Kid of the Trip : Margie

Like our Cagbalete trip last May, we looked for another Kid of the Trip for Calaguas. But we weren't able to find a deserving kid so we waited until we arrived in Bagasbas. 

To give you an idea about what is this is all about, click here so you can meet Michael.

While thinking of what to buy for this trip, I found myself browsing Boston classifieds and looking at items that are for sale and also dropped by Zaarly to see if I there are cheaper finds. I also wondered that if I have a higher - paying job, I'll be able to help more less fortunate kids during my travels. So for this trip, I bought 3 writing/reading books, a pad of paper, eraser, sharpener, coloring pens and a couple of pencils. I got a clear bag - like plastic envelope to carry it easily.

I was inside our room trying to treat the Boss' injury that he got from surfing when Reuel called me and said that there are kids selling snacks outside. My friends were already buying quail eggs, balut (duck egg), peanuts and fish crackers from the kids. It was Margie and her big brother (sorry I forgot his name). Margie is the 5th child in the brood of 9. Her mother is a housewife and her father is a plumber.

Everyday, Margie (9yo) and her brother sell snacks after school until 12 midnight. Margie said that they are not required to and they are just helping their parents. Margie's brother boasted that she is a straight A student and loves to spend her free time coloring books.

Margie's fingers are a little uncommon. Her brother said that their mom was fond of eating sweet potatoes at the time when she was in her tummy and that resulted to the shape of her fingers (that's a Filipino myth).

Margie showing me how she holds a pencil

She said that she's already used to being bullied at school but her big brother always make sure that he is there for her. Margie has a very timid smile but her shyness didn't concealed her happiness when I gave her my gift. Her brother was all smiles too. :)

Her brother almost did all of the talking and he kept on teasing her little sister about the gifts she got. Haha! Typical bro and sis relationship. Turns out that his brother's birthday was last September 15, 3 days before mine. So my friends hoarded their snacks and didn't asked for change as a gift.

high five!

It was another humbling experience. There are a lot of times when I complain about not getting things I want and not being able to do what I want and you see kids with lesser things than you and struggling through live and  trying to make the most of it. 

Like me, I hope Margie taught you a lesson too. :)

Thank you to Reuel for the pictures.

Hasta luego!