Hi there! My name is @nilewrites, and I’m 38 years old, from the Philippines. I am very happy to be here with you today and I am also very excited to tell you my life story.
Getting To Know Me: A Journey of Hard Work and Hope
I was born to a very poor family with my father as a farmer and a mother who is a plain housewife. We are five siblings of all boys, and yes, I’m the fourth one in line. I grew up in the countryside and I spent my childhood with fun, mud, and adventures in the rice paddies. I enjoyed catching frogs and went fishing in the irrigation for food.
Early Struggles and Loss
My father died when I was ten. In my elementary school I had honors during recognition, though sometimes I went to school without food and money. My mother raised us together with my older brothers. It was too early for me to lose my father, and I felt very sad by then. In my high school years, I had to push through with my studies amidst poverty but there was a school year when I had to stop because my mother told me that she cannot support us anymore. Good thing I finished high school with all the hardships I had went through.
The Hardships of Life in Manila
After high school, I went to Manila. My aunt took me there to find a job. In there, it was not only loneliness and missing my family that I had to deal with. I also experienced a lot of hardships. I became a laborer in a construction site, a store boy that sells rice varieties and even became a bakery boy which I need to knead sacks of flour before dawn to make bread. After 3 years in Manila, I went home to Mindanao. I felt happy to see my family again.
Work and Family: The Butcher, The Father
I have started another job in our town. I became a butcher in the municipal slaughterhouse which I had to wake up at 1am in the morning to butcher pigs, goats and cows. I used to carry heavy loads on my shoulders during meat preparations. When I was 25, I met someone who changed my life. She inspired me to go to college, and it was then that I finished my 2-year Computer Science course. Then at 27, I became a delivery associate in LBC, a courier company. I have worked there for 7 years. I delivered documents and parcels through rain or shine. I also became a father to two during my time in LBC, a girl and a boy.
The Leap into the Unknown
As the kids were growing up, the financial demand grew too. From diapers to milk, vitamins and all other baby stuff, I decided to stop being a delivery associate and planned to go abroad for a better salary. But then my partner's friend who owned a plumbing supplies trading company asked me to help her expand her services in our region and she had nobody to call to do the job. She then hired me to become the area representative of her company who deals with biddings and sales. I was very hesitant at first, I don't have any background about the job. I was not confident and above all I am an introvert type which is very challenging for the said job. But I was also desperate between leaving my family or accepting her offer. Then in the end I accepted the job she offered. At first, I was lost in a very strange scenario. I did not know how and where to start but with the help of my partner I slowly became accustomed to the job.
When I had my first successful win from a bidding, that was one of the best days in my life. It was then that I realized that I could do the job and I would win and close a deal more projects. That perseverance and consistency in learning new things can help me a lot through this journey and above all, its PRAYERS that can make everything possible.
Facing Fears and Embracing Opportunities
I am not a degree holder, but I am proud that I can now face and talk to prominent people in our region. Hesitation and fear of rejection is always there, but fighting your fears can change your life. It is true, your life's biggest enemy is yourself, it is your fears. Though it is not every time that I close deals, but I thank God that still, he provides me the things that me and my family need every day.
Hobbies and Interests: Staying Grounded
On the other hand, I always love to do workouts in the gym. It unloads my stress and worries; it also keeps me physically fit. It is the only thing that I enjoy aside being with my family. I don't smoke or drink alcohol (only occasionally), workout is my only hobby. I am also interested in motorcycles and love Lego. Perhaps, Lego and robots were my childhood desires that I am unconsciously into today. I used to go to Korean Surplus Shops and buy robots and Lego. I love puzzle games on my phone.
Why I Joined Hive?
A few months ago, I met Sir @vinzie1 and ma'am @wittyzell , who introduced me to Hive. At first, I wasn’t sure what it was all about, but I found it fascinating. Not only could I earn extra money (who doesn’t like that?), but it also gave me a platform to share my thoughts and stories. Writing has always been something I enjoyed, even though I’m not the best at it. I’m grateful to be part of this community, where I can learn, grow, and maybe inspire others who, like me, came from humble beginnings.
