The Balloon Vendor

Shot via Oppo A5S

Edited via Adobe Lightroom

Ever since I started my college life, I have seen many people in their different personalities. Personally speaking, I just move into the city to finish my studies. Since I am from the province, seeing people from the city is a completely new level. At first I thought people like here are not that trustworthy. Well, I’ve seen movies that were shot in Manila and even talks about how people in Manila behave. I am not talking about the whole population, but thinking that a lion will not eat you since you don’t eat him is a definition of stupidity.

As I made my way to school one morning, I was shocked and happy to see an old man carrying those balloons while walking down the street. I remember so many memories from my town and brought back the vibes in there. But the most astonishing thing was I had the chance to talk to him. At first, he was not the kind of vendor that usually shouts so kids can hear him for them to buy the balloons. All he does was to find kids then sell it. It was not a normal thing but since it is his thing, I have no complain about it.

Our talk was not intentionally made. I always buy food in a store near the covered court I always walk in and he was there to I think rest for a while. The woman in the store was also talking to him. When I had the chance to talk, I ask him to why he chooses to sell balloons rather than some other products like food that will make him much more money. I was shocked to hear his story. With tears in his eyes, he told us his story.

Back in 2012, he and his son were scrolling through a nearby park. He was so happy that time because finally they had a chance to be together. Usually he would go to the market to sell stuff from fruits and vegetables even on Sundays when it is supposed to be a family day. But that day, the day that supposed to be a very happy day, everything got devastated. Since there were so many people in that park, he lost his son. He quickly traced steps on where his son could be but there was no sign of him. That was the last time he saw his son personally. He decided to sell balloons because his son was so fond of balloons. Every time a balloon vendor in their home passes by, his son always run to that vendor to buy one. Hoping to see his son, he sticks on the job. His wife even left him due to what he did.

I was speechless at the moment. I didn’t know what to do or what to say to him. I asked him if he already warned the police about the situation and he said that he have no trust on them. I didn’t bother to ask him why because I think that there is a sad backstory to it.

I bought some of his balloons but also slip it out of my hand. I said a prayer to the balloon hoping for a miracle.