"How far that little candle throws his beams!
So shines a good deed in a weary world."
- William Shakespeare
Hello everyone! I'm writing today about something that is close to my heart. The incident that inspired me to write about this happened a couple of months ago. Sometime in November 2013, my dad was on his way to the office and while he was getting out of the car, he had unknowingly dropped his wallet. Soon after he had realized that it was missing, we received a call from a jeepney driver named Mang Dudoy, who told us that he had the wallet in his possession and wanted to know where he could return it. That same day, the wallet was returned to my dad with all
the contents intact, thanks to Mang Dudoy, a man who had a kind heart
and sound conscience.
That day restored some of the faith I had lost in humanity.
With the daily papers and evening news filled with violence,
corruption and negativity, it is easy to forget that there are still good people
in the world. We have been conditioned to be wary of others that we fail to see
the goodness that surrounds us. The honesty of Mang Dudoy made me realize that there are still Filipinos who, despite their hardships in life, manage to stay
principled and uphold moral values. These
are Filipinos do good even when no one is watching, even when no compensation
is given or even when no accolades are presented. These are the Filipinos whose
good deeds sadly seldom reach public awareness when these are the very acts of
kindness that are essential in inspiring hope and motivating change.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I’ve been a Globe user for 14 years and through this #GLOBEProjectWonderful2014
contest, I am glad to be given the chance to possibly
contribute something to my country in collaboration with a brand and company I
trust and believe in. In connection with Globe Telecom Inc.’s
value of putting their customers first, I would like to give the Philippines a
gift that encourages altruism and compassion for others, a gift that puts others before ourselves.
If I were given the chance to give a tangible
gift to the Philippines in partnership with GLOBE
TELECOM's PROJECT WONDERFUL, THROUGH GLOBE LABS,
I would like to create a free mobile app dedicated to encouraging
and acknowledging acts of kindness. The mobile app will
be called Good Vibes, or simply GV.
Here are my designs. This is an overview of the app's pages.
Good Vibes is about doing, noticing and cultivating simple acts of generosity that ultimately, make an impact and create a difference in other people’s lives. It is about being gifts to one another through acts of compassion and kindness. Good Vibes hopes to transcend the kinds of posts usually found in Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Good Vibes is about going beyond the materialistic things that we think make us happy. It is about finding that there is contentment and happiness outside materialism and realizing that in spite of our busy and sometimes difficult lives, we can all still be nice to one another.
The GV app will have TWO MAIN FUNCTIONS:
1. Encourage
people to complete acts of kindness
The Welcome Page will display the daily challenge and the links to others areas of the app.
Every morning, the app will post a
“challenge” that the user can
complete. Often, we have such great intentions that we are overwhelmed by the effort needed to achieve it. The challenges in this app could be something as simple as giving your seat up for
a stranger or maybe, surprising the vehicle driver behind you by paying for his
toll. The challenges will always be something
doable that will emphasize how completing little, unselfish acts everyday,
makes the world a little more friendly and a little less hostile. Through
these gestures, for a brief instant, we tip the scales in favor of goodness.
“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness.
Every act creates a ripple with no logical end."
– Scott Adams
2. Acknowledge
acts of kindness
The user is brought to the Share Page when you click "SHARE THE GOOD VIBES" in the Welcome page. A user can make a text, photo or video entry, sharing an act of kindness they've experienced or a gesture they've witnessed while going about their daily routine.
In a world where no news is good news, and
good news is not considered newsworthy by large broadcasting companies, the
positive is often overshadowed by the negative. Current events force you to
wonder where humanity is heading. Often, we become so engulfed by the
negativity fed to us by the media and caught up in our own problems and
concerns that we forget about the many things to be thankful for. Filipinos need an avenue that will
cultivate positivity and Good Vibes
by recognizing and acknowledging the blessings and kind deeds that come our
way.
It is always heartwarming and inspiring to see and hear about kindness in a world that is seemingly filled with violence and negativity.
We don't need more people like these. We need to BE people like these.
People aren't always awful. In fact, many are wonderful human beings, once we stop and really look. As we learn to be more attuned to the compassionate things that people around us do for us and become aware our small gestures of kindness DO make a difference, we will come to realize that life is still filled with goodness.
Globe Telecom has used “Making Great Things Possible” and “Abot mo ang mundo” as the company slogan.
A simple call, text or email are just some
of the ways we can extend our friendship and show concern to others. Just like Globe, the Good Vibes app is ultimately
about relationships- treating people with compassion and kindness and enriching
each other’s lives. It is a testament to
how little things can make great things
possible, how selflessly reaching out
to others brings people together and therefore, makes the world smaller.
Through the Good Vibes app, we can cultivate an attitude of kindness
and gratitude. In the process of being generous, we change not only the lives
of others but also our own. Let us empower ourselves and be gifts to one another. It is my hope that the Good Vibes will
remind us how seemingly insignificant gestures of kindness can make a difference, like a long hug at just the right time or
kind words when you need to hear it most. It is a demonstration of the #PowerofOne.
Your turn now! :)
“If there is one thing you can give to the Philippines,
what is that gift?”
Many thanks to Globe Telecom Inc. and Nuffnang Philippines for this great opportunity.
Project Wonderful 2014:http://projectwonderful.ph
Globe Labs: https://www.globelabs.com.ph
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/globeph
Twitter: https://twitter.com/enjoyGLOBE
Instagram: https://instagram.com/enjoyglobe
Come and join the Nuffnang community!
Official Website: www.nuffnang.com.ph
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NuffnangPH
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NuffnangPH
Instagram: http://instagram.com/NuffnangPH
Hello Alex!
ReplyDeleteYes, we do have the same idea, an app! This is also a great idea!
My gift is a community, in a form of an app, where every member is always positive, love and are friendly with everybody.
My app is called “Give Love”. This will come in the form of both mobile and web app. It’s free! Everybody is invited to join the community!
In this community, a member is able to submit a photo or graphic text that represent their current loves, goals, wishes, dreams, etc. They give each other “Hearts” “Like” “Bump Up” and many more well-wisher icons and stickers like “Go go go!” “You can do it!”, etc.
All members of the community are positive thinkers. They motivate each other to be the best that they can be. They motivate each other in order to achieve their goal, to work hard and excel in whatever it is that they are currently doing.
Audrey
audreyisms@gmail.com
Hi Audrey! Thank you for your idea! :) It will be a nice change from all the negative news we see and hear about everyday.
DeleteIn addition, you can now create your own gratitude map of the world via https://gratitude.crowdmap.com/
ReplyDeleteIt is where you map your gratitude to the world.
That's a great way to see that there are good people and good things happening all over the world! Thank you! :D
DeleteAfter spending a lot of time thinking, I come up with an answer. I would like to give the Philippines the gift of faith. Faith not just in terms of religion but faith in everything they were dealing as nation, and as a country. Faith that everything will soon be alright and will fall into its place. Faith that the government will be less corrupt and more in service. Faith that the church will continue to lead its community to the right path with the values instilled in each and everyone. Faith that will someday, a Filipino will wake up in the midst of silence where there's no war between military groups and rebels. Faith that broken heart caused by family separation will be healed. Faith that everyone will have an access to right education. Faith that in this world full of hate, there's still love that will always prevail. Faith that in every bad things happening around, there's always a reason to find the silver lining. #GlobeProjectWonderful2014
ReplyDeleteHi Leo, sometimes, we become so disillusioned and cynical but yes, there is still hope. Aside from simply having faith, we should be able to ACT on our faith. Thank you for dropping by and sharing your thoughts!:)
DeleteIf there’s one thing that I can give my dear country that would be …. The gift of Health.
ReplyDeleteI want to do a medical mission with the help of Nuffnang Philippines and Globe thru #GLOBEProjectWonderful2014
Health is wealth. No amount of money, time and effort can ever, ever, bring the best of your health back, once it’s gone.
In my 6 years of practice as a nurse, I have seen how our healthcare system struggles to provide quality care for our countrymen, may it be in manpower, medicines, or equipments both in the community and hospital.
I’ve seen people deteriorating day by day because they can’t afford to go to a doctor. I’ve seen patients die because their families didn’t have enough money to buy basic medicines. I’ve also seen families giving up their sick loved ones and literally, waited for their last breathes, since they cannot afford another day for the life support of the deteriorating loved one.
I am believing that we can do something about this. One of those needy, ailing, indigent patients could be your mom, dad, granparent, relative, dear friend, loved one…
In short, we are all CONNECTED, one way or another. So it is not just a matter of “about them” and “about us” because it is ABOUT US — ALL OF US.
Hi Cristelle. This is another area that the Philippines can improve on. Many times, it is not the lack of medical equipment or medicine that prevents patients from getting better. It is the lack of financial resources. Thank you for your suggestion.:)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBernardine, tunay na mahalaga ang pagmamahal sa bansa. Tama nga ang sinabi mo na maraming kababayan na pinipiling magtrabaho sa ibang bansa. Malungkot pero hindi ko rin sila mapagbibintangan.:( Marami sa kanila ay naghahanap lamang ng mas magandang kinabukasan para sa kanilang mga minamahal sa buhay. Maraming kailangan talaga ng mas malaking sweldo para mabayaran ang mga pangangailangan ng pamilya. Sigurado ako na mas pipiliin nilang manatili sa Pilipinas kung mayroong silang nakikitang paraan na makamit ang parehong mga pangarap na maaring makamit kung nag-abroad sila. Masakit sa atin at lalo na para sa kanila na kinakailangan pang umalis sa sariling bansa, iwanan ang pamilya, para lang mabuhay and makapagbigay-buhay. Salamat sa pag-comment.
DeleteHi Alex. Wala akong masamang intensyon sa comment ko. :( Irerevise ko nalang siya. sorry. :(
DeleteHi Bernardine, alam ko naman na maganda ang intensyon mo. Super sorry if my reply seemed like I took it the wrong way. :( All I wanted to say was, it would be great if we could all love our country and give importance to our country. It's just that sometimes, hardships and harsh realities push people to leave to seek greener pastures. But you are absolutely right. Showing our country love and respect will make us become better and more disciplined citizens. I can't express myself as well in Filipino so my earlier reply might've come off differently. Please accept my apologies. Thank you again for taking the time to leave a comment. :)
DeleteMy gift to the Philippines is saving our environment! by I will Plant more trees., Walk more, drive less.,Maitain my vehicle, I will Save water, Use CFC-free products, Save energy, I will Recycle and reuse, I will Recycle and reuse, I will Use renewable sources of energy, Save animals., I will Go green when gardening or farming,and Create Awareness! #GLOBEProjectWonderful2014.
ReplyDeleteSteve del Castillo
neo_2_ph@yahoo.com
Hi Steve! If we can all do our part, we will have definitely see an improvement. Thank you!
DeleteMy gift to the Philippines will be the gift of opportunity.
ReplyDeleteOpportunity for job, for education, for food, for shelter, for health services and all the other basic necessities each and every one of us will need. If there are enough opportunities for all us then equality can never be far enough to achieve. If those things will be provided crime rate, poverty, homeless, illiterate, and hunger could be all lessen. Peace in every people can be possible and we can all work hand in hand in making this country more efficient and successful.
Thank you Istin for leaving a comment!
DeletePhilippines has a lot of beautiful places for different adventures. Extreme activities requires the right facilities in order not to risk the life of both the tourists and the guides. Having the proper tools, Real's rafting adventure will now be put in everyone's to-do list. Rafting in Real is not yet so popular, it still needs a lot of promotions as well as improvements. First thing I noticed, the rafts are improvised, they are not the real one used for whitewater rafting. They use big black "salbabida" (life buoy), combine around 3 to 4 pieces to form a raft that can load 3 passengers plus the 2 guides. They also tie pieces of wood to serve as the seats. The ride along the river is so risky especially when the water pushes so fast where you can slip from your seat and fall out of the raft. Second, there are no paddles. The guides use their hands and feet to control the direction of the raft. One guide sits in front, he kicks on rocks to turn the raft left or right. If the force of the water is too strong, he might loose control and break his leg. The other guide stays at the back, he pushes the raft to help it move with the water. So if I have a chance to wish one thing for the Philippines, I want to give a complete rafting equipment to Real. Let us do our part to make our place a wonderful Philippines.
ReplyDelete#GLOBEProjectWonderful2014
http://wanderfulsole.blogspot.com/2014/01/globeprojectwonderful2014.html
That sounds fun! But yes, safety should come first! Before we can go on all out promotions for activities similar to this, we must first ensure that we have the proper equipment. Thank you for your suggestion! :)
DeleteHi Michael! Nope, not aware of that one. Will check it out. Thanks for dropping by!:)
ReplyDeleteYes, I've seen kids who would really like the opportunity to learn and go to school but just don't have the means to do so. Thank you for your gift! :D
ReplyDeleteNot sure where my comments went but I hope this comment does not get deleted as well. i have informed both Globe and Nuffnang about the possible implications this might have if pushed thru. We are sorry and we do not mean to discredit your idea but our clients hard work for 2 years is on the line. As mentioned already, the idea is already existing in HAPPIER app, and our app called HAPPY NEST will be launched this April 2014. You may check out Happier App but I am sure you will enjoy Happy Nest which comes in both android and iOs versions. I hope you'll be happy that your wish is actually a reality and people will get to enjoy them in about a month's time.
ReplyDeleteHello Michael, I wrote about my idea without any knowledge of what you or your clients have created or have been creating. I came up with this due to personal experiences and due to the compassion and generosity that came from all over the world after typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda hit the Philippines. Globe Telecom currently has a program called Project Wonderful which aims to inform and assist people, bring relief and rebuild lives. It was my hope that the app I was envisioning would work in conjunction with Globe’s program.
DeleteYou writing to the organizers, only thinking about your and your clients’ interests is a bit discriminative and ungenerous. Doesn’t this go against the basic principle behind a kindness app. Isn’t there room for more than one app that encourages kindness and gratitude? We could all use a little more of these things right? As a quick look at the app store will tell you, multiple apps can serve the same purpose. Look at all the available photo editing/sharing apps. It is just up to the user which app he/she would prefer to use. We should have the freedom to choose right?
But we are getting ahead of ourselves here. You say your "clients hard work for 2 years is on the line.” I say, how can this blog entry jeopardize your about-to-be-released app? If anything, yours will be the pioneer, the first app that gave rise to others. Mine is simply an idea right now. I just wrote about it because I truly felt it was a gift I could give my country. I have not had my wish granted by Globe and Nuffnang. You see Michael, I am not an app developer. I am not a marketing expert. I can’t do it on my own. This is why I would like- I need- to work with Globe Telecom to tap into this area as they are already implementing a program (Project Wonderful) that will partner and work beautifully with an app like this. I live in a country that has been named the social networking capital of the world. If we can harness that into something more than posting mundane updates and carefully curated selfies, then it would be a step towards the right direction for us.
Sometimes, opportunities like this don’t call for competition- they call for support, especially since the idea we are both trying to promote is a selfless one. We all have a unique voice. Given this, similar ideas will still be executed and implemented differently. There is room for everybody here. No need to threat or be threatened by others. Similarities must also be celebrated because it is then that we realize we are not alone, that we have collective needs, hopes and wishes that want to be addressed. Live and let live. :) Good luck on the release of your app, Michael. I wish you all the best.
Kung may isang bagay akong ireregalo sa Pilipinas, ito ay pagmamahal at pagpapahalaga ng mga Pilipino sa ating bayan. Kung makikita lamang nating lahat ang ganda at ituturing na espesyal sa atin ang bansang ito, iingatan at pangangalagaan natin ang Pilipinas.
ReplyDeleteSa aking palagay dito mag-uugat ang kaunlaran ng ating bayan. Tayong mga Pilipino ang yaman ng ating bayan. Kaya sana ibalik natin ang yaman na ito sa Pilipinas. Marami sa atin ang pinipiling sa ibang bansa magtrabaho dahil sa hirap ng buhay. Kung sana lang maganda ang kalidad ng trabaho dito sa Pilipinas ay dito na lamang nila pipiliing magtrabaho. Sa loob ng 40 taon, naunahan na tayo ng mga kapitbahay nating bansa pagdating sa paglago ng ekonomiya.
Hindi ang Pilipinas ang umuunlad kung di ang ibang bansa na pinili ng ating mag kababayan na pagtrabahuhan. Sana ngayong henerasyon at sa susunod pa, pagtulong-tulungan nating mga Pilipino na ang Pilipinas naman ang paunlarin.
Kung may pagpapahalaga ang mga Pilipino sa Pilipinas, wala sana tayong polusyon ngayon. Katulad ng isang bahay, hindi mo hahayaang madumi ito at hindi mo din ito dudumihan. Hindi ka magtatapon ng kalat sa kung saan. Ituturing mo ang bansang ito bilang iyong tahanan na hindi mo kailanman pababayaan na masira.
Sa tulong ng Globe, maaari nating bigyan ang bawat tao sa isang komunidad na gumawa ng isang resolusyon (kagaya nang hinding hindi nako kailanman magtatapon ng basura sa maling lugar) para sa bansang ito na personal at espesyal sa kanila. Isang bagay na sa tingin nila, na kahit maliit, ay makatutulong sa ating bayan. Maaaring bawat taon, kapag natupad ito ng mga mamamayan, bigyan sila ng Globe ng gantimpala. Ngunit kung iisipin, hindi ang gantimpala ang mahalaga kundi ang mga maliliit na resolusyon na natupad sa loob ng isang taon.
Sabi nga ng aking propesor, pahahalagahan mo lang ang isang bagay kapag nakita mo na ang tunay na ganda at espesyal na parte nito sa iyong buhay.
Maaaring mapangarap ang regalong aking napili pero hindi ito imposible. Magsisimula ito sa ating mga sarili. At sana sa pagdating ng panahon na lahat tayo ay natutunan na ang tunay na halaga ng Pilipinas, hindi pa huli ang lahat.
-Bernadine B. Bautista
bernadinebautista25@gmail.com
Thank you for your suggestion Bernardine. I'm glad you dropped by again. :)
DeleteThis is a great idea! It's so easy to be negative but positivity has the power to give hope.
ReplyDeleteMy idea is a little different.
One thing I noticed is that whenever someone posts a picture showing the beauty of our country, Pinoys are quick to say, "Wow ang ganda! Parang wall ka sa Pinas!"
Why is that?
Our country is beautiful. I'm not only talking about white sand beaches or amazing waterfalls all over our tourism posters; I'm talking about beauty in the unexpected - a cozy little cafe in an eskinita in Quezon City, or an ukay haven hidden away in Paranaque. Our country is bursting with culture and stories to tell, but when Filipinos look around, they focus on the negative.
People don't see the food trip opportunities around Katipunan, or the art and culture of The Collective, or the musical playground of Cubao X. How can we expect foreigners to appreciate our country when we can't even do that ourselves? How can we expect to grow as a nation when we lack a very important aspect: love of country?
With this in mind, the idea I came up with is a website or app that shows the unexpected beauty of our country.
The purpose of the website/app is simple: Become a tourist in your own city, and fall in love with it. Just like how Parisians love Paris, or New Yorkers love the Big Apple, it's possible for the people of Manila to fall in love with Manila - dirt, pollution, culture and all.
"MNL 143 - Love This City" - The site or app will thrive on submissions or posts by regular people. Users take photos of both popular and popular places they think people should see and experience. They can post great food finds, events, and other happenings that people rarely see or visit. They can also include a guide to the place! (ex. Newbie's Guide to Divisoria) This gives people a chance to experience the city in a way they've never experienced before. I bet people who've lived in Manila their whole lives have yet to experience the city beyond the typical malls and will appreciate hole-in-the-wall boutiques and surprises. This project will allow Filipinos to appreciate our own, instead of always longing for the beauty of other countries.
Over time, the website/app can expand by including other cities like Cebu, Davao, etc. This project will do so much more than just supply Filipinos with information that will change the way they look at the country / the city. Instead of seeing Manila as overpopulated and dirty, maybe we can all start appreciating the culture and all the things Manila has to offer.
When you love someone, you are willing to do anything and make sacrifices to make that person happy. In the same manner, when you love your country, you become more cooperative if it means you'll be contributing to its growth and development. Improving our country can't come from political reforms or mass-feeding projects if we can't even cover the basics. First, we must love our country, and the rest will follow.
Thank you for your suggestion! I don't really get to explore Manila much outside the usual malls. It will be nice to have a guide on places to visit when you want to go out of your comfort zone.
DeleteThough I have an extensive explanation of my gift on my own post for #GLOBEProjectWonderful2014, here's another gift I would give to my countrymen if can:
ReplyDeleteHelping hands. A million helping hands.
After Yolanda, I realized that a LOT of people are willing to help. It was my first time to volunteer and repack donations and it was amazingly heartwarming to see strangers talking to each other, hand in hand and helping each other with only one goal for the day. And I want that again, not only during calamities but every single day.
There are still people out there who needs help, RIGHT NOW. Just look at the street children and displaced people everyday.
Here's the plan inside my head: An organization where people of ALL ages -- from grandparents to high schoolers, can join and browse for "projects" online, much like browsing for available jobs, where they can volunteer/donate. This organization can build a lot of projects for different kind of things!
Example:
San Andres Area: Soup Kitchen -- 2/3/14 @ 7pm.
Needed: 5 volunteers to cook, 5 volunteers to distribute, 10 Males for crowd control.
Materials: 4 tables, Bring your own cooking utensils and casserole.
Poblacion area: Basket Ball Court Rebuilding -- 3/15/14 @ 3pm.
Needed: 10 Males for rebuilding bleachers, 10 volunteers to repaint
Materials: 3 Red paints, Nails, Bring your own hammers
Boni area: Basic Tutoring Class -- 4/20/14 @ 8am - 6pm
Needed: 20 volunteers to teach, 10 volunteers to make food.
Materials. Teachers must bring 5 recycled papers and pencils each. Food makers must bring 10 eggs and bread.
NOW, let me ask you, if this website were real. Wouldn't you click that JOIN button?
A million helping hands. Think about it. :)
Here's my own idea for #GLOBEProjectWonderful2014 :
http://cerrise.tumblr.com/post/72683544534/if-there-is-one-thing-you-can-give-to-the-philippines
:)
--Cherry Franco
franchenn@yahoo.com
Nice! GV seems to be a good program for us, lalo na, nasa technological age na tayo.
ReplyDeleteGiven the chance to give a gift for the Philippines, I think it would be the "Gift of Light". We are all aware that some families here on the country still don't have access to light, for they don't have the means to pay for electric bills.
Now, an organization called the "Liter of Light" had the same advocacy - to bring lights to Filipino homes by just using PET bottles, water, bleach, and other materials that improvises the light bulb that we use today. Since most of our activities occur in the morning and in the afternoon, this may not cover the whole day, but can help these families most of the day. Not only this project is attainable, but it is also affordable.
If Globe and Liter of Light work hand-in-hand, through my wish, I think that the Philippines would be a brighter place with a brighter future.
Nice read. If we had more people like your Mang Dudoy, maybe I'd have gotten back the wallet I lost last Christmas. (but then if I weren't so careless, I wouldn't have lost it in the first place! haha!) I like the GV app idea, and if ever it were made into a reality, a backing from Globe just might be what it needs to be able to reach a great audience.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, as for me, I'd love to give the Philippines the gift of better, if not full, access to quality healthcare. At a time when those who have money are given more priority in hospitals and are more able to afford quality healthcare services/medicines, we all need reminding that healthcare is not a commodity reserved for the privileged but a fundamental human right. Ensuring the overall wellbeing of all individuals regardless of their economic background not only results in being better capable of achieving anything but also ultimately leads to empowerment. And that is the kind of people that every nation needs, for who but its people will lead any country to progress?