There are several taxi drivers in the country that doesn't mind returning precious things left inside their vehicles. However, one of these drivers working abroad made it known to the world that, despite allegations of corruption in the distribution of relief goods in Typhoon-affected areas, there are still Filipinos that everyone can look up to.
Gerardo Gamboa's act of kindness earned him celebrity status in Las Vegas Valley after the 55-year-old Fil-Am cabbie returned the US$ 300,000 stash of cash left behind by a passenger.
"Ang akin dun sinabi ko naman sa mukha niya talaga ng harapan sabi ko, "I don't need this money, this reward from you." Dahil ang ginawa ko natutuwa na ako na ginawan kita ng mabuti dahil yung karangalan na nakuha ko hanggang mamatay ako dala dala ko yun, hindi mabayaran ng pera kaya hindi siya makatingin sa mata ko," Gamboa said.
He never thought that the US$ 5 tip he was given and a handshake from the millionaire pro-poker player would earn him another US$ 10,000 as reward for his honesty.
Yellow Checker Star Cab Company CEO Bill Shranko confirmed that Gerardo Gamboa had been paid by the poker player. The cab company also honored the driver's good deed by naming him employee of the year, awarding him US$ 1,000 and giving him a gift certificate to a Las Vegas steakhouse.
"Basta gawin lang yung tama kung hindi sayo wag mong pag interesan. Saka unang una yun akin, itayo natin ang ginintuan puso ng mga Pilipino lahat naman tayo meron nun," he said.
From newspaper headlines and photos to news reports on various radio stations, Gamboa is a hot topic around the world.
Rozita Lee, Commissioner of the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans Pacific Islanders, personally handed over a recognition letter from Senate majority floor leader Harry Reid.
"He is thinking about the community and he is thinking not only about himself but his reputation. And the fact that Sen. Reid made time to write such a letter to him, it's an honor to him and to the community as well," Lee said.
Gamboa said with the US$ 10,000 reward money, he was able to buy a second-hand car and is now able to enroll his daughter into college.
Gerardo Gamboa's act of kindness earned him celebrity status in Las Vegas Valley after the 55-year-old Fil-Am cabbie returned the US$ 300,000 stash of cash left behind by a passenger.
"Ang akin dun sinabi ko naman sa mukha niya talaga ng harapan sabi ko, "I don't need this money, this reward from you." Dahil ang ginawa ko natutuwa na ako na ginawan kita ng mabuti dahil yung karangalan na nakuha ko hanggang mamatay ako dala dala ko yun, hindi mabayaran ng pera kaya hindi siya makatingin sa mata ko," Gamboa said.
He never thought that the US$ 5 tip he was given and a handshake from the millionaire pro-poker player would earn him another US$ 10,000 as reward for his honesty.
Yellow Checker Star Cab Company CEO Bill Shranko confirmed that Gerardo Gamboa had been paid by the poker player. The cab company also honored the driver's good deed by naming him employee of the year, awarding him US$ 1,000 and giving him a gift certificate to a Las Vegas steakhouse.
"Basta gawin lang yung tama kung hindi sayo wag mong pag interesan. Saka unang una yun akin, itayo natin ang ginintuan puso ng mga Pilipino lahat naman tayo meron nun," he said.
From newspaper headlines and photos to news reports on various radio stations, Gamboa is a hot topic around the world.
Rozita Lee, Commissioner of the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans Pacific Islanders, personally handed over a recognition letter from Senate majority floor leader Harry Reid.
"He is thinking about the community and he is thinking not only about himself but his reputation. And the fact that Sen. Reid made time to write such a letter to him, it's an honor to him and to the community as well," Lee said.
Gamboa said with the US$ 10,000 reward money, he was able to buy a second-hand car and is now able to enroll his daughter into college.