By Jan Vicente B. Pekas
In recent years, we have started to see smaller establishments near our home. There are more sari-sari stores than before, and we even have a small restaurant. Just some years past, these basic amenities could only be enjoyed by taking a trip to the city. Now, just by taking a quick walk, we can at least see and taste a bit of variety in our hometown.
In late nights, as we sort and organize newspapers, we often crave for different dishes. That is when we become grateful for the small and affordable restaurant that has only recently opened their doors. Even at 8 pm, they welcome late comers, many of them are hungry truck drivers that pass through Marcos Highway.
Recently, after coming home late, I went to the same restaurant. Just like before when we went there for late night eats, a few that I assumed were truck drivers due to the handful of trucks parked outside, sat and ate with little words spoken between themselves. The weariness on their faces and body language was obvious to see. Their backs were slouched as they shared one dish of “sabaw” and sipped in silence.
As I ordered, the same lady that we saw a few weeks past looked the same.
Beads of dried sweat marked her face all around. Her hair was tied but tangles of it were loosened due to working all day. Just like the truck drivers off to the side, her eyes looked beyond weary and seemed very close to shutting off. But through it all, she still provided the same quality service.
Inside that restaurant, in the dead of night, it was strangely comforting to eat with people just as or even more tired than you. Except for the occasional murmurs, the sound of utensils clanging against the plates was all you could hear. But their words seemed to be delivered with considerable weight.
As I sat there eating, the last trip for the jeepneys going to our area came to the side. From there, I could see another weary person getting off. It was nearing 8 at that time.
While it is better to sleep with a tired body, it is disheartening to see others drained of their last sap of energy every single day. But that is the reality for many. The people do not only work hard, but work themselves to death. It has come to the point that even food, supposed to be enjoyed and eaten while stories are shared around the table, is simply devoured to replenish empty bodies in complete silence.
Hardship has already taken many things away from people. At this rate, the very lives of the common people will be taken away from them.
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