Power plays and empty promises leave my stomach churning, that’s why I never attend political gatherings. Last week, however, I joined the signing of the manifesto of support for embattled Mayor Jesse Robredo of Naga City.

The guy’s one of the best mayors in the country – and I have seen and watched quite a few in action. His predicament was a testament of how power can be used unjustly and brazenly in this country against the dwindling number of good men. But this blog post is not about him and no, I’m not going to ask anyone here to vote for him.

As I surveyed the crowd, I wondered what it took to gather them. Cory Aquino was there, still speaking with some of the magic that is her trademark. (Her simple remark to Noynoy who was in attendance: “If you don’t serve the country well as a senator, lagot ka sa nanay mo,” brought warm chuckles to the audience.) Most of the Hyatt 10 was there, also cabinet members of the Ramos administration, noted journalists like Vergel de Dios – the guest list was a virtual who’s who in business and political beats.

Former Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman was concerned about how to move forward, noting that the enemy was well funded, well organized, and they controlled the media (I raised my eyebrows at that). It was a little speech designed to stir up emotions of perceived underdogs. I’m sure you know the type if you have been a political activist at some point in your life.

And then Former Finance Secretary Milwida ‘Nene’ Guevara stood up.

Her white T-shirt probably still smelled of chemicals used in printing on fabric. There was a big sign in front that read: “Mayor Robredo, ang laban mo, laban ng Filipino.” Her voice was calm and her words deliberate.

Ako ay isang simpleng tao lamang. Hindi ako sanay na magbuo ng isang political campaign. Wala akong makinarya, wala akong pera, wala akong kapabilidad. Pero sa tingin ko ay hindi tayo dapat matakot. If many people will do the right thing for the right reason, there is hope.”

Well, not exactly in those words, but that was the gist.

What does it take to do something right? What is the cost of personal advocacies? Nene, as friends call her, is a very simple person who lives a simple life changing the face of education all over the country as founder of Synergeia Foundation. I do not know if she is rich. I certainly believe she would not have amassed millions when she worked at the Department of Finance. She is not experienced in waging political wars, but when she learned about Jesse Robredo’s plight, she simply started texting friends what they think could be done.

The idea was formed and she plodded on. People suggested a signature campaign, a friend said he would take care of the venue, another said he would invite the media – other people volunteered to do their part. The event turned out as a confluence of events as natural as a sunrise.

In MoneySmarts, we often talk of reaching our financial goals. There’s something to be said about being determined to be and to stay rich. But there is also something amazing about people who sacrifice some part of that to do what is right and make a difference in society. What is even more remarkable is when the cost of a personal advocacy is willingly borne by many.

When this happens, wealth does not become an end in itself but a means to do something meaningful. To me, this takes away the cold, metallic sheen of money and replaces it with warmth and a reason to welcome wealth.

Incidentally, Nene is not a mother. But she is one of the most generous mothers of this sometimes forlorn country, changing the lives of impoverished children who lack education and (I’m smiling here) mothering chief executives of local governments who sometimes only need a gentle prod (and some funding) to go in the right direction.

She mothers teachers, local school boards, NGOs, concerned businessmen. She may not have children, but she truly deserves the greeting: Happy mother’s day!