Rachel Anne Daquis is one of the most recognizable and biggest volleyball stars in the country.

A decorated winger that has won multiple championships in different squads from the collegiate ranks to the commercial leagues in almost two decades of colorful volleyball career, Daquis has received outpouring blessings through hard work and determination.

But for the talented head-turner, who made her return in the Premier Volleyball League as the newest member of the Farm Fresh Foxies after a one-year hiatus, the most fulfilling thing about the great things that come her way is to share it with others.

The former national team skipper celebrated her birthday last 13 December at the Destiny’s Promise Home for Children — something she’s been doing for years.      

“I’ve been helping them for quite some time now. I visit them when I have the time, not only on special occasions, since they’re near our home in Taytay,” Daquis told DAILY TRIBUNE.

For her nothing beats seeing the joy in the eyes, smile and laughter of the kids. It’s her way of paying it forward.

“Whenever I receive a blessing, I make it a point to go there, bring food and celebrate it with them. That’s my routine,” she added.

“But I always celebrate my birthday by giving back to those in need. I give away essential items, food or goods when I visit like Caritas, Indigenous peoples (Aetas) or other communities but I always make it a point to go to those kids. I take care of them. Every time they see me visit them, they welcome me with warm hugs and sweet kisses.”

But Daquis’ good deeds aren’t just limited to giving away food and essential items.

For the former Far Eastern University star, acts of kindness come in many forms and in no particular time.

“I have this particular story, I was driving one time along C6 and I saw a bunch of people playing volleyball along the banks of Pasig River. I stopped by to join them and just spend time with those guys. I’m like that, I do these things randomly, unplanned. It’s just spontaneous,” she said.

Daquis, who is also a successful businesswoman which includes a bakery venture in Spain and currently studying culinary arts, started doing outreach back in 2011.

“I was inspired by Ma’am Ethyl Cervantes, our manager in the Army. I started helping out with Child’s House. She accompanied me there once and since then I visit them every year,” she shared.

“I would say this is my way of expressing my gratitude. I do this because its fulfilling to bless other people. The Lord showers me with blessings but those blessings are not just mine alone but for others as well. I also pay it forward by staging free (volleyball) camp.”

Daquis also loved that she also got to influence her teammates and peers to do the same: Be a blessing to others.

“I don’t ask them to help or follow my example but it surprises whenever they tell me that they are inspired to help others because of me. I guess it’s leading by example,” she said.

“They say live like Christ. It feels great to be a good person. We’re not perfect but it feels great to do good things to others and as I said live in the path of Christ.”

“For me, a simple act of kindness gives me inspiration. I pray to the Lord to bless me so I can be His instrument to bless others. That’s my prayer every time. Even during team huddles, I always pray that line for Him to bless all of us so that we can help more people,” Daquis added. MARK ESCARLOTE

“The blessings I receive in my years playing volleyball, climbing into the pro ranks, the bunch of endorsements and business opportunities that come my way, the Lord gives me all these things to be shared.”

Truly a beauty inside and out.