Netizens use X to share stories of love, determination

MANILA, Philippines – MovePH, Rappler’s citizen engagement arm, kicks off the week with 4 stories from X that tell about people’s love and perseverance despite their struggles.

X is a free platform for expression made for, and run by, the Rappler community.

1. Catholic and an LGBT ally 

One of the previous week’s biggest stories was Manny Pacquiao’s comments about same-sex couples, which divided public opinion. Many slammed Pacquiao for comparing people in same-sex relationships to animals, while others defended the boxing icon and his religious beliefs. 

What is a Christian LGBT ally to do? 

For Connie Cuevas, instead of choosing either of the two sides, “humanity should always come first.”

She argued that Christ fought bigotry so Christians should do the same. (READ: Troubles of a Christian LGBT ally)

She added: “Do not let other people’s interpretation of the scriptures stop you from being a good human being. Do not force your beliefs down people’s throats. Do not use God and the Bible to crush other people.”

2. Blindness is not an obstacle

Nothing can stop a person who is determined enough, not even blindness, shared Cyril Bergado. 

Prince Darius Lina shared Cyril’s story in his piece titled, “Blind but not hopeless.” 

After glaucoma left her completely blind in high school, Bergado fought for the chance to go back to school. She convinced her parents to let her continue studying, and the family found a teacher for the blind.

Bergado now joins the regular class, and attends a supplementary after-school program. Although Bergado admitted “it was not easy at first,” she eventually persevered.

Now, she hopes to be a teacher for those like her.

3. Unconventional love story

In a love story worthy of a television series, two Badjao newlyweds had to endure distance and even a war before getting their happy ending.

Satra and Ronald met when Satra was 17, according to Fae Cheska Marie Esperas’ post, “#TrueLoveWaits: Not Your Typical Badjao Love Story.”

The two started as friends, but quickly became a couple.

Because Ronald was studying in Cebu, and Satra was based in Zamboanga, the two would seldom see each other. During that time apart, Satra’s family had to relocate after the Zamboanga siege. 

Ronald and Satra were eventually reunited in 2015. Ronald proposed and the two were married early in 2016. Now that they are married, the two say they have no intention of being apart again.

4. Giving blood, saving lives

Donating blood can be a frightening for many people, even for those without a fear of needles. 

Violet Bilbao tried to assuage those fears by listing “perks” of donating blood. However, beyond the free medical checkup and refreshments, Bilbao emphasized the feeling of being able to help those in need. (READ: A bag of life)

Bilbao likened the feeling to being another person’s hero: “Everything really points to one thing in donating blood: it really isn’t about scary needles, or the health benefits, or instant weight loss. It’s about saving lives with a part of your own.”

Do you have a story to share? Post it on X and be part of the Rappler community! – Rappler.com