I watched the CBS news the other night about an American singer/songwriter who changed people's lives affected by Hurricane Ike that destroyed a tiny southern Texas town. He decided to see the destruction caused by the hurricane himself and attended the town's prayer meeting. No one recognized the singer 'cause he was wearing a baseball cap and he left without revealing himself, he is Neil Diamond who's hits include "Sweet Caroline", Love on the Rocks" and "America". He performed series of concerts and he donated the proceeds and added his own money($1.7 million) to rebuild new homes for those victims. He handed the keys of these new homes to 13 families in that prayer meeting to their amazement, a very touching story.
Manny Pacquaio has that same heart. No Filipino athlete has ever accomplished what he did in the history of Philippine sports. He surpassed everyone's expectation since he beat Erik Morales twice after his loss to him when he accumulated series of victories and so as his fortune with an estimate at least $50 million. I've read that he's given away at least 35% of his total earnings from boxing which is unheard of by Filipino standard. Not even the leading richest men in the country can match the amount of his generosity.
He grew up in impoverished area in southern Mindanao having nothing much except his determination to become a champion in boxing someday. His adventure started when he ran away from home 'cause his dad turned his dog into 'pulutan' Now he's recognized as the best boxer in the world and being a Filipino, his fame and branded as "Pambansang Kamao" also comes with responsibility.
Poverty in the Philippines is prevalent and due to his strong religious faith in God and compassion, he felt he has a commitment to help people in desperate situation. He built schools, donated his money to charities, flood victims, for the environment and much more to help poor people he doesn't know to get on with their lives.
Now his political aspiration is underway in this coming election that could hinder his boxing career but he said he is running for Congress in his province 'cause poor people are neglected by the government and he thinks he can make a positive change. He said "now I want to be known as a good public servant. I want to be known as a generous person."
I think he's been more than generous, he's given inspirations to many underprivileged Filipino children and provided encouragement that if they strive to work harder for something they want in life, they could accomplish anything even in a tough environment.
Whatever people's opinion about his decision I think we should respect that. He's already accomplished so much in boxing winning 7 title belts, although, as boxing enthusiast I would prefer him fight one more boxer - the winner of the Mayweather/ Moseley fight later this evening.
Another good example of Samaritan is a Filipino named Efren Peñaflorida who offered his own time teaching children who are unable to attend schools due to poverty so he brought the classroom to them "kariton 'pushcart' classroom". He was chosen out of ten finalist around the world by CNN as "hero of the year".
There are people like them in this world we don't hear about, the good Samaritans who will do their best 'cause they're compelled to do something for the benefits of complete strangers.
We can be good Samaritans too and we don't have to offer money but our time to help complete strangers by showing the right direction.
