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A facebook user Marco Constantino posted on the group Home Buddies to share one of his biggest achievements.
Within three months, he’ll be celebrating his first year since he bought his own home. He said that he’s writing his story to re-share his faith to those who are working towards having their humble abode in the future.
Constantino began narrating his story–he’s being a product of a broken family.
When he was just 10-years-old, he already dreamt of having his own house because both his parents have their own families already. Though he was taken care of by his grandparents, he can’t consider their house as his home.
“Bahay lang sya ng lola ko, ng lolo ko, ng mga tita ko. And ako at my young age sinabi ko sa sarili ko, kapag 27-years-old nako magkakabahay ako, sisikapin ko, sisipagan ko, mag aaral ako ng maayos, kakayod ako whatever it takes,” he said.
He recalled the time when he decided to run a small store even at such a young age as his grandma always advised him to live smart.
From elementary days until he entered college, he carried a bag containing his school supplies, but also products for him to sell.
He was called the “walking sari-sari store.”
“And even professors ko bumibili sakin hahaha just to make sure everyday makakapasok ako with the help of the small funds na kikitain ko by purchasing ng mga tinitinda ko.”
Marco was not alone in his journey. He had help from his friends, teachers, mentors, and school employees.
They found ways on how to fund his school expenses. As he didn’t have his parents to provide him monetary help, he relied on other people’s kindness and was motivated by his drive to make, not just his, but his aunt and grandmother’s dreams.
After sacrificing ‘rest’ to be a working student, he finally graduated. But just when he thought that all the struggles are already behind him, little did he know that it was just starting.
“After that kala ko tapos na ang struggles hindi pa pala naguumpisa palang pala sya. Nabakante ako. Same pressure kapag bagong graduate. Nahirapan ako makahanap ng work.”
It took him three to five months of doing nothing and he experienced so many ‘false hopes’ too.
“Apply dito apply duon, training dito and almost lagi lang akong tatagal ng 1 month minsan weeks lang dahil hindi ko gusto ung job na offer sakin.”
Then one day, Marco decided to continue his previous freelance work as an event coordinator, which later on transitioned into becoming an event host and event stylist.
It didn’t stop there as his career shifted when he became a cake artist. But because of those decisions, he was able to invest and open a printing shop which was initially located at their house until they’ve made enough profit for it to be a store near schools.
It was not easy as he was forced to go back to zero after losing money due to several circumstances.
“Then one day i pray na sabi ko kay Lord give me work, work na mamahalin ko, business na alam ko ako yun, talent na aangkinin ko, ung matutulungan ako to make my dreams possible.”
Ventured into films and photography.
He started Marco Constantino Film and Photography with one employee, to eight, and eventually evolved to 40.
It was then when he realized that God’s timing is indeed better than anybody’s plans.
He said that he’s sharing his story to reassure everyone that their sacrifices and hardships are just part of the story that God is giving them.
“Napakarami napanghihinaan na ng loob dahil pumalpak na paulit ulit. Ngunit sa bawat kapalpakan or kabiguan na dinaranas natin, ang hindi natin namamalayan unti unti palang binubuo ng Lord ang pagkatao mo para mas maging matatag for you to able to reach your goals na gusto mong mangyari sa buhay mo.”
He never gave up. He was determined to pursue and make his dreams come true.
That’s what matters most.
According to Oliver Napoleon Hill, an American self-help author, “Great achievement is usually born of great sacrifice, and is never the result of selfishness.”
Marco is now 28-years-old. He had no permanent address, to someone that finally owns a house.
“I hope I inspire you with this story. Wag ka susuko, in time God will reward all your hard works. Basta keep on praying.”
The post now reached more than 38,000 reactions and 3,5000 comments on facebook.
