"Anong year mo na?" The bantay of the food stall where I bought my super late lunch made the initiative to start the conversation as I sat on one of the stools while waiting for my food.
I don't usually start conversation with strangers, sometimes I wish I have the initiative, but the shy side of me keeps me from doing so. However, I love talking. I love meeting new people, especially those who have a different story from mine.
"Ang laki pala ng UP no. Nung nag-college kasi ako sa Iloilo, ang liit lang ng college namin eh. Dito mas malaki pa sa subdivision." She sat next to me as I started eating. To cut the long story short, she's a newbie here in Manila. She went with her husband and her two-year old son to help with her brother-in-law's computer shop business in Taguig, while she is the bantay of the food stall owned by her brother-in-law in UP.
This isn't the first time I got to hear a story like this. My course in college lets me meet different people from all walks of life; fishermen to juvenile fish divers, activists and even "payed" activists, prostitutes, families of 12 children and others. Everyone has a unique story of their own, tearjerkers and laugh-worthy life stories.
That is why I love the profession I'm planning to enter. Though I may not end up doing the same work in the future if I don't get accepted as a researcher, I will forever treasure the experiences I had while doing research in college. It's our edge among other professions who only measure quantity over quality. You may know how many families live on 300 pesos a day, but knowing their daily activities, witnessing how difficult it is to live that way and being part of it is more fulfilling. It's like talking to the world that is oblivious to you. A world that others tend to forget because they keep concentrating with their own busy lives while thinking that the world only revolves around them. It is not the way it is.
Our conversation lasted until I finished eating. She was able to tell a lot about herself, her family and her queries about life in the city. As I bid goodbye, I promised that I'll be back to talk with her again. It is a good break from my academic and virtual life; writing thesis, tweeting and blogging. I'll definitely be back not just to grab a bowl of delicious grilled meat, but also to have a bowl of life stories as well.
