Imagine you’re on your way home from work and someone apprehends you because you are using an old motorcycle that has seen better days? Add to that the fact that you were ‘caught’ not wearing a helmet because you can’t afford one?
A rider, Anthony Basbas, was on his way home after another day of work as a merchandiser at AlfaMart when he was apprehended by another rider whom he probably thought was an authority out to give him a violation ticket. His license as well as documents pertaining to his old motorcycle were asked by the man who apprehended him. Turns out he was driving an overused third-hand motorcycle and even uses it to bring his wife, a teacher, to school and back home.
In the course of their conversation, apparently, Anthony had been using it for eight months and had no budget yet to somehow have it repaired or upgraded. Other than having a ‘noisy’ motor engine, the vehicle was in dire need of major repairs. He even attached a face shield to the front fender to prevent mud and water from splashing towards him, which amused the rider who stopped him. Anthony shared they also get teased and laughed at because of their motorbike.
In short, Anthony and his wife make do with the old battered motorcycle for a practical reason – to save money. They plan to be able to buy a new one in the future by getting a loan. However, it’s not possible in the near future.
It was obvious that Anthony was edgy and worried over his motorcycle getting impounded and eventually ending in a junk shop. That would mean a hundred pesos of transportation fare for him to go to work everyday, not to count yet his wife’s. However, he was so humble and respectful to the person whom he thought was an officer.
Alas! Truth comes out! He was chosen to be a beneficiary of a brand new Honda motorcycle plus a new helmet. So touched, he couldn’t help but hug the man who made the ‘gift’ possible. His agony turned into a huge surprise.
The people behind this heartwarming story is Team Kasaludo whose guiding principle is “Be the reason someone believes in the goodness of God.”
On their Facebook page, it says they aim to laud people who continue to live right despite the challenges and adversities. “Binibigyang pagkilala at parangal ang mga tao na sa kabila ng hirap at hamon ng buhay ay patuloy na hinaharap nang marangal ang buhay at bukas palad para sa ibang tao| Sila ang tinatawag na kasaludo.”
Watch this touching video from Team Kasaludo who made the ‘upgrade’ possible.