A Child’s Wonder for Futbol

Every other afternoon, students, either varsity players or class members of PE 2 SO (Soccer), come at the football field of UP Mindanao to play the “beautiful game.” They may do it to prepare for competition, to learn the game, or do it for just plain fun.

As I snapped this photo, there was a little girl, maybe around five or six years-old, apparently a child of the nearby sitio, playing around the goalposts, hanging herself in the crossbar like a monkey, staring at the students doing football practice.

Maybe she was staring at her “kuyas” and “ates,” whom she sees everyday. Maybe she was curious at what the objects the students were kicking. Maybe she was wondering how she would be able to kick that ball. Maybe she is wondering about the game.

I don’t know what’s in her mind right now, but I think she might be able to dream someday to play futbol. Who knows when…

Hunger Pangs

Seventh of January, twenty-thirteen, one in the afternoon.

I stepped foot again at the colourful tiles of what I have called home for the past five years. Everyone thought I am in the verge of accomplishment, but this time I am in the state of hunger, an imminent failure.

My digestion isn’t the way it should be. I should’ve filled my tummy with something filling during my lunch, but all I ate was what was left of breakfast. Pathetic. Just pathetic.

I looked for that food kiosk just inside the corner, and I bought a bag of multigrain chips. Garlic and cheddar flavoured. It tasted horrible on my mouth, but left a filling sensation on my stomach. Such a feeling for one so bored and down.

I’m waiting for my appointment with the advice lady. It’s kind of a risky move, as I am also expected to meet two of my mentors for some concerns. But I needed to, for I am so hungry. Hungry for advice. Hungry to find a solution for a long-standing problem.

My hunger is leading me to back out of my once-glorious dream to finish a degree in a prestigious place of learning. It’s been killing my motivation, my drive and my perseverance. It’s not helping already. It’s horrible!

As such the hunger must be satisfied before it gets worse. Such a desperate move for me. Something I should have to face now.

So please, advice lady, spare me your piece of advice!