The woman who gave me hope

I want to tell you a story about Aling Muriel, a sari-sari store owner from Barangay Talon 4 in Las Piñas. She recently joined our Grocery Game Hakhak Challenge. In this weekly raffle, one lucky winner gets to dash through the supermarket, filling a cart with ₱10,000 worth of goods — with a sack of rice as a bonus. It’s lighthearted and fun, but it can also become something much deeper.

Back in March, Aling Muriel’s husband left a comment on our Facebook page. He was a quiet fan of the show and wrote how much he wished his wife could be chosen. Their small sari-sari store was struggling, and they dreamed of restocking it just enough to keep it afloat. It wasn’t a grand wish, just a humble one: to get by.

Sadly, he passed away before that wish could come true.

And then, weeks later, from over thirty raffle entries, I pulled out a small, rolled piece of paper with Aling Muriel’s name on it. I paused in that moment. The odds were the same for everyone, but somehow it felt like his spirit had guided my hand. That was our 39th Hakhak Challenge episode and one I will never forget.

After the game, we rode with her to her home where her sari-sari store stood modestly — a little worn, but full of love. As we stacked the goods from her winning cart, she opened up about her life. Now a single parent, she was raising a daughter in college, relying solely on that tiny store for their daily bread. Life had been hard. Her voice trembled when she said she couldn’t believe she’d won.

Her gratitude was overwhelming. It wasn’t just groceries, it was hope, dignity, and a chance to breathe. That teary moment reminded all of us that generosity doesn’t need to be asked for; sometimes, it’s most powerful when given unexpectedly.

I’m reminded of a beautiful passage from Kahlil Gibran’s The Prophet, published in 1923:

“It is well to give when asked, but it is better to give unasked, through understanding.

And to the open-handed the search for one who shall receive is joy greater than giving…

Therefore give now, that the season of giving may be yours and not your inheritors.”

Those words echo deeply.

When I think of generosity, I think first of my mother Imelda. She is the kind of woman who gives without asking why and who finds quiet joy in sharing her blessings with others. She has given comfort to grieving friends, care to aging relatives, and help to complete strangers who just needed a break. She never speaks of it. She simply gives.

I pray I can be even half the woman my mother is. The good news? We can all strive to be more generous not just with money, but with time, encouragement, listening ears, and gentle hands.

The world is replete with stories of generosity that changes lives from neighbors helping neighbors after a fire, to young people organizing community pantries during the pandemic. One friend of mine quietly paid the school fees of a working student she barely knew. Another regularly buys merienda for street sweepers along her route to work. These moments may not always go viral, but they plant seeds that bloom in hearts.

The Bible reminds us in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” It’s an old truth, still fresh today.

But generosity also raises hard questions: Where do we draw the line? How do we give wisely without encouraging dependency? When does compassion become enabling? These are important conversations we must have.

I’ll talk more about that in my next column. But for now, remember this: a single act of giving may not change the world but it might just change someone’s world.

And if you ever feel called to give, don’t wait to be asked. Someone out there is quietly hoping for a miracle.

And sometimes, the miracle they need might come from your open hands and generous heart.

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Speaking of generous heart, two Fridays ago I took my oath of office as the newly elected First Councilor of Las Piñas City. While reading the oath administered by Judge Mildred Marquez, I couldn’t help but reflect with deep gratitude on the overwhelming generosity shown to me by the people of the First District — 71,492 votes in total. I am truly blessed that our campaign message of “generosity in service” resonated with my fellow Las Piñeros. Thank you to everyone who placed their trust in my promise to champion the rights of women, solo parents, persons with disabilities, the family, the youth, and senior citizens. I give you my word: that promise will not remain mere lip service. Salamat po!

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Alelee Aguilar, born February 29, 1976, is a Filipino businesswoman, politician, and arts advocate. She is the daughter of former Las Piñas Mayor Vergel Aguilar and Mayor Imelda Aguilar, and wife of journalist Martin Andanar. A De La Salle Business Management graduate, with Harvard Business School education, she leads VAA Builders, Tokyo Glam and founded Luxuri Manila. Alelee champions causes for women, youth, solo parents, PWDs, seniors, and the arts. She founded Siargao Artiste in Residence and was honored by People Asia and the Philippine Cancer Society. In 2025, she topped the Las Piñas councilor race, emerging as the city’s number one and only female councilor.