Photo Courtesy of Google By Chrixy Paguirigan
How many people grew up believing fairy tales existed? That they can somehow break through the thick line dividing reality and fantasy? Wherein there are magical nights with people wearing shimmering outfits while being serenaded with mystical harmonies, breath-taking scenes and heavenly feelings?
And how many beliefs have been shattered as many of us got to know the world?
Most people endure paradigm shifts and give up easily on their dreams of actually experiencing a “dream-come-true” moment. But for Ahmad, a man who continued believing in his fantasies even after facing a cruel life, a breakthrough was waiting..
In the environs of Manila, two worlds on both extremes collided when Ahmad Turco, a twenty-one year old beggar who has gone through hell on earth, and Carla Satillan, an elite and heavenly lady who is blessed with the good things in life met on a crossroad and movingly became close friends. This was the beginning of Ahmad’s ‘dream-come-true’: He got invited to Carla’s Enchanted 18th Birthday Celebration.
“Namimigay ako [invitation] sa Dapitan tapos nakasalubong ko siya, tas nagbeso kami (yes nagbebeso kami. hahahahaha) sabi ko, ‘Oh debut ko, wag ka mawawala!” Carla Santillan said. “Sabi lang ni Ahmad, wala akong damit blaaaaaaa.. Sabi ko ikaw na bahala sa suot mo, basta everytime na nagkikita kami ayun ini-istress niya, kung ano susuotin niya, sabi ko lang basta ipapasundo kita sa Dapitan ha!” She added.
Given Ahmad’s status in life, he didn’t actually think it would be possible for Carla to remember him in the midst of her preparation with high-class people who all seem unreachable to Ahmad. But with a hopeful heart, he dressed himself the best way he could and hoped for a miracle. He waited on the spot where they agreed to meet and after a little wait, his prayer was answered: Carla’s driver arrived and gave him a lift to the big event.
“Basta pag dating niya niyakap ko siya tas mangiyak-ngiyak siya kasi di nya akalain na papasundo ko talaga sya sa driver ko. heheheh.” -Carla Santillan
On the event itself, Ahmad didn’t have a hard time fitting into the environment. It seemed like his status in life didn’t matter, plus many of the guests were students he knew. So there he socialized with people and forgot about the border between fantasy and reality. On that very night, Ahmad’s fantasy broke through reality and there he was, living the dream.
In the environs of Manila, two worlds on both extremes collided when Ahmad Turco, a twenty-one year old beggar who has gone through hell on earth, and Carla Satillan, an elite and heavenly lady who is blessed with the good things in life met on a crossroad and movingly became close friends. This was the beginning of Ahmad’s ‘dream-come-true’: He got invited to Carla’s Enchanted 18th Birthday Celebration.
“Namimigay ako [invitation] sa Dapitan tapos nakasalubong ko siya, tas nagbeso kami (yes nagbebeso kami. hahahahaha) sabi ko, ‘Oh debut ko, wag ka mawawala!” Carla Santillan said. “Sabi lang ni Ahmad, wala akong damit blaaaaaaa.. Sabi ko ikaw na bahala sa suot mo, basta everytime na nagkikita kami ayun ini-istress niya, kung ano susuotin niya, sabi ko lang basta ipapasundo kita sa Dapitan ha!” She added.
Given Ahmad’s status in life, he didn’t actually think it would be possible for Carla to remember him in the midst of her preparation with high-class people who all seem unreachable to Ahmad. But with a hopeful heart, he dressed himself the best way he could and hoped for a miracle. He waited on the spot where they agreed to meet and after a little wait, his prayer was answered: Carla’s driver arrived and gave him a lift to the big event.
“Basta pag dating niya niyakap ko siya tas mangiyak-ngiyak siya kasi di nya akalain na papasundo ko talaga sya sa driver ko. heheheh.” -Carla Santillan
On the event itself, Ahmad didn’t have a hard time fitting into the environment. It seemed like his status in life didn’t matter, plus many of the guests were students he knew. So there he socialized with people and forgot about the border between fantasy and reality. On that very night, Ahmad’s fantasy broke through reality and there he was, living the dream.
Photo Courtesy of Dada Grifon Never giving up on a dream.
Ahmad Turco’s story is one story that is waiting to be told. This fascinating man lives in the street, and usually sleeps in jeepneys or on the side part of hi-ways. But behind those unwashed hands, overused clothes and untended body, lies a spirited young man striving hard to reach his ambitions.
Ahmad’s family is rich, making him a rich kid in Cordillera. His mother got pregnant but his father left them even before he could meet the newborn baby. From then on, it was the same old story of a kid growing up, but a time came in his life when his mother threw him out and he went with his aunt to Manila, but was forced to leave too, leading him to live in the streets of Dapitan, where he met Carla, in some terms his fairy-god mother.
Living in the streets of Manila with no family to support you is never an easy road, but he never gave up and always wanted to prove his worth especially to his mom. So he tried his best, worked at a low paying ‘Massage Therapy’ and now fortunately studies in a government-supported school taking up reflexology.
He is one of those people who never fail to inspire students to value what they have and to put their full effort in their studies. Ahmad wanted to prove his worth and then came Carla, showing him his value, making his dream come true. Ahmad’s life is a testimony telling us that if you stop believing, it may be the end of everything for you.
Isn’t it ironic that a beggar teaches us something that is vital in life? Everyone has his or her fantasy waiting to break through reality; you just have to let it happen.
Ahmad Turco’s story is one story that is waiting to be told. This fascinating man lives in the street, and usually sleeps in jeepneys or on the side part of hi-ways. But behind those unwashed hands, overused clothes and untended body, lies a spirited young man striving hard to reach his ambitions.
Ahmad’s family is rich, making him a rich kid in Cordillera. His mother got pregnant but his father left them even before he could meet the newborn baby. From then on, it was the same old story of a kid growing up, but a time came in his life when his mother threw him out and he went with his aunt to Manila, but was forced to leave too, leading him to live in the streets of Dapitan, where he met Carla, in some terms his fairy-god mother.
Living in the streets of Manila with no family to support you is never an easy road, but he never gave up and always wanted to prove his worth especially to his mom. So he tried his best, worked at a low paying ‘Massage Therapy’ and now fortunately studies in a government-supported school taking up reflexology.
He is one of those people who never fail to inspire students to value what they have and to put their full effort in their studies. Ahmad wanted to prove his worth and then came Carla, showing him his value, making his dream come true. Ahmad’s life is a testimony telling us that if you stop believing, it may be the end of everything for you.
Isn’t it ironic that a beggar teaches us something that is vital in life? Everyone has his or her fantasy waiting to break through reality; you just have to let it happen.
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