Random Act of Kindness

I first encountered the Lumad children at the eagle monument in Brgy. Salumay in Bukidnon-Davao (Buda) Road early this year. After my family and I visited a strawberry farm in the area, we stopped by the towering icon to take some pictures and to munch on the little food we brought for the trip. When we pulled over, kids swarmed our cars to sell bracelets and ask for food. Although we were quite hungry at that time, we gave them all of the food that we have in a heartbeat. We did not bring a lot so we were unable to give to all of the kids. I knew then that I have to go back. I want to go back.

I have thought about it for months and I just could not do it alone. So in July, I posted on Facebook and on Instagram a call for friends who would want to help and the response was more than what I expected. Initially, I was thinking of preparing food for 30 kids. But with everyone's generosity, we were able to prepare food for a hundred and each of them had a bag full of goodies. I am also amazed with my friends and family who wanted to share the experience. 

Our convoy of 7 cars

We jumped off from the city in the early morning of August 21st. The weather was fine and the drive up to the mountains was smooth until about 30 minutes into our destination when fog grew really thick that road visibility was a challenge. It was not a usual experience for us because it is just either sunny or rainy where we live. I had to take half of my body out of the car's window to feel the breeze. 

Kino was sticking his tongue out like a puppy to enjoy the fog.

We dropped by the site on our way up to check on how we can give food in the most organized way possible, then we headed further up to visit the strawberry farm to buy some fresh produce to take home with us. We were going there unannounced (did not coordinate with community officials) to avoid V.I.P. treatment. 

And then the moment came... We offloaded the food and the grocery bags we prepared for them. We asked the kids to line up and the elders were very helpful. Honestly, I expected them to be rowdy, probably pushing each other, but they did not. Impressive! Since we came without prior notice, the number of kids at that time was only about 60 so we had half of what we brought for the adolescents and adults. 

They sell these handcrafted bracelets for Php10 each.

These innocent faces

Posed with the ladies

No need to raise arms forward.

Mama gave the kids at the back of the line some candies first.

See... The line was not rowdy.

This baby was on the line with his mother.

Start 'em young! I made sure my nieces have a part,
gave them a bag of lollipops to give.

We were busy and happy.

Afterwards, we ate lunch with them within the area, wherever comfortable. That was when I learned that they belong to the Matigsalog tribe. They sell crops and those handcrafted bracelets for a living. 

One of the kids was headed home with his bag of grocery items.

I am grateful for this humbling experience. I am grateful for having amazing family and friends who jumped into this idea without hesitations. The personal reward that we all got from this experience is the realization that we are blessed more than we thought we were. Taking the time out of our busy days for one simple act of kindness was worth it. We will definitely do it again. 

Ad majorem dei gloriam.