LAS VEGAS, Nevada - Gerardo Gamboa's act of kindness earned him celebrity status in Las Vegas Valley.
Gamboa is the 55-year-old Fil-Am cabbie who returned the $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 $5 tip he was given and a handshake from the millionaire pro-poker player would earn him another $10,000 as reward for his honesty.
"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 $10,000 reward money, he was able to buy a second-hand car and is now able to enroll his daughter into college.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
