“Winner”

by Mutya Magtibay

                   Been sitting for a while. Lot of things running through my mind. Surrounded but lots of pictures, I’m craving for more. Provided by luxurious things, I wanted more. Been thinking of only myself for a long time, I wanted my art to be known and appreciated by everyone.

                   I am scheduled to have a meeting to a famous person and if they will agree to my offer, that would be a big break for me, if I will become the photographer of that prestigious event, I know I will become a famous photographer. I can’t wait that to happen. I decided to go to cathedral to attend a mass. I really prayed for that big break that I’m longing for a long time. The mass has ended, and as I step my feet out of the cathedral I knew I will only see the same scenario, it’s killing me and I hate everything that I see. I immediately walk down to my car thinking that its 6:00 in the evening and I have an important appointment at 6:30. But then as always, people are blocking my way and there are children who are selling their Sampaguitas on me, some are lending their hands on me waiting for something that I will give to them, some are holding my shirt I’m really disgusted on them. I didn’t give them anything, I don’t want to help them, they are poor because of them. I looked at my watch and it’s already 6:15 and I know it is impossible to me to attend a meeting at 6:30 because it will took me 30 minutes to go there. At that moment, I knew I failed again. I received a text message saying that, “I’m sorry I will not accept your offer, you failed to meet our supposed time of meeting, so what to expect from you, if it is just time you can’t follow.” I went home devastated. It is always like this and I am getting used to it. I knew I’m a failure.

               I decided to join a contest, its theme is about capturing the highlights of your town. The winning piece will be awarded and have the opportunity to compete with different countries. As a photographer, I’m really eager to get that spot, I will fight for my dreams no matter how hard it is. 

               Before the day ends, I always make time to go to church to find peace and inspiration. Inside the cathedral, for me everything is perfect. People are attentively listening to the words of God, it was peaceful and calm. The mass has ended, and as I step my feet out of the cathedral I only see one thing. How ironic that I feel perfect inside the cathedral and feel wasted outside of it. I see poverty in every child, they eyes are telling that they are longing for love. They always beg to people to give them something but most of the time, they are being ignored. Then I asked myself, “Is it the highlight of my town that I am going to present the world?” it is just a mess and I know I’m wasting my time here.

                  For what reason, I don’t know why I always come back to this place where I once felt nothing special about. It’s already 6:00 in the evening and I started capturing moments. I went home with a lot of pictures taken from my camera. And as I was browsing pictures I stop as I saw a child smiling, he’s looking at the camera and I can see something in his eyes that makes me find him the next day. Then I found the boy and talk to him. He said he was Harry, he is alone for a long time and he was abandoned by his parents because of his condition. He was able to survive every day because of the help of the people that surround him. He is sad by the way he talk about his life, but he is still fighting and I can see the hope on his eyes. His story changed the way I look at things. I have everything in me and yet still not contented and happy. But for him, knowing that he has a disease called hydrocephalus, he still managed to smile and see the bright side of everything. From that day I always visit Harry and talk to him. His perception in life is way too far from me yet it helps me improved myself and be open-minded.

                I am not expecting that my piece will be chosen to compete internationally. My winning piece is a picture of a boy name Harry smiling to the crowd, he looks happy in his life even though he is alone. I go back to church to tell Harry the good news but he’s not there to the place where he is always been. Every day I am looking for him but he is nowhere to find. I want to thank him and tell him that he is the winner not me. He made me realized lot of things. The key to a happy life is to be contented and enhance of what is already in you. Be thankful of what you have and learn to understand people. Always be kind. He made my mind open to the possibility of hope and happiness. That I don’t have to focus on the bad side but learn to appreciate the little things, that’s what matter.

                 I’m happy but as the same time sad, I can’t find Harry but his soul and his smile remains in my heart, I will always adore and salute him. Through him, I’m a better person now. I became a famous photographer and it is because of Harry why I made it this far. He is the true winner.