24 APRIL 2020

Sending our love to all frontliners

By Emelita, Philippines

There is no better way to combat the pandemic but through prayers and being compliant with the World Health Organization's directive to maintain personal hygiene. Moreover, to strictly abide by the National Government's directive for safety and orderliness of the community.

As the resident of any country that is not spared from scarcity of resources, especially to the "no work no pay" [daily wage] workers, contractual workers and the likes, the enhanced community quarantine has brought us many positive learnings; in our lifestyles, our dealings with our fellowmen, realisation of loving one's family and the attitude to give respect and importance to all our frontliners, regardless of their social status.

May this worldwide pandemic make us more considerate and loving to frontliners in appreciation of their 24/7 service, risk-taking and life-threatening fight to help us all. Sending our love, hugs and prayers from the Phillippines.

#ourbetterworld #APRILworldAUTISMmonth

16 APRIL 2020

Choose to be kind

By Bella, Travel Professional, Philippines

I was randomly sending messages to my family, relatives, friends and colleagues, asking how they are, if they still have food and things they need for the next few weeks of lockdown, forwarded quotes of hope.

Then a friend who is literally not in good condition since last year sent me a message.

“Can I ask you a favour?” he said.

Without a second thought, I said, “Yes.”

“Can I send you a small amount of money to help the kids in need, especially the ones affected by the virus?”

I smiled and then I cried.

How could a kind-hearted person like him be suffering now?

How could this man still be like that despite his present condition?

I received another message, “I am still blessed, God is still looking after me. I may not know why I am in this situation but I believe, He has a better plan for me.”

My questions were answered.

In this present situation, I guess, being depressed, being impatient, anxious, hot-tempered, being bad or selfish are valid, but we always have a choice.

And I hope we will choose not to feel these, rather, let us choose to be kind.

The amount is not important, but the act of kindness he showed inspires others. He is living proof that there is no excuse not to be kind and to help others especially at this time where one face mask or a penny can save lives.

Well, I am not just inspired, I am thankful because I am his friend.

_{Photo by Josh Boot on Unsplash}

Spreading the SMILE

By Nerrie Jane, Founder, SMILE for Youth, Philippines

We draw good out of evil. Amidst this time of the COVID-19 crisis, where our country is in Enhanced Community Quarantine, the spirit of #bayanihan (co-operation) still exists. Countries around the world have united with one goal, to fight COVID-19.

We, Filipinos, have been through a lot of hardships, trials and disasters. Earthquakes in Mindanao, volcano eruptions in Luzon, super typhoons in Visayas, but still we always rise, because we look out and help one another.

While the local government units are very busy catering to the needs of their constituents, distributing relief goods and some financial support to grassroots, our team, SMILE, is doing our best to make our Filipino children smile, even in the smallest ways we can.

My friends from all walks of life gave their share even if their family are also in need of the basic things to survive. Because we cannot just sit down in our homes and do nothing. Yes we can save lives by staying at home, but we can also save more lives when we do something together.

Our government needs our help. So in the noblest way we can, we distribute biscuits, juice packs, apples, hygiene kits and vitamins not only to frontliners, but also to underprivileged children. We brought back the smile on the faces of some Filipino kids, who where really affected by this crisis.

In this time of need we should not be selfish. Yes we can self-preserve, but also we can help other people. Remember, we cannot live alone.

Spread the SMILE- Selflessness, Motivation, Inspiration, Love and Enthusiasm, in support of our fellowmen. Together we fight, together we win, and together we all live again a normal and healthy life.

Unite and fight COVID19!
Bayanihan, kayang kaya natin to!
Share and serve with SMILE.

_{Photo by Javier Allegue Barros on Unsplash}

1 APRIL 2020

Mountain girl unleashed

By Gladys, Content Creator, Philippines

I grew up in a mountainous area in the Philippines, where fast food is an impossible option. My parents insisted that root crops like camote (sweet potato) and saging saba (banana) are considered our merienda, or snacks. Sometimes, they can be meal too!

Fast forward to today, lockdown in the city far from the countryside made me unleash my inner mountain girl again.

As I refuse to go to the grocers because of longer queues and the idea of being in a closed building just feeds my anxiety about this virus, I decided to buy my supplies in small local shops near my neighbourhood. Most of them sell bread, vegetables, fish, meat, and fruits — it’s like a healthy-food survival starter pack! I am so happy that I get to enjoy eating my favourite childhood snacks again and somehow help the local sellers too in this time of crisis. I believe that the farmers and local sellers have always been our frontliners, especially in this situation and I am just so grateful for them.

Finally, times like this I am thankful for my parents for the memories and my childhood experiences for being a handy 'survival kit' for life!

Now, time to eat that boiled saging saba! Yum!

_{Photo by Jason Blackeye on Unsplash}

Battling compassion fatigue: The story behind #braveheartph

By Melissa, Physician, Philippines

As a psychiatrist, I know how difficult it is for healthcare workers to remain hopeful in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 16, when Luzon was quarantined, my sister approached me about a food drive that her friend, Alyson Yap, had started. The concept was simple — sending home-cooked meals to hospital frontliners — so I volunteered to coordinate delivery for hospitals in Manila. At the same time, I asked my nephews to make drawings to be included with the meals.

After the first day of the food drive, I was astonished to see photos of the drawings online. It turned out that the frontliners had saved them because these meant as much to them as the food we sent. Inspired by this, I reached out to local calligraphers for help in illustrating messages for the frontliners. Soon, my inbox was flooded with their contributions of beauty and hope. Realisation struck — the artists' work deserved a wider scope, and more healthcare workers deserved to feel their support.

Two days after the food drive began, @braveheartphl was launched to give everyone a chance to send their messages of support. Instructions were simple — everyone was encouraged to upload photos of their work on social media and tag #braveheartph.

Why #braveheartph? While searching for inspirational messages for frontliners, I connected with Wally Tham, who launched #braveheartSG. Together, we decided that using a common name would show our countries’ united support for our frontliners. We hope that other countries can start their own braveheart movements so that we can beat compassion fatigue on the frontline. After all, this is a battle that frontliners worldwide are fighting.

To our Filipino artists and frontliners, thank you 3,000x. We will heal as one.

Selflessness comes in the form of a knock on my door

By Nina, Production Manager, Philippines

Let me tell you about my landlord and neighbour, Ms Gina Tumibay. A lady with bright eyes, a ready smile and close-cropped hair, Ms Gina is a retired Major (Philippine Marines) and a cancer survivor with a no-nonsense style.

I moved in last January.

Mid-January there was talk of a new virus, but that was far away in China.

March sets in.  So did COVID-19.

One day, I get a knock on the door.  It’s Ms Gina with a face mask on. True to form she asks how I am doing and if I had enough to eat that day. Ms Gina pulls from behind her three pairs of gloves, three face masks and a bag of sweet biscuits. “This isn’t much, but it will help.”  I’m speechless, because everyone else was hoarding masks, protective gloves. The biscuits were the cherry on the sundae.

The community quarantine kept us indoors. Quarantine passes allow only one person per household to go out to buy necessities. Suspended mass transportation makes it nearly impossible to go anywhere. Panic buying means hour-long lines if you’re lucky enough to get most of the items you need. 

Selflessness comes in the form of a knock on my door.

One day heralds biko (sweet rice cake), another day lumpiang sariwa (fresh vegetable rolls). And always with the parting words: “Do you need anything? I might have something.”

My lunch the other day was courtesy of Ms Gina’s kitchen, kare-kare (oxtail peanut sauce stew). Today, baked macaroni.

Who is this lady whose only known ties to me is a contract of lease?

I find out — the masks, the gloves, the food — she does this for all her tenants.

True to form Ms Gina doesn’t have to. But she does anyway.

_{Photo by Grant Durr on Unsplash}

Doing what we can with what we have

By Rachelle, Teacher, Philippines

I am a public school teacher and a single parent. I have two kids aged seven and five-and-a-half years old. Being the sole breadwinner is not easy in the midst of this pandemic crisis. But this hasn't stopped me from extending my help and showing compassion to those who are close to my heart.

By giving and sharing what I have, like some cash, groceries and food, to feed them and their families. I also tell them not to be afraid because God's love and mercy are with us. I suggest that they help those in need even in simple and small ways.

We don't need to be rich to help other people, just having a big heart can be enough. I know how happy I am to share what I have and let people in need know they aren't alone. Giving without expecting anything in return creates the best feeling.

I have a motto, 'Tulong Ko, Ipasa Mo'. It means that whenever you get the chance, whatever help you have been given, please [pay it forward] in the simplest way.

Never hesitate to help the poor, every privilege to serve is like an open heart that gives unconditional love to humanity. Spread positivity, love and hope.