FOR returning $300,000 to its rightful owner, Las Vegas-based and 55-year-old Filipino cab driver Gerardo Gamboa has made his kababayans in the US proud.
Yet, despite being lauded and rewarded, Gamboa downplayed his act of honesty, saying that “he didn’t need a reward money,” and “that kind of feeling, knowing that he did something good is priceless and will stay with him forever.”
Gamboa was rewarded with $10,000 by the owner of the $300,000 that he returned.
On the other hand, Yellow Checker Star Transportation (Gamboa’s employer) also rewarded him with $1,000 and a fancy dinner for two.
But a greater honor awaits Gamboa, as he awaits a city proclamation from Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman and letters of appreciation from Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval and Nevada Democratic Sen. Harry Reid.
Gamboa credits his parents for raising him with good values.
All he wants is to “show the world that [Filipinos] have a golden heart.”
“Ginawa ko yun dahil unang-una, ang mga Las Vegas taxi driver maraming bad publicity. Yung masyadong dini-disrespect kaya gusto ko namang i-build up ang Las Vegas cab driver na hindi lahat. Ngayon, pagdating naman sa atin, gusto ko namang i-build up yung image nating mga Pilipino na mayroon tayong malinis na puso,” Gamboa said in an interview with ABS-CBN.
Kudos to you, Mr. Gamboa. While everyone is aiming for a shot at achieving the American Dream, you choose to fulfill yours, with honesty and integrity still intact.
You are truly a remarkable Filipino-American.
(AJPress)
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