It is how we call it in the Metro. The time being around 6 to 7 pm. For the employed, the 8-hour work has ended. And so a flock of people gathers around, to, from, the city streets or terminals, or just plain anywhere---strangers and more strangers. Different careers, profiles, orientations, goals, and indifferent maybe (well most). Add to that, the heavy traffic congestion, the simultaneous blowing of horns of obviously irate drivers, the mixture of air pollutants from vehicles and cigarettes, just all that noise, and clutter, and noise again both audible and not.
Gazing at the sky, I recalled, this is nothing really like home which was simple. No complications. But perhaps this is where home is for now. Where the rugged path outlined by weeds and some flowering grass turned to a busy city street separating lines of towering structures. Where the stand alone houses turned to high rising condominium units. Where the small sari-sari stores turned to be convenience stores. Where I only used tricycle, jeep and bus as a mode for my transport, which now has been added a cab, shuttles, the MRT and LRT, and lots of travel by FOOT. Where a mother's stirring of a good blend of coffee turned to that expensive little service from your favorite starbucks store. Where a free sumptuous meal on the family dinner table turned to a fast-served and not so tasteful artificial food. And the list of changes goes on.
I used to deny myself entry in the City Life, as I was used until now to being one simple lad but I'm here and it seems okay. This will support the BIG dreams I have for myslef, for my family, and eventually the province where I grew up. Yes, it was not abandoned, it is afterall a place I will always call mine.
For now, the opportunity is here and I'm taking hold of them until the next rush hours.
