Rediscovering Benguet: Challenging Preconceptions
Lewis Patiño, hailing from Zamboanga, embarked on a journey to work in Luzon that brought him face to face with a common bias against the people of Benguet. "Mayayabang naman yang mga taga Benguet," which translates to "The people from Benguet are arrogant," was a refrain he often heard. However, his three-day experience in Baguio City, a chartered city in Benguet, shattered these misconceptions, revealing a community marked not only by considerateness and discipline but also by honesty.
A Test of Faith: Losing and Finding
Lewis's time in Baguio started with him noticing something special on the very first day. He was amazed by how considerate and disciplined the people were. They followed traffic rules without needing constant supervision from authorities.
However, on the second day, Lewis faced a tough challenge that shook his faith in humanity. He lost his card holder, which had all his cards and cash, leaving him feeling vulnerable.
Seeking help from people at the convention he was attending, they reassured him: "Wag kang mag-alala, nasa Baguio ka." ("Don't worry, you're in Baguio.") At first, Lewis was skeptical, but these words turned out to be true.
The Power of Community: Acts Beyond Expectations
In a moment of need, the Baguio community exceeded all expectations. Turning to both the local police and Baguio's Facebook groups, Lewis experienced an outpouring of support and solidarity. Within hours, a post surfaced, indicating that his lost card holder had been found, and its finder was actively searching for him. The swift response demonstrated the tight-knit nature of the community and their willingness to rally around those in need.
Acts of Kindness: Reflecting "Binnadang" Values
During his short time in Baguio City, Lewis experienced numerous heartwarming acts of kindness that deeply touched him. One memorable encounter involved a compassionate couple whom Lewis approached for help with his taxi fare to La Trinidad, Benguet. He needed to meet up with the individual who found his card holder containing his belongings.
Upon hearing of his situation, the couple promptly offered assistance. They not only provided Lewis with the necessary cash, giving him 200 pesos for his taxi fare, but also declined any offer of repayment. Their simple yet meaningful response, "Just pay it forward," perfectly exemplified the spirit of selflessness and community ingrained in Baguio City.
This generous act can be attributed to the Igorot spirit of "Binnadang," which emphasizes mutual aid without expecting anything in return. It reflects the deeply rooted values of cooperation and communal responsibility passed down through generations.
Their spontaneous kindness left Lewis feeling grateful and inspired. As he reflected on their generosity, he couldn't help but marvel at the potential impact if more people embraced such values. This encounter served as a powerful reminder of the positive effects that acts of kindness can have within a community, encouraging others to follow suit.
A Return to Hope: Rediscovering Trust and Integrity
Embarking on the journey to La Trinidad to retrieve his card holder, Lewis prepared himself for the possibility of losing his cash along the way. However, Benguet had another surprise in store for him. When Ma'am Netz handed him his belongings, it was a moment of disbelief. Not a single bill or card was missing - everything remained intact, just as it was when he lost it. Overwhelmed with emotion, Lewis struggled to find the words to express his gratitude.
This act of honesty and integrity perfectly embodies the Igorot culture of "Inayan," which emphasizes mutual respect and honesty among community members. The trustworthiness displayed by Ma'am Netz and the people of Benguet reaffirmed Lewis's faith in humanity, leaving him with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation.
The trust, discipline, kindness, concern, and love displayed by the people of Benguet left an indelible mark on him, creating a profoundly special experience that surpassed his wildest imagination.
Conclusion: Embracing the Spirit of Benguet
Lewis Patiño's journey through Benguet has been a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of kindness. From confronting stereotypes to experiencing acts of generosity, his time in Baguio City has left an indelible mark on his heart.
As Lewis bids farewell to Benguet, he carries with him not just memories, but a profound sense of gratitude and admiration for the people who extended their helping hands along the way. From the reassuring words of strangers to the compassionate couple who provided assistance with his taxi fare, and the honesty of Ma'am Netz who returned his belongings intact, their acts of kindness have illuminated his path and restored his faith in humanity.
Their unwavering kindness, trust, and community spirit have challenged stereotypes and reaffirmed his belief in the inherent goodness of people. The lessons learned from Benguet's embrace of the values of "Inayan" and "binnadang" serve as a guiding light for us all, reminding us of the importance of compassion, generosity, and communal responsibility in building a better world.
May Lewis's journey inspire us to embrace the spirit of Benguet in our own lives, nurturing kindness, trust, and integrity in our communities. Let us pay it forward, spreading love and compassion wherever we go, and may the legacy of Benguet's kindness continue to shine brightly for generations to come.
