Aron Paul T.

Estorninos November 21, 2019

BSED English 2B EL 201

CHILDREN OF THE CITY

By: Amadis Ma. Geurrero

The ending of this Filipino literary work is not like the ordinary story that is always fun and
beautiful because this short story ends where the main character is addicted to various types of
drugs such as cigarettes and alcohol under the influence of his colleagues as newspaper seller
along the dark street of Ermita, Manila. The reason why he let himself in taking those kinds of
drugs is because he was so lonely and he’s suffering with deep melancholy of not having his
parents’ presence that will guide him and take care of him as he grown up. His father died
because he was shot by a police officer during a strike to which he belonged to protest raising
wages with his co-workers. While his mother, after her husband’s death, she went with another
man and eventually left his son in the hands of his brother, who provided the main character's
job as a newspaper vendor. This was the time where Victor, main character’s name, begun his
feeling of loneliness, depression and a variety of emotional illness even when he was with his
uncle, it doesn’t lose the weight of his pain instead he’s uncle increases it so badly. Every day he
brought with him so much grief and sadness that he could not escape that situation anymore at
the very young age. Until he grew up, as he continues selling the newspaper, there was an
influence by his co-vendors where they teach Victor how to use kinds of drugs and how to say
bad words that if Victor didn't obey, they would beat him or hurt him simultaneously.
Unfortunately, it happened to Victor because he really doesn’t want to take it because Victor
was somehow raised by his parents with a right living and proper nurturing. But it still came to
the point that he was unwittingly drifting into the world but in the case of his life he may have
lost hope and self-esteem so he could easily have given up by the influence of those around
him. Just because of what happened in his life which was so miserable, hopeless and I can say
that it was full of darkness. It became real that he was enjoying the addictions influenced by his
befriends – how pity he was back then!

In changing the ending of this short story, it goes like this. Victor’s perspective after he was
abandoned by his parents at the very young age: no matter how hard I went through life and no
matter how hard my longings are, I will embrace it with all my heart and accept the reality that
happened on me because weeping and crushing does not make me strong instead it hinders me
to get up and stand with courage and determination to face every challenge or trial I am going
to take.
Aron Paul T. Estorninos November 21, 2019

BSED English 2B EL 201

As Victor grew up, he will get along with lots of difficult events with full of hope and having
faith in God who gives strength, wisdom and peace in any circumstances in life. While selling
newspapers in the dark street of Ermita, Manila, some of his co-vendors approach him without
any idea what are they going to do with Victor. Unfortunately, they are trying to convince Victor
to also use drugs and say bad words like they are doing so. If Victor wouldn’t obey, they will
hurt him and beat him simultaneously. Victor then a bit nervous on their threats and he didn’t
know what to do. He tries to talk to them and explain that he doesn’t want to take drugs
anymore and don’t want to do such bad doings. They didn’t listen to him instead they beat him
as what they punished on Victor. Victor's resilience was tested even though he did nothing
wrong. Another day had come on Victor in the dark street of Ermita while selling newspaper.
There were these colleagues of Victor who really wanted to influence him to do like what they
are doing but this time Victor won’t let them hurt him by avoiding and going away to them.
That’s how life had been to Victor. Then Victor decided to move somewhere far away from the
mess therefore he can live well and without having dread in his heart. Fortunately, he found a
place where he felt that he is belong and being loved with those people who accepted him and
welcomed him open arms. It was a home for Victor; he lives by himself away from his uncle
which he thinks much better since he is on a legal age. This is where Victor begin another
chapter of his life without any burdens and hindrances. Years later, there are so much changes
happened on Victor; he was a husband with two kids now and having their own house in Manila
where he was grown up and experienced horrible events in his life way back. One night, when
he is in the rooftop, he is reflecting about his life before and he thought that he couldn’t get out
of that situation and couldn’t experience what he had right now. Tears flow down from his eyes
says, “Wow! I made it! Thank you, Lord!” he is filled with joy and gratitude to God that moment
because he overcome all the challenges and trials, he took many years ago. Victor believe that
everything happens for a reason; whatever it takes it really has its purpose for you to become
successful in life through determination, endurance and hope in any circumstances.