We’ve heard stories from students who made a name in in their schools or those people who are known and adored by everyone. His story is something we should know, he may not be that popular or known in school but his story is quite compelling, worthy to be listened to by everyone.
He’s arrival was unexpected, his presence was shocking. Days after the start of school year 2017-2018, he was enrolled at Asian College of Technology and as usual, the students from different levels especially those who love to gossip, made a fuss of this late enrollee’s arrival in school. The boy’s name is Afgha Sacar Masigal, a unique and an unusual name for those people who don’t know him including myself. He is a grade 10 student, was born on the second of October, year 2001.
Afgha was welcomed by students in the higher years especially by his batch mates. No longer than twenty-four hours, he was able to befriend the boys in his year level. Knowing the fact that he was a new student, he was uncomfortable and was trying to adjust to his new life. A life he never knew would come.
What’s interesting about Afgha Masigal’s life is that he was one of those people who experienced the harsh tragedy that horrified all citizens in Minadnao. Yes, in Mindanao, he came from Marawi City where all the chaotic bombings happened. He travelled here in Cebu to escape the disasters in his hometown and continue his normal life. Every Muslim in Mindanao couldn’t handle the harsh reality they were under. The terrorists were once a story to scare children. It was a possible tragedy but we all ignored it. Experiencing it first hand was a huge news to them. In my interview with him, he said what happened in Mindanao was really scary. He was sad and discouraged by what his hometown had experienced. Who could blame him? He’s a boy who once had a great life but has to leave everything behind to survive and escape the truth.
Coming here in Cebu made him fine and he was slightly happy to the things that happened to him her in Cebu but even though he made memories and friends here, he still misses the place he used to call home—where he can be himself and not be afraid of judgmental people; where he is comfortable and familiar to the things around him. Because according to him, he was not able to get out of his comfort zone when he’s here. It is heartbreaking to know that he can not come out of his own shell and embrace what he really is.
With the help of his friends and the strength he is getting from his family he was able to cope up with the changes. Being alone is something he doesn't want. So receiving love and support from those people who made him strong is something he really longs for. He was able to go out with his friends and do things he likes even though he strongly misses his home, he as still able to smile. His advice to people who experienced loss not only in Mindanao but as well as to everyone else, “Don’t do things that makes you happy because happiness in only temporary but instead, be strong on the upcoming problems that will happen to your life.”
A normal boy who was once happy until the arrival of terrorists who invaded Marawi City, was forced to leave and continue his life with no fear but struggling with utmost optimism to come to face his new life.
- Mary Chrisha E. Tadios
In Partial Fulfillment of Elective English 8
Introduction to Journalism
SY 2017-2018
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