CEBU, Philippines - Students Arman Jay Booc of barangay Maguikay and Paul Vincent Booc of barangay Basak clean and paint graves in barangay Guizo, Mandaue City.
Nothing unusual about that except that the two boys are both 13 thirteen years old and already thinking about Christmas and helping their parents put food on the table.
On a good day, the buddies make around P300.
“Akong kwarta nga mahabilin akoa man ihatag ni mama kay para matigom namo para pasko. (I give the money I earn to mama so she can save it for Christmas),†he said.
He said he looks forward to dining in a fastfood outlet soon and taste the food only rich people can afford.
Arman’s parents are butchers and the usual fare at home consists of rice, sardines, and vegetable soup.
Yesterday was different. At around noon, the boys had already collected P400. Today also looks promising.
“Tunga man mi duha kung pila maabot sa among kita. (We just split our earnings),†Paul said.
Arman, a grade six student of Maguikay Elementary School, wishes to become a jeepney driver someday.
“Ganahan ko mag jeepney driver kay nindot man kay magsuroy-suroy ra man ka ana. (I would like to become a jeepney driver someday),†he said. (FREEMAN)