Pursigidong bata, naiyak matapos regaluhan ng bagong bisikleta
Naluha sa gulat at galak ang isang bata matapos bigyan ng bagong bisikleta ng isang negosyanteng na-inspire sa kaniyang pinamalas sa isang cycling event.
Isang roadbike ang binigay ni Jose Rene Carlo Dolatre, dating sports team manager at businessman, sa labing apat na taong gulang na si Francis Tocong. Naiyak na lang si Tocong nang tanggapin ang bagong road bike sa may Pinagmisahan St. ngayong April 3.
Ayon kay Dolatre, una na raw niyang napansin ang naturang bata noong sumali ito sa ginanap na Taktak 100 noong December 2022.
“Hindi na siya gagamit ng bike na galing sa junk shop. Kasi nung sumali to sa Taktak 100 nakita ko bulok-bulok ‘yung bike tapos yung preno niya iisa lang kaya sabi ko papalitan ko bike nito so eto na bike, you deserve it,” wika ni Dolatre nang ibigay niya ang bagong bike sa naluluhang si Tocong.
Bagamat ilang buwan na ang nakalipas matapos ang Taktak 100, muling naalala raw ni Dolatre ang naturang bata kamakailan nang i-post sa Facebook ni Tara Bike Serye, na isa sa mga photographer sa Taktak, ang litrato ng mga batang pinamahagian ng pinaglumaang mga cycling jersey at shorts, kung saan kabilang dito si Tocong.
Humingi pa ng dagdag-detalye ang The Taktak Times kay Dolatre sa kaniyang Facebook page na Kakabitan Mania at ito ang kaniyang kinuwento: “Francis participated in the Taktak 100 event, completing the 100km route despite the dilapidated state of his bicycle and malfunctioning brakes. Witnessing his determination to finish the event despite the odds, I felt compelled to support individuals like him, who demonstrate unwavering perseverance and dedication. I decided to purchase a new bicycle for Francis, recognizing his efforts as a symbol of hope and resilience. To my surprise, I later discovered that his current bicycle was purchased from a junk shop.”
“In the past, I managed runners, providing them with shoes, sponsoring their race entries, and even championing the Antipolo in Walkathon during PATAFA. However, most of the children I used to handle were recruited by larger universities. Upon seeing Francis, I was reminded of the impoverished runners who persevered despite their challenging circumstances, and I realized that supporting individuals like him was a way to give back to the community and help uplift the spirits of those who refuse to be defeated by life’s challenges,” dagdag pa ni Dolatre.
Mabuhay ka Mr. Dolatre at ang iyong tribo.
Bim has been a journalist for television, radio, print, and online for many years covering business and news beats. He believes in the power of a good story.