At the end of the tunnel, there is light

This is my first article and I don't know where or how to start. I am not a writer (and not also fluent in English)but sometimes there are random things going in my head that I want to share or to talk about.

Maybe, I will start introducing myself just like what I do when applying for work.

Some call me Jun, my Parents call me Jay and others call me with my full name. But I prefer Aj(my nickname when I landed Manila para medyo sosyal hahaha). I was born and raised in Pampanga( and that was long time ago). We are 9 siblings but 3 died few years ago. My father was working as a company driver but he was laid-off due to closure of the company. That was the start of our hardship, I was 6 years old then.

At a young age, I've experienced to eat once-twice a day and sleep with empty stomach.

We don't celebrate Birthdays, Christmas and even New Year because we don't afford to.

My father tried to farm a land but it's not enough to sustain our daily life. I sold eggplants and camote tops to continue my studies but it's really hard. I go to school with 5.00 in my pocket enough for my fare.

I don't attend school fairs like JS prom, acquitance party,etc. because I don't have a decent clothes but fortunately I graduated with honors. Sad thing was, I wasn't able to send my self to college.

After 1 year, I studied 2 years vocational course by the help of TESDA. I promised to myself that I will find a job as I graduated but that wasn't easy because most of the companies were hiring those with degree. So, I landed in field selling job and stayed there for 2 years.

On 2005, I decided to go to Manila. My parents are hesitant because I'm not familiar with the place and we don't have relatives in Manila.

I left Pampanga,carrying one back pack and determination. I entered every building in Ortigas everyday just to get a job. And God didn't fail me. I was able to get a job and the rest is history. I stayed in Manila for 14 years and very proud who I became.

I'm now here in Bataan, managing my small Milktea Shop. We were hardly hit by the pandemic but still fighting.

To all young people who are experiencing hardships, don't give up and never ever blame your parents with your condition. Stand up, go out and work hard. God will never give us something that we can't pass. Trials are unending, but these will make our faith stronger not only with God but also with our selves.

Always remember that at the end of the tunnel, there's light.