Woman who sold rags gets her wish–a sewing machine for her 70th birthday

A woman who made rags for a living got her wish on her 70th birthday.

According to a “24 Oras” report Tuesday and Wednesday, Flor Lariba from Bulacan had always wanted to have a sewing machine and eventually her own tailor shop, but she lacked the funds to pursue her dream.

Flor had been selling rags, which she made using their old clothes. She traveled to Montalban to use her sister’s sewing machine because she did not have one.

“Nananahi ako sa kapatid ko sa Montalban. Hindi naman isang araw lang ako nando’n kasi tatapusin ko ’yung mga tahi ko. Saan naman ako kukuha ng pamasahe ko?” she said.

Flor hoped she had her own sewing machine so she could make more items to sell.

“Gusto ko magkaroon ng high-speed (sewing machine) kasi lahat tatahiin ko, pati suot ng bata, kurtina, punda ng unan. Tatahiin ko para ako’y kumita ng pera,” she said.

She sold three pieces of rags for PHP5. Her daughter Mary Ann said despite her mother’s old age, Flor was determined to help their family, whose combined income wasn’t enough for their daily expenses.

“Minsan naaawa na rin ako sa nanay ko kasi matanda na, ’di na dapat nagtatrabaho pero desidido po talaga siyang makatulong sa amin kaya yung pagtitinda ng basahan, tinutulungan ko po siya,” said Mary Ann.

Flor sent a letter to GMA Kapuso Foundation to ask for help after learning about a woman in Cavite who had received help from Mel Tiangco.

The foundation responded and gifted her with a sewing machine and fabrics. She also received a cake, pancit, grocery packs, clothes, vitamins, dentures, and face masks for her 70th birthday.

GMA Kapuso Foundation is accepting donations through bank deposits, Cebuana Lhuillier, Shopee, GCash, PayMaya, Zalora, MegaMart, Globe Rewards, Metrobank credit card, and Lazada.

For more information, visit the GMA Kapuso Foundation website. – Franchesca Viernes/RC, GMA News