I am not writing to ask my readers to donate five peso coins. I am not even sure if this coin still exists in the Philippines. I am writing about how important five peso coins are to me back then.
At a young age, I already experienced working late at night to get money, maybe that is why I work mostly at night. Yes—I experienced begging, collecting recyclable trash that can be weighed at Junk Shops in exchange for a few peso coins. A five peso that time has a great value to me for it saves my empty stomach for a day. You may be wondering what I can buy from that small amount of money. Continue reading and you’ll find out.
There is a place at the back of Folk Arts Center called Coconut Palace and Gloria Maris, but back then, we just call it Circle because at the end of that place is a circle where local people and tourists stay and enjoy the view of Manila. I remember my last visit there, it was already closed though so I wasn’t able to go in. It was our sanctuary, we enjoyed running around that place, we enjoyed annoying “love birds” who are staying and loving the skylight of the evening.
While writing this, I had a smile on my face. I love the memories I have in that place. This is where all the fun of being a street child happened.
So how am I getting that Five Peso coin? Well, during those days there are tourists who walk towards the Circle, Gloria Maris—they enjoy the view of Manila Bay from that view because you can see the skyline of Malate, Manila. I don’t know their nationalities, I only knew 4 ethnicities that time, Bumbay (Indian), Kano or Kana (Americans) and Intsik (Chinese or Koreans). I don’t know the english terms until I gained knowledge about them (Thank you My Father’s House and other orphanage that helped me get an education).
Back then, the water is crystal clear you can almost see the bottom part of the ocean. You can actually enjoy dipping without smelling like a canal. What we will do is we will ask the tourist to toss coins in the ocean and we will dive and race for it. Yes, there is a competition on who is the fastest diver, who can last long underneath the water, and who can tolerate the salt water without goggles covering their eyes. Being skinny and taller, I have the advantage sometimes.
The five peso coin can buy me more than a cup of rice which costs ten (10 php) or even higher now. I will always ask for the burnt one for they will give me more because some people doesn’t want roasted or burnt rice. Yes, just rice and I will ask for a free soup so that I can eat a “complete” meal. Since soup is always free, that is big savings for me.
Just like what the gasoline commercial says, every drops counts. To me, every rice counts. It provides me energy for the day, to run around and enjoy being a kid during the day because when night comes, it’s my time work again.
I appreciate all the blessings I got—what I have now and what I will have. Ever since I started earning, I always wanted to help these kids on the streets. I just can’t wait for them to be connected to an organization or individuals who can help them dream again, have quality education, and have better future for themselves and for their future family. I can’t rush it though, but I always believe that if it happened to me, my family, and friends who are now successful individuals, it can also happen to them. Just wait for the perfect timing and perfect people.
I know we are hesitant to which organization to trust because of the way our government works. But I assure you that there are still organizations and institutes that treat these children like their own.
P.S: Thank You!
I would like to thank you for reading my blogs and updates about Street Kids Manila. I believe that someday, they will have the same blessing and opportunity that I am having now. Our goal is to raise awareness and hopefully encourage individuals to help institutions near them. Me, my family and friends’ advocacy to help street kids will continue until we see progress.