Simple ways to give back during Holy Week

Relax, reset and recalibrate

Life can get hectic as you work towards your dreams. But even the strongest spirit needs time to be still, reset and check one’s wellbeing. Holy Week is the perfect chance to do that—plus some time for connection and community. Whether you find meaning in traditions or just need a digital detox, we’re here for it. This is about your spiritual wellness done your way.

Although not everyone is truly off work this week. The IT-BPO industry accounted for 1.7 million^[2] Filipinos at the start of 2024, and growing, along with more than one million virtual assistants are still keeping business as usual.^[3]

Whether you belong to these segments, or simply searching for ways to participate, you don’t need to miss out. Just do your thing quietly and with intention, and you can still find meaning and connection right where you are.

Simple acts for real impact

Working on Holy Week (yey for that holiday pay!), doesn’t have to mean missing out on doing acts-of-service and refreshing the spirit this season. There is no shortage of volunteer programs ^[1], or people who need help.

But if a structured program is not for you, here are some doable, on-the-spot kindness you can easily do wherever you are:

1. DIY community cleanup
   Grab your gloves, trash bags and some friends for a local park, beach, or neighborhood cleanup. Cleaning up the environment is a simple yet impactful activity you can do anytime. The absence of traffic jams and the usual crowd (unless you’re in a touristy place) may even make the cleanup easier than on a normal day.
   
   
2. Packed lunch for free
   In this economy, a free lunch can make a difference in someone’s day, especially to those who need it most. Pack some water and food and hand them out to those who could use a free meal.

3. Church drop-in
   Swing by your local church or orphanage and ask if they need a hand. Even an hour counts. This will also be a good teaching opportunity to your kids about the value of empathy, kindness and generosity.   
   
   
4. Pay it forward, IRL
   Buy someone a cup of coffee, share a meal, leave an uplifting note, spread some unexpected joy. Even small acts can make a big impact, especially on someone who may be low key struggling.
   
   
5. Look out for our four-legged friends
   Organize a group to feed your community’s stray animals, who may go hungry during quiet, worker-free days. You'll be surprised at how many like-minded individuals will come forward who are just waiting for someone to initiate this good cause.

6. Listen, really listen
   Reconnect with someone who might need company—an elderly relative, a neighbor, a friend. Ditch the distractions and really listen to someone who needs an ear. You might be surprised at what you learn (and how good it feels).
   
   
7. Support (really) local
   Skip the big chains and grab your Holy Week goodies and cravings from your neighborhood vendors. Supporting small businesses = supporting and connecting with your community.

Bonus Tip: Think twice about that social media flex. Do your thing, find your peace, and keep it real. Authenticity is the real spiritual level up.

Do good, feel good

Giving back isn't just good karma, it's good for you. Science says giving back gives you that “helpers’ high” that boosts your mood, reduces stress, and makes you feel connected. Still doubtful? Even personal mastery coaches like Tony Robbins and Vishien Lakhiani “preach” about how the power of giving is essential to master and achieve success in all aspects of life.

Consider giving the gift of protection

Holy Week is a time of reflection, compassion, and caring for others, making it an ideal moment to consider the well-being and security of those you hold dear. By giving the gift of insurance, you are providing a safety net that can offer financial protection and peace of mind in the face of unexpected events. This act of love and responsibility ensures that your loved ones are safeguarded. In this way, gifting insurance becomes a profound expression of care and devotion.

A plan like KanGift lets you choose from three options: KanLive life insurance, KanMend critical illness insurance and KanGuard accidental death insurance at only PhP 1,799 each.

Check out FWD Digital Insurance plans to help you find the right coverage. Finding the perfect insurance is fast and easy.

References:

^[1]iVOLUNTEER Program List of Events

^[2]BPOs target staffing level exceeding 2M by 2025, Business World, January 2025

^[3] Filipinos see pathway from poverty with virtual assistant jobs, Philstar, March 2025