RIZAL, Philippines – Many Filipinos endure long lines, heavy traffic, crowded trains, and high fares just to get to their workplace.
But teacher Cherry Perez's commute is different. She just needs to go with the flow.
Every day, Cherry would ride a boat to Wawa Dam going to Inigan Elementary School in Rodriguez, Rizal, where she teaches a multigrade class.
"May plans si God ba't ako dinala dito. 'Yun na lang ang lagi kong iniisip kasi ang sabi ko, go with the flow," she says.
(God has plans for me that's why He brought me here. That's what I always keep in mind: go with the flow.)
But just like her daily journey to Wawa Dam, Teacher Cherry also went through a rough ride to get to where she is now. After getting married at an early age, she decided to finish her studies, while balancing her work and family life.
"Walang imposible, kung gusto mo. Kung nando'n 'yung pagpupursigi, walang imposible, at kung gusto mo, may paraan," she explains.
(Nothing's impossible if you set your mind to it. If there's perseverance, nothing's impossible, and if there's a will, there's a way.)
Despite the daily sacrifices, for Teacher Cherry, the daily boat ride shall continue – all in the name of education.
"Pagka ang trabaho nasa puso mo, walang mahirap." (When you love your work, nothing feels difficult.) – Rappler.com
This is co-produced by Rappler production interns Anne Valmeo, Sophia Sibal, and Francis Acosta.