When I was on my way back home from malling, or let’s say, lakwatsa, I took FX and seated in the middle of these women who seemed to be new fellows here in Manila. I was little bit surprised that they speak in Cebuano, while another woman at the backseat started to talk in Ilocano. Three of them know each other obviously, yet another passenger started to talk to them in their dialect; Cebuano and Ilocano. “Guot na man diri sa akong tapad,” says one, and the other one replied, “ditoy ka laeng ngen!” I was fascinated and easily felt at home, and I started asking, “Taga-asa mo, mga inday?” “Hala! naunsa na ni, naa man diay Bisaya diri?” she replied and laughed loudly.She said that she came from Gensan City and working here but going home soon. I asked further and I learned that she lives near where Manny Pacqiao lives. I know very well where he lives in Gensan City. Indeed he became famous because of his fights; little bit proud that I know where he lives, and near to the place where the woman lives. I just smiled and said that we just came from the same place. Then I asked the other lady, “Taga-ayanna ka met, manang?” , and she came from Cabanatuan…

Indeed, Metro Manila is a place where people of different culture meet together and venture for different work. More people are coming from provinces to look for greener pasture, while some go abroad to look for opportunites to help their own families. Pahirap na kasi ang buhay sa Pilipinas kaya di natin masisisi ang mga kababayan nating nagsisiluwas mula sa iba’t-ibang dako para maghanap ng ikakabuhay…yun lang naman gusto ko sabihin, workdays na naman bukas, ano na naman kaya ang naghihintay sa ating lahat… (sigh)…