What’s the kindest thing anyone has done for you?

Whether we notice them or not, random acts of kindness are being done to us every day. Every act of kindness we do for others puts a smile on our faces and warms our hearts, and every act of kindness done to us always make us happy. 

We cannot remain passive and wait for others to show us kindness. Instead, we should make it a habit to do good and spread it to everyone every day.

Senator Loren Legarda

During the campaign for the 2010 elections, I took a helicopter from Manila to Lucena. As we were above Mt. Banahaw, dark clouds enveloped us and the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing in Sariaya, Quezon. I was shaken and scared. We landed in Barangay Sto. Cristo where a tricycle driver was very kind to help us. I rode the tricycle to the barangay captain’s house. They were all so kind.

Ginggay Joven Dela-Merced

About two years ago, when my son Noey was 10 years old, he went to check on me as I was at my dresser, and at that very moment, I collapsed and he caught me before I fell. He carried me to the bed and started rubbing my stiffening fingers and feet. He screamed for assistance from the house help ‘cause I was turning pale, convulsing, and sweating profusely and going in and out of consciousness. My husband was not at home and neither was the driver. He ran to the neighbor’s house and they all carried me down to rush me to the hospital. In the commotion, nobody noticed he jumped in the front seat of the car. In the ER, he  filled up the medical form himself. He then went looking for a phone and called his dad immediately. When he finally saw me stable in the hospital a few days later, I hugged and thanked him for saving my life, and told him how proud I was of how calm and mature he was in managing the situation. His presence of mind made all the difference.

Janina Dizon, jeweler

When I was 18, I traveled alone. While checking in on the flight back home, I was told my luggage was 10 kilos overweight and I would be charged for it.  As I’d spent all my money and my cards maxed out, I became frantic. Luckily for me, the lady behind me just quietly paid for the charges.  I was ever so grateful! From what I remember, she was from Davao. She didn’t want me to pay her back and to this day I regret not being able to reciprocate her kindness.

Jessica Everingham, vice president, Egroup Property Holdings Inc.

The kindest thing that someone has done for me was when one of my followers on Instagram (whom I don’t know) posted a birthday message expressing her gratitude for the daily devotionals I post, which has inspired her to love Jesus more. She also praised me in the way that I lived my life as a wife and mother, and I was really encouraged and touched by this gesture. 

Melba Eduardo Solidum, businesswoman

Perhaps the nicest thing done for me wasn’t by “someone,” but rather, given to me by the highest power. God really blessed me (and my siblings) with what has to be the best ate, my Ate Alice, this world will ever come to know. She contributes so much goodness to me and everyone around her that sometimes, it’s just unbelievable. I vividly remember that when I graduated from dentistry school, she skipped her meeting with one of her clients and knew the negative consequences she would be facing because of it, just so she could be alongside me as I accepted my diploma. Even up to this point in my life, and  I have a family of my own, she continues to fill our lives with so much kindness and give it so much meaning. 

Christa Q. Mendiola, chef consultant, Anchor Home Chef

More than anything material, I should say “acceptance” was the kindest deed that I have ever received. A chance given to prove that I am worthy of their faith and trust.

Marcos Rodriguez, businessman

It’s the simple gesture of kindness that I never fail to notice. I find myself in construction sites almost every day as part of my job. After a tough morning, workers can’t wait to rest and have their lunch in peace. What they never fail to do though is offer me their  food: “Kain, po.” This honest act of generosity from people who don’t have much never ceases to make an impression on me.

Mickey See, makeup artist

A kiss — that is the kindest thing someone has ever given me. It happened in a club at a time when I was in the middle of a complicated relationship. I had many questions and doubts about that relationship and I was telling this guy —whom I had a crush on for the longest time — about my sentiments. He was telling me about how complicated love is in general, about how the world revolves around that one person we love, but that when we love, we should never forget about ourselves, too. I told him about my insecurities, about my fears. And suddenly, amid the noise and chaos and loud music in the club, he kissed me. Then he said that if I was  having more doubts and heartaches because of my relationship, then it’s time to reassess that relationship.

Astrud Adriano, entreprenuer

My seven-year-old, 66-gallon heater conked out. So I canvassed around; replacement was super expensive. I decided to save up for a smaller one. I was helping a friend with a minor renovation in her home, she mentioned that she happened to have a spare heater which she didn’t need anymore and preferred the smaller, more energy-efficient ones for each of her bathrooms.  She sent her driver and her plumber to deliver and install.  Just as I was getting used to the invigorating showers, I’m having warm baths again.