Looking for the ‘Good Samaritan’ on SLEx
This is an experience I would like to share with the Inquirer and its readers.
About 1 or 1:30 p.m. last March 8, I was driving south along SLEx between the Makati toll entrance and Bicutan exit when out of nowhere a five-gallon water container appeared rolling down my way. Thinking this could cause a major accident with a lot of vehicles speeding on both sides of my lane, I chose to run over it and it got stuck under near one of my tires I thought. With some difficulty and with my hazard lights on, I slowly inched my way to the rightmost side of SLEx. My girl-helper tried real hard to push or pull out the container but it would not budge.
I was still in a quandary whether to call the highway patrol or just slowly drive to Bicutan exit, uncertain how far my vehicle could go, when all of a sudden an SUV pulled over several meters in front of me. A tall, well-built, good-looking young man with a beautiful pleasant smile on his face approached me. He assured me that there was nothing to worry about and that he would try to pull out the container while I slowly backed up upon his signal. He seemed so capable and in control of the situation and it was enough for me to feel confident that I was in good hands. He went down on his knees, crawled under my Isuzu and started the tedious task of disentangling the container.
It must have stuck stubbornly to my vehicle because it took many attempts to pull it out. After quite a while and with a lot of effort, persistence and determination, my good Samaritan finally succeeded in releasing the container. Perspiring, very tired, but still with that beautiful friendly smile, he happily handed over the container to me saying that I could now safely go on my way.
I thanked him profusely and told him how grateful I was and how much I appreciated his concern for us and his big help. He just sheepishly said, “Anybody would have done what I did. Take care, and thank you too.” He walked back to his SUV and drove off.
Such humility! Such selfless attitude! This gentleman cared. I was left flabbergasted. Dazed, nervous and overwhelmed with what was happening then, I forgot the important thing I should have done—to get his name and contact number. I still feel very bad about this failure.
With the help of this daily newspaper, I hope my rescuer and I could meet again. But if fate does not will it, I want my young, kindhearted friend to know that I have been praying for him every day—for his good health, guidance, safety and protection. Again, thank you very much.
—AGIE B. ESCARIO,
housewife,
Las Piñas City
