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Former Balut Vendor Becomes an Engineer after Working Hard to Send Himself to School

There’s no limit to what we can achieve if only try hard to reach for our dreams. That’s best exemplified by a former balut vendor who’s now an engineer after working hard to send himself to school.

Former Balut Vendor Becomes an Engineer

In the Philippines, it isn’t surprising to see so many young people selling stuff in the streets or already working hard to earn money to support themselves and their families.

Sadly, many of them grow old with these blue-collar jobs or as workers who aren’t even paid the minimum wage.

former balut vendor
Photo credit: The Daily Sentry

It’s a good thing that there are also some who managed to improve their lives through education. Given the opportunity, they try hard to send themselves to school with their hard-earned money, even if that meant graduating from college at an advance age.

Take for example Benny Tomas of Lallo, Cagayan, who used to be a balut vendor but was able to improve his life by becoming an engineer.

His parents earned a living through farming, but things took a turn for worse when his mom got sick.

The fifth of nine siblings, he’s the only who was able to graduate from college – and he managed to achieve that feat by selling balut.

‘Yong time management ko sa pagbebenta ng balut ay kapag sa tanghali po ay may break kami sa school ay pumupunta ako at bumibili ng balut na hindi pa luto tapos ilalagay ko sa boarding house ko,” he explained.

After ng klase, lilinisan ko ‘yong balut at iluluto tapos magtitinda na ako ng alas-6 hanggang alas-8 (ng gabi).

He had to juggle time for his homework and other school requirements with selling balut, but he found time to complete his requirements after he’s done selling or in between classes.

former balut vendor
Photo credit: The Daily Sentry

His hard work paid off as he graduated from college and passed the 2021 Sanitary Engineer Licensure Examination.

Worth it po ‘yung hirap at tiyaga na ginawa ko po. Buti na lang hindi ako sumuko,” he said.

Masaya at fulfilling po kasi nakapagtapos na ako ng kolehiyo at licensed engineer na po ako. Thankful ako sa Diyos sa ginawa niya sa akin.

What’s a Sanitary Engineer?

A sanitary engineer is one who designs, directs the construction, and/or manages the operation of hygienic projects, including sewage, waterworks, and trash disposal plants.

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Elementary Students Praised for Playing “One Day” Using Ukuleles

Elementary students at a school in Mindanao earned praise online after playing “One Day” using their ukuleles for a presentation.

Many netizens were impressed about their skills, with some commenting that it’s a difficult piece to play on a ukulele, yet most of them nailed it! Wow.

Elementary Students Play “One Day” Using Their Ukuleles

A lot of people these days have this mistaken notion that kids are only fond of using cellphones and no longer enjoy playing with traditional toys or learning how to use a traditional musical instrument – because you can find lots of options for those online or with their phones.

But a group of students from Dipolog Pilot Demonstration School impressed netizens with their skills in playing the ukulele as they presented “One Day” for the school’s 100-year celebration.

Seated on the steps of their school, the kids played the musical instruments seamlessly, except for a few issues.

Photo credit: Kung Taga-Oroquieta City Ka

And while some netizens pointed out that one of the kids appear to be struggling with the proper chords and kept shifting around during the entire performance, the overall presentation is still quite impressive!

Many netizens even commented on the post of the Facebook page “Kung Taga-Oroquieta City Ka” that they were deeply touched by the kids’ presentation and were crying while watching. Awww.

A lot also praised the coaches who made this possible – and others felt proud of the children even if they had no idea who these little ones are.

It’s also quite impressive to see that the class had so many ukuleles. It is unknown whether the kids own the musical instruments or if the school provided them, but what’s clear is that their presentation is truly admirable.

What’s a Ukulele?

A ukulele is a type of string musical instrument that’s smaller than a guitar. It usually has nylon strings as opposed to the metal used in standard guitars.

The instrument also has four strings but isn’t considered a “kid’s instrument” only. Instead, it can be played by kids and adults alike.

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Proud Vendor Dad Offers Free Taho after Daughter Passes Board Exams for Teachers

One proud vendor dad offered free taho for everyone when his daughter passed the LET (Licensure Examination for Teachers).

Netizens were even more impressed to learn that the young lady passed after doing a self-review.

Truly amazing, right?

Vendor Offers Free Taho after Daughter Passes Teacher’s Board

Passing the board exams is truly a milestone that everyone can be proud of – and most of the time, the parents are their children’s proudest cheerleaders!

Of course, spouses and kids also feel the same thing. For example, a taxi driver offered free rides after his wife passed the LET.

Photo credit: Rose Torallo

The proud parents of a student who passed that same LET are also offering free taho to their customers.

Bobby and Rose Torallo happily got a tarpaulin up to celebrate the success of their daughter, Rosebel Cielo Torallo. The young woman had graduated cum laude from Baao Community College in Baao, Camarines Sur.

Photo credit: Rose Torallo
Photo credit: Rose Torallo

Apparently, based on her mom’s post on Facebook, she had also self-reviewed for the licensure exams – and this made her success even sweeter for the family.

In the post of her mom, Rose, it showed that the family’s main source of income is from selling taho. It was through this that the parents were able to send their kids to school.

Photo credit: Rose Torallo

Rose lamented that there were times when people looked down on their because they are “just” taho vendors.

Thankfully, the family didn’t mind what these people are saying. Instead, they persevered and put their faith in God.

She thanked all her kids for cooperating and striving hard to succeed in their studies even if their parents are only supporting them by selling taho.

Photo credit: Rose Torallo

How to Celebrate Passing the Board Exams

There are many ways to celebrate passing the board the exams. Some of these are:

  • Throwing a party
  • Buying cake
  • Going on a trip
  • Treating your family, friends, or even strangers to something (such as a free rides from taxi drivers or free taho from vendors)
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Jollibee Praised for Hiring PWD Crew (Communicates via Writing or Sign Language)

Jollibee recently earned praise for hiring a PWD crew who can only communicate via writing or sign language.

What’s great is that this isn’t the first time that the Pinoy fast food brand went viral for a similar thing.

Jollibee Goes Viral for Hiring PWD Crew

In the fast-paced world of a fast food restaurant, especially one as popular as Jollibee, the service crew is often busy.

Everyone needs to be ready to help out the customers and work hard to achieve the company’s goals of making them satisfied.

Photo credit: Mylene Manalo Consignado

Still, the fast food company is making waves online for hiring a crew member who can only communicate via writing or sign language.

Netizen Mylene Manalo Consignado shared that she was in tears upon seeing a young woman named Maria Celeste working at a Jollibee outlet.

Photo credit: Mylene Manalo Consignado

The young lady is in full Jollibee uniform but has a large nametag that also indicates she’s a PWD (person with disability).

The nametag isn’t there for shaming her situation but to warn the customers that she isn’t like the rest of the crew. They can only communicate with her through writing or sign language – and the communication is preferably in English.

Photo credit: Mylene Manalo Consignado
Photo credit: Mylene Manalo Consignado

The situation is heartwarming, especially because many business establishments aren’t likely to hire PWDs because of their limited abilities. Consider that Jollibee is a busy work place, it’s amazing that Maria Celeste got her chance to be part of the team.

Photo credit: Mylene Manalo Consignado

Amazingly, this isn’t a first for the company.

Some months ago, Jollibee was praised for hiring a tattooed guy – considering that people with tattoos are often judged for their inks, particularly in the workplace.

Where to Learn Sign Language

Sign language classes are often offered in special schools, such as those for children/people with disabilities.

You can also find online tutorials or classes.

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