The Spirit of Valor

I barely saw the sunset as I walked down the hallway of the office building. The endless piles of paperwork, emails, and reports seemed to taunt me. Walking, I noticed a janitor pushing a cleaning cart in my direction. He was an elderly man, with wrinkles etched into his weathered face and a tired expression on his features. I watched as he methodically swept the floor, his movements slow and deliberate. As I passed by him, I smiled politely and nodded in greeting. To my surprise, the janitor returned my pocket smile with a wide, toothless grin. His eyes twinkled with mirth, and his whole face lit up with happiness. I heard him saying “Looks like that floor can be a bit tricky, careful there.” I guess someone seems to enjoy his daywork more than mine.

As I stepped out of the building after a long day of work, I was greeted by the warm, humid air and the bustling sounds of the city. The streets were alive with some little activity, and the vibrant colors of the buildings and signage created a kaleidoscope of visual stimulation. The sidewalks were quite empty with some commuters jostling each other as they tried to squeeze onto a tricycle and the street vendors were out selling everything from grilled meats and plates of seafood. Then, I noticed a stall with thick smoke air, and the scent of sizzling meat made my mouth water. I stopped by and found myself standing in front of a small roadside stall, where a vendor is grilling skewered chicken intestines to perfection.

Aha! Isaw – my favorite in Hepa lane.

While waiting for my three sticks of Isaw, I noticed a young man in a red and yellow uniform making a way for me. He seemed so familiar; I guess the same man I saw during my friend’s midnight drive-thru in one of the popular fast-food restaurant chains here in the Philippines.  He too was waiting for his food, and I can see that he's tired but still smiled. I wonder if he's been working all day and is also a fan of Isaw. I struck  up a conversation with him and asked about his work. He told me that he's been working at the eatery for several years juggling between his job and college studies. He mentioned that it's not easy, but he's determined to finish his degree and build a better future for himself and his family. As my grilled Isaw was ready, I nodded to say goodbye to the young man and wished him luck with his studies.

“Para!”

Deciding to head home, I walked towards the nearest tricycle stand and called out to one of the drivers. He pulled up to the curb and negotiated a fair price for the ride. As I climbed onto the back of the tricycle, the driver offered a gentle hand to support me as I made my way up the short set of stairs and into the comfortable seating area.  He then climbed back into the driver's seat and started the engine. I felt the excitement and anticipation for the ride ahead. Finally, Going home.

The tricycle driver started the engine and I held onto the metal bars of the sidecar and felt the wind in my face as the driver navigated through the busy streets. The sounds of car horns, chatter, and music filled the air, immersing me in the vibrant culture of the Philippines. The tricycle driver expertly maneuvered through traffic, easily weaving in and out of lanes and dodging pedestrians and other vehicles.

“Passengers.” At one point, I think I heard the driver say something, but it was hard to hear over the noise of the tricycle. I turned to the driver and asked them to repeat what he said, and he leaned over slightly to speak louder, saying "Few passengers only today." I nodded in understanding, appreciating the fact that I get to enjoy a more intimate ride without being crammed into a packed tricycle. As he continued to talk, I strained to hear him over the sound of the tricycle, but I managed to make out that he has children to support. I nodded again, feeling sympathy and understanding.

As the tricycle came to a stop at my destination, I paid the fare and felt a bit unsteady on my feet after the bumpy ride. Once again, the driver helped me climb out of the back of the tricycle and onto the sidewalk. I took a moment to gather my bearings and looked around, taking in the sights of my neighborhood. I waved to them who were sitting outside, chatting with each other. I took a deep breath and started to walk towards my home, feeling a sense of familiarity and comfort as I passed by familiar sights along the way.

Finally, I reached home and paused to take in my humble abode's sight. The bright yellow paint on my front door caught my eye, and I smiled as I realized that I made it through a holiday.  As I recollected my thoughts, I found myself thinking about the significance of this day.

Day of Valor.

Also known as “Araw ng Kagitingan,” a significant day in Philippine history, the State commemorates the bravery and sacrifice of Filipino soldiers during World War II. Though we remember the courage and heroism of our forefathers, we should also acknowledge the struggles of the present time. That valor is not just about fighting on the battlefield; it is also about the everyday courage and determination that drives people to pursue their passions and achieve their goals. I realize that by working on my projects and pursuing my passions, I am embodying the spirit of valor and determination that the holiday celebrates.

Today, valor should no longer be just about warzones and battlefields. Sometimes, the battlefield is in ourselves. Most of the time, the  war zones are in our minds and hearts. Everyday, many of us feign or compel ourselves to get up, labor and brave the day that lies ahead no matter how the battle turns out. Each day, for most of us, we forcefully determine the will of an iron, lest we lose the battle.

The driver. Despite the challenging circumstances, he remains upbeat and continues working for his family. I found myself admiring his resilience and dedication, and I feel grateful for the opportunity to support him and his family in some small way of riding.

The working crew. A young man behind the counter at a fast-food restaurant, ready to work, juggling his studies and his job to make ends meet, marveling at his ability to keep up with the fast-paced environment. But despite the odds, he remains resilient and determined to make the most of the day.

The janitor. He comes to work today just like any other day. Tasked with cleaning the building and ensuring that everything is in order. His smile towards me is a sense of pride and gratitude for the opportunity to work and make a difference in a little way.

Anyone. Whether you have chosen to pursue your education while also contributing to your household and supporting yourself financially, work tirelessly to provide for your loved ones and to create a better future for yourself, or work towards your passions and dreams. This is no easy feat, and you should be proud of yourselves for taking on this challenge.

Day of the Valor serves as a reminder of the importance of courage, resilience, and selflessness in the face of adversity, and is a testament to the Filipino spirit of fearlessness. In the context of the Day of Valor, it is a way of honoring the sacrifices and heroism of Filipino soldiers and their families by embodying the values of courage, determination, and selflessness in our everyday lives.

As I slowly made my way to my bedroom, the wooden walking cane was tapping softly against the tiled floor to support my weight. Carefully, I set the walking cane against the wall and lowered myself onto the edge of my bed, taking a deep breath to ease the strain in my tired muscles and limbs from exhaustion. With a gentle sigh, I leaned my back against the pillows and looked forward to the days ahead, feeling a sense of joy and optimism about the future. I know that whatever challenges may come my way, I have the strength and resilience to overcome as embodied by the Spirit of Valor.