the pedicab driver who kept his promise..

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I want to share this story with all those who have lost faith in the kindness of people as well as those who think the world is full of grief... I remember it was 2 years ago, back when i was a 2nd year college student, I was on my way home from a tiring day when, just my luck, it started to rain. Normally after getting off the jeep I would walk home, but given the circumstances I opt for a pedicab ride. I chanced upon this late 40-ish "manong" pedicab driver in the corner of our street. Racing against the rain, I quickly got on and asked him to take me to my house which was at the end of the street. Now it was raining fairly hard by that time and I felt bad about letting him go through the rain for a measly 10 peso fare. So upon arrival to my house, I gave him a 20 peso bill (it was all I had at the time). I told manong that I wont be needing the change and that I wanted him to have it because I felt sorry that he had to get all wet in the rain just to take me to my house. He smiled at me and said "May utang ako sayo. Sunod na sakay mo sakin libre!" ("I owe you. Next time around I'll give you a free ride!"). I smiled back and went inside. Now fast forward to the present. Three weeks ago I came home from school exhausted. Atop of that, my bag was particularly heavy because of some junk I bought for my graduation. So, being the lazy bum that I am, I opt to ride a pedicab. Then at the corner, I saw manong's familiar face though I didn't recognize him immediately. I got on his pedicab and was surprised because he already knew where to take me even though I barely said anything. The ride home was silent and uneventful. But what surprised me is that upon dropping me off at my house, manong refused to take the fare that I was handing him. He pushed my hand back and said "Wag na. May utang ako sayo diba? Ngayon ka lang kasi ulit nakasakay sakin kaya di ko pa nababayaran." ("No need for that. I owe you a free ride remember? I haven't gotten the chance to repay you because this is the only time you rode my pedicab since then."). I was so amazed that manong actually held on to that promise. It was 2 YEARS ago. I mean I honestly forgot about the whole thing up until he reminded me of it. I was so overjoyed at how noble he was that he actually kept his word and refused to take my money. But of course I couldn't let him do that. Knowing that he remembered his word and opt to keep the promise he made 2 years ago was a good enough deed for me. I took his hand and placed the coins in it and closed it with my hand and thanked him for the ride and for remembering. What manong did that day gave me so much respect for him. It made me realize that not everyone in this world is driven by money and that there is still such a thing as a heart of gold. You can find it in the most unexpected of places. For me, I found it in the corner of our street, patiently waiting for people in need of his aid. This is for manong pedicab driver.. Its funny how now I find myself owing him a lot more than just a free ride. I owe him for the inspiration he gave me to become a better person myself. Anyone with similar stories of unexpected kindness feel free to hit me back! :)