Being a Samaritan for others

I had a memorable experience of helping a stranger in 2013. I found an expensive wallet on top of the toilet paper dispenser inside the ladies’ room of the Hong Kong Park. By its appearance, one could assume that the wallet contained much money. I felt confused and did not know how to return it to the owner. Though the toilet was crowded and many were in queue waiting for their turn, I did not let anyone use the cubicle. I had a strong feeling that the owner would come back. A few minutes later, a Japanese woman rushed into the toilet where I was still standing. I noticed that the wallet belonged to her. After she got the wallet, she embraced me tightly and thanked me. She said the money was not the most important, but her identity cards and passport. She could not go back to Japan without them. She thanked God that I took care of her belongings. So, in many cases, a small act of kindness can mean a lot.

— Edna Honrade

A person can be a good Samaritan in many ways, by simple acts of helping the poor, buying from small vendors the products they are selling, giving alms to the beggars, and doing good deeds to the needy.

— Ann Therese Calumpang

Yes, I could say that I am a good Samaritan for people who need help, like people suffering from poverty. I try to be generous because I believe in the saying that the more you give, the more you receive in life. I also found charity foundations or orphanages wherein I could extend my help. There are a lot of things or actions that we can do to be a good Samaritan, and the most important thing is that our small acts of kindness can have an impact on others.

— Clester Enildas

I have not really been a good Samaritan. Not that I would consider myself one in the first place. However, I remember doing something good for someone I did not know. It was a stormy day the day before. In my hometown, it was not uncommon for vehicles’ wheels to get stuck in the mud, especially on not cemented roads. On my way home from school, I noticed a pedicab full of kids stuck in a deep muddy puddle, and only the driver was trying to get the vehicle out because the kids were not strong enough to push the pedicab. I usually do not interfere with other peoples’ affairs, but I instinctively helped push the pedicab out of the puddle. We had a little trouble, but another passerby helped and finally, the pedicab was pushed out. The driver thanked the other stranger and me, and I just smiled. It was a rather pleasant experience.

— Ferrigrini Flores

One time, I picked up my ward, but the rain and the wind were heavy. I happened to encounter a fellow Filipino going to the market, but her umbrella got broken, and she was dripping wet. I felt so sorry for her, so I carried my ward, and we shared the umbrella. In that way, I could help and set a good example for my ward with that simple act of kindness. I believe that kindness has a ripple effect.

— Catherine Joy Gigantoca

My faith helps me be compassionate, and my offer of help is not for any reward. Having a caregiving profession in a foreign country makes it a practice for me to help anyone in need, especially our fellow overseas workers. My help may be financial, emotional, spiritual, or in other ways possible. The best reward for helping someone is to know that our actions are pleasing to God.

— Clarita Nagar

I would say that everyone has an opportunity to be a good Samaritan to others in small or big ways. For example, a first-timer in Hong Kong I met on the street once asked me how to go to the nearest MTR station. Our location was a bit far from the station at that time. So I guided her to ensure she reached the MTR station and safely went to her destination. 

I also remember one time when I was in the market, a Filipino could not understand what the vendor said. I explained to her what he was saying so that she knew the meaning and could understand it next time. 

To help others is one of the happiest feelings, and I am willing to help others in times of need.

— Joan Romariz 

I do not hesitate to help others if I think or know that they are in need. An older woman in a restaurant was sitting alone at the table with no food. She was looking at other people eating. I ordered my food and was looking for a table. The only available was the one with that woman sitting alone, so I decided to sit beside her. She looked hungry but had no money to buy food and maybe, was waiting for some leftovers. I started a conversation with her, and true enough, my guess was correct. I offered her some of my food. With no hesitation, she took it, thanked and walked away. We can always be a Samaritan to others by just doing simple acts of kindness. 

— Bhel Satuito