Have you been serenaded by the songs of Freddie Quinn randomly around the Buendia-Taft area lately? If yes, it’s probably Charlie Ambungan, a street guitarist who roams the streets of Pasay bringing music to the crowd. He hails from the province of Sorsogon in the Bicol Region, Philippines.
A life full of twists and turns
He went to Metro Manila, as many people from provinces do, for a promise of a better life. He worked as an assistant to billiard bars, beer houses, and the like. But due to business closures caused by the pandemic, he loses his gigs and livelihood.
According to him, he was an ex-convict and was imprisoned for 4 years (1977 – 1981). But due to his good behavior, he was released earlier than the sentence. He regrets his past deeds and doing his best to maintain an honest life.
Currently, he assists public utility vehicle operators as a barker. He is taking that opportunity to play his guitar to passengers in the hopes of getting extra cash. He can also be found hanging out with streetside vendors and drivers on a break.
“I just want to keep on playing the guitar, if someone gives me money because of it, then thank you so much”
Based on the body gestures of people around him, I observed that many find him dangerous or crazy. It’s a very sad thought because, like most of us, he is just a human who is constantly searching for means to survive. We just need to empathize & speak to people like him to know their stories.
There’s always hope
He is living proof that people can change despite the circumstances that led him to have an undesirable past. They just need a second chance to correct their mistakes.
So, the next time you commute and heard strums of a guitar with the tune of “Oh my darling Clementine” accompanied with a singing voice, don’t be afraid and just enjoy the music.
Also published at Adversity Archive: https://www.instagram.com/p/CS1g54zBwYa/
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