𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐧-𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐬 𝐊𝐚: 𝐀𝐧 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

Must we set sail?

Throughout the course that drag us places, our fate simply feels like a ticking time bomb that must be met with a significant purpose. Where our written tales become altered by different hues of surrounding factors. There are days where we ride our rollercoaster as a means of gravitating towards destinations that we often long for. Destinations that we expect to reach and destinations that we know nothing of but somehow fate put us there. And during these circumstances, our thoughts wonder off to a whirlpool of ‘what if’s.’ What if my passion was overruled? What if I sacrificed my worth and did what I was told? What if I pursued happiness despite their woes? What if…

As part of an Asian household, we bare the pain alone. Emotions are bottled up because they deem invalid and only stand as ‘ka-artehan’ on behalf of their perceptions and piercing words that provoke constant pressure. The essence of what truly matters is way out of the window as it can be controlled by what they perceive us to be. As a result, we push ourselves to an extent to do better just for the sake of reaching the embedded expectations of our family.

“Agan-anos ka anakko,” they state with pure pride and warmth. A sixteen-letter statement that validate our sense of dignity. But honestly, what choice do we have if we do not instill patience? For with every aspect that one must uphold, it is guaranteed that patience is a comrade especially if difficult trials come crashing a shore. No one will ever be certain of what life may bring because we are intertwined with a ride full of uncertainties. But one thing is for sure, nothing compares to the sacrifices that we decide to let go despite the pleasure we want to grasp.

Agan-anos ka because you are the breadwinner, a figure that your siblings and/or children look up to the most. Agan-anos ka because you are in need of financial purposes hence the reason why you must work hard. Agan-anos ka because your course stands as the backbone upon your endeavors in life. Agan-anos ka because your parents willingly would put their life on the line just to support your fees in school. Agan-anos ka simply because you are the future of our community.

Despite the reasons as to why one must persevere and continue this rough journey called life, we must always remember the purpose and course of this path. Why grounds are set for flights to flourish regardless of the risks that may come. Make the ticks of your time bomb be worth your while. Therefore, agan-anos ka because everything that you do will be for your sake.

Hefty riptides may arrive, but courage begins once you set sail towards a promising tomorrow.