buenavista. This drive along the national road parallels the western seacoast of Marinduque where there are beautiful homes of expatriates and balikbayans retirees from all over the world as well as rich businessmen from Manila. We drive just to get an idea of the architectural styles that we may be able to incorporate into our beach house design. 

One Sunday we saw a beautiful modern design beach house painted blue, between Gasan and Buenavista. It is appropriately named, CASA DE AZUL. We were struck by the simplicity of its design and architecture, we decided to park outside the gate of the house. We got out of the car, linger a while at the closed gate to see if the owners are in. It appears that someone was in the house and I started ringing the door bell. No sooner than after I pressed the buzzer, a middle aged lady got out of the house and asked us what we want. I said we admired the style of the house and asked permission to take a photograph. Then we introduced ourselves and stated our purpose why we stopped. 

To our surprise the lady invited us to come in and introduce herself as the owner. Her husband was outside the yard and asked if we are interested to see the whole house as well as the backyard which faces the ocean. The house was beautiful inside, modestly furnished and with a swimming pool. We found out that the couple resides in Manila. The house is their weekend retreat. The lady is a Filipina and the husband was originally from Austria. The wife works in Manila and her husband is in the import-export business. 

This incident will never happened in the US. The owners will probably call the police and accused us of trespassing. Bob Martin, owner of "Live in the Philippines" web magazine commented, "Wonderful story, David. I fully agree this will not happen in the USA. They would suspect that you might be a terrorist, or planning to pull a robbery at the house". 

To reciprocate this act of kindness from a stranger, we allowed visitors to take photographs of our front yard. We have several visitors the last couple of years who stopped at our front gate and ask permission to take pictures of the front yard. The front yard is landscaped with blooming bougainvilleas in a rainbow of colors, orchids, and several blooming tropical shrubs. Yes, indeed we allowed them to take photographs of "my landscaping" and even offer them a glass of juice or bottled water. It is our way of reciprocating the kindness of the couple who resided in the Blue House by the Sea. 

Unfortunately, we have forgotten their names and they probably do not remember our names also. But, I feel this story is possible only in the beautiful island of Marinduque-home of the most hospitable people in the Philippines, if not in the whole world.

Meanwhile, Marinduque is known for its heritage homes built several decades ago in downtown Boac. This one is the ancestral home of my wife's Grand Parents ( Nieva-Jambalos family).  

Please view this video on Kindness and how it affects Others. 

💚https://nethugs.com/be-kind-inspirational-motivational-video/

We are called to be kind! When we show kindness to others the impact it has can change their lives.

Last but not least, Kindness is an act that the blind can see and the deaf can hear. Have a Great Day Every One. 

Kindness of A Stranger in Fair Oaks, California-Part 3

n my previous postings( Part 1 and 2), I described act of kindness by strangers in the Philippines. In this posting is another incident that shows a lot of people are kind here in the US. This incident occurred in Fair Oaks, CA- my former home.

Here's a repost of my blog, I wrote a couple of years ago.    

Kindness of a Stranger-Free Hair Cut for Macrine

Photo Credit: by J. Jesus

My barber is a young South Korean lady probably in her early 30's. She told me her parents immigrated to the US about 2 decades ago and she is a Roman Catholic. This is all I know about this personable young lady who cuts my hair every 4 to 6 weeks. 

One day, I mentioned to her that my wife who is home-bound in a wheel chair needs a hair cut. I asked her if she does home service haircuts and if not if she knows of any one. 

Without hesitation, she said she does this kind of work but for free as her humanitarian and charitable project. I insisted I pay her. She said if I pay her she would not come. I gave her my phone and home address.

The other day she called and dropped by our house after her work at the Barbershop. She complained she had a busy day with dozens of kids having haircuts all day and getting ready for the opening of the school year.

She came to the house just a few minutes after our dinner. The smell and aroma of the Kare sa Pata *💙( Pigs Hock/Feet with peanut sauce) that I cooked that afternoon was still permeating the whole kitchen and dining area. David III asked her if she eats pig feet.

Without hesitation she blurted out this response: I am Asian you know so I eat anything that moves.  What a sense of humor.

David packed her a sample of my Pork Hocks Kare-Kare with shrimp paste (bagoong) in peanut sauce and assorted greens plus a can of coke to take home.  She was very appreciated of the food we gave her.  She plans on cutting Macrine's hair every 4 to 6 weeks. 

Thanks a million Agnes Chung for your generosity. I hope what you give will be returned a thousand fold!    For my other blog on Kindness of Strangers please read:

https://davidbkatague.blogspot.com/search?q=kindness+of+a+Stranger

Read this site for the recipe of my Kare-Kare: 

💚https://myfavoritepinoydishes.blogspot.com/2020/12/cooking-oxtails-kare-kare-for-our.html

Today is National Kindness Day in US

Today is National Random-Act of Kindness Day in US.  

https://nationaltoday.com/random-act-kindness-day/  

The World or International Kindness Day however is November 13

Therefore, I am reposting this article about the kindness of a perfect stranger who happened to be a teenager in the Philippines that I wrote several years ago. Here's the article. 

An Unexpected Help from a Stranger

Bright Future for Philippines' Younger Generation

During the first leg of our trip home (Boac to Manila) from the Philippines to Northern California, I experienced an act of kindness and thoughtfulness that was not expected. This act of kindness that is unexpected is an omen that there is a bright future for the Philippines' younger generation.

Last April, Macrine ( my spouse of 56 years) and I were on our way to Manila from Boac, Marinduque for our first plane ride on our way back to Northern California. On this trip, I experienced an act of kindness from a complete stranger. It came from a handsome teenager from Manila. This act of kindness is an omen that if majority of the the filipino youth think and act this way, there is a bright future for the filipino younger generation.

I was carrying two hand carries boarding a Zest Air plane bound for Manila. Suddenly, a young man rushes in front of me and volunteered to carry one of my hand carry bags up to my seat in the plane. I was sort of shocked, since this was not expected. I gave him a look of surprise but gave him a thank you smile and appreciation of his thoughtfulness.

Perhaps, you are wondering why I had two "hand carry" bags. The reason why I have two hand carries is that Macrine is now using a quad cane and is not able to carry her own hand carry. She refused to use a wheel chair in boarding the plane, since it was just a short walk from the boarding gate to the plane.

The volunteer was a young and good-looking teenager named Carlo Yu. He is a student of De La Salle University in Manila. He is traveling with his mother and an older sister, returning to Manila after a three day vacation at the world-renown 5-star beach resort, Bellarocca Resort and Spa in Buenavista.

Thirty minutes later when we arrived in Manila, he and his sister again helped me picked up and load my three suitcases in my cart for check out.

Indeed what a kind and thoughtful young man. If most of the Filipino teenagers are like Carlo, there is indeed a bright future for the Filipino younger generation. Thank you again Carlo for your kindness. Perhaps someday our path will cross again, then I will have another chance to say thank you. Hep, Hep, Hurrah! for the Filipino Youth!

Meanwhile, here's the latest picture of Macrine as she waits for a visit from her sister Charro Jambalos Levine of Palo Alto, CA last Friday.

Some of My Favorite Quotes on Kindness, Generosity and Compassion

Last week, my Italian-American neighbor visited me and brought with her Apple sauce she just prepared and Pasta. In returned, I gave her a big slice of smoke ham. She like the ham so much, she requested if I have another small slice. She said it reminded her of the ham in Italy during her childhood years. This act of Kindness reminded me of an article I wrote about some of my favorite quotes on Kindness, Generosity and Compassion.

"Just recently I wrote in my blogs an act of kindness I received from a young teenager in our neighborhood. In that article, I also referenced 4 act of kindness that my family and I experienced during the last 6 decades both here in the US and in the Philippines. 

https://lifeinus1960present.blogspot.com/2021/09/an-act-of-kindness-from-young-stranger.html

Today, I am listing 20 of my favorite quotes as follows:    

 Quotes on Kindness and Generosity

1. “Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life.” – Jackie Chan
2. “Do things for people not because of who they are or what they do in return, but because of who you are.” – Harold S. Kushner
3. “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” – Princess Diana
4. “Because that’s what kindness is. It’s not doing something for someone else because they can’t, but because you can.” – Andrew Iskander
5. “Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” – Scott Adams

Motivational Quotes

1. “Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.” – Barbara De Angelis
2. “What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?” – Jean-Jacques Rousseau
3. “You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force.” – Pubilius Syrus
4. “Kindness can become its own motive. We are made kind by being kind.” – Eric Hoffer
5. “Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

Compassion Quotes

1. “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.” – Ronald Reagan
2. “Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle.” – Charles Glassman
3. “A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” – Amelia Earhart
4. “Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness.” – Lucius Annaeus Seneca
5. “Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.” – Bob Kerrey

Not listed in the above quote is Mark Twain's:

Kindness is an act that the blind can see and the Deaf can Hear!

For additional quotes visit: https://www.ftd.com/blog/celebrate/kindness-quotes

Note: World Kindness Day this Year WAS LAST November 13.

Meanwhile enjoy this photo:

 

Kindness of A Stranger in the Philippines- Part 2

In Part 1 of this series I discuss an incident in Marinduque, which showed an act of kindness of strangers by showing their home to us without an advance notification. In that article, Macrine ( RIP) and I were complete strangers, but were welcome to their vacation home without advance notification. This is Part 2 and I hope you will enjoy reading this posting also.   

An Unexpected Help from a Stranger

Bright Future for Philippines' Younger Generation 

During the first leg of our trip back home (Boac to Manila) from the Philippines to Northern California, after our 4-month sojourn from our vacation beach house, I experienced an act of kindness and thoughtfulness that was not expected from a complete stranger. This act of kindness that is unexpected is an omen that there is a bright future for the Philippines' younger generation.

I was carrying two hand carries boarding a Zest Air plane bound for Manila. Suddenly, a young man rushes in front of me and volunteered to carry one of my hand carry bags up to my seat in the plane. I was sort of shocked, since this was not expected. I gave him a look of surprise but gave him a thank you smile and appreciation of his thoughtfulness.

Perhaps, you are wondering why I had two "hand carry" bags. The reason why I have two hand carries is that Macrine is now using a quad cane and is not able to carry her own hand carry. She refused to use a wheel chair in boarding the plane, since it was just a short walk from the boarding gate to the plane. 

The volunteer was a young and good-looking teenager named Carlo Yu. He is a student of De La Salle University in Manila. He is traveling with his mother and an older sister, returning to Manila after a three day vacation at the world-renown 5-star beach resort, Bellarocca Resort and Spa💚 in Buenavista.

💚 https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2021/08/photo-memories-of-chateau-du-mer-and.html

💚https://marinduquemyislandparadise.blogspot.com/2014/03/is-bellarocca-resort-and-spa-closing.html

Thirty minutes later when we arrived in Manila, he and his sister again helped me picked up and load my three suitcases in my cart for check out. 

Indeed what a kind and thoughtful young man. If most of the Filipino teenagers are like Carlo, there is indeed a bright future for the Filipino younger generation. Thank you again Carlo for your kindness. Perhaps someday our path will cross again, then I will have another chance to say thank you. Hep, Hep, Hurrah! for the Filipino Youth!

Meanwhile, here's the picture of Macrine as she waits for a visit from her sister Charro Jambalos Levine of Palo Alto, CA, February 17, 2020 

💚Today both Chateau Du Mer Beach Resort and the Bellarocca Resort and Spa are closed.  Chateau Du Mer had a 3 Star Rating while Bellarocca Resort had a 5 Star Rating prior to their closure.   

Another Act of Kindness from a Young Stranger in Our Neighborhood

 

I have posted in my blogs four articles on Act of Kindness that both Macrine and I and other members of my family had experienced from strangers here in the US as well as in the Philippines several years ago. I will not repost the articles, but here are the sites if you feel like reading them.

 

https://whyretireinthephilippines.blogspot.com/2018/08/kindness-of-stranger-free-haircut-for.html

 

https://marinduqueawaitsyou.blogspot.com/2020/09/coping-up-with-grief-picking-up.html

 

https://planningtovisitthephilippines.blogspot.com/search?q=kindness 

 

https://planningtovisitthephilippines.blogspot.com/2009/07/kindness-from-stranger.html 

 

Last week another act of kindness (5th) from a stranger restored again my faith in humanity. Here's how I wrote this experience in my FaceBook Page.

 

"There's hope for the younger generation in my neighborhood. This afternoon, instead of asking David to put back the garbage bins from the street to the back of our house via our driveway BECAUSE MY knees and legs have been aching for the last two weeks (thus I am using a cane to walk around), I decided to do it myself as my exercise therapy. While I was limping with the cane as I pull slowly the garbage bins, several teenagers were walking home from Bella Vista high school. One of them crossed the street and walked to my driveway. He asked me if I needed HELP! I politely said no and he silently continued his walk home a few houses from our house. I was touched by the kindness of this young teenager. I applaud the parents of this anonymous teenager who was willing to help a stranger in need "!

 

Meanwhile enjoy this video about kindness

https://nethugs.com/be-kind-inspirational-motivational-video/

Last but not least, Kindness is an act that the blind can see and the deaf can hear. Have a Great Day Every One.

An Act of Kindness from a Complete Stranger

💥💥

 From My Page Book Today. This story gave me a tear or two, touches my Heart! 

Please read the three links at the bottom of the page discussing my personal experience of being the recipient of kindness from complete strangers.

"I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought.

Just before take-off, a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation.

'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to me. 'Petawawa. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Afghanistan.'

After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached the east, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time...

As I reached for my wallet, I overheard a soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base.'

His friend agreed.

I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'

Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or chicken?'

'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class.

'This is your thanks..'

After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane, heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.

Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand and said, 'I want to shake your hand.' Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand.

With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was heard from all of the passengers.

Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.

When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!

Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It will take you some time to reach the base.. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'

Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers.

As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals. It seemed so little...

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America ' for an amount of 'up to and including my life.'

That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.' "

💥💥Here's my own personal story of being a recipient of Kindness from Complete Strangers  ! Please Read!

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2021/09/an-act-of-kindness-from-young-stranger.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2013/06/three-acts-of-kindness-from-strangers.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2020/09/coping-up-with-grief-picking-up.html

Kindness of a Stranger-Free Hair Cut for Macrine

Photo by J. Jesus
My barber is a young South Korean lady probably in her early 30's. She told me her parents immigrated to the US about 2 decades ago and she is a Roman Catholic. This is all I know about this personable young lady who cuts my hair every 4 to 6 weeks.

One day, I mentioned to her that my wife who is home-bound in a wheel chair needs a hair cut. I asked her if she does home service haircuts and if not if she knows of any one.

Without hesitation, she said she does this kind of work but for free as her humanitarian and charitable project. I insisted I pay her. She said if I pay her she would not come. I gave her my phone and home address.

The other day she called and dropped by our house after her work at the Barbershop. She complained she had a busy day with dozens of kids having haircuts all day and getting ready for the opening of the school year.

She came to the house just a few minutes after our dinner. The smell and aroma of the Kare sa Pata *( Pigs Feet with peanut sauce) that I cooked that afternoon was still permeating the whole kitchen and dining area. David III asked her if she eats pig feet.

Without hesitation she blurted out this response: I am Asian you know that so I eat anything. What a sense of humor.

David packed her a sample of my Kare with shrimp paste(bagoong) and orange juice to take home. She plans on cutting Macrine's hair every 4 to 6 weeks.

Thanks a million Agnes Chung for your generosity. I hope what you give will be returned a thousand fold!

For my other blog on Kindness of Strangers please read:

https://davidbkatague.blogspot.com/search?q=kindness+of+a+Stranger

Read this site for the recipe of my Kare: *myfavoritepinoydishes.blogspot.com/2016/04/my-simple-recipe-for-kare-de-pata-pork.html

Josh- The Power of Kindness

From My Face Book Page This Morning- I have a tear or two after reading this article; A similar event happened to a close relative when they first immigrated to the US. A slightly similar event happened to me on my first few months of Graduate School, in Chicago, Illinois, 1959. A classmate organize a Party for Christmas me so I could call my family in the Philippines.  

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2014/06/autobiography-update-chapter-6.html

"It was the first day of middle school, and as I walked into the cafeteria with my tray, I noticed a boy sitting alone at a corner table. His head was down, his lunch untouched. He looked like he wanted to disappear. The table around him was empty, a stark contrast to the chatter and laughter filling the room.

I don’t know why I felt compelled to do it, but I walked over and sat down across from him. “Hey, I’m Josh,” I said, offering a friendly smile.

The boy glanced up nervously, as if unsure whether I was serious. “I’m Sam,” he mumbled, barely audible.

“What’s that you’ve got for lunch?” I asked, trying to spark a conversation. He hesitated before answering, and slowly we began to talk. His voice gained a little confidence as he told me about how he’d just moved to town, how he didn’t know anyone, and how starting at a new school was harder than he’d imagined.

That day, I invited Sam to sit with me and my friends. He was shy and quiet, but we welcomed him. Over time, Sam opened up more and more. He wasn’t the best at sports, but he was a genius when it came to math and science. My friends and I started calling him “Professor,” and he’d laugh, finally letting his guard down.

Years went by, and Sam became an integral part of our group. He tutored us when we struggled, and we cheered him on when he won the science fair. By senior year, he was the valedictorian, just like we always knew he’d be.

On graduation day, Sam stood at the podium, holding his notes. He looked nervous, but then his eyes found mine in the crowd, and he smiled.

“I want to start by thanking the people who got me here—my parents, my teachers, and my friends,” he began. “But today, I need to tell you a story about someone who unknowingly saved my life.”

The room fell silent as Sam continued. “When I started middle school, I was in a dark place. My family had just moved after my dad lost his job, and I felt completely alone. That first day, I decided that if things didn’t get better by the end of the week, I’d end my pain for good.”

My heart sank as I listened, realization dawning.

“That first day in the cafeteria, someone came and sat with me. He didn’t make a big deal of it, didn’t treat me like I was different or weird. He just talked to me. Invited me to sit with him and his friends. That small act of kindness changed everything for me. It gave me hope.”

Sam paused, his voice trembling with emotion. “Josh, you probably don’t even remember that day, but you saved my life. You gave me a reason to keep going.”

Tears welled up in my eyes as I felt the weight of his words. I hadn’t realized how much that one small gesture had mattered.

After the ceremony, Sam’s parents hugged me, thanking me with tears in their eyes. It was a moment I’ll never forget.

The lesson I learned that day is one I carry with me always: you never know how much your actions can mean to someone. A smile, a kind word, or just sitting with someone when they feel invisible—it can make all the difference.

Every day, we have the power to change lives, often in ways we don’t even realize. And in those small acts of kindness, we find the true purpose of our lives.

~ Never underestimate the power of kindness. It’s a gift we can all give, and it costs nothing. Let’s make the world a little brighter, one gesture at a time".

Meanwhile,  here's  my own personal stories of being a recipient of  unexpected Kindness from Others  ! 

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2021/09/an-act-of-kindness-from-young-stranger.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2013/06/three-acts-of-kindness-from-strangers.html

https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2020/09/coping-up-with-grief-picking-up.html

https://planningtovisitthephilippines.blogspot.com/2024/08/a-most-appreciated-gift-and-act-of.html

Coping with Grief: Picking Up Macrine's Ashes-Kindness of Strangers -Part 5

 

Today, David and I picked up Macrine's Ashes from the Nautilus Society Office.  The cremation urn that I ordered last week also arrived today. Today my second one hour session with the grief counselor was again useful in my healing process.  In this article, I will also discussed two unexpected act of kindness David, Dodie and I experienced last week.

First, Dodie and I experienced an act of kindness from a stranger at the Lowe  Store at Columbus Parkway in Vallejo. Last Saturday on our way home from Stinson Beach, we stopped for a bathroom break at Lowe in Vallejo. When I got out of the rest room, I asked a female clerk if they have a drinking fountain.

She answered negative, but asked me if I want bottled water. I said yes. She immediately run to the other side of the store. In five minutes she had two bottled water, one for me and one for Dodie. I was willing to pay for it, but she said it was complimentary. 

Second, After we left the Nautilus Society Office, David and I decided to pass by the Peenoy Grocery Store near the McClellan Air Base in Watt Ave. When we arrived at the store there were about 2 dozens of pork barbecue sticks for Sale. A few minutes later another customer ( a Pinay and her Caucasian Hubby) purchased all of the Barbecue. I commented to the store owner, that David wanted 2 pieces of the barbecue and if they are cooking more. The owner said, that was their barbecue for the day. Later on, while the Pinay was checking out ( I was following her in the line, she pulled out 2 sticks from her bag and gave it to me. I was surprise but gave her a smile of gratitude she will always remember, I hope.  I also commented, that indeed, today is my lucky day!

In this article I am posting pictures of me and Macrine in my several barongs and a few of Macrine's party dresses and ternos as follows:

In front of our residence at 12808 Hammonton Rd, Colesville, MD

 

Christmas Tour of the White House during Clinton's Presidency

This is Macrine's most expensive Terno. It was tailored in Manila by a famous couturier. Curious of how much it cost? Read Part 2 of my Series on Coping with Grief. 

Meanwhile enjoy this music-one of Macrine's favorites

Three Acts of Kindness from Strangers

The other day was my lucky day. Three events of kindness from strangers made my day.

Every week, my wife( Macrine) and I attend physical therapy so that Macrine's improved her gait in walking and develop muscle flexibility to prevent more falling as a result of her PD. While waiting in the Physical therapy office for our turn, I started coughing because of an itchy throat. I usually carry with me Halls throat lozenges, but that day I forgot. To my surprise, an elderly lady( about my age ) offered me a lozenge, exactly the same brand that I like. I accepted it with out hesitation and give her a million thanks.

After the therapy session, Macrine decided we pass by the grocery store to buy Pastrami and Havarti cheese( our favorite sandwich filling) in the deli section of the Raley store. There was a long line so I hesitated for a few seconds to get a number. A young stranger saw me hesitating and without any hesitation, he got a number and gave it to us. He commented that the line is getting long and we need to get serve fast. I gave him a look of appreciation as he walk away. The guy is Caucasian and must be in his early 30's. I will probably not recognized his face the next time I see him. Any way thanks, young man!

The last act of kindness occurred also on our way to check out from the store. We have less than 20 items. A lady customer ahead of us, asked if we are in a hurry. I said yes, because I was getting hungry and my head was starting to ache. She ask if we want to go ahead of her. I said yes and give her a million thanks and an appreciative smile.



Have you ever experience a similar act of kindness from strangers before? The three act of kindness from complete strangers we will never forget. Will I experience this kindness if we reside in the Philippines. Probably not, specially in Manila or in Makati, but perhaps in the provinces, may be even in Marinduque. Filipinos are noted for cutting in line!

Elder Fraud Abuse _ Matthew Sugiyama

Matthew and Me- at the THD Presentation of Elder Fraud Abuse, Saturday, March 30, 2024   

Last Saturday, THD sponsored a Presentation on Elder Abuse by Matthew Sugiyama ( see flyer below).

It was a very informative talk, so if you were not able to attend, I am listing the three links below👹. The three articles highlighted the talk of this talented 16- year old young-man of Japanese-American Ancestry from Moraga.  I am indeed very proud of this young man's accomplishments so far. 

Matthew reminded me of the Kindness of a Teenager article I wrote during one of my travels in the Philippines several years ago that I posted recently in my blog. Matthew informed me has read some articles in my blogs which surprised me. I requested that he send me more information about his talk and gave him my e-mail address.  At the bottom of this page is Matthew response to my request for additional information.    

 https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2024/03/kindness-of-stranger-in-philippines_23.html    

Here are some photos I took during this well-attended presentation. Thank You THD for sponsoring this activity.

👹https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/openforum/article/elder-financial-fraud-banks-california-18175543.php

👹https://www.protectingourseniors.org/blank-1

👹https://lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1716/Campolindo-student-works-to-protect-seniors.html

This is a letter I received from Mathew the other day after his excellent presentation. 

This is Matthew Sugiyama who presented at the Heritage Downton earlier today. I hope you enjoyed the presentation because I had a really great experience discussing and presenting to all of you! I have provided some of the following links below for your use:

My website: protectingourseniors.org 

Additional links:

SF Chronicle Article: https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/openforum/article/elder-financial-fraud-banks-california-18175543.php 

Senate Bill Petition: https://www.change.org/p/protecting-our-seniors-pass-the-elder-fraud-protection-bill-in-california

Lamorinda Weekly: https://www.lamorindaweekly.com/archive/issue1716/Campolindo-student-works-to-protect-seniors.html

Best,

Matthew Sugiyama

Elder Fraud Protection Advocate

Act to Change Youth Ambassador

AAPI Youth Rising Legislative Action Committee

Moraga Youth Involvement Committee Treasurer
(925) 208-9545 matthewgsw11@gmail.com

Final Comment: One of the attendees told me she was amazed and admired how this teenager is getting involved with a project that has worldwide importance. I felt the same way. If majority of our teenagers do what Matthew is doing, there is indeed a bright future   for our Youth here in California and in the US. My congratulations to the parents of Matthew as well.  Keep up with Good work, Matthew!