Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Chuvanelles, Chuvaloo
Snow on My Window
Current Music: Californication - RHCP
Currently Reading: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
Current Temperature: 700 degrees
I screwed up the Palanca Essay. Daaaaammmmnnnn!!!! As in mega damn talaga!!!! I sort of chickened out. I can't explain what happened. I really wanted to submit an essay because I loved the theme ("Why I want to Stay in the Philippines")but somehow, days before the deadline, I got seriously depressed.
Ayun.
Poof!
Haay, and now... days after the deadline - I am so inspired na to write.
You see, I met this amazing guy... What got me the most about him maybe his charm, his bright eyes... his hopeful smile...
or even his dirty hands and feet.
Joselito is 10 years old, and he would rather go by "Tolayt". He's a really great kid. Everyday, along with his brother Gerry, younger sister Bebe and good friend Bonbon, they would be walking along the sidewalks picking up plastic cups and bottles.
Nangangalakal sila Usually, the older street kids bully them - as if they don't go through a hard time already. But, I don't see any bit of sadness or insecurity in their eyes - not even blame for their parents. I'm sure that if they were given a choice before birth - they would not choose to be in their present situation, but they always remain hopeful.
I asked Gerry,
"Ano gusto mo maging kapag lumaki ka na?""Doktor po.""Wow naman! Eh, ikaw Tolayt?""Mayor ng junkshop!"These days, I get to spend more time with them. It feels great to know that these kids have big dreams for themselves, and somehow - I am a part of their dreams.
Hopefully, I can help out more.
They are just the most adorable bunch of kids ever. They may look dirty, but they are very polite. Funny thing, Tolayt is vegetarian! O diba?! Taray!
Everyday, they also set aside a part of their profit for their school expenses. The rest of their money, they give to their mother.
"Pambili po ng bigas." It's inspiring and sometimes makes me feel guilty too, for not appreciating the many material things I have.
Everyday, they watch me count their savings grow in their coin banks.
"Wow! 32.75 na Ate! Andami!"
They live with so little, but they still give whatever they can to help others.
One day, I saw them with a bag of bread.
"o san nyo dadalhin yan?""Dun po kay Lolo sa ilalim ng tulay. Kaibigan po namin yun na pulubi eh."Ask me again- Why would I want to stay in the Philippines - where it's always hot and corruption is everywhere? Because, everytime I see their smiles - I am reminded that I have a lot to be thankful for in this country.
Also, because I understand now that I owe so much to Filipino children just like Tolayt. I can't leave them behind - not even for my dream of waking each morning and seeing snow on my window.
C h i n i k a n i M i m o s e n u n g b a n d a n g 3:50 PM
