The private sector has been fighting against COVID-19 with conglomerates, small businesses, NGOs, private individuals, and celebrities doing more than their share. Social media has become a scrapbook of photos of the drive prompting Michael V to post on Instagram, “NOW is the PERFECT time to HELP out anonymously…Feed the people, not the ego.” As to be expected, it drew varied reactions.

Those who disagreed with the comedian argued that posting is mandatory if the money comes from donations. And even if it’s from one’s own, it can inspire others to do the same. I am on this team.

I am not the type to post outside of my travel and dining outings but I was challenged to do so by a pastor long before this pandemic exploded. I told him I didn’t want to appear nagbubuhat ng sariling bangko but he said I was wasting my influence. “Just try it,” he nudged so I did with much trepidation. I didn’t see any difference in the response, if anything there was a dip. Hahaha

Then came the threat of Taal. As I was sidelined due to a condition, I was limited to just sharing what other people, mostly strangers, were doing. Strangely enough, I received a message how I have a good heart. Share-share lang ako, good heart na ako? Hmmm....

Then came the nightmare no one ever thought was possible during our lifetime. My health condition was still the same so I didn’t think I could do anything different until a friend asked me to help solicit N95 masks for PGH.

I said I will try as I don’t have experience in asking for donations. I posted and got crickets for a response. Not to be daunted, I PMd people one by one even those whom I have not spoken to for decades which made it awkward but I reminded myself that this wasn’t about me. Lo and behold, people responded so I started posting with no mention of names and no selfies of them or of me---just the goods and the recipients. I don’t know about the donors but it certainly encouraged me.

I started asking for more in whatever form and from whomever. People tend to ask only from the well-to-do but forget those who could do just as well even if they had only two mites. I also asked from kids. Since we are in all this together, we must all be given the opportunity to help win the fight of our lives and the fight for our lives. Give they did. I kept getting more than enough that I started another phase and another. And all because I posted.  

I understand where Michael V is coming from but I do not care whether people are doing it for their ego. For now, we need all the help we can get. Let God deal with us when we are doing it to let our left hand know what the right hand is doing. In the meantime, we must win this.