It’s resilience when someone bounces back from setbacks and continues to thrive.
Resilience is, however, easier said than done. For this 36-year-old Mindanaoan, it may be hard to be resilient but it takes determination to face everything going on in his life.
Randy Mamaril, 36, came to Manila in 2007, risking his life to seek a job. He took four occupations before becoming an Angkas driver two months ago.
He worked as a helper, welder, project officer in a lending company, courier in a cargo logistic company, and truck driver.
Mamaril told this writer that his life in Mindanao was quite good. However, he believes that he can do and earn more, which was the main reason for his father to commend him to an uncle who resides in the city.
He was determined at that time to take the risk — leaving his calm, simple life in the urban area and going to the capital city. But life was tricky sometimes.
Mamaril went on to say that his uncle refused to lend a helping hand after knowing he had not obtained a college degree. However, Mamaril took it as a challenge.
Following his heart’s desire, he went to Manila.
On a good day, working for almost 12 hours, he earns P2,300. But most of the time, he can only take home P1,000.
Sleep is the only reward he can give himself after a long day, which he can afford for only a maximum of five hours, and off to the road he returns.
Some of us spend time catching up with our families, friends, or a special someone, while others use their free time to scroll down on social media.
For Mamaril, who treasures his time so much, time is gold — every second, every minute matters.
Despite working almost non-stop every day, he reserves Sunday for family.
“Hindi ako nagtatrabaho kapag Linggo kasi para sakin ayun lang yung oras na pwede ko makasama ang mag-ina ko. Tuwing Linggo nagsisimba kami (I don’t go to work on Sundays because for me it’s the only time I can spend with my family. We go to church every Sunday),” he said with a chuckle.
He dreamt of becoming an educator teaching religion and good conduct so he took a Bachelor of Arts Major in Theology back then but having missed units stopped him from reaching his goal.
This curious writer asked if he does budgeting given the persistent oil price hikes.
Mamaril stressed that he does not deprive himself since it’s the only way he can treat himself.
“Kinakain ko lahat ng gusto ko, ayaw ko tipirin ang sarili ko e. Okay na ako sa dalawang kanin at isang order ng ulam sa carinderia (I eat everything I want, I don’t want to deprive myself. I’m okay with two rices and one order of dish at the carinderia),” he said.
Mamaril, whose endurance is rare, deserves to reward himself after all.