Sometimes it’s easy to be caught up in the daily grind that we forget to look up and see the opportunities in front of us to do good and make a difference.
So a group of young members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo from Metro Manila, Philippines, one of the busiest and most congested regions of the world, set out to go out into their communities to share kindness by taking on the INC Giving 21 Day Kindness Challenge. The goal: to spread kindness not just with the ones on the recipient end but even inspire those around them to take on the challenge with them.
Rachel Del Rosario from Guadalupe, in Makati, one of the 16 cities making up Metro Manila, started her day by sharing her meal.
And she wasn’t the only one to share her meal. Chi Shing Wan from Pembo, another area in Makati, handed a meal to a homeless man.
This was day two of their 21 days of kindness. But they were just getting started. Chi had also volunteered his time to be part of Developers Connect, a non-profit organization that promotes the “IT Pinoy Talent” – hosting free code camps and seminars for individuals interested in technology.
In Quezon City, near the Central Temple of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Jean Aina Sta. Ana has been busy spreading kindness, starting with a security guard she often sees during her commute.
“On this day, on my way home, I found a security guard who looked tired. He had a frown on his face, and a certain slowness in his movements as; this bothered me because even when he looked this way, he was still fulfilling his duties as a security guard, however, he didn’t get a thank you from the drivers he helped in parking their cars, or the people he helped with groceries, so, in hopes of uplifting his spirits, I “mano” him (Filipino sign of respect). At first, he was confused as to why I did this, then I thanked him for all his hard work, this simple act of kindness put a wide smile on his face.
“She continued her random acts of kindness, by walking around her city giving compliments attached to sweets.
“Too often, we underestimate the power of a smile, a kind word, a simple compliment, or the smallest act of caring; all of which have the ability to make someone’s day and the potential to turn a life around. So let’s give out compliments and be the reason why someone smiles today.
Kindness is one of the greatest gifts we can bestow upon another. A little kindness goes a long way; a smile, a simple compliment can turn a frown on any person’s face upside down. Everyday, we pass by so many people, going to work, going to school, everywhere; these people could be struggling, they have problems that they carry around, but a simple compliment can uplift their spirits for a whole day.” – Jean Aina Sta. Ana
Acts of kindness can occur at anytime, as Rencel Vocales from Evangelista quickly found out. While in the market, she found an opportunity to buy a meal for individuals who dedicate their lives helping others.
On the same day, she found another opportunity to spread kindness, this time on her commute.
And for Giancarlo Pajanel, from Valenzuela, Metro Manila, and his friends, their first act of kindness was not random at all. Wanting to show their appreciation to a group of individuals directly impacting their Barangay, they surprised them with a heartfelt thank you and snack.
Stay tuned for updates from these individuals and other participants of the INC Giving 21 Day Kindness Challenge.
And if you’re reading this and haven’t taken on the challenge, why not start today? Make sure to check out this link for suggested acts of kindness and watch and read the stories of individuals, like yourself, that have taken on the challenge and see how it’s impacted them and their community.
Then get started! It’s that easy!
Post your photos on social media and use #incgiving #21DayKindnessChallenge. Make sure to submit your story on incgiving.org.
Contributed by participants of the 21 Day Kindness Challenge in Metro Manila Philippines. With participants from various parts of the world, the INC Giving 21 Day Kindness Challenge is inspiring individuals young and old from all over the world to go out into their community to do good.
