“Pasko Sa Kadalanan: How The Homeless Spend Their Christmas”

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to spend Christmas on a dark alley and cold concrete? Have you ever imagined to enjoy “corned beef” and “mamon” for Noche Buena?

I walked the streets of Cebu City to check homeless people who celebrated their Christmas on the streets.

As of the first semester of 2018, the subsistence incidence among Filipinos was 8.5%.

Manong Rudy (not his real name) is roaming around the streets of Cebu since 2014. Since then, he didn’t have a decent place to stay.

“Taod taod nako diri kay gikan man kog Romblon unya mangita unta kog trabaho diri, akong mama taga Dalaguete mao ng naka mao napod ko ug bisaya (It’s been a while since I have been here in Cebu looking for a job. I am from Romblon but my mother is from Dalaguete that’s why I know how to speak Bisaya),” said Rudy.

“Lisud uy, mag balhin balhin ko bisag asa usahay didto ko sa may mango tapos diri napod ko balik sa downtown, hangtod asa na lang lagi ko maabot (It’s difficult moving from one place to another, finding a place to stay),” Rudy added.

Rudy has a big bag where he keeps his belongings.

As the conversation continued, I asked him why he didn’t think of going home, he answered..

“Wala gyuy ikapliti ug gikalimtan naman sad ko sa akong mga paryente so mas maayo na lang diri maningkamot kog akoa, makakaon raman sad ko (I have no money to pay for my fare and besides my relatives seemed to forget about me. I am better off here),” Rudy said emotionally.

Rudy said that he collects plastic bottles and materials to sell or exchange for food.

While talking to Rudy, I realized something significant. I realized how lucky I am to have a roof above me, a warm meal and decent clothes. We tend to complain about our state of living, our finances, our career but we never think that there are people who wish to have our life.

As I continue my journey, I met this 47 year-old woman.

Tessie (not her real name) is a mother of 4. They happily celebrated Christmas with a can of corned beef and a piece of mamon for Noche Buena.

“Kani ramay makaya sa budget sir, maayo na lang ni kaysa wala kay blessing man gihapon ni, pagkaon gihapon ni (This is better than nothing, this is also a blessing),” said Tessie.

Tessie’s husband is in jail serving a certain crime.

“Ako lang intawon nagbuhi ani akong mga anak kay toa man sa prisohan akong bana. Bisag ingon ani mi kada adlaw naay problema asa mukaon, asa mupuyo pero malipayon lang gihapon kay nabuhi pa. Naga-too ko nga hangtod nay kinabuhi naay paglaum (I am the only one raising my children since my husband is in prison. Despite our situation, I still choose to be happy because we are alive. I strongly believe that when there is life, there is hope),” Tessie added.

After our conversation, reality slapped me. I was thinking of myself being in their situation and to tell you, it’s not easy!

Rudy and Tessie were among the thousands of people making the streets as their home and celebrated “the most wonderful time of the year” with a smile despite the difficulties of life. (MLC)