Bambi Eloriaga-Amago
“ANO ANG GAGAWIN MO PAG NAKAPULOT KA NG ONE MILLION?“(What would you do if you found a million bucks?)
(What would you do if you found a million bucks?)
This was the question asked by Facebook user Bong Sunga last March 1. Sunga proudly related how his son Billy, an EPZA (Export Processing Zone) employee, found a pouch containing several Japanese yen and checks that when totaled would amount to over a million pesos.
The younger Sunga returned it to the rightful owner and was apparently content to keep the story untold had his father not learned of it six days after the incident. Billy was even hesitant about having his story posted on social networks. But inspired by how similar stories of selflessness were being applauded both online and in traditional media, the elder Sunga asked his son again if he could post about his experience on Facebook, Billy eventually caved in to his father’s request.
“Wala talaga syang balak ikwento (He really didn’t plan on telling the story),” said Bong. “…I know it’s not about the amount, it’s the gesture but Billy’s story is worth sharing. One million is one million. I asked Bill for the 2nd time if I can share his story. My purpose is to inspire and of course to tell the world how proud I am.”
While Billy supposedly earns above industry standards, he helps with his siblings’s college tuition and the family’s other needs. This left Bong wondering if his son ever entertained the thought of keeping the money for himself.
“I could imagine Bill holding the pouch with that kind of money in it. It could have been the test of his life. What could he be thinking of? Did it occur to him that the amount is actually the equivalent of his 3 year salary? Was he thinking of Mom’s insulin or Dad’s Diovan and Vasalat? Or could he be thinking of Nonoy’s provisions? (Nonoy his older bro has cerebral palsy),” Bong asked.
Bong further shared that he wouldn’t fault his son if the latter did decide to keep the cash, seeing as this would be a very human thing to do. However, “lo and behold, Billy decided to return it. Now that’s divine.” And his father couldn’t be prouder.
