HUMANS OF JJLHS
(Real People. Real
Stories.)
He often does not
sleep anymore due to the need of extensive guarding in and out of all the sides
of our dear Alma Mater – for each Lunarian to feel secured. We see him wearing
his white – collared security uniform under the shades of his allotted four –
square – meter guardhouse, Sometimes, white t–shirt in an extremely fervid
temperature. Bears by the name “Kuya” called by everyone, few by his birth
name.
but, what lies behind
bravery and courage is a man who has a story.
He started forfending
on the a-thousand–population of Judge Juan Luna High School, August of 2016.
Considered a newbie by his fellow “kumpares”, he does not put an exclamation
mark on it. “Kahit na bago ako, kaya ko
naman e’” during the ten–month run, Kuya states that he had experienced
horrifying downfalls inside the school’s premises, “May nakita akong nagbubugbugan, pinaka malala, binato ng salamin yung
gate”. On asked what the few misbehaviors are he had encountered, Kuya
replied with a deep sigh – and a little bit of frustration. “Nababastos na ako minsan ng mga bata”
following his statement, “pero, hindi ko
naman sila pinapatulan” He believes that respect is important and should be
reciprocated.
Before finding the
quest inside Hukom Juan Luna, Kuya was a stockman and a salesman. Different job
offerings, Kuya had endured all the pressures. “Na kaya ko naman lahat” “Salamat sa Diyos!” With the different
occupations, our brave security guard had, he couldn’t mention them anymore. At
23, Kuya has no children, nor a lover. Surviving the harsh reality is being
done by him – all by himself.
When asked on what Is
the motivation to perform well on his job, he answered, “Magtiwala lang tayo kay Lord, kasi alam niya lahat ‘e. “May plano siya”
Stereotyping is not
new to our fellow defender, “Security
Guard ka lang?” one phrase that hits rock – bottom. “Minamaliit nila yung trabaho ko” referring to his job, “Pero, alam ko, dito talaga ko ‘e, ito yung
path ko.” Kuya lifts his profession with pride. Hateful comments may arise
but the most important thing to him is to fulfill his duties as our dear
defender. “Aanhin mo naman ang magandang
trabaho kung hindi mo naman maayos na nagagampanan” continued with a smirk.
With the ongoing
occupation of Kuya Jake Balase, he is ready to withstand more chaos in the
succeeding months – or even years! “Handa
na ako”
“Mag–aral kayong mabuti, magdasal kayo kay Lord at ‘wag kayong
magpapakain sa sistema” his message for the Lunarian Community.
“Kuya” calls by
everyone, few by his birth name, proves that no matter what occupation you
have, as long as you serve with all of your might, that’s the most important
thing above everything else. You should boast your occupation by means of doing
it and not for bragging rights.
