Destiny is not a matter of chance but it is a matter of choice. Yet no one is ever given a chance to choose the kind of life neither at present nor in the past but in the future. Life is what we make it as the old cliché goes and Lanilo “Macky” Macalla defines it best. His life depicts a microcosm of an epic that pictures triumph over tribulation.
Macky, as his friends fondly call him, is no exemption from the thoroughness and struggles in life most children of underprivileged families go through. He was one but an ordinary boy who was raised by his grandmother since his father’s demise when he was a second grader and his mother had to work as a laundrywoman to their neighbors to fend for the family. At a very early age, Macky had to understand how difficult life was, is, and could be. Abstemious may situations had been, yet the seemingly devastating life’s stark realities were nothing but challenges that added vibrance to his colorful and meaningful young life. Being nurtured with love and proper guidance by his family, Macky epitomized a loving youngster whose dream was more than accretion of what he wanted in life but to share more to others what he possibly could. As a schoolboy, he was a symbol of genuine generosity. His sense of compassion for his family, friends, and the people who came along was strongly manifested with simple gestures of giving simple gifts, sharing improvised toys, and spending time socializing with his playmates. Though a poor boy, he found pleasure in sharing little things he had.
Macky was never a stranger to a surfeit of overwhelming tribulations. Yet, true enough that nothing could defeat a determined heart. Having known his family’s grimace circumstances, he took responsibility as a bread winner though he was the youngest since he was in high school. As a matter of fact, he ventured on selling native delicacies like puto, boche, suman, and the like around his neighborhood and in the school where he attended to help her mother earn a living and to provide for his needs in school. Also, he worked as a house help, and did several odd jobs just to make both ends meet. These experiences never clouded his vision for a better future. His idealism and optimism kept his head above the water. He never doubted the beauty of his own dreams despite dearth; instead his difficult life was his inspiration to move forward and to transform his aspirations into impeccable reality.
With the audacity to reach the zenith of his dreams, he sent himself to school with almost nothing but his faith in God and the dream to be the change he and his family wanted. He belied the fact that poverty could impede him from pursuing what seemed to be impossible. Endowed with intellectual prowess, he finished his college as a scholar with no less than flying colors. In fact he was a consistent honor student. His keen sensibility, affable character, and cheerful disposition made him endearing to the heart of many who came to know him. These characters had made him extraordinary in the truest sense of the word. His happy façade and the genuine gregarious disposition had never changed the fact that he was in the midst of quagmire of tumultuous living. As a matter of fact, he managed to keep things in status quo. He managed to attend school while he had to work as a crew in food chains, tended food in school, hosted parties, and did errand jobs just to provide for his family’s need even though it meant self-deprivation. He could forsake his own happiness for the happiness of the people he cares. He was not selfish. Macky was bodily and emotionally worn out with his battle over the chaotic life he got, yet not a myriad of problems could cause his downfall; he never took these as drawback. All these experiences made him a self-made person he is today. Far-fetched this idea was but it was and is really happening.
Macky is far beyond anything ordinary. He embodies an extraordinary illuminating sense of compassion, passion, humility, and dedication. He has remained steadfast and undaunted in the midst of his life’s struggles. Being socially oriented, he possesses a compelling leadership strength that brings people together. His cordial propensity and his blissful character are indeed captivating and inspiring.
Today, Macky is a full-fledged elementary school teacher who abandoned opportunities to work abroad for the sake of the children he wants to teach. He finds joy and fulfillment by sacrificing his own happiness for the best of the majority. His dedication in teaching children is immensely commendable. He has been teaching for a number of years now and was promoted to Teacher II after a year of service. He has attended both regional and national conventions and conferences to upgrade his teaching skills for the benefit of the pupils. Moreover, he has organized conferences and seminars for the benefit of his fellow teachers. Also, he is still an active church lector as he takes God as the center of his life. Despite his responsibilities for his family, he takes the initiative to extend his services to his fellow Tanauanon’s by engaging himself in both non-government and government organizations like the Junior Chamber International –PASAKA where he served as a chapter president. He takes pride in his strong involvement in the community as a leader though he comes from a poor family. And being a fun-loving person, he has established “Macky’s World of Fun” which depicts his buoyant character.
Finally, Macky is an epitome of real success. He is not rich yet but he takes pride in sharing what he could best offer. He serves as an inspiration to many who dream big dreams. He motivates people to strive hard in their lives to change for the better. Everything wouldn’t have been possible without his being an optimist and a happy person. His life is truly worthy of emulation in every sense of the word. An oak tree from little acorn grows, indeed.
