With everything happening in our government lately, I keep asking myself: What can I really do? In my own little way, how can I contribute? Maybe the little mathematician in me wants to come up with a solution right away — but I can’t think of anything right now. I don’t know what can be done, especially when the issues — like the flood control corruption that’s all over the news — feel so unbelievable.
For almost two decades in real estate, I never really had a salary. Back in 2005, my monthly allowance was only ₱8,000. Before I resigned in 2017, my allowance was ₱17,000. Everything else I earned was through commissions. Maybe that’s why I learned early on to feed my senses only with good things, to stay focused and protect myself from negativity and discouragement. Over time, it became a way of life.
But with all that’s happening in the Philippines today, it’s impossible to ignore. I couldn’tkeep watching, and I couldn’t keep being angry with the rest of the Filipinos. At the end of the day, I can only hope that somehow things will turn out good.
In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, I started a small PPE drive for frontliner friends. It wasn’t a big plan — just a tiny initiative for hospital friends I saw posting on Facebook. I simply asked if they needed PPEs so I could gather donations, and I planned to connect them to LGR. With the help of family, friends, my batchmates, and my Focus 2002 and 2003 networks, it grew into something much bigger than I ever imagined.
By the end of the PPE drive, we were able to distribute 1,579 PPEs to 45 hospitals, medical centers, and clinics from all over the Philippines — from Ilocos down to Zamboanga — with donations reaching about ₱1.3M, deposited directly to LGR, who produced the PPEs. As St. John Baptist de La Salle said: “Even if I’m not the light, I can be the spark.”
There’s also a quote often attributed to Mother Teresa that I came across while scrolling on Instagram: “Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.” The heart of the message feels true for me. Change doesn’t always come from leaders — sometimes it simply starts with us, one act at a time.
I really love the Philippines and I love being Filipino. I have always been pro-Philippines, always hopeful that whoever is leading will put the welfare of Filipinos first. And I want my children to grow up with that same love — not just pointing out what’s wrong, but being part of the solution. To find ways, even in little things, to contribute instead of just complaining. Sana.
In real estate, in my own little way, I hope to live this out through integrity and excellence — for myself, our partners, our associates, and our clients. If I can spark trust, fairness, and service in every transaction, then maybe that’s already a contribution too.
For now, I’m still wondering. But maybe that’s okay. Maybe just wondering aloud is a start.
And if even just one reader feels a spark from this, then this little story has done its job. 🙂
