In the Philippines, which is both an agriculture-based and economic-dependent country, having a job is everyone's objective. While it is already difficult to apply for one, staying committed is also becoming a part of that survival instinct. What it really takes to work here, as a Filipino? Let me tell you my story.
It was a rainy day back in September 2024, that was my first day in the job for a consulting firm located in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig, Metro Manila. I was ready for it, prepared my self mentally, physically, and financially - for the position holds a lot of responsibility as what the job description mainly says when the orientation kicks off that day. I am already here and this is what asked for, so let the game begins.
All the needed stuffs were provided - laptop, smartphone, mugs, and bags. The office gears are customized to get you going with your job inspired, focused and committed for the role.
As days, weeks and months goes on, I started getting acquainted with my colleagues. Some office gatherings, occasional company events, and the rest is all about working to earn a living. Working in BGC, one of the busiest business and financial district in the Philippines, is not as easy as you would imagine. The hustle and bustle of the city - which includes heavy traffic, floods along the highways, and crowded transport systems - it is a way of life for the Filipinos.
On the brighter side, however, a decent paycheck will provide you that extra money to drive thru at McDonalds or Jollibee in going to and from home. There are days when dinner reservation is on a popular restaurant nearby. More importantly, you now have the right to visit the grocery store to buy the next month's inventory.
There are days when you just listen to yourself on what you want to do - walk alone, drink coffee, eat with friends, go home early, extend an hour or two to finish the job. And there are days when your only option is to do what the job tells you to do. As a consultant, it is expected that you are ready to handle the pressure the job would bring over you. Probably, like any other job, you have a boss to satisfy, a client to appease, and an organization's vision to abide with. Afterall, this is the definition of work we signed for.
Now there comes a time I ask my self, "Masaya ba ako sa trabaho ko?"
Then I realized this is what makes me happy.
I started farming back in 2020. Early February that year, my wife and I started planting several fruit-bearing trees on a small lot we purchased in my home province. We were still not living in the land at that time, but only when the Covid-19 pandemic ends. That was sometime in 2022, when we built a small nipa hut and started staying there as part of our weekend escapades.
Plants, vegetables and fruits started to come into our table. I call it the fruits of our labor, literally. As a farmer, I could honestly say digging the soil, watering the plants, and pulling out the weeds is totally different from typing and staring on a laptop. They are completely two different endeavors. Simply stating in my own thought process - the laptop provides you a salary, the hoe gives you a harvest.
Today, with the support and help of my wife and brother-in-law, our banana and ginger plantation is starting to take shape. Some of our fruit trees are starting to give back. Tiring but truly satisfying when you now have the food from your farm served at your own table.
Ikaw, masaya ka ba sa trabaho mo?
I know that the question is subjective. Any answer is right for we have our own personal reasons behind our life decisions. But what I want to imply is that as we grow older and face different roles and responsibilities, we think of our retirement, our family's future, the education of our kids, and definitely our finances. We also take into consideration our health, our well-being, our life's desire and ambition. Then there comes the day when we need to decide and choose which path we want to go.
Think of this reality for a second.
Think of the OFWs, their decision to go the distance to work and earn for their families. Think of the ordinary workers who are facing the dilemma of heavy traffic, heavy rains and flooding, and long hours of travel going to work. Think of the farmers exposing themselves in the scourging heat of the sun, everyday. Think of the fishermen who risk their lives against waves, navigating the farthest and deepest part of the seas, and facing the uncertainties on whether they will catch a fish or not. Think of yourself - your tired body, your financial struggles, your vanishing hope of what tomorrow may bring. I am with you - it's not easy to become a Filipino in this economic times.
But please, continue to fight. Continue to get out of bed and get your self ready for the day. Keep on striving. Keep on moving. That day will surely come when you can definitely say:
"Masaya ako kasi natupad ko ang pangarap ko!"
About Project Pilipinas
This is my personal campaign on bringing positive changes to the beautiful Philippines. With my writings, photos, and videos, I want to bring courage and inspiration to the Filipino people wherever you are in the face of this planet. Our beloved country the Philippines needs you more than anything else. If by any chance you were inspired by this blog, kindly share the information to others.
You may also visit www.knowriel.org, an educational portal I created for Filipino business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. Thank you for you time reading this post till this very end.
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