Soul Sisters "Amiga"

I want to share my experience during the pandemic here in the Philippines. Even though those times were full of hardship — because we weren’t allowed to go out much, restrictions were everywhere — there were still good things that happened. One of the best things that came out of that period was meeting a best friend.

When the pandemic hit the Philippines, I lost my job. I was retrenched, part of a layoff. I was really upset at that time. I wondered how I would eat every day, how I would pay the rent for my room, how I could meet the costs of daily living. It felt overwhelming. Then, fortunately, a former officemate (someone I used to work with) referred me to her company. She told me to try applying for a position as an Accounts Receivable staff. I was hesitant, afraid maybe I would not get in so easily after losing my previous job, but I applied anyway. To my relief, after three days I was accepted. Just three days. That small miracle lifted a big weight off my shoulders.

On my first day in the new office, I felt nervous but also hopeful. Walking in, I saw many faces that felt familiar, as though I had seen them before — maybe from past workplaces, or through mutual acquaintances. But one person stood out more than the rest: Mara. She is extremely talkative and lively. She has a bright energy and always greets people with warmth. She was the first person who truly took notice of me. She made an effort to reach out, to ask my name, to welcome me, and make me feel part of things. We started eating together — lunch, snacks, whatever time there was. Sometimes after work, she and I would go for dinner outside. Other times, she and some officemates would plan an outing, or go to a bar to relax, laugh, and forget about all the worries for a while.

At some point, I got to know Mara’s best friend, Eva. It turned out that Eva applied for a job as HR Supervisor at that same company. So then it wasn’t just two of us — it was three of us often talking, hanging out, going for drinks, going for walks, and sharing stories. Eva became someone who often gave advice; she was the comforter among the three of us, because she had a calm and understanding way. Whenever I felt anxious about work, or about my finances, or missing home or family, Eva was there with words that soothed me. She listened when I spoke, asked questions, and made me feel understood. Mara made me laugh; Eva made me feel secure that someone cared. Together, they formed a small circle that became very meaningful to me.

Then, life changed again. I decided, after 3 long years, to resign and move to my brothers business. It was not an easy decision, but I thought it was the next step for me. I wanted better opportunities, maybe more stable work, something new. Leaving was bittersweet: on one hand I was hopeful, excited for what was ahead; on the other, I felt sad leaving people who had become so important to me — especially Mara and Eva.

Despite being in different workplaces now, we still make time to see each other. We send messages, check in on each other. We still laugh about small things — the jokes we used to tell, the times when we worried together about things like bills, or about whether there would be enough work next week. We still make plans to meet up, to have dinner, to go out for drinks, just like before. That continuity — the way our friendship didn’t fade when circumstances changed — means so much to me.

Looking back, the pandemic was hard in many ways — losing a job, worrying about day to day survival, feeling uncertain and scared. But meeting Mara and Eva during that time was such a blessing. They were lights in a dark period. They gave me support, kindness, laughter, and a sense of belonging. Even when things were unstable, those relationships made me feel less alone, less overwhelmed.

Also, I learned from that time: the importance of kindness, the value of connections, and how people we meet in unexpected moments can truly change our lives. I realized that when you go through hardships, sometimes what helps most aren’t just the solutions to the problems, but the people who stay with you, who reach out, who share your burdens, even if just by listening or by being there. And I’m very grateful that Mara and Eva were those people for me.

So Dear Hivers, I share this story because I want you to know: even in your hardest moments, you might find something beautiful — a friendship, a connection, hope. And those things matter. They matter more than we sometimes realize. I hope my experience gives you courage, reminds you that even when you’re struggling, you are not alone, and good things can still come along in the midst of difficulty.

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog today. God bless!

Photo template: @Capcut