I stumbled across a familiar street view on Google the other day, and it instantly pulled me back to my commuting days in Manila. Getting to work was a daily adventure, three rides, each with its own rhythm. First, a jeepney to Guadalupe in Makati. Then a short bus ride to Pioneer Street in Mandaluyong. And finally, a tricycle to reach the studio.
One morning, after hopping off the jeepney, I was walking up a steep street toward the bus stop when an elderly woman approached me. She gently reached for my hand and asked if I could help her walk. She looked exhausted, struggling with each step. I offered my arm, feeling good about doing a small act of kindness.
A few steps in, she raised her other hand and asked for money. I was surprised, but I reached into my pocket and gave her some.
Then came the twist.
As soon as she got the cash, she pivoted and walked away, fast. Like, really fast. Faster than me. Turns out, she wasn’t quite as frail as she seemed. I stood there watching her zoom off, feeling like I’d gone from hero to zero in ten seconds flat.
Still, I don’t regret helping her. She had her own creative way of asking for help. And in a city like Manila, where every day throws you a curveball, you learn to take these moments with a smile.
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