Selfless Love (based from a personal reflection of the same title)     

By Jennilyn M. Ludovice, Community Relations Officer

Payatas – an infamous place in the Metro, very known for its identity that has been long branded as [one of the] “dumpsites” of the entire metropolis. But for me, this place has recreated its new identity – an identity which I couldn’t actually think of the best words to describe it. I’ve seen, felt, and personally witnessed a new profound feeling in this place. A place of different stories, varying perspectives, different experiences, but all boils down to one meaningful phrase – Selfless Love.

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Susamarie Estabillo, or Ate Nhing, is a mother of 5, a leader in her own community - Nazareno, mentor of the Lupang Pangako Community, a family planning lecturer, and a very devoted servant of God – she’s just one of the many Nanays that help me see the beauty beyond the imperfection of Payatas.

She was featured in one of the episodes of GMA’s Documentary Show I-Witness hosted by Kara David. The show featured her life in Payatas, as one of those who live by plowing tons of garbage being dumped at their place. It also featured how she lives her life vibrantly despite of the struggles she has to face every day.  The first time I visited her home, something immediately capture my attention. Those were the 5 wall clocks clipped around her small, humble house. So I asked her about it. “Pulot lang ang mga ‘yan ng asawa ko sa basura, inayos na lang namin kasi sayang naman (My husband just retrieved those from the dumps. We fixed it because it is still of value.)”, she answered with a smile. She has a very positive attitude that truly inspires a lot of people. No wonder she was featured in a national TV show.

Her participation with R2R has been very fruitful. Even from the start, she already amazed us with her moving attitude when she selflessly offered a portion of her small house to be used as a storuge area for the scraps to be used in making bags. Now that’s not just a small portion because the rugs occupied almost ¼ of her house.

It all started during our R2R Mission-Recollection where the Nanays were grouped by their community. There were only 2 from the Nazareno group, Ate Nhing and another Nanay. During the election of officers, since they were only 2 in their group, Fr. Javy Alpasa would always joke at Ate Nhing as the winner for all the positions. But behind all the jokes and laughter, we were unaware that she was taking her appointment seriously. And because of her diligent and effective effort, she made a very big difference. She stood as the leader of all the Nanays she recruited at her community. From 2, their members increased to 14; from 3-5 rugs, their weekly production increased to 70-90. And now, she is also the mentor of the Lupang Pangako Community. She was able to achieve all of these in 3 months!

As Nazareno’s leader and coordinator, she sacrificed most of her time for the welfare of her community – a sacrifice that she selflessly offered without expecting anything in return. It was a pure manifestation of love and dedication not just for her work but for her fellow community members as well. Instead of doing rug and earning from it, most of her time is really being occupied by her tasks as the coordinator. When the Nazareno Community was still on its early phase, most of the Nanays are reluctant to join the group. Some hesitated, and some doubted. But she remained faithful to her cause. And God heard and answered her prayers. As time goes on, more and more Nanays are joining the community, sharing values with her and with R2R.

Most of our notices came in short periods. And every time this happens, she would always ask us to give her ample time to inform the rest of the community. With limited technology at hand, she would go from house-to-house on foot, struggling against the scourging heat of the sun and the harsh environment, despite of her heart ailment. When I personally witnessed this scenario, it was not pity that ran through my emotions; it was a great feeling of admiration and respect for her. Before, when I was still in college, I was amazed by how successful businessmen strived for their companies; by how they made their sales amplify; how they took over the market’s majority, and everything else. I never thought that there are other things greater than these. And I never thought that these things are just waiting to be noticed in one of the corners of Payatas.

Ate Nhing is just one of the many Nanays who are truly admirable. They may not be rich in money, and deprived of luxury, but they are abundant in love, friendship, and faith. Now, I know why God loves and blesses the poor so much – because like Him, even though they are carrying the world with the Cross on their shoulders, they still share unending love to the society. Selfless, unconditional love.

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Ate Nhing just received a 4-year college scholarship for her eldest son from Ms. Kara David. She has been a participant of the R2R Strategizing Seminar about Marketing, Finance, Operations, and Production. Truly, countless blessings come for those who share selfless love.

Mula sa BASAHAN, hanggang sa KAUNLARAN. From RAGS to RICHES.

Fr. Xavier celebrated his thanksgiving mass with the R2R Community

“Welcome to the Cross” – this was the message given to Fr. Xavier “Javy” Alpasa during his thanksgiving mass held at Don Bosco Technical Institute - Makati City by his mentor.  It was Fr. Javy’s last mass in Metro Manila before he departs for series of thanksgiving masses at the provincial areas.  There he was joined by the Salesian Community and his fellow newly ordained Jesuit priests.

During his message, Fr. Javy expressed his utmost gratitude to all the people who became instrumental for his journey towards priesthood.  And because of all the blessings he received, with his great faith in God, he shared that he don’t believe in miracles, rather relies on them.

After the mass, Fr. Javy offered his blessings to the people. And as he blessed the R2R Team and the Nanays, everyone became emotional as they realized that soon after, Fr. Javy will no longer be with them. But he affirmed his love to the Nanays and the R2R Community, and even though he is afar, he will still be with them in prayers. The Nanays were very grateful that they had the chance to grow with Fr. Javy, who also became instrumental for them to feel the great love of God.

Fr. Xavier Alpasa was ordained last April 2009 and will be assigned in Colion, Palawan. He is the current Chairman of the Board and former President of Rags2Riches, Inc.

Univers Phyto Salon by Kaizen sponsors Hair Make-Over to 30 Nanays

Last April 2009, Jude Hipolito and Rose Mariñas-Velasco, entrepreneurs, offered 30 slots of free hair makeover for the Nanays of R2R. As their advance Mother’s Day present for them, the treat included haircut and hair coloring services. Definitely, the Nanays were so excited to see their new look. “Ito po pala ang sinasabi ng R2R na benepisyo na hindi mapapantayan ng pera (So this is what R2R has been saying about the benefits which can never be paid with money)”, remarked by one of the grateful Nanays talking about the Mother’s Day gift they received. To add excitement to the activity, they had their pictures taken before and after the makeover.

After the activity, the Nanays had their exposure trip at the SM Mall of Asia to visit high-end boutiques particularly those selling bags. It was followed by a visit at the SMX Convention Center where Manila F.A.M.E. was currently held. There they saw their very own handmade bags being displayed at a graceful affair.

In general, the activity brought inspiration for the Nanays to continuously improve their work, and pursue greater heights all in the spirit of social entrepreneurship.