My day would usually start at a little past 5 in the morning. I would turn on my TV (wake up sleepy head!) and tune in to Umagang Kay Ganda (the news channel), get up, slice some calamansi and drink its concentrated juice (detoxify!), go back to my room, turn down the volume of my TV, say my morning prayer (by then I am fully awake), turn on GreenApple, check for updates, then get ready for work.

Today though, feeding Zoey, the aspin, was added to my routine (I really want his eating habit to change). Afterwhich, I had my breakfast with my landlady and off I went to work.

It's a tricycle-ride and a bus-ride from my place to my work place in Ortigas. During the first two (sometimes three) blocks of my bus-ride, I would usually be standing shoulder-to-shoulder, butt-to-butt (lucky that I haven't felt anything gross or weird from my behind) with strangers trying to make their way to their own offices, too.

Typical commuter's life, that is.

It's hard. No. Make that challenging when you're carrying your big black back-pack with your gym gear in it and sometimes with your badminton rackets. But I will never complain about it. I carry with me my passion (at least). Anyway, I could choose my seat when everyone takes off in Ayala-- the central business district. Only then that I could either take a nap, catch up on my reading, or entertain myself with the traffic and the scenery in EDSA.

My eyes will never have enough of EDSA-- where traffic is constant, the billboards ever-changing, and the now-you-see-it-now-you-don't pink fences and barriers could be anywhere. Top it with some traffic enforcers hidden somewhere behind some walls ready to play peek-a-boo with you. A temporary delight actually when I'm not running late just like today. I was early. I was already in Ortigas at 8am.

My first stop would usually be at the EDSA Shrine (chapel), where I'd normally stay for about 3 minutes before getting my cup of coffee at McDonald's (Chowking or Mini Stop could be an option). Then I'd walk back to the corner of EDSA and Ortigas Ave. just to cross. MMDA has barricaded our usual Ped Xing, pushing pedestrians to EDSA-Ortigas intersection kasi eh.

All for the good of our country. Whatever that means. Ugh! Rainy season is coming sooner than we expect. I am freaking out just by imagining how I'd take the long(er) uncovered route to the office. Although that's another story...

Today, the sun was up to irritate those who hate the heat and its blinding light, and to satisfy those who see it otherwise. I had my morning visit to the chapel and I carried with me my cup of coffee.

I was walking along Ortigas Ave. and saw the walkway that MMDA was trying to install again. I won't pass judgment on them. Not until I see their point in closing the pedestrian crossing.

So off I went on walking...

I saw a man. His face hidden while he was tinkering, fiddling on something. And like the rest of us, he was carrying with him some bags loaded with lots of stuff. Lots of different stuff. But unlike all of us, his feet were bare, his attire was dirty, rugged, filthy, greased, his hair all tangled-up. And again like most of us, he's working and he's started his day early-- earlier than most of us.

I slowed down and watched him move. Head down, his plastic bags loaded with dirty cartons, cans, plastic (disposable) containers-- trashes. And he was checking on some more from the bin. He (probably) did not notice me but I saw him pick up a box of pizza and stared at it for a few seconds. That has nearly made me cry.

I had to walk fast--- not because I was afraid he'd notice me and grab me by the hand but because he has already grabbed my heart.

Yes, today I was reminded (and may I be reminded everyday):

Compared to the things that some people are boastful of-- love, money, and even life, I have just enough to survive my day. But (still) there's something odd, something light enveloping my whole being that I have but one hunger. Hunger not for a brand new car nor a house of my own. Not for a good partner in life nor a more stable job. Not another pair of shoes, set of clothes, or a new bag.

One hunger. More on giving than on receiving. Problem is, as I've said, I only have enough for myself hence I have nothing (more) to give. The reason why I had to run away.

But my whole life I cannot run away. I will not run away. That, if I may say.

And when I have, what I have, let me not be boastful. Let me not run away for some reason other than my reason today.