No doubt that grandparents are always there for us whenever we need something —tangible or intangible things.
A 26-year-old seafarer found a small yet heartwarming way to give back to his grandparents last December 22, 2021.
During their family gathering and birthday of Lola Rufina in Polomolok, South Cotabato, Mark Anthony Santos took the opportunity to pay back all the love and kindness that their grandparents provided to them through the years.
“Ako po nag initiate nung plan na surprise po kinausap ko nga pinsan ko then nag bigay sila ng idea, ‘yung isa is money bouquet and na isipan namin papiliin sila kung pera or apo,” Mark recalled.
His aunt gave Lola Rufina a money bouquet for her birthday. But Mark made the reunion extraordinary with a “pera o apo” game.
“Every year po kasi nakasanayan na po nila na mag bigay ng tig 500 pesos po sa lahat ng mga apo nila. But last year was tough kasi po she was diagnosed with COVID plus may diabetes pa po siya kaya it was a struggle po talaga, then thank God she survived po. With all the expenses sa medication niya pinilit pa rin nila mag bigay sa mga apo nila but ‘yung may nga work daw di na daw nila bibigyan,” Mark recalled.
Growing up with his grandparents, Mark shared “I was inspired po to give back sa kanila kasi nung bata pa kami lagi kami humihingi ng 5 pesos sa kanila and immediately po nag bibigay agad sila. Kaya I was inspired to give back po sa grandparents ko and medyo sobra sobra naman po binibigay ni Lord saken.”
He handed over a total of P5,000 from his hard-earned money to his grandparents. In the end, his grandparents received a total of P10,000.
Mark said that his grandparents were hard-working and did not fail to provide for their family. This is why the whole family is eager to take care of them, and pay back all the sacrifices of their grandparents.
“A lot of people thank me that day because they really appreciate daw talaga ‘yung moment na ‘yun and sobrang sarap po sa feeling ko. Ang main goal ko po is to make them happy and to let them feel na nandito din po kami para sa kanila. To let them feel na kami naman po ang mag-aalaga sa kanila,” he said.
Mark has been working as a seaman for four years now and already processing his papers to work abroad.
