It was the hottest day of the month. While I was on board a passenger bus going to my hometown in Pagsanjan, Laguna, a kid handed me down a note which states: “It is better to work hard than to beg”. Actually, he was selling sweets to all passengers. It would seem that it was his own way to get the attention of his supposed buyers. I was stunned, however, because I was not expecting a kid of very young age to capture my sensitivity and will make me ponder on things. The note was indeed great! So, right then and there, I gave him an amount of money without taking any of his goods. It was an act of gratitude. Not that I got fooled by him nor pitied him. I was just amazed!
After which, I came to realize many things. Simple as it may seem but it has opened my awareness and consciousness about life. Come to think of it! If only all the beggars along the streets/sidewalks of Metro Manila have that kind of thinking as that of the kid… If only they have the determination to uplift their lives… If only they worked hard… If only they exerted efforts to go beyond what they think they’d be… For sure, not a single Filipino will be living in vain.
It is through hard work that we become somebody. One’s future can be determined by the kind of person he is. Because one thing is for sure, if he has the determination and perseverance, which are some of the necessary ingredients of success, he will have the best life can ever give.
Existence is a matter of how we make the most of it (in a pragmatic outlook on life). We are here on Earth temporarily. Instead of wasting so much on senseless things, let’s do something worthwhile for ourselves. By doing so, we became an asset and not a liability to the government. We might not notice it, but by doing so, we are helping build a great nation.
Let’s not take for granted little things. It may sound odd but these little things can make one’s person best future.
Rob' Ramos said,
18/07/2006 at 18:25
Aw… you guys used WordPress…
Hi. I’m one of the participants in the first Express Yourself seminar. Donna told me RM used MY blog as an example, wehehe… Aw. And to think I haven’t updated THAT one in a while…
Anyway: nice to see you guys are updating your blogs. Nice template – I’m a minimalist, I guess – and nice posts. That one on the young vendor is very evocative.
Welcome to the blogosphere! (“,)
jennyjavier said,
18/07/2006 at 18:25
Thanks Rob! Ü
Narwin said,
18/07/2006 at 18:25
Di ko mapapalampas ang kalapastanganang ito!
Rob… (please) She’s too young for you!
Just kidding…
Hi Jenny!Ü
jennyjavier said,
19/07/2006 at 18:25
Hehehe hello po.. Ü
Donnabee said,
20/07/2006 at 18:25
Ahahah! Anong meron dito? Love triangle? Kuya Rob vs. Narwin. Hihi! Lumalaki ang network ng panliligaw mo Roberto ha. Hehe. Yang si Jenny, yan ang pinakamaganda sa group namin. Naks!
Tanong ng bayan, kelan ka daw magkaKALIPI? Haha. Joke! Visit my kikay blog at http://www.kikayguru.blogspot.com. Akala ko ba, kikay blog ang gagawin mo Jen. Mukhang seryoso ka ata dito ah. Regards ganda!
Lyn Eyana said,
21/07/2006 at 18:25
Every morning, I mutter to myself, ‘Do I have to wake up this early?” And the one thing that never fails to convince me is the voice in my head that says, “Oh yes, you’re going to work today. You have things to buy. So love your work. Love it hard.”
sassy dessy said,
30/01/2007 at 18:25
this story of a young vendor touched me. thanks for sharing!
I remember an incident here in Mandaluyong….
last night, i was feeling disappointed and sad when a young boy, 7, eagerly opened the door of 7-11 for me. I thought he was just being helpful. I glanced at him with a grateful look to acknowledge what he did. When my sis and I were about to leave the store, this boy eagerly opened the door for us. But before I could go out of 7-11, he said, “Bigyan mo ako piso, pinagbuksan kita ng pinto…” that’s really, really sad…huh..
i wish that he could be more like the young vendor that you were referring to in your story. he knows how to value hard work at a young age.