Checkout counter chat

It was a rare slow hour at the supermarket, and at the checkout counter I got to chatting with two baggers and the cashier. They said it was easier now to get a ride to get to work, although their commutes were still long, and tiring. One bagger hopes to save enough to buy a bicycle.

They all had to stop schooling due to financial reasons, aggravated by the pandemic lockdowns, but were hoping to go back to school when things get better.

The cashier hopes to resume her studies to be a teacher, back home in her province where her family is. Besides, “mahal dito sa Manila (it’s expensive here in Manila).”

One of the baggers, who has finished high school, wants to take up nursing and get a job abroad.

The other said he wants to be a lawyer. I strongly voiced my opposition to such a plan, telling him that’s eight years of schooling, and then there’s reviewing for the Bar. Besides, we have too many lawyers in this country. The other bagger shared my opposition, saying, “Anong gagawin mo? Magpo-politiko ka (what will you do, become a politician)?”

That settled it, and he said, “Mag artista nalang kaya ako (Maybe I’ll become an actor).” The other two agreed enthusiastically, with one saying, “Oo, magaling ka naman umarte (You’re a good actor)” and the cashier promised to patronize his movies. I told him not to forget us when he becomes famous, to which he replied with the biggest smile, “Syempre di ko kayo makalimutan. Panoorin nyo sine ko ha (Of course I won’t forget you, be sure to watch my movie)!”

Such encounters reinforce my faith in the Filipino – in his/her innate goodness, optimism and resilience. In the face of soaring prices, shenanigans – criminal and otherwise – of government officials, natural disasters and world crises, in these ordinary Filipinos there is hope, and I hope government will do its part to enable them to fulfil their dreams – teacher, nurse, actor. – Rebecca Gomez, San Juan City