Ibang Mukha ng Buhay

(Conversation yesterday to a one Filipina- OFW): 

Yesterday morning while sitting inside the bus stop area and waiting for the bus transportation going to gym, I saw a one Filipina sitting also in the other corner. She looked at me and smiled. And in courtesy, I smiled back. She asked me if I am a Filipino. I answered him “Opo, Filipino po ako”.

Filipina: Akala ko po kasi Malaysian kayo. 

Me: (“huh? Minsan napagkakamalan ako Chinese minsan naman ibang lahi, ano ba talaga?” ang naitanong ko na lang sa sarili ko). Filipino po ako Kabayan (inulit kong sabihin) 

Afterwards she approached me of her business. As usual, it’s a networking business which is not my field of interest so I declined her offer politely and with respect. 

We’ve talked each other. It’s a long conversation anyway. I’ll give you only some of the highlights of our conversations. 

The conversations are not exactly the same but it has the same thoughts. 

Filipina: Matagal na po kayo dito? 

Me: Almost 8 years na rin. 

She asked my job and some of my experiences working abroad. And I shared some of my experiences based on her questions until she asked me about: 

Filipina: Mabuti po wala kayong chicks (girlfriend) dito? 

Me: (Laughed) Wala. 

Filipina: Bakit po? Nandito rin po ba ang asawa n’yo? 

Me: Wala. Nasa ‘pinas siya. Dun siya nagtatrabaho. 

Filipina: Bakit po wala kayong chicks dito? Kasi yung ibang mga lalaki kahit may asawa na e single kapag nasa ibang bansa na at may mga binabahay na pala at sinusustentuhan.

Me: (laughed again but afterwards I answered her seriously) I love my wife, I love my family. And I respect the sanctity of marriage and our vows. Though may mga misunderstanding pero hindi yun reason at hindi rin reason ang pag-aabroad para mangaliwa. Ayokong masira ang tiwala sa akin ng asawa ko, ng pamilya ko at nang pamilya ng asawa ko. Mahirap kapag may pamilyang nasasaktan. Nagwowork ako dito para sa kanila hindi para sa iba kahit alam kong malaya at malayo ako sa kanila. And it’s a WASTE of TIME and WASTE of MONEY. Yung perang gagastusin ko sa mga babae e i-save ko na lang at ipadala ko na lang sa pamilya ko. Masaya pa sila. At least sa simpleng bagay ay naramdaman nila ang presence ko. 

Filipina: Mabuti ka pa kuya ganyan ang pananaw mo sa buhay. Yung dati kong asawa ay nasa abroad din, tapos matagal na niya pala kaming niloloko ng mga anak namin, may babae pala siya sa ibang bansa..(and she tells her story about her unfaithful husband. It seems that we’ve known each other in a long time) 

I just noticed her sounds of voice is about to cry while sharing her married life. Mabuti na lang may tatlong ibon na nagharutan sa labas ng waiting area, nauntog kasi yung isang ibon sa door glass sa kalandian so we are interrupted at sinabi ko na lang ang “cute ng mga ibon ‘no, dito e malaya ang mga ibon magsilipad, kung sa pinas iyan e tinitirador na iyan”… and I immediately change the topic (baka kasi tuluyan na umiyak sa harapan ko e…Di ko alam kung paano ko patatahanin). But I advised her to be strong for her kids and never give-up. Most importantly, walk with God. Just keep the faith. 

Nagmistula tuloy akong Pari kahapon…Para tuloy kaming nasa confession room...lolz. 

Jenny, I prayed that May God guide you in your journey and be at your side always until you navigate the ups and downs of life. May He provides you more strength and courage in your trials.