Fans of K-pop idol group EXO have imbibed the “bayanihan” spirit and put up a community pantry in Malabon where people can get items for free.
EXO-L Kristine Santos told Manila Bulletin that she and her friend made the decision to have a community pantry in Brgy. Maysilo, Malabon after seeing a photo of an old man getting vegetables from the Tulong Obrero Community Pantry in Narra Street, Quezon City.
“Naawa kme ng friend ko. So even small amount for us but means a lot to other people. So EXO source of happiness namin. Magshare din kme ng happiness (We felt pity. So even a small amount for us but means a lot to other people. EXO is our source of happiness so we decided to share our happiness),” Santos said.
She added that they decided to establish the community pantry to encourage others who feel shy or do not know how to do it to help.
Fellow EXO-Ls and other people have donated for the worthy cause. Santos said she received donations including noodles, eggs and even cash intended to purchase items for the pantry.
The community pantry is decorated with a photo and mini-standees of EXO members and offers different items such as rice, noodles, canned goods, vegetables and eggs.
It also has the slogan “Magbigay ayon sa kakayahan, kumuha batay sa pangangailangan (Give what you can, take what you need),” a common theme of community pantries across the country.
More than 200 community pantries have been established in Metro Manila and different provinces, mainly inspired by the Maginhawa Street, Quezon City community pantry.
Meanwhile, EXO members are busy with individual projects including Sehun who has been cast in the drama “I’m Breaking Up Now.” Baekhyun, on the other hand, will enlist in the Korean military on May 6.