Random Thoughts from the Oblivion

I was second year college student then, when my professor in humanities gave our block an essay assignment which will be passed the next month. In the said essay, we have to share our experience/s when we say "Hi!" to strangers. That's fucking sick! ME? Talking to a stranger??!! If taking that assignment for granted won't do any harm to my grades I'd have left it rotten in my bag. But I am fully aware that it is a huge part of my grade. 

So I, of course, unwillingly proceed to the hunt. I only have Renier and Verge as my buddy that time. And I know that staying as a group won't do us any good. So, I tried some stupid things. Like sitting on the stairs of the main building, and start saying hi and always I get the same reaction : " Humanities? Para kay Sir Mercado yan no?". It's pathetic. My first time trying to talk to a stranger and I look like a fool. 

So I've realized that the school is not a good place to find that magical experience. One, most of the students knows what exactly I'm doing it for. And second, I might see that face again and that assignment will oblige me to say hi to those people until I graduate *that sucks!*. 

On my way home, I saw an old man (one who looks pretty nice and kind) on the jeepney and I said, "Hi! Kamusta?". " Ikaw ba? bayad ka na? Saan ka nagaaral?",he said. And I was shocked! (Wow! Does grandpa has the same assignment like I do? haha). I softly answered, " Sa PUP po dyan sa bicutan. Opo, bayad na po ako". "Aba matalino ka palang bata,galingan mo ha,para makatulong ka sa magulang mo kapag nakatapos ka.",he said. " Hindi naman po.Wala lang talagang pangenroll sa mahal". And we talked until he went down somewhere in Signal. That actually felt good. Not only did I talk to a complete stranger, he even gave me some useful advice like staying positive even when negative vibe's around. 

We all expect that people who will receive our out-of-the-blue-greetings will be shocked but in my experience, it's the other way around. 

I can still remember his face until now. Not only because I get an A+ on that essay but he made me think we all start as strangers to one another yet we're not that comfortable to talk to new strangers. Or is just me? Basta! Everytime I remember that I giggle.