Meet “Regine” a cheerful 21-year-old vendor along the road adjacent to the Libertad channel. She hails from Caloocan City and works as a staff for a small street-side eatery in the vicinity.
Despite her positive demeanor and energetic behavior, her life story is full of struggles and hardships. Losing her mother and being forced to constantly move from place to place in search of work would have broken the spirit of many, but not Regine. At present, she is temporarily staying and working as a staff with her friends and former colleagues who manage the small food business.
A life full of twists and turns
They sell Pares and usual street merchandise such as cigarettes, sodas, bread, etc. Regine is content with the company of her friends and former colleagues, as they work together to provide meals for the bikers, workers, and call center employees from the nearby business hub who frequent their store.
Sadly, all of the people living there are illegal settlers. The area is a postponed project meant to be an alternative entrance to the GSIS Building that currently houses the Philippine Senate in just a few blocks away.
Like all of us, Regine aspires to have a good life. She is constantly searching for a stable job that will provide her with food and shelter. For now, she seems to find a place where she is happy and feels at home.
There’s always hope
This Pride Month and beyond, judge less. Be kind. Keep an open mind. And if you can’t understand them, at least don’t harm them. You have no idea what anyone is going through, or until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.
Let us extend our hands and hearts to those who are in need no matter who they are, just as Regine’s friends and former colleagues have done for her.
This story’s short version is also available at Adversity Archives: https://www.instagram.com/p/CfOa7eGruoE/
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