I was strolling along the beach when I chanced upon kids playing on the stagnant seawater. I noticed that they were playing with different improvised boats. The most impressive one was the wooden boat made by the kid’s father. They even installed a battery-operated motor to help propel the boat.
I also noticed two other kids with their own makeshift boats which were made with styrofoam. The other one was propelled with a plastic spoon and a rubber band and the other was battery-operated.
As I was watching them play, I remember making paper boats and making small rubber rafts out of my old slippers when I was a kid. I will then add a sail on my rubber raft using a piece of cloth. Afterwards, I’ll play with it on the murky flood waters of Manila. I’ll watch it as it sails to the far corners of our neighbourhood.
I’d always imagine that I was on that boat. And the boat will take me to beautiful places in the world. Life in downtown Manila was a bit rough for kids coming from poor families. I used to think that whatever I dream of will remain as a dream. It will be just be another story that you will pass on to your children same as most old people that I met there. As years passed by, I tried to prove myself wrong. I refuse to pass on another story of broken dream.
Life is like sailing on seas. We could sink or stay afloat depending on how tough
our boats are compare to the harsh weather and strong current of the powerful oceans. On better days, we could enjoy calm sailing under the beautiful warmth of the sun.
We hold the steering wheel of our boats. We can take ourselves anywhere we want. This is the kind of story that I’d like to pass on.
Photocredits: Pics by Frameless World
I remember putting together some makeshift toys myself from cans, paper and pieces of wood. So glad these kids are still letting their ingenuity and creativity flow. I feel sad when I see other children mindlessly watching TV or playing video games.. this makes me feel nostalgic. Thanks for the lesson flip!
i share the same sentiment with you… i feel sad when kids stay glued on tv and forgot how to create with their hands…
I once saw kids from Banaue who are playing trumpo, trumpo made of stones. Creative indeed. Thanks for sharing this is an inspiration.
you’re welcome
I’m such a sucker for dreamy travel posts. This one hit the nail on the head. This also makes me nostalgic for my time in Costa Rica, where the neighborhood kids would find the darndest things to play with. Such joy. Well done!
thanks abby… these kids reminded me of life’s simplicity…
I remember being outside all day and hating have to come in the house. Now when you are outside you rarely see children or adult outside unless they are getting into or out of their vehicles. Get out and do something!
This is very inspirational. We all really do hold the steering wheels to our boats. Figure out where you want to set sail and keep going. It might take you awhile to get there, but if you’re heading in the right direction, you’ll make it.
i agree man… as you said, it may take awhile but we’ll get there…