Two weeks ago I was in Hong Kong. Sundays are our kababayan's (Co-Filipino's) day off - usually spent spread all over Central's public spaces. As I was walking along the footbridge that connects all the major buildings, I saw that they used simple boxes to claim their spots. They would spread out the boxes and used the flaps as "dividers" -- and lay out in the middle to do whatever: play bingo, cards, chat, nap, I knew that they just wanted to hang out and be with each other and be reminded of home, even for just a few hours.
For some reason, that particular walk I had on the footbridge really resonated with me. I guess I got sad because as someone with kids of my own, I realize that a lot of these ladies lying around the floor of Central - far away from their families - had their own brood. And they really do just swallow their pride and do whatever it takes to provide for their family.
Can't help but think how cool it would be if one day they could find good enough work here to not have to leave everything they hold dear.
But in the meantime, they are my heroes. Bless you all out there all over the world.
Well done, Biogesic.
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