Work hard if we want to survive

Teody has been selling kakanin (snacks) for "pila ka tuig na pud (years and years now)," she said.

In fact, she's been able to send her children to school largely from what she earns from her selling.

"Is it hard doing what you're doing?" I asked her, as she started mixing the noodles with palabok sauce, topping the servings with chicharon (powdered fried pork skin), sibuyas (shallots), and a slice of boiled egg.

She looked up from what she was doing. "Usahay, lisod giyud. Kay rain or shine, mamaligya man mi (At times it's hard. Because rain or shine, we still sell)."

"Kanus-a pud ka magpahulay (And when do you find time to rest)?"

"Pahulay gud! Kayod giyud aron mabuhi ta (What rest are you talking about? We really have to work hard if we want to survive)," she said, managing to offer a smile. She took a deep breath, and then: "Hinuon, gagmay-gagmay lang ni pero makatabang man pud (I may only be selling small items, but they still help)."

source: Speak Carabao

Filipino Family - together in suffering, and together in joy

Butuan Bus Terminal.

"Hindi amin ito. Sa in-laws ko ito. Tumutulong lang ako magbenta (These aren't mine. These belong to my in-laws. I just help selling them)," she said, now and then loudly calling out passersby to spend P20 for three pineapples.

"Paano ka kumikita (How do you earn then)?"

"Dahil tulong-tulong sa trabaho, hati-hati sa kita (Because we share the load, we divide the earnings)," she said. Then with a wide smile: "Ganyan naman talaga ang pamilya, 'di ba? Magkasama sa hirap, magkasama sa ginhawa (That's how it is with families, right? You are together in suffering, and together in joy)."

source: Speak Carabao

I sell what I can't buy

Robinsons Place, Butuan City.- "The chicharon (fried dried pork skin) we sell is popular," she said.

"Lots of people buy it for merienda (snack), pasalubong (gift given by travelers), pulutan (food accompanying drinking sessions)..." "Have you tried the chicharon already?"

She laughed. "I just sell. Gamay lang akong kita. Dili ko ka-afford aning butanga (I don't earn a lot. I can't afford such goods)."

source: Speak Carabao

A Note from a Transpinay

When she was 14, Vien realized that she was "no ordinary beki".

“Before I turned 14, estudyanteng beki lang ako (I was just another gay student),” she recalled. But then she realized, “iba talaga ang experiences ko; hindi maipapaliwanag ng pagiging beki (my lived experiences were not similar to being gay).”

It was at that point that she realized she’s transgender. With the realization, Vien is not only happier, but feels more empowered. This is particularly important for her since she has relatives and friends who remain not accepting of her, refusing to recognize Vien's self-identity. But Vien - now 20 years old - said: “Ito ako. Tanggap ko ako, Bahala na ang iba (This is me. I accept myself. I don’t care what others think).”

source: Speak Carabao

Systems should make things easier, not complicate things

Commission on Filipinos Overseas.

"Hindi ko maintindihan lahat ng prosesong ito (I don't understand these processes)," she said. "I am already a resident of another country, pero kailangan ko daw ma-orient kung paano mamuhay sa bansa kung saan na ako nakatira ngayon (but I was told I have to be oriented on how to live in the country where I actually reside now)."

"How do you feel about this?"

She sighed. "Nakakainis (It's annoying)." Then after another deep breath: "Kaya kukunin ko na ang anak ko (This is why I'm already taking my son with me). Systems should make things easier, not complicate things."

source: Speak Carabao

"Taon na rin (It's been years) since I started selling pizzas," said this long-haired guy, who serves as the truck driver cum vendor of the pizza truck parked in front of De La Salle University-Taft.

"10:00 to 7:00 kami (We work from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM).

" "Is it a difficult job?"

"Sanayan lang (You get used to it)," he said.

"And you sell a lot?"

"Minsan (At times). But that's business for you."

"It's not your business though..."

"Yeah," he smiled. "Wish ko lang (I just wish it was)..."

source: Speak Carabao

Viral Video of Boy Singing Mariah

source: Speak Carabao