Celestina's Revenge

2

The apartment was smaller than Celestina had imagined, but it was neat and well-kept. Valerie had been kind enough to offer her a place to stay for the time being until she found a job and got settled. The walls were painted a dull beige, and the furniture was simple but functional. A small kitchen sat at one end of the room, and a single window overlooked the busy streets below. The noise from the traffic was constant, but somehow, it felt like part of the city’s pulse.

After settling in, Celestina spent the first few days adjusting to the fast-paced life of Mandaluyong. It was a world so different from her quiet farm in Samar. She had never seen so many people in one place before, nor had she been surrounded by so many skyscrapers. The crowd, the noise, the smell—it was all so overwhelming.

But every morning, after a quick breakfast with Valerie, Celestina would force herself to face the day. Valerie had been kind, showing her around the neighborhood and introducing her to some people who might help her land a job. She was constantly reassuring Celestina, encouraging her to stay confident.

“You’ll get used to it,” Valerie would say with a smile. “The city might seem intimidating at first, but soon enough, you’ll feel like you belong here.”

But Celestina wasn’t so sure. The city felt as though it was moving at a different rhythm—faster, sharper, and louder than anything she had ever known. Every time she walked down the crowded streets, she felt like an outsider, like someone who didn’t belong. She wasn’t used to the constant noise, the rush of people, or the overwhelming number of vehicles zipping past her. But, despite the unease, she pushed herself forward, knowing that she had no choice but to adapt.

One morning, as Celestina was heading out to meet Valerie for a job interview, she found herself standing in front of a large office building, her heart pounding. It was one of the companies Valerie had recommended to her, and the interview was her chance to finally land a job—any job. The elevator doors opened with a soft ding, and Celestina stepped inside, trying to steady her breath. She was nervous, but she knew that she had to do her best. This was her opportunity.

She had dressed carefully, wearing the best outfit she could afford—a simple blouse and skirt, with her hair neatly tied back in a ponytail. She tried to remind herself that she was capable. She was strong. She had left her family behind to chase her dreams, and she couldn’t afford to let fear stop her now.

When the elevator reached the top floor, Celestina stepped out into a sleek, modern lobby. The polished floors and glass walls made her feel even smaller. She took a deep breath and approached the receptionist, who directed her to the interview room.

The interview went by in a blur. The questions were straightforward, but Celestina’s mind felt clouded, her nerves making it hard to focus. She couldn’t help but feel out of place in this polished corporate world. She had grown up on a farm, with simple tasks and simple people. But now, in this cold, sterile building, everything seemed so foreign.

The interviewer, a stern-looking woman named Ms. Dela Cruz, barely cracked a smile throughout the conversation. Celestina tried to maintain her composure, but inside, her mind was racing. What if she wasn’t good enough? What if they didn’t think she had the skills?

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the interview came to an end. Ms. Dela Cruz shook her hand curtly and wished her luck, but Celestina could sense that the chances of her getting the job were slim.

As she walked back to the lobby, her shoulders slumped in disappointment. She had tried her best, but it wasn’t enough. Maybe the city wasn’t for her after all. Maybe she had made a mistake by coming here.

As she stepped back into the noisy streets of Mandaluyong, Celestina couldn’t shake the feeling that she was drowning in a sea of people. There were so many others here, all competing for the same opportunities. She had heard people say that Mandaluyong was a city full of dreams, but to Celestina, it felt like a place where only the strongest survived.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket, interrupting her thoughts. It was a text from Valerie.

“How did the interview go? I’m sure you did great!”

Celestina paused for a moment before typing back.

“I don’t think it went well. I don’t know if I’m cut out for this city.”

The reply came almost immediately.

“Don’t be discouraged, Celestina. The city is tough, but you are tougher. You’ll find your place here. I believe in you.”

Celestina smiled softly at Valerie’s words. It was comforting to know that someone believed in her, even when she felt like giving up. She slipped the phone back into her bag and continued walking, determined to keep going. After all, she had come this far, and she wasn’t about to give up now.

That evening, as she returned to the apartment, Valerie was waiting for her, a cup of coffee in hand. She smiled warmly at Celestina, sensing her exhaustion.

“You look like you need a break,” Valerie said, handing her the tea. “How did it go?”

Celestina hesitated before answering. “I don’t know. I feel like I don’t fit in here. Everything’s so different, and I’m not sure I’m ready for it.”

Valerie sat beside her, her expression softening. “It’s okay to feel that way. This city is a lot to take in, especially when you’re new. But trust me, you have what it takes. It might take time, but you’ll get there.”

Celestina sighed and took a sip of the tea. “I hope so. I really do.”

“You will,” Valerie said firmly. “I’m here to help you. And no matter what, you won’t be alone.”

Celestina smiled at her friend, grateful for the kindness and support. It was a small comfort, but in that moment, it was enough to remind her that maybe, just maybe, she had made the right choice after all.