Believe In Something

Lolo Kiko’s values are admired the world over. Seven individuals tell us about how he inspires them to live better lives. How does he inspire you?

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STRENGTH AND CONVICTION

Where do you get the strength to carry on while undergoing dialysis?

You know before, when I hear about other people having afflictions, diseases, or disabilities, which keep them from living their lives as close to normal as possible, other people would say, “oh, wala yan! It’s just a matter of attitude.” I thought that was all rhetoric, or in Tagalog, sabi-sabi lang. Until this happened to me. So what enables me to carry on despite all of this? Faith. And like I said, it’s also a matter of attitude. Para sa akin, lahat ng health issues kong ito, I have learned to accept. When I pray, I tell the Lord, “I know this is from You. And I accept.” As if I had a choice? So ‘yun ang sinasabi ko sa Kanya: I accept and I will carry this burden as You carried Yours. Also, like Pope Francis, it’s a matter of humor and not being too serious about yourself. I keep reminding myself that I am not here just for myself. It’s also one of the things that I look forward to after my kidney transplant. I am excited about that future where I can devote even more time to what I’m doing now. Friends keep telling me, “You will be okay because God has plans for you so that you could do more for other people.” I believe that.

How do you deal with comments from online bashers when you voice your opinions?

I read them. I have no choice. After that, that’s it. I move on. I remain focused on what needs to be done or what I think needs to be done. To me, all of these mga trolls, negative comments, bashing, and including the compliments are all distractions. If you allow them to go to your head, you’ll most probably end up being mayabang or too full of confidence in yourself.