DESPITE the calamity that struck their province last January 26, Ariel Ignacio still managed to remain resilient and optimistic, while being in his usual sunny disposition.
The viral video of the 22-year-old Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) student of Compostela Valley State College made rounds on social media over last week. Since people take it as a feel good story, many netizens shared it on their respective social media accounts. Ariel’s original post on Facebook reached more than 800,000 views, 4,000 shares, 16,000 reactions and over 2,000 comments as of last week.
The DJ of a local radio station in Compostela never expected that his post would go viral and catch the attention of many.
During an online interview, he narrated that it was not his first time to post something about a flashflood. However, it was his first time to share a live video of what was going on. In the said six-minute clip, he can be seen submerged in the neck-deep floodwater while continuously talking about what happened and showing off his surroundings.
“Ginawa ko iyon not just for fun but to inform everyone kung ano na updates sa aming lugar,” he said.
When asked where he draws his motivation from, he was quick to point out that it is his supportive family who constantly inspires him to do good and be good all the time. He also cited his friends (even on Facebook) and classmates as among those who motivate him as well.
Ariel, who also works as a host-comedian in his hometown, is determined to bring joy to everyone, especially those who are far from home and their families and those who are depressed and broken. Thus, he plans to officially start vlogging.
“Homesick ang iilan sa kanila at problemado, so sa pamamagitan ng video ko, mapasaya ko sila. Love you po mga OFW,” he said. “Ang dapat gawin ay maging positive lang sa buhay, mag-isip ng inspirasyon at always dapat ay i-consider na everything happens for a reason. Nangyayari ito lahat upang mabuksan ang isip na kahit mahirap, hindi nagrereklamo. Kayod lang nang kayod.”
After what happened and whatever popularity he has right now in the online world, Ariel realized that many truly need some good laugh and inspiration. And in his own little way, he hopes that he will be successful in bringing smiles to more people.
According to him, he will continue to hone his talents and live with a purpose and direction “na hindi iniisip ang pangungutya ng iba.”
To those who would like to watch feel-good stories, you should look forward to seeing Ariel soon on his YouTube channel.
“Katatawanan lahat but with sense and aral. Para ito sa lahat mga bata at matatanda. Sisimulan ko po ito not only because may mga nag-request na mag-start na ako na mag-vlog. I’m blessed, therefore, I need to share my talent as a form of blessings to everyone,” he concluded.
Good luck, Ariel! May you remain humble and never stop inspiring others. Godspeed!
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