17/05/2026
He known as kuya shunta he was a foreigner who first came to manila with nothing more than a simple desire to travel and experience the real life of the Philippines. He was used to a quiet and organized lifestyle in his own country, so at first he was overwhelmed by the noisy streets, narrow alleys, and the simple way of living of many Filipinos.
But as the days passed, he slowly discovered something he had rarely seen before — the joy and resilience of Filipinos despite the hardships of life.
Every morning, he would wake up to the sound of children laughing and playing in the streets. In every home he visited, people would always invite him to eat, even when they had very little to offer. He met people who had almost nothing, yet were still willing to share their time, kindness, and love with others.
He became even more inspired when he met people in Tondo. There, he witnessed how people fought every single day just to survive. Parents worked tirelessly for their children, while young people continued to dream of a better future, smiling even in the middle of struggles.
Little by little, he no longer saw himself as just a tourist. He learned to speak a few Tagalog words, to eat with his hands, to enjoy simple gatherings, and to listen to the stories of the people he met. He realized that Filipino culture was not only about food or traditions — it was about compassion, resilience, and the ability to keep smiling despite life’s difficulties.
Many people wondered why he chose to stay in the Philippines when he could have lived a more comfortable life in his own country. But for him, this was the first place where he truly felt warmth, acceptance, and the feeling of belonging to a family.
In the end, he realized that sometimes you do not need to be born in a place to call it home. Because a true home is where you are accepted, loved, and taught to see the beauty of life in its simplest form.
