Words by Meldrick Tin
With the rise of hero movies in the past decade, that Filipinos are huge fans of, it’s so easy to look up to these superheroes and, in a way, look for modern heroes around us too. We even have our own superheroes like Darna, a.k.a the Filipina Wonder Woman, who has been portrayed in different forms of media over the years and is set to have a remake in the near future. We turn to our leaders, to our peers, to our law makers and law enforces, demanding for change, often forgetting that there are little things we can do everyday to be our won hero.
After all, being a hero doesn’t necessarily mean you have to possess unique and extraordinary powers, or that you have to go to great lengths just to be deemed one. Below are simple acts you can do any day to be a hero in your own way:
10. Offer your seat to someone in need when riding public transportation systems.
Image from ABS-CBN News
Commuting in the Philippines is not always the easiest, what more for the elderly, pregnant women, and PWDs? If you know you can endure the hardships of commuting for even just a while, offer your seat to someone else who’s much more in need.
9. Try to help street children or the homeless when you can by giving food.
Image: Manila Street Love
While just giving your excess coins or cash to the street children or the homeless seems tempting, this might not always be the best option. Instead, offer them food to eat to at least fill their hunger, even for a time being.
8. Donate your pre-loved clothes to a charitable institution.Â
A lot of institutions in the Philippines accept your old and used clothes which go to far more significant purposes than just gathering dust in your closet! Start decluttering your decade-old closet, and give these clothes a new home for a much greater cause.
7. Volunteer in a non-government organization (NGO).
Image from NGO Pink Women on Fire
Whether it’s for the environment, education, human rights, or against animal cruelty, joining a non-government organization that suits your passion and interest can make the world a better place even through your own little way. Check out this list to see what organizations in Manila you can volunteer with.
RELATED:Â 12 places you can volunteer in Manila
6. Ditch the single-use plastic and use reusable products instead.
Over the past few years, the severity of the effects of single use plastics has been highlighted and how it affects both the environment and marine life, among others. People have started to ditch plastics, such as plastic straws, plastic cups, and plastic containers, and have shifted towards eco-bags, metal straws, and reusable containers. If you are still not using any of these reusable products, heed the call of Mother Nature and start ditching plastic.
5. Pick up the nearby trash (even if it’s not yours!)
We, Filipinos, tend to ignore and avoid the trash we see in our surroundings just because it isn’t ours. It’s time we remove this mindset and be more conscious of the cleanliness of our environment because even if it’s not yours, these trash may be affecting you and the people around you, too.
4. Follow simple rules.
Image: Eunick Nobe @eunicknobe
Why do most Filipinos tend to disobey the simplest of rules in our own country? Why do some drivers carry the “okay lang yan, ‘di naman ako mahuhuli eh” mindset when driving recklessly and defiantly? And why do people still litter and smoke everywhere they want even when a sign says they shouldn’t smoke there? If we want to have a better nation, it has to start with us. Stop when the traffic lights turn red. Walk along the pedestrian lanes when the pedestrian lights turn green. Throw your trash only in trash cans. Smoke at designated smoking areas. It’s just that simple.
ALSO READ:Â Why Can’t Filipinos Seem to Follow Simple, Basic Rules?
3. Work hard for the people you love.
Whether you’re a student or a working adult, do what you do with love. Give your all in everything you do, and always keep in mind that you’re doing it for a greater purpose. Be inspired and be motivated with your end goal and by the people you love.
2. Help others in need.
Image from magic106.com
There’s a popular Chinese proverb that goes, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” When you can, try as much to help other people with what you know and what you can. After all, there’s really no point in trying to bring people down.
1. Be a little kinder to the people around you.
Smile more. Complain less. Laugh more. Judge less. Share the positive vibes! The world will be a much better place if we don’t let negativity breed within us.
While all of these heroic acts may seem all too simple, we may not always be doing them most of the time. Be your own Pinoy hero today and watch the smallest of your actions turn into some of the greatest changes the world is yet to see!
How do you show your heroism? Share your thoughts with us below!
