The social network in the Philippines is very strong—online, but also very much in person. I began building mine a decade ago, and it has expanded to friends of friends of friends of… ad infintum.
Word has gotten out that I help people, so when there is a need, it’s not unusual to get a message from someone I’ve never met nor even chatted with online.
One of the things that I’ve observed, when I send funds to someone for food, is that it won’t actually be just for them. Whatever they get, they’ll most likely share with whatever friends they have around.
In fact, I’ve observed it for any resource that I give. Their sharing and communal trait is something I’ve observed in many situations. When they ask to stay at the community house, but space is too limited, they will refuse to leave their friends behind in distress, even if it means they would get good food and access to the internet and a shower and soap and shampoo. (Incidentally, the most often-requested item after food to take when they leave? Soap.)
I just hadn’t connected, when I talk to one person online, that there are likely friends around as well. And so the social network grows!
—Patrick
