The best thing that I can do

I start my daily routine at 5:00 AM when most of the people are still sound asleep. I would walk around five and a half kilometers to reach Umapad Dumpsite. Not even a typhoon could stop me from doing this daily regimen. After all, I have seven young mouths to feed. I'd rather get wet than hear the hungry sounding stomachs of my three girls and four boys. 

All of my children are schooling. I feel that education is the only escape I can provide them against this hell that we are right now. When I was their age, I did not mind my studies. I saw no sense in scrambling numbers trying to figure out products and quotients when at the end of the day I and my brothers would still go the plantation to harvest pineapples. 

I was born in Mindanao, specifically in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. As glamorous as it sounds, the place is actually of no single glitter. Most people live on a one-day-one-eat scheme. Kids spent their days not in school but in large pineapple and banana plantations doing hard labor to earn a few centavos. We do not have a functioning hospital in our community. It was like, when you suffer an illness, the best that you can have is to implore the heaven that you get healed. 

I lived in Manolo Fortich, the entirety of my teenage life. I think I have harvested more than a hundred thousand pieces of pineapples that now I can't even think of smelling one. Maybe it's true that when you have too much of something, you will start to dislike it. 

When I turned 23, I decided to seek better opportunities in Cebu. I packed up my stuff, which translates to two shirts, one puldoroy, and a dog tag that my grandfather gave me. He said that it was a gift from an American friend during the second world war. It was a treasure that he wanted me to keep and give to the next generation of our kin. It's the only treasure I have with me up to now. Well, at least, I am not that poor enough not to own even a single treasure. 

The first time I arrived in Cebu, I marveled at its modern look. It was so chic to a probinsyano like me. I've never seen such a vast crowd gathered in one place. It was all good until the harsh reality of life slapped me. I tried looking for work, but everywhere I go, they'd ask me for a high school diploma. I don't have one. The truth is when I was in Mindanao, I never cared for my education. After all, why would you need to know how to divide large numbers when you are only earning a few centavos for a hard day in the plantation? 

I started sipping my coffee and ate two pieces of pandesal. The shanty which the eight of us lived was still shrouded in darkness. We do not have electricity. We couldn't afford such a luxury. My children are fast asleep except for Lando, who must go to school early as he is a working student. 

After I was done eating, I rolled two empty sacks, got my kalakay, and started heading to the dumpsite. You would barely recognize me in my scavenger costume. My entire body is generously clothed. I walked unceremoniously but filled with hope that I might hit a pot of gold in the dumpsite. I mean it. I am tired of this life. I don't care about myself anymore; I can't bear it looking at the suffering faces of my children. 

Two trucks arrived, and the witch hunt for plastic and tin cans started. There were 8 of us who would typically come early in the dumpsite. When we are not scavenging, we are the best of friends. But when we start collecting sellable trash, it's a different story. 

The minutes of sorting trash became an hour, and the hours became a day. Filled with exhaustion, I walked towards the junk shop where I would sell my sacks of plastic and metal scraps. That day, I did not hit the pot of gold I was expecting, but I was fortunate enough to have 49 pesos in my pocket. Half a kilo of rice would be 23 pesos, two packs of noodles at 16 pesos. I still have 10 pesos that I saved to give as baon of my kids for the next day. 

Just a few blocks to the slum area where I lived, I've seen many people gathering. The smoke is still rising mightily to the sky. There was a fire, and it was a humungous and devastating one. I ran as fast as I could. 

"My kids! Help me! I need to find my kids." I shouted in despair as I struggle to navigate through the crowd that has gathered. 

There was nothing left. It was like a vast football field, but only that everywhere you look was filled with ashes and debris. I started crying. I was baffled, but then a familiar voice came to my ears. 

"Pa, naa sila tanan sa Gym. Tana adto ta." It was my son Lando who, after hearing the news from his friends, rushed to aid his younger brothers and sisters. 

It was the best feeling that I have had in my life. Knowing that my kids are safe filled my heart with joy. Maybe, I did not hit the pot of gold in the dumpsite, but still, I was blessed for my family is safe. It was at that moment that I realized that it is not money that can bring us genuine happiness. It is seeing the people we love safe and sound. Material things may provide us comfort, but you can never put a price tag on true happiness. 

I am Ondo, a scavenger, a fire victim, a widower. I don't know what's left of the thinning pages of my life, but as long as I live, I will forget all these to focus on the one best thing that I could do… being a father. 

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Amid the chaos: a weeklong trip in Hong Kong

The past few months have been very crucial to the people and the government of Hong Kong. What started to be a movement against a perceived undemocratic and authoritative extradition bill has turned into a full political extravaganza. Hongkongers have been very vocal in their displeasure with how the government is handling the current situation.

My trip to Hong Kong has long been planned months before the current political circus has unfolded. Days before my flight, there was this little reluctance on my end to pursue it because, as per the way it was shown in international media, chaos brews in all four corners. From mobs defacing and damaging MTR stations to rioters throwing Molotov cocktails on police vehicles, it was evident that there is too much anarchy in the country.

Nonetheless, I saw this as an excellent opportunity for cultural immersion. My curiosity as to how things are happening in Hong Kong and my never-ending wanderlust brought me to pack up my luggage and head out to Mactan Cebu International Airport. Everything has been set and planned, and I was hoping that nothing dangerous would erupt in Hong Kong while I was there.

I arrived around 10 pm in Macau International Airport, and I headed straight to the Macau Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal. From Macau, I rode a ferry to reach Hong Kong. And around 12 am, I have set foot in what is said to be a land in chaos, Hong Kong. I was in a rush since the last MTR trip towards the nearest station to the hotel where I am staying will arrive in a few minutes and chances are I would miss it. I've exited Hong Kong Ferry Terminal and went straight to the Sheung Wan Station. I was literally running from the station entry barrier to the platform. Luck was with me as I was able to reach the train before the doors closed.

For my first day, I went to explore the neighboring areas surrounding my accommodation. I went to a public market and went to a spice market to get a taste of the way of life of Hongkongers. In the afternoon, I went to a local shop which sells snake soup, which I must say is something worthy of the exorbitant price that comes with it. I also tried their different modes of transportations, including the colonial era Tram, which is one of the remnants of the British occupation in the country. In the evening, I went to Fa Yuen Street Market, which is one of the best street food locations in Hong Kong. I ended up going back to my hotel late at around 11 pm, and my legs are already feeling the effects of the walkathon that I did for the entire day.

The second day was allocated for a nature adventure. I have always been a trail lover and what would be the best thing to do in Hong Kong than trek Dragon's Back Trail. Dubbed as one of Asia's most scenic trails, the Dragon's Back is in the eastern seaboard of the Hong Kong island away from the skyscrapers and bustling metropolis. The 8-km trail will showcase to you a scenic view of the Big Wave Bay, the Tai Tam Bay, and the Beaufort Island. The first two kilometers of the trail is the most challenging part with areas of steep ascents and sun-exposed paths. After this, most of the trail is covered with lush vegetation, which protects you from the blazing sun. Some interesting points on this trail include the Shek O Peak with an elevation of around 931 ft, the Dragon Back's viewing deck which gives you a panoramic view of the surrounding bays and islands, and the Big Wave Bay Beach which is where you will end up after completing the trail.

I arrived in the Big Wave Bay Beach around noontime, so I decided to find a local eatery and grab some meals. In all fairness, food is delicious when you are tired and wasted. I then spent some time on the beach with two bottles of beer and a recently bought book. For me, nothing beats the combination of a book, beer, and beach.  Indeed, these Bs made this part of my journey the most memorable out of my entire Hong Kong trip.

I went back to my hotel to get some rest before I continue with the day's itinerary, but unfortunately, what was supposed to be a short nap ended as 6 hours of sleep, and I was awake around 11 pm. I had to reschedule my plan to go to Victoria's Peak as it is too late. I was still exhausted, and my legs are aching. For the next two days, I do need to report to work. Thus, I will have limited time for adventures.

On the third day, I had to check out of Grand City Hotel and transfer to Mojo Nomad Aberdeen, which is on the southern part of Hong Kong island. It was indeed the right choice as it helped me avoid the mayhem that occurred during the weekend that followed in the Causeway Bay area and in the Mongkok area, where most of the accommodations are. For the third day, I went to Victoria's Peak and did some pasalubong shopping in the Temple Nigh Market.

For the fourth day, I did go to work from 6 am to 3 pm. The coworking space in Mojo Nomad Aberdeen is one of the best that I have been too. It was an excellent choice since there are not that many people in the hotel and that is something which I prefer. While I like to be in crowds, I would always opt to work in areas where there are fewer people. I commend Mojo Nomad Aberdeen for their communal facilities are some of the best that I have seen in the number of backpackers' accommodations that I have been too.

The first encounter I did with protesters occurred on my fourth day in Hong Kong. I went to Admiralty to exchange my peso for some Hong Kong dollars and boom there was this barrage of people who are on the streets. It was not chaotic. They were singing, and some were shouting what seems to be slogans. I saw the police force directing people and traffic away from the protesters. My heart skipped a beat when I was inside the MTR station and was about to board the train. Police were running towards a group of men, and media were following them. I hurriedly stepped inside the wagon as I thought it might escalate to a full ruckus. I went back to the hotel and decided to call it a day. I've read the news, and it appears that had I stayed longer; I may have been caught up in the commotion that transpired in Admiralty. 

I have filed a leave so that I can enjoy my fifth and sixth day in Hong Kong. On the fifth day, I wanted to go to Disneyland, but train service has been canceled due to some protesters vandalizing Sunny Bay Station, which is where you should alight to get to the Disneyland MTR line. I decided to change course and proceeded to the Hong Kong Space Museum and explored the Avenue of Stars, which is just nearby. Hong Kong has several Museums, but being a science geek, I decided that the best one to go to is the Space Museum. I was amazed when the ticketing officer told me that the entrance fee is just $10. It is quite cheap than I have anticipated.

In the evening, I did watch the symphony of lights, and it was a mesmerizing view. I just felt terrible that if things would not deescalate, the beautiful infrastructures, the diverse culture, and the colorful history of Hong Kong will be put to waste.

On the sixth day, I woke up early as I was planning to try to go to Disneyland one more time. Unfortunately, there was an urgent work-related request that I must facilitate. I ended up being in front of my computer until noon. I decided to forgo Disneyland as it would not be economical for me, and I would be rushing to get the most out of the pricey admission fee. I decided to go to the Big Buddha instead.

When I arrived at the Tung Chung station, I saw the damage that was caused by the riot that transpired the other day. MTR ticketing machines have been wrecked, walls and floors have been vandalized, and posters cover the walls of the nearby bus station.

Heading straight to the Ngong Ping 360, I was lucky because the demonstration that occurred the other day has reduced the number of tourists. There was no line, but I still opted to avail the Klook offering, which is way cheaper than buying the ticket from the ticketing booth. I did ride the Ngong Ping crystal cabin, which was another unique experience since you'd feel as if you are floating in the air with its glass bottom and 360-degree view. The cable ride took around 20 to 30 minutes per way.

When you arrive at the Ngong Ping Village, you will still need to walk a few meters to reach the foot of the staircase that leads to the Big Buddha. The stair comes with 268 steps, so reaching the top is indeed a feat to make, especially for those who are not used to walking or trekking. In my case, I simply breezed through the stairs. On top, I took some up-close shots of the statue, went inside the museum on the building where the Buddha sits, took some shots of the surrounding view, and I then went down.

Next to the Buddha is the Po Lin Monastery. This 123-year-old monastery is a gem of its own. Some points of interest are the three huge statues representing the past, present, and future of Buddha, the Main Shrine Hall of Buddha and the Bodhisattva Skanda Hall. The eatery inside the monastery serves Vegetarian food. I ate my late lunch in the monastery and headed back to the gondola ride.

I arrived around 4:00 pm back at Sheung Wan Station. I took my baggage form the TurboJet Service Center, where I left it earlier. I then went to buy my ticket and waited for my ferry ride. By 5:30 pm, I was already in Macau, so I decided to do a quick tour as my flight would still be past midnight.  There is not that much to do in Macau unless you like gambling. I went to Senado square, visited the Ruins of St. Paul, and did some casino hopping. Free Shuttles ply the streets of Macau, which will save you a lot in transportation costs.

My trip to Hong Kong was a spectacular experience. It showed me different faces of this little democratic region on the outskirt of a communist giant. I was surprised to find out that street dwellers and beggars are living in Hong Kong's elevated walkways. While Causeway Bay, Mongkok, and Tsim Sha Tsui area are filled with modern skyscrapers, the Shek O village is a great contrast. I can say that the influences of its past being a British colony are hardly seen these days. The locals I met there revealed to me that the current political ruckus is the result of an overcomplicated mesh of issues, grievances, and discontent. Nevertheless, it is something that only Hong Kong and its people will be able to solve. I just hope that it will never be too late before they arrive with a solution.

At the end of the day, I feel fulfilled because I survived a week in a land said to be marred with chaos, but then I guess this chaos is universal and is happening around the world. This chaos is not just about riots or demonstrations. This chaos is manifested in different ways – from the food security issues in African nations to the military conflicts in the middle east to the political and sociopolitical wars between the first world countries and to the never-ending problem of poverty that is happening in all four corners of our planet. But then without chaos, the universe would have never been created. It was chaos that brought the birth of the world and consequently the life on our planet. It may as well be that another form of chaos shall end it all.

See you on my next adventure!

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