Train rides in Manila every Friday usually gets more crowded and exhausting. The additional influx of passengers is attributed to the Friday devotion to the Black Nazarene. Last Friday was no different. I was expecting the worst, given the sudden outpour of afternoon rain. I was tired, I was hoping to have a relaxing trip home. I intentionally skipped the first train because I wanted to secure a seat. Despite being first in the line, I was pushed away by some rude passengers. I ended standing in the middle area of  the humid and crowded train. I wore my earphones and shifted to my usual introvert mode. When the train started to depart, my attention was caught by a family. The grandmother voiced out her frustration. She wanted seats for her daughter and two granddaughters. This is a common episode in my train rides. Hence, I never felt any form of consolation or sympathy. I was ready to ignore everyone not until  I noticed a tiny baby resting on her mother's chest. The grandmother started to relate the fate of her tiny yet "special" granddaughter. I took off my earphones and learned that her daughter caught the Zika virus during pregnancy. At that time, all I could remember was the congenital abnormalities to children. The grandmother mentioned that they regularly attend the Friday devotion for her granddaughter. 

The love, patience and faith of the grandmother were more than enough to warm my heart. All the negative sentiments and petty issues that agitate me went away. It was one of those times when I felt too selfish of my shallow problems. In the course of the train ride, another heart warming moment caught my attention. Fellow passengers started to make all means to provide comfort to our most "special" passenger. Some lent their portable electric fans, bottles of water were offered to the family, and a group of college students started entertaining our special passenger. The best thing that happened, our special passenger rendered her sweetest smile. And just like that, my heart melted. It was one of those rare times when I felt something genuine and heart warming. What further amazed me is how a tiny human being can give that much needed harmony and relief in the always complicated world of grown ups.

In addition to this rare heart warming train ride, here are the other beautiful things that made the past week


Trips to Taal Vista Hotel and Pinto Art Museum


Chinese, Korean and Japanese cuisines in one week 


Weekends with my cousins, recalling our trip in Macau and some random photos from Bag of Beans in Tagaytay

This has to be my last post for the summer of 2017. When did time go again? Three more days and it will be June. I have mixed sentiments for everything that happened from April to May. A few things I remember include the absence of most people at the workplace. My colleagues were enjoying their leave credits, while I was left alone in most weeks. I started spending lunch breaks with my friend A. I scored freelance works that augmented much of my income. My reliable Samsung deteriorated because of some accident. I thought I was able to score a great deal when my Smart plan gave me an opportunity to acquire an iPhone. Much to my surprise, I have been visiting PowerMac twice every week since May started. I discovered years of friendship that eventually fell apart. I made some financial related decisions. And that one great wish that seemed to be so elusive.

I'm not sure what's in store for the next month. I have a number of concerns to deal with. I guess it wouldn't hurt if I would receive another smile from someone enough to warm my heart.

Wishing everyone a great week ahead!