I embraced my backpack tightly, or should I say front pack?  Rather than carrying the bag on my back, I placed it in front.  A pair of pants, a shirt, and my resume – these were tightly stuffed inside.  The bus opened its door and the blazing heat welcomed as I stepped out, I began to sweat.  I hoped that I would still be presentable when I finally meet with my interviewer.

Makati.  It had never come to my mind of ever working beyond the borders of the Cordilleras.  Baguio alone felt so vast for me going beyond would be disconcerting. Yet, here I am, outside a mall waiting for a taxi to bring me to my prospect job.

“Are you sure you want to work in Manila?” my mother asked when I messaged her of my decision (For us in the province, every city in the National Capital Region is called Manila)  It had been a month since I graduated and so far, no company or business has hired me. The resumes I’ve floated must have been amiss, or I was never really that qualified.

“Yes, I am sure,” I said blankly.  But I was not sure, and so, I asked the driver to bring me the bus terminal.  Back to Baguio, back to what is familiar and known. Another week passed and a representative called from one of the companies I applied.  The salary was measly, but at least someone had already offered me a job.  

It was a small company, there were six other employees with me sharing the confined space.  Files and documents were placed in disarray on top of a filing cabinet. The tables were wooden, uncovered and the holes made by terminates were very visible.  I sat on my chair and its creak reverberated throughout the room. At least I have an office.

A few weeks further and I grew accustomed to my work – prepare invoices and have them signed.  It was routinary that I was able to master what to do. At least I am doing something.

The owner visited the office and called my supervisor.  He looked furious. The closed door was not sufficient enough to cover the voice of the owner shouting at my supervisor.  He was angry at how low the income for the month was. At least I have a boss.  

My supervisor came out, her face red and she was about to break into tears.   The owner came out and we made I contact before he slammed his door to close.  The loud sound had me awake. “Sir, we’re already here,” the taxi driver was shaking me to wake up.  I looked around, we were in front of a building entrance. People in formal attires were coming in and out of the building.  I took a deep breath and opened the taxi door and finally embraced the heat that greeted me.