Pass It On: ‘Siak Tatta, Nu Bigat Sika’

I am inspired to launch the Pay It 4Ward PH because of this story:

We were on a family trip to Pangasinan, back when road trips meant printed directions, packed snacks, and a lot of faith that nothing would go wrong. Something did.

About an hour into the drive, our car jolted slightly. Flat tire. We pulled over to the side of the road, confident at first. We had a spare tire. That felt responsible enough — until we realized we didn’t have the right tools to change it. No cellphones. No roadside assistance. Just heat, hunger, and cars speeding past us. For hours, we waited. I remember watching vehicles pass by; some slowing down just enough to look, then accelerating again. It’s strange how invisible you can feel while standing right there in plain sight.

Then an old van pulled over. Inside was a family: parents and two children. The father stepped out, smiled gently, and called out to his son to bring the jack. There was no interrogation. No hesitation. Just quiet action.

In fifteen minutes, the tire was fixed.

We tried to offer him ₱100 — all we had on hand. He declined. We insisted. He smiled.

As they were about to leave, their little girl ran back toward us with a piece of sticky rice wrapped in banana leaf. We thanked her and opened it immediately — we hadn’t eaten. Inside was the ₱100 bill.

I walked back to the father, embarrassed and grateful all at once. He simply said:

“Siak Tatta, Nu Bigat Sika.” (It’s on me today. Tomorrow, it’s your turn.)

They drove off, and we continued our trip — but something had shifted.

Since then, whenever I see someone stranded and I’m able to help, I remember that roadside afternoon. I remember the heat, the hunger, the relief. And I remember that kindness isn’t about capacity. It’s about choice.

It was on them that day. Since then, I’ve tried to make it on me.

P.s. Thank you reading this inspirational story. I hope we realize that no matter what kind of situation we are in, there will always be ways for us to help. In the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, we should not be self-centered and selfish. Let us care for our neighbors. This is a story that started from the kindness of strangers that was passed on and I hope it will be passed on to hundreds if not thousands of people. This may not be as meaningful to anyone else but it was one of the highlights that impacted the life of the storyteller and mine, too. Remember, “Siak Tatta, Nu Bigat Sika” –> PASS IT ON!