"More than just Side Characters”

Back in a time where face shields, and face masks were not a requirement; and when the term “new normal” did not exist, I recall of how fond I was of watching films with my family in the movie theatres, and of how I thought that these films were not that far off from real life because just like the characters in movies or stories, we are all presented with different dilemmas in our lives.

I also used to think that the main characters in our society were those who have high ranks and prominence – the government leaders, the world-renowned artists, famous influencers, and those who have been given the most prestigious awards, as we would hear about these people a lot on social media, and from different news outlets showing us of how the lives of these people are jam-packed with action, and endless issues.

Meanwhile, the common people are just side characters.

But looking back, I then remember of an experience that had changed my thoughts on the matter.

One Wednesday afternoon in a time long before corona, I had just finished an hour-long movie at home when I realized that I was almost late for my 3 PM class. Panicking, I quickly grabbed my phone, and opened the Angkas app as I booked a ride to school. In a few minutes, the driver had arrived at the doorstep of my home.

“Kuya, nagdali raba ko kay hapit nako ma-late sa akong klase,” I told him as I quickly got on the motorcycle.

“Ayaw’g kabalaka ma’am! Di lagi ka ma-late,” he replied as he handed me a helmet before speeding off.

He had driven swiftly yet cautiously as I had felt the strong winds brush off my arms and legs. It felt as if I was in an action movie as he had overtaken several vehicles in an effort to get to our destination in time.

When I finally arrived at school, I hurriedly got off, and paid the driver but before he left, he said with a bright smile, “Oh diba, ana bitaw ko nga di ka ma-late.”

Thinking nothing of it, I was about to go to my class until I heard a loud rumble. I looked down and realized that the sound was coming from my stomach.

“Dae, kaon usa,” a woman wearing a black shirt with denim jeans called smiling as she was frying some tasty kwek kwek.

Although I was in a rush, I honestly could not resist as I saw the mouthwatering street food and so, I bought some without any second thoughts.

Walking to my class as I satisfyingly munched on my food, I never thought that those simple moments in my life would be distant memories that I could not easily go back to; now that we are in a pandemic.

When COVID-19 hit the country, the once busy streets of Cebu were no longer as busy as they used to be especially since most people were working from home or taking online/modular classes.

This took a toll on the livelihoods of drivers, vendors, and business owners. But amidst the struggle, these people have been continuously serving us until this very day. They never left.

From drivers, whether it be of jeepneys, motorcycles, taxis, etc. who have tirelessly been there for us in times when we need to get to certain places, to the street vendors who never ran out of voices as they shout, “Isda!” “Balut!” or “Baboy!” to name of few of their attention-catching lines.

 

These people are more than just side characters in society, they are like the superheroes in films who save the day through offering us the daily services we need, and like the brave men and women we read about in books who have the most interesting, and most inspiring stories of all.

They are our true main characters.