Tatay Jimmy's Walk to Remember

(Photo Credits: Jacque Manabat)


Tatay Jimmy's Walk to Remember

by: Naomi Suaib Brin

Life offers so many paths and directions that each of us could take. It may lead us to happiness and success or we could find ourselves facing the dead end where there are pain and struggles. 

Having difficulty in breathing. Sweats dripping. Starving. Sixty-nine-year-old taxi driver fought the urge to stop and rest as he walked from his home in Barangay Silang, Caloocan to Land Bank branch Philippine Coconut (PhilCoa) in East Avenue, Quezon.

Holding a bunch of hope that he was one of the beneficiaries of financial assistance allotted by the government to Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) drivers, he ignored the possibility that his asthma will be triggered and continued his tiring travel; enabling him to reach his destination. 

"Kaya ko 'to," he mumbled while he patiently waited for his turn; determined and hopeful that he could claim the promised P8,000 in cash. He did not mind the pricky rays of the sun that was touching his skin as he lined up together with his fellow drivers. But then, unexpected news bombarded his ears as soon as he met the bank's cashier face to face. 

His name, Jimmy Tindugan was not included in the list of the recipients. Shocked. Confused. The poor man could not do anything but to compose himself as he marched out on the bank's door. 

On that day, Monday, 13th day of April 2020, Tatay Jimmy's bloodshot eyes were holding back his tears, his stomach was grumbling while his heartbeat was starting to fluctuate as he catches his breath. He was about to take his first step and leave the place when someone approached him for an interview. 

"Tulungan n’yo po ako para makuha ko ‘yung ayuda para mayroon na rin akong pambili ng gamot ko sabi ko, sabi nila 'Sige, ibibigay namin sa iyo tay. Tumawag ka lang, bukas’. Pero bukas, hapon daw. Di ko lang alam kung kaya ko pa,” Tindugan's voice was filled with sadness and plea when he told Jacque Manabat, an ABS-CBN news reporter. Right then and there, many lives was been touched and changed. 

Since the bank was on a skeletal force and can only accommodate 350 number of people a day, Tatay Jimmy has to go without even a single coin in his pocket. Manabat's team offered him their packed lunch yet he shyly refused, but in the end, because the drivers around them insisted, he gratefully took it. 

Good samaritan disguised as a motorcycle rider offered Tatay Jimmy a ride. However, the rider failed to drop him off his humble abode when in the middle of their trip, they have to stop and he had to let the troubled man in the road alone for back-riding was still prohibited. The poor being once again strolled the streets and nearly collapsed in the pavement, struggling. 

As soon as Tatay Jimmy arrived, his wife suffering from stroke and has not eaten anything for the whole day welcomed him. Penniless, he went to their neighbor's sari-sari store to credit foods that will fill their tummies. On the other hand, days after his inspiring yet heartbreaking story has been aired and later on went viral; floods of aides from those who have kind hearts came rushing to them, showering joy to his spirit and soul.

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