As if the world wasn’t already tired enough, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have stretched even further out into the year.
For CHiNOY TV’s most recent episode of Chinese by Blood, Filipino by Heart, Dr. Geraldine “Ging” Zamora, certified internist and rheumatologist, shares first-hand experience of the fight against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, detailing the struggles endured through the worst of the pandemic surges, as well as the things that have made everything worth it all.
Stemming from the call of duty and her own personal belief to do what she can for others, Dr. Ging Zamora’s actions have called to mind an inspiring story that viewers can’t try to forget! Here are the lessons that they have taken away from the episode:
1. Be positive
With the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the country with even more deadly variants, it’s an understatement to say that many if not most of us are stressed. In Dr. Ging’s personal experience, the best way to power through the day would be to remind yourself of what you’re doing everything for. At the end of the day, she believes that life is beautiful — a truth that her own mother had repeated to her constantly, even in her struggles to make enough for the family to get by.
“We hit an all-time low — in terms of hope, emotions, and mental strength — knowing there was still a surge after many had already been vaccinated,” shared Dr. Ging. “As a medical doctor in this pandemic right now, I guess my message would be for us to stay strong. Because we really have many more months to go through. This is not going to end soon. This may be the new normal, as the cliche goes.
“I think it’s time for us to realize the most important things in our lives. That would be good health, your loved ones, contentment. Maybe we can let go of the frivolous things that we were very occupied with prior to this pandemic — you know, the anger, the hatred. Because life is really short.”
“Be generous. Be kind and have a positive outlook in life,” summarized Abigail Ong.
Joanne Kash also posted: “Dr. Ging Zamora inspired me to be a better person and to have a positive mind to see the good things around me. To be a giving, caring, and loving person to my loved ones and to other people. To leave the past behind by not thinking of those people who gave me pain. To live my life to the fullest because I only live once and to be happy at all times.”
Amity Ong shared, “Doc Ging is an inspiration, very amazed with her strength, courage, and wisdom. A positive mindset, forgiving, and loving are all we need. Do not let anger and hatred control your life.”
2. Turn your challenges into gifts
Dr. Ging would not be who she is today without the experiences she’s had growing up. Although she recalls her mother working hard to make ends meet, Dr. Ging recognizes that watching her mother be the hardworking person that she was made Dr. Ging herself realize the kind of person she wanted to be.
“What qualities I got from my mom? I think that would be generosity; being positive in outlook even if we were really at the roughest of times; and of course, kindness,” she revealed.
“Those are the three qualities that I make sure my daughter is exposed to. I want her to grow up to be a kind person, a generous person — somebody who will not just live for herself, and who will strive to be more interested than interesting.”
“I look up to her,” commented Lemuel Francisco, Jr. “And someday I will be able to show the world that challenges and obstacles will be my greatest shield and power to achieve my dreams.”
“She’s humble and has a big heart. Nakakainspire ‘yung sinabi niyang kalimutan/forgive those people who hurt you. Life is short. Happiness is a choice,” said Rhen Saw.
3. Have a generous heart
One of the best lessons that her mother taught her was to be generous. Even when they were barely able to get by during her childhood, her mother still was able to pay for someone else’s tuition.
Now, as a professional medical worker, Dr. Ging has made sure that she is able to give back to the community. As a philanthropist, Dr. Ging serves as a board member of Sagip Buhay Medical Foundation, as well as the founding board of director and vice president of the Hope for Lupus Foundation.
“It’s not that my calling is to be a doctor. But really, more of my calling is to extend myself more not just as a physician who heals physical ailments but also to help them find resources to help them get better,” explained Dr. Ging.
Jo Marquez wrote, “The story of Dra. Geraldine “Ging” Zamora inspired me to be a better person. Hindi lang ‘yung sarili kong mga kagustuhan ang dapat kong isaalang-alang kundi ang kabutihan at kapakanan ng mas marami. At higit sa lahat na inspire po to pursue my dreams na makatulong din po sa family ko at sa iba pa. I also want to extend myself, do something more, and to help more. I don’t need to have so much to be generous.”
Kristian Valenzuela also posted: “Dra. Ging Zamora imparted a lot of insightful learnings and life lessons. After watching her talk, I have realized that:
- We need to remain strong despite the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- We have to take care of our health, our loved ones, and family.
- Be content and forget about anger and hatred because life is too short.
- We need to create a difference in the lives of others by extending your handa to help.”
Don’t miss the replay of this week’s episode of Chinese by Blood, Filipino by Heart this evening, October 30, at 6:30 PM. Catch the next episode on Sunday at 8 PM. Both episodes will air on CNN Philippines.
