This statement connotes being caught doing something not supposed to be seen or noticed, and normally elicits a sense of surprise on the person caught. This was what happened to Ariel Bulalacao, a Management Trainee of Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc. handling 12 Chooks-to-Go outlets in Las Piñas, Metro Manila.
Ariel had stopped and allowed pedestrians to cross at a BGC intersection even if the traffic light was green already. When he drove on after the pedestrians have crossed he was stopped by James Deakin one of the country’s foremost automotive journalists who was dressed as a traffic enforcer. Deakin was promoting the project of BGC Security Manager Col. Herbert Esteban to reward drivers who respect traffic rules and display road courtesy, and filming the episode live. “Did I commit something?” Ariel blurted out in trembling voice. He was caught in the act and on camera, not for a violation, but for a simple, but seldom seen act of road courtesy, and for which he received a chocolate from Deakin with a commendation for his road courtesy. One can just imagine how nervous Ariel must have been when stopped by the tall Deakin traffic enforcer; and how relieved and grateful he must have been to receive not a violation ticket but a chocolate! The incident was featured in Deakin’s motoring show, The Service Road, aired on CNN Philippines. The particular episode aimed to promote road courtesy and respect of traffic rules.
For Ariel, the surprise did not stop there. Bounty Agro Ventures, Inc. in appreciating Ariel bestowed upon him the Gilas Award – a recognition given to its employees who show random acts of kindness towards other people, especially those who are in need. The award consists of a Certificate of Appreciation, P5000 cash with an overnight hotel staycation for 2, and a Gilas jacket emblazoned with “ManokngBayan”.
It is people like Ariel that the company is proud of and hopes will be emulated by our youth. It is in the ordinary acts of kindness that heroes are seen. Truly manok ng bayan!