"THE VALUE OF FREEDOM" BY GENERALAO, RUSBERN P.

  “The Value of True Freedom”

Philosophy is a core subject that has taught me the value and importance of self-reflection. I have learned how to understand who I really am and why I make certain choices or why I think a certain way. It reminds me to pause, think about my actions, and maybe—somehow—grow into a better person.

An experience I can relate to in the “Human Experience & Transcendence” was when I was in Grade 3. My father took me to Jollibee for breakfast before I went to school and he went to work. I live in the southern part of Cebu—City of Naga. We went to Jollibee and ordered food as usual. At that time, I was already feeling hungry, and I was also running late for school.

Halfway through eating, I spotted an elderly man sitting in the parking lot. I saw him through the window, and in his hand was a doctor’s prescription. I thought about it for a moment and asked my dad if I could give my Yumburger to the elderly man. My dad immediately agreed, so I went out of Jollibee and politely handed the Yumburger to him.

Then, I felt a tap on my shoulder. A young man in his 30s looked at me and asked if he could have the Yumburger instead. He insisted that the elderly man had already eaten. I looked at him and studied his face. I then made a decision on the spot and said, “Dili lang kuya, ako ni e hatag ni Lolo.” The young man smiled and walked away, getting on the jeepney that had just stopped in front of Jollibee.

Why did I choose to give the Yumburger to the elderly man instead of the young man? Simply because the young man was still in his late youth and likely had a job, whereas the elderly man seemed to be in his 70s. At that age, it’s difficult to find work. He was also holding a doctor’s prescription and asking for small donations—later, we found out that the prescription was for his daughter.

That moment taught me that a father’s love is unlike any other—it is rare and can only be found in our dads. We should always value what we have and who we have in our lives, just as they value us in return.

In the end, this experience shaped me into the generous and kind-hearted person I am today. I learned that not all choices benefit both parties, but they can still make a great impact on someone. It has taught me to pause, think of what is right, and do what I believe is right. I realized that my actions can significantly affect other people—like showing them kindness, encouragement, and giving them hope, even through small gestures.

The photo below represents the passion I have for helping others through doing what is right.