A KINDNESS THAT STOPPED TRAFFIC: The day a stranger became nanay's helping hand

A chance encounter in Cainta changed everything for 84-yearold Nanay Loleng. Guided by empathy, Aljexis Lu stepped in, shared her story, and unknowingly opened the door to community-wide support.

- JANELLE LORZANO

As people passed along a sidewalk in the province of Rizal, this good samaritan noticed a senior citizen struggling to sell her rags.

At that moment, kindness and compassion took the lead.

Aljexis Jennae Lu recalled the moment when she first saw 84-year-old Nanay Loleng in Cainta, Rizal, last May 9, 2025.

“Hindi po namin kailangan ng basahan. Actually, hindi ko na tiningnan ‘yung paninda niya. Basta, binili na lang. Kasi, kawawa din,” she said in an exclusive interview with The Philippine STAR.

“Naisip ko rin na paano kung ako ‘yung nasa sitwasyon ni nanay. Matanda na pero kailangan pa rin niya magbenta para may makain sila.”

“Ano ba naman ‘yung ibigay na lang natin para makapagpahinga na rin siya noong araw na ‘yun and kinabukasan na Mother's Day?”

Lu didn't just buy all the rags that Nanay Loleng was selling, but also took time to connect with her. Nanay Loleng then shared how they struggle to meet their day-to-day needs.