CONTAGION. The transmission of an influence on the mind or emotions. A chain reaction that goes viral. Akin to virus, even our energy is contagious. It’s either you affect people or infect people. Some can be intoxicating, while others can boost your morale. Either way, our actions can have a domino effect.
This is the mantra of Elvy Infante Castro, a registered nurse who hopes to affect the lives of others especially of those in need. Elvy believes that little gestures can make big waves, but it has to start with a little ripple.
Born in September 27, 1989, Elvy hails from Su-ay, Himamaylan. Once a shy naive southern belle, she kept things simple and unsophisticated until she bloomed after a series of chain reactions.
Elvy believes that there are things in the world that need to be contained, and there are those that need to be promulgated. She thinks that the only thing that should be contagious is happiness. Happiness encapsulates many aspects though. For instance, a simple smile can be contagious. Either consciously or subconsciously, smiling can generate a chain of positive responses.
However, there are those that are detrimentally infectious like panic, anger, sarcasm and negativity. Elvy bids to stay away from such pessimistic world view. She also refuses to be boxed in one corner in stereotypical fetter. “The most dangerous contagion is majority opinion, a bandwagon of blind false ideals”, she reiterates.
At 19, Elvy joined the Blackout Models. Withstanding being bashful, she braved it on the runway as she enthrallingly strutted her way to fame. In 2010, the second wave of models was disbanded, and Elvy was one of the first five to revamp the roster. There, she forged a bond with fellow models like Jen Descalsota, Camille Ambrocio and the wonder twins Kenneth and Kevin Dela Cruz. Elvy shared, “They invigorated me. It’s like they contaminated me with their positive energy and outlook in life.” She also added that some ties are meant to be eternal. In such fervor, friendships indeed complement our very own felicity.
In 2011, she finished her bachelors’ degree in nursing at Riverside College. As a registered nurse, she once volunteered in one of the public hospitals in Kabankalan City. There, Elvy became keener on infection control. She also came into a realization that virus aren’t the only ones transmittable. Virtues, energy and character can also be transmitted through fervent interactions.
Despite being shy and timid at an earlier age, Elvy eventually transformed herself into an audaciously enterprising lass. She ventured into small businesses like retail of imported products. She also started a small computer shop.
To top things up, she has become an active member of Mt. Balicaocao Leo of Lions Club International. With this reputable civic organization, Elvy was able to express her soul’s outcry. Spreading charity and love to our deprived brothers and sisters through numerous outreach programs, Elvy found her calling in the service of God through humanity. Through Lions Club, she aims to foster understanding amongst mankind with an advocacy in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community. In the process, kindness becomes viral.
Indeed, we influence others’ actions and reactions by our own actions and reactions. If kindness is a virus, Elvy is a proud carrier. Her zest for life is truly contagious.